Community and Society

Garbage collection has always been one of the main challenges for the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). Both past and current administrations have indicated that a large chunk of the town's resources go to garbage collection, and the problem continues to grow. To provide efficient services for the island community and minimize the burden on the local authorities, the SPTC is considering outsourcing a professional trash removal company to take over keeping the island clean.

The San Pedro Traffic Department has impounded several golf carts brought to the island without the required permits. The golf carts have been taken to a holding area managed by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). There is the possibility that illegal vehicles could be removed from the island.

On Saturday, October 1st, a dollar drive was held on different streets in San Pedro Town to collect much-needed funds to help a 16-year-old islander battling cancer cover medical expenses. Miss San Pedro Faith Edgar joined the group of volunteers consisting of crew members from Xsite Belize Sailing & Adventures. From 9AM to noon, the dollar yielded over $2,700 towards the worthy cause.

Mayor Gualberto' Wally' Nuñez said that when the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in the Boca del Rio area is complete, it will be at the hefty cost of $5 million. He explained that one of the reasons is due to additional features the structure will count on to enhance its durability and safety for motorists and pedestrians. The second phase of construction to replace the other wooden half of the bridge will start this week and be completed by the end of this year.

The Queen Conch season officially opens from October 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. The Belize Fisheries Department reminds the public that although the closing month for the season isn’t until June 2023, if the conch production quota is realized earlier, the season will be declared closed. In recent years, that quota has been set at 925,000 pounds.

Belize has a new British High Commissioner, who recently took over from past Commissioner Claire Evans OBE after retiring from the diplomatic service. The new head of the British High Commission in Belize is Nicole Davison, a veteran in the diplomatic field.

Former Olympic figure skater and long-time activist Michelle Kwan was confirmed as Belize's new United States (US) Ambassador on Thursday, September 29th by the Senate.

The carnival road march in San Pedro Town for Independence Day saw hundreds of people lining the streets to celebrate September 21st after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The colourful, fun and anticipated festivities included a carnival march with dancers in outstanding outfits dancing to the beat of Soca music. The parade not only included Belizean dancers but a group of fun and vibrant young ladies from the United States who decided to celebrate the country’s special day Belizean style by joining the parade. With the help of the Mother Nature Creation Carnival band members, they found costumes and blended in the parade, dancing and singing through the streets of San Pedro, celebrating Belize’s birthday.