Tag:
Honourable Kevin Bernard
Health
MOHW weighs in on mental health following Nicole Polonio tragic death
The Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the Honourable Kevin Bernard, has spoken about the issue of mental health in the country and how it is addressed. This comes on the heels of a case in San Pedro Town, where islander Nicole Polonio was deemed mentally challenged and restrained with chains in her room. According to the post-mortem, she later died from positional asphyxia. Minister Bernard told the media that a mental health policy is underway and that the Cabinet and the prime minister requested his ministry and the Ministries of Human Development and Home Affairs work on a strategic plan.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Health Center officially inaugurated
A little over a year after it was first announced, Honourable Andre Perez, Area Representative for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye), hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for a new polyclinic in Caye Caulker. On Monday, November 21st, Perez was back in La Isla Cariñosa along with the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the Honourable Kevin Bernard delivering the completed polyclinic. The new health center, named Caye Caulker Health Center, will improve the medical services on the island, which is a popular tourist destination in the country.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker gets new health center next week, ground-breaking for San Pedro hospital soon
On Monday, November 21st, the newly built Caye Caulker health center is to be inaugurated, providing Hicaqueños with a much-needed equipped medical facility. Minister of Health and Wellness, Honourable Kevin Bernard, confirmed the official opening of the new clinic and shared that this is the commitment of his government to provide the Cayes with essential health services. Next is the upcoming ground-breaking for the hospital in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Government
MOHW address issue arising from countrywide nurses walkout
Over the weekend, nurses at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga Town walked out of their posts in protest for better working conditions, adequate salaries, and compensation. The demonstration was not isolated to Dangriga. On Monday, August 29th, nurses and doctors from the Capital City of Belmopan, San Ignacio Town, Belize City, and Corozal Town in the north of the country joined the demonstration. Minister of Health and Wellness Honourable Kevin Bernard and his team held an emergency meeting in Belmopan with leaders of the Nurses Association of Belize (NAB). After two hours of discussion, they agreed on several suggestions, and Bernard said the situation was resolved.
Education
San Pedro’s Jessica Flores graduates with a Doctor of Medicine degree from WUHS
On Thursday, August 25th, the Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) held its graduation ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, with approximately 200 students from different countries. WUHS has a campus in Belize, on the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, which foreign and Belizean students attend. The graduation ceremony on Thursday was unique as San Pedrana Jessica Flores was among the proud graduates. Flores graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree, making her family, friends, and hometown proud.
Health
GOB to acquire Monkeypox vaccines
With the increase in Monkeypox confirmed cases near Belize, the Government of Belize (GOB) has moved ahead to acquire 1,300 vaccines against this disease. The spread has been detected in Mexico and Guatemala, and there is a concern that it could be seen anytime in Belize.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Kevin Bernard, confirmed that GOB had submitted the vaccine request. He shared on Thursday, August 4th, that his ministry has increased its surveillance and will closely monitor the situation and be ready to isolate any infected persons.
Community and Society
COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccines for children ages 5-11 now available in San Pedro
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues, and starting Thursday, May 26th, children ages 5-11 in San Pedro Town will begin receiving their first dose. Health personnel will begin visiting schools to administer the vaccine on Thursday at New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist primary school and Friday at Ambergris Caye Elementary School.
Government
No more COVID-19 restrictions within Belize; some travel requirements remain
As of Friday, April 1st, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions within Belize will be lifted as per the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Restrictions mandating facemask wearing and social distancing will be lifted, and activities such as concerts and large gatherings will be allowed. Night clubs and bars will also be allowed to operate. The only restrictions that remain in place are the requirement for visitors/tourists ages five and above to present proof of immunization or a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, and Belizeans planning to travel out of the country must be vaccinated.
