Community and Society
New COVID-19 variant detected in Belize; government introduces new regulations
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) confirmed on Wednesday, June 30th, that a variant of the COVID-19 virus had been detected in Belize. Several samples have been sent to Baylor University in Texas, USA, to conduct gene sequencing and determine which variant is in the country. New measures to contain the sharp increase in infections were also announced and will go into effect on Sunday, July 4th.
Community and Society
Celebrating Caribbean Fisherfolk Day 2021 – “Better Care for a Better Share”
Caribbean Fisherfolk Day is being celebrated under the theme established by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) titled “Better Care for a Better Share.” This celebration comes alongside the observation of CARICOM Week from June 28 to July 9, 2021 under the theme “I AM CARICOM.”
Community and Society
San Pedro pilot to man BERT’s air medical evacuations between the islands
The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) received a donation and support from the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Minister, the Honourable Andre Perez, to train and hire a Belizean pilot. The pilot is Captain Henry Salgero of San Pedro, who was hired thanks to support from Perez’s ministry. Salgero has accumulated more than 1,800 commercial flight hours, meeting the requirements to captain BERT’s air ambulance.
Community and Society
San Pedranos observe El Dia de San Pedro
Island Catholics honored their Patron, Saint Peter, on Tuesday, June 29th, in the annual celebration of El Dia de San Pedro. Each year the special event includes the traditional fishermen's mass and the blessing of their boats, along with a boat and street procession.
Community and Society
Island COVID-19 cases on the rise; people urged to get vaccinated
The latest update on COVID-19 in San Pedro Town indicates that cases are on the rise. Over the past days, the number of infected persons has significantly increased, and as of Monday, June 28th, reliable reports indicate 14 active cases on the island, with more to be confirmed. Some of the people testing positive for the virus work in the service industry (restaurants, water taxis, tour operators, gyms), while the rest are tourists.
Community and Society
Terminated employees to file lawsuit against SPTC; Mayor ready to go to court if needed
The current San Pedro Town administration could end up in court as 15 former employees contemplate a lawsuit against the administration. The former employees claim they did not receive their proper severance package when terminated after the new administration took office. They now seek legal advice to collect what they believe is due. However, the SPTC said they are ready to go to court because they have compensated them accordingly and do not intend to pay them any additional moneys.
Community and Society
Department of Transport Meets with Belize District Bus Operators
On June 21, 2021, the Department of Transport held a consultation with Haylock, Ramos, Serrano and Thomas bus companies, the four major bus shuttle operators servicing Ladyville, Los Lagos, and Lords Bank areas in the Belize District.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town awarded silver status as a Child-Friendly community
A special ceremony organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) took place at Central Park on Thursday, June 24th, where a billboard was unveiled commemorating San Pedro’s silver status as a certified child-friendly municipality under the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) watch. SPTC had signed on to become a Child Friendly Municipality back September 26, 2014. Since San Pedro was formally recognized as a Child Friendly Municipality back in March 2016, the SPTC had been working alongside with CAB, UNICEF, and Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) to address San Pedro’s Child Friendly Municipal Developmental Plan.