Community and Society
FCD representatives meet with Guatemalan authorities for “linkup” patrols along the border
On the 5th and 7th of July, a first-of-its-kind meeting between Belizean natural and cultural resource managers took place with their Guatemalan counterparts, including villagers along the border in the Chiquibul National Reserve. The encounter paved the way for the first combined linkup patrols consisting of Belizeans and Guatemalan representatives.
Community and Society
Fire Truck for Caye Caulker arrives in the country; delivery spearhead by the late James York III
On Monday, July 11th, a UAF C17 aircraft of the United States (U.S.) Air Force touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport on the mainland with a fire truck for the island of Caye Caulker. The effort was spearheaded by a longtime friend of the island and Belize, James York III, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. His children, Holly Monast, Hannah York, and Derek York took over the project and followed with the arrangements to get the firetruck to Belize via the Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lady Pirates sub-champions of the National Amateur Women’s League
The island female football team, San Pedro Pirates, traveled to Belmopan on Saturday, July 9th, for the championship of the National Amateur Women’s League. It was a historic moment for the island team to make it to the finals of such a national tournament. There could only be one winner, and on this occasion, their opponent, Sagitun Girlz, closed with a final 4-2 score. Nevertheless, the San Pedro Lady Pirates made the island proud and made history with the NAWL’s sub-championship.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lobster Fest block party returns with a blast
The first block party in honor of the lobster season since the COVID-19 pandemic was held on Saturday, July 9th, at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. The annual festivity included the highly anticipated week-long Lobster Crawl that culminated with a fantastic party, complete with gaily-decorated restaurant booths offering savory bites of lobster dishes, and unique cocktails to wash them all down. A highlight of the evening was a food and drink competition.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve meets with three key associations on the island
On Thursday, July 7th, representatives of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez held a stakeholder engagement with the presidents of the San Pedro Tour Operators Association, San Pedro Tourist Guide Association, and the Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association. The associations had requested the meeting to seek mutual collaboration and more representation within the operations of the marine reserve.
Community and Society
Simone Biles receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
On Thursday, July 7th, world-renowned Olympic gymnast and gold medallist Simone Biles of Belizean ancestry became the youngest to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom award from United States President Joe Biden. The award is the U.S. highest civilian honor given to individuals who made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the U.S., world peace, and other significant societal public and private works.
Community and Society
Rotary Club of Belize and Ambergris Caye welcome new boards
The Rotary Club of Belize held its annual Handing Over Ceremony to welcome a new board on Friday, July 3rd, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. While on San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the club saw the election of a new board at their Handing Over Ceremony on June 29th at the Alaia Hotel. This year’s celebrations are being observed under Rotary International’s theme ‘Imagine Rotary.’
Community and Society
Premium fuel price almost $18 per gallon; Regular and Diesel fuels price remains the same
The price of fuels continues to increase, and on Tuesday, July 5th, Belizeans woke up to learn that Premium gasoline is now at $17.60 per gallon. This increase is said to affect people on the mainland who use this fuel primarily. On the island, Regular gasoline and Diesel, the main types of fuel consumed, remain at $13.91 and $13.82 per gallon, respectively.