Monthly Archives: May, 2022
Education
U.S.-Funded Program Launched to Empower Youth Through Innovation
On May 26, 2022, the U.S. Embassy, The Trust for the Americas, and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus celebrated the official launch of the country's first Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Lab, an initiative to empower youth and foster innovation through entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and access to technology and financial resources. The United States Government has funded this project through the Central America Regional Security Initiative-Economic Support Fund (CARSI-ESF).
Health
COVID-19 Vaccines now available for Children Five to 11 years
The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased to announce that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children, ages five to 11, have arrived in Belize. The vaccines will be made available at schools and vaccination sites countrywide through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Business & Economy
SIB’s April report shows decline in exports and increase in consumer prices
The April report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) notes that domestic exports declined by 13.6%, or $6.2 million, compared to the same period last year. According to the report, the sugar and banana products reflected the decrease in exports. In comparison, consumer prices rose by 5.8%. The areas/services affected included vehicle fuels, food, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Government
Office of the Prime Minister Hosts First BPO Stakeholder Meeting
On May 26, 2022, representatives from 20 companies gathered for the first Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Investment.
Government
Mrs. Thea Garcia-Ramirez represents Belize at the Organization of American States (OAS) 39th Assembly of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM)
The National Women's Commission informs that Mrs. Thea Garcia-Ramirez is the delegate representing Belize at the Organization of American States (OAS) 39th Assembly of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) held at the headquarters of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO) Panama from May 25th to the 26th, 2022.
Government
Government of Belize, Taiwan, and IDB Form Agreement to Boost Jobs and Recovery
A newly signed agreement would mark the first-of-its-kind commitment between the IDB and Taiwan that pledges to create employment opportunities and foster the economic recovery of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), empowering and promoting gender and diversity in Belize. Taiwan’s ICDF to provide a financial contribution of $5 million to complement IDB’s program.
Community and Society
Andrew Ashcroft granted legal custody of children he shares with Jasmine Hartin
On Wednesday, May 25, Andrew Ashcroft was granted legal custody of his five-year-old twins he shares with his former partner Jasmine Hartin. The hearing took place at the Family Court in Belize City. Hartin was absent, but her attorney has already applied to the Supreme Court to dismiss the ruling based on an alleged bias.
Community and Society
Sargassum influx continues to challenge islanders; no plan from local task force disclosed yet
The above-average windy days have brought a significant amount of sargassum to the windward coast of San Pedro Town. The sanitation department of the San Pedro Town Council and hoteliers have been working hard to remove the brown seaweed, which keeps beaching in large amounts. To address the situation, the national Sargassum Task Force (STF) has been active, and on May 11th, a local branch of the STF was formed in San Pedro. The unit was tasked with developing a plan to tackle the problem, but no such plan has been shared with the community to date.
