Community and Society

San Pedro’s tourism community gathered in style for the fourth annual Tourism Awards Gala at the Holiday Hotel on November 15th, with guests arriving at 7PM and the ceremony officially commencing at 8PM. Hosted by Gerry Badillo and Miley Chi, Miss San Pedro 2025, the event celebrated the dedication and achievements of local industry leaders, bringing together stakeholders, nominees, and supporters for an evening of recognition and appreciation.

We read with great interest the recent letter from Mr. Ed Garner regarding his decades of fishing around Ambergris Caye. His passion for Belize and his deep connection to our waters are evident, and we share his conviction that protecting our fisheries is essential to Belize’s future. His long commitment to visiting, hiring local guides, and supporting locally owned hotels and shops reflects exactly the kind of tourism that sustains our communities.

The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) hosted its 8th International Science Symposium from November 7th to 8th at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, bringing together leaders and experts from across the global flats fishing community. The event welcomed marine scientists, resource managers, industry professionals, partner organizations, veteran guides, and top anglers who share a commitment to conserving bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries.

On Saturday, October 8th, the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (SACNW) organized a successful cleanup along a three-mile stretch of beach and roadway in southern San Pedro. Around 25 volunteers, including local high school students and teams from Playa De Sala Boutique Hotel and the San Pedro Town Council, joined forces to collect litter from one of the island’s most scenic coastal areas.

After years of diplomatic advocacy, Belizeans holding biometric passports are now eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years, according to an announcement on Wednesday, November 12th, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. While a full visa waiver between Belize and the European Union (EU) remains under discussion, this new arrangement marks a significant step forward for travel access and cooperation.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, island residents, community members, and environmental supporters gathered at El Fogón for an information session about Living Shorelines, a new initiative focused on protecting San Pedro’s coast using natural methods. The event featured presentations by Lindsey Precht, Deputy Resilience Officer from Miami Beach; Gerardo Castañeda, Environmental Coordinator at Moon Palace Cancún; and Valentine Rosado, Project Lead for San Pedro’s Living Shorelines Program. The session introduced how nature-based solutions, like restoring dunes, mangroves, and coastal vegetation, can help strengthen the island’s beaches, protect homes and businesses, and preserve the environment for future generations.

The British High Commission in Belmopan City hosted a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, Belize’s head of state. The special event, held at the High Commissioner’s residence, welcomed distinguished guests, including government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from academia, the military, and His Majesty’s representative in Belize, Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam.

Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and member of the British Royal Family, is scheduled to visit Belize from November 16th to 19th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration announced Her Royal Highness’ official visit on Monday, November 10th, the same day she began a regional tour that includes Peru, Panama, and Guatemala before concluding her trip in Belize.