Community and Society
San Pedro Tourism Police participate in tactical training
Members of the tourism police unit in San Pedro Town were engaged in tactical training on Saturday, May 28th. The activity taking place across the country is spearheaded by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and aims to instruct officers on addressing crime situations involving tourists.
Community and Society
The San Pedro Town Council honors island tourism industry institutions
The Angel Nuñez Auditorium was the venue for the first-ever San Pedro Tourism Awards on Saturday, May 28th. The initial location for the event was the Boca del Rio beach park, but due to inclement weather, the event was relocated. The occasion recognized key players in San Pedro's tourism industry by awarding them prizes in honor of their hard work and contribution to the island's growing economy. The awards covered the categories: People's Choice, Restaurant of the Year, Small Accommodation of the Year, Tour Guide of the Year, Tour Operator of the Year, and Hotel.
Community and Society
Andrew Ashcroft granted legal custody of children he shares with Jasmine Hartin
On Wednesday, May 25, Andrew Ashcroft was granted legal custody of his five-year-old twins he shares with his former partner Jasmine Hartin. The hearing took place at the Family Court in Belize City. Hartin was absent, but her attorney has already applied to the Supreme Court to dismiss the ruling based on an alleged bias.
Community and Society
Sargassum influx continues to challenge islanders; no plan from local task force disclosed yet
The above-average windy days have brought a significant amount of sargassum to the windward coast of San Pedro Town. The sanitation department of the San Pedro Town Council and hoteliers have been working hard to remove the brown seaweed, which keeps beaching in large amounts. To address the situation, the national Sargassum Task Force (STF) has been active, and on May 11th, a local branch of the STF was formed in San Pedro. The unit was tasked with developing a plan to tackle the problem, but no such plan has been shared with the community to date.
Community and Society
SP fishers not happy with new fisheries regulation; Area Rep meets with island fisher-folks
There was a heated discussion at the San Pedro Lions Den on Wednesday, May 25th, as fishers attended a public meeting with representatives from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy. The discussions, which have been taking place in other fishing communities in the country, ended up with the ministry agreeing to delay the new policy for one year to continue engaging the fisher-folks.
Community and Society
BTB Hosts B.O.O.M. Forum
On May 25, 2022, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted the Building On Our Momentum (B.O.O.M.) Forum at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. The forum shared major achievements, opportunities, and the future outlook for Belize’s tourism industry with a wide selection of hoteliers, tour operators, and industry partners, from across the country.
Community and Society
COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccines for children ages 5-11 now available in San Pedro
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues, and starting Thursday, May 26th, children ages 5-11 in San Pedro Town will begin receiving their first dose. Health personnel will begin visiting schools to administer the vaccine on Thursday at New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist primary school and Friday at Ambergris Caye Elementary School.
Community and Society
Hol Chan hosts successful Reef Fest 2022
After seven days of fun activities, this year’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Fest ended with a fair at the Boca del Rio beach on Sunday, March 22nd. The fair featured different informational booths, live music, games, giveaways, a kayak race, and a Lionfish hunt competition.