By Belize Live News Staff: Belize has joined countries from across the Americas in endorsing a landmark agreement to promote decent work, equality, and inclusive development during the 20th ILO American Regional Meeting (AmRM) held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The Belize delegation included Florencio Marin Jr., CEO Valentino Shal, and Labour Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, alongside Ms. Kim Aikman of the BCCI and Ms. Ella Waight of the NTUCB, representing the voices of employers and workers.
At the summit, delegates adopted the Punta Cana Declaration, which sets a roadmap for tackling critical labour challenges such as informality, inequality, and the effects of climate change on jobs. The Declaration reaffirms the ILO’s core principles of tripartism: collaboration among governments, employers, and workers as essential for building stronger, fairer, and more resilient labour markets.
Belize’s participation underscores its commitment to international labour standards and the Decent Work Agenda, a key framework for ensuring that economic growth translates into real benefits for working people. The Government says the outcomes of the meeting will guide upcoming reforms and programs under Belize’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2024–2029, aiming to strengthen job creation, social protection, and workers’ rights.
Minister Marin stated that Belize is proud to stand with its regional partners in supporting initiatives that place people at the center of development. “Our goal is to ensure that every Belizean has access to fair opportunities and decent working conditions,” he said.
