Community and Society
Leslie Verde’s family protests acquittal in murder case
The family of Leslie Verde held a peaceful protest in Caye Caulker on Thursday, July 23rd, expressing disappointment with the acquittal of Juan Carlos Novelo in connection with Verde's 2023 murder. Carrying signs and calling for justice, relatives and supporters said they want a clearer explanation of the High Court's decision.
Community and Society
Island Notes from A Woofer by Melody S Wolfe – The Goose, The Duckling, and The Seaweed
Island Notes from a Woofer is a column by Melody Sanchez Wolfe, an artist, writer, wedding planner, entrepreneur, mother of three, and proud San Pedrana who notices a little too much and writes about it. Blending island life, culture, humor, nostalgia, community conversations, random observations, personal experiences, art, business, relationships, social commentary, and whatever else happens to wander through her beautifully chaotic neurodivergent brain that week, this column is part island diary, part storytelling, part open journal, and part love letter to San Pedro - the old, the new, the beautiful, the frustrating, and everything in between.
Obituary
Obituary for Dennis Langley
Dennis William Langley passed away recently at the age of 83. Dennis was born to William and Ivy. He lived a life shaped by independence, curiosity, and an appreciation for the experiences and places that became part of his journey. Over the course of his years, he called Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Belize home, embracing the cultures, landscapes, and friendships that each place brought him. Among all the places he lived and visited, Dennis held a special love for San Pedro, Belize.
Community and Society
BTIA San Pedro Hosts Environmental Discussion on Sargassum and Waste Management
On Wednesday, July 22nd, beginning at 6PM at El Fogon Restaurant, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) San Pedro Chapter hosted an open informational discussion with San Pedro Town Council Environmental Scientist Valentine Rosado, focusing on sargassum, waste management, beach conditions, and the wider environmental pressures affecting the island. The meeting brought together tourism stakeholders, business owners, and council representatives for a frank conversation about the challenges San Pedro faces and the possible solutions being explored.
Arts & Culture
Belize Postal Service unveils new ‘Celebrating Belize’ stamp collection
The Belize Postal Service officially launched its 2026–2030 Definitive Stamp Collection on Friday, July 17, unveiling a new series of stamps themed "Celebrating Belize." The 11-stamp collection showcases the country's culture, education, agriculture, sports, music, religion, and national celebrations, highlighting the people, traditions, and experiences that define Belizean life.
Community and Society
Belize Lions Mark Transition to Provisional Region Status
The official installation of the Provisional Region 59 Belize Board for the 2026-2027 Lions year was held at the San Pedro Lions Den on Saturday, July 18th. Organized by the San Pedro Lions Club, the ceremony brought together Lions leaders, club members, guests, and community partners to mark Belize's transition from a zone to a provisional region, with Lion Nigel Belisle installed as the new Regional Chairperson.
Community and Society
San Pedro Police Introduce New Deputy Commander of Operations
During its weekly meet-and-greet initiative on Tuesday, July 22nd, the San Pedro Police Formation formally introduced its newly appointed Deputy Commander of Operations, Inspector Morris Castillo, during a community visit to the San Mateo subdivision. Members of the island's Community Policing Unit told The San Pedro Sun that Inspector Castillo was warmly received and said the initiative continues to strengthen the relationship between residents and the Belize Police Department.
Community and Society
San Mateo Public Consultation Outlines Next Phase of Infrastructure Project
Residents of the San Mateo area gathered at the Sagebrush Sporting Complex on Tuesday, July 21st, for the third public consultation on the San Mateo infrastructure project. The meeting focused on proposed upgrades under an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded urban development program. It brought together officials from the Ministry of Finance's Central Executing Unit, representatives of the San Pedro Town Council, and community members to discuss the next phase of the initiative.