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A Formal Partnership between APAMO and B.T.B.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between APAMO and the B.T.B. to bridge the gap between the environmental N.G.O.s and the tourism sector. After numerous site visits and continuous talks, a formal partnership was created between the tourism industry and the biggest umbrella of protected areas N.G.O.s in Belize. Following the signing, a seventy-five […]

Miss Earth Destiny Wagner Named Sustainable Tourism Ambassador

The protection of the environment, the provision of socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities and the conservation of cultural heritage are among the goals of the M.O.U.  To assist with the promotion of these objectives, Miss Earth 2021 Destiny Wagner has been tapped by the B.T.B. as the country’s Sustainable Tourism Ambassador.   Michelle Bowers, Marketing […]

“Extraneous Materials” Hampering Cane Processing

First it was a blockage by cane farmers that delayed the start of the sugar crop, now rocks, metals, and other debris are threatening to shut down operations at the northern sugar mill, A.S.R./B.S.I. The company announced today mud levels in the product are within the normal range, the presence of other materials is unusually […]

Super Furia Named “Band of the Year”

The Super Furia band has been in existence for decades. It is well known for its energetic and captivating live performances, both among party goers and in family settings. However, the pandemic caused the band to reassess its approach to delivering entertainment.  In 2021, Super Furia not only headlined some of the major virtual events […]

Waterloo Appeals D.O.E. Decision to Minister of Sustainable Development

An appeal has been lodged by Waterloo Investments Holdings Limited to challenge a decision by the Department of Environment which has denied environmental clearance for its proposed tourism development project near the Port of Belize.  The appeal has been made to Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Orlando Habet.  Notwithstanding D.O.E.’s […]

Climate Finance Unit Takes Shape

Following COP26 and other efforts to boost Belize’s sustainable development, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment announced it has created a Climate Finance Unit.  The C.F.U. comes on stream as of January third and is intended to streamline the process for those wishing to access climate financing and assist the government in carrying […]

Waterloo Joins Stake Bank Vs G.O.B. as an Interested Party

This morning before the Supreme Court, leave was granted for three companies, including Waterloo, Belize Cruise Development and Belize Logistics Terminal Limited, to join an existing lawsuit involving Stake Bank Enterprise.  Earlier this year, the Feinstein Group filed a claim against the Attorney General, the Department of the Environment and the National Environmental Appraisal Committee […]

Investigation Underway into Malfeasance Allegation Against NEAC

The principals of Waterloo Investment Holdings have written to the Government of Belize making serious allegations of corruption at the National Environmental Appraisal Committee. Today, C.E.O. in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Doctor Kenrick Williams, under whose ministry the NEAC falls, responded to the allegations, saying that an investigation will be launched, but there would […]

Public Officers Concerned about Integrity of NEAC

C.E.O. Doctor Kenrick Williams says that a meeting has since been held with members of the NEAC. He explains how that conversation went.   Dr. Kenrick Williams, C.E.O., Ministry of Sustainable Development “We discussed it as a matter of importance as a committee because it hangs over this public process. We have high professionals within […]

An Update on Proposed Stake Bank Causeways

The conservation community has come out against the proposed causeways that are a major part of the Stake Bank multibillion-dollar cruise port project in the Belize City harbour. Earlier this year, it was revealed that approval was issued by NEAC years ago, giving developers the green light to proceed as planned. That document is now […]

Pine Ridge Retreat for At-risk Youths Ends on a Sour Note

Forty-three young men from various neighborhoods across Belize City traveled to Camp D’Silva on Monday to attend a four-day retreat organized by the ministries of Home Affairs and Youth and Sports. The period of seclusion succeeds various activities that are aimed at getting them involved in meaningful pursuits.  It was also an opportunity for them […]

Counselors Assist At-risk Youths

The University of Belize also facilitated the retreat by providing a team of counselors to stimulate the sensitive conversations that would eventually lead to healing. Despite the logistical nightmare that ensued, Fermin Olivera is grateful that the attendance showed that there is a willingness on the part of these young men to begin the discussion. […]

DYS Director Says They Were Stuck in Mud

Acting Director of the Department of Youth Services, Kevin Cadle, explained the challenges that resulted in the chaos at Camp D’Silva on Wednesday. According to Cadle, he and another organizer got stuck on the Mountain Pine Ridge Road when their vehicles got bogged in the muck from overnight rains. Notwithstanding the unfortunate experience, he says […]

Waterloo to Appeal NEAC Decision on EIA

Today, the Department of the Environment informed the Board of Directors of Waterloo Investments Holdings that the National Environmental Appraisal Committee will not be granting environmental clearance for their proposed cruise port terminal and expansion of its bulk cargo facility.  The letter, from the Chief Environment Officer, says the committee is of the opinion that […]

Minister Habet Concerned About Bribery Allegations

Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, says his ministry is concerned about the allegation of bribery being made against members of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee. In a letter dated November twenty- fourth addressed to the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Sustainable Development,  Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited alleged that members of Committee (NEAC) approached them […]

Habet Comments on Extended EIA Process

There are reports that the NEAC has already deliberated and made a decision on Waterloo’s bulk handling facility and cruise ship port. Unconfirmed reports suggest that NEAC has objected to the project. But when we asked Minister Habet for confirmation today, he only revealed that instructions have been given to NEAC to write Waterloo about […]

EIA Process May Need to be Reviewed

In their letter, Waterloo Investment Holding requested a meeting with C.E.O. Williams to further discuss their concerns in an effort to reach an expeditious resolution. We asked Minister Habet if they will take up that request. Here is how he responded.   Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development “I believe that any investor, especially for […]

Alternative Livelihoods in Natural Park Buffer Communities

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed this morning at Saint Herman’s Blue Hole National Park where several residents who live in communities that encircle protected areas, are being assisted financially for a transition to alternative livelihoods.  Those jobs range from gardening to beekeeping and tour guiding.  It’s an effort to further safeguard these national parks […]

Wit Concrete Sunk to Become a Dive Site

Finally, the Wit concrete has taken her final bow. At the second attempt, the three hundred and seventy five foot long World War two cargo ship is now submerged in the Soldier Caye Conservation zone at Blackbird Caye. The intent is to provide a new source of income for the marine reserve and its stakeholders, […]

Details on Road Rehabilitation in Infrastructure Report

Two weeks ago the Leader of the Opposition, Patrick Faber asked the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to make public the details of the contracts and scope of road works to rehabilitate roads damaged by Hurricanes Etta and Iota. These hurricanes affected not only Central America, but dumped significant amounts of rain over Belize, causing one […]

Chiquibul Could Become World Heritage Site

The Chiquibul Forest Reserve and other dense jungle spaces in Belize have been areas of contention for Belizean law enforcement authorities and Guatemalan encroachers from time to time. Often enough, Friends for Conservation and Development, accompanied by Belize Defense Force and Immigration personnel apprehend illegal loggers, poachers, gold-panners and cattle ranchers. Now there a proposal […]

Governance Framework for Chiquibul Still Being Discussed

But to have better management of a much broader area, there needs to be a clear definition of the responsibilities for each agency involved.  Manzanero says that part of the plan is still in the making.   Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director, FCD “Certainly, Marion, all of these areas are already under protection and so it […]

Managing the Sargassum Problem

Even as the prime tourist destination is seeing a rebound, sargassum continues to be an eyesore incurring costs for the council and hoteliers. Mitigating the natural phenomenon continues to be a new mandate of the council.   Wally Nunez, Mayor, San Pedro Town “The town council is always working with the sargassum; this is a […]

Beach Erosion on San Pedro: Land Reclamation Project Proposed

Coastal communities and islands across the country have been experiencing erosion as one of the many effects of climate n. In San Pedro, it is no different. Beaches have been washed away and the sea has gradually inched closer to some properties. Mayor Wally Nunez says that the council is planning to carry out a […]

Grants for Monkey Bay and Community Baboon Sanctuaries

The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation has awarded two conservation organizations grants amounting to seventy four thousand dollars. The handing over ceremony was held this morning at the Guanacaste National Park in Belmopan. News Five’s Paul Lopez filed the following report.   Paul Lopez, Reporting Two environmental conservation agencies received grants from the Belize Nature Conservation […]