July 22, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Peace Corps Deploys New Volunteers Across Belize

Twenty-three new Peace Corps Volunteers have been sworn in to serve under the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project, an initiative focused on empowering young Belizeans through mentorship and organised sports.

The ceremony took place in Belmopan on Friday following the completion of 11 weeks of training. These volunteers will now be deployed to communities across Belize and will be joining two existing YES cohorts already in the field.

Peace Corps Belize Country Director Dr Nadine Rogers said, “These 23 Americans came to Belize ready to serve. They came committed, and they’ve sustained that commitment throughout the training period.”

The YES Project is a partnership between Peace Corps Belize and the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations.

Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam highlighted the enduring mission of the Peace Corps, saying, “Although the program goals have shifted over the decades, the mission and values of the organization have not. I note that this current cohort of volunteers will work with one of our most precious assets: the children and youth of Belize.”

Peace Corps Belize will welcome another group of education volunteers next month.

Measles Outbreak Contained, Says MoHW

Belize has officially contained the recent measles outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Wellness made the announcement stating that “Belize has recorded no new measles cases for more than two full incubation.”

The April outbreak, traced to international travel from Mexico, resulted in 34 confirmed cases across Corozal and Cayo. All were unvaccinated. One person was hospitalised, and no deaths were reported.

“The outbreak was controlled due to the diligent public health measures of healthcare teams, the cooperation of affected individuals, and the support of the Belizean public,” MoHW added.

With measles resurging across the region, authorities urge parents to ensure children receive the MMR vaccine. Travellers should also confirm their vaccination status at least two weeks before leaving the country.

The ministry continues surveillance of fever and rash illnesses.

Gunmen Break Into Children’s Home

Two masked gunmen broke into Marla’s House of Hope in Belmopan early Monday morning.

Armed with handguns, the men confronted a female caregiver and forced her to lead them to another staff member. They then ordered the second caregiver to show them the rooms where the children were sleeping.

The gunmen demanded someone by name, but staff told them that no one by that name was there. After searching the building and finding nothing, the intruders left.

No one was injured.