Conservation
GOB Secures Landmark Agreement to Protect Turneffe Atoll
n Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Government of Belize signed the Turneffe Conservation Land Trust Deed of Mutual Release, Compromise, and Settlement. The agreement represents the successful transformation of an earlier agreement between the Government of Belize and the Turneffe Atoll Trust into a stronger and more comprehensive national agreement. Under the new arrangement, approximately 17,000 acres will remain as national lands under public ownership, with the Government of Belize holding the lands in an irrevocable conservation trust for the benefit of the people of Belize.
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Vacancy: Grand Belizean Island Co. Ltd. is expanding its team in San Pedro and is currently accepting applications for Maintenance Personnel, Machine Operators, and an Accounts Payable Officer. Qualified, reliable, and motivated individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting the required documents to hrmanager@grandbelizeanestates.com, with a copy to assthrmanager@grandbelizeanestates.com. For additional information, applicants can call 223-0909 or 226-4511, or WhatsApp 612-2217. Walk-in interviews are also welcomed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The application deadline is August 28, 2026.
Vacancy: Ambergris Hope Hospital is seeking dedicated and qualified Neurologists, Radiologists, and Anesthesiologists to join its growing multidisciplinary team on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Successful candidates will play an important role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care while working alongside a multidisciplinary team in a professional, patient-centered environment. Interested applicants are invited to submit their curriculum vitae and supporting documents or request additional information by contacting admin@ambergrishope.com or josselin.blanco@sb-health.com.
To submit a liquor license, please e-mail janelle@sanpedrosun.com or spsun@sanpedrosun.com
Business & Economy
BEL Adds COPA Charge to August Electricity Bills
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has implemented a new Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA), increasing electricity charges by 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour on bills issued in August 2026. The adjustment was announced on August 19 and took effect immediately. It follows a final decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and applies to customers across Belize, including San Pedro, except vulnerable households receiving the Social Rate.
Business & Economy
Thousands Cross Borders Despite GST-Free Back-to-School Shopping
Despite Belize’s GST-free shopping day on August 15th, thousands of shoppers still crossed the borders in search of cheaper back-to-school purchases, particularly in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico. Border officials reported heavy movement over the weekend, suggesting that tax-free shopping at home did not stop many Belizeans from crossing the border for better deals.
Crime & Violence
Investigations continue in San Pedrito Shooting
Police have questioned and released two persons who were initially detained in connection with the early-morning shooting of a fisherman in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town. No one has been charged as yet, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Crime & Violence
No arrests made yet in connection with San Pedro’s double murder
It has been over a month since the murders of Lebanese island resident Yahya Muhammad Harmoush, locally known as David Harmouch, and security guard Daniel Jones, and police have yet to make an arrest in the case. Both Harmouch and Jones were gunned down on June 28th at their workplace, Island Supermarket, north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Police indicated that the investigation is ongoing as they continue to follow leads in an effort to apprehend those responsible for the crime that shocked the island community.
Crime & Violence
Juan Novelo Acquitted in Death of Common-Law Wife
On Monday, July 20th, Juan Carlos Novelo was acquitted of the 2023 murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Verde. Verde, a resident of Caye Caulker, was found dead inside her home on November 4, 2023, with injuries that investigators believed were consistent with strangulation. While the court found Novelo not guilty, Verde's family said they do not agree with the verdict and continue to believe he was responsible for her death.
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Community and Society
Summer Job Program Offers Students Hands-On Experience
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) launched its annual Summer Job Program on Monday, July 13th, offering short-term employment opportunities to local high school students across San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The four-week initiative places participants in various municipal departments, tourism services, and community projects.
Education
San Pedro Junior College Celebrates 25th Commencement Ceremony
San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) concluded this year's graduation season on Ambergris Caye by celebrating its 25th Commencement Exercise on Saturday, July 11th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Under the theme "Growing Through Change, Rising Through Resilience, Transforming for a Purpose," the institution conferred associate degrees upon 39 graduates in Business Management, Business Administration (Accounting), Tourism Management, and Paralegal Studies.
Sports
Argentina U7 and Portugal U13 Capture 2026 Mundialito Titles
The Mundialito finals brought young football players, families, and supporters together at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro on August 16th. The tournament featured Under-7 and Under-13 matches, with the first game kicking off at 5PM. The event also marked the football academy's fifth anniversary.
Sports
Beach Volleyball Takes Center Stage at Island Heat Classic
The San Pedro Volleyball Association hosted its Island Heat Classic Senior Female 2-on-2 Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, August 15th, at Boca del Rio Park in San Pedro. The event ran from 8AM to 5PM and featured six teams competing in a double-elimination format for the top three positions and cash prizes.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lobster Fest Block Party Draws Large Crowd for an Evening of Food and Entertainment
The 2026 San Pedro Lobster Festival concluded with its annual Block Party on Saturday, July 11th, at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex, also known as Saca Chispas Field. The celebration capped off more than a week of activities, including the popular Lobster Crawl, which invited residents and visitors to sample specialty lobster dishes and drinks at participating restaurants islandwide.
Entertainment
Demphra, La Factoria Headlines San Pedro’s Día de San Pedro Celebration
Hundreds of island residents and visitors gathered at Saca Chispas Field on Saturday, June 27th, as the San Pedro Town Council celebrated Día de San Pedro, the island's annual festival honoring its patron saint. The celebration combined cultural traditions with live entertainment, highlighted by the crowning of the new Queen of the Bay San Pedro and a headline performance by Panamanian recording artist Demphra of La Factoria.
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