The positivity rate for COVID-19 is down to one point four percent from a whopping sixty-five percent in last November of last year. The latest figures show that there were seven confirmed new cases, seventeen recoveries and one new death. Active cases are also down to one hundred and forty persons, with the majority being […]
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, also known as IICA, is piloting a voluntary third-party quality assurance project in Belize and Honduras. Today, a virtual ceremony was held to officially launch the initiative that is expected to empower the private sector to set standards for food safety for public health and trade. BAHA Acting […]
The project will also look at legislative frameworks, capacity building efforts and public-private partnership opportunities to facilitate changes to strengthen the food security management system. Minister of Food Security Jose Abelardo Mai says three sectors will be targeted in this pilot project. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise “In the […]
In an update to a story from June, construction of a fuel depot and convenience store near the outskirts of Punta Gorda has been halted by the Central Building Authority, following an outcry from residents who raised concerns of public health and safety. In January, a site visit was conducted and several issues of non-compliance […]
Loose ends are being tied up by both major political parties ahead of the municipal elections next Wednesday in Corozal. The People’s United Party is seeking another term of office under the leadership of Mayor Rigo Vellos. The incumbent head of local government is being challenged by the U.D.P.’s Roger Arana, who has professional experience […]
Former Corozal Mayor Hilberto Campos is running against the younger sibling of David ‘Dido’ Vega next Wednesday in a bye-election to represent Corozal Bay in parliament. Vega died of COVID-19 complications on December eleventh, 2020, the day when he was set to be sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives. In the […]
They may not be able to sit together in person due to COVID-19, but that is not stopping Belizean and Mexican business counterparts from joining forces. Today, the Embassy of Mexico, COPARMEX Quintana Roo and the Ministry of Economic Development of Quintana Roo announced that the first virtual Business Roundtable Mexico-Belize will be held on […]
The nations school children may be hoping to resume in-person classes in September, but in the meantime many are still on remote learning. This week one school in the Stann Creek received a most welcome donation of laptops that should really help the students and teachers keep up with their work. [Donation of Laptops…] […]
If you encounter a road traffic accident, do you know what to do? There are some basic life-saving skills that you can perform. It is almost always recommended that medical professionals respond to call for help. But there are times when accident victims may not be able to reach a hospital or get help on […]
Most people only see Belize’s beautiful butterflies one at a time, when they land on a garden flower. But imagine being surrounded by them all the time. Tonight, News Five’s Andrea Polanco has a story about the people in the Stann Creek District who care for these delicate creatures from the time they are eggs […]
Belize is in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and yet there’s an empty chair at the office of the Director of Health Services. News Five has confirmed that there is no DHS at the Ministry of Health and Wellness as of today. That is because Doctor Marvin Manzanero was placed on administrative leave effective […]
Void aside, the Association of Public Service Senior Managers says that the government is attacking the reputation of Doctor Marvin Manzanero, who for the greater part of 2020 was the Ministry of Health’s public face of the fight against the pandemic. Yet, according to a letter issued to the DHS on Tuesday, allegations of misconduct […]
The President of the A.P.S.S.M. says that according to the Public Service Regulations, there is a limited period of time for an allegation of misconduct to be brought against a public officer. The letter she saw refers to April 2020 which is ten months ago. Sharon Frazer says that due process has not been followed […]
But Doctor Marvin Manzanero is not the only person being affected by what is widely perceived to be a concerted effort to have him removed as DHS. Since December seventh Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa had been tapped by the Public Service Ministry to become the Acting Director of Health Services. While that contract is to end […]
As promised, the donation of one thousand vaccines from Barbados arrived in Belize today via Amerijet just after seven this morning. The shipment was received by the former Acting DHS, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa. These vaccines are not a part of the one hundred thousand plus to be acquired via the COVAX facility, expected in late […]
Today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness held a media sensitization session at the Radisson on COVID-19 vaccines. Among the issues discussed were the effectiveness of vaccines in a pandemic and resistance by healthcare workers to getting vaccinated. News Five’s Duane Moody reports. Duane Moody, Reporting As Belize anticipates the arrival of its first […]
In preparation for the vaccine roll out across the country in the coming weeks, a simulation exercise was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness last week. Doctor Natalia Largaespada Beer breaks down that process and the gaps identified for setting up vaccination stations outside of a medical facility. Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, […]
It is one of the most popular natural attractions for both Belizeans and visitors, but tonight it appears that the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is in serious financial trouble. Responding to reports of possible financial impropriety, incoming Minister of Civil Aviation, whose portfolio includes the “the Blue Economy,” hired the firm of Moore Magana LLP […]
Police say he beat his common-law wife with a hammer in December. But tonight, his attorney has gotten him out on bail. Just days before Christmas, it is alleged that Joel Bardalez used a hammer to beat Sindey Tut, a mother of four children, in her face, breaking some facial bones. Now Bardalez, who is charged […]
The Statistical Institute of Belize has given its report on the state of the Belize economy. During a virtual presentation today, the S.I.B. shared that the economy contracted by thirteen point one percent during the last quarter of 2020. The S.I.B.’s report shows that gross domestic product was down significantly due to a decline of […]
Turning to the trade bulletin, the S.I.B. says that total imports in 2020 stood at one point six billion dollars, but it was still down by almost four hundred million dollars when compared to 2019. Exports for last year were also down by eleven percent or some forty-six million dollars, putting the total value of […]
And what’s up with the price of goods and services in Belize? If you thought that prices felt a little steeper for last January, the S.I.B. says that it’s because they were higher by one percent when compared to 2020. Melvin Perez of the S.I.B. breaks down the areas where consumers felt the increases and […]
Belizeans who had been hoping the price of gas might not keep rising will be disappointed tonight. The Ministry of Finance has announced the pump price of three fuel products will change on Thursday. Premium gasoline will jump by fifty-one cents from nine dollars and eighty-nine cents to ten dollars and forty cents per gallon. Kerosene […]
The Municipal Election is exactly one week away from today and as we have been showing you, the political teams are hitting the campaign trails. Today, the U.D.P. slate in Belize City held a virtual launch of its manifesto that they say will “bring back fi we city.” Here’s a snippet of some of the […]
A new Elections and Boundaries Commission was sworn in during a brief ceremony today at Belize House. Five members, including Chairman Oscar Sabido, were administered the oath of office. Along with a new presiding officer are Orlando Espat, Conrad Lewis, Phillipa Griffith Bailey and Alberto August. Senior Counsel Sabido takes up the reins from former […]
