Tag:
Belize Coast Guard
Community and Society
Two San Pedro officers complete national drill training program
Two San Pedro police officers, Hubert Joseph, attached to the Gang Intelligence Unit, and Jarrel Martinez with the island’s sub-formation, completed a Non-Commissioned Officer Drill Course on Wednesday, March 4th. The three-week course brought together participants from several police formations across the country, as well as members from the Belize Defence Force Volunteer Battalion and the Belize Coast Guard.
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.
Government
Belize’s Military Forces Undergo Change of Command
Belize’s two main military institutions, the Belize Defense Force (BDF) and the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), marked changes of command on January 29th during formal military ceremonies. Captain Gregory Soberanis assumed command of the Belize Coast Guard, while Captain Anthony Velasquez was appointed Brigadier General of the Belize Defense Force.
Health
Alma Pinelo Promoted to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard
San Pedro’s very own Alma Pinelo was promoted to Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) during a change of command ceremony held on Thursday, January 29th. The event also marked the appointment of Captain Gregory Soberanis as the new Commandant of the BCG. Soberanis was formally promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) as he assumed command, taking over from outgoing Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett.
Community and Society
San Pedro Fire Service Expands Safety Outreach in 2026
The San Pedro Fire Service has announced a safety outreach for the first quarter of 2026, focusing on community engagement, fire safety awareness, and improved fire response planning. The initiative will run from January through March and aims to strengthen overall community safety across the island.
Government
Coast Guard expands surveillance capability with Perimeter 8 drones
On December 1st, the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister officially handed over two Perimeter 8 Unmanned Aerial Systems and a full suite of office and operational equipment to the Belize Coast Guard. The handover, valued at BZ$322,705.75, took place in Belize City and is aimed at strengthening the enforcement and protection of Belize’s marine resources.
Accidents & Disasters
No Injuries Reported After Water Taxi Runs Aground in Southern Ambergris Caye
A routine boat trip that began in Chetumal, Mexico, and was bound for San Pedro Town on November 16th took an unexpected turn when a San Pedro Belize Express water taxi ran aground in shallow waters. The incident occurred near the Belize Coast Guard base shortly after the vessel departed the San Pedro International Terminal en route to Caye Caulker. No injuries were reported, and a second vessel was dispatched to safely transport passengers to the Caye Caulker port.
Conservation
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Belize’s Fisheries Enforcement Efforts
On November 11th, a validation workshop was held in Belize City for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan. The session emphasized the importance of developing an effective national strategy to protect Belize’s marine resources, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Belize Coast Guard, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and the Belize Fisheries Department.