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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.
Air Canada Resumes Nonstop Service to Belize from Toronto
The Belize Tourism Board just announced that Air Canada will resume flights to Belize from Toronto, Canada, starting December 4, 2022. The airline will offer nonstop seasonal service from Toronto on Sundays, then twice weekly in March 2023, using an Airbus A220- 300. Flights are currently open for reservations. The initial Sunday nonstop service is scheduled to depart Toronto at 9:30 a.m. and arrive in Belize City at 1:15 p.m. The flight will depart Belize City at 2:15 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 7:35 p.m.
Why Did Osocity Breakdown in Tears During Show in San Pedro
San Pedro was so excited for Osocity’s performance at the Dia de San Pedro Festival and it was evident with the large crowd that filled up the festival grounds. He was full of energy, very charismatic and clearly having a great time in San Pedro, Belize; the crowd loved him. But why did he break down in tears at the end of his performance? Osocity could not believe all the love he received from the people of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. He had this to say to his fans:
Pedro Fernandez in Concert for Dia de San Pedro Festival
Mexican superstar singer/actor Pedro Fernandez highlighted the Dia de San Pedro Festival for 2022 with a spectacular performance that included the special performance of a fantastic Mariachi band from Mexico City. He culminated the two days of festivities with a concert that delighted everyone in attendance.
The Second Time Was the Charm for Faith Edgar
She almost had it in 2019 when she placed first-runner up at the Miss San Pedro Pageant, but this time around Faith Edgar set to prove to herself and her peers that with hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve your goals. At the end of a fun-filled evening, she was selected as Miss San Pedro 2022.
Costa Maya Festival Says Yes to 2022
The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival committee has just given the green light for the festival to take place this year, stating that its importance and impact to the island’s and county’s economy are a huge benefit to the tourism industry. Festival dates are still pending to be announced.
Miss San Pedro Grace Brown Heads to Miss Belize Pageant
The Miss Belize Universe organization has announced that sеvеn соntеѕtаntѕ аrе vуіng tо bе thе title of Miss Belize Universe 2022. One of those contestants is the reigning Miss San Pedro, Grace Brown, who will be passing on her title to the next island queen on Friday, June 24, 2022.
Strengthening Enforcement of Tourism Operations within Hol Chan Marine Reserve
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, June 8, 2022. The Belize Tourism Board, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Tourism Police Unit signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding to improve the tourism enforcement activities taking place at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR), one of the most visited natural attractions in Belize.
First Ever Tourism Awards Held for San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council held the first ever Tourism Awards geared to honor key players in the tourism industry for Ambergris Caye. There were 15 nominees within five categories that were selected by a panel of judges picked by the Council committee. The event was held at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium, on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in honor of all the nominees with live music, food and entertainment.
Peace Corps Volunteers Return to Belize
On May 18, 2022, Peace Corps/Belize welcomed back United States Peace Corps volunteers to serve alongside community members across the country. Volunteers have not served in Belize since they were evacuated in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event marked the first time in the agency’s 60 year history that volunteers were evacuated from all global posts. Since that time, Peace Corps/Belize staff have continued to engage in professional development and training on diversity, equity and inclusion to better support volunteers and host communities.
First Belize International Music and Food Festival To Be Hosted in San Pedro
On Monday, May 23, 2022, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) unveiled plans for a two-day international music and food festival, which aims to showcase local and international musical artists as well as Belize’s exceptional cuisine. The launch took place at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City and was attended by key players in the music industry, including well-known local artists and DJs.