Community and Society
SPTC working to restrict large trucks and trailers from downtown San Pedro
The issue of large trucks in downtown San Pedro Town may soon be resolved through a policy developed by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). If successful, this policy will prohibit large sand/dump trucks from traveling through downtown and require them to be transported by barge. Additionally, no trailers over 20 feet long will be permitted in the town core area. The SPTC aims to proceed with these plans following discussions with their administration in the coming week.
Community and Society
San Pedro and Caye Caulker Councils awarded for outstanding service to the community
The island municipalities of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker were acknowledged and honored by the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labor, and Local Government for their outstanding contributions from 2023-2024. In a ceremony held on July 19th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) was the only town administration awarded for its exemplary achievements in championing digital advancement, demonstrating financial stewardship, promoting transparency, and empowering community engagement. The Caye Caulker Village Council was recognized for its extraordinary governance, community stewardship, and steadfast dedication to fostering growth, transparency, and prosperity, which have significantly impacted the local community.
Community and Society
New playground installed at Boca del Rio Beach Park
The Crocs Sunset Sports Bar team, along with supporters and donors, launched the San Pedro Belize Christmas Collection project during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The initiative provided thousands of meals to those affected by the pandemic and distributed toys to children at their respective schools across the island. The project has since expanded its impact on the community. On Tuesday, July 23rd, a dedication ceremony was held for a brand-new playground at the Boca del Rio Beach Park.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lions Club hosts Board Member installation ceremony
On Saturday, July 20th, the San Pedro Lions Club hosted a ceremony at its Den on Barrier Reef Drive with distinguished guests, members, and friends for their installation of the Board of Directors. One of the main goals of the island club is to continue increasing its membership, serve the community at a greater capacity, and have an impact on the national effort to create more clubs and transition from a zone to a district. Currently, the governing body to which all of Belize's Lion Clubs belong is known as Zone 59.
Community and Society
San Pedro High School and the Roman Catholic Primary School dominate Band Fest 2024
San Pedro Town was again well represented at the Belize Band Fest 2024 held in Benque Viejo Del Carmen in the Cayo District on Saturday, July 20th. This year, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) and San Pedro Roman Catholic (RC) Primary School brought home two of the top three trophies. They made history with SPHS winning first place and the RC Primary School securing third place in the annual event that sees the best drum and marching bands from the country and abroad.
Community and Society
Secret Beach Road improvements underway
Secret Beach is one of the most visited areas on the island by tourists and locals who travel to the popular location for relaxation while enjoying the water, sun, drinks, and food offered at cool restaurants and bars. The area is trafficked by business and property owners who also commute daily. To renovate the only road that accesses this area, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), partnered to gather resources to rehabilitate the road, providing proper infrastructure for a less bumpy ride, reducing travel time and improving comfort. The project began in April of this year and includes reconstructing a portion of the street with cement and pavement.
Community and Society
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye calls for support for their Back to School Supply Drive
The Rotary Club of the Ambergris Caye has initiated a program to assist less fortunate students on the island. Their annual "Back to School Supply Drive" aims to identify students in need and provide them with school bags equipped with essential supplies such as exercise books, rulers, folders, pens, pencils, erasers, and geometry sets. The project, which started in 2021, is guided by Rotary International, focusing on supporting education and local children.
Community and Society
SACD hosts consultation regarding co-management of Bacalar Chico National Park
On Wednesday, July 17th, the Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development (SACD) held a meeting at the San Pedro House of Culture to work on a strategic plan to manage the terrestrial part of the Bacalar Chico National Park, a World Heritage Site in northern Ambergris Caye. SACD, a non-governmental organization in Corozal District, was given the co-management of this protected area by the Government of Belize in March 2023.
Community and Society
Islanders benefit from Identity and Integration Hub mobile clinic held on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker residents had the opportunity to update their documents through an Identity and Integration Hub mobile clinic held on Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14th. The event, organized through a partnership with the Office of the Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, included services from the Immigration Department, Vital Statistics, Social Security Board, and foreign embassies, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Thank you note by the San Pedro Community Blood Drive
For our most recent blood drive, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group was able to partner with the Washington University of Health and Science. We wish to thank all those who came to donate blood on June 15. Members of the Ambergris Caye community generously donated 18 pints of blood, which can potentially save the lives of up to 54 persons.
Community and Society
Island kids take part in Hol Chan’s Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp
After a brief delay due to Hurricane Beryl, the annual Guardians of the Reef Summer Camp is now in full swing. The camp, running from Monday, July 8th to July 19th at the Lion's Den from 8:30AM to 11:30AM, is organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) with a clear mission to educate children about protecting and preserving the marine environment. The camp features a rich array of fun and educational activities, outdoor games, and lessons on conservation, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for the young participants.
