Community and Society
Ambergris Caye celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day
Every year on November 19th, Belize celebrates the Garifuna culture by honoring the arrival of the Garinagu people to Belize in 1802. This year, the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations were again observed on the La Isla Bonita with traditional drumming, dancing, singing, and the re-enactment of the Garifuna’s arrival to the country performed at Central Park.
Community and Society
Martin Dawson prepares to represent in MMA tournament in Mexico
San Pedro's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) coach and fighter, Martin Dawson, continues to prepare for an upcoming competition on November 27th in Banderilla, Veracruz, Mexico. The MMA tournament, organized by La Asociación Teyaochihuani La FIMT-IMTF MEXICO, is dubbed 'Gala de Campeones-Night of Eternal Stars' and will feature 20 fights (kickboxing and Muay Thai), including international matches with fighters from across Mexico, Brazil, France, and Belize.
Community and Society
Councilor Dianeli Aranda launches food bank program to help vulnerable families
Food accessibility continues to be an issue for many families in San Pedro Town. The COVID-19 crisis has worsened the situation, and Councilor Dianeli Aranda is spearheading a food bank program to assist those most in need. The program will be self-sustainable by charging a reduced, affordable fee to qualified families. The funds collected will be used to keep the program afloat. To apply for the program, participants can complete this online form: https://sanpedrotowncouncil.org/sptc-foodbank.
Community and Society
Win a brand-new motorbike at Aces Wildlife Rescue’s first annual Christmas raffle
Aces Wildlife Rescue, the only wildlife rehabilitation organization serving Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, is hosting a Christmas raffle with a brand new 2022 Honda xr150 motorbike up for winning. The drawing will be held on Christmas eve at 8PM at The Truck Stop. Tickets are BZ$50 and are available at The Truck Stop or ACES by calling 623-7920. All proceeds go to support Aces operations.
Community and Society
Belizeans Benefit from the Republic of China (Taiwan) Economic Empowerment Project
The “Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean in the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Era: Technical Assistance for Women Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Inclusion” project by the Republic of China (Taiwan) supports the implementation of vocational skills training through reputable organizations and institutions in Belize, as well as support for women empowerment in entrepreneurship. As such, the first four beneficiaries of the project received funding on November 16, 2021.
Community and Society
The burden the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge bears
The Sir Barry Bowen Bridge that crosses the Boca del Rio was completed in 2006 and was designed only for golf carts and pedestrians. As the island grew, upgrades were needed, or the construction of another bridge. However, fast-forward to 2021, the bridge has gone with minimal repairs while accommodating the island’s rapid growth of daily wear and tear of heavy traffic. Never intended to bear heavy trucks and vehicles transporting construction materials to the popular area north of San Pedro Town, many fear it could one day collapse.
Community and Society
Toll fees go into effect, long lines of vehicles at Sir Barry Bowen Bridge
On Monday, November 15th, the new tolls for using the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge went into effect. However, the flow of traffic crossing the bridge saw long lines causing delays and frustrating some of the motorists. The traffic backlog was caused by most people not having pre-paid passes and paying at the bridge.
Community and Society
Mayor weighs in on complaints about traffic department
The new administration at the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) created a traffic board intending to monitor the number of vehicles in town and is one of the entities approving permits for owning a golf cart/vehicle. Recently, a handful of residents have complained about the traffic department's process when applying for a vehicle permit. Some islanders are suspicious about the department; as a result, the SPTC said they would investigate the issue and assure that anyone with a clear justification needing a vehicle should not face many difficulties in getting such a permit.