July 2025

Avoiding Burn Out

July 2025

Monthly Newsletter

🌞 Avoiding Burnout:

Work Hard, But Don’t Forget to Live

As we move through the busy months of summer, it’s important to pause and check in with ourselves. Employee burnout is real—and it can sneak up on even the most dedicated among us.

🔥 Common Causes of Burnout Include:

Constant workload with no breaks
Lack of work-life balance
Unclear job expectations
Lack of support or recognition
Stress from home and work overlapping

If left unchecked, burnout can lead to fatigue, anxiety, reduced performance, and even serious health issues.

🧘 Simple Ways to Avoid Burnout:

Set boundaries – Learn to say no when your plate is full.
Take short breaks during your workday to reset.
Use your vacation time—you’ve earned it!
Get proper sleep, eat well, and stay active.
Talk to someone if you feel overwhelmed—colleagues, supervisors, or professionals.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Reconnect This Summer

For many of us at Big Creek Group, this season also means the kids are home and family time becomes more accessible.

Take advantage of the longer days to:

Bond with your children through simple activities
Visit family members you haven’t seen in a while
Reconnect with old friends
Plan meaningful moments that lift your spirit

Remember, while we all strive to work hard and build a better life, don’t forget to actually live it. Take time to breathe, laugh, and make memories with the people who matter most.

Let’s support one another in creating a workplace where success includes well-being.

🤔 Did you know?

Power & Status in Ancient Maya Society

In Ancient Maya civilization, social status was everything. Maya society was highly stratified, with kings (or “K’uhul Ajaw”) ruling over city-states and believed to be divine intermediaries between the gods and the people. Elites, priests, and warriors held great influence, while artisans, farmers, and laborers formed the backbone of the society.

Status wasn’t just about wealth—it was tied to lineage, religious knowledge, and the ability to control resources. Clothing, architecture, and even burial sites all reflected a person’s place in society.

🇧🇿 Belize’s Link to the Maya World

Did you know that Belize is home to some of the most important Maya sites, such as Caracol, Xunantunich, Lamanai, and Altun Ha? These ancient cities were once centers of political power and ceremonial activity—some with populations in the tens of thousands.

Even today, Belize’s rich Maya heritage continues to influence our culture, language, and community structure. From traditional farming methods to modern-day festivals, the legacy of this powerful civilization still lives on.

🌱Latest in Agriculture News: Local Farmers & Agriculture Officers Trained in Digital Tools 👨🏻‍💻

This week, expert farmers and agriculture officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise joined a hands-on training workshop in Belize City aimed at modernizing farming practices. The session introduced two innovative platforms:

AGRIBEL.bz, a digital extension platform offering targeted training content
BAPIS.bz, a real-time market-price tool with insights from across the country

Both systems were developed with support from the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organization under a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP/BZE/3902). Participants not only learned how to navigate the platforms themselves but will now also assist other farmers in applying these tools in their daily work

Source: https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2025/06/25/local-farmers-and-agriculture-officers-trained-in-new-digital-agriculture-tools/

🌪️Hurricane Preparedness: Stay Ready, Stay Safe🌧️

As we enter the heart of hurricane season, Big Creek Group reminds all staff and their families to stay alert and prepared. Being proactive can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and minimizing potential damage.

Here are a few key tips:

Have a Plan: Know your evacuation routes and keep emergency contacts updated.
Stock Up Early: Gather essentials like food, water, medications, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
Secure Your Property: Trim trees, secure loose items, and know how to shut off utilities if needed.
Stay Informed: Monitor official weather sources and company alerts for updates and instructions.

Big Creek Group is committed to the safety of our employees and operations. Our emergency procedures are in place, and teams are on standby to respond if needed.

Let’s work together to stay safe this season!

Positive Thought of the Month

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today"

— Malcolm X

This month’s reflection reminds us that success isn’t built overnight—it’s shaped by the choices we make now. Whether it’s learning a new skill, planning ahead, or simply staying focused, every step we take today brings us closer to a stronger, brighter future.

Let’s continue moving forward with purpose and preparation.🌟

🔥Belize National Fire Service Olympiad👨🏻‍🚒

The highly anticipated Belize National Fire Service Olympiad is just around the corner, scheduled for July 16–17 at Yarborough Field in Belize City. This exciting event brings together fire departments from across the country to compete in high-energy drills, rescue challenges, and fitness tests—all showcasing the strength, teamwork, and readiness of our nation’s bravest.

Big Creek Group is proud to cheer on our local heroes from the Independence Fire Department as they represent our community. We’ll be rooting for them to rise to the top in this year’s spirited competition!

Stay safe—and best of luck to all participating teams! 💪🚒

Riddle me this ...

Previous Riddle: Echo

There is one of me in every corner, but two of me in every room. What am I?

🤔

Answer revealed in upcoming issue.

😩July's Wellness Tip: Give your eyes a rest!

At Big Creek Group, many of us spend long hours working with screens—whether it's handling reports, monitoring systems, or staying connected. But did you know that too much screen time can strain your eyes and affect your productivity?

Help protect your vision by following the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

This small habit can go a long way in reducing eye strain, boosting focus, and improving your overall comfort during the workday. Let’s take care of our eyes—one break at a time!

The Port Hub⚓

Discussing all things Maritime 🚢

🌊 Honoring and Protecting Belizean Seafarers

In Belize, seafaring is more than a profession—it’s a legacy. From fishermen to maritime transport crews, our seafarers are vital to both local communities and the national economy. A recent feature by Greater Belize shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and preserve the lives of Belizean seafarers, both at home and abroad.

The article emphasizes:

The importance of safety training, proper equipment, and fair working conditions.
The challenges many Belizean seafarers face, especially when working on international vessels.
Ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime laws and support systems to ensure seafarers’ rights and welfare are upheld.

At Big Creek Group, where the port is the heart of our operations, we stand in solidarity with these efforts. Let’s continue valuing the men and women who navigate our coasts and open seas—keeping Belize’s maritime legacy alive and strong.

As the industry faces a talent shortage, integrating more women into maritime professions is not just a matter of equity but a strategic move to harness a broader range of talents and perspectives.

At Big Creek Group, we recognize and support these advancements, understanding that a diverse workforce is key to navigating the future of maritime with resilience and innovation.

🦺July’s Safety Tip: Conduct Regular Safety Training⚠️

At Big Creek Group, safety is everyone’s responsibility—and one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and each other is through regular safety training.

Ongoing training ensures that all staff stay up to date with protocols, proper equipment use, and emergency procedures. Refresher courses not only reinforce what we already know but also introduce important updates and best practices.

By prioritizing continuous safety education, we’re not just following policy—we’re building a culture where everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. Let’s keep learning, stay alert, and look out for one another.

The Exceutive Brief💼

Unveiling the Belize Dollar: Evaluating Its Valuation Amidst Balance of Payment Deficit and Reserve Dynamics

- Anuar J. Flores

Inquiries into the valuation of the Belize dollar and the mechanisms underpinning its exchange rate management are pertinent for understanding the monetary and economic dynamics of the nation. The Belize Dollar is overvalued, indicating a “pegged exchange rate” exceeding its equilibrium value as determined by market forces of demand and supply. It is important then to make the distinction that the BZ$ is not tied to the US$ but pegged to the US$ at the rate of exchange of BZ$2 to $1US$.

The establishment of this pegged rate by the Government of Belize in 1978 initiated a significant shift in currency alignment, transitioning from its previously pegged rate to the British Pound. This strategic decision was primarily motivated by the growing reliance on the United States as a principal trade partner. Since then, this peg has remained unchanged.

The consequence of an overvalued currency, such as the Belize dollar, is reflected in a phenomenon known as a "Balance of Payment Deficit," which exclusively affects countries with pegged currencies. In essence, this imbalance manifests as the disparity between the Country’s inward and outward cash flows, delineating the discrepancy between the current account and the financial account.

The framework of the balance of payments further incorporates the Official Reserve Account, which comprises reserve assets denominated primarily in US dollars. There are five major world official reserve assets, United States Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, Chinese Renminbi, Japanese Yen and the British Pound Sterling. Belize uses the US$.

Despite the apparent deficit, it is imperative to note that the balance of payments ultimately balances through the interplay of various factors. It’s kind of confusing but let’s unravel it a bit more.

Five fundamental conditions delineate the dynamics of Belize's currency regime:

The "Pegged Rate of Exchange," set by the Belizean government in 1978, represents the official exchange rate to the US dollar.

The "Market Exchange Rate" signifies the true exchange rate, determined by the intersection of demand and supply curves for the Belize dollar. Notably, the Pegged Rate exceeds this market equilibrium, indicating overvaluation.

The demand for BZ$ reflects external entities seeking the BZ$ for various purposes, including purchasing goods and services, investing in the nation, or procuring exports, thereby providing the US dollars essential for the country. This demand creates a credit in the balance of payments.

Conversely, the demand for US dollars emanates from domestic businesses and citizens necessitating foreign currency for international transactions, imports, or investment abroad. This demand creates a debit in the balance of payments.

The Central Bank plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the balance of payments by utilizing its Official Reserve Assets, predominantly US dollars, to mitigate the deficit or bridging the gap. This intervention ensures the maintenance of the official pegged rate of the Belize dollar to the US dollar, thereby averting destabilization in the currency market. If at any point the Central Bank is unable to bridge the deficit gap, then the BZ$ will devalue.

While addressing the complexities of an overvalued currency extends beyond the scope of this short paper, it is crucial to underscore the significance of preserving the BZ$ peg to instill confidence in the nation's economic stability and the integrity of its goods and services.

In conclusion, the maintenance of the BZ$ peg is instrumental in fostering resilience and bolstering trust in Belize's economic framework, underlining the government's commitment to sustaining fiscal equilibrium and currency integrity.

Exciting Events this Month: Benque Viejo Fiesta - July 15!

We're thrilled to announce the Benque Viejo Fiesta, happening July 15 at Yarborough Field, Benque Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District. This vibrant celebration honors La Virgen del Carmen with a rich blend of tradition and festivity:

🌅 Nine Days of Prayer & Alboradas: Early morning prayers and hymns, accompanied by marimba music, take place each day leading up to the main event
🎶 Cultural Shows & Marimba Bands: Enjoy performances from local ensembles and traditional musical heritage
🍛 Food, Games & Fair Rides: Sample local dishes, play carnival games, and have fun on mechanical rides

Big Creek Group invites all staff to join in celebrating with our neighbors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Belizean culture, community spirit, and festive joy!

🍤 Happening Next Door: Placencia Lobsterfest

July 4–6

Get ready to kick off the summer in the tastiest way possible! The Placencia Lobsterfest is back and happening July 4th to 6th—a perfect long weekend to indulge in food, music, and fun with family and friends.

Held annually in the charming coastal village of Placencia, this three-day festival marks the opening of the lobster season in Belize. It’s a beloved national tradition that brings together locals and visitors for a beachside celebration like no other.

🎉 What You’ll Experience:

🍽️ Lobster Galore: Enjoy an endless variety of lobster dishes—from grilled and buttery tails to spicy lobster curry, ceviche, tacos, kebabs, and even lobster pizza!
🎶 Live Entertainment: Dance to the rhythm of live bands and DJs playing everything from Punta to reggae as the beach transforms into a lively stage of culture and creativity.
🏖️ Games & Family Fun: Bring the kids along to enjoy games, mechanical rides, raffles, and activities that make this festival a true family affair.
🛍️ Local Artisans & Vendors: Shop handcrafted goods, jewelry, and souvenirs from local artisans while exploring the unique flavors of Belize’s southern coast.
🍹 Drinks & Vibes: Quench your thirst with tropical drinks, fresh coconut water, and icy treats under the warm July sun.

🧳 Why Attend?

Placencia Lobsterfest isn’t just about lobster—it’s about celebrating community, culture, and the beauty of Belize. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your coworkers, family, and friends.

Big Creek Group encourages all staff to take part in this exciting event. Support our local vendors, enjoy the rich culture of southern Belize, and take time to unwind—you’ve earned it!