Tag:
Philip “Billy” Leslie
Conservation
BFFA and Stakeholders Fight to Save Key Fishing Flats, Including Cayo Rosario
On Monday, May 19th, the Belize Flats Fishery Association (BFFA) held a press conference in Belize City, calling on the Government of Belize to urgently intervene in the ongoing degradation of Belize’s vital mangrove forests, fishing flats, and other marine ecosystems. BFFA members and supporters highlighted their continuing opposition to tourism developments at Cayo Rosario, off the northeast coast of Ambergris Caye, and Sandfly Caye in southern Belize, projects they say pose severe environmental threats.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Opens Marine Education Center
On Wednesday, May 14th, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve officially opened its new Marine Education Center, located on the ground floor of its headquarters in downtown San Pedro. The long-anticipated event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including primary school students, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board, tour guides, local leaders, and specially invited guests. The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked the official opening of the education center to both guests and the public.
Police News
Two Charged for the Murder of Zinedine “Fish” Pinelo
Investigations from police on the murder of San Pedro resident Zinedine ‘Fish’ Pinelo, 26, have revealed that he may have intentionally gone to an area in Belize City where he was robbed and ultimately killed on Friday, May 9th. Police stated on Monday, May 12th, that they have detained two individuals in connection with this incident.
Community and Society
14 Tropic Air Employees Certified as Tour Guides
A class of pilots and staff from Tropic Air received their certificates after completing the National Tour Guide Training Program. A brief ceremony was held at the company’s corporate headquarters, during which representatives from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and trainer Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie distributed certificates to the participants. Fourteen department staff members undertook the course and can now apply for their Tour Guide licenses.
Community and Society
Graduate ceremony held for new San Pedro Tour Guides
A group of 43 islanders received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board after successfully completing the national tour guide training. A brief ceremony commemorating their achievement was held on Thursday, November 7th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The new tour guides, including several women, were joined by their families and friends to celebrate this significant milestone.
Conservation
San Pedro’s Annual Kids in Action Summer Camp Program is back!
The Youth Summer camp program, Kids in Action, is back in full swing, with 74 kids enrolled this year. The program, in partnership with the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI), started on Monday, July 8th, and will run through Thursday, July 18th. It offers ten incredible days of fun and knowledge enrichment for the young minds of Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
RRR hosts successful third annual Poker Run
The Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) team hosted their third annual Poker Run on Friday, March 9th to raise much-needed funds for their operations. The funds support RRR’s daily challenges in responding to medical emergencies in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The annual event saw the participation of many islanders who, along with generous donations, contributed to the grand total of BZ$40,000, benefiting the island’s volunteer-based emergency response team.
Education
First Tour Guide graduation ceremony held for 2024
A group of 36 residents from San Pedro have received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) after completing a four-month-long national tour guide training. A brief ceremony to commemorate the accomplishment was held on Friday, March 1st, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, with the presence of their family and friends.
