Community and Society

Island Notes from a Woofer is a column by Melody Sanchez Wolfe, an artist, writer, wedding planner, entrepreneur, mother of three, and proud San Pedrana who notices a little too much and writes about it. Blending island life, culture, humor, nostalgia, community conversations, random observations, personal experiences, art, business, relationships, social commentary, and whatever else happens to wander through her beautifully chaotic neurodivergent brain that week, this column is part island diary, part storytelling, part open journal, and part love letter to San Pedro - the old, the new, the beautiful, the frustrating, and everything in between.

San Pedro Roman Catholic School is hosting a three-day Drum Rudiments Workshop from June 29th to July 1st, bringing together beginner and advanced student drummers for daily sessions focused on technique, theory, and performance.

The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church concluded its annual nine-day Novena honoring St. Peter and St. Paul on June 29th with the Fiesta de San Pedro Gala Dinner and Family Dance at the Rafael Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town. The celebration capped a full day of activities that included the traditional Fishermen's Mass, a Belizean breakfast in the park in front of the church, two boat processions, the blessing of the boats at Central Park, and an evening dedicated to fellowship, recognition, and family entertainment.

The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church held its first Kids Kite Flying Competition on Sunday, June 28th, at Central Park as part of its nine-day Novena honoring St. Peter and St. Paul. The free event, which began at 1PM, brought together children and their families for an afternoon of kite flying, friendly competition, and faith-centered fellowship.

Representatives from fishing associations across Belize convened in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Friday, June 26th, to meet with the Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Honorable Andre Perez. President of the San Pedro Fishers Association, Jorge Aldana, led the meeting alongside fellow representatives at Perez's office, where they discussed several issues affecting the country's fishing industry. Perez said his ministry will review the matters raised and follow up with the associations represented at the meeting.

With the rainy season underway, San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye has already experienced its first heavy showers, bringing increased mosquito activity. In response, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), in partnership with the Public Health Department, has begun a fogging campaign across the island's neighborhoods to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Honorable Andre Perez, has responded to allegations of nepotism after a grocery store owned by one of his relatives was identified as a participant in his constituency's pantry assistance program. Social media posts alleged that Perez's office was favoring the business by directing food voucher recipients to redeem their coupons there. Perez dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that the pantry program operates through several grocery stores and is intended to assist families in need with basic food items.

The San Pedro SAGA Humane Society continues to enhance its veterinary services by acquiring new medical equipment, made possible by the generosity of donors. The new additions include a centrifuge, microscope, and infusion pump. The donation was made possible through a partnership with the Brandi Crawford International Veterinary Foundation (BCIV Foundation), a United States-based nonprofit organization. BCIV's flagship program is based in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where it works alongside SAGA to provide accessible veterinary care for island animals. Future additions to SAGA's shelter and veterinary clinic are expected to include an ultrasound machine, stainless-steel kennels, and visits by veterinary professionals.