The COVID-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic toll on the tourism sector. Tourism receipts, which represent up to forty percent of foreign exchange earnings, have plunged due to the downturn in the industry. Earnings in the export sector have also declined. It is resulting in a foreign exchange crunch at commercial banks, which are now […]
With tourism taking a hit, the economy is in the throes of a severe depression and despite the gradual opening up of businesses, including hotels and restaurants, there is not enough money circulating internally for a timely recovery. But what is the plan of action to ensure that there is a steady rebound in the […]
The prolonged closure of the P.G.I.A. is resulting in the sustained hemorrhaging of many businesses in the tourism sector, the supply chain, those that are not directly tied to the travel industry. Across the region, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and Saint Lucia are beginning to opening up their airports in June to allow for international […]
There is a developing situation along the western border near Jalacte Village. Reports in the Guatemalan media claim that Belize Defence Force soldiers illegally crossed the border into Guatemala. The online media reports say that the B.D.F. soldiers crossed the adjacency line to take land measurements at a Guatemalan community known as Santa Cruz, San […]
Still on the B.D.F….On Monday night, we told you about the press release sent out by the Ministry of National Security on the conclusion of the investigation of the allegations of extortion, mal treatment, sexual assaults and other misconduct at the Belize Defense Force. In that release, the ministry acknowledges that the investigation found some […]
Former minister Elvin Penner appeared in magistrate’s court in Belmopan this morning after being a no-show on Monday morning. Penner’s absence resulted in the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. As we’ve reported, the former disgraced Cayo Northeast Area Representative was charged in June 2017 following a fatal road traffic accident that claimed […]
An additional forty-five samples were processed today for the corona virus and the Ministry of Health is reporting that all were negative. Belize has now entered its eight week since the last confirmed case but the safety of Belizeans is at risk by persons who enter Belize illegally. Over the weekend, five Mexican fishermen were […]
Kashawn Gentle, a stevedore from Caesar Ridge Road in Belize City, is behind bars awaiting trial again, after he violated the terms of his bail and the bail was revoked. Gentle, was awaiting trial for being a member of a criminal gang on August eighth, 2019, along with two others. Police allege that Gentle is […]
Seventy-eight more persons were added to the list of over one thousand persons who have been arrested and charged for various offenses under the emergency powers regulations. According to the official number released by the Belize Police Department for the weekend, forty persons were charged for breach of curfew; another fifteen failed to wear a […]
Three government ministries have begun reviewing applications submitted by Belizeans stuck overseas due to the coronavirus and want to come back home. Close to five hundred applications have been received and that number is expected to grow as the days go by. Those looking to return must fill out an online form and await approval […]
A number of Belizeans, who were employed in the cruise ship industry, has made it home. In their case, the cruise ship companies made the arrangements for their return and are covering the costs of quarantine. They are on quarantine at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and will be there for a total of fourteen […]
The history of the cacao in the Mayan culture dates back to thousands of years ago. The cacao beans or seeds were used for trading and also used in drinks, food and rituals. Fast forward to present day the cacao seeds still play a central role in the lives of many Mayan families in Belize. […]
In the sugar belt, A.S.R./B.S.I. in consultation with the four cane farmers’ associations decided to temporarily halt milling due to the downpour. The four associations were told in writing of the agreement to suspend the milling of sugar cane at six o’clock this morning. The letter says that over the weekend, the Sugar Cane Production Committee estimated […]
Another industry that is taking a hit due to the weather is the rice industry. According Jose Abelardo Mai rice farmers in Orange Walk South are in distress as they expect to lose their rice farms. Mai says that farmers in Blue Creek, who recently planted expected to lose all of their investments due to […]
Hundreds of Belizean students remain stranded in many countries due to the corona virus that spread so quickly they were unable to get back home. The P.G.I.A. and borders remain closed but some Belizeans who work on cruise ships have been able to get back in the past week. Mexico and Taiwan are worlds apart, […]
It is only day two of the hurricane season, but a tropical storm has formed in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. The storm began as a tropical depression bringing heavy rainfall and flooding over Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico. The National Hydrological Service is asking citizens to keep away from flooded rivers and motorists to […]
