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...
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.
An impressive garden located in PG town, The Zetina’s family demonstrates the possibility of growing what you eat while generating income from produce cultivated in your own yard. We will continue to highlight exceptional gardens in our town. If you have an outstanding garden that you would like to share with the public, please contact...
This week, Belizeans across the country are celebrating Teacher’s Week. In Toledo, the People’s National Party has issued a statement recognizing all teachers, particularly those who have put their names forward as candidates for the party. Among them are Mr. Marcel Palma, who achieved a record number of votes, as well as teachers Deborah Borland,...
Robert Rolle, is a graduate from Chaney University, retired, and now living in Punta Gorda. Rob, or ‘Big Fella’ as he is locally known, is an author, and for Mother’s Day, we want to highlight his latest publication entitled “Mommy’s Home.” This book is more than just a biograph it is a tribute to all...
On Friday October 16th Students, teachers, and community supporters gathered at Central park for a Breast Cancer Awareness School Rally organized by the Belize cancer society Toledo branch. The aim is to promote early detection and raising awareness about breast cancer. Participants dressed in pink, displaying awareness posters, and waving flags in a show of...
Last week, we reported to you that several, up to eight, Guatemalan boats were spotted inside Belizean waters engaged in illegal fishing. The Punta Gorda Fisheries Department evidently took our report seriously and, on Thursday, conducted patrols in the Sarstoon Temash area. They found four gill nets that had been illegally set. The gill nets...
With less than two weeks remaining before Tropic Air ceases operations in Punta Gorda, residents gathered at the airline’s local office today to send a clear message to the government: Punta Gorda need air connectivity and cannot simply be cut off. The demonstration comes as the community prepares for the loss of Tropic Air flights,...
Exactly one month after the Guatemalan armed forces violated Belize’s sovereignty, they did so again on Saturday October 10th, when the Belize Territorial Volunteers made an unannounced trip to the Sarstoon River. The trip discovered that the Guatemalan armed forces continue to occupy the river, but more than that, the trip also found that up...
Toledo District’s very own Ymanoli Garcia has been named Oceana’s 2026 Wavemaker of the Year for the district. The announcement was made during Oceana Belize’s Annual General Meeting. Over 300 Wavemakers, partners, and allies from across the country came together in celebration of their shared commitment to protecting Belize’s marine environment.
