Community and Society

San Pedro joined the national observance of World Children’s Day on November 20th with activities centered on this year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights.” Preschool and primary school students gathered at locations including Boca del Rio and the Ambergris Stadium for a day of organized events highlighting children’s rights, development, and well-being. San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), together with other island schools, also hosted a lively parade to mark the occasion.

On Sunday, November 23rd, Saga Humane Society proudly inaugurated its new building on Sea Grape Drive in San Pedro Town, marking an important milestone in its 26-year mission to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty. The celebration followed a busy and productive Saturday at the clinic, where the team completed several spay and neuter surgeries, handled emergencies, and continued progressing toward their annual goal of 1,500 procedures. Volunteers, supporters, and staff, including veterinarians Dr. Baptist and Dr. Heather, were recognized for their dedication, and the team also celebrated the birthday of clinic manager and vet tech Ingrid Lima. The grand opening event, held from 2PM to 5PM, welcomed community members who enjoyed tours of the new facility, an information booth, refreshments, and merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, and dog collars.

Dear Editor, The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held on...

Violence against women and girls continues to be a serious and persistent problem in the Region of the Americas, according to new estimates presented today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN partners. The data, released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, reveal that one in three women aged 15 and older in the Region has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in her life.

San Pedro Town is gearing up for its dazzling annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 20th. Organized by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association, the event invites boats adorned with shimmering lights to cruise along the coastline after sunset, creating a magical tropical holiday experience for residents and visitors.

On November 11th, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) officially handed over Information Technology (IT) equipment to all seven towns and two cities during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Sustainable Development Auditorium in Belmopan. Municipalities, including San Pedro, received laptops, monitors, mice, and licensed geographic information system (GIS) software to support improved urban planning and climate resilience efforts.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s Garifuna community joined the national celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day with vibrant drumming, soulful dances, traditional food, and the symbolic Yurumein, the re-enactment of the Garinagu’s arrival in Belize in 1802. This year’s public and bank holiday, observed on November 19th, was celebrated under the theme “Wabaronguóun lidan Garifunaduáü: iúnrahei warasan, agahabuda lun sánsiguaü, inebesei lun wanichigu,” which translates to “Garifuna Moving Forward: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change, Strengthening Identity.”

After visiting Peru, Panama, and Guatemala, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Rhys-Jones, arrived in Belize on Sunday, November 16th, for a three-day official visit. Representing the British Crown, Her Royal Highness explored Belize’s diverse and dynamic society, learned about national efforts to protect the natural environment, visited the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), and participated in Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations on November 19th. Her agenda also included engagements focused on eye health, the empowerment of Indigenous women, and discussions on strengthening bilateral ties between Belize and the United Kingdom (UK).