Community and Society
Boca del Rio Bridge officially opened
The festivities of this year’s Dia de San Pedro made space for the blessing and formal inauguration of the newly built Boca del Rio bridge connecting San Pedro Town with northern Ambergris Caye. On Thursday, June 29th, a ceremony was held next to the bridge, officially unveiling the structure whose reconstruction started in December 2021.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker residents, Sol Sisters, kayak a length of the reef for charity
A pair of brave and dedicated athletes named Sol Sisters are heading south, kayaking the length of Belize’s Barrier Reef. The duo, Elizabeth Meeker, 53, and Leigh Ann Epperson, 57, started this challenge dubbed ‘Going the Distance 2023,’ from the Blu Zen Resort north of Caye Caulker on Wednesday, June 28th, and plan to reach the end of the reef system and return to the island in about six days. They intend to raise awareness about Belize’s marine beauty and raise funds for the Ocean Academy and the Humane Society in Caye Caulker.
Community and Society
A weekend full of graduations on the island!
June is known in San Pedro Town for being a month full of community activities, from the traditional island celebrations to those marking the end of a school year. The graduation season is always a time to celebrate the achievements of students from all levels, and over the weekend, several schools hosted this anticipated event for their senior students. Some of these graduations over the weekend saw pre-schoolers and primary schoolers marching the aisles to the tune Pomp and Circumstance.
Community and Society
San Pedrano wins $50k in Scratch and Win
An islander has won $50,000 after purchasing a lucky Scratch and Win ticket. The winner, whose identity has yet to be revealed, said he bought the ticket on Thursday, June 22nd, and initially was unaware of his big winnings. He will now sit down with the family and discuss how they will use the money.
Community and Society
Private sector helping to transport North Ambergris Caye students to school
Students in North Ambergris Caye will no longer struggle with transportation. For families living ten miles north of San Pedro Town, sending their children to schools in the downtown area has been especially difficult. Following an agreement between island businessman Walter Moreno and the local authorities (San Pedro Town Council), a solution has decided. The deal entails that Moreno’s company Elite Transfers, transports the students to and from their schools and, in return, is receives fuel assistance. Moreno is transporting 15 students from the northern community.
Community and Society
Opening of Casino in downtown San Pedro to be temporary
A casino is about to open on Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro. The new establishment targeting local and visiting casino lovers has raised...
Community and Society
Stakeholders discuss North Ambergris Caye development
On Tuesday, June 13th, a group of stakeholders met with local authorities at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room to discuss the future infrastructure of the island and the improvement of services. The meeting provided important feedback, which will be used to create a better development plan for areas like northern Ambergris Caye, which continues to develop at a fast pace.
Arts & Culture
Archaeology project underway at Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Site; New boardwalk provides easier access
After three years of neglect, the boardwalk leading to the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Site, south of San Pedro Town, has been replaced with a stable and sturdy pathway. The much-needed refurbishment was made possible by the efforts of the archaeology field department at Michigan State University, under the direction of Dr. Gabriel Wrobel. He and a group of students from his university, including some from Belize, are currently conducting studies on the site to unveil further information about Marco Gonzalez’s ancient ruins.