Community and Society

San Pedro dive instructors participated in the fifth annual scuba diving summer program held in Punta Gorda Town, the southernmost municipality in the Toledo District, where a new group of young students earned their Open Water Diver certification. The program, which took students on open water dives between July 31st and August 2nd, aims each year to train up to 20 participants, ages 14 to 24, in scuba diving. The newly certified divers were instructed by San Pedro-based PADI professionals Everette Anderson and Enes Ramirez of Belize Diving Adventures, along with Punta Gorda native Ched Cabral and Estrom Aldana of Reef Adventures. Supporting the team were Assistant Instructor Thomas Cal and logistics coordinators Philip Vernon and Gene Lopez.

On Wednesday, July 29th, Tomasita Reymunda Guerrero de Gomez passed away at the age of 100 after a lifetime dedicated to her family, faith, and the development of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A proud matriarch and one of the island's most respected women, Tomasita left a legacy through her contributions to the community and the generations of islanders she inspired.

A Wine Sommelier Training was held from July 27th to 28th at Larimar Seafood and Steakhouse, north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Participants learned from Belizean Ian Adrian Nal, a certified sommelier, award-winning beverage professional, and entrepreneur. The training equipped attendees with the fundamentals of wine tasting, service, and food pairing.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is again warning the public against illegal dumping, particularly on vacant lots across the island. The council reminded residents that disposing of garbage on both private and public properties is illegal and that all waste should be taken to the Solid Waste Transfer Station south of San Pedro. While many islanders agree with the council's message, they say stronger enforcement is needed to address the problem.

The Ambergris North Alliance (ANA) concluded its inaugural North Guardians summer camp on July 27th after hosting a two-day program for children in North San Pedro. The camp ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days at the Belize Eco Museum and welcomed approximately 25 to 30 children for educational activities, meals, and interactive learning sessions.

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted its fourth annual Tour Guide Licensing Clinic at SunBreeze Hotel from Tuesday, July 28th to Friday, July 31st, offering new and renewing tour guides the opportunity to complete their licensing requirements in one location. By the end of the first day, the clinic had already assisted 174 guides, putting it on pace to surpass the 194 applicants served during last year's event.

The Caye Caulker Lions Club officially installed its board of directors on Sunday, July 26th, during a ceremony in Caye Caulker that marked the beginning of the club's 2026-2027 term. Lions members, community representatives, and guests gathered to witness the installation and celebrate the club's continued commitment to community service.

Kailey Alamilla was crowned Little Miss San Pedro 2026–2027 on Saturday, July 25th, following an evening of pageantry, talent, and community pride at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium at San Pedro High School. Held under the theme "Guardians of Belize's Paradise," the annual pageant showcased five young contestants competing in beachwear, costume, evening wear, and question-and-answer segments before a panel of judges and an audience of family, friends, sponsors, and supporters.