Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Belize’s 43rd Independence Day in grand style
Belizeans in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, once again showed their patriotism and love for the country as they celebrated Belize’s 43rd independence anniversary. The festivities began on the evening of Friday, September 20th, with the flag-raising ceremony, culminating with the Independence Day Parade on the 21st, highlighting all things Belizean and closing the patriotic celebration across the country. Under the theme ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43!’, Belizeans have been observing the September celebrations, from the flag-raising at the start of the month to the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day and the annual Carnival Road March in Belize City, among other patriotic events.
Community and Society
San Pedro students display patriotism at annual Children’s Rally
Students from six primary schools joined San Pedro High School (SPHS) on Friday, September 20th, to celebrate the annual Children’s Rally at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Children’s Rally is held countrywide as part of the September Celebrations to promote patriotism among Belizean children. This year's theme was “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43.” The event included motivational speeches, patriotic poems and dramas, and a special performance by Chelsy Castro, the national KTV (Karaoke) Singing Competition winner.
Community and Society
Another setback for San Pedro Gas Turbine
The Gas Turbine that Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is installing in San Pedro Town to increase power capacity has experienced another setback due to a transformer failure for the second time. Although it was successfully commissioned and load tested to its rated capacity of 21 megawatts on September 5th, BEL has stated that the gas turbine will remain offline until the failed transformer is replaced. The replacement is expected to be completed before the end of this year. In the meantime, BEL will continue to monitor the power demand in San Pedro and will implement a contingency plan to protect the single submarine cable interconnection to the island if necessary.
Community and Society
SPTC organizes community events to celebrate National Service Day
On Thursday, September 19th, Belizeans across the country demonstrated their commitment to honoring the spirit of the late Right Honourable George Cadle Price by celebrating National Service Day. On the island, the San Pedro Town Council, along with other local agencies, hosted a beach clean-up and a community health clinic to commemorate the day.
Community and Society
Omar Arceo receives prestigious Meritorious Service Award
Omar Arceo, also known as the ‘Doctor of the Flats,’ has been honored with the prestigious Meritorious Service Award for his significant contributions to the San Pedro Town island community, Ambergris Caye, and conservation. His work has brought recognition to the community and inspired others to join the cause. He was one of 28 distinguished individuals recognized at this year’s Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony, which took place on September 12th near the newly constructed Haulover Bridge in Belize City.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates the independence of Central American countries and Mexico
The Noche Centro Americana celebration, a vibrant display of cultural diversity, took place on Saturday, September 14th, at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena. This annual event features a rich tapestry of culinary delights, cultural presentations, and entertainment in honor of the Independence Day celebrations of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Community and Society
BTB donates garbage compactors to five different municipalities
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) presented five garbage compactor trucks to five municipalities on Thursday, September 12th, in the Capital City of Belmopan. San Pedro Town, Belmopan City, Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, and Placencia Village were recipients. The assets help improve trash collection efforts in these popular tourism destinations.
Community and Society
No update on restricting large trucks in downtown San Pedro
In late July of this year, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) discussed a new policy to restrict large sand/dump trucks in the downtown area. Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez mentioned a new regulation requiring these large vehicles, mainly transport construction material, to be barged. The new policy also restricted trailers over 20 feet long. However, no further updates on this regulation have been shared while these large trucks continue to drive through the town core, which is seemingly unregulated.
