Community and Society
Workshop Highlights Legal Tools for Sustainable Development
On Friday, August 15th, a Community Workshop on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room, signaling a renewed commitment to safeguarding Ambergris Caye’s future. Organized by Senator Hon. Gabriel Zetina and supported by Senator Janelle Chanona, the workshop aimed to equip stakeholders with the necessary legal and policy tools to navigate Belize’s evolving governance framework for land use, development, and environmental compliance.
Community and Society
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, to form sister city partnership with Bacalar, Mexico
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, and Bacalar, Mexico, have embarked on a sister city collaboration to boost tourism, promote cultural exchange, and advance sustainable development. The initiative took a significant step forward with a preliminary exchange on August 7th, during which the mayors of each municipality discussed actionable plans.
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.
Community and Society
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.
Community and Society
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.
Community and Society
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.
Community and Society
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.
Community and Society
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.
