Community and Society
Applications Open for Food Assistance Program
The COVID-19 Food Assistance Program and the Grocery Bag Program (formerly known as Pantry) have now been merged into one program entitled Food Assistance Program; therefore, clients on any of these should apply for the new Food Assistance Program.
Community and Society
No increase in Social Security contribution rates for 2021
The process to increase SSB contributions began in 2017 in what was dubbed as the ‘Contribution Reform.’ Over a three-year increment, the phase-in approach would see contribution rates increase from 0.5% to 8.5% and the wage ceiling from $320 to $440. The third and final increment scheduled for January 4th has been put on hold for now.
Community and Society
Justice Minnet Hafiz-Bertram Sworn in as Acting President of the Belize Court of Appeal
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Justice Minnet Hafiz-Bertram was virtually sworn in as the acting President of the Belize Court of Appeal by the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young. Justice Hafiz-Bertram will act until such time as the Prime Minister advises the Governor General of his appointee for a permanent president, after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition.
Community and Society
Almost 200 persons arrested and charged for breaching quarantine regulations
The Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams reported on Tuesday, December 29th, that 176 persons nationwide were arrested and charged with offenses under the current Quarantine Regulations over the Christmas holiday weekend. The regulations, recently established to reduce the number of infections relating to COVID-19, introduced a new curfew, restriction on public transportation, the sale of alcohol and warned those breaking the law of new fines for both employers and employees.
Community and Society
After COVID-19: the long-term effects
COVID-19 has not only caused a massive pandemic, destroying economies and killing thousands every day; long after some survivors are declared COVID-free, some remain with long-term effects known as post-COVID syndrome. Patients who have recovered from the virus and continue to experience symptoms have been described as ‘long haulers,’ suffering from long-term health issues to the lungs, heart, and brain.
Community and Society
Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association disapprove of the Cane Farmer Register
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association strongly denounce the blatant irregularities committed in the process of determining and approving the Cane Farmer Register for the 2020/2021 sugar cane crop. An analysis of the production estimates assigned to the registered cane farmers in this Register show a gross injustice to the majority of cane farmers, who have been trying at all costs to restore their production levels that were affected by the drought and floods.
Community and Society
Customs and Excise, along with Living Word Church, reach out to several island families with Christmas Toy Drives
The spirit of Christmas continues in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The usual activities that see the underprivileged getting goodie bags and presents were not interrupted this year despite the current crisis caused by COVID-19. On Friday, December 18th, Customs and Excise, and the Living Word Church reached out to families and children with toys, fruits, refreshments, and bags full of groceries.
Community and Society
Important notes on recent COVID-19 regulations
The current new Statutory Instrument (SI) regarding the COVID-19 regulations came into effect on Sunday, December 20th, and will remain in effect until further notice. The SI introduced a new curfew and limits inter-district travel, particularly from the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts. There is also a restriction on public transportation capacity by 50%, the sale of alcohol, and new fines for employers and employees for violations against the regulations. These new regulations were approved to reduce the number of infections, given the fact that during the Christmas season, people tend to engage in large gatherings.