Community and Society
Belize Moves to Strengthen Health Safety Measures Across Tourism Sector
From April 13th to 15th, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in collaboration with Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), conducted a series of activities to strengthen early warning surveillance systems and promote safer tourism practices. A five-member CARPHA team, led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, delivered advanced training in food safety, visitor-based and mass-gathering surveillance, and multisectoral partnerships in Belize City.
Community and Society
Firearm Licensing Changes Announced as FACB Lifts .223 Moratorium
On April 22nd, Belize’s Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) issued two notices updating nationwide firearm licensing procedures. The changes allow certain firearm modifications without additional permits and lift the moratorium on new .223 rifles, effective June 1st. The updates aim to streamline the licensing process while enhancing safety and compliance.
Community and Society
‘Ocean Guardians’ Screening Highlights Marine Conservation Through Animation
On April 25th at 7PM, Creative Imageries Motion Art Studio (CIMAS) hosted a screening of its animated series Ocean Guardians at the SunBreeze Hotel. The event brought together community leaders, educators, creatives, and tourism stakeholders for an evening focused on environmental awareness through storytelling. Among those in attendance were Miss San Pedro, representatives from the San Pedro Town Council, and partners such as Blue Water Grill and Gypsy Restaurant. Live musical performances added to the event's vibrant atmosphere.
Community and Society
Caribbean Tourism Leaders Gather in San Pedro for Sustainability Talks
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, hosted the 2026 Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development under the theme “Tourism in Full Color,” highlighting the integration of the blue, green, and orange economies into a sustainable development path. The conference, held from April 27th to 30th, welcomed more than 300 delegates from 29 countries.
Community and Society
Belize Showcases Sustainable Diving at Beyond Blue Summit
The Beyond Blue Dive Summit, officially titled Beyond Blue: Belize’s Great Dive for Sustainability, was held from April 22nd to 25th, 2026, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Hosted at Sunset Caribe Resort, the four-day event brought together international media, content creators, dive professionals, and conservation advocates. Organized by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the summit featured guided dives at renowned sites such as the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Wall, the WIT Concrete Shipwreck, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Participants explored Belize’s marine biodiversity while gaining insight into sustainable tourism practices.
Community and Society
Free Culinary Training in San Pedro Celebrates 18 Graduates
San Pedro resident Shelley Arceo Huber hosted a graduation ceremony on April 25th, celebrating 18 students who completed a hands-on culinary training program. The course, which included school-aged participants from across San Pedro Town, was offered at no cost under the Mama Vilma’s Family Home NGO. The 12-week program was held at Huber’s The Barge Hut Restaurant in the Boca del Rio area.
Community and Society
Community Conversations: No Permission, Then No Recording. Simple as that.
These days, it seems to be more common for persons to record you without your knowing and without your permission - at work, at church, on the streets, or just about anywhere. And let’s be honest, most of us are walking around with a mobile phone glued to us. Some people even have two or more phones: one for “work,” one for “personal,” and sometimes one quietly collecting evidence you never intended or agreed to give.
Community and Society
Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye supports island institutions
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Belize City, recently contributed to the well-being of the island community by donating food to several local institutions. Beneficiaries included the New Horizon Seventh-day Adventist School, Hope Haven Children’s Home and Empowerment Center, and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).