Community and Society
100 undersized lobster tails intercepted at international airport
Authorities at the Philip Goldson International Airport reportedly intercepted an attempt to smuggle over 100 undersized lobster tails on Friday, April 22nd. According to preliminary investigations, a ring transports undersized conch and lobster between Belize and California, USA. There are no reports of anyone arrested for the offense, and the Fisheries Department is to provide further details of this seafood bust on Monday, April 25th.
Community and Society
Earth Day observed in Belize; Ambergris Caye to host activities over the weekend
On Friday, April 22nd, Belize joined the world in celebrating World Earth Day. This year, under the theme "Invest in Our Planet", several activities took place across the country, including tree planting and cleanups on the mainland. On Ambergris Caye, a two-day community event will start on Saturday, April 23rd, with environmental activities and a cleanup campaign in northern Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 96th birthday
Belize’s Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, turned 96 on April 21st. This year, the Queen is also celebrating 70 years as head of the British Monarchy under a festivity dubbed Platinum Jubilee. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Community and Society
San Pedro chef spots fish fraud: prohibited triggerfish and parrotfish sold as grouper
Over the Easter holiday, fish was in high demand, and San Pedro Town restaurants had to find alternative sources to maintain their supplies. When well-known San Pedro Chef Jeanne Staines could not purchase fish from her local providers, she received an order of fillet from Belize City that contained suspected illegally harvested fish, such as triggerfish and parrotfish. The illegal product was disguised as grouper, with different skin patches attached with glue.
Community and Society
San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association opens Tourism Information Center in San Pedro
With support from Sandy Point Realty and the San Pedro Town Council, the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association Chapter has opened a Tourism Information Center in the heart of San Pedro Town. Located between the House of Culture and the San Pedro Artisans Market on Angel Coral Street across from the Saca Chispa Field, the information center will provide walk-in visitors with tourism-related information and services provided by their local members.
Arts & Culture
Good Friday sees the reenactment of the Passion of Christ in San Pedro Town
Easter is considered the holiest time of the year. In San Pedro Town, the Roman Catholic Church takes pride in celebrating the occasion honoring the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, besides their scheduled church activities, one of the main events held on Good Friday, April 15th, saw the first-ever reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the island with an evening procession through downtown, which later ended at central park.
Community and Society
Holy Thursday fire destroys home in Escalante Subdivision; fire victims need help
A pair of roommates, Abdel Hamid Coleman, and Rafael Noble, renting the upper flat of a wooden two-story house in the Escalante Area of San Pedro Town, lost everything in a fire on Holy Thursday, April 14th. The blaze was contained, but every item on the second floor was destroyed. With the help of their landlord, the fire victims are coping with their loss and welcome assistance or donations.
Community and Society
Her Majesty The Queen recognises Belizean social justice activist with Commonwealth Points of Light award
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, has recognised Dorla Bowman, representing Belize, as the 222nd Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service championing women’s rights and gender equality.