Community and Society
Traditional Misa de Pescadores and Blessing of Boats held on Dia de San Pedro
In honor of the traditional celebration of the patron saints, "San Pedro and San Pablo," the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) collaborated with Father Eduardo Montemayor from the Roman Catholic Church in Ambergris Caye to hold their traditional mass known as "Misa de Pescadores." This was followed by a breakfast at 4AM on Saturday, June 29th, at the Catholic church in Central Park. After the breakfast and mass, Father Montemayor led the traditional service and blessed the vessels for the upcoming fishing season. The grand celebration included two days of live entertainment. The Miss San Pedro Pageant, scheduled for June 29th, was postponed due to inclement weather.
Community and Society
Fishermen welcome lobster season; Hurricane Beryl causes concern
On Monday, July 1st, the 2024-2025 season of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster officially opened in Belize. The first catches of the day were celebrated by fishermen in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. They found a healthy lobster stock and are expecting a prosperous season. However, they are worried about the impact of Hurricane Beryl, which is projected to affect northern Belize and the Cayes when it makes landfall late on Thursday evening or early on Friday, July 5th, in the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula.
Business & Economy
Islanders warned about price gouging during hurricane emergencies
During the ongoing monitoring of Hurricane Beryl, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch in Belize Rural South (Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye) is reminding the public that price gouging (raising prices on goods) during an emergency is illegal. They encourage residents to report any instances of price gouging by establishments as Hurricane Beryl approaches Belize.
Business & Economy
Cost of living still high; basic food items affected
The cost of living continues to be a dilemma for many Belizeans as prices for basic goods have increased nationwide. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), consumer prices for April were 3.9% compared to last year. Basic staples such as a 16-ounce loaf of bread recently experienced a 20% increase. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the price of bread sold in packs of 17 and 22 ounces remains unchanged; however, other food items have slightly increased due to the cost of transporting goods to the island.
Community and Society
Heavy rains cause flooding for residents in San Pedrito
Over the weekend, heavy rain caused flooding in the San Pedrito subdivision of San Pedro. A resident of a downstairs apartment experienced significant water damage due to overflowing rainwater resulting from blocked drainage. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), fully understanding the concerns of many residents about the lack of adequate drainage in the area, is taking immediate action to address the issue.
Community and Society
SPTC improves drainage systems to prevent excessive flooding
As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season commences, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) urgently prepares for heavy rainfalls and potential flooding. Under the leadership of Ernesto Bardalez, the councilor in charge of Road Works and Infrastructure, the council has initiated a project to clear existing storm drainage systems and open new ones. This proactive approach, which began on Monday, June 17th, aims to keep rainwater away from the streets and prevent potential disasters. Bardalez is developing a strategic plan to clean and clear all drains in town and neighboring areas before a significant storm hits.
Community and Society
Middle Island Neighborhood Watch donates golf cart to San Pedro Police Northern Substation
The San Pedro Police Northern substation received a golf cart on Friday, June 14th, through a partnership with the Middle Island Neighborhood Watch, which secured the valuable donation. Councilor Jose Castellanos at the San Pedro Town Council also played a role in acquiring the golf cart, which is customized for the rugged terrain in northern Ambergris Caye. The vehicle will provide the unit in the north base with additional transportation to enhance and increase their patrols in the area.
Community and Society
San Pedro community celebrates Public Service Day with week-long activities
On June 23rd, Belize will observe the United Nations-sanctioned International Public Service Day. There are a series of activities organized nationwide to celebrate the special day. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Public Service Day Planning Committee arranged various events, including a church service, health walk, and public service information day. Activities will conclude on Friday, June 21st, with the annual Belize Public Service Awards, held on the island for a second time.