Community and Society

Authorities in San Pedro are intensifying preparations ahead of the Easter weekend, with a strong focus on public safety, traffic control, and community wellbeing as the island prepares for one of its busiest holidays of the year.

The San Pedro Town Council sponsored a three-day advanced cinematography workshop from March 22nd to 24th, with three-hour sessions each day. Led by Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Bruce Finn as guest trainer, the workshop focused on composition, lighting, and on-set safety etiquette. It attracted local photographers and videographers eager to develop their skills beyond the basics.

The Women in Business Expo 2026 was held on Saturday, March 28th, at Saca Chispas Field in San Pedro, bringing together dozens of women entrepreneurs, community members, and organizers to celebrate female achievement. The sixth annual event, a collaboration between Hope Haven Belize and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), led by Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez and Councilor Dianeli Aranda, drew a large crowd to celebrate women’s achievements under the theme “Women Evolving, Communities Changing.” Hosted by Master of Ceremonies Natalie Arceo, the evening featured over 23 booths showcasing women-led businesses, a fashion show sponsored by Pink Boutique, performances by the San Pedro Dance Academy, and the fifth annual Champions for Change Awards, honoring 13 women and girls.

The Mighty Blue Jaguars Drum Corps of San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS) returned to the island as champions following an outstanding performance at this year’s Belize Band Fest. The island marching band secured first place in the School Band Category at the annual event held on March 28th in Orange Walk Town.

Lions Clubs across Belize aim for at least 400 members by June 2026 as part of a national effort to expand local service clubs and elevate Belize from a provisional region to a full Lions Clubs International district. The initiative involves volunteers, newly formed clubs, and community projects in areas such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Sarteneja, coordinated under Zone 59.

Belize has officially launched the national “Blue Teddy Bear Campaign” to address violence and sexual abuse against children. Government agencies, UNICEF, and community partners introduced the initiative in Belize City, with plans for outreach in San Pedro. The event occurred on March 20th under the leadership of the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), in collaboration with UNICEF Belize and the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs.

On Wednesday, March 25th, residents of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye faced another increase in fuel prices. The new diesel price is $14.96 per gallon, while regular gasoline is $13.44. This represents an increase of almost $3 for diesel and nearly $2 for regular gasoline. Diesel and gasoline are the main types of fuel consumed on Ambergris Caye. As such, residents are concerned about the rising cost of living, as all goods are transported from the mainland to the island.

The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) marching band from San Pedro will represent the island at Bandfest 2026, scheduled to take place this year in Orange Walk Town. Directed by Antonio Aragon, the drum corps band has 73 members, including a group of dancers chosen to perform in both street and field shows. This will be the band’s fourth appearance at the national event, where it remains the only primary school competing alongside high school and private marching bands.