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...
It has been over a decade now that the Guatemalan armed forces have continued to violate Belize’s sovereignty. On Saturday, the Guatemalan armed forces escalated their aggression and rammed into a Belize Defence Force boat on the Sarstoon. The Guatemalan armed forces clearly violated Belize’s sovereignty once again, and this time they were more aggressive...
The Belize Coast Guard and Rangers from TIDE have removed three illegal gillnets during a joint maritime enforcement patrol near Corona Reef. The operation was conducted on November 6th along Belize’s southern maritime border with Guatemala. The gillnets, which are prohibited fishing gear in Belizean waters, were located and removed during the patrol. During the...
Jahida Ramirez is a talented young author from Punta Gorda Town. On Monday morning, at the Welcome Center, she officially launched her new book, dedicated to the youth of Punta Gorda, Belize, and the world. A proud achievement for this young Belizean, using her creativity and passion to inspire the next generation. Congratulations, Jahida, and...
At Thursday’s BTIA meeting, one of the concerns raised was the poor condition of the Punta Gorda Vegetable Market. One resident took to social media to express concerns, pointing out that the Maria Lopez Market was funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize at a cost of $1 million in 2016. However,...
On Saturday October 31st, the Miss Garifuna Peini Pageant was held at the sporting complex. Four young ladies proudly showcased Garifuna culture, as they competed for the coveted crown. At the end of the evening, Miss Tiricy Colon emerged as the winner and was crowned Miss Garifuna Peini.
