Tag:
Secret Beach
Business & Economy
Tourism Minister Pushes Back Against Proposed Accommodation Tax Increase
As opposition grows against a proposed increase in Belize’s hotel accommodation tax from 9% to 12.5%, Minister of Tourism Honorable Anthony Mahler has said he does not believe the timing is right. He noted that discussions have been ongoing for nearly two years but described the recent announcement of the proposal as premature.
Pageants & Beauty
Queen of the Bay Delegates Visit San Pedro Ahead of 81st Pageant
On August 27th, seven Queen of the Bay delegates, accompanied by reigning Queen Samantha Ramirez, visited San Pedro for the first time in nearly 20 years ahead of the 81st annual Queen of the Bay Pageant, set for August 29th. During their island visit, the group met with Senator Gabriel Zetina over coffee, toured the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and enjoyed lunch and recreational activities at The Water Park at Secret Beach.
Community and Society
Drainage for Newly Paved Streets Underway
Road upgrades continued across San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, bringing major infrastructure improvements to key arteries in several subdivisions, including Marina Drive and the southern road. While concrete street paving has provided relief to commuters who previously dealt with deteriorating road conditions, concerns remain about the lack of proper drainage systems in some newly paved areas.
Accidents & Disasters
Dry Heat Warning Issued Following Secret Beach Brush Fire
San Pedro Fire Department Chief Kenneth Mortis issued a verbal fire advisory on May 5th, warning that ongoing dry and hot conditions could lead to an increase in brush fires across Ambergris Caye, particularly in northern areas such as Secret Beach. The advisory followed a brush fire reported on May 3rd, where firefighters, assisted by water trucks, successfully contained an open-area blaze. No structures were damaged in the incident.
Community and Society
Triple R expands Caye Caulker operations with new ambulance
The Rickilee Response and Rescue team (Triple R) expanded its emergency response capacity in Caye Caulker by adding a fully equipped ambulance. The island-based emergency team, which also operates in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, welcomed the upgrade, noting that it will significantly improve their emergency response on La Isla Cariñosa, where they previously relied on a golf cart.
Community and Society
No New Dock Permits for One Year Under Government Moratorium
The Government of Belize has declared a one-year pause on issuing new permits for building docks, piers, and overwater structures in coastal and marine areas nationwide. The decision, confirmed during the Cabinet meeting on March 31st, aims to give authorities time to review and enhance regulations related to coastal development.
Community and Society
San Pedro Sees Calm Easter Weekend
The Easter weekend in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, from Friday, April 3rd to Monday, April 6th, saw locals and tourists celebrating the much-anticipated holiday period with a mix of religious observances and beachside activities. Despite the ongoing sargassum influx affecting sections of the coastline, holiday-goers were still able to enjoy various parts of the island. Activities were spread across the eastern beaches, while many residents and visitors gravitated toward the increasingly popular Secret Beach area on the northwestern coast.
Conservation
Minister of Sustainable Development Addresses Ambergris Caye’s Development Concerns
Ongoing concerns on Ambergris Caye about large-scale coastal developments deemed unsustainable have prompted a response from the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Honorable Orlando Habet. He noted the need for proper planning to determine the level of development suitable for areas like Ambergris Caye and other coastal communities across the country.