The Government of Belize has launched the Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) program, a BZ$50 million initiative aimed at strengthening small agricultural producer organisations against climate change and economic disruptions. Supported by international partners, the program promotes climate-resilient farming practices, enhances farm infrastructure, and improves market access for small farmers. Key projects include upgrading farm roads and constructing water facilities and storage sheds. The RRB program is investing significantly in communities like Trio Village to boost agricultural production and ensure food security.
The Matching Grant Fund co-finances projects that aim to boost the volume and quality of agricultural production while ensuring food security amid current and future climate challenges. Support encompasses business plan development, technical assistance, capacity building, and funding for infrastructure improvements, such as farm roads. One notable project is the upgrade of Trio’s farm road, which is crucial for connecting farmers to local and international markets.On July 16, 2024, a contract was signed between the GOB and A&N Construction Limited for the upgrade of 3.9 miles of the Trio farm road, valued at BZ$1.86 million.
The signing ceremony was officiated by Acting CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development, Carlos Pol, and CEO of A&N Construction, Norman Reimer. The Trio community, a significant agricultural hub producing pineapples, cocoa, plantains, and citrus, will benefit greatly from this road improvement, which is essential for year-round market access and rural economic development.
Belizean Defence Force officers Ermil Coh and Claudio Quiroz arrived in Haiti on September 12, 2024, as part of a critical multinational security mission.
The senior officers departed Belize on September 7 and landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport as part of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699. This resolution facilitates collaboration among CARICOM countries to restore security in Haiti and establish conditions for free and fair elections.
The initial CARICOM contingent also included 20 soldiers and four police officers, with the Belizean officers joining two others from Jamaica.
The troops were welcomed by Rameau Normil, Acting Commander of the Haitian National Police (PNH), along with Inspector General Péyo Smith, Chief Inspector General Frantz Thermilus, and Godfrey Otunge, Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS).
If you enjoyed the activities from last week, get ready for even more excitement because Belize is barely half way through its most patriotic month. With our nation’s 43rd Independence Day just around the corner, Belize is bursting with patriotic fervor and exciting events this weekend. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Belize City:
September 12-15: Groove to the Electric 80’s at the Francis Reneau Concert Series, Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Reconnect with history at the Belize Volunteer Guard Reunion 2024, Price Barracks, 10 AM.
September 14: Dance the night away at Pan Yaad, Government House Compound, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Enjoy the Old School Dance at Bird’s Isle Restaurant, 10 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Savor a Caribbean Night Dinner Dance at Old Belize Pavilion, 7 PM. (Ticketed)
September 15: Join the BTB September Criterion at the BTB Office, Dr. Dame Minita Gordon Drive, 8 AM.
Belmopan:
September 13: Kids Movie Night and Camp Fire at Market Plaza, 6 PM.
September 14: Experience the Emergency Services Display and Sports Fun Day at Devon Beaton Park, 10 AM.
San Ignacio and Santa Elena:
September 13: Celebrate Colours Day at SISE Town Hall, all day.
September 13: Explore local art at the Art Walk, Cayo Welcome Centre, 9 AM.
September 14: Enjoy an Adult Talent Show at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
September 15: Witness the Ms. Chiquitita Queen pageant at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
Benque Viejo:
September 14: Check out the Business Expo and Dance at Cancha Marshalleck. Time to be announced.
Orange Walk:
September 13: Attend the Youth Concert at Fort Cairns, 2 PM. (Free)
September 14: Rock out at the Rock Concert/Food Truck Festival, Fort Cairns Market Plaza, 7 PM.
Dangriga:
September 13: Tune into the Hamalali Talk Show at Hamalali, 9 AM.
September 13: Don’t miss the National School Children’s Rally along Principal Streets, 9 AM.
The life of Cleopatra Eugenie White remains a celebrated part of Belizean history. Born in then British Honduras to Joseph and Maria White, she made significant contributions as a nurse, social worker, and community leader. Her work had a lasting impact on both healthcare and community management in Belize.
Pioneering Healthcare in Rural Belize
In the 1940s, Cleopatra White was one of Belize’s first formally trained nurses for public health services. She began her career in the early 20th century and focused on rural areas.
White’s first assignment was in Double Head Cabbage village, but she soon relocated to Gales Point and the Manatee River area of Belize, where she would spend the majority of the next 16 years. As the first rural health nurse in the region, her role quickly evolved beyond traditional nursing duties to include social work. She became a beloved mentor to many village children and played a crucial role in educating young women about hygiene practices.
White was an innovator in community management. Her most notable achievement was her establishment of the first village council in Gales Point. Recognising the need for organised management of village affairs, especially during emergencies, she set up a system that would later be replicated across Belize. This model proved effective during hurricanes and other crises, showing her foresight and leadership.
White played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts. After the 1931 hurricane, she helped establish nursing facilities and supply stations. Her work during Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Hattie in 1961 further demonstrated her commitment to her community. She drove daily to care for people affected by Hurricane Hattie, showing remarkable dedication.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her contributions, White received several honours. In 1953, she was awarded the Victoria Medal for her services. By 1958, she had travelled to England to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal in the 1958 Birthday Honours. These awards underscored her impact on both a local and international scale.
In 1986, the Women’s Bureau of Belize created the Cleopatra White Shield, awarded to the winner of the National High School Quiz Contest. This prize not only honours her memory but also supports educational achievement among Belizean youth. In addition, the Cleopatra White Outpatient Clinic was established in her honour, and a postage stamp was issued in 1993 featuring her image.
A Legacy Preserved
Upon retiring from the Hattieville Clinic in the mid-1960s, Cleopatra White returned to Belize City with a fervent goal: to rejuvenate the declining Black Cross Nurses training courses. Her commitment extended beyond nursing education; she founded the Women’s League and played a pivotal role in organising fundraising events and entertainment for the National Festival of the Arts. Known for her exceptional skills as a scriptwriter, songwriter, and storyteller, White earned numerous accolades for her creative work. To honour her contributions to Creole heritage, E. Beck, a professor at St. John’s College, recorded several of her songs, preserving her efforts to instill pride through music.
Cleopatra White’s life showcased her deep commitment to service, shaping healthcare and community management in Belize. Although she lived modestly and spent her final years as a pauper at the Belize City Old Folks Home, her impact imprinted Belize’s history for years to come.
The Transport Department has expressed deep concern following yesterday’s incident at Belize City’s terminal where a part of the roof became dislodged, injuring two women. The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport stated, “Our immediate thoughts and sincerest apologies go out to the affected individuals and their family during this difficult time.”
One of the injured women, Ana Moralez, was admitted to the emergency room at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Moralez’s husband, Filito Chanim, explained that he, his wife, and his son-in-law were preparing to catch a bus back to Belmopan when a section of the terminal’s cement roof collapsed unexpectedly. The piece of cement struck Moralez on the shoulder and injured another woman.
According to the Ministry’s press release, a full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident. “We are working with structural engineers to assess the overall safety of the building,” the ministry stated.
“Any structural damage identified during this assessment will be repaired immediately to ensure the safety of all terminal users,” the Transport Department assured.
Chanim criticised the terminal employees, claiming that no assistance was offered and describing their reaction as unprofessional: “There was a couple of employees sitting at the top, laughing. I don’t know what was funny.” The Ministry did not comment on this aspect of the incident.
The Government of Belize has entered into a new partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan) to enhance economic opportunities for women through a project titled “Increasing Economic Power for Micro-Entrepreneurs.” The agreement was signed today by Adele Catzim-Sanchez, CEO of the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Amalia Mai, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; and Robert Pan, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission.
This initiative, part of an ongoing bilateral cooperation between Belize and Taiwan, aims to strengthen women’s economic empowerment in the post-pandemic era by focussing on small business development, digital marketing skills, and improved access to capital. The project aligns with the Government of Belize’s National Gender Policy and Plan Belize Medium Term Development Strategy, which emphasise women’s economic participation as a key driver for poverty reduction, economic growth, and social cohesion.
The Ministry of Human Development’s Family Support and Gender Affairs Department will oversee the project’s implementation. Women from the Corozal District, Belize City, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, and Dangriga are encouraged to apply and benefit from the opportunities offered.
This collaboration is another step toward fostering economic inclusion and empowering women across the country.
The Sitting of the House of Representatives is underway in Belmopan, and much to his dislike, sitting alongside the Leader of the Opposition, Moses Barrow, are Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber.
Barrow has written to House Speaker Valerie Woods to recognise Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber as resigned members of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Woods denied Barrow’s request, saying, “My office has not received any notice of resignation by either member. On the contrary, in the public domain, both members have stated they have not resigned from their political party.”
Faber and Panton have been pushed to the end of the bench. Chronic absentee Denise “Sister B” Barrow was moved up to the third seat. Hugo Patt remains in the second seat.
A domestic incident involving two police officers has led to one being detained. The altercation occurred late last night, around 10:30 PM.
According to reports, 29-year-old Police Constable Janeau Arzu, who is attached to the Special Patrol Unit (SPU), is in police custody after allegedly attempting to shoot her common-law husband, 23-year-old Police Constable Kendale Nunez.
Nunez, 23, reported to authorities that at approximately 10:30 last night Arzu reportedly took the firearm he had put away, and allegedly pointed it at him.
She reportedly accused him of having an affair and said, “Tell yuh boss come for yuh.” As Nunez fled to the front door, Arzu allegedly fired a single shot, which missed him.
She then allegedly threatened him, saying, “The next one will ketch you in the head.”
Police recovered one expended shell on the scene. Janeau Arzu has been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.
A man is dead following a fight on Thursday night in Santa Elena, Cayo. The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old Ubaldo Guzman Sr. According to reports, Guzman Sr. was socialising with his roommate, 43-year-old Peter August, when an argument ensued. August says that Guzman attacked him with a machete, but he managed to wrestle the weapon away and then chopped Guzman multiple times. Guzman was taken to the hospital, where he died. August is in police custody while the investigation continues.
