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Women in Community Honored During Women’s Month
In honor of Women's Month, Hope Haven Belize and the San Pedro Town Council held its first "Champions of Change" awards on Saturday, March 19, 2021. The evening’s celebration were prepared to honor women on the island who are contributing positively in the community and #breakingthebias in the roles that they lead. Congratulations to all the awardees. The Town Council and Hope Haven presented the following women as Champions Of Change:
NGO’s Elect Janelle Chanona as Next 13th Senator
On Friday, March 11, 2022, non-governmental organizations in good standing convened to participate in the democratic election of its next representative in the Senate. Two candidates had offered themselves for the post: Dr. Sharmayne Saunders was nominated by the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association and Haven House while Janelle Chanona was nominated by the National Garifuna Council, the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Belize Audubon Society. Of the thirty-one votes cast, Chanona received 21 votes while Dr. Saunders received 10 votes.
Belize Brewing Company’s First Female Brewer
Belize Brewing Company (BBCo) boasts that it is proud of Team Member Ms. Carina Cal, a young Belizean who has excelled in a role traditionally held by men. Carina is BBCo’s first female brewer, and her story is as interesting as the job she has embraced.
Belizeans Can Breathe a Little Better, Relaxed Mask Mandate
Major Changes of the New SI Include Curfew, Mask Wearing, And Border Testing - The Government of Belize has announced that Cabinet decided that it is time to re-balance responsibility in the fight against COVID-19. For some two years, the Government has responded to the pandemic by embarking on a massive public health campaign, securing hundreds of thousands of vaccines, heavily imposing restrictions on personal freedoms and curtailing social and economic activities.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Confirm Visit to Belize, Jamaica and Bahamas
It looks like Prince William and his wife Kate will be visiting southern Belize when they undertake official visits to the Caribbean on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. It has been announced that their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess will travel to Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas between Saturday, March 19, and Saturday, March 26, 2022.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Rebrands and Launches Marine Station
Hol Chan Marine Reserve says that it is well underway in bouncing back from large debts left behind by the previous administration and that with the support of tourism stakeholders and private businesses the reserve is close to normal operations and bringing back Hol Chan to its admirable management and positive contributions to the community. On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the reserve’s management held ceremonies to announce its rebranding, with a new logo, and the launch a a new Marine Station at the Hol Chan channel.
Belize Looks to Lift Two Year Curfew
It’s hard to believe that Belizeans have been living under a curfew that has been in place for more than two years as part of Belize's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). But now, both the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceno and Health and Wellness Minister of Belize, Kevin Bernard, are in full support of lifting the curfew and easing other Covid-19 restrictions.
Elito Arceo Awarded James A. Waight Conservation Award
The 36th annual James A. Waight Conservation Award Ceremony by the Belize Audubon Society celebrates outstanding Belizeans whose life, work and passion have positively impacted Belize. This year’s recipient of the award is San Pedro, Ambergris Caye resident Elito Arceo for his significant contribution to the conservation and enhancement of Belize’s environment.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Now Available for Eligible Minors
Belize's Ministry of Health & Wellness informs that children aged 12 to 17 years are now eligible to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine three months after receiving their second dose. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology will make arrangements to facilitate for easy access to the booster doses. Children aged 12 to 17 years not attending school can get vaccinated at the nearest schools and scheduled times that will be agreed upon and shared shortly by both ministries.
Belize Travel Health Insurance Now Available for Purchase Online
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has announced that the travel health insurance required from all visitors upon entry to Belize with effect from February 15, 2022, is now available for purchase online at www.belizetravelinsurance.com. The Belize Travel Insurance is mandatory and will help protect travelers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses, if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize.
Tropic Air Announces Commencement Flights to San Salvador
Tropic Air announces that it will commence new nonstop service between El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (formally Comalapa International Airport) in San Salvador (SAL) and the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. Flights are initially scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Friday, February 11th, 2022.
Belize Brewing Company Launches New Belikin Marketing Communication Campaign
Press Release, Belize Brewing Company, January 26, 2022 - Being Made in Belize does not mean that something is Made of Belize. Belikin Beer has been proudly produced in Belize by Belizeans and for Belizeans since 1969. This legacy makes Belikin authentically Belizean. Belize Brewing Company has taken this legacy and applied it to its latest multimedia campaign. The new Made of Belize campaign highlights key attributes that define our country and its people.
Belizean Artist Marlyn Vansen Seeks Help After Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
Marlyn Vansen, Belizean artist, announced on Sunday, January 16, 2022, that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier in the month. There is no cure for MS but it is treatable, however, the medication that Vansen needs is currently not available in the country. Vansen isn’t losing hope and she is asking for assistance. Marlyn Vansen’s Facebook:
Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye Prepares for Construction after Pandemic Delays
Official announcements of the new Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye came back in April 2018, when the construction plans were rolled out of the over 200-unit hotel. Four years later, after much setbacks due to the pandemic, the Marriott is set for construction and completion in December of 2023. The ground-breaking ceremony took place last week on Friday, January 14, 2022, on site.
Foreign Tourist Entering Belize Now Require Travel Health Insurance
The Belize Tourism Board, the official tourism organization for Belize, has announced that in an effort to further protect the health and wellbeing of international visitors and Belizeans from COVID-19, that it has released new safe travel standards for any persons entering the country. Effective February 15, 2022, all visitors are required to apply for Belize Travel Health Insurance – a mandatory insurance that helps protect travelers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize.
Coast Guard Retrieves Thirty Kilos of Suspected Marijuana
A Belize Coast Guard routine patrol this morning, January 13, 2022, at about 8:30am, yielded 36 packs of suspected marijuana that was encountered about 100 feet east of the dock at Half-moon Caye. According to the Belize Coast Guard, their patrol at Lighthouse Reef came across an object in the water and upon closer inspection realized that they were packs of suspected drugs. The patrol called it in and headquarters arranged for their stand by patrol to head out to bring it in. Thirty six packs were weighed to an amount of 30.95 Kilograms, at an estimated value of $81,705 BZD.
U.S. Government Donates 12 Ventilators to Belize in Continuing Pandemic Support
On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the U.S. Government donated 12 ventilators to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to support Belize in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. The donation was facilitated by the U.S. Embassy Security Cooperation Office and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command through its Humanitarian Assistance Program. Valued at US $200,000, the Hamilton-brand ventilators are modern and compact, and provide Belize with life-saving medical equipment at a time when COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing across the country.
Belize Sees Busiest Cruise Ship Day Since the Restart of Cruise
The Belize Tourism Board says that it is excited to share that today, Thursday, December 30, 2021, the country received six cruise ships to our shores, marking it the busiest cruise day on our 2021 schedule of calls. Four Ships, including the Celebrity Apex, Carnival Pride, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze, called to the Belize City FSTV port. Two ships, the Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Breakaway, called to Harvest Caye in southern Belize. In total, these ships brought to our shores over 14,000 passengers.
Pattern of COVID-19 Cases Changes in Belize, Omicron Variant Expected
Belize's Ministry of Health & Wellness informs the public that the pattern of the COVID-19 cases has changed. Currently, the majority of cases present upper airway symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat associated with a mild fever and/or muscle aches and pains. The cases are increasing exponentially with a leap in the positivity rate from 2.5 to 16 in a very short period of time. While genomic sequencing is pending, epidemiologically, it appears to be the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Belizean Singer Yas Thalia Releases New Single “Tropix”
“Hey my name is YasThalia and I'm a Belizean singer/songwriter. My song Tropix is a song that highlights the beauty of our country Belize.” Yas Thalia recently released the official music video for her hit single ‘Tropix’ which is all about praising Belize - “Vamos a La Isla Bonita, fly out to Griga, maybe Placencia,” says her lyrics. The video features various tropical scenes around the country including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; and the song is being very well received.