Community and Society
Violence against women is pervasive in the Americas, new estimates show
Violence against women and girls continues to be a serious and persistent problem in the Region of the Americas, according to new estimates presented today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN partners. The data, released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, reveal that one in three women aged 15 and older in the Region has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in her life.
Community and Society
San Pedro Prepares for Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
San Pedro Town is gearing up for its dazzling annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 20th. Organized by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association, the event invites boats adorned with shimmering lights to cruise along the coastline after sunset, creating a magical tropical holiday experience for residents and visitors.
Community and Society
PACT Donates IT Equipment to Strengthen Municipal Climate Planning
On November 11th, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) officially handed over Information Technology (IT) equipment to all seven towns and two cities during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Sustainable Development Auditorium in Belmopan. Municipalities, including San Pedro, received laptops, monitors, mice, and licensed geographic information system (GIS) software to support improved urban planning and climate resilience efforts.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro celebrates 2025 Garifuna Settlement Day
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s Garifuna community joined the national celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day with vibrant drumming, soulful dances, traditional food, and the symbolic Yurumein, the re-enactment of the Garinagu’s arrival in Belize in 1802. This year’s public and bank holiday, observed on November 19th, was celebrated under the theme “Wabaronguóun lidan Garifunaduáü: iúnrahei warasan, agahabuda lun sánsiguaü, inebesei lun wanichigu,” which translates to “Garifuna Moving Forward: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Change, Strengthening Identity.”
Community and Society
The Duchess of Edinburgh Concludes Regional Tour in Belize
After visiting Peru, Panama, and Guatemala, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Rhys-Jones, arrived in Belize on Sunday, November 16th, for a three-day official visit. Representing the British Crown, Her Royal Highness explored Belize’s diverse and dynamic society, learned about national efforts to protect the natural environment, visited the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), and participated in Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations on November 19th. Her agenda also included engagements focused on eye health, the empowerment of Indigenous women, and discussions on strengthening bilateral ties between Belize and the United Kingdom (UK).
Community and Society
Ocean Academy High School Faces Flooding Crisis Amid Rainy Season
The ground floor of Ocean Academy High School in Caye Caulker Village was severely flooded this past week following heavy rains, rendering several classrooms unusable and disrupting student learning. The flooding affected the only high school on the island, raising concerns among teachers, students, and parents.
Community and Society
North Ambergris Caye Roads Draw Growing Complaints from Residents
Residents of north Ambergris Caye continue to voice deep dissatisfaction with the deteriorating condition of the North Road, citing persistent flooding, potholes, and heavy truck traffic that further damages the unpaved surface. The Ambergris North Alliance (ANA), formed in October 2024, has emerged as the primary advocate for affected residents, raising concerns about the worsening impact on daily life, safety, and tourism. Meanwhile, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) says it is steadily working through road improvements across the island, including northern areas.
Community and Society
National Children’s Parliament Debates Adolescent Preventative Health Bill
On November 14th, the House of Representatives and the Senate convened, but this time, elected officials did not occupy the seats. Instead, students from across Belize took charge of the annual National Children’s Parliament, an initiative that allows young people to experience governance firsthand. This year’s central topic was the Adolescent Preventative Health Bill, which the student parliamentarians debated with maturity, confidence, and respect.
Arts & Culture
San Pedro High School Celebrates Belize’s Ethnic Diversity with Cultural Day
Despite the heavy rains that had been affecting the country for days, San Pedro High School (SPHS) students and teachers held another memorable Cultural Day. The annual event highlights the historical migration of various ethnic groups that have made Belize their home. Classroom presentations featured students dressed in cultural attire and elaborate displays celebrating the journeys and evolution of the Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese, and Lebanese communities. This year also included a separate day dedicated to cultural dance performances.
Community and Society
Taxi Group Objects to Public Transport Airport Pickups
The San Pedro Taxi Association is raising serious concerns over the newly introduced public transportation system, claiming it is affecting their business and operating outside the conditions of its permit. The issue escalated after public transport operators were reportedly seen picking up passengers directly from the island’s airports, an activity not authorized under the terms of their current permit. This was confirmed by officials from the San Pedro Traffic Department, who stated that airport pickups are not included in the permissions granted.
Community and Society
San Pedro Recognizes Industry Leaders at 2025 Tourism Awards Gala
San Pedro’s tourism community gathered in style for the fourth annual Tourism Awards Gala at the Holiday Hotel on November 15th, with guests arriving at 7PM and the ceremony officially commencing at 8PM. Hosted by Gerry Badillo and Miley Chi, Miss San Pedro 2025, the event celebrated the dedication and achievements of local industry leaders, bringing together stakeholders, nominees, and supporters for an evening of recognition and appreciation.
