By Belize Live News Staff: Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, confirmed today that she joined Godwin Haylock in a meeting with representatives of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to discuss the proposed Tobacco Control Bill.
The legislation is part of Belize’s treaty obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which aims to reduce the serious health, social, and economic effects of tobacco use.
Panton described the initiative as vital to strengthening Belize’s public health policies and safeguarding the well-being of citizens. She emphasized that aligning national laws with global standards is a key step in combating preventable illnesses linked to tobacco.
Belize has long collaborated with PAHO/WHO, having joined the organization in 1982 and hosting its first country office in 1989. The FCTC Treaty itself was signed by then Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington in 2005.
Panton expressed appreciation to PAHO/WHO and the Ministry for inviting the Opposition to be part of the dialogue, affirming that both government and opposition remain committed to advancing policies that protect every Belizean’s health.
