Monthly Archives: June, 2021
Government
The Child Development Foundation (CDF) Launches Family Toolkit with Support from the Spotlight Initiative
The Child Development Foundation (CDF) launched a Family Violence Prevention Toolkit at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan City to continue their support to faith-based, civil society, and community leaders to work with families in addressing the root causes of family violence. Leaders were supported through workshops training sessions that address cultural and gender norms which, in turn, support the root causes of family violence in their communities and organizations. Consequently, leaders who take part in training, are better equipped to promote gender equality and family violence in the communities they serve.
Community and Society
Celebrating Caribbean Fisherfolk Day 2021 – “Better Care for a Better Share”
Caribbean Fisherfolk Day is being celebrated under the theme established by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) titled “Better Care for a Better Share.” This celebration comes alongside the observation of CARICOM Week from June 28 to July 9, 2021 under the theme “I AM CARICOM.”
Community and Society
San Pedro pilot to man BERT’s air medical evacuations between the islands
The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) received a donation and support from the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Minister, the Honourable Andre Perez, to train and hire a Belizean pilot. The pilot is Captain Henry Salgero of San Pedro, who was hired thanks to support from Perez’s ministry. Salgero has accumulated more than 1,800 commercial flight hours, meeting the requirements to captain BERT’s air ambulance.
Community and Society
San Pedranos observe El Dia de San Pedro
Island Catholics honored their Patron, Saint Peter, on Tuesday, June 29th, in the annual celebration of El Dia de San Pedro. Each year the special event includes the traditional fishermen's mass and the blessing of their boats, along with a boat and street procession.
Health
Immigration staff at PGIA test positive with COVID-19
The entire immigration staff assigned to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) have been tested positive for COVID-19. They have since been removed and replaced with personnel from other ports of entry. Over 100 staff from other departments/areas of the airport were screened for the virus and tested negative.
Community and Society
Island COVID-19 cases on the rise; people urged to get vaccinated
The latest update on COVID-19 in San Pedro Town indicates that cases are on the rise. Over the past days, the number of infected persons has significantly increased, and as of Monday, June 28th, reliable reports indicate 14 active cases on the island, with more to be confirmed. Some of the people testing positive for the virus work in the service industry (restaurants, water taxis, tour operators, gyms), while the rest are tourists.
Government
E-Governance and Digitalization Unit Supports Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing System
On June 23, 2021, the Government of Belize and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted an achievement and handing over ceremony for the Belize Motor Vehicle Licensing and Registration System (BMVRLS). In 2017, both countries designed the project for an integrated and national transport system for the Department of Transport.
Conservation
Collaborative Partnerships Define New Shark Regulations and Cooperation with Fishers in Belize
Sharks are being threatened in the Caribbean and around the world. Belize aims to improve shark conservation and management with newly adopted regulations. The new regulations protect sharks as apex predators of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site. Shark fishing will be prohibited within a two nautical mile radius around Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atolls, establishing a safe haven measuring 1,500 square miles. These recommendations were made by the National Shark Working Group, a team comprised of the Government of Belize, shark fisher folks, NGOs and researchers.
