Belize Government Exploring Policy of Mandatory Vaccination

The Belize government is exploring the possibility of mandatory vaccination for citizens as the country reported the presence of several variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Belize has recorded 341 deaths and 14, 578 positive cases linked to the virus since the first case was detected in March last year.

Several Caribbean countries are contemplating mandatory vaccination with demonstrations taking place in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines against the measure.

A statement issued here following the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that Cabinet “has requested the Attorney General seek medical expertise from the Ministry of Health & Wellness to explore all necessary legal measures that the government may lawfully implement to help contain the spread of COVD-19, including options to implement mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for both the public and private sectors or to require vaccination passes for the use of public spaces and for business facilities”.

The statement said that the Cabinet has also asked the Attorney General to “explore the increase in penalties for offences relating to the spread of falsehoods, in particular, the spread of disinformation on public health matters”.

- Advertisement -

According to the statement, Cabinet had received an update from the Ministry of Health & Wellness informing that Belize is currently experiencing its third wave of COVID-19.

“In addition, reports received from the Central Medical Laboratory on 9th August 2021 indicate the presence of the following variants in Belize: Alpha, Gamma and Delta.  In response to the presence of the very active Delta variant, Cabinet agreed to extend the current regulations, including the 9:00 pm. to 4:00 am (local time) curfew until 31st August 2021,” the statement added.

The government has said that as of Monday, 32 percent of the population or 141,770 persons have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 13 percent or 56, 330 are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the attorney for the Belize Police Association, Dickie Bradley, has criticized the decision to send police officers home for their failure to present their COVID vaccination cards or a COVID negative test result.

“So the law is that frontline workers, which include the police, are to get vaccinated or show proof that they do not have the COVID virus.  They can only do that if they go and get a formal test. And the Statutory Instrument that governs that particular matter requires that if you are not vaccinated and you are a frontline worker you are to bring a test every two weeks,” Bradley told News Five television on Tuesday night.

He said last week, written instructions were sent out to all police formations, commanders and all those in authority over other police officers, repeating what is in the law.

According to the attorney, the police officers who reported for duty on Monday had to show proof that they have been vaccinated.

“If they have not been vaccinated. If they have not been vaccinated they must show that they have taken the test.  You can’t tell an organization of over 2,000 police officers that among their members everybody must come Monday morning who’s reporting for duty with either a vaccination card or the result of a test,” he added.

CMC

More Stories

US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...
Nearly six thousand people killed Haiti in 2024

IACHR expresses concern over worsening security crisis in Haiti

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has voiced grave concerns over the escalating security crisis in Haiti, citing a surge in extreme violence...
Owen James

Jamaican media mourns the passing of veteran journalist Owen James

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist Owen James, hailing him as a trailblazer in...
Turks and Caicos

US warns Americans not to travel with firearms or ammo to Turks and Caicos

The U.S. Department of State has issued a forceful warning to American travelers, urging them to leave all firearms and ammunition at home when...
Barbados to host 69th CARPHA

Barbados to host 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference focused on mental health

Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from May 7 to 9, with a...
Stuart Young

Stuart Young to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17

Energy Minister Stuart Young is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on March 17, following Dr. Keith Rowley’s...
Issa Trust Foundation

Issa Trust Foundation expands neonatal training in Jamaica

From February 28 to March 14, 2025, the Issa Trust Foundation spearheaded a critical initiative to enhance neonatal care in Jamaica by providing specialized...
eGov Technology Showcase

Jamaica advances digital transformation at eGov Technology Showcase

The future of Jamaica’s digital transformation took center stage at yesterday’s eGov Jamaica Limited GOJ Digital Government Technology Showcase at the Jamaica Pegasus. The event,...

Latest Articles

Skip to content