Community and Society
Belize Territorial Volunteers denounces aggressive conduct from Guatemalan Armed Forces
For years, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) have spearheaded trips through the Sarstoon River to one of the country’s border markers in the southern Toledo District to commemorate the 1859 Boundary Treaty signed between Great Britain and Guatemala. In recent years, the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) in the area have reportedly enforced sovereignty on the river, making this annual patriotic trip challenging. On the 164th anniversary of the treaty, the BTV once again led an excursion, where the GAF confronted them as they went up the Sarstoon River.
Community and Society
Independent poll suggests Belize is in favor of maintaining ties with the British Monarchy
On Saturday, May 6th, the official coronation of King Charles III will take place in London, England. Charles assumed the position following his mother’s death in September 2022. With this change, King Charles became the head of state in most of the Commonwealth countries, including Belize. However, some of these countries are considering cutting ties with the British monarchy, and according to a recent survey conducted by Lord Michael Ashcroft Polls, Belize would keep the Brit as head of state.
Community and Society
U.S. Embassy Joins Community Activists to Unveil Peace Mural in Southside Belize City
On April 27, 2023 U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan joined reformed formal rival gang members from four communities in Southside Belize City for the painting of a community mural, marking the successful close of a U.S. Embassy-funded program to support sustainable and equitable economic development in underserved communities.
Community and Society
San Pedro continues raising Autism awareness
April is Autism Awareness Month across the country. Every year in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, a campaign is held to help the community understand and appreciate those living with autism spectrum disorder, a life-long developmental disorder. On Friday, April 28th, to further touch on the important topic, the San Pedro Town Council, in partnership with Autism Belize, hosted an Autism Let's Talk forum at the San Pedro Lions Den.
Community and Society
San Pedro Fire Station personnel thanks the community for their support
The fire station on the island located on Pescador Drive, next to the police station, is experiencing changes and upgrades to service the island community better. Some of these upgrades improve working conditions which have been possible with the partnership by the business community and other stakeholders. As such, the management and staff thank all those involved in the different activities, donations, and fundraisers aimed to benefit their facilities.
Community and Society
Antonio Tepaz arrested and charged for the money missing at San Pedro Solid Waste Management Authority
Police reported on Friday, April 28th, that Antonio Lorenzo Tepaz, 26, was arrested and charged with the crime of Theft in relation to the $30,335 missing from the island’s Solid Waste Management Authority branch. The missing funds were discovered following an audit on the tipping fees collected at the San Pedro garbage transfer station from March 4, 2022, through February 15, 2023.
Community and Society
Taly Corporation acquires beach clean-up equipment to tackle Sargassum
The beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and others across the country experience a yearly heavy influx of the brown algae known as Sargassum. It is an inconvenience making the shoreline unattractive with the rotten seaweed threatening the local tourism industry and the environment. While stakeholders and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) have made extraordinary efforts to keep the beaches free of seaweed, it has been quite a challenge. As such, Taly Corporation, a company doing business on the island, has acquired a heavy equipment/machine known as Surf Rake dedicated to cleaning up the island’s shores from debris and the main culprit, Sargassum.
Community and Society
Second fire safety awareness training held in San Pedro
With the collaboration of the San Pedro Town Council, Councilor Jose Castellanos, and stakeholders such as Fabrigas, the San Pedro Fire Service hosted its second fire safety awareness fair. Held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena on Saturday, April 22nd, the fair included presentations on properly using fire extinguishers and learning about first aid kits.