Community and Society
Vicky Pinelo Crowned Reina del Carnaval 2026
The annual San Pedro Carnaval is set to begin on Sunday, February 15th, bringing another colourful celebration of island tradition, music, and cultural expression. One of the most anticipated highlights of the festivities is the crowning of the Reina del Carnaval. This tradition continues to play an important role in the island’s annual celebration.
Community and Society
Kelly McGuire Brings Music and Support for SAGA Humane Society
The annual Kelly McGuire Birthday SAGA Fundraiser lit up The Palapa Bar on Friday, February 6th. Singer-songwriter Kelly McGuire hosted the event, drawing a large crowd for live music, raffles, and community support for San Pedro’s only non-profit animal shelter and clinic, SAGA Humane Society. Steel drum player John Patty from Florida, USA, joined McGuire on stage, entertaining attendees with tunes that captured the island vibe.
Community and Society
Jim Gochenour Wins Grand Master Title at Estel’s BBQ Cook-Off
Jim Gochenour was declared the Grand Master Champion 2026 at the 14th Bar-B-Que (BBQ) Cook-Off, held at Estel’s Dine by the Sea Restaurant on February 6th. The highly anticipated event tested grill masters competing in the People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice, Griller’s Choice, and Grand Master categories.
Community and Society
Community conversations: Will you, or Will you not?
In life, we are certain of two things: taxes and death. Opps! There is no escaping one or the other. We pay GST, income tax, property tax, airport tax, hotel tax, environment tax and the list goes on and on. Whether you are in Belize or outside of Belize, taxes find us everywhere. And just like taxes, death comes for us all. Every person born will die. Yes, it is a bit spooky, unpleasant and morbid, but when it comes to death, there is no exemption or loophole to escape it.
Community and Society
WHO Raises Concern Over Nipah Virus Cases in India
Two healthcare workers in India’s West Bengal state have been confirmed with Nipah virus (NiV) infection, prompting heightened monitoring by health authorities and concern from the World Health Organization (WHO). The cases involve a male and female nurse, both aged 20 to 30, from Barasat in the North 24 Parganas district. They reportedly fell ill in late December 2025 and were hospitalized in early January 2026.
Business & Economy
BTB Opens New Artisan Market in San Pedro with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially opened the new Artisan Market in San Pedro Town on Thursday, February 5, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at 11AM on Nurse Shark Street. The event featured a short program led by master of ceremonies Rene Guzman, San Pedro Town Council Administrator.
Community and Society
Foundation of Belize Supports RISE Readers with Back-to-School Supplies
On Tuesday, February 4, at 3:30PM., the Foundation of Belize donated school bags stocked with essential supplies to children enrolled in the RISE Literacy Program during a session at San Pedro High School. Executive Director and San Pedro Town Councillor Dianeli Aranda, along with founders Joseph and Catherine Cooper, presented the bags to the program’s 13 students, ages six to 13.
Community and Society
PUP Northern Caucus Endorses BTL–SMART Deal Despite Public Opposition
The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP) has unanimously endorsed the proposed acquisition of Speednet (SMART) by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The endorsement followed a special meeting in Orange Walk Town on Saturday.