Community and Society
BTIA Hosts 36th Annual General Meeting
On January 20th The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held its 36th Annual General Meeting via Zoom. In attendance was Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations; Director of Tourism, Mr. Evan Tillett; the Board and members of BTIA; other tourism stakeholders; and invited guests.
Community and Society
Councilor’s Aranda foodbank program continues; find out how you can apply
The San Pedro Town Council Foodbank Program initiated in November 2021 assists deserving single parents, the elderly, and families where the breadwinner remains unemployed. The assistance organized by Councilor Dianeli Aranda is available only to San Pedro residents. To benefit from the program, applications can be submitted via this online link https://sanpedrotowncouncil.org/sptc-foodbank, or e-mailing daranda@sanpedrotowncouncil.org, or by calling the Councillor at 635-3411.
Community and Society
Island visitor is thankful for the lifesaving care he received in Belize
Dear Editor, I would like to respectfully submit my true story of what happened to me while in San Pedro and Belize City for your consideration.
Community and Society
Belize’s Shark Conservation efforts highlighted on The Ellen Show
Under the Ministry of the Blue Economy and the collaboration of local and international experts, Belize has been making significant efforts to protect marine species. One milestone that became a reality on June 25, 2021, was the establishment of a protected area of 1,500 square miles around Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover’s Reef, and Turneffe Atoll, where shark fishing is no longer allowed. The country’s efforts in shark conservation were discussed by shark expert Dr. Demian Chapman when he was a guest on the popular United States television show, The Ellen Show.
Community and Society
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust highlights the continued challenges affecting Belize’s fishing flats
The pristine Caribbean waters around Ambergris Caye house a series of unique marine habitats supporting livelihoods in fisheries and tourism. One of these sectors, particularly in tourism, is the fly-fishing industry. The survival of this livelihood depends on healthy and intact habitats for marine life such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit, which continue to be threatened by coastal development. A recent short film titled ‘Paradise Under Threat’ by the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) highlights some of the challenges to conservation and the best approaches authorities can engage in to save these natural habitats.
Community and Society
SPTC encourages the public to utilize their online services
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the country, the public is advised to be cautious and practice the established health protocols to stop the spread of the virus. Island residents who may need to visit the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) are reminded that they now offer online services in trade licenses, property tax, liquor license applications, and others, easily accessible at the SPTC’s website www.sanpedrotowncouncil.org.
Community and Society
Electricity rates going up; consumers and PUC call out BEL’s utility practices
The cost of electricity will increase this month through June of this year. In an official note issued on Wednesday, January 5th, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced that the Mean Electricity Rate or MER would be adjusted from $0.39.9 to $0.41.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. The increase was requested by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) on December 10, 2021, reporting that it had paid more for power by the end of last year and is projecting to pay more in the first months of 2022.
Community and Society
Increase in Social Security contributions deferred again
The scheduled increase in social security contributions that was to take place on January 3rd is postponed until April 4, 2022. The contributions rate will increase from 9% to 10% and raise the insurable wage ceiling from $480 to $520.