Community and Society
Over 100 Tons of Early Sargassum Cleared From San Pedro Beaches
San Pedro Town experienced an unusually early influx of sargassum, which began washing ashore on public beaches on Monday, January 26, 2026. The San Pedro Town Council immediately mobilized its cleanup team to respond.
Community and Society
Fundraiser Held to Assist San Marcos Fire Victims
A fundraiser to assist the family of Hilton Claasen and Ambar Ayala was held at Wayo’s Beach Bar in the Boca del Rio area on January 24th. Claasen and Ayala’s home was damaged by a fire on January 10th, prompting the community to come together in support.
Community and Society
Peaceful Protest Held in San Pedro Following Noralez Conviction
The family and supporters of former San Pedro High School (SPHS) teacher Alex Noralez held a peaceful protest in Central Park in downtown San Pedro on Wednesday, January 28th. The demonstration was organized to oppose Noralez’s conviction and sentencing in a sexual assault case involving high school students.
Community and Society
Shelley Huber Starts Free Culinary Training for Island Youth
San Pedro resident Shelley Arceo Huber has launched a free, hands-on cooking program for island youth. The two-day registration period was held on January 26th and 27th at El Torito Restaurant. The program targets students aged 13 to 17, with plans to introduce sessions for children ages 10 to 12. Organized under Mama Vilma’s Family Home NGO, the 12-week course will begin on February 9, 2026, and be held at Huber’s The Barge Hut Restaurant location.
Community and Society
Former BTL workers demand severance before $80 million SMART deal advances
The Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), a group representing more than 130 former Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) employees, held a press conference on January 26, 2026, at the BNTU Union Hall in Belize City. The group called for the payment of outstanding severance before BTL proceeds with its proposed $80 million acquisition of SpeedNet (SMART).
Community and Society
BEL rolls out new electricity metering system in San Pedro
A team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) held a stakeholder meeting in San Pedro Town on January 22nd to provide key updates on the ongoing deployment of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. The meeting, hosted at the Watermark Belize Hotel, detailed the implementation progress of the modern energy system, which is designed to give customers greater control over their electricity usage, among other benefits.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tackles Garbage Issues Through Enforcement and Community Cleanups
San Pedro continues to grapple with ongoing challenges in garbage and waste management as rapid development, population growth, and increased tourism place added pressure on the island’s infrastructure. From overflowing drums and illegal dumping to improperly placed construction materials, improper disposal has become a visible concern in both residential and commercial areas. In response, the San Pedro Town Council, along with community groups and volunteers, has intensified efforts through structured collection schedules, enforcement campaigns, public education, and island-wide cleanups to protect public health, the environment, and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
Community and Society
Belize Sargassum Task Force Prepares for 2026 Sargassum Season
The Government of Belize, through the National Sargassum Task Force (STF), has begun early preparations for the 2026 sargassum season, focusing on five priority coastal areas: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Placencia. The initiative launched on January 21st and is co-chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation.
