Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Community and Society

Islander Alexandria Boiton assists graduates with prom gowns

Islander and entrepreneur Alexandria Boiton has launched a project to assist female graduates with gowns. Dubbed ‘Gowns for Grads,’ the program aims to reward deserving high school graduates with a gown to wear when attending prom.

RRR hosts successful third annual Poker Run

The Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) team hosted their third annual Poker Run on Friday, March 9th to raise much-needed funds for their operations. The funds support RRR’s daily challenges in responding to medical emergencies in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The annual event saw the participation of many islanders who, along with generous donations, contributed to the grand total of BZ$40,000, benefiting the island’s volunteer-based emergency response team.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Visit Belize

Seven Returned Peace Corps Volunteers visited the Peace Corps headquarters March 6, 2024. They are in country to visit decades after having served as volunteers and to learn about the work that Peace Corps Belize is currently doing in the education and youth development sectors.

San Pedro Christmas Collection 2023 Fundraising Efforts and Results

After three years of growth and pandemic recovery, the San Pedro Christmas Collection changed its focus in 2023. It raised funds to provide sustainable resources to local children to enhance their education and livelihood. We aimed to raise $40,000 BZD by holding eight fundraisers at local venues from August to December. Funds were raised at these events through prize raffles, auctions, and participant entry fees.

Empowering Women in Seaweed Mariculture Sector

The British High Commission in Belmopan has awarded a grant to the Belize Women's Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA) for the implementation of the project "Empowering BWSFA for Sustainable and Equitable Seaweed Mariculture Growth and Market Presence." The project aims to empower BWSFA members through targeted training as skilled boat captains, support sustainable expansion of the BWSFA's seaweed farms, and promote high-quality seaweed products grown and produced from BWSFA seaweed farms in the waters off southern Belize.

Belize-flagged Rubymar ship sinks in the Red Sea; experts warn environmental damages

A Belize-flagged ship (bulk carrier) named Rubymar sank off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea on Saturday, March 2nd, after the February 18th Houthi (rebel group) missile attack. The sinking of the ship caused by the said rebel group in this region between Africa and Asia has caused grave concerns because some of its cargo includes tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer along with fuel, which can pose severe environmental risks.

Women’s Month starts with a church service for San Pedro Policewomen

March is Women's Month worldwide, and Belize is no exception. Several activities are organized to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women to society, and in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the local police formation kicked the month off by attending a church service on Sunday, March 3rd, at the Roman Catholic Church in their honor.

Island women and girls benefit from Financial Literacy and Professional Development workshop

On Saturday, March 2nd, the Human Development officer in San Pedro organized a workshop for women and girls at the Hope Haven Center. The workshop provided financial literacy and professional development advice to women seeking economic independence, leadership skills, personal and professional growth, financial planning, and career advancement. The workshop ran from 9AM to 3:30PM. Diverse women and girls were in attendance, including employed women, non-employed women, entrepreneurs, and high school students who will soon graduate.

Anke Doehm found guilty of Cruelty to a Child in the death of her adopted daughter

American national Anke Doehm, 63, was found guilty of Cruelty to a Child in the death of her adopted 13-year-old daughter, Faye Lin Cannon,...

U.S. Embassy Launches Podcast Series Spotlighting U.S.-Belize Relations

On February 23, 2024, the U.S. Embassy Belmopan released a podcast series focused on U.S.-Belize relations. “Palmside Chat with Ambassador Michelle Kwan” features the Ambassador having discussions with Belizean and American leaders on topics that will range from food and culture to today’s pressing political issues, including economic development, security, migration, and human rights.

Local Government reminds the public that Electric Scooters require a License

The San Pedro Town Council encourages the public to use green technology, keeping in mind that all motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, must be licensed, and registered at the Traffic Department, and the driver must hold a valid driver’s license from the Traffic Department. In addition, the Transport Department advises all owners of electric scooters (motorcycles) or people interested in using these electric bikes that it is crucial to abide by all driving laws before hitting the road.