Monthly Archives: August, 2025
Community and Society
Department of Transport Announces Amendments to Wide Load Permits
The Department of Transport is reinforcing road safety regulations and has announced new rules for moving houses and other oversized structures by road. On Wednesday, August 27th, the department stated that such movements will now only be permitted between 9PM and 5AM on any given day. All holders of valid wide load permits must visit the department’s headquarters in Belmopan to amend their existing licenses.
Community and Society
New San Pedro Lions Club President Ready to Move the Club Forward
Lion Rosalyn Tzib has taken office as the 50th president of the San Pedro Lions Club and outlined her plans to strengthen the club’s role in serving the island community. Among her priorities are expanding services in the Lions’ global focus areas: environment, childhood cancer, hunger, diabetes, and vision.
Community and Society
Municipalities Ready to Host September Celebrations
September is Belize’s most patriotic month, when Belizeans celebrate their culture, heritage, and national pride. As the festivities approach, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC) has issued $15,000 grants to all nine municipal councils, including San Pedro’s, to support their events. This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Belize@44 – Stronger Together, Rising Forever,” featuring a month-long calendar of activities culminating on Independence Day, September 21st.
Traffic
Drivers Reminded of Safety Rules as Schools Reopen in San Pedro
As the new school year begins in San Pedro, the Traffic Department is reminding drivers and residents to adhere to traffic regulations to ensure student safety and maintain the smooth flow of vehicles in town. The reopening of schools brings heavier pedestrian activity and congestion during peak hours to the town core, typically from 7AM to 8:30AM, 11AM to 1:30PM, and 2:30PM to 4PM, when students arrive and leave school premises.
Environment
Escalating Sargassum Crisis Affecting Both Economy and Environment
Belize’s coastal communities, particularly San Pedro, are facing an overwhelming influx of sargassum seaweed, which threatens marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Since early this year, beaches have been covered in thick mats of decaying seaweed. At the same time, nutrient-rich runoff from decomposing sargassum has led to a worrying increase in marine life mortality.
Business & Economy
BAA Shifts to Open Bidding After 2024 Controversy
The Belize Airports Authority (BAA) announced on August 23rd that it is inviting tenders for two major projects: security services across several airstrips and apron construction works at the Placencia and Dangriga airstrips. This open call represents a shift in the BAA's procurement strategy. In late 2024, the authority had limited bidding to three selected companies and awarded contracts totaling $28 million just days before Christmas. This process drew scrutiny from stakeholders over issues of transparency and competition. The current announcement signals a renewed commitment to open and competitive bidding.
Government
Cabinet Brief for August 28, 2025
Cabinet, at its meeting on August 26th, supported a proposal for the Social Security Board to gain direct access to the Central Bank’s payment system to reduce high bank charges. It also noted the U.S. decision to suspend duty-free exemptions for low-value shipments, leading the Belize Postal Service to suspend certain packages to the U.S. effective August 27th. Updates were provided on Belize’s role in the ICJ climate change opinion, progress on the Green Belize reforestation project, rural electrification plans, and the launch of September Celebrations under the theme “Belize @44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever.
Conservation
Belize’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Need Real Protection, Not Just Promises: Overhauling MPA Oversight
Belize’s coral reefs are one of our greatest blessings. They give us food, jobs, and protection from storms. They draw thousands of visitors each year and support the way of life in many coastal communities. But right now, the places that are supposed to protect our reefs and the sea around them, our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aren’t doing their job to the extent many think they are.
