Community and Society
North Ambergris Caye Roads Draw Growing Complaints from Residents
Residents of north Ambergris Caye continue to voice deep dissatisfaction with the deteriorating condition of the North Road, citing persistent flooding, potholes, and heavy truck traffic that further damages the unpaved surface. The Ambergris North Alliance (ANA), formed in October 2024, has emerged as the primary advocate for affected residents, raising concerns about the worsening impact on daily life, safety, and tourism. Meanwhile, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) says it is steadily working through road improvements across the island, including northern areas.
Community and Society
National Children’s Parliament Debates Adolescent Preventative Health Bill
On November 14th, the House of Representatives and the Senate convened, but this time, elected officials did not occupy the seats. Instead, students from across Belize took charge of the annual National Children’s Parliament, an initiative that allows young people to experience governance firsthand. This year’s central topic was the Adolescent Preventative Health Bill, which the student parliamentarians debated with maturity, confidence, and respect.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro High School Celebrates Belize’s Ethnic Diversity with Cultural Day
Despite the heavy rains that had been affecting the country for days, San Pedro High School (SPHS) students and teachers held another memorable Cultural Day. The annual event highlights the historical migration of various ethnic groups that have made Belize their home. Classroom presentations featured students dressed in cultural attire and elaborate displays celebrating the journeys and evolution of the Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese, and Lebanese communities. This year also included a separate day dedicated to cultural dance performances.
Community and Society
Taxi Group Objects to Public Transport Airport Pickups
The San Pedro Taxi Association is raising serious concerns over the newly introduced public transportation system, claiming it is affecting their business and operating outside the conditions of its permit. The issue escalated after public transport operators were reportedly seen picking up passengers directly from the island’s airports, an activity not authorized under the terms of their current permit. This was confirmed by officials from the San Pedro Traffic Department, who stated that airport pickups are not included in the permissions granted.
Community and Society
San Pedro Recognizes Industry Leaders at 2025 Tourism Awards Gala
San Pedro’s tourism community gathered in style for the fourth annual Tourism Awards Gala at the Holiday Hotel on November 15th, with guests arriving at 7PM and the ceremony officially commencing at 8PM. Hosted by Gerry Badillo and Miley Chi, Miss San Pedro 2025, the event celebrated the dedication and achievements of local industry leaders, bringing together stakeholders, nominees, and supporters for an evening of recognition and appreciation.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor – Response to Mr. Ed Garner
We read with great interest the recent letter from Mr. Ed Garner regarding his decades of fishing around Ambergris Caye. His passion for Belize and his deep connection to our waters are evident, and we share his conviction that protecting our fisheries is essential to Belize’s future. His long commitment to visiting, hiring local guides, and supporting locally owned hotels and shops reflects exactly the kind of tourism that sustains our communities.
Community and Society
Island fly-fishing experts participate in Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s 8th Symposium in Florida
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) hosted its 8th International Science Symposium from November 7th to 8th at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, bringing together leaders and experts from across the global flats fishing community. The event welcomed marine scientists, resource managers, industry professionals, partner organizations, veteran guides, and top anglers who share a commitment to conserving bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries.
Community and Society
SACNW leads volunteer beach cleanup on South Ambergris Caye
On Saturday, October 8th, the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (SACNW) organized a successful cleanup along a three-mile stretch of beach and roadway in southern San Pedro. Around 25 volunteers, including local high school students and teams from Playa De Sala Boutique Hotel and the San Pedro Town Council, joined forces to collect litter from one of the island’s most scenic coastal areas.