Community and Society
Sargassum Harvesters Prove Useful, but Community Partnership Still Needed
Record-breaking sargassum blooms affected coastal communities across Belize in 2025, including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According to regional data, more than 37.5 million tons of the brown seaweed were recorded in the Caribbean this year, placing heavy strain on shoreline management efforts nationwide.
Community and Society
Saca Chispas Field to Undergo Major Renovations in 2026
The Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, popularly known as Saca Chispas, located in downtown San Pedro, is set to undergo significant renovations in 2026. The facility is expected to be transformed into a modern, dome-like venue capable of hosting larger-scale sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. The upgrades will be commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and are projected to take approximately ten months to complete.
Community and Society
Children Receive Toys at Living Word Church Christmas Outreach
Living Word Church in San Pedro hosted its annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 24th at 7PM in the parking lot of Caribbean Chicken in the DFC area. The community-focused event brought together church members, families, and children for an evening of worship, performances, and gift distribution.
Community and Society
Give A Gift Hosts Third Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
The Give A Gift toy drive held its third annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 24th. The event was organized by Give A Gift founder Ernesto Lopez, with support from local sponsors and volunteers committed to bringing holiday cheer to children in need.
Community and Society
An Island Tradition: Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
The Christmas season is a festive time in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, eagerly anticipated by both islanders and visitors. One of the most popular holiday events is the annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, which this year took place on December 20th along the eastern shores of La Isla Bonita.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Council Hosts Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
The San Pedro Town Council hosted its annual Christmas toy giveaway on December 23rd at Central Park in San Pedro Town, Belize, bringing smiles to dozens of children and families during the holiday season. The event began at 10AM and continued until all toys were distributed. Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nunez, along with reigning Miley Chi, led the distribution, inviting families to collect free toys for their children.
Community and Society
Castillo’s Hardware Christmas Raffle Draws Five Lucky Winners
Castillo’s Do It Best Hardware Limited held its annual Christmas raffle for customers on Friday, December 19th, awarding five exciting prizes. In the weeks leading up to the draw, thousands of raffle tickets were placed in a barrel, with customers earning entries for every purchase or account payment.
Community and Society
BEL and CDB Sign USD 27.5 Million Loan & Grant Package for National Smart Metering Upgrade and Grid Modernization
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have announced the execution of a USD 27.53 million financing package, including a USD 27.2 million loan and a USD 330,000 grant, to implement BEL’s Power VIII Project, a nationwide Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative designed to modernise Belize’s electricity grid.
Community and Society
Christmas Parade Lights Up San Pedro Streets
The annual Christmas Parade in San Pedro Town rolled through the island on Sunday, December 21, 2025, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors who lined the streets to enjoy the festive spectacle. Organized by the San Pedro Town Council, the vibrant procession began in Boca del Rio and wound through the island’s main streets under clear evening skies.
Community and Society
San Pedro Families Enjoy Free Christmas Photo Sessions
Families in San Pedro Town received complimentary Christmas-themed portraits at Central Park on Thursday, December 18th, between 5PM and 8PM, during a community photo shoot led by local photographer Calib Cortez of Lit Media San Pedro. The event, promoted under the slogans “Because memories are the real gift” and “Every family deserves a memory,” drew residents to the heart of town for free professional photographs set against Central Park’s festive Christmas décor.
Community and Society
Consultation on New Domestic Violence Prohibition Bill Held in San Pedro
The Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs and the National Women’s Commission (NWC), continues its nationwide series of public consultations on the proposed Domestic Violence Prohibition Bill. On Wednesday, December 17th, the campaign reached San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where a consultation session was held at the former House of Culture. A small group of island residents attended, the majority of whom were police officers.
