Community and Society

A comprehensive multi-sector and multi-scale diagnosis of the sustainable development of Ambergris Caye, particularly the northern part of the island, is being developed by the international company IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture SAU with the partnership of the Inter-American Development Bank. This project seeks to develop an action and zoning plan for the balanced development of the island, considering the vulnerability to natural resources and the safest way to continue growing without affecting Ambergris Caye's carrying capacity. The analysis presents the current conditions of San Pedro and recommends a sustainable plan spanning to 2045 to have the most negligible impact on the natural resources sustaining the island's economy.

While in Caye Caulker and Placencia, where lobster celebrations occur this weekend, San Pedro Town launched festivities on July 3rd with the annual Lobster Crawl, with daily lobster-themed events taking place in various participating businesses across the island. Crawlers, both local and visitors, have indulged in their favorite lobster delicacies, from pizzas, ceviche, taco lobster, and curry lobster, to even lobster-shaped chocolate treats. These fun events will continue crawling for the rest of the week and end with the grand Lobsterfest block party on Saturday, July 15th, at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena (Saca Chispas field).

In March 2019, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reported on the ongoing process of connecting Caye Caulker to the national electricity grid. The proposed connection needed a submarine cable that was yet to be acquired. Three years later, the long-awaited line has arrived in Belize, and connecting La Isla Cariñosa to the national grid can now be completed.

On Monday, July 3rd, the brave and dedicated athletes from Caye Caulker called Sol Sisters returned to La Isla Cariñosa after a six-day journey kayaking 227 miles along the Belizean southern border of the Mesoamerican Reef. The American duo, Elizabeth Meeker, 53, and Leigh Ann Epperson, 57, named their challenge ‘Going the Distance 2023’ to raise awareness about Belize’s marine beauty and raise funds for two institutions in Caye Caulker, the Ocean Academy and Caye Caulker Humane Society.

In May, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) indicated that they would improve the facilities of the food vendors at Central Park, and on Tuesday, July 4th, the erection of the first booth was observed. According to the SPTC, these new booths will include upgrades to provide better services and increase food safety at the park. These new food booths will come with a rental fee and regulations for renters.

The season of the Caribbean Spiny lobster opened on July 1, and the first catches of the day saw fishermen returning to San Pedro Town with boatloads of the crustacean. However, there have been concerns among the community about the reported yearly increases in the cost per pound of lobster. Fishermen attributed the price increase to how expensive harvesting is and reduced supply.

On Saturday, July 1st, the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Belize held celebrations commemorating the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America in San Pedro Town. The annual celebration, officially observed on July 4th, was hosted at Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club south of San Pedro. Ambassador Michelle Kwan presided over the event, welcoming guests and dignitaries from across the country.

During the 2023 Dia de San Pedro festivities, islanders welcomed a new beauty ambassador. The extravaganza opened with the anticipated Miss San Pedro Pageant on Friday, June 30th. Among the five young ladies vying for the title, 22-year-old Mariel Calderon, sponsored by Caribeña Enterprises, was selected as the next island queen and was crowned by outgoing Miss San Pedro Faith Edgar. The festival ended with a spectacular show on Saturday with entertainers from Belize, Mexico, and international talent, DJ Wuazat.