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...
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...
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...
On Wednesday November 13th, the Punta Gorda Methodist Church paid tribute to the late Teacher Jane Locario, honoring her contributions to the church, community, and Belize as a whole. A memorial service was held in her honor at the Punta Gorda Methodist Church. Many attendees wore traditional Garifuna clothing, and the sound of drums filled...
Thomas Vincent Ramos, a Belizean civil rights activist who championed the interests of the Garifuna people, passed away on November 13, 1955. Since then, he has been recognized as one of Belize’s national heroes. Wednesday November 13th, the People’s National Party, known for highlighting prominent figures who have contributed to the country’s development, organized an...
The St. Joseph Sodality Group from the St. Peter Claver Parish Church recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. This group of men is dedicated to working within the community under the guidance of the pastor of St. Peter Claver Church. On the morning of November 10th, the Sodality Group marked their anniversary with a mass. Following...
On November 7th, the NGC Pieni Branch hosted a discussion on the St. Vincent Block, commonly known as “Cerru.” The session provided valuable insights into the area’s history and the process through which it was reserved. The conversation centered on the ownership and trusteeship of the land, with a focus on clarifying a common misconception....
On November 8th, the High School Battle of the Drum took place at the Russel “Chiste” Garcia Auditorium in Dangriga Town. This year’s event was held under the theme “Embracing Cultural Diversity in Our Oneness as Belizeans.” Seven high schools participated: Toledo Community College, Independence High School, George Town Technical High School, Delille Academy in...
The first-ever Primary School Battle of the Drum took place on Friday, November 1st, at the Punta Gorda Sporting Complex. This event provided an opportunity for primary school students to showcase their talents in drumming, singing, and dancing. It also created a space for children to interact within a culturally rich environment. Nine primary schools...
As the Garifuna celebrations continue, the National Garifuna Council has organized a series of events set to take place in Punta Gorda Town. One of the main events is the Miss Garifuna Pageant. On Saturday, November 2nd, the NGC Pieni Branch hosted their pageant, where four candidates competed for the title of Miss Garifuna Pieni...
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...
