Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez

After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.

In San Pedro Town, recent efforts have been focused on addressing significant drainage issues and improving road conditions, which have been worsened by flooding from Tropical Storm Sara. Under the leadership of Mayor Gualberto "Wally" Nuñez and Councilor Ernesto Bardalez, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is undertaking a multi-phase initiative to enhance drainage systems and pave roads across the island. Several neighborhoods, including San Pablo, DFC, and Escalante Marina Drive, have already experienced progress due to the ongoing road construction project. However, the lack of a proper drainage system on the newly paved roads continues to result in flooding in these neighborhoods, causing considerable discomfort for the residents.

The law firm Barrow and Williams has filed a lawsuit against San Pedro Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, representing two clients: Brittney O'Daniel, the first claimant, and Corner Lot Limited, the second claimant. The Mayor is accused of abusing his office, engaging in bad faith, and deliberately and unlawfully demanding financial compensation and other quid pro quo arrangements from O'Daniel.

On Wednesday, October 30th, Taiwanese Foreign Minister His Excellency Dr. Lin Chia-lung concluded his official visit to Belize with a stop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. His government is financing the construction of the San Pedro and Caulker General Hospital. During this visit, Dr. Chia-lung, accompanied by his delegation and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Her Excellency Lily Li-wen Hsu, received a construction site tour to assess the progress. They were also joined by Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Able Francis Fonseca, and Prime Minister Honorable Dr. John Briceño.

On Thursday, October 17th, Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez and his team conducted a meeting at the San Pedro Town Council office on the implementation of new garbage collection and trade license systems. Chairlady Seleny Villanueva from the Caye Caulker Village Council attended the meeting and joined the discussion on managing garbage routes, rates, and payment obligations. The conversation addressed application procedures and highlighted the differences between their operations as a town and a village, along with regional meeting protocols.

The ongoing traffic congestion in San Pedro Town is expected to significantly decrease by April 2025, when large trucks (such as dump and sand trucks) and container vehicles will no longer be allowed in the downtown area. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) made this announcement regarding traffic management on the island on Tuesday, October 22nd. They clarified that trucks transporting fill material must avoid downtown—from the southern gas station to the Boca del Rio Bridge—and instead transport their cargo via designated barge routes.

On Tuesday, October 8th, around 7PM, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) held an educational session in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government to inform the public about upcoming regulations for trade licenses. These new rules will take effect from January 1st, 2025. The management of trade licensing in Belize will be governed by the revised Licensing Act, Chapter 66, and its associated regulations. The updated framework aims to enhance the business environment by incorporating essential principles and simplifying the application process to ensure predictability, accountability, transparency, revenue neutrality, and streamlined administration within the legal and regulatory structure.

Eighteen golf carts were brought to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, without the required permits. The San Pedro Traffic Department, in collaboration with the office of Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, intercepted them at the barging marina. The vehicles were taken to a holding area for further inspection. Eight of the golf carts have been removed from San Pedro, and fines will be issued to those liable for the illegal importation of vehicles to the island.