Community and Society
Minister of National Defence and Border Security Unveils Renovations at Price Barracks
On March 18, 2021, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, unveiled one of several infrastructural developments presently being carried out at Belize Defence Force (BDF) Headquarters at Price Barracks.
Community and Society
Belize Coast Guard in San Pedro receives donation
The Belize Coast Guard in San Pedro Town was the recipient of a weed cutter, two machetes, a rake, and a wheelbarrow courtesy of a group of island residents- Gary Greif, Kent 'Bob' Gabourel, and Richard Cordova.
Community and Society
Labour Department Launches Online Employment Services System
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government held a virtual launching ceremony for the new online Employment Services System (ESS). The Ministry celebrates this achievement as its second electronic system since the start of this year.
Community and Society
Residents report illegal hunting in northern Ambergris Caye including jaguar
Concerned residents on Ambergris Caye have reported numerous cases of irregular hunting in the northern-most tip of the island. This area is known for its wildlife, such as peccaries, deer, and even jaguar and puma. According to recent unofficial reports, the increase in illegal hunting activities is not only threatening the local wildlife, but apparently, a jaguar was shot and killed a couple of weeks ago.
Community and Society
SPTC claims changes to San Pedro sign not politically motivated
Following the completion of the San Pedro sign in Central Park, it suddenly underwent an unexpected change when the letter ‘O’ was repainted. Apparently, the red colour was considered too bright. Some residents wondered if the change was politically motivated as red is the colour of the Opposition party. The newly elected Mayor of San Pedro Town explained that the repainting has nothing to do with politics.
Community and Society
Budget presentation postponed; unions recommend government cut allowances
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño was to introduce the national budget on March 26th but was postponed after the government failed to agree with the unions regarding a proposed 10% pay cut and increment freeze on teacher and public officer's salaries. The unions comprise of the Public Service Union, Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), and others, asked for the proposal to be put on hold to allow proper consultations and negotiations. The unions also provided the government with cost-saving and revenue enhancement recommendations for short, medium, and long-term results, discarding the need to reduce teacher's and public officers' salaries.
Community and Society
International Health Authorities Deem Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Safe
Regulators in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe concluded that there is no evidence that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine causes blood clots after a thorough review. Initial reports of possible side-effects had many people, including Belizeans, hesitant in being vaccinated after some countries in the European Union suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. According to these countries, this was a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons after being vaccinated.
Community and Society
Lion Man Gordon prepares for the first-ever run around the country challenge
Island marathoner Ian ‘Lion’ Gordon is preparing for another historic sporting milestone that will see him running the country's breadth and width. Dubbed ‘run around the country,’ Gordon will attempt to accomplish the challenge in eight days from April 27th to May 3rd, beginning in Corozal Town northern Belize.