April 19, 2020

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

Hundreds leave island
Hundreds of mainland residents are preparing to travel off the island with the assistance of the island authorities and the Ministry of Health. Every person boarding the boats has been screened prior to today and will be required to do another 14 day isolation at their intended destination. Some were stranded on the island while others lost their jobs after cases COVID-19 were registered in the country paralyzing the island’s main economy - Tourism.

Maresha Reid and company continue feeding those in need
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, economies have taken massive hits. Belize, which was dependent on tourism, has seen the effects of the pandemic as well. Its top tourism destination Ambergris Caye, has a population that saw the first effects of job losses. After the first positive COVID-19 case was registered on the island, an emergency lockdown caused many unemployed people to stay put, jobless and unfortunately, in need. Not one to shy away from helping each other, islanders and businesses (both on and off-island) came together to find a way to help the less fortunate – either via groceries or feeding programs.

Ambergris Today

Island residents on waiting list given the clear to leave Ambergris Caye today
No work, no money, no housing, running out of food. Going home to their families in the mainland.

Various Belizean Sources

Free Soup Project for Belize
Elizabeth Vidrine and T. Budd are organizing this fundraiser. The farmers in San Antonio, Cayo are not able to sell their vegetables due to the current lockdown situation, no one is leaving the village therefore they giving some away but most are rotting in the fields and people are starting to go hungry all around Belize. I spoke with the village chairman Danny Mai of San Antonio as I am trying to gather money to buy vegetables from farmers and start a soup kitchen making soups to give out to those who are in need of food. I have the facility to cook and package the soups but we need containers, gas to deliver and money to buy the vegetables. I will make bone stock, very healthy nutritious soups that can feed families here in Cayo. If you can help please do so, any little bit will feed many, every dollar helps. Thank you in advance and please keep praying for our world and stay safe.

Take note of Zitro’s Location and Services Provided
Zitro’s Location and Services Provided, including Western Union

COVID - 19 UPDATE: This is our data up until 3 pm today.
After more tests conducted, Belize has not recorded any new COVID-19 cases. Our number still stands at 18 cases total. This chart, showing the current status, was released on Saturday night by the Government Press Office.

Continuous Medical Education (CME) Presentation
In times of COVID-19, lots of things have changed and will continue to change as new norms are established. in light of this, we thank Dr. Jorge Hidalgo and his efforts in bringing a daily one hour session of Continuous Medical Education (CME) to Belizeans doctors across the country and Caribbean colleagues throughout the English speaking Caribbean. For over a week, the sessions have been held virtually with varying topics of interest and related to COVID-19, this at no cost to both doctors in private and public sector.

Bishop Dorick Wright to be Laid to Rest
Bishop Wright will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 22nd April, 2020 at 10 a.m. After consultations with the Nuncio, it was decided that Bishop Wright will be buried in the Holy Redeemer Cathedral Garden. A procession only with the body will start at 8 a.m. from the morgue, passing by the Belize City churches. The body will be at the Cathedral at 9 a.m. for the mass at 10 a.m. and the event will be shown via social media. Eventually there will be a memorial Mass for him at the cathedral with simultaneous masses in all parishes.

Sunday a Lockdown Day
The public of Belize is reminded that tomorrow Sunday April 19, 2020 will be another total lockdown. ALL Grocery Shops and Supermarkets will be closed.

Mr Zeke Novelo and the other fishermen offer fish
The Caye Caulker Village Council would like to applaud Mr Zeke Novelo and the other fishermen for giving back to our community in time of need. A truly beautiful example of community effort. Thank you

BWS Customer Premises Leak Detection Program Suspended
Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended our free Customer Premises Leak Detection. Here are steps you can follow to detect if you have a leak at your premises:

“The Story of Doubting Thomas” Interactive children's Program
BEL, in collaboration with the Anglican Diocese of Belize and Love FM, brings another interactive Sunday School program for children countrywide: “The Story of Doubting Thomas”. Tune in on Sunday, April 19 on Love FM or Love TV.

BEL: Countrywide payment options provided by our partners

The rest of this season's games in the PLB have been cancelled
The Premier League of Belize (PLB) held a virtual conference on the 18th April. 2020 with the Executive Committee and Club Owners of the participating Closing Season competition to discuss the way forward as it related to the 2019/2020 Closing Season. It was unanimously agreed upon by the Club Owners that the Closing Season would be cancelled due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the imminent challenges that would have been experienced due to the Curren economic crisis. The League was also of the opinion that the safety of our players, officials, fans and stakeholders also had to be taken in consideration.

The NEBL has decided to cancel the rest of the 2020 season
The team owners of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) met today to make a decision on the 2020 season. It was decided that this season will be cancelled due to many uncertainties created by COVID-19 and the social, health and financial impacts it will have on team owners, players, fans and other stakeholders. The league would like to take this time to thank all the fans, team owners, managers, players, table officials, referees, media houses and security forces who made the shortened 2020 season a success. Initial discussions regarding the 2021 season involve having a longer season to somewhat compensate for this abbreviated season.

Learn to Cook Fry Jacks!
BFREE BZ will be streaming a cooking session Sunday morning. 10:00am local time. Fry Jacks! Join Nelly Cadle, BFREE Field Course Leader this morning as she teaches us to make Belizean Fry Jacks live from her kitchen in Belize! You only need a few ingredients to join in making these traditional Belizean treats from your own home. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

The Rotary Satellite Club of San Ignacio Benque Viejo was mentioned in The Rotarian!
It was about their effort with the BioBarrier. Congratulations! We are excited to share that our club has been featured in THE ROTARIAN magazine for our biobar project. Kudos to our club members and all members of the community for the hard work and dedication into this project. Keep up the awesome work!

Free Online Training by Hospitality Training Services Belize
Did you know tlt Trnng Srv (HTS)  offering a series of FREE online training sessions for Belizeans?   th nl mn n lz licensed t ffr crtftn from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This is for anyone in Belize who worked in the tourism industry or may be interested in a post-COVID career in the tourism industry.

LEG BONE OF A GIANT SLOTH FOUND IN BELIZE
When this lockdown and national emergency is over people will want to get out and experience things they took for granted. In the first attached photo you will be able to see a section of a giant sloth tigh bone that was discovered in Belize. It was discovered in the Yalbac area of Belize. I am not familiar with the full story of the discovery, but if you want to learn more about this display and other interesting historical information about our country, make it a plan to visit. The second photo is the complete skeletal structure of the giant sloth. You will be able to see where the section of the bone found in Belize would have fitted. I believe the bone would have fitted in the sloth's leg above the first joint.

OFFICE OF THE MUSIC AMBASSADOR SPONSORS STAY HOME DJ CHALLENGE!!!
Friday April 25.

Camazotz means "death bat" in the Kiche language
n Mesoamerica the bat was associated with night, death, and sacrifice . Camazotz is the servant of the Lord of Death. He leads the nightly arrival of twilight, the time when bats emerge from their caves. In the Popol Vuh, Camazotz are the bat-like monsters encountered by the Maya Hero Twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque during their trials in the underworld of Xibalba. The twins had to spend the night in the House of Bats, where they squeezed themselves into their own blowguns in order to defend themselves from the circling bats. Hunahpu stuck his head out of his blowgun to see if the sun had risen and Camazotz immediately snatched off his head and carried it to the ballcourt to be hung up as the ball to be used by the gods in their next ballgame .

Channel 5

Fatal Road Traffic Accident
Fifty year old Octavio Cowo died after being involved in a traffic accident on Friday night. It happened at around 8:55 pm near the San Estevan Roundabout, Orange Walk District. According to police, Cowo was driving a grey pick-up truck when he lost control. The vehicle flipped several times and Cowo died on the scene.

More Persons Allowed to Leave San Pedro!
As early as 6 a.m. today a number of persons formed lines at the Central Park in San Pedro as they waited with their belongings for a chartered boat to leave the island and return to their respective homes on the mainland. They were waiting for 3 hours because the two vessels, which were delayed, just arrived at the San Pedro Belize Express pier on La Isla Bonita. About two weeks ago, another boat filled with persons, who lost their jobs due to the shuttering of the tourism industry, was allowed to transport these displaced persons off the island. We are told that these people have been screened so they could leave the island.

The Reporter

200 persons were allowed to leave San Pedro
The Reporter has confirmed with Police that over 200 persons were allowed to leave San Pedro today. While the island remains guided by the nationwide quarantine which has gone into effect, those who were allowed to leave are persons who were caught on the island when the first State of Emergency for San Pedro was announced. With no more cases confirmed on the island, it has been determined that it is safe for them to leave. (Pic - Priest blessing persons as they leave)

A traffic accident claimed the life of Octavio Cowo in Orange Walk around 9:00 p.m. Friday
Reports are that Cowo was traveling north, near San Estevan, when he lost control of his Mitsubishi pick up. The truck flipped several times causing him fatal injuries to the head.

Breaking Belize News

One phone Call Away – Solution to the plight of cattle farmers in Belize
By Hugh O’Brien: The plight of cattle farmers in Belize was on the local news this week and […]

Fifth consecutive day with no new case of COVID-19 in Belize
Today is the fifth consecutive day with no new case of COVID-19 confirmed in Belize. […]

Children not allowed on streets after 4 pm
The Government of Belize has notified the public of Statutory instrument number 56 of 2020 […]

Gang members reportedly reaffirm 1995 gang treaty, promise peace and disarmament
For the first time, rival gangs in Belize have approached authorities to initiate a peace treaty […]

Hundreds stranded in San Pedro allowed to return home
Picture courtesy: The San Pedro Sun On March 23rd Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that […]

Farmer dies in traffic accident
Just before 9 o’clock last night there was a fatal road traffic accident reported in […]

Belize City men released from prison turn in 27 guns
On Wednesday night over a hundred men were released after 30 days at the Belize […]

Blogs

Uncertain Notes On Quarantine Life Day 27 and the Future on Ambergris Caye
Here’s an update on what’s going on both in my life and on Ambergris Caye. We are on Day 27 of Quarantine on this island. We had the first two cases, daughter and mother, announced March 23rd and have been on varying levels of quarantine. The entire country joined the island April 2nd as more cases were found. This is certain. The borders are closed. We are supposed to be restricted to our homes most of the day. There is a curfew. The number of tests given, the cases identified, the 2 deaths. Each case is announced and tracked and traced and people quarantined. But with at least 40% of the country out of work (and growing) – all but essential businesses closed and the government providing minimal benefits (can you imagine living on $150bzd for 2 weeks on Ambergris Caye?) – could we emerge from this even close to whole? How many dive shops, restaurants, bars, construction projects will never re-open?

Belize Big Day 2020 – A Backyard Challenge!
During stay at home orders, get familiar with your ‘yard birds’ and participate in Belize’s Big Day 2020. If you have a backyard, a balcony, or even a bird feeder, local birders are challenging you to participate in a Belize Big Day tomorrow, April 19th. A “big day” in the birding world means counting as many birds as possible in 24 hours. With the COVID-19 pandemic and national quarantine orders for Belize, that means getting creative to go birdwatching. Birding can be more than just watching birds, but a relaxing form of meditation and stress relief. You don’t have to be an expert; it just makes you feel good. In the past, birding was just for people who had time and access to the rainforest. Today, we know birds can be seen anywhere – even from your backyard.

5 Ways Coronavirus Could Forever Change The Way We Travel
When the tragic events of 9/11 occurred, the airline industry forever changed the way we go through airport security, pack our bags, and board planes. The increased travel security has since became our new normal. That is, until the COVID-19 coronavirus. Today, the pandemic is unlike anything else we’ve seen in our lifetime, and even compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Once again, people around the world are adjusting when, where, and how they travel because of this novel disease. Here are 5 ways the coronavirus may affect how you travel to, from, and even within Belize.

International Sources

Can COVID-19 be spread through coins and banknotes?
There is currently no evidence to confirm or disprove that coronavirus can be transmitted through coins or banknotes.

Videos

April 18, 2020

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

Amendment to State of Emergency: Curfew for minors, Bill-paying Fridays and medical staff restrictions
A set of changes regarding the regulations in the current state of emergency are expected to become law today, Friday, April 17th, as previously stated by the Attorney General and Minister of National Security, Honourable Michael Peyrefitte. According to Peyrefitte, who appeared on a live talk online Wednesday, April 15th, one of the new regulations will prohibit children 16 years and younger to be on the streets after 4PM, as of Friday April 17th. The amendment will also see utility companies opening their doors on Fridays for payment of bills, and medical staff are now being ordered to work at one facility only.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow Updates Nation on COVID-19 Response
My Fellow Belizeans, I need periodically to bring you up to date on our war against COVID-19, and it is for that purpose that I address you now. There are, of course, two basic fronts to our campaign: the medical and the socioeconomic. Regarding the medical, I am certain that we are making every effort to do the right thing. The nationwide lockdown is one sure way of helping to contain the spread of the virus. Accordingly, that lockdown will be made to run at least its 14-day course. The core medical team, tirelessly led by Dr. Marvin Manzanero, is receiving more expert support than ever. Several additional medical personnel have joined the National Task Force and have been given various critical assignments. Gaps and omissions are being addressed in as inclusive a manner as possible, in which connection the preliminary understanding reached with the KHMHA Union is key.

Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates Face Masks to the Ministry of Health
In a brief ceremony on April 16th, the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin received, on behalf of the Government of Belize, 60,000 face masks from the Government of the Republic China (Taiwan) through its Ambassador to Belize H.E. Remus Li-Kou Chen.

Various Belizean Sources

Smoke in Belmopan
Residents in certain areas of Belmopan have been complaining for days about the burning of trash and other materials. They say the smoke created is harmful to their health. According to this image from The GIZ-Selva Maya Biodiversity Monitoring Project, those residents are right and the air quality is at a record, and dangerous low. They are calling on the Department of the Environment to look into this as a matter of priority.

One World: Together At Home, Global broadcast to fight COVID-19
Today, Saturday, 18 APRIL 2020 One World: Together At Home is a historic, global broadcast to support the fight against COVID-19. Watch on the World Health Organization (WHO) FB page at noon BZ time. MSNBC (Channel 40 on Coral Cable) will be broadcasting the event at 6pm BZ time. For more information about the initiative and event, visit the Global Citizen page. https://www.facebook.com/GLBLCTZN/

Making Masks: From the Western Regional Hospital:
“As we continue to prepare for the Covid19 pandemic the Community Health Workers of the Belmopan catchment area have been tasked to mass produce face mask for the health workers of the entire Ministry of Health. These will be distributed to all health facilities in the country. Kudos to these ladies.”

Emergency Contraceptive Services
In an effort to continue our support of sexual and reproductive health services, BFLA has partnered with key persons throughout the country, to provide condoms and emergency contraceptives to those in need. Kindly reach out to the contact person in your district for more information.

Emergency Powers Regulations 2020
Until we get it in writing, this is an unofficial copy of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2020. This is Statutory Instrument No. 46, amended with SI-47, SI-52, and SI-54.

An overview of Archival Projects and Preservation Efforts at ISCR-NICH Belize
"An overview of Archival Projects and Preservation Efforts at ISCR-NICH Belize" by Rolando Cocom of ISCR NICH: One of the pillars of our work is to ensure that research, information and archival materials are accessible to Belizeans and researchers. This includes carrying out the processes of archiving, digitization and open access through which our collections are better preserved and made more accessible. The presentation was delivered at the virtual symposium: "Capacity Assessment of Latin American and Caribbean Partners: A Symposium about Open- Access, Technological Needs, and Institutional Sustainability” held on April 16 and 17, 2020 and funded by the CLIR Microgrant.

San Pedro: Current restaurants offering delivery
Lots of new options on the list today....

The Placencia Ambition Forum
The Government of Belize, in its capacity as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), will host the Placencia Ambition Forum from April 20-22, 2020. The Placencia Ambition Forum will bring together major actors in the climate change negotiations around the central theme of increasing ambition and safeguarding the Paris Agreement. Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow will be the keynote speaker at the High-Level Opening Session of the virtual Forum, which will also include inter alia, high-level messages from the President of COP25, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and the UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

Ministry of Health SARSCOV2 Lab Screening numbers as of 3pm
No new reported COVID-9 cases in four consecutive days. This is our data up until 3 pm Friday. Please, let us continue to practice/ensure social distancing - that is key in ensuring our numbers in terms of positive cases don’t go up. We will be providing further updates through the weekend!

Let's Rise Telethon
Founding members of Jankunu Productions along with the Love Foundation were able to raise just over twenty three thousand dollars via an initiative aimed at helping persons in vulnerable groups as well as front line workers. The foundation, Jankunu Productions and RSV Limited conducted a telethon Friday to raise funds as part of a covid relief initiative.

Caye Caulker Food Fund Drive
Caye Caulker relies heavily on tourism. With tourism having vanished completely due to the Covid19 pandemic, and people needing to stay home, most islanders have lost their jobs and income, some of them already living day by day. Result: There are those that are going hungry on the island. No one should go hungry. No one should have to worry about feeding their children, we simply cannot let this happen.

Here are the amended SI no 55 and 56 of the 2020 Belize Constitution

Monthly Weather Summary, March 2020
March is usually a warm, dry and windy month across the country of Belize. A gusty easterly to southeasterly wind normally prevails throughout much of the month supporting warm and fair conditions. Whatever limited rainfall that occurs during the month is typically associated with one or two cold fronts, prefrontal troughs, shear lines and low level easterly wind surges. March 2020 started off generally fair with only light isolated showers as a moderate Easterly to northeasterly airflow prevailed across the country. The second day of the month skies were mostly cloudy as layered clouds dominated the area but no significant rainfall occurred.

State of Education Update Monday
Tune in on Monday at 10 a.m., to the Government's Press Office Facebook page for a live webcast and update on the state of Belize's education.

Lord Ashcroft COVID Relief Fund
The Belize Red Cross has received a $500,000 donation from Lord Ashcroft COVID Relief Fund. It is meant to help alleviate hardship for in-need families during the pandemic.

Contact Information for Mental Health Services
Please reach out to us for Mental health service during this COVID-19. Corozal: 422-3909/422-2072 ext. 241. Orange Walk: 670-9367/670-9375. Belize City: 223-0131/222-4920. Belmopan: 661-8178 (Daytime, Whatsapp only). 600-9678 (After 5:00 p.m.). San Ignacio: 664-2885. Dangriga: 601-1045. Punta Gorda: 625-6415.

Caye Caulker Tour Operators assisting Coast Guard
Thank you to Caye Caulker Tour Operators who have joined forces with the Coast Guards and Village Council to provide coastal patrols. Since before Easter they have made sure only authorized persons/boats, after screening persons, can come on the island temporarily. My higgest kudos to them who spend hours on the water chasing boats and discouraging unwanted persons/boats. It is a quiet operation, these guys don't blow their horns; just get the job done. Caye Caulker does not know their sacrifice...so I will toot the horn for them. Its all voluntary: for the love of the island. Much Respect to Artie M., Chang Lee, Carlos A., Henry L., Lawrence A., Valentin M., Kyle R., Amado W., George R. Jr., Gerardo A., Kevin S., Past Coast Guard Commander Mr Cocom and present Commander Mr Moore. Their dedication and loyalty to this island is commendable. Thank you!

DONATE BLOOD *** COROZAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
The management of Corozal Community Hospital and the laboratory would like to inform the general public that the lab is open for blood donation, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

TUNE IN TO ONLINE RADIO BELIZE MIX WITH ADELA "ADELITA" PEDERSON OF COROZAL, SATURDAY @ 11:00 A.M.*** WE ARE MAYA
GET READY WORLD FOR THE APRIL EPISODE OF "AH WAYK OP LAIK DIS" RADIO TALK SHOW VIA SKYPE !! WOW! WOW! AMAZING GUESTS FROM LOS ANGELES, CHICAGO & BELIZE -- STAY TUNE --

BSI COLLABORATES WITH SUGAR CANE FARMERS WOMEN'S GROUPS TO PROVIDE FACE MASKS TO ITS STAKEHOLDERS IN ORANGE WALK & COROZAL
On the heels of the announcement by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, encouraging the use of face masks, Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. (BSI), a member of ASR Group, started the distribution of locally made face masks to stakeholders—cane cutters, truck drivers, farmers, and harvesting group leaders. BSI secured and provided the materials for fabrication of more than 5,400 face masks to women’s groups linked to cane farmer associations from the Orange Walk and Corozal districts. The women began the mass production more than a week ago after BSI’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department approved a sample based on CDC guidelines for non-medical masks to be effective at trapping droplets from speaking, coughing and/or sneezing. Distribution of these fabric face masks commenced yesterday and each stakeholder will receive a packet containing two masks with a mask-use guide inside.

FCCA Essay Competition 2020
The FCCA is holding their 2020 Children's Essay Competition. The deadline to enter is July 6th. The Belize Tourism Board has all the details. There are some huge cash prizes. Best of luck! "It's that time of year again for the FCCA Children's Essay competition. Know a talented student? Encourage them to apply and they may win a generous prize!"

BWS COVID-19 Assistance to Customers

Supa G live stream concert
No need to quarantine in boredom, tune in this Saturday April 18th for a treat! Supa G live stream concert on DJ Dalla's Facebook page-Sec9Live.com @ 7pm, Don't miss it!

Maya Legend of Yuum Cimil
The Maya natives of today, inhabitants of the Yucatan Peninsula, assure that Yum Cimil, Lord of Death, goes around the rooms of the sick to take them away. This much feared lord was the ancient Lord of the Underworld, who was called Ah Puch, also known as Ah Cimil, Kisin (the stinking one), and Hun Ahau. The Maya represented him as a skeleton with the face of a jaguar or owl, from his body you could see the ribs and the spine without meat; that is, only the bones were appreciated. But sometimes his body was covered in flesh, bloated flesh filled with black circles caused by decay.

Channel 7

Boots Battles On The Breadlines
COVID-19, it's left tens of thousands of Belizeans jobless, and there's a creeping sense of desperation amongst the most needy, but, on the other side, over twenty thousand Belizeans have received their first unemployment relief cheque, four thousand have received or are waiting for their enhanced food pantry package, while tens of thousands have applied for a package of food assistance. But, today in Belize City, securing a little assistance for some Belize City residents was a hassle.

Cops, They're Only Human
And while the police got publicly pilloried by a cabinet minister for that mis-step, today the commissioner - speaking generally - said that, right now, the police are under pressure - and he has to let some things slide:

Gangsters Get Out
We tracked down the commissioner this morning in the Raccoon Street station yard because we wanted to find out about the biggest news of last night: the police and the state had decided to set free 134 alleged gang members who had been detained under the Southside State of Emergency on March 18th. Initially, authorities had said they would lock them up for 30 days, and then roll that over for another 30 to 60 days. But as we told you last night, the commissioner hinted to them on Wednesday that he was inclined to bypass that and end their detention last night, at the 30 day mark.

27 Guns For 134 Gangsters?
So, the police have already gotten 22 guns, and a promise of 5 more. But, 27 guns from 134 gangsters? The math doesn't seem right. We asked the COMPOL about it: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Sir, we know that these gangs they have arsenals and you are dealing with 134 alleged gangsters. Is it realistic to think that they will hand over their weapons? 2) Is this informal gun amnesty, because when you are in possession of a firearm it's a remandable offence?"

Gang Fight Triggers Detentions
But, quicker than you could say "gang truce", there was reportedly a gang related fight this morning in Belize City. Reports to us are that It happened near a meat pie shop on Hyde's Lane between two warring gangs, and it was the police who fired a shot to break up the melee. We asked the commissioner about it:

Will Gangsters Get Back At State?
But, could that tough talk, and the 30 day detention trigger what's known as a retaliation against the state? That's when gang affiliates commit deadly crimes just to "give the police work", as they say. It has happened before and lives have been lost as a consequence. We asked the commissioner about that today: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Speak if you can about retaliation or the possibility of retaliation against the state. We know that this is a pattern of behavior throughout in the Caribbean whenever these measures are instituted, the criminals have a tendency because they feel they were unjustly incarcerated at great pain to their families and they want to exact a retaliation against the state."

Compassion In COVID Time
And, despite the "mano duro" position being taken, the fact is that there has been the exercise of some compassion in letting the detainees out after 30 days. Williams discussed this today: "We have to bear in mind as well that these people do have relatives out here who are to some of them are punishing and we have to look at striking a balance to see what can be done with a view to be able to have them out here to provide for their loved one's during this time and so it was on that basis that the decision was made not to extend."

Four Days, No New COVID Cases
As we told you at the top of the news, there are no new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Belize tonight. But, about 100 more persons have been tested and all those results came back negative. So, 734 persons have been tested total, 716 of those tests have been negative, while 18 were positive. Of those 18, two have died, and the other 16 are recovering - with none in intensive care. Notably, no positive tests have emerged since Monday.

Ariaga Advises COVID Caution
And while the numbers are encouraging, and the positive results seem to be trending down, the head of intensive care at Belize's national referral hospital warns that we shouldn't get relaxed at all, because a true outbreak could be around the corner. Dr. Pedro Ariaga spoke to us via video conference from a hotel room in Belize City where he is on quarantine for possible COVID-19 exposure. He said the numbers could trend up quickly once more tests are done:...

Ariaga: KHMH Iso Unit Works
Ariaga also discussed the controversy over the COVID-19 isolation unit being housed at the KHMH. He says it is not ideal, but because ventilators need a steady oxygen supply, it is the only practical choice: Jules Vasquez: "What do you think of the isolation ward being within the walls of the KHMH?" Dr. Pedro Ariaga - Head of ICU, KHMH: "Difficult question to answer, because the problem is where else we are going to put that unit? For example, we are talking about patients that supposed to be with mechanical ventilation..."

Ariaga Conferencing Through COVID
And while he can't currently attend to any of those who are really sick, Ariaga says that even on quarantine, he remains actively involved in the management of patients by doing just what he did with us: video calls to the medical team in the ICU and the isolation unit: Jules Vasquez: "But now everything has stopped for you, while you remain on self-isolation. Is that right?"

Fast & Furious After Curfew
And, as Araiga said, to keep COVID-19 at bay, Belizeans have to stay home. But not everyone is following the rules, and last night two Santa Elena curfew breakers were sitting in a white pick up truck when they were spotted by police. They tried to evade arrest by speeding off but the cops pursued them. It was a high-speed chase that ended when the truck crashed into a fence. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams told us more today.

Curfew Arrests Coming Down
And while police expect to make arrests in that curfew violation, overall, those arrests have been trending down. There have been 900 in two weeks, but the Commissioner says he thinks police are using a softer approach:

How Do The Cops Keep Up?
And while police may be using more discretion, they also have to be constantly doing homework because the State Of Emergency regulations are constantly being tweaked. Today statutory instruments 55 and 56 went out with the latest regulations. Less than a month ago, the whole State of Emergency thing started out at SI No. 47.

PSU, No Agreement On Wage Freeze
But, while the regs may change, the 8:00 pm curfew has been pretty steady for two weeks now. Still though, night drives and tailgating are far from the only things we've had to give up in COVID-time Belize. Tens of thousands have lost their livelihoods and those lucky enough to still have jobs are facing the possibility of pay cuts. And while public officers are facing the reality that they may have to give up their increment, an internal memo from the PSU says no agreement has been reached.

Wildfires Out West
Right now, Belizeans are doing their best to reduce their risk of catching the highly contagious coronavirus. That's why there was great concern this morning when residents of Belmopan and nearby communities woke up to a thick cloud of smoke polluting their air. As all of us know by now, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that directly affects the lungs. And so, the local experts are concerned that air pollution can increase the COVID health risks.

Shilpa's Frontline Story
Our next story comes from New Jersey. That's where Shilpa Bhatt is an ultrasound technologist on the frontlines of the COVID war. That state has one of the highest infection and mortality rates in the US, and Bhatt says that because of her speciality she is always one of the first to be called to deal with new admissions. Bhatt has strong ties to Belize. Her parents lived here for 28 years and her mother was a doctor in Orange Walk while her father ran a pharmacy. She told us what's the present situation in New Jersey and how she deals with it.

Face Masks For Farmers
ASR/BSI, the millers of sugarcane in the north, is reporting tonight that they've been working with women's groups of the 3 cane farming associations to mass produce over 5,400 face masks for the cane farmers of Corozal and Orange Walk. The company says that after the Prime Minister's announcement encouraging the use of face masks to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19, they secured and provided the materials for these locally-made masks.

Homes For Hens
On Tuesday we told you about the chicken crisis facing the nation. And at the start of the week dwindling poultry sales were straining the storage capabilities and threatening the freshness of products slated for sale. We also told you that one producer Quality Poultry was combating the crisis by offering buy two get one deals. And today General Manager Raymond Barkman told us that the sales quote: " are working very well."

A Tarpon's Tale
Tarpon fishing for consumption or sale is illegal in Belize. It's a species designated for catch and release only. That's why these pictures, posted on Facebook, caused outrage among conservation-minded Belizeans who saw it. In the first picture, a man, who is obviously hiding his face to conceal his identity, is posing with a massive fish. Experts tell us that the size indicates that this is an elderly Tarpon specimen.

No Cabbies During COVID
This week a taxi driver was arrested on Cayo's Black Rock Road for carrying out a regular run. And today we asked Commissioner Williams how many Taxi men countrywide have been charged and whether they're allowed to be working at all. "Taxi men have to understand that while yes they can run they can only run on call and the call must be one that is of emergency it cannot be an ordinary run and so if it is that they're out there doing routine taxiing then that is not permissible under the regulations."

Channel 5

Gang Members Released from Detention After Thirty-day Lockdown
On Thursday night, more than one hundred and forty persons suspected of being members of gangs were released from the Belize Central Prison after a month of incarceration. At the [...]

Belize Purchasing South Korean Testing Kits from Cayman, but Did Not Accept Donation through SICA
According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a recorded statement, Belize is acquiring testing kits from the Cayman Islands.  The Cayman Islands has found itself with a surplus of the [...]

COVID-19 Update: 734 Screened, No New Cases
The last confirmed positive COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday; since then, there has been no new cases which means that going into the weekend, the number of confirmed cases [...]

The Dairy Sector’s Struggles Amid COVID-19 Restrictions
All this week we’ve been reporting on the economic impact of COVID-19 on the agro-productive sector. As you’ve heard earlier this week, the Spanish Lookout Community is facing a number [...]

185 Fires Recorded in a Single Day!
Residents in western Belize, particularly in Belmopan and San Ignacio and Santa Elena have been complaining about smog that has been lingering going on for almost two weeks. They say [...]

A Donation to the Red Cross Association in Memory of Rene Ashcroft
The Red Cross Association is well-known all over the world, for its expertise in organizing food distribution and other relief efforts in times of disasters.  On Thursday, the Belize branch [...]

An Economic Shock Unlike No Other
In addressing the nation during a televised statement on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Dean Barrow touched on a number of issues as they relate to the coronavirus catastrophe.  Among those [...]

Help is for Everyone, Red and Blue
In respect of details of government’s relief assistance, PM Barrow reminded that everything his administration is doing to get the country through this crisis is with a view to helping [...]

Order and Social Distancing; a Must During Pantry Distributions
Long lines are forming at centres where the pantry programme is being distributed. This morning, it turned ugly when police disrupted the pantry disbursed by the Salvation Army. But at [...]

State of Emergency and Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming continues to be a way of life among members of the indigenous communities in southern Belize.  Amid the national state of emergency brought about by the coronavirus crisis, [...]

Returning Home to Toledo Amid COVID-19 Crisis
The south, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, have not reported any case of the coronavirus. But in several communities, residents who migrated to other parts of the country where they [...]

Environmental Experts Weigh In on Fire Increase!
As you heard earlier in the newscast, the Forest Department is facing a growing problem with fires across the country. And there may be regulations coming as early as next [...]

ComPol Chester Williams: Traffic Backup at Checkpoint a Good Thing
There have been a number of complaints about the backup of traffic on the Philip Goldson Highway in the mornings by commuters coming into the City from Ladyville. That congestion [...]

The Ladyville and Lord’s Bank Villages COVID-19 Committee Kicks Into Action
The communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank have not been exempted from the impacts of COVID-19.  A large number of residents work in some way in the tourism industry which [...]

The Sugar Industry Prepared for COVID-19
This week, we have been covering the state of the productive sector. Dairy and the general livestock industry, as we heard, are having a difficult time during this state of [...]

The Sugar Industry Preparing for Another Drought
The 2019 extended drought has had an adverse impact on the agriculture industry in Belize; in fact, some farmers are still reeling from it.  It caused a significant drop in [...]

Driver Abandons Crashed Vehicle After Police Pursuit
On Thursday night in San Ignacio, a motorist fled the scene of a collision after reportedly being pursued by police officers on motorcycle.  The pickup truck, as seen here, ran [...]

The Belize Zoo Needs Your Help!
The Belize Zoo is asking for help for one hundred and fifty plus residents.  The zoo has closed its doors and, like many other entities, it is unable to earn [...]

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you are feeling stressed, not your usual self and finding it difficult to navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. The difficulties, restrictions and other elements connected [...]

Tips on How to Cope with COVID-19 Mental Distress!
And if you are experiencing mental distress, Ines Cano shared some tips about what you can do to help you during such challenging times.   Ines Cano, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner [...]

Amandala

Doug Singh reveals himself
Late this afternoon, Doug Singh, who is the Chairman of the Belize Social Security Board (SSB), Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission and a director of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), abruptly submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Singh’s hasty resignation from all the aforementioned positions occurred shortly after an interview that he gave to Belize Breaking News (BBN) reporter, Aaron Humes, went viral in social media. Unbeknownst to Singh, Humes had recorded the interview, which somehow got posted on social media, where a firestorm of criticism was launched against Singh.

Bishop Dorick Wright passes
Belizeans are mourning the loss of one of the most prominent religious leaders in the country, Bishop Dorick Wright, the Bishop Emeritus of Belize. He was known across the country for his lifetime of service to the Catholic Church before his passing on Wednesday morning at the age of 74. Bishop Wright was a proud graduate of St. John’s College before entering the Conception Seminary run by the Order of St. Benedict in Kansas, Missouri, where he was trained for the priesthood. After being ordained at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral in 1975, Bishop Wright served as a pastor at many Catholic institutions, such as St. Joseph’s Parish, Holy Redeemer Cathedral and Inmaculada Parish in Orange Walk.

Drinking water shortage; long lines for “States money”
The Bowen & Bowen compound on Slaughterhouse Road was packed on Tuesday, but the people who had wanted to buy their 5-gallon container of Crystal water left disappointed. Some of the customers decided to buy the small plastic bags of Crystal water, which was the only kind of water that Bowen & Bowen had in stock. Many customers were seen riding bicycles with their empty 5-gallon Crystal water bottles; some were walking. All of them had one thing in common: they were searching for the 5-gallon Crystal water, but there was none around Belize City on Tuesday.

880 persons arrested
On April 1, the country of Belize went into a national State of Emergency after the number of persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus spiked. As part of the State of Emergency, government instituted a curfew which begins at 8:00 p.m. and continues until 5:00 a.m. Notwithstanding the massive penalties that are attached to violating the provisions of the State of Emergency, many Belizeans across the country have found it difficult to abide by the emergency laws that have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Gangbangers,” locked away in March State of Emergency, released
On March 20, a State of Emergency for Belize City was declared in response to a spike of brutal gun violence that was a launched by criminals between Friday, March 13, and Tuesday March 17, in which 7 people were brutally killed, including 2 little children, each 5 years old, who were sleeping at their homes with their mothers. Kia Herbert, 5, was reportedly shot about 7 times in her chest, back, and abdomen, while Dominique Rhamdas, 5, was shot in his chest, back and abdomen about 5 times.

Food aplenty, while people don’t have enough to eat
Over time, the Mennonite group, with their superior organization and financing, has come to dominate the production of staples in Belize, while the children of traditional farming families have moved into employment with the government services and in tourism. The entry of COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March, has jolted the economic chain, with some sections of our economy grinding to a halt. This closure of some sections of the economy is affecting everybody. The Mennonites, and other farmers, have food, aplenty, but most Belizeans are unemployed, so they have no money to buy.

Ministry of Health refuses COVID-19 test kits from South Korea
In the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries have done outstandingly well. These countries have fared well, not because the novel coronavirus did not affect them, but because of their farsighted, well-coordinated response to the threats posed by the COVID-19 crisis. One such country is South Korea, which recently agreed to ship 600,000 test kits to the United States after President Donald Trump appealed to the Government of South Korea. Last month, however, the Government of Belize decided not to accept 25,000 test kits that South Korea was providing to Belize through the auspices of SICA, the Central American Integration System, which brokered the agreement to provide the region with the COVID-19 test kits.

World oil prices are depressed, but government has not relieved Belizeans from high fuel prices
Belizeans have so far not benefited from the crash of oil prices on the world market. At a time of global crisis, the Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow has demonstrated that it appears to care more about collecting its taxes than providing some measures of relief for Belizeans. Given the reality of what is happening in the world with the COVID-19 pandemic and how that has affected the world consumption of oil, which industry experts are saying had fallen by more than 10 million barrels per day due to the global lockdown, the Belize government has not seen it fit to pass on the savings to consumers.

3 cops who forced couple to have sex arraigned
Corporal Jason Shaw, 46; Constable Leslie Martinez, 38; and Constable Anthony Villamil, 20, of Precinct 2 of the Police Department in Belize City, were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today on the charge of willful oppression. They pleaded not guilty and were each offered bail of $1,000 and a surety of the same amount. They were able to meet bail and were ordered to return to court on July 14.

COVID-19 death count remains at two
On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Government of Belize announced that Belize had its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19), and it was a 38-year-old woman who had tested positive for the disease. The count reached four after it was announced on Friday, April 3, that a male resident of San Ignacio, in the Cayo District, who was employed by the Belize City Council and worked in Belize City, had tested positive for the virus.

What is now at stake in Belize’s COVID-19 hospital response
Below is my SOMBER assessment, followed by some suggestions: 1. We feared that the indispensable role of the KHMH, the national referral hospital that is tasked with essential emergency and tertiary care services for all of Belize, is now at high risk of being crippled if contamination of the general hospital and staff ensues—which is now evidently afoot. 2. The circumstances and the manner in which Belize’s second victim was managed and succumbed, effectively “isolates” both the medical staff (doctors, nurses, and supporting staff) at the two institutions that cared for him: BHPL and KHMH.

Vibrations from earthquake off Honduras’ Caribbean coast felt in Belize early Thursday morning
Some Belizeans were shaken awake at about 2:00 this morning, April 16, 2020, by vibrations from a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Savannah Bight, near the Bay Islands of Honduras. There were no reports of any injuries or damages in Honduras, but volcanodiscovery.com got reports from people in Mexico (200 miles from the epicenter), Belmopan (202 miles from the epicenter), and Caye Caulker (163 miles from the epicenter), who felt the earth shaking. Honduras lies on the Western edge of the Caribbean tectonic plate, which passes near the south border between Belize and Guatemala, and there have been a number of earthquakes and earth tremors in this area of the sea off its coast in the past year.

Tougher measures added to State of Emergency laws
At midnight on April 1, Belize slipped into a national State of Emergency as government escalated its fight against the novel coronavirus. Since the declaration of the national State of Emergency was declared, government has had to make adjustments in response to the changing landscape as it battles the pandemic, which so far has claimed the lives of two Belizeans and infected a total of 18 persons in Belize, who are said to be in self-isolation.

Editorial: Unsure steps in the fight against Covid-19
Our authorities’ handling of the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t exactly been clear sailing, neither on the health or the economic fronts. The missteps on the economic front could have, should have been avoided. The blueprint we have followed to control Covid-19 has largely been dictated by the World Health Organization (WHO), but they haven’t come up with much to help a person who has become seriously ill because of the virus. That is understandable, because Covid-19 is a new disease.

From the Publisher
The socio-economic systems under which we Belizeans live are called Christianity and capitalism. There is this stunning contradiction between the two visions, however, because capitalism is based on individuals’ and families’ (and nations’) grabbing as much as they can by any means necessary, whereas Christianity emphasizes how much we should care for our fellow human beings. The column is not about any personal preaching of mine, although I do suggest you read perhaps my favorite parable of Christ’s – The Parable of the Rich Young Man.

Congratulations to Tony Wright, grandad, and Therese Wright, mom, on selection of Marques “Ques” Warrick to Courier Journal All-State First Team!!!
An April 9 tweet from Krem personality Tony Wright’s daughter, Therese, on the achievement of her son Marques “Ques” Warrick was lit up with messages of congratulations from Belizeans back home and abroad. Ques is in his final year at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, where he is a star player on their basketball team. Therese Wright’s April 9 tweet: *Basketball Update* Another hearty congratulations to my sonny!!! Being named to the Courier Journal All-State First Team!!!!!

Football flashback Part 2: adding some names
As we promised in our kickoff effort in Amandala #3358 of Friday, April 3, 2020, this is “a work in progress,” and we are still at the preliminary stage of inviting fans to join us in adding “names of players you think worthy to mention as being among the better players of the different periods listed.” Already, in last issue for Friday, April 10, a fan from Cayo did just that; and this week we include those names along with some others we recalled. So, this week will be a continuation of the lists presented in our first edition on April 3.

Down memory lane; recalling some colorful fans at football games
In these dread times of the novel coronavirus pandemic, there is talk of the possible resumption of some sports without the fans. Of course, a strong current of feeling is that, “it could never be the same;” but that’s a given in these serious times, so anything is possible. If the only choice is between “games of death” with Covid-19 still a threat, and games without fans in attendance, what would you choose? In the “good old days” of not so long ago, there were no restrictions; and not only were fans a force at football games because of their sheer numbers, vocal energy and enthusiasm, but on quite a few occasions in the past, certain fans were more than spectators at the games, and we would like to reflect on some of those, and hopefully shake up some more memories among our readers.

Of COVID-19 … Media and the handout mentality!
It is ironic that we are on lockdown and under quarantine during a State of Emergency, yet the changes from one minute to another are not on any form of lockdown. I have not seen a situation change so rapidly from minute to minute, and neither have I seen our legal rights shift so rapidly without sufficient notice at times. But I appreciate the nature of the situation because neither have we ever seen anything like COVID-19 hit us! Truth be told, COVID-19 should be seen for the good it can result in. These in my mind are: 1. We get to know in real time how robust our economy is and how the management of our coffers is being handled to deal with an emergency;...

ABDULLAH MUHAMMAD (HUBERT PIPERSBURGH)!
The passing of my Muslim brother Abdullah Muhammad (Hubert Pipersburgh) has saddened all of us in the Muslim communities both in the United States and in Belize that knew him. His life transcended volumes in terms of who he was, what he stood for, and the struggles he waged both in the Islamic and secular communities in the U.S. and in Belize. Abdullah, as we Muslims knew him, was a very charismatic personality who was charming, diplomatic, educated, and dedicated. After his conversion to Islam in Belize in the 1970s while he was a high school student at Wesley College.

Intimacy put on hold, but plenty elbow room will free us
Few countries on the planet could have had a better opportunity to contain COVID-19 than Belize if our leaders had paid attention to the people over the years, instead of being so greedy and narrow. I hate to say bad things about our political leaders and their cronies at this time, but we can’t run from the fact that we should have been in a better position than we are right now to contain this thing. Still, in respect to containing the disease, we are not in the worst position, thanks to our physical attributes. All our best efforts could not prevent the tragic loss of intimacy, though.

Transformation instead of Recovery of Belize after COVID-19
The global significance of COVID-19: It is still hard to grasp the sudden onset, scope and impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. It all started about early January 2020, and today about one third of the world population, including Belize, is under some sort of lockdown and quarantine. As of today, over 200 countries are affected, and the number of new cases and deaths in many places is still growing. For your information, here are some statistical data on the current crisis in the 10 most affected countries, plus 2 countries in this region and Belize, for comparison, as of April 15:

All Belize under lockdown due to COVID-19
The entire nation has been facing the effects of a countrywide lockdown as of Saturday, April 11, at 8:00 p.m. due to Belize’s second recorded death caused by COVID-19. Patient #10, 65-year-old Conrad Everett, was suffering from complications due to the novel coronavirus and subsequently passed away on Good Friday, April 10. Everett’s passing followed a series of events that were classified as “nightmarish” by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in a recorded public address.

Pandemic economics
Dear Editor, It is obvious that the Belizean politicians and politicians globally have already failed pandemic economics. Firstly, never in history had the vast majority of the world decided to cease economic activities except those essential for life. If people are on lockdown, how will they consume? If they have no or little money, how will they buy? How will government collect taxes? Some people were barely eating every day, and this economic shutdown is driving them into absolute, extreme poverty.

Letter demanding the freedom of Afro-Bolivian union leader Elena Flores
Dear Editor, Would Amandala be willing to publish this letter calling for the release of the political prisoner and Afro-Bolivian cocalera union leader, Elena Flores? She has been imprisoned by the coup regime for over a month. The letter, made public on the 10th of April, was signed by 35 organisations and some 130 people. Those who signed come from Black, African diaspora, Latino and Indigenous organisations, from trade unions, and from grassroots collectives. A number of teachers and students also signed.

What Mexico learned from the H1N1 influenza crisis
In 2009, a mutation of the influenza virus put the country in check. The government received criticism for late warning of the outbreak. Mexico – Feb. 28, 2020 – El Pais– Just over 10 years ago, Mexico suffered an epidemic due to a mutation of the influenza virus. At the end of April 2009, the government, then commanded by Felipe Calderón, recognized 20 dead, the majority in Mexico City. An unusual increase in mortality was caused by the influenza. Immediately, the Executive suspended classes in the capital and the State of Mexico.

LOVE FM

Taiwan donates 60,000 masks to Belize
The Republic of China (Taiwan) made a donation of 60,000 face masks to GOB yesterday. The Minister of Health, Pablo Marin, received the donation from the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize H.E Remus Li-Kou Chen

Love Foundation raises over $20,000 from telethon
Founding members of Jankunu Productions along with the Love Foundation were able to raise just over seventeen thousand dollars via an initiative aimed at helping persons in vulnerable groups as well as front line workers. The foundation, Jankunu Productions and RSV Limited conducted a telethon today to raise funds as part of a covid relief initiative.

Taiwanese doctors discuss COVID-19
On last night’s COVID-19 Update Show, Love FM and Love TV held a video conference with members of the Chi Mei Medical Center in The Republic of China (Taiwan). Taiwan has been praised for the way it has handled and contained the spread of COVID-19 in their country.

Patient Six recovering well 11 days after testing positive for COVID-19
While there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Belize, the current patients are still in recovery mode. We caught up with patient #6, Nigel Espat, to check up on how he is coping. He stated that he has recently been swabbed for a follow-up test, and is awaiting the results.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases remain at 18 in Belize
Belize remains at an eighteen count for confirmed cases of COVID-19. The last confirmed case was reported on Tuesday, April 13 and since then all tests conducted have proven negative. As at three o’clock this afternoon, the Ministry of Health reports that 734 tests have been carried out to date and of that amount 18 were positive and 716 were negative.

Government of Belize to host Placencia Ambition Forum on Climate Change
Belize will be hosting the Placencia Ambition Forum next week. The forum will be online and will see major players in climate change negotiations around the central theme of increasing ambition and safeguarding the Paris Agreement. Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be the keynote speaker at the High-Level Opening Session of the virtual Forum, which will also include inter alia, high-level messages from the President of COP25, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

Belize Sugar Industries engage in ways to assist in providing relief to vulnerable persons
The Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) has started the distribution of locally made face masks to stakeholders which includes cane cutters, truck drivers, farmers, and harvesting group leaders. BSI secured and provided the materials for fabrication of more than 5,400 facemasks to women’s groups linked to cane farmer associations from the Orange Walk and Corozal districts.

Breaking Belize News

BWS offers a helping hand to Belizeans
Belize Water Services (BWS) will be providing assistance to residential customers amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. […]

140 US citizens leave Belize after flight delay
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Belize closed its borders and announced that no one would be […]

Fourth consecutive day with no new COVID-19 case in Belize
For the fourth consecutive day Belize has recorded no new case of COVID-19. The total […]

No agreement yet on cost saving measures according to Public Service Union
The Public Service Union (PSU) is asking its members to share their views on cost-saving […]

Over 2.2 million cases and 153 thousand deaths worldwide due to COVID-19
As of today, the world has recorded just over 2.2 million cases of COVID-19. Of […]

Lord Ashcroft Covid-19 Relief Fund donates $500,000 to Belize Red Cross
Yesterday, the Belize Red Cross received a donation of $500,000 from the Lord Ashcroft Covid-19 […]

Briceno has not resigned; Barrow and Briceno remain as co-chairs of national COVID-19 oversight committee
Leader of the Opposition John Briceno this afternoon confirmed with Breaking Belize News that he […]

Ministry of Human Development assists families around the country
The Ministry of Human Development’s food assistance program has been receiving calls from Belizeans all […]

Cattle export dilemma
By Orlando Nobel: The stopping of the exports cannot be done by the Bullet Tree chairman. He has no such Authority […]

Stann Creek residents benefiting from banana distribution
Yes, Stann Creek has bananas – lots of them. And those which aren’t being exported […]

Prime Minister updates the nation on COVID-19
My Fellow Belizeans, I need periodically to bring you up to date on our war against COVID-19, and […]

More than 100 detainees at home after imprisonment
Today more than a hundred detainees are out of prison and at home. Last night […]

Transformation instead of Recovery of Belize after COVID-19
By Dr. Marcelino Avila: The global significance of COVID 19. It is still hard to grasp the sudden onset, scope and impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. It all started about early January 2020, and today about one third of the world population, including Belize, is under some sort of lockdown and quarantine...

Over 600 COVID-19 tests done, confirmed cases still stand at 18
The latest update on the COVID-19 pandemic from the Ministry of Health (MOH) says that […]

Blogs

5 Meals to Make with Belizean Stewed Beans
If you’ve traveled to or live in Belize, you’ll know that Stewed Beans are a true Belizean staple. The Creole diet can be as diverse as their genealogy. Coincidentally? So is this mighty Stewed Beans recipe. Easily re-purposed, plan your week out with fresh beans for soup, panades, garnaches, and even alongside fresh Johnny Cakes. Planning your meals for the week is one of the best ways to save money and stick to a food budget. After all, Belizean stewed beans, using dried Red Kidney beans, are made with leftovers in mind. Ultimately, planning your meals can minimize your trips to the grocery store and therefore, reduce your risk of possible exposure during the pandemic.

International Sources

IDB adds to emergency loans in Central America
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said it has made another $1.7 billion available in emergency financing for four countries in Central America to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. "Through new programs to tackle the crisis and changes to the 2020 loan program, the IDB is now dedicating $2.8 billion to tackle the public health crisis and its economic ravages," the Washington DC-based development bank said in a press release on Friday.

Cayman Islands prepared to sell COVID-19 tests to other islands
The Government of the Cayman Islands says it is prepared to sell up to half of its COVID-19 tests to other countries in the region. Speaking during a recent press briefing, Premier Alden McLaughlin said the territory's Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Lee had advised that 100,000 kits would be enough for the population. The territory initially procured 200,000 tests – although only 165,000 of those have arrived, with the remainder being kept in the UK.

Nancy Grace on troubled investigation of American woman missing in Belize: 'Is it Natalee Holloway all over again?'
Former prosecutor and Fox Nation host Nancy Grace raising the alarm over a seemingly stalled investigation into the bizarre disappearance of an American mother of two, who went missing in Belize. "I've been studying the case very carefully," said Grace on Fox Nation's "Crime Stories." "And so far, I alone -- at thousands of miles distance -- have come up with three different stories that people have told about what happened to this Arizona mom, Alison MacKenzie."

Mexico is spending the least in Latin America to face coronavirus crisis
Mexico is the country in Latin America with the lowest package of resources allocated by the Government to lessen the economic impact of the pandemic, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Belize and Mexico are the bottom two economies with the lowest percentage of investment for the pandemic, with amounts less than one percent of their GDP, according to Alejandro Werner, director of the Department of the Western Hemisphere.

Videos

April 17, 2020

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

COVID-19 and Caye Caulker: Village Council and volunteers handling the crisis alone
Ambergris Caye’s sister island Caye Caulker has seen its share of struggles in the fight against COVID-19, which has severely impacted the national economy. Like Ambergris Caye, tourism was the main fuel of Caye Caulker’s economy and with its absence, many have lost jobs and are in dire situations. Allegedly, government has yet to render any assistance, and the Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC), along with volunteers and donors have been doing their best to assist the most vulnerable islanders with meals and groceries. On Thursday, April 16th, the CCVC detailed how their relief program has been tending to the less fortunate in these difficult times.

GOB: Update on COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program
As of noon on Thursday, April 16th, a total of 65,762 applications have been submitted online since the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program was opened to accept applications on April 3, 2020. Of these applications, 23,264, have been approved and sent to Social Security Board (SSB) during the period of April 9th to 15th for payment into applicants’ accounts. By the end of today, April 16th, all these approved payments will have been sent to the banks and credit unions for deposit.

San Pedro Lions Club joins relief efforts on the island
As Ambergris Caye remains in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers and community organizations are trying their best to assist vulnerable families most affected by the crisis. The San Pedro Lions Club recently joined in the efforts and donated goods to several families across the island, targeting mainly senior citizens. According to Vice-President Everette Anderson, they held their first distribution on Monday, April 13th. This work is part of their mission, which is to always be there for the community and help wherever possible. The Club did not approach anyone for donations, but rather, used some of their savings to assist senior citizens identified through their database, including islanders who have always supported them.

Ambergris Today

140 US Residents Headed Home From Belize Today
Another group of 140 U.S. citizens departed Belize today, Thursday, April 16, 2020, on a commercial repatriation flight to the United States. Thanks to the Government of Belize and United Airlines the flight was made possible to send Americans home. U.S. Embassy Belmopan says it remains committed to providing urgent assistance to all U.S. citizens still in Belize. The fully booked United Airlines flight UA3042, departed Philip Goldson International Airport at 12:00 noon and arrived in Houston at 15:28 pm. (pics by US Embassy Belize)

Various Belizean Sources

FCCA Children's Essay Competition
It's that time of year again for the FCCA Children's Essay competition. Know a talented student? Encourage them to apply and they may win a generous prize!

CARSI Small Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity Is Now Open For Applications
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize announces a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) strengthening government through Civil Society Engagement. To learn more about this opportunity and eligibility requirements, please visit www.grants.gov and search for “Belmopan.” All grant proposals MUST be submitted on the grants.gov website. Closing date for proposal submission: June 3, 2020

The Rotary Club of Benque did some power-washing
Full heart, thank you so much for the support!! Blessings to each of you that I make this possible for the second occasion. Together we stand out any calamity.

World Health Organization recommendations on washing clothes and linen
Q: How do I ensure clothes and bed-linen don't spread COVID-19? A: Don’t carry dirty linen or clothes against your body. Wash them in hot water, where possible, with laundry detergent or soap.

On this day 150 years ago Maya Icaiche General Marcos Canul occupied Corozal Town
We give great thanks to historian Roy Rodriguez who researched and compiled the information below. On this day 150 years ago Maya Icaiche General Marcos Canul occupied Corozal Town. We give great thanks to historian Roy Rodriguez who researched and compiled the information below. The Icaiche Maya group and Cruzo'ob Maya were both Yucatec Maya. Villages like Patchakan and Xaibe in Corozal were well known Cruzo'ob Maya villages . The Cruzo'ob Maya descendants are still found in Corozal District, while the Icaiche are mostly in Orange Walk. Descendants like like Faustino Yam, Gaspar Ken, Jeremias Tzul and others are Cruzo'ob Maya descent.

Update on Unemployment Relief Program
As of noon today Thursday, April 16th, a total of 65,762 applications have been submitted online since the program was opened to accept applications on April 3, 2020. Of these applications, 23,264, have been approved and sent to Social Security Board (SSB) during the period of April 9th to 15th for payment into applicants’ accounts. By the end of today, April 16th, all these approved payments will have been sent to the banks and credit unions for deposit. While the majority of the payments are being credited correctly, there are, however, a notable number of them (about 15%) that have been returned from the banks because incorrect banking information was provided by the applicants.

Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates Face Masks to the Ministry of Health
In a brief ceremony today, April 16th, the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin received, on behalf of the Government of Belize, 60,000 face masks from the Government of the Republic China (Taiwan) through its Ambassador to Belize H.E. Remus Li-Kou Chen. In addition to today’s donation, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will also donate six infrared thermal imaging cameras, to be shipped to Belize next week. The equipment can be used to track the temperature of more than 10 persons at a time on the monitor. They will be installed in hospitals where there is a large inflow of persons in order to detect anyone who might have a fever.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data up until 3 pm today. The physical/social distancing and other elements such as hand washing and avoid being out in public are important elements that we need to continue to stress. We need to continue to work as a community in addressing COVID-19 and the other elements associated to it.

Cost and Financial Management During the COVID-19 Crisis
21st April, 2020 at 10am. "Most businesses are now focused on protecting employees, understanding risk within their business and managing supply chains. Under ‘normal’ circumstances good cash flow management is important for any business looking to succeed. In this new COVID-19 environment it is critical to survive through this crisis."

Portrait Proceeds Directed to Families in need
Many people are reaching out and trying their best to help whose who need the most. YOU inspire me and I want to do something to help too! Many thanks to Maryam Abdul Qawiyy for assisting me and linking me to “Belize Emergency Relief” gofundme.com thats created by Aline Habib and Khadijah Assales. Many thanks to Aline and Khadijah for allowing me to use their platform. In collaborating with them, I’ll be able to focus on the paintings and contribute. I’m not sure if this project will make any difference but I want to try.

Headed Home to the USA
Another group of 140 U.S. citizens departed Belize today on a commercial repatriation flight to the United States. Thanks to the Government of Belize and United Airlines for making today’s flight possible to send Americans home. U.S. Embassy Belmopan remains committed to providing urgent assistance to all U.S. citizens still in Belize.

Hydro Panels Making Water on Caye Caulker
The hydro panels are making water and tomorrow, you can come over to the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School between the hours of 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. to fill up two gallon containers per family for free. Community members coming out to get water should wear a mask and must be prepared to practice the social distancing rules.

Clarification by Caye Caulker Village Council
After some stern allegations made by Ms. Cher Mungovan, the Caye Caulker Village Council want to make several clarifications. On April 1nd, 2020 the chairlady received a call from Quality Poultry manager saying that they were banned from selling on the island. The chairlady clarified that there is a growing concern going forward as there is an increase number of COVID-19 cases in Belize City. The manager at first was saying they were being barred from coming to Caye Caulker and the chairlady clarified the situation as it was raised by many and reminded him, as a corporate business, the Caye Caulker community have not benefitted from this company and in time of need they should consider giving back to Caye Caulker.

Let's Rise Telethon
The Let's Rise Telethon starts at 9:00am today, April 17th. It's to raise funds to help those in need. "BELIZEANS and BELIZEAN SUPPORTERS AT HOME AND ABROAD....Tune in this FRIDAY APRIL 17th from 9am on LOVE TV/Radio and BE A PART OF THE Covid19 SOLUTION, TOGETHER LETS RISE UP AND HELP BELIZE "

Belize's Pulse in Latin America
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade, Belize has released an economic publication entitled: Belize's Pulse in Latin America. It focuses on the PSA's between the countries, and while it covers all of Central America, it goes in depth about the trade between Belize and Guatemala. "Take a deeper look at Belize's trade with Latin America and the opportunities presented by Belize's trade agreements with countries in this region."

Millennium Radio is having a food drive in Benque
Let them know if you can help out. At Millennium Radio 106.5FM we are raising funds to purchase food and necessities especially for persons who do not meet the measurements for assistance from the Government of Belize. With the funds we raise we will use it to buy food from local businesses to also help support them during these difficult time. We are also accepting food (cans, milk, flour, sugar, rice, cooking oil, salt etc).

The Let's Rise Telethon
The Let's Rise Telethon starts this morning at 9:00am. Proceeds go to those families in need. http://sco.lt/7BbTqS BELIZEANS and BELIZEAN SUPPORTERS AT HOME AND ABROAD....Tune in this FRIDAY APRIL 17th from 9am on LOVE TV/Radio and BE A PART OF THE Covid19 SOLUTION, TOGETHER LETS RISE UP AND HELP BELIZE

Benque Community Covid-19 Emergency Fundraiser
Who I'm raising money for Let’s contribute and help our people back in our community.. $2 would be a pound of rice in a household. Why I'm raising money: Covid-19 is hitting our people hard, our kids hungry. How donations will be used: Temporary only accepting monetary donation. On behalf of our people of Benque and surrounding villages we thank you all in advance.

Belize Water Services Notice
Effective April 17, 2020 all offices will be opened for customers to utilize cashier services.

BEL Kids YouTube Channel
We invite families to check out our New Kids YouTube Channel created for children to view videos on fitness, arts, wellness, and other activities.

Fires in the Chiquibul Forest
Forest fires have prominently been observed and felt across the country. The Chiquibul Forest is no exception. Along the western border at least three large fires have been observed caused by farmers engaged in agricultural farming. FCD finds it more essential to develop a Fire Management Plan that will help prevent, contain and combat forest fires as we move into drier years.

A PRELIMINARY VISION FOR BELIZE HERITAGE PLAZA
There is a phrase that says 'nothing is certain but death and taxes'. The phrase means that everything in life is uncertain, but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. I would like to share with you what has been our vision for the Belize Heritage Plaza keeping in mind the above phrase. The Belize Heritage Plaza (formerly known as the Paslow) was well on its way to completion before COVID-19 came along. Currently, this project, along with all of the other projects under the Downtown Rejuvenation Project have been suspended for an indefinite period of time.

OCEANA Job Opening: Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant
An exciting new employment opportunity is now available here at Oceana. You or someone you know could be the newest member of our team!

THESE ARE ACTUAL COMPLAINTS FROM DISSATISFIED PEOPLE WHO TRAVELLED TO BELIZE:
Laughter is the best medicine, and happy is healthier. 1. "They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax." 2. "On my holiday to Ambergris Caye, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served spicy food. I don't like spicy food." 3. "We went on holiday to Cayo and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish." 4. "We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price."

SANTIAGO PECH
Santiago Pech was a Yucatec Maya leader of the Icaiche Maya . In 1875 Santiago Pech and a group of Maya marched on Holotonich and restated a prior claim to the left bank of the Belize river down to Black Creek mounth. By 1882 Santiago Pech had appointed Alcaldes at Holotunich,San Jose Yalbac and San Pedro in the Yalbac area . The Yucatec Maya continued to resist the British invaders until 1930's until the BEC burn down their houses and milpas in Northwestern Belize.

San Pedro: Current restaurants offering delivery

Channel 7

PM: Gov't Funds Flatline, But Non-Partisan Support For The Most Needy Will Roll Out
The good news tonight is that there is no new case of COVID-19 in Belize to report tonight.  And while that is encouraging news, for tens of thousands of Belizeans who have lost their jobs, and their livelihoods, there is deepening social despair and growing desperation. Just a few minutes ago, the Prime Minister released a statement discussing the measures being taken to get relief for Belizeans who are going hungry.  Here are a few of his remarks form that 10 minute address:

Alleged Gangsters Get Free After 30 Days
29 days ago, on March 18, police and the state launched Southside State of Emergency.  It covered 8 areas of the Southside and sent more than 100 alleged gangsters to jail for 30 days - no questions asked, no arraignment before a judge, no presumption of innocence.  At the time, the Attorney General said it would be renewed for another 30 or 60 days at the end of the first 30.   But, either there's been a change of heart, or events have overtaken - after all, we're now in a national state of emergency due to COVID-19 - and indications are tonight that the 100+ alleged gangsters could be coming out of prison either today or tomorrow.

18 COVID Cases, Two Dead, 16 Encouraging
Turning back now to COVID-19 news, as we said at the top, there are no new cases to report tonight.   So, since Monday, no new cases have been detected - while testing continues.  So, of the 18 cases detected, two have died, and 16 are still COVID 19 positive.   Today on Ask The Experts, The Director of Health Services also gave an encouraging update on those 16:

Head of KHMH ICU On Quarantine
And while that is indeed encouraging news, there is much to be learnt from the sxscanraio with patient 10, Conrad Everette, who died from CVOID-10 complication on Good Friday. After that, a number of frontline medical professionals from Healthcare Partners and the KHMH had to be quarantined at a local hotel. One of them is the head of the intensive care unit - Dr. Pedro Ariaga.   We spoke to him today in his hotel room where his is on day 10 of his quarantine. We discussed the handling of patient 10 and the controversey via zoom video conference:

Putting Together The Belize City Cluster
And that patient 10 came from the cluster at a Belize City Party at Downtown Place on March 14th.  More than 100 persons attended - and they are now coming in for tests according to Dr. Manzanero:

Can School Start Again?
And so, looking now at the larger national picture, what should be the Easter holidays are coming to a close, when CAN school start?   "The short answer is, we don't know. Up until next weekend, next 8 to 10 days is when we start looking at the numbers and see whether we can make that recommendation and also follow what other countries are doing in terms of opening up..."

Pump Prices Will Go Down Sharply Sunday
World oil prices are at a two decade low, the price for a barrel of oil has literally crashed.   But pump prices in Belize still aren't moving.  So what's up with that?  Well, the problem is the old stock.  Because of the national shutdown, oil inventory is moving so slowly that the new, cheaper stock cannot get into the system.  

Update on Unemployment Relief Program
Last night we gave you an in-depth look at the candid conversation that led to the resignation of SSB chairman Dough Singh. You'll recall that Singh made some disparaging comments which he later admitted could distract from the PM's COVID time relief efforts.  But even without their chairman, the SSB is soldering on, still hard at work to ensure that Belizeans receive their long-awaited unemployment relief funds.   And as of noon today, Thursday, April 16th, a total of 65,762 applications had been submitted online.

PM Calls Doug's Departure "Sad"
And the man who was the tip of that spear, the social security board chairman Doug Singh was forced to resign two days ago - after ugly remarks emerged. So,  who will replace him. We asked the Prime Minister today, and he told us quote, "I am very sad to see Doug Singh go, especially at a time like this..."

Very Many Masks From Taiwan
Last night, we told you about the of 60,000 face masks that the Taiwanese Government shipped to Belize. They were making this generous donation to the frontline medical personnel who are at risk of being infected with COVID-19 while they attempt to look after sick Belizeans.  Well, the Taiwanese Ambassador handed over those masks to Health Minister Pablo Marin in Belmopan today, during a short ceremony.

Community Cottage Industry of Mask Making
And while Taiwan is coming through with 60 thousand masks, the efforts at the cottage industry, ground level are just as significant. Feste Films has the story of one Belmopan mask maker who turned form housewife to mask maker for a friend at a pharmacy who saw the need in the community.

Cattle Trade Stopped in Bullet Tree
For the past 2 days, we've been reporting on the plight of the local livestock producers.  Poultry farmers are experiencing a 50% reduction in revenues because Belizeans aren't buying chicken in the usual quantities, due to COVID-19. If they aren't able to move substantial quantities of their chicken, they run the risk of running out of cold storage for all that meat. Dairy producers have had to dump their products which have spoilt due to the decrease in sales, and the short shelf life.

Food Lines In Dangriga Town
Just a few minutes ago, we told you about the government's unemployment relief program, which is already delivering some ease to the thousands of Belizeans who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, there is the food assistance program that has been launched to look after Belizeans who were unemployed before then Our colleagues from Plus TV got a few glimpses of how the food package program was being rolled out in Dangriga Town. With their help, Daniel Ortiz put together this report:

Relief Food Packages Will Go To Corner Stores
As we discussed last night, this food package program is being initially funded with 10 million dollars to feed what could work out to be three thousand or more households countrywide with a bi weekly package.   The idea is to make these packages available at neighbourhood groceries where the Ministry of Human Development would provide them with shopping lists to be filled:

Getting The Farmers Involved
And, there will be a deliberate strategy to involve local producers who have produce and meat to sell, but now have limited market options due to COVID-19: Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez - Minister of Human Development: "I feel that the people that the produce chicken, at least in this first brush can't complain at all because like what I said, 4,900 originally on pantry, that transfer into 8,018 chicken..."

Ariaga: Include Intensivists in the Conversation
And just like the Ministry of Human Development are looking out for those in the agricultural sector, today, the head of the KHMH intensive care unit told us that intensivists like himself, and others need to be included in the discussion about the national medical response to COVID-19: Dr. Pedro Ariaga - Head of ICU, KHMH: "Again you know we are not law makers in this country, I think everybody has a roll in this. So I think I would like to see the politicians they will take into consideration..."

Public Doctors, Private Prohibition
New, fine tuned regulations for the national state of emergency come into effect tomorrow.  They are mostly housekeeping, tightening up on a curfew for minors and extending opening hours for banks and utilities. But there's also one which says that doctors who work in the public sector cannot do double duty in the private sector during the state of emergency. Dr. Manzanero explained the effect and extent of that today:

An Enduring Social Distance
Speaking more broadly about the national state of emergency and the fact that there have been no positive tests reported for three days, the public asked Manzanero when the social distancing regulations will be relaxed: "The short answer is, we don't know. Up until next weekend, next 8 to 10 days is when we start looking at the numbers and see whether we can make that recommendation and also follow what other countries are doing in terms of opening up..."

The Importance of Mapping Investigations
Also on Ask the Experts today, Principal Public Health Inspector John Bodden reminded the public that mapping efforts for infected persons can prove futile with complete cooperation. This was Brough into focus this weekend when we learned that Patient 10, the second man to die from COVID-19 in Belize, was likely exposed at a large birthday party he attended in Mid-March.

Cayman's So. Ko. Test Kits Not Like CABEI's So. Ko. Test Kits
And while the Public does its part, GOB is tasked with making the hard choices such as which tests, donated or not, can be incorporated into an expanded testing effort.  As we told you, the government of Belize is buying a significant number of tests from our neighbour, Grand Cayman which has a super abundance.  They brought it from South Kore and are selling it to their Caribbean neighbours at cost.   Today we asked the Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero why the Cayman tests sourced from South Korea will work when the tests CABEI donated to Central America, also from South Korea wouldn't. Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services "I know that there is discussion between the two Lab directors because a test from Cayman even though they are compatible also requires extraction enzymes which we have not procured we have procured enzymes for the current PCR tests that we have."

The Dialogue Between Doctors
In other news, we've told you that the Belize Medical and Dental Association says it has been given very little say in government planning for the pandemic. And to add injury to insult their representative was locked out of a task force meeting last week. But this afternoon DHS Manzanero said he's been chatting with BMDA president Jose Moguel. They haven't hashed out many issues but the Ministry of Health is ensuring that doctors are furnished with information and additional training at this time.

Can Bodies Be Contagious?
You've seen mass burials in Italy and New York City and heard heart-wrenching stories of COVID-19 patients made to die alone, their disease too contagious to risk the exposure of their families. But can the body of a COVID-19 victim transmit the disease? Health Inspector John Bodden addressed that concern today.

In COVID Era, Funeral Traditions End
Belizean funerals have rituals which are ingrained cultural practices. We say farewell to our dead with all the caring we showed them in life. But at the height of this pandemic where funerals are limited to 10 persons, and all of our norms are suspended, the spectre of COVID 19 makes it even more difficult to bury a loved one.   Today, Bodden discussed why, right now, it's difficult to allow families unfettered access to their dead. 

Strict Rules For Burying A COVID Patient
And Bodden took some time to explain the protocols GOB has put in place for the handling of deceased persons with known or suspected COVID-19.  John Bodden - Principal, Public Health Inspector: "In general, we have four specifics areas that we focus on and one of them was actually to draft the management of protocols for deceased persons with known or suspected COVID-19 cases and as you know now that we have progressed with the emergency we now have two deaths and of course that triggered the need for the burial of those individuals..."

Take a Break From The Barrel
And switching gears now to some of the important public notices we didn't get to in yesterday's Meet the Experts session…If you are one of those Belizeans who regularly receive barrels of goods and or other cargo from family or friends living in the US, the Attorney General is hoping that you will curtail your shipping needs, at least until the COVID-19 threat is over.  Here's how he explained his stance on the issue:

AG: Give Essential Workers A Break
The Attorney General is also asking the management of companies that are allowed to conduct business until 4 p.m. during weekdays to be reasonable with their employees.  He notes that as of Friday there will be a 4 p.m. children's curfew and  some of these employees are parents who have to make babysitting arrangements.

Deliver, Don't Take Out
And, Peyrefitte warns, restaurants also have to make accommodations. That's mainly because under the national state of emergency rules which went into effect on Saturday night, restaurants and eateries can only make deliveries:

Body Found, No Foul Play
On Tuesday we told you that the body of 70-year old Salvadoran national Pedro Fuentes was found at his workplace, a dumpsite near a valley of peace. Fuentes left for work on Easter Monday but by nightfall when he hadn't returned home a search party was organized to locate him. That search ended on Tuesday afternoon when Fuentes was dead and in a partially decomposed state.

Channel 5

Bullet Tree Falls Chairman Proposes Toll for Cattle Trade
Every sector is being affected by this novel coronavirus and it includes the productive sector.  The exportation of livestock to Guatemala via Bullet Tree Falls is an informal industry that [...]

Cattle Trade at a Standstill, Millions Lost in Revenue
During the meeting, Chairman Pinelo informed the panel that prior to the suspension of cattle export in the area, farmers were often seen paying out monies to police officers stationed [...]

DHS Clarifies Internal Memo to Doctors
An internal memo from the Ministry of Health surfaced on Wednesday night. It follows statements made by the Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte hours earlier that doctors will no longer be [...]

Specialized Services at the K.H.M.H. Uninterrupted
But what about those specialized care services offered by doctors at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital? While those with insurance may be able to access these services at private healthcare [...]

Ministry of Health Finding Other Ways to Import Medical Supplies
We have reported that a number of medical items in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic ordered from U.S. suppliers have been blocked from arriving at the Bahamas, Barbados and the [...]

COVID-19 Data Up: 651 Screened; Positive Cases Remain at 18
Across the globe, there is a call for more testing to determine as much as possible the number of persons carrying the virus and to contain its spread. Even persons [...]

PM Barrow’s Latest Address on COVID-19
Since we reported on Wednesday on the COVID Relief Programme, the number of applications submitted has increased by another two thousand persons, though the number of applications has now tapered.  [...]

New Under-16 Curfew Measure Takes Effect
So there is no date for schools to re-open but at midnight tonight, new curfew measures restricting those who are sixteen-years-old and under take effect. From four p.m. to eight [...]

When Will School Reopen?
When will classes be re-opened? That’s the question parents, teachers and students are asking. But that answer isn’t so clear cut at this time. As you know there are a [...]

Poultry Sector Braces for Economic Shock!
The impact of the COVID-19 is being felt everywhere. While the agro-productive sector is considered essential – it is also not immune to the shocks locally. As we’ve reported this [...]

Dairy Farmers and Producers Feel the Impact of COVID-19!
And while the problems in the livestock sector affect those who are moving cattle to be exported, it is also affecting the dairy cattle. These are cows bred for the [...]

Drought to Compound Economic Losses on Poultry and Grain Sectors in Spanish Lookout
Dairy farmers are also staring down a drought that is expected to have serious consequences on the sector. The poultry farmers and grain growers are also expected to take a [...]

COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Doing Well! K.H.M.H. I.C.U. Patient Transferred to Western Health Region
During today’s Ask the Experts online show, Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero also gave an update on the condition of the two hospitalized COVID-19 patients. He noted that [...]

Screening Infographics Updated 3:00 p.m. Daily
Doctor Manzanero also gave an overview of how the testing data is being shared. As you know by now, the number of positive cases remains at eighteen, which includes the [...]

Medical Doctors Undertake Online Training Sessions
And on the topic of COVID-19, Director of Health Services Manzanero says that they are ensuring that medical personnel have access to online educational resources and sessions. He says that [...]

Tackling Social Distancing
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams spoke to News Five today about the issue the department is facing with citizens adhering to social distancing guidelines. On Wednesday, we showed you the [...]

Bishop Dorick Wright: Jovial but Stern
Bishop Dorick Wright passed away at five-fifteen on Wednesday morning in Belize City. In paying homage to Bishop Wright, his colleagues in the priesthood have been reflecting on his many [...]

Management Protocols for the Handling and Disposal of COVID-19 Positive Corpses
So far, two persons have died from COVID-19 and as we know, the protocols for their burial are within the established measures set by the World Health Organization. The Public [...]

Public Health Inspector on Gears and Shipping of COVID-19 Bodies
Public Health Inspector John Bodden also shares the protective gears to be used in the process of disposal of bodies of both known and suspected COVID-19 patients. Bodden says that [...]

Healthy Living: Dialysis Plea
Since the start of April, Belizeans have been asked to stay home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. This restriction on movement was tightened on Sunday when the [...]

The Reporter

Gang Members to be Released?
The Reporter has confirmed with a prison source that 137 gang members detained in Belize City 30 days ago during a citywide dragnet are set to be released shortly. A State of Emergency which targeted 8 zones in Belize City was declared after crime in the city had left multiple persons, including two children, dead. Sources in the Police Department had indicated to the Reporter that there would be a discussion on extending the period of detention for possibly another sixty days.

COVID-19 Relief Fund HOTLINE NUMBERS
Please note that if you have applied for COVID-19 Relief Assistance being provided by the Government of Belize and NOT the Social Security Board, you can use the numbers shared with us by the COVID-19 Relief Team for assistance in addressing your queries or concerns on your application and payment: 621-3618 | 621-3400 | 604-4645

LOVE FM

15,197 applications excluded from Unemployment Relief Program
65,762 Belizeans have applied for the Unemployment Relief Program since it was opened to applications on April 3. This should theoretically mean that over 65,000 Belizeans are in need of financial assistance as they are currently unemployed and unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DHS explains memo to private doctors
An internal memo from the Director of Health Services took flight yesterday and raised concerns for many. The document addressed to the Regional Management Team stated, in part, quote, “Given the recent issue of how Covid-19 has evolved for the Belize context, we are hereby asking all health staff across all levels to suspend all their private practice services effective immediately as this curtails the risk of exposure in terms of COVID-19.”

Belize CitCo outlines payment options
The Belize City Council has issued a release on how to facilitate payment to them since they have had to put in various operational changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and related national response. As it relates to Belize City residents who wish to make payments, they have several choices.

Doctors deployed to the Western Health Region
A cadre of doctors was deployed to the Western Health Region to perform as front line workers in the Covid-19 response. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details.

Minister of Human Development speaks on the state of the Food Pantry Program
The Food Pantry Program is a program set in place by the Ministry of Human Development to fight against malnutrition by subsidizing basic food baskets. These baskets are offered every week at a low price and the program has approximately 17,000 beneficiaries, according to the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS).

Breaking Belize News

Taiwan donates face masks to Ministry of Health
Today, the Minister of Health, Pablo Marin received, on behalf of the Government of Belize, […]

Government to roll out emergency countrywide food assistance program
Prime Minister Dean Barrow informed the nation today that the government will roll out an […]

Prime Minister Dean Barrow: “We are fortified in combatting the enemy”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow: “We are fortified in combatting the enemy” Prime Minister Dean Barrow today updated the […]

Taxi operators in crisis?
We have well documented the impacts of the economy and tourism as a result of […]

Bush fire causes major concerns for residents in Santa Cruz
Last night, Breaking Belize News reported of an extensive bush fire in the Santa Cruz […]

COVID-19 vaccine made in Cuba to be clinically trialled
Might the desperately-needed cure for COVID-19 which originated in the Old World, come from the […]

Over 23,000 applications approved for unemployment relief program
As of noon today Thursday, April 16, a total of 65,762 applications have been submitted […]

Dr. Marvin Manzanero explains importance of leaked memo
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero today explained the content and importance of a […]

Director of Health Services: No date yet for re-opening of classes
On the Ask the Experts show today, Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero answered […]

Orange Walk, Toledo and Stann Creek remain COVID-19 free
There are currently 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in three districts of Belize. Of those […]

Gallardo Services and Hardware donates COVID-19 testing booth
Gallardo Services and Hardware in Belmopan has delivered a COVID-19 testing booth to the Western […]

Ministry of Health mandates suspension of private practice for public health workers
The Ministry of Health has issued a memo requiring all public health staff to cease […]

Let us prepare for the rise of the Phoenix
By Charles Leslie Jr.: Sooner than later, as our country begins to figure out how to get the economy going again and move forward, external forces and our own internal instincts and desires will try to convince us to get back to "normal..."

Blogs

140 More Americans Depart Belize on Repatriation Flight
On April 16th, 2020, a group of an additional 140 American citizens departed Belize on a commercial United repatriation flight home. This return flight to Houston, Texas was made possible for American nationals to return to the US amidst the coronavirus pandemic in Belize. In the past few weeks, United Airlines has led the charge with over 30 repatriation flights across Central and South America, including Belize. United Airlines has worked alongside the US Embassy Belize for this scheduled repatriation flight.

International Sources

Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 rocks northern Honduras
An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 rocked northern Honduras at approximately 13:45 pm IST. As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the quake lies 55 kilometers north of Savannah Bight, Honduras, somewhere in the Caribbean sea.

CCJ marks its 15th anniversary: Three landmark rulings
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is celebrating 15 years of operations, today. To mark their Crystal Anniversary, Loop News has looked at rulings handed down by the CCJ that have changed the Caribbean Community.

When Princess Ships Could Start Sailing Again
Princess Cruises has announced an extension of its pause of service through June, also making changes to the Alaska season. The new Enchanted Princess is also delayed. A look at the expected first sailing of each Princess ship as the cruise industry gets back into service (all information is subject to change due to the COVID-19 crisis):

The New Face of Central America Multi-Destination after the crisis
The world faces one of the most important challenges in modern history. CATA invites you to participate in the webinar series: The New Face of Central America Multi-Destination after the crisis

Videos

April 16, 2020

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

Earthquake off Northern coast of Honduras
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was registered after 2AM off the coast of Honduras earlier this morning. The strong quake reportedly had a depth of about 6 miles. Tremors were were felt in Belize, waking up people from their sleep. There were no tsunami threats to any countries in the Caribbean Region.

Taiwan donates 60,000 face masks to Belizean frontline health workers
The Republic of China- Taiwan is one of Belize’s closest and strongest foreign allies, supporting the country at all times. On Tuesday, April 14th, 60,000 high quality face masks made in Taiwan touched down aboard a cargo aircraft in Belize destined as a donation by the Asian ally to Belize’s Ministry of Health.

San Pedro national emergency regulations continue to differ from Central Government, despite new SI
As of Saturday, April 11th, the entire country of Belize went on a national 14-day quarantine, due to increased cases of COVID-19. This state of emergency is under a new Statutory Instrument (SI) detailing the new rules to be followed countrywide. However, authorities on Ambergris Caye continue to override those new regulations. Mayor Daniel Guerrero has gone on record to explain that these actions are done because the situation on the island is different, due to its distance from the mainland. Mayor Guerrero has stated that some of the rules on Ambergris Caye are efforts to mitigate the virus and not a direct challenge to the orders from Central Government.

Various Belizean Sources

Ministry of Health Reposts 'What you need to know'
We are reposting 'What you need to know' during self isolation based on a request yesterday from the public sent during our 'Ask the Experts' session with Dr. Manzanero. Please follow our advice for self isolation or self quarantine for up to 21 days. Call us at 0-800-MOH-CARE for clarity on this and for any other COVID-19 or health related questions.

If you are pregnant, in San Pedro call 615-5244 or 615-1884 for answers to your questions and schedule your wellness checks
During pregnancy, you can help protect yourself against COVID-19 by: -Washing your hands frequently. -Keeping 6 feet of space between yourself and others. -Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. -Practicing respiratory hygiene.

Want to Volunteer with Food Assistance?
The Ministry of Human Development has received over 7000 applications for food assistance in just over two days! Our officers have been working non-stop to ensure that as many people can receive assistance as fast as possible. We have been inspired by the volume of volunteers contacting us to help us work faster, and are opening up the process to the public. If you would like to help us help others, please register here.

AREA REPRESENTATIVE OF ORANGE WALK SOUTH MAKES STUNNING REVELATIONS OF POTENTIAL FOOD CRISIS IN ORANGE WALK
Good morning to all. I am really saddened by what I am seeing today. I am distraughted by what am witnessing today. Thousands are desperately hungry. We have the beef, pork, chicken, eggs. We have rice, beans, milk and cheese but what we don’t have is MONEY. PEOPLE DON'T HAVE MONEY TO BUY!! Why is government taking so long to act. Milk is being dumped before the eyes of the very hungry. Today, Central Meat Distributors in Orange Walk has 35,000 pounds of pork meat with no sales and no storage! How sad is this! There are 1000 more pigs to slaughter!! What can they do??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILFRED PETERS 1931 – 2010
Prominent among Belizean musicians that span the 20th and 21st centuries is Wilfred Peters, popularly known as “Mr. Peters.” Born on April 15, 1931, his accomplishment in popularizing and embodying Brukdong rhythms as a true Belize staple deservedly earned him a state funeral when he passed on June 9, 2010. Having learned to play the accordion from his father at the age of seven, Wilfred grew up on the family farm at Gracie Rock on the Sibun River. The influence for his music most likely came from the loggers who visited his parents’ home, and he converted the mahogany camp stories into lyrics. His songs in subsequent years told of old traditions and people, and brought out the humor in country living.

3 Days of Double Up on Digi Belize!
Yes, you read right! We’re giving you THREE days of double-up. Starting Wednesday April 15th to Friday April 17th get DOUBLE on all recharges from $1 to $500. You can use your BONUS CREDIT to make calls from Digi to Digi, purchase Text Bundles, 100 Ways Promo and International Calls & send texts to the top 25 International countries.

Corozal Art in the Park Cancelled for April and May

Free Virtual Symposium about Open-Access, Technological Needs, and Institutional Sustainability
One of the pillars of our work is to ensure that research, information and archival materials are accessible to Belizeans and researchers. This includes the process of archiving and digitization whereby our collections are better preserved and made more accessible. If you would like to learn more about our work and the field of digitization, join us in this virtual symposium.

William McQueen donates $7,700BZ to Belize Zoo and $5,000BZ to Belize Bird Rescue
Bill McQueen made a $7,700BZ donation to the Belize Zoo and $5,000BZ to the Belize Bird Rescue today! Thank you Bill, very generous!!! From Bill: "Just giving back to the Belize I have loved for the last 20 plus years. It means more now in these difficult times. It will keep the birds and animals well fed & the lights on."

Scholarship Opportunity: OAS Academic Scholarship Program
2020 Call for Applications for Graduate Studies and Research ~To begin studies between August and December 2020~ In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the OAS will prioritize scholarship applications for online studies. Required documents: - Copy of the diploma for the highest degree obtained. (Bachelor's or Master) - Copies of transcripts of grades for the highest academic degree completed and to be completed. - Two (2) recommendation letters: Preferably from current or former professors using the OAS Recommendation Statement Form, or previous employer using the Employer Recommendation Form.

CARPHA 65th Annual Health Research Conference postponed
The CARPHA research conference which was initially slated for June, has been postponed

Confusing memo on Suspending Health Services
Given the increasing number of questions this internal memo has generated, note the following: - This is an internal to the 4 four different regional management teams and is NOT applicable to anyone outside of the public sector - The contents of the memo had been discussed with ALL four health regions in prior virtual meetings (at least twice) so this was simply placing in writing what had been requested of all

THE HEAT IS ON***145 FIRES DETECTED
145 fires detected this afternoon. This is an *all time record* (higher than the previous record set this year, which was last week's 117). I'll share a separate link w/ NASA FIRMS' interactive fire map. Corozal and the upper part of Belize seems to have flared up as it was quiet the last few days.

FOOD DONATIONS & ITEMS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE PARISH ON 4th AVENUE, COROZAL
St. Francis Xavier Parish on 4th Avenue in Corozal continues their social assistance by donating food to those identified as needy and less fortunate in Corozal. God Bless to all.

SELF ISOLATION GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS, HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS & CLOSE CONTACTS
What you need to know' during self isolation based on a request yesterday from the public sent during our 'Ask the Experts' session with Dr. Manzanero. Please follow our advice for self isolation or self quarantine for up to 21 days. Call us at 0-800-MOH-CARE for clarity on this and for any other COVID-19 or health related questions.

COVID 19 testing booth
That awesome COVID 19 testing booth was delivered to the Western Regional hospital today. Thanks, Gallardo Services and Hardware! The Covid 19 Testing booth was finally delivered to Western Regional Hospital! My appreciation for front line personnel was more than ever elevated after being around their tents, the caution tape, the security and numerous nurses and doctors. I cant even begin to imagine how they start their day. We at GSH are just truly a small family business, but we are always willing and ready to help when we can. Especially in a time like this. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all front line personnel

Current restaurants offering delivery in San Pedro
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant - can ORDER ONLINE from Facebook Page, or 226-2008. Delivery Island wide. PUR Boutique Cabanas & Taco Bar - menu/contact info below or ORDER ONLINE: https://ordering.orders2.me/menu/pur --- Or WhatsApp/Call 638-4136. Free Delivery - Call from 11am-5:30pm, delivery till 6, from bridge north to Las Terrazas. Can meet to deliver outside of this range. Campo.TexMex - ORDER ONLINE at www.campotexmex.com, or call 671-5823. Delivery island-wide.

Channel 7

10M Food Relief Program Activated
Last night we told you that the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program has received 62,706 applications and, up to yesterday, 7,247 applications had been processed for payment. Approximately 7,500 additional applications are currently being processed and should be ready for approval, in stages. But for many thousands of jobless Belizeans, relief has been too slow to come. That's why lines upon lines were formed across the country today.

Waiting For Western Union In PG
And we we showed you at the stop of that story, there are long lines everywhere, especially at Western Union and Moneygram. Belizeans desperate for cash are eagerly awaiting remittances from their relatives abroad. Two of our colleagues in the south have sent in footage showing long lines and growing frustration. We start in Punta Gorda where PGTV captured a line outside Mahung's store which is also the Western Union agent:

Jammed Lines, No Social Distance At Moneygram in Griga
And in Dangriga, there were lines this morning as well. And desperation without social distancing. Harry Arzu has this report:

Zero New COVID 19
There are no new COVID-19 positive tests to report tonight. The most recent figures from the Minister of Health say that 629 tests have been performed, with 611 negative results.

SOE Regulations Bing Tweaked This Friday
But while that is slightly encouraging, the national state of emergency remains in effect until at least the end of this month. And, the Attorney General today announced that on Friday, the regulations would be tweaked once again. Here's what he said on meet the experts: "It is not the law now but it will be the law Friday. Banks will be opened from 8 to 4, public utilities will be opened from 8 to 4, so you can pay your bills only..."

Sundays Still Silent
So while that new regulation may bear its own complications, the restrictive regulations for an all locations shutdown on Sunday's during the state of emergency are being slightly tweaked for essential service. Michael Peyrefitte- Attorney General: "On Sunday if you don't work for the Ministry of National Security, if you don't work for Border Management and Immigration, Customs, if you are not a Cabinet member or a member of the National Assembly..." There will still be no exercise allowed on Sunday morning.

AG Stingy With Passes
So while we hope the Sunday national lockdown is not a portent of things to come, Peyrefitte says citizens can adjust. Just look at the fact that everyone has figured out a way to get along without curfew passes, or as he calls them...: "I have signed no sweetheart pass, which is evidence once again that nobody in Belize has a sweetheart and so there is no need for any. Everybody is faithful, everybody is happy with whom they are with at home at 8 pm and there was no need to issue any of those. So, if anybody says they have a pass badge signed by me, they are lying because I have signed none."

What Alternatives To Food Wastage?
Last night, we told you about the hardship that the poultry and dairy producers of Spanish Lookout are facing due to the State of Emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic. The poultry producers are staring down a 50% decrease in local sales because Belizeans just aren't buying chicken in the usual quantities. So, the poultry producers will run out of cold storage space in a few weeks' time due to all those unsold chickens. Dairy producers actually had to throw away milk because it has a short shelf life, and their product also wasn't selling as well.

Business Donates COVID-19 Outdoor Screening Center
Testing for COVID-19 remains one of Belize's biggest challenges. And while concerns abound about whether enough tests are being done, less has been said about how safely the tests we do have are administered. That's because no matter how you get tested, you still have to interact with a medical professional, which could put you and the healthcare worker at risk.

Doug's Demise, Et Tu Aaron?
Doug Singh resigned in a flash yesterday after an uncut interview with a reporter was leaked. In it, a clearly impatient and exasperated Singh is heard to be expressing deep resentment verging on detestation for unemployed persons trying to access the COVID unemployment relief fund. The exposure was too great: within two hours of it being released, Singh resigned as the chairman of the social security board, the election and boundaries commission and as a BTL director. These are all posts that the Prime Minister had assigned him to as one of the leading private sector minds in the Barrow Administration.

Masks From Taiwan
The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize is preparing to make a donation to the Ministry of Health of 60,000 "Made in Taiwan" face masks for all the frontline medical personnel who risk their lives to look after sick Belizeans during this COVID-19 pandemic. The masks, described as high-quality, was shipped from Taipei a week ago, and they had to be sent to Cincinnati and Miami in the United States.

The Passing Of The Wright Bishop
Doric McGowan Wright Bishop Emeritus of Belize City, Belize passed away at 5:25 am this morning. The 74 year old Singh had a long history of medical complications, including vision problems. Wright was ordained as Auxiliary to Bishop Osmond P. Martin on April 4, 2002. He was known for his compassion, his offhanded humour, and was a staunch defender of his faith, and also outspokenly opposed some aspects of the government's 2013 promotion of same-sex-orientation rights.

Breaking It Down With Boots
At the top of the news, we told you about the launch of the food package program to put groceries and supplies directly into the hands of the most needy. Initially as many as three thousand persons are expected to qualify for the 150 dollar support package. They are invited to call a hotline and screened for the program based on need and qualification; basically they cannot be receiving any other type of government assistance, either in unemployment payments our pantry program, our have a job.

How Long A Lockdown?
Earlier in the news we told you that the national state of emergency and lockdown will remain in effect until at least the end of this month, when it may be relaxed, extended or strengthened. All that depends on what kind of progress the community makes with limiting COVID infections. But, according to the Director of Health Services Dr Marvin Manzanero on yesterday's meet the experts, it will be a year or more before any semblance of pre COVID normalcy is restored:

Don't Waste Water
Last week, we told you how the National Met Service was forecasting that the country would be facing a 2nd consecutive year of drought. Well, the Department of Rural Development and the Belize Water Services Limited are both are recommending that Belizeans conserve as much water as they can in this time of hardship. The Department of Rural Development notes that that the country is currently experiencing a heatwave. So, they are reminding members of village communities who are heavily affected by the drought, to treat their community water access as a precious and finite resource.

Channel 5

Leaked Audio Recording Between Former S.S.B. Chair & Journalist
The recording of an interview between Aaron Humes of Belize Breaking News and Dough Singh, formerly of the Social Security Board, has triggered a passionate debate about public accountability, the [...]

Doug Singh Fell on His Own Sword
U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte has not had a chance to speak with former S.S.B. Chairman Doug Singh, however, in an interview with News Five this afternoon; he said that Singh’s [...]

Is it Unethical/Illegal for a Journalist to Record a Call?
The question most people are asking is whether it was unethical or illegal for the journalist to record former S.S.B. Chair Doug Singh? Was it a breach of privacy? It [...]

No Laws on the Recording of Conversations
Attorney Audrey Matura asserts that there are no privacy laws in regards to the recording of conversations and that there was no mention of confidentiality. Humes did not include Singh’s [...]

23K Approved for COVID-19 Economic Relief
Up to Tuesday afternoon, more than sixty-thousand applications were lodged for the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Programme and just a little over seven thousand were approved and forwarded to the Social [...]

Relief Coming – Vetting is Thorough to Ensure Qualified Beneficiaries Receive Monies
Some twenty-three thousand have been approved, which represents over thirty-five percent.  While, those figures grew significantly over the past few days, several have been clamoring that the help is not [...]

New Curfew Measures for Below 16!
There are no new cases of COVID-19 to report today. Eighteen persons have been affected and two have died. So far, six hundred and twenty-nine persons have been screened; six [...]

Bishop Dorick Wright Passes Away at 74
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City, Belmopan, as well as devout followers and parishioners of Holy Redeemer Cathedral and the catholic community, mourn the passing of Bishop Dorick Wright.  [...]

Remembering Bishop Dorick Wright
Father Leslie, in remembering Bishop Wright, admits that the most challenging time in his leadership of the Catholic Church in Belize was when he was faced with the gender issue.  [...]

Poultry Sales Down by 50%; Chicken Producers Feeling the COVID-19 Hit!
Shifting to the agro-productive sector…while food producers are allowed to operate within the regulations, the poultry sector in Spanish Lookout is still feeling the hit of COVID-19 and they anticipate [...]

Buy 2 Get 1 Free; Quality Poultry Products Working
So with a surplus on their hands, Quality Poultry Products is holding special discounts to encourage the sale of chicken because they also stand to face storage issues. Managing Director [...]

Social Distancing is a Challenge in Mid-April
Recent reports on the international media suggest that social distancing is an effective tool in fighting the spread of the COVID-19.  Locally, the practice was among the first measures imposed [...]

New Restriction Coming for Doctors!
At the top of the newscast, you heard about the new curfew for those under the age of sixteen, which will come into effect on Friday. But that’s only a [...]

New Measures for Utilities and Banking Institutions
Also starting Friday, Michael Peyrefitte says that utility companies will be allowed to operate their cashier service only for persons to pay bills. In addition to that, opening hours for [...]

List of Businesses Allowed to Operate from Monday to Saturday
The Attorney General also outlined the list of businesses that are allowed to operate during different schedules. As you’ll recall, food mills, sugar, citrus and port operations as well as [...]

Sunday Restrictions Outlined; AG Warns of Similar Measures If COVID-19 Continues to Spread
When it comes to Sunday, the restrictions are tighter. As was announced over the weekend, about ninety-percent of the country goes into lockdown on Sundays. Most businesses are closed to [...]

Money Woes in Griga Dang
Economic hardship during the coronavirus crisis is affecting virtually all Belizeans as the unemployment lines continue to grow. As of this afternoon, as many as sixty thousand persons have filed [...]

Peini Residents Up in Arms Over Western Union Monies
In Punta Gorda this morning, residents faced a similar dilemma when they showed up at a local Western Union branch at eight-thirty and the proprietor did not open on the [...]

Healthcare Partners Back in Operation after COVID-19 Scare
Belize Healthcare Partners Limited admitted and treated a patient who has now died from COVID-19. As you know, Conrad Everett was first hospitalized there and tested negative for the virus [...]

The Reporter

Amendments to State of Emergency Regulations
A new amendment under the State of Emergency Regulations will prohibit children 16 years and younger to be on the streets after 4:00 p.m., as of this Friday. Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte explained a while ago that the curfew for these children starts at 4:00 every day, and that does not matter if the children are with their parents. The AG said this new amendment to the curfew law will remain in place for the remainder of the State of Emergency. Peyrefitte also said that utility companies (BEL, BWS, BTL) will be allowed to open for payment of bills only after the SI is amended to reflect this by Friday.

Health staff across the country to suspend their private practice service
The Ministry of Health has issued a memorandum asking health staff across the country to suspend their private practice service effective immediately.

Speak Out By: Marisa Alamilla
Sometimes I wonder if people truly understand the struggle of being a single mother in this country. If u all truly know what or can even imagine what it is like to be a man who does not have an education and limited means. Yes, it's easy to judge and say shit like dah dey mek lottah picknay or dah dey know e hard yet they do more shit but uno Eva really realize that only a few break the cycle and only a few get out? Do u all ever stop and think Why? Not all Of us are built the same.

Bishop Dorick Wright passes away
The Reporter extends its sincere condolences after reports that Bishop Dorick Wright passed away this morning. He had been ailing for some time, but was still a force in the Catholic community.

LOVE FM

Earthquake off Northern coast of Honduras
Initial magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes off the coast of Honduras, tremors felt in Belize City.

Journalists weigh in on the Doug Singh situation
s we noted at the top of the news, the liveliest debate on social media up to our news time this evening is that of the recorded convo between Doug Singh and Reporter Aaron Humes. The debate has seen the participation of former journalists, attorneys, members of the general public and current reporters.

Was Doug Singh too laid back while speaking with a news reporter?
When we left you yesterday we told you of the abrupt resignation of Doug Singh, the now former Chairman of the Social Security Board (SSB) and the salacious 19-minute recording of Singh and Breaking Belize News Reporter, Aaron Humes. The public has been weighing in on the issue on social media and it has now become a debate as to who erred.

Monies for unemployment relief fund to be disbursed
Belizeans who have applied for the Unemployment Relief Program will start seeing money in their bank accounts as early as today. Minister of State in the Ministry of Labor, Carla Barnett, was featured on today’s COVID-19 Update Show on Love FM and stated that since the program was rolled out about two weeks ago, the applications were piling in, but have recently slowed.

Bishop Dorick Wright passes away
Bishop Dorick Wright, Belize’s Bishop Emeritus has passed. The Catholic Bishop died this morning at 5:25.

Cayman Islands agree to assist Belize with as many COVID-19 test kits needed
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has announced that the Cayman Islands has agreed to assist Belize with as many COVID-19 kits as needed. This is following a phone call between PM Barrow and Premier Alden McLaughlin of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, April 11.

PSE’s facing cancellation; CXC’s may be done online
On a normal day, primary school students would be gearing up for the Primary School Examinations (PSE) that were initially scheduled for April 30. High School students would also be preparing for the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams and applying for various tertiary level institutions.

Proposal for teachers to forgo annual increment
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) is currently working alongside GOB to implement cost-saving measures to assist with COVID-19 relief measures. This is to help to cope with economic impact of the virus. One of the proposals made was for teachers to forego their annual increment so that GOB could allocate those funds elsewhere.

Patient 10 passes away due COVID-19
Patient Ten is a 63-year-old Belize City man who lost his life due to COVID-19 on Good Friday. His diagnosis was coupled with some underlying conditions including a recent stroke. The mapping exercise carried out by the health officials has led to the screening of several persons who were at a party on March 14 at the Plaza Diner upstairs the Downtown Plaza.

Brigadier General speaks on rumors surrounding sick soldiers at Price Barracks
Reports of a Belize Defence Force soldier that had to be quarantined were circulating on social media. Some reports took it so far as to say that the soldier had passed away due to COVID-19. However, according to Commander of the BDF, Brigadier General Steven Ortega, there were some soldiers under quarantine but they have since been tested.

Dr Manzanero explains false negative results
One major fear as it relates to testing for COVID-19 is the matter of false negatives. This possibility is all too real, and can come as a result of things like rapid testing and testing too early.

2020 Easter Weekend silent and empty
There were no beach parties or Easter bash this past weekend. The traditional social gatherings will be recorded as absent, non-existent in the annals of Belize’s history. What will take its place are the recordings of nightly sirens warning us of the impending curfew; the restrictions of movements and the empty streets and silence of a country on lockdown because of the global pandemic, COVID-19.

KHMHA Union concerned with patient #10
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Association (KHMHA) Workers Union expressed their concerns at how patient 10 was handled both at Health Care Partners Limited and at the KHMH. According to them, as well as the Belize Medical and Dental Association, the KHMHA Administration has compromised the safety of frontline workers.

Opposition Leader threatens to withdraw from taskforce
When the Prime Minister announced that he would be working alongside the Leader of the Opposition as co-chairs of the National Oversight Committee, many praised their bipartisan support in the fight against COVID-19. However, late Friday night, the Opposition Leader issued a video statement that was less than supportive of the government’s decisions in tackling this pandemic.

Western Regional Hospital prepares isolation units
The Western Regional Hospital received an exterior three bedroom isolation unit to treat patients with Pneumonia or patients awaiting results from their COVID-19 testing. Our Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz has the details.

Body found in Western Belize
The body of a man was found near Valley of the Peace Village in the Cayo District. Correspondent Fem Cruz has this story.

BMDA upset for not being apart of the COVID-19 task force virtual meeting
The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) has sent out a memo expressing dissatisfaction and upset that they were not included in a virtual meeting of the COVID-19 Task Force on Wednesday, April 10. They say they are being locked out of the decision-making process in this pandemic and have expressed concerns over what they refer to as insufficient testing.

Chairman of Social Security Board resigns from his post
The Chairman of the Social Security Board (SSB) Doug Singh has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister of Belize. The letter was sent just after five o’clock this evening. The letter comes a few hours after Singh returned a call to a local reporter who began discussions with him over the delay in payments from SSB.

Breaking Belize News

Two consecutive days without a new COVID-19 case in Belize
Today marks the second consecutive day that Belize has gone without a new case of COVID-19. […]

Applications open for US Embassy’s CARSI grants
The United States Embassy has opened applications for the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) […]

Governor General extends condolences on passing of Bishop Wright
Governor-General of Belize, Colville Young issued a statement today expressing his deep sorrow and that of […]

Westrac Limited announces changes to operations
Today, Westrac Ltd. issued a statement explaining its new operations under the current state of […]

AG reminds public of nationwide curfew
On the Ask the Experts show today, Attorney General Micheal Peyreffite urged the public to […]

Attorney General discusses new changes to regulations expected to become effective on Friday
The Attorney General, Micheal Peyrefitte, was on the Ask the Experts show this afternoon and […]

Belize among nations with no newly reported cases of COVID-19
Belize is among several nations in the region that has not reported any new confirmed […]

The essential 10 percent
The interruption of daily routines brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has presented Belizeans with […]

Volunteers needed to assist with Government’s humanitarian efforts
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty alleviation is calling on members of […]

Bishop Dorrick Wright passes at age 74
Bishop Dorrick Wright passed away today at the age of 74. Bishop Wright was born […]

Mental Health Association saddened by actions of police officers
The Mental Health Association issued a statement today condemning the incident that led to the […]

Western communities benefit from generous donations from Mennonite and Asian communities
As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, companies and communities are trying their best to […]

Police officers who recorded sex tape officially charged
Three police officers who forced a man and woman to have sex and recorded it […]

Blogs

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
Belize has a silent Sleeping Giant, visible along the Hummingbird Highway and even the Southern coast on a clear day. Amongst the foothills, the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge is nestled between the Sibun River and 10,000 protected acres of the Sibun Nature Reserve. As a result, choose between intimate and lavish with views of jungle, mountains, creeks, and the Sibun River.

Airlines Adapt Flexible Changes for Cancelled Flights
If you had your heart set on a trip to Belize that has now been thwarted by the coronavirus, you’re not alone. Millions of travelers are seeking help from airlines with flight changes, flight cancellations, and refunds. Thankfully, airlines are being more flexible and easing up on many restrictions when it comes to changing your travel plans.

Everything to Know About Coronavirus in Belize Now
Around the globe, individual countries are trying their best to confront and overcome the coronavirus pandemic. Every day, positive cases increase, the death toll rises, and thankfully, so does the numbers of full recoveries. And while Belize continues in its quarantine order under a National State of Emergency, we are not alone. Every single person on the planet has been, or will be, affected by the pandemic.

Chaa Creek Announces Color Belize Art Competition
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is calling on young artists from around the world to use their talents to celebrate Belize’s beautiful wildlife. Here, at one of Belize’s most popular eco-resorts, we love the outdoors. And with 400-acres of a private rainforest nature reserve as our backyard, we understand that it’s no fun to be cooped up indoors. We also know how important it is right now for everyone to do their part, and make this Coronavirus history by staying indoors, and we want to thank you with our:

Videos

April 15, 2020

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

SSB Chairman Doug Singh resigns after controversial remarks regarding COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program
doug singh covid-19 relief fundOn Tuesday, April 14th, Douglas Singh resigned as Chairman of the Social Security Board (SSB) and Director of Belize Telemedia Limited and Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission. His sudden resignation came on the heels of an interview in which he candidly expressed his frustration with Belizeans over the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. Throughout the telephone interview, Singh made inflammatory remarks against the applicants who applied for the relief fund. It is alleged that his resignation is tied to that audio leak.

Unemployment Relief Payment: 7,247 Approved for Disbursement
As of 2:00 p.m. today, April 14th, 62,706 applications have been received via the COVID-19 eServices Portal, in addition to a lesser amount received in hard copy, for the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. 7,247 of those applications have been approved and payment should be forthcoming. The program was designed to offer financial assistance to meet the needs of workers who have been laid off as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. It also provides relief to persons who were unemployed prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and are now experiencing even more difficult circumstances.

Legal changes to Social Security Act: Regulations for Sickness Benefit during a Pandemic
Effective March 28, 2020, the qualifying condition that a person must be employed upon becoming ill has been suspended. This means a person who, as of March 1, 2020, became unemployed, suspended, placed on leave without pay, or ceased self-employment may still qualify for Sickness Benefit. This statement differs from an initial announcement on March 19, 2020, wherein representatives of the Social Security Branch (SSB) indicated that “If an employee is laid off and then becomes ill due to COVID-19 they are not eligible to claim any benefit.”

Government of Belize to Procure COVID-19 Test Kits from Cayman Islands
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announces that, following a phone call between Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, April 11, Belize can obtain from Cayman as many COVID-19 test kits as needed. Belize has so far received 2,500 tests from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and is expecting an additional 11,500 tests from the organization. Additionally, Belize ordered 4,000 tests from the Roche Agency in Guatemala, 2,000 of which are to be delivered this week and the remaining next week.

Ambergris Today

Belize Approves Disbursement Of 7,247 Unemployment Relief Payments
As of 2:00 p.m. today, April 14th, 62,706 applications have been received via the COVID-19 eServices Portal, in addition to a lesser amount received in hard copy, for the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - IS SAN PEDRO REALLY OKAY!?
"Ok, based on the very poor responses from the local officials on Reef TV this morning, this post is just my thoughts of our situation. Since our lockdown started, we have been putting our faith in the local government officials to control the situation. Are they? How would we know? Very tight lipped, and no official method for the citizens to voice their concerns. When comments like 'we are doing good' and 'we are watching the Dominican Republic' are thrown out, I now have grave concerns for the people of this island. Most politicians, around the globe, have daily press conferences to keep their constituents informed. We tune into Reef TV in the hopes of getting pertinent information. Maybe they'll show up, maybe not. Maybe they will call in, maybe not. They are building animosity within the public and either don't care, or don't want to deal with the concerns of the people.

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Various Belizean Sources

Notice: COVID-19 Relief Fund HOTLINE NUMBERS
For financial assistance, queries or concerns on your application and payment call: 621-3618 | 621-3400 | 604-4645.

Effective March 28, 2020 the qualifying condition that a person must be employed upon becoming ill has been suspended
Persons are advised to submit completed Sickness Benefit forms to [email protected].

Are you or someone in your family in a high risk group?
Behave like you have the virus and that everyone you come in contact does as well. Islanders, it is important not to let your guard down. It’s up to each of us to be self disciplined and take responsibility to keep all of our vulnerable residents and the community safe. Stay Home except for emergencies or if you are an ESSENTIAL worker. When in public master 6-feet physical distancing around yourself. At home practice physical distancing also where possible. High risk groups for severe illness and death include people:

Temporary Caye Caulker Respiratory Clinic is now active
We would like to inform the public that our temporary Caye Caulker Respiratory Clinic is now active. Person with any flu like symptoms are advised to call first at 600-9539 before visiting the clinic. Upon arrival you will be triaged and guided by a nurse. Let's help maintain Caye Caulker COVID 19 FREE!!!

The end of a Hot smoky day in San Ignacio
photo by Daren Lamb

THE MAYA CROSS
The cross is a symbol that has been present in the Maya culture since pre-Hispanic times . The Maya Cross’s symbolic identity is that of supernatural entities, such as Itzamná and Chaak; as well as ancestral entities, trees, corn stalks, and other plants which abound in the Mayaab, the land of the Maya. Maya Crosses often have an overhead semi-circle of flowers. Maya crosses are often painted a blue-green hue, which signifies centrality, and are referred to as "ya’ as che’ "--’green tree’ and "kuxa’an" –alive. The Maya cross is a representation of the tree of life of the Maya the Ceiba . The Maya belief that proclamations of these crosses come from the "divine" voice of "hahal ku," the true Maya god of the Masewal.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC - GENERAL REGISTRY — COVID-19 RESPONSE
IN LIGHT OF THE DEVELOPMENTS WITH REGARDS TO COVID-19, INCLUDING THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF A COUNTRYWIDE QUARANTINE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 54 OF 2020, THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IS HEREBY NOTIFIED OF THE FOLLOWING WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 14, 2020, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 1. THE MAIN OFFICE OF THE GENERAL REGISTRY WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC...

CLOSURE OF OFFICE - TREASURY DEPARTMENT, BELIZE CITY AND SUB-TREASURIES COUNTRYWIDE
The Accountant General hereby advises the general public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument 54 of 2020 dated April 11, 2020, the Treasury Department, Belize City and Sub-treasuries countrywide will be closed to the public for the period April 14 - 24, 2020. Please note that Government Savings Bank will be operational countrywide, with the exception of San Pedro Sub-Treasury, on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14 and 15, 2020 respectively from 9:00 am to 12:00 midday to accommodate payroll and other personal transactions.

Disbursement of 7,247 Unemployment Relief Payments Approved
A total of 62,706 applications have been received through the COVID19 electronic services portal starting at 2:00 pm on April 14, plus a fewer physical applications received for the Unemployment Relief Program by COVID-19. The program was designed with the aim of providing financial aid to those who were fired due to the COVID-19. crisis. The program also provides assistance to those who remained unemployed before the beginning of the COVID pandemic - 19 and now they go through harder times.

Belize Government Will Purchase Cayman Islands Test Kits
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announces that, following a phone call between Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, April 11, Belize can obtain from Cayman as many COVID-19 test kits as needed. Belize has so far received 2,500 tests from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and is expecting an additional 11,500 tests from the organization. Additionally, Belize ordered 4,000 tests from the Roche Agency in Guatemala, 2,000 of which are to be delivered this week and the remaining next week.

60,000 high quality “Made in Taiwan” face masks arrived in Belize today
Thank you for everyone who helped us facilitate the clearance procedure in the Philip Goldson International Airport. All the masks will be donated to Ministry of Health of Belize on April 16 to be used by frontline medical service providers in fighting against COVID-19. These masks were shipped from Taipei a week ago, en route via Cincinnati and Miami in the United State, then Panama City and Guatemala City in Central America, now finally arrived in Belize. The geographic distance between Taiwan and Belize is really far, but our friendship keeps us even closer. At this difficult and critical moment, we would like to tell all our friends in Belize, “Taiwan is always on your side!”

HUGE LOSS TO POULTRY SECTOR
KREM News has learned that Mennonite businesses in the poultry sector have depopulated (in other words, they have put down) a large portion of the expensive breeder flocks of chickens producing hatching eggs. One businessman says they destroyed half of their breeder flock. Their decision was not an easy one but with no option to use the product, keeping the entire stock would come at a burdensome expense. This destruction is considered a huge loss to the industry. They also discarded a huge amount of eggs pulling them out of the machine instead of letting them hatch into chicks.

BELIZE MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSOCIATION (#BMDA), WHICH REPRESENTS THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY OF BELIZE, CLAIMS VICTIMIZATION AND OTHER CONCERNS
In a statement written April 13,th 2020 BMDA writes: The BMDA through this medium would like to notify the general public that lately we have not been able to participate in meetings related to the decision making for this COVID-19 pandemic. The BMDA represents the medical community of Belize and it is unacceptable that the doctors on this country do not have a say in this matter. We have been vocal about our concerns and it is obvious that now we are being victimized because of it. There was a virtual task force meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and the BMDA representative was locked out.

Help and donations to Caye Caulker
The past few weeks have been extremely busy and trying for us here at C.C.V.C and on beautiful Caye Caulker. We must again extend gratitude to the Chinese Community and San Pedro Belize Express for their unwavering support. We must also thank Caribbean Chicken and Quality Poultry for chickens to be distributed as part of our pantry program. We must also thank all the business owners and members who have come forward to lend a helping hand to our community members in this time of need. We must commend Ms Peggy from Bondi Bar and her team, whose all names we still have not gotten, who are serving meals to various community members both on North and South Caye Caulker.

Rapidito would like to make an official release about the rumors that are being spread on the island
Absolutely NO ONE has been traveling on our barge, with the exception of our employees which is now limited ONLY to our caye caulker staff. Our barge last travelled a week ago, and only 1 additional person was on that barge - the BWEL representative. We had to beg the company to even send this gentleman because they were refusing in fear of his safety. Had we not bargained with these people, the island would have been left without gas. The deal we made was that this gentleman would be brought to caye caulker, escorted by the police to the vicinity to pump and immediately sent back to the city on the barge. Police were informed of arrival time and were there waiting for the barge. They can attest that no one came on the barge, apart from our crew and this Bwel rep.

William McQueen donates to Belize Zoo
Bill McQueen made a $7,700BZ donation to the BelizeZoo today! Thank you Bill!!! From Bill: "Just giving back to the Belize I have loved for the last 20 plus years. It means more now in these difficult times."

STATUTORY INSTRUMENT - SI54 REVISIONS + SUMMARY
by Wendy Auxillou

Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize (14-APR-2020)
Event: United Airlines flight UA3042, which departs Philip Goldson International Airport on Thursday April 16, 2020 at 12:00 noon and arrives in Houston at 15:28 pm, is fully booked. If you are a passenger on this flight, please read the following information to protect you and all personnel involved in a safe departure from Belize. If you are not a passenger on this flight but are still interested in repatriating to the United States, please skip to step number 6.

Balames
Balames are Yucatec Maya earth guardian Spirits created by Jajal Yuumstil (God) to maintain the balance between humanity and Nature . They are protectors of animals , forest,towns and humans . The Yucatec Maya of Belize continue seeing the balames as important beings in their Spirituality especially when doing the different primicias . The Balames are also known as Nukuch Tat,Yuum Balam , Nukuch balam or Tata Duende .

Belizean Máasewal cuisine - Waajilbu’ul
Between the Yucatec Maya (Máasewal) of Belize this food is known as Waajilbu’ul (Pan de frijol) . Have heard others call it Oni Waaj . This picture is from a Maya Máasewal family of Yo Chen (Corozal) . If you know another name please let us know .

Current restaurants offering delivery in San Pedro
Current restaurants offering delivery: Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and Restaurant - can order direct from Facebook Page, or 226-2008. Patz's Delicatessen & Bakery - WhatsApp see image below or visit Facebook Page. 226-0440 or FB message. Ramen 501-San Pedro--- WhatsApp see image below or visit Facebook Page. 628-0100 WhatsApp. Pirate's Pizza- menu/contact info below. 226-4663 or 226-2378, or order from FB page. PepperOni's Pizza Ambergris Caye - menu/contact info below. 226-4515.

Historic Public Market in Corozal
When visiting the House of Culture, these two panels are a must read! Via this medium, we share the history of the original Public Market which now houses the Corozal House of Culture.

Channel 7

SSB Chmn Forced To Resign, Outrageous, Insulting Interview Leaked
Chairman of the Social security Board Doug Singh has abruptly resigned as chairman of the Social Security Board, the Elections and Boundaries Commission and as a Director of BTL. It happened just a few minutes ago in a letter to the Prime Minister. In it he writes, quote, "I will not allow the greater purpose of your national efforts in this crisis to be undermined by any personal expressions made by me." End quote And here's what he's talking about. Singh granted journalist for Belize Breaking News Aaron Humes an interview earlier today about the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. The 19 minute interview was riddled with expletives and characterised many unemployed who were applying for relief as entitled and undeserving freeloaders.

Belize's Second Victim of COVID-19
When we left you on Friday we were up to Patient #9 with one dead. Tonight there are twice that many patients, eighteen, and two have died. Like we said, a very rough, sad and panic inducing weekend for Belize. Patient #10, 65-year-old Conrad Everett, died at the KHMH in the early morning hours of Good Friday. And after his death events moved quickly. This morning Cherisse Halsall set out to recap the new cases and new clusters identified over the strangest easter weekend in memory.

KHMH Workers Union Not Happy About Handling of COVID Patient
But, we have more from the hospital's Workers Union. They accused the KHMH of, quote, "(erring) in accepting and transferring the patient to the ICU, without following critical care protocols and recently-established COVID protocols for patients showing signs of respiratory distress." End quote. The statement says, quote, "The KHMHA Workers Union hereby demands the immediate and complete closure of the ICU unit and that in-patients be relocated elsewhere for intensive care management. Also, that thorough sanitary and corrective measures be conducted on all units possibly compromised with immediate effect." End quote.

Two COVID Clusters Detected
Zooming out of that ugly and protracted dispute, most of us want to know what is the status of COVID 19 in Belize tonight. Well, like we said there are 18 cases, many of them coming out of two clusters in western and central Belize. Today on Ask The Experts, the Director of Health Services commented:...

Should Downtown Shoppers and Bank-goers Worry?
As we showed you earlier, one of those clusters have links to downtown Belize City - and tonight three establishments at the heart of the city are shut down for decontamination. Now, those are businesses at the heart of the city, and, before COVID, every day, hundreds of pedestrians would be in and out of those establishments. So, should they be concerned for their health about possibly coming in contact with the highly infectious COVID 19? We asked Manzanero today:..

The Virus Could Have Been in Belize Since Mid-March
Of course, the fact that the party with over 100 persons was held at the upper floor of the downtown diner in the downtown plaza on March 14th means that the the coronavirus could have been in Belize from well before our first patient was identified on March 22nd. Today Manzanero discussed that possibility:

COVID Overview: Two Deaths, Most Asymptomatic or Recovering
And while that is worrying, the news is not all bad. Very sadly, two have died from the corona virus, but most of the persons who have tested positive are not showing symptoms and some who were hzispptialized are improving. Manzanero gave an update today:

Patient 14 A False Negative?
One patient we did ask about was patient 14. She is a close contact of the deceased patient 4. But she just tested positive this weekend - when we suspect she had been tested right after his death. We asked if that was a false negative:

Cops Charged For Coercion Into Sex Act
Three police officers have been charged for coercing a couple into having sex and then recording it. On Friday, April 10th, 2020, Police formally arrested and charged Jason Shaw 46-year-old, Belizean Corporal of Police of Orange Walk District, Leslie Martinez 38-year-old, Belizean Police Constable of a Belize City address and Anthony Villamil 20-year-old, Belizean Police Constable of San Roman Village, Orange Walk District for the crime of "Willful Oppression".

Easter Traffic Fatality In Corozal
There was a fatal traffic accident during the Easter Holiday weekend, that has claimed the life of a Corozal resident. He has been identified to us as 40-year-old Cristobal Cano, a villager from Concepcion, Corozal. Police say that on Holy Saturday, they visited an area between miles 74 and 75 of the Philip Goldson Highway.

Body Found In West, Foul Play Possible
But while those men were charged for their heinous crime there is a dead body found in the west. And at 1:45 pm Roaring Creek Police discovered the body of 70-year-old Salvadoran National Pedro Fuentes. Fuentes left for work yesterday afternoon but by nightfall when he hadn't returned home a search party was organized to locate him.

An Imminent Poultry Crisis
So, we've brought you extensive coverage of the thousands of Belizeans who lost their jobs in the collapsed tourism industry. But, the tourism industry isn't the only part of the country's economy that continues to be hard-hit by the virus, and the State of Emergency, which the Barrow Government activated to contain the local spread of the virus. The nation's food security may be at risk. That was the news delivered today by the Chairman of Quality Poultry, one of the nation's biggest poultry producing companies. He was discussing the issue with KREM TV's Evan Mose Hyde, in a new YouTube web series called "Talk To Mi."

QPP Giving Chickens Away, Kinda
But even if government doesn't step up, at least for a time, the price of chicken will drop. Starting tomorrow you'll be able to flag down Quality Poultry trucks for buy one/get one deals. And this afternoon via video call we spoke to Quality Poultry's General Manager Raymond Barkman about how his company is freeing up storage space while helping get food to the struggling public.

Cattle Exports Damaged By COVID-19
In that interview with the Allen Reimer, it was also revealed that the local cattle industry is also at risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the informal cross-border trade of cattle between Belize's farmers, Guatemala, and Mexico to be put on an indefinite hiatus. Now this trade was "through the back" so to speak, but it was well established and flourishing. And now, it's stopped and causing another crisis:

Crying Over Spilt Milk
In the same way that the poultry producers are faced with a surplus of chicken that isn't selling on the local market, dairy producers from Spanish Lookout have also had to throw away milk that Belizeans aren't buying in the same quantities. Here's what Reimer had to say about the huge financial losses to dairy producers:

Briceno Bex About Tests Turned Down
And while that is the politics of food - which is paramount in a time like this - the regular blue and red politics are also at play right now. PUP Leader John Briceno who agreed to co-chair the National COVID-19 Task Force isn't happy. This weekend he took to the air with a major statement explaining his frustration, first of all, with the refusal of test kits sent to the central American Region by South Korea through CABEI. Here's how he put it:

Test Kits Coming From Cayman
But, there are kits on the way as well - thousands of them. Prime Minister Dean Barrow called up the Premier of the Cayman Islands Alden McLaughlin to inquire if Belize can purchase - at cost - COVID-19 test kits from that island which recently brought 200,00 test kits - from south Korea.

DHS Says Tests Are Abundant
Now that will be in addition to the stockpile of tests which Belize currently has. Manzanero outlined those today on Ask The Experts: Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services "How many testing kits are in country? We have from the batch, 4 kits of 96, 8 kits of 96 confirmatory tests and PAHO has sent to us 2,500 reactions. Reactions are kits that are being validated today for use in country. 4,000 kits are pending to come in. Kits are for testing individual tests and 11,500 reactions from PAHO. So even if you do a hundred tests per day, it's going to take you a good amount of weeks before we run out of that and of course we are stocking out on more."

Some Supplies Held Up
And while the tests should be coming through, some supplies have been stopped by supply chains which are now being commandeered by developed countries, mainly the USA. "Additional ventilators - 8 have arrived, 6 were deployed to Karl Heusner, 2 are here at the warehouse here in Belmopan for deployment wherever they are needed. We are aware that the US has put a policy restriction of PPEs and items needed to come, but Covid-19 has this affected us in any way? Yes, there was a delay in the ventilators getting here and that is causing a further delay in further ventilators getting here."

Live Grenade Found In North
On Easter Sunday, Corozal police had to respond to the discovery of a live hand grenade that was left in an abandoned lot. At around 3 that evening, the cops received a call from a concerned citizen of Mango Street in the Santa Rita Area. He found a black oval-shaped metal object wedged in a tree.

BMDA Says It's Been Boxed Out
The Belize Medical and Dental Association is speaking out about their COVID-19 concerns; mainly that they've been granted no say in decision making surrounding the pandemic. They say that have tried to speak up and have been victimized because of it. That claim coming after their representative claims he was locked out of a virtual task force meeting on April 8th.

The National Lockdown Went Into Effect On Saturday at 8:00
So, as you've seen tonight, there's been a whole lot of news related to the death of patient 10, and the appearance of 9 more positive COVID cases over the long Easter weekend. And, when patient died early on Good Friday morning, it caused not only grief for his family, and concern verging on panic in the community - it forced government to declare a national lockdown. The rule is that every district would go under the same rules as the Cayo District which was found to have community spread last week:

PM Placed Under Quarantine Due To COVID 10
And, if you noticed that message form the PM which he delivered on Good Friday, was done in his home with a cell phone. Well, that's because he was also under quarantine due to patient 10. Here's the explanation:

PUP Not Pleased
The Police officer has since tested negative for COVID 19, and this, along with the fact that he was not at that March 14th party seems to have brought the executive quarantine to an end by Sunday.

PUP Says Politics Being Played in Relief Food And Supplies
And while the leader of the opposition listed many things that he feels are wrong with the COVID response - one fo them is the politicised distribution of food relief:

Uk Espat Charged For Fake News
And in other news, outspoken activist Jose Luis Espat was charged this weekend with spreading false information. Police say "The post was re-shared and re-posted by many causing public alarm and leading to Espat's arrest." Espat later posted in response to his arrest saying quote: " Whenever anyone is charged for false News it is something they don't want known publicly, wise up. They want people to think we are malicious and liad but you all know better. We will fight to the very end." It looks like he's yet to learn his lesson.

Channel 5

Doug Singh Resigns as S.S.B. Chair, from Other Boards
Late this evening, Chairman of the S.S.B. Doug Singh stepped down from the post. The consummate U.D.P. insider also resigned as the chairman of the Elections and Boundaries commission and [...]

COVID-19 Cases Double Over Easter Weekend; Another Casualty is Reported
The number of persons infected by COVID 19 doubled over the Easter weekend. As of this afternoon, six hundred and twenty-nine persons have been tested; of that amount eighteen persons [...]

More Businesses are Looking Fumigation to Kill Coronavirus
The burial of Conrad Everett took place over the weekend in line with protocols established with the World Health Organization. Now, the cluster of persons that also tested positive includes [...]

Out of Eighteen Cases – Two in Hospital – Fourteen in Home Isolation
This afternoon, Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero provided an update on the positive cases of COVID-19. Speaking on Ask the Experts,  Doctor Manzanero says that so far, there [...]

GOB Loses Millions in Revenue
The economy is coming to a grinding halt and being the largest employer in the country, the Government of Belize is looking to cut down on spending.  With tens of [...]

G.O.B. Proposes Freezing of Annual Salary Increment
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight told President Smith that the government is seeking to identify and implement potential cost savings measures. One of those measures includes the proposed freezing of salary [...]

Additional 5000 Approved for COVID-19 Relief
Just after he made those unsavory comments on who gets funds under the COVID Relief programme, Doug Singh spoke in a much saner tone to News Five. Now, one of [...]

Concerns About Accessing Unemployment Relief
Some of the concerns raised about the access to the COVID-19 unemployment relief programme are the lack of bank accounts and social security number. Some groups, mostly underprivileged homes, feel [...]

Test Kits Update!
Late last week, the Director of Health Services said the country and in fact the region is running low on viral swabs used in testing for COVID-19. This afternoon, the [...]

K.H.M.H.A. Workers Union Meets with Prime Minister Dean Barrow
The leaders of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union on Monday met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who is now out of isolation. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, [...]

K.H.M.H.A. Workers Union Demand Investigation for “Breach of Protocols’
The Ministry of Health of Health over the weekend said that personnel at the K.H.M.H. who were exposed to patient ten have tested negative for COVID-19. But the K.H.M.H.A. Workers [...]

Is the Government Broke?
Revenue to government coffers has been shrinking due to COVID-19 and the state of emergency.  So is the government broke? That is the question we asked Financial Secretary Joseph Waight [...]

Fuel Prices to Decrease This Week
World oil prices continue to fall, dipping below thirty dollars a barrel.  But despite falling world oil prices, here in Belize, consumers are paying more than ten dollars a gallon. [...]

DHS Speaks on Future Testing Possibilities
Back to today’s Ask the Experts Session. Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero was asked about the possibility of Belize using rapid tests, as well as those that test [...]

Belize Learning from Taiwan’s COVID-19 Best Practices
One country that has been hailed to have successfully contained the virus is Taiwan.  Today, Taiwan reported no new cases of the COVID-19 for the first time in thirty-six days. [...]

More Testing Kits a Cometh
Since the Ministry of Health began screening and testing exercises in detection of COVID-19, a total of six hundred tests have been conducted.  That was out of a diminishing number [...]

DHS Explains Why South Korean Test Kits Were Refused
When pressed about the twenty-five thousand kits that were being donated by South Korea through SICA, that the Ministry of Health declined in March, the DHS said that the ministry’s [...]

Three Wayward Cops Arraigned for Sexual Coercion
Three police officers, including a corporal, have been arrested and charged following the coercion of two Belize City residents into a sexual act last Tuesday.  Forty-six-year-old Jason Shaw, thirty-eight-year-old Leslie [...]

94 Others Arrested Under Emergency Power Regulations, Curfew
There have been over five hundred persons and counting arrested for violating the emergency powers regulation with respect to the state of emergency and curfew. On Sunday, further restrictions were [...]

Decomposing Body of Elderly Man Found at Dumpsite in Valley of Peace
While there a number of arrests were made over the weekend for violators of the state of emergency, police are investigating a case of sudden death in the west. Earlier [...]

Was the BMDA Blocked from Virtual M.O.H. Meeting?
Earlier, we reported that the K.H.M.H.A. Workers Union reached agreement on some areas during a meeting with the PM.  Among the other complaints over COVID-19 that have surfaced includes one [...]

The U.S.A. and Ventilators Delay
At least three countries in the region: Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Barbados, have complained that equipment placed on order for the COVID-19 pandemic, were prevented by the U.S. authorities. The [...]

NAVCO Demands Village Councils Be Included in COVID-19 Food Distribution
The National Association of Village Councils is demanding that village councils be included in the distribution of food under the COVID-19 assistance programmes. Sabido says that villages and communities are [...]

Social Distancing and other Precautionary Measures May Extend for More Than a Year
If you are frustrated by all the new regulations being introduced including social distancing and other precautionary measures, you might want to buckle down and hang in there. Today during [...]

Salvation Army & its Food Pantry Programme
There are several food pantry programmes in place by government agencies as well as individuals and humanitarian organizations across the country. The Salvation Army, which caters to thousands of persons, [...]

Breaking Belize News

#TaiwanCanHelp – 60,000 masks arrive in Belize
Today, 60,000 high-quality masks made in Taiwan face masks arrived at the Philip Goldson Airport. The […]

BNTU working with government to help Belize combat COVId-19 pandemic
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) is holding ongoing meetings with officials of the government […]

COVID-19 and the food supply chain
A director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says “it is imperative that countries […]

Government approves over 7000 unemployment relief payments
The Government of Belize informed that as of 2:00 p.m. today, 62,706 applications have been received […]

Body of man found in Valley of Peace
This afternoon, the body of a man was found at a dump site in Valley of […]

Government to procure COVID-19 test kits from Cayman Islands
The Government informed that following a call between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Premier Alden […]

Belize Medical and Dental Association: “Leaders of this country do not accept constructive criticism”
The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) issued a statement informing the public that their […]

Taiwan’s response to COVID-19 considered among the best worldwide
To date, Taiwan has seen a low number of confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19, […]

District Association of Village Councils joins NAVCO in calling for village leaders to assist in food distribution
The Cayo District Association of Village councils (DAVCO) has written to the Ministry of Human […]

Kareem Musa: “We need an emergency non-partisan food distribution plan for Belizeans”
Caribbean Shores Area Representatives, Kareem Musa, is calling on the government to change its direction […]

Department of Rural Development reminds villagers to conserve water
Belize is currently experiencing a heatwave; therefore, the Department of Rural Development reminds the villagers […]

Prime Minister meets with representatives of KHMHA workers union to address critical concerns
Prime Minister Dean Barrow yesterday met with representatives of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority […]

Belize Water Services and Town Council partner to assist San Ignacio/Santa Elena residents affected by water shortage
Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) issued a statement apologizing to customers in the San Ignacio/Santa […]

Blogs

Start Your Day With a Belizean Breakfast
If you’re about to head out on one of Belize’s epic adventures, or daydream about a past trip at home, start your day with an authentic typical Belizean breakfast. A classic Belizean breakfast combines the best of Belize’s colonial history with its Caribbean culture and roots. It all adds up to a tasty ensemble of flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world. As far as “a mixing pot of culture” goes, key elements like Creole-based Fry Jacks, Maya-influenced Eggs and Chaya, and Yucatan Refried Beans.

15 Creole Phrases You Should Learn Before Visiting Belize
The Creole are one of the many ethnic groups that make up Belize’s cultural diversity. As such, most Belizeans speak English and Creole, or “Kriol”, as a part of our Belizean identity. Before you visit, have some fun with learning a few phrases of Creole to feel right at home. Like most patois throughout the Caribbean, Kriol is a dialect from enslaved workers exposed to the heard-English of British settlers to create a unique chopped-up mix. Belizeans of all ethnic backgrounds grow up speaking Kriol, often before learning English. English may be the official first language, but Kriol is just as common.

CDC suspends Cruise Ship Travel for 100 More Days
On April 9th, 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new extension of its “No Sail Order” for cruise ships as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The original order was placed on March 14, first set to be 30 days in the first instance. Now, the CDC has since extended through a 100-day period. The U.S. cruise industry has worked closely with the CDC and relevant authorities throughout the emergence of the pandemic. As such, the industry has suspended operations to ports all around the world since then.

Staying at San Pedro’s Sunbreeze Hotel
SunBreeze Hotel is a stunning property making for a perfect tropical vacation. It is located at the south end of central San Pedro and faces the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean. Its location makes it easy for divers and nature lovers to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The accommodations are clean and spacious, while offering all the modern amenities you require while still maintaining the laid back island vibe. Additional amenities include the onsite Dive Center which includes a 5 star PADI operation, an on-site restaurant and bar (with the island’s best sushi nights), a pool, sun deck, gazebo, and on-site spa.

International Sources

The first case of someone dying after catching COVID-19 from a dead body
Scientists in Thailand said they identified the first case of somebody dying from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, after catching it from a dead body. The case was reported in a letter published by the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine on Saturday. It described it as "the first report on COVID-19 infection and death among medical personnel in a Forensic Medicine unit."

26 amazing animal facts for kids
How long is a chameleon’s tongue? How high can a flea jump? Which animal always gives birth to quadruplets? The natural world is full of incredible creatures – many of which inspire curiosity in kids. Learn as a family and get set to impress your friends with these fun facts about animals from around the world.

Is The COVID-19 Curve Flattening In The Caribbean?
With economists from the World Bank, IMF and IDB forecasting a gloomy economic future for the Caribbean region, there seemed to some good news Tuesday as the number of cases in most regional countries showed a flattening off, even though an uptick continued in 7 countries. On Tuesday, most countries, except for the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Sint Maarten and St. Kitts and Nevis, reported no new cases or deaths.

Videos

April 14, 2020

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

Belize Coast Guard finds missing kayaker at Blackadore Caye; may face charges for movement outside of curfew on a Sunday
On Monday, April 13th, the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) located a man near Blackadore Caye after he was reported missing. The individual, originally from Belize City, had been missing since Sunday, April 12th, after heading out to sea in a green kayak from the Secret Beach area off the west coast of Ambergris Caye. He was handed over to the San Pedro Police, who will determine if any charges will be levied for being out at sea, which breaches the national quarantine.

Ambergris Today

Belize COVID-19 Cases Jump From 14 To 18 In 24 Hours
The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Belize now stands at 18, with four new confirmed cases identified over the last 24 hours. The confirmed cases are distributed as follows: • A female in San Ignacio Town, as a close contact of a confirmed case from that town.

Various Belizean Sources

COROZAL MARKET DAY TO BE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14th
The Corozal Town Council wishes to inform the General Public that Market Day will be rescheduled to Tuesday, April 14th 2020 for this week as Monday the 13th is Easter Monday. We kindly asked that the protocols set in place are followed for the Market to be available to consumers. Operating Hours are as of 8:00 am as stipulated under SI 47 of the Belize Constitution (Emergency Powers) Regulations, 2020. Only 5 people allowed inside the building at a time. Everyone inside and outside the Market must be practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet from each other. Vendors are recommended to have their produce bagged in 1Ib and 2lbs packages to reduce the time a Customer spends inside the building.

COVID-19 Confirmed Case Update
Four (4) COVID-19 cases were confirmed during the last twenty-four hours. Belize now has a total of 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Details about the last 4 cases: • One (1) woman from San Ignacio; close contact with a patient previously detected in the same village • Three (3) patients in Belize City; close contacts of a patient previously detected in the same city After 15 days of confirming your case, patient . 3 is still positive.

Scotiabank Belize City Branch Closed Temporarily
The Belize City branch will be temporarily closed between April 14 - 17, 2020 due to COVID-19 related exposure of a staff member. We have already begun the process of having the building fogged, deep cleaned and sanitized in accordance with established WHO standards and MOH guidelines. During this period, all deposits should be made at the Belama Branch location on the Northern Highway.

Water Conservation in Rural Communities
Belize is currently experiencing a heat wave; therefore, the Department of Rural Development reminds the villagers who are heavily affected by this dry season to conserve water. Villages will begin to experience low water pressure due to the water resources running low or going dry. As a means of conserving water, the Department encourages villagers to refrain from fulling large pools, washing vehicles, allowing the water to run while brushing teeth, taking long showers, washing vehicles, etc. Rural Community Development Officers are readily available to assist in providing necessary information, advice and services where necessary. The officers can be contacted via mobile phone and email (listed below). Other services are also available online for those who have internet access.

B&B Beverages Suspends Home Delivery in Belize City, San Pedro & Caye Caulker
Notice to our valued customers:

Thank you to the BTIA Cayo Chapter Board for their efforts in assisting families during this time
A couple weeks ago we set out to collect food items to distribute to those in need in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic! We are happy to say that we assisted over 25 families with the help of the BTIA Cayo Chapter Board Members, Recino's Imports, Leslie's Imports, Cahal Pech Village Resort, BelizeON, Ms. Amini Habet, Ms. Stacey Mendoza, Mr. Lynn Young, Mr. Roberto Harrision and the San Ignacio Police Formation. We are hoping to continue this effort as well as assist the farmers of our surrounding villages with the sale and distribution of their produce.

CLOSURE OF BEL OFFICES COUNTRYWIDE - TUESDAY, APRIL 14th
Belize Electricity Limited advises customers that effective Tuesday, April 14, 2020 all BEL offices will be closed until further notice, including cashier services at the Corporate Headquarters in Belize City and all Branch Offices countrywide. The closure of BEL offices is in adherence to the State of Emergency Regulation. Customer Care Representatives remain available remotely to assist with service requests or queries between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

The Rotary Club of Benque will be spraying, wiping, and cleaning
Dear Benqueño and Succotzeño, as we face COVID-19 we believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. For this reason we have once again organized for this Wednesday April 15, starting at 2 pm, the cleaning of public places, banks, ATMs, the front of all points of sale and most trafficked streets of our communities. As done in our first clean-up (Organized by Luis Perez), we will be using pressure washers and chlorox to complete this task. Therefore, we ask for your kind assistance as we are in need of chlorox, masks and gloves. If we all put a little grain against this pandemic, together we can surely win this battle against COVID-19.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: APRIL 5, 2020 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2020
The flats are super quiet. No boats. No engines. One canhear the sound of a Tarpon rolling at 100 paces! The fish have been resting for around amonth, and by the time this is all over, probably two months. Thousands of hungry fish that have forgotten what a fly looks like!! We are convinced that the first returning visitors to El Pescador are going to enjoy the most incredible fishing. Make sure you are on the list. Don’t miss out on this virtually virgin fishing experience.

All BWS offices closed until further notice
All BWS offices will be closed to the public as a precautionary measure to ensure safety of our customers and staff.

Water Problems in Santa Cruz and Cristo Rey
Belize Water Services wishes to inform customers in the Santa Cruz and Cristo Rey areas of Santa Elena, Cayo that the water truck will be in both areas tomorrow, April 14, 2020 from 7:00 AM. The truck will start in the Santa Cruz area. Once again, BWS apologizes for any inconveniences this interruption is causing to customers in the San Ignacio/Santa Elena area and encourages customers in these communities to practice safe distancing and to please stay safe.

SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS ECONOMIC CRISIS
By Ian Jones 1. Farmers big and small will be the ones to get us through this - but GOB needs to help them save us! That $70mil (the $150 bi weekly),valiant effort but a fools errand. People can use that for one thing only -FOOD! So rather than give people that $70mil, lets give it to the farmers and food suppliers and producers...

Current restaurants offering delivery in San Pedro

Channel 5

From Commissioner of Police Chester Williams
On Sunday 12 April 2020, a total of 94 persons were arrested and charged countrywide for various offenses under the Emergency Powers Regulations: Movement outside of curfew on a Sunday- 67, Unable to provide reasons for movement outside of curfew period- 21, Breach of curfew- 6. In addition 9 persons were summoned for the offence of Unable to provide reasons for movement outside of curfew period in San Ignacio and one person was arrested and charged for spreading false news.

LOVE FM

KHMHA Workers Union representatives meet with PM Barrow
Representatives of KHMHAWU met with the PM today purpose of the meeting was to address the many concerns affecting the staff of KHMHA in light of COVID19 and recent occurances within the KHMHA.

Four new cases identified. Belize now has 18 COVID-19 cases
Update on COVID-19 Cases Belmopan. April 13, 2020. 1:00 p.m. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Belize now stands at 18, with four new confirmed cases identified over the last 24 hours. The confirmed cases are distributed as follows: • A female in San Ignacio Town, as a close contact […]

Breaking Belize News

With COVID-19 contained so far in San Pedro – Is self-isolation, quarantine and social distancing working?
On March 23rd, Belize officially confirmed its first case of COVID-19. It was a San Pedro […]

Car crashes into house in Benque
Earlier this evening, a car crashed into a home in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Eye […]

SMART closes all showrooms until further notice
SMART Belize informed today that due to the State of Emergency and recent statutory instrument […]

Tracking the detection and history of COVID-19 cases in Belize
To date, Belize has registered 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with two patients having passed […]

Scotia Bank temporarily closes downtown location after employee tests positive for COVID-19
Scotia Bank on Albert Street in downtown Belize City will be closed this week after […]

Two active clusters of COVID-19 are being followed by Health authorities; one in Belize City and one in San Ignacio
Today, the Ministry of Health confirmed four (4) new case of COVID-19. The confirmed cases […]

Four new cases of COVID-19 identified in Belize; total cases now 18
The Government of Belize informed the nation that the total number of confirmed cases of […]

National Association of Village Councils demand that village chairs join team providing food assistance
The National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) has written to the Ministry of Human Development, […]

Over 90 State of Emergency offense arrests on Easter Sunday
The latest update from the Belize Police Department says that 94 people were arrested on […]

Jose Luis Espat charged for spreading false news
Police have announced the arrest of 36-year-old medical practitioner and political activist Jose Luis Uc […]

Blogs

Belize Top Jungle Experiences
Release your inner Tarzan as you navigate through the rainforests of Belize; rappel down waterfalls, swim at a secret swimming spot, hike through the jungle, and zip line across the forest. Whether you’re interested in animals, plants, native culture or plain relaxation with mother earth, Belize is rich in jungle adventures. The jungle contains the highest diversity of life on Earth, and there’s never a dull moment. Without further ado, here are some of the top jungle experiences to consider when traveling to Belize.

International Sources

The Caribbean Will See A Negative Growth This Year – World Bank
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis and a collapse in tourism will severely impact some countries in the Caribbean and result in a negative growth in the Caribbean this year, according to “The Economy in the Time of Covid-19,” the latest semi-annual report from the World Bank’s Chief Economist Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Latin America and Caribbean region (excluding Venezuela) is expected to be -4.6% in 2020, according to the report. A return to growth of 2.6% is expected in 2021.

Flu Season Heads to the Southern Hemisphere
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2020 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere has already started. The WHO report #364, which includes data through March 30, 2020, indicates in the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. Worldwide, annual influenza epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 650,000 fatalities related to respiratory disease.

Videos

April 13, 2020

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

San Pedro BTIA members appeal to GOB for tax relief to pay employees
Business owners across Belize are feeling the COVID-19 pandemic financial pinch, which has paralyzed economies around the world. With the tourism industry all but gone on Ambergris Caye, many islanders who are now without jobs are getting assistance with donated meals and groceries. At the same time, other employers have kept their staff on payroll, despite the absence of business. This expense is taking a toll, and in order to continue doing so, stakeholders on the island are appealing to the Government of Belize (GOB) for tax relief.

Island Roman Catholics celebrate Easter despite the COVID-19 threat
Easter is observed as the holiest time of the year among many religious communities around the world, as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. In San Pedro Town, the Roman Catholic Church observes the occasion every year with many scheduled events to honor Christ. This year, however, the celebrations saw a couple of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mass gathering was not allowed and during the annual procession, which usually sees hundreds of faithful Catholics participating on Good Friday, the religious walk witnessed the smallest procession, registering just a handful of persons during the anticipated event.

Countrywide lockdown implemented: Summary of Effect of Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2020
As announced by the Prime Minister on April 10, 2020, a countrywide lockdown has been implemented in response to COVID-19 through a Statutory Instrument effective today, April 11, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. The Statutory Instrument provides for further amendment to the Emergency Powers regulations and offers additional measures to protect the citizens of Belize. The two main changes include specific restrictions on movement and further reduced hours of operation for some businesses.

Ambergris Today

Fourteenth Case Of COVID-19 Confirmed In Belize
A further 26 samples were tested for COVID-19 at the Central Medical Laboratory and one of those samples has yielded a positive result. This is the 14th confirmed case.

Various Belizean Sources

Fourteenth Case of COVID-19 Confirmed
A further 26 samples were tested for COVID-19 at the Central Medical Laboratory and one of those samples has yielded a positive result. This is the 14th confirmed case. The sample is that of a close contact of a previously identified case who started developing minor symptoms, which included runny nose, nasal congestion and a loss of sense of taste. The patient remains with minor symptoms and is in self-isolation at home.

Rotary Club Donates to Corozal Community Hospital/Corozal Polyclinic II
We want to give a big thank you to the Rotary Club of Corozal for their tremendous donation. Thank you very much. God bless you all.

Fourteen case of COVID-19 is confirmed
A total of 26 exams for COVID-19 were conducted at the Central Medical Laboratory and 1 came back positive. This one is classified as the 14 confirmed case. This test is from a close contact of a previously identified patient who started developing minor symptoms including nasal secretion, nasal congestion and loss of sense of taste. Patient remains in isolation at home with minor symptoms.

KHMHA management addresses statements made by KHMHA Union
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority ("KHMHA) Board of Governors and Management. takes this opportunity to correct statements made in the KHMHA Workers Union Release posted on April 11th. 2020. At the time of transfer, the Patient arrived with a negative SIRS CoV-2 result and was not classified as a Person Under Investigation ("PUI"). As such, the KHMHA Accident and Emergency staff adhered to the relevant referral protocols based on the information provided. Use and type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) is based on the patient's diagnosis and the procedure being performed. The assigned staff complied with use of PPEs based on the information provided at the time of referral and adhered to the standard precautions outlined in the National Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines.

GST and business taxes for March 2020 now due on April 27th instead April 15th
General Sales Tax (GST), Business Tax and Employee Withholding for the month of March, 2020 will now be due on April 27th, 2020 instead of April, 15th. Interest Waivered.

Brodies Suspends Operation: Employees exposed to Covid-19
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, James Brodie & Co. Ltd. would like to express our continued commitment to the country Belize. We were reliably informed recently that two of our valued employees from the Downtown branch of our store were in contact with a previously identified patient who was tested positive for Covid- 19. They are currently in quarantine and have been tested for Covid- 19 and we are awaiting the results at this time.

BHPL Hospital in Belize City Decontaminated
The hospital facilities have been decontaminated in accordance with Ministry of Health requirements, and the Ministry Inspector is expected to sign off to that effect on Tuesday on their return to work. The hospital is now reorganizing to cope with the shortages of staff (isolation impact), however from Wednesday 15th the hospital will be open as normal.

LOVE FM

Fourteenth Case of COVID-19 Confirmed
Fourteenth Case of COVID-19 Confirmed Belmopan. April 12, 2020. 9:47 a.m. A further 26 samples were tested for COVID-19 at the Central Medical Laboratory and one of those samples has yielded a positive result. This is the 14th confirmed case. The sample is that of a close contact of a previously identified case […]

Breaking Belize News

James Brodie temporarily closes downtown branch due to employees contact with COVID-19 patient
A press release issued a short while ago from James Brodie & Company Limited announced […]

KHMH responds to worker’s union: agrees to temporary closure of ICU
Yesterday the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) Workers Union issued a statement saying that […]

The plight of local farmers in light of COVID-19 – let’s listen before our food security is threatened
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

UK Prime Minister released from hospital, continues to recover from COVID-19
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was released from the hospital today but continues his […]

Social Security board extends deadline for contribution payments
In light of the national quarantine as declared by Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, the entire […]

Belize Tax Service extends dates for payments of Business and General Sales Tax
The Belize Tax Service has issued a public notice informing that due to the national […]

Online mass for Hubert Pipersburgh
Earlier this month Hubert Pipersburgh passed away after contracting Covid-19. Today his life is being […]

Minister of Health: Patient #14 is close contact of patient #4
Minister of Health, Pablo Marin, informed the nation today that the patient who was identified […]

Fourteenth confirmed case of Covid-19 is San Ignacio resident
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed the nation via the Covid-19 show on […]

Fourteenth Case of COVID-19 Confirmed
A further 26 samples were tested for COVID-19 at the Central Medical Laboratory and one […]

Blogs

Butterfly Farms in Belize
Belize is known as home to the Blue Morpho Butterfly, with additional estimated 700 species of butterflies around the country. Many can be seen in the wild, typically in the inland rainforest. Notably, Butterfly Farms across the country have been dedicated to the Blue Morpho, along with other species. The distinctively beautiful Blue Morpho is among the largest in the world, with wings spanning from five to eight inches. Their iridescent blue is due to microscopic scales on the back of their wings to vividly reflect light. In Belize, you can find some incredible butterfly farms! Add one of these butterfly farms to your Belize adventure and learn more about these amazing creatures with an immersive experience.

The Family Coppola Hideaways
For film fans aware of Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning directorial skills, news of his hospitality chops outside the iconic filmmaker’s passion tends to be a surprise. As such, Coppola has made a name for himself throughout the Caribbean region for his upscale resorts. “I went looking for a jungle paradise closer to home,” he said, and by the early 1980s, he located the ideal nation. Belize had just gained its independence and offered both an ideal vacation home that allowed him a perfect environment in which to write, and ultimately, he decided to become a resort owner, too. Beginning with his purchase of the Blancaneaux Lodge as a ‘friends and family retreat’, Coppola then expanded the family holdings to the Turtle Inn, a property he restored to its former glory after it was destroyed by a hurricane. His “empire” has since expanded to a series of showplaces that take advantage of Mother Nature’s Bounty. Stay at one. Visit all of them. Vacationing in Belize with may never be the same after a Coppola Hideaway!

Slowly, Sittee River Emerges On The Expat Scene
Sittee River is one such spot that has the frozen-in-time feel. The region is situated next to the authentic, welcoming Garifuna community of Hopkins, in southern Belize. This sleepy, historically Kriol area has some huge draws for expats, many of whom say they fell in love the moment they entered the community. The expat population has seen a slow but steady increase. That’s not a surprise to anyone familiar with the place. Sittee River is packed with real estate opportunities, from scenic riverfront homes in housing communities near the resort area that borders Hopkins, to the chance to buy relatively large lots for farming. Right now, a 27-acre lot is on offer for a price in the low $200,000s. This tropical farmland provides a good foundation for crops or livestock.

Update on the situation in Belize during this crisis
Since I wrote my last blog, there have been six more cases found on the mainland. None have been found in Placencia or Caye Caulker yet; there have been two in Belize City, one in Corozal, and three in the Cayo area. Cayo currently is in a more severe state of lockdown that Ambergris was experiencing during my last blog. The entire country is on a 30-day state of emergency. This means that even in areas without any confirmed cases, there is a stay at home order. Everyone is allowed to leave for essential services only. There has been a nighttime curfew of 8 p.m. established for the country -- and there have been extensive arrests, and a total crackdown on anybody staying out past the 8:00 p.m. curfew.

Little Dinosaurs of Belize
We have over 100 types of reptiles in Belize. Here are a few things you might not know about 2 of our most common iguanas 1: The Green Iguana, scientifically known as Iguana iguana is the largest iguana in Belize, with potential to grow up to 10 feet from tip to tail. They are magnificent and simultaneously scary looking creatures. 2: Belizeans call them Bamboo chicken, because apparently that’s what they taste like – chicken. 3: Funnily enough, despite its name, it’s green only when younger. As it matures, the male becomes more olive, changing to a magnificent orange color when mating. The female is a dull greyish color.

Top Things to Do in San Ignacio + Insider Tips
Most visitors to Belize head directly to the beaches of Ambergris Caye or Placencia, but San Ignacio is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for travelers with an adventurous spirit. San Ignacio is the top destination to visit in the Cayo District. In recent years, this quiet, town has transformed itself into Belize's eco-tourism capital. Today, it's a lively, bustling community that's the perfect place to start your inland explorations of Belize.

Top 5 Things To Do in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve — known as “Pine Ridge” to locals — was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native Belizean pine forest since the area is different from the other forests in Belize. The landscape features rolling pine forest spread over smooth, granite hillsides. Unfortunately, about two decades ago, Pine Ridge suffered a pine beetle infestation and it is still in the process of fully recovering to its once majestic splendor. The nature reserve, however, is still pretty spectacular and it is one of the top spots to visit when in Western Belize. So if you’re looking for a fun day trip, go to Pine Ridge! The area offers a variety of things to do such as birdwatching, swimming, caving, and trekking Maya ruins.

International Sources

An Easter Message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none. They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us. As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit. It’s a way of showing how the good news of Christ’s resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now.

Manatee: Myth and Legend
At the dawn of the conquest of New Spain, a sailor records the sighting of 3 mermaids’ tails breaking the surface of the ocean. The year is 1493 and the man is Christopher Columbus – although the mermaids, it turns out, are in fact not mermaids at all, but manatees, an amazing, unique creature we now know as among the most reclusive, gentlest creatures of our oceans and waterways. Widely regarded as the ‘sea cow’ due to its voracious appetite for seagrass, weeds and algae, its fundamental role in the ecosystem is undeniable as it grazes on over 60 varieties of aquatic plants, successfully recycling key nutrients for primary vegetation growth on the sea bed. However, not to be fooled by their size and appetite, the manatee is a graceful swimmer that can glide up to 15 miles an hour in the fresh or salt waters of its surroundings.

Free Ebooks Online
Amazon has free textbooks right now: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at this point. There are 1000's of other books on there too, and many more to come. Blessed Easter to all.

Videos

April 12, 2020

Happy Easter, stay safe...

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

Members of SPTC and Rep. Manuel Heredia Jr. had out provisions
Belize Rural South Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr., accompanied by members of The San Pedro Town Council and volunteers were out handing provisions to island residents. Masked and gloved volunteers take down the number of residents per household and a phone number. Another volunteer then hands over a bag full of groceries and some fresh fruit.

Emergency Repatriation Exercise
The Government of Belize in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy is organizing a repatriation exercise for persons who may have become displaced in Belize due to COVID-19. Special arrangements have been made for a flight to: Destination: Houston, Texas, United States of America Airline: United Airlines Travelers must make their own bookings with United Airlines. www.united.com Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020 Time: 3:28 p.m.

Alaia Foundation donates to Essential Island Workers
The Alaia Foundation most recently made a generous donation to help medical staff in their fight to manage and contain COVID-19 on San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Today, Founders of the Non-Profit Organization, Jasmine Hartin and Andrew Ashcroft announced the procurement of 750 face masks. “We wanted to do the right thing, help our essential workers out and do what we can to flatten the curve,” Hartin said.

Ambergris Today

Belize Identifies Three New Cases Of COVID-19 In Belize City & Corozal
The Ministry of Health continues its enhanced surveillance activities and mapping exercises as it aims to contain further cases of COVID-19. The initial mapping exercise in Belize City and the processing of further samples from the case in Corozal have identified three more cases of COVID-19.

Various Belizean Sources

Mapping Detects Three New Cases of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health continues to intensify its surveillance and mapping activities in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. Three (3) additional cases of COVID-19 were identified after making an initial mapping in the City of Belize and as part of samples obtained from the case identified in Corozal District. Two (2) of the new cases are found in Corozal District and one (1) in Belize City. All three cases are about primary contacts of previously identified patients.

Contact numbers for Health Center in Orange Walk District
Please take note of the contact numbers per Health Center in the Orange Walk District. Any concerns on Maternal and Child Health Care ( vaccines, pre and post natal care, family planning, and a positive pregnancy test) Thanks. BE SAFE, STAY HOME.

Kindly click the link to access Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2020 which takes effect today, April 11, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
To view all Statutory Instruments which may be cited under the BELIZE CONSTITUTION (EMERGENCY POWERS) REGULATIONS, 2020, kindly click the link below. https://bit.ly/2XqZiRF

US Embassy organizes repatriation flight for US citizens
The Government of Belize in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy is organizing a repatriation exercise for persons who may have become displaced in Belize due to COVID-19. Special arrangements have been made for a flight to: Destination: Houston, Texas, United States of America Airline: United Airlines. Travelers must make their own bookings with United Airlines...

Emergency Repatriation Exercise
The Government of Belize in conjunction with the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) is organizing a repatriation exercise for persons who may have become displaced in Belize due to COVID-19. This effort is made to assist stranded persons who are well and wish to return home. It is also in the best interest of Belizeans as it minimizes the risk of additional responsibilities for the Belizean healthcare system due to the pandemic. Special arrangements have been made for a flight to:

ISSUES ARISING FROM COVID 19 PATIENT #10
The KHMHA Workers Union sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and those affected by the wreaking havoc of this COVID 19 pandemic. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) Workers Union in unison with the Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) hereby condemns the manner in which the KHMHA Administration has compromised the safety and well-being of the frontline workers in the face of this pandemic. In this regard, we also condemn the information made public by the both Releases sent out by the Ministry of Health through the Belize Press Office and the Public Relations Office from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority. Such information is contradictory and misleading!

Food Assistance Intake Form
If you need food assistance and are not getting through to our very busy numbers, please find below a link to a call back form that you can also use to contact us : Are you, or anyone in your Household, currently on any of these programs? * Tick the first program, or None if they are not on any of the programs... :¿Es usted o alguien que vive en su hogar parte de uno de estos programas?

OTHON P. BLANCO, Quintana Roo Covid-19 Statistics
*** 53 NEW COVID-19 CASES CONFIRMED AND 1 DEATH IN 24 HOURS ACROSS OUR NEIBOURING BORDER OF OTHON P. BLANCO, MX *** *** 53 cases of Covid-19 rise in 24 hours and 1 dead in Othon P Blanc o*** Panorama in Quintana Roo As of 18 p.m. on April 11, 661 negative cases have been reported, 187 under study, 216 positive, 17 deaths and 42 people recovered to COVID-19.

Treatments at the Corozal Polyclinic and the Emergency Ward
The management of the Corozal Community Hospital is reminding the general public that due to the COVID 19 situation, the Corozal Polyclinic and the Emergency Ward are only attending to patients with critical condition and flu like symptoms. These measures have been taken as we are trying to expose the least amount of persons. Any persons with flu like symptoms are advised to visit the respiratory clinic directly. Ambulance assistance are for Road Traffic Accidents(RTA) and emergency situations only. We plea to the general public to please adhere to these strict measure. Please continue practicing social distancing, hand hygiene and to stay home.

Free Soup Project for Belize
Trying to raise money to start a Free Soup Project. You will be helping the famers of San Antonio Village as well as feeding people who are hungry due to Belize's country lockdown.

LOVE FM

BELIZE’s STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NO. 54 OF 2020
Statutory Instrument that becomes effective tonight, April 11, 2020 at 08:00 PM for the entire country of Belize: BELIZE: STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NO 54 OF 2020 Arrangement of Regulations Citation Amendment of regulation 5 Repeal of regulation 5A. Amendment of regulation 8. Commencement STATUTORY INSTRUMENT No. 54 of 2020 REGULATIONS made by the Governor-General in exercise […]

KHMH PRESS RELEASE ISSUES ARISING FROM COVID 19 PATIENT #10
The KHMHA Workers Union sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and those affected by the wreaking havoc of this COVID 19 pandemic. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) Workers Union in unison with the Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) hereby […]

Breaking Belize News

Student union president resigns after 3 months
Azra Roberts, the President of the National Student Union of Belize (NSUB), has tendered her […]

PUP to consider leaving Oversight and bipartisan committees
Tired of, they say, being ignored by the powers that be, the Opposition People’s United […]

Briceño: Availability and distribution of food ‘politicized’
Accompanied by a short montage showing United Democratic Party (UDP) standard-bearers and aspirants, Leader of […]

US Embassy organizes repatriation flight for US citizens
US Embassy organizes repatriation flight for US citizens The Government of Belize in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy […]

Opposition Leader John Briceño says Government must act on recent COVID-19 concerns
The Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) has made a major break from […]

Vulnerable families face food crisis in light of COVID-19 pandemic
As the world battles with COVID-19, tens of thousands of Belizeans were laid off due […]

KHMHA Workers Union: Staff has lost trust and confidence in present administration
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Association (KHMH) Workers Union issued a statement today condemning the manner […]

Julius Espat asks GOB for food assistance for Cayo South residents; Says not getting through to phone numbers of Ministry of Human Development
Thousands of Belizeans were laid off from their jobs recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

KHMHA workers union condemn the manner in which administration compromised safety of frontline workers
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Association (KHMHA) workers union have issued a statement expressing their […]

KHMH: Tests of staff returned negative
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) issued a statement informing that all the staff that were […]

Three New Cases of COVID-19 Identified in Belize
The Ministry of Health, in a release a short while ago, reported that three (3) more […]

KHMH staff being screened following the death of Patient #10
Staffers from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s (KHMH)’s Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) and Intensive […]

Treatment on the way for COVID-19?
Finally there is some good news to report in the combat of COVID-19. According to […]

KHMH thanks companies for support to frontline workers
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) thanks the community for its support during this time. […]

Taiwan denies trying to malign Director-General of the World Health Organization
The Republic of China (Taiwan) insists it is not behind any efforts to malign, and […]

Over 400 people screened for COVID-19
The Office of Director of Health Services informed that as of 3 pm yesterday, the […]

Belizeans seeking food assistance can call Ministry of Human Development
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is offering food assistance to […]

Blogs

History of Ambergris Caye
In the 1500s, the pirate invaders used Belize as a region to stockpile their spoils. Ambergris Caye, because of its proximity to Mexico, was so convenient that the pirates dredged the Bacalar channel to expedite transportation of their valuables to the mainland. Unassumingly, the pirates paved the way to one of Belize’s top destinations. In the days when logwood was king (1700-1800), there was a robust trading system throughout the north. Canoes traveled south from Yucatan with fish, cloth, clothing and other items. However, they also brought slaves. At the time, there was an exchange for cacao from Belize.

Miss Bertha’s Tamales
Seemingly a household name, Ms. Bertha’s Tamales can be found in the unmistakeable red and white cabin on the Hummingbird Highway. The perfectly-spiced, gooey chicken-and-corn tamales pairs perfectly with homemade hot sauce, and an ice-cold glass soda as a Belizean favorite. Bertha Lisbey passed away in 2015, but her daughter carries on her legacy. Serving both loyal and first-time customers from every corner of the globe, hundreds of tamales a day are done during peak season – each prepared with the same attention and love. Featured on CNN, AFAR, and local productions like Onli eena Belize, Bertha’s Tamales wins over locals and guests alike. There aren’t many places to stop along the Hummingbird Highway, but this is certainly a highlight for all Southern travels.

International Sources

Guatemala registers 16 new coronavirus cases, infections rise to 153
Guatemala reported 16 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the Central American nation’s total to 153 cases, President Alejandro Giammattei said. Three people have died from coronavirus infections in Guatemala so far, officials say.

Forbes: These Dream Destination Backgrounds Turn Your Zoom Into A Tropical Vacation
Enjoy a Cayo Espanto background on your next Zoom meeting.

This smoke has been reaching to many communities in Northern Belize
CHETUMAL, QUINTANA ROO (Times Media Mexico) .-An open-air garbage dump has been burning for a week and nearly six thousand people living in the surrounding neighborhoods are already suffering the effects of the smoke. Firefighters reported that there is still smoke coming out of the bottom of the dump, which is dispersed by the wind towards the Las Américas housing development in the state capital.

Videos

April 11, 2020

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

Prime Minister’s Address – April 10, 2020
In consequence, you know that this particular case is accompanied by some nightmarish circumstances as to the exposure of many persons to the patient before he died. In the result, the overall picture clearly demonstrates the possibility of widespread transmission of the virus. To try to contain this possibility, we must act now. The science, the experts, and the experience of other countries, all tell us that there is only one way to do this.

Taiwan donates BZ$2Million to Fight COVID-19 in Belize
The Republic of China (Taiwan) today, April 9th, added to its March 25th contribution an additional BZ$2 million to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Belize. This is for urgently needed additional personal protective equipment, medical equipment, testing kits, and laboratory supplies for frontline medical service providers countrywide.

Public Sector salaries to be paid after Easter Weekend
Public servants across the country were expecting to get their salaries before the Easter weekend, but will now need to wait until Tuesday, April 14th. According to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, stated that government is facing difficult times and the flow of revenue has come to a grinding halt as the country battles the COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Ambergris Today

Health Workers Undergo Screening After Belize's 10th COVID-19 Victim Passes
The Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health regret to inform of the death of the patient confirmed earlier as the 10th case of COVID-19. The patient had been receiving treatment as of March 27th at a private medical facility in Belize City. While there, the patient was swabbed twice and the samples sent to the Central Medical Laboratory for testing for COVID-19; both tests proved inconclusive.

Alaia Foundation Donates To Essential Island Workers
The Alaia Foundation most recently made a generous donation to help medical staff in their fight to manage and contain COVID-19 on San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Today, Founders of the Non-Profit Organization, Jasmine Hartin and Andrew Ashcroft announced the procurement of 750 face masks. “We wanted to do the right thing, help our essential workers out and do what we can to flatten the curve,” Hartin said.

Various Belizean Sources

Belize Records Second Death of Person Infected with COVID-19
The Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health regret to inform of the death of the patient confirmed earlier as the 10th case of COVID-19. The patient had been receiving treatment as of March 27th at a private medical facility in Belize City. While there, the patient was swabbed twice and the samples sent to the Central Medical Laboratory for testing for COVID-19; both tests proved inconclusive.

Tenth Case of COVID-19 is Confirmed
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a 10th positive case for COVID-19 in Belize. The confirmation test came out positive late last night (April 9th). This was from a set of 30 samples tested, some of which were from frontline workers as part of routine surveillance.

COVID-19 Signs Go Up in San Pedro
Over the course of this week the San Pedro Town Council placed this big signs around town as part of the public education campaign strategy. Kudos on such good work!

YAAYAJ K'IINO'OB Of THE YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE
Yaayaj k'iiino'ob means "Days of Pain" which are these days in which the people of Yucatec Maya(Máasewal) descent of Belize believe that bad things happen. While many go to Church these days of Semana Santa many Yucatec Maya simply stay at home . In the old days the Mayeros did not go to work,no music,no running,no swimming,no noise, no climbing of trees, no hunting etc no labour was done . For this days many simply lay in their hammocks , house floors and relax .

Help from San Pedro NEMO
If you know anyone in need, help them with the registration process If they have not already registered. The San Pedro NEMO Relief & Supplies Management Committee was activated through the leadership of the San Pedro NEMO Co-ordinator, Vanessa Parham, to ensure a sustainable and accountable feeding program to meet needs, while ensuring fair distribution of relief supplies to islanders in need. The Relief & Supplies Management Committee is led by Hope Haven & the Department of Human Services. The sub-committee is grateful to the generosity and dedication of the many volunteers and business that are contributing to the programs’ success.

Need Food Assistance?
The Ministry of Human Development Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is accepting calls from persons in need of food assistance.

Health Department Focal Point Contacts
We continue to update and ensure as much channels of communication access by phone to reach our health staff. Please take note of the most recent list of contacts for all at the district level.

Western Regional Hospital COVID-19 testing booth
The Ministry of Health shares its pleasure with the management and staff of Western Regional Hospital on the realization of a COVID-19 testing booth. The booth was built in partnership with Brite Solutions and it is already in use at the new designated Flu Clinic area on the compound. It will help facilitate a more safer and convenient way for collecting of samples for COVID-19 laboratory processing. Special thanks to Mr. Jacob Guenther, Mr. Martin Friessen and Nurse Anna Friessen and other help who came together to construct and safely transport the booth to the site. Discussion have started on getting more booths built for distribution at our Regional Hospital sites across the country.

Prime Minister’s Address – April 10, 2020
My Fellow Belizeans, Belize, very early on this Good Friday morning, we recorded our second COVID-19 related death. I hereby offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family. A press release has given a timeline of the events that culminated in the patient’s passing. Also, Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero has, on television, provided further details of patient #10’s backstory. In consequence, you know that this particular case is accompanied by some nightmarish circumstances as to the exposure of many persons to the patient before he died. In the result, the overall picture clearly demonstrates the possibility of widespread transmission of the virus.

A message from the Belize Diabetes Association
The Belize Diabetes Association reminds the public and all persons living with Diabetes of the importance of social and physical distancing as a preventative way of acquiring the novel coronavirus. Those of us with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID-19 virus. Your health and safety are of utmost priority. Here are a few tips to help you in managing your diabetes during this time of the pandemic:

Open up your home to a dog from Saga Humane Society
Currently at our shelter we have 10 dogs and 6 cats that are still in need of foster homes! Would you be so kind enough to open your home up for one of our animals during this time ? Kindly stop at the office anytime between 8-10 am if you are interested in fostering a sweet pet!

Easter Mass Live on The National Channel
TNC will be showing the Holy Saturday Mass Saturday at 5:00pm, and Easter Mass at 10:30am.

LOVE FM

Second COVID-19 death reported in Belize
PRESS RELEASE: Belize Records Second Death of Person Infected with COVID-19 Belmopan. April 10, 2020. 11:45 a.m. The Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health regret to inform of the death of the patient confirmed earlier as the 10th case of COVID-19. The patient had been receiving treatment as of March 27th at a […]

Prime Minister of Belize announces countrywide quarantine
In a Facebook live stream from his home in Belize City the Prime Minister announced a countrywide quarantine just hours after Belize reported it’s second COVID-19 death. He explained that the measures placed on the Cayo district will now be expanded to cover the rest of the country. Additionally the Prime Minister, his family and […]

Breaking Belize News

Patient quarantine extended to 21 days
Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero today explained that it has been decided to […]

Prime Minister urges everyone to follow rules of quarantine
By Prime Minister Dean Barrow My Fellow Belizeans, Belize, very early on this Good Friday morning, we recorded […]

Patient 1 and 2 still not clear of Covid-19; both remain positive after second test
Today, the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed that patient 1 and 2 […]

Prime Minister announces national quarantine for the next 14 days
Holy Saturday brings a full quarantine for the next 14 days, during which a full […]

ASK THE EXPERTS: Patient #10 had a stroke in an induced coma and was diabetic and hypertensive
The tenth confirmed case of COVID-19 was admitted at a private facility with community pneumonia […]

Alaia Foundation donates to essential island workers
Today, the Alaia Foundation made a generous donation to help medical staff in their fight […]

No rapid testing in Belize, be careful with diagnosis: DHS
Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero says Belize is not yet doing any rapid […]

Plasma treatment showing promise in coronavirus patients
Local news outlets in Houston, USA are reporting that the research on plasma treatment for […]

Over 100,000 lives lost to COVID-19
As of today, Friday, April 10, 2020, over 100,000 people have died in the COVID–19 […]

Belizeans join in on national prayer and fasting
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: This morning, pictures of fish and cross buns flooded social media as the nation […]

KHMH staff members who attended to patient 10 who died from Covid-19 wore protective gear and followed protocols
The Ministry of Health informed that as per infection control procedures, the staff members who […]

Belize Government confirms 2nd death of person infected with COVID-19
The Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health informed the nation via a press […]

Patient #10 passes away at KHMH
Reports reaching our newsdesk are that patient 10 passed away early this morning. Minutes ago, […]

Ministry of Health confirms the 10th case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed a 10th positive case for COVID-19 in Belize. […]

Blogs

Red Bank Village’s Scarlet Macaw Tour
If you have a passion for birds, wildlife or eco-tourism, you must visit Red Bank Village for resident Scarlet Macaws! Located in the Stann Creek District, Red Bank is home to the largest gathering of scarlet macaws in Southern Belize. These gorgeous birds also migrate locally from their nesting grounds of Chiquibul to the South for feeding season. Every year from December through March, these brightly colored birds flock to the village to feed. The native trees in Red Bank are home to the fruits and nuts which are the birds’ favorite foods, like Annato and Polewood. After finishing their stay in Red Bank Village, they head back to Chiquibul National Park for their breeding season.

International Sources

Radio Garden: International Radio
This is totally awesome, a mix of Google Earth and Radio. Just listened to Japanese, Russian, Oklahoman, Oregon, Belizean, even Iranian Radio, its crazy cool!!!! Move it around to find radio stations near your or anywhere in the world. . . Play with it, some dots have many radio stations all in that same dot , then there is a menu list bottom right.

Will we ever take cruise holidays again?
These floating hotels are now all rapidly returning to port, discharging their passengers and being mothballed. The industry has not just been devastated, it has ceased to function altogether. For it, coronavirus has been the perfect storm. It has gone from being an industry worth $46bn (£37bn) a year, with 26 million passengers per annum, to an almost total standstill overnight. Ironically, the industry was well prepared for the outbreak of disease on board its ships, as it has happened plenty of times before, most often the norovirus "vomiting bug". However, this time the plan hit a snag, as Christopher Muller, professor of hospitality at Boston University, explains. "The worst thing you can do [if passengers start falling ill] is keep people on board," he says. "The plan is to go to the nearest port, get everyone off and then sanitize the ship".

OAS says C'bean countries can negotiate prices of supplies to combat COVID-19
The Organization of American States (OAS) says governments of the 33 countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean, that are part of the Inter-American Network on Government Procurement (INGP), will have access to the Joint Negotiation Mechanism for the purchase of medicines, medical devices and other goods from the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America (COMISCA) to combat COVID-19. “In this way, the countries will have a stronger negotiating position to access better prices and conditions to acquire the materials they need to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” the OAS said.

Videos