Saturday, October 31, 2026

Community and Society

Belize Children’s Assistance Organization created to help families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Belize Children’s Assistance Organization helps families with young children to obtain food, basic items and even school necessities.

Her Majesty The Queen recognises Belizean volunteer Michele Irving with Commonwealth Points of Light award for service during COVID-19 pandemic

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has recognised Michele Irving from Dangriga Town, representing Belize, as the 139th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service supporting the most vulnerable during the COVID19 pandemic. Michele is supporting the most vulnerable in her community during the current COVID19 crisis by coordinating the provision of goods and assistance to the elderly, survivors of gender-based violence and people living with HIV. Michele is also working with local NGOs to ensure that access to sexual and reproductive health services is maintained during the pandemic.

The Island Academy surprises 2020 graduates following first-ever online graduation ceremony

The 2020 graduates of The Island Academy had an untraditional online graduation ceremony, followed by a surprise certificate drop-off via their teachers and principal!

Update on Unemployment Relief Program: 43,726 applications approved

To date, a total of 43,726 applications have been approved and passed onto Social Security Board (SSB) for payment. Of this total, 42% are for persons who were recently laid off from their jobs, 25% are for self-employed persons who lost their work and income, and 33% are for persons who applied as long-term unemployed. Applications will continue to be processed over the next several days, raising the total approved applications to about 50,000.

Look ahead to when COVID-free tourists ARE allowed back to our island.

One thing is for sure, Covid19 knows how to STOP an entire working society. But what are we learning if anything? As a business owner, I sit like many others wondering what can be done today and what tomorrow will look like. If I am correct in my predictions, we are in this for many more long months and those months seem....wasted.  We are not doing enough.

San Pedro Chinese Community donates food packages to islanders in need

Over 1000 bags filled with over $60,000 worth of groceries were handed out to island residents in need via the Chinese Community.

Doctor Love: Go Slow, or Go Home?

Some people just don't fit into new surroundings as well, no matter the time spent there. Often, the only advice that one can give is 'Go Slow or Go Home'.

Food in the time of quarantine – AKA, the “Ambergris Caye COVID RELIEF Cookbook”

All the proceeds from the sales of this book will go towards the Hot Lunch Program, spearheaded by Chef Maresha, who delivers hot food to many in need.