A group of 43 islanders received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board after successfully completing the national tour guide training. A brief ceremony commemorating their achievement was held on Thursday, November 7th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The new tour guides, including several women, were joined by their families and friends to celebrate this significant milestone.
The ceremony started at 7PM, with Master of Ceremonies Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie, President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association and program instructor, welcoming and congratulating everyone in attendance. 
After an invocation led by tour operator Steve Bowen, Dean Paul Kelly of San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) delivered the welcome address. The SPJC strongly supports the tour guide training program, offering its facilities for the initiative. Kelly expressed words of encouragement and congratulations to the graduates, highlighting the essential role of tour guides as ambassadors of Belize’s natural beauty. He urged them to take pride in their responsibilities, stating, “It is through your effort and professionalism that visitors will come to know our country and will want to return.”
A strong supporter of the program, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez advocated for resources from the Ministry of Tourism to support the training of tour guides. He acknowledged the newly graduated female tour guides and encouraged more individuals to seize this opportunity. Perez urged the other graduates to take pride in their achievements and to continue caring for the country, showcasing it to the thousands of tourists who visit each year.
The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Johnnia Duarte of the San Pedro Town Council. The councilor praised the new tour guides, their supporters, and the instructors who guided them throughout their training. On behalf of Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, she wished the graduates all the best in their future endeavors.
The group also heard from Vicky Coc of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. She encouraged the new guides to collaborate with them in conserving the natural resources around San Pedro. Coc reminded them of the partnership opportunities available with the reserve. 
Before concluding the meeting, the San Pedro Tour Operators Association Chairman emphasized the mutual dependence between tour guides and tour operators. He invited the newcomers to approach their work passionately and create lasting impressions on visitors to the country and the island.
This is the second group of newly graduated tour guides this year. In March, 36 islanders received their tour guide certification. The program will continue in 2025.
Each successful participant was called to the front during the ceremony to receive their certificate. The next step for them is to apply for a tour guide license with the Belize Tourism Board.
The newly certified tour guides are Aaron Alamilla, Abner Martinez, Allan Kuylen, Amaru Barreto, Aziel Madera, Brian Duran, Cheyanne Bull, Clive Foreman, Clive Geban, Daniel Marin, Darwin Orellana, David Martinez, Dean Robinson, Derrick Ramirez, Derwi Ramirez, Dorian Carrillo, Dorwin Robinson, Jamil Trejo, Jasmin Arjona, Jeovanni Ramos, Jervis Godoy, John Lizama, John Saldivar, Jose Perez, Luis Herrera, Marcia Lamb, Mario Leal, Mark Gonzalez, Matthew Coye Jr., Michael Alamilla, Miguel Marin, Naim Luna, Ricardo Kuylen, Roke Garcia, Ronnie Molina, Ryan Gonzalez, Tacio Badillo, Thaddeus Pineda, Tyle Molina, Tyron Usher, Vivian Ruano, Wilfredo Vasquez, and Yandel Rodriguez.
