Sunday, October 26, 2025

Articles by Zenaida Lanza

4 articles found

Family in Shock After San Felipe Fire Claims Four Lives
Technology

Family in Shock After San Felipe Fire Claims Four Lives

Family in Shock After San Felipe Fire Claims Four Lives As the community of San Felipe continues to grieve the loss of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her two children, her cousin Britney Soliz remembers her as a loving mother who gave her family everything she could. “She was always a good mom to her children; she gave them love and took care of them. Her children grew up with a lot of love,” Soliz shared. Soliz said she was close to Angelita and knew of the difficulties she faced with her estranged ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, who allegedly caused the fire that took their lives. “In this case, as I’m telling you, I was very close to her. So she always told me her things, what she did, and the problems she had with that person,” she said. “She always told me, ‘You know, I’m going to give my report to see what they tell me.’ She always came with us and told us that it wasn’t work time, that they weren’t working, and that they didn’t take her report; she always came with that. She tried everything to keep the man from approaching her, but well, they didn’t pay attention.” The family is struggling to cope with both the emotional and financial toll of the tragedy. Soliz said the fire was completely unexpected and has left relatives in shock. “Yes, we are raising funds for the expenses; as you know, all of this involves costs. First her and the child, and now the girl. So we are asking for help,” she said. She explained that the family is collecting funds to cover funeral and related expenses and expressed deep gratitude to the people of San Felipe for their outpouring of support. Those wishing to assist the family may make contributions to Atlantic Bank account number 2120046408 (Ana Briceno) or Belize Bank account number 257489010220000 (Britney Shaiana Soliz).

‘Nurses and Pharmacists Scarce!’
Technology

‘Nurses and Pharmacists Scarce!’

‘Nurses and Pharmacists Scarce!’ Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard says Belize continues to face shortages of nurses and pharmacists, even as the government increases support for training and retention. He explained, “Nursing is a necessity. As you are very well aware, we have been losing some of our nurses to the bigger countries. So this is an ongoing process that we have to invest in, try to get as much of our Belizeans to study in this profession.” Regarding pharmacists, Bernard said, “Just as nursing, pharmacy is a profession that as soon as these people finish their studies, they’re taken at the different areas. We fight with the private sector to try and get pharmacists in…because every drugstore, you have to have a pharmacy.” He noted that the ministry “increased the salary scale for pharmacists so that we could hold onto our pharmacists as well” and that further scholarships are being planned for next year. Bernard added that the ministry is planning ahead for staffing at the new San Pedro Hospital and the upcoming Belmopan tertiary facility. “Training takes a minimum three to five years in these areas,” he said, “so we have to plan so that by the time these hospitals become operationalised, we have the staffing that is important.”

Health Ministry Expands Scholarships for Medical Students
Technology

Health Ministry Expands Scholarships for Medical Students

Health Ministry Expands Scholarships for Medical Students The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expanded its scholarship program for medical students, increasing opportunities for those pursuing nursing, midwifery, and pharmacy studies. Minister Kevin Bernard said, “This is a program that has been ongoing over the past few years, and it has grown. Last year, we did about 40 scholarships. This year we’re doing 60.” He thanked the Ministry of Education for supporting 15 of the bachelor’s nursing scholarships, while the Ministry of Health identified additional funding for 14 bachelor’s scholarships, nine for practical nursing, and 20 for midwifery. The Inter-American Development Bank supported two pharmacy scholarships. “For me, this is always about investing in our people and making sure that we are able to train and build on the profession that we are lacking in Belize,” Bernard said. He added that the total value of the scholarships exceeds $1.1 million and that the ministry hopes to increase the number each year.

Who Will Replace Cansino as KHMH CEO?
Technology

Who Will Replace Cansino as KHMH CEO?

Who Will Replace Cansino as KHMH CEO? The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is preparing to advertise for a new Chief Executive Officer following news that Chandra Cansino will not be renewing her contract. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard confirmed that the board is already taking steps to fill the post. “I understand that the board has met already and they’re working on the terms of reference that will be put out for advertising,” he said. “I spoke to my CEO who also sits on the board of KHMH. I don’t engage with board matters; as you know, that’s not my priority.” Bernard said the goal is to move quickly. “We’re hoping that we could get these advertisements out as quickly as possible so we could find a suitable person to replace Ms Canino, who has chosen to move on,” he stated. He added that the ministry wishes her well in her next steps. He also said the government will look carefully for the right replacement, “We have to ensure that we have the right person that can lead the facility, that can help and work closely with our board as well to ensure continuity and improvement and sustainability at KHMH.” The minister noted that no timeline can be given for when vacancies will go out for the post, as the board is still meeting to finalise the details.