Tag:
Belize Port Authority
Government
Belize Strengthens Leadership and Advocacy in Global Maritime Climate Negotiations
The Belize Port Authority (BPA) under the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) recently participated in two critical international climate meetings convened by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): the 19th Session of the Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19) and the 83rd Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83). These sessions were held at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
Accidents & Disasters
Caye Caulker boat captain held responsible for tourist’s death in incident at Turneffe
A 28-year-old U.S. national and resident of Caye Caulker, Spencer Eisenberg, has been charged with Manslaughter by Negligence following the fatal boating incident of 70-year-old American tourist Jeffrey Le Beau. Le Beau was on vacation in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and was participating in a scuba diving tour to Turneffe Atoll on Sunday, March 23, when he was struck and killed by a speeding boat.
Business & Economy
Water taxi fees to increase
The water taxi fare for traveling to and from the Cayes has increased following an announcement from the Belize Port Authority (BPA) on January 1st. The BPA raised the Passenger User Fee (Port Fee) from BZ$2 to BZ$3. As a result, San Pedro Belize Express has increased ticket prices by BZ$2 for round trips and BZ$1 for one-way trips from Belize City. In contrast, Caribbean Sprinters have stated that their prices will remain unchanged. Other companies, such as Thunderbolt, which operates the route between San Pedro and Corozal, have not yet adjusted their prices.
Community and Society
Belize Port Authority Hosts Maritime Summer Camp
The Belize Port Authority (BPA) hosted a week-long summer camp for the youth of Ambergris Caye from August 5th to August 9th. The camp took place at San Pedro Lions Den and attracted 28 children. The program aimed to involve the campers in enriching maritime experiences and provide them with insight into the BPA's daily activities.
Environment
National Workshop on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, & Cooperation
The Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), with the support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment Program, and the Regional Activity Center/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information, and Training Center—Wider Caribbean Region, facilitated a four-day training/workshop on “Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation” in Belize from March 12 to 15, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City.
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.
Environment
Belize Aggressor still stuck at Lighthouse Reef
The Belize Aggressor IV, a 115-foot-long yacht, remains stuck near Lighthouse Reef Atoll, after it ran aground in the Aquarium dive site a week ago. The Belize Port Authority (BPA) is investigating the incident, while the boat’s management is preparing a salvage plan to remove it from this sensitive area covered with coral reef. After that, the Department of the Environment (DOE) will conduct a damage assessment.
Accidents & Disasters
Young Belize Coast Guard officer, Kiman Garcia, loses life in boating accident
On Wednesday, November 8th, a member of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), identified as Kiman Garcia, 24, lost his life in a boating accident off the northern coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The young BCG sailor was thrown overboard and severely injured by the boat’s engine propeller. Even though he was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, Garcia succumbed to his injuries.
