The People’s United Party administration this week completed the process of presenting the budget. We at The Guardian have been perusing some aspects of the budget that are critical at this point in time. One of the glaring figures that jumped at us on our review is at page 192.
Under the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, under capital III expenditure, there is literally an allocation of $0 for Social Assistance. There is also $0 allocated for COVID-19 Food Assistance.
It is noteworthy that these were the programs that were being called upon to support the Belizean people during the pandemic. The assistance channeled through these programs were integral in assisting families which had no income after losing their jobs as a result of the pandemic. There is now no such support structure with no allocation to these programs. A few weeks ago, Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos Garcia stated that there is a 3 million dollar alloc
Amarily Teck
“Hmmm a lot! This will help a lot because we have just started to promote the bags and even the chair covers we are doing.”
And that’s what Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize David Kuan-Chou Chien wants to see – that these women are able to turn this donation into something that will help to transform their lives.
David Kuan-Chou Chien, Taiwan Ambassador to Belize
“We sincerely hope that the donation of the fabrics can empower the women in Belize. Also, foster and enhance the economic development in Belize and facilitate the Belize Government and the people from the recovery during the difficulties caused by the COVID pandemic.”
Apr 14, 2021
Dolores Balderamos Garcia
The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples Affairs and the Love Foundation signed a partnership agreement this morning. One of the first issues they will jointly tackle is human trafficking. At today’s signing ceremony at the Hub Resource Center in Belize City Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia provided further details.
Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples Affairs
“The purpose of course is for the Ministry to work with our civil society and NGO partners in bringing more services and better attention to all the areas of the Ministry because there are so many. Because we can go on and on. But one of the areas we are going to be highlighting shortly with the love foundation is the issue of trafficking in person. Whether it is of children, immigrants or school people. Whatever area of exploitation we are going to be working with them in that area going to be working with them in
Mar 11, 2021
Digitizing the Department of Nationality and Passports Records Management Unit
Just about everyone has complained at some time or another about the lengthy wait for replacement passports or nationality certificates. Well, there may be some relief in sight. The International Organization for Migration has signed an agreement to provide digital support to the Department of Nationality and Passports Records Management Unit. This should help upgrade the current system which dates back to the 1970s and expedite the replacement of lost, mutilated, or damaged, permanent residency and nationality certificates. This will not only help Belizeans, but also immigrants since by law they must obtain permanent residency before they can become citizens. The I.O.M. has signed a similar agreement with the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to support the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council. The plan is to retool their case manag
Last Friday Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, followed the footsteps of her boss, the Prime Minister, by disrespecting the duly elected Chairlady of Hattievillie, Ms. Sylvana Barrow. Dolores got caught on an open microphone referring to the Hatteville Chairlady, as a ‘wretch.’ It occurred during a virtual forum that was being held via Zoom, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organization named Promoting Empowerment Through Awareness For Les/Bi Women (PETAL).
Being that Dolores is the Minister under whose portfolio women’s affairs and empowerment falls, one would have expected, that Dolores would have been obliged to promptly make a sincere apology to Chairlady Barrow, the women of Belize, the people of Hattievillie, PETAL and to her cabinet colleagues. However, she chose to make a rather condescending apology- and of all days, she did so on International Women’s Day. The following is what Dolores tr