Community and Society
San Pedro starts Township week promoting zero tolerance for the use of plastic and styrofoam
On Wednesday, November 23rd, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez and his team promoted using biodegradable products, such as groceries bags, at a presentation at the San Pedro Lions Den. The enforcement will see reusable bags available at the different establishments for around 50 cents. The populace and business sector are encouraged to make this their standard practice to avoid using plastic items and give back to the island town community, which turns 38 on Sunday, November 27th. The demonstration emphasized how hazardous plastic can be for fragile marine ecosystems like those around the island, thus, the importance of getting everyone on this campaign.
Community and Society
San Pedro has 38 new tour guides
On Monday, November 21st, 38 islanders received their certification after completing tour guide training. A short ceremony acknowledging the recipients was held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, where they received their certificates from Belize Tourism Board's (BTB) representative Abil Castañeda and Miss San Pedro 2022-2023 Faith Edgar. The course was made possible through the San Pedro Junior College's collaboration with instructors Philip 'Billy' Leslie and Josue Sosa.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Health Center officially inaugurated
A little over a year after it was first announced, Honourable Andre Perez, Area Representative for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye), hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for a new polyclinic in Caye Caulker. On Monday, November 21st, Perez was back in La Isla Cariñosa along with the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the Honourable Kevin Bernard delivering the completed polyclinic. The new health center, named Caye Caulker Health Center, will improve the medical services on the island, which is a popular tourist destination in the country.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Town celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day
Despite the inclement weather, Garifuna Settlement Day was celebrated in San Pedro Town on Saturday, November 19th, with the traditional Yurumein re-enactment of the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize in 1832, a parade, mass, and cultural day. The annual public and bank holiday were celebrated under the theme ‘Вun, Аmürü Nu Наgаbürіbеі Gаrіnаgu; Аwаnѕеrаmеmе Wаmá Lаu,’ which means ‘I for you, You for me is the Garifuna Way: Let us Continue to Move Forward.’
Community and Society
Prime Minister Receives Financing from CABEI for Hurricane Relief Efforts
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, signed an agreement with Ms. Kerstin Morales, Project Executive for the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), to receive a donation of BZ$2,000,000, on behalf of the Government of Belize, for humanitarian support to aid the victims of Hurricane Lisa.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Children’s Day with educational and cultural presentations
On Friday, November 18th, schools across the island celebrated Children’s Day with games and educational activities. Some of these schools took advantage of the occasion and, throughout the week, invited several island professionals to make inspirational presentations and raise awareness of the need to protect the fragile natural ecosystems supporting islands like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro House of Culture tentatively to re-open in 2023
While other Houses of Culture have re-opened across the country, the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHOC) remains closed. A National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) representative indicated that they expect the island’s venue for exhibits and traditional events to re-open. They anticipate this taking place early next year (January). In the meantime, the SPHOC’s building will be used by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to host activities such as meetings.
Community and Society
Belize Receives Donation of Hurricane Relief Supplies from Mexico
As recovery efforts continue across the Belize District following the landfall of Hurricane Lisa on November 2, 2022, the Government of Belize, through its bilateral and multilateral partners, has received aid to assist persons impacted by the storm. On November 16, 2022, Belize received a donation of relief supplies from the National Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Services of Chetumal.