Honourable Anthony Mahler

Following the disappointing loss against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup qualifiers, the senior men's national football team is expected to see significant changes under the new Minister of Sports, the Honourable Anthony Mahler. The national team, known as the Jaguars, suffered a staggering 13-1 defeat in aggregate goals against Costa Rica, which is led by Mexican coach Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera. Since the loss, Belizeans have expressed their disappointment in the national team’s performance and are calling for changes. However, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), through its president, stated on Wednesday, March 26, that there are no major issues within the team, and any minor problems will be addressed.

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.

The proposed increase in entrance fees at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) from US$10 to US$20 has sparked controversy among tour operators and tour guides. They have voiced their concerns, questioning the HCMR management about the 100% increase and the need for a proper justification. HCMR has responded to these concerns, explaining the process that led to the new proposed entrance fee. It's important to note that the US$20 entrance fee was not a unilateral decision by Hol Chan but a collective one following a meeting with the heads of the associations representing tour operators, tour guides, and sports fishers, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.

On Wednesday, June 12th, tour operators and guides from San Pedro and Caye Caulker met to discuss the proposed fee increase at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) from US$10 to US$20. The attendees acknowledged that operational costs are rising and were open to an increase but requested a detailed analysis justifying the 100% raise. The HCMR management agreed to conduct a thorough study and provide a report to the stakeholders by Wednesday, June 19th, regarding the proposed fee hike to access the marine park.

The 29th Annual District 4250 Rotary Conference celebrated the diverse and united Rotary family in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, from April 25th to 27th. The event was a testament to the strong community and connection participants from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina shared.

The Ambergris Hope Hospital is officially open and provides crucial services to island residents and visitors. To celebrate this achievement, the private medical facility on the north part of Pescador Drive held a formal ceremony introducing its medical staff and services to a group of officials, residents, and guests.

After being closed for over three years, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) office branch in San Pedro Town re-opened on Monday, October 30th, during an official ceremony at the Sunset Boardwalk. The anticipated BTB satellite office on the island is now located at the international water taxi terminal at the Sunset Boardwalk. It will be essential for tour operators, tour guides, and other tourism stakeholders, who will now be assisted with their tourism queries and processes on the island without the need to travel to the mainland.

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has been without a Belize Tourism Board (BTB) office for over three years after it closed in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This office is essential for tour operators, tour guides, and other industry partners, and as a result, the closure has led to trips to the mainland for tourism queries. But those days are about to be a thing of the past, as on Thursday, October 5th, during a meeting with Tourism Minister Honourable Anthony Mahler, San Pedro stakeholders were informed that the BTB office would soon be re-opened.