In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is facing another crisis; it has to do with bush and forest fires that have been spreading all over the country. In the Cayo District, the situation has become unbearable as the fires and smoke levels threaten the health and property of residents. The fires have been […]
The forest fires are caused by a number of environmental factors such the current high temperatures. The Vaca Forest has experienced the largest wild fire affecting the biodiversity of the protected area but there was little relief this afternoon when it rained. And as the unprecedented fires started to spread closer to the village of […]
One million dollars in damages were caused by a raging farm fire on fifty acres of cacao plantation in the south. The fire keeps burning tonight, stretching beyond the villages of Columbia and San Miguel in the Toledo District. The cacao plantation is owned by Serendipity Farm and one of the owners, Lawrence Chavarria says that over […]
Aside from the cacao farm in Crique Jute, fires have been raging in Punta Gorda where overnight two houses were gutted by a blaze. Police and fire-fighters had to respond in an effort to stop the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures. While the blaze was brought under control, two structures in its path were […]
There was a sigh of relief on Tuesday evening when the Ministry of Health confirmed that three more persons have recovered from COVID-19, bringing the number of persons to beat the virus to nine. It has been more than two weeks since the last confirmed case of the deadly virus. While the fourteen-day quarantine is […]
As you heard, since the beginning of this week, traffic has picked up and movement across the city has increased. So there is concern some have thrown caution to the wind even though COVID-19 remains a real threat to the country. Commissioner of Police says that while restrictions have been eased, police officers remain on […]
Test! Test! Test! That is what international bodies such as the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization are advising countries to do to effectively respond to COVID-19 since a number of persons are asymptomatic. In Belize, close to one thousand tests have been carried out and Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin […]
According to Doctor Marvin Manzanero, viral swabs that have been ordered for some time should be in the country by now. This along with the reactions donated by the Pan American Health Organization will make it possible for fourteen thousand more tests to be carried out. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services “Our […]
A few days ago, we heard the cry from the Prime Minister that government is low on money and as you know, the public service, which accounts for one of government highest bills, has experienced delays in salaries. Today, the Financial Secretary Joseph Waight issued a memo on government’s cost savings measures at this time […]
The first shipment of liquid petroleum gas purchased by the National Gas Company arrives in Big Creek on Thursday and final preparations are underway to offload its inaugural freight coming from the U.S. Gulf Coast. But the official start of business for the newly formed public/private concern is not without controversy, as there is presently […]
In responding to statements made in an interview given by attorney Audrey Matura, the managing director of the National Gas Company told News Five today that with the exception of a business tax, it is still required to pay all other duties, including the general sales tax and environmental tax. The company, he reiterated, will […]
Earlier this weekend, the San Pedro Town Council issued its own regulations in terms of opening hours for businesses on the island. While all but one measure fell outside of the parameters set by statutory instrument number sixty-two, the issue raised concerns, because the national state of emergency applies to the entire country, San Pedro […]
One person has been detained in connection with the murder of Julian Ebanks, a resident of the Bainsville area of Hattieville. On Monday morning, Ebanks was gunned down a few yards from his house. As he walked home, police say he was approached by three persons, one of whom pulled out a gun and opened […]
ComPol Chester Williams also spoke about the gun violence in Dangriga where a man and woman were injured. On Monday night, just before eight o’clock, Frederick Coote and Tamera Nunez were inside a house when at least one gunman trained his weapon towards the residence and opened fire. Both Coote and Nunez were struck multiple […]
Police have made an arrest in the murder of Walter Usher. Usher was killed on February twenty-third in Belize City. Evian Murillo has been charged with Usher’s Murder. Murillo is also facing charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm upon Joyce Edwards. Usher was targeted by two gunmen on […]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers are singled out as frontline workers who are working around to clock to keep the public safe. But the police department is also on the forefront of the fight against the virus as they are responsible for enforcement of the state of emergency. On Tuesday, the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 […]
There is more on the COVID-19 situation. The government continues to encourage social distancing and proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. A motion to extend the state of emergency for an additional sixty days has been passed by the House of Representatives and approved by the Senate. It is expected that at […]
In the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, seven hundred and eleven persons tested positive for COVID-19 as of today. In the neighboring subdivision of Othon P. Blanco, of which Chetumal is a part of, seventeen persons have tested positive for the deadly disease. Four persons have died while seven persons have recovered. Here in Belize, […]
Research and scientists have yet to produce a cure or vaccine for COVID-19. While the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs for the treatment, researchers released some good news about a possible treatment for coronavirus Wednesday. There is evidence that the experimental drug remdesivir might help patients recover quicker from the […]
Schools across the country remain closed likely for the rest of the academic year so the Ministry of Education has developed an online programme to keep students at all levels engage in learning. So what about teachers who are working to obtain CPD’s and student-teachers working on obtaining their licenses? The Ministry has designed a […]
The Deputy Chief Education Officer Doctor Neulin Villanueva also addressed the matter of Belizeans students who are stuck overseas and unable to return home except under special circumstances, because borders remain closed. Most universities are now doing online studies but costs relating to accommodation still apply for the students on scholarships by the government. According […]
Doctor Neulin Villanueva also spoke on promotions and graduations in primary and high school. The Ministry has decided that students will be promoted though exams will not be taken. Doctor Villanueva says that while the education rules are specific to primary schools, for secondary schools, promotion and graduations are decided by the school’s academic policies […]
Women leaders across the globe have shown to be the most responsive in battling the COVID-19 pandemic in countries such as New Zealand, Belgium and Finland. They have acted proactively in the decision making process and are better prepared in respect of medical gear for health workers and the population. Today, the CNN’s Christian Amanpour […]
In 2019, an extreme drought devastated crops in the north and south. Farmers lost millions of dollars and this prompted the government to roll out a financial aid package for farmers. The Food and Agriculture Ministry established the Belizean Agriculture Farm Registry, a list of established farmers that received financial assistance. One point one million […]
This week, countries around the world are commemorating the eighteenth annual Vaccination Week in the Americas. This celebration is being held under the theme, “Love. Trust. Protect. #GetVax.” The importance of vaccination was highlighted today by Nurse Administrator Sharon Cooper-Espinosa during Ask the Experts. Cooper-Espinosa encouraged members of the public to get vaccinated against disease especially […]
