Community and Society
Public Notice: Closure of the Queen Conch Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on May 25, 2025. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch production quota for the 2024-2025 fishing season.
Community and Society
Stop Order on Cayo Rosario Development Project Still in Effect
The stop order issued to halt construction on a tourism development at Cayo Rosario, a small mangrove island off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, remains in effect. The Central Building Authority (CBA) confirmed on Wednesday, May 21st, that the directive is still active. The stop order cites several structures erected on the island without the necessary permits.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Saca Chispas Field to Undergo Major Upgrades
The Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, is set to undergo significant upgrades. The Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to transform the venue into a multi-purpose stadium. The field has previously hosted the Belize Tourism Board’s International Music and Food Festival. After holding the event there for two consecutive years, organizers recognized the need to renovate the facility to better accommodate larger crowds and high-profile performances. As a result, the festival will not take place this year.
Community and Society
The Inspiration Center Hosts Fundraiser at Mahogany Bay Resort
On Saturday, May 17th, dressed in their finest all-white ensembles, guests gathered at the much-anticipated annual fundraiser hosted by The Inspiration Center at Mahogany Bay Village Resort in San Pedro Town. It was a clear and perfect night for the lively gala by the pool deck, held in honor of some of Belize’s most vulnerable citizens, its children. Funds raised from the event help sustain the outpatient rehabilitation center in Belize City, which provides services to children with disabilities from across the country, including San Pedro.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Pushes for Local Marijuana Legalization Referendum Ahead of June Elections
Residents of Caye Caulker have launched a petition urging the government to legalize and regulate marijuana exclusively on the island through a local referendum. The initiative, led by Caye Caulker Village Councillor Ilya Rosado, aims to collect 400 signatures from registered voters to place the question on the ballot during the Village Council elections on June 29, 2025.
Community and Society
San Pedro Fire Station Receives Two Brand New Water Pumps
The fire station on the island, found on Pescador Drive next to the police station, has received two brand new portable water pumps, courtesy of Senator Gabriel Zetina. The young senator, representing the United Democratic Party, shared that he is committed to aiding his island community and contributing to the improvement of essential services, such as the local fire service.
Community and Society
BEL Hosts Media Workshop to Highlight 2025 Energy Plans and Smart Investments
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted a Media Energy Workshop on May 15th at its Corporate Headquarters in Belize City, aiming to deepen the media’s understanding of Belize’s evolving energy landscape. The event brought together media professionals nationwide to discuss BEL’s 2025 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) submission and the company’s strategic investments in modern energy infrastructure.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Special Thanks for a Successful May 3rd Blood Drive
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held May 3rd at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Over 50 members of the Ambergris Caye community came to donate. At the end of the day, 41 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated.
