Community and Society

Domestic violence is a controlling and coercive behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse. Many people suffer silently from various forms of domestic violence. In Belize, the patriarchal societal structure has led to a concerning statistic – 50% of Belizean women report being victims of intimate partner violence during their adult lives. This high proportion signifies that half of the women in Belize aged eighteen and over have experienced domestic violence but have not reported it. To highlight the plight of the substantial number of battered women in Belize, suggested ways exist for society to become more proactive and responsive to these victims' dire circumstances.

In June 2023, the Boca del Rio Bridge (Sir Barry Bowen Bridge) was reconstructed and reopened. The bridge was transformed significantly from an unstable, wooden bridge to a two-lane concrete structure. As always, regular maintenance is pivotal to keeping the bridge in good condition, and as such, collecting a toll continues to be implemented to subsidize the cost. Private vehicles are exempt.

For the past few years, the issue of soliciting and traffic congestion near the ports of entry to San Pedro Town has been a constant challenge. The problem is mainly observed near the water taxi terminals and the John Greif II Municipal Airports, and affected stakeholders are asking local authorities to do something about it. They noted that it interferes with the activities of law-abiding businesses and, at peak times of the day, adds to the congestion in the downtown area. These stakeholders urge the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to enforce their regulations against this ongoing violation.

Starting in September 2024, the San Pedro Institute of Culinary Education (SPICE) will offer a fifteen-week culinary program in collaboration with the Holy Cross Anglican School and Gaynor’s School. The goal is to teach professional culinary techniques, starting with essential skills such as sautéing, braising, roasting, grilling, and egg cookery. The program is a part-time educational activity to accommodate those interested in learning about culinary skills.

With the assistance of many generous supporters, the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye collected enough resources to fund its annual ‘Back to School Supply Drive.’ Members of the club joined forces on Wednesday, August 21st, to fill 280 school bags with supplies. The backpacks will benefit students from selected educational institutions on the island. The program aims to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in campaigns designed to alleviate financial challenges for families in need on the island.

Two hundred fifty school bags containing supplies were distributed to a group of children in San Pedro Town on Sunday, August 18th. The initiative, dubbed 'Bak Dah Skul Give a Weh,' is a project by Coda Adams, co-owner of Braylon Realty Group. This is the third year that the school supply giveaway program has benefited island students with the assistance of the Community Policing Unit at the San Pedro Police Formation and San Pedro Women's Department.

A new Recycle Organic Program is on the horizon for Belize and for the first time on Ambergris Caye. This initiative aims to divert organic waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich garden compost. Organized in partnership between Recycle Organics and the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWMA), with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) support, the program strives to reduce methane gas in Belize's waste sector, with a workshop scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 29th in San Pedro Town. The location and time will soon be announced.

The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is engaged in initiatives to enhance Ambergris Caye's road access and infrastructure. This endeavor focuses on improving various subdivisions, namely the main street in San, Caribeña Street, Coconut Drive, and San Pedrito, which have historically faced poor road conditions. The objective is to elevate the quality of life for all residents by facilitating improved road access through essential repairs.