Belize

Special Event to Honor 28 Years of Cuban Medical Brigade

19 June 2019 by Thebeliz

Cuban medical staff belize — Minister Marin conveyed sincere gratitude to the Cuban Government and people for their continued and invaluable contribution to Belize. Photo: Government of Belize

Havana, Cuba- Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin hosted an event to honour Cuban medical personnel who have served in Belize. The event was hosted at Kcho Studio Romerillo Gallery and Community Centre in Havana, Cuba.

The studio is a community cultural project demonstrating the transformative power of art. It was founded by the world-renowned Cuban visual artist Alexis Leyva Machado, also known as Kcho, who believes that “art has a healing ability that can enrich and beautify other peoples’ lives”. He embodies the spirit of the collaboration that has brought Cubans and Belizeans together in keeping with the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s vision of service among developing nations.

The medical personnel reunited, recalling their experiences and years of service in every district. This was set against a backdrop of images Belize by Cuban-Belizean Orestes Aguiar.

Currently 87 Cubans serving in Belizean Health Care Sector
Cuba has been sending medical personnel to Belize since 1990. Currently, there are 87 Cubans serving in the Belizean health sector. Minister Marin recognized their contribution to the development of health services in Belize. He also acknowledged the sacrifices they made by leaving their families behind to serve on behalf of their country for the benefit of Belize.

Minister Marin conveyed sincere gratitude to the Cuban Government and people for their continued and invaluable contribution to Belize.

Inflation Highest in Twin Town of San Ignacio/Santa Elena

4 November 2018 by Thebeliz

Snapshot September 2018 inflation figures — A snapshot of inflation figures per region, provided by SIB, shows that inflation is San Ignacio/Santa Elena is considerably higher than is the case in the rest of the country. Photo: SIB

Belmopan- Figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the month of September 2018 stood at 105.4; a 1% increase compared to September 2017.

The variation in CPI per region is however considerable. According to SIB, the twin town of San Ignacio/Santa Elena shows the highest level of price inflation, namely 2.9%. The higher rate of inflation in this region, according to SIB, is mainly due to higher rents in the area.

Dangriga Town on the other hand registered the lowest rate of inflation, with prices actually decreasing 0.6% in the month of September 2018.

The single item which shows the biggest price increase in 2018 for now are pineapples which went up by over 21% compared to a year earlier, while sweet pepper went down by nearly 22% compared to a year ago.

Sugar Mainly Responsible for Drop in Domestic Exports September

2 November 2018 by Thebeliz

sugar cane — Revenues from sugar fell
significantly by 27.2 percent in the month of September.

Belmopan- Diminished returns from sugar was the principal cause of the decline in export earnings for the month of September 2018.

Although exported volumes of this commodity saw only a slight 3.3 percent drop compared to September of last year, revenues from that commodity fell significantly by 27.2 percent, from $28.5 million to $20.7 million, as bulk sugar was sold for noticeably less on the European market compared to last September.

According to figures by the Statistical Institute of Belize ((SIB) Bananas saw a smaller reduction in earnings for the month of September, falling by less than a million, from $8 million in September 2017 to $7.1 million in the same month this year, while revenues for citrus products remained virtually unchanged at approximately $3.6 million.

Marine products show increase
Among the major commodities, marine products recorded the only increase in September, as export earnings for rose from $2.3 million to $3.1 million, due to boosted sales of whole lobsters, lobster meat and shrimp. Molasses and sawn wood, while not classified as major exports, fell sharply in the month, resulting in a combined revenue loss of $2.2 million when compared to September 2017.

Government & BTB Want Hotels in Placencia to Obtain Environmental Clearance

24 August 2018 by Thebeliz

Lary Beya Resort Placencia — hotel/accommodation facilities that have already obtained Environmental Clearance do not need to reapply.

Belmopan- The Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), has engaged in an initiative to regularize existing hotel/accommodation facilities to obtain Environmental Clearance.

In an effort to facilitate the process for application submissions and respond to any queries, officers of the DOE will be stationed at the Placencia Village Council’s office from September 5-7, 2018 during normal working hours.

Owners of hotel/accommodation facilities in the area are asked to fill out the hotels checklist in advance and submit the completed checklist with accompanying documents (copy of land tenure and authenticated survey map, copy of company documents and copy of processing fee payment receipt) to the officers stationed at the Village Council’s office on these dates, instead of having to travel to Belmopan. A copy of the hotels checklist can be obtained from the DOE’s website at www.doe.gov.bz.

Owners of hotel/accommodation facilities can still submit their applications during these dates or at any other time at the DOE office in Belmopan. DOE also points out that hotel or other accommodation facilities that have already obtained Environmental Clearance do not need to reapply.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Chief Environmental Officer, by calling 822-2548/2819 or by e-mail: envirodept@btl.net or envirodept@environment.gov.bz or eiaunit@environment.gov.bz

Airlift Continues Strong: Aeromexico Announces Direct Belize Flights

13 August 2018 by Thebeliz

The first flight of the Mexican carrier will take place on November 27th, 2018.

Belize City- The development of airlift to Belize remains strong, especially now that Aeromexico has also announced that they will be starting with direct flights between Mexico City and Belize’s Old capital city. The flights to Belize wills start on November 17th and will be carried out to April 28th, 2018. The flights by Aeromexico will make it the first major Mexican commercial airline to offer such service to the country of Belize.

Aeromexico’s flight 67 will be on Saturdays and Sundays. It will depart Mexico at 8:30 am and will arrive at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport at 10:30 am. It will depart Belize at 12:00 and arrive in Mexico at 2:25 pm.

“Mexico is a fast growing market for Belize and therefore we welcome Aeromexico’s new flight as it will highly facilitate the movement of people between both neighboring countries. Belize is a country of countless attributes. Its cultural and natural wealth is virtually unmatched. Its indigenous lineage and multiple ethnic groups, excellent cuisine and friendly people, and the many historical attractions, festivals and natural wonders all makes Belize a perfect Destination, which Mexicans will surely enjoy,” said Karen Bevans, BTB’s Director of Tourism.

Bevans added that the Tourism Board was also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high quality standards for accommodations.”

Announcing the new flight, Aeromexico’s Chief Revenue Officer, Anko van der Werff said: “At Aeromexico, we are very happy to celebrate this new route that has also become the airline’s 50th international destination, which will help us expand our global connectivity network. This achievement is another sign that we are working to offer better products to our customers, removing barriers between countries, regions, and people.”

Aeromexico is part of the Skyteam Alliance, just as Delta Airlines and AirFrance-KLM.

Upgrade of Caye Caulker Airstrip Nearing Completion

11 August 2018 by Thebeliz

Caye Caulker new runway nearly complete — Although later than envisioned, the completion of renovated Caye Caulker airstrip seems to be within reach. Photo: Belize Airport Authority.

Caye Caulker- The Caye Caulker airstrip seems to be nearing completion. The project which was slated to be finalized mid-June 2018 seems to have suffered some delay. The airstrip, before the start of the reconditioning, was in such a bad shape that both Tropic Air as Maya Island Air had decided to stop flying to the airport.

Much effort has been put into the broadening of the shoulders of the airstrip. According to information from the Belize Airport Authority, over 10,000 cubic yards of landfill material has been transported to the airport to achieve this goal and achieve greater stability at and around the airstrip.

The installation of lights on the airstrip will also enable flights executed during the evenings or even later at night.

Caye Caulker new runway — Runway lights were recently installed, making evening or night flights possible. Photo: Belize Airport Authority.

Minister of Tourism, the hon. Manuel Heridia said at the start of the works that the project was very important for Belizean tourism as Caye Caulker is the second most visited tourism destination in the country.

New Bloodline of Breeding Sheep Imported by Ministry of Agriculture

8 August 2018 by Thebeliz

imported sheep — A total of 15 Barbados Black Belly Sheep and 6 Katahdin Sheep were imported from the United States of America. Photo: GOB.

Belmopan- The Ministry of Agriculture has imported a total of 15 Barbados Black Belly Sheep and 6 Katahdin Sheep from the United States of America. Thus far, a total of 66 sheep have been imported as breeding stock at Central Farm Livestock Section in the Cayo District.

The breeding stocks will be incorporated in the ‘National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center’s program’ to consistently provide certified breeding animals to sheep breeders. This will play a vital role in the diversity of bloodline to improve the genetics of sheep in Belize and to establish a Breeding Stock Certification program. In accordance with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) regulation for the importation of live animals, the newly-imported sheep are presently on a 30-day quarantine at Central Farm.

A three-year cooperation agreement in Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project was signed in December 2015 between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize with the objective to increase the productivity of sheep by improving the National Breeding Center infrastructure at Central Farm, importing new breeding stocks, and conducting workshops for farmers and technicians.

Fuel Prices Biggest Factor in Increased Consumer Prices June

6 August 2018 by Thebeliz

Fruit and vegetable market in Belmopan foto HL — Apart from fuel prices, fruit and vegetable prices also rose quite sharply, compared to 1 year ago. Photo: Harald Linkels

Belmopan- Rising fuel costs have had quite an impact on the development of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the country. While overall prices increased about 0.6% for the month of June, higher prices of especially fuels, let to a price increase of 4.5% in the Transport sector, according to figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

In the Fuel & Lubricant subsection, prices rose no less than 10.3%, compared to 2017. Gasoline increased 10.5% in price and the prices for diesel fuel went up as much as 20.6%.

Air transportation costs, which for the year had seen a decline until now, also rose 3.6% in comparison to June 2017.

On the other hand, food prices declined a bit in the month of July, with a decrease of 0.6%. Especially meats were cheaper in June 2018, but on the other hand food and vegetables became more than 12% more expensive compared to a year ago. The biggest jump in fruit prices could be seen in pineapples, which were a whopping 22% more expensive compared June 2017.

Ministers Inspect Damage Left By San Pedro Blaze

6 August 2018 by Thebeliz

Ministers inspect damage of SP Blaze — Ministers Edmond Castro and Manuel Heridia visited the place where the blaze left many homeless in San Pedro. Photo: GOB

San Pedro- Ministers Edmond Castro (National Emergencies & Fire) and Manuel Heridia (Tourism) have visited San Pedro to take a first-hand look at the damage left behind by the blaze wich took place last weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

The blaze left destroyed no less than 10 buildings and has left about 75 people on the island homeless. The ministers spoke to various victims of the devastating fire.

All victims have been provided with temporary shelter, food, water, clothing and hygiene kits.

Castro and Heredia assured the fire victims during their visit that the Government of Belize, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, businesses, and the general community, would do whatever they can to help them rebuild their homes and lives.

Progress Made With Sheep and Goat Certification Program

15 July 2018 by Thebeliz

Belmopan -The Livestock Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project, participated in the 54th Caribbean Food Crops Society Poster Presentation along with international presenters on July 10th, 2018 at the Princess Ramada Hotel in Belize City.

The unit’s poster showcased the Breeding Certification System on Small Ruminants and highlighted the main steps of the certification program, which includes the protocol for registration and certification of the breeding stocks, the breed types, the partners comprising the Certification Committee as well as defined the blood registration for up to three generation pedigree.

The Sheep Project, funded by Republic of China (Taiwan) in cooperation with Government of Belize, has been actively engaged in implementing the project’s main goals. Since its inception in December 2015, the Sheep Project has completed some of its main goals, which include the expansion of the infrastructure for the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center housing facility, pasture and protein bank expansion, and the introduction of new sheep breed genetics from the United States of America.

Additionally, the Sheep Project has contributed to the development of the Sheep and Goat Certification Program for the sheep industry in Belize, specifically to assist the acceleration of genetic improvement, credibility and value of breeds at sheep-breeding farms countrywide. For this to be effective, the Belize Sheep/Goat Certification Committee was tasked with the responsibility to appraise the registration and certification, the application documents, review and issuance of certificates.

68 imported sheep of three different breeds, namely Katahdin, Dorper and Barbados Blackbelly, have been granted certification. 19 young lambs, offspring from the local basal registered ewes, also qualified and are confirmed for registration.

The Government of Belize with the support of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project, is committed to improving the overall genetics in sheep through the importation and introduction of quality breeding stock, and the installment of a certification program to ensure the quality of the breeding stocks remain pure for up to three generations pedigree.