July 2026

Staying One Step Ahead of the Storm

July 2026

Monthly Newsletter

⛈️ Staying One Step Ahead of the Storm: Our July Hurricane Preparedness Guide

As we head into July, the tropical summer is in full swing across Southern Belize. While this season brings vibrant energy to our farms, communities, and bustling docks, it also marks the time when we must turn our attention to the skies. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway, and at Big Creek Group, safety isn't just a policy—it is our shared responsibility.

From the fields of BEL-AGRO and Banana Enterprises to the critical maritime channels at the Port of Big Creek, our operations drive the economy of the South. But our most valuable asset will always be you—our 250+ employees and your families.

Because our port facilities face the open waters and our agricultural divisions are closely tied to the land, early planning is the absolute best tool we have to minimize risk. Let’s work together to ensure that our homes and our workplaces are secure before a storm ever develops.

📋 Employee Action Plan: 4 Essential Steps

Whether you work on the mainland in Independence and Mango Creek or are stationed directly at the terminal, here is what you need to do this month to stay ready.

1. Update Your Contact Information:

Deadline: July 15.

Ensure your current supervisor has your correct phone number, emergency contact, and physical address. If lines go down, our Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Department needs accurate rosters to verify that every single team member is safe.

2. Build Your 72-Hour Home Emergency Kit:

Personal Readiness.

Don't wait for a storm warning to buy supplies. Stock up on non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and at least one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. Keep copy duplicates of your vital documents (IDs, land titles, passports) in a waterproof bag.

3. Know Your Evacuation & Shelter Plan:

Safety First.

Because the Port of Big Creek is a critical marine environment and not a designated safe harbor for civilian sheltering during major storms, you must have a personal evacuation plan. Identify the nearest official NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization) shelters in the Stann Creek or Toledo districts, and plan your route early.

4. Secure Workplace Property:

Operational Readiness.

When a storm approaches, follow specific shutdown procedures for your division. Secure heavy equipment, safely store agricultural chemicals at BEL-AGRO, tie down loose yard items, and back up all critical computer data.

⚠️ Understanding the Phases of Readiness

During a weather event, our SHE Department coordinates closely with NEMO. Keep a close eye on the official flag and warning systems used across Belize:

Phase: Preliminary (Green)

A storm may threaten Belize within 72 hours.
Review emergency kits; monitor local radio/news. Normal operations continue with high alertness.

Phase: Watch (Yellow)

A storm could hit within 36 to 48 hours.
Secure homes and workplace facilities. Begin safe shutdown of equipment.

Phase: Warning (Red)

Hurricane conditions expected in 24 hours or less.
Total operational shutdown. Employees are dismissed to seek safe shelter with family.

💡 A Quick Reminder on Official Communication:

In the event of an approaching storm, do not rely on rumors or social media gossip. Official company updates regarding closures and reopenings will be communicated directly through your department managers and supervisor chains.

Let’s look out for one another, keep our spaces tidy, and ensure that Southern Belize stays safe and resilient this season.

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe!

🚢 Did you know?

The Story Behind the A.J. Ellis Tugboat

If you’ve spent any time near the docks at the Port of Big Creek, you’ve likely seen the A.J. Ellis tugboat hard at work, guiding massive vessels safely into our harbor. But have you ever wondered about the history behind the name painted on its hull?

The tugboat is named in honor of Mr. A.J. Ellis, a highly respected British businessman and the former Chairman of the Fyffes Group, whose strategic vision permanently changed the trajectory of Southern Belize.

Here is how his legacy connects directly to our port:

A Rise Through the Ranks: Mr. Ellis began his career at Fyffes in 1986. Through exceptional leadership, he quickly rose through the senior management ranks and was appointed Chairman of the company in 1996.
The Big Creek Connection: In the 1990s, Ellis recognized the immense, untapped potential of the Port of Big Creek as a direct gateway for shipping Belizean bananas to the United Kingdom.
An Economic Catalyst: His pivotal decision to begin docking Fyffes vessels right here at Big Creek was a massive turning point. It bypassed older, more complicated shipping routes, secured the future of the local banana industry, and transformed our port into the thriving commercial hub it is today.

The next time you see the A.J. Ellis navigating our waters, you're looking at a moving tribute to the strong, decades-long partnership between international trade and the hardworking teams right here at Big Creek Group!

🌱Latest in Agriculture News: Empowering Belizean Farmers with Climate-Smart Skills

As an organization deeply rooted in the agricultural success of Southern Belize through BEL-AGRO and Banana Enterprises, we always keep a close eye on national advancements in sustainable farming. Sustainable methodologies protect our land, strengthen our yields, and ensure the long-term resilience of our industry.

The Farmer Field School (FFS) Program recently celebrated its successful closing ceremony at the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) headquarters. The program focuses heavily on equipping local farmers with critical, climate-smart, and regenerative agricultural practices to build an environmentally resilient future.

Key Highlights from the Graduation Event:

Hands-On Field Learning: To wrap up their training, participating farmers took part in a comprehensive educational tour of the Belmopan Model Farm.
Innovative Technologies: The field tour highlighted modern, sustainable techniques, specifically focusing on rotational grazing and the implementation of electric fencing systems.
Livestock Protection: Attendees participated in technical demonstrations regarding the application of vital screwworm treatment products to enhance herd health and management.
Resource Handover: Beyond peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and collective feedback, the event concluded with an equipment and forage handover. This distribution directly provides participants with the physical resources necessary to implement these regenerative methodologies on their independent farms.

A Collaborative Effort for Belize

This vital educational milestone was made possible through a strong network of collaborative partners across the country, including:

The Nature Conservancy
The Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & New Growth Industries
The Belize Maya Forest Trust
The University of Belize (UB) Central Farm

Seeing these organizations unite to uplift the farming sector reminds us of our own core mission at Big Creek Group: balancing industrial efficiency with environmental stewardship. Congratulations to all the graduating farmers across Belize!

To read the full article, check out the original report on Breaking Belize News.

🦞What's Happening this Month: Placencia Lobster Fest

July 3 - 5

It’s the most delicious time of the year in Southern Belize! With the official opening of the national lobster season, one of the country's biggest and most anticipated summer celebrations is returning right to our doorstep. Whether you are looking for a fun weekend with family or some incredible local food, make sure to clear your calendars for a quick trip across the lagoon!

🗓️ When: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
📍 Where: Placencia Village (primarily near the beachfront and Municipal Pier area)
🎟️ Admission: Free entry to the festival grounds!

What to Expect Across the Three-Day Weekend:

1. Friday: The Feast Begins

Opening Night.

Kick off the weekend right after work! Beachfront food vendors will open their stalls, serving up fresh lobster prepared every way imaginable—from classic grilled tails and buttery kebabs to lobster tacos, savory ceviche, and rich chowders. Enjoy the sunset by the water with live music and welcoming village energy.

2. Saturday: Tournaments & Tunes

The Big Festival Day.

Saturday is packed with action. Cheer on local fishermen during the popular fishing tournament and "biggest lobster catch" contest. The beach will be alive with games, water sports, local artisan craft vendors, and a musical lineup featuring steelpan, punta, soca, and dancehall beats to keep you dancing into the night.

3. Sunday: Family Day & Grand Raffle

Final Plates & Prizes.

Bring the kids for family-friendly beach activities and community performances. Make sure to grab your tickets for the massive Lobster Fest Raffle—prizes usually include local resort stays, dining experiences, tour packages, and cash! It’s the perfect day for one last stroll down the famous Placencia Sidewalk.

Whether you are going for the sweet tropical fruit or the vibrant community atmosphere, the Hopkins Mango Fest is the perfect way to kick off your June. Come out, support local artisans and vendors, and celebrate the season in true Belizean style!

🌻Positive Thought of the Month

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”

— Aristotle

We’ve all been there: staring down a massive goal—whether it’s getting into the best shape of our lives, writing a book, or mastering a new skill—and waiting for that lightning bolt of inspiration. We look for the "big moment," the grand gesture that will finally change everything.

But the ancient philosopher Aristotle cut through all that noise with a single, grounding truth:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."

It’s an incredibly liberating idea if you really let it sink in.

Excellence isn't a genetic lottery. It isn't a stroke of pure luck, and it doesn't require you to be a superhero today. It just requires you to show up.

When we look at people who excel, we are usually looking at the final product—the trophy, the promotion, the masterpiece. What we don't see are the hundreds of invisible, boring, ordinary choices that happened behind the scenes.

Writing a book isn't about sitting down and bleeding genius onto a page for twelve hours straight. It’s writing 300 words a day, even when the prose feels like sludge.
Building deep relationships isn't about one lavish vacation. It's the daily habit of putting down your phone and truly listening.
Physical fitness isn't built in a single, grueling workout. It’s the quiet decision to lace up your sneakers on the mornings you’d rather stay in bed.

If excellence is a habit, then progress is always within your control. You don't have to revolutionize your entire life by tomorrow morning. You just have to win the next small choice. Drink the glass of water. Write the one paragraph. Take the five-minute walk.

This month, let's take the pressure off the "big moments" and start focusing on our daily rhythms. Your habits are building your future, one quiet, repetitive, excellent choice at a time.

What is one tiny habit you can commit to repeating this month?

🎣Interesting Holiday - International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

When you think of a forest, you probably picture towering pines or lush jungle paths. But there is a rare, spectacular type of forest that thrives where no other trees can survive: right in the salty, shifting tides of the ocean boundary.

Every year on July 26th, the world celebrates the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Established by UNESCO in 2015, this day shines a light on one of the most hardworking, fascinating, and severely threatened habitats on our planet.

Nature's Ultimate Multitaskers

Mangroves are tropical trees that have evolved incredible adaptations. To survive in waterlogged, salty mud with almost no oxygen, they use tangled, stilt-like roots that lift them above the tide, and specialized leaves that can filter out salt.

While they might look like a chaotic mess of roots, they are actually nature's ultimate defenders and caretakers:

The Ocean's Nursery: That dense web of underwater roots acts as a safe haven. It shields juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp from larger predators until they are big enough to venture out into the open ocean.
Natural Storm Shields: Mangrove forests act as buffer zones for coastal communities. Their thick root systems absorb the brutal energy of tsunamis, hurricane storm surges, and heavy waves, dramatically reducing erosion.
Climate Superstars: Mangroves are incredibly efficient at carbon sequestration (capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere). In fact, acre for acre, "blue carbon" ecosystems like mangroves can store up to four times more carbon than terrestrial rainforests.

A Critical Ecosystem at Risk

Despite their immense value, mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses. Over the past 40 years, nearly half of the world's mangrove coverage has been lost to uncontrolled coastal development, aquaculture (like shrimp farming), and pollution.

When a mangrove forest is cleared, it doesn't just destroy a habitat—it releases massive amounts of stored carbon back into the atmosphere and leaves coastal towns completely vulnerable to rising seas.

How to celebrate: This July 26th, take a moment to learn about local coastal protection initiatives. If you live near a coast, look into community mangrove planting or clean-up events. Even simply spreading the word about these marine forests helps protect the roots keeping our coastlines alive.

Riddle me this ...

Previous Riddle: sea

The more of me you take, the more you leave behind?

🤔

Answer revealed in upcoming issue.

Last Month's Activities

⏪June Rewind: Birthdays at Big Creek Group!

June Birthday Bashes!

June was a big month for birthdays, and we made sure our colleagues felt the love.

We gathered in the breakroom throughout the month to honor our April babies with:

Delicious Birthday Cakes: Because no celebration is complete without frosting.
Refreshing Drinks: To keep the energy high and the conversations flowing.
Casual Connection: It was wonderful to see everyone step away from their desks to share a laugh and catch up.

"Coming together to celebrate each other isn't just about the cake—it's about the community we build every day."

Happy Birthday once again to all our June celebrants! We’re glad you’re part of the team. Let’s carry this momentum of health and camaraderie straight into June!

🏃‍♀️☀️July's Wellness Tip: The 20-20 Rule for Tired Eyes

Mid-summer often means bright sunny days, but for many of us, it also means long hours logged in front of a glowing computer screen. By the time 3:00 PM rolls around, you might notice your eyes feeling dry, blurry, or just plain exhausted.

It’s easy to forget that our eyes have muscles, and just like any other muscle, they get fatigued when they are held in the exact same position for hours on end. Constant close-up focus on digital screens forces your eyes to work overtime, leading to digital eye strain.

The good news? The remedy takes less than a minute.

The Fix: Give Your Eyes a Break

This month, we challenge you to protect your vision and reset your focus using a simple, scientifically backed habit called the 20-20-20 rule:

Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Why It Works

Relaxes Eye Muscles: Looking at something in the distance (like a tree outside your window or a picture across the room) allows your eye muscles to completely relax from their locked, close-up position.
Encourages Blinking: When we stare at screens, our blink rate drops by up to 50%, causing dry eyes. Taking a break naturally prompts you to blink, lubricating and refreshing your eyes.
Prevents Fatigue: It breaks up the monotony of continuous screen time, reducing the likelihood of late-afternoon headaches and mental fatigue.

How to Remember It

It’s easy to get sucked into a workflow and forget to look away. Try setting a gentle repeating timer on your phone, downloading a desktop reminder app, or linking the habit to a routine action—like taking a sip of water every time you stretch your eyes.

Your eyes work hard for you all day. This July, give them the micro-breaks they deserve!

The Port Hub⚓

Discussing all things Maritime 🚢

🌊 Celebrating 50 Years of Belizean Excellence in Maritime Service

At the Port of Big Creek, our daily success relies heavily on a strong network of professional partners who keep our country connected to international waters. This month, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to one of Belize’s premier maritime partners, Caribbean Shipping Agencies Ltd., as they celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of service.

On June 9, 1976, the late Stanley Longsworth Sr., along with his wife Laura Longsworth and brother John “Jack” Longsworth Sr., founded the company as a wholly Belizean-owned, family business. Over the last five decades, their commitment to reliability, professionalism, and operational excellence has transformed them into one of the most respected shipping agencies in the entire region.

Connecting Belize to the World

Today, Caribbean Shipping Agencies plays an invaluable role in anchoring Belize's tourism, trade, and maritime industries. They serve as port agents for numerous international shipping lines and guide some of the world's largest cruise operators into our waters, including:

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages
Viking, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea

As the maritime sector in Southern Belize continues to expand and evolve, strong partnerships with dedicated local agencies are more critical than ever. Just like the team here at Big Creek Group, the growth of Caribbean Shipping Agencies is a true testament to the hard work of generations of dedicated employees who push our maritime industry forward every single day.

We salute their five decades of leadership and proudly echo their long-standing motto: “Proudly Belizean… trusted worldwide.” Happy 50th Anniversary!

To read the full celebratory article, check out the original report on Breaking Belize News.

July's Financial Wellness Tip: Meet with a Financial Planner

Summer is in full swing, and while you’re busy enjoying the sunshine, it’s also the perfect mid-year point to give your finances a little check-up. This month, we are focusing on one of the most impactful steps you can take for your future: meeting with a financial planner.

Think of a financial planner as a personal trainer for your wallet. You don't need to have everything figured out to see one—their entire job is to help you build the roadmap.

Why Make the Appointment?

Personalized Strategy: No two financial lives are the same. A professional helps you build a custom blueprint tailored to your specific goals, income, and lifestyle.
Investment Optimization: Are your savings working as hard as you are? A planner can help ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance and future dreams.
Navigating Big Milestones: Whether you're buying a home, planning a wedding, growing a family, or eyeing retirement, an expert provides clarity on major life decisions.

💡 The Bottom Line: By partnering with a professional to implement these strategies, you’re not just managing money—you are strengthening your financial resilience, drastically reducing money-related stress, and actively working toward true, long-term financial wellness.

Take a proactive step for your peace of mind this July. Your future self will thank you!

Have you ever worked with a financial planner, or are you looking to take the plunge this month?

🤝Stronger Together: Celebrating International Friendship Day on July 30th!

At Big Creek Group, our biggest asset isn't our infrastructure, our fleet, or our technology—it’s our people.

With International Friendship Day coming up on Thursday, July 30th, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible bonds that turn our workplace into a community. We don’t just work alongside one another; we rely on each other, support each other, and drive this company forward together.

Why Camaraderie Matters

True camaraderie isn’t just about having someone to grab lunch with (though that’s a great perk!). It’s about building a culture of trust and mutual respect. When we cultivate genuine connections at work:

Collaboration becomes effortless: Great ideas happen when we feel comfortable sharing them.
Challenges get lighter: Hard days are much easier to navigate when you know your team has your back.
Success tastes sweeter: Celebrating a big win is always better when you're doing it with friends.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." — Henry Ford

Let’s Build those Bridges! 🚀

Cultivating a friendly and supportive environment is a team effort. Leading up to July 30th, here are a few simple ways you can strengthen camaraderie across our departments:

Say Hello: Take a moment to greet someone from a different department or team whom you don't normally cross paths with.
Give a Shout-Out: Did a colleague throw you a lifeline on a tough project recently? Send them a quick note of appreciation or give them a public nod in your next team meeting.
Take a Coffee Break: Step away from the screens or the yard for 10 minutes to just chat—no work talk allowed!
Be a Helping Hand: If you see a teammate swamped, offer a bit of support. A little kindness goes a long way.

Share Your Workplace Moments! 📸

We want to see the Big Creek Group spirit in action! Do you have a favorite photo of a team outing, a great moment behind the scenes, or a group shot of your department?

👉 Send your favorite team photos to hr@bigcreekgroup.com by July 15th! We’ll feature some of the best moments in next month’s edition to celebrate our incredible team.

Thank you for making Big Creek Group not just a powerhouse in our industry, but a truly great place to work. Let's make this July 30th a fantastic reminder of the team spirit that drives us!

🇧🇿 Local Event: Benque Fiesta

If you hear church bells peeling at 3:00 AM and the crackle of fireworks echoing over the Mopan River this July, don’t hit snooze—it just means the biggest celebration of the year has officially arrived.

The annual Benque Fiesta is returning to Benque Viejo del Carmen, transforming our normally quiet border town into a vibrant, multi-day explosion of color, devotion, and community spirit. Celebrating a legacy that dates back to the early 1900s, the fiesta beautifully bridges deep-rooted religious traditions with a high-energy street fair.

The Heart of the Tradition: Faith and Marimbas

The celebration is held in honor of Benque’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Monte Carmelo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel). The spiritual heartbeat of the festival begins on July 7th with la bajada, when the statue of the Virgin Mary is brought down from the altar.

For the next nine days, the town honors her with a series of moving traditions:

The Alboradas (Dawn Prayers): Dedicated community members rise before the sun for a 4:00 AM street procession, guided by the sweet, rhythmic sounds of marimba music and hymns.
The Novenas: Nightly prayers complemented by stunning community-sponsored firework displays on the church grounds.
The Feast Day (July 16th): The solemn religious elements culminate in a massive 5:00 PM procession through the streets, drawing thousands of faithful from all across the Cayo District and beyond.

The Feria: Rides, Dances, and Pageantry

While the morning belongs to tradition, the rest of the day belongs to the feria (the social fair) held at the Cancha Marshalleck Stadium. Originally launched in 1967 as La Fiesta de Plata, the modern fair is an absolute must-visit for families and friends.

Here is what you can look forward to at this year's fairgrounds:

Señorita Flor de la Feria

The ultimate beauty and talent pageant where local young women compete for the historic crown.

The Main Stage

High-energy concerts and late-night DJ sets featuring popular local and international artists.

Traditional Flavors

Dozens of street vendors serving up authentic Mestizo food, including fresh tamales, bollos, and local pastries.

Family Fun

Mechanical carnival rides, traditional fair games, a spectacular parade, and even cross-border football matches.

Pro-Tip for Visitors: If you want to experience the true, uninterrupted living heritage of Benque, try to catch an early morning alborada. There is something magical about walking the historic streets at dawn, wrapped in the aroma of fresh coffee and the ring of marimbas before the afternoon heat takes over.

See you on the fairgrounds!

Global Holidays: The 12-Minute Lifespan of a July 3rd Tradition

Think about the last time you used a thin, single-use plastic bag. You probably carried it from the grocery store checkout to your car, and then into your kitchen. Total time in active service? About 12 minutes.

Yet, that very same bag will stick around on our planet for the next 500 years, slowly breaking down into invisible microplastics that find their way into our water, soil, and food chains.

July 3rd marks International Plastic Bag Free Day, a global initiative dedicated to breaking our collective dependency on one of the most short-sighted design choices in human history.

The Reality of the "T-Shirt" Bag

Invented in Sweden in the 1960s, the lightweight polyethylene bag—often called the "t-shirt bag" due to its handle shape—was marketed as a milestone of modern convenience. Decades later, the scale of that convenience is staggering:

1 Trillion: The estimated number of single-use plastic bags used globally every single year.
100,000+: The number of marine animals killed annually by plastic entanglement or ingestion.
Less than 1%: The percentage of plastic bags that are actually recycled, as they easily tangle in standard recycling machinery and are economically unviable to process.

How to Participate (Without Being Perfect)

Going entirely zero-waste overnight is a massive hurdle, but International Plastic Bag Free Day isn't about flawless execution—it's about building a better habit loop.

Here is how you can mark the day:

The "Car Trunk" Strategy: Reusable bags only work if you have them with you. Keep a stash of canvas or compact nylon bags in your car's trunk, your backpack, or right by your front door.
The "Unpackaged" Challenge: On July 3rd, head to a local farmer's market or grocery store and deliberately buy produce without using those little clear plastic roll-bags. Let your apples and oranges roll free in the cart.
Support the Bans: Over 100 countries have now either partially or completely banned single-use plastic bags. Look into local policy initiatives or support businesses that offer financial incentives (like a 5-cent credit) for bringing your own bag.

It takes roughly 21 days to form a new habit. Let July 3rd be day one of leaving the 12-minute bag behind.