Monthly Archives: January, 2025
Community and Society
Newly elected BTIA President Efren Perez visits San Pedro
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) San Pedro Chapter recently welcomed their newly elected national president, Efren Perez, who visited San Pedro Town from January 27th through 29th. This visit is part of an initiative to increase BTIA membership and share what the organization has accomplished. The organization believes that with a larger membership, they can enhance their advocacy efforts. While in San Pedro, Perez gave an exclusive interview to The San Pedro Sun, sharing his thoughts and vision for the future.
Community and Society
San Pedro police officers and Caribbean Villas recognized by the Belize Police Department
On Saturday, January 25th, four police officers from the San Pedro Police Formation and a local stakeholder were honored at an award ceremony held in the capital city of Belmopan. Officers Hector Esquivel, Leon Bradley, and Elian Robateau were recognized for their courageous response to a fire that occurred on December 29th in San Pedro Town.
Arts & Culture
Annual island visitor musician Kelly McGuire gives back to the community
Kelly McGuire, the Texas-based singer-songwriter, is currently in San Pedro, Belize, for his annual birthday celebration. He is known for his popular songs inspired by island life and actively engages with fans through performances and events during his stay. This year, he will host a special concert on February 6th for the Saga Humane Society.
Business & Economy
Corona Beer officially available in Belize
Belize has officially welcomed Corona Extra beer into the country. This development follows the government's approval to import 1,500 cases, marking a significant moment for beer enthusiasts in the country.
Conservation
Hol Chan’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit tackling illegal fishing in the reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a vital marine protected area that attracts thousands of visitors yearly, boosting San Pedro’s economy. Established in 1987, the reserve encompasses a large expanse of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, serving as an essential habitat for diverse marine life. Despite its protected status, the reserve has encountered challenges due to illegal fishing practices threatening its ecological balance. To tackle these issues, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit of Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been conducting joint patrols with the San Pedro Police Formation at random times.
Sports
The Champions League Youth Tournament semi-finals have begun!
The first leg of the Champions League Youth Tournament semi-finals took place on Sunday, January 26th, at the Ambergris Stadium. Four matches featured Under-15 and Under-17 teams competing for a chance to advance to the tournament finals. The teams—PSG, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Madrid—will face off again on Friday, January 31st, and Sunday, February 2nd, for the second leg of the semi-finals.
Accidents & Disasters
San Pedro Lions Club hands over more monetary donations to fire victims
On January 24th, the San Pedro Lions Club provided additional monetary assistance to the victims of the December 29th fire. The club has diligently organized fundraisers and successfully raised a total of $8,000, which was distributed among the affected families.
Business & Economy
Design for new Belize banknotes revealed
The Central Bank of Belize (CBB) is set to issue a new series of redesigned banknotes in June or July of this year, featuring two national heroes of Belize. These heroes are the late Right Honorable George Price, Belize’s first prime minister, and the late Honorable Philip Goldson, a journalist, activist, and politician. On Thursday, January 23rd, the CBB unveiled the new banknotes during a ceremony held at the Belize Civic Centre in Belize City. The new notes will feature portraits of these two figures, replacing the British monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and recognizes the British monarch as its head of state.
