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Ambergris Caye Shines at Belize Tourism Awards
The Belize Tourism Board held its annual National Tourism Awards Gala on Saturday, 22nd October in Belize City. The signature event honored and celebrated the excellence of the industry’s top performers for 2022. Four out of the 13 awards handed out to tourism stakeholders around the country belonged to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye including Restaurant of the Year, Tour Guide of the Year, Tour Operator of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to San Pedro Airline Pioneeers
Mr. John Grief and Mr. Steve Schulte of Tropic Air were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Belize Tourism Awards that were held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Belize City. The awards is presented to those who have dedicated their lives to grow and develop Belize’s tourism industry. This awardee’s contributions are significant and have positively impacted Belize and the lives of countless Belizeans.
Caye Coffee Opens Outdoor Cafe at Hibisco
Caye Coffee’s new cafe brings the outdoors 'inside' at the new Hibisco residential project located in the Boca del Rio area. The beach, sun, sea and cool tropical breeze can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee, specialty iced coffee drinks and even some tasty treats.
Belize Recognized As One of World’s Friendliest Countries
Belize’s contagious, warm hospitality, stunning natural beauty, and cultural richness has earned the country international recognition as one of the most friendliest nations in the world. This outstanding recognition of the Jewel was announced this week in the Condé Nast 2022 Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards.
Hummingbird Furnishings Celebrates 35 Years of Belizean Furniture Making
Hummingbird Furnishings is one of those Belizean businesses that grew up from the ground with a lot of blood, sweat, tears and not to mention a lot of faith. Founder, owner and entrepreneur, Robert “Bobby” Lopez has come a long way as a businessman, from putting all his savings, hopes and dreams into a tiny workshop to start making furniture himself in 1987, today he boasts the Hummingbird Group Ltd, that includes Hummingbird Furnishings, Hummingbird Suites and Hummingbird Forest Products strongly established in Belmopan City.
Town Council Looks to Pave Nine Miles of Road for $22Mil
There is much complaining about the deteriorating conditions of the streets, with rain and traffic wreaking havoc on all unpaved streets and roads. Mayor Wally noted that road works have restarted with the Town Council’s acquisition of their own grader; plus one more is on its way in a few weeks. More filling, spreading and compacting is taking place already.
Town Water Reaching New Neighborhoods
Town Councilor Ernesto Bardalez (councilor responsible for public utilities) has been in constant works with Belize Water Services and his perseverance and collaborating are bringing water to neighborhoods that have long been without the convenience of running water. Most recently, water services have arrived in the Eiley Subdivision. One of the first roads is now accessible for water services and already meters have begun to be installed. Previously, access to water was given to new areas in San Pedrito Area and along the San Pedro Airstrip.
$3Mil More Coming for Boca del Rio Bridge Completion
Repairs to the second half of the Boca del Rio Bridge should be underway real soon; as soon as this week. Funding has been secured to commence the dismantling of the remaining old structure and build the new concrete second half of the bridge. Work will also include adding walkways to both sides, pedestrian crossings on both ends and general beautification of the area. Mayor Wally indicted that the toll fees are assisting with payments of the loan that will come out to about $5Mil when the project is completed.
Town Council Embarks on Ambitious Beach Reclamation
Lately it has been evident that various beach areas on the island have suffered from extreme erosion. It is not taking years or months to notice the significant loss of beach areas, but the Town Council is embarking on a long-term project to reclaim beach areas and make them more beautiful. Studies are being conducted to identify key problems of erosion and where to target proper solutions that include scientific research, professional assessment and implementation of eco-friendly restoration and long-term solutions for our eroding shores.
Olympic Figure Skating Icon Michelle Kwan Is U.S. Ambassador to Belize
From figure skating in the Olympics to a seat in politics: Retired ice skater Michelle Kwan will now serve as U.S. ambassador to Belize. The US Senate confirmed her for the role on September 29, after she was tapped by President Joe Biden for the gig last December. Kwan is one of the most decorated and recognizable faces in U.S. figure skating history. She won gold at the World Championships five times (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003), a silver medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and a bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Oceana Announces Belize’s ’22 Ocean Hero Awards Winners
During its 12th annual award ceremony held on Thursday, September 29th, 2022, Oceana recognized two extraordinary Belizeans as its 2022 Ocean Heroes. They are marine conservationist, Dr. Rachel Graham and marine ecologist, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts. During the virtual presentation of this year’s awards, Oceana’s Vice President Janelle Chanona, shared, “The Belizeans we’ve been honored to recognize as Ocean Heroes are testament to the fact that when the odds are against us, that is when our resilience rises. That is when we are our strongest.
BTB Honors Police Officer for Outstanding Work in Tourism
On World Tourism Day, September 27, 2022, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) honored PC 989, Rolando Tino Oh, as its Frontline Hero for the month of September. The award was bestowed on PC Oh for his outstanding work as a member of the Tourism Police Unit (TPU). PC Oh has been working with the TPU in San Ignacio for the past 18 years and dedicates himself to visiting the many tourism areas in western Belize. He conducts regular security checks at the various hotels/resorts and archaeological sites, many times working long-drawn-out hours into the night.
The Passing of a San Pedrano Friend
Many of the older folks in San Pedro are sure to remember Police Officer Valentine Smith popularly known as Smitty. Ambergris Today is sad to announce the passing of Officer Smitty in the United States of America where he had retired. Smitty served single handedly in San Pedro in the early 1970's. He will be remembered a very firm and disciplined officer. However, he was very fair with everyone and carried out his duties with integrity and nobleness. Smitty made friendships with the entire community of San Pedro and delighted in going fishing and playing billiards with his friends.
Two Sanpedranos Among Belizean Patriots Awardees 2022
Twenty distinguished Belizeans were honored at this year’s Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony on September 18, 2022, at Battlefield Park in Belize City.
Belize Chocolate Company Wins 2022 International Award
Belize Chocolate Company, wins the best overall in Americas with a GOLD award for their cocoa butter and a SILVER Award for their cocoa powder at the International Chocolate Awards for 2022 Americas competition. The prestigious International Chocolate Awards founded in 2012 is an independent competition recognizing excellence in fine chocolate making. As the world’s only fully independent international fine chocolate competition, their aim is to support companies producing fine chocolate.
San Pedro’s Edith Ruiz is Third Strongest in the Region
Edith Ruiz, of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and representing Belize at the 19th North American Powerlifting Competition in Panama City placed third in her division (57Kg Open). She took the bronze medal for Belize along with Alida Wright Sharp who took first place in her category (M2-52Kg). They received their medals on the first day of the competition, Monday, August 15, 2022, that runs until August 20.
Ashley Lightburn Crowned Miss Belize Universe 2022
Ashley Lightburn was crowned Miss Belize 2022 (Miss Universe Belize) on Saturday, August 13 at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City. The 25-year-old mathematician is an adjunct math lecturer at the University of Belize and a project management officer at a bank. She holds a degree in mathematics and currently pursuing her master's in international business administration.
Celebrity Spotting - Chase Chrisley Participates in Belize Fishing Tournament
Reality star Chase Chrisley of "Chrisley Knows Best" has been spotted in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. We are told that he is actually participating in the 6th Annual Grand Caribe Deepsea Classic that is taking place on the island this weekend. Chase was spotted at Losers Bar and Grille at the end of day 2 of fishing tournament enjoying the scenery and great island food. Chase is part of the Chrisley Knows Best, an American reality television series airing on the USA Network.
Belize Drops All Covid Travel Restrictions
After imposing some of the strictest entry rules in Central America, requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative test, and routinely issuing quarantine orders for those who tested positive on arrival, Belize is finally removing all of its Covid entry requirements, returning to a pre-pandemic state of normality.
Island Chefs Get Creative During Lobster Fest
San Pedro’s Lobster Fest may be over but that does not mean no more lobster on your dinner plates. The festival only kicked off lobster season in Belize that runs from July 2022 to February 2023, giving everyone a glimpse of the culinary magic that happens when lobster is around. Lobster Fest in San Pedro is unique to the other lobster festivals as chefs push themselves to create new and unique dishes to stimulate our tastebuds.