Community and Society
SPTC holds Autism Awareness Walk/Run
On Friday, April 19th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) organized an autism walk/run starting at Central Park to raise awareness, understanding, and support for children on the autism spectrum. The event began at 6AM, and by 9AM, the winners had completed the run. The event was a collaborative effort between Councilor Johnnia Duarte, Councilor Marina Kay, and Mayor Wally Nunez, with the support of the University of Belize's Environmental Club to coincide with Autism Awareness Month.
Accidents & Disasters
Swimmers reminded to practice water safety when swimming from the beach
Swimming off the northern beaches may be tempting for many, as the second-longest barrier reef is close to shore, and the water between the beach and the reef is inviting. However, swimmers should not go beyond specific points from the shore of the dock to prevent serious accidents.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tour Operators Association holds elections
Elections to appoint new board members for the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) were held on April 9th. Roberto Canul was re-elected as Chairperson and Ovel Leonardo as Vice-Chairperson. Five other individuals were nominated and accepted to serve on the board. They include Dianela Hancock, Dora Gonzalez, Marcus Alamina, Eben Schaefer, and Nito Vasquez. The board members will meet at a later meeting to select the secretary and treasurer.
Community and Society
SPTC and community organizations partner in beach cleanup on south Ambergris Caye
On Saturday, April 13th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) collaborated with Hope Haven volunteers and the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (SACNW) group to organize a cleanup campaign. The group cleaned the beach south of San Pedro Town, past the Mosquito Coast Area, by removing garbage and large objects on the coastline.
Community and Society
Major new initiative to put eyes on the water for industrial tuna fisheries, launched by The Nature Conservancy
Walmart, Albertsons Companies, Thai Union, Belize, and the Federated States of Micronesia, joined as the first signatories of a new global initiative, led by global environmental NGO, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to address unsustainable and illegal tuna fishing practices. Through the Tuna Transparency Pledge, signatories are aspiring to advance 100 percent on-the-water monitoring across all industrial tuna fishing vessels within their supply chains or jurisdictions by 2027—taking a bold yet achievable step in transforming the health and sustainability of our oceans.
Community and Society
Adolescent and Youth take the stage for national dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Transport, and the UN System, hosted the first-ever National Youth Conference on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), anchored on the Voluntary National Review (VNR).
Community and Society
BEL Encourages Energy Conservation during Critical Generation Upgrade and Hot and Humid Weather Conditions
s part of our long-term plan to bolster system capacity and reliability and build a modern energy services infrastructure, our Generation Team, in conjunction with a team of engineers and technicians from General Electric (USA), has commenced works to upgrade the capacity of the Gas Turbine at BEL’s West Lake facility (Mile 8 George Price Highway) to 30 MW from its current maximum output of 19 MW.
Community and Society
Noise Regulations in San Pedro: What are the rules, and who enforces the law?
Several island residents have expressed discontent with the excessive noise affecting their neighborhoods. Whether it is blaring music from entertainment events or another type of loud noise, it appears that next to traffic, noise pollution is one of the biggest complaints on the island. The San Pedro Liquor Licensing Board is responsible for issuing liquor licenses and extensions for recreational events after hours. As per the law, sound levels must not exceed 70 decibels, a unit used to measure the relative loudness of sounds.
Community and Society
SPTC creating and rehabilitating streets in developing areas
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is working to improve the daily commute for residents on the island. They are currently improving streets in the developing areas of DFC and surrounding locations where conditions are deplorable. This will improve people's lives across subdivisions by giving them access to better roads. The council is also working on opening new streets for the island community.
Community and Society
Councilor Dianeli Aranda’s Foodbank Program Continues
The San Pedro Town Council Foodbank Program was initiated in November 2021 and spearheaded by Councilor Dianeli Aranda, who holds the portfolio of Women, Youth, and Children. The program continues to provide essential foot pantry items to families in need. With the new year, Aranda shared that applications are accepted at her office for those needing assistance. This program focuses on assisting deserving parents, elders, and families whose breadwinners are unemployed or going through hard times.
Community and Society
Plans discussed to upgrade the power supply for Ambergris Caye
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, and the World Bank organized a public information session at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room to discuss a project to enhance the resilience of the electricity system in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Held on Thursday, April 4th, the consultation outlined the details of the Belize Renewable Integration and Resilient Energy System project funded by the World Bank. It will involve a battery energy storage system, grid-resilient infrastructure, and capacity building.
