Community and Society
ComPol Says Belizean Deportees Should Be Welcomed Back Home
The landing of a charter flight carrying 21 Belizeans deported from the United States on May 22nd made headlines across the country. This marked the first time such a large group of Belizean nationals had been repatriated together. Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Dr. Richard Rosado emphasized that most are hardworking Belizeans who left for better opportunities and should not be treated as criminals.
Community and Society
SPTC Seeks Legal Counsel to Uphold Downtown Truck Restrictions
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has retained legal representation to uphold recently implemented restrictions on large trucks downtown. This follows a formal legal notice issued on behalf of a group of trucking companies challenging the regulation. The restriction, which took effect at the end of April, limits the movement of large and container trucks within the town center. Opponents argue the measure is unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional, as it has not yet been formally legislated.
Community and Society
San Pedro Volunteer Special Constables Receive Uniforms
The San Pedro Police Formation continues its efforts to maintain peace and safety on the island. To fulfill this mandate and better serve the growing population, the department collaborates with volunteer special constables, many of whom are residents with regular day-to-day jobs, who remain on standby to assist when needed. On Wednesday, May 28th, these dedicated volunteers were formally recognized for their ongoing support and presented with new uniform shirts.
Community and Society
Tropic Air Launches Three Initiatives Honoring Local Heroes
During a special luncheon on Tuesday, May 20th, at a resort north of San Pedro Town, Tropic Air honored three individuals for their bravery during a hijacking incident on Holy Thursday, April 17th. The event recognized Captain Howell Grange, Fitzgerald Brown, and Franchesco Jair Castañeda, survivors of the ordeal and now hailed as local heroes.
Community and Society
Public Notice: Closure of the Queen Conch Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honourable Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on May 25, 2025. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch production quota for the 2024-2025 fishing season.
Community and Society
Stop Order on Cayo Rosario Development Project Still in Effect
The stop order issued to halt construction on a tourism development at Cayo Rosario, a small mangrove island off the northwest coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, remains in effect. The Central Building Authority (CBA) confirmed on Wednesday, May 21st, that the directive is still active. The stop order cites several structures erected on the island without the necessary permits.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Saca Chispas Field to Undergo Major Upgrades
The Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, is set to undergo significant upgrades. The Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to transform the venue into a multi-purpose stadium. The field has previously hosted the Belize Tourism Board’s International Music and Food Festival. After holding the event there for two consecutive years, organizers recognized the need to renovate the facility to better accommodate larger crowds and high-profile performances. As a result, the festival will not take place this year.
Community and Society
The Inspiration Center Hosts Fundraiser at Mahogany Bay Resort
On Saturday, May 17th, dressed in their finest all-white ensembles, guests gathered at the much-anticipated annual fundraiser hosted by The Inspiration Center at Mahogany Bay Village Resort in San Pedro Town. It was a clear and perfect night for the lively gala by the pool deck, held in honor of some of Belize’s most vulnerable citizens, its children. Funds raised from the event help sustain the outpatient rehabilitation center in Belize City, which provides services to children with disabilities from across the country, including San Pedro.