Tag:
Honourable Andre Perez
Community and Society
Relocated Artisan Market to Open Before Year-End
The relocation of the San Pedro Artisan Market is progressing steadily, with plans to inaugurate the new site before the end of 2025. The project aims to improve facilities for local artisans and enhance the tourist experience in San Pedro, in line with the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses while boosting tourism.
Community and Society
Truck Companies Consider Legal Action Over Downtown San Pedro Restrictions
A group of truck company representatives in San Pedro Town has retained legal counsel following new restrictions imposed by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The restrictions prohibit large and container trucks from traversing the downtown area. The restriction, publicly announced by the SPTC on April 30th, is being challenged as unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional in a letter issued by Belize City-based law firm Elrington and Company.
Community and Society
Groundbreaking ceremony held for Blue Economy Park in San Pedrito
On March 6th, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management held a groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Blue Economy Park in the San Pedrito area. In collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Councilor Jonnia Duarte, this project aims to beautify the area and create a safe and engaging space for children. The event marked a significant step toward enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and improving community facilities, aligning with the ministry’s and council's broader goals.
Conservation
Multimillion-dollar Blue Economy project approved by the World Bank to benefit Ambergris Caye
On Monday, February 3rd, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors announced that it had approved a new project called “Blue Cities and Beyond.” This initiative aims to support Belize’s Blue Economy by promoting the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic development while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods. Valued at US$32.23 million, the project will fund initiatives in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Punta Gorda in southern Belize.
Government
National Health Insurance program officially rolls out in Caye Caulker
The National Health Insurance (NHI) program now covers residents in all of Belize Rural South, which includes San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. The government program reached the Caye Caulker community on Friday, September 27th. A private clinic and a pharmacy signed contracts with the NHI to provide access to primary healthcare services and medication at a significantly reduced cost. The two accredited institutions are Dr. D’s Clinic and Prescription Value Pharmacy. To join NHI, Hicaqueños can register at these institutions with their Social Security Card. If their cards have expired, island residents can still register using their Social Security number.
Accidents & Disasters
The critical role of NEMO during national emergencies
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) was established in February 1999 and is the sole government department and authority responsible for keeping the country in a state of preparedness for an emergency, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, among other hazards. With its main headquarters in the Capital City of Belmopan, it operates across the country via local branches and coordinators.
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.
Business & Economy
Possible Hotel Tax increase in discussion
Following reports of a potential increase in the hotel tax from 9% to 12.5%, the tourism industry has expressed concerns. However, the Ministry of Tourism has clarified that this is part of a broader tax reform discussion, and no decision has yet been made.
