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 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...
The unveiling of an East Indian mural was held at the Muara Lopez Market. Hosted by the National Institute of Culture and History. Community members and visitors gathered to view the artwork and learn more about the heritage represented through the mural.
An art exhibit was held on Saturday afternoon. The exhibit was hosted by renowned local artist Marlena Heron and featured the work of an estimated 23 students who took part in the arts camp. Visitors had the opportunity to view the students’ artwork at the Welcome Center, showcasing the creativity and talent they developed throughout...
A few weeks ago, we told you about the deplorable condition of the Barranco pier. The pier is used by the Belize Coast Guard and, at times, by the Belize Defense Force. The Chairperson of Barranco made an appeal for repairs to the deteriorating structure. However, that appeal, despite being made by a PUP village...
The 16th Annual Yellow Ginger Festival was held over the weekend, and this year’s celebration was one of the largest to date. More than 50 booths were set up at Central Park, attracting a large crowd. The guest speaker at the opening ceremony was Punta Gorda’s very own Wil Maheia. The celebration brought the community...
TIDE officially wrapped up its 2026 Summer Camp with more than 20 facilitators taking part in a day of learning and fun at the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. At the Steven Page Ranger Station in Punta Ycacos, facilitators experienced the beauty of the marine reserve and were treated to a memorable sighting of a deer...
