What to Expect from New Airport Security Measures Following Hijacking in Belize

airport security belize

In response to the recent hijacking incident involving a Tropic Air aircraft, enhanced airport security measures have been rolled out at all domestic airline stations in Belize, with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both announcing stricter protocols to safeguard passengers, crew, and airport personnel. (Video at the end) Tropic Air, in a statement released […]

Pure Pride #1: Celebrating Our Mighty San Pedro Marching Bands

san pedro marching bands

This past weekend was nothing short of phenomenal here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. I had the absolute joy of attending the San Pedro Marching Bands Appreciation Show, an event organized to show love and support for our incredible San Pedro High School Marching Band and San Pedro Roman Catholic School Marching Band. And let […]

Two Separate Deaths by Falls from Buildings in San Pedro Under Investigation

deaths by falls

San Pedro police are investigating two separate deaths by falls this week involving men who fell to their deaths from buildings on the island. The first incident occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025, when a 40-year-old Mexican national, Hever Badal Torres, died after falling from a construction site in San Pedro. Around 1:00 p.m., Torres […]

Hijacked to Cuba

hijacked to cuba

– by Angel Nuñez, Author 25 Years Ago – The following adventure took place 30 years ago, involving Mr. John Greif Sr., San Pedro’s first airline pilot and father to Tropic Air’s Director John Greif III and Sea Gal’s Celi Jean Varela. He is a veteran of the L7S armed forces, serving as a fighter […]

A Wake-Up Call for Belize? What This Hijacking Means for National Security

tropic air plane hijacking belize

The shocking hijacking of a domestic Tropic Air flight, today, April 17, has sent ripples across Belize, not just as a tragic event, but as a wake-up call for national security. With one person dead, three injured, and a nation left stunned, many are now asking: how could this happen, and what needs to change? […]

Bucket Brigade to the Rescue, Firefighting Woes in San Pedro

bucket brigade assists firefighters in downtown san pedro

A bucket brigade saved the night – When I heard the news that a fire had broken out at Brunolito’s Ice Cream Shop, my heart sank. Fire in the most congested part of downtown San Pedro is never good; we have lost almost entire blocks in previous fires in town. The southern part of downtown […]

A Day of Elegance and New Beginnings at Aruna Resort and Villas

aruna resort and villas

There’s something special about ribbon cuttings – they signal not just the opening of a building, but the unveiling of a dream made real. I had the honor of being invited to the grand opening of Aruna Resort and Villas, San Pedro’s newest luxury escape tucked peacefully across the lagoon. And let me tell you: […]

Two Measles Cases Confirmed in Belize

two measles cases in Belize

Press Release – Government Press Office, Belmopan, April 13, 2025 – The Ministry of Health & Wellness informs the public of two confirmed positive cases of measles in Belize. The last confirmed case of measles was in 1991. The positive cases were identified in persons from the Corozal and Cayo districts who formed part of […]

First Look at the Future of Sargassum Control: Sargassum Harvesters for San Pedro

sargassum harvesters for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

On Friday, April 11, 2025, a clear and breezy morning, I joined community members, officials, and conservation leaders on the beach in San Pedro to witness the launch of the Sargassum Relief Project — a bold new initiative led by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. At […]

Power Restored in San Pedro After System-Wide Outages Caused by Dust and Salt Contamination

belize electricity limited power outages

Residents of San Pedro experienced multiple power outages overnight due to environmental contamination of power infrastructure, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) confirmed. The outages, which began around 6:35 p.m. on Monday, April 7, and lasted until 4:38 a.m. Tuesday morning, were attributed to a combination of light rain and heavy dust and salt accumulation on the […]

A Moment of Hope: Witnessing the Inauguration of San Pedro’s First Blood Storage Unit

ambergris hope hospital blood storage unit

Today, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly historic moment for our island—San Pedro’s first-ever blood storage unit was officially inaugurated at Ambergris Hope Hospital. As I stood among healthcare workers, community leaders, and everyday heroes who have helped make this possible, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and optimism […]

Cayo Rosario Development Given the Green Light Despite Public Concern

cayo rosario protest against illegal dredging and environmental practices

Belmopan, Belize. April 2, 2025. – The Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, has announced measures to enhance monitoring of the Cayo Rosario Project following a high-level meeting with key regulatory agencies. The meeting, which aimed to address growing public concerns over the project’s […]

Concerns Raised Over Waste Management Station Conditions in San Pedro

Waste Management Station San Pedro

Concerns over the state of the Waste Management Station in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, have recently been brought to light by locals in the area. According to reports, the situation at the station has become increasingly dire, with the overwhelming stench from the trash pile now causing health issues for workers at the nearby marina. […]

Celebrating the Women Who Inspire, Lead, and Transform Our Community!

champions of change awards women's month

In honor of Women’s Month, Hope Haven Belize proudly joins forces with Councilor Dianeli “Danni” Aranda, San Pedro Town Council’s dedicated advocate for women’s affairs, to shine a spotlight on the incredible women making a difference in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. For the past five years, this powerful partnership has celebrated women’s achievements, resilience, and […]

The Battle Against Cayo Rosario Development Continues

cayo rosario protest against illegal dredging and environmental practices

Here we go again. As if we haven’t already made it clear that the development at Cayo Rosario is unwanted. As if an entire website hasn’t been dedicated to protesting the dredging happening within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. As if this is the first time stakeholders have met with officials or staged on-site protests […]

FIN Tequila Blanco Launches in Belize: Tiburon Rum’s Latest Masterpiece

fin tequila blanco by Tiburon Rum of Belize

Belize’s spirits scene just got even more exciting with the official launch of FIN Tequila Blanco, a new premium tequila brought to life by the makers of Tiburon Rum. With its smooth, balanced profile and vibrant agave-forward taste, FIN Tequila is setting a new standard for tequila enthusiasts in Belize and beyond. The much-anticipated launch […]

New Minister Appointments Announced by PM John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceno Appoints Ministers

The swearing-in of newly appointed ministers will take place today, Monday, March 17, at the National Assembly in the nation’s capital Belmopan. Prime Minister John Briceño has advise Her Excellency Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam to make new appointments of Ministers of Government, pursuant to Section 40 of the Constitution. Additionally, he will recommend appointments […]

Burning Sunset Skies

Sunset on Ambergris Caye, Belize

Captured, is the transition from golden hour to deep amber skies as the sun falls to the horizon. A silhouetted fishing boat glides through the glassy, sun-stained waters of Ambergris Caye’s “Lagoon side.” If you’ve ever seen a Belizean sunset, you’re familiar with the magic of such a moment– the way the sky burns and […]

Andre Perez Secures Re-Election in Belize Rural South as PUP Wins Majority Nationwide

andre perez re-elected pup belize general elections

San Pedro, Belize – Andre Perez of the People’s United Party (PUP) has been re-elected as the Area Representative for Belize Rural South, securing a decisive victory over his opponents. Official results show Perez receiving 3,418 votes, while United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Manuel Heredia Jr. garnered 1,898 votes. Abner Bacab of the Belizean Justice […]

Looks Like Ambergris Caye Will Finally Have a Master Plan for Development

master plan for sustainable development for Ambergris Caye

Belize Unveils 20-Year Sustainable Development Master Plan for Ambergris Caye – The Government of Belize, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has completed a Strategic Plan aimed at guiding the sustainable development of Ambergris Caye over the next 20 years. The finalized draft will now be reviewed by the San Pedro Town Council […]

Royal Kahal Resort Closes Suddenly, Leaving Guests Stranded

royal kahal

San Pedro, Belize – The Royal Kahal Resort abruptly shut its doors on Friday, just two weeks after the unexplained deaths of three American women staying at the hotel. The sudden closure left arriving guests scrambling for alternative accommodations, while those already at the resort were reportedly relocated. An email sent to guests, some of […]

25 Best Moments of Carnaval 2025 in San Pedro

carnaval festivities san pedro

Carnaval in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, is truly one of a kind. Nowhere else will you find a festival quite like this—where the streets come alive with paint, color, music, dance, and pure joy. It’s a time when the town turns technicolor, with paint-covered revelers, extravagant comparsas, and endless laughter filling the air. As […]

Behind the Headlines: My Podcast Interview on Life and Journalism in Ambergris Caye

Podcast interview for Ambergris Today Anniversary

For the past 25 years, Ambergris Today has been documenting the ever-changing landscape of life on Ambergris Caye—celebrating achievements, covering important news, engaging with the community, and fighting to protect our environment. As a journalist, I’ve always preferred to be behind the camera, capturing and sharing the island’s stories. But recently, I stepped out of […]

Experience the Thrill of Skydiving Over Belize’s Great Blue Hole!

skydiving belize great blue hole

Imagine the adrenaline rush as you leap from a plane, free-falling over the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, with the Great Blue Hole—one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders—unfolding beneath you. Skydiving in Belize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering unparalleled views of the barrier reef, turquoise atolls, and vibrant marine life below. As […]

3 Jaw-Dropping Facts About the Kensho Superyacht Anchored Off Ambergris Caye

kensho superyacht ambergris caye belize

If you’ve been scanning the horizon off Ambergris Caye lately, you might have noticed an ultra-luxurious floating mansion anchored offshore. That’s none other than the Kensho Superyacht, a jaw-dropping, $110 million masterpiece that screams opulence. Built in 2022 by Admiral Yachts, this 247-foot beauty is designed for the ultra-rich, featuring every high-end amenity you can […]