Community and Society
SPTC reiterates that proper garbage disposal is everyone’s business
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is aggressively addressing the ongoing issue of improper garbage disposal across the island. Despite several calls for residents to help clean up the island, the issue persists at an alarming rate. As a result, the SPTC is now taking a proactive approach to solving the problem. Anyone caught violating the law regarding littering and improper garbage disposal will be liable to pay a minimum fine of five hundred dollars.
Community and Society
Island residents concerned about rising home rental prices as San Pedro continues to grow
The cost of living in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has always been higher than in other parts of Belize. As one of the fastest growing municipalities, many people from off the island come to work here and usually look for affordable homes to rent in the outskirts of downtown San Pedro. In the past, these areas lacked essential infrastructure, but now there are planned projects to upgrade them with more services and amenities; conversely, rent for housing is expected to increase as the market becomes more robust and the demand for housing increases. This is causing concern among lower-income residents, especially as there is no known policy in Belize to regulate rental costs.
Community and Society
Design changes made to the Artisan Market project; construction to start soon
A project to construct a new artisan market at El Embarcadero, west of downtown San Pedro, is encountering controversy as some artisans and residents oppose it. Following some small protests, the project will undergo minor design changes, leading to the removal of the previous poster displaying the market plans. The proposed new market is a collaborative effort between the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Anthony Mahler, and Area Representative, Honorable Andre Perez.
Community and Society
Moving crew disrupts traffic and causes power outage on Seagrape Drive while transporting a house
On Wednesday, October 2nd, a hazardous and disruptive situation unfolded on Seagrape Drive south of San Pedro Town. Motorists, pedestrians, and residents were unexpectedly confronted with a house being transported along the busy road. The incident disrupted traffic and caused a brief power outage when nearby power lines were damaged. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) clarified that they did not grant permission for the transportation of the house, and the person responsible will be served with fines.
Community and Society
Public Notice – Opening of Queen Conch Fishing Season
The Fisheries Administrator hereby reminds the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize, the Conch Season will officially open from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The public is advised that if the conch production quota is realized earlier, the conch season will be declared closed.
Community and Society
Cabinet to discuss policy to restrict large trucks in downtown San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) continues working on a solution restricting the use of large sand/dump/delivery trucks in the downtown area. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said the Ministry of Transport has discussed this matter, and his team has recommended that these large vehicles be either barged or downsized. As a result, the Ministry of Transport is reportedly preparing a paper to submit to the Cabinet with recommendations from the SPTC.
Community and Society
Public Notice – Opening of the Stone Crab Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform all fishers and the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2022, the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishing season opens from October 1, 2024, to June 30th, 2025.
Community and Society
Island residents appeal for public consultation for proposed San Pedro Artisan Market project
On Tuesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 26th, a small demonstration occurred in downtown San Pedro at the “El Embarcadero” regarding a proposed project to develop the San Pedro Artisan Market. The project, supported by Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, and Hon. Andre Perez, aims to provide artisans with an improved marketplace on Nurse Shark Street next to the lagoon. However, protesters expressed concerns over the government's lack of community consultation in the proposed project's decision-making process.
Community and Society
Department of Environment trains SPTC staff to issue improper garbage disposal tickets
On Tuesday, September 17th, the Belize Department of Environment (DOE) organized a training session from 9AM to 12:30PM in Ambergris Caye. The session, hosted by environmental officer Mr. Kendrick Gordon, was to educate council members, traffic managers, and head traffic wardens about a new ticketing initiative. This initiative involves issuing litter tickets to individuals improperly disposing of waste or contributing to environmental pollution, starting with random inspections on the island. Those failing to adhere to the regulations will be subject to ticketing and fines based on the severity of the offense.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Belize’s 43rd Independence Day in grand style
Belizeans in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, once again showed their patriotism and love for the country as they celebrated Belize’s 43rd independence anniversary. The festivities began on the evening of Friday, September 20th, with the flag-raising ceremony, culminating with the Independence Day Parade on the 21st, highlighting all things Belizean and closing the patriotic celebration across the country. Under the theme ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43!’, Belizeans have been observing the September celebrations, from the flag-raising at the start of the month to the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day and the annual Carnival Road March in Belize City, among other patriotic events.
Community and Society
San Pedro students display patriotism at annual Children’s Rally
Students from six primary schools joined San Pedro High School (SPHS) on Friday, September 20th, to celebrate the annual Children’s Rally at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Children’s Rally is held countrywide as part of the September Celebrations to promote patriotism among Belizean children. This year's theme was “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43.” The event included motivational speeches, patriotic poems and dramas, and a special performance by Chelsy Castro, the national KTV (Karaoke) Singing Competition winner.
