Monthly Archives: August, 2024
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Joe Pate wins the 2024 Belize National Cocktail Championship
Island bartender and entrepreneur Joseph 'Joe' Pate has once again proven to be one of the best mixologists in the country by winning the 2024 Belize National Cocktail Championship. The championship took place at the Rumors Resort in the Cayo District on Sunday, August 25th. Bartenders from across the country participated in a spirited competition for the title. Three winners were announced after a demanding battle to determine the top bartender. Mercedes Valdez won third place, followed by Imer Mai in second. Taking home the top prize was Pate, who is now preparing to represent Belize at international tournaments in Guatemala and Portugal.
Business & Economy
San Pedro entrepreneurs win cash prizes via the National MSME Roadshow
During the roadshow organized by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) to highlight Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in San Pedro Town on August 17th, businesses participated in a pitch competition for a chance to win a cash prize. On Monday, August 27th, Brian Halliday and his business 'Nature Aid' and Guillermo 'Mito' Paz, who lead the island's Eco-Museum Belize project, were announced as winners. Each entrepreneur was granted $2,500 to invest in their business projects. Two local projects have recently received funding through the Inter-American Development Bank to support emerging businesses in Belize.
Environment
High-Level Dialogue of the Regional Climate Change Platform taking place on Ambergris Caye
The third High-Level Meeting of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Economy and Finance Ministries of Latin America and the Caribbean formally began on Friday, August 30th, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The two-day meeting aims to approve the new work plan for the 2024-2025 period, which includes specific strategies for sustainable finance and climate change mitigation, and transfer the pro-tempore presidency from the Ministry of Finance of Chile to Colombia’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. The goal is for ministers attending to formally adopt a shared regional vision on sustainable finance.
Government
Mayor Wally Nuñez represents Belize at the Puerto Rico Experience 2024
On Monday, August 26th, Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez represented the Belize Mayors Association at the 'Puerto Rico Experience 2024' event in Puerto Rico. The event, which focused on enhancing municipal management capabilities, saw the exchange of experiences and sharing of knowledge with leaders from Latin American countries. Discussions ranged from innovative waste management strategies to effective community policing models. Over six hundred local and international leaders attended, demonstrating their commitment to applying the acquired knowledge to improve community services and contribute to a better future for their municipalities.
Conservation
Omar Arceo offers summer fly-fishing training in Mexico
The Dr. of the Flats, Omar Arceo, conducted his final fly-fishing summer training camp in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The camp took place south of the municipality of Tulum at the Casa and Playa Blanca Fly-Fishing Lodges within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Unlike previous camps where Arceo trained children, this time, the participants were fly-fishing guides working in the Mexican flats fishery industry. They were grateful for the training and the knowledge Arceo shared.
Government
Prime Minister Briceño official visit to Guatemala focused on strengthening trade ties
Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño returned to Belize on Tuesday, August 27th after leading a delegation on an official visit to Guatemala. Briceño met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and members of the private sector and discussed trade opportunities.
Government
GOB holds press conference to clarify land purchase for New Belmopan Hospital
After receiving public and media criticism, the Government of Belize issued an official statement on Monday, August 26th, to address concerns about purchasing two parcels of land valued at $6.9 million for a new hospital in Belmopan City. During a press conference, the Ministry of Health and Wellness clarified that the hospital's location would be changed from the originally planned site, which the University of Belize offered for free, to a new location next to the Hector Silva Air Strip. The decision was made because the government found the University of Belize's land offer inadequate.
Pageants & Beauty
Deann Laing is the 79th Queen of the Bay; Miss Caye Caulker places second
During the 79th Queen of the Bay Pageant for 2024-2025, Deann Laing, aged twenty-two and representing the Rural Belize District, emerged as the winner from a diverse group of eleven contestants. The prestigious pageant, held on Saturday, August 24th, at the Belize Civic Center, was a true representation of the nation, with participants from around the country. The Caye’s were well represented, with Caye Caulker candidate Lupita Aldana securing the second position. Representing Ambergris Caye was Nai Figueroa, who gracefully represented San Pedro in the pageant.
