PLACENCIA

To show solidarity with fly fishers across the country and to continue sending a strong message against developments threatening their livelihoods, a group of fly-fishing guides held a peaceful protest in front of Cayo Rosario on Wednesday, May 15th. Cayo Rosario is a small island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV off the west coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The surrounding area is home to some of the best fly-fishing areas in the country, but a proposed tourist resort on the small island is of concern to many as it could disrupt their fishing grounds. Fly fishers on Ambergris Caye depend on this sports fishing activity involving the three protected species of bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

On Thursday March 21, 2024; the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future (BFSF) celebrated its 2nd Anniversary and Awards Ceremony to recognize the recipients of the Grants Awards Program (GAP) 2023-2024 grant cycle and the outstanding contributions of key partners in marine conservation.

On February 10, 2023, the Ministry of Economic Development launched Belize’s first-ever Green Climate Fund Country Programme at the Umaya Resort in Placencia. This country programme highlights Belize’s climate priorities and outlines a portfolio of projects and programs that will aid the country in achieving climate resilience.

The climate crisis playing out along Belize’s coast and cayes is further evidence of the grim consequences of a fossil fuel-driven planet. Several parts of our coastline and a number of popular islands, which generations of Belizeans once enjoyed, have been dramatically and irrevocably reclaimed by the sea. This is what is happening to South Silk Caye in the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes  Marine Reserve. 

As part of the Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 106, this Sunday, September 26th and October 3rd, free movement across the country will be restricted, including San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, and Placencia, which are exempt from the countrywide 7PM curfew. The only movement allowed will be for essential services. The government has resorted to this measure to contain the increase in COVID-19 cases all over Belize.

Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins villages were spared the countrywide 7PM curfew as part of new regulations that go into effect on Monday, September 20th for two weeks. The exception means their curfew will remain from 9PM to 4AM. Another exception benefiting these key tourism areas is that restaurants will be allowed to accommodate up to 75% of their seating capacity.

Concerned Belizeans across the country are protesting and calling for justice after police corporal Kareem Martinez allegedly shot and killed 14-year-old Laddie Gillett. His life was cut short when the teenager and his family were visiting Placencia in southern Belize on July 14th.   Reports are that Gillett and some friends were running on the beach trying to beat the 10PM curfew when he was killed. The incident has sparked outrage among the Belizean public, and in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Gillett was remembered with a pass-thru candlelight vigil.

Next time you fly with United Airlines, do not forget to check out the recent publication of their in-flight magazine, Hemispheres featuring Belize. The Jewel was chosen for the ‘Three Perfect Days’ article written by none other than well-known travel writer and Belize’s greatest fan Ali Wunderman. The review highlights Ambergris Caye, the Cayo District, and Placencia in southern Belize.