Community and Society
SPTC Toll Revenue Use and $28M Bond Initiative in Question
In November 2021, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) introduced new toll fees for the renovated Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, locally known as the Boca del Rio Bridge. The current administration has maintained these fees, which apply to specific vehicle types. It justifies the toll as essential for maintaining the key structure that connects southern and northern Ambergris Caye. However, the SPTC has yet to disclose how much revenue has been collected from the toll and how those funds have been used to benefit the island community. While the town administrator's office had committed to providing the information to The San Pedro Sun, details remain undisclosed.
Community and Society
Caribbean Sprinter Connects Communities
Recognizing the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donors, Caribbean Sprinter continues to support this important country wide community effort in Belize. Over the past two years, Caribbean Sprinter and Island Donors Squad (IDS) have partnered to support the country by organizing chaperoned blood donation trips from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to Belize City.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council to Kickstart Recycling Operations on the Island
The San Pedro Town Council is set to launch a series of municipal-level recycling operations to address the island’s growing waste management challenges. After months of research and consultations, the Council is moving forward with plans to introduce dedicated recycling initiatives for plastics, metals, and green waste, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste management for the community.
Community and Society
PAHO/WHO Belize and the Ministry of Health and Wellness Advances Diagnostic Coding for Health through ICD-11 Capacity Building
Through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHCP), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) advance digital health data management with the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) within the Clinical Data Exchange Platform (CDEP).
Community and Society
San Pedro Police Cadets Top 3rd Foot Drill Competition in Belize City
The San Pedro Police Cadets have again claimed victory at the annual Police Cadets’ Foot Drill Competition. The event occurred in Belize City on June 14th at the Yabra Green Basketball Court, where San Pedro’s cadets competed against teams from across the Belize District. The event ran from 8:45AM to 2:45PM, beginning with an inspection of the cadets by Senior Superintendent Dehanne Augustine. Following the inspection, the competition was officially declared open. Other participating groups included cadet teams from Precinct One, Precinct Two, Precinct Three, Precinct Four, and Ladyville.
Community and Society
Department of Human Services Launches National Training to Strengthen Social Work Reporting for Child Protection
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs (MHDFSGA), through the Department of Human Services (DHS), in partnership with UNICEF, is pleased to announce the launch of a week-long national training aimed at strengthening social work reporting processes critical to Belize’s child protection system.
Community and Society
No Retendering Process Following Suspension of Local Airport Security Contracts
Following reports of controversial security contracts at local airports nationwide, there have been no updates on the retendering process to select new companies to oversee airport security. The contracts, previously awarded to ISecurity and Four Diamond, were suspended by the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) amid concerns over an improperly conducted tendering process. An investigation has since been launched, revealing that proper procedures were not followed when the contracts were issued under the previous board’s administration. The newly appointed Board of Directors is now conducting a thorough review of the procurement methods and due diligence practices employed by their predecessors.
Community and Society
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Offers Summer Workshops to Primary School Teachers
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, in collaboration with Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy’Ono Resort, is inviting all primary school teachers in Belize to participate in a free, CPD-certified workshop focused on marine conservation and education. These hybrid-format sessions will begin on June 23rd and continue through July 23rd, with participants divided into cohorts based on their district. The workshops aim to enhance teachers’ understanding of flats conservation, fisheries, habitats, and local livelihoods, equipping them with tools and resources to bring these lessons into the classroom.