In Punta Gorda, the Warasa Garifuna drum school, founded by Ronald Raymond McDonald. A former performer with the Belize National Dace company is preserving Garifuna culture through music. McDonald, a passionate musician and educator, teaches drumming, dancing, and drum-making, emphasizing that drumming is a form of storytelling, history, and identity. the school offers interactive lessons...
On May 24, 2025, the Big Falls Eco Warriors took part in a water quality training led by Ya’axche, collecting microbe samples and measuring depth, width, pH, and salinity of the Rio Grande River. Eleven youths ages 12 to 20 participants, working in groups to create presentations on improving the local watershed.
ITVET Toledo, a respected vocational institution based in Crique Jute Village, is well known for its excellence in various trades — particularly in welding. The school traveled to Fabrigas Belize to participate in a national welding competition sponsored by the company, aimed at showcasing the talents of young welders from across the country. Competing against...
The Belize Fisheries Department has officially announced the closure of the Queen Conch fishery as of May 25, 2025. The department reminds all fishers and the public that during this closed season, possession of conch meat is strictly prohibited and will be considered illegal. Authorities warn that anyone found in possession of conch meat during...
TIDE, the Vector Control Unit of the Toledo Community Hospital, and other local organizations came together for a major cleanup initiative in Indianville. The goal: to remove water-holding trash and debris that could become mosquito breeding grounds with the onset of the rainy season. Armed with gloves, bags, a truck, and a trailer, the dedicated...
Jeremy Enriquez, Chairman of the Board at TIDE, and Executive Director Leonardo Chavarria recently attended PACT’s Award Ceremony celebrating its Conservation Investment Strategy 2.0. Through this initiative, PACT will provide $350,000 each over three years to support three of TIDE’s key protected areas: Paynes Creek National Park, Port Honduras Marine Reserve, and the Sapodilla Cayes...
Saturday May 16th and 17th, Feet U Wear made a strong impression as they showcased their products on the second floor of the Seafront Inn in Punta Gorda, Belize. Although not officially part of the Chocolate Festival, the event highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the town. Visitors had the chance to browse through a variety...
We recently shared that the Methodist Church in Belize is celebrating 200 years of ministry. On Sunday, May 18th, Methodists from all over the country gathered in Belmopan for a special service, followed by a joyful march through the streets in celebration.
The Chocolate Festival of Belize kicked off with great excitement—and quickly turned even more intense when a scheduling clash arose with the Punta Gorda Town Council (PGTC), which had planned a concert for the same weekend. Despite the initial tensions, both sides came together, resolved their differences, and moved forward with their respective events. In...
In less than 24 hours, all roads will lead to the highly anticipated International Wine and Chocolate Night at the Copal Tree Rum Pavilion. This beloved event has grown into one of the biggest festivals in Belize, drawing crowds from across the country to Punta Gorda.
The fight to end violence against women and girls remains an important issue. in Punta Gorda, efforts to raise awareness and promote prevention continued through a two-day workshop held at the Warsa Drum School. Hosted by the Child Development Foundation, the workshop focused on educating participants and encouraging greater awareness surrounding violence against women and...
Belize has taken a major step toward strengthening the future of sports with the country’s first-ever Sports Summit. Held last week at the Belize Civic Center. Organized around the theme “Building Belize Through Sport: Governance, Youth Development, Health, High Performance and Sports Tourism. Participants discuss the state and future of sports in Belize.
Tensions are heating up in the village of Corazón at Corazón Technical High School. Several parents are upset that their children have not advanced to Fourth Form, reportedly because one teacher claimed that nearly half the class failed English. Typically, when so many students fail, summer classes are offered to help them improve; however, some...
The Ministry of Rural Transformation has announced the winners of the Village Councils of the Year Award 2026. Representing Toledo District, Bella Vista Village Council has been selected as the district’s Village Council of the Year. The recognition comes at a time when Bella Vista is also set to benefit from a major development project. A new market building planned...
After three years of service to the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church and the community of Punta Gorda, Father Eric Serrano is being bid farewell as his time of service comes to an end. A special mass was held in his honor. The farewell was filled with heartfelt moments as parishioners expressed their gratitude through gifts, songs, and...
