Community and Society
Belize observes Emancipation Day
For the first time, Belize joined the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating Emancipation Day. On Monday, the public and bank holiday was observed instead of Sunday, August 1st, the given date. The new holiday commemorates the total abolishment of slavery in 1838 from the English-speaking Caribbean territories.
Community and Society
MOHW investigating reports of false vaccination cards; police urge people to report anyone involved
Several reports of falsified and forged COVID-19 vaccination cards have prompted the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) to investigate these cases and refer them to the police. Similar reports are circulating in San Pedro Town of an individual selling these false documents for around US$100. Still, no arrests have been made. Police explained that due to legalities, a formal complaint must be filed before they can proceed. However, some may be hesitant to do so in fear of retaliation.
Community and Society
New COVID-19 regulations starting August 1st; 9PM curfew to be implemented
A new set of rules will go into effect on Sunday, August 1st, concerning COVID-19 precautions. In a virtual press conference on Friday, July 30th, Minister of Health and Wellness the Honourable Michel Chebat listed out some of the public health measures such as a 9PM to 4AM curfew, a COVID Enforcement Unit, the definition of frontline workers, and penalties to any person issuing/selling fraudulent vaccination cards.
Community and Society
North Ambergris Caye residents join forces to rehabilitate northern road
On Friday, July 30th, a community grassroots project came to fruition with the beginning of the much-needed rehabilitation of a section of the road in Northern Ambergris Caye. The project saw over 20 business and property owners from the northern part of the island joining forces. With the support of local authorities and partners, more than $200,000 in contributions, materials, equipment, and personnel were collected to repair the deplorable road.
Community and Society
FCD says Belize needs to protest the latest incident involving Guatemalan civilians and soldiers at the border
Following the incidents on July 23rd and 24th involving Guatemalan soldiers trespassing into Belizean territory, the Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD) stated that not only does this merit a solid protest to the Guatemalan government, but it should also be reported to the international community. FCD warns that not doing so sets serious precedence. The FCD also believes that an incident, which also saw the aggression of Guatemalan civilians against Belizean security forces, was an act of intimidation and provocation providing 'fuel' for the civilians to believe that this part of the country belongs to them.
Community and Society
Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures to certify 28 kids via scuba diving summer program
A group of 28 kids is on their way to becoming certified open water divers. The two-week summer program already underway is an initiative of local tour operator Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures at no cost to the participants. This is a way of giving back to the community and giving those kids wanting to become divers and learn about the marine environment in front of their island home the opportunity to accomplish that goal.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Fisheries Department receives donations from two ministries
A collaboration for the better management of marine reserves between the Ministries of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and Tourism and Diaspora Relations saw the Caye Caulker Fisheries Department receiving an assortment of much-needed equipment on Monday, July 26th.
Community and Society
Kids in Action scuba diving camp certifies 18 students and two public officers
The annual summer scuba diving program ‘Kids in Action’ came to an end over the weekend, certifying 18 children and two health officers. The two-week program concluded on Sunday, July 25th, with a beach clean-up and a fun dive at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The summer camp, which paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also included fly fishing lessons and reef ecology.