Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve rebrands and launches marine station
A ceremony to celebrate the Hol Chan Marine Reserve's rebranding (HCMR) and the launching of its marine station was held on Thursday, February 24th, in San Pedro Town. The official event shared the state of the organization, revealed a new logo, and launched its marine station at sea. The occasion saw the presence of Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño, who, along with Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and HCMR Chairman Ian Pou, shared with those in attendance that the island and the country have entered a new chapter in the administration of the oldest marine reserve in the nation.
Community and Society
BWSL working hand in hand with island authorities to improve production and access to potable water
Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) is working hard on several infrastructural projects across San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to upgrade potable water delivery. The company, which manages projects in Caye Caulker as well, is also preparing to produce more water, expand its services and invest in water treatment facilities on the Cayes.
Community and Society
Amnesty program to start across the country in April 2022
The amnesty program announced by the current government has begun its awareness campaign. The program, designed to grant amnesty to CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and Central American migrants, will start in April. The awareness campaign saw members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Department, and the International Organization for Migration in Belize recently meeting in San Pedro Town. The visit focused on the requirements needed to qualify and apply for permanent residence in Belize.
Arts & Culture
Belizean Archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe to be awarded by the Society for American Archaeology
On April 1, 2022, Belizean archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe will receive the Society for American Archaeology 2022 Award for Excellence in Latin America and Caribbean Archaeology. The award recognizes and honors professional achievements at all career levels, including students and early career archaeologists, to those who have made lasting contributions to the Society for American Archaeology.
Community and Society
Launch of the Joint Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Programme
Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, and Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, in conjunction with the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, launched the Joint Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (JSVPR) Programme for the security forces. The launch of the JSVPR was held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on 17 February 2022 and will support the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Coast Guard.
Community and Society
Ministers for Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Conclude Working Visit in Toledo
On February 15, 2022, Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, accompanied by Hon. Elvia Vega Samos, Minister of State, completed a three-day working visit to the Toledo District. Successful and well-attended meetings with the communities were held in San Pedro Columbia and San Antonio.
Community and Society
Islander Jose “Elito” Arceo recognized with James A. Waight Conservation Award
On Wednesday, February 16th, well-known San Pedrano Jose 'Elito' Arceo was recognized with the prestigious James A. Waight Conservation Award. The 36th edition of the event hosted by the Belize Audubon Society highlights outstanding Belizeans and their passionate efforts for conservation.
Community and Society
Fisheries and Coastal National Adaptation Plan Project Officially Launched
The Ministry of Economic Development as the National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) along with the Climate Finance Unit and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation officially launched the project entitled, “Enhancing Adaptation Planning and Increase Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sectors of Belize” during its first project steering committee meeting held virtually on February 16, 2022.