Saturday, August 22, 2026

Community and Society

Public Roads, Public Safety: House Moves Now Restricted to Night Hours Only

Effective immediately, the Department of Transport will prohibit the transportation of houses and oversized structures on all public roads from Mondays to Sundays during the hours of 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Movement will only be permitted between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily.

Major Infrastructure Upgrades Coming to San Mateo

On July 30th, the San Pedro Town Council marked a pivotal step in the San Mateo Community Improvement Project by hosting a visit from the technical team leading the initiative. The meeting outlined the project’s phases and featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Mayor Wally Nuñez, formally launching the project’s implementation.

Belize Marks Emancipation Day with Reflections on Slavery’s Legacy

For the fourth time, Belize observed Emancipation Day on August 1st, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. While the nation continues to adjust to this relatively new public holiday, the main activities took place in Belize City, where official ceremonies were held at the Government House and featured speeches and cultural presentations. Slavery is considered one of the darkest chapters in Belizean history, dating back as early as 1724.

Kids in Action Shapes San Pedro’s Next Generation of Marine Leaders

The 2025 Kids in Action Youth Scuba Summer Camp brought together 80 students from three island primary schools, including San Pedro Roman Catholic School, New Horizon Primary School, and Holy Cross Anglican School. The program officially launched on July 7th, and after three weeks of immersive marine education, 40 students completed the scuba diving course, 20 participated in the snorkeling and swimming program, and another 20 learned the fundamentals of fly-fishing.

Grand Resort & Residences to Boost Belize City Hospitality

A new chapter in Belize City’s hospitality scene was celebrated in style on August 2nd, as The Grand Resort & Residences held its highly anticipated soft opening with an exclusive poolside gala. The event brought together approximately 200 distinguished guests, including government officials, tourism leaders, business executives, and community partners, to witness the dawn of what is poised to become a landmark destination in Belize City.

Surge in Child Abuse Cases Triggers National Alarm and Outcry

Belize is confronting a growing crisis of child sexual abuse, with an alarming surge in high-profile and alarming cases prompting urgent calls for legislative reform and community action. Over the past year alone, more than 100 cases of unlawful sexual intercourse with minors have been officially reported, a figure experts believe significantly underrepresents the true extent of the issue. These troubling statistics have fueled public outrage and prompted widespread appeals for stronger legislation, increased enforcement, and more robust survivor support systems.

Garbage Buildup Threatens San Pedro’s Tourist Appeal

San Pedro Town is facing a growing environmental and public health crisis as persistent garbage accumulation threatens the island’s image as a premier tourist destination. With mounting complaints from residents and visitors, local authorities are escalating enforcement efforts and issuing warnings that noncompliance will be met with fines and legal consequences.

Community Comes Together to Support Quarterly Blood Drives

On Saturday, July 26th, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group hosted a dinner and raffle to raise funds to support their upcoming quarterly blood drive, scheduled for August 2nd at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. The “Dip, Dine & Donate” fundraiser was held at Akasha Restaurant, located at the Aruna Resort and Villas. The event began at 1PM, with nearly 100 guests having reserved in advance. Boat transportation was provided, with pickup at the dock in front of Level Up Barcade. The Akasha staff delivered professional and courteous service, taking food and drink orders throughout the day.