After years of selling their daily catch unprotected along a roadside adjacent to the Yabra Bridge, local fishing communities in Belize City have marked a historic milestone: the official inauguration of the purpose-built Yabra Fish Market by the Belize City Council on April 28, 2026.
For long-time local fisherman Joseph Brown, the opening ceremony was more than just the launch of a new public facility—it was the realization of a goal generations of Yabra fishing workers had waited decades to achieve. “This day has finally arrived… A dream come true for the Yabra fishermen folks,” Brown shared with attendees during the morning launch event.
According to Brown, the newly constructed, permanent market space will accommodate six full-time fishing vendors, protecting them from the harsh Caribbean elements: the blistering midday sun, sweltering heat, and sudden heavy rain showers that have long made roadside vending a grueling, unpredictable trade. Unlike the unregulated roadside setup, the new purpose-built venue offers a structured, hygienic space that streamlines transactions for both sellers and local customers.
Belize City Councillor Evan Thompson emphasized that the new market represents far more than concrete and infrastructure. In remarks at the launch, Thompson framed the project as a victory for community-centered governance. “Today is a celebration of people; it is a celebration of partnership, of what can happen when a community’s needs are acted upon and heard,” he said.
Thompson added that the completed market stands as a tangible, visible commitment to supporting small-scale local livelihoods and bolstering collective community pride in Yabra. The project addresses a longstanding unmet need for the area’s fishing community, which forms a core part of Belize City’s coastal cultural and economic identity.