Community and Society

During the public meeting held on May 17, 2023, in a community ten miles north of San Pedro Town, residents complained that the recently opened police sub-station did not have a telephone number making it difficult to report incidents or emergencies. This concern was noted by San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) members and Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez, who hosted the gathering and committed to solving the issue. The solution came promptly on Monday, May 22nd, when SPTC announced that a dedicated phone line had been secured for the northern police sub-station. Residents living in and around that area can now contact the police substation at the mobile number 674-3003 and be part of the WhatsApp group created for members of that northern community through the same number.

On May 15, 2023, the Ministry of Economic Development handed over communications equipment to the Belize Defence Force. Dr. Osmond Martinez, chief executive officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, presented the equipment, valued at BZ$146,450, to Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security.

The staff of Hope Haven, the island’s Children’s Home and Empowerment Center was recognized on Friday, May 19th, during a lunch held at Las Terrazas Resort by Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez. The event was also considered a Mother’s Day treat in appreciation for their dedication to the children and other islanders benefiting from their services. The hard-working women were also presented gift certificates for a 60-minute therapeutic massage at the resort’s Serenity Spa.

A project spearheaded by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the central government to pave 7.5 miles of roads in San Pedro Town started with the first phase commencing on Blake Street. The anticipated project south of San Pedro will cover several streets linked to Marina Drive, including some side streets through the southern subdivisions of DFC and Escalante. The project will also include streets in San Pedrito, San Juan, Boca del Rio, and San Mateo. With an adequate workforce, the project will be completed within a year. The SPTC is hiring workers for the venture and encourages anyone on the island looking for a job to visit their offices for the opportunity to work on this infrastructural project.

On Wednesday, May 17th, a public meeting was held in a community ten miles north of San Pedro Town by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez. The gathering saw dozens of people living in this island area and engaged the local authorities to discuss their needs and concerns.

The plans to upgrade and beautify the central park in downtown San Pedro continue with the aim to make this popular public space more family friendly. A new playground has been installed, and the next step is to do more repainting and improve the facilities of the food vendors.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) administration is tackling the issue of illegal dumping and warning those involved that they will be penalized for their actions. According to SPTC, inspections are being carried out regularly, and anyone found illegally dumping garbage will face hefty fines and possible criminal charges. Public assistance is also requested in reporting any littering offenses by calling 226-2198 or visiting the SPTC on Barrier Reef Drive with evidence if possible.

On Monday, May 15th, a class of pilots and staff from Tropic Air received their certificates for completing the National Tour Guide Training Program. After a short ceremony starting at 6:30PM at the company’s corporate headquarters, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board and trainer Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie handed out certificates to the participants. The program saw 13 pilots completing the course, allowing them to apply for their Tour Guide license. In addition, ten participants also completed training in first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).