Community and Society
Farmers in Toledo District report huge losses after wildfires ravage the area
The current dry season combined with a heat wave is to blame for wildfires affecting several farmers in southern Belize. The uncontrollable flames have gutted entire farms, destroying acres of crops. Many of these farmers and their families are left without their primary source of income and need assistance to move forward in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Reef Fest includes educational Trivia Competition
Hol Chan Marine Reserve held its Annual Reef Fest 2024 Primary School Trivia Competition on Wednesday, May 22nd, at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. The tight competition started at 9:00AM, with the participation of nine contestants from five different schools: Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES), San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), The Island Academy (TIA), Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES), and the Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS). The participants showcased their knowledge of the reef and marine ecosystems.
Community and Society
San Pedro Gender-Based Violence Committee reactivates
On Tuesday, May 21st, the San Pedro Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee reactivated following a meeting at the National Institute of Culture and History conference room. The gathering included discussions on committee duties and future events. These events include general meetings, training sessions, and awareness campaigns against domestic violence. Stakeholders on the island will carry out these activities with support from the National Women Commission (NWC).
Community and Society
SPTC hosts Family Fun Day 2024
On Sunday, May 19th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) held a community family fun day at Boca Del Rio Park. The event started shortly after 11PM and ended at 4PM. Several island families attended, and the day was filled with fun activities, performances, music, games, and prizes.
Community and Society
San Pedro Justice of the Peace holds general meeting and participate in training
The San Pedro Association of Justices of the Peace (JP) and Commissioners of the High Court held their general meeting on Wednesday, May 15th, at the San Pedro Lions Den. The gathering also included a training session covering signing documents related to land purchases and transfers.
Community and Society
Belize Signs Pivotal Agreements with the Republic of Korea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade engaged in the signing ceremony of two pivotal agreements with the Government of the Republic of Korea: the Framework Agreement for Grant-Aid and the Agreement Concerning Loans from the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). These agreements were signed by H.E. Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on behalf of the Government of Belize, and H.E. Won Hoon Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Belize.
Community and Society
The underprivileged and overlooked areas of San Mateo still lack proper road access
At first glance, the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye looks like paradise, with clear waters, white sandy beaches, and high-end resorts. Life is primarily centered in San Pedro Town, a haven for tourists. However, tucked on the island’s outskirts, out of sight of tourists, lies another view for locals: the San Mateo subdivision. This disparaged community, with approximately 1500 residents, suffers from years of neglect and poverty.
Community and Society
NEMO Belize hosts CDM Validation Workshop supported by the CDEMA CU
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belize recently hosted its Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Validation Workshop supported by the CDEMA Coordinating Unit, to assess the country’s progress at each phase of the disaster management cycle, guided by the CDM Audit Tool. On May 8th, 2024, over 60 stakeholders came together for the workshop, which was one of four in-country audits being undertaken through CDEMA’s Building Resilience in the CARIFORUM States to Disaster Risks and Climate Change Impacts (BRICS) Programme funded by the European Union.
