Community and Society

A significant home composting initiative was launched in Ambergris Caye on Thursday, August 29th. The event occurred from 3:30PM to 5PM at the Lions Den in downtown San Pedro. Recycle Organics, in partnership with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWMA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), organized the workshop to distribute 200 composting bins and kits to local households as part of the nationwide Belize Home Composting program.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Carter, a beloved long-time resident of Ambergris Caye in San Pedro, Belize. Linda, who served as the office manager at Holy Cross Anglican School, was confirmed to have passed away on August 29, 2024, at her home in the Tres Cocos area, north of San Pedro Town. Though the circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear, our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her vibrant life.

Connee was one of a kind who loved life and was a social butterfly with a warm heart and never knew a stranger! She enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes only to then share them with friends, especially at the holiday’s when she enjoyed decorating for Christmas both at home and at her second home in Belize.

Island bartender and entrepreneur Joseph 'Joe' Pate has once again proven to be one of the best mixologists in the country by winning the 2024 Belize National Cocktail Championship. The championship took place at the Rumors Resort in the Cayo District on Sunday, August 25th. Bartenders from across the country participated in a spirited competition for the title. Three winners were announced after a demanding battle to determine the top bartender. Mercedes Valdez won third place, followed by Imer Mai in second. Taking home the top prize was Pate, who is now preparing to represent Belize at international tournaments in Guatemala and Portugal.

During the week of Sunday, August 18th, to Friday, August 23rd, the Saga Humane Society carried out an important initiative. They provided complimentary spaying and neutering services for the local community of Ambergris Caye. The program was successful, with 107 dogs undergoing the essential procedure. The dedicated team, including Nurse Lisa Oldroyd, Ingrid Lima, Dr. Laureen Battlefield, and event sponsor Terry Stone, played crucial roles in helping promote responsible pet ownership on the island.

Domestic violence is a controlling and coercive behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse. Many people suffer silently from various forms of domestic violence. In Belize, the patriarchal societal structure has led to a concerning statistic – 50% of Belizean women report being victims of intimate partner violence during their adult lives. This high proportion signifies that half of the women in Belize aged eighteen and over have experienced domestic violence but have not reported it. To highlight the plight of the substantial number of battered women in Belize, suggested ways exist for society to become more proactive and responsive to these victims' dire circumstances.

In June 2023, the Boca del Rio Bridge (Sir Barry Bowen Bridge) was reconstructed and reopened. The bridge was transformed significantly from an unstable, wooden bridge to a two-lane concrete structure. As always, regular maintenance is pivotal to keeping the bridge in good condition, and as such, collecting a toll continues to be implemented to subsidize the cost. Private vehicles are exempt.

For the past few years, the issue of soliciting and traffic congestion near the ports of entry to San Pedro Town has been a constant challenge. The problem is mainly observed near the water taxi terminals and the John Greif II Municipal Airports, and affected stakeholders are asking local authorities to do something about it. They noted that it interferes with the activities of law-abiding businesses and, at peak times of the day, adds to the congestion in the downtown area. These stakeholders urge the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to enforce their regulations against this ongoing violation.