Community and Society
Uniting to Support Belize Healthcare
27 registrants and walk-ins came to the blood drive on July 5th, coordinated by Island Donors Squad (IDS) at Ambergris Hope Hospital (AHH). 13 pints were collected. The blood drawn will be allocated between the AHH reserve and assigned to people requiring blood on the island.
Community and Society
New San Pedro Lions Club Board Members Installed at Regional Ceremony
For the first time, the San Pedro Lions Club installed its new Board of Directors alongside the Belize City Lions Club, the Belize City Sub Umbra Floreo Lions Club, and the Belmopan City Lions Club during a special event held on the mainland. The ceremony took place on July 5th at the Caribbean Motors facilities in Belize City. In addition to the installation of the board of directors, Lion Enes Anderson, formerly from San Pedro, received the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.
Community and Society
Validation Workshop Held to Better Prepare San Pedro for Natural Disasters
A validation workshop and simulation exercise aimed at better preparing San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, for natural disaster response was held on July 4th on the island. The event was spearheaded by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the San Pedro Town Council, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and other key local stakeholders.
Community and Society
SPTC Enforces Public Space Regulations to Ease Traffic and Boost Safety
On July 2, 2025, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) officially launched a campaign to remove illegal obstructions from public streets and parking areas across San Pedro. This initiative aims to restore order and ensure that public spaces remain accessible and safe for both residents and visitors.
Community and Society
Kids in Action 2025 Begins
On Monday, July 7th, the Youth Scuba Summer Camp, Kids in Action 2025, was launched at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium with the enrollment of children in the annual program. This summer initiative will offer participants training in scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fly-fishing.
Community and Society
The Operating Costs of Sargassum Harvesters: Hol Chan to Seek Private Sector Partnership
The ongoing challenge of keeping San Pedro’s downtown beaches free of sargassum seaweed has added a financial burden to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a loan, Hol Chan acquired two harvester machines designed to collect the seaweed at sea before it reaches the shoreline. However, operating the equipment has resulted in additional expenses totalling thousands of dollars. To sustain the initiative, the organization is now seeking greater collaboration from the private sector.
Business & Economy
Belize Launches Sustainable & Inclusive Belize (SAiB) Grants Program for Tourism MSMEs
On July 2nd, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, a workshop was held to introduce the launch of the Sustainable & Inclusive Belize (SAiB) Grants Program. SaiB is a government initiative aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism value chain. The program, executed by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), aims to foster income growth, sustainability, and climate resilience across the country’s vibrant tourism landscape.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Village Council Questions Police Behavior
On Wednesday, July 2nd, the Caye Caulker Village Council issued a press release addressing growing concerns over allegations of violence and abuse of authority by local police officers. The council highlighted reports of excessive force, particularly against the island's youth. It emphasized the need for officers to focus on de-escalation rather than meeting violence with violence.
Community and Society
Mayor Nuñez issued “No Objection” Letter to Controversial Dredging Approval Near Mexico Rocks
Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez was called out by Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Executive Director, Ian Pou, for having issued a no-objection letter for a dredging project near the Mexico Rocks marine protected area north of San Pedro Town. Pou made the declaration after a letter issued by a coalition of tourism stakeholders calling for his resignation mentioned the Mayor as one of the supporters of the move.
Community and Society
Lobster Season Is Back; Fishers Register a Bountiful Supply on the First Day
On July 1st, the 2025–2026 lobster season officially opened in Belize. Fishermen across the country headed out early for their first catch of the season. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fisher-folk returned to their dock with hundreds of Caribbean spiny lobsters. The fishers reported a very fruitful first day, catching large lobsters, which were cleaned and prepared for delivery to the various restaurants offering the popular crustacean on their menus.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Comes Alive for Día de San Pedro 2025 Celebrations
On the evening of June 28th, San Pedro’s Central Park transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and community as the town celebrated Día de San Pedro 2025, honoring St. Peter, the patron saint of the island’s fishermen. The festivities kicked off, drawing locals and visitors alike to a lively street fair brimming with traditional food vendors, colorful performances, and heartfelt ceremonies.
