On Sunday, July 6th, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) carried out another beach cleanup, this time in the Punta Ycacos area. The location was chosen because it’s a known turtle nesting site, and this is the season when turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The team collected over 20 bags of garbage and installed...
The Ministry of Health and Wellness warns that floodwaters can lead to infections, injuries, and waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. The public is urged to avoid contact with floodwaters and keep any open wounds clean and covered. Due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding is expected to increase, raising the risk of...
The Forest Department held a three-day workshop from June 26–28, 2025, focused on analyzing jaguar and prey dynamics. Participants included staff and partners like CSFI, Ya’axché, Belize Audubon Society, and others working on camera trap data for the national wildlife database. The training covered tools such as R, Excel, GIS, and occupancy modelling programs. It...
Umeeda Switlo, owner of Naledo Belize, the renowned turmeric factory based in Punta Gorda, is currently in Taiwan, proudly showcasing her world-class products at an international food fair.
Students from Toledo’s Community College (TCC) are taking a hands-on approach to tackling local flooding by applying mathematics. As part of their project, they recently visited area bridges to develop a mathematical model aimed at reducing flood damage. Through calculations and analysis, the students are working on solutions to improve water flow and strengthen structural...
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.
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...
The vibrant colors and striking murals seen across Punta Gorda Town are the work of a talented local artist whose creativity is leaving a lasting mark on the community. Mr. Donato Cho’s artwork can be found throughout the town, reflecting both culture and passion through painting.
Wednesday February11th marked a major milestone for the ministry of rural transformation, community development and local government as two upgraded water systems were officially inaugurated, one in San Jose and the other in Yemeri Grove. These improved systems are expected to provide residents of both villages with reliable access to clean water for many years...
Residents of Punta Gorda had the opportunity to sharpen their customer service skills as BELTRAIDE hosted a Customer Service Excellence workshop for the public. The interactive session focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences, strengthening communication skills, and fostering a customer-first mindset, all at no cost to participants. The workshop took place in Punta Gorda Town...
A major step forward for road safety in Belize was marked with the successful completion of a Defensive Driving Training conducted by capstone along with James Bus Line. The training focused on real-world defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness, sound decision-making, and professionalism behind the wheel specifically tailored to the daily challenges faced by bus operators....
Several key development projects for Toledo are moving from planning to action, following recent approvals at the highest level of government. The Minister of rural transformation and development provided an update on initiatives already signed off by the Prime Minister, along with projects currently underway across the district, aimed at improving infrastructure, services, and overall...
