Community and Society
Authorities say labor shortage affecting San Pedro and the country
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Immigration, Tanya Santos-Neal, has confirmed that businesses across Belize are having difficulty finding employees, with labor shortages affecting industries ranging from agriculture to construction. According to Santos-Neal, areas such as San Pedro are feeling the impact particularly strongly as demand for both manual and skilled workers continues to rise.
Community and Society
Island Notes from A Woofer by Melody S Wolfe
Island Notes from a Woofer is a personal column by Melody S Wolfe blending island life, culture, humor, nostalgia, motherhood, community conversations, random observations, personal experiences, art, business, relationships, social commentary, and whatever else happens to wander through her beautifully chaotic neurodivergent brain that week.
Community and Society
Community Conversations: Heavy lifting by the executor, not for the faint of heart
When a person dies, the assets of the deceased person's estate (also known as the Testator) must be administered by a personal representative, who is entrusted with the legal authority to step in and carry out that responsibility. Of course, how the estate is administered depends largely on whether the person died with or without a will. If there is a will, the estate is administered by an Executor.
Community and Society
Island Rhythm Foundation Combines Music and Community Support at Launch Event
The Island Rhythm Foundation will officially launch in San Pedro with its fundraiser event, “Roots, Culture, Unity,” on Friday, July 10th, at The Island Jungle Restaurant and Bar. The event will feature live performances by Ras Indio, The Trees of Life, and Ernestine “Belize’s Soca Queen.” Tickets, VIP seating, and artist meet-and-greet opportunities will be available to attendees. The fundraiser is scheduled to run from 6PM to 11:30PM, with proceeds after event expenses supporting the foundation’s Shared Table school lunch initiative in San Pedro.
Community and Society
Saca Chispas Renovation Project Still Moving Forward; Current Artisan Market to be Relocated
The Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, was expected to undergo renovations earlier this year. However, work on the project has yet to begin. Area Representative Andre Perez said on Wednesday, May 27th, that the planned renovations, which will transform the popular public space into a multi-purpose complex, are still expected to move forward in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).
Community and Society
Tensions Reported Between Belizean and Mexican Tour Guides Near Xcalak
Recent tensions between Belizean and Mexican tour guides and fishers near the maritime border north of Ambergris Caye have sparked concerns among local tourism stakeholders. The friction, particularly in waters near Chetumal Bay and the Mexican community of Xcalak, reportedly centers around disputes over territorial boundaries and access to fishing and tour areas.
Community and Society
Community Partners Lead Restoration Project at Boca del Rio Park
A large-scale cleanup and restoration project was carried out at Boca del Rio Park on Wednesday, May 27th, from 7:30AM to 12PM. The San Pedro Town Council, the San Pedro Lions Club, Alaia Resort staff and guests, local artist Karissa Vasquez of KV Creations, and more than 180 visiting members of Dassault Systèmes spearheaded the initiative.
Community and Society
San Pedro Smile Center marks 19 years of free dental care outreach
The San Pedro Smile Center celebrated 19 years of providing free dental care to Belizean children through its annual outreach clinic at Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town. The clinic was held on May 21st, 22nd, 25th, and 26th, from 8:30AM to 3PM each day. Organizers also announced that, following this year’s session, the clinic facility would undergo a full renovation and expansion to create a larger, more modern space capable of treating more patients in an improved environment.