Monthly Archives: June, 2024

The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government (MRTCDLG) is excited to announce the commencement of a historic in-person knowledge exchange mission with representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Social Development, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency. Facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Brazil and the Regional Initiative Technical Secretariat, this mission will run from June 24 to 28, 2024, in Belize.

Doctor Love is the islands, and possibly the world’s greatest authority on just about everything. The Doctor answers questions concerning any subject except religion or politics. Persons needing additional assistance or counseling should contact Family Services Division at 227-7541. The opinions herein are not necessarily of The San Pedro Sun. Write Doctor Love at PO Box 51, San Pedro Town, Belize, or email: [email protected]

The cost of living continues to be a dilemma for many Belizeans as prices for basic goods have increased nationwide. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), consumer prices for April were 3.9% compared to last year. Basic staples such as a 16-ounce loaf of bread recently experienced a 20% increase. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the price of bread sold in packs of 17 and 22 ounces remains unchanged; however, other food items have slightly increased due to the cost of transporting goods to the island.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) has expanded over the years and now includes marine areas within the popular Secret Beach northwest of Ambergris Caye. Regulations restrict water structures in marine reserves. However, at Secret Beach, an agreement was made between HCMR and the stakeholders where they suggested a fee to keep the water structures. This agreement limits the amount of structures in the water and requires the use of environmentally friendly materials for building. A fee of $100 per structure per month was agreed upon. Some businesses have complied with this fee, while others have not. Hol Chan has indicated that this non-compliance is causing issues, as some establishments have fallen behind on payments, resulting in high arrears.

Over the weekend, heavy rain caused flooding in the San Pedrito subdivision of San Pedro. A resident of a downstairs apartment experienced significant water damage due to overflowing rainwater resulting from blocked drainage. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), fully understanding the concerns of many residents about the lack of adequate drainage in the area, is taking immediate action to address the issue.

Whether you’re a Belizean, an expat, or a vacationer, there are a few easy options for you to play a part in strengthening blood collection in the country of Belize. Starting with blood donation! We have 5 patients requesting 23 pints. Island Donors Squad (IDS) is ramping up in a huge way for its next Blood Drive at Ambergris Hope Hospital on June 29th in San Pedro. From 8:30am - 2:00pm.

On Friday, June 21st, at 3 PM, it was reported that a local boat captain, along with three tourists, was on a dive tour when the boat capsized and overturned in front of Isla Bonita Yacht Club at Tuffy's Channel. Alfredo Rubio, the boat captain and tour guide of Tropical Wind Tours, discovered the incident and immediately contacted Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Abner Bacab from Island Emergency Services (IES) to help the four victims.

On June 25, 2024, Cabinet granted approval for Belize to accede to three international Conventions: The 2015 Inter-American Convention on Older Persons, the 1996 Convention on Child Protection and the 2007 Convention on Child Support. By accepting these conventions, Belize enhances the protection of the two most vulnerable populations, children and the elderly, and also further demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to social protection, non-discrimination, equity and equality amongst all individuals.