Is San Pedro’s Garbage Problem Getting Worse?
Residents in northern Ambergris Caye are demanding a coordinated plan to address the island’s growing garbage problem, saying community-led cleanups are not enough to keep roadsides and public areas free of waste.
Catherine Paz, President of the Ambergris North Alliance (ANA), says the organisation has spent the past two years organising monthly cleanups and paying a part-time worker to remove garbage along the northern roads. She says the group cannot continue carrying the responsibility without support from the relevant authorities.
In September, ANA wrote to government and local authorities requesting a meeting to discuss regular garbage collection, the removal of illegal dump sites, roadside litter collection and enforcement of existing laws.
“ In September, we wrote to those in charge of the administration of our island and our country and asked for help,” Paz said. “It took three deliveries of our letter and issuing a press statement. But this week, our mayor answered. The other recipients have not as yet.”
Paz says residents, business owners and tourism partners have also expressed concern about the state of the island, particularly with the high tourism season approaching.
She argues that basic services and infrastructure need to be addressed before major development projects are pursued.
Matt Barnes, co-manager of the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES), says the organisation has seen a significant increase in pollution on Ambergris Caye, with litter posing risks to marine and land animals through entanglement, ingestion and habitat loss.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in entanglement cases, whether it’s turtles, birds, foxes or other wildlife. Fishing line, plastic straps and other discarded materials are affecting these animals,” said Barnes.
ANA says it wants to work with government and the relevant authorities to develop a sustained plan rather than rely on temporary cleanups after residents raise concerns. The group says its priority is to make Ambergris Caye cleaner and better prepared for the upcoming tourism season.