Business & Economy
Water taxi fees to increase
The water taxi fare for traveling to and from the Cayes has increased following an announcement from the Belize Port Authority (BPA) on January 1st. The BPA raised the Passenger User Fee (Port Fee) from BZ$2 to BZ$3. As a result, San Pedro Belize Express has increased ticket prices by BZ$2 for round trips and BZ$1 for one-way trips from Belize City. In contrast, Caribbean Sprinters have stated that their prices will remain unchanged. Other companies, such as Thunderbolt, which operates the route between San Pedro and Corozal, have not yet adjusted their prices.
Community and Society
San Pedro Lions Club leads fundraising efforts for families displaced by devastating fire
On December 30, 2024, the San Pedro Lions Club quickly organized a full-day fundraiser at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town to support families affected by a devastating fire that occurred the day before. This tragic incident left twelve families homeless after two apartment buildings and a garage on Sea Star Street were destroyed.
Community and Society
Inclement weather on New Year’s Day delayed flights out of San Pedro
On Wednesday, January 1st, one of the busiest travel days of the year, flights out of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, were delayed for several hours due to heavy rainfall, particularly affecting the mainland. Many travelers heading to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) were seen waiting at the John Greif II Municipal Airport terminals for updates. While some passengers could fly out of the island, others had to reschedule their flights for the following day.
Community and Society
First case of New World Screwworm detected in Belize
Reports of New World Screwworm infections have been documented across Central America, but no cases had been reported in Belize until Saturday, December 28th. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security confirmed that the infection was detected in a cow in Crique Sarco Village, southwestern Toledo District, near the Guatemalan border.
Community and Society
San Pedro welcomes 2025 with a big celebration on the beach
Residents and visitors of the island gathered at the central park in downtown San Pedro to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year. The New Year’s festivities occurred on Tuesday, December 31st, and included an extravagant celebration organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The event featured live performances, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display by the beach.
Community and Society
Compol’s New Year’s Message
The year 2024 was truly a challenging year for us as we navigated our policing plans through turbulent waters. However, the positive interventions and alterations in our plans enabled us to ride out those waves successfully. Now that the year is coming to its culmination, we can look back at our achievements with pride.
Community and Society
Sponsored Submission: Santa Forgot about us?
Santa has forgotten about our streets. We can only pray that in the New Year the official institutions remember us. Remember that there are many residents walking every day through unhealthy waters. Streets where even golf carts and other vehicles get stuck. Areas where residents live in fear that in the holes in the streets, which already look like lagoons, they will have an encounter with the crocodiles that have begun to feel so comfortable in our streets.
Community and Society
The Living World Church gives back to the community through its annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
On the evening of Monday, December 23rd, the Living Word Church hosted its highly anticipated annual Christmas Toy Giveaway at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in Belize. As families gathered, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy, embodying the season's spirit. The event aimed to spread holiday cheer by providing toys to local children, fostering a sense of community and support during this festive time.
