Community and Society
Third year of the COVID-19 pandemic; over 290 million infected and five million dead
Belize, along with the world, heads into a third year of the COVID-19 pandemic with hopes that by the end of 2022, the virus will be a thing of the past. The deadly disease has taken more than 600 lives in Belize since it was detected in March 2020 and has mutated into different variants, destroyed livelihoods, and infected and killed millions worldwide. With the new Omicron variant accused of the rise in infections again, experts said the end of this health crisis depends on how well people adhere to the safety protocols- proper hand hygiene, social distancing, mask-wearing in public places, and vaccination.
Community and Society
A brief look at 2021 on La Isla Bonita
2021 was a little better than 2020 when the current COVID-19 pandemic began. The economy started picking up across the country, a new local government was elected, and the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 saw a good response in San Pedro Town. Major crimes were down, but one out of the three deaths by gun on the island sent shockwaves across the country and attracted international attention as it involved the former partner of Andrew Ashcroft and the death of Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott. The year also saw the successful opening of a shelter for victims of gender-based violence, and again, a spike in COVID-19 cases with new variants detected at the end of December.
Community and Society
BTB welcomes Kanye West to Belize
American rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur Kanye (Ye) West arrived in Belize on Wednesday, December 29th, accompanied by music executive James Prince (J, Prince). The duo was welcomed to the country by the Director of Tourism in the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Evan Tillett.
Community and Society
MOHW says clinically the Omicron COVID-19 variant is in Belize
The Ministry of Health & Wellness informs the public that the pattern of the COVID-19 cases has changed. Currently, the majority of cases present upper airway symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat associated with a mild fever and/or muscle aches and pains. The cases are increasing exponentially with a leap in the positivity rate from 2.5 to 16 in a very short period of time. While genomic sequencing is pending, epidemiologically, it appears to be the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Community and Society
COVID-19 cases on the rise again; Omicron variant not yet detected
The number of COVID-19 infections is beginning to increase as the daily reports show more positive cases over recoveries. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the number of infected persons raises eyebrows among the island’s health sector. There were 19 reported cases over the long weekend, and the latest report is again showing double digits. Despite the increase in cases, the COVID-19 variant Omicron has not yet been detected.
Community and Society
Captain Shark’s rewards customers in annual Christmas Raffle
On Thursday, December 23rd, Captain Shark’s held their annual Grand Christmas raffle rewarding several lucky customers with fabulous prizes, including a $1,000 cash prize.
Community and Society
Maya Community Forestry Enterprise Gives Back to the Community: SATIIM’s technical assistance in business and conservation training pays off
Santa came early this year to a Q’eqchi Maya village in Toledo District when its community forestry enterprise gave holiday food baskets to every household. Rax Mu Qiche, a sustainable forestry business run by and for Conejo, a buffer community of the Sarstoon Temash National Park, shared the wealth from a successful business cycle this week. Unlike other forestry businesses, Conejo’s model combines Maya customary values and traditional natural resource management with sound business practices. – And this year it paid off.
Community and Society
SSB Provides Update on the 2022 Contribution Rate Increase
The Social Security Board informs of Cabinet’s decision to defer Phase III of the reforms which commenced in 2019 from the previously announced date of January 3, 2022 to Monday April 4, 2022.