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News Archives
Fifty Samples From San Pedro Being Tested for COVID-19
During the mapping process for COVID-19 patient #57 identified in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Sunday, August 2, sixty (60) individuals were identified of having contact with the 31-year-old female. Out of those, 50 individuals were swabbed and samples have been taken for testing. Results of those samples are expected to be released tomorrow midday, Wednesday.
Concerns Arise from Lack of Social Distancing and Mask Usage
Stricter laws for mandatory mask wearing might be underway in Belize as more cases of COVID-19 have increased this past week. Just yesterday, Sunday, August 2, 2020, a new corona virus infection case was confirmed in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, involving a female with no history of travel. This increases the fear of community spread cases in the country.
New COVID-19 Case Appears in San Pedro After 4 Months of First Case
Approximately four months after Belize announced its first COVID-19 case in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, (March 22, 2020) a new corona virus case emerges on La Isla Bonita, San Pedro. The case involves a female who is experiencing symptoms of the sickness.
History in the Making as Female Officer Takes Hold of Acting Vice Commandant
History in the making, as our island girl Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard will become the Acting Vice Commandant of the BCG. The announcement was made today July 29, 2020, as Commander Captain Elton Bennett is away in the United Kingdom studying for one year. Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo will be holding over for Vice Commandant Commander Gregory Soberanis, who assumes command as Acting Commandant
Belize Specialist Clinic Clarifies Inaccurate and Misleading Statements
- Press Release - July 17th, 2020 - Belize Specialist Clinic/Belize Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center Limited would like to take this opportunity to again offer our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Pastor Jose Cal. We recognize that during these moments of such loss, some grieve differently than others and we do not aim to judge the reactions of those most affected.
US Embassy Belize Resumes Limited Visa Services
As of Wednesday July 15, 2020, the United States Embassy in Belmopan, Belize resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services, including: Immigrant visa classes IR1, IR2, CR1, and CR2; Nonimmigrant visa classes F, M, and J. While the Embassy aims to process cases as soon as practicable, there is likely to be increased wait times for completing such services due to substantial backlogs. The MRV fee is valid and may be used to schedule an interview appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment.
Importation of Prohibited Plastic Products No Longer Permitted in Belize
Press Release - Belize Department of Environment - This notice serves as a reminder to all importers, customs brokers, and members of the general public that the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020, came into force on January 15th, 2020. This legislation regulates the importation, manufacture, sale and possession of Restricted and Prohibited Products listed in the Schedules of the Regulations.
Tropic Air Intends to Fly Separate International and Domestic Networks in August
Tropic Air announced today, that with the resumption of service from the Belize International Airport (PGIA) on August 15, the airline will operate dedicated aircraft from PGIA to San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, Placencia (Riversdale), Punta Gorda, San Ignacio and return. These flights will not carry other domestic passengers. They will be solely for passengers whose origin or final destination is the PGIA.
300 Students to Benefit from School Assistance Program by Andre Perez
Press Release - Mr Andre Perez, PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South recognizes the harsh economic times families are facing during this pandemic. Families are out of work, unable to meet rent payments, provide for their families and send their children to school. With this in mind, he initiated the School Assistance Program. Over 300 primary school students in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker applied and qualified to receive assistance for the upcoming school year, a total cost of $18,000.00.
Belize's Plan for Tourism as International Airport Opens Aug 15
Press Release, Belize Tourism Board, Belize City, Belize (June 26, 2020) – Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Belize made the official announcement that Belize’s international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport will be opened on August 15, 2020, as part of the country’s five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism.
New Rules as State of Emergency Lifted in Belize
On, July 1, 2020, Belize will no longer under a State of Emergency that was implemented in March as the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed. After being in complete lockdown, then moving on to phased relaxations of emergency lockdown measures, Belize will now enter a “Post State of Emergency” in which the Ministry of Health signs a Statutory Instrument to bring into effect the Quarantine Authority.
Diddy Congratulates Shyne Barrow as He Runs for Politics
According to published reports, on Sunday (Jun 28) Diddy took to Instagram, to offer his support for his former artist, by announcing that Shyne was running for the Belize House of Representatives. “BELIZE I’m so proud of my brother @shyne_bz and the journey he is on,” Diddy wrote on Instagram. “He is running for the House of Representatives and needs your support. #BadBoy4Life”
Belize Plans Phased and Controlled Approach at Opening Country and Tourism
Belize has announces the opening of its Philip Goldson International Airport for August 15, 2020, in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States, in particular the states of Florida and Texas. With the new norm and trend that travelers will now be looking at destinations with high standards of health, sanitation and low cases of COVID-19, Belize has planned to open the tourism industry in phases and with strict protocols to maximize the safety of travellers and also locals.
Belize Benefits from Rainfall Insurance, More Extreme Weather Expected
Belize has benefited from a payout of its parametric excess rainfall policy, provided by the CCRIF SPC, after rains from tropical storms Amanda and Cristobal triggered its coverage. The rainfall from the two tropical storms, Amanda and Cristobal, started on May 31st and fell for around nine days, causing widespread flooding and landslides across central America and parts of Mexico.
The Saharan Dust Effect on Ambergris Caye
The much anticipated and forecasted Saharan dust from the deserts of Africa has arrived in Belize and its effects are clearly seen here on Ambergris Caye. The current Saharan dust episode is leading to the worst dust storm in the Caribbean in decades. From bright blue skies to a foggy gloom, the difference is obvious.
Belize Prepares to Reopen - Sets New Accommodation Sector Protocols and Guidelines
Press Release, (June 19th 2020) - As Belize's tourism industry prepares for reopening, the health, safety, and well-being of the industry, its employees, the wider Belizean community, and visitors are more important than ever, as we mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and adopt to new travel norms.
US Donates Two Ambulances for San Ignacio and Santa Elena
Press Release - U.S. Embassy Belize, Belmopan – On June 19, the United States Government delivered two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program, a U.S. non-governmental organization, to the Belize Fire Department in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The shipment was transported by the U.S. Department of Defense under the U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance Program. On their arrival to Belize, the ambulances were immediately handed over to Fire Chief Collin Gillett by U.S. Embassy Belmopan Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges.
Dengue and Malaria Concerns Increase Alongside COVID-19 in Belize
Although Dengue deaths have not climbed to alarming numbers in Belize, last year there were 10 reported deaths in the country. With the astonishing rise in the number of mosquitos in Ambergris Caye and the country, Belizeans are calling the Ministry of Health to provide relief through the spraying of malathion.
Belize Re-opens National Parks, Nature Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries
Press Release - Belmopan. June 15, 2020. 4:20 p.m. - The National Biodiversity Office under the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development announces the re-opening of protected areas under its management, including national parks, nature reserves, natural monuments and wildlife sanctuaries. All visitors to these protected areas are advised that social distancing and other measures required under the state of emergency regulations must always be observed to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Belize.
Isla Bonita Elementary Holds Graduation Ceremony
In a short, small, but meaningful ceremony, the Isla Bonita Elementary School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2020. It was a memorable day for the class of Standard 6; the senior graduating class consisted of 26 students. They received their certificate of completion as witnessed by the school staff and immediate family. This year, the students could not have a huge graduation ceremony but the school ensured that the students are celebrated under the theme: "Be Bold, Be Courageous, Be Your Best!”