Community and Society
Sargassum continues to impact Ambergris Caye beaches; where are the skimmers?
The seasonal influx of Sargassum is currently impacting the beaches of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Hoteliers and restaurant owners are working to keep their areas free of brown algae. At the same time, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has activated its Sargassum response plan to manage the incoming mats of seaweed. However, residents report that they have yet to see the Sargassum skimmers acquired last year, which are designed to capture the seaweed from the sea before it reaches the shore.
Community and Society
San Pedro BTIA annual general meeting reviews 2024 accomplishments and elects new board members
On Friday, March 21st, the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SPBTIA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Sunbreeze Pavilion to report on the accomplishments of 2024 and elect a new board of directors. Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) national president Efren Perez attended the event to deliver remarks and certify the board election.
Community and Society
Fishermen and tour guides protest dredging and overwater structures at Cayo Rosario
On Tuesday, March 25th, a powerful and peaceful protest took place in the waters surrounding Cayo Rosario, a small island located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Over 30 boats gathered for a united demonstration against the proposed dredging of the seabed and the construction of over-the-water structures, which have been contentious issues for years.
Community and Society
The Tiburon Rum Company launched FIN Tequila
During an exclusive beach party at Alaia Belize, Tiburon Rum officially launched its newest product in the Belize market. The event, held on Saturday, March 22nd, introduced FIN Tequila to the country's expanding selection of high-quality liquors and spirits. FIN Tequila marks a significant milestone as the first and only Belizean-branded tequila made from 100% blue agave.
Community and Society
San Pedro Female Police Officers Beautify Flamboyant Park
Every year, March is observed as Women’s Month in Belize, with various activities taking place across the country. This year, the women of the Belize Police Department participated in the celebrations by joining forces to clean and paint the Flamboyant Park located in the San Pablo subdivision of San Pedro Town.
Community and Society
San Pedro observes its annual Earth Hour with a fun night at the park
Every year, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) advocates for a safer planet and raises awareness about the importance of responsible citizenship through its annual educational event, Earth Hour. This year, the event was held on Saturday, March 22nd, at Boca del Rio Beach Park and featured fun activities, including a bonfire, s'mores, and an Earth Hour-themed glow stick choreography competition.
Community and Society
Regulations limiting large trucks in town to take effect next month
In October 2024, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) issued a six-month notice to all large trucks and container vehicles, informing them that starting in April, they would be restricted from entering the downtown area. That deadline is approaching, and the council has provided no further updates. Residents continue to report that these large trucks are not following a designated schedule that allows them to transit through the town core at specific times of the day.
Community and Society
Belizean journalists learn new investigative techniques at national workshop
A group of journalists from primary media outlets in Belize, including the San Pedro Sun, participated in a two-day intensive training on investigative journalism. This workshop occurred on March 18th and 19th at the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Belize City. The training was made possible through the support of Global Financial Integrity (GFI) and collaboration with the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organizations (BNN). The sessions focused on reporting illicit financial activities, developing skills for conducting accountability interviews, accessing public records, and analyzing financial data, among other techniques.
