August 2025

Preparing for Rainy Days

August 2025

Monthly Newsletter

🌧️ Preparing for Rainy Days: Expect the Unexpected

At Big Creek Group, we understand that while we work hard to ensure smooth operations each day, life can still throw unexpected challenges our way—just like a sudden downpour. These “rainy days” can come in many forms: accidents, illness, natural disasters, theft, arson, or other unforeseen events that disrupt the flow of everyday life.

Here are some important ways you can start preparing today:

🏠 At Home:

Create an emergency plan with your family—know where to go and what to do during hurricanes, fires, or medical emergencies.
Keep important documents (IDs, insurance, bank info) in a safe, accessible location.
Build an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, a first aid kit, and essential medications.
Review your insurance coverage (if applicable) to ensure you’re protected from events like fire, theft, or flood.

🧰 At Work – Port of Big Creek / BEL-AGRO Warehouse:

Report and correct hazards immediately—from blocked exits to exposed wiring or unstable pallets.
Know your emergency procedures: evacuation routes, fire extinguisher locations, first aid contacts.
Use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at all times and encourage others to do the same.
Secure loose materials and equipment ahead of expected bad weather, especially in outdoor operations.

💼 Personally & Financially:

Set aside emergency savings to help you through difficult times without added financial stress.
Keep a list of emergency contacts saved and shared with trusted family members.
Prioritize your health by staying active, eating well, and getting regular checkups.
Consider long-term planning such as life or health insurance, especially if you support dependents.

At Big Creek Group, we believe that preparedness is a form of strength. By taking the time to plan today, we safeguard our future and protect what we’ve worked so hard to build—both as individuals and as a team. Let’s stay ready, stay safe, and support one another through every season.

🤔 Did you know?

Belize has the lowest population density in Central America

Despite its relatively large land area—about 22,966 square kilometers (8,867 square miles)—the country has a population of just over 400,000 people. This means vast areas of Belize remain untouched and naturally preserved, with abundant forests, rivers, and coastal ecosystems.

This low population density contributes to Belize’s appeal as an eco-tourism destination. Visitors can explore wide stretches of rainforest, pristine beaches, and remote wildlife sanctuaries with minimal crowds. For conservationists and researchers, it offers a rare opportunity to study biodiversity in one of the most intact environments in the region.

🇧🇿 However, having a small, dispersed population also presents challenges. Delivering public services—like healthcare, education, and infrastructure—to rural and remote communities can be difficult and costly. Yet, Belize continues to invest in sustainable development while prioritizing environmental protection, helping preserve its natural landscapes for generations to come.

🌱Latest in Agriculture News: USDA Donates Tools to Belize Agriculture Teams 🔧🐛

This month, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), in partnership with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and OIRSA, received a valuable donation of tools and equipment to support efforts against the New World Screwworm.

The equipment — which includes boots, Leatherman utility knives, and field gear valued at over US $9,000 — will go directly to extension officers and field teams working across Belize to combat this livestock pest and strengthen animal health monitoring systems.

The donation comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/APHIS), reflecting regional support for agricultural health initiatives. The Ministry reports Belize now has the lowest number of screwworm cases in Central America.

Source: https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2025/07/16/united-states-department-of-agriculture-hands-over-tools-equipment-valued-at-more-than-9000-to-combat-new-world-screwworm/

🦌 Celebrating Culture: The Deer Dance Festival in Southern Belize

August 1

At Big Creek Group, we take pride in being part of a region rich in culture, history, and vibrant tradition. One such uniquely Belizean experience is the Deer Dance Festival, held in the Maya village of San Antonio, nestled in the heart of the Toledo District.

This annual celebration is more than just a performance—it's a symbolic ritual passed down through generations. The festival centers around a ceremonial dance that dramatizes the hunting of a deer, blending ancient Maya storytelling with community spirit and cultural expression. The festivities don’t stop there—one of the most anticipated (and amusing) moments is when locals take on the challenge of climbing a greased pole, often to the sound of cheers and laughter from the crowd.

As a company deeply rooted in Southern Belize, Big Creek Group is proud to celebrate and support the diverse traditions that shape our region. Events like the Deer Dance Festival remind us of the importance of community, heritage, and joy—values that continue to inspire how we work and connect every day.

Positive Thought of the Month

"Change is inevitable. Change will always happen, but you have to apply direction to change, and that's when it's progress."

— Doug Baldwin

At Big Creek Group, we recognize that change is a constant in both our industry and the communities we serve. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, improving our operations, or expanding our services, it’s not just about reacting to change—it’s about leading it with purpose.

By staying focused and intentional, we turn change into real progress—for our teams, our partners, and the future of Belizean industry.🌟

🎉 Regional Unity Through Celebration: The International Costa Maya Festival

August 1

August marks the return of one of Belize’s most vibrant and anticipated cultural events—the International Costa Maya Festival, taking place this year on August 1st. Held in the beautiful coastal town of San Pedro, this week-long celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Mundo Maya region, bringing together musical performers, artists, and beauty ambassadors from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

More than just a festival, Costa Maya is a celebration of unity, creativity, and shared identity among neighboring nations. Through dazzling performances, colorful traditions, and spirited competitions, it highlights the diversity and vibrancy that defines Central America.

At Big Creek Group, we recognize the value of cross-border collaboration and regional connection—principles reflected in both the festival and our business. As a company that proudly operates in Southern Belize, we see events like Costa Maya as an important reminder of the strength found in cultural exchange, shared values, and mutual celebration.

Whether you're attending in person or cheering from afar, the Costa Maya Festival is a beautiful example of how culture can unite and uplift—much like the work we strive to do every day.

Riddle me this ...

Previous Riddle: the letter 'o'

Why can't a nose be 12 inches long?

🤔

Answer revealed in upcoming issue.

🥦August's Wellness Tip: Eat Real Food

This month, we’re keeping it simple: Eat real food. Real food means whole, single-ingredient items like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and legumes—foods that are unprocessed and free from additives. Making these a regular part of your meals can improve your overall health, help manage your weight, and boost your energy levels throughout the day.

At Big Creek Group, we encourage small, mindful choices that support a healthier lifestyle—because wellness fuels both personal and professional success.

The Port Hub⚓

Discussing all things Maritime 🚢

🌊 Honoring and Protecting Belizean Seafarers

In Belize, seafaring is more than just a job—it’s a heritage. From local fishermen to maritime transport crews, our seafarers are the lifeblood of community and commerce. Recent developments underscore a growing commitment to see that legacy thrive safely and sustainably.

The latest highlight: on International Seafarers Day (June 25, 2025), the Belize Port Authority joined forces with IMMARBE and the Italian Shipping Academy for a two-week training initiative focused on flag-state safety standards—bringing critical expertise directly to Belize for the first time.

The article emphasizes:

Enhanced vessel safety inspection training, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards for vessels flying the Belizean flag or entering our ports.
Capacity building—Belizean officers gain technical skills locally, reducing reliance on overseas training opportunities.

Collaboration among port authorities, flag-registry bodies, and international experts, all dedicated to seafarers’ safety and welfare.

Additionally, Belize formally backed amendments to the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)—adopting strengthened provisions on recruitment, repatriation, medical care, and onboard welfare.

Another important milestone: Guidelines for implementation of MLC 2022 amendments, effective as of December 2024, mandate that Belize-flagged vessels ensure access to internet and communications, nutritious meals, proper protective gear, and updated labour compliance declarations.

At Big Creek Group, where the port is at the heart of what we do, we proudly support these initiatives. Let’s continue uplifting the men and women navigating Belize’s seas, honoring their vital contribution to the nation’s maritime future.

🛠️August's Safety Tip: Identify and Fix Workplace Hazards⚠️

Whether on the docks at the Port of Big Creek or inside the BEL-AGRO fertilizer warehouse, staying alert to potential hazards is key to ensuring a safe work environment. Regular safety checks should include looking out for slippery surfaces near loading areas, improperly secured cargo or pallets, and exposed wiring or damaged equipment in both maritime and warehouse settings.

In port operations, high-traffic zones, heavy machinery, and vessel activity increase the risk of injury if hazards are overlooked. Similarly, in warehouse environments, cluttered aisles, chemical storage issues, or improper lifting practices can lead to preventable accidents.

At Big Creek Group, we are committed to fostering a proactive safety culture. Identifying and addressing risks early not only protects our teams—it also keeps operations running smoothly and efficiently. Let's continue to work together to keep every work area safe, organized, and hazard-free.

The Exceutive Brief💼

Balance the Budget or Stimulate the Economy? Which Should Take Priority?

- Anuar J. Flores

In essence, the question of whether governments should inject money into the economy for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and become employers of last resort to stimulate economic growth, even in the face of a budget deficit, is a pivotal one in contemporary economic discourse.

The significance of money in the modern economy cannot be overstated; it serves as the medium through which goods and services are valued and exchanged. Consequently, understanding the dynamics of money within an economy provides insights into the pace and trajectory of economic growth.

Within the realm of monetary influence, central banks emerge as key players, serving as the government's financial backbone. When we refer to government actions, we are essentially alluding to the actions of the central bank. Other financial entities, including commercial banks, retail banks, investment banks, and individuals, collectively constitute the retail side of the market, along with various companies.

In a robust economy, money circulates seamlessly among these institutions, fostering transactions between central banks and commercial banks, as well as among commercial banks themselves. These transactions involve lending, borrowing, and providing financial services to individuals and businesses.

The circulation of money propels economic growth, and economists contend that a free flow of money correlates directly with economic expansion.

Amidst this intricate network, a critical question surfaces: what takes precedence, balancing the budget or stimulating economic growth? In the case of governments endowed with substantial monetary sovereignty, the argument is in favor of prioritizing economic growth over budgetary equilibrium.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) emerges as a crucial metric for assessing a country's output of goods and services. To understand the government's contribution to GDP, it is imperative to analyze the percentage each economic component contributes to the overall output. This analytical approach facilitates the evaluation of a government's commitment to economic development, allowing for the establishment of a monitoring graph.

GDP is calculated using the formula: Consumption + Investment + Government Spending + (Exports – Imports).

Notably, government spending plays a pivotal role in contributing to GDP growth. Consequently, a strategic emphasis on injecting money into the economy, coupled with a well-designed job placement program offering competitive salaries, can yield positive outcomes. This approach has the potential to drive GDP growth, address unemployment challenges, invigorate a sluggish economy, and foster inclusive development.

In conclusion, the debate between balancing the budget and stimulating economic growth leans towards the latter for governments possessing substantial monetary sovereignty. Through judicious spending and targeted employment programs, governments can strategically inject money into the economy, fostering GDP growth and concurrently addressing critical socio-economic issues.

🎊Honoring Traditions: San Joaquin Fiesta

August 17-19

As part of our commitment to celebrating Belizean culture and community, Big Creek Group is pleased to highlight one of the North’s most cherished and growing traditions—the San Joaquin Fiesta, taking place this year from August 17–19.

Held annually in San Joaquin Village, Corozal, the Fiesta honors the village’s patron saint, San Joaquin, and has grown into the biggest event the village hosts. “Every year, we first pay tribute to our Saint, and then the party begins,” shares Marceli Tzul, Chairperson of the San Joaquin Village Council. What follows is a lively weekend filled with music, dance, food, games, and warm community spirit. The general public is warmly invited to join in the celebration.

At Big Creek Group, we recognize that festivals like the San Joaquin Fiesta are more than just community events—they're a reflection of Belize’s deep cultural roots and enduring spirit. As we continue to grow and connect with communities across the country, we proudly stand behind the traditions that bring people together and celebrate the essence of what makes Belize so unique.

🎣 Reeling in Community and Conservation: Tres Pescados Slam Tournament

August 12-15

From August 12–15, the island of San Pedro will once again host the renowned Tres Pescados Slam Tournament, a premier catch-and-release fly fishing event that targets three of Belize’s most iconic species: tarpon, permit, and bonefish.

This unique tournament is more than a competitive sport—it’s a celebration of Belize’s rich marine biodiversity and a showcase of responsible, sustainable fishing practices. Each day in Central Park, the event will feature fly fishing and fly tying demonstrations, casting competitions, and boat poling contests, all open to the public. With prizes and trophies up for grabs, the tournament also brings the Ambergris Caye community together for fun, learning, and local pride.

At Big Creek Group, we proudly support initiatives that highlight the importance of sustainability and community engagement—values that echo our own. The Tres Pescados Slam Tournament not only promotes eco-friendly fishing but also strengthens community ties through shared passion and tradition. Events like this remind us of the beauty of Belize’s natural resources and the importance of preserving them for future generations.