Community and Society

Despite the reduced planned power outages for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the power supply remains unstable across the country. To avoid a power crisis on Ambergris Caye, BEL planned to install a mobile gas turbine by mid-June to bolster the power supply of the fast-growing island municipality. However, this plan encountered some setbacks due to the failure of one of the transformers connecting the gas turbine to the national grid. As a result, residents are informed that there will be a delay in getting the gas turbine online. The new expected timeline for the completion of the gas turbine installation is now at the end of August.

The San Pedro Lions Club is proud of one of its members, former President Lion Everette Anderson, for receiving the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow/Award. The award, named after Melvin Jones, the founder of the international organization, recognizes outstanding individuals embodying humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.

The Disabilities Bill 2024, a significant milestone in the Belizean legislative history, is advancing towards full parliamentary approval from the Belize government. This bill underscores the government's unwavering commitment to recognizing and safeguarding the rights of all Belizeans, regardless of disabilities or age. The Government of Belize has demonstrated a robust dedication to establishing a comprehensive legal framework to support individuals with various frailties, including physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Belize observes Emancipation Day, which commemorates the liberation of our enslaved African ancestors. It is a day of remembrance and celebration, honoring the resilience and strength of those who endured the hardships of slavery. The arrival of the first enslaved people from Africa in 1838 marked the beginning of a difficult era of forced labor on European plantations and mines across the Caribbean islands. This year marks the fourth year Belize has joined other Caribbean islands in celebrating this historic day.

The issue of large trucks in downtown San Pedro Town may soon be resolved through a policy developed by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). If successful, this policy will prohibit large sand/dump trucks from traveling through downtown and require them to be transported by barge. Additionally, no trailers over 20 feet long will be permitted in the town core area. The SPTC aims to proceed with these plans following discussions with their administration in the coming week.

The island municipalities of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker were acknowledged and honored by the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labor, and Local Government for their outstanding contributions from 2023-2024. In a ceremony held on July 19th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) was the only town administration awarded for its exemplary achievements in championing digital advancement, demonstrating financial stewardship, promoting transparency, and empowering community engagement. The Caye Caulker Village Council was recognized for its extraordinary governance, community stewardship, and steadfast dedication to fostering growth, transparency, and prosperity, which have significantly impacted the local community.

The Crocs Sunset Sports Bar team, along with supporters and donors, launched the San Pedro Belize Christmas Collection project during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The initiative provided thousands of meals to those affected by the pandemic and distributed toys to children at their respective schools across the island. The project has since expanded its impact on the community. On Tuesday, July 23rd, a dedication ceremony was held for a brand-new playground at the Boca del Rio Beach Park.

On Saturday, July 20th, the San Pedro Lions Club hosted a ceremony at its Den on Barrier Reef Drive with distinguished guests, members, and friends for their installation of the Board of Directors. One of the main goals of the island club is to continue increasing its membership, serve the community at a greater capacity, and have an impact on the national effort to create more clubs and transition from a zone to a district. Currently, the governing body to which all of Belize's Lion Clubs belong is known as Zone 59.