Community and Society
U.S. Government Delivers Disaster Response Supplies to NEMO
On August 20, the U.S. Embassy delivered disaster response equipment and supplies valued at over U.S. $88,000 to Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in a handover ceremony at the NEMO Warehouse in Ladyville. Major Matthew Adams, U.S. Embassy Belmopan Office of Security Cooperation Chief, represented the U.S. Embassy when handing the items to Retired Lieutenant Colonel Shelton Defour, who received the goods on behalf of NEMO.
Community and Society
Ministry of Transport Addresses Public Transportation Reports
While the Department has increased monitoring and has mandated bus companies to increase cleaning efforts in response to the COVID-19 threat, the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management and the DOT have been receiving reports that public transportation operators including drivers and conductors along with travelling commuters are not adhering to the Regulations. Bus drivers, conductors and passengers are not wearing their masks when travelling in the buses, or in some instances, they are not properly worn. It has also been reported that in some instances sanitization of hands or of the buses is not being done.
Community and Society
Boat owners asked to notify the Belize Port Authority on the island before relocating vessels as Tropical Depression approaches
The Belize Port Authority asks boat owners on Ambergris Caye to kindly notify them if planning to move boats to safety as TD 1 approaches.
Community and Society
Change in Pump Price of Fuel Products Effective August 19, 2020
The prices for regular gasoline will register a decrease and diesel will register an increase as follows: Regular gasoline will decrease by 14 cents from $8.76 to $8.62 per gallon; diesel will increase by 19 cents from $8.21 to $8.40 per gallon. The prices for premium gasoline and kerosene will remain unchanged at $9.36 and $5.43 per gallon, respectively.
Business & Economy
Tour Guide protest demands solutions from local island leaders on the way forward amidst lockdown
Tour guide Oscar Iboy staged a peaceful protest outside of the SPTC building to ask local authorities for a real plan to move the island forward during this pandemic and its ensuing economic crisis. Disheartened by a lack of vision by Mayor Guerrero, Iboy asks that leaders craft a solid plan.
Community and Society
Fishing allowed but only with a valid license, says Belize Coast Guard in San Pedro
There was major outcry when AG Peyrefitte claimed fishing for sustenance was prohibited on Ambergris Caye. Local authorities quickly clarified that fishing could continue, but the Belize Coast Guard is saying that a license is necessary to fish, and many residents are unsure if they will be allowed to fish off docks too.
Community and Society
Belizean family pleads with Ministry Of Health regarding untimely death of Luis Romero, Sr.
The family of Mr. Luis Romero Sr. ask their fellow Belizeans to demand change in the MOH's COVID testing practices, so that his death may not be in vain.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tour Guide Association’s pantry program assisting almost 200 guides weekly
Around 180 tour guides receive food items every Friday thanks to the many donors that continue to support the SPTGA pantry program.