Tag:
Belize Coast Guard
Government
Belize troops training in Jamaica for possible deployment to Haiti
A group of 31 soldiers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and 20 Belize Coast Guard (BCG) members, along with their commanding officer, BDF Major Ermil Coh, are currently in Jamaica for a month-long training program. The purpose of the training is to prepare them to join a multinational force that will be deployed to Haiti, which is currently experiencing an escalation in violence. The multinational task force comprises troops from various CARICOM member states, intending to support the Haitian National Police Force in restoring security in the country.
Sports
Long-time Island paddler Daniel Gregorio represents San Pedro at La Ruta Maya
The 27th Annual Belikin Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge took place this year, with 59 teams participating in the 180-mile race. The race started from the Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio, Cayo, and ended at the Civic in Belize City. On Monday, March 11th, the 2024 annual La Ruta Maya River Challenge announced Team "Slim and Trim like Guava Limb" as race winners. One of the members of Team Belize Coast Guard 1.5 (BCG) included Daniel Gregorio, a third-class Coast Guard petty officer and San Pedro resident, along with his teammates James Alford and Wilbert Daniels, who won third place in the competition.
Accidents & Disasters
Islander dies in boating accident while working at sea
Eight San Pedro residents were involved in a boating accident on Wednesday afternoon, February 28th, prompting the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) to conduct a search and rescue operation between the Turneffe Atoll and English Caye. The operation managed to locate everyone; however, one of the islanders did not survive the ordeal. The deceased was identified as Sylvio Camara, a former teacher from San Pedro.
Health
San Pedro members of the Belize Coast Guard undergo first responder training
A group of eight members from the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) based in San Pedro Town recently underwent a two-day training to learn basic first aid and life support techniques from the Island Emergency Services (IES) crew. The training covered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid Kit, and an introduction to advanced knowledge of the duties expected from first responders and other medical skills. The training took place from February 11th to February 13th at the BCG base south of Ambergris Caye and was free of charge.
Government
Cabinet Brief for January 25, 2024
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met on 22nd January 2024.
Crime & Violence
Over 900 illegal firearms destroyed by law enforcement officers
A record number of firearms were destroyed on Friday, January 19th, at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan City. The 900-plus illegal weapons were seized from across the country throughout the past years. The Firearm Destruction Initiative is a collaborative project between Belize's law enforcement agents, the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), and the British High Commission.
Community and Society
Island Emergency Services donate first-aid kits to first responders agencies in San Pedro
Island Emergency Services (IES) management has donated valuable first-aid kits to other responder agencies in San Pedro Town. The island-based ambulance company indicated that this is one of the many ways to collaborate with their island counterparts and help distribute essential equipment that can enhance the safety of islanders.
Environment
Belize Aggressor removed from Lighthouse Reef; damage assessment commences
The diving vessel Belize Aggressor IV, which was stuck at Lighthouse Reef, has finally been removed. The Belize Port Authority (BPA) said on Monday, November 27th, that the vessel was successfully refloated after being grounded near the Aquarium Dive Site for around ten days. An in-depth assessment of the damage to the coral reef is now underway. Following that, a fine will be assessed for the damage caused by the diving vessel.
