Business & Economy
Scotiabank and Belize Bank still working independently for now
It has been a little over a week since the Scotiabank signage was removed from all branches countrywide and replaced with a Belize Bank sign. This came after Belize Bank's parent company Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, took over Scotiabank. Customers who may be confused with these financial institutions' merging are advised that although everything seems to be under Belize Bank, there is an ongoing transition, and both banks are operating as two different entities for now.
Community and Society
SPTC addresses issue between taxi and golf cart operators
The ongoing competition between taxi operators and golf cart rentals is slowly becoming an issue. Both groups struggle to make the most of the little business available on the island. The aggressive competition has resulted in mild altercations. Taxi drivers say that golf cart rental operators should not be at the entry ports (airport/water taxi) but at their respective offices/establishments. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has since informed the golf cart rental businesses of how they must operate within their trade license parameters.
Community and Society
Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II receives donation from the Walji family
On behalf of the Walji family, the management of Las Terrazas Resort and Residences handed over a donation of face masks and hand sanitizers to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Wednesday, April 7th. The donation consisted of 16 containers of hand sanitizer gel and over 200 facemasks.
Community and Society
MOHW assigns 8,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the tourism sector
The Ministry of Health Wellness (MOHW) has set 8,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for those in the tourism sector. Those ages 40 and over who have not received the jab are urged to register. In San Pedro Town, registration can be done through this google form: https://cutt.ly/icG1vbp
Community and Society
Maya pot found in an underwater cave off northern Ambergris Caye
In the Pre-Columbian times, Ambergris Caye was home to a Maya community. They are known for having made distinctive polished ceramics, which can sometimes be found in the least expected areas of Ambergris Caye. This was the experience of island businessman and cave diver Ben Popik and Quintana Roo-based cave diver Arielle Ginsberg, who on Monday, April 5th, found a beautiful, intact Maya pot in an underwater cave off the northern coast of the island.
Community and Society
Busy Easter weekend on La Isla Bonita; were COVID-19 protocols followed?
This time, Easter in San Pedro Town was much busier than last year as a large influx of visitors from abroad, and Belizeans spent the long weekend on La Isla Bonita. With the current COVID-19 restrictions limiting social events, the usual large beach jamborees were absent for the second year in a row; consequently, the police reported fewer issues. Although businesses welcomed the large volume of visitors, it also caused concern as many believed COVID-19 protocols and health safety measures were not properly observed.
Community and Society
Garage Bar & Grill is the newest scene for suppering and socializing
Sporting a casual, trendy vibe with an artistic spin on all things garage, fine dining comes without the bling at this smart and snappy locale. From repurposing tires into seating and hanging lights to oil drums for table stands, bicycle crank and chain bar stools, and glass tabletops with mechanical gears and toy cars underneath, they have ultimately recycled their décor into industrial chic.
Business & Economy
BELTRAIDE Launches New Female Entrepreneurship Website
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) which enables and facilitates innovative and competitive business development is proud to announce the launch of a newly designed mentorship website called Female Entrepreneurship Website. The website is designed primarily for women, as a part of Belize’s first Female Entrepreneurship Program which was inaugurated in May 2019 with support from the Regional Center for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises (CENPROMYPE).