August 19, 2020

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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

Offenders fined $55K+ for possession of illegal marine product at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Six persons were caught with undersized and out-of-season marine product in Zone B of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on August 9th. With the assistance of the San Pedro Police Formation, Arquel Johnson, Geovanni Reyes, Brian Espat, Mark Anthony Espat, Delmar Rodriguez and Kevan Rodriguez were intercepted, apprehended, prosecuted and given fines totalling $55,200.

Tour Guide protest demands solutions from local island leaders on the way forward amidst lockdown
On Tuesday, August 18th, led by tour guide Oscar Iboy, a handful of island residents stood in front of the San Pedro Town Council building to register a peaceful protest demanding local authorities and Central Government to formulate a plan to move the island forward. Iboy spoke on behalf of thousands of islanders that have severely been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. With an extended lockdown, many continue to struggle to feed their families, paying bills (rent and utilities). As such, he asks those in power for an urgent plan for the islands, while asking Belizeans to come together and stand up for their rights.

The Green Climate Fund Approves Project Preparation Facility to Build the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize
The National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF under the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), has been engaged with the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) to design a proposed project “Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize.” This project will help to facilitate the behavioral change necessary to sustain the livelihood of approximately 5,200 northern farmers, in addition to building resilience to the impacts of climate change through the development of knowledge and capacity within the farming community.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Wednesday, August 19th, Meal Pick ups: Location: SPORTS BAR. Times: Village: 11:00-11:45. Bahia: 11:45-12:30.

Ministry of Human Development office in Orange Walk Town is closed
NOTICE: The general public is advised that the Ministry of Human Development office in Orange Walk Town is temporarily closed. For urgent food assistance applications, please call our intake officer at 615-7307. For urgent matters related to any form of child abuse, domestic violence or minors in conflict with the law, please contact our social worker at 615-9668. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

8,000 testing kits were handed over to the Ministry of Health Belize
As COVID19 cases rise in Belize, 8,000 testing kits were handed over to the Ministry of Health Belize. These will be distributed to labs so that more people can be tested and more lives can be saved. Thank you to the generous support of Fundación Probitas and donors who contributed to the UNICEF Humanitarian Fund for COVID-19.

St. Ignatius Virtual Orientation
St. Ignatius is having their virtual orientation on Friday. ALL NEW AND RETURNING ADULT EDUCATION STUDENTS , KINDLY TAKE NOTE!

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. We had shared some of this data earlier today but the final tally for today is as follows: A record number of samples were processed today with, a total of 311 samples. We identified 78 new cases with the preliminary breakdown as follows: Stann Creek District - 1 Corozal District - 7 Cayo District - 15 (at least 8 are in Belmopan) Belize District - 55 (30 in San Pedro)...

Closure of the Ministry of Immigration
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become necessary for the Ministry of Immigration to sanitize its offices for the protection and safety of staff and the public. The Ministry, therefore, informs the public of the temporary closure of its offices as follows: • Refugees Department effective Wednesday, August 19th, 2020 until further notice • Department of Border Management and Immigration Services effective Friday, August 21st, 2020...

PUBLIC NOTICE from the Ministry of Natural Resources
With the rise of positive cases of the COVID-19, the Ministry of Natural Resources informs the public that the Orange Walk District Lands and Surveys office will have limited access to the public. Access will be granted for cashier transactions ONLY. For the safety of all we strongly encourage use of the available online platforms to conduct transactions (apply online, check account status, make payment etc.) https://naturalresources.gov.bz/

Change in Pump Price of Fuel Products
The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, the pump price of two fuel products will change. The prices for regular gasoline will register a decrease and diesel will register an increase as follows: Regular gasoline will decrease by 14 cents from $8.76 to $8.62 per gallon; diesel will increase by 19 cents from $8.21 to $8.40 per gallon. The prices for premium gasoline and kerosene will remain unchanged at $9.36 and $5.43 per gallon, respectively.

Distribution of Covid-19 Cases by Age Group
The attached photo gives a breakdown in terms of numbers and percentages with the majority of cases in those 20-34 years. Morbidity and mortality as we would note, is more than likely to be in the older age groups or those with chronic conditions such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

BTIA Webinar: Building resilience for your business during COVID19
In an effort to assist our stakeholders to improve their abilities to survive, adopt and overcome the negative economic impacts of the pandemic we will be offering the following webinar: Building resilience for your business during COVID19. To register contact us at [email protected].

DYS football tournament
As we know, all good things must come to an end. Today DYS Santa Elena, concluded this year’s U – 20 football Tournament. The main purpose of this tournament was to keep at risk youth engaged to alleviate stress during this pandemic. The Department of Youth Services and Santa Elena Fire Service would like to thank all teams for their ongoing discipline and dedication throughout the four weeks of the U-20 Football Tournament. Our young people are incredible. We must continue to do our part in providing safe spaces for them to connect and grow.

Channel 7

Confirmed COVID Cases Climb By 57 (And Counting) in 24 Hours
Belize now has over 500 confirmed COVID cases, and more than 450 of those are active, while 6 persons are hospitalized, and, four persons are determined to have died from COVID 19. That 500 total cases was confirmed an hour ago on Ask The Experts when the Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero announced today's most up-to-date numbers - which continue to show San Pedro as the epicentre:

23 Positive Cases Last Night
And while those are the partial numbers for today, last night's most updated figures included the results from 164 samples. There were 23 positives from that group and Dr. Manzanero gave the breakdown: "The total of 164 samples it included 3 of our contact tracing team at the Western Regional Hospital we said that from the Sunday, I know there was some concern whether patients would be exposed through that mechanism these are not persons who are seeing patients or who are routinely inside the hospital setting..."

OW Man Who Died Of Heart Attack Classified As COVID Death
By our count, Belize City now has 64 active cases. And that includes death #3, the 52 year old technician Luis Romero. Death #4 comes from Orange Walk, 63 year old Carlos Peralta - who died of a heart attack at a private clinic in Belize City. He has now officially been added to the COVID count, as death #4. Dr. Manzanero explained why today:

Patients Still On Ventilators
And, in view of this many complications that can arise, it's also important to know how many are hospitalised, how many on ventilators, and how many getting out of the ICU at the KHMH. Here are the numbers:... "Hospitalized cases 6 patients hospitalized at Karl Heusner, 3 are intubated, the 3 are females, 3 are with different levels of respiratory distress but the notes I got from the CEO at Karl Heusner earlier is that if they continue with that positive evolution then they should be able to be discharged throughout the course of the week and one person was being discharged today."

Medical Staff Overwhelmed With COVID Numbers
And while the discharged persons are getting some reprieve from COVID 19, for front-line health staff, whether at the clinics in the hospitals or in the labs, there is no break. Manzanero said the staff is overwhelmed, and explained why you may not be getting the kind of detailed breakdown in numbers that you would like to see:

Persons 20 - 34 Make Up Near Majority of COVID Cases
And the Director of Health Services has also provided a breakdown of the number of coronavirus cases based on the different age groups. Interestingly, persons aged 20 - 34 are showing the highest number of infections, for a total of 216 - almost half of all cases. And, add to that another, 59, or 13% of infected persons between the ages of 35 to 39, and persons aged 20 - 39 comprise almost two thirds of all cases.

Border Jumper Says His Rights Being Denied With Too Long Quarantine
The border jumper, by now he or she has been ingrained in the national conscious as the ultimate COVID 19 bogeyman and superspreader. Well, tonight, one of those accused border jumpers is speaking out publicly, and he is alleging that the authorities are mistreating him and other quarantine detainees being held at the facility in Orange Walk. He's 56-year-old Alfred Usher, a resident of Belize City. He was arrested in Orange Walk 18 days ago for being in possession of 4 cartons of Sunny cigarettes, which are contraband items.

Strong Words From UB Admin To Staff
Tonight tensions at the University of Belize have escalated to a breaking point. We've told you about the University's faculty and staff union's collective and defiant decision to refrain from teaching until course assignments and issues of management were finalized. And, yesterday, with the learning platform moodle not working, faculty and staff stuck to their guns indicating that no formal instruction would begin until after the resolution of management issues. But that didn't sit well with the Administration which last night in a scathing rebuke of the union's position said quote: " there seems to be a misunderstanding of the role the Union plays vs. The role of the employer i.e. U.B. Under normal circumstances, if employees dictated to their bosses that they WILL NOT do the work they are being paid for... "

First COVID Case At City Council Traffic Dept Forces Shutdown
Turning back now to news about the coronavirus, the Belize City Council's Traffic Department was temporarily shuttered today because one of the Department's employees tested positive for COVID-19. A press release from City Hall says that they received official confirmation this morning, and since then, they've been working with the Ministry of Health to provide support for the contact tracing process relating to this employee. At this time, the Council does not think that the worker became infected at the workplace, or while on the job.

City’s Business Center Throttling Slowly Along
And while the traffic department is closed, the traffic in Belize City around midday today was still fair to moderate in terms of volume. We did a scan of downtown to get a sense of of how business activity was without a lockdown, but with a very present COVID scare.

No Street Signs for Northern Politician, COVID Matters More
Turning now to Orange Walk - we go to the east of that district where two villages, Santa Marta and San Jose Palmar have COVID cases. San Marta is fully quarantined as they are determined to have community spread, and Palmar is just reporting its first cases. The UDP area rep is under pressure to keep Santa Marta fed and connected to supply chains, and he may have to do the same in Palmar. Today he told us that in view of the COVID reality on the ground, he's going to depart from the political script, and he will not be spending money on any elaborate political signage or flags - the kind that usually drop lampposts in election season. Via Zoom, he told us why:

UNICEF Donates 8k Tests
UNICEF yesterday donated 8,000 COVID-19 testing kits to the Ministry of Health. Michel Guinand, the officer in charge of UNICEF Belize, presented them to the Ministry of Health Officials in a small handing-over ceremony in Belmopan. Guinand is quoted as saying, "UNICEF continues to bring critical supplies to Belize to support the response efforts and protect children and their communities against the pandemic This is especially vital and timely when the country is seeing a rapid increase in confirmed cases."

Heat Check At Court
There are new COVID-19 measures being implemented at the Magistrate's Court and the Supreme Court in Belize City. As of yesterday, if you want to visit the precincts of the court, you'll have to abide by the new rules. As part of those new rules, the security guards will have to take your temperature, using thermometers that were distributed to the security staff today.

Only Licensed Fishing Permitted On Pedro
In San Pedro, hundreds, if not thousands have lost their jobs in the tourism industry. And, with the island in a full shutdown, for many getting a daily meal is proving difficult to impossible. That's why for many residents, the island is returning to its roots as a fishing village. They are fishing for sustenance, to eat a daily meal. But, on Saturday, that was put into question when the attorney general said this on Ask The Experts:

SP Tour Guide Asks: "How Will We Eat"
Indeed, times are hard on the once prosperous island town. And this evening, three former tour guides stood in front of the island's town council to complain about the anti-fishing law and the entire state of lockdown. They may not have had the numbers, but they had a strong message: asking how the government expects them to be able to feed their families with the state of their livelihood, tourism, in complete freefall.

Guns Around Town
Belize City police a found 2 illegal handguns in Belize City yesterday. At around 1:30 p.m., a team of officers searched an abandoned house on Wagners Lane. After combing through the location, the officers found a black 9mm pistol which had a magazine containing 8 live rounds of ammunition.

Portrait of a Patriot
Tonight, COVID victim Luis Romero's family remains in both quarantine and mourning after he became the third Belizean to die of the COVID-19 virus. But back in 2018, he rose to notoriety for a completely different reason: he made himself into a human billboard for a defiant message of patriotism in the face of Guatemala. That image - with a graphic term included - was immortalised in paint by artist Alex Sanker. Cherisse Halsall viewed it today and gained an insight into Romero's passionate political life.

COVID Victim Peralta Presented With Chest Pain
Romero was one of two men cremated this weekend. Carlos Peralta was the other. As we told you earlier, the Orange Walk resident died of a heart attack but his death has been listed as COVID related. He died at a private facility in Belize City after being transferred from Northern Medical Specialist Plaza, a private facility in Orange Walk. Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez who runs that facility says he didn't appear with COVID symptoms, but presenting chest pain:

Doc Manza Dodges on Belize’s COVID Per Capita Rate?
Today on Ask The Experts, the Director Of Health Services discussed Belize's soaring number of cases. By the end of tonight we will have well over 500 cases, and by the end of the week, who knows how many. That puts Belize at fourth in the Caribbean and climbing fast. Today, in a desultory digression Dr. Manzanero downplayed the comparison:

Toledo First Movement Seeks Traction
In mid - June we brought you the story of a series of proposed property developments that were being openly opposed by Punta Gorda residents, one of them a gas station set to be built on sea front property has caused major environmental and community based concern. And at one point It was even issued a stop order. But the community continues to raise its concerns expressing that while they want development they want to be consulted. Today, via zoom video conference, Cherisse Halsall spoke to three members of the Toledo First movement in Punta Gorda:

The Gold Book On Tourism
And while Punta Gorda residents grapple with their building codes, the Tourism Industry is dipping its toes back into marketing efforts with the launch of Mcnab Visual's "The Belize Gold Book: The gold standard for Belizean travel." It's not just a dreamy picture book for travellers, but an in-depth guide of health and safety measures for the new COVID-19 reality. We heard more from Creative director Tanya Mcnab via zoom this afternoon.

Channel 5

Out of the 34 New COVID-19 Cases, 29 are in San Pedro
The number of persons infected by the coronavirus keeps soaring; there are thirty-four new positive COVID-19 cases in the country tonight. Those results were processed today and released late this [...]

Update on COVID-19 Cases; 6 Hospitalized
As you may know by now, those thirty-four new cases were preceded by another twenty-three cases on Monday.  Those results show that fourteen cases were recorded in the Belize District, [...]

Taking a Closer Look at the COVID-19 Data
Today, the Ministry of Health released a breakdown on the number of the COVID-19 cases in Belize. These numbers are segmented by genders and age groups. The numbers show that [...]

To Date 20 Healthcare Workers Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
There are now more than five hundred cases of the virus recorded in Belize. There is an increase in the number of healthcare workers who have tested positive for COVID-19. [...]

Are People Lying to the COVID-19 Surveillance Teams?
There is also a call on the public to provide accurate and timely information to the contact tracing teams.  Doctor Marvin Manzanero says that the teams have been encountering persons [...]

The Classification of COVID-19 as a Contributing Factor
And also in COVID-19 related news, Dr. Marvin Manzanero explains the classification of COVID-19 related deaths. He says that while persons may have COVID-19 and other conditions, their death certificate [...]

How is Biohazardous COVID-19 Waste Being Handled in Belize?
The coronavirus pandemic is bringing pressure to bear on many aspects of the health system and as the virus continues to spread so does its impact on healthcare. One area [...]

Five Tugboat Sailors to be Charged Upon Recovery from COVID-19
The full force of the law is coming down on five sailors who tested positive for COVID-19 upon their return to Belize from Roatan, Honduras. The men will face criminal [...]

What Will Tugboat Sailors be Charged With?
The Commissioner of Police also says that the employers are being investigated for any possible breach of the law. But it has already been determined that the five men are [...]

Police Officers Reprimanded for Not Wearing Face Masks
The use of face masks by members of the Belize Police Department is mandatory and, to enforce its compulsory usage, the department has wasted no time reprimanding officers who are [...]

Alfred Usher Says He Did Not Contraband Cigarettes
As you know, border jumpers are being held responsible in large part for the spread of the corona virus and the law is coming down heavy on them.  Fifty-six-year-old Alfred [...]

Scenes of Crime Technician Furious with M.O.H.
Scenes of crime technician, Angela Wiltshire is furious with the Ministry of Health.  Wiltshire has been pleading with health officials to be tested after one of her colleagues tested positive [...]

Angela Wiltshire Demands to be Tested
Wiltshire says she is not happy with not being tested and it has left her uneasy. She is now demanding to be tested.   Angela Wiltshire, Scenes of Crime Technician [...]

Belize City Traffic Officer Tests Positive for COVID-19
The Belize City Council today confirmed that one of their own tested positive for COVID-19 and so it is closing the traffic department.  The patient is a male traffic officer [...]

Traffic Department Office Close for Sanitization
The Belize City Council says that the safety and wellbeing of its staff and residents remain a priority. Consequently, the council closed the Traffic Department office with immediate effect so [...]

Update on the Rapid Testing Capabilities
If you thought that rapid testing would increase the number of persons tested in a timelier manner locally, that won’t happen.  Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero says that [...]

Evolving COVID-19 Guidelines
One more matter tonight from the Ministry of Health. It says that they are guided by science and established standards of practice, with specific guidelines from the World Health Organization. [...]

A Small Protest in San Pedro; Tour Guide Sends a Message to Leaders
The state of emergency is limiting the size of gatherings, but it did not stop a four-man protest staged today in front of the San Pedro Town Council on Ambergris [...]

UB Board of Trustees Threatens U.B.F.S.U. with Terminations!
The situation at the University of Belize continues to deteriorate and so will its faculty members and staff be made redundant?  That’s what it may come down to, according to [...]

U.B.F.S.U. Outlines Issues at the University
So, there you heard from the position of the Board of Trustees at the University of Belize.  As we reported on Monday, the U.B.F.S.U.’s members were not engaging in formal [...]

Active Learning Outside the Classroom during COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of life for students and parents. Schools remain closed so parents are having to adapt to home based learning and online education to [...]

San Marcos Villagers Receive Opposition from ‘Dump’ Residents
A week ago we told you about the initiative by residents of San Marcos Village in the south.  Residents have begun clearing a portion of the land along the highway, [...]

G.C.F. Approves Project Preparation Facility to Build Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers
The sugar industry was impacted by drought conditions which led to a late start of the sugar crop this year.  It put cane farmers out of pocket, but tonight there [...]

Amandala

Marriage licensing goes online amidst COVID-19 concerns
Most of Belize’s governance services have traditionally been conducted face-to-face and have required persons to travel to the capital, Belmopan, to get the services done. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, our government has been forced into an online space for the provision of key services, which now include marriage licensing. The office of the Attorney General, on Friday, August 14, issued a press release which states that, “For the purposes of preventing, controlling, containing and suppressing the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, the Attorney General’s Ministry hereby informs the public of the following changes in respect of the following services: Marriage Registry – Belmopan Office.

House reinstates 8 o’clock curfew
On Friday, August 14, the members of the House of Representatives convened once more at the National Assembly Building, where a number of items were discussed, most of which related to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. The Minister of Health started the session by providing a breakdown of the number of cases of the virus, which has managed to make its way into every district in the country in the matter of one week. The result was an announcement that yet another Statutory Instrument would be published which would reinstate the dreaded eight o’clock curfew countrywide, extend the State of Emergency (SOE) for those clustered villages in the Orange Walk District as well as on Ambergris Caye (Caye Caulker and San Pedro) in the Belize District; and reduce the number of persons allowed to gather socially.

Belize records 4th COVID-19-related death
Late Friday evening, the Office of the Director of Health Services announced the third COVID-19-related death in Belize. That person has since been identified as 52-year-old Luis Romero, Sr. Avid social media users would recall a photo of Romero that went viral during the time of the ICJ campaign. In that photo, he was on the street during that year’s September 10 parade and was wearing an umbrella hat and a pair of cartoonish sunshades that bore the colors of the Belizean flag, along with a Belizean flag that was draped around his shoulders like a cape and a homemade T-shirt that was imprinted with an expletive, followed by the word “Guatemala”. He stood in that photo with defiance and swagger.

“The Tugboat 5” brought cargo and the COVID virus
Among the clusters identified is a group of five Belizean employees who are said to have contracted the virus while on duty outside the country. These individuals had been working on a tug-boat operated by the Big Creek Group, which was sent to transfer cargo from Honduras to Belize earlier this month. Many Belizeans were outraged by this, given that the country’s borders have been closed for months in an effort to limit the infiltration of COVID-19 into the country.

More COVID-19 restrictions
Adjustments to the COVID-19 Emergency Regulations were announced by Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte on Saturday night. A nationwide curfew came into effect on Sunday, August 16, to limit the movement of persons in hopes of containing the intensifying wave of the coronavirus in Belize. These new regulations will affect the entire country, except for the four areas which are currently under total lockdown — Ambergis Caye, Santa Martha, Shipyard and Guinea Grass.

Guatemalan MS13 member charged for vandalizing Belmopan Nazarene Church
An investigation into an incident of vandalism, in which a wall of the Belmopan Nazarene Church building and benches in the nearby park, as well as other structures in Belmopan, were spray-painted with gang insignia, led police to a member of the MS13 gang. Police arrested a Guatemalan, Hector Teul Gutierrez, 20, a laborer of Salvapan, Belmopan, and charged him with damage to property and using identifying signs to promote gang-related activities.

Border jumpers’ canoes impounded
Today, an operation was carried out by police in Douglas, Santa Cruz and San Victor — three villages along the Mexico-Belize border in the Orange Walk District, and 23 canoes believed to be used to facilitate contraband running and border-jumping, were impounded and taken to the Orange Walk Police Station — thus denying the contraband runners and the border-jumpers the use of their boats to conduct their illegal activities. A number of residents of the Orange Walk community lined the streets to see the spectacle as the canoes were pulled on wheeled platforms through the streets and sirens blared. Many of them appeared to be pleased with the bold actions of the police.

Man found dead in apartment on Rivero Street
A man was found dead in his apartment at about 9:30 yesterday morning. Philip Bernard Gillett, 65, an unemployed Rivero Street resident, was found lying motionless on his bed in his apartment by his cousin, Charles Lodge, 62, also of Rivero Street. Lodge told police that not only was Gillett motionless and lying face-up when he found him, but he was also bleeding from his ear and nose, and he was already dead.

Autopsy shows that woman found in shallow grave died of “blunt force trauma”
A post-mortem exam conducted on the decomposed body of Julia Timotea Millian Moran, 39, a Guatemalan national of Santa Cruz who was found buried in a shallow grave in Steadfast, Stann Creek District, at about 5:30 Saturday evening, has revealed that her death was caused by traumatic bronchial asphyxiation and blunt force head trauma. At the time the corpse was found in the shallow grave, police said that signs of violence were not seen on the body.

Aubrey Brown, 55, stabbed on Johnson Street
Aubrey Brown, 55, a laborer of Johnson Street, is presently admitted at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in a serious condition, with a stab wound in his chest. Police say that Brown was stabbed by a man with whom he had become involved in an altercation at about 1:30 this morning on Johnson Street, in front of his house. Police said that they found Brown lying on the roadside in front of his house with stab wounds in the right side of his chest. He was rushed to the KHMH.

Editorial: Waiting for tourism, while farm-based industries languish
Our country is going through a particularly bad period with COVID-19, with cases of the disease climbing at a pace that, if not abruptly arrested, will certainly overwhelm our health system. Some say that we shouldn’t be frightened by the disease because the mortality rate is not that high; however, in small countries like ours, every person counts. We lost a popular Belizean to the disease last week, and we are so few in number, it touched everyone. Some scientists, call them doomsayers if you will, say that there are worse diseases than COVID-19 lurking out there, diseases that will impact human beings in the decades just ahead of us. If such predictions come true, our environmentalists and serious agriculturists will be among those who are the least surprised.

68 more COVID-19 cases discovered over weekend
An additional 68 positive cases of COVID-19 were detected by the Ministry of Health over this past weekend. This brings the total number of cases in the country to 456 as of August 16, 2020. On Saturday, August 15, 257 samples were processed and a total of 64 cases were identified, and on Sunday, August 16, 4 new cases were found. According to data shared for Friday, August 14, 32 new cases were found in 172 samples that day.

188 arrested for violations of COVID-19 Regulations
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams announced that 188 persons were arrested over the weekend countrywide for various violations of the Emergency Powers Regulations that were put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Williams said that 128 persons were arrested for failing to wear a cloth mask or some other face (mouth) covering whilst in public, while 52 were charged for breach of curfew and 8 were charged for failing to practice social distancing.

Compol Williams clarifies the new SI
At midnight last night, a new Statutory Instrument — SI 119/ 2020 — became effective countrywide, altering the curfew hours and adding new rules under the State of Emergency that has been put in place to curb the sudden and alarming spread of the COVID-19 virus within the country. In his explanation of the new SI, Compol Williams said that curfew hours for the rest of the country, with the exception of the hotspots in San Pedro and some villages in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, which are subject to more stringent measures, are now as follows: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The CXC 2020 grading approach
As promised, the Caribbean Examination Council rolled out their CSEC and CAPE exams in July of this year, despite the interruptions of classes that had been caused by COVID-19. On Wednesday, the Registrar and CEO of the Council, Dr. Wayne Wesley, issued a virtual address thanking all Ministries of Education, local registrars, teachers, invigilators, and center staff for their assistance in the successful administration of these exams. Due to the new social restrictions caused by the pandemic, the Council was tasked with finding a new strategy to facilitate all students of the Caribbean in advancing to a higher level of education, despite the various academic hardships that they were facing since March, when the pandemic hit the Caribbean.

Doctor with COVID-19 seen in public
A Belize City doctor, who tested positive for COVID-19 and was instructed to self-isolate in his home, was seen in public yesterday, and there are apparently images that were captured by security cameras that prove the doctor was out and about — disregarding the danger his outing posed to others in the community. He was not wearing a mask. After the doctor was spotted in the public and images of the masked doctor were circulated, the Ministry of Health and police were alerted.

Week 3 update on Freetown Basketball Tournament
Competitive sports are once again on hold, since the new measures announced over the weekend with the latest State of Emergency, following the huge spike in Covid-19 cases across the country. Information was slow in coming in, but here are the results from the last two weeks of competition in the Freetown Basketball Tournament 2020, which got under way on Tuesday, July 21, at the Belama Phase 2 Basketball Court, and is being sponsored by area representative, Hon. Francis Fonseca.

From “di lee Coro” to “The General”; Plaza football legend, Gilroy “Coro” Usher
I’ve been delaying the start of this story for a long time. It’s a challenge to try and be impartial and completely objective, when you have been up close and directly involved with the subject of our discussion in so many situations over the years. But I’ll try. Because I must give maximum respect and recognition to one undoubtedly bound for Belize’s Football Hall of Fame while he still engages in a three-week battle for his life on a hospital bed in New Jersey, where he has resided for the last two plus decades.

Redistricting
After the painful defeat the “No to the ICJ” crowd suffered in the Referendum (Sedi Elrington’s greatest moment), the General Secretary of the VIP, Brother Paul Morgan, still smarting over what he considers a betrayal of our country, turned his attention back to redistricting (a requirement of the constitution I get the sense his party’s leaders feel must be respected before they contest elections in Belize again). If you notice, the VIP has not been contesting elections of recent. They have probably realized what UBAD found out in one election — that the dice in Belize is loaded for red and blue.

The Reporter

City Hall has closed its Traffic Department
With immediate effect for prompt sanitizing to take place after test results confirmed this morning that one of its traffic officers has contracted the deadly COVID-19 virus. City Hall, through a press release issued this afternoon, informed that it was working closely with the Ministry of Health, which is now carrying out contact tracing.

LOVE FM

Woman urges MoH to test her for COVID-19
A woman employed at the Scenes of Crime Unit of the Belize Police Department is outraged after her request to be tested for Covid-19 was denied. According to Angela Wiltshire, she had come in contact with a man who tested positive for Covid-19, and because of her diabetes, she has grown very concerned over her exposure.

BPM calls for for annual reports from Elections and Boundaries Commission
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) has called for annual reports to be presented from the Elections & Boundaries Commission. On August 3, the BPM wrote to the Elections and Boundaries Commission through registered mail, seeking access to the Commission’s annual reports for the period 2016-2019.

Is the lockdown effective for mapping and tracing?
The lockdown for Ambergris Caye and the three villages in the north, Santa Marta, Shipyard, and Guinea Grass was extended for another two weeks. With Belize currently experiencing a Covid-19 curve, it is the hope of health officials that the lockdown and other regulations will flatten the curve. Our newsroom asked Dr Manzanero how he feels the lockdown will contribute to the decrease in cases when every district has now registered positive cases.

Belize City Traffic Department shuts down after personnel tested positive
The Belize City Council Traffic Department is temporarily closed down after one of its personnel tested positive for Covid-19. The Belize City resident began experiencing a fever about ten days ago and has been on sick leave since then. Love News spoke with the City Manager, Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt who gave us a timeline of events.

COVID-19 cases on the Rise
Almost two dozen healthcare workers have tested positive for COVID-19. These workers are from both private and public healthcare facilities. In a recent presentation via Ask the Expert, the Director of Health Services, Dr Marvin Manzanero spoke on the twenty-three new cases reported last night and thirty-four additional cases coming out of samples finalized today.

NSUB weighs in on the impasse at UB
The National Student Union of Belize (NSUB) has announced that they are in full support of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBSFU) in postponing the date for classes to resume. According to the union, a survey was conducted among their membership including faculty and students. The results of the survey showed that the majority of the union members are of the opinion that the University of Belize is not prepared to begin administering online classes. President of the NSUB, Kevin Chen outlined three major factors that contributed to the opinions in the survey.

Impasse between the UBFSU and the UB Board of Trustees
No one is getting fired from the University of Belize! At least not yet. A meeting recently concluded between the Board of Trustees and members of the University of Belize Faculty and Students Union. The discussion surrounded several issues primarily the reopening of the new academic year.

Breaking Belize News

University of Belize in crisis: Board, staff union at loggerheads over financial and academic issues
The Board of Trustees of the University of Belize (UB), headed by Harrison Pilgrim, has […]

78 new cases of COVID-19 detected today, 55 are in the Belize district
A total of 78 new cases of COVID-19 was detected in Belize today according to […]

Ministry of Natural Resources informs that Orange Walk office to have limited access to public
The Ministry of Natural Resources informed that with the rise of positive cases of COVID-19, […]

Ministry of Health warns against providing unreliable information during contact tracing
The Ministry of Health notes that on several occasions people being interviewed during contact tracing […]

Thirty-four new positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed, mostly in San Pedro
The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported another 34 cases of COVID-19 today, the bulk of […]

Only symptomatic patients are now being tested for COVID-19 in Belize
The Ministry of Health says that it is swamped with repeated requests from various individuals […]

PCR tests for people trying to leave the country will only be done once a week,” says Ministry of Health
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero said today that the Central Medical Laboratory will […]

Procedures for handling bodies of persons who died of COVID-19 being reviewed
The Ministry of Health is reviewing the procedures for handling the bodies of persons who […]

New gas prices at midnight: regular down, diesel up
The Ministry of Finance announced that effective Wednesday, August 19, 2020, the pump price of […]

The case for a managed passport program in Belize for investors
By Carlos Rivera: In life and in business you always look at best practice and try to follow examples that lead to success. […]

Belize Peace Movement calls for annual reports from the Elections & Boundaries Commission
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) informs that on August 3, it wrote to the Elections […]

National Hurricane Center monitors broad area of low pressure in the Atlantic
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring a broad area of low pressure located about […]

Trapped in a bad relationship? (for Belizeans Only)
By Bernard Bulwer Trapped in bad relationships ... You never know what you're missing until you know what you shouLd be getting. […]

Global COVID-19 cases now at over 22 million
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people around the world. Worldometer reports that as of […]

Health officials monitoring 433 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials are now monitoring 433 active cases of COVID-19. Of the active cases, 264 […]

International Sources

Caribbean indigenous people return to roots as COVID-19 shrinks tourism
Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean, struggling as their tourism-dependent economies are ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, are returning to traditional farming and fishing roots for their livelihoods, local experts said on Tuesday. Being forced to look to older, more organic ways of survival can be a silver lining within the devastation of the pandemic, connecting communities with their history, they said in an online meeting held by the Organization of American States (OAS). Caribbean nations, so economically dependent on tourism, have seen a plunge in visitors due to lockdowns, closed borders and airport shutdowns throughout the region.

Videos

August 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

Fishing allowed but only with a valid license, says Belize Coast Guard in San Pedro
There was major outcry when AG Peyrefitte claimed fishing for sustenance was prohibited on Ambergris Caye. Local authorities quickly clarified that fishing could continue, but the Belize Coast Guard is saying that a license is necessary to fish, and many residents are unsure if they will be allowed to fish off docks too.

PCR Testing to Leave the Country
The Ministry of Health hereby advises the public of a new process that will be offered to persons requesting PCR testing to leave the country. Persons who would like to be considered for testing should send an email to [email protected] with the request along with supporting documents. A response will be sent from that email indicating approval or otherwise, along with the next steps.

Ambergris Today

Ramon’s Village Resort Now Designated Certified Autism Center
Ramon’s Village Resort located in San Pedro Town, Belize is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Completion of the certification means that guests with autism and other sensory needs can have the best possible stay or scuba diving experience.

Rickilee Response and Rescue Transporting Flu and Covid-19 Patien
Ambergris Today joins the community in thanking @Rickilee Response and Rescue RRR. While they continue to voluntarily respond to emergencies during the lock-downs and pandemic, they have stepped up for the community again by voluntarily transporting people with COVID-19 either to the to the flu clinic or if necessary to Belize City. RRR is a tremendous asset to our community. Thank you!!!!

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Tuesday, August 18th, Meal pick ups. Location: ROYAL ORCHID. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am -12:30pm.

The Ministry of Natural Resources - Direct Deposit and Online Transfer Payment information
** Kindly note when making a direct deposit, we encourage the applicant to email the receipt to the email provided.**

Safe Corridors for Tourists
In addition to the Gold Standard program, the Belize Tourism Board has created safe corridors for tourists when travel resumes in country. Please see the below infographic with detailed information when travelling in Belize's safe corridor.

Closure of Sporting Facilities
Due to the rise in COVID 19 cases countrywide and the new regulations under Statutory Instrument 119 of 2020, which limits gatherings to no more than ten individuals and restricts certain sporting activities, all NSC Sporting Facilities countrywide will be temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Please continue to practice social distancing, wear face mask/covering properly, and practice good hand washing/sanitizing hygiene. We apologize for any inconveniences caused by this announcement.

Marriage Registry Suspends Face to Face Services
The provision of all face-to-face services to the public from the Marriage Registry, Belmopan, is hereby suspended effective immediately. The Marriage Registry will operate on an e-interface/online basis effective Monday August 17, 2020. Marriage licence application forms, pertinent information brochures and all instructions can be found online on the Government Portal at the Government of Belize’s website at the link below.

ATLANTIC BANK NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS
Changes to Opening Hours

The Spotlight Initiative
TUNE IN WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19TH - The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year initiative launched by the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). This initiative galvanizes political commitment at the highest levels and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 5 on gender equality, fully integrating the principle of “leaving no one behind”. In Belize, the Spotlight Initiative seeks to contribute to ending family violence by strengthening policy and legislations that will guarantee increased protection of women and girls, building capacity of state and non-state actors to respond to family violence, expanding the range of services available, and addressing social norms and behaviors that promote violence against women and girls.

Understanding the Economic Recovery Strategy for Belize
The Heritage Education Network Belize is having a webinar discussing the Economic Recovery Strategy for Belize Friday night at 7pm. Join our live Q&A with Alexya Pérez, where we go into the Economic Recovery Strategy and talk about what it means for your business! We will be going live on our Facebook page at 7 pm. You will have a chance to ask questions and find out how you might benefit from new opportunities.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. A further 164 samples were processed today with the breakdown as follows - 23 samples were positive in this infographic (includes the 4 reported yesterday) - Orange Walk - 1 - Corozal - 4 - Cayo - 4 (3 in Belmopan - health care workers) - Belize 14 (6 in San Pedro, the remaining in Belize City) Three persons have recovered today. There are currently 6 patients at the KHMH (3 are intubated).

The Green Climate Fund Approves Project Preparation Facility to Build the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize
Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that will help the country adapt and mitigate climate change and its impacts. The National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF under the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), has been engaged with the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) to design a proposed project “Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize.”

Legal Advice and Services Centre Hours
In an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19, the Attorney General’s Ministry hereby informs the general public that effective August 17, 2020 the Legal Advice and Services Centre will be offering services by appointments only at the Belmopan and Orange Walk offices. Appointments can be made by contacting the following offices: 1. Orange Walk Office, Telephone No.: 600-8791...

People Requesting PCR Testing May Leave the Country
The Ministry of Health hereby advises the public of a new process that will be offered to persons requesting PCR testing to leave the country. Persons who would like to be considered for testing should send an email to [email protected] with the request along with supporting documents. A response will be sent from that email indicating approval or otherwise, along with the next steps. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health hotline at 0-800-MOH-CARE (0-800-664-3273).

Temporary Closure of DOE Office
Additional Precautionary Measures for COVID-19 In order to safeguard the staff and public during this current wave of COVID 19, the Department of the Environment (DOE) will be temporarily closed on August 17 & 18, 2020 in order to clean and sanitize its office space. This is a precautionary measure and is in line with our COVID 19 Preparedness Plan. During this time, our services will continue online. Kindly use the email addresses below to contact our staff; or use our online chat portal or Contact Us form via our website, or private message via Facebook.

Office of the Ombudsman Stops Walk-In Service
The health and safety of our staff and members of the public is of paramount importance to us. This means that mitigation of the spread of the COV1D-19 virus is also of paramount importance to us. Therefore. in an effort to ensure the protection of our staff and members of the public and to avoid any disruption to the functions of our Office the decision has been made to no longer provide our walk-in service as of Monday 16. August 2020. The Office will however continue to serve the public as follows, 1. Complaints will be received via our Office Email at Ombudsman@MLnet; 2. Complaints will be received in writing via post or delivered and dropped into our office mailbox which shall be checked and cleared on a daily basis...

Flood Report and Forecast - August 17, 2020

"Strenghthen Capacity of Quarantine Site Coordinators through Training and Support"
Today, ensuring that masks were worn and social distancing protocols were adhered to throughout, the British High Commissioner H.E. Claire Evans and Ministry of Health Belize CEO Dr. George Gough signed a grant agreement for BZ$101,455.99 to "Strenghthen Capacity of Quarantine Site Coordinators through Training and Support" This project aims to build on Belize's effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to help minimise community spread by strengthening the coordinated response and training of Quarantine Site Coordinators that are necessary to implement the health protocols established for the designated quarantine facilities.

Mr. Florencio Sutherland Passes Away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Sutherland family on the sad and sudden passing of Mr. Florencio Sutherland. Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow. May his soul rest in peace.

Dialogue with the Diaspora: Land Matters
Like Belizeans at home, many of those in the Diaspora are anxious to own a slice of the jewel to develop, farm, or to build their home! Land Matters is a central topic for the Diaspora, and will be our featured topic for this week's Dialogue with the Diaspora! Tune in this Thursday, August 20th at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 7 or right here on our Facebook page! You are encouraged to leave your questions and comments in the comment section below, or live during the show!

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CREDIT UNION - NOTICE TO ALL CUSTOMERS - TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF COROZAL MAIN OFFICE
We are hereby informing all members that SFXCU MAIN BRANCH will be closed Tuesday, August 18, 2020 and we will reopen on Thursday, August 20,2020. We will also be opened on Saturday, August 22, 2020. This closure has come to effect since a close relative of one of our employees has tested positive for COVID 19. So as to safeguard the health of the staff and members, the entire building will be sanitized.

PACT needs an Internal Auditor
Exciting opportunity to join the PACT Team! PACT is looking for a skilled and experienced Internal Auditor. Interested in joining our dynamic team? Click below for full details.

Monday With The Maya: Ju’n Ixiim Maize Deity
Maize (corn) is the prominent staple for the Maya. It symbolizes the creation of the Maya people and the Maya way of life. Ju’n Ixiim was greatly important, as he was associated with life, abundance and death. Usually depicted as being young, adorned with jade jewelry with a maize foliage growing on the top of his head, Ju’n Ixiim is believed to be a representation of Hun Hunahpu, father of the Hero Twins, from which all of the Maya were born - the people of the corn!

Channel 7

COVID Cases Soar 850% In Two Weeks
850% - that's how much the number of Belize's COVID 19 cases grew in the 14 days between August 1st and August 15th. The number of cases went from 56 on August first, to 452 on August 15th. And, tonight Belizeans are coming off another weekend when the news of 100 new cases and two deaths were just mind numbing. When we left you on Friday, it was with news of death #3, Luis Romero Sr, the 52 year old Belize City man who was diagnosed too late and died shortly after they got him to the COVID ICU unit at the KHMH. And, on Saturday night, 63 year old Carlos Peralta from Orange Walk died at a private clinic from a heart attack. After he died, a test found that he was positive for COVID 19.

Family Remembers Romero With Drive For More COVID Testing
On Friday, Luis Romero Sr. was one of those persons briefly placed on ventilator. But it was too late for him, and the father of two died shortly after. As we told you on Friday, his family was incensed because they felt like the Ministry of Health had turned its back on them, when they tried to get a COVID test for him - after his son started showing symptoms. Now, they are turning that anger into action by circulating a petition demanding testing for at-risk persons.

Police Arrest Pastor Who Knew Not The Hour
And while that family is fighting for more testing, Police are fighting to have few people test positive. This weekend, the cops had to arrest and charged 188 people countrywide for breaking the State of Emergency rules. 128 people were charged for failing to properly wear a face mask while in public. 52 were charged for breaching the curfew. 7 were charged for failing to practice proper social distancing, and a pastor in Santa Cruz, Toledo was charged for allowing a gathering at his church of more than 10 people. This morning, Police Commissioner Chester Williams shared a few more details during a press briefing in Belmopan:

Cops Caught No Border Jumpers, But Plenty Contraband
And while all those Belizeans were busted for violating the SOE rules, the Commissioner was pleased to report that there were no border jumpers detected this weekend. But, there was enforcement in the country's contraband hotspots. Here's what the ComPol had to say about several weekend police operations, in which contraband goods were seized from persons insisting on participating in the trade:

Straying Doctor Put in Quarantine
The cops also had to arrest and charge a doctor for breaking quarantine rules after he tested positive for COVID-19. As we showed you on Friday night's news, the doctor was seen at a loans business on Friday afternoon - this is after he got a positive test earlier in the week - and was sent to self-isolate. Police confirmed that this doctor - who works at the KHMH - did go to the micro loans facility, when he should not have been anywhere near the general public.

COVID Plagues Police, Some Recover, While Some More Infected
The press also asked the Commissioner to discuss his own officers who have been in quarantine after they tested positive for the coronavirus. He said that a number of those officers are already reporting improvements in their health. Unfortunately, 4 more cops tested positive this weekend, and those officers will now have to be quarantined. The Commissioner discussed these latest developments with the media this morning:

UB’s Rough Start To New School Year
Tonight, the National University is in turmoil after the failure to launch of what was supposed to be the first day of the 2020/2021 academic year. It's a failure that was signaled over the weekend when union Secretary Christopher De Shield took to Facebook to bring a message of defiance from the union. And this morning, as predicted, courses at the University of Belize did not go ahead. Cherisse Halsall found out there's more than one reason why... The first semester of UB's academic year should have started today, albeit virtually. But difficulties being experienced with the moodle platform this morning derailed that plan. And ahead of those difficulties faculty had made a decision not to teach.

A Tug’s Tale At Part of Big Creek
This weekend, the Port of Big Creek issued a release rejecting the 7NEWS' story of how 5 members of its tug-boat crew ended up testing positive for COVID 19. We reported on Friday that the tug went to Honduras without authorization, and when they came back all crew members tested positive. There were also reports that the crew members had been circulating in Independence village after returning. Well, the Port's release - which came on Sunday morning - confirms that the tug went to Honduras, and concedes that the there was a lapse in quarantine - allowing the men to go into the village, and also confirms that all five crew members are COVID 10 positive, but stresses that the tug's trip to Honduras was "neither secretive nor illegal."

NTUCB Rejects Change To Labour Laws
On Friday, the government went to the House Of Representatives and rushed through legislation to amend the labour laws. The amendment is designed to make stevedores work shifts longer than 15 hours when they are clearing a vessel. Well - even though it is special interest legislation to suit the CWU's stevedores, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize wrote to the Prime Minister - who is also the Minister of Labour - to complain thatchy they have not been consulted. The NTUCB says it was not consulted in either a virtual meeting or in a letter. They tell the Prime Minister, quote, "zero consultation with one of the major stakeholders in the Tripartite social arrangement in which we have been operating for years now, is a slap to the face of all the workers in Belize.

Political Leaders Grappled With Labour Law Changes
And, on Friday in the House, you could almost see the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition struggling with the amendment which is very odd. It allows workers to go for shifts in excess of 24 hours, which the human body cannot endure. Now, this is only under special circumstances and with the agreement of both parties - as happens at the Port of Belize. The Leader of the Opposition said the length of the shifts almost defies comprehension: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "For instance I know that when the ships come to load the sugar, I know it takes them at least 46 or more hours. Does that mean that one gang is going to be working for 46 hours and will they be paid for triple time? I don't see how a human being can work for 46 hours non-stop."

S&P Says Belize Selectively Defaulted; PM Says No
The government of Belize had a 13 million US dollar Superbond payment due on Thursday, but, with the consent of the international bondholders it has capitalised that payment, and the next two: one in November, 2020, and the other in February of 2021. That's a total of about 27 million US dollars in deferred payments - very necessary at this time, because of the state of government's finances. One week ago, the government announced that it rolled over these payments with the consent of 82% of the bondholders. Seeing this, the international rating agency, Standard & Poors last week announced that it was downgrading Belize's rating to "SD" - short for Selective Default.

PM on Public Officer Paycuts: "Après moi, le déluge"
And not having to make that super bond payment - which it could likely not have made anyway - makes it possible for government to continue paying public officers - even while running an operational deficit. On Friday when the PM asked about rumours of an imminent pay cut for those thousands of public officers, the PM rejected it out of hand - for at least as long as he's around:

GOB Won’t Lock Down (Economy)
And keeping those public officers paid, and the economy throttling - even at very low RPM's - is a major part of the reason the government and the National Oversight Committee has not pulled the trigger on a lockdown - even as the number of COVID cases climbed almost 900% this month. The Prime Minister said once locked down, twice shy: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "We locked down once, and we know at what cost. If we lock down again, I think the cost will be even more severe, the price we pay will be even more severe..."

8:00 PM Curfew In Effect
And while there's no lockdown - as of yesterday they were enhanced measures to curtail social movements, and, with it, the spread of the virus. At midnight on Saturday, those stricter measures came into effect, with a national 8:00 pm curfew leading off. The Attorney General hosted an episode of the Ask the Experts on Saturday night to outline the new measures. Here's what the AG had to say about how the curfew time period has been increased by 2 hours for weekdays and weekends.

Exercise Without Masks But With Social Distance
And, the stricter State of Emergency rules are also slightly changing how you'll be able to exercise in a public space. You'll be required to maintain 6 feet social distance from your exercise companions: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "When we're exercising now, there will be rules for exercising publicly. Walking, running, cycling, you will have to social distance, and you will have to maintain a minimum of 6 feet between each person..."

No Contact Sports Under New SOE Regs
Competitive sports, which involve body contact, have also been suspended for at least two weeks under these new SOE regulations. The Attorney General says that this is being implemented for health reasons and that not all sports are being discouraged: "Competitive sporting events will no longer be allowed to take place. So, if you have a competition, a volleyball tournament, a basketball tournament, whatever, no tournaments [are] allowed at this stage..."

Mass Gatherings Now Strictly Limited to 10
But, the biggest change now in effect under these amended SOE regulations is that you cannot gather in groups larger than 10. Here's what the Attorney General had to say about that: "You are now limited to 10 people that can gather..."

Masks Regulations Become More Strict
You'll also be required to wear your face masks in more places, now that the state of emergency rules have tightened. For context, the Attorney General briefly reviewed what those requirements were before the amendment, and what they are now: "This will be a very big change because we notice that people are taking advantage of it. Now, remember every person shall wear a face mask, providing children under 6 - shall not be required to wear it..."

Woman’s Neck Cut
A Belize City woman is in a critical condition tonight after a man cut her throat. 59-year-old Rosa Delia Chinchia She was slashed to the neck after refusing to lend money to a male friend. It happened just after 11:00 this morning in Lindo's Alley when Chinchia, talking to a man she knew, refused to lend him the money he wanted.

Canadian Robbed At Miller’s Landing
Increasing numbers of robberies and thefts have been much in the news recently - and now there is an aggravated burglary in Placencia. On Saturday night, a Canadian national was robbed at gunpoint. This morning in Belmopan Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette had the details: "On Saturday night sometime shortly before 8 pm Placencia police were called to the Miller's Landing area on the Placencia road where Brady Jeffrey a 45 year old Canadian national reported to police..."

Another Chinese Grocer Robbed
And back in the City, there was yet another gunpoint robbery of a grocery store. It happened just after noon, on Sunday when two men armed with a firearm stole $3,000.00 from the ABC store on Central American Boulevard. And it seems they got away clean. Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero admitted morning, that the police have no leads.

Caught Brandishing Weapon
Over the weekend the cops made one arrest that didn't require any investigation. That's because the perp in question was waving the evidence, an unlicensed gun, in the wind for all the world to see. Here's more on the circumstances of his arrest from the head of national crimes investigation: Joseph Myvette, ACP- Head, NCIB: "Also on Saturday while San Ignacio police were on patrol on Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio Town they came across a Hispanic male person armed with a handgun..."

Man Stabbed In Front of Home
He was stabbed to the chest and left for dead in front of his own home. And like the woman we told you about earlier in our newscast he knew his assailant. And tonight 55 year old Aubrey Brown is also struggling to survive after that violent confrontation which happened after the curfew hour on Saturday morning. Here's more from Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero. "On Saturday the 15th day of August 2020 around 1:30 a.m. police responded to a chopping incident on Johnson street Belize City. Upon their arrival, they found Aubry Brown 55 years with a chop wound to the chest..."

Many Suitors For Sale of Scotia
And, our last two stories tonight, are bots on the banking sector from the Minister of Finance. When we spoke to him on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the Central Bank review of the sale of Scotiabank to the holding group that owns the Belize Bank is still underway. "I can tell you that there are expressions of interest, multiple expressions of interest from concerns that would dearly love to be in a position, or to be given a chance to purchase ScotiaBelize..."

PM Backtracks On Exchange Regs
And, in one other banking note, the PM seems to be backtracking on a statutory instrument he signed into law a few weeks ago, at the end of July. It removed certain currency controls and central bank oversight to facilitate real estate transactions. But, at the time we argued that it could undermine the peg. The PM resisted the argument when we first Brought it to him - but on Friday, he said he sees the point:

Channel 5

Romero Family Shares Frustrating Ordeal in Getting Luis Romero Tested
On Friday, fifty-two-year-old Belize City resident Luis Romero Senior was confirmed to be the third person in the country to have died due to COVID-19. He passed away at the [...]

Romero Family Launches Petition
As a result of the ordeal with Luis Romero Senior, the Romero family has launched a petition and is asking for public support in requesting that the Ministry of Health [...]

COVID-19 Positive Doctor Who Breached Quarantine Will Be Charged!
A K.H.M.H. doctor, who tested positive for COVID-19, was spotted in the city conducting business.  Surveillance footage captured the doctor on Friday afternoon and that image was widely circulated online.  [...]

Pastor in the South Arrested for Breach of S.O.E.
In the south, a pastor in Santa Cruz village in the south is facing charges under the State of Emergency Regulations. Police say that there were sixteen persons inside the [...]

Manny Heredia Will Not Be Charged for Mass Gathering
There are no charges for Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia following the viral images of a mass gathering in front of his house last Friday. Videos and pictures show Heredia and [...]

Four More Cops Test Positive for COVID-19
Over the weekend, three persons who conduct contact tracing tested positive for the corona virus. Today, four more police officers have tested positive for COVID-19. These two officers join a [...]

San Felipe Man Dies Before Being Diagnosed with COVID-19
While Luis Romero died of the virus, there are questions over the death of a San Felipe man. The family of sixty three year-old Carlos Peralta is tonight trying to [...]

Dr. Marvin Manzanero Shares Latest COVID-19 Numbers
Turning to the growing numbers of persons carrying the virus, which put Belize as one of the countries in the Caribbean, with the highest number of cases. Now. more cases [...]

20,000 Test Kits Remaining
According to Doctor Manzanero, the Central Medical Laboratory did not run any batch of samples on Sunday as they are preparing samples for processing today as well due to routine [...]

Elderly Woman Critical After She is Cut to the Throat
A fifty-nine-year-old woman from Lindos Alley in Belize City is currently in a critical condition at a medical facility in Belize City after she was attacked at her home earlier [...]

Elderly Man Found Dead Inside His House
As Chinchilla fights for her life at the K.H.M.H., a man was found dead inside his house on Rivero Street in Belize City.  A caretaker found Bernard Gillett lifeless, slumped [...]

ABC Shop is Targeted by Armed Robbers
A grocery store on Central American Boulevard in Belize City was targeted by armed thieves over the weekend. On Sunday evening, ABC Shop owner was robbed of three thousand dollars [...]

55-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Chest on Johnson Street in Belize City
Police are looking for a man in connection with a stabbing incident on Saturday in Belize City.  Fifty-five-year-old Aubrey Brown lives alone in a small wooden house on Johnson Street [...]

Woman Gives Birth to COVID-Free Baby
Early data from pregnant women with COVID-19 indicates that the disease is linked to premature birth and changes to the placenta that might reflect altered blood flow. However, these studies were of women with severe [...]

Cops Seized Stash of Contraband
The Belize Police Department has stepped up its operations along the northern border. Commissioner Chester Williams says that they seized a number of contraband goods and as well as canoes [...]

188 Persons Arrested under S.O.E. Regulations!
Police arrested and charged close to two hundred persons for breach of the State of Emergency regulations over the weekend. From our records, it appears to be the largest number [...]

A Burglary on the Peninsula
Placencia Police were called out to the scene of an aggravated burglary on Saturday just before eight.  An armed man entered a house, held up the homeowner at gunpoint and [...]

Cayo Man Charged for Unlicensed Firearm
In other crime news, police have arrested a man in the west for an unlicensed firearm. Police say that a patrol unit encountered Nectali Yeh walking with the unlicensed firearm [...]

Where are We with the Proposed Sale of Scotiabank Belize?
The sale of Scotiabank Belize to Caribbean International Holdings Limited, the parent company of Belize Bank, is still being finalized by the Central Bank. The Central Bank is pouring over [...]

Super Bond Payment Deferred
Belize has gotten a much needed break as far as the payment of the super bond even though the country’s credit rating was downgraded by Standards and Poor to a [...]

A New Curfew is in Effect for All of Belize
At the start of  the week, the states of emergency for COVID-stricken communities, including Guinea Grass, Shipyard and Santa Marta in the north and San Pedro in central Belize have [...]

UB’s Unionized Faculty Members; “No Formal Teaching of Courses” for Opening of School!
Classes resumed at the University of Belize this morning, but from all indications, it appears there was a poor turnout.  When we visited the main campus in Belmopan, it didn’t [...]

U.B.F.S.U. Heads into Negotiations on Tuesday!
From saying no to the formal teaching for the opening of the new school year to a seat at the table, the U.B.F.S.U. says that they are heading into negotiations [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Objects to Amendment of Labour Laws
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize, N.T.U.C.B., has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow objecting to the amendment to the Labour Act that was passed in the House of [...]

LOVE FM

UBFSU explains the need to delay reopening of schools
Today was scheduled to be the first day of classes for the University of Belize. Things were delayed, however, as before the start of the first class at eight o’clock this morning Murphy’s Law kicked in and it all went haywire.

Two COVID-19 death; Two men with underlying conditions
This past Friday and Saturday have seen the passing of two Belizean men. Both persons were diagnosed with Covid-19. 52-year-old Luis Romero was diagnosed prior to his death while 63-year-old Carlos Peralta was not diagnosed until after his passing. The death of Peralta, who resided in Orange Walk Town has caused concerns within a church community. Here is Reporter Alisha Valentine with the full story.

Six months of Covid-19 in Belize
For months Belize was on the sidelines watching on the international news how greatly affected the other parts of the world. On March 22, however, things got real as the first case of Covid-19 was detected.

Several businesses take precautionary measures to protect against covid-19
Several businesses are taking measures as a result of the covid-19 regulations and the need for social distancing. The Attorney General’s Ministry has announced that effective today, the Legal Advice and Services Center will be offering services by appointments only at the Belmopan and Orange Walk offices.

Breaking Belize News

19 more COVID-19 cases detected today, total confirmed cases now at 475
Nineteen (19) new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Belize today. Including the 4 cases […]

Two men shot in Port Loyola, Belize City
Two men from the Port Loyola area of Belize City were shot this morning by […]

Green Climate Fund approves facility to build capacity of sugarcane farmers in Belize
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a project preparation facility to build the adaptive […]

Police confiscate huge amount of contraband beers, drinks over the weekend
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams informed that over the weekend, police confiscated a haul […]

Portugal President literally dives in sea following press interview to rescue two women
BBC news reports that the 71-year-old President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de […]

Attorney General’s Legal Advice and Service Centre offering service by appointments only
The Attorney General’s Ministry informed today that in an effort to reduce the spread of […]

Ministry of Health informs of new procedure for processing PCR test requests for people leaving Belize
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced today that changes have been made to the procedure […]

Office of the Ombudsman closed to walk-ins, service continues
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Ombudsman has decided to suspend […]

No salary cuts for Public Service – but for how much longer?
Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dean Barrow has denied a rumor […]

Scotia/Belize Bank merger still being investigated; takers waiting in the wings
The Central Bank of Belize continues to review the potential merger of Scotia Bank and […]

California’s Death Valley hits “world record” temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit
The site of two of the highest ever temperatures recorded on planet Earth may have […]

Over 400 cases of COVID-19 in just two weeks
On Friday, July 31, Belize closed out the month with 48 confirmed cases of COVID-19. […]

Orange Walk resident, Carlos Peralta is 4th victim of COVID-19
Orange Walk resident, Carlos Peralta, 63, is the fourth person in Belize to die of […]

Former educator plants Ceiba trees along river banks in Twin Towns to prevent erosion
Former educator Luis Gentle, affectionately known as “ Mr. Gig”, engaged in an initiative to […]

Pastor from Santa Cruz, Toledo charged for breaking social gathering protocol
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams informed that 188 people were charged over the weekend […]

BEL donates 80 school bags to Police Youth Cadets
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) made a donation of 80 fully loaded school bags to members […]

Belmopan Medical Centre announces resumption of services today
Belmopan Medical Centre announced to the public, via its Facebook page, the resumption of services […]

Trade Union Congress writes to PM over Labour Law amendments, urges workers to resist changes
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, […]

National Sports Council announces closure of facilities countrywide
The National Sports Council of Belize announced, this morning, the closure of all NSC Sporting […]

Over 180 arrests made for state of emergency violations: Mask wearing a major problem
Over the weekend the Belize Police Department arrested and charged 188 people for offenses under […]

Blogs

A Kaleidoscope of Experiences Awaits You in Belize
Brimming with eclectic wildlife, palm-studded islands, lush jungles, and a sprinkling of ancient Mayan cities, Belize offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for the post-COVID traveler. As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico; the south and west by Guatemala; and to the east by the Caribbean Sea – offering a synergy of tropical, coastal zest and a strong Central American ethnicity. Ultimately, Belize packs a powerful punch for such a small destination when it comes to tourism attractions. From the Great Blue Hole and second largest Barrier Reef to the only jaguar reserve in the world, visitors will be captivated by exotic wildlife roaming the vast tropical forests. Or, enchant yourself with the many unique underground cave systems for a glimpse into the mysterious past of the Mayas.

Major Grant to Cover Archaeologist’s Work at El Pilar Maya Site in Belize
In the years since Anabel Ford encountered the Maya city of El Pilar between Belize and Guatemala in 1983, the research anthropologist and director of the MesoAmerican Research Center at UC Santa Barbara has dedicated her career to documenting and preserving the ancient site. Now, a new grant of US$289,806 from the National Science Foundation will allow Ford and her research team to conduct research into how the Maya built and sustained dense settlements in the tropical forest. Ford’s team is made up of archaeologists, botanists, geographers, palynologists and soil scientists.

The Best Places to Experience Marine Life in Belize
Belize has so many amazing spots for diving and snorkeling that it is a greater challenge to decide which one to visit than whether or not to pursue those activities. Indeed, Belize’s closeness to the Caribbean Sea makes it a natural magnet for a vast menagerie of marine life. If you need some help figuring where to plunge into the crystal-clear blue waters off Belize’s coastline, here are the top four spots to bear in mind. Silk Cayes, Shark Ray Alley Marine Reserve, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, & Laughing Bird Caye.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Real Estate in Belize
Home to over 383,000 natives and centrally located on the northeast coast of Central America, Belize is a wondrous tourist destination with superb beach life, water sporting activities, and plenty of real estate opportunities. Because the country was formerly governed by the British, many of its integral systems follow British common law. This means that the government of Belize welcomes foreign ownership of a real estate plot. However, when it comes to buying real estate in Belize, there are a few common questions that may pop-up. Therefore, in today’s article, we discuss three key questions to ask before buying a property in Belize.

International Sources

How Belize is staying ahead of COVID-19 with Canadian expats
Belize’s plentiful wildlife, diverse regions, historical Mayan ruins and being home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere make it an attractive home for the Canadian adventurer. While the country takes responsible consideration to reopen the border for international tourism, here are some examples of Canadian expats living in Belize who are doing their part to ensure they are ready to safely welcome venturesome travellers from their former home. Here’s what some Canadian expat business owners are doing in anticipation of the reopening, and how Belize is staying ahead of COVID-19:

A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
It can be easy to ignore the many ways in which nature and culture are ultimately inextricable, humans, animals, and other aspects of the environment continually affecting change in one another. Music, though, offers space for reflection on the other beings in our ecosystem and how we all contribute to a broader shared soundscape and world at large. Expressions of these ecological networks are central to A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean, the second installment in a crowdfunded album series released on Shika Shika, a label founded by Robin Perkins and Agustín Rivaldo, better known as producers El Búho and Barrio Lindo, respectively.

Escape From America: 5 Cheapest Places To Move If You Want To Leave The U.S.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll and the political situation heats up, many Americans are thinking about bolting and leaving the U.S. International Living, a website that shows how you can live, retire and invest overseas, says that interest in leaving America has been soaring—with traffic up 945% from May to early August on its “How to Move Out of the US” page. According to Immigration New Zealand, a total of 250,000 Americans have looked into how to leave the U.S. and move to the Pacific island nation, with visits to the website New Zealand Now spiking 160%—an average of about one U.S. resident a minute.

Videos

August 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.

Ambergris Today

Twenty Six More COVID-19 Cases In San Pedro, Belize At 414 Active Cases
After a few days of not recording any new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the Ministry of Health in Belize announced last night, Saturday, August 15, 2020, 26 cases for the island out of a whopping 257 samples that were processed.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Monday, August 17th, Meal pick ups. Location: HAPPY LOBSTER. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am -12:30pm.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. A total of 257 samples were processed today. We have a total of 64 new cases. The preliminary breakdown is as follows: - 3 cases in the Stann Creek district - 11 cases in the Cayo district - 11 cases in the Orange Walk District - 13 cases in the Belize district (excluding San Pedro) - 26 cases in San Pedro...

Attorney General’s Ministry (COVID-19 Safeguard Measures) (Suspension of face-to-face services) (Online application process) 2020
suppressing the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19, the Attorney General’s Ministry hereby informs the public of the following changes in respect of the following services: Marriage Registry – Belmopan Office: The provision of all face-to-face services to the public from the Marriage Registry, Belmopan, is hereby suspended effective immediately. The Marriage Registry will operate on an e-interface/online basis effective Monday August 17, 2020. Marriage licence application forms, pertinent information brochures and all instructions can be found online on the Government Portal at the Government of Belize’s website at the link below.

From Commissioner of Police Chester Williams
Good morning all, SI 119/2020 is out. I will be explaining the new changes that came into force last night at 12mn. - Curfew hours is now as follows; Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 pm to 5:00 am Friday & Saturday 10:00 pm to 5:00 am - no child under the age of 16 shall be out in public unaccompanied by a parent or guardian after 6:00 pm. - all persons wakling or running for exercise must do so 6 feet apart. - cyclists must ride in single file. - all casinos are to remain Closed - there shall be no recreational contact sports - all business places must close one hour before the curfew start it does not matter what your trade license says...

Commercial Fishing and Fishing for Sustenance is Allowed
We have seen the outcry of our people and we would like to clarify to all that COMMERCIAL FISHING and FISHING FOR SUSTENANCE IS ALLOWED as stated on the new S.I. Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Hon. Manuel Heredia have confirmed with the Government of Belize that commercial fishing and fishing for sustenance are allowed under the new S.I. *Please disregard the video that is circulating where the Attorney General says otherwise. We stand together with our people of San Pedro and we will always stand in solidarity with you. Remember to wear your mask, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart, and wash your hands regularly.

Notice from Faculty Representative, University of Belize
The Board did not agree to postpone the re-opening to classes to September 7, 2020. Their concern is the delay will reflect poorly on the Board’s ability to manage the institution and it may result in students wanting to leave UB and consequently a potential loss in revenues. While they acknowledge that more time is needed for preparation, they implore that faculty engage with students tomorrow even if only to orient them about the course expectations and encourage them to do orientation as is required by Moodle.

ALUX SPIRITS GUARD OUR SACRED MILPAS
For the Yucatec Maya the milpa is a very sacred place . It provides food ,a place of work and Spirituality . Before planting many Yucatec Maya of Belize ask permission and blessings from the Báalamo'ob . The Báalamo'ob also known as Nukuch Taato'ob are in charge of guarding the milpero , Crops and animals in the bush . They keep bad energies away of the milpa which can harm the crops and the milpero . As time changes lack of land has cause some Yucatec Maya of Belize to do small milpas at their back yards . It is believe that at night they will guard the yard and fight bad spirits .

LOVE FM

Kept Firearm without a Gun License
Last night at around 10 o’clock, police officers stopped a man who was seemingly had a firearm in his hand on the Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District. He was ordered to drop the object, and after he refused, an officer fired a warning shot. The man immediately dropped the object on the road. Police subdued the man and then retrieving the .22 revolver. The officers then informed the man that he committed the offense of Kept Firearm without a Gun License, and detained him pending charges.

Burglary on Placencia Peninsula Road
45-year-old Brudy Peters, a resident at Mile 20 on the Placencia Peninsula Road, reported an aggravated burglary to police. He stated that sometime around 7:30pm last night, a dark skinned man whom he knows entered his home and pulled out a firearm. The burglar demanded cash, and Peters handed over five hundred dollars and an iPhone. The burglar then escaped through the door and into some bushes. Police are investigating.

Breaking Belize News

Locations of new Covid-19 cases identified; Also 4 new cases detected
The Office of the Director of Health Services has just issued an update on the […]

Three field officers involved in contact tracing test positive for COVID-19
The Ministry of Health informed today that three field officers involved in contact tracing and […]

Fourth COVID-19 associated death in Belize
The Ministry of Health confirmed a short while ago that a patient who was being […]

Southern districts have the least number of COVID-19 infections
The latest data from the Ministry of Health (MOH) shows that Toledo and Stann Creek […]

Robbers make off with $3K from Belize City shop
Two men robbed ABC Shop, located at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Freedom […]

Face-to-face services suspended at Marriage Registry in Belmopan
As a safety measure in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Attorney General’s Ministry has announced […]

Become a part of the movement: National Student Union hosts recruitment drive
The National tudnt’ Union of lz (NU) is looking for Belizean students at home and […]

CNBC recommends moving to Belize for Americans wanting to leave the US for good
CNBC has listed Belize among its top four picks for affordable countries Americans looking to […]

Dead body found in Belize City
Reports reaching our newsroom are that a dead body was discovered in a house on […]

Blogs

Ask the Experts: Real Estate Update on Ambergris Caye
Have you ever thought about moving to Belize to enter a simpler existence enjoying the daily experiences that island living can offer you? Despite the pandemic, Sunrise Realty has received many emails and phone calls from folks in the US and Canada who are looking to do just that. With Belize having a relatively low population density and a diverse ecosystem there is a perfect place for most who are seeking a lower-tech, laid back lifestyle. On Ambergris Caye you can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose as there are so many options to select.

International Sources

La Niña Watch increases one month before peak hurricane season
(CNN)Forecasters are now calling for an increased chance of La Niña this autumn, which could enhance an already overly active hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issued a La Niña Watch in July. Now, the agency has issued an update further showing their confidence that La Niña could form this autumn. "The La Niña Watch that was issued back in July has now increased to 60% for this fall," says Haley Brink, CNN meteorologist. "When a La Niña Watch is issued that means that conditions are favorable for development within the next six months. An advisory can then be issued once La Niña conditions are observed." In a typical El Niño phase, much of the Pacific Ocean is characterized by warmer waters, whereas La Niña features a cooling of those same Pacific waters. More importantly, especially in the case of hurricanes, La Niña weakens high atmospheric winds, which allows warm air pockets to grow vertically and develop into hurricanes.

Thinking about leaving the U.S. for good? Here are some easy (and affordable) options
Belize, the only country in Central America with Engish as its main language, is another affordable location. U.S. currency is also accepted there. Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, known as an “expat haven” is also affordable. According to International Living, a couple can live well there for about a monthly budget of $2,875. U.S. citizens can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. To stay longer, you would need to go to the country’s immigration office for an updated visitor’s permit or tourist stamp for up to a 90-day period, and renew your visa every 30 days after that. Once you reach 50 consecutive weeks, you can apply for permanent residency. However, it can take a few years to receive approval, according to International Living.

When Carnival Cruise Line Ships May Start Sailing Again
Carnival Cruise Line could cruising again with some ships in North America later this year, while other itineraries and ships are projected to start service again later in 2021 or beyond. A look at the expected first sailing of each Carnival ship as the cruise industry gets back into service (all information is subject to change due to the COVID-19 crisis):

Videos

August 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

Belizean family pleads with Ministry Of Health regarding untimely death of Luis Romero, Sr.
The unexpected and untimely passing of proud Belizean, Luis Romero, Sr., has the Romero family and friends devastated and seeking answers. Luis Romero, Sr.’s children, mindful of these rules by MOH, did as repeatedly instructed and called the numbers provided. For the following five days, they begged and fought for the attention of health officials to provide a test for their father. Romero was displaying symptoms, and although he was considered a high-risk individual, the pleas of his children were to no avail. Romero and his children were turned away and declined a coronavirus test by reason of “There is a bad strain of flu going around at the moment, as well.”

San Pedro Tour Guide Association’s pantry program assisting almost 200 guides weekly
The San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) has been looking after its members since the first COVID lockdown via a pantry program. The campaign continues, thanks to the many donors that continue to support the program, and every Friday the association provides food items to 180 tour guides. The SPTGA began with this initiative following the first phase of COVID-19 in March, which ended with all jobs in the tourism industry of Belize. At the beginning, the SPTGA used its own resources to assist its members.

Various Belizean Sources

Emergency Power Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 119 of 2020
REGULATIONS made by the Governor-General in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by section 18(9) of the Belize Constitution, Chapter 4 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, and all other powers thereunto him enabling.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. A total of 257 samples were processed today. We have a total of 64 new cases. The preliminary breakdown is as follows: - 3 cases in the Stann Creek district - 11 cases in the Cayo district - 11 cases in the Orange Walk District - 13 cases in the Belize district (excluding San Pedro) - 26 cases in San Pedro...

Doctor with Covid-19 Detained
Clyde Williams: "The Doctor who reportedly tested positive for covid and was quarantined and seen in public yesterday, was detained and placed in mandator isolation. The matter was investigated and confirmed that he was in public. After his isolation he will be charged for breach of quarantine requirements. "

Belizean Family Pleas With Ministry of Health Regarding Untimely Death of Luis Romero, Sr.
The unexpected and untimely passing of proud Belizean, Luis Romero, Sr., has the Romero family and friends devastated and seeking answers. On paper, Luis is listed as “Patient #3” of COVID-19 related deaths in the country of Belize. However, if Luis is going to become a statistic in the country he so loved cherished, it is the hope of the Romero family that his death is the one that incites and influences change. By all accounts, Luis Romero, Sr. was a high-risk individual and the classic example of who we, as a community, should be mindful of as we live through this unprecedented pandemic.

University of Belize Debates Starting Date for Classes
The Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Belize is making the motion to start classes on September 7, as proposed by UB's Faculty and Staff Union. According to an internal memo, the FST is also rejecting any pay cuts until the Board of Trustees negotiates with the UBFSU.

Its Crocodile Hatchling Season!
With the enormous amount of rain we have been seeing across the country this week, we thought it appropriate to discuss what the rain means for the world of the American crocodile - the emergence of babies!

NORTHERN MEDICAL SPECIALTY PLAZA LTD's STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS TO ASSIST SAN PEDRO'S COVID-19 RELIEF
In a short release today NMSP announced: "It's not much but staff and board members of NMSP put together funds and bought some supplies to send to San Pedro as covid relief. We need to stand together in this struggle for life, only us will save us".

WILDTRACKS BELIZE RELEASE ON THE COVID-19 CASE RE: MARVIN MONTERROSO JR. WHO HAS BECOME A VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE & CORONAVIRUS
Over the last week, we have had two requests from Belize volunteers to come back to Wildtracks to help with the smallest manatee calf currently in care. Both are committed to working for the good of Belize, volunteering their time where they can. Both also volunteered to get tested to ensure that they were Covid-19 free, before coming to Sarteneja. One of the volunteers, Marvin Monterroso, received his first test result back – negative. He then got a text with his second test result – negative again, and based on that, arranged to travel through to Sarteneja. Last night, however, he received an official notification from the Ministry of Health saying that the test was positive.

HOPE HAVEN ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we, the board members of Hope Haven, announce the loss of our beloved community member, Mr. Luis Romero, Sr., brother of our Director of Operations, Kristina Romero. His untimely passing during these unprecedented times strikes us all heavily, and it is with great sadness that we publish this message to you, our community. Unfortunately, Mr. Romero succumbed to his ailments and complications due to COVID-19: his death is the third coronavirus-related one in Belize.

The Reporter

Stabbing in Belize City
A man is in a stable condition after he was stabbed in the right side of his chest sometime around 1:00 this morning in Belize Cty. Aubrey Brown, 55, was discovered lying on the ground near his house on Johnson Street, where the incident is believed to have occurred during an argument with another man.

LOVE FM

Man Chopped in the Chest
A man is hospitalized after a chopping incident that occurred early this morning. 55-year-old Aubrey Brown Sr was at home on Johnson Street at around 1am with another man whom he knows when an argument started between them. The man then took out a machete and chopped Brown to the upper right side of the chest. Brown is in a stable condition and police are investigating.

Breaking Belize News

Health officials monitoring 414 active cases of COVID-19 in Belize
In its latest infographic released a short while ago, the Ministry of Health confirmed that […]

64 more cases of COVID-19 detected today
The Ministry of Health informed a short while ago that after processing 257 samples today, […]

Public transport regulations still in effect
There have been many concerns about public, inter-district transport as it is a potential spreader […]

Shooting reported in Bradley’s Bank, Santa Elena
Reports reaching Breaking Belize News indicate that minutes ago, residents in the area heard about […]

A.G.: “Make your adjustments”
Many questions from the community have been asked concerning various situations that may fall afoul […]

Clarifications on mask wearing and social distancing
Riders of motorcycles and bicycles must now “mask up” in public, and the latter may […]

Business hours now regulated
Generally, businesses are now being asked to close one hour earlier than the start of […]

Social distancing rules enforced for exercise; casinos join bars in closedown
Starting on Sunday, no competitions and recreational contact sports will be allowed. Exceptions are made […]

Curfew rolled back to 8 p.m.
Come Sunday night, Cinderella turns into a pumpkin two hours earlier. The curfew originally set […]

Blogs

Explore Belize from Home with These Mouthwatering Foods
When the pandemic hit life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Many of us found ourselves balancing working from home, hosting digital catch-up with friends, family, and searching for creative ways to pass the time. While restaurants were closed, there were a few of us that ultimately rediscovered the pure joy of cooking. Whether it was for ourselves or our families, there is undoubtedly something satisfying and tangible that comes from exploring this small, nay, delicious pursuit. So while you’re waiting to travel, and looking for new recipes to add to your repertoire, you should definitely try these five mouth-watering Belize recipes.

Discover Southern Belize: Top 10 Things to do
Charming beaches, incredible snorkeling, lush jungle adventures, breathtaking waterfalls, cultural immersion experiences are all and more things that make Southern Belize your perfect vacation destination. Southern Belize is where you will have the best time of your life. If your still not sure what to do when visiting Southern Belize, here are the top 10 things to do: 1.Hike the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Swim the Mayan King Waterfalls. 3. Eat some Tutti-Frutti Gelato 4. Immerse yourself in Garifuna Culture of Hopkins Village ...

Introducing The Belize Gold Book
We are pleased to introduce Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle’s special edition of the Belize Gold Book, The Gold Standard for Belize Travel: Tourism Health & Safety! As our newest publication, the 2020 Belize Gold Book: The Gold Standard for Belize Travel is the first of its kind - an annual issue in CC+L's travel magazine portfolio! Debuting today, August 15, with an online launch, the 96-page publication combines the best in local insight on Belize as a tourism destination alongside the enhanced health and safety protocols for travelers, as developed by Belize's local authorities, such as the Belize Tourism Board. Besides promoting Belize as a safe destination, the Belize Gold Book focuses heavily on marketing the authentic experiences found within its inherent natural beauty, rich history, and immersive culture - precisely what makes Belize worth the wait.

International Sources

United States donates ambulance and military vehicles to Belize security forces
According to news released by the U.S. Embassy in Belize, on August 6, 2020, the United States Government has donated an ambulance, six vehicles, and aircraft and vehicle parts valued at $1 million to the Belize Ministry of National Security in a handover ceremony at Force Headquarters on Price Barracks. The donation was funded by U.S. Southern Command’s Building Partner Capacity and Foreign Military Financing programs through the U.S. Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office.

Researchers found a way to clean N95 masks for reuse — in a common electric cooker
In a recently published study, Nguyen and Verma detailed how the dry heat produced by such electric cookers (rice cookers or multicookers such as Instant Pots) may be an effective way of decontaminating medical-grade N95 masks. Using the rice preset on the Farberware cooker and N95 respirators from 3M, a major manufacturer of the protective coverings, the researchers found that 50-minute treatments without pressure at a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit left the masks thoroughly cleaned without compromising fit or filtration efficiency.

Videos

August 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

Large crowd gathers in front of Hon. Manuel Heredia’s residence seeking assistance
In an attempt to receive some assistance, a large crowd of people was observed outside the residence of Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., on Friday, August 14th. Heredia told The San Pedro Sun that police came to disperse the crowd after they failed to adhere to social distancing as required. However, he expects to resume on Monday, August 17th, in a more orderly manner. In a video, a shirtless Heredia is observed on the veranda of his home looking at slips of papers before they are lower down with what appears to be a string. Meanwhile, a long line of persons economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen on the street waiting for assistance.

Ambergris Today

A Third Patient Succumbs To COVID-19 In Belize
The Ministry of Health of Belize confirmed this afternoon, Friday, August 14, 2020, one death associated to COVID-19, the third one for the country. The person has been identified at 52-year-old Luis Romero Senior who passed away at the KHMH’s ICU and his diagnosis had just been confirmed this afternoon. He was less than 12 hours in the ICU. Romero’s daughter expressed her father’s situation on a Facebook post. “He had symptoms during this week which progressed within one day. My brother begged M.O.H. to test him from last week Thursday. They said he had no links to anybody positive and a bad flu is going around and if he went to a clinic, they will give him meds and that’s it.”

COVID-19 Patient Delivers Baby In Belize, Both Doing Good
In a unique case, the Ministry reports that a COVID-19 positive female delivered a baby yesterday and both mom and baby are okay. Plus, there are six patients hospitalizes with one person having to be intubated.The COVID-19 updated came in late last night, Thursday, August 13, 2020, with no new reported cases for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This by no means indicates that there are no more cases on the island, rather, more samples have been taking for testing. A total of 172 samples have been processed with 60 positive cases. A lot of those cases have connections with San Pedro, especially in the Orange Walk district.

Various Belizean Sources

Flood Forecast | August 14, 2020

Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions: Ministry of Health

Popular San Pedro DJ, Luis Romero organizes Food Bank Appeal for San Pedro
Popular San Pedro DJ Luis Romero makes a call out for food pantry assistance for the children and elderly of San Pedro. If you have a little, give a little.Please join DJ Romero in this initiative to help those mostly in need with their basic necessities.Please feel free to contact Luis Romero at 629-0454.Together we can certainly help those in need on the island. God Bless is all.

HIGHEST NUMBER OF COVID-19 CASES IN CARICOM STATES, INCLUDING BELIZEWe have more cases than Jamaica.

Belize Water Services Limiting Visitations
Belize Water Services places the utmost importance on the health and safety of our customers and staff Due to the further increase in cases of Covid-19, effective Monday, August 17 2020, our Customer Service Representatives countrywide will be available via our whatsapp and toll-free numbers or email provided below.

COVID-19 update:
A further 172 samples were processed today with 32 new cases identified.The preliminary breakdown is as follows:- 1 case in Belize City- 10 cases in Corozal District (includes repatriated cases and cases in previously identified clusters)- 21 in Orange Walk District (related to previously identified clusters in Shipyard and construction site)We had one death - person diagnosed with SARS-CoV2.We have 3 recovered cases.We have 2 patients intubated and critically ill at the KHMH ICU.As we move through the weekend, we anticipate clearing up all the backlog of samples from the Central Medical Laboratory.Please continue exercising all the necessary precautions under new norms.

Ocean Ferry Temporary Schedule
Belize City to Caye Caulker and back.

Today the National Meteorological Service of Belize bids farewell to Forecaster Michael Gentle
He has served the country with 39 years of service. Today, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We will miss you, and we hope that you enjoy your retirement!

A YOUNG MAN WHO TESTS POSITIVE APOLOGIZES TO THE SARTENEJA COMMUNITY FOR MISLEADING HIS COVID-19 RESULTS
In his social media post Marvin Monterroso Jr. of Corozal Town wrote: Goodnight everyone, On my previous post I stated that I was confirmed negative for Covid-19. I want to apologize for misleading you all but please understand that I was also mislead when I received a text stating that my results were negative. I started with the symptoms the morning after the text and I started to question my results. Last night I saw the news about a fake text message going around confirming negative results and it made me question a lot of things since I haven't been feeling any better. Today I got a call from MOH saying that I tested POSITIVE for COVID-19. I hope this is a wakeup call for everyone.

Corozal Community Hospital Notice To The Public
The management of Corozal Community I lospital would like to inform the public that due to the increase in COVI1)-19 cases and a part of our response team. effective August l414. 2020 there will be some changes in the health services provided. These arc as follows:

BREAKDOWN OF COVID-19 CASES IN COROZAL AS PER MINISTER OF HEALTH
At today's House Sitting, Minister of Health Pablo Marin gave a complete breakdown of the country's demographic spread of COVID-19 cases. Here are the numbers as he explained for Corozal.

“Atithi Devo Bhava: Tourism Promotion India-Mexico-Belize”
In an effort to promote cross tourism between India, Mexico and Belize, the Belize Tourism Board has been invited by the Embassy of India in Mexico to conduct a country presentation on Monday, August 17th at 8:30 am, for the program “Atithi Devo Bhava: Tourism Promotion India-Mexico-Belize.”

Rumfish y Vino's Lionfish Crudo
Craving seafood this weekend? Try out this easy lionfish dish from Rumfish y Vino!

Creating September Celebrations Merchandise
Merchandisers, T-Shirt Producers and Print Studios: September is almost here. Your attention is called to this announcement.

Corozal House of Culture Closed August 17-28
Wishing everyone a great weekend and the remainder of August. We will be back in two weeks time! Stay safe.

Statistical Institute of Belize – Precautionary Measures to Slow the Transmission of COVID-19
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) advises its clients, stakeholders, and the general public that effective Monday, August 17, 2020, its offices will not be open to the public. This is being done as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our staff and valued clients. Nonetheless, the work of the SIB will carry on, with staff working from home until further notice. In keeping with social distancing requirements, data collection exercises such as the Labour Force Survey will be carried out primarily through telephone interviews. Face-to-face interviews are temporarily suspended until it is deemed safe to resume such activities.

Channel 7

Belize’s Third COVID Death is Luis Romero Sr.
Belize has registered 356 and counting cases of COVID 19 since March - and, tonight, the country has its third death.He is 52 year old Luis Romero Sr, reportedly from Corozal. He died at the the KHMH this afternoon from acute respiratory distress. In an angry post a short while ago on Facebook, his daughter said, quote, "My dad passed away just some hours ago, he had symptoms during this week which progressed within one day. My brother begged MOH to test him from last week Thursday, they said he had no links to anybody positive and a bad flu is going around and if he went to a clinic they will give him meds and that's it.

Multiple Patients Intubated
And while his family says he passed after 2:00 pm, today the Director of Health Services appeared on Ask The Experts and either didn't know, or pretended not to know of this significant event. Here's what the DHS said about the positive patients who are currently hospitalized.: "For now I can tell you we have hospitalized patients: one in Corozal Community Hospital; one at the northern regional hospital and one in the southern regional hospital - all of these persons have a confirmed Covic19 test. We also have 3 patients now at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in intensive care, 3 patients that are intubated, one of them has a confirmed positive result and that's the person that has been transferred from the western regional to Karl Heusner and we have 2 persons that are highly suspect for Covid19, but they don't have a result as yet..."

The COVID Infections Breakdown By Village, Towns, Cities, Districts
Today in the House of Representatives, The Minister of Health opened the session with a statement; he gave a breakdown of the number of cases in each district, municipality and village: "Belize District: we have a total of 172; Belize City - 42, Caye Caulker - 3, San Pedro Town - 127. Cayo District 12, Belmopan - 5, Benque Viejo Town - 2, Bullet Tree Falls - 1, Las Flores - 1, Santa Elena - 1, Succotz - 2. Corozal District 20, Alta Mira - 1, Buena Vista - 1, Calcutta - 1, Caledonia - 1, Concepcion - 2, Corozal Town - 5, Paraiso - 1, Patchakan - 1, Ranchito - 1, San Pedro - 1, San Roman -1..."

Breaking Down Last Night’s Samples
We note that those numbers did not seem to reflect the full, updated figures up to last night's test returns. So, we turn back now to Dr. Manzanero's comments from 90 minutes ago, in which he provided a brief breakdown of the 60 positive cases which were identified last night. Those cases come from a batch of 172 samples that were tested. By the Ministry's official count those 60 brings the country's total number of positive COVID cases to 356, and total number of active cases to 322. Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services"In the batch of samples processed yesterday and I'll go briefly through those, 60 positives out of a 172..."

There Will Be No Lockdown, But a Curfew
So now you've heard all the numbers and about that very sad and scary third death due to COVID 19. So what's next? Is Belize going back into lockdown? Today in the House of Representatives - the Prime Minister stressed that the situation is fluid but as of this morning, neither he nor the National Oversight Committee saw the need for a national lockdown - but he did announce a strict new curfew: "I and those whom we have consulted, including the members last night by telephone of the National Oversight Committee do not feel that it is anywhere close to being a situation where we must think in terms of locking down the entire country..."

Lockdown Threshold is A Moving Target
After the house meeting we asked the Prime Minister about that decision not to go into a full-scale, national lockdown. Government did so the last time in mid April when there were under 10 positive cases; we have seen close to 300 cases emerge in just the last 10 days!So what is the threshold for a lockdown. The PM conceded that there is no standard; and it's a judgement call, a very though one: "Well precisely because we saw how much we suffered economically and perhaps in terms of mental health, socially from the first lockdown we are not going to be in as much of a hurry as we were before to pull the trigger for a second lockdown..."

Was San Pedro Exodus A Driver Of Infections?
But, will the government be forced to eventually institute a lockdown when it is too late? Consider this; in March when the first case appeared on san Pedro; there was an immediate lockdown; this time around, when case 57 was confirmed there on August second, there was no lockdown for days - giving infected persons ample time to leave the island, go back to their communities, and unwittingly infect others. Jules Vasquez: "Are we facing a situation where we may be, by the time a decision is made, it may be too late as has been hinted at may have happened with San Pedro because if it had been locked down immediately like last time at the instance of one case all those construction workers who have now gone on to infect other areas may not have left?"

MOH: COVID Started To Circulate On San Pedro In Early July
And building on what the PM said, the Ministry's "Epi" unit has had an opportunity to study the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. And at this time, the health experts think that the outbreak started to take root shortly after the national State of Emergency was lifted at the end of June - and everybody, local travellers and construction workers started opting to the island. Dr. Marvin Manzanero - Director of Health Services:"June 30th was Tuesday so that was when the SOE was lifted and more free movement was ongoing after July 1st..."

More Positive Cases Coming Out Tonight
And finally on the COVID numbers.we gave you a breakdown of what they are earlier, and today, the DHS and his team said they bracing for that total number of confirmed cases to increase by tomorrow. 300 tests are currently in the system, and his preliminary report from today indicates that another 10 people tested positive from a batch of 78 samples: "The preliminary data we have today, the first batch of samples have come out, it is 10 out of 78 samples, 10 positives that we have so far. There is another batch that is currently being processed..."

36 Fired Port Workers Take to The Picket Line
Tonight, 36 former members of PBL's staff are still out of a job. You'll remember that they were fired by text message 23 days ago - the same day that culminated in the GSU declaring a riot at the Port of Belize. Now, they're firing back, and speaking out against union busting and the actions of the port that they say have taken food out of their children's mouths. I spoke to them at their midday protest.

A Carnival Of Cayucos
Our next few stories are going to be about contraband, and the concerted state effort to put an end to this everyday practice that has - it seems - been forged into the DNA of nortenos.And yesterday evening, the police went after 23 Canoes or "Cayucos" as they are called in the north. These are the flat bottomed dories that cross the Rio Hondo from Santa Cruz to Botes for a dollar. When they were seized yesterday and paraded through the town for storage, it's like the north did a collective "Ah ve!". It was like a carnival, but of canoes and here's what it looked like:

New Law Will Limit Bail For Border Jumpers
And while the police were doing that in Orange Walk, the Barrow Administration was in the House of Representatives making an amendment to the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Amendment Bill to limit bail for border jumpers. Under the new law - which was passed by the House - border jumpers will now have to go to the Supreme Court for bail. The Prime Minister explained: "One of the measures we seek to legislate today to try and control and deter the continuing incidents of the border jumpers, people complain that once you catch them you put them in quarantine of course and after they've come out of quarantine they are taken to court and charged..."

New Customs Law Will Make Possessing Contraband A Jailable Offence
And it's not just the jumpers who are getting pinned by the law - those who consume and are caught with contraband will also be harshly penalized. The house also passed an amendment to the Customs Regulations - to make it so that when you're caught with contraband, you can't just get away with a fine, you'll have to go to jail. Here's the debate on that:Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:"What we are doing is to treat those that enable the border the jumper that purchase the contraband items from the border jumpers to be treated as themselves having committed a crime to be treated in the same way as the actual border jumpers would be treated..."

Do New Measures Disproportionately Target The Poor?
But, in taking a stand now, is the government coming down too hard on one side of the socio-economic equation - while giving an ease to others?We asked the Prime Minister to put the border jumper sin the context of those who fly in on private jets, and those who - as happened an the Big Creek Port - sent their tug-boat to Honduras during a national lockdown. The Ministry of Health prceerts that there are 5 positive COVID cases in Independence related to a "tug boat that was engaged in movement of cargo at sea - link to Honduras."

Infected Doctor Caught About Town On Surveillance Camera
Today the Director of Health Services stressed that those who have gotten swabbed and are awaiting the result of a COVID 19 test should stay home under quarantine. But, tonight, the Guardian Newspaper has posted an image of a doctor - who has reportedly tested positive - and is still allegedly up and about.

"Caller, Noh Call No Name..."
And, of course, we cannot and would not disclose his name - which is also the strict policy of the Ministry of Health. The DHS today stressed that it will not be releasing the identities of the patients who tested positive for the virus.

Change In Labour Laws to Benefit Stevedores
And back to our earlier story at the Port of Belize. As you saw, Port Staff who had been terminated were protesting. And while they were out there, that government was in the House of Representatives changing the Labour Laws to benefit the stevedores who signed their collective bargaining agreement two weeks ago.One of the prominent features of the CBA was an agreement on the hours of work. This had been an issue of contention for years, because the stevedores work sometimes 30 hour shifts to clear a vessel.

Can MOE Really Get Rid Of Administrative Bloat?
Last night, we showed you a few choice parts of Education Minister Patrick Faber's late evening press conference. This was his direct response to the Opposition Party's manifesto launch of their Plan Belize. This policy proposal explains how they intend to address the country's education system if they are elected as the next government administration.From the Education Minister's perspective, several key elements of the PUP's proposals either have a flawed premise, are already implemented in the education sector, or they are flashy, but empty promises.

Most Teachers Already Got Trained
Another of the 11 proposals in the PUP's education reform plan is to provide all of the nearly 6,000 teachers countrywide with full pedagogical training. Well, from the Education Minister's perspective, that won't be hard to do because his Ministry has already provided 84% of the teachers with the necessary training. Here's how explained why this proposal isn't significant or ground-breaking:Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education:"One of the things that they are claiming that they will do is to increase the number of trained teachers to 100%. Now, the only reason they are able to make that promise is that under the UDP's administration for the last decade or so, there has been a marked increase of in excess of 50% - the recorded is there - of trained teachers..."

School Finance and The Question of Perverse Incentives
Faber also took the opportunity to respond to the PUP's criticism that his government's school finance reform initiative has neglected those students with academic weaknesses.At Wednesday's PUP launch, Francis Fonseca said that the Ministry of Education has been wasting money, focusing on the wrong objectives, and the wrong outcomes. He harshly criticized Government school finance reform, suggesting that it uses "perverse incentives structures" for school administrators, which lead to "perverse outcomes" where more school children are failing.Here's Faber's response to that perspective during his press conference yesterday:

When Will School Open?
Turning now to the Ministry's plan for the next school year, the press asked the Minister about the resumption of classes. Classes were scheduled to restart on Monday. But that opening date had to be delayed because of the current community spread of COVID-19, that we've been telling you about since last week. Here are the Minister's remarks:Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education"We said until further notice, and the reason we did that was we wanted time to see just far things would develop in terms of the COVID situation. At the point where we're at right now..."

September Celebrations, Ready?
Turning now to the September Celebration, the government today extended the two week State of Emergency which started on August 6th - and should have ended on the 20th of August - by another two weeks - taking it to September fourth. That's right into the start of the national celebration month. Annually, the carnival road march, the Battle of Saint George's Caye Day, and Independence Day are among the most festive times to be in Belize. But, this year, we'll all have to do our partying at home and online.

Channel 5

Third Person Dies of COVID-19 in Belize
We can confirm tonight that a third person has died because of COVID-19 in Belize.  The Office of the Director of Health Services confirmed this information just before news time, [...]

10 New COVID-19 Cases
Turning to the latest number in the coronavirus pandemic….Ten new COVID-19 infections were confirmed late this evening from a batch of seventy-eight samples. The new cases drive the number of [...]

Is There a Link between the 60 New Cases and Other Previously Diagnosed Patients
And while those are ten new cases this afternoon, on Thursday night sixty more positive tests were confirmed. A majority of the cases are recorded in the Orange Walk, Corozal [...]

COVID-19 Numbers by Community
And while the cases have been concentrated largely in the north and the city, including San Pedro, these latest stats show that the virus is spreading across the country – [...]

16 Healthcare Workers are COVID-19 Positive
Among the positive COVID-19 cases are sixteen healthcare workers. The number, according to Doctor Marvin Manzanero, is a growing cause for concern. The results over the past twenty-four hours include [...]

Tug Boat Leaves and Re-enters Belize Illegally, Crew Members Test Positive for COVID-19
An investigation has been launched by Chief Executive Officer Doctor George Gough, of the Ministry of Health, into the departure of a tugboat from Belizean waters in Big Creek to [...]

COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Tonight several COVID-19 patients are hospitalized across the country. Three persons are in the I.C.U. at the K.H.M.H.; three of whom are intubated, but only one has a positive COVID-19 [...]

Curfew to be Set for 8 o’clock Once Again
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte is scheduled to appear on a weekend episode of Ask the Experts on Saturday night where he is expected to provide details of a countrywide curfew [...]

Restaurants to Remain Open, but Only for Party of Ten
But we know that restaurants and other eateries will be allowed to remain open providing that patrons make reservations ahead of their visit, as well as sticking to ten persons [...]

No Locking Down of Orange Walk District
The steady increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 across the country, particularly in the north, as well as Belize District, has seen a climb to three hundred and [...]

Movement Within Orange Walk to be Restricted
There is no lockdown for all of the north, however, specific communities, including Guinea Grass, Shipyard and Santa Marta will see an extension to the confinement for safety that they [...]

The Blatant Disregard for Physical Distancing, Social Gathering Limit in San Pedro
Tourism Minister and area representative for Belize Rural South, Manuel Heredia Junior is coming under fire tonight.  Videos and pictures of him and his family show them on their veranda [...]

Santa Cruz Village Chairlady Says that Police Unfairly Confiscated Canoes
The police has been active along border communities, attempting to put a lid on the movement of contraband goods.  On Thursday, a dozen canoes were confiscated by Orange Walk Police [...]

Chairlady Says Santa Cruz Has Been Abandoned by Government
According to the chairlady, the residents of Santa Cruz have been abandoned by the government. She says that some families are only eating one meal per day.   On the [...]

PM Barrow Comes Down Hard on Border Jumpers
In the House of Representatives today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow reiterated his condemnation for border jumpers.  He says that the constant reports of border jumpers and contrabandistas prompted authorities to [...]

Opposition Raises Concern Over New Crime Control Amendment
The Crime Control and Criminal Justice Amendment Bill was tabled and read in its entirety during the sitting of the House of Representatives this morning as a measure to arrest [...]

Should There be a Distinction for Border Jumpers?
While harsh laws have been brought into force to thwart border jumping, the opposition is calling for a distinction between persons who are purchasing contraband items and persons who are [...]

Increasing Numbers Being Repatriated!
More than eighty repatriates returned home on the weekly repatriation flight on United Airlines. Doctor Marvin Manzanero says that there appears to be an increase in the number of persons [...]

What is Accounting for Low Death Rate in Belize?
At the top of the newscast, we told you about the latest COVID-19 related death recorded earlier this afternoon. This latest death marks Belize’s third COVID-19 death. During today’s Ask [...]

Did Asymptomatic Cases from the North cause the Outbreak on San Pedro?
Tonight, there are one hundred and twenty-seven cases of COVID-19 on the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.  And going two weeks, the Ministry of Health has been mapping the [...]

OW COVID Patient Calls Out Discrimination in the Community
Another COVID-19 patient is sharing her status so that those who may have come in contact with her are aware.  Twenty-five-year-old Gabriella Chable of Orange Walk Town says that when [...]

Did N.R.H. Healthcare Workers Refuse to Treat Patient Due to Fear of COVID?
And while Chable is facing discrimination from the public, she says that she is disappointed to learn about how a friend was treated at the Northern Regional Hospital. Her friend [...]

Was a COVID-19 Patient Out and About?
A photograph has been circulating on social media; it is allegedly that of a doctor, who earlier this week tested positive for COVID-19. Now, according to the allegation, the doctor [...]

Are Private Flights Sanctioned to Land in Belize?
According to PM Barrow in the House today, he is fine with private flights landing at the P.G.I.A. as long as all protocols are met.  The arrival of an airplane [...]

Labour Act Amended
Back to the House of Representatives, the government introduced the Labour Amendment Bill 2020. The bill seeks to amend the Labour Act to provide for employers to reduce wages where [...]

Amandala

COVID-19 surge continues – 296 cases and counting!
The ongoing contact tracing efforts being carried out by the Ministry of Health has led to the discovery of over one hundred COVID-19 cases in just the first three days of this week.We now are seeing a surge of cases, and the numbers change each day as these investigations continue.Belize now has a total of 296 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Eighty-six (86) cases were identified from 257 samples on August 12; on Tuesday, August 11, 33 positive cases were found in 84 samples; and testing on August 10 revealed 23 new cases.

Three Immigration officers charged with drug trafficking
After testing negative for the COVID-19 virus yesterday, three Immigration officers who were busted with about 8 pounds of compressed marijuana, which is believed to have been obtained from a Mexican drug runner, were released from an Orange Walk quarantine facility, into which they had been placed on Tuesday, August 5, for a mandatory quarantine after they were busted.The officers were then taken to the Orange Walk Town Police Station, where they were charged with drug trafficking.

Boy, 4, who saw parents’ murder-suicide, drowns
A boy, 4, who was orphaned by the murder-suicide of his parents two years ago, drowned yesterday morning at about 11:00 while playing in the backyard of relatives of his who had become his caretakers after his parents’ death.It has been reported that the boy, Steven Anthony Ferguson, fell into a pond in the Windmill area of Hattieville that had become full of water due to the rains, and drowned.His sister, Jayla, 6, who had been looking for him, found him floating in the pond, which is said to be about 15 feet by 12 feet in surface area, and between 8 and 10 feet in depth.

PUP proposes new education model
The People’s United Party (PUP) is charging full speed ahead to Belize’s 2020 general elections and has developed a new education policy as a part of their greater governing strategy entitled, “Plan Belize”.On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the party assembled members of the media to discuss this new education policy, which it has described as “Goal #1 of Plan Belize,” in spite of the great uncertainty surrounding the resumption of classes in the country.

Where did all the chickens go?
The country has been experiencing an unexplained shortage of chicken since early July. At that time, the Belize Poultry Association (BPA) said that the shortage would be temporary, giving an assurance that the shortage would only last until the end of July.Currently, consumers are affected by a nationwide scarcity of chicken. The BPA and large poultry processing companies like Quality Poultry are looking for answers to explain the situation, but have found none to date.

Visits to Belize Central Prison suspended due to COVID-19
Commencing today, visits to inmates at the Belize Central Prison are prohibited.Visits to the prison have been suspended indefinitely. The move has been taken to keep the inmates and staff of the prison free from the COVID-19 virus that is now on the rise in the country.Presently, the prison is COVID-19-free, and prison officials are trying to ensure that this continues to be the case.

Machete man chopped with his own machete
Derrick Arnold, 38, a construction worker of Punta Gorda, is presently at the Punta Gorda Community Hospital in a serious condition after he was chopped on the left hand, right shoulder, and forehead.Moses Varro, a laborer of Punta Gorda, has been arrested for chopping him.Varro told police that at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, he was walking on Front Street along with Sherese Coleman when Arnold, who was armed with a machete, rode up behind them, got off his bike and attacked him.

Guatemalan wanted for murder conspiracy in Guate, arrested in Belmopan
A Guatemalan fugitive who had been living in Belmopan for about 5 years has been detained by police today, based on an arrest warrant issued by Guatemalan police, on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.Guatemala national, Cesar Arnoldo Valleda, 44. a laborer of Canaan Street, Belmopan, will be handed over to INTERPOL Guatemala, who will take him back to Guatemala and hand him over to the police there.

Mentally ill man throws hot water on cop
igel Ferguson, 33, a mentally unwell man with no fixed address, has been charged with aggravated assault and has been detained pending arraignment.Police said that Ferguson threw hot water on Sergeant Keith Clarke, which scalded the police officer’s shoulder, yesterday morning near Pound Yard Bridge.Police said that Ferguson was not wearing his mask in public, as is required, and when the sergeant told him to put on his mask, he told the policeman that he was their boss, and would not put on the mask.

Belmopan church and other properties vandalized by MS 13
Police are looking for the person or persons who vandalized the Belmopan Nazarene Church (whose pastor is the well-known Louis Wade of Plus TV) as well as benches in the park and other structures in the city. The word “MS 13” was spray-painted on the buildings and benches.MS 13 is a criminal gang that originated in Salvador and is known for the cruelty of its members. The machete is their weapon of choice, and is used to chop their enemies, instead of shooting them.

Editorial: We can eat better if we try
In the best of times most Belizeans weren’t eating food of the highest quality, and with the harder economic times that are currently upon us, the meals on most tables in our country will become even less wholesome. Ironically, even in these tough times, which are expected to become even tougher, Belizeans across this land can eat better, much better than they did in our best times.The cost of vegetables and fruits is high in Belize because our market is small, and some of the crops are seasonal, and also because we ignore some valuable crops that are native or well-adapted to our country.

The CXC 2020 grading approach
As promised, the Caribbean Examination Council rolled out their CSEC and CAPE exams in July of this year, despite the interruptions of classes that had been caused by COVID-19. On Wednesday, the Registrar and CEO of the Council, Dr. Wayne Wesley, issued a virtual address thanking all Ministries of Education, local registrars, teachers, invigilators, and center staff for their assistance in the successful administration of these exams.Due to the new social restrictions caused by the pandemic, the Council was tasked with finding a new strategy to facilitate all students of the Caribbean in advancing to a higher level of education, despite the various academic hardships that they were facing since March, when the pandemic hit the Caribbean.

FFB appoints new National Team manager
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is proud to announce the appointment of Raymond Reynord Garbutt as the new Manager for the Senior “A” National Team, the Belize Jaguars. Mr. Garbutt has worked 15 years with the media and is well known in the sports world for the TNC show “Sports Talk.” He comes with a wealth of experience both in football and management, having played football for twelve years, four of which were in high school and eight with the semi-professional league. Additionally, he has eight years of experience in management.

It’s “Palma,” after all – the Wilfred “Palma” Davis saga
In Belizean Creole, we have always pronounced the name as “Paama” Davis, when referring to 1950s-‘60s legendary goalkeeper, Wilfred Davis.Many years ago, some folks would write Wilfred “Palmer” Davis when referring to this renowned Belizean athlete. In his 2005 sports classic, “Sports, Sin And Subversion,” however, Evan X Hyde used Wilfred “Palma” Davis.It is one of the things I still needed to clarify with the elusive gentleman, but I ventured to try the spelling “Paama” in our “The making of a legend…” story in this past Tuesday’s issue of Amandala.

WHERE ARE THE MEN WHEN CALLED UPON? MOSE HYDE & LIVING ON BELIZE’S FRONTLINE!
Putting your bodies on the line in protests and demonstrations in resistance against oppression and exploitation has never been an easy thing for those Belizeans living on the frontline like Belizean union leader Mose Hyde. His stand for labor in Belize and his decision to step up to leadership of the Christian Workers Union (CWU) of Belize City, Belize, cannot go unnoticed.Mose’s remarkable work as a broadcast journalist and talkshow host on the popular and revolutionary KREM radio and television in Belize City has energized a whole generation of Belizean young people to take a stand rather than becoming victims of a system of exploitation.

Rain, rain everywhere, but not on the coast in Stann Creek
The Belize River has swollen over its banks twice since the rainy season began, and at least twice we have heard of villagers in Toledo West running to high ground, but some people are experiencing the best of tourism weather. My good friend, Brother Gaspar Martinez, told me that he has sown two corn crops this year (the second after the first one failed), and bah, no rain no gain, no green corn in Hopkins.It’s like incredible. There’s been heavy rain in the west and deeper south all week, but none to spare for our brothers and sisters living near the coast in the Stann Creek District.

The residual effect of the pandemic and its long-term psychological consequences
While naturally most are fixating on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases but less on the number of cases of successful recovery, what is presently underway is a politicization of the pandemic. Lost in this politically polarized climate is a serious discussion on the residual and long- term impact that the pandemic will have on emotional and mental health. At the forefront of the issue are the millions of children who suddenly find themselves unable to attend traditional schools, and to interact and experience what has become an integral part of human development for centuries.

GILLY DUNN! BELIZE’S BOXING & FOOTBALL LEGEND! STILL PUNCHING & KICKING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
He still hits a punching bag inside his home in Florida in the United States before he departs outside for his morning briefing and daily activities that have governed his life for some fifty years after his retirement from boxing and playing football in Belize in the 1960s and early ‘70s. He is still Belize’s legendary boxing champion for life — displaying remarkably good health and fitness that enable him to keep punching and kicking at the challenges of life after all these years. He is the same Gilly Dunn — still!

Can we afford another lockdown?
Dear Editor,The sky looks gloomy overhead. The air is thick with fear. The wind blows puffs of trepidation, and the final decision hangs in the balance. As we watch the news daily, we are bombarded with the daunting and steady increase of new cases of COVID-19. It’s a rather scary phenomenon that tells a tale of a reckless July! The country had a month off, and now the results are in. We are in a headwind against a growing number of COVID-19 cases and, by all preliminary indications, we are losing and losing terribly.

Time for Belize to wake up — more demand for coffee and corn than sugar
Dear Editor,Belize needs another major way besides tourism to earn foreign exchange. The Cruise Lines International Association announced that its members — which include nearly every cruise line with ships sailing out of American ports (Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Disney (DIS), and MSC Cruises, etc.) — will be suspending trips until at least November 1, 2020.Cruise arrivals surpassed a million for four consecutive years since 2016. In 2019, Belize had 503,177 overnight visitors, according to the Belize Tourism Board.

LOVE FM

Bill passed to issue mandatory prison time for border jumpers
In an effort to reduce the number of border jumpers, the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Amendment Bill was passed in the House of Representative. This bill will force those convicted to spend time in prison, rather than just paying a fine.

Minister of Health appeals to Belizeans to stay home
The Minister of Health, Pablo Marin, in the House of Representatives announced that one person from within the Ministry of Health's office has tested positive for Covid-19. The Minister highlighted that we are living in unprecedented times and that the community must play its part to flatten the curve.

Canoes confiscated from Santa Cruz villagers
Almost a dozen canoes were confiscated from Santa Cruz residents in the Orange Walk District. The Belize Police Department held an operation in the village yesterday in an attempt to stop persons from going across the river to buy contraband. The Prime Minister, Dean Barrow spoke on the events that prompted the operation.

Prime Minister says no lockdown for the country
Parliamentarians gathered in Belmopan today for a special sitting of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, announced that there will be no countrywide lockdown, nor will there be one for the Orange Walk District.

Ten new cases of covid-19 identified
Up to news time, ten new covid-19 cases were identified in Belize, two of whom are a part of the medical staff in Belize. On Today’s Ask the Experts, Dr Marvin Manzanero broke down the location of these cases.

Private Flights given the green light
Private flights will continue to come into Belize. The National Oversight Committee has decided that the protocols set in place are stringent and reliable. Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained more.

Two positive patients give birth
Two positive covid-19 patients gave birth to babies recently via cesarean section. These are the first babies known to have been born to positive patients in Belize.

Belize records third death due to covid-19
At the top of our newscast, we told you about the third patient to die from covid-19. We can now tell you that he has been identified as fifty-two-year-old Luis Romero Senior.

Breaking Belize News

Luis Romero is COVID-19’s latest victim, daughter expresses frustration on social media
The Ministry of Health confirmed earlier today that a patient had died making it the […]

Cuban Medical Brigade still in country
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) members of the Cuban Medical Brigade that arrived […]

Another 10 cases of COVID-19 confirmed
The Ministry of Health says that preliminary data for today shows another 10 confirmed cases […]

Only 32 confirmed recoveries from COVID-19 so far
Belize has gone over 300 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however preliminary data suggests that there […]

Ministry of Health confirms 3rd death in Belize related to COVID-19
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Belize has recorded its third death related to […]

Three children under age of 5 test positive for COVID-19
On Ask the Experts today, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed that three children under the age […]

Nurse and employee of KHMH test positive for COVID-19
Today, on Ask the Experts, Dr. Marvin Manzanero said that a nurse and another employee […]

Ministry of Health will not issue individual COVID-19 results
Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero said that despite numerous requests from the public, […]

Samples of 2 babies to be processed later today
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed that 6 patients are hospitalized. One patient […]

Residents gather at Area Representative’s home waiting for assistance
A group of residents are currently gathered in front of the home of Belize Rural […]

Girl, 14, reported missing
Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for 14-year-old Ashanti Kerr. Kerr […]

Curfew, mass gatherings to be rolled back
The daily curfew is to be rolled back as well as regulations on limits to […]

47 arrested for violating State of Emergency regulations
Citing his daily bulletin from the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the Prime Minister Dean […]

Minister of Health addresses House: it is in our hands to contain COVID-19
Minister of Health Pablo Marin told the House of Representatives this morning that it is […]

Government to extend national State of Emergency
At today’s meeting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, the Government is to table […]

Ministry of Health warns of scam messages
The Office of the Director of Health Services issued a statement warning of scam messages […]

Health officials monitoring 322 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials are now monitoring 322 active cases of COVID-19. The country has now registered […]

Belize among top 5 in CARICOM for active COVID-19 cases
With this week’s spike in cases, Belize has set an unwanted record. At 322 cases […]

Blogs

Belize Extends National Curfew to Curb COVID-19 Spike
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow has announced a series of new measures, including a nine-hour curfew as the English-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country moves to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the nation prepares to enforce additional safety restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, Belize tables a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for another 14-days from August 20th, effectively extending until September. Wth th nntl nr f  f VD-19 frm 57 t 356 n th lt ten days, th rm ntr nd h dmntrtn , unhl, tfd tht  rd f ubl mrgn t n ll f lz.

Foreign Ownership of Belize Property Just Got Easier
For seniors and vacation home shoppers considering purchasing retirement or real estate property in Belize, Corona virus may have put a damper on immediate plans, but in return for the wait, folks intending to continue with their plans as soon as travel circumstances ease up, rewards in the form of new perks from Belize’s government are already getting a lot of buzz.For Scott Fuson, Salt Life Belize’s sales director, this bold move by the Barrow government now means that land title transfers involving foreign nationals no longer need the Central Bank’s approval before the lands department can move further on a pending sale. “We have been getting many inquiries from people who had already started thinking about moving to Salt Life Belize or buying real estate in our beautiful community, so despite a few issues, this ruling is fabulous news.”

What Kinds of Gifts and Souvenirs Can I Find in Belize?
Belize is a unique and wonderful place. When you visit here, you will make so delightful memories that you will want to share with your friends.While you should certainly share photos and stories of your adventures, it might also be nice to bring home a small souvenir. Of course, there are always postcards, refrigerator magnets, keychains, mugs, and t-shirts, and if your friends collect these items, it’s fine to stick with them. However, perhaps you’d like to give a special friend a special, unique gift that you can only find in Belize?

International Sources

Review: Copalli Isn't Like Other Rums, And That's What Makes It Work
What we’re drinking: Copalli, an organic single-estate rum from southern Belize.Where it’s from: Copalli was co-founded by Anya Fernald, the CEO of Belcampo (a restaurant chain and online butcher that’s centered on transparency, eco-consciousness and humane practices) and Todd Robinson, a Marine Conservationist.“Todd is a rum aficionado and wanted to do something with the land that was sustainable and has a meaningful economic impact for the community surrounding the distillery,” as Fernald told us (note: we visited the distillery last fall — if you visit, bring all the bug spray — and had a follow-up conversation earlier this year). “Rum made from fresh sugar cane was the obvious choice.”

The Most Colorful Places in the World
How often do you think about color on a daily basis? Do you pay attention to it at work? On your commute? In your kid’s room? It can be easy to overlook, but according to science, we may be more attentive to color when we visit somewhere new. It gives us a sharper eye on safari, or leaves us feeling calmer by those Belizean blues. All the more reason to travel, we say. As Condé Nast Traveler highlights some of the most colorful places in the world, all guaranteed to brighten up your day, here’s what makes Belize’s Great Blue Hole so special.

Videos

August 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

Caye Caulker seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases
La Isla Cariñosa, Caye Caulker, now has three confirmed cases of Coronavirus. The first case was announced by the Ministry of Health on Monday, August 10th, and two days later, another two were confirmed. Two of the patients have taken to social media to reveal their status and are urging those they came in contact with to be on alert and to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms. One of these patients is well-known islander Celina Jimenez, who stated via her Facebook page that she felt obligated to inform her Caye Caulker community of the positive COVID-19 test result. “I have been in self-isolation for over a week. I noticed that I was not feeling sick at all, and it just started as a sore throat. I immediately got tested but it took almost a week to get my res

Ministry of Health Issues Advisory on Local Advertisements for COVID-19 Testing
Ministry of Health has become aware of individuals and companies advertising that they perform PCR testing or rapid testing for COVID-19. The Ministry is also aware that some entities are offering the service of facilitating the importation of COVID-19 test kits for purchase in Belize. The Customs and Excise Department has issued an advisory that the clearance of any COVID-19 test kit will not be approved without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 patient airlifted to the mainland
A COVID-19 patient was transported off the island this morning following health complications from diabetes. The male patient was rushed in an ambulance and then airlifted from the John Greif III Municipal Airport to Belize City. Doctors will continue monitoring his diabetic condition while keeping him in isolation at the COVID-19 unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Diabetic people are not the only ones in danger of severe complications with the virus. Persons with hypertension and heart disease, among other health issues, are especially vulnerable.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Friday, August 14th Meal Pick ups: Location: SPORTS BAR. Times Village: 11:00-11:45. Bahia: 11:45-12:30.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. A total of 172 samples have been processed with 60 positive cases. The preliminary breakdown we have so far is as follows: - 1 case in Independence - 1 case in Caye Caulker - 3 cases in Belmopan (linked to previous case and one with a link to San Pedro) - 4 cases in Cayo District (1 in Duck Run, 2 in Succotz - all 4 cases linked to San Pedro)...

Ministry of Health Issues Advisory on Local Advertisements for COVID-19 Testing
The Ministry of Health has become aware of individuals and companies advertising that they perform PCR testing or rapid testing for COVID-19. The Ministry is also aware that some entities are offering the service of facilitating the importation of COVID-19 test kits for purchase in Belize. The Customs and Excise Department has issued an advisory that the clearance of any SARS-CoV2 test kit will not be approved without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.

Art & Soul series: ten year old Vaughn Uh
This week's Art & Soul series showcases our youngest talented Corozal visual artist. We are delighted to feature ten year old Vaughn Uh of Cristo Rey Village, who has been developing his skills under the tutelage of artist David Mutul. At age nine Vaughn participated at the Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020 in the "Live Art" section of the event. Recently he has been quite busy entering art competitions throughout the country; winning the children's competition "Families Staying Home Together" by Belizean Arts San Pedro Gallery. We look forward to seeing Vaughn rise up in the field of visual arts!

Ministry of Health live COVID19 dashboard
he Ministry of Health live COVID19 dashboard is being updated and can be accessed using this link: (Desktop version) https://arcg.is/0P4Lya. For more information on this contact the Geographic Information System (GIS) Officer, Mr. Arthur Martinez.

Karl Heusner Hospital Suspends Specialist Outpatient Clinic and Elective Surgeries
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority hereby informs the general public that the hospital as entered into Emergency Mode as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Specialist Outpatient Clinic services and Elective Surgery cases have been suspended effective today, August 13, 2020, until further notice. Persons who already had a scheduled Specialist Clinic appointment or Elective Surgery date will be contacted by the Admissions and Discharge Unit upon resumption of such services to schedule a new clinic date. We apologize for inconveniences caused. Thank you for understanding.

Certified Scuba Diver at age 10
Say Whaaaat?! You can become certified by age 10? In case you don't know me, my name is Giselle. I was born and raised here on this tiny island we call Caye Caulker. As you can imagine, our way of life was quite different from those living on the mainland, and even more so from those living in first world countries. For example, our backyard was exactly 8.2km long and three streets wide. The entire island was our playground. Our pool was the Great Barrier Reef, located only footsteps away from the front door. Growing up in this environment, you can maybe imagine what my mom was like. I remember she would wake up pretty early, get us ready for school, then head on over to Frenchy's Dive Shop to get in her dives.

Covid-19 message NOT originating from Ministry of Health
We have been getting notes that some persons are getting the attached message on their mobile devices - either via Whatsapp or regular messages. Please note that this IS NOT ORIGINATING from the Ministry of Health or the Public Health Inspectors! We are launching an investigation but we cannot, at this stage, be caught up in this malicious mischief which doesn’t help anyone

COVID-19 Resources
Belize has many entry and exit points through which visitors and domestic tourists travel. Primarily, the Philip Goldson International Airport is the main point of entry/exit for tourism, however, also the Land and Sea Entry/Exit Points must be considered. These guidelines are to serve as a guidance in the development of these more specific-scope operational procedures. For more information on the National Guidelines for Re-Opening click this link.

ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE NOW OPEN
PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION

Channel 7

COVID Coming On Fast
Belize's COVID 19 situation continues to worsen, and it did so quite dramatically last night. When we left you, there were 44 new positive cases; well, by 11:00 pm, there were another 42, bringing the day's total to 86 more positive tests, for a total of 262 active cases. And the hotspot areas continue to be San Pedro Town, with 41 new cases, and now, a widening footprint of infection in the Orange Walk District, which had 28 new cases in last night's batch of tests. And there's a public health warning to go with that. This afternoon, the Director of Health Services advised that a list of villages in Orange Walk could have at least one case - and most of them from workers linked to a construction site in San Pedro. They left the site early this month when the San Pedro outbreak was announced.

BDF's First Case Causes Concerns At Price Barracks
And, we've been telling you about the police formations in San Pedro and Corozal that have a number of infected officers. And, then, last night, it was the Coast Guard, with its first infection. And, tonight, it is the BDF. The Force announced its first positive case today. It is of an officer assigned to Price Barracks - reportedly in the Force HQ - and a release says he is currently isolated at home - which for this soldier, is in Dangriga. And while he is asymptomatic what about the many officers he may have had contact with? Well, as you might be able to imagine, there is a great deal of concern at the Price Barracks, which is the BDF's biggest base. Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia told us, quote, "There are some concerned and worried individuals at Price Barracks but our Commanding Officers on all camps were given some guidelines to enforce from our doctors prior to the case." End quote.

Cop With CORONA Speaks Up, Shares Hope
And while the BDF and Coast Guard have one confirmed case each, the police department which has many more officers, and intermingles daily with civilian populations, has as many close to 10 confirmed cases between San Pedro and Corozal, as well as other officer symptomatic in the island town. One of them, PC Manuel Caliz who's at home sick, posted this cautionary, but also consoling video for his fellow officers: "The corona is real, it's real and it's here. I don't know if it will ever go but the symptoms are for some people it doesn't affect we in general..."

COMPOL Keeping Close To Cops On Pedro
An encouraging message and right now maybe it's the commissioner who needs to hear it. Clearly overwhelmed with the demands on his department, his office, and his cell phone, today, he said that sometimes he wishes he wasn't him! You'll hear that admission in a minute, but first, he addressed the 10 or so confirmed cases that have affected his officers in San Pedro, Corozal, and now Dangriga. He said San Pedro - where the majority off confirmed and suspect cases are has been receiving constant support:

The Strange Case Of The COMPOL Who Wishes He Wasn't Himself
And while he's doing his best to keep up morale, Williams is besieged daily by thousands of text and WhatsApp messages, facebook messages, phone calls and in person exchanges demanding his attention to security issues big and small from Corozal to Toledo. It's the reality of policing during a pandemic when public health and public safety have fallen jointly into the police department's lap. Today, the usually indefatigable COMPOL confessed that recently, he's been wishing, he wasn't him!

Hon. Heredia Says Inlanders Too Lax
Another public official under a whole lot of pressure is Manuel Junior Heredia. The Belize Rural South Rep and San Pedro native has been widely criticised in his hometown for a variety of failures, including a suggestion that he permitted the flight which brought COVID unto the island. Heredia yesterday told the San Pedro Sun that the attacks have hurt his family, but his hurt and worry is for his community which he says is not taking its COVID community spread seriously enough:

Man Lost Life In Motorbike Accident
A 26 year old man was killed in an accident last night in the area of Pueblo Viejo village in the Corozal District. Police found a motionless man in a ditch off the Jalacte Road and his motorcycle was nearby. Villager say that around 10:30 last night they heard a bang on the highway and found him there. Ollie concluded that he lost control of the bike around a curve hit the guard rail, and was tossed from the bike. He was wearing a helmet but it was smashed.

Guat Fugitive Handed Over
Last night we told you about the Guatemalans fugitive who had been caught in Belize. 44 year old Cesar Arnoldo Villeda was living in Belmopan, and had been in the country since 2015, already applying for Belizean Residency. But, a warrant for his arrest was issued in July, 2014 in Guatemala for the crime of Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

MS-13 Tagger Caught
On Monday we showed you the Belmopan church that had been tagged with MS 13 gang signs. Pastor Luis Wade Jr. speaking to us shortly after said it was an assertion of territory and pointed to other tags throughout the capital. But the cops didn't seem to see it that way, chalking it up to mischief. Tonight, however, we can tell you that police have arrested and charged 20-year-old Hector, Tiul Guiterrez, for damage to property but also for the crime of using an identifying sign to promote a gang-related activity.

Family Says Cops Ignoring Them After Fatal Knockdown
3 days ago, we told you about 68-year-old Calvin Wright. He's the elderly Belize City resident who was knocked down and killed last Saturday morning, while he was on Morning Glory Street. A police officer has been criminally charged for running him over, but his relatives are insisting that since Wright was killed by a police officer in a police vehicle, the department ought to cover all his funeral expenses. His loved ones reached out to our news team today to complain that police are treating them with indifference, even though a life was lost. Here's what his cousin told us this morning about their frustrations with the police senior command:

COMPOL Drives Around Looking For UNMASKED Men
And while that patrol ended in tragedy, others are more routine, and, nowadays, they involve stopping - not masked men - but men and women who aren't wearing their masks right! It's part of life under COVID, and this afternoon the Commissioner went on a drive about town checking social distances and reminding citizens to wear their masks and to wear them right. Cherisse Halsall reports. It was a ride-along for the press today as Commissioner Chester Williams invited us to get a glimpse at the lapses in social distancing and improper wearing of masks that he sees every day.

Cops Acting As Robbers Of the Unmasked?
But while the commissioner was giving warnings in abundance today, some of his officers aren't playing so nice; they're making a profit out extorting the maskless. We have received multiple reports of police picking up persons not wearing masks and then extorting them for a hundred dollars - offered to save them from a fine of five thousand dollars. Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "I have not heard of any situation where officers are extorting people. If it is that you all have the information then let me get it because if that is so, then it is wrong. As officers of the law, we are charged with the responsibility of arresting people, charging them, taking them before a court and it is the court of law that is going to determine whether or not the person is guilty or innocent and will be the one to be able to ensure that a fine is levied on that person if needs be."

Chester, Social Media Supercop Makes the Rounds
And enforcing the law is just what Williams was up to in the north yesterday. We've told you about the tip-offs he got from Facebook and his quick responses, and today we asked him how he uses social media as a policing tool for real time responses: "Of course I do get a lot of information from social media and as the commissioner of police, I try my best to be able to keep up with all that is occurring, even though it is a lot and there were several things that we had act upon yesterday including the man who posted on social media that he wanted to contract the virus so he could spread it to other people..."

Police Confiscate Two Dozen Contraband Canoes
But the COMPOL didn't need Facebook to know about Santa Cruz, Orange Walk. That's the jump off point to Botes Mexico and on any given day, you can find dozens of canoes ready to launch across the Rio Hondo for some cross border smuggling. It's all illegal activity at an illegal border crossing, but police and customs have been reluctant to touch it because it would hit a raw nerve in those communities where contrabanding is a way of life. Well, police put an end to all that today, and went on a major operation to seize the canoes - a total of 23 of them. Sources say there was a showdown, buy the cops had the numbers and the firepower and did their thing.

Grocery Assistance Available
And while those villages are hard hit by not being able to go buy cheap groceries across the border, they can get help. There is the Food Assistance Program, which is being managed by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation. Under this program, households which have been devastated by the pandemic receive food baskets every two weeks. In order for a household to qualify, the residents of the selected homes cannot be benefiting from the Unemployment Relief Program, the Boost program, the Food Pantry Program, and the breadwinners of the family must be currently unemployed. This program was also recently renewed for a second phase, and at this time, priority is being given to needy families in San Pedro, Guinea Grass, Shipyard, and Santa Marta, which are currently on a strict, 14-day lockdown due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.

Leader Faber Says Pawpa Mena Wants To Run
Today, the Minister of Education and UDP Leader Elect Patrick Faber sat down with the press for an almost 90 minute meeting via zoom video conference. The main subject was his response to the PUP's Education plan - and you'll hear that in a minute. But we start with some politics. Faber spoke definitively of the fate of Dangriga Standard Bearer Frank Pawpa Mena. Mena was no supporter of Faber int he leadership race, and it was rumoured that he would step down if Faber won. Well, he hasn't and he won't. Faber confirmed today and discussed what the called the ongoing mischief by other UDP's in the division: "Firstly, he has indicated to the party and to me directly, that he is interested in continuing. I will tell you right off, that my assessment of the situation is that whatever agitation is left in terms of trying to get him to step down does not come from the mayor and the town council..."

Faber Rejects PUP Narrative on Education Spending
But only a short portion of the interview was about politics - over an hour was spent talking education. And that as because yesterday, we showed you the PUP's grand plan to improve the country's education system, if they win the next election. They say that they have extensive education reforms to implement if given the opportunity. And tonight, the Education Minister, Patrick Faber, is suggesting that they are making empty promises, and some parts of their plans are already implemented in the Ministry, in one form or another. Tonight, we share with you his comments on 3 topics. The first is the education budget.

Judging Patrick's Performance
Yesterday, former PUP education minister Francis Fonseca, said, quote, "The Government has presided over a striking deterioration in access to and quality of education provided at all levels in Belize, over the past decade." That's under Faber's watch as the minister of education with the longest uninterrupted tenure in Belize's post independent history. Not, surprisingly, he bristled at the suggestion: "Are you satisfied with the delivery of service for all of Belize's children as education currently stands?" Hon. Patrick Faber- Minister of Education: "That is never a question that I can be satisfied with an answer. I can never say to you, in other words, that I am satisfied. It is a quest that is ever ongoing for us to try to constantly improve the quality of the education. That is a never ending task..."

Is "Free Education" For Real ?
And finally, for tonight, the media asked Faber about an important element of the PUP's proposed education reform. Among other relief programs, the Opposition is promising free education from pre-school to 6th form. Here are Faber's comments on that election promise: "Free education is possible but not by the kind of reckless promising that the opposition did when they had that press conference. But it cannot be blanketed by what the PUPs are saying: just paying for everything, paying for everything. In fact, I can guarantee you that that does not work. How? Because every single time an attempt has been made for free education, it has never been by the People's United Party administration even though they have tried it so many times. Every time it has been tried, remember free tuition back in 1993 done by the Esquivel administration? Remember the paying for tuition as well for second year sixth form done by the Esquivel administration?..."

Murdered Mother Was Beaten To Head
Switching gears now to crime, when we spoke to the COMPOL today, we asked him about the brutal killing of Santa Cruz resident Julian Milian Moran. He gave an update on Jorge Leon, Milian's boyfriend, and the man charged with her murder.Julia Milian Moran's postmortem details her cause of death as blunt force trauma.

A Public Caution on Private COVID Tests
If you see an ad offering COVID 19 Test Kits for sale, don't buy it. That's what the Minister of Health is advising. A late evening release says it "has become aware of individuals and companies advertising that they perform PCR testing or rapid testing for COVID-19. The Ministry is also aware that some entities are offering the service of facilitating the importation of COVID-19 test kits for purchase in Belize." Well, the Ministry issued a statement to confirm that, first, Customs will not allow the clearance of any SARS-Cov2 test kit without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. And, second, that the Ministry remains the only authorized and legal entity in Belize authorised to import materials for PCR and rapid testing for COVID-19 in Belize. The Ministry is also the only entity that is authorized to conduct PCR testing through the Central Medical Laboratory in Belize City.

Fire Scare Near Ladyville Gas Station
And, finally tonight, there was a real scare in Ladyville today, as this van burst into flames near Sky Supermarket at the airport junction in Ladyville.

Channel 5

COVID-19 Cases Go Up by 86!
The coronavirus continues to spread at an alarming rate. The highest number of new cases was recorded on Wednesday night at a whopping eighty-six, which show that the uncontrollable virus [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Tests Positive for COVID-19
The virus is proving hard to control and the list of patients is getting longer and longer with every passing day. On Wednesday, the Belize Coast Guard registered its first [...]

B.D.F. Commander Says COVID Response Protocol in Place for Soldiers
This is the first B.D.F. solider to test positive for the novel coronavirus; there are twenty-five others in quarantine.  Commander Brigadier General Steven Ortega says that despite this documented case [...]

4 More Health Staff Test Positive
Over a dozen healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19; in the most recent results, at least four health staff tested positive: two nurses, a lab technician and an x-ray technician.  At [...]

Police Officer: Many People in San Pedro Are Walking with the Virus
San Pedro is exploding with COVID-19 cases; there is a total of one hundred and thirty-two cases. This afternoon, one of the brave frontline officers, who has tested positive, appeared [...]

COVID-19 Patient Shares Experience with the Virus
Over in Caye Caulker, the numbers are beginning to edge up.  Like in San Pedro and other parts of the country, infected persons are coming forward to reveal their status. [...]

COVID-19 Patient Says She Always Took Extra Precaution
Jimenez says that her recent travel history includes San Pedro, Orange Walk and Belmopan. She says that she has no idea how or when she became infected.   Celina Jimenez, [...]

ComPol Williams Takes to the Street for Face Mask Enforcement
The use of face masks is an effective way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus especially in public spaces.  As you know, it is mandatory to use face and [...]

Minister of Education Reacts to P.U.P.’s Education Policy
On Wednesday, the People’s United Party launched its Plan Belize policy on education via a virtual press conference.  The conference was led by Party Leader John Briceño and former Minister [...]

Education Minister Says Marked Improvements Have Been Achieved
Faber also reacted to the P.U.P.’s plan to achieve one hundred percent trained teachers. Faber called out Fonseca for reportedly misleading the audience, saying that more than eighty percent of [...]

Faber Says P.U.P.’s Promise of 30% Salary Increase for Teachers is ‘Pretty Talk’
According to Faber, improving the quality of education in the country is a daily struggle which requires all hands on deck. He says that the P.U.P.’s pledge to give teachers [...]

U.D.P. Leader Elect Speaks on Papa Mena’s Future in the Party
Patrick Faber is also the Leader Elect of the United Democratic Party and is set to lead the U.D.P. into the next general elections in the next few months. So [...]

Celebrating September Celebrations in a Responsible Manner
Aside from being U.D.P. Leader Elect and Culture Minister, Patrick Faber is also in charge of culture. Today, he was asked about this year’s September Celebrations Septembers.  According to Faber, [...]

Poultry Association Finds Reason for Chicken Shortage
This week we have been reporting on the scarcity of chicken that is affecting Belizeans from north to south. The Belize Poultry Association has now identified a reason for the [...]

Standard & Poors Reduces Belize’s Foreign Currency Rating to SD
There is a downgrade to Belize’s credit rating. According to Reuters, S and P Global ratings reduced the country’s foreign currency ratings to SD from a CC/C. This is due [...]

Permission is Given to Confiscate Boats and Canoes in the North
A bust took place this afternoon of more than twenty canoes believed to be used in contrabanding activities. It all happened in the village of Santa Cruz in the Orange [...]

Chester Williams Returns to Douglas, One Border Jumper Arrested
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams returned to Douglas in Orange Walk District on Wednesday where he once again met with villagers in an effort to dissuade them from the illegal [...]

Accused Murderer Led Police to Shallow Grave Where Body of Woman was Buried
Her body was found in a shallow grave on a farm in Steadfast Village, but tonight, almost a week later, a post-mortem confirms that Julia Timotea Milian Moran died from [...]

More Police Officers Testing Positive for COVID-19
Another police officer tested positive for COVID-19 earlier today, joining a growing list of policemen to come down with the dreaded disease.  Earlier, you heard one of the officers making [...]

Did Police Relax on Regulations for COVID-19?
Was there a lax in the enforcement of regulations pertaining to social distancing, as well as the use of face masks, when the national state of emergency was lifted several [...]

Chester Williams Responds to Criticism Following Customs Comment
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams raised the ire of many in the Customs and Excise Department when he said last week that there was complicity among officers at the borders [...]

San Ignacio Teenager Reported Missing
An eighteen-year-old female is reported missing in San Ignacio Town.  Sussy Guzman left her relative’s house on Saturday and has not been heard from or seen since then. Her family [...]

A COVID-19 Wing at the Western Regional Hospital
The Western Regional Hospital has been preparing for the spread of the deadly coronavirus.  Three extra units have been added to accommodate a total of nineteen beds for patients of [...]

Ventilator Training for Medical Staff at Western Regional Hospital
Also at the Western Regional Hospital, a refresher course is ongoing for medical staff on the use of the critical equipment used on persons who have difficulty breathing on their [...]

Healthy Living: Contact Tracing
You’ve heard these terms being mentioned numerous times in government press conferences and COVID-19 updates – contact tracing, close contacts and casual contacts.  But how does contact tracing work? What’s [...]

Breaking Belize News

60 new cases of COVID-19 detected today, 6 hospitalized
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that 60 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in […]

Our health professionals- the real MVP’s
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: When we think about the word MVP, we know that it refers to the […]

Five of the 8 new COVID-19 cases in Stann Creek are related to a cargo tug boat that visited Honduras
The Office of the Director of Health Services has issued a COVID-19 update informing that […]

Ministry of Health issues warning about entities conducting COVID-19 testing
The Ministry of Health (MOH) says that it has become aware of private entities advertising […]

Guatemalan arrested for gang-related vandalism in Belmopan
Police have arrested and charged a Guatemalan man who they believe is responsible for a […]

Good cause, good vibes: BBN and Sunday Vibes DJ link up form partnership
The Sunday Vibes DJ Linkup, and initiative based out in Cayo geared towards sporting Belize’s […]

Amandala Newspaper turns 51 today
Today, the Amandala Newspaper marks 51 years of service to Belize. The Amandala is the country’s […]

Patrick Faber: PUP building on our success
Current Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, is somewhat skeptical about the Opposition People’s United Party […]

San Ignacio student reported missing
The family of Sussy Guzman, an 18-year-old student from St Ignatius Highschool in Cayo, is […]

John Briceño calls down Ministry of Health but backs lockdown for Orange Walk
Even before the United Democratic Party (UDP) attacked him yesterday as a “hypocrite” and “quitter,” […]

Ministry of Health: confirmed cases in some villages in Orange Walk linked to construction site in San Pedro
The Ministry of Health has issued an update informing that the following villages in the […]

Caribbean objects to U.S. travel warnings
Caribbean Life News reports that the United States of America’s decision to issue travel health […]

COVID-19 patient airlifted from San Pedro; taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
The San Pedro Sun According to our colleagues at The San Pedro Sun, […]

Guatemalan busted with illegal ammunition
Police reports indicate that around 2:15 p.m. yesterday, while on mobile patrol in Dangriga, cops […]

House destroyed by fire in Santa Cruz, Stann Creek
A house was completely destroyed by fire last night. Orbelina Orellana, 45, a Honduran national […]

Ministry of Health launches COVID-19 dashboard
The Ministry of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to provide real-time updates on COVID-19 […]

National Hurricane Center says additional strengthening forecasted for Tropical Storm Josephine
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring tropical storm Josephine. As of this morning, the […]

Director of Health Services: Consult quarantine authority before sending workers home
As Head of National Quarantine Authority, Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero raised concerns […]

Can We Afford Another Lockdown?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Breakdown of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by District
The Ministry of Health has issued a visual representation of […]

Health officials monitoring 262 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials are now monitoring 262 active cases of COVID-19. So far, Belize has registered […]

Blogs

A SMALL VILLAGE COMMUNITY MUSEUM IN NORTHERN BELIZE THAT IS DEFYING ALL ODDS – INTERVIEW WITH HUGO CARILLO, THE DIRECTOR OF THE SAN LAZARO MUSEUM IN BELIZE
Small community museums or galleries are popping up everywhere, becoming hubs for research and community events. These places not only allow cultural preservation but also have the potential of boosting tourism and providing economic advantages to people in the area. The museum is called U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax (Little Mound in the Green Forest). It is located between the archaeological sites of Cuello and Lamanai in the Orange Walk District of Northern Belize. The area is in the heart of the so-called sugar belt of Belize where the seasonal sugar cane industry and agricultural jobs provide the majority of the income.

International Sources

Announcing the Recipients of the TEPHINET COVID-19 Emergency Capacity Building Grants for Field Epidemiology Training Programs
Belize is one of the recipients of a grant from TEPHINET for COVID19 emergency building capacity for field epidemiology. TEPHINET is pleased to announce the recipients of our COVID-19 Emergency Capacity Building Grants. TEPHINET-member Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) could apply for these awards in support of eligible non-research activities to strengthen their COVID-19 response and build capacity for response to future pandemics. The maximum amount awarded was $20,000 (USD) per level of FETP (basic/Frontline, intermediate, or advanced).

The Caribbean Adds Over 2,200 New COVID-19 Cases In One Day
Over 2,200 new coronavirus cases were reported across more than a dozen Caribbean countries Thursday, as the virus continues to spread in both destinations that have reopened their borders and those that have not. The death toll yesterday also rose in the region with 9 countries reporting nearly 40 new deaths Thursday alone. The Dominican Republic added another 910 new cases yesterday to now surpass 83,000 as its death toll neared 1,400. The second highest number of new cases in the region Thursday was reported in Puerto Rico, which added 564 new cases to reach 24,446. It’s death tally also increased by 8 to reach 306.

“Belize’s Airport Needs to Reopen Before a [Typical] Tourism High Season”
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Videos

August 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

With 133 cases, San Pedro Town becomes epicenter of coronavirus in Belize
Activities in San Pedro Town continue to slow down as more and more cases of COVID-19 are registered on Ambergris Caye. With 133 active cases so far, the island is the epicenter of coronavirus in Belize, and is currently on a 14-day lockdown. With the possibilities of an extended mandatory quarantine looming, many are concerned about their livelihood and the continued spread of the disease. The business sector is feeling the pinch once again, but despite the uncertainty, are trying to survive while adhering to safety and health guidelines to provide essential services.

Approved Flights to Belize in July
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation, in keeping with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and industry best practices, has continued to allow the entry of several types of international flights into Belize since the closure of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). These include repatriation flights, cargo flights, technical stops, and medical evacuation flights.

Ambergris Today

Belize Coast Guard Reports First COVID-19 Case
On August 11, 2020, the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters was informed by the Ministry of Health that one of our sailors was confirmed to be positive for the novel corona virus. The infected sailor is in quarantine and recovering under the supervision of health officials.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Thursday, August 13th Meal Pick ups: Location: HIBISCA. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Passing of Mr. Egbert Robinson
Today we would like to convey condolences to the family and Flowers Bank Community on the passing of Mr. Egbert Robinson. Mr. ‘ Rushie’, as he was affectionately known, was a well- regarded Community elder. For us at ISCR he was a cultural icon who shared his life stories as a Wood-Cutter in the logging camps and about Christmas Brams and Anansi Stories. He was a family patriarch and multi-talented man who farmed, fished and built many traditional dories in his life among other things. He was 93 years old. May he Rest In Peace.

Save On Supermarket Closes Starting Thursday in San Pedro
With the current increase of covid-1 9 cases here in San Pedro. "SAVE ON SUPERMARKET" will be closing its doors from this Thursday 13th for the safety of our Staff & customers until further notice. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE. - Management

Western Regional has some new rules
Notice to the General Public: Effective Monday August 17, 2020 vehicular entrance to the Western Regional Hospital parking area will now be the old exit road of the hospital compound. In this area the screening and triage booth is also located, where all patients will be screened before entering for health services. After being screened, patients will be directed to either the flu clinic, the outpatient department, the Maternal and Child health department, the mental health department or to the accident and emergency room. Also, please note that the parking area for visitors will on the right of parking lot as indicated by signs and the staff parking area will be on the left of the parking lot. These changes have to become necessary in order to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus and to protect admitted patients and staff. The Management of WRH thanks you for your usual cooperation.

Approved Flights to Belize in July
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation, in keeping with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and industry best practices, has continued to allow the entry of several types of international flights into Belize since the closure of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). These include repatriation flights, cargo flights, technical stops, and medical evacuation flights. These flights have and continue to be approved in accordance with the various pieces of legislation enacted by the Government of Belize since the closure of the PGIA. These flights continue to allow for the provision of vital services that benefit the people of Belize.

COVID 19 UPDATE
This is our data for today, this being run into two separate batches for a total of 257 samples processed today. The full breakdown is as follows - A total of 86 samples are positive with geographic breakdown as follows: - 1 case in Corozal (contact of a previous case) - 2 in Caye Caulker - 6 in Belize City - 8 cases in Stann Creek District (2 related to previous identified case in Stann Creek and 6 as imported cases) - 28 in Orange Walk (mostly related to construction site in San Pedro) - 41 in San Pedro

PUBLIC NOTICE from the National Biodiversity Office
In light of the increased cases of COVID 19 cases across the country, the National Biodiversity Office in the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development wishes to inform its partners and the general public that in an effort to minimize the spread and of exposure of the public and staff, while continuing to provide quality services, that the following measures will be put into immediate effect:

PUBLIC NOTICE from the Ministry of Natural Resources
The Ministry of Natural Resources informs the public that while our offices remain open, for the safety of all we strongly encourage use of the available online platforms to conduct transactions (apply online, check account status, make payment etc.) For persons who wish to submit application to the Mining Unit or the Land Registry Department, the forms can be retrieved from the Ministry’s website at https://naturalresources.gov.bz/ or can be emailed using the respective email addresses below.

COVID-19 Risk Mitigation and Response Actions
In the interest of public health and safety, the Ministry hereby informs the public of the following: • All offices remain open. Normal working hours Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Online transactions are being encouraged via the Ministry’s website. https://naturalresources.gov.bz/ • To check the status of an application from the National Estate Section or Land Registry Department, please visit the Ministry’s website. (click the link for direct access https://naturalresources.gov.bz/index.p…/track-instrument-2/)

Safety measures at the Ministry of Natural Resources's headquarters
With the rise of positive cases of the COVID-19, the Ministry of Natural Resources assures the public that there is compliance with all safety measures at the Ministry’s headquarters and district offices. If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, please refrain from visiting the Ministry offices. The Ministry urges everyone to adhere to the recommendations from the Ministry of Health.

Unemployment Relief Program Update: Request for Employers Assistance
The COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program, which is being implemented through the Labour Department, is directly contacting employers, who have been identified by applicants for the program, to assist the employment verification process. Employers can help their former staff to get the assistance that they qualify for if they provide a list of employees who have been laid off. Some employers have already done so, even before being asked and this is very helpful to the process. Employers should provide the names, social security numbers and the dates the employees were laid off. Please send this information to [email protected]. This request does not extend to businesses that are seeking assistance through the MSME Support Program.

New Emergency Phone Number for the National Fire Service
DIAL 990 for FIRE EMERGENCIES COUNTRYWIDE - FIRE SERVICES GETS ITS OWN TOLL FREE EMERGENCY NUMBER The National Fire Service, has achieved a milestone as it launches its own emergency phone number — 990. This number can be used by both Digi and Smart customers. When a call is made the call will be answered by the nearest fire station. The National Fire Service extend thanks to everyone who made this milestone possible.

An incredibly important message from our fellow islander Horacio 'Chito' Guerrero:
Hey guys just got my call at 6:11 pm today and the friendly nurse informed me that my test came back positive. She asked how I was feeling and I told her that other than loss of taste and smell I was feeling great.... i then asked her when I would be doing my second swab to determine when I’m negative and she said that someone from MOH should be contacting me soon to set that up. For now I can say that I’m one of the lucky ones that didn’t get severe symptoms except for 2 days of cold sweating and some flu, along with the feeling of my upper chest and back being squeezed like I was wearing a dive vest with too much air.....or like I had done a semi intense chest and back workout.

Caye Caulker Village Council Notice
Please call or send and email before you come to our office. We are trying our best to minimize person to person contact.

DJ DEV (DEVIN SANCHEZ) TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
On Wednesday August 5th I woke up with mild fever, chills, headache and body ache. This was 3 days after the case 57 was confirmed out here on the island. Since then I tried getting my test done but had no luck, nevertheless I insisted until I managed to finally get swabbed on Saturday, August 8th. Today I received my results and I was informed that I am positive to COVID19. I’m hereby writing this especially for the people who have been in close contact with myself last week. However; earlier today I did make the effort to private message most people who I knew was in close contact with me on the weekend of August 1st & 2nd.

FAITH PETERSON'S POST on her social media feed
"Thank you everyone for the calls, messages and concern. We’re ok. I never thought I would actually write this but people close in my life encouraged me too. I woke up completely normal on Monday, August 3rd. Later that evening, I noticed that I had a little tickle in my throat. It kind of just felt scratchy. For me at the time, I didn’t feel like it was much of anything so I didn’t say much of it. Thankfully a couple years ago I got my tonsils removed so, I don't get sore throats anymore. On August 4th, I woke up around 5AM from not being able to sleep with cold sweats the entire night. One second I would be freezing cold and once I would cover up I would immediately start sweating. I also woke up with extreme fatigue and a headache. I have never had a headache so bad before. It honestly felt like my head was exploding.

TILE MURAL AT THE YARBOROUGH BASKETBALL COURT A COLLABORATION WITH THE YOUTHS OF THE SOUTH SIDE
As part of the Downtown Rejuvenation Project of which I am apart of, we had rehabilitated the Yarborough Basketball Court by adding a metal structure which now covers the entire basketball court from the elements as the youths play. Another feature we adding as part of the rehabilitation is to add a tile mural facing the inside of the facility. the purpose of the mural was to get the community, particularly the youths, involved in the upgrading of the facility.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES
6:O0AM THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2020. THE NOHOCH CHEEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES REMAINS CLOSED DUE TO ELEVATED RIVER CONDITION. THE BARTON CREEK, ATM AND XUNANTUNICH ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE ARE OPEN PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION.

MORE THAN JUST HONEY, BEEKEEPERS CONTRIBUTE TO SAFEGUARD NATURE
The MGL beekeepers are versatile and hardworking Belizeans earning a sustainable livelihood and securing wealth in nature for future generations. The MGL beekeepers and bees are partners in conservation of forests, wildlife and freshwater resources. More than just honey, bees are also providing bee wax, pollen, vegetables, grains and fruits. Learn more about the incredible work of the MGL beekeepers in southern Belize.

Sealing Corozal's Murals
We are keeping busy with sealing all of the murals in Corozal Town with a clear UV protection latex sealant. Preserving the life of many murals created by artists of the Corozal Street Art Movement(CSAM) and from the past two annual Corozal Graffiti Festivals. Artists who would like to paint a wall (big or small) are invited to message or visit the House of Culture for more details.

BÁAMALO'OB: Maya Guardians
The Balames (Báalamo'ob) also known as Nukuch Taato'ob are Yucatec Maya spirits, whose main mission is to be the guardians of the four cardinal points, as well as their center. It is said that they are old men with very wrinkle faces and white beards. His attire: tunics, hats, and sandals. Our Yucatec Maya of Belize continue asking permission and protection of the Báalamo'ob . The Yucatec Maya resorted to the Báalamo'ob through a ritual and where they are worshiped just before sowing began. Báalamo'ob protect humans and their crops from the dangers , but if they don't receive offerings promised of Sakab , they can also give no protection and let the crops to die. They tend to capsize at high speeds. They are smokers and from the sky they throw their butts, human beings believe that they are shooting stars.

Channel 7

COVID Patient Critical At KHMH
There are 220 active COVID cases in Belize - and tonight an elderly patient is in critical condition at the KHMH COVID unit. She was transferred from the Western Regional Hospital this afternoon in acute respiratory distress. This evening on Ask The Experts, the Director of Health Services spoke about her case: "And the patient that was at the western regional hospital from yesterday we had been made aware that she was having progressive respiratory distress, because we have been ask how comes the patient is not being managed in western regional..."

COVID Comes To The KHMH
And, as the KHMH now manages that critical COVID case, it has worry within its own walls after one of its doctors tested positive. An internal memo issued this afternoon says that one staff member has tested positive. It adds that management has imitate contact tracing within the hospital. It advises staff who are exhibiting respiratory symptoms to call the hospital epidemiologist for further assistance and guidance. It orders staff to remain in their assigned units and only traverse the hospital for work related duties. Today on Ask The Experts, Dr Manzanero would only say that this Doctor did not contract it in the hospital:

The Coast Guard’s First Case
And COVID-19 continues to spread to other areas, as the Coast Guard today reported its first confirmed case. Tonight we can confirm that a sailor has been put into quarantine and is said to be recovering under the supervision of health officials. But what does that mean for the entire rank and file of the coast guard? Well, they've increased measures to contain and minimize the spread among sailors. They've also instructed medical staff to assist the Ministry of Health with the contact tracing process.

DHS: 44 More Cases
And, consistent with that widening national footprint of infection, the Director of Health Services reported one hour ago the on the latest test results. 44 of 102 samples have returned positive, most of them from San Pedro. "There is one batch that has come out today. Its confirmed now 44 samples are positive. 40 of those are in San Pedro..."

Four Year Old Drowns: Lost His Parents In Murder/Suicide
We'll return to more COVID news later on, but amidst all the fear and anxiety being experienced by the general public, one family is dealing with profound loss and tragedy. It started two years ago when a PG couple died in a tragic murder-suicide. Their children, at the time infants, were in the house when that horror unfolded. They had since been sent to live with relatives. But today the trail of tragedy continued when the deceased couples four-year-old son, Steven drowned in his guardian's backyard. It happened sometime before 11:00 in the Windmill area of Hattieville village. And shortly after Cherisse Halsall was on the scene.

Guat Fugitive Caught, Was Seeking Residency
Another Guatemalan fugitive has been caught - and this one had already applied for Belizean residency. Yesterday, Belmopan's Special Branch officers arrested 44 year old Cesar Arnoldo Villeda, where he lived on Canaan Street in Belmopan.

COVID Hotline Heating Up
You've been hearing it called out since the onset of the pandemic in March: 0-800-MOH-CARE. It's the number you're meant to call to report symptoms or concerns you might have about COVID. But, it's not just a complaint line; it's also a vital tool for district-based contact tracing. And, plotting the map of the pandemic in Belize are four dedicated health professionals. We sat down with one today for a closer look at the Emergency Operations Center at the heart of the COVID-19 fight. Cherisse Halsall reports.

COVID Concerns On Caye Caulker
And surely, a good many of those calls are coming from Caye Caulker right now, which was confirmed with its first positive case on Monday night. At this time, that patient is the first out of a total of 254 positive cases countrywide to be identified on the island. Today, we got a chance to speak with the chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council about the fact that this deadly and contagious virus has now arrived at their community. Here's what she told our Daniel Ortiz this afternoon, via a teleconference interview:

Dr. Manzanero Says We Need More Than Ventilators
Now, persons like chairlady Villanueva-Pott - who may be feeling symptoms - the vast majority of them will have positive outcomes, and the COVID-19 will not see them going into intensive care. But, for the very few who end up there - the question has been asked for months: are there enough ventilators? Well, right now there are only 6 ventilators at the KHMH, and none installed and available at the regional hospitals. That may sound worrisome to you, but DHS Manzanero's spin on the whole thing is that having ventilators is one thing, but having knowledgeable professionals to operate them is quite another:

PUP's Education Solution
In the first two segments of tonight's news, you've heard abundantly about the current coronavirus outbreak - with 220 active cases. And while COVID concerns abound with no signs of relief any time soon, this is still an election year, and general elections are about 100 days away. And that's why showing more confidence for the future than COVID would seem to permit, this morning, the PUP held a grand launch for its proposed reform agenda for the education system.

Briceno Backs Up Blast to MOH
Today's Plan Belize launch gave us the opportunity to question the Opposition Leader about the strong criticism he had for the Ministry of Health's response to the current COVID-19 outbreak. Briceno said, quote, "We are faced with a disastrous second wave. Every day of testing has yielded numbers which are staggering for our small nation. With the first week of the spike in cases, our health monitoring system has for all intents and purposes collapsed." End quote. During the question and answer section of their event, we challenged Briceno on those comments, and here's how that exchange went:

John B. Consulted On OW Lockdown
But, while the UDP takes issue with Briceno's comments from yesterday, the Prime Minister said last week that he would consult the Leader of the Opposition on whether or not it is prudent to institute a lockdown for the Orange Walk District. "My advice is that I rather us to be, to err on the cautious than to regret later on so I did speak late last week, during the weekend with the Prime Minister and said that if we need to lockdown Orange Walk district then we have to lockdown because we can't afford this virus to continue to spread..."

Briceno Speaks About OW Communities Under Lockdown
We also asked Briceno about the Orange Walk communities of Santa Marta, Guinea Grass, and Shipyard, and the struggles that residents are facing while they pass the 14-days of lockdown. As viewers are aware, late last week, the Government implemented a strict lockdown for these communities and San Pedro town, in the hopes of containing the community spread of COVID-19. Here's our conversation with Briceno about the lockdown: "It is putting undue hardships on them and I have been getting calls from people from Guinea Grass asking for help, for food. Well I see they finally have something in place whereby they can access the food..."

Briceno's Message To Smugglers and Jumpers
Briceno is also calling for border jumpers and contraband smugglers - many who are from his home district of Orange Walk - to end that illegal activity, which is the most press pressing threat to the country's public health.

John B Laughs At Boots
And turning back briefly to politics, we asked Briceno for his views on the change that the ruling UDP has made for the Pickstock division. Wilfred Elrington announced that he was stepping down one month ago, and the Prime Minister recently announced that Anthony "Boots" Martinez, the incumbent Area Rep. for Port Loyola, will likely replace Elrington, as the UDP candidate in the Pickstock division.

Quo Vadis Fort George?
And while Briceno laughed about the UDP in Pickstock, it's the UDP that's stroking its chin about the PUP in Fort George. It's one of the PUP's safest seats in the country, but the representative for the last four decades or so, Said Musa is recovering from a stroke.

Chester: Social Media Supercop
If you don't think he has his hands full with the health and safety of a few thousand police officers, and securing the country in its greatest national crisis ever, Police Commissioner Chester Williams is also playing social media supercop. And after two troublesome posts went out this morning, Williams swooped in with real-time takedowns. The first was this post from the Douglas village chairman who reported that a member of his community who had been spotted on the Mexican side was now leisurely riding his bike through the village. Osorios said that the complaint which had been made three days prior had yet to amount to anything and that's why he was reaching out to the Commissioner.

What Flights Flew And When
As we told you last night, concerns have been raised about private flights coming into the PGIA during July when the airport was closed. Today the Department of Civil Aviation put out a whitewash press release that attempted to put a damper on the speculation that private jets with wealthy, well connected folks where whipping in and out of the country. The release provides a four page listing of all 46 flights into the PGIA in July and explains, quote, "These include repatriation flights, cargo flights, technical stops, and medical evacuation flights(which) allow for the provision of vital services that benefit the people of Belize." End quote.

Manza, One More
And as the numbers continue to rise - especially in San Pedro there are many cases that are going undetected due to confirmed community spread. It started two weeks ago and has slowly branched out to affect communities in every district of the country. And this afternoon during Ask The Experts Dr. Manzanero gave us a rundown on just how the disease left the island.

Channel 5

44 New COVID-19 Cases; 40 are from San Pedro!
There are a staggering forty-four new COVID-19 cases to report tonight; those are from samples processed today and separate from the thirty-three positive cases released on Tuesday night. That means [...]

K.H.M.H. Doctor Tests Positive for COVID-19; 10 Healthcare Workers Now Have the Virus!
Tonight, there is a fear and concern among healthcare workers at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after one of their doctors tested positive for COVID-19.  The concern at the hospital [...]

Elderly COVID-19 Patient is Critical; Hospitalized on Ventilator at K.H.M.H.
And now we get an update on that hospitalized person who was transferred from Belmopan to Belize City at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The patient is an elderly woman [...]

COVID-19 Patient from Belmopan is Rushed to the K.H.M.H.
As we reported on Tuesday, Elron Franco, Jesse Leon and Doctor Hector Cisneros who are attached to the pharmaceutical supplier all tested positive on Monday. During a contact tracing exercise, [...]

Human Resource for COVID-19 Critical Patients is Limited
So, as you heard the critical case had to be transferred to the K.H.M.H.  One of the reasons is because she needs ventilator support, but the Western Regional Hospital doesn’t [...]

Nightclub Goers Form an Active Cluster in San Pedro
The number of positive cases in San Pedro continues to jump and is peaking at one hundred and thirty-three as community transmission of COVID-19 spreads on the island. There are [...]

San Pedro Town Becoming a Ghost Town after Almost 100 Active COVID-19 Cases on Island
COVID-19 is ravaging San Pedro where the highest number of cases is being reported.  Up to Tuesday night, there were ninety-three active cases of the virus on the island, but [...]

Inadequate Quarantining in San Pedro
Health officials from the Central Health Region have been on the island as contact tracing exercise continues for positive cases. While all active cases are currently quarantined, majority at their [...]

A Coast Guard Sailor Tests Positive for COVID-19
A coast guard sailor is the first to test positive among his peers in maritime law enforcement.  On Tuesday evening, the Belize Coast Guard was informed by health officials that [...]

P.U.P. Launches Plan Belize Policy on Education
Schools remain closed across the country as a containment measure to COVID-19.  But today, the People’s United Party rolled out its education policy, promising access and quality education from preschool [...]

Should Private Flights Continue to be Allowed to Land at P.G.I.A.?
Civil Aviation earlier today issued a list of flights that landed at the P.G.I.A. during the month of July.  Fifty-six aircrafts landed, including repatriation flights on United Airlines, Tag, Moses [...]

Opposition Leader Calls Out M.O.H. for Mismanaging COVID-19 Crisis
Opposition Leader John Briceño on Tuesday blasted the Barrow Administration, saying that the Ministry of Health is scrambling for solutions as COVID-19 cases are on the rise.  A P.U.P. release [...]

John Briceño Says Border Jumpers Endangering Lives
While at the launch of its education policy, the opposition leader was also asked about border jumpers.  The Ministry of National Security has been having a difficult time restraining these [...]

Will There Be a New P.U.P. Area Rep. for Fort George?
Two-term Prime Minister and Fort George Area Representative, Said Musa continues to recover from a stroke.  The veteran politician suffered a very rare stroke in early May and received treatment here in Belize and [...]

Belize Central Prison Suspends Inmate Visits Indefinitely
Tonight, there are no known cases of the coronavirus within the walls of the Belize Central Prison and prison authorities want to keep it that way. So Kolbe Foundation has [...]

Serving Time at Prison under Extended S.O.E.
The state of emergency to stem the gang violence that broke out in Belize City several weeks was extended, following the last sitting of the House of Representatives.  Those incarcerated [...]

Keeping Belize Central Prison COVID-Free Through CARICOM IMPACS
Across the Caribbean, there have been concerns raised about the state of prisoners amid the COVID-19 pandemic which can have disastrous effects due to the congested facilities.  While Belize has [...]

Restructuring at the Western Regional Hospital for the New Norm
Belmopan has recorded five cases of the coronavirus and as you heard earlier, one of those cases, a female patient, had to be transferred to the K.H.M.H. in critical condition.  [...]

Changes in Services at Western Regional Hospital
The purpose of the changes is to assist with the surveillance efforts for COVID-19 patients, while preventing contact with persons seeking specialized medical attention.  But Doctor Javier Zuniga advises that [...]

Douglas Villager Detained for Border Jumping
A border jumper from Douglas Village has been detained and placed in quarantine. The man, identified as Miguel Alamilla, was spotted shopping in a community called Javier Rojo Gomez, better [...]

COVID-19 Joke on Facebook Lands Man in Hot Water with Cops!
A second man was also quarantined today and expected to be swabbed all because of a post he made on Facebook post. Ryan Gentle posted a photo without a mask [...]

21,000 COVID-19 Test Kits in Country
At the top of newscast we told you about the forty-four new COVID-19 cases confirmed today. And as the cases continue to grow, routine testing is not available. The tests [...]

Taking Stock of Ventilators
The Ministry of Health says it continues to prepare for COVID-19 in respect of equipment.  As you may know, those critical COVID-19 patients who experience respiratory distress need ventilator support. [...]

The Reporter

The Chairlady of the Caye Caulker Village Council Seleny Villanueva Pott will be swabbed later today for COVID-19
After she came in contact with a COVID-19 patient in her line of duty. A short while ago Pott posted this message on her personal Facebook page,'' I have been exhibiting some flu-like symptoms and I have been in isolation since the results of the positive case. I believe in leading by example, and will continue to do so. I wear my mask a lot, but I must do what is right and I will be swab today and will be kept in isolation until the results are back. Hoping for the best.''

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital has confirmed having a Covid positive staff member

Working without no mask... I want catch covid-19 and spread it lol
From the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, "In respect to him, he is in custody. Will be taken to be swabbed after which he will be placed in quarantine until his result is out"

Coast Guard gets First it's Covid-19 Case
Te Belize Coast Guard has registered its first COVID-19 case. We were told that the test results were received late last night and that contact tracing has already commenced. According to sources, it is believed that the male Coast Guard Officer had contracted the virus in San Pedro. The BCG is expected to issue a press release later today with the full details

LOVE FM

A look into Agrilinks
Two weeks ago, the government announced its economic plan, which included finances that would go towards the agricultural sector. One of the upcoming initiatives coming in this sector is Agrilinks.

Cattle Trade Formalized
On Monday, Belize saw its first formal cattle exportation to Guatemala. This practice has been happening for years informally, but adjustments needed to be made after officials in Guatemala stopped the illegal crossings by Belize cattle exporters.

Douglas villagers concerned after alleged photos of resident in Mexico surface
Residents in Douglas Village, Orange Walk District are wary of the spread of COVID-19 after one of their community members, Miguel Alamilla, was allegedly across the border in Mexican territory.

Minister of Food and Agriculture comments on chicken phenomena
We have been reporting on the concerns of residents that there is a low supply of chicken in the country. As we have heard from the Poultry Association, there is no shortage, just a demand that is higher than they expected.

Department of Aviation reveals list of private flights for July
The Prime Minister made a blunder last week when he announced that a private flight carrying Texans arrived into the country in July to look at condos in San Pedro Town. It was widely speculated that this flight was the cause of the index case on Ambergris Caye.

Breaking Belize News

Villages in Chinese province in lockdown over bubonic plague concerns
The People’s Republic of China has moved to lock down multiple villages in the province of […]

St. Kitts and Nevis battles economic effects of COVID-19
The newly-re-elected government of St. Kitts and Nevis led by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris battles […]

Garifuna Council marks World Indigenous Peoples day, draws attention to violence against Garinagu leaders in Honduras
Belize’s indigenous population – the Garifuna, Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec Maya – marked their special day […]

A shocking 86 new cases of COVID-19 detected in Belize today
A shocking 86 cases of COVID-19 was detected in Belize today out of two separate […]

Poultry producers say chicken supply returns to normal next week
The Belize Poultry Association (BPA) says supply of poultry products should return to normal next […]

Director General of Statistical Institute of Belize, Dr. Leopold Perriott, retires
Dr. Leopold Perriott, Director General of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), has retired effective August […]

Poultry producers say supply returns to normal next week
The Belize Poultry Association (BPA) says the supply of poultry products should return to normal next […]

House of Representatives to meet this Friday amid spike in COVID-19 cases in Belize
The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet this Friday, August 14, 2020 amid a […]

Cyber Security Report 2020: Latin American, Caribbean countries lack professionals; Belize developing cyber policy
The Inter-American Bank and the Organization of American States, in its latest annual report of […]

ComPol tours Orange Walk, Belize City
The travels of Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and his senior officers took him up north […]

Immigration officers, driver charged for marijuana possession
On August 5, 2020, police searched a government-issued vehicle and found 21 parcels of marijuana […]

Government informs of approved flights in July
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation informed today that in keeping with the Convention on […]

Water fee for schools? Ministry of Education says get its permission first
Recently a parent in Belize City shared the concern with us that certain schools in […]

Baby reported drowned in Hattieville
Details are scarce, but our newsroom has received reports that a baby has drowned in […]

Man detained for online joke about spreading COVID-19
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that police have detained a man following a social […]

Homeschooling: Ministry may review academic requirement but warns of “disadvantage” to students
The idea of homeschooling or possibly paying teachers to interact with students at home is […]

Ministry of Education ‘very optimistic’ that schools can reopen soon
While the Ministry of Education had been set on re-opening schools this past Monday, the […]

Commissioner of Police: Person accused of jumping border in custody
This morning, Jairo Osorio, the chairperson of Douglas Village issued a statement expressing his frustration […]

Belize Coast Guard Officer tests positive for Covid-19
Reports from reliable sources have confirmed that a member of the Belize Coast Guard has […]

93 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Pedro
The Ministry of Health informed on Tuesday that it had detected 33 new cases of […]

Ten health staff among active cases of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health informed on Tuesday that it had detected 33 new cases of […]

Health officials monitoring 176 active cases of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health is now monitoring 176 active cases of COVID-19. Of the active […]

Missing Belize City man found safe
The family of Kent Flores Jr., who was reported missing yesterday, says that he has […]

Global COVID-19 cases rise above 20 million
Now in its ninth month, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 20 million people […]

Armed robbery in Bullet Tree
There was an armed robbery yesterday afternoon at Tai Shop, located in Bullet Tree Village […]

Save the date: The 2020 Belize Gold Book Launches August 15
The 2020 Belize Gold Book: The Gold Standard for Belize Travel is the new publication […]

Blogs

Ambergris Caye: Where We Are, What’s Ahead and a Trip to A Very Quiet Town
Where are we Now? I’ve been writing about it for about the last week…perhaps a bit more. It’s the amount of time that our island of Ambergris Caye went from zero active cases of COVID-19 to almost 100 active cases. All in just over a week. To try to get a hold on this situation…the island of Ambergris Caye is on lock-down. No one on, no one off. Curfew in place. No NON-ESSENTIAL movement. At all. Masks on. Social distancing enforced. The island is taking things seriously. Today is day 6 of the 14 day “total island lock-down” imposed by the Government of Belize in response to the most recent spike in COVID cases on Ambergris Caye. A small section of NW Belize is also on lock-down – the villages of Shipyard (primarily very conservative Mennonites), Santa Marta and Guinea Grass. The rest of Belize has a bit more freedom of movement.

International Sources

Discover remote beauty of Belize
Combining lush rainforests with clear, beautiful waters and an amazing history, Belize is the perfect destination for those looking for a remote getaway. Belize has a population of 380,000 people and offers an amazing array of undiscovered locations. Here, the Belize Tourism Board lists some of the destination’s most isolated accommodation and activity options. You can’t get much more remote than Bird Island With no neighbours or staff, the island hosts up to six guests at a time and guests can snorkel and kayak over the multi-coloured coral or take out a fishing boat. Islanders will need to stock up on supplies as they will have the islet to themselves but will be supplied drinking water.

Belize debt amendment deal with creditors prompts ratings downgrade
A deal between Belize and its creditors to amend the terms of bonds due in 2034 triggered a downgrade on Wednesday of the Central American country’s sovereign debt rating. The government said on Monday that holders of 82% of the outstanding bonds voted in favor of the amendment, more than the required 75% under collective action clauses (CAC). The amendment defers and capitalizes quarterly interest payments due from Aug. 20 through Feb. 20 of next year, without affecting the bonds’ final maturity.

Mexico-Belize border will remain closed
The reopening of the border between Mexico and Belize was scheduled for August 15th, however, this has been canceled due to the 61.6 percent increase in Covid-19 cases in that Caribbean country. The measure will leave a loss of 90 million pesos for the south of Quintana Roo due to the lack of Belizean visitors to Chetumal. The Government of Belize reported that its border with Mexico will remain closed as well as the ports of entry and exit, except in the case of cargo flights and commercial courier shipments, emergency medical trips, and emergency flights approved by the Ministry of Health according to the Department of Civil Aviation.

Additional United Airlines repatriation flights from Belize
The Government of Belize has announced the postponement of the opening (originally planned for Saturday August 15, 2020) of Philip Goldson International Airport. Therefore, United Airlines and the Government of Belize are continuing to provide a weekly repatriation flight from Belize City to Houston, TX on Friday August 14th, 21st, and 28th. United Airlines Flight UA 2421 departs Belize at 13:55 pm and arrives in Houston, TX at 17:32 pm. Please make a reservation directly with United Airlines at www.United.com. United Airlines is providing these repatriation flights for U.S. citizens, family members, and other third-country nationals departing Belize. If you would like to depart Belize, please make a reservation directly with United Airlines at www.United.com.

Videos

August 12, 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

Ambergris Caye monitoring 62 cases of COVID-19; overcrowding an issue while quarantining
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, is currently monitoring 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Health personnel on the island are doing their due diligence, but numbers are increasing. None of the infected persons have required hospitalization, but health staff is concerned about overcrowding in some homes where patients are quarantining. With such living conditions, the risk of spread is high, and the current situation on the island can become out of control.

Officers at the San Pedro Police Department test positive for COVID-19; routine policing continues
The San Pedro Police Formation has fourteen of its officers off duty after five tested positive for COVID-19, and another nine recently presented flu-like symptoms. Officer in Charge, Superintendent Christopher Noble says the officers have been quarantined, while the rest of the formation continue the routine policing of the island.

Ambergris Today

Thirty One Of 33 New COVID-19 Cases Are In San Pedro
The Ministry of Health has just release its new numbers pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numbers remain high for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. A total of 84 samples have been processed, the last remaining batch will be processed throughout the night. In this batch there are a total of 33 positive cases with the breakdown as follows: - 31 cases in San Pedro (related to the three active clusters) - 1 case in Belize City (related to a previously identified cases in Belmopan)

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Wednesday, August 12th, Meal pick ups. Location: HAPPY LOBSTER. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am -12:30pm.

Food Assistance for Areas Under Lockdown
https://forms.gle/exrKSTRCFb2RwRZ69 For persons in other areas of the country who need emergency food assistance, please call or visit the Ministry of Human Development Office in your district.

Western Union Caye Caulker Branch opening hours
Customers are required to be wearing their Face Masks at all times while in the establishment and performing transactions. Mask must cover your Mouth and your Nose. Only a maximum of 5 people will be allowed to be in the establishment. Please note that if you are not there to perform a transaction or have business in the establishment then you will be asked to leave and wait outside. (If you noh need fu d deh stay home)

Laff It Aff Live
Jankunu Productionz has their online comedy show, Laff It Aff Live, on Friday the 21st, 7PM BZ/8PM CT.

Forest Department Covid-19 Notice
The Forest Department would like to inform the public of its precautionary measures and procedures while continuing to provide services to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belize.

Book an Online Appointment to Apply for a Social Security Card
In an effort to reduce your risk of contracting/spreading COVID-19 the Social Security Board Belize is now requiring that you book an appointment online to apply for a new card or renewal. SSB is continuously putting precautionary measures in place to fight the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of their staff, customers and stakeholders.

Covid-19 Case on Caye Caulker
Please call or send and email before you come to our office. We are trying our best to minimize person to person contact. Caye Caulker Village Council

33 Additional COVID-19 Cases Detected Today
This is our data for today, a total of 84 samples have been processed, the last remaining batch will be processed throughout the night. We have a total of 33 positive cases with the breakdown as follows: - 31 cases in San Pedro (related to the three active clusters) - 1 case in Belize City (related to a previously identified cases in Belmopan) - 1 case in Belmopan (related to a previously identified case in Belmopan). We currently have two hospitalized cases.

Formal Cattle Export to Guatemala
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce that the first formal exportation of cattle to Guatemala was done on August 10, 2020 through the Western Border. A total of 27 animals for fattening were exported. The exportation was successful as a result of the collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Spanish Lookout Livestock Farmers, the Livestock Marketing Association, the Cattle Export Committee, the Belize Agriculture Health Authority and the Belize Livestock Producers Association.

The Children of Ambergis Caye, Belize
The "Children of Ambergris Caye Go Fund Me Page will be assisting families on the island again and is accepting donations at the moment. Any assistance, Large or Small, helps. Thank you.

Commissioner of Police says people still refuse to wear masks or wear them properly
I drove around the city tonight and the anount of people I had to tell to put on their mask or to wear it properly is no joke. I could have easily arrest over 100 persons. I cannot understand why some among us just don't listen or don't give a darn. What will it take for them to understand the severity of this virus and the importance of wearing a mouth and nose covering?

The Post Office deserves commendation
The Belize Postal Service parcel section on North Front Street in Belize City has very good Covid-19 measures in place for the public. When you enter, an attendant prompts you to open your hands to get a sanitizer sprayed into your palms. Regularly, an office assistant will sanitize the counters and surfaces. They are helpful over the phone and more so in person. They work in tandem with the Customs Department and the service by the representatives of that department is also professional, cordial and welcomed. Your only physical contact is with your package and the signing of the transaction. Everyone is wearing a mask. Upon leaving, the attendant will also open the door for you and if you want it, you can also receive additional sanitizer in your palm and you don’t have to touch anything.

Check out these amazing art works created by a very talented young artist - Dahlee Tyrell
Miss Dahlee gets inspired to paint from the different views of Belize, and she shares her thoughts with us, “My homeland had cultivated my artistic passion from an early start. From the lovely rainfalls, breath-taking views and the exquisite the background of a natural setting nurtured my passion to paint and draw the beauties of nature.

Vacancies at Escuela Secundaria Mexico (ESTM)

SUPER FURIA BAND - SAN JOAQUIN FIESTA - 54TH ANNIVERSARY
We are very happy to say that this Sunday we are traveling “Virtually “ to the Annual San Joaquin Fiesta 2020. Yes, 54 years of Historic Celebration and we are happy to Join with our beloved people of San Joaquin with their Fiesta. See you all on Sunday on our Facebook page from 6-8pm. Lets make it a family affair as we continue keeping safe

Waturugu Dance Troupe Youth Day celebration
The Waturugu Dance Troupe is having a Youth Day celebration Wednesday at 2pm. The Waturugu Dance Troupe is An Afro-Belizean entity who's mission is to reconnect Afro-Belizeans to the continent of our origin. Promoting Africanism: Using our African Heritage to Connect the Dots and Change the African Narrative from Pessimism to Optimism by Showcasing African Traditional and Modern Dances, Music, Poetry, Songs, Fashion, Film Music and Cuisine at home and abroad.

Summary of Belize's Controlled Repatriation Process
Application Form: https://www.repatriation.covid19.bz/Forms/Landing

BTB Announces Winners of the Outstanding Essential Workers Competition
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the winners of the Essential Workers Competition, the zenith of the second phase of the Belizean Traveller Campaign. The aim of this competition was to recognize dedicated and hardworking essential workers who have gone beyond the call of duty to serve Belize during the fight against COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and the Belize Police Department submitted a total of eight nominations and the winners were selected by the general public through a voting process which ran from July 23 to August 5, 2020 via the Belizean Traveller Facebook page. Over 6,000 votes were registered. Each winner will be awarded a Belize Staycation Prize Package, including a cash prize, as follows:

Retirement of the Statistical Institute of Belize’s Director-General
The Board of Directors of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) hereby informs its stakeholders, international and local partners, clients, and the general public that, effective August 1, 2020, Dr. Leopold Perriott, Director General, proceeded on retirement. Ms. Diana Castillo-Trejo, Deputy Director-General, will now be acting in the position of Director-General until further notice. Dr. Perriott was an integral part of the SIB’s senior management team since 2012, when he joined as the Institute’s Deputy Director-General.

Channel 7

Shame!: Immigration Staffers Do Perp Walk
Last week Wednesday, we told you about the major bust police made near the Orange Walk toll bridge. Special Branch police intercepted an Immigration department pickup, a Mahindra, allegedly smuggling over 7 pounds of weed. Inside were three immigration department staffers, comprising two officers and one driver. Well today after a few days quarantine ending with a negative test for COVID 19, al three men were take to Orange Walk Magistrate's Court. 36 year old driver Stephen WILLIAMS, 41 year old immigration officer Albert Llewelyn MUNNINGS and 26 year old Wilmer Justin COCOM were arraigned on charges of Drug Trafficking.

Latest COVID Figures Show 9 Cases in 5 Days in Belize City
When we left you last night, the nation was waiting on the results of the 300 COVID tests that had accumulated over a weekend when the testing units at the Central Lab were being calibrated. In the end, though, only 144 samples were processed and they turned up 23 new positive cases which show the virus is gaining ground in Belize. There are 3 new cases in Belmopan - 2 of them are linked to the previous identified cases at the Belmopan Medical Center - and the other case is linked to San Pedro.

Two More Medical Staff Infected At Belmopan Medical Center
As we noted, two of last night's cases are from the Belmopan Medical Center. You'll remember BMC as the clinic that on Sunday released the name of their first case, Internist, Dr. Hector Cisneros. Well, today in a press release the clinic announced that two additional staff members: Elroy S. Franco who is a registered Pharmacist, and Jesser N. Leon, a Medical Laboratory technician, have also tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID Problem At PROTEL
But Belmopan Medical Center isn't the only workplace to confirm a positive case. That's because Protel BPO, a call center in Belize City is also among those businesses who've confirmed a positive case. And while the dangers of closed quartered workplaces has been a concern since the pandemic's onset, PROTEL says the case judiciously managed. The company says that the employee, who picked up the virus in San Pedro, was only on the premises during one workday - which was Monday August third, and while there this employee was confined to one specific area.

PUP Says Health Monitoring System Collapsed
The leader of the opposition issued a stinging statement today, blasting the government for mismanaging the COVID outbreak. He says, quote, "We are faced with a disastrous second waveour health monitoring system has for all intents and purposes collapsed. We are unable to muster the resources to continue adequate contact tracing - we must now ask persons who feel that they have been infected to call in. The reality is this.

Cattle Going Across to Guatemala, Legally!
For years, Belizean livestock interest had been engaging in a lucrative illegal trade of cattle to Guatemala through Bullett Tree. But, with the rise of COVID that came to a halt when the Bullett Tree backdoor was slammed shut, and it has put a hurting on the economy. But, through steady negotiation, a cattle compromise with the Guatemalans has been worked out.

Chicken Run...Out?
Chicken was scarce over the weekend - interrupting many - a - Sunday - dinner menu. It's a shortage that's been coming on for weeks now starting with scarcity of chicken parts. But it finally hit grocery stores nationwide in the last few days. This morning we found out the good news and the bad for poultry futures. Cherisse Halsall reports. It's here! a dreaded Chicken shortage threatening 5 dollar plates and Sunday dinners everywhere. And with many spending the weekend clamoring at their grocer for the all essential national meat only to find empty coolers and scanty crates.

Quarantined Shipyard Village is Poultry Producer
And one reason for the shortage could be the fact that a major producing community, Shipyard, is under quarantine and effectively cut off from the rest of the country. It's a reality that makes the export of the farming community's produce difficult if not impossible, and only adds to the scarcity of poultry nationwide. We got some more details from Poultry Association Manager Armando Cowo.: "Remember that one of our producing communities is under lockdown, Shipyard, but notwithstanding that we're still trying very hard to get their produce out to the market..."

MOE Tells Teachers To Get Back Into Classrooms, Safely
Schools should have opened countrywide yesterday - but that was postponed indefinitely due to the rise in COVID 19 cases. But, a memo from the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Education makes it clear that while school is out, teachers should be in. The memo says teachers are expected to report to work daily during normal working hours. IT says the teachers are to use this time to work on their preparedness plans and learning continuity plans. The learning continuity plans are to engage students meaningfully during the lockdown.

Manzanero Says Infected Nurses In Public Health System Didn’t Get COVID At Work
A group of nurses at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk has complained to their colleagues in the Nurses Association of Belize. These professionals feel they are being forced to take unnecessary risks as frontline medical workers. In a memo, dated Friday, August 7th, 2020, Felix Rhaburn, the President of the Nurses Association Orange Walk District, wrote to the executive members of the Nurse's Association of Belize. Rhaburn says, quote, "Several nursing staff and support staff have voiced their concerns regarding the current administration response, with respect to; exposure to COVID 19 infected individuals; staff displaying flu-like symptoms who are required to report to work and inadequate staffing and poor facility for triage and housing of COVID 19 clients." End quote.

DHL robbery Report Suspicious
A delivery truck belonging to DHL was allegedly robbed yesterday of approximately $10 grand in cash - but police have their doubts about the theft. A driver for the company, and an assistant deliveryman, reported to police that at around 6:00 they were parked on the shoulder of the George Price Highway at mile 43 with mechanical difficulties. They claim that while trying to fix the vehicle, they were ambushed by 2 Hispanic men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Octogenarian Knocked Down and Killed
An 80 year old man was knocked down and killed on Friday evening in Corozal. It happened at about 5:50 in front of Frye's Store in the Town. Anderson was crossing the road when he was knocked down by a motorcycle. The bike then drifted to the middle of a road divider where the rider fell off onto the street. Anderson fell to the ground unconscious and was later transported to the Corozal Community Hospital by a friend who was passing. He would pass away whilst undergoing treatment.

PM Writes to Honduran Prez
A week ago, we told you about the request from 5 former PUP foreign ministers who were urging Prime Minister Dean Barrow to write to the Government of Honduras. The former foreign Ministers urged him to formally take up the reports coming out of that neighboring country that 5 prominent Garifuna leaders were kidnapped from their homes. Well, PM Barrow yesterday sent a letter to Juan Orlando Hernandez, the President of Honduras. It reads, quote, "At least five Garifuna leaders have been killed since September 2019 according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras.

Prisons Puts Public Visits On Pause Due To COVID
As the headlines remind us nightly, the COVID threat is real and growing, and that's why the Belize Central Prison has announced that it is suspending all prison visits. A release says, this change is a direct response to the community spread of the coronavirus in San Pedro and the Orange Walk district. The suspension starts this Friday, August 14th, 2020, and it will remain in place until further notice.

San Pedro Strong - Even Under Lockdown
And while the Central prison isn't accepting visitors, neither is San Pedro. As has been widely reported, that community is under state enforced lockdown. Yesterday, the press asked the officer commanding what the crime situation has been like with desperation setting in for many who have lost their jobs or have no income: Supt. Chris Noble, OC, San Pedro: "If you find one out of a hundred persons not wearing his mask, it is not wearing it properly. Everybody here has been abiding since we saw the rise in the cases and clusters being advertised..."

Coast Guard Keeping San Pedro Locked Down
And while Noble is responsible for keeping residents calm and under control, the Coast Guard, has to make sure nobody leaves the lockdown island by sea. Last week, we asked the Coats Guard commander to outline their efforts: "We have deployed additional units and teams to the San Pedro areas of operation. And it's simply to ensure that vessels that are not authorized to leave or enter San Pedro that that does not occur..."

How to Enforce Against Corrupters?
We also asked Soberanis about how the Cost Guard tries to keep its unit corruption free. It's a fact of life that as borders close - late enforcement is under severe pressure to enforce but also to not enforce by smugglers who will pay for a little "bly", or looking the other way. We asked him how they manage that push and pull between law enforcement and outlaw pressures: "We constantly engage our people and remind them that operational integrity is important because we have a duty and an obligation to the citizens of 09:45 this country, that the citizens of this country expect the Coast Guard to operate at a high standard."

How Many Private Planes Flew Into Belize in July?
We all know about the community spread don san Pedro - but we don't know where it really started. Last week, the Prime Minister floated a story that an investor form Texas may have flow into Belize on July 10th to visit the person who has been called the "index case". That was immediately denied, but it has raised questions about private flights coming in and out of Belize in July. And today, A news outlet called Habanero News displaying flight charts claimed that on on July 10th a Jet landed at the PGIA with one passenger.

Dump Truck In A Black Ball Of Smoke
If you were traveling on George Price Highway near Hattieville Village this evening at around 2 p.m., you would have definitely seen this dump truck which was on fire on the shoulder of the road. Motorists had to wait in a long line of traffic, while the authorities put out the blaze...

Channel 5

23 New COVID-19 Cases as of August 10th; 9 Healthcare Workers Now Infected
The news is grim tonight in respect of the COVID-19 situation in Belize. There are over one hundred and sixty samples being processed at the Central Lab and later tonight, [...]

More Positive Cases Expected Out of Active Clusters!
On the upside, only one person remains hospitalized and that patient is in Orange Walk.  But as the Central Lab processes more samples tonight, it is anticipated that there will [...]

A Positive Case of COVID-19 Detected on Caye Caulker
As the number of positive cases continues to spike on Ambergris Caye, on Monday night, Caye Caulker recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus. Travel to nearby San Pedro [...]

No Rush to Get Off Caye Caulker
When San Pedro began seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, a number of persons fled from the island to the mainland to escape not only the virus, but what would [...]

Economic Inactivity on Caye Caulker Persists
Caye Caulker, like Ambergris Caye, has been severely affected by the pandemic because these island towns are highly dependent on tourism.  Since the beginning of the year and more so [...]

3 Positive Cases in Belmopan Are Staffers from Belize Medical Centre
Among the samples that have tested positive from the Belmopan area are three staff members of the Belize Medical Centre.  That particular business is one of government’s top pharmaceutical suppliers. [...]

P.U.P. Leader Queries Real State of Healthcare System
The Leader of the Opposition today issued a statement on the spike of cases of the coronavirus.  In the statement, John Briceño queries the real state of the healthcare system [...]

The Unexplainable Chicken Shortage Lingers
Chicken, the mainstay on dinner tables, is in short supply and producers are baffled about the scarcity. For weeks now, the amount of chicken in the freezers has been dwindling [...]

Chicken Shortage Phenomenon Baffles Association
The Belize Poultry Association is also seeking answers to explain the chicken shortage.  Manager, Armando Cowo says that for July more than one million birds were placed in the barns [...]

A Formal Export of Cattle to Guatemala is Realized
But there is some good news from the west; that is because the first formal export of cattle to Guatemala was realized on Monday via the western border. The report [...]

Immigration Officers Plead Not Guilty to Drug Related Charges
Three immigration officers were today escorted to the Orange Walk Magistrate court for drug related charges. They are thirty-six-year-old Steven Williams, forty-one-year-old Albert Munnings, and twenty-six-year-old Wilmer Cocom.  The trio [...]

Corozal Free Zone at a Standstill Months after Pandemic Induced Closure
The borders in the north and west are closed indefinitely.  To the north, Mexico is placed at number three globally for the explosion of the corona virus. Quintana Roo is [...]

Micro and Small Businesses Need Help to Rebound from Economic Hardship
COVID-19 has disrupted commercial activity for many entrepreneurs at micro, small and medium levels.  A majority of those are part of the cross-section between tourism and agriculture and as many [...]

La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital: Always Caring, Always Here for You
Tonight, we head west for a visit to a unique healthcare facility. Nestled in western Belize, La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital has been providing optimal healthcare as a non-profit institution. [...]

The Impact of COVID-19 on Protected Areas Management
How are organizations working on environmental protection handling the COVID-19 situation?  Well, across the world, conservation N.G.O.s are feeling the pressures. And it’s no different here in Belize.  These N.G.O.s [...]

San Pedro Cops Can Use Counseling Services
Five cops have tested positive for COVID-19 and nine others are in isolation with flu-like symptoms. Superintendent Christopher Noble of the San Pedro Police Formation says that the department was [...]

San Pedro Residents Abiding by S.O.E. Regulations!
And one issue that the police officers in San Pedro do not have to deal with right now is disregard for the S.O.E. regulations.  According to Christopher Noble, San Pedranos [...]

B.T.I.A. Reacts to G.O.B.’s Decision Not to Open P.G.I.A.
The reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport was scheduled for this Saturday, but was delayed after cases of COVID-19 surged.  A survey shows that the majority of members of [...]

OW East Area Rep., Pledges to Assist Santa Marta Villagers
Santa Martha Village in the Orange Walk District remains under lockdown tonight, where there is a community spread of the COVID-19 virus with an additional case being recorded on Monday. [...]

Guinea Grass and Shipyard Remain under Lockdown
Two communities in the Orange Walk South constituency have also been placed in quarantine. Positive COVID-19 cases have been indentified in Guinea Gras Village and in the Shipyard Community. Area [...]

Deejays Need Unemployment Relief Too
The rash of new COVID-19 cases has resulted in nightclubs and other establishments being shuttered once again and deejays, as well as other entertainers, are presently out of a job.  [...]

COVID-19 Forces Innovation and Ingenuity in Small Businesses
While many are in the unemployment line, COVID-19 has also forced others to innovate, particularly for small businesses, including barbershops and salons where proprietors have branched out into selling other [...]

Amandala

Belize confirms 150+ COVID-19 cases
The Office of the Director of Health Services has announced that a total of 153 positive COVID-19 cases have been identified in Belize as of August 8, 2020. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been engaged in enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in an effort to locate and test persons who may have been exposed to any of the clusters found in San Pedro, Orange Walk and Corozal. On Friday, a total of 214 samples were processed, and from that batch, a total of 32 positive cases were confirmed. Saturday’s testing revealed 7 new cases. Currently, the majority of the cases are in the Belize District — 75 in total; this is due to two clusters on Ambergris Caye.

Top cops —Dawson, Arzu and Lorenzo—suspended for 2 months
Letters of Suspension from duties for 2 months were issued today to three high-ranking police officers by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. The officers are ACP Alden Dawson, Regional Commander, Belize District; Sr. Superintendent Daniel Arzu, Region 1 Commander; and ASP Edlin Lorenzo, Commander of the GSU. The announcement was made by Commissioner Williams today. Commissioner Williams said that before the 5-day administrative leave on which the officers had been placed expired, a letter concerning the 60-day suspension was sent to the CEO in the Ministry of National Security and the National Services Commission for approval so that the suspension of the officers could go into effect immediately after the 5-day administrative leave had expired.

OW nurses reveal COVID-19 dangers to Nurses Association
In the wake of the steep increase in COVID-19 infections in the country, which has led to a State of Emergency, particularly in 4 areas — San Pedro Town, Santa Martha, Blue Creek, and Shipyard – which are currently under complete lockdown, the nurses of the Northern Regional Hospital have written to the Nurses Association to highlight their concerns and to request guidance and leadership to address the situation they (the nurses) are facing. The letter written to the association was leaked to the press, and it went viral.

San Pedro under complete lockdown for 14 days
At a virtual press conference held this evening, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that because of an alarming surge in COVID-19 infections, the island of San Pedro will be under a complete lockdown for the next 14 days. Things have been bleak on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, since last Sunday, August 2, when a mysterious case of COVID-19 was discovered. As reported, this case originally had no known source of infection, as the patient claimed that she had not traveled internationally; however, her entire family had suffered flu-like symptoms prior to the release of test results which confirmed that she was infected with the coronavirus.

Teacher tests positive for COVID-19
On Saturday, August 8, the Diocesan Education Board – Managing Authority with responsibility for All Saints’ School — notified the public via a press release that one of their educators had tested positive for COVID-19. According to the release, the teacher was showing symptoms, but was remaining calm and self-isolating. The Diocesan board also contacted other educators who were in contact with the teacher during the prior week, and have reportedly made arrangements to sanitize the school based on guidance from health officials.

Galindo brothers arrested for masterminding San Ignacio shooting
An investigation into the shooting of five persons — 4 men and a woman — at about 1:30 Sunday morning, July 18, in the parking lot of CK Sports Club in San Ignacio, initially led police to John Alexander Hendy, 33, an unemployed resident of Santa Elena Town, and Travis Tyler Navarro, 26, a self-employed resident of Gaol Lane in Belize City. Police announced today, however, that a further investigation into the shooting led to two men who are believed to be the masterminds of the shooting. Minor Galindo, 31, an unemployed Santa Elena resident, and his brother, David Galindo, 34, a self-employed Santa Elena resident, have been charged jointly with conspiracy to commit murder.

Thousands of Belizeans confirmed for repatriation
The Philip Goldson International Airport remains closed to visitors until further notice; however, the repatriation process is still well underway. As of Friday, August 7, 2020, a total of 453 Belizeans had been brought home, while a remaining 1,032 are in the process of being returned. Since the start of the program, there has hardly been a repatriation cohort that has returned with no active cases of COVID-19 onboard the returning flights.

Which way to Middlesex?
I enjoyed Mr. Morales’ well-researched historical piece “Belmopan Turns 50” (See: Amandala, August 4, 2020), commemorating Belmopan’s 50th anniversary. I’ve lived here for 42 of those years and feel qualified to add a bit of personal flavor to his review. In 1978 I got a job with the DFC in Belmopan and set out on our New Capital sojourn. We rented a duplex on Oriole Avenue. The water from the shower was Río On cold, even at midday. Our neighbors included a retired chief justice, the nation’s premier and a nationally acclaimed electrical engineer. We were already on our way up.

Belmopan man busted with over 12 lbs. of weed
Michael Anthony Neal, 25, of Oriole Street, Belmopan, has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply after 12 pounds of weed was found in his house during a search by police this morning. Neal was at home when the search was conducted. Neal was taken, along with the marijuana, to the police station, where he was booked and the drug was deposited as an exhibit. He has been detained pending arraignment at the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court.

Vildo Westby found guilty of murder for the death of Jose Ayuso of San Pedro
A police manhunt that lasted over 18 months came to an end when Mexican authorities in Vera Cruz, Mexico, found Vildo Lorenzo Westby, 30, a baker of San Pedro, who was wanted by Belize police for the murder of Jose Ayuso, 44, the owner of a unisex salon in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, who was found dead in his home on February 2, 2017. Westby was handed over to Belize authorities and arraigned on a single charge of murder when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on December 17, 2017. He was remanded into custody. He was represented by attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley.

US issues DO NOT TRAVEL advisory for Belize
Last Thursday, August 6, the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, issued a Level 4 – DO NOT TRAVEL advisory for Belize. Health and crime are the reasons cited by the State Department. American citizens are advised that “violent crimes – such as sexual assault, home invasion, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.”

147 arrested for COVID-19 violations
Despite the fact that members of the public are urged to do all they can to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has been spiking and is now an issue of national concern, there has been an increase in the number of persons disobeying the protocols and ignoring both the practice of social distancing in public, and the requirement that they wear a mask to cover their faces and noses in public. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams announced that 147 persons have been arrested for various violations of these COVID-19-related regulations countrywide.

SI no. 111 of 2020 – what’s in it
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has clarified Statutory Instrument No. 111, which governs the State of Emergency now in effect to combat the spike in COVID-19 infections. Williams said that the SI has two provisions: one that applies to the four areas that are on lockdown; and the other, to the rest of the country. The lockdown areas are San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; and the following villages in the Orange Walk District: Guinea Grass, Shipyard and Santa Martha. In these locked-down communities, the following applies: no one will be allowed in or out of the lockdown areas, except for emergency medical reasons or if those persons are essential workers going in to perform an essential service.

Mayor of Orange Walk tests negative for COVID-19
Orange Walk has been at the center of the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Belize for some weeks now. As reported, the district is the location for a number of cases that continue to multiply due to the illegal crossing of the northern border as well as contraband transactions in which a number of the residents have been partaking. One such example of this is case #55, a male whose origin of contraction of the virus was initially unknown until his wife later revealed to the Department of Health Services that he, too, had purchased contraband goods from a neighbor in Santa Martha village.

Belize Coast Guard commences Operation Blue Lightning
The Belize Coast Guard has commenced an operation called Blue Lightning, which is designed to secure Belize’s territorial waters, and to ensure that our maritime borders remain secure, and also, to stop illegal activities in our seas. River patrols to apprehend contraband runners, border jumpers and illegal entries into the country will also be carried out. Operation Blue Lightning was rolled out with a toll-free phone number, 999, that can be dialed anytime to seek assistance or to provide information to the Coast Guard on any illegal maritime activity.

From the Publisher
Elsewhere in this issue I’ve included an insert from Cedric Grant’s book on “Modern Belize.” The insert gives you an idea of the almost absolute nature of white supremacy in the colony of British Honduras during the 1930s. Belize became a self-governing colony in 1964, and achieved political independence in 1981. Our electoral politicians, however, after the eras of Rt. Hon. George Price and Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, started to depend on the huge financial donations of people like Sir Barry Bowen and Lord Michael Ashcroft. And so, today we have to wonder if it is not the case that we Belizeans have returned to a status where we roots are almost as helpless as we were in the 1930s.

Dale Pelayo appointed Head Coach for Male Senior National “A” Team for Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is proud to announce that Coach Dale Pelayo has been appointed as Head Coach for the Male Senior National “A” Team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. Following the new format announced by Concacaf earlier this week, Belize is scheduled to play four matches, two home and away in October 2020, and two matches in November 2020. The qualifiers are scheduled for 5th & 13th October and the 9th and 17th November 2020. The Football Federation of Belize has been meeting to develop a well sought out plan for the “A” National Team.

The making of a legend – piecing together the “Paama” Davis story – Part 1
When you start talking with an old timer, a legend in Belize sports, you don’t exactly know where you are heading; the conversation takes twists and turns, and what seemed simple at first, starts becoming more complicated; and soon you find that you need to understand and explain a lot more to get a complete picture and wholesome background to events that unfolded, and eventually became, as we sometimes say, “the stuff of legends.” Wilfred “Paama” Davis, the legendary Belizean sportsman (football/basketball/baseball), was not born inside the Jewel.

Brother Clinton, Samuel Haynes is a great hero
I think the capitalists, socialists, and communists are similarly crafty when they take snippets from a person’s life to make a story to suit their ends. I understand why that is done, the necessity to satisfy an objective, but it is very unfair, and when we get a chance we should tell the full truth about a brother. I think a lot of brown people don’t understand that they don’t know what it means to be black. We brownies can identify with the cause, we can have family who are in the middle of the struggle, we can try to put our feet in the shoes of our brother, but if you aren’t black you can never know the full experience.

Slavery and the Oligarchical System – Belize
On Monday, June 22, it was announced that the holding company that owns the Belize Bank Ltd. was in the process of buying out the assets and liabilities of Scotia Bank (Belize) Ltd. Then, one month later, on July 22, a peaceful demonstration by the Christian Workers Union at the Port of Belize Ltd, which is under receivership under the Ashcroft alliance (Private Investment Ltd. and British Caribbean Bank Ltd.), erupted in violence. Emotions, frustration and disbelief are still running high, and truth and insight have taken a walk.

Clinton says he invented the term “PUDP”
There have been a lot of wrongful behavior in Belize from its inception. One example would be the hypocrisy of many leaders and members of the religious organizations. From the beginning, religion has served to dominate the minds of others and also as a weapon for wars, self-enrichment and the acquisition of power, which leads to arrogance. The Cross and the Christian Holy Bible that were brought to this continent and were introduced in Africa, were forced, with the sword and the whip, unto the people as the absolute truth. Today, such a belief system is not practiced among the majority of Europeans. Instead, it is used as the means to accomplish conditional power. Religious fanatics have been one of the most effective and strategic weapons of war of all time.

Musings by the Curious Nonconformist
I’ve long had discomfort with receiving gifts from people — not the thoughtful ones that make you warm and fuzzy inside; I love those. I’m talking about the ones that you know must be repaid sometime down the road of life. With that perspective and life principle you can deduce that I have a problem with many things in Belize: the way scholarships are awarded, paying for votes, and corporate philanthropy. Today’s thoughts will focus on the last of these three. If you were educated here in Belize, you know what philanthropy is, because we’ve had a March holiday to celebrate the person who we are told is our greatest benefactor, Baron Bliss — a man who left a huge chunk of his bequest to Belize after never stepping foot on our mainland.

Brian Plummer quotes virologist David Marchant
Dear Editor, We must learn to live with COVID-19. On August 9, 2020, there were 20,024,263 cases of COVID-19 worldwide and 773,995 deaths. University of Alberta virologist David Marchant, who has spent his research life looking for a treatment for the dangerous respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), said that adding vaccines aren’t a certainty. “I’m not optimistic that we’ll find a vaccine in the next few years because we have so little data on the coronavirus,” said Marchant, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Viral Pathogenesis.

Rogelio “Rojas” “Chi-chi” Cuellar passes
Dear Editor, Just found out through Facebook that Rogelio “Rojas” “Chi-chi” Cuellar, my friend and neighbor from many years ago, has passed away. The Cuellar family was a staple for many years on Main St. in Orange Walk, where they resided directly in front of Hi-Lite Club. They had a boarding house and restaurant, referred to as “The Dungeon”, because the rooms were below street level, where many of Hi-Lite Club’s customers and employees of B.S.I. lodged.

The Reporter

Two Belmopan Medical Center Staff Members Have Covid-19
The Belmopan Medical Center has just issued a release informing the public that two additional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. According to the press release both patients including registered pharmacist Elroy S. Franco and lab technician Jeser N. Leon have agreed to release their names to the public. The release went on to say that the results were released last night and that both patients recollect having practiced proper hygiene and etiquette while they were serving customers at the facility. In total three employees of the Belmopan Medical Center have tested positive for COVID-19.

LOVE FM

The relation between illegal wildlife trading and pandemics
Crocodiles are a protected species in Belize, but like many others, it is hunted illegally, and its meat is sold in markets around the world. While this act greatly damaged ecosystems, it can also be harmful to human lives if unhealthy meat is consumed.

Chicken flying off the shelves
Several residents and business owners are being inconvenienced as there is an apparent shortage of chicken at the stores and retail outlets. The coolers at Caribbean Chicken are next to bare while the shutters at Quality Poultry Products are closed today.

CXC explains new grading system
The covid-10 pandemic has had a great effect on the way the CSEC exams were administered, including the proposed date that students should have taken them. With the changes the Caribbean Examinations Council has gotten innovative with a new grading system to accommodate them as well as to ensure that performance is at the same level of previous years.

Student union joins NTUCB
The National Trade Congress Union of Belize has accepted the National Student Union of Belize as a member of the NTUCB. On August 5 the Student union sent a letter to the NTUCB expressing their interest in becoming a member of the NTUCB.

Mose denies allegations of corruption
Was someone paid to block the gates at Port of Belize Limited three weeks ago? That is the question that still remains. On July 22 GSU officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at workers of PBL while they were protesting.

CWU president addresses concerns of stevedores
We have been closely following the story between two stevedores and their issues with the Christian Workers Union. The two stevedores have been saying that 4% of their salaries is deducted and placed into a stevedore fund due to an intermediate agreement that was signed back in 2017.

BPP fighting to legalize Hemp and Marijuana
The Belize Progressive Party is calling for the legalization of marijuana and hemp. The third-party issued a statement on social media last night indicating that the legalization would increase tax revenues, provide more jobs, and create investment opportunities. The BPP has not fleshed out its proposal on the issue but has noted that Belizeans currently spend twenty million dollars per year on marijuana for recreational use. Today we sought a preliminary statement from the Party Leader, Patrick Rogers on the movement.

The new norm; Masks and social distancing
The new norm under Covid-19 entails the wearing of masks, social distancing, and washing hands frequently. With a community spread happening and several clusters identified, we set out to the streets of the old capital to see how abiding residents are of these Covid-19 precautions. Key areas of concern were public transportation including buses and boats. Unlike several photos that have popped up on social media, our newsroom was unable to spot anyone person not wearing a mask. Love News visited the Novelo’s Bus terminal, San Pedro Belize Express, and Ocean Ferry Water Taxi terminal and we were able to speak to a Security Officer at Ocean Ferry, tasked with enforcing the measures.

PUP comments on Health Sector in Belize
Tonight the People’s United Party (PUP) is saying that the health monitoring system in Belize has collapsed and that the Government has mis-spent resources over the last five months. It is quite an accusation against the Barrow administration and those at the forefront and behind the scenes at the Ministry of Health.

Negotiations between PBL staff and CWU continue
The situation between the Port of Belize Limited and the Christian Workers Union has relaxed significantly and both parties have been having regular meetings to chart a way forward. Currently they are in negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the PBL staff.

Another Day, Another Case
Since March 20 when the first Covid-19 case was confirmed there have been one hundred and seventy-six more confirmed cases around the country. The latest information out of the Ministry of Health came last night indicating that twenty-three new cases were uncovered yesterday.

Breaking Belize News

33 new cases of COVID-19 identified; 2 patients hospitalized
The Office of the Director of Health Service has informed that 33 new cases of […]

Domestic incident ends in man chopped in downtown Punta Gorda
Police are investigating a fight and chopping incident that happened this afternoon in downtown Punta […]

Machete-wielding madman beaten and chopped up with own weapon in PG
Police in Punta Gorda are investigating an incident in which a man allegedly wielding a […]

The United Kingdom reports near 100 percent drop in deaths, hospitalizations from COVID-19
While still among the top five nations in the world for cases (312, 789) and […]

Russian President greenlights COVID-19 vaccine after only months of testing: uses it on own family
The BBC reports that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has approved the mass production of the […]

Teen, 19, accused of raping 11-year-old boy
A teenage labourer from Northern Belize has been accused of a disturbing crime – raping […]

National Student Union becomes latest member of Trade Union Congress, pledges to uphold social justice advocacy
Today, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) officially announced becoming the 12th member of […]

Kamala Harris can become first black vice president of the US
Presidential candidate, Joe Biden announced today that he has picked Senator Kamala Harris as his […]

New tropical depression forms in Atlantic Ocean
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring a new tropical depression that has formed in […]

Belize registers 177 cases of COVID-19
The country has now registered 177 confirmed cases of COVID-19. On Monday, the Ministry of […]

Central Prison suspends inmate visits due to COVID-19 spike
The Kolbe Foundation Central Prison at Hattieville has announced it will temporarily suspend visits to […]

Health officials monitoring 143 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials are now monitoring 143 active cases of COVID-19 in Belize. The Ministry of […]

Blogs

Will Belize’s Airport Reopen in September?
At time of writing, there is no official date for when Belize will reopen its international airport. However as Belize takes a cautious approach, the Prime Minister Rt. Dean Barrow highlights the current stance is but a delay – not an infinite postpone. Regarding airlines resuming service to Belize at reopening, PM Barrow stated the following at two virtual press conferences: “We are only talking at this point about a delay in the reopening. There is no date for certain when PGIA will reopen. Of course, when the new date will be depends on a number of things. Firstly how quickly the situation, which has literally exploded on us in a matter of the past few days, is under control. Delta, in any event, was not coming until September 3rd. We’ve already reached out to United, who is prepared to push that back to September 3rd or thereafter. ”

How To Get Belize Residency
Living in Belize is a dream for many people. You can make that happen by getting official residency here. Thousands of expatriates and retirees have made their dreams come true in Belize. Here’s how to get residency so you can live here. When you enter Belize as a tourist, you’re legally allowed to stay for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, you must renew your tourist visa for another month. To do this, you must visit the immigration office in Belmopan or Belize City. If you do this for 12 months, you’ll have official residency. During that time, you cannot spend more than 14 days outside Belize. Each month you renew your visa, you must pay $25US monthly for the first six months. You must pay $50US for the next six months. After the year is over, you can apply for permanent residency. The cost for US citizens is $1,000.

International Sources

EU-LAC Essay Contest on the Bi-Regional Partnership
The EU-LAC Foundations has launched the first EU-LAC Essay Contest on the Bi-Regional Partnership. It is a call for essays focused on the theme "The New Multilateralism in the Age of COVID-19 from the perspectives of European Union-Latin America and Caribbean relations". Applicants must be researchers or members of academic or civil society organisations, and nationals of one of the 61 member countries of the EU-LAC Foundation (Belize is a member country). Each applicant may submit a maximum of one essay to this contest.

First Case Of COVID-19 On Caye Caulker
More than four months after closing the Belize borders the first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed on La Isla Carinosa Caye Caulker. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has not yet linked the case in Caye Caulker to any of the previously confirmed cases. To go for months without any COVID cases, shows that most residents were very disciplined from the beginning of the pandemic. And together Caye Caulker can do this again! “Now, more than ever, we have to be diligent with the recommendations of wearing the mask properly, self distancing, washing our hands, not touching our faces, and not leaving our houses unless we have to,” a Caye Caulker resident says.

The Dark Side of Being a Female Shark Researcher
I was 21 years old when I encountered the place where sharks and television intersect. It was my first research internship, working with a famous shark scientist I had long admired but only just met. My second week, I was on a boat with a film crew, chumming for sharks in the background while the senior scientist dispensed expertise in the foreground. At one point, the film crew suggested I sit next to my hero on camera and repeat the prompt: “So, [Dr. Hero], why did you become a shark scientist?” For the beautiful green-eyed assistants, of course,” he replied, gesturing at me. I froze, silent, a nervous half-smile on my face.

Videos

August 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

Ministry of Health Condemns Stigmatization of COVID-19 Patients
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Health that many persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and as well as persons who may have been in contact with them are facing stigmatization and discriminated physically and emotionally, including through social media platforms.

San Pedro’s Dr. Javier Canul among winners of the Essential Workers Competition
Congratulations to Dr. Javier Canul, one of 4 who won a prize package via the Belizean Traveller Campaign’s Essential Workers Competition. Four unsung heroes within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Belize Police Department (BPD) won a Belize Staycation Prize Package via the Belizean Traveller Campaign’s Essential Workers Competition. Spearheaded by the Belize Tourism Board, the package awards essential workers’ performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes cash prizes and a two-night stay at a host of different hotels in different parts of the country. One of those winners is San Pedro’s Dr. Javier Canul from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

San Pedro Town Council’s office closure not related to COVID-19 exposure
The offices of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) are closed during the 14-day lockdown implemented on the island, following an increase in COVID-19 cases. Mayor Daniel Guerrero explained that the reason for the closure has nothing to do with any positive cases within its administration, but to set an example to the island community of the importance to quarantine and follow the safety protocols established by the Ministry of Health.

Ministry of Health Updates on Activities Related to Three Clusters of COVID-19 Cases
The Ministry of Health continues its mapping and contact tracing exercises as it aims to identify and contain the current spread of COVID-19 cases. As documented before, the island of Ambergris Caye and specifically San Pedro Town is experiencing ongoing community spread of the disease. While it remains unclear where the actual source of the current infections came from, for practical purposes the following three clusters are being followed closely now:

Ambergris Today

San Pedro COVID-19 Clusters Linked To Nightclub, Church And Construction Site
Ministry of Health has just updated activities related to the three active COVID-19 clusters in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Each cluster has identified a common source where infection started and the spread continued thereafter. Cluster #1 is linked to activities at Allure Nightclub; Cluster #2 is related to Living Word Church and Cluster #3 is related to workers from Medina’s Construction Site.

Caye Caulker Faced With First COVID-19 Case
A total of 144 samples have been processed throughout the day. There is a total of 23 new positive cases with a preliminary breakdown as follows: - 1 case in Caye Caulker (with no apparent link to any previously identified case for now)

147 people arrested for COVID-19 Emergency Violations this past weekend
Over the weekend 147 people were arrested and charged countrywide for various offenses under the Emergency Powers Regulations: Failing to wear a cloth mask or other face (mouth) covering whilst in public- 124 people. Breach of curfew- 18 people. Failing to practice social distancing- 2 persons. Unable to provide reasonable explanation or proof for movement outside of curfew-1 person. Failing to wear a cloth mask or other face (mouth) covering during public transportation- 1person. Kept business establishment open when required to be closed- 1 person.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Tuesday, August 11th, Meal pick ups. Location: FOOD REPUBLIC. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am -12:30pm.

Summary of Statutory Instrument No. 111 of 2020
TO WHICH PARTS OF THE COUNTRY DO THE NEW REGUALTIONS APPLY? The new Regulations/SI relates specifically to Ambergris Caye, Santa Martha Village, Shipyard Village and Guinea Grass Village. CAN I TRAVEL TO ANY OF THESE VILLAGES OR TOWNS? X No. Under these news regulations, no one can enter or exit any of the aforementioned villages or towns, unless you have the specific prior approval of the Ministry of Health, National Security - and only in an emergency. IS THERE A CURFEW IN THESE VILLAGES AND TOWNS? Yes. The curfew begins at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 4:59 a.m. This means that you cannot be outside your house or on any public road during these hours, unless you are on duty as a member of the security forces, Customs and Excise, Immigration Services, a frontline health care worker or an essential worker who has been issued a badge by the Minister responsible for National Security.

Essential Worker Awards
BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS: Ms. Lorna Perez, Surveillance Officer and Dr. Javier Canul, San Pedro Polyclinic. We also acknowledge the runner ups who will be continue to go over and beyond. Thank you to the BTB staff for this award activity, we truly appreciated it.

ADJUSTED OPENING HOURS - 12TH TO 31ST August 2020 ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES REGISTRATION OFFICES
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies the general public of the adjustment in opening hours for all Elections and Boundaries Registration Offices countrywide. This adjustment is only for the period 12th to 31st August, 2020. This adjustment in opening hours to the public has become necessary to facilitate requests for perusal of binders. Adjusted Opening Hours: MONDAY’S TO THURSDAY’S, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY’S, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Elections and Boundaries Department regrets any inconvenience this adjustment may cause.

Updates on Activities Related to Three Clusters of COVID-19 Case
The Ministry of Health continues with its contacts mapping and tracing exercises, as it aims to identify and contain the current spread of COVID-19. cases. As previously documented, the island of Ambergris Caye and specifically the town of San Pedro are experiencing a continuous community spread of the disease. While it's still unclear where the original source of current infections came from, for practical purposes, the following three clusters are now closely following: • The first patient related cluster #57 has so far identified a large number of cases. In this particular cluster, the Ministry can now confirm that 42 % of active cases on the island are related to activities at the Allure disco that took place between July 16 and 19 Anyone who has been in these activities and has symptoms should call 0-800-MOH-CARE.

Employee Assistance Programme Teletherapy Service

Summary of Belize’s Controlled Repatriation Process
Application Form

FLOOD REPORT AND FORECAST Monday, August 10, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is our data for today. A total of 144 samples have been processed throughout the day. We have a total of 23 new positive cases with a preliminary breakdown as follows: - 3 cases in Belmopan (2 are linked to the previous identified positive case in Belmopan and the other case is linked to San Pedro) - 1 in rural Corozal with apparent link to San Pedro - 2 cases in Orange Walk (1 from Santa Marta and 1 from Orange Walk Town linked to a previously identified case).

BELIZE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19
The Fisheries Department would like to inform the public of its new procedures regarding services to the public in light of the national COVID-19 situation. Effective August 11, 2020, the Department will not be issuing any licenses until further notice. However, online applications will be received for a period of one month (August 11- September 10, 2020). The public is also informed that the marine reserves will be closed to visitation until further notice.

Ministry of Health Condemns Stigmatization of COVID-19 Patients
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Health that many persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and as well as persons who may have been in contact with them are being stigmatized and discriminated physically and emotionally, including through social media platforms. The Ministry of Health recognizes that it is not only the virus that we must protect ourselves from but also fear, rumors and stigma. The psychological damage caused by stigmatization may be greater than the physical symptoms experienced by the illness and it can have an impact even after recovery from those symptoms.

Caye Caulker Raffle Fundraiser
This raffle is a second fundraiser for Miss Heni Heredia, an instrumental part of the Caye Caulker Community who is in need of urgent surgery. You can purchase tickets from Seni Smith, Nicki Aguilar or Kristel Aguilar if you wish to support a good cause.

Aaron Hendrix passes away
SPHS would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Aaron Hendrix. He was assistant coach to the basketball teams from 2001-2003. May his souls rest in peace

Mrs. Norma Lara passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Lara family on the sad and sudden passing of Mrs. Norma Lara. We hope her family and friends find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Malaria Elimination initiative
Indoor Residual Spraying for the Malaria Elimination initiative has started targeting the high risk communities in the district. In the next coming weeks, Communities such as Trio, San Pablo, Swasey, Red Bank, kindly expect visits from our trained team.

THANK YOU ROTARY CLUB OF COROZAL
The management and staff of Corozal Community Hospital would like to thank Rotary for their valuable donation of a 40 ft. container of items. Items include microscopes, beds, gurneys, crashcarts, cpap, infusion pump, goose lamps, washer, dryer and refrigerator. These will be used between CCH, Chunox Polyclinic and San Narciso Polyclinic.

Psychosocial Packages Distributed
On Monday, 10th of August 2020, the Vice-Chair of the SISE CAB Technical Steering Committee Mr. Abdel Cowo, Mayor Earl Trapp Jr, Councillor Vanessa Neal and Councillor Bernadette Fernandez assisted the CAB President Lea Gonzales (who was not present but represented by the Vice-Chair Abdel Cowo, due to COVID19 caution) with the distribution of a few Psychosocial Packages that were provided by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the SCFM Partners, through funding from UNICEF, to support our efforts to mitigate the psycho-social impacts caused by covid-19 on some of the most needy families and children in our Municipality.

Consultancy Opportunity!
The goal of the project is to conduct an assessment based on a highly participative approach that should look into the pillars of sustainability, while also identifying current good practices and high priority destination risks that will be reflective in a Visitor Management Action Plan Report.

Mask Regulation in San Pedro
We want to clarify that the wearing of face masks is required for everyone in public. If you are in a vehicle alone or with members of your immediate family masks are not required while in the vehicle with the windows closed. People on golf cart type vehicles are required to wear masks.

SHYNE BARROW CELEBRATES 16th ANNIVERSARY OF CLASSIC #1 BILLBOARD ALBUM!!!
By Shyne Barrow 16 years ago on August 10, 2004 I released the number 1 Rap/R&B album on the Billboard charts! I find it strange the people that talk about my 1 mistake I made 21 years ago always leave out my great unprecedented accomplishments! People will call me a deportee but forget to call me a Grammy award winner, they always forget the number 1 billboard album, the number 2 billboard album, the tens of millions of albums sold.

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 was the ancient Lord of the Underworld, who was called Yuum Cimil, also known as Ah Cimil, Kisin (the stinking one), and Hun Ahau. The Maya represented him as a skeleton or 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

Belizeans on Edge Waiting on COVID 19 Testing Results
When we left you Friday night there were 144 confirmed cases of CORONAvirus; tonight there are 154 after a weekend when less than 20 tests were processed as the testing units were re-calibrated. And, sometime tonight - the numbers could soar - because 300 tests were processed today - and we are now awaiting the results. So, looking at the overview, up to last night there were dozens of cases coming out of San Pedro - where there is community spread, and also a small number of cases appearing in San Ignacio and Belize City, with increasing cases in Orange Walk..

San Pedro, the Eye of the COVID Storm
But, for the time being, the centre of the spread is San Pedro town. And, today the ministry of health said it had tracked that island town's numbers to three clusters. The first cluster is related to patient #57, an expatriate female who was infected many persons. A release says, out of the cluster, 42% of the active cases on the island are linked to activities at the Allure Nightclub from July 16 - 19th. If you were there and have symptoms, you are urged to call the Ministry of Health hotlines.

Fishing Tournament Was Not Super Spreader
And while those are the locations that spawned the major clusters on San Pedro, the Grand Caribe Fishing Deep sea Classic Tournament that happened on the 18th and 19th of July was not, after all, a super spreader event. "We have not been able to ascertain that that was a super spreader event. I think we are linking more to patient number 57. That fishing tournament was more than 3 weeks ago. We are looking at events primarily over the last 7-10 days..."

Five San Pedro Officers Tested Positive For Covid 19, 9 More Showing Symptoms
But, the police department in San Pedro has been experiencing its own kind of outbreak. Five officers have tested positive for COVID 19, and another 9 are showing symptoms. Toady, we spoke via video conference to the officer commanding about it: Supt. Chris Noble, OC, San Pedro: "We have 5 infected, 3 are on the island, 2 are off the island. They were symptomatic, they are now asymptomatic and I have 9 more that presented flu symptoms, 3 presented flu symptoms today. We had 6 that presented over the weekend. We have isolated all officers."

Infected Pharmacist Speaks About Symptoms
And, back to San Pedro, this weekend, Carlos Novelo, a pharmacist in the town, provided some insight into what it is actually like to manage the painful symptoms that come with COVID-19. Several days ago, he tested positive with the virus, and to raise awareness about the virus, he decided to publicize a series of testimonials on his Facebook page. Novelo urged his social media followers that his decision to do this mainly to help in the education of the general public. He is hoping to help convince everyone to follow the Health Ministry's advice of regular hand-washing, properly wearing face masks, and practicing social distancing.

Police Relax Lockdown Regs For Guinea Grass And Shipyard
Among those sick with COVID are the residents of Guinea Grass and Shipyard. Both villages have been locked off according to protocols meant to mitigate the spread, but news tonight is that they aren't locked off from each other. There are also reports that residents of those villages who were away when their communities were locked down have been allowed to return, seemingly exposing themselves at their own risk. And this morning we asked Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette whether there was any validity to those reports.

Mother Of Three Was Found Slain and Buried, Boyfriend The Culprit
A 41-year-old mother of three was found dead this weekend. Guatemalan national Julia Milian Moran went missing at the end of July and was found in a shallow grave on Saturday, 9 days later. Her boyfriend, who initially accompanied her sister to file a missing person's report, later led police to the shallow grave where her body was found. It's a disturbing story with more than one twist and one that Julia's family is still trying to comprehend. Cherisse Halsall reports.

GSU Runs Over and Kills Homeless Man
Tonight, a police constable is facing a charge of manslaughter by negligence after he allegedly ran over a Belize City man on Saturday, just before midday. Police have identified the victim as 68-year-old Calvin Wright, who is originally from Morning Glory Street, but area residents tell us that they've spotted him behaving as though he is homeless. He is known to wander around the city, and at around 11:30, on Saturday morning, Wright was on Morning Glory Street, and multiple accounts say that he was somewhat in the road.

Cops Runs Over and Kills Man Sitting In Street
Police Constable Terrence Sutherland has since been criminally charged for this fatal accident. This morning at a police press conference, the Deputy Head of the National Criminal Investigation Branch shared what their investigation into the case has revealed so far: Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "On Saturday the 8th day of August, 2020, around 11:30am P.C. Terrence Sutherland was driving a police mobile on Morning Glory Street in Belize City when he ran over a male person who was seated on the road..."

Broad Daylight Armed Robber In Bmp Central Site
It's the second robbery this year for a centrally located Belmopan grocery store. It happened on Sunday morning at around 10:00 when a man wearing a camouflage jacket and a motorcycle helmet held up the store owners for cash and a cellphone. But it was far from a perfect crime with every moment of it recorded on security camera. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Sometime around 10am a slim built male person wearing a camouflage jacket and a reflective vest and a motorcycle helmet entered the establishment and thereafter pulled out a handgun and demanded money..."

Nazarene Church Emblazoned With Graffiti
And while the capital has been getting its share of robberies. It remains a relative stranger to gang activities. But that could all be changing as this weekend one of the City's most visible and popular churches was tagged with MS13 gang signs.

City Man Chopped To Head While He Slept
But the shocking acts didn't stop with the weekend. And early this morning 37-year-old Trevor Gill was chopped to the head while sleeping in his nephew's home. This morning the cops couldn't tell us whether Gill was the target or whether this was just a case of mistaken identity. But ACP Myvette told us that, despite a huge chop to the Head, Gill is stable. "He reported that he was sleeping at a friend's house on New Road and at some point a male person entered the house and inflicted the injuries to him. The male person thereafter fled from the area. Trevor Gill is in a stable condition. No suspects at this time."

Dinsdale Won Fantasy Five
Another Belizean has won Fantasy 5, and as a long-time fan of the game, he's now 173 thousand dollars richer. Exactly a week ago, another Belizean won the 300-thousand-dollar jackpot, and so, no one was expecting another winner so quickly. But, Dinsdale Smith continued to religiously purchase his fantasy 5 tickets, and this morning, he got a massive pay-day.

Phase Two Of Unemployment Relief Rolls Out
The Government of Belize is getting ready to start vetting applications for the second round of aid to needy Belizeans under phase 2 of its Unemployment Relief Program. The application portal opened up a week ago, and 49 thousand persons have already applied. To provide an update on the program, and to answer a few of the frequently asked questions, Dr. Carla Barnett, the Labour Minister of State who is in charge of the roll-out, appeared this afternoon on Ask the Experts. Here's her outline of the current state of affairs:

Working Out The Bugs With Online Applications
The Government's online application process for the Unemployment has been mostly successful, since a vast majority of the applications were completed electronically. But, the Minister also discussed a few of the technical problems they've been encountering with errors and glitches that have unfortunately come with a mostly-online process: Hon. Dr. Carla Barnett - Minister of State, Labour, Local Government, Rural Development: "There are 2 issues. 1, the singular one that we get the most notifications, requests, asking for help is where people are getting a message that says their number is already in the system, when they've already filled out their application, and think that they're inputting it for the first time..."

If You Haven’t Gotten Your Benefit Yet...
A few of the applicants from the first round made sure to ask Dr. Barnett about the beneficiaries who have still not received their money under the first phase of the Unemployment Relief program. She said that a number of them should have received their money today: "All have still not been delivered. On my way here, I was checking on it, and there's the last batch of quite a few hundred that are being delivered today, and that should be last of it for the top-up cards. And that should be the last of the transactions on phase 1. We're trying to tie that up, to finish that up, finally in the next few days. And that should be the last of it for the top-up cards, and that should be the last of the transactions on phase 1. So, we're trying to tie that up finally, over these next few days."

Helping Out Small Enterprises
A number of questions were asked about the Government-aid program for micro, small, and medium business enterprises. The Barrow Government is seeking to provide relief to those businesses which have been directly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But, since there are multiple options being presented, the BELTRAIDE wanted to clear up any confusion, or misunderstanding that prospective applicants may have about how it will work. Here's an excerpt of a conversation between the Ask the Experts Host and Dr. Leroy Almendarez:

Mental Health Assoc. Calls For Forensic Unit, Urgently
On Friday's news you heard about Nigel Ferguson, who allegedly threw boiling water at a police Inspector who was trying to get him to use a mask. Ferguson's cousin explained that he's mentally ill, and has been acting out recently - threatening to harm family members and their property. She said police had beat him, and intended to charge him. Well, he didn't appear in court today, but the Mental Health Association says the incident, quote, "underlines the urgent need for a Psychiatric Forensic Unit in Belize. ..He is frequently violent, and the family cannot deal with him in a manner that keeps him and the public safe.

UB Union Calls For Delayed Start Of Semester
The University of Belize's Faculty and Staff Union is demanding that the semester start date be rolled back to September 7th. They are concerned about teaching assignments and workloads that have yet to be settled, about the lack of infrastructure to facilitate the move to online classes, and about uncertainty with regard to the future of units and departments. That along with the University's suggestion's that certain key Union members voluntarily separate from their posts in a move that could be deemed union-busting. And as tensions rise at UB the 2020/2021 academic year rests in the balance.

Port of Belize Back To Bargaining Table with CWU
This morning, the Christian Workers Union began negotiations with the Port of Belize's management on behalf of its members who are staffers at the Port. A week ago, the PBL and the CWU finally signed a collective bargaining agreement to cover the working conditions and benefits that the stevedores will enjoy as waterfront workers. That agreement marked history and the end of 16 years of open hostilities between the Port's Management and the Stevedores.

Remembering Gino
And, before we leave tonight, we note the passing of Sergeant of Police, Gino Peck. The 48 year old who was a 29 year veteran of the department who died on Saturday due to complications of stomach cancer. Peck never led the department or reached the senior command, but was one of the most respected cops we've known.

Channel 5

300 COVID-19 Tests Being Conducted Overnight
Additional cases of COVID-19 are expected to be diagnosed in the days ahead, as contact tracing and testing are ongoing, so the next few days will be critical. An outbreak [...]

Primary School Teacher Contracts COVID-19
Following an outbreak in cases of the coronavirus, schools around the country were ordered to remain closed as a containment measure.  So instead of being in the classrooms today, the [...]

Contact Tracing in the Belize and Northern Districts are Ongoing
So while further results are expected, there is presently a total lockdown in the Mennonite community of Shipyard, in Orange Walk District where twelve cases have been recorded from a [...]

Dr. Manza Clears the Air on BMDA Release
On Saturday, the Belize Medical and Dental Association issued a statement regarding frontline health workers, who they claim were exposed to COVID-19 in the line of duty.  DHS Manzanero has [...]

COVID-19 Hits San Pedro Cops!
In San Pedro, fourteen officers attached to the San Pedro Police Station are in isolation.  Of those fourteen, five have tested positive for COVID-19; three of whom are on the [...]

COVID-19 Patient Documents His Symptoms
Six persons in the health system are confirmed as positive cases.  Pharmacist Carlos Novelo, who also lives on San Pedro, has tested positive for COVID-19, and like teacher Vanessa Gladden, [...]

Breaking the Stigma and Basic Remedies to Help COVID-19 Complications
But even as Carlos Novelo pleas for the public to stay safe, a number of patients, who have tested positive, are complaining that their lives are being threatened. There is [...]

Allure Nightclub’s Statement on COVID-19 Situation on Island
The largest number of positive cases is in San Pedro due to a community spread.  According to the Ministry of Health, the actual source of the current infections is unclear, [...]

Civil Aviation Minister Confirms Private Plane Did Not Land
Last week, the Director of Health Services discarded reports that a fishing tournament in San Pedro was a super spreader event for the virus. But the Minister of Tourism and [...]

Body of Missing Honduran Woman Discovered in Shallow Grave
The body of Julia Timotea Milian Moran was found inside a shallow grave over the weekend and police believe her killer was well-known to her.  The mother of four, who [...]

A and R Free Zone Shutdowns
As COVID-19 cases go up in the country, economic activity continues to slow down and everywhere, businesses are struggling to stay afloat. The government has rolled out a plan to [...]

A and R Enterprises Owner Considers Worst Case Scenario
According to Urbina Junior, A and R Enterprises has seven branches across the country. The company employs over two hundred persons. If the country goes in another lockdown, A and [...]

Phase Two of Unemployment Relief Commences
Almost fifty thousand persons have applied for unemployment relief through the Government of Belize amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  As part of the second phase of the programme, workers who have [...]

Kinks with Financial Assistance for MSMEs are being Worked Out
Financial assistance being provided for micro, small and medium enterprises, through BELTRAIDE, another of government’s COVID-relief initiatives, hasn’t been without its snags.  According to Doctor Leroy Almendarez, Executive Director of [...]

Smoothening Out the Unemployment Relief Process
Similarly, the Unemployment Relief Program, in its first phase, also ran into problems with the system being used.  According to Doctor Carla Barnett, the biggest hiccup involved the inputting of [...]

Elderly Man Knocked Down and Killed By G.S.U. Officer
There was a traffic fatality in Belize City on Saturday at midday. An elderly man was killed when a GSU vehicle ran over him on Morning Glory Street. Calvin Wright [...]

Man Chopped to the Head during Home Invasion in Belize City
Also here in Belize City, after three o’clock this morning, Trevor Gill was chopped on his hands and head.  Gill was in deep slumber at his nephew’s house on New [...]

MS-13 Tags Belmopan Nazarene Church; Bullets Found on the Grounds!
Is the MS-13 gang marking its territory in Belmopan? The Belize Police Department doesn’t believe so. In recent weeks, the gang has been tagging buildings and public spaces in Belmopan. [...]

Pastor Wade Says MS-13 Tag was Strategic but not a Target!
But what does the Pastor of Belmopan Nazarene Church think of this gang tags on his church? Well, that Pastor happens to be our media colleague Louis Wade of Plus [...]

San Pedro Police Officer Says There is No Love for Cops on the Island Amidst COVID-19 Spread!
So, as you heard at the top of the news, five police officers attached to the San Pedro Police have tested positive for the COVID-19; but several others are also [...]

Taisan Shop in Belmopan is Targeted by Armed Thieves
A robber targeted a small grocery store this weekend. Around ten on Sunday morning, Belmopan Police officers were called out to Taisan Shop where an armed thief held up the [...]

Business Owners Encouraged to be Vigilant
In recent weeks, we have been reporting on a string of robberies across the country, including Belmopan. Today, police encouraged business owners to be vigilant and call the police if [...]

San Marcos Village Residents Want Their Piece of Land
In the south, residents of San Marco Village are tonight upset and taking matters into their hands. Dozens of families have started to occupy lands along the Southern Highway, just [...]

San Marcos Villagers Say They Are Tired of Neglect
Villagers say that they will no longer tolerate neglect and call on the powers that be to give them what they say rightfully belongs to them.   Resident, San Marcus [...]

U.B.F.S.U. Concerned About Lack of Consultations as School Reopens
On Friday we told you about the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union’s attempt to kick start negotiations with the UB’s Board of Trustees and President. The Union feels [...]

The Reporter

Man chopped in Belize City
A man identified as Trevor Gill, 37, is in critical condition at the KHMH after he was chopped to his head and hands around 3:30 this morning. According to prelimimary imformation, Gill was asleep on a sofa at his nephew's home on New Road in Belize City when an unknown person entered the home and inflicted the wounds before fleeing the scene. Police are waiting for Gill to be stabilized so they can get information from him whicn could help the investigation

The home of an elderly couple from Kuxlin Ha in the Toledo District was invaded on Sunday night by five masked men
The couple reported that around 8:00 five men, one holding a gun and the others with knives, entered the home and demanded money. A wallet with $700 was handed over and the men ransacked the home before leaving with a computer and other assorted items.

LOVE FM

UBFSU requests postponement to start date for University
The University’s Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) voiced their concerns last week about new protocols that the University’s Board of Trustees had implemented without first consulting them. These protocols would directly affect the livelihoods of many of the faculty members as many were told their contracts would not be renewed while others were given the option of voluntary separation.

Over one hundred persons charged for breaking State of Emergency regulations
One hundred and forty seven persons were arrested and charged over the weekend after acting incontravention of the regulations under the current State of Emergency. According to the Police Commissioner Chester Williams, one hundred and twenty four were charged for failing to wear a cloth mask or face covering in public;

Fourteen officers off duty and on Quarantine
The latest statement from the Ministry of Health has indicated that Ambergris Caye has been the hardest hit in Belize with the highest number of Covid-19 cases. Tonight we can tell you that there are currently fourteen police officers attached to Ambergris Caye who are now off duty and in quarantine. Commanding Officer for the island, Superintendent Christopher Noble spoke to the media on the situation involving his officers and how this is affecting the security services on the island.

Police Constable test positive for COVID-19
As we noted earlier in this newcast, several police officers attached to Ambergris Caye have been confirmed with Covid-19. One of those officers is 28-year-old Javier Noble. Police Constable Javier Noble began displaying symptoms of the virus on Saturday, August 1, and had gotten tested at the San Pedro Polyclinic. He received his results yesterday and has indicated to our newsroom that he may have gotten infected on the job. Noble stated that he had no contact with any of the three clusters. We were able to speak to Noble who walked us through the entire procedure and the effects it has had on him.

Day four of Fourteen, How are they coping?
Three villages, Santa Martha, Guinea Grass, Shipyard, in the Orange Walk District along with Ambergris Caye have been placed on lockdown for the next two weeks. Late last week the announcement was made by the Prime Minister which brought significant changes in those areas as no one is allowed to enter or exit the villages. Love News reached out to the Chairman of Guinea Grass, Benito Uck who spoke on how the villagers are coping.

Stranded in the Caribbean due to COVID-19
A Belizean woman in Bermuda is eager to come home to Belize but is having difficulty doing this via the repatriation process due to the high cost of the hotel quarantine. Rose Lambey left Belize on March 5 and got stuck in Bermuda when Belize went under a complete lockdown. She has applied to come home and was approved but the cost to quarantine has crippled her progress. She has suggested quarantining at home in Belmopan where she lives alone. She says she is willing to cooperate with the police and health officials. Lambey is asking the Government to work with Belizeans who are unable to meet the demand for the quarantine fees required.

Ministry of Labor explains issues with Unemployment Relief Fund
As Belize experiences a second wave of Covid-19, the government continues its relief programme aimed at helping those severely affected by the economic downturn. The programme is in its second phase began on August 3.

BTB rewards frontline workers
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has announced the winners of the Essential Workers Competition, part of the Belize Travelers Campaign. The primary focus of the competition was to recognize dedicated and hardworking essential workers who have gone beyond the call of duty to serve Belize during the fight against COVID-19.

Belmopan resident wins Fantasy Five
A Belmopan resident is the lucky winner of the Fantasy five jackpot. Dinsdale Smith says that he has been buying Fantasy Five quick pick for as long as he can remember.

The numbers for COVID-19 cases increasing
It has been one hundred and forty-one days since the first case of Covid-19 was registered in Belize. Tonight we can tell you that there have been one hundred and fifty-four confirmed cases around the country, primarily in the Orange Walk and Belize Districts. In speaking with Love News late this evening, the Director of Health Services Dr Marvin Manzanero explained that there are three hundred samples in the queue to be processed.

Second Police Constable test positive for COVID-19
Police Constable Manuel Caliz attached to Ambergris Caye is one of the officers who has been infected with Covid-19. In a post on Facebook, PC Caliz seemed outraged at the situation on the island as...

Store in Cayo robbed for the second time
For the second time this year the owners of Taisan Shop in Belmopan were robbed at gunpoint. The incident occurred just after ten o’clock yesterday morning. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story.

Two home invasions reported
A Belize City man was attacked and chopped inside a house this morning. The incident occurred just before five o’clock on New Road at a house where 37-year-old Trevor Gill was sleeping.

Body of woman found in shallow grave
The body of a woman was found in a shallow grave after she had been reported missing. On Friday, August 7, 39-year-old Julia Timotea Millian Moran was reported missing by her sister.

High demand for chicken causing empty shelves
Chicken is a staple in the diet of most Belizeans. As such, it was a major concern when various suppliers of chicken closed their doors early due to a lack of poultry products. At first,...

Breaking Belize News

Home of elderly American couple invaded by 5 armed masked men
Just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August, the home of an elderly retired American […]

“It’s not over till it’s over:” Trinidad Opposition seeks recounts in marginal seats
The Opposition United National Congress (UNC) of Kamla Persad-Bissessar says it’s not ready to concede […]

23 new cases of COVID-19 detected
A total of 144 samples were processed throughout the day and 23 new positive cases […]

People’s National Movement wins re-election in Trinidad and Tobago
The People’s National Movement (PNM) of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is projected to have […]

Belize wins deferral of interest on Superbond
The Government of Belize says approximately 82 percent of bondholders have agreed to its proposal […]

San Pedro OC calls for mental health assistance for his officers
Several San Pedro Police officers are either infected with COVID-19 or in self-isolation as a […]

US State Department warns international travelers considering travel to Belize due to border closures
The United States Department of State has issued travel advisory warning Americans considering travel to […]

Fourteen San Pedro Officers off the job due to COVID-19
Some 14 Belize Police Department’s San Pedro formation are off the job due to COVID-19. […]

Ministry of Health condemns stigmatization of COVID-19 patients
The Ministry of Health says that it is aware that many persons who have been […]

US President Trump’s briefing interrupted by Secret Service after shots fired near White House
Minutes ago, a press briefing being held at the White House was interrupted by the […]

Ministry of Health: Visitors that visited San Pedro in mid-July and are developing symptoms of COVID-19 should call nearest health facility
The Ministry of Health today issued an update on 3 clusters of COVID-19 cases. The […]

Contact tracing for new cases in Orange Walk and Belize City continues
The Ministry of Health informed today that the contact tracing for the new cases identified […]

Ministry of Health issue updates on 3 clusters of COVID-19 cases
The Ministry of Health continues its mapping and contact tracing exercises as it aims to […]

Over 1,000 repatriation applications approved
The Government of Belize informed that as of August 7, 2020, 1,114 repatriation applications had […]

Tropic Air uses Ultraviolet C light to sterilize aircraft
As part of its continuing response to the issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and in […]

Hours adjusted for Elections and Boundaries offices countrywide
The Elections and Boundaries Department informs the public of the adjustment in opening hours for […]

Trinidad and Tobago general election being held today
The people of the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago are voting in general elections […]

Over 4,000 tests completed for COVID-19
The Ministry of Health has conducted 4,031 tests for COVID-19 in Belize. So far, the […]

Belize City man chopped during home invasion
A Belize City man is receiving medical treatment for severe chop wounds, after an early […]

Police make almost 150 arrests for state of emergency violations over the weekend
Over the weekend Police arrested and charged a total of 147 people countrywide for various […]

Belize monitoring 120 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials in Belize are monitoring 120 active cases of COVID-19. On Sunday, the Ministry […]

Everyone deserves a second chance
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Belize shaken after 5.7 magnitude earthquake off Honduras
Breaking Belize News has confirmed a magnitude 5.7 earthquake off the north coast of Honduras […]

Blogs

Tropic Air uses Ultraviolet C light to sterilize aircraft
As part of its continuing response to the issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and in keeping with its commitment to the health and wellness of its customers and employees, Tropic Air, has added an Ultraviolet C (UV-C) light sterilization process to its aircraft cleaning protocol. This is in addition to the enhanced chemical and disinfectant cleaning procedures for aircraft, equipment and facilities implemented in February.

Comfort Needed: Let’s Make Belizean Chicken Soup
Chicken soup – which actually DOES have several benefits when you are not feeling well. And 2020 is a year that…has very few of us feeling well. You might be surprised to hear it, but Belize is a BIG soup country. And I know what you are thinking. After a morning of sunning and snorkeling, do I really want a big bowl of hot soup? The answer, when I first moved down, was HECK NO. Yesterday I thought I’d sweat (more) and make some Belize Chicken Soup with Habanero. The ONLY Belize recipe that I’ve mastered. I love it because you can go heavy or light on any part of it…make it spicier or less spicy…basically, it’s impossible to mess up.

Brent's Two Cents: The Semi-Serious Thoughts of a Guy in Belize
Belize experienced 105 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in just 8 days! The second wave looks more like a tsunami. How did this happen? Who is to blame? Will we learn from our mistakes before it gets even worse? Plus, listeners give their own two cents about the situation in Belize. And some good news from the Belize Zoo. Generous supporters have raised enough money to make sure no animals will go hungry during this difficult time, at least for now.

The 2020 Belize Gold Book Launches August 15
Debuting online this Saturday, the newest publication to the print and online resource of Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle (CC+L) comes with a modest goal: being the leading travel resource on Belize. Like past issues, the Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle’s Belize Gold Book will provide a true sense of Belize – a destination with an outstanding collection of people, places, and cultures, while Belize continues to prepare for the reopening of tourism to international visitors. However, it is important to safeguard the health and safety of both residents and guests now, more than ever. As such, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is actively working with industry partners to share Belize’s enhanced health and safety protocols for the tourism industry.

Can I Bring My Pet To Belize?
When you choose Belize as your new home, you will want to bring your pet. Fortunately, your pet is welcome to join you in beautiful Belize as long as you follow a few simple rules. First obtain an import permit from Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Since your pet will be inspected when you arrive at the Philip S.W. Goldson airport in Ladyville, make sure that is the port of entry listed on the permit. You’ll contact BAHA again two days before you travel to make sure there is an inspector present when you arrive. Because each airline has its own procedures for transporting pets, you’ll want to inform yourself before you book a flight. You’ll need to check on size or breed restrictions. You may need to get a new crate, depending on the airline, or get your vet to issue a health certificate.

How To Get Belize Residency
Living in Belize is a dream for many people. You can make that happen by getting official residency here. Thousands of expatriates and retirees have made their dreams come true in Belize. Here’s how to get residency so you can live here. When you enter Belize as a tourist, you’re legally allowed to stay for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, you must renew your tourist visa for another month. To do this, you must visit the immigration office in Belmopan or Belize City. If you do this for 12 months, you’ll have official residency. During that time, you cannot spend more than 14 days outside Belize. Each month you renew your visa, you must pay $25US monthly for the first six months. You must pay $50US for the next six months. After the year is over, you can apply for permanent residency. The cost for US citizens is $1,000.

International Sources

Belize Announces Results of Successful Consent Solicitation
The Government of Belize announced today the expiration and results of its solicitation of consent (the "Consent Solicitation") from eligible holders of Belize's U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 (the "Bonds") pursuant to the consent solicitation statement dated July 17, 2020 (the "Consent Solicitation Statement"). Holders of the Bonds representing 82.00% of outstanding Bonds have consented to the amendments to the terms of the Bonds and the indenture, dated as of March 20, 2013, between Belize and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (as amended on March 21, 2017, the "Indenture"), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement.

Researchers created a test to determine which masks are the least effective
A group of researchers at Duke University created a simple technique to analyze the effectiveness of various types of masks which have become a critical component in stopping the spread of the virus. In the study published Friday, researchers with Duke's physics department demonstrated the use of a simple method that uses a laser beam and cell phone to evaluate the efficiency of masks by studying the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech.

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