Community and Society
San Pedro Artisans Face Deadline to Relocate
San Pedro Town’s local artisans currently operating at the artisan market across from the Saca Chispas Field have been given a deadline to relocate to a new site at El Embarcadero. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), aims to boost the island's appeal to tourists. However, it has faced opposition from artisans and residents.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Gabriel Zetina ready to serve as Senator
Gabriel Enrique Zetina, an entrepreneur from the island, has been appointed as an Opposition Senator. He is one of three appointees selected by the new leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, the Honorable Tracy Taeger-Panton. This appointment follows the re-election of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government on March 12th, during which new members were assigned to the Senate.
Arts & Culture
Garifuna icon Aurelio Martinez remembered in San Pedro
Aurelio Martinez, a name synonymous with Paranda music, left a lasting impact on Garifuna culture in the region. The Garifuna star, born in Honduras, was well-known in Belize, and his sudden passing has left his followers in grief. On Sunday, March 30th, members of the Garifuna community, united in their love for Martinez and his music, gathered at the Black and White Restaurant in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to honor the musical icon with singing and drumming.
Community and Society
San Pedro Celebrates Women’s Empowerment at the 5th Annual Business Expo
San Pedro Town celebrated International Women’s Month with its 5th Annual Women in Business Expo on Saturday, March 29th, at the Saca Chispas field. The event, organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), showcased female entrepreneurship and community solidarity through a vibrant display of local businesses, cultural performances, and the recognition of outstanding women.
Community and Society
Police Report: Boat Incident at Caye Caulker
On March 27th, 2025, at approximately 4:20PM, Caye Caulker Police responded to a call regarding an injured American national at the Caye Caulker Polyclinic. Upon arrival, officers observed a Caucasian male being attended to by a doctor. He was suffering from what appeared to be a large cut on the back of his head and was bleeding profusely. The individual was identified as Mark Christopher Strus, a 45-year-old civil engineer from Michigan, USA, as confirmed by his passport.
Community and Society
Sargassum continues to impact Ambergris Caye beaches; where are the skimmers?
The seasonal influx of Sargassum is currently impacting the beaches of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Hoteliers and restaurant owners are working to keep their areas free of brown algae. At the same time, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has activated its Sargassum response plan to manage the incoming mats of seaweed. However, residents report that they have yet to see the Sargassum skimmers acquired last year, which are designed to capture the seaweed from the sea before it reaches the shore.
Community and Society
San Pedro BTIA annual general meeting reviews 2024 accomplishments and elects new board members
On Friday, March 21st, the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SPBTIA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Sunbreeze Pavilion to report on the accomplishments of 2024 and elect a new board of directors. Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) national president Efren Perez attended the event to deliver remarks and certify the board election.
Community and Society
Fishermen and tour guides protest dredging and overwater structures at Cayo Rosario
On Tuesday, March 25th, a powerful and peaceful protest took place in the waters surrounding Cayo Rosario, a small island located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Over 30 boats gathered for a united demonstration against the proposed dredging of the seabed and the construction of over-the-water structures, which have been contentious issues for years.