This morning, the Dangriga Operation Team of the Belize Police Department executed an anti-drug operation in Hope Creek Village. Authorities seized approximately 31.67 pounds (13.735 kilogrammes) of marijuana that were found in a bushy area. Since no one was found in the immediate area during the search, the drug was labelled as ‘found property’.
Tag: 2024-08-08
Beloved Teacher Needs Your Help to Fight Cancer
A Belize City family is reaching out for community support to help fundraise for Barbara Elijio Antonio, a beloved teacher and community member battling cancer. The family is hosting a Punta Rama Night fundraiser on August 31, which will be held at either Swift Hall or Bird’s Isle.
To make this event a success, the organizers are seeking donations to cover venue costs and other expenses. They welcome contributions from businesses and individuals alike to support this noble cause. “We aim to raise $7,000 through this event, which will go directly towards her treatment that she needs,” said Le-Tesha Tate, Antonio’s daughter. She added, “Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us inch closer to get her treatment. She is a wonderful teacher, friend, and mom she even helps her community.”
The family urges the community’s support and invites everyone to join this heartfelt initiative.
For more information or to offer support, individuals can contact the event organizer at +501-628-4632, +501-663-5673, or via email at tateletesha@gmail.com.
Cabinet Brief: 225 Police Officers to be Added to the Force
A recently issued Cabinet brief says that to strengthen the Belize Police Department, Cabinet approved a recruitment drive to add 225 new officers nationwide. It says that this expansion will support the opening of a new precinct in Santa Elena Town and bolster specialised police units as part of the government’s #PlanBelize initiative to reduce crime and improve public safety.
Addressing healthcare infrastructure, Cabinet reviewed a comprehensive study conducted by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration on the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Following extensive discussions, Cabinet endorsed the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s proposal to construct a new, modern tertiary-level hospital in Belize City, designed to be more patient-friendly.
Cabinet was briefed on the ongoing Cataloguing of Government Services project, spearheaded by the E-Governance and Digitalisation Department. The project, which involves 37 agencies and over 282 services, aims to enhance the management of government services, improving transparency and efficiency across the board.
In addition, Cabinet reviewed the progress of the National Digital Agenda 2022–2025. This initiative, funded by the ICDF and UNDP, focusses on breaking down barriers to digital access in marginalised communities. The program includes training for seniors, equipping them with the skills to safely navigate the internet and use e-services effectively.
To further support economic diversification, Cabinet approved the creation of critical positions within the New Growth Industries Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries. This move is designed to enhance the unit’s capacity to manage and promote emerging sectors crucial to Belize’s economic growth.
Cabinet also called on the Minister of Sustainable Development to lead a national tree-planting initiative with the goal of planting one million trees over the next five years. This project will focus on urban and suburban areas and may involve policy and legislative changes to encourage the greening of Belize, including coastal, marine, and terrestrial zones.
Finally, as the hurricane season intensifies, Cabinet urges all Belizeans to remain vigilant and prepared for potential storms.
Elvia Vega Samos: “I will serve my term to the very end.”
Tensions between the PUP’s Corozal Bay area representative, Elvia Vega-Samos, and the party’s standard bearer, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, remain high.
Garcia-Ramirez defeated Vega-Samos in the recently held convention. This means that Garcia-Ramirez is the party’s standard bearer, with Vega-Samos effectively being a ‘lame-duck’ area representative. Now, there is a battle for the Corozal Bay constituency office. According to Vega-Samos, she is being evicted.
All 31 area representatives, not standard bearers, receive $2,300 monthly for office rent and staff salaries associated with the constituency office.
Vega-Samos says she will not vacate.
On Facebook, she posted, “Olive Branch (?) from major undermining from the very beginning of my term to being the only sitting area rep to be challenged to an unjust convention to now being told that I must leave the office. Total disrespect…. What’s next? I was elected by the people and I will serve my term to the very end.”
Vega-Samos was given until Friday to relocate.
Belmopan City Council and Environment Dept. Team Up for City Beautification
The Department of the Environment recently held a meeting with the Mayor of Belmopan and members of the Belmopan City Council to discuss initiatives aimed at beautifying the city and developing natural areas. The primary goals of these efforts are to boost tourism and improve the quality of life for residents. Key topics covered in the discussion included the revitalization of Ten Cents Creek, noise monitoring, effective management of litter and debris, and enhancing community awareness through various activities.
Belize-Taiwan Sheep and Goat Parasite Workshop Enhances Belizean Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Taiwan ICDF conducted a Sheep and Goat Parasite Management Workshop aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in Belize. The workshop was held from August 5th to 7th, 2024 at the University of Belize Central Farm Campus. The initiative equipped participants with essential skills in parasite management in sheep and goats.
Led by Daniel Juan, a seasoned sheep and goat expert from the University of Belize, the workshop focused on identifying, preventing, and treating parasitic infections such as haemonchosis and coccidiosis. The training involved 25 participants, including MAFSE extension officers, farmers, students, and technicians. The workshop also covered the economic impacts of parasites and prevention strategies.
It is anticipated that the knowledge gained by all participants will be disseminated.
Benque Councillor says Benque Fiesta Reports ‘Lacks a Lot of Important Information’
The Benque Fiesta 2024 incurred a staggering $58,192 in losses. In an official statement, the Council attributed the financial shortfall to Hurricane Beryl, adverse weather, and limited community support. However, criticisms over alleged mismanagement and a lack of transparency regarding the event continue.
Carlos ‘Calo’ Iglesias, a councillor of Benque Town Council, raised critical questions about the handling of municipal funds and the future of community-supported projects. In a Facebook post, Iglesias said, “I am very disappointed with the report published by the municipality. At no point were the councillors called to discuss the income and expenses of the 2024 fair. This report lacks a lot of important information… As an elected representative of the people, it is my duty to ensure that the residents of Benque know what is happening with the municipal funds. I am concerned that there were profits in previous fairs, but this time there were none. Additionally, I notice the absence of the Bowen donation in the report, which is a relevant detail that should be included.”
The Council spent $177,223.65 and made a total income of $119,031.56.