Community and Society

After years of diplomatic advocacy, Belizeans holding biometric passports are now eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years, according to an announcement on Wednesday, November 12th, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. While a full visa waiver between Belize and the European Union (EU) remains under discussion, this new arrangement marks a significant step forward for travel access and cooperation.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, island residents, community members, and environmental supporters gathered at El Fogón for an information session about Living Shorelines, a new initiative focused on protecting San Pedro’s coast using natural methods. The event featured presentations by Lindsey Precht, Deputy Resilience Officer from Miami Beach; Gerardo Castañeda, Environmental Coordinator at Moon Palace Cancún; and Valentine Rosado, Project Lead for San Pedro’s Living Shorelines Program. The session introduced how nature-based solutions, like restoring dunes, mangroves, and coastal vegetation, can help strengthen the island’s beaches, protect homes and businesses, and preserve the environment for future generations.

The British High Commission in Belmopan City hosted a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, Belize’s head of state. The special event, held at the High Commissioner’s residence, welcomed distinguished guests, including government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from academia, the military, and His Majesty’s representative in Belize, Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam.

Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and member of the British Royal Family, is scheduled to visit Belize from November 16th to 19th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration announced Her Royal Highness’ official visit on Monday, November 10th, the same day she began a regional tour that includes Peru, Panama, and Guatemala before concluding her trip in Belize.

My first visit was in 2001 to El Pescador. When my wife stopped coming, I started fishing around town. We caught fish everywhere, even in the lagoon. We fished Blackador, Mosquito, Frances, Rosario, Cangrejo, Bacalar Chico, Rocky Point and many others. We could start at Ruby's Hotel in San Pedro and fish to the end of the island. Fish were plentiful with large schools (in the 100s) with smaller fish and smaller schools (20-40) with larger fish.

The San Pedro Town Council has tightened regulations for golf cart permit applications, effective immediately, in response to growing parking concerns across the island. The Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Committee (ACTCC), responsible for issuing these permits, is now enforcing stricter criteria, including residency and property ownership requirements for applicants.

At the end of April this year, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) announced new restrictions on large trucks, including dump trucks, sand trucks, and container vehicles, entering the downtown area. The directive initially reduced the presence of heavy trucks in the town core; however, residents recently voiced concerns after seeing trucks transporting fill material through central San Pedro. According to the SPTC, the restrictions remain in place, and the trucks observed have been authorized to deliver material for municipal street upgrades in surrounding subdivisions.

A beach enhancement project underway at the Boca del Rio Beach Park has recently drawn attention and concern from residents and stakeholders in San Pedro Town due to dredging activities. The project aims to restore and protect a section of the shoreline that has eroded over the years. It is a joint initiative between the Area Representative, Honourable Andre Perez, and the San Pedro Town Council. On Wednesday, November 5th, Perez addressed the public’s concerns and provided details about the beach nourishment project.