Friday, October 17, 2025

Community and Society

San Pedro Lions Club welcomes new members during its 49th anniversary celebration

The San Pedro Lions Club welcomed seven new members during a swearing-in ceremony on Friday, October 25th. This event coincided with the club's 49th anniversary celebration, showcasing the impact of Lionism in San Pedro. Despite the inclement weather, the celebration drew a good crowd and featured inspiring speeches that highlighted the Lions' ongoing efforts and their commitment to Mission 1.5, which aims to increase global membership by 1.5 million by 2027.

Letter to the Editor: Many Thanks for September 14th Blood Drive

The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to thank all those who came to donate blood on September 14. Members of the Ambergris Caye community generously donated 6 pints of blood, which can can potentially save the lives of up to 18 persons. We especially want to thank the following sponsors who made this blood drive possible.

SPTC continues to warn against improper waste disposal; residents encouraged to report culprits

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is actively addressing the significant challenge of improper waste disposal in Ambergris Caye. Across town, large volumes of waste, particularly from the DFC neighborhood, are being observed dumped on public and private property. This results in waste accumulation on properties, as some residents use garbage transportation services that do not deliver the waste to the designated transfer station. Instead, they often deposit their garbage on vacant properties to avoid the transfer station fees. The Council has initiated warnings and fines for illegal dumping when individuals are caught.

SPTC and the Caye Caulker Village Council discuss garbage collection and trade licenses

On Thursday, October 17th, Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez and his team conducted a meeting at the San Pedro Town Council office on the implementation of new garbage collection and trade license systems. Chairlady Seleny Villanueva from the Caye Caulker Village Council attended the meeting and joined the discussion on managing garbage routes, rates, and payment obligations. The conversation addressed application procedures and highlighted the differences between their operations as a town and a village, along with regional meeting protocols.

SPTC issues moratorium for golf cart rental trade licenses and importation of six-seaters, taxis, and large vehicles

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is actively seeking solutions to better manage traffic congestion and monitor the number of vehicles on the island. As a result, the SPTC's Trade License Board announced on Wednesday, October 23rd, that it will no longer accept trade license applications for new golf cart rentals or dealerships. Additionally, the Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee (ACTCC) has halted applications for importing new golf carts intended for rentals, taxis, larger vehicles, and, to some extent, six-seater golf carts.

Renovations underway for the basketball court at Boca del Rio

The condition of a basketball court is crucial for the game's overall quality. Recognizing its importance, RE/MAX Belize Real Estate has partnered with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to renovate the Boca del Rio Park basketball court. This initiative began on October 9th with repairs to the concrete flooring. The comprehensive revitalization plan includes a new court design inspired by the Belizean flag and replacing two basketball rims. The goal is to create a safe and engaging environment for the youth of Ambergris Caye, promoting access to high-quality outdoor sports and encouraging positive recreational activities.

SPTC to implement new regulation to restrict large trucks and containers in downtown next year

The ongoing traffic congestion in San Pedro Town is expected to significantly decrease by April 2025, when large trucks (such as dump and sand trucks) and container vehicles will no longer be allowed in the downtown area. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) made this announcement regarding traffic management on the island on Tuesday, October 22nd. They clarified that trucks transporting fill material must avoid downtown—from the southern gas station to the Boca del Rio Bridge—and instead transport their cargo via designated barge routes.

San Pedro Police Officers Honored During Special Luncheon

The San Pedro Police Formation held its third quarterly awards luncheon on Friday, October 11th, to honor the achievements of their officers and special constables. The event occurred at the Black Pearl Restaurant on Barrier Reef Drive, where senior staff and awarded officers gathered to celebrate.