Community and Society
Cabinet to discuss policy to restrict large trucks in downtown San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) continues working on a solution restricting the use of large sand/dump/delivery trucks in the downtown area. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez said the Ministry of Transport has discussed this matter, and his team has recommended that these large vehicles be either barged or downsized. As a result, the Ministry of Transport is reportedly preparing a paper to submit to the Cabinet with recommendations from the SPTC.
Community and Society
Public Notice – Opening of the Stone Crab Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform all fishers and the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act and Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2022, the Florida Stone Crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishing season opens from October 1, 2024, to June 30th, 2025.
Community and Society
Island residents appeal for public consultation for proposed San Pedro Artisan Market project
On Tuesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 26th, a small demonstration occurred in downtown San Pedro at the “El Embarcadero” regarding a proposed project to develop the San Pedro Artisan Market. The project, supported by Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, and Hon. Andre Perez, aims to provide artisans with an improved marketplace on Nurse Shark Street next to the lagoon. However, protesters expressed concerns over the government's lack of community consultation in the proposed project's decision-making process.
Community and Society
Department of Environment trains SPTC staff to issue improper garbage disposal tickets
On Tuesday, September 17th, the Belize Department of Environment (DOE) organized a training session from 9AM to 12:30PM in Ambergris Caye. The session, hosted by environmental officer Mr. Kendrick Gordon, was to educate council members, traffic managers, and head traffic wardens about a new ticketing initiative. This initiative involves issuing litter tickets to individuals improperly disposing of waste or contributing to environmental pollution, starting with random inspections on the island. Those failing to adhere to the regulations will be subject to ticketing and fines based on the severity of the offense.
Community and Society
San Pedro celebrates Belize’s 43rd Independence Day in grand style
Belizeans in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, once again showed their patriotism and love for the country as they celebrated Belize’s 43rd independence anniversary. The festivities began on the evening of Friday, September 20th, with the flag-raising ceremony, culminating with the Independence Day Parade on the 21st, highlighting all things Belizean and closing the patriotic celebration across the country. Under the theme ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43!’, Belizeans have been observing the September celebrations, from the flag-raising at the start of the month to the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day and the annual Carnival Road March in Belize City, among other patriotic events.
Community and Society
San Pedro students display patriotism at annual Children’s Rally
Students from six primary schools joined San Pedro High School (SPHS) on Friday, September 20th, to celebrate the annual Children’s Rally at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Children’s Rally is held countrywide as part of the September Celebrations to promote patriotism among Belizean children. This year's theme was “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43.” The event included motivational speeches, patriotic poems and dramas, and a special performance by Chelsy Castro, the national KTV (Karaoke) Singing Competition winner.
Community and Society
Another setback for San Pedro Gas Turbine
The Gas Turbine that Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is installing in San Pedro Town to increase power capacity has experienced another setback due to a transformer failure for the second time. Although it was successfully commissioned and load tested to its rated capacity of 21 megawatts on September 5th, BEL has stated that the gas turbine will remain offline until the failed transformer is replaced. The replacement is expected to be completed before the end of this year. In the meantime, BEL will continue to monitor the power demand in San Pedro and will implement a contingency plan to protect the single submarine cable interconnection to the island if necessary.
Community and Society
SPTC organizes community events to celebrate National Service Day
On Thursday, September 19th, Belizeans across the country demonstrated their commitment to honoring the spirit of the late Right Honourable George Cadle Price by celebrating National Service Day. On the island, the San Pedro Town Council, along with other local agencies, hosted a beach clean-up and a community health clinic to commemorate the day.