Business & Economy
Queen Conch season officially opens in Belize
Belize’s queen conch season officially opened on Thursday, October 1, bringing one of the country’s most popular seafood products back to markets and restaurant menus. For fishers in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the season adds another income stream to their fishing businesses. It also means restaurants can once again serve favorites such as conch ceviche and conch soup.
Community and Society
Belize seeks answers from Guatemala over disputed military flight
Prime Minister John Briceño said Belize would seek an explanation from Guatemala and bring its ambassador in Guatemala home for consultations following a disputed military flight near Lighthouse Reef and Caye Caulker. Belize says a Guatemalan military aircraft entered its airspace without authorization on the night of September 24th. Guatemala denies that the flight entered Belizean territory.
Community and Society
SPTC clears drains in areas affected by flooding
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) cleared drains and culverts in several parts of town following heavy rains that left standing water on roads and near homes. The work focused on restoring rainwater flow through the drainage system, starting in the areas most affected by flooding.
Community and Society
Pampered Paws celebrates 25 years of service in San Pedro
Pampered Paws celebrated 25 years of caring for pets in San Pedro Town with giveaways for customers and a special recognition for its first client. Founder Katia Marin marked the anniversary of the business, which opened on September 24, 2001, by thanking the customers and staff who have supported it over the years.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker connected to national electricity grid
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) announced on September 25th that Caye Caulker had been connected to the national electricity grid via a new 34.5-kilovolt transmission line linking the island to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The connection is part of BEL’s Seventh Power Project and marks a change for an island that previously relied on diesel generators for its electricity.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Thank you to San Pedro for a Successful Sept 5th Blood Drive
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to once again thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held on September 5 at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Twenty-nine members of the Ambergris Caye community came to donate. At the end of the day, 17 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated. Potentially, these 17 pints can save the lives of over 50 people.
Community and Society
SAGA seeks foster homes as shelter nears capacity
SAGA Humane Society is appealing for more foster homes as the number of cats and dogs in its care approaches the shelter’s capacity. A SAGA representative said on September 23rd that the organization had secured 12 foster homes since its September 16th appeal to the community. Despite that response, more temporary placements are needed.
Community and Society
Tourism Ministry expects rebound as Belize heads into high season
Belize’s tourism industry is heading into the final quarter of the year, ahead of the traditional high season. The Ministry of Tourism has acknowledged a decrease in overnight arrivals over the past three months. Still, it expects the industry to rebound with additional flights scheduled for the upcoming peak travel season and the possibility of a direct flight from Europe to Belize.