Community and Society
San Pedro’s New Artisan Market Finished, Opening Date Pending
As the new year begins, the Belize Tourism Board, alongside Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, has completed construction of a new modern artisan market facility at the El Embarcadero site on Nurse Shark Street in downtown San Pedro. The new, weather-resistant structure is designed to accommodate ten vendors and meets all required safety and accessibility standards. Despite the facility’s completion, no official move-in date has been announced, as authorities continue to finalize logistics and operational directives. Meanwhile, preliminary proposals have surfaced for the future use of the current artisan market site, including potential redevelopment beyond the initially rumored conversion to a parking lot.
Community and Society
New Guidelines Issued for Movement of Prefab Homes
Following a series of accidents involving the transport of prefabricated homes, the government imposed an immediate ban on moving these structures on highways. However, after further discussions within the Ministry of Transport, the measure has since been modified to allow prefabricated homes to be transported in sections rather than as complete structures.
Community and Society
Third Annual First Responders Charity Night Raises Support for Emergency Services
San Pedro’s third annual First Responders Charity Event was held on Sunday, January 4th at Playa de Sala, beginning at 6PM. The gala-style fundraiser brought together members of the San Pedro Fire Service, Police Department, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), along with residents and business owners, to raise funds for essential equipment and support for local emergency services.
Community and Society
Resumption of shipments of Goods to the United States
The Belize Postal Service (BPS) is pleased to announce the resumption of all outbound shipments to the United States, effective January 7th, 2026, following the temporary suspension implemented in August 2025.
Community and Society
Sargassum Harvesters Prove Useful, but Community Partnership Still Needed
Record-breaking sargassum blooms affected coastal communities across Belize in 2025, including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According to regional data, more than 37.5 million tons of the brown seaweed were recorded in the Caribbean this year, placing heavy strain on shoreline management efforts nationwide.
Community and Society
Saca Chispas Field to Undergo Major Renovations in 2026
The Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, is set to undergo significant renovations in 2026. The facility is expected to be transformed into a modern, dome-like venue capable of hosting larger-scale sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. The upgrades will be commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and are projected to take approximately ten months to complete.
Community and Society
Children Receive Toys at Living Word Church Christmas Outreach
Living Word Church in San Pedro hosted its annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 24th at 7PM in the parking lot of Caribbean Chicken in the DFC area. The community-focused event brought together church members, families, and children for an evening of worship, performances, and gift distribution.
Community and Society
Give A Gift Hosts Third Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
The Give A Gift toy drive held its third annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 24th. The event was organized by Give A Gift founder Ernesto Lopez, with support from local sponsors and volunteers committed to bringing holiday cheer to children in need.
Community and Society
An Island Tradition: Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
The Christmas season is a festive time in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, eagerly anticipated by both islanders and visitors. One of the most popular holiday events is the annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, which this year took place on December 20th along the eastern shores of La Isla Bonita.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council Hosts Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
The San Pedro Town Council hosted its annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 23rd at Central Park in San Pedro Town, Belize, bringing smiles to dozens of children and families during the holiday season. The event began at 10AM and continued until all toys were distributed. Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nunez, along with reigning Miley Chi, led the distribution, inviting families to collect free toys for their children.
Community and Society
Castillo’s Hardware Christmas Raffle Draws Five Lucky Winners
Castillo’s Do It Best Hardware Limited held its annual Christmas raffle for customers on Friday, December 19th, awarding five exciting prizes. In the weeks leading up to the draw, thousands of raffle tickets were placed in a barrel, with customers earning entries for every purchase or account payment.
