San Pedro residents and visitors gathered on September 20th and 21st to celebrate the country’s 45th Independence anniversary under the theme, “Look at Me, I Am Belize @ 45.” The celebrations began at 8PM at the Saca Chispas Field with an evening of music, cultural presentations, and official ceremonies, then continued the following afternoon with the traditional Independence Day parade through the streets of San Pedro.
The September 20th program featured performances by the Island Flames Band, San Pedro Roman Catholic School Marching Band, San Pedro Dance Company, One Love Band, and DJ Debbie. The Belize Coast Guard also took part in the official program. Natalie Arceo served as mistress of ceremonies, guiding the audience through the evening’s entertainment and formal activities.
Before the formalities began, the San Pedro Dance Company entertained the crowd with performances to Belizean celebration music. The San Pedro RC School Marching Band then led the procession into the field and dazzled the audience with its performance.
Torchbearers from San Pedro High School entered the field, leading the way for Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez; Belize Rural South Area Representative and Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Honorable Andre Perez; Senator Gabriel Zetina; Belize Police Department Region Four Commander, Senior Superintendent Edlin Lorenzo; opposition representative Joseph Elijio; and members of the San Pedro Town Council.
In his address, Mayor Nuñez reflected on Belize’s progress since Independence and highlighted the contributions of San Pedro residents, business owners, workers, young people, and elders. He also spoke about several municipal projects aimed at improving access for residents and supporting businesses across the island.
Nuñez referred to preparations for paving the northern road and the road leading to Secret Beach. He said the northern project was being planned to avoid damaging vulnerable turtle-nesting areas. The mayor further highlighted plans for improvements in San Mateo, including expanded water and electricity services, a bridge, and additional road paving. “Development is not measured only in miles of paved roads or infrastructure projects,” Nuñez said. “Development is also about preserving the things that make San Pedro, like our culture, our celebrations and our ability to come together.”
The mayor also recognized the role of festivals, sports programs, women entrepreneurs, local vendors, and community organizations in San Pedro’s development. He called on residents, businesses, and visitors to take greater responsibility for waste management, cleanliness, and controlling sargassum. Nuñez said civic pride and cooperation were necessary to protect the town’s environment and quality of life.
Opposition representative Joseph Elijio described Independence Day as an opportunity to remember the struggles of Belize’s ancestors and reflect on the freedoms enjoyed today. He acknowledged that many residents still face difficulties because of the high cost of living but said the anniversary should also remind Belizeans of their ability to work together. Elijio encouraged residents to support their neighbors, friends, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. He said unity did not require people to agree on everything but called for trust, respect, and tolerance. He also urged elected leaders to put aside political differences when necessary to find solutions that benefit the community. “Despite our differences, we shall all have one home, one future and one Belize,” Elijio said.
Minister Andre Perez, who also represents Belize Rural South, addressed residents of both San Pedro and Caye Caulker. He noted that the tourism industry was experiencing its slow season, with hotels, restaurants, tour guides, taxi operators, businesses, and workers feeling the effects. He also identified sargassum as a serious local, national, and regional problem.
Perez highlighted ongoing development projects, including road works, land access improvements, and plans to transform Volcano Park into a community space. He also reported that 683 students at San Pedro High School were benefiting from free tuition, while another 175 students at Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker had joined the program. On health care, Perez said nearly 12,000 residents of San Pedro and Caye Caulker were registered with the National Health Insurance program. He added that construction of the new island hospital was nearly 70% complete and was expected to be ready by May 2027 if work continued according to schedule.
At 11:40PM, Mayor Nuñez, accompanied by Senior Superintendent Lorenzo, conducted the traditional guard inspection. The inspection was followed by the flag-raising ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and a fireworks display welcoming Belize’s 45th Independence Day. One Love Band closed out the night with live music.
On September 21st, the official Independence Day parade began at 3PM in front of the Appliances for Less store near the South Gas Station. Marching groups, performers, floats, community organizations, businesses, and residents marched through San Pedro’s main streets before ending at Boca del Rio Park.
At the park, participants and island community members enjoyed music, food, and refreshments. The colorful parade and festivities brought the two-day celebration to a close as San Pedro joined communities across the country in marking Belize’s 45th anniversary of Independence.