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Social Security Board
Environment
Opposition Emerges Over Proposed International Airport on Ambergris Caye
The proposed development of an international airport north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some islanders support the initiative, others have begun voicing opposition. An online petition has been launched to gather signatures against the project, which would allow private jet owners to fly directly to Ambergris Caye from international destinations.
Government
Government Confirms Plans for International Airport in Northern Ambergris Caye
The proposal for an international airport in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, continues to advance, with the site selected in the northern part of the island. Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez said the government has approved the project, and the airport will accommodate regional flights and private aircraft.
Health
SSB moves sickness benefit claims entirely online
Starting December 1, 2025, the Social Security Board (SSB) will transition the Sickness Benefit claim process to an online-only format nationwide. All claims must be submitted through the My Social Security Self-Service Portal (ssbportal.org.bz). Additionally, walk-in, paper submissions will no longer be accepted at branch offices.
Government
Cabinet Brief for August 28, 2025
Cabinet, at its meeting on August 26th, supported a proposal for the Social Security Board to gain direct access to the Central Bank’s payment system to reduce high bank charges. It also noted the U.S. decision to suspend duty-free exemptions for low-value shipments, leading the Belize Postal Service to suspend certain packages to the U.S. effective August 27th. Updates were provided on Belize’s role in the ICJ climate change opinion, progress on the Green Belize reforestation project, rural electrification plans, and the launch of September Celebrations under the theme “Belize @44: Stronger Together, Rising Forever.
Environment
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Launches Sargassum Relief Project with Two Harvesters
On Friday, April 11th, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve held a ceremony to officially launch its Sargassum Relief Project at Boca Del Rio Park in San Pedro Town. This marks a significant step in combating the ongoing sargassum invasion affecting the island's coastline. A key highlight of the event was the presentation and demonstration of two state-of-the-art modified harvesters designed to collect and remove sargassum efficiently before it reaches the shore.
Community and Society
Islanders benefit from Identity and Integration Hub mobile clinic held on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker residents had the opportunity to update their documents through an Identity and Integration Hub mobile clinic held on Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14th. The event, organized through a partnership with the Office of the Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, included services from the Immigration Department, Vital Statistics, Social Security Board, and foreign embassies, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Environment
Sargassum Skimmers acquired for Ambergris Caye
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and other beaches across the country are currently dealing with an influx of Sargassum seaweed, and stakeholders and sanitation personnel of the San Pedro Town Council face challenges in removing the brown algae. On Wednesday, May 15th, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez announced that two sargassum skimmers had been acquired and are now in the country. These skimmers, or harvester machines, are part of a collaborative project with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. They are boat-like machines designed to capture sargassum at sea before it reaches the shoreline.
Environment
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s plan to combat sargassum yet to be implemented
The beaches of San Pedro and many others across the country have been experiencing a heavy influx of brown algae known as sargassum in the past few weeks. This inconvenience makes the shoreline unattractive as the seaweed rots and threatens the island's tourism industry. To address this problem, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) plans to obtain a "Harvester Machine" to help overcome the sargassum problem.