Community and Society
San Pedro holds a wake in protest of Laddie Gillett’s unjustified death
Concerned Belizeans across the country are protesting and calling for justice after police corporal Kareem Martinez allegedly shot and killed 14-year-old Laddie Gillett. His life was cut short when the teenager and his family were visiting Placencia in southern Belize on July 14th. Reports are that Gillett and some friends were running on the beach trying to beat the 10PM curfew when he was killed. The incident has sparked outrage among the Belizean public, and in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Gillett was remembered with a pass-thru candlelight vigil.
Community and Society
New bridge toll fees coming in August
Next month, dump trucks, utility vehicles, taxis, and golf cart rentals will be required to pay a monthly fee to use the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in the Boca del Rio area. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez explained that private vehicle owners would be exempt, including residents of San Mateo.
Community and Society
9PM curfew goes into effect on July 26th
On Monday, July 26th, a new curfew will go into effect from 9PM to 4AM. The new curfew is in response to the spike in COVID-19 cases across the country and is expected to be in place for two weeks.
Community and Society
Family court grants Andrew Ashcroft interim custody of children
Jasmine Hartin took her former partner Andrew Ashcroft to the Family Court in Belize City on Tuesday, July 20th to get custody of their 4-year-old twins. The court granted Ashcroft interim custody of the children, and the case was adjourned.
Community and Society
Temporary ban on the importation of dogs into the US affects adoptions at Saga
The temporary suspension on the importation of dogs into the United States (US) as of July 14th is not only affecting dog lovers but future pet adoptions destined for the US from the island’s Saga Humane Society. The temporary ban implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was announced at the end of June and applied to high-risk rabies countries, including Belize.
Community and Society
Belize’s Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the OAS Presents Credentials
His Excellency Lynn Young, the new Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America, presented his letters of credence to U.S. President Joseph Biden on July 7, 2021.
Community and Society
Introducing Daisy Flores: the new administrator at Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
San Pedrana Daisy Noelia Flores is the new administrator of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. On June 29th she officially took the administrator position and she looks forward to working hard for the community and, together with the medical team, continue to improve their services for the wellbeing of San Pedro Town.
Accidents & Disasters
Island authorities to implement measures after an increase in traffic accidents
Traffic accidents are becoming an issue in San Pedro Town, mainly north of town, where over the past few days, the traffic department, first-aid responders, and police have responded to a series of accidents. A number of these incidents are linked to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. As a result, the San Pedro Town Council, along with the transport department and the local police formation, are working on rules to tackle the issue.