Community and Society
Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye assists island preschool with air-conditioning unit
On August 13th, New Horizon Pre-School in the Escalante Subdivision received an air-conditioning (AC) unit thanks to assistance from the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye. The club collaborated with local stakeholders to carry out the project, which aims to alleviate heat-related concerns and provide students with a cooler, more comfortable learning environment.
Community and Society
Police Investigate Early-Morning Shooting in San Pedrito
A 26-year-old fisherman was shot and wounded in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town during the early hours of Sunday, August 16th. The victim, identified as John Hernandez, was taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II shortly after 4AM after suffering gunshot injuries. He was treated for wounds to his upper left shoulder and left leg and is reportedly in stable condition and recovering.
Community and Society
Improperly Bagged Garbage Continues to Create Challenges for San Pedro Sanitation Crews
On August 12th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) renewed its appeal to residents and businesses, asking the community to properly bag and secure waste to assist sanitation crews across the island. The reminder from the council's operations team comes amid intensified collection efforts, with crews working extended hours to keep up with the volume of garbage generated in San Pedro.
Community and Society
Inspector Lemus Talks Crime, Youth and the Future of Policing in San Pedro
On August 8th at 10AM, San Pedro Town Councilor Dianeli Aranda sat down with Inspector George Lemus on her “Coffee with Danni” program for a wide-ranging discussion about crime, youth, tourism, and community trust in San Pedro. The interview focused on Lemus’ role as Acting Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Formation and what the department is doing to keep the island safe.
Community and Society
Miss Universe Belize 2026 Delegates Arrive in San Pedro for Historic Pageant Week
The Miss Universe Belize 2026 delegates arrived in San Pedro on August 10th, touching down aboard Maya Island Air and receiving a traditional Garifuna drumming welcome. The island will host the national pageant for the first time. That evening at 7PM, a meet-and-greet at Mahogany Bay Village Resort kicked off pageant week, allowing residents and visitors to meet and interact with the contestants ahead of the pageant on August 15th, also at Mahogany Bay.
Community and Society
Holy Cross Gets a Fresh Look Thanks to Quickstop Volunteers
On Sunday, August 9th, Quick Stop staff volunteered at Holy Cross Anglican School, carrying out several improvement projects from 8AM to 4PM. The activity formed part of the company’s corporate community outreach initiative. With assistance from school faculty, the Quick Stop team painted picket fences and structural beams and decorated chalkboards in the infant division.
Community and Society
Team Robb’s Red Rumm Wins 2026 San Pedro Classic Fly-Fishing Tournament
From August 6th to the 8th, San Pedro once again celebrated community, conservation, and sport during the annual San Pedro Classic Fly-Fishing Tournament. A total of 22 teams participated this year, competing for permit, bonefish, and tarpon on the island’s pristine fly-fishing flats. At the end of the three-day competition, Team Robb’s Red Rumm emerged as the champions. The team also claimed the grand prize last year, when competing under the name One Shot Willy’s.
Business & Economy
SFXCU hosts first Educational Business Expo in San Pedro
The St. Francis Xavier Credit Union (SFXCU) San Pedro branch held its first Educational Business Expo at Central Park on August 6th, drawing local businesses, government agencies, and community members to learn more about member services, financial products, and protections.
Community and Society
Travelers to Pay New BZ$10 Security Fee at Municipal Airports
On Wednesday, August 5th, the Government of Belize, through its weekly Cabinet Brief, announced the introduction of a BZ$10 aviation security fee. The fee will apply to every departing passenger traveling through any municipal airport in Belize. It will take effect once the Minister responsible for the Civil Aviation Department, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, signs the required Statutory Instrument. As of press time, the Prime Minister had not commented on the announcement, and no date has been set for the signing of the Statutory Instrument.
Community and Society
Community Oriented Policing Office Harris Gabourel Promoted to Corporal of Police
San Pedro Police Constable (PC) Harris Gabourel, who has served for several years in the Community Oriented Policing Office, has been promoted to the rank of Corporal of Police. His promotion also places him in charge of the unit, where he will continue to champion community policing initiatives, foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public, and work collaboratively with island residents. He also works closely with the business community, schools, and organizations to promote public safety and enhance the quality of life in San Pedro.
Community and Society
17-Year-Old San Pedrano Ruben Trejo Jr. Successfully Completes International Cross-Country Flight
On Tuesday, August 4th, San Pedro's Ruben Trejo Jr. landed at the island's John Greif II Municipal Airport after completing his first international cross-country flight alongside his instructor, Joel Hernandez of El Salvador. Trejo, 17, studies at Aerosal Aviation School in El Salvador, training to become a pilot, and recently completed his first solo flight. He is among the youngest people to land an aircraft on Ambergris Caye.