San Pedro Police Department

As the Easter weekend approaches, Belize is upholding strict regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Recent updates to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act have introduced important amendments.

On Wednesday, February 5th, the San Pedro Police Department conducted the destruction of a significant quantity of drugs by incineration. The substances destroyed included marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, and hashish. The operation took place at a location south of San Pedro Town. The drugs had been stored for several months and were the result of concluded cases, as well as items classified as 'Found Property.'

On January 18th, the San Pedro Police Department held its 2025 kickoff luncheon and award ceremony at the picturesque Boca Del Rio Park. During this informal gathering, Deputy Officer in Charge Inspector Darwin Serrano inspired the team with encouraging words and recognized their commendable efforts in 2024. He reflected on their achievements, highlighting the importance of teamwork and dedication.

In San Pedro Town, binge drinking is a widespread issue, and excessive alcohol consumption is often normalized. This has made alcoholism a significant public health concern. The island community urgently requires effective intervention and support services, as the consequences of excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems, strained relationships, and an increase in violent incidents and accidents.

Domestic violence is a controlling and coercive behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse. Many people suffer silently from various forms of domestic violence. In Belize, the patriarchal societal structure has led to a concerning statistic – 50% of Belizean women report being victims of intimate partner violence during their adult lives. This high proportion signifies that half of the women in Belize aged eighteen and over have experienced domestic violence but have not reported it. To highlight the plight of the substantial number of battered women in Belize, suggested ways exist for society to become more proactive and responsive to these victims' dire circumstances.

On Wednesday, June 5th, students in standard three through six at La Isla Bonita Elementary School completed a "Positive Engagement and Civic Education" project organized by the San Pedro Police Department and the Community Oriented Policing Unit. They were awarded for participating in the project, marking the end of their positive educational journey.

In partnership with God Cares Outreach, the Island Emergency Services (IES) recently donated personal protective equipment and supplies to various departments on the island. The purpose of the donation was to help protect the workers as they perform their duties, keeping them safe and minimizing the impact of hazards. The donated supplies included body bags, full-body gowns, face shields, gloves, KN95 masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizers.

Over Easter, locals and tourists in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, celebrated with religious events and beach activities. The celebrations took place in various locations across the island, including the popular Secret Beach on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye. Visitors began arriving on Thursday, March 28th, eager to enjoy the festivities on La Isla Bonita.