Community and Society

Representatives from fishing associations across Belize convened in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, June 26th, to meet with the Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Honorable Andre Perez. President of the San Pedro Fishers Association, Jorge Aldana, led the meeting alongside fellow representatives at Perez's office, where they discussed several issues affecting the country's fishing industry. Perez said his ministry will review the matters raised and follow up with the associations represented at the meeting.

With the rainy season underway, San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye has already experienced its first heavy showers, bringing increased mosquito activity. In response, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), in partnership with the Public Health Department, has begun a fogging campaign across the island's neighborhoods to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Honorable Andre Perez, has responded to allegations of nepotism after a grocery store owned by one of his relatives was identified as a participant in his constituency's pantry assistance program. Social media posts alleged that Perez's office was favoring the business by directing food voucher recipients to redeem their coupons there. Perez dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that the pantry program operates through several grocery stores and is intended to assist families in need with basic food items.

The San Pedro SAGA Humane Society continues to enhance its veterinary services by acquiring new medical equipment, made possible by the generosity of donors. The new additions include a centrifuge, microscope, and infusion pump. The donation was made possible through a partnership with the Brandi Crawford International Veterinary Foundation (BCIV Foundation), a United States-based nonprofit organization. BCIV's flagship program is based in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where it works alongside SAGA to provide accessible veterinary care for island animals. Future additions to SAGA's shelter and veterinary clinic are expected to include an ultrasound machine, stainless-steel kennels, and visits by veterinary professionals.

Islander and Sensei Martin Dawson of Dawson's Pit Fighters, along with Jazelie "Jaz" Azueta, have joined forces to organize a self-defense pink belt program for teenage girls and women. The 13-hour course began on June 20th at Hidden Treasure Lounge, south of San Pedro Town.

ACES Wildlife Rescue celebrated World Crocodile Day on June 18th with a series of fundraising events, including bar promotions and a 31-kilometer charity run across Ambergris Caye. The initiative aimed to raise funds and awareness for the organization's ongoing wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. Participating bars offered special "Croc Tails" and "Croc Beers" in support of the campaign.

Road repair and maintenance works continue across San Pedro Town as the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) addresses deteriorated streets in several areas of the island. Recent works have focused on roads behind Bowen & Bowen, within the Escalante Subdivision, and in the DFC area, where crews have been grading roads, filling potholes, and improving driving conditions.

On June 16, UNICEF launched its Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026, a global assessment indicating that nearly half of the world's children—approximately 1.1 billion—are exposed to at least three overlapping climate and environmental threats that affect their health, education, and overall well-being. Belize is among the countries identified as facing multiple climate-related risks.