Community and Society

On Tuesday, August 4th, San Pedro's Ruben Trejo Jr. landed at the island's John Greif II Municipal Airport after completing his first international cross-country flight alongside his instructor, Joel Hernandez of El Salvador. Trejo, 17, studies at Aerosal Aviation School in El Salvador, training to become a pilot, and recently completed his first solo flight. He is among the youngest people to land an aircraft on Ambergris Caye.

After serving in the Belize National Fire Service for 27 years, former Officer Commanding of the San Pedro Fire Station, Orin Smith, has officially retired. Smith led the island's fire station from 2022 to 2025. He came to San Pedro with more than 22 years of experience, having served in various municipalities across the country.

On August 4th, the Social Security Board (SSB) announced that it has temporarily suspended the renewal of expired Social Security cards until September 14th due to a shortage of card stock. The board clarified that the disruption affects only replacement cards for expired Social Security cards. First-time applicants and holders of temporary Social Security cards will continue to be served.

San Pedro Town Council officials outlined several measures to improve road safety following a recent increase in traffic accidents across the island. In an exclusive interview on July 30th, Traffic Department Supervisor Glevy Medina detailed the initiatives, which include stricter vehicle inspections, new motorcycle helmet standards, expanded police checkpoints, and the installation of speed bumps on newly paved roads.

San Pedro dive instructors participated in the fifth annual scuba diving summer program held in Punta Gorda Town, the southernmost municipality in the Toledo District, where a new group of young students earned their Open Water Diver certification. The program, which took students on open water dives between July 31st and August 2nd, aims each year to train up to 20 participants, ages 14 to 24, in scuba diving. The newly certified divers were instructed by San Pedro-based PADI professionals Everette Anderson and Enes Ramirez of Belize Diving Adventures, along with Punta Gorda native Ched Cabral and Estrom Aldana of Reef Adventures. Supporting the team were Assistant Instructor Thomas Cal and logistics coordinators Philip Vernon and Gene Lopez.

On Wednesday, July 29th, Tomasita Reymunda Guerrero de Gomez passed away at the age of 100 after a lifetime dedicated to her family, faith, and the development of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A proud matriarch and one of the island's most respected women, Tomasita left a legacy through her contributions to the community and the generations of islanders she inspired.

A Wine Sommelier Training was held from July 27th to 28th at Larimar Seafood and Steakhouse, north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Participants learned from Belizean Ian Adrian Nal, a certified sommelier, award-winning beverage professional, and entrepreneur. The training equipped attendees with the fundamentals of wine tasting, service, and food pairing.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is again warning the public against illegal dumping, particularly on vacant lots across the island. The council reminded residents that disposing of garbage on both private and public properties is illegal and that all waste should be taken to the Solid Waste Transfer Station south of San Pedro. While many islanders agree with the council's message, they say stronger enforcement is needed to address the problem.