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Increasing COVID-19 Cases in Belize
Тhе Міnіѕtrу оf Неаlth аnd Wеllnеѕѕ ѕауѕ thеrе hаѕ bееn а ‘ѕtеаdу іnсrеаѕе’ іn rесеnt dауѕ оf СОVІD-19 саѕеѕ соuntrуwіdе, раrtісulаrlу іn thе Веlіzе аnd Сауо Dіѕtrісtѕ. The Ministry records 566 active cases (107 new cases and 132 of the weekend) as of Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The Ministry of Health & Wellness reminds the public of the importance of the public health measures and vaccinations in reducing the spread and severity of COVID-19.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2022 Cover features Maye Musk and Belize
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is thrilled to share that Belize made the cover of the 2022 issue of the internationally renowned, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine. The cover photo was taken in Placencia Village and features Maye Musk - supermodel, bestselling international author, and mother of billionaire Elon Musk.
Belize Tourism Rebounding, Future Looking Positive
The latest statistics for both overnight tourist arrivals and cruise tourism from the Belize Tourism Board provide a clear indication that Belize’s tourism is moving fast on its path to recovery. According to their latest press release, this year’s quarterly figures show that overnight tourist arrivals to Belize totaled over 41,000, the largest number of overnight visitors recorded in a month since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Traditionally, March has been the peak of the tourism high season (Pre-Covid).
Town Meeting Called as Sargassum Problem Worsens
The sargassum situation on Ambergris Caye has become such a problem that the San Pedro Town Council has called a Community Meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 5p.m. at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room. It has become a heavy burden for beach side resorts and residents who cannot keep up with the cleanup efforts as tons of sargassum accumulates on the beachside.
Belize Carnival Back After Two Year Pandemic Break
After two very long years Belize’s Carnival is back as part of the country’s September Celebrations! The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 by Minister Francis Fonseca who is the chair of the National Celebrations Commission. This year’s Belize’s Carnival Road March will be celebrated under the theme “Carnival 2022! We outside! We back pon the road!”
Airbnb and Belize to Drive Sustainable Tourism Through Home Sharing
Airbnb and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) have signed a MOU initiating a mutual collaboration between both organizations to drive sustainable tourism in Belize through home sharing. The agreement aims to promote Belize as a world-class tourism destination, highlighting cultural festivals, local tourism experiences and other unique events.
No More Mask Required in Belize
No this is not an April Fools joke! As we go into April, and Belize taking steps to further reopen, cabinet has removed the mask mandate, among other restrictions, approved under the Statutory Instrument No. 61 of 2022. YES the Mask Mandate has been scrapped; meaning that the wearing of mask indoors and outdoors is no longer required in Belize. It is more of a personal choice.
BEL Launches Electric Vehicle Charging Station Ecosystem Pilot Project
On Thursday, March 31, 2022, Belize Electricity Limited unveiled the first charging station in its National Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Ecosystem. It is the first of 12 that will be installed in strategic locations across the country as part of a pilot project for commissioning EV charging stations.
Alma Pinelo Named Woman of the Year By US Embassy Belize
On Thursday, March 31, 2022, the U.S. Embassy presented its 2022 Woman of the Year Award to Belize Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo, of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. “A champion for women’s equality in Belize’s Armed Forces,” commented the U.S. Embassy of Belize. “Throughout her career, LCDR Pinelo has sought to empower women as equal partners in Belize’s security forces. LCDR Pinelo helped launch Belize’s first Women, Peace and Security Agenda to increase Belizean women’s roles in national security and to eliminate sexism, prejudice, and discrimination.
Skydivers Plunge Over San Pedro and Great Blue Hole
The staff of Amigos del Mar Dive Shop, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, were excited to share these images as they had the opportunity to work along with a fun group of skydivers who not just parachute themselves into the Great Blue Hole, but also experienced diving down to 130ft to see the natural formations of the stalactites and stalagmites this Wonder of the Underwater World has to offer. The group also leapt over north Ambergris Caye, on Monday, March 21, 2022.
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.