Doña Tomasita Gomez was laid to rest on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after funeral services at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church. The was born on March, 15, 1926 and passed on July 29, 2026, living a full life at 100 years of age. Read more about her life and the legacy she left behind by Clicking Here.

The following is Doña Tomasita Reymunda Gomez’s Eulogy that was read by son Einer Gomez:

Mamita: “Son, in this world, every one of us is an example. Make sure you are a good example.”

Those were the words my mother spoke to me one day when I was a teenager and had gotten into trouble. They stayed with me throughout my life and helped shape the person I am today. She did not simply speak those words—she lived them every day. She was a good example to her family, her Church, and her community.

Our beloved mother, Tomasita Gomez, was born here on Ambergris Caye on March 15, 1926. She grew up in the village of San Pedro with her parents, Josefa and Punciano Guerrero, and her eight brothers and sisters: Cecilia, Dalinda, Clelia, Eloysa, Sylvia, Victorio, Horacio, and Efraín.

They were a close-knit family, rich in culture, grounded in faith, devoted to their community, and deeply respectful of one another. The Guerrero family was one of the pioneer families who helped shape the San Pedro we know today.

From a very young age, our mother was curious, eager to learn, and determined to better herself. She dreamed of becoming someone who could serve others and contribute to the town she loved so dearly. As a young woman, she joined the church choir, where she strengthened her Catholic faith, built lifelong friendships, and began what would become a lifetime of service to her Church and community.

On December 17, 1950, she married Ernesto Gomez, the love of her life. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage and built a beautiful family. They were blessed with three children: Nellie, Neto, and me, Einer. She loved and was deeply proud of her daughters-in-law, Millie and Mari, whom she embraced as daughters. From those marriages came six wonderful grandchildren: Elina, Neti, Emily, Eddie, Alejandra, and Einer Alberto. Later came six great-grandchildren: Lainey, JJ, Raúl, Xander, Azriel, and Ernestito, who filled the later years of her life with joy beyond measure.

Our mother was a woman of extraordinary patience and unwavering faith. She was respected throughout our town for the many skills she taught herself—not only to provide for her family, but to serve others and bring happiness to the people of San Pedro.

She was a seamstress who made beautiful wedding dresses for many young women.

She was a hairdresser, known for giving Toni permanents.

She pierced the ears of countless little girls in our community.

She decorated cakes for every imaginable occasion.

Yet above all these talents, her greatest passion was her Church.

Doña Tomasita Gomez and the Church

Tomasita Gomez became a member of the Sisters of Mercy, and through that ministry she introduced countless families to the devotion of the Divine Mercy. Many of us proudly wore the Miraculous Medal she gave us and treasured the little prayer books she lovingly distributed. She faithfully led many novenas and prayer gatherings dedicated to the saints of our community. She had a very special way of praying the Rosary.

People followed every word with devotion and always waited to hear her end with those familiar words:

“Good night.”

Even today, I can still hear her voice saying them. Our mother believed deeply in education. She made great sacrifices to ensure that the three of us received a good education—not only so we could succeed in life, but so we could contribute to the growth of our town and our country. In those days, that was a sacrifice few families could make.

To her nieces and nephews she was lovingly known as Aunt Tam. She was a treasured aunt, always ready with wise advice, strong values, and an incredible sense of humor. She loved to laugh. And what a contagious laugh it was. The kind that made everyone laugh until their stomach hurt and tears rolled down their cheeks—especially when she was the one telling the joke.

Today, a beautiful chapter in our family’s history comes to a close. Until her very last day, her mind remained remarkably clear. She remembered people, places, and events with astonishing detail. With her passing, an entire generation also comes to an end. Our mother was the last surviving member of the Guerrero family of her generation. Few families are blessed to have two daughters reach one hundred years of age. The Guerrero family received that blessing through Cecilia and Tomasita.

Today we bid farewell to the last member of that unforgettable generation. But while one chapter closes, another continues. Her legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and learning from her example.

Only a few months ago, our entire community came together to celebrate her 100th birthday. Family and friends gathered to honor an extraordinary woman whose life was filled with faith, friendship, kindness, and peace. Today we gather once more—not to celebrate one hundred years—but to celebrate her greatest victory: Her return to the Father’s House.

From Heaven, she will continue guiding us to do what is right.
Today we celebrate a life beautifully lived.
A life for which we have so much to be thankful.

Fr. Eduardo & Father Zack. thank you. Your prayers, your words of comfort, and your guidance in helping us accept this great loss have brought us peace and strengthened our faith in the Lord.
We feel truly blessed.

Dr. Lucio, thank you.

Nurse Cora, you are the best!

Billy Leslie @ RRR. You were there when we needed you.

Judith and Chaby, You lovingly trained yourselves to care for our mother with patience, compassion, and dignity. You were truly sent by God. Our family will always be grateful.

To the Brothers of the Eucharist, The joy, hope, and peace you bring to families every Sunday are beyond measure. My heart always softened as I watched you leave the church carrying Holy Communion to those, like our mother, who waited each Sunday with joyful anticipation for your visit. In my mind, I would always think: “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war.”

To our dear cousins, May the Guerrero legacy continue to live on. May we always remain united, loving one another as the family we truly are. To our entire community, Thank you. Thank you for the love, admiration, and respect you always showed our mother.

My brother, my sister, and I will remain forever grateful. Today we say goodbye to our beloved mother with hearts overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for a life filled with love, sacrifice, wisdom, and unwavering faith in our Lord. Mom, thank you for teaching us that the greatest inheritance anyone can leave is not wealth or possessions, but the example they set by the way they live.

Today we understand your words better than ever: “Son, in this world, every one of us is an example. Make sure you are a good example.”

That was your legacy.
That was the example you left for all of us.
And as long as each of us lives, your example will live on through us.

Goodbye, our beloved mother.

Thank you.

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The countdown has officially begun for one of San Pedro’s most anticipated annual events as the Miss San Pedro Pageant 2026 has unveiled its four delegates who will compete for the prestigious crown on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Representing the beauty, intelligence, and spirit of San Pedro Town are Samantha Ayala, Elizabeth Grace Sánchez, Kami Valencio, and Bessy González. Over the coming weeks, the contestants will embark on an exciting journey filled with community service, official appearances, rehearsals, personal development activities, and preparations leading up to pageant night.

Miss San Pedro Contestants

Delegate #1 – Samantha Ayala

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Ayala is a recent graduate of San Pedro High School with a passion for fashion, makeup, modeling, and community service through the San Pedro Cadets, where she serves as a Junior Cadet Instructor.

Samantha says representing San Pedro means giving back to the community that helped shape her while inspiring young people to believe in themselves and lead with integrity. She looks forward to challenging herself, growing as a leader, and bringing the discipline and confidence she has developed through the cadets into the competition.

Delegate #2 – Elizabeth Grace Sánchez

Twenty-year-old Elizabeth Grace Sánchez is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Galen University.

Describing herself as confident, passionate, and determined, Elizabeth hopes to honor the island that raised her while encouraging young girls to dream big and believe in their potential. She is especially excited about building friendships with her fellow contestants and strengthening her connection with the San Pedro community throughout the pageant experience.

Delegate #3 – Kami Valencio

Another recent San Pedro High School graduate, Kami Valencio, is also a dancer with the school’s renowned Marching Band.

Known for her energetic personality and love of making people smile, Kami sees the pageant as an opportunity to become a positive role model for San Pedro’s youth. She hopes to encourage others to pursue education, sports, the arts, and leadership while embracing the chance to perform on stage and grow in confidence.

Delegate #4 – Bessy González

Eighteen-year-old Bessy González recently graduated from Tri-Cities Christian Academy and is currently studying Business Management, with plans to also pursue a career in Nursing.

Bessy says representing San Pedro is about celebrating the island’s culture, resilience, and kindness while serving as an ambassador for the community. Throughout the competition, she looks forward to personal growth, building lasting friendships, and using the platform to make a positive difference.

The Miss San Pedro Pageant has long been one of the island’s premier events, celebrating not only beauty but also leadership, community involvement, and personal development. As the delegates begin weeks of preparation, residents can expect to see them participating in numerous activities leading up to the grand pageant on August 29.

Ambergris Today wishes all four young women the very best on this exciting journey. Congratulations to Samantha Ayala, Elizabeth Grace Sánchez, Kami Valencio, and Bessy González as they proudly represent the future of San Pedro. Best of luck to each of you!

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If you had told me 20 years ago that I could live on Ambergris Caye without needing to drive into downtown San Pedro for groceries, hardware, a haircut, lunch, or just about anything else, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Yet here we are.

Living just adjacent to the DFC area, I often find myself realizing that days, even weeks, can go by without having to make a trip into town. Everything I need is right here. That says a lot about how much this community has grown.

Welcome to what I jokingly call DFCity.
And honestly, it doesn’t feel like much of a joke anymore.

From Housing Project to Thriving Community
When the DFC subdivision was first established, it served a simple purpose: to provide affordable housing opportunities for Belizean families. Few could have imagined what it would eventually become; today, DFC has grown into one of the largest residential communities on Ambergris Caye, and it continues expanding every year.

Drive through its streets today and you’ll quickly notice something: this isn’t simply a neighborhood anymore; it’s a community with its own heartbeat.

Everything You Need is Right Here in DFCity

One of the biggest signs that DFC has matured is the incredible variety of businesses that now call it home.

Need groceries?
There are multiple supermarkets.

Need your vehicle repaired?
Mechanic shops are scattered throughout the area.

Want fresh bread?
The neighborhood bakery has you covered.

Need a haircut?
Choose between barber shops and beauty salons.

Hungry?
Restaurants, fast-food shops, bars, and food vendors line the streets.

Need fresh tortillas?
There’s a tortilla factory.

Need flowers or landscaping plants?
There’s even a plant nursery.

Need laundry done?
No problem.

Apartments continue to rise to accommodate the growing population, while welding shops, convenience stores, offices, pharmacies, and countless small businesses continue opening every year. It reminds me of the small commercial districts you find inside much larger cities. People no longer need to leave their neighborhood for everyday necessities. That’s exactly what cities are designed to do.

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The Working-Class Heart of San Pedro
What I admire most about DFC isn’t necessarily the buildings.

It’s the people.

This community has become home to hardworking Belizeans who wake up early every morning to build, repair, teach, cook, clean, fish, drive, serve, create, and keep San Pedro moving.
Many work in tourism. Others work in construction. Some operate family businesses that have become neighborhood landmarks, while others are raising young families while chasing the dream of home ownership. There’s an incredible sense of determination here.

DFC isn’t flashy. It’s authentic. It’s where much of the island’s workforce lives; and that deserves recognition.

Changing the Narrative
For years, DFC unfairly carried a reputation that didn’t reflect the people who actually lived there. Like many growing communities, it faced its share of challenges, but as more families settled, more businesses opened, and more residents invested in the neighborhood, something changed.

Today, the area feels completely different. Crime has noticeably declined compared to years past, largely because the community has become populated by hardworking families who simply want a safe place to live, raise children, and build a future. The streets are busier, children play outside, neighbors know one another, businesses continue investing.

Of course, with growth comes responsibility. As DFC continues expanding, so too must the services that support it – Better roads. Improved drainage. Additional green spaces and parks. Street lighting. Traffic management. Pedestrian sidewalks. Recreational facilities. Community policing. These investments will help ensure that DFC doesn’t simply continue growing, but grows well. Because if this neighborhood is becoming one of the island’s largest population centers, it deserves infrastructure that reflects its importance.

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Some photos instantly transport me back to a simpler San Pedro, and this is certainly one of them. This photograph captures Coconut Drive, looking south toward the San Pedro Airstrip, at a time when the island still moved at a slower pace. On the left stands the familiar picket fence of San Pedro Roman Catholic School, a landmark that generations of island children passed every school day. Straight ahead, you can make out the buildings that housed Tropic Air and the Sunbreeze Hotel, two places that continue to be part of San Pedro’s story today.

What catches my attention most, however, are the two men walking barefoot down the sandy street. There was no rush, no long line of golf carts, and certainly no traffic jams. Just people walking, chatting, and enjoying another day on the island. Back then, your feet were often your best mode of transportation.

Coconut Drive Today

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The road itself tells its own story. Before the pavement, Coconut Drive was a wide stretch of white sand where bicycles, pedestrians, the occasional golf cart, and a handful of vehicles shared the road without much concern. It was common to see neighbors stopping to talk in the middle of the street because there simply wasn’t much traffic to interrupt the conversation.

Looking at this scene today, it’s hard to believe how much this area has changed. What was once a quiet entrance to town has become one of the busiest corridors on the island, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors every day through the John Greif II Municipal Airport.

Photos like this remind me that while San Pedro has grown into one of Belize’s premier tourism destinations, it wasn’t all that long ago that life here was defined by sandy streets, familiar faces, and a pace that encouraged you to slow down and appreciate the journey.

Do you remember walking down Coconut Drive when it looked like this? Share your memories in the comments. We’d love to hear your stories!

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Residents of San Pedro now have greater access to affordable diagnostic healthcare as Ambergris Hope Hospital (AHH) has officially become a provider of Belize’s National Health Insurance (NHI) for select radiology and laboratory services.

Beginning Saturday, August 1, eligible NHI patients can receive ultrasound, X-ray and laboratory services at Ambergris Hope Hospital through the National Health Insurance program. The addition of NHI radiology services is another step forward in expanding quality healthcare on the island, allowing residents to access important diagnostic imaging locally while benefiting from the support provided through Belize’s National Health Insurance program.

Patients wishing to use their NHI benefits must first obtain a referral from their registered primary care clinic before visiting the hospital. They are also required to present a valid Social Security card at the time of service. Radiology services under the NHI program will be available during the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

In addition to diagnostic imaging, Ambergris Hope Hospital is highlighting one of its key advantages – same-day laboratory results. The hospital’s on-site laboratory allows patients and physicians to receive test results quickly, helping speed up diagnoses and treatment plans without unnecessary delays.

National Health Insurance

Belize’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program provides affordable access to preventative primary healthcare services, including medical consultations, chronic disease management, prescription medications, laboratory testing, and other essential healthcare services at heavily subsidized rates. With recent expansions, the NHI program now serves approximately 80% of Belize’s population, including residents of San Pedro.

Individuals and families who are not yet enrolled in the program can register at their preferred participating primary care clinic using their Social Security Card.

Ambergris Hope Hospital encourages eligible patients to take advantage of this new partnership, making it easier than ever to receive quality radiology services without leaving the island. For more information about NHI radiology services or to schedule an appointment after obtaining a referral, patients are encouraged to contact Ambergris Hope Hospital directly.

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For years, Tulum was held up as one of the great tourism success stories of the Caribbean coast. It had everything people wanted. Beautiful beaches, turquoise water, ancient Maya history, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, wellness retreats, nightlife, and that rustic, barefoot atmosphere travelers were desperate to experience. Then Tulum became too successful for its own good.

The small coastal community grew at an incredible pace. Hotels multiplied, real estate prices soared, luxury developments pushed farther into the surrounding environment, and prices climbed to levels that many visitors and residents could no longer justify.

Now, Tulum is facing a tourism slowdown that should make every destination dependent on visitors pay attention. And here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, we need to ask an uncomfortable question: Are we beginning to follow the same path?

When Paradise Becomes Too Expensive
One of the biggest complaints coming out of Tulum has been the cost. Visitors began reporting expensive hotel rooms, costly meals, high beach-club minimums, and taxi fares that seemed unreasonable for short distances. Eventually, tourists started asking whether the experience was worth the price.

That is a dangerous question for any destination. San Pedro is still loved by visitors from around the world, but we are hearing similar concerns. Hotel stays have become increasingly expensive. Dining out can be costly, particularly for families. Taxi fares are often questioned by visitors, especially when there is no clearly displayed or consistently followed rate structure. Even locals feel the pressure.

The cost of groceries, rent, construction, utilities, transportation, and basic services continues to rise. For many working people, salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living. Tourism is supposed to improve the lives of the people who live in a destination. But when the people serving the industry can no longer afford to live comfortably in their own community, something is wrong.

(left) Tulum beaches run empty (pic by Mexico News daily), while Secret Beach (right) still being the hotspot in San Pedro

The Real Estate Boom and the Local Squeeze
Real estate development has transformed both Tulum and Ambergris Caye. There are positives: construction generates employment, investment creates business opportunities, and new properties expand the tourism product. But rapid development without proper controls can also price residents out of their own home.

Property values on Ambergris Caye have climbed dramatically, especially along the beachfront, north of San Pedro, and around rapidly growing areas such as Secret Beach. For many young San Pedranos, purchasing a piece of land on the island where they were born is becoming nearly impossible. Meanwhile, high-end condominiums, vacation rentals, resorts, and investment properties continue to appear.

We must ask who this development is ultimately serving. Will the next generation of San Pedranos be able to own property here? Will they be pushed farther into overcrowded or poorly serviced subdivisions while prime areas are reserved for those who can afford luxury prices?
Growth should create opportunity for local people, not slowly remove them from the picture.

Avoiding Tulum’s Mistakes

Are We Losing What Visitors Came to Find?
People did not originally fall in love with Tulum because it was crowded, expensive, or covered in luxury developments. They went because it felt natural, different, peaceful, and authentic. The same is true for San Pedro. Visitors fell in love with our island because of its people, our reef, our culture, our sandy streets, our wooden homes, our fishing heritage, and our friendly, easygoing way of life.

But development is changing the face of Ambergris Caye at an alarming speed. More mangroves are being cleared. More large buildings are appearing. Traffic is getting heavier. Garbage remains a constant struggle. Roads cannot keep up. Water, sewage, electricity, drainage, and public services are under increasing pressure.

We proudly market La Isla Bonita, but we must be careful that we do not develop away the very charm that made it bonita. Tulum’s experience shows what can happen when a destination’s image becomes more important than the actual quality of the experience.

A beautiful social-media post may attract a visitor once. It will not bring them back if they encounter excessive prices, traffic congestion, poor roads, garbage, bad service, uncontrolled development, and beaches they cannot comfortably enjoy.

The Sargassum Reality
Then there is sargassum. Tulum and San Pedro share the same Caribbean beauty, but we also share the same growing environmental threat. Massive sargassum landings have affected beaches throughout the region, producing foul odors, damaging coastal ecosystems, placing huge financial pressure on hotels and municipalities, and changing the visitor experience.

San Pedro has made important efforts. The Town Council, government agencies, hotels, restaurants, and private property owners have invested in cleanup crews, barriers, equipment, transportation, and beach restoration.

But we remain mostly reactive.

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The race for the 2027 San Pedro Town Council elections continues to gain momentum as Jose “Elito” Arceo officially announced his candidacy, today, Monday, July 20, 2026, for Mayor of San Pedro Town, becoming the fifth individual to publicly declare his intention to seek the municipality’s highest office.

Arceo will head an independent municipal team, separate from the country’s established political parties, and says he will soon introduce the candidates who will be joining him in seeking seats on the San Pedro Town Council. In announcing his candidacy, Arceo said the decision came after careful reflection on the type of leadership he believes San Pedro deserves.

“Today, I, Jose ‘Elito’ Arceo, am announcing my candidacy for Mayor of San Pedro Town,” he stated. “This decision comes after careful reflection on the kind of leadership our island deserves. We deserve leaders with a better vision for San Pedro, who are committed to accountability, and who will put this community ahead of personal gain. I am a proud son of this island, and I am running to be that leader.”

Arceo said his vision is centered on balancing San Pedro’s continued growth with the preservation of the community’s identity and natural environment.

“We have a beautiful home. We are rich in the connections of our community, in the beauty around us, and in the environment that nourishes us. I know that the continued growth of our town does not need to come at the expense of our community, our natural beauty, or our environment. As Mayor, I will commit to serving my constituents, not myself, with renewed investment in our town and passionate defense of our ecosystem.”

Elito Arceo To Announce His Team Soon

As his campaign moves forward, Arceo said residents can expect to meet the individuals who will make up his municipal team and learn more about the platform they hope to bring to voters.

“As I prepare to ask you all for your support, I will introduce my colleagues who will be running alongside me, share more of our vision, and firmly commit to accountability,” he said.

Elito Arceo is no stranger to municipal government. He previously served as a Town Councilor and Deputy Mayor on the People’s United Party (PUP) San Pedro Town Board from 1997 to 2000. He later represented the PUP as its Belize Rural South Standard Bearer during the 2015 General Elections.

Four Mayoral Candidates Have So Far Entered the Race for San Pedro

His announcement further expands what is shaping up to be a competitive mayoral race. Candidates who have publicly declared their intention to run for Mayor of San Pedro include incumbent Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Núñez (PUP), Joseph “Joe” Elijio (UDP), Celestino “Tino” Tzul (The New Era Movement), Abner Bacab, and now Jose “Elito” Arceo, who will lead an independent municipal slate.

With the municipal elections still months away, residents can expect additional announcements from the various campaigns as they unveil their councilor candidates, platforms, and plans for the future of San Pedro.

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For years, residents of San Mateo have dreamed of better roads, improved drainage, reliable water service, and safer access to neighboring communities. That vision is now becoming a reality as the long-awaited San Mateo Improvement Project officially moves from the planning stage into implementation.

The San Pedro Town Council recently announced that work is set to begin on the first phase of the ambitious community upgrade, describing it as a project that will transform both the neighborhood and the lives of the people who call it home.

The initial phase will focus on expanding San Mateo’s network of paved streets by connecting the main roadways throughout the community. The project will also include the installation of proper drainage systems and sidewalks along existing and newly paved streets, helping improve mobility while reducing flooding during the rainy season.

Another major component of the project is the expansion of Belize Water Services (BWS) into sections of San Mateo that currently do not have access to the public water system. In addition, a new pedestrian bridge will be constructed to connect the San Mateo and San Juan neighborhoods, making commuting between the two communities safer and more convenient.

According to the Town Council, this milestone has been years in the making. Planning began in 2023 when technical teams from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) visited San Pedro to assess the community’s infrastructure needs. After extensive studies, engineering work, and consultations with residents, the project is now entering the construction phase. Residents are being asked to remain patient as temporary inconveniences from road works and construction activities are expected over the coming months.

San Mateo Area Due for Upgrades

The San Mateo project forms part of Belize’s Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development Program (BL-L1046), a US$12.5 million initiative financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. The program supports urban development projects in San Pedro Town, Orange Walk Town, and Corozal Town, with the goal of improving public infrastructure, encouraging local economic growth, and creating more inclusive communities, particularly for vulnerable populations, women, and migrant families.

Earlier community consultations highlighted additional long-term improvements planned for San Mateo, including upgraded public spaces, improved lighting, enhanced accessibility, and infrastructure designed to strengthen resilience against flooding while improving overall quality of life for residents.

For decades, San Mateo has represented one of the fastest-growing residential areas on Ambergris Caye, but growth has often outpaced infrastructure. Many streets remained unpaved, drainage was limited, and access to basic services has been an ongoing challenge. This project represents one of the largest public infrastructure investments ever made in the neighborhood and is expected to significantly improve daily life for hundreds of families.

As construction begins, San Pedro residents are hopeful that the improvements will not only modernize San Mateo but also create a stronger, safer, and more connected community for generations to come.

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]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:06:27 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/wT6NEu6YK0oDZsCwvgyJEx-205OfcDJ2?utm_source=follow.it noFor years, residents of San Mateo have dreamed of better roads, improved drainage, reliable water service, and safer access to neighboring communities. That vision is now becoming a reality as the long-awaited San Mateo Improvement Project officially moves from the planning stage into implementation. The San Pedro Town Council recently announced that work is set to begin on the first phase of the ambitious community upgrade, describing it as a project that will transform both the neighborhood and the lives of the people who call it home. The initial phase will focus on expanding San Mateo’s network of paved streets by connecting the main roadways throughout the community. The project will also include the installation of proper drainage systems and sidewalks along existing and newly paved streets, helping improve mobility while reducing flooding during the rainy season. Another major component of the project is the expansion of Belize Water Services (BWS) into sections of San Mateo that currently do not have access to the public water system. In addition, a new pedestrian bridge will be constructed to connect the San Mateo and San Juan neighborhoods, making commuting between the two communities safer and more convenient. According to the Town Council, this milestone has been years in the making. Planning began in 2023 when technical teams from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) visited San Pedro to assess the community’s infrastructure needs. After extensive studies, engineering work, and consultations with residents, the project is now entering the construction phase. Residents are being asked to remain patient as temporary inconveniences from road works and construction activities are expected over the coming months. San Mateo Area Due for Upgrades The San Mateo project forms part of Belize’s Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development Program (BL-L1046), a US$12.5 million initiative financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. The program supports urban development projects in San Pedro Town, Orange Walk Town, and Corozal Town, with the goal of improving public infrastructure, encouraging local economic growth, and creating more inclusive communities, particularly for vulnerable populations, women, and migrant families. Earlier community consultations highlighted additional long-term improvements planned for San Mateo, including upgraded public spaces, improved lighting, enhanced accessibility, and infrastructure designed to strengthen resilience against flooding while improving overall quality of life for residents. For decades, San Mateo has represented one of the fastest-growing residential areas on Ambergris Caye, but growth has often outpaced infrastructure. Many streets remained unpaved, drainage was limited, and access to basic services has been an ongoing challenge. This project represents one of the largest public infrastructure investments ever made in the neighborhood and is expected to significantly improve daily life for hundreds of families. As construction begins, San Pedro residents are hopeful that the improvements will not only modernize San Mateo but also create a stronger, safer, and more connected community for generations to come. Click Here for More on Ambergris TodayFor years, residents of San Mateo have dreamed of better roads, improved drainage, reliable water service, and safer access to neighboring communities. That vision is now becoming a reality as the long-awaited San Mateo Improvement Project officially moves from the planning stage into implementation. The San Pedro Town Council recently announced that work is set to begin on the first phase of the ambitious community upgrade, describing it as a project that will transform both the neighborhood and the lives of the people who call it home. The initial phase will focus on expanding San Mateo’s network of paved streets by connecting the main roadways throughout the community. The project will also include the installation of proper drainage systems and sidewalks along existing and newly paved streets, helping improve mobility while reducing flooding during the rainy season. Another major component of the project is the expansion of Belize Water Services (BWS) into sections of San Mateo that currently do not have access to the public water system. In addition, a new pedestrian bridge will be constructed to connect the San Mateo and San Juan neighborhoods, making commuting between the two communities safer and more convenient. According to the Town Council, this milestone has been years in the making. Planning began in 2023 when technical teams from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) visited San Pedro to assess the community’s infrastructure needs. After extensive studies, engineering work, and consultations with residents, the project is now entering the construction phase. Residents are being asked to remain patient as temporary inconveniences from road works and construction activities are expected over the coming months. San Mateo Area Due for Upgrades The San Mateo project forms part of Belize’s Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development Program (BL-L1046), a US$12.5 million initiative financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. The program supports urban development projects in San Pedro Town, Orange Walk Town, and Corozal Town, with the goal of improving public infrastructure, encouraging local economic growth, and creating more inclusive communities, particularly for vulnerable populations, women, and migrant families. Earlier community consultations highlighted additional long-term improvements planned for San Mateo, including upgraded public spaces, improved lighting, enhanced accessibility, and infrastructure designed to strengthen resilience against flooding while improving overall quality of life for residents. For decades, San Mateo has represented one of the fastest-growing residential areas on Ambergris Caye, but growth has often outpaced infrastructure. Many streets remained unpaved, drainage was limited, and access to basic services has been an ongoing challenge. This project represents one of the largest public infrastructure investments ever made in the neighborhood and is expected to significantly improve daily life for hundreds of families. As construction begins, San Pedro residents are hopeful that the improvements will not only modernize San Mateo but also create a stronger, safer, and more connected community for generations to come. 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