Community and Society
Community Conversations: Embrace it or get left behind – AI is here!
The San Pedro Sun is proud to introduce Community Conversations, a fresh and engaging column written by Attorney-at-Law and Sandona Consulting Partner, Anne Marie Thompson. Ms. Anne brings thoughtful insights and clear perspectives to the everyday issues that matter to Belizeans.
Community and Society
Four Students Graduate from RISE Literacy Program
The RISE literacy program celebrated its first graduation ceremony on December 17th at 4PM at The Cart Stop in San Pedro Town, marking a milestone for four young students who completed an intensive 18-week reading intervention. Hosted by the Joseph and Catherine Cooper Foundation for Belize, the event honored children who achieved grade-level reading proficiency through the program. High school mentors from San Pedro High School were also recognized for their support of students.
Community and Society
Loan Motion for George Price Highway Rehabilitation Approved after Senate Debate
The Senate met on December 16th to debate a $69 million loan motion from the Caribbean Development Bank to rehabilitate the George Price Highway from Belize City to Hattieville. The debate prompted several senators to request additional information on the motion, with particular concern about the loan's total amount, which many described as significant. Despite a lengthy, at times heated, discussion that led to a brief suspension of the sitting, the loan motion was ultimately approved by the Senate.
Community and Society
ACCSD Calls for Transparency and Community Engagement on Hol Chan and Other Development Issues
A public meeting was held on December 16th at the San Pedro Lions Den to discuss concerns surrounding unsustainable developments and the management and protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting, which brought together tour guides, tourism stakeholders, and other partners from the tourism sector, was organized by the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). During the gathering, members expressed concern that certain decisions by island authorities are threatening both the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The group announced plans to engage local authorities at a follow-up meeting scheduled for next month.
Community and Society
Holiday Cheers for Frontline Workers as Cooper Foundation Honors Police and Polyclinic Staff
The Joseph and Catherine Cooper Foundation for Belize, in collaboration with The Cart Stop and San Pedro Town Councilor Dianeli Arana, hosted a Police Awards and Christmas Appreciation Party on December 16th at The Cart Stop, honoring members of the San Pedro Police Formation for their service to the community. Earlier, on December 12th, the foundation also held a Christmas appreciation event to recognize the doctors and nurses of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic.
Community and Society
SAGA Nears 1,400 Surgeries Following Successful 2025 Campaigns
The SAGA Humane Society continues to make significant strides in animal welfare after completing its penultimate free spay-and-neuter campaign for 2025 in San Pedro on December 6th. The campaign resulted in 59 surgeries, including several emergency procedures, a limb amputation, and an eye enucleation. The initiative was made possible with the support of volunteers and donors.
Community and Society
Island Customer Drives Away with new Golf Cart in Caribbean Tire Raffle
Tim Jeffers of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, walked away with a brand new Marshell electric golf cart after being announced the winner of Caribbean Tire’s Christmas raffle held on December 12th. Caribbean Tire, which officially opened its San Pedro branch on October 24th, partnered with Valvoline to host a raffle for island customers, offering a chance to win a new golf cart during the Christmas season.
Community and Society
San Pedro Roadworks Progress North with Drainage Installation Next
The San Pedro Town Council continues road improvements north of San Pedro Town, with grading nearly complete on the stretch from the Secret Beach junction near the gas station to Sapphire Beach ahead of planned drainage works. Operations Manager Alex Eck provided an update on December 15th, confirming that crews have finished grading from the Blue Dolphin area through the junction to the paved section at the Secret Beach entrance. The project previously used 300 loads of fill material and now received an additional 100 loads to support further expansion north toward the quarry.