For years, Punta Gorda residents have been advocating for the Border Management Authority to extend its services to weekends, facilitating the flow of visitors in and out of the country. On Tuesday, November 26th, Cabinet approved the extension of operating hours to include weekends at the Punta Gorda port of entry. This long-awaited change is...
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), in collaboration with Maya Mountain Cocoa, the Toledo Cocoa Growers Association, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, joined forces to support farmers who lost their crops to fires during the recent dry season. Today, the team hosted a ceremony at the Punta Gorda Sporting Complex, where they distributed...
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence began on November 25th and runs until December 10th, coinciding with World Human Rights Day. During this two-week period, organizations worldwide campaign to call for action to end violence against women. These efforts aim to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and advocate for improved...
On Friday, November 22nd, 2024, Julian Cho Technical High School hosted its Annual Cultural Day. The event began with an official ceremony featuring students performing dances, singing, and showcasing various cultures. The festive atmosphere included numerous booths displaying aspects of different cultures, such as traditional foods, tools, and more. One of the main highlights of...
For years, the Main Street leading into Punta Gorda had been an eyesore, causing frustration for both locals and visitors. In the lead-up to the 19th of November celebrations, the PNP Leader publicly urged the area representative to address the street’s condition. In response to this call, the area representative took action, and today, the...
Residents have raised ongoing concerns about the garbage dump on Water Hole Road. Despite a recent BTIA meeting, the issue remains unresolved. Our team found a new dumping site on Ex-Serviceman’s Road. Councillor Mary Palacio, in charge of sanitation, assured us she would respond. We’ll keep monitoring the situation.
Last week Tuesday morning, Front Street by the Cooperative Wharf in Punta Gorda Town was alive with Garifuna colors as the community celebrated Garifuna Settlement Day with the reenactment of Yurumei. The event featured lively drumming and dancing as participants made their way to St. Peter Claver Church for a Garifuna Mass, which was captured...
The Big Falls Eco Warriors Group has been actively involved in community efforts to protect and clean the environment. Now, the group is taking another step forward by expanding their knowledge about Climate Change and human rights. From November 23rd to 25th, they will host a Climate Change and Human Rights Workshop at the Big...
On Thursday, November 14th, the 15th annual Primary Schools Garifuna Translation Contest was hosted by the Battle of the Drums as part of the November celebrations leading up to the 19th. Ten primary schools participated, each represented by two students. The competition tested participants’ ability to translate words, phrases, sentences, and proverbs from standard English...
Thursday November 14th, the People’s Diabetes Foundation held its Diabetes Walk and Health Fair at the St. Peter Claver R.C. School Field. The event saw participation from several attendees, including school groups who took part in the walk and formed a large circle. During the health fair, various organizations were present to share information about...
A community partnership is helping bring new life to the entrance of Forest Home as the village council teams up with Naledo Belize to restore the village sign with a fresh coat of paint. This sign creates a welcoming first impression for residents and visitors approaching or passing through forest home village.
Last week, major concern was raised across the country following the detection of a case of measles in the Toledo District. In response, health authorities swiftly activated emergency measures to contain the potential spread of the disease. We can confirm that additional suspected cases have been reported. Among them is a student from Toledo Community...
The National Garifuna Council Punta Gorda Branch held its election yesterday at the Garifuna Cultural Center in Punta Gorda. Following welcome remarks by outgoing President Mr. James Lino, and the presentation of the Treasurer’s Report by the outgoing treasurer, nominations were made and votes were cast. The results are as follows: President: Therese Aleman Vice...
A few weeks ago, there was an alleged kidnapping involving the alcalde of Indian Creek Village. The incident has raised several concerns, as shortly after the alcalde went missing, his supporters reportedly attacked the home of the village chairman. In recent months, tensions have been escalating between alcaldes and village chairpersons in several Maya communities....
On Friday April 24th, the University of Belize Toledo Campus was filled with students from the Belmopan Campus. The debate club from Punta Gorda challenged their colleagues from Belmopan on the topic: should UB ban student use of generative AI? The debate was highly interactive, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. In the end, the affirmative...
