San Pedro’s Maria Angela Varela was honored with the prestigious Meritorious Service Award for her significant contributions to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The award recognized Varela’s decades of community service and dedication to the island community’s development and well-being.
The recognition took place during this year’s Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony, held on September 17th at the foot of the historic Swing Bridge in Belize City.
The proud 88-year-old San Pedrana has spent much of her life helping neighbors and supporting the Catholic Church and other local institutions through fundraisers and charitable activities. Varela was a founding committee member in efforts to build San Pedro’s Catholic Church and served as its Treasurer for more than 30 years.
Through her family’s cargo and ferry business, Varela also supported the island’s growing community by helping transport goods, residents, and visiting musicians between San Pedro and Belize City. She regularly opened her home to visiting priests, nuns, and community groups and actively participated in school fundraisers and community clean-ups. According to organizers, her enduring generosity, civic spirit, and love for San Pedro have made service a defining part of her legacy.
Her relatives and friends say they have long admired her dedication to helping others. Among her many contributions, they highlighted the considerable time and energy she devoted to fundraisers that supported classrooms and education in the community.
Her granddaughter, Zelly Varela, described her grandmother as a very special and deserving woman. “She has never considered herself a leader, nor has she ever sought recognition or praise for the things she has done,” she said. “Instead, she has always lived her life as a humble person, treating others with kindness, respect, compassion, and love.”
Zelly said that throughout the years, her grandmother has done what comes naturally to her: helping others whenever she can and giving from her heart without expecting anything in return. “My grandmother is deeply thankful to God for the gift of life, for the strength He has given her throughout the years, and for allowing her to experience this beautiful and meaningful moment,” Zelly said.
Varela also thanked everyone who considered her worthy of national recognition, as well as her family, friends, and all who have supported and loved her throughout her life.
Varela joins several other San Pedranos who have received the Meritorious Service Award over the years. Previous recipients include Omar “Dr. of the Flats” Arceo in 2024; Susana Eiley and the late former Mayor Alberto “Beto” Nuñez Sr., honored posthumously, in 2022; Pedro Salazar Sr. in 2017; and Rosita Baltazar, honored posthumously, in 2015.
Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño and Governor General Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for their outstanding service to Belize.
The Tribute to Belizean Patriots formed part of the annual September Celebrations, which this year marked Belize’s 45th anniversary of Independence under the theme, “Look At Me: I Am Belize @45.” The annual ceremony recognizes distinguished Belizeans with national awards for their contributions and service to the country.