Community and Society
Guatemalan incursion on the Belize side of the Sarstoon River
The Ministry of National Defence and Border Security hereby informs the public that on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, a joint Belize Defence Force and Belize National Coast Guard patrol deployed to the Sarstoon and encountered five Guatemalan Armed Forces maritime vessels on the northern side of the Sarstoon Island.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Central American and Mexican independence
An evening full of great food, entertainment, and cultural presentation brought back the anticipated Noche Centro Americana to San Pedro Town on Friday, September 16th. The event, which experienced a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, serves to celebrate the independence day celebrations of five Central American countries and Mexico.
Community and Society
Governor General travels to London for Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral
Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam, Belize's Governor General, is in London, England, for Monday's State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The Belizean dignitary, who represents the British Monarchy in Belize, will also be attending other events associated with the passing of Her Majesty. Ambassador Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary, will act as Governor General during her absence.
Community and Society
Children’s Rally brings colorful and patriotic parade to San Pedro Town
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, students in San Pedro Town, their teachers, and other island community members celebrated a traditional Children's Rally. The event, held countrywide, saw hundreds of students marching through the central streets of San Pedro, dressed in patriotic colors and proudly waving Belizean flags.
Community and Society
Traffic congestion becoming dangerous in San Pedro; parents call on authorities to do more
A schedule set by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to monitor the movement of large vehicles downtown, such as delivery and dump trucks, is allegedly being poorly enforced. Concerned residents, notably parents, have reported that large trucks are still operating in the mornings during school hours, adding to the congestion and risks of an accident involving students.
Community and Society
The fate of shipwrecked immigrants in Belize
Over the years, shipwreck survivors have unintentionally ended up on Belizean shores. Whether they run aground on the barrier reef, experience engine trouble, or drift off course, the treatment from Belizean authorities, according to reports, is inconsistent. According to recent incidents, some are cleared and allowed to leave after being assisted, while others are imprisoned, and arrangements are made for their removal from the country.
Community and Society
Monday to be observed as National Holiday to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
It has been confirmed following the weekly Cabinet meeting that Monday, September 19th, will be observed in Belize as a national holiday in honor of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The late British monarch was Belize’s Head of State and passed away on September 8th. Her eldest son Prince Charles ascended to the throne, becoming the United Kingdom’s King and Head of State of Belize and the Commonwealth.
Community and Society
San Pedro residents want to see further improvements to street infrastructure
Following the municipal elections in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye in March 2021, elected Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, under the People’s United Party, committed with his team to deliver on the changes islanders had been waiting for for over 18 years. One of those commitments is improvements to road infrastructure. In their manifesto, the new town administration mentioned improvements and upgrading of the drainage system in areas prone to flooding and continued upkeep of the streets. There were even talks about cementing/paving some roads. However, residents from different subdivisions are not satisfied and have yet to hear of any plan to address long-standing problems.