Community and Society
Mexico Says Security Stabilized After Cartel Leader’s Death
The Mexican government has stated that the security situation in the western state of Jalisco and other affected regions has stabilized after a wave of violence erupted on February 22nd following the death of drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Community and Society
Mr. and Ms. Holy Cross Pageant Returns to the Stage
Holy Cross Anglican Primary School brought back its Mr. and Ms. Holy Cross Pageant on February 24th at 6PM, reviving the popular event after an 11-year hiatus. The evening featured 12 contestants representing the Infant, Middle, and Upper Divisions, with judges crowning a Mr. and Ms. Holy Cross in each category.
Community and Society
BTL to Pay Former Employees Their Severance
Over the past weeks, a group of former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has been pressing for the payment of their severance. The group, called the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ), received some good news after BTL announced it would pay their severance. The BCWJ also noted that other former employees outside of their group will also be receiving severance payments.
Community and Society
San Pedro Firefighters Among 21 Nationally Honored for Long Service
The Ministry of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management held a recognition ceremony on Friday, February 13th, in Belmopan to honor 21 dedicated members of the National Fire Service (NFS) for their long-term commitment. Awardees received Long Service Awards for 10, 15, 20, or 25 years of exemplary duty. Among the awardees were Station Officer Orin Smith, recognized for 25 years of service, and Firefighter John Sandoval, recognized for 10 years of service. Both are stationed at the San Pedro Fire Station.
Community and Society
BEL Linesmen Return Home After Assisting Jamaica in Hurricane Recovery Efforts
A team of linemen with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has returned to the country after being deployed to Jamaica to aid the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company in restoring power to areas affected by Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the island nation in October of last year.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro Carnaval brings Color, Music, and Community Spirit
Carnaval de San Pedro, themed “Colores y Tradición,” unfolded over three days from Sunday, February 15th, to Tuesday, February 17th, organized by the San Pedro Town Council. Events were held at Central Park, featuring powder paint and foam parties hosted by DJ Dev, DJ Debbie, and Evolution Sound, along with live performances by the Bussa B Band. Comparsa dance groups paraded through downtown streets, drawing families, children, students, and visitors in a celebration of local culture.
Community and Society
ACES Raises Over $1,100 With Valentine’s “Heal Your Heartbreak” Croc Feeding Fundraiser
ACES Wildlife Rescue, a registered nonprofit and one of Belize’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, hosted a quirky Valentine’s Day fundraiser in San Pedro, drawing donors with a crocodile-sized twist on heartbreak. The event, titled “Heal Your Heartbreak,” ran during the first two weeks of February at the ACES sanctuary, located just south of Grand Caribe. Sponsors purchased a dead chicken, named it after an ex, and received a video of it being fed to one of the sanctuary’s crocodiles. The initiative raised over $1,100 to support ACES’ rescue operations.
Community and Society
Valentine’s Day Cleanup Highlights Ongoing Littering Concerns on Ambergris Caye
On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, the Ambergris North Alliance organized a community cleanup along San Pedro’s North Road. Roughly 45 to 50 volunteers gathered at four starting points: the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, Grand Caribe, X’tan Ha, and Matachica, covering the stretch from the bridge to approximately nine miles north.