That Cabinet brief also says that in Tuesday's meeting, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, the Minister responsible for Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, updated her colleagues on the status of the Government's attempts to comply with the 2015 Maya Land Rights judgment from the Caribbean Court of Justice. Cabinet took note of the Government's obligation to comply with that consent order and agreed that a mechanism should be worked out to ensure progress toward that compliance.
Also, the Cabinet approved the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to review plans and protocols for the reopening of the Corozal Free Zone. It includes Michel Chebat, the Minister of Health and Wellness; Jose Mai, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Kareem Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries; and Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations.
In other news about the Free Zone, we told you yesterday of the Cabinet's decision that it will open on February 1st, 2021.
Another Government press release says readiness preparations will also include the hiring of 15 compliance officers to monitor businesses and visitors in the Free Zone, and the acquisition of equipment to ensure public health and safety from the pandemic.
That equipment will include a walk-in tunnel and temperature monitor at the entrance of the Zone. Rapid tests will also be available to be administered to anyone showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
The Free zone is being opened only to Mexican nationals and businesses will be allowed only one-third of their normal staff. The cost of the reopening is being covered by the businesses inside the Zone.
