Belize Customs and Excise Department – Covid-19 Relief

Friday, June 26, 2020 – With efforts on the way for the re-opening of the Philip Goldson International Airport, the Government of Belize reached out to the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund committee to seek financial assistance to purchases two X-ray machines. These machines will be used by the Belize Customs & Excise Department to scan incoming bags at the airport as a means to minimize human contact and baggage handling while at the same time carrying out the required processes under the law.

Today, Chairman of the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund committee, Mr. Lyndon Guiseppi, met with Mr. Colin Griffith, Comptroller of Belize Customs & Excise Department, to hand over a cheque in the amount of BZ$214,000.00 to cover the cost of two X-ray machines, their installation and operator training. The machines are expected to be in the country within the next couple weeks just before the scheduled re-opening of the airport on August 15th, 2020.

Mr. Griffith expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the Government of Belize, stating that the donation of the X-ray machines will not only accelerate the process of Customs clearance but also ensure the safety and efficiency of Customs administration.

As the pandemic continues to impact individuals, families and communities across the world, the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund committee continues to pledge their support to the efforts of the Government of Belize and urges all Belizeans to continue to follow social distancing guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health of Belize.