“San Pedro looks like a ‘City’ now” – is what I said this weekend while heading to Secret Beach. It had been some time since I drove up north and was surprised when I saw this large building with its mirrored-glass frontage. Hey, doesn’t it look like the Caribbean Tire buildings located across the country? Yup, San Pedro is getting its branch of Caribbean Tire Wholesale Ltd., we got confirmation of that. WOW! It’s slow season right now, but I can tell you that construction and development is not slowing down at all. Is it time to call San Pedro a “City”?
Sometimes I walk through downtown San Pedro and can hardly believe how much it’s changed. The streets I once knew as quiet and sandy are now paved and buzzing with golf carts, delivery trucks, and people from all over the world. The wooden houses I grew up around have given way to concrete buildings, boutique hotels, and modern storefronts. And while part of me misses the simplicity of the old days, another part of me feels a deep sense of pride, because this little island has grown into something remarkable.
Already Functioning like a City
San Pedro isn’t just a town anymore. In so many ways, it already functions as a city – vibrant, complex, and full of life. Over the years, our population has exploded. The island now rivals Belmopan, the capital of Belize, in size and that alone says a lot. From north to south, new neighborhoods have emerged where there were once mangroves and fishing docks. Schools are expanding, healthcare facilities have grown (on our way in having two hospitals), and businesses are flourishing. We even have public transportation now, something that was once unimaginable for island living.
San Pedro has become the beating heart of Belize’s tourism industry, not just because of our beaches or resorts, but because of the energy of our people. Every year, more families move here to build a life, more young entrepreneurs launch businesses, and more visitors arrive who fall in love with the island’s magic. It’s no longer just a destination; it’s an economic powerhouse for the country.
But with growth comes responsibility and that’s where the idea of “city” recognition becomes important. Official city status could mean access to more national resources, stronger infrastructure funding, and better long-term urban planning to help the island grow sustainably. It would allow for a more structured approach to housing, traffic, waste management, and utilities, issues that can’t be handled effectively under the limitations of a “town” system anymore.
Becoming a city could also bring a renewed sense of pride to our community. Imagine what it would mean for every San Pedrano, young and old, to say, “I’m from San Pedro City.” It’s more than just a title; it’s an acknowledgment of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve contributed to Belize’s progress. We’ve outgrown the town label in every measurable way, population, economic output, infrastructure, and cultural influence. The way San Pedro operates, it already is a city… we just haven’t called it one yet.
Still, I know growth comes with challenges. Traffic has become part of daily life, and sometimes the pace of development feels relentless. The island’s rhythm, once slow and easy, now moves faster than ever. But even with that, I can’t deny how far we’ve come. We’ve evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling hub of opportunity, innovation, and culture.
And maybe it’s time to start asking the question: Has San Pedro outgrown its title as a “town”? If we’re matching the population of Belmopan, driving the majority of Belize’s tourism revenue, expanding our infrastructure, and providing full-scale public services, then maybe “San Pedro City” isn’t just a dream. Maybe it’s the natural next step.
Of course, a name won’t change who we are. At our core, we’re still that close-knit island community that gathers for parades, helps our neighbors after a storm, and greets each other with warmth and familiarity. But recognizing San Pedro as a city would be acknowledging what we’ve already become, a thriving, dynamic home for thousands of people who make this island what it is.
No matter what we call it, I’ll always love this place, the old fishing docks, the early morning sea breeze, the laughter spilling out of beach bars, and the proud faces of those who helped build it all. San Pedro has grown beyond anyone’s imagination… and yet, it’s still home. Always will be.
