Community and Society
Oceana Belize honors San Pedro’s Jennie Staines with Ocean Hero award
Well-known islander and Chef Jennie Staines was selected as one of Oceana’s Ocean Heroes at their annual award ceremony on Wednesday, September 29th, held virtually due to the pandemic. The second recipient of the prestigious award went to Kevin Andrewin. Oceana recognized both Staines and Andrewin for their invaluable contributions to marine conservation in Belize.
Community and Society
New measures starting October 1st now ban the use of certain face masks/coverings
A set of regulations to combat COVID-19 will come into effect on Friday, October 1st, under a new Statutory Instrument (SI). Some of these new measures will prohibit neck gaiters, commonly known as buffs, or any type of mask exposing only part of the face. The SI also mandates anyone accessing government-owned buildings to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. This also applies to persons working at these places. If they are not vaccinated or cannot produce a negative test, they will not be allowed to enter for work.
Community and Society
New regulation requiring vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test before accessing public buildings or services to be enacted next month
On October 1st, the Government of Belize is poised to enact a new regulation to contain the spread of COVID-19. The law will require individuals to either provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to access public facilities and services. Several businesses in San Pedro Town have announced they will enforce the regulation to provide a safer environment for customers. The government is yet to gazette the proposed legislation, however, Attorney General (AG) Magali Marin Young said on Tuesday, September 28th, that it is going to be implemented based on advice from the medical community considering the increase in cases and deaths caused by the virus, particularly the Delta variant.
Community and Society
SPTC to start street repairs in subdivisions again
Early in August, the San Pedro Town Council set in motion a plan to rehabilitate streets in the subdivisions around San Pedro Town. A portion of the street at the entrance of the San Pablo area was fixed but works abruptly stopped. Weeks later rains left streets and neighborhoods in areas like DFC and Escalante flooded, prompting residents to ask about the street infrastructure plan. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) stated on Friday, September 24th, that street works are to commence in the coming weeks and explained that the delay was due to securing equipment, and necessary finances to continue the work.
Community and Society
Bryce Peterson to represent Belize in US MMA match
San Pedro’s Bryce Peterson is preparing to travel to the United States (US) to continue training and prepare for his first match out of the country in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) set for October 23rd in Texarkana, Arkansas. Peterson will be representing Belize in a Bantamweight fight against Zeke Wilson.
Community and Society
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Short Commissioning Course – Belize
On Monday, 20 September 2021, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and the Belize Defence Force conducted the first Commissioning Course Short (Overseas) Belize 21/1 at the Sir Colville Young Parade Square, Price Barracks, Ladyville. Accompanying the cadets at the Sovereign’s Parade was the Grenadier Band from the British Army.
Community and Society
Ambergris Caye not exempt from ‘No Movement’ Sunday
As part of the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 106, this Sunday, September 26th and October 3rd, free movement across the country will be restricted, including San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia, which are exempt from the countrywide 7PM curfew. The only movement allowed will be for essential services. The government has resorted to this measure to contain the increase in COVID-19 cases all over Belize.
Community and Society
Prime Minister Briceño Attends VI Summit of CELAC
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño attended the VI Summit of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Mexico City under the leadership of the Government of Mexico as the president pro tempore of CELAC.