Today's Belize News: August 21, 2020

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Today's Belize News: August 21, 2020 #544354 08/21/20 06:30 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,404 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	*For the latest on Tropical Depression 14, click here* FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials. The San Pedro Sun Boat owners asked to notify the Belize Port Authority on the island before relocating vessels as Tropical Depression approaches As tropical depression #14 continues to approach Belizean waters, representatives of the Belize Port Authority (BPA) on the island are asking boat owners to contact them if they need to move their vessels to a safer area. Boat owners are asked to send a message with the relevant information of their vessels to the phone number 601-9528. The Belize Coast Guard on the island will be provided with this information in order to make the movement of boats from the eastern side of Ambergris Caye more organized. COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation informs that eight of the 23 residents of Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center (DMCCC) were taken for medical care based on symptoms related to COVID-19. Two of the children were tested for the virus and one test returned with a positive result. Potential Tropical Cyclone Development In The Western Caribbean Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby advises the general public that the tropical wave which is approaching has become better organized and is now accompanying broad area of low pressure over the central Caribbean Sea. The odds of development (as indicated by the national hurricane center) has increased to 90 percent indicating that this system is very likely to become a tropical depression later today or tonight. Ambergris Today Food Drive From Belize City To San Pedro Thousands of island residents are jobless, worrying about food, rent and their survival during these difficult time. While very little assistance is coming form government and local governance, many small groups of Belizeans and businesses are rallying together to assist as much as possible. Food for San Pedro is the latest initiative for assistance to the island community of Ambergris Caye that is in its second lockdown since the threat of the Corona virus pandemic to Belize. Various Belizean Sources Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location Friday, August 21st, Meal Pick ups: Location: SPORTS BAR. Times: Village: 11:00-11:45, Bahia: 11:45-12:30. NEMO Advisory #1 on a potential tropical cyclone development in the Caribbean Sea The National Meteorological Services of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby advises the general public that the tropical wave which is approaching has become better organized and is now accompanying broad area of low pressure over the central Caribbean Sea. The odds of development (as indicated by the national hurricane center) has increased to 90 percent indicating that this system is very likely to become a tropical depression later today or tonight. Movement continue to the west but most of the models show a turn to the WNW once the system reaches NE Honduras. This would suggest landfall on the Yucatan peninsula around Saturday evening. 2020 Young Professionals Programme (YPP) Are you a young, motivated professional who wants to make a difference? YPP is an entry examination to start a career with the United Nations (UN) Secretariat. Every year, courat les that are un- or under-represented in the UN are invited to take part in the exarnination process. What are the examination subject areas for 2020? � Management & Administration � Global Communication � Political Affairs & Human Rights... COVID-19 Tips for Police Officers Because we all in this together. Attention U.S. citizen voters in Belize Here's how to return your signed and completed U.S. election ballot: Reminder: some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically while others do not. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, you can do so through international mail, professional courier service, or through the U.S. Embassy Belmopan Diplomatic Post Office (DPO). The DPO provides free mail service from embassies and consulates to a U.S. sorting facility... Partnership between the Corozal Animal Program and Believe in Belize I am pleased to announce a partnership between the Corozal Animal Program and Believe in Belize, which supports Belizean non profit organizations. CAP is struggling financially due to Covid. We cannot hold fundraisers and vets cannot come from Canada for our annual spay and neuter clinic. We need money to: 1. Subsidize spaying and neutering of cats and dogs belonging to Belizeans 2. Fix stray animals and get them adopted Please consider helping us during this difficult time by donating through Believe in Belize either with a one time or monthly donation. The multipurpose center at the Theodocio Ochoa Park is almost finished COVID-19 Update This is the data with results processed through yesterday. Starting today, the infographic will be presented after midday every day as that allows us time to inform all those who are positive and detailed as much information as we can. Today's samples for example, will be presented tomorrow. For yesterday, we processed a total of 263 samples were processed with a total of 52 positives as follows: - 3 in Corozal - 5 in Cayo - 9 in Belize (7 in Caye Caulker, 1 in Ladyville, 1 in Belize City) - 35 in Orange Walk We don't have any recovered case... Central Building Authority Building Control Unit Precautionary Measures for Preventing and Slowing the Transmission of COVID-19 The Central Building Authority Building Unit (CBABU) would like to inform the public of its new procedures regarding the submission of plans in light of the national COVID-19 situation. Effective immediately our office hours are as follows: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00am to 12 noon & 1:00pm to 4:00pm Fri.: 8:00am to 12 noon & 1:00pm to 3:30pm Effective August 19, 2020, the CBABU will only be accepting plan submission via email for a period of one-month period initially (August 19 - September 18, 2020). No walk-ins will be allowed (luring this period except by appointment only. Site Inspections will be suspended until further notice. Understanding the Economic Recovery Strategy for Belize FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 AT 7 PM - 8 PM. Join our live Q&A with Alexya P�rez, where we go into the Economic Recovery Strategy and talk about what it means for your business! We will be going live on our Facebook page at 7 pm. You will have a chance to ask questions and find out how you might benefit from new opportunities. Number of Covid-19 Cases in each Community The breakdown in terms of communities affected and who currently have active cases is as follows (note that this doesn't include the cases reported earlier today): Belize District total = 275. Belize City 64, Burrel Boom 1, Caye Caulker 5, Ferguson Bank 1, Ladyville 10, San Pedro 194... Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MFFESD), the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana Agreement signed between the Government of Belize, the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries, and Oceana to Support Gillnet Fishers to Transition to Alternative Means Belmopan, (20th August 2020). In a demonstration of its commitment to sustainable fishing, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, for and on behalf of the Government of Belize, today entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana. COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation informs that eight of the 23 residents of Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center (DMCCC) were taken for medical care based on symptoms related to COVID-19. Two of the children were tested for the virus and one test returned with a positive result. The Ministry of Health is currently conducting contact tracing and monitoring the children's health. It was recommended for the other children who were displaying symptoms to be tested along with some staff who were in closer contact with the child. These staff members are now quarantining at home and new staff are being identified to temporarily cover their duties. Ministry of Transport Addresses Public Transportation Reports The Department of Transport (DOT) continues to work closely with the Police Department and the Ministry of Health to address the challenges of COVID-19 to safeguard and protect the health of the commuting public. On Saturday, August 15, 2020, the Attorney General introduced Statutory Instrument No.119 of 2020, which included new measures to be adhered to by all in the prevention of and control of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Belmopan City Council Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of caution the Belmopan City Council has made the decision to send a number of employees home to self-isolate. Although there is no positive case amongst- the staff, this measure of utmost caution was taken for the sole protection and safety of our staff and our residents_ The Belmopan City Council continues to ensure that all safety measures and guidelines mandated by the Ministry of Health are adhered to as we continue providing essential services to our City. Donation of two ambulances and a compactor truck to Belmopan A virtual handing over ceremony was held yesterday, August 19, 2020, between H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Mayor Khalid Belisle for the donation of two ambulances and a compactor truck to the City of Belmopan. Temporary Closure of Ministry of Works Offices The Ministry of Works hereby informs all ministries, departments and the public, that the Ministry of Works Headquarters in Belmopan and its Santa Elena Office will close today, August 20, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. This is to accommodate the sanitization of both offices. Management regrets any inconveniences caused by this closure. Normal business will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24th, 2020. Temporary Closure of DOT Office in Santa Elena The Department of Transport (DOT) hereby informs the public that due to emergency measures taken to sanitize the Ministry of Works building in Santa Elena Town, the DOT Office in Santa Elena will be closed for regular business as of 1:00 p.m. today, August 20th, 2020, and will reopen on Monday, August 24th, 2020 at 8:15 a.m. The public is required to wear masks and sanitize their hands properly before entering any of the DOT offices countrywide. Anyone failing to adhere to these requirements will not be allowed into the offices. Garbage disposal at the Corozal Wholesale Farmer's Market The Corozal Town Council has invested in a permanent garbage container that will help to improve garbage disposal at the Corozal Wholesale Farmer's Market located in the Finca Solana area. CTC recognised that the market facility, which was built by Central Government with EU's funding of $384,032.00, did not consist of a proper garbage disposal system. The result was that waste would be left on the market grounds which would become an eye sore and a public health concern. Channel 7 A Senior Manager Criminally Charged The incident with the St. James Tug has resulted in criminal charges brought against a "big-man" the Operations Manager of the Port of Big Creek. Operation Manager Gustavo Carillo was arrested this morning and arraigned today at the Belmopan Magistrate's Court on a single charge of "abetment to exiting Belize illegally." He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail of two thousand dollars. He was represented by attorney Hector Guerra. He is the fourth person to be charged in this unprecedented case: the other three are Customs Officer Deon Castillo, Immigration Officer Bobby Flowers, and Port Authority Officer Keyron Young. They all signed off on the certificates of clearance for the vessel to travel. COMPOL and COMPTROLLER - the Beef Is Deep And, after coming back infected - they were then briefly let out of quarantine - due to some major breakdown in internal controls at the Port. It's a public health mess - largely due to multiple omissions by the Port of Big Creek. And, yesterday, the Commissioner of Police told us that's why the multiple people along the chain of authority have to be held to account. But in bringing criminal charges against public officers who were just doing their jobs - he has incurred the ire of the Customs and Immigration Departments, and the Port Authority. TD 14's Bee-Line For the Yucatan Peninsula Turning now to news about this hurricane season, there is a weather system, now known as Tropical Depression 14, that has quickly developed over the last few days. Forecast models are indicating that it will strengthen and bring heavy rains to Belize this weekend. Several days ago, this system formed from a tropical disturbance in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Nicaragua. Since then, it has strengthened to a tropical depression, and experts are predicting that it could become a tropical storm by Sunday before it makes landfall. As a result, there is a tropical storm warning for coastal communities, starting from the Honduras/Nicaragua border, and all the way to the northern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula. COVID #'s Climbing Steadily And while that weather system is coming over the weekend horizon, right here and right now, Belize's COVID numbers continue to spike to new highs daily. Yesterday 263 samples were processed, and 52 tested positive for COVID 19 - which is about 20%. 35 of those 52 cases were in the Orange Walk District, while 9 were in The Belize District, with 7 of those in Caye Caulker, 1 in Ladyville and one in Belize City. Confirmed COVID Case At Children's Home And, a very concerning single confirmed case is coming out of the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center, known as the Children's Home. A release says "eight children were taken for medical care based on symptoms related to COVID-19. Two of them were tested for the virus and one test returned with a positive result." But other children are displaying symptoms and they have been recommended for testing along with some staff who were in closer contact with the child. the release adds, "These staff members are now quarantining at home and new staff are being identified to temporarily cover their duties." Remembering Iris and Her Difficult Dying Days And while there are concerns for those children's wellbeing, the elderly are among the most vulnerable to COVID 19, and that was underscored yesterday with COVID death number 5, a 74-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother from Hope Creek named Iris Barillas. Barillas contracted COVID-19 while being treated for an ear condition at Belmopan Medical Centre. It's a nightmare scenario and just the type the family was trying to avoid by seeking private medical care. It's left them with a deceased matriarch and five confirmed cases within their household. And this afternoon we heard more about their ordeal from a family friend who went above and beyond for the family during Barilla's final days. BDF Soldier - Doctor Comes Out Against COVID And, one of 6 BDF staffers who tested positive is speaking up to end the COVID 19 stigma. Dr. Rahleel Jamaal Elijio, the Force doctor put up a post this morning saying, "I am not ashamed to say I was tested positive for Covid19, however it comes with stigma and discrimination. As a doctor it is my duty to heal and do no harm to anyone. It is my responsibility to inform the ones who are dear to me and whom I interact with about my status. 60 Year Old Lady Farmer Took Thieves' Weapons Changing gears now In Dangriga, a 60 year old lady farmer fought off two robbers - and took their weapons! Marian Williams told police that at 9:30 this morning she was outside cleaning her farm in the Wagierale area when she was approached by two dark skinned men wearing masks. One had a home made firearm and the other a machete. City Man Dies 10 Months After Being Shot After struggling to recover for about 10 months, 25-year-old Justin Stephens Teck passed away this morning from complications connected to gunshot injures he suffered last year. As we reported, on the evening of Thursday, October 21st, 2019, Teck, a security guard from Hunter's Lane in Belize City, was standing in front of a car wash on New Road. That wasn't too far from the Queen Street Police Station, and a series of fixed police checkpoints nearby. But, the possibility of being caught in the act did not stop a gunman from sprinting out of a nearby alley. Keith, The Cops And A troubling Pattern of Behaviour The last time Keith Yearwood was on the news, it was when the PUP stalwart got fired from city hall. That was in back in April, and he'd had a misunderstanding with his boss, the mayor Bernard Wagner about using a mask at the traffic department. Well, yesterday, Yearwood was arrested for not wearing a mask - and it was all captured on camera. The storyline may sound familiar, but Yearwood says there were extenuating circumstances - like the crying one year old in his hand. Jules Vasquez has the story: Guinea Grass-ers Going At It Again Heading now to northern Belize. Guinea Grass villagers continued their borderline protest this afternoon. As we showed you yesterday, a group of villagers went right up to the police check point - which is now the village boundary to demand that some provisions be made for desperate villagers. That village was put under COVID lockdown for two weeks, and that has now been extended by another two weeks. The protestors today told CTV-3 that it's too much - and they desperately need intervention and some breathing room. Here's one account of fatigue with authorities, including their village chairman: Big Fred, Still Fighting For Freedom And, keeping it in Orange Walk, on Monday's news, we told you about the complaints from the accused border jumper, Alfred Usher. He's the 56-year-old Belize City resident who says that he should have been out of quarantine for several days now. But, he says that the health and law enforcement authorities seem to have forgotten that he and other quarantine detainees are stuck in detention. As we told you, he was arrested in Orange Walk 20 days ago for being in possession of contraband. The cops say that he had 4 cartons of Sunny cigarettes on him. Usher claims that they found the items in a nearby lot, and not on him. Quarantined For 42 Days So, while Usher is complaining that he is being held in the quarantine facility for almost 3 weeks now, a family of 7 from Blue Creek Village is accusing the authorities of leaving them in quarantine for 42 days and counting. The Marroquin family says that an unknown member of the public reported to police that they engaged in border jumping and crossed over into Mexico. They dispute that, but they say that they were promised that the misunderstanding would be cleared up quickly. All that changed when positive tests came back saying that they were all infected with the coronavirus. DOT to Commuters: Report Buses Not following Protocols COVID cases are increasing daily, but the Department of Transport says public transportation operators, including drivers and conductors along with travelling commuters are not adhering to the Regulations. A release says "Bus drivers, conductors and passengers are not wearing their masks when travelling in the buses, or in some instances, they are not properly worn. It has also been reported that in some instances sanitization of hands or of the buses is not being done." Belmopan City Council Taking Precautionary Measures And, the Belmopan City council is reporting that it is sending a number of employees home to self-isolate. A release says, "Although there is no positive case amongst the staff, this measure of utmost caution was taken for the sole protection and safety of our staff and our residents." Motorbike Went Flying There was a wild motorbike accident today in Santa Elena, Cayo. Security video obtained by Belize Breaking News shows a Geo Prizm making a U turn on the George Price Highway within the town. He did not clear both lanes of traffic and went directly into the path of an oncoming motorbike. Jaheem's Gift Tonight 10-year-old Jaheem Carr is recovering at Belize Specialist Clinic. That's after the young boy underwent a complicated procedure to remove a large kidney stone. Now, you might be saying, what's a 10 year old doing with kidney stones? Well, apparently, he's genetically predisposed - but these cases are rare, and the surgery is expensive and highly specialized. In fact, much of the equipment had to be "macgyvered" for use on a paediatric patient. PBL Fired Stevedore The Port of Belize and the Christian Workers Union signed an historic Collective Bargaining agreement a few weeks ago, but they've already hit their first bump in the road: a stevedore has been fired, and the CWU says it is going to trigger the dispute mechanism. The Port of Belize Limited today terminated Stevedore Rodman Welch - he's the one who pleaded guilty to breaking the glass in the Port's security booth during the recent labour unrest. Medals For Frontline Workers As the COVID 19 numbers continue to climb daily, and the number of infected healthcare workers continues to rise - the owner of a trophy company thought he'd do more than just sing the praises of these frontline workers. Reginald Jex of Jex trophies crated close to a thousand medals to give one to all those doctors, nurses, and EMT's. Jankunu Laughter There's an old reggae song that says, "when the lights gone out and the food run out, all we have its music." Well, maybe during a quarantine, all we have is comedy. That's what the drama team at Jankunu productions hopes with its Virtual/Online Comedy Show called "Laff it off". The idea is to get people who really need a good local laugh to pay for the online tickets for some locally flavoured COVID stress relief. I spoke to the organizer: Channel 5 Child at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center Tests Positive for COVID-19 There is a most alarming situation at the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center which houses children on Saint Thomas Street where there is a potential of a spread of the [...] Big Creek Manager is Arraigned for Illegal Tugboat Voyage This afternoon in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court, a senior employee of the Big Creek Group was arraigned in connection with the illegal voyage of the tugboat, AJ Ellis.� Gustavo Carillo, [...] Will Charge Against Customs Officer Affect Interagency Relationship? The sequenced of events started on Wednesday when Robert Flowers and Deon Castillo were first to be charged criminally for the tugboat. That voyage, according to the police, was illegal [...] ComPol Stands by Charge Brought Against Public Officers at the Big Creek Port �but what does Commissioner of Police Chester Williams have to say about the Customs Department's comments on the charge?� Williams says he stands by the charge brought against Dion Castillo [...] Charges Coming for Other Parties Involved in Tugboat Voyage! Commissioner of Police Chester Williams wants to dispel any notions that the public officers are being made scapegoats in the process. �Williams says that if a minister of any other [...] ComPol to Customs Comptroller: "It's nothing personal!" The charge against Dion Castillo prompted strong words from the Comptroller Griffith.� He also alleged that the police objected to bail on Wednesday.� Today, Commissioner Chester Williams responded to those [...] B.D.F. Doctor Tests Positive for COVID-19 One of the new COVID victims is a frontline worker, Doctor Rahleel Elijio from the B.D.F., where a number of soldiers have also been infected. Doctor Elijio revealed he tested [...] COVID-19 Ravages the Barillas Family Seventy-four-year-old Iris Barillas was buried on Wednesday afternoon after becoming the fifth casualty of COVID-19 in Belize.� She was also the first woman who has died of the deadly virus.� [...] Protocols for the Safe Handling and Disposal of a COVID-19 Corpse The safe handling and disposal of COVID-19 corpse involves a string of procedures. While there is no scientific evidence that proves that a COVID-19 corpse is still infectious, there are [...] Additional Guidelines for Handling of COVID-19 Cadavers Today, during the Ask the Experts webcast, John Bodden explained that they are updating the procedures to provide additional guidance for the families who may experience a COVID-19 related death. [...] This Is How Quarantine Food Looks Like The Marroquin family of Blue Creek Village has been quarantined for as long as forty-three days at the Orange Walk Multi Purpose Complex.� Persons who are not positive are released [...] Guinea Grass Villager Protest, Again While the Marroquin family remains in quarantine, hundreds of persons are under lockdown in the village of Guinea Grass in Orange Walk. Guinea Grass along with Santa Martha and Shipyard [...] Repatriates Must Mandatorily Quarantine at Hotel A revision of quarantine practices and protocols for repatriated persons got underway on Wednesday by Ministry of Health officials. The process has changed several times. Initially, repatriates were swabbed upon [...] B.N.T.U. President says Threats Don't Help the Situation The University of Belize remains in turmoil and at loggerheads with the U.B.F.S.U.� Earlier this week, the university's Board of Trustees issued a threat to the teachers, telling them to [...] Long Time Unionist and Beloved Teacher Arcadia Carrillo Remembered Last week the Belize National Teachers Union lost a warrior. Arcadia Carrillo was a teacher for more than five decades and never defaulted in showing support and unity for her [...] $2.2M for Super Bond Legal and Consultation Fees On Wednesday, the Senate approved the spending of two point two million dollars to cover the legal and consultation fees attached to the consent solicitation process for the deferral of [...] TD14 Expected to Bring Rains over the Weekend! The National Meteorological Service is monitoring Tropical Depression fourteen. As of six this evening, TD-fourteen was about one hundred miles east of Cabo Gracias A Dios on the Nicaragua/Honduras border [...] Belmopan City Council Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 A number of employees from the Belmopan City Council have been sent home to self-isolate as a result of a COVID-19 threat.� While at this point, there is no positive [...] Belmopan City Council Working on a Shift System Back in March when the outbreak of the coronavirus in Belize was detected, the council began working a shift system; that has now been re-implemented so operations and services at [...] F.F.B. to Proceed with Congress Despite COVID Concerns The Football Federation of Belize is proceeding with its 2020 congress this Saturday in San Ignacio where it is expected that a new executive will be elected.� The gathering of [...] Hurricane Shelters During a Pandemic - Get Your Family Plans Ready! On Friday, we will have an update for you on Tropical Depression Fourteen, but as you heard from the National Met Service, if TD-fourteen remains on track, it will make [...] Taiwan Donates 2 Ambulances, Compactor Truck to City of Belmopan Sister City relations were established between cities of Taipei and Belmopan back in 2019.� A request was later made by Mayor Khalid Belisle for assistance with a number of trucks, [...] Healthy Living: Home Care Tips The recent spike in cases of COVID-19 detected in Belize means that hundreds of Belizeans who tested positive are now confined at home for self-isolation. Health officials should provide guidelines [...] LOVE FM Accident victims allege mistreatment by WRH nurses A resident of Silk Grass Village says she was shunned and denied treatment at the Western Regional Hospital last night. 25-year=old Emily Depaz was one of four persons who were involved in a road traffic incident in Armenia Village, Cayo District. Concerns arise for unfinished road works at mile 38 Mile 38 was the site of disaster back in mid-June when a downpour deteriorated that portion of the highway. The broken culvert had blocked the flow of traffic for over twenty four hours. Guinea Grass residents protest over lockdown The rise in numbers of Covid-19 cases continue unabated in Belize. Last night the Ministry of Health identified fifty-two new cases. Three of those cases are in the Corozal District; five are in the Cayo District; nine are in the Belize District including seven in Caye Caulker, one in Ladyville and one in Belize City. Family in Orange Walk quarantined at length A family of seven in Orange Walk has been quarantined at the Multi-Purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town for forty-three days. 20-year-old Kevin Marroquin, his parents, and siblings were all placed in quarantine back in July when they tested positive for COVID-19. After the quarantine period was finished they were tested again and their results came back negative but they are yet to be released from the quarantine center. Tonight, the family has reached out to the media hoping that it would make a difference for them. MET Service monitors tropical depression Tropical Depression Fourteen is ripe for further development and its effects of wind and rains are expected to reach the north of Belize by Saturday morning. Belize's weather experts at the National Meteorological Service are currently monitoring two systems in the Caribbean Sea. Weather and a Pandemic clashing The clash of Covid-19 and a tropical storm is what many if not all Belizeans have been praying against. Unfortunately, however, it is a situation that looms and will have to be addressed by the relevant authorities. Perhaps one of the most pointed concerns is the practice of social distancing within hurricane shelters should it come to that. Penalties for border jumpers debated in the Senate A Sitting of the Senate took place today in Belmopan as the Bills and Motions brought over from Friday's House Meeting are being debated for ratification. One of the major debates this morning had to do with the border jumpers amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government of Belize is seeking to increase the penalties for those coming in and out of the country illegally via the informal crossings in the north, west and south. Frontline workers rewarded with medals Over a thousand nurses and doctors will be receiving medals in recognition of their upstanding work and dedication during the covid-19 pandemic. The medals will be given by Jex Trophies to uplift and encourage the frontline workers. The Belize Gold Book: The Gold Standard for Belize Travel. The re-opening of the Phillip Goldson International Airport has been postponed, but local tourism outlets are still producing products for the inevitable resurrection of the tourism industry. Customs and Immigration Officers charged in relation to tugboat incident A Customs Officer and an Immigration Officer have been charged in relation to an incident regarding a tugboat named "AJ Ellis." The chain of events began when the tugboat was reportedly sent to Roatan, Honduras for repairs despite borders being closed. Breaking Belize News Cayo police find weed and gun near a bus stop Yesterday, Cayo police were conducting a search in the Red Creek Area, Santa Elena Town, [�] Two minors arrested and charged for Belize City robbery Police have charged two minors, one 17-years-old and one 13-years-old, in connection with a Belize [�] Labour Minister says "good basis" established in University of Belize union talks De facto Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. Carla Barnett, mentioned the ongoing showdown between the University [�] Man formally charged for cutting elderly woman's throat Police have arrested and charged a Guatemalan man with multiple offenses after slitting an elderly [�] Bill Gates says vaccine will help end COVID-19 pandemic by 2021, but many more will die before then Speaking to The Economist, philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, predicted that even with [�] Belize Estate Company Limited presents "sporty, sophisticated" 2021 Kia Seltos Belize Estate Company Limited (BEC) will launch the 2021 KIA Seltos tomorrow, Friday, at its [�] Baking Pot ferry in Central Farm closed due to ferry operators exposure to COVID-19 patient The Baking Pot ferry in Central Farm is this evening officially closed to the public. [�] Today is Cordel Hyde's birthday Deputy Leader of the People's United Party (PUP) and area representative for Lake Independence, Hon. [�] National Meteorological Service monitors tropical depression 14 as it approaches The National Meteorological Service of Belize is monitoring tropical depression 14 as it approaches. As [�] Students of St. Benedict's School in PG receive 'wastewater' garden from Salida Sunrise Rotary A report from Arkvalley Voice in Colorado, USA notes that students [�] Tropical Storm Watch issued for Honduras as Tropical Depression14 approaches The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is issuing advisories for newly formed Tropical Depression 14 in [�] Newly formed tropical depression in Caribbean Sea to bring heavy rains The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring newly formed Tropical Depression 14 in the Caribbean [�] Blogs Belize To Stay Calm but Vigilant as Tropical Weather, 97L, Approaches Our current weather is STILL. The last day or two have been incredibly hot, humid and still. The ocean calm as a millpond - almost no wake from the reef over the past few days. Let me just say that the mosquitos are LOVING IT. As are the swallows and the dragonflies. As our local NEMO office says: this is not a time to panic. And�for other reasons, most of Ambergris Caye has provisions like freshwater, food, medicines, and other essentials fully stocked right now. (We are currently on day 14 of a 28 day COVID quarantine) Belizeans have talent - young painters showcase incredible promise During the downtime that lockdown has put us in, there has been a chance to really look within our country and SEE her people and their talent. So many have taken the spotlight - from deejays spinning mixes, to singers acapella-ing on video, comedians, jewelry makers, specialty cooks, and artists. Now the word artist can encompass a variety of mediums, and what we speak of in this article is the painters. We've been particularly amazed by the young artists who have been sharing their work online. To say they are a 'budding' artist is almost an insult; their work is that of immense talent. It is almost as if they have been painting for years as professionals. So, imagine when we are introduced to some of these artists and learn they've only just started! Thanks to the Department of Youth Services, we have two wonderful young women to introduce to you! Chasing a Grand Slam in Belizean Waters The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) defines a "Grand Slam" as catching a bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the same day. While landing all 3 species is a given for any dedicated Belize fly-fishing trip, a Grand Slam is a feat elusively achieved by an angler over the course of a single 24 hours. Between seasoned fishing guides, mangrove channels, expansive saltwater flats, and 185 miles of coral reef, Belize is one of the best year-round locations in the Caribbean to turn your fly-fishing dreams into a reality. The Belize Weather - Another Reason Why People Choose to Retire in Belize One of the many reasons more and more people are choosing to retire in Belize is the beautiful weather. Belize enjoys consistent temperatures year-round, and it has only two seasons: the wet season and dry season. The hottest months are mitigated by cool sea breezes and the large areas of jungles and rainforest. Winter temperatures rarely go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and summer temperatures typically stay around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Belize Retirement: Can Moving Here Help You Live Longer? The slow, easy pace of life in Belize will reduce your stress on every level. Forget about road rage. You won't have any traffic jams or long commutes especially in places like Ambergris Caye - one of the best places to live and retire in Belize. In fact, your commute probably won't even involve a car. Most people travel by foot, bicycle or golf cart on this island therefore you'll discover the joy of taking life at a slow pace. Forget the crowds. You can move easily around the country because there are no crowds. Even in the busiest tourist areas, you won't have to wait in line to do something. You never need restaurant reservations. You won't need to make doctor appointments or anything else months in advance. International Sources Close-up with crocodiles: amazing pictures from Sidmouth's photographer's trip to coral reef "Do not approach crocodiles close to the side, do not touch, and remain calm and confident". That was the advice given to Sidmouth-based wildlife photographer Mark Taylor Hutchinson as he prepared to dive with American crocodiles in the warm waters of a coral atoll between Mexico and Belize. After an overnight stay at Xcalak and a morning dive on a local reef, they sailed to Banco Chinchorro in a small craft. Their accommodation was a small fishing hut on stilts, from which they were able to go into the water and interact with some of the 400 American crocodiles that frequent the mangrove lagoons of the island. Videos Thurday's "Ask the Experts", 1hr17min. Representatives from the Ministry of Health Belize joined us on 'Ask the Experts' discussing home care and management of COVID-19 deaths. LIVE follow up discussion with the Caye Caulker Covid Medical Team, 26min. They provided official updates on where we stand as an island, as it pertains to COVID-19. We urge the the general public to tune in, as the information that will be shared is vital for our knowledge to properly combat this virus. Sailing in Belize, 5min. Jan 2019. Snorkeling Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize, 3min. A message from the Belize Port Authority in San Pedro for boat owners, .5min. Our 2016 trip to Belize, 50min. Started 2016 in Antigua and closed it out in Belize. We had a blast. I'm posting this just before Sole and I's 6th (9/23/20) wedding anniversary to look back at what a whirl-wind the last few years have been! Scuba Diving Belize and the barrier reef, 3.5min. Advanced dives into the Big Blue Hole, Turneffe Atoll, Caye Chapel Tunnels, Cathedral Walls, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Black Beauty, Half Moon Caye, LIttle Caye Wall, Black Coral Wall, Mini Elbow, and The Terrace. Music by Danman of Caye Caulker. First is the plunge 140' into the Big Blue Hole then on to Half Moon Caye Wall and more.