Community and Society
Kids in Action 2025 Begins
On Monday, July 7th, the Youth Scuba Summer Camp, Kids in Action 2025, was launched at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium with the enrollment of children in the annual program. This summer initiative will offer participants training in scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fly-fishing.
Community and Society
The Operating Costs of Sargassum Harvesters: Hol Chan to Seek Private Sector Partnership
The ongoing challenge of keeping San Pedro’s downtown beaches free of sargassum seaweed has added a financial burden to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Through a loan, Hol Chan acquired two harvester machines designed to collect the seaweed at sea before it reaches the shoreline. However, operating the equipment has resulted in additional expenses totalling thousands of dollars. To sustain the initiative, the organization is now seeking greater collaboration from the private sector.
Business & Economy
Belize Launches Sustainable & Inclusive Belize (SAiB) Grants Program for Tourism MSMEs
On July 2nd, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, a workshop was held to introduce the launch of the Sustainable & Inclusive Belize (SAiB) Grants Program. SaiB is a government initiative aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism value chain. The program, executed by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), aims to foster income growth, sustainability, and climate resilience across the country’s vibrant tourism landscape.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Village Council Questions Police Behavior
On Wednesday, July 2nd, the Caye Caulker Village Council issued a press release addressing growing concerns over allegations of violence and abuse of authority by local police officers. The council highlighted reports of excessive force, particularly against the island's youth. It emphasized the need for officers to focus on de-escalation rather than meeting violence with violence.
Community and Society
Mayor Nuñez issued “No Objection” Letter to Controversial Dredging Approval Near Mexico Rocks
Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez was called out by Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Executive Director, Ian Pou, for having issued a no-objection letter for a dredging project near the Mexico Rocks marine protected area north of San Pedro Town. Pou made the declaration after a letter issued by a coalition of tourism stakeholders calling for his resignation mentioned the Mayor as one of the supporters of the move.
Community and Society
Lobster Season Is Back; Fishers Register a Bountiful Supply on the First Day
On July 1st, the 2025–2026 lobster season officially opened in Belize. Fishermen across the country headed out early for their first catch of the season. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fisher-folk returned to their dock with hundreds of Caribbean spiny lobsters. The fishers reported a very fruitful first day, catching large lobsters, which were cleaned and prepared for delivery to the various restaurants offering the popular crustacean on their menus.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Comes Alive for Día de San Pedro 2025 Celebrations
On the evening of June 28th, San Pedro’s Central Park transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and community as the town celebrated Día de San Pedro 2025, honoring St. Peter, the patron saint of the island’s fishermen. The festivities kicked off, drawing locals and visitors alike to a lively street fair brimming with traditional food vendors, colorful performances, and heartfelt ceremonies.
Community and Society
Belize Port Authority to implement new fees; Tourism stakeholders concerned
San Pedro stakeholders are voicing concern over a new set of regulatory measures to be implemented by the Belize Port Authority (BPA). The measures include several new fees outlined in Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 114 of 2024. The SI, known as the Harbours and Merchant Shipping (Marina) Regulations, is part of the BPA’s broader initiative to standardize and regulate marinas, piers, and dock operations nationwide under a transparent framework.