Today's Belize News: August 2, 2020

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Today's Belize News: August 2, 2020 #543865 08/02/20 06:46 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,398 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials. The San Pedro Sun GOB Launches Phase Two of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief and MSME Program Government of Belize, through a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, and BELTRAIDE, hereby announces the launch of phase two of Government's COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program, incorporating the previously announced MSME Support Program. The launch of the MSME Program commences today, August 1, 2020, with the rolling out of the program's website which provides information on the program, frequently asked questions and instructions on how to apply, prior to the official opening of the application portal. U.S. Government Hands Over Classroom Building in San Isidro to Ministry of Education On July 30, the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education held a ceremony to announce the handover to the Ministry of Education of a classroom building constructed through the U.S. Southern Command's Humanitarian Assistance Program in San Isidro Village in Toledo District. The handover ceremony was attended by the Honorable Patrick Faber, Minister of Education and Youth, Sports, and Culture, along with representatives from the Ministry of Education, local government and school officials, and families of San Isidro students. The short program was officiated by Mr. Jose Funez, Principal of San Isidro School, with U.S. Embassy Belmopan Charg� d'Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges speaking on behalf of the United States. IOM Belize organizes a double humanitarian charter flight for stranded migrants The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Belize organized (30/07) its second humanitarian charter flight carrying 15 stranded Honduran nationals to Honduras and bringing 18 Belizeans who returned home from Honduras. The group had been waiting in Belize and Salvador for almost four months due to COVID-19 related border and airport closures. IOM has supported the Governments of Belize and Honduras in their efforts to return these stranded group of migrants. These efforts were closely coordinated with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries and their Embassies, the Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Health and The Department of Immigration. BTB's Belizean Traveller Campaign to highlight essential workers for their hard work during the pandemic The second phase of the 'Belizean Traveller Campaign,' spearheaded by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has been launched. The project is designated to promote domestic tourism by encouraging Belizeans to be tourists in their own country. In its fourth edition, the campaign seeks to honour some unsung heroes who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic via an Essential Workers Competition. Nominees within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Belize Police Department have been identified, and votes can be cast online. They include San Pedro's Dr. Javier Canul and Police Constable Harris Gabourel, who along with six other candidates, are in the competition for an essential worker award that includes a vacation getaway. Expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve to Protect Important Reef Ecosystem The Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, has signed a Statutory Instrument for the expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve to protect an important reef ecosystem known as the Corona Reef or Cayman Crown located south of the Sapodilla Cayes. The Corona Reef is situated at the southwest terminus of the Cayman Trench, within Belize's Exclusive Economic Zone. The Corona Reef complex is one of the most under represented habitats in the marine protected areas system of Belize and is believed to be a biologically important hotspot, serving as a spawning aggregation site for numerous fin fish species and as a habitat for deep-slope snapper and bottom-dwelling species. Various Belizean Sources COVID-19 Update from Office of Director of Health Services As we continue with our enhanced surveillance, we have to report a record number of positive cases in any single day as we have detected 8 new cases in the batch of samples completed today. The breakdown of the 8 cases is as follows: - 3 in the Central Health Region: 2 from the repatriation flight from the US and 1 from the repatriation flight from Honduras. These persons are asymptomatic and are in hotel quarantine. Government of Belize Launches Phase of the Unemployment Relief Program and MIPYMES The Government of Belize, through a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development and BELTRAIDE, announces the launch of phase two of the Unemployment Aid Program by Government COVID-19, incorporating the MIPYMES Support Program that was previously announced. The launch of the MIPYMES Program begins today, August 1, 2020, with the deployment of the program's website providing program information, frequently asked questions and instructions on how to apply, before the official opening of the portal of the app. Stevedores have not returned to work The Christian Workers Union (CWU) wishes to set the record straight that at this time Stevedores have not returned to work. While Negotiating Teams for the Port of Belize Ltd (PBL) and CWU, with facilitation by a Team from the Ministry of Labour, continues to engage in negotiations to conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Stevedores in two unanimous votes, decided not to return to work without a signed CBA. Thus, in the absence of any signed CBA, Stevedores have not returned to work. Interact Club of Corozal Fundraiser Get ready for Interact Club of Corozal's 2nd Fundraiser - Friday, 7th August @ Central Park. Ceviche cup @ $3.00 small n $6.00 Big. 3 Chicken Tacos @ $1.00. Call 605-8997, email or inbox FB page for pre-orders. TEACHERS OF ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN SCHOOL INSTALL SANITATION STATION Teachers and local Manager, Mr. G. Sampson of St. Paul's Anglican School installed a sanitation station at the entrance of the school compound. The school wishes to thank all its family and friends who donated towards its school's re-opening project. Yesterday, the school was inspected by Officers of the District Education Center and the Ministry of Health and the school is extremely proud to say that they have done extremely well. SUCCESSFUL BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE AND GIVEAWAY BY ARCHANGEL MEDICAL CENTER IN COROZAL Archangel Medical Center hands out today, a total of 130 School bags, 150 school supplies and snacks for 200 school children and many got their COVID19 hair cuts and face painted. The turn out was so overwhelming that the program ran out of tickets but promise to be back next year. Archangel Medical Center would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all its wonderful sponsors. Mopan River Reforestation Project Volunteers are needed for the Mopan River Reforestation Project, a joint effort between the DYS and the FCD. The project happens on Tuesday, August 4th, and starts at 6:30am. Let them know if you're interested via the form. "The Department of Youth Services (DYS) has partnered with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) to carry out a reforestation project of approximately 10,000 seedlings that consist and are not limited to trees such as , Mahogany, Ceder , Tambran and many more. Volunteers are needed to help carry out this project which is to plant 200 seedlings along the Mopan River. A reforestation project will take place on August 4, 2020. Starting at 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Lic.Luis Alonzo Mu�oz Passes away Its is not the best of news, but it is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of a great friend and collegue Lic.Luis Alonzo Mu�oz, who 's role as an OAS member was always carried our with great pride, commitment and enthusiasm in our community and neighbouring country through the OAS Culture of Peace. We have lost a Dear Friend,Our,Work Collegue,a Warrior but we have gained an angel in heaven, we will miss you dearly as a great pillar in the development of the arts, goodwill and spirit as we continue working with the Culture of Peace Program. Channel 7 Two new COVID cases of unknown origin include one police officer Reports reaching 7News indicate that a constable in Corozal has tested positive for COVID 19 and is hospitalized and recovering. As a result all the officers at this station (more than a dozen) have been placed on quarantine. The Ministry of Health says this police officer is one of two hospitalized cases which will require extensive contact tracing as they don't seem have any link outside of Belize so far. Channel 5 Khalid Belisle will not seek re-election; John Saldivar picks his candidate for the job! Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar announces that he is throwing his support behind Richie Galvez to be the UDP's mayoral candidate in Belmopan for the next municipal elections. Saldivar says that Mayor Khalid Belisle will not be seeking re-election. In his statement, Saldivar thanks Belisle for his service and notes that Belisle made the decision not to seek re-election a while back. Breaking Belize News Belize monitors 24 active cases of COVID-19 Health officials are monitoring 24 active cases of COVID-19. Today, the Ministry of Health detected [�] Belize detects 8 new cases of COVID-19 The Ministry of Health confirmed this evening that there is a record number of positive [�] Emancipation day reflections Part 2 - 5 point plan to get us out of mental slavery and dependency By Hugh O'Brien On 1st August 2020, Part I of 2 articles am writing reflecting on the state of affairs of 'black' people as we celebrate emancipation day, was posted and shared on Breaking Belize News. [�] Mexico's COVID-19 death toll becomes the world's third-highest The BBC says that Belize's northern neighbor, Mexico, has become the country with the third-highest [�] Belize observes Emancipation Day Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Patrick Faber earlier today released a video statement [�] Emancipation day reflections Part I - The mindset of 'blacks' in Belize The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize [�] Government to launch phase 2 of unemployment relief program on Monday The online application portal for unemployment relief will re-open on August 3, 2020. Workers who [�] Government launches Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise program The Government of Belize, through a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade [�] John Saldivar says goodbye to Khalid; endorses Richie Galvez Belmopan Area Representative, John Saldivar issued a statement today thanking Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle and [�] Caye Caulker Food Expo happening today The first-ever Caye Caulker Food Expo is happening today on Calle al Sol/ Avenida Langosta. [�] Future of "Pawpa" Mena uncertain in Dangriga; "Boots" co-opts Finnegan in switch to Pickstock The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP)'s internal jockeying continues in the race to the general elections due later this year... Negotiations between Christian Workers Union and Port of Belize continue, stevedores still not back on the job The Christian workers Union (CWU) announced today that, despite notable progress in its negotiations with the Port of Belize Limited, the stevedores who are members of the union have still not returned to work... Phase 2 of COVID-19 unemployment relief to commence on Monday The Belize COVID-19 unemployment relief financial assistance portal is scheduled to re-open on Monday, August 3, 2020... Caribbean countries find there's no good answer to reopening for tourism; where will Belize fall? CNN reports that the Hobson's choice of keeping visitors out of picturesque Caribbean islands to protect citizens at an economic cost, or risk opening up to tourism and exposure to a pandemic... Elections could be delayed due to re-districting challenge in the Supreme Court As it stands, Belize is headed to general elections later this year, by at least the first week of November per Prime Minister Dean Barrow... Blogs Calling All Ocean Sleuths: Natural Rubber Bales Wash Up on the Shores of Belize? For WEEKS, I have been mildly obsessed with these strange rubbery blocks that I've found on Ambergris Caye. There is one just a few hundred feet north of us - I saw one just a bit north of that. And then my curiosity was LIT ON FIRE when we spotted one about 15 miles north - at Robles Point. WHAT THE HECK ARE THESE THINGS? This is the bale? at about Mile 15, Ambergris Caye. I think these things are bales of rubber. But what are they doing on Ambergris Caye? And why did they just wash up over the last 2 months? (Oops, there goes another rubber ship�.) Barbados' PM calls for 'Caribbean Safe Bubble' for Regional Travel As a region heavily dependent on tourism, the Caribbean needs to be a safe bubble to promote island-hopping and regional tourism in this new travel era of COVID-19. In an effort to promote nationals and visitors to fly for cheaper from territory to territory within the Caribbean, Barbados' leader Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. In a recent address, Mottley confirmed her teams are diligently working on the protocols accordingly. Initiatives, such as the Barbados Welcome Stamp, will add value and bring tourists not only to Barbados, but the entire Caribbean region. The Caribbean countries of Barbados, Belize and the Bahamas are among the most exposed in the world to the sudden pause in global tourism. Four Favorite Activities in San Ignacio, Belize We are taking every precaution to make your stay and adventures worry free. Thrilling adventures, personal safety, and guest security are intertwined in our private adventure tours. From cultural experiences to relaxing day trips, our private tours offer the best of Belize with the safety of our experienced adventure specialists guiding you from start to finish. A guest-favorite is a full-day itinerary in near-by San Ignacio Town. Guests love this day-trip for a fully immersive experience in Belize's culture, cuisine, and wildest of wildlife! International Sources A personal view on 'white privilege' and Black Lives Matte I looked back on my pre-teen years living on the Miskito Coast along the Atlantic coast of Central America. My parents were Seventh-day Adventist missionaries in the Bay Islands of Honduras, and later in British Honduras, now the independent country of Belize. Both Belize and Honduras were beautiful places to grow up. I'm sure some readers have been there to fish, snorkel, or dive. But as I look back, I now realize I had blinders on. Though I had gone to school with White, Brown, and Black children, had become bilingual in Spanish and English, had an opportunity to be better educated, and traveled more than most people - which I acknowledge and am thankful for - I was blind to my "White privilege." One cut after the other Climate change killing the Caribbean Amid the feverish work to cope with both the public health and economic effects of COVID-19 on their populations, Caribbean governments can be forgiven for dropping their guard against the existential dangers posed by climate change. But their guard must be raised again. The dangers are enlarging; they need continuous and comprehensive attention, as the present hurricane season reminds. Videos Central american agouti enjoying some mango, 12sec. Message on Emancipation Day from The Hon. Patrick Faber, 3min. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture delivers address on the occasion of Emancipation Day, August 1, 2020. Today, we join our Caribbean sister nations in the observance of Emancipation Day. Belmopan Day 50th Anniversary, 2hr. Feed the Animals, tune into the Zoo's telethon!, 5hrmin. Belmopan Day, 4min. Copa San Pedro final Conquerors Fc vs San Mateo, 2hr. Remembering Belize Day - Belize In America, 3hr. The Belize Educational Fund and Day in the Park Committee presents: Remembering Belize Day! Snorkeling the Barrier Reef in Belize, 6.5min. Night BasketBall in Belize City, 6min. Lobstering /Crayfishing In Belize City Was Amazing, 6min. Lobsters are a family (Nephropidae, sometimes also Homeridae) of large marine crustaceans. The Violin Gyal Debut Performance in Belize, 7.5min. Cindy Burgos is a professional violinist and teacher who has been playing the violin for well over 18 years. She has traveled all over the world proudly representing her country of Belize with the YOA Orchestra of the Americas. Yucatec Maya dancers of Belize, .5min. Yucatec Maya dancers dancing the U �ok'ostaj Pool at Cristo Rey Corozal Belize Caracol, Belize, 1min. The majestic Archaeological Reserve of Caracol. Located deep in the Pine Ridge Jungle.