Community and Society
Fundraiser Held to Assist San Marcos Fire Victims
A fundraiser to assist the family of Hilton Claasen and Ambar Ayala was held at Wayo’s Beach Bar in the Boca del Rio area on January 24th. Claasen and Ayala’s home was damaged by a fire on January 10th, prompting the community to come together in support.
Community and Society
Peaceful Protest Held in San Pedro Following Noralez Conviction
The family and supporters of former San Pedro High School (SPHS) teacher Alex Noralez held a peaceful protest in Central Park in downtown San Pedro on Wednesday, January 28th. The demonstration was organized to oppose Noralez’s conviction and sentencing in a sexual assault case involving high school students.
Community and Society
Shelley Huber Starts Free Culinary Training for Island Youth
San Pedro resident Shelley Arceo Huber has launched a free, hands-on cooking program for island youth. The two-day registration period was held on January 26th and 27th at El Torito Restaurant. The program targets students aged 13 to 17, with plans to introduce sessions for children ages 10 to 12. Organized under Mama Vilma’s Family Home NGO, the 12-week course will begin on February 9, 2026, and be held at Huber’s The Barge Hut Restaurant location.
Community and Society
Former BTL workers demand severance before $80 million SMART deal advances
The Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), a group representing more than 130 former Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) employees, held a press conference on January 26, 2026, at the BNTU Union Hall in Belize City. The group called for the payment of outstanding severance before BTL proceeds with its proposed $80 million acquisition of SpeedNet (SMART).
Community and Society
BEL rolls out new electricity metering system in San Pedro
A team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) held a stakeholder meeting in San Pedro Town on January 22nd to provide key updates on the ongoing deployment of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. The meeting, hosted at the Watermark Belize Hotel, detailed the implementation progress of the modern energy system, which is designed to give customers greater control over their electricity usage, among other benefits.
Community and Society
San Pedro Tackles Garbage Issues Through Enforcement and Community Cleanups
San Pedro continues to grapple with ongoing challenges in garbage and waste management as rapid development, population growth, and increased tourism place added pressure on the island’s infrastructure. From overflowing drums and illegal dumping to improperly placed construction materials, improper disposal has become a visible concern in both residential and commercial areas. In response, the San Pedro Town Council, along with community groups and volunteers, has intensified efforts through structured collection schedules, enforcement campaigns, public education, and island-wide cleanups to protect public health, the environment, and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
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.
Community and Society
Grim Reefer Claims Top La San Pedrana Wahoo Tournament
The fourth annual La San Pedrana Wahoo Tournament was held on January 17th and 18th at La San Pedrana Bar & Grill, located inside the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro Town. Organized by local fishing enthusiasts, the two-day event attracted 16 boats competing for top honors in catching and weighing wahoo.
Community and Society
Second Cohort of SPICE Program Graduates Nine Students
The San Pedro Institute of Culinary Education (SPICE) celebrated the graduation of its second cohort of island-trained cooks on Friday, January 17th, at Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town. A graduation ceremony and celebratory dinner were held at the school, where graduates prepared and served a three-course meal for guests. The program is expected to continue later this year with its third edition.
Community and Society
Archbishop Wright Visits San Pedro’s Holy Cross Anglican Church and School
On January 14th, Philip Wright, Archbishop Primate and Metropolitan of the Church in the Province of the West Indies and Lord Bishop of Belize, made his inaugural school visit as archbishop to Holy Cross Anglican Church and Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town. Rev. Canon Barbara Rosado accompanied him.
Community and Society
Community Conversations: Strategy First … Or Pay Later!
Belize’s economy continues to show signs of both opportunity and growth. However, businesses (organizations) still have to be mindful of inflationary pressures, labour constraints, and productivity gaps. Therefore, it is important to plan. If not, plan to fail. Planning, alignment, execution, and monitoring should be a priority for all organizations as much as opportunity, relevance and survival.
