Community and Society
Island residents and stakeholders express opposition to overwater development at Cayo Rosario
Residents and visitors of San Pedro Town gathered at the Lions Den on Tuesday, April 8th, to discuss the escalating environmental concerns surrounding the controversial development project on Cayo Rosario. The meeting was led by local activist Elito Arceo and supported by environmental groups such as the Belize Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Oceana, and Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). The purpose of the gathering was to address the dredging and mangrove destruction threatening the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and to outline strategies to protect this ecologically significant area.
Community and Society
Glow walk/run raises autism awareness in San Pedro
On April 4th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) organized an autism glow walk/run at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas) to raise awareness and support for autistic children. This event, made possible by the collaboration with Autism Belize and the active participation of the community, started at 6PM and attracted a large crowd. Participants received free glow sticks to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Community and Society
BEL Manages Power Restoration Following System-Wide Outages in San Pedro Caused by Dust & Salt Contamination on Power Infrastructure
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we experienced a series of system-wide outages in San Pedro affecting customers on the island between 6:35 p.m. last night to 4:38 a.m. this morning. The primary cause of the outages was light rain mixing with excessive dust and salt contamination at our substations, equipment, and supporting structures, causing “tracking.” This means electricity leaks from the energized equipment to the ground, causing electrical faults and outages.
Community and Society
San Pedro Artisans Face Deadline to Relocate
San Pedro Town’s local artisans currently operating at the artisan market across from the Saca Chispas Field have been given a deadline to relocate to a new site at El Embarcadero. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), aims to boost the island's appeal to tourists. However, it has faced opposition from artisans and residents.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Gabriel Zetina ready to serve as Senator
Gabriel Enrique Zetina, an entrepreneur from the island, has been appointed as an Opposition Senator. He is one of three appointees selected by the new leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, the Honorable Tracy Taeger-Panton.
This appointment follows the re-election of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government on March 12th, during which new members were assigned to the Senate.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna icon Aurelio Martinez remembered in San Pedro
Aurelio Martinez, a name synonymous with Paranda music, left a lasting impact on Garifuna culture in the region. The Garifuna star, born in Honduras, was well-known in Belize, and his sudden passing has left his followers in grief. On Sunday, March 30th, members of the Garifuna community, united in their love for Martinez and his music, gathered at the Black and White Restaurant in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to honor the musical icon with singing and drumming.
Community and Society
San Pedro Celebrates Women’s Empowerment at the 5th Annual Business Expo
San Pedro Town celebrated International Women’s Month with its 5th Annual Women in Business Expo on Saturday, March 29th, at the Saca Chispas field. The event, organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), showcased female entrepreneurship and community solidarity through a vibrant display of local businesses, cultural performances, and the recognition of outstanding women.
Community and Society
Police Report: Boat Incident at Caye Caulker
On March 27th, 2025, at approximately 4:20PM, Caye Caulker Police responded to a call regarding an injured American national at the Caye Caulker Polyclinic. Upon arrival, officers observed a Caucasian male being attended to by a doctor. He was suffering from what appeared to be a large cut on the back of his head and was bleeding profusely. The individual was identified as Mark Christopher Strus, a 45-year-old civil engineer from Michigan, USA, as confirmed by his passport.
