Community and Society
Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye holds fundraiser to help students and membership drive
On Saturday, August 27th members of the Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye had booths at the Central Park to host a fundraiser which consisted of a garage sale along with a membership drive to try attracting new members. The initiative is to assist their back-to-school program in which they help needy primary school students with tuition expenses.
Community and Society
Caribbean Shrimp Company Awarded International Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certification
The Caribbean Shrimp Company in Ladyville has passed several benchmarks and operational reviews to receive certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), an international organization that develops and manages the strictest standards in the aquaculture industry.
Community and Society
Stone Crab season goes into effect in July 2023; only licensed fishers allowed to fish
On August 16th, the Belize Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy announced new legislation to implement the country's first-ever season for the Florida Stone Crab. The closed season was set from July 1st to September 30th, mandating that no stone crab fishing was supposed to occur. Several fishers protested that they were not aware of this new law. On Thursday, August 25, the Fisheries Department issued an update that the closing season would not go into effect until 2023.
Community and Society
Long-time island visitors Tommy and Karen donate to Holy Cross School
On Wednesday, August 24th, an American couple and long-time visitors, Karen Eckenfels-Ferdinandi and Tommy Ferdinandi visited the Holy Cross Anglican Primary School in the San Mateo Subdivision where they presented a donation. Their assistance will benefit two students (male and female) with school bags, supplies, and financial support to pay their tuition for one year.
Community and Society
US Embassy hosts Town Hall meeting in San Pedro
On Wednesday, August 17th, the United States (US) of America Embassy in Belize hosted its first Town Hall meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic in San Pedro Town. The event took place at the Blue Water Grill, where members from the Embassy shared beneficial information regarding security, hurricane preparedness, and even how to participate and vote in future US elections.
Community and Society
Labour Department in San Pedro conducts job preparedness training
The Labour Department branch in San Pedro Town held a job preparedness training on Tuesday, August 16th, at the San Pedro Town Council conference room. The informative session was to prepare those in the labour sector on how to prepare for a job interview, become familiar with the duties of the job, and how to get hired.
Community and Society
Pharmaceutical company withdraws $7 million loan application from SSB
Last month, a 7 million dollar loan from the Social Security Board (SSB) Investment Committee to Pharmacy Express Limited (PEL) raised concerns among the public. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) also raised concerns about the loan application. The ministry claimed the company did not have a pharmaceutical license. On Thursday, August 11th, the SSB issued a statement revealing PEL’s decision not to proceed with the loan application.
Community and Society
Discussion to continue tackling Gender-Based Violence in the country held in San Pedro
On Thursday, August 11th, a meeting was held in San Pedro Town involving island stakeholders to discuss a national plan in the ongoing efforts to create greater awareness regarding gender-based violence. This issue continues to be a serious matter across the country, and San Pedro is no exception. The possibility of opening a mobile women's center on the island to help the vulnerable was also discussed in the discussion held at the San Pedro Town Council conference room.