Tag:
Department of Environment
Community and Society
San Pedro Building Unit goes entirely online
As of October 1st, anyone in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, needing to reach out to the Building Unit for a building permit will be required to do so online. According to the San Pedro Town Council, all building permit applications are to be submitted via email to [email protected]. The Building Unit can also be contacted via WhatsApp at 673-2197.
Environment
Belize Authorities respond to the Grounding Incident of Motor Vessel Herca-1
On 26th March 2023, the Belize Port Authority responded to a marine incident involving a 98.25 meters Panamanian-registered general cargo vessel "HERCA-1". The vessel was transiting Belizean waters en route to Port Everglades from their last port call in Puerto Cortes. The vessel is carrying containers and break-bulk cargo.
Environment
Sailboat stuck on reef may not be removed
A 35-foot sailboat named ‘Ramblynn,’ which ran aground on the reef in the Tranquility channel off Ambergris Caye in March this year is likely to remain there forever.
Crime
Past island investor’s company in the U.S. raided in alleged Ponzi scheme
The company of a Steve Parish in Kansas, United States (U.S.), which relates to real estate deals in Belize, has reportedly been raided and shut down. According to reports, a restraining order was issued for possible links with an alleged fraudulent investing scam. Parish was not found during the raid, and while U.S. authorities claim that he did business in Belize, the only records showing such a name was an unauthorized construction development on the northwestern part of Ambergris Caye, near Secret Beach. The project was issued a cessation order from the Mining Unit in November 2019 after discovering that the high scale dredging within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) had no permits.
Community and Society
The fate of shipwrecked immigrants in Belize
Over the years, shipwreck survivors have unintentionally ended up on Belizean shores. Whether they run aground on the barrier reef, experience engine trouble, or drift off course, the treatment from Belizean authorities, according to reports, is inconsistent. According to recent incidents, some are cleared and allowed to leave after being assisted, while others are imprisoned, and arrangements are made for their removal from the country.
Environment
Assessment on sailboat stuck on reef by Tranquility area reportedly shows no damage to the reef
An update from the Department of Environment (DOE) on the sailboat named 'Ramblynn' still stuck on the reef in the Tranquility channel area off the north coast of Ambergris Caye revealed that there is no damage to the coral reef. The vessel has been there since March 17th and reportedly only hit solid rock. The next step from DOE and the Belize Port Authority is to find a safe way to remove it before it could cause any damage or obstruction to other navigators.
Accidents & Disasters
Sailboat runs aground on reef off Ambergris Caye
On Thursday, March 17th, a sailboat named ‘Ramblynn’ was observed stuck on the reef in the Tranquility Channel area off the north coast of Ambergris Caye. The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) responded to the distressed vessel, helping a male Canadian National aboard identified as Glen Peter. Peter was reportedly traveling along the Belizean coast from Mexico, heading south to Guatemala.
Community and Society
Residential areas could soon face garbage collection fees; SPTC warns against illegal dumping
The garbage issue continues to be a big problem on Ambergris Caye, and according to the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), a large chunk of their budget goes towards tackling this growing issue. As a result, the SPTC is experiencing an increase in trash disposal expenses, and the administration is debating whether to start charging garbage fees in residential areas. Currently, only businesses are charged for garbage collection. The town council also warns residents of illegal dumping and to refrain from using hazardous waste as landfill. Property owners failing to adhere could be penalized with fines for not complying.
