The Public Service Minister also had a few words of encouragement for the country's public servants at today's Public Service Day Award Ceremony. We must note that it comes at a time when public officers are on a pay cut and 3 year freeze - and not act all happy with their paymasters.
But, still the Minister was upbeat. Here's what he had to say in his prepared remarks on the importance of diligence in the work of public service:
Solutions For Illegal Fishing
Last night, you saw the impromptu press briefing that Abner Andre Perez, the Minister of the Blue Economy, held. He was responding to local fishermen who are outraged that he signed a new statutory instrument into law that lifted a ban against fisher folks who are permanent residents.
As a result of this new SI, fisherfolks who have permanent residency will be able to apply for a commercial fishing license. That option was removed from them back in 2019 by the former government. It was presented as a sort of livelihood protection for the Belizean-born fishermen, but the Ministry of the Blue Economy thinks that the ban was infringing on the rights of permanent residence.
You heard how the minister disagreed with Belizean-born fishermen who say that permanent residents contribute greatly to the over-fishing in Belize's territorial waters.
That discussion on illegal fishing prompted us to ask about this government's plan to meaningfully address illegal fishing which occurs in hotspots close to coastal communities that are located near the borders. Here is the discussion about Belize being able to step up enforcement against such destructive activities:
Hon. Abner Andre Perez - Minister of the Blue Economy
"This new ministry, the Blue Economy, lots of exciting things happening. We have a lot of developments, which we're sharing constantly on social media. And obviously, we know one of those things is enforcement. We're passing different papers to create the legislation because a lot of it is not there in place. And that is why we're constantly making these changes to make these laws to able to work, and it is empowering us. But, then that's one thing. Enforcing is another matter. We are saying that under the Blue Economy, there exist vast opportunities, if we do it the right way, the right proposals with transparency and responsibility, we are already seeking those funds, which will be translating to enforcement: getting more boats, getting more personnel, getting more machinery to go out there especially. And we know the places where illegal fishing is occurring."
Targeting Fishers Who Target Sharks
In other fisheries news, since yesterday, members of the Fisheries Department have been participating in a 2-day workshop to learn how to build their capacity to successfully prosecute those fishermen who illegally target sharks as their preferred fisheries product.
The Department is exploring the use of a thermocycle DNA tool kit which should help them identify shark species that are harvested in Belize.
The department says that this 2-day workshop - which began yesterday and concluded today - should help the fisheries officers to conduct testing of shark tissue for proper identification of the shark species. This will enhance the Department's capacity to assess the shark population that is commercially fished and exported.
The Department will also receive a DNA tool kit to conduct in-house testing.
A New Digital System For Transport Department
At the top of the news, you heard from the Prime Minister Briceno. The media was able to catch up with him at the handing over of the Belize Motor Vehicle Licensing and Registration System. This system fits into the government's plan for E-Governance, but the project was designed back in 2017 by the Barrow administration and the government of Taiwan.
This system will digitally transform the Department of Transport, automating various functions. It also will be integrating key entities such as the Police Department, Customs and Excise Department, and Magistrates Court, into the system. This integration will strengthen the government's ability to investigate vehicle theft, vehicle violation, tax evasion and traffic accidents.
At the ceremony today, the Minister of E-Governance and the Ambassador of Taiwan spoke on how this system will benefit Belizeans.
The Prime Minister also spoke on the importance of E-Governance and digitizing other government services.
