Community and Society
Reception Held in Belmopan to Mark King Charles III’s Birthday
The British High Commission in Belmopan City hosted a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, Belize’s head of state. The special event, held at the High Commissioner’s residence, welcomed distinguished guests, including government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from academia, the military, and His Majesty’s representative in Belize, Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam.
Community and Society
Belize Prepares to Welcome Duchess of Edinburgh
Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and member of the British Royal Family, is scheduled to visit Belize from November 16th to 19th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration announced Her Royal Highness’ official visit on Monday, November 10th, the same day she began a regional tour that includes Peru, Panama, and Guatemala before concluding her trip in Belize.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Fishing from San Pedro and Ambergris Caye
My first visit was in 2001 to El Pescador. When my wife stopped coming, I started fishing around town. We caught fish everywhere, even in the lagoon. We fished Blackador, Mosquito, Frances, Rosario, Cangrejo, Bacalar Chico, Rocky Point and many others. We could start at Ruby's Hotel in San Pedro and fish to the end of the island. Fish were plentiful with large schools (in the 100s) with smaller fish and smaller schools (20-40) with larger fish.
Community and Society
Stricter Golf Cart Permit Process Takes Effect in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council has tightened regulations for golf cart permit applications, effective immediately, in response to growing parking concerns across the island. The Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee (ACTCC), responsible for issuing these permits, is now enforcing stricter criteria, including residency and property ownership requirements for applicants.
Community and Society
Downtown truck access limited to authorized vehicles only
At the end of April this year, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) announced new restrictions on large trucks, including dump trucks, sand trucks, and container vehicles, entering the downtown area. The directive initially reduced the presence of heavy trucks in the town core; however, residents recently voiced concerns after seeing trucks transporting fill material through central San Pedro. According to the SPTC, the restrictions remain in place, and the trucks observed have been authorized to deliver material for municipal street upgrades in surrounding subdivisions.
Community and Society
Perez Clarifies Dredging Work Underway for Boca del Rio Beach Enhancement
A beach enhancement project underway at the Boca del Rio Beach Park has recently drawn attention and concern from residents and stakeholders in San Pedro Town due to dredging activities. The project aims to restore and protect a section of the shoreline that has eroded over the years. It is a joint initiative between the Area Representative, Honourable Andre Perez, and the San Pedro Town Council. On Wednesday, November 5th, Perez addressed the public’s concerns and provided details about the beach nourishment project.
Community and Society
Belize’s Million-Dollar Jackpot is Back
Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) has relaunched its popular One Million Dollar Jackpot Game, with ticket sales commencing on November 5, 2025, nationwide, including San Pedro. Tickets are priced at $5 and can be purchased through BGLL sub-agents or via the Fi We Boledo mobile app. Sales will run until December 20, when the highly anticipated draw will take place at noon in Belmopan. Players select a four-digit sequence for a chance to win the $1 million jackpot, with the prize to be shared equally among multiple winners.
Community and Society
Island Volunteers Boost National Blood Supply
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group held a successful blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Saturday, November 1st. By the end of the day, 19 pints of blood had been collected to replenish the national blood bank's supply. These donations will support emergency medical needs nationwide and ensure lifesaving blood is available when residents need it most.
Community and Society
Hardware fault triggers four-hour blackout in San Pedro
On Sunday, November 2nd, San Pedro businesses and residents experienced a major power outage that lasted approximately four hours, from 6:23 PM to just after 10:25 PM. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) confirmed that the unplanned blackout affected the entire island.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna Flag-Raising Ceremony Opens Settlement Day Celebrations in San Pedro
On Friday, October 31st, the Garifuna community in San Pedro gathered at Central Park at 8PM for a flag-raising ceremony, marking the start of cultural festivities leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. The evening featured cultural presentations, traditional dances, and rhythmic drumming, proudly showcasing the rich heritage of the Garinagu on the island.
Community and Society
San Pedro Chefs Complete Prestigious ACF Certification Program
Samuel Gonzalez and Frank Varma, head chefs of Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace and Aqua Belize at Grand Caribe Resort, continue to raise the bar for fine dining in San Pedro after completing a prestigious culinary certification program. The pair joined top chefs from across Belize in the Elevate Training Program, coordinated by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). The initiative provides Belizean chefs with internationally recognized skills and credentials through the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
