Community and Society
San Pedro Lions Club raises over $4K for DFC fire victims
To continue assisting families in the DFC area who lost everything in a fire on November 19th, the San Pedro Lions Club donated over $4,000 to the victims on Wednesday, December 4th. These funds were raised during a barbecue sale and dollar drive held on November 27th at their Den on Barrier Reef Drive.
Community and Society
San Pedro proudly hosts the Special Olympics Torch
The Special Olympics Belize Torch was hosted in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, by the island’s police formation after arriving from Belize City on Tuesday, December 3rd. Each year, the torch is brought to San Pedro as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). This event takes place in anticipation of the Special Olympic Games, scheduled to begin on Friday, December 6th, at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City. The mission of the LETR is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.
Community and Society
Second North Ambergris Caye clean-up removes more garbage from the beaches
On December 1st, another beach clean-up took place at the northern beaches of Ambergris Caye. Significant amounts of rubbish were removed from the area stretching from El Norte Bar to Tranquillity Bay. The initiative, led by local resident Elito Arceo, will continue next year to help keep these beaches litter-free. These northern beaches are popular nesting sites for sea turtles, so organizers urge visitors to refrain from littering, as it can severely impact nesting and the health of these pristine environments.
Community and Society
BEL hosts Energy Workshop for Belizean Journalists
On Friday, November 29th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted a Media Energy Workshop to improve journalists' understanding of the energy sector in Belize. The event brought together media professionals from various outlets to discuss key issues and developments affecting the country's electricity landscape.
Community and Society
GOB introduces new digital immigration and customs declaration system
The Government of Belize (GOB) has launched a new Digital Immigration and Customs Declaration System to streamline the travel process for arrivals and departures. This initiative started on December 1, 2024, at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) and will be rolled out in phases over three months. During this transition period, travelers can choose between using the digital system or traditional paper forms, ensuring a smooth adjustment as the new platform is improved based on user feedback.
Community and Society
Self-defense workshop held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
On December 1st, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, self-defense classes for women and children were held at the Lion’s Den in San Pedro. This initiative aimed to empower participants by teaching them essential skills to protect themselves against potential threats, aligning with the activism campaign's broader goals of raising awareness and combating gender-based violence.
Community and Society
SPTC continues restricting number of golf cart permits issued
The issue of golf cart permits in San Pedro, Belize, has gained increasing importance due to new regulations aimed at controlling the number of vehicles on the island. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has implemented stricter enforcement policies, which include significantly higher fines for those operating vehicles, including golf carts, without the necessary permits. Recently, fines have increased from $100 to $2,500 per violation, impounding many carts that lack proper documentation.
Accidents & Disasters
Local authorities and island residents provide assistance to fire victims
A family suffered a devastating loss on November 19th when their property was deliberately set on fire in an act of arson. The blaze destroyed three houses, leaving the property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, with an estimated loss of $200,000. In response, local leaders, residents, and organizations have united to offer support through fundraisers and direct assistance to Catzim.
