Monthly Archives: October, 2021

Throughout October, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has been increasing awareness of domestic violence and breast cancer. Councillor Dianeli Aranda took the initiative to support those struggling with cancer with a care package. Aranda expressed that her wish is for them and their families to remain positive and hopeful.

Starting Monday, November 1st, booster shots against COVID-19 will be available in San Pedro Town for healthcare personnel, residents ages 60 and over, and those with comorbidities. The booster shots are recommended six months after being fully vaccinated and will be available for AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses. Eligible persons are asked to bring their vaccination card when visiting the San Pedro Lions Den vaccination center.

On Wednesday, October 27th, the Ministry of Health and Wellness posted that the construction for the long-awaited health center in Caye Caulker had begun. The ground-breaking ceremony for the clinic was held two months ago in August. The new clinic in Caye Caulker is funded via a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank and will have an estimated cost of BZ$1.4 million. Plans are to complete it in nine months. In San Pedro Town, politicians have promised a hospital and school for years, yet the buildings have not come to fruition.

A mobile public health team from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is on the island throughout this week, providing COVID-19 tests at homes, educating people on the disease, and ensuring that established health protocols are followed. The team clarified that they are not part of the COVID-19 task force, which is expected to come into action on Monday, November 1st, in different parts of the country.

A 25-year-old commercial fisherman from the San Mateo subdivision was almost killed on Tuesday evening, October 26th, when an unknown gunman opened fire at his house. The reported barrage of bullets hit windows and the front door, killing the family dog in the yard. Police responded to the incident, but no one has been reportedly detained following the violent attack.

The Government of Belize (GOB) has been working to restructure its external debt by addressing its US dollar bonds, known as the Super Bond. In September government announced an agreement with the bondholders and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to buy out the debt. By entering into this agreement with TNC, GOB would achieve conservation objectives, including key areas in the country set aside for protection and management. One of these areas is the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a World Heritage Site in northern Ambergris Caye. This area, unfortunately, is afflicted by illegal activities such as hunting and fishing with little to no enforcement/intervention by the respective authorities. Another matter of concern is a proposal announced by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño to build a road through the Bacalar Chico area and connect Ambergris Caye to Mexico via a bridge.

On October 27, 2021y, the Ministry of Health & Wellness received a donation of 100 cold boxes from UNICEF Belize during a handing over ceremony held at the National Vaccine building in Belmopan. The model ACB boxes were presented as a part of UNICEF’s work to strengthen the national cold chain system for the provision of routine immunizations and COVID-19 vaccinations to children and families in remote and vulnerable communities.

Crocs Sunset Sports Bar is determined to bring Christmas joy to the most in need in San Pedro Town for the second time. The goal is to successfully fundraise and deliver on December 22nd 1,000 plates of food, essentials (pantry bags), and toys to less fortunate children.