Tag:
San Pedro
Business & Economy
Tourism Minister Says Ambergris Caye’s Infrastructure Needs Improvement
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is considered Belize’s premier tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The island, dubbed ‘La Isla Bonita,’ has even been called the country’s tourism mecca because of its popularity, beauty, and proximity to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. However, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Anthony Mahler, believes Ambergris Caye’s infrastructure requires significant improvements to continue meeting the demands of the tourism industry.
Community and Society
Belize Sargassum Task Force Prepares for 2026 Sargassum Season
The Government of Belize, through the National Sargassum Task Force (STF), has begun early preparations for the 2026 sargassum season, focusing on five priority coastal areas: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Placencia. The initiative launched on January 21st and is co-chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Diaspora Relations and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation.
Environment
Escalating Sargassum Crisis Affecting Both Economy and Environment
Belize’s coastal communities, particularly San Pedro, are facing an overwhelming influx of sargassum seaweed, which threatens marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Since early this year, beaches have been covered in thick mats of decaying seaweed. At the same time, nutrient-rich runoff from decomposing sargassum has led to a worrying increase in marine life mortality.
Community and Society
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, to form sister city partnership with Bacalar, Mexico
San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belmopan, and Bacalar, Mexico, have embarked on a sister city collaboration to boost tourism, promote cultural exchange, and advance sustainable development. The initiative took a significant step forward with a preliminary exchange on August 7th, during which the mayors of each municipality discussed actionable plans.
Community and Society
Sargassum May Become a National Emergency; Coastal Communities Continue Tackling the Influx
This year’s Sargassum influx has been considered one of the worst, as thick mats of the foul-smelling seaweed have blanketed shorelines along the Belizean coast. While the government is considering declaring it a national emergency, c
Business & Economy
Bowen and Bowen adjusts handling fees for the Cayes; announces beer shortages
On May 6th, Bowen and Bowen issued two separate press releases announcing an increase in handling fees for their products distributed in Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The company, which distributes beverages and other products, also reported a temporary disruption in beer supply following an unexpected power outage on May 5th. This outage stressed their control system, leading to equipment failure and affecting beer production in glass bottles.
Community and Society
BEL connecting Caye Caulker to National Grid via Submarine Cable
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is developing a project to connect Caye Caulker to San Pedro through a 34.5 kV submarine transmission line. This connection will integrate Caye Caulker into the national electricity grid, and the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Environment
DOE working towards enforcing all environmental laws in the Cayes
The Belize Department of Environment (DOE) has taken a significant step by opening a dedicated office in Ambergris Caye to protect the environment of San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Caye Chapel. This demonstrates the DOE's commitment to promoting sustainable development and actively participating in initiatives to preserve the island's crucial marine ecosystem.