Community and Society
Nine islanders complete Medical First Responder program
Nine islanders received their certificates on Friday, December 17th, after completing Medical First Responder training. A ceremony with dynamic presenters and specially invited guests was held at the Fido’s Courtyard. The three-week training was organized by Island Emergency Services (IES), aiming to prepare the newly trained first responders to assist medical personnel in an emergency.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lions Club delivers Christmas dinner to senior citizens and spreads cheer with Christmas Caroling
The annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas dinner organized by the San Pedro Lions Club was again canceled this year due to the pandemic. Instead, on Saturday, December 18th, Lions prepared and delivered 250 plates of food along with gift bags to the island’s seniors. The club was busy again the following day, sharing the Christmas spirit with their annual Christmas Caroling.
Community and Society
Over 200 new police officers graduate; more law enforcers expected for San Pedro
The Belize Police Department (BPD) is 220 times stronger following the official graduation/passing out of Recruit Squad 95 on Friday, December 17th, at the National Police Training Academy in the capital city of Belmopan. Some of these 200+ new police officers will start their policing career in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, joining the island forces in maintaining law and order on La Isla Bonita.
Community and Society
Hope Haven Domestic Violence Outreach Center officially opens in San Pedro Town
Island residents afflicted by domestic violence can now access a facility with personnel committed to preventing further violence, protecting victims, and empowering survivors. The Hope Haven Domestic Violence Outreach Center officially opened its doors on Wednesday, December 15th, just a couple feet from the Holy Cross Anglican Primary School at the entrance of the San Mateo area. The center will provide police assistance, legal aid, emergency placements, Women’s Department assistance, and accessible mental health services. Anyone needing help can visit the center opening from 9AM to 4PM Monday to Friday. For any emergencies after hours or weekends, please contact the police.
Community and Society
Hellfighters Footsoldiers Ambergris Caye share the love of Christmas with San Pedranos, Hicaqueños and Orange Walk children
The non-denomination group Hellfighters Footsoldiers Ambergris Caye distributed presents to children in San Pedro Town on Saturday, December 11th ushering in the Christmas season. With the help of Send Me Ministries in the United States, among other donors, they shared gifts with 200 children from San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and as far as San Jose Palmar in the Orange Walk District on the mainland.
Community and Society
U.S. State Department Honors Belize’s Former Auditor General with Anticorruption Champions Award
Belize’s former Auditor General Dorothy Bradley was among 12 individuals honored today with the U.S. Department of State’s Anticorruption Champions Award. In a virtual ceremony hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bradley delivered her acceptance speech for the award recognizing her impactful work in advocating for transparency and accountability in Belize’s public sector.
Community and Society
$74,900 raised for Living Word Church’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive
With a donation of $74,900 from Caye Bank and ECI Development, the Living Word Church's Annual Toy Drive will surpass its annual goal, and more family food baskets will be gifted to those families in need during the holidays.
Community and Society
Government postpones vaccine mandate of essential and public officers
The vaccine mandate against COVID-19 for essential and public officers was to come into effect on December 15, 2021, has been postponed. The decision was made on Wednesday, December 8th, following a meeting that included Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, Honourable Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Health Wellness, Honourable Michel Chebat, Public Service Union (PSU) president Dean Flowers, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, Rolando Zetina, and the members of the PSU’s Executive Team.