Saturday, February 27, 2010

Bowen Crash Victims Identified

Michael Casey and his young family all died Friday while on board a private plane piloted by Sir Barry Bowen.

Mike Casey, his wife Jill and their two children, a three year old and a baby, were all passengers in the plane when it went down off the coast of Belize late Friday afternoon. No one survived.

Please read the following link: http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S1439373.shtml?cat=300

America's Most Wanted: Belize Story Airs Tonight

http://www.amw.com/captures/case.cfm?id=68580

Sir Barry Bowen - Rest in Peace

Bottling magnate Sir Barry Bowen died last night when the private plane he was piloting crashed south of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Reports are that the 64 year old Bowen was flying to his home in San Pedro with four other passengers. The other passengers are reported to be employees of Bowen and were school teachers at the Gallon Jug school. The couple, along with their two small children also perished. The plane crashed within range of the San Pedro Municipal Airport in a marshy area a fair distance south of the airstrip. An experienced pilot, Bowen has been flying for over 40 years. The plane was a Cessna 272 with a turbine engine. Similar to the ones used by the small airlines.

Sir Bowen was a prominent businessman, developer, bottling magnate and one of Belize’s wealthiest men. His company, Bowen and Bowen Bottling Works owns Belikin Beer, Guinness Stout and Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Crystal Water bottling operations. Bowen and Bowen company was started by his father in the 1930s. Barry Bowen bought the company from his father in 1978.

Bowen is survived by his five children; four sons, one daughter and his wife, Dixie.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Tragic news tonight – Sir Barry Bowen is dead at 64.

Sir Barry Bowen

A terrible plane crash claimed the life of Barry Bowen, who was piloting his private plane, and the lives of two employees along with their two children, a three year old and a baby.
The plane crashed at an area south west of the DFC Subdivision in a marshy swampy location. The white single propeller airplane was on its back and rescue efforts attempted to turn the plane right side up in order to remove the bodies from the wreckage.
This is tragic news to the country of Belize. The most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Sir Barry Bowen.

Lorrie Morgan performs at Paradise Theater

She has an amazing voice, and those inside Paradise Theater got to experience the award-winning songstress Lorrie Morgan's talent first hand this past week. Thursday night was her last night of performance, and The San Pedro Sun was able to enjoy a wonderful night of music in the new Paradise Theater at Reef Village.
Gino wowed the crowd in the preshow...
The show was amazing, and the crowd demanded an encore, which Lorrie and band were happy to oblige!

Look who was at the show!!
Bonnie (Mr. Joe's), Josie (RE/MAX Isla Bonita), Amanda (Sunrise Realty) and the lovely Savannah!
John & Carolyn Carr of Banana Bank Lodge just had to attend one of their favorite singer's shows!

Drumming to raise funds

San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) drummers took to the streets of San Pedro in an attempt to raise much-needed funds for their upcoming participation in Band Fest 2010 (March 27). They paraded through the main streets drumming and cheering, with collection boxes for those spectators willing to donate.
The band provides entertainment for all occasions: parades, town events, etc. Your support is greatly appreciated. Call 226-2550 (SPRCS) or 605-9739 (John Thompson - coach) for more information on how you can help.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

BDF, Police officer and civilian remanded to Hattieville for kidnapping

At approximately 10:15 a.m. today, Judge Emerson Banner remanded Derrick Gideon, Juan Cus and Justin Cassimiro to Hattieville as a result of charges laid upon them in connection to an incident which took place on Sunday, February 21st in San Pedro Town.An official police report states that on Sunday, approximately between the hours of 12:15 and 1:00 a.m. Gideon, a police officer stationed in Belize City, Cassimiro, a Belize Defense Force soldier stationed on San Pedro Town and civilian Juan Cus visited Juan Perez, a vegetable vendor, who was sleeping in his boat docked by the Old Football Field. According to the report, both officials, who at the time were dressed in civilian clothing, arrived with Cus and explained to Perez that they needed to transport him to the San Pedro Police Department. The three men who were armed with a firearm proceeded to hurt Perez’s assistant, a minor, who was on the boat with him at the time. Perez agreed to go with the officers. However, the report alleges that he was being taken in the opposite direction and not to the Police Department as the officers had stated. Perez was robbed of $650 before managing to escape. Once free, Perez made a report at the Police Department. The report led to the detention of the three men who were arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court.The three men were jointly charged for kidnapping, aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and harm. Because kidnapping charges are dealt in the Supreme Court level, all three were remanded to Hattieville Prison until their next court appearance on April 7th, 2010. Gideon was additionally charged for resisting arrest.

San Pedro R. C. School talks about drugs

San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School was the scene of a mini - fair devoted to drug education. It was a Service Learning Project of the course, Skills for Adolescence, taught by Ms. Borland. Students in Standard V & VI participated: staffing booths, designing posters and creating booklets that described habit-forming drugs and their harmful effects."Skills for Adolescence" is a three-year positive youth development program sponsored by Lions-Quest that addresses the challenges of living experienced by children ten to sixteen years of age. In addition to personal and social growth, it introduces students to concept of service to the community.Lions-Quest "Skills for Adolescence" originated in the United States in 1975 and has been part of the curriculum in Belize Primary Schools for five years. All the Districts in the country use this program. Excellent texts and teaching guides are provided by Lions International.
All the students beginning with Infant I appreciated the fine effort of Ms. Borland's
students.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Fiddler on the Roof at SPHS

In conjunction with the Free Music School, San Pedro High School students put on the first ever High School Musical "The Fiddler on the Roof". Students sang, acted and performed to the audience's delight.
The highlight of the play was the wedding scene, with a fabulous wedding dress designed by Marion. The audience got to enthusiastically join in the Hava Nagila dancing and singing as well!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Space Shuttle 'Endeavor' Landing brightens Belizean sky

Many residents on Ambergris Caye may have heard a loud boom and some even claim seeing a bright flash of light across the skies on Sunday night, a little after 9:00pm. Reports indicate that it may have been the sound made by the Space Shuttle Endeavor as it made its way down over the Yucatan Peninsula to the Kennedy Space Center. Read more...

An image of the path of the Endeavor

Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy 10th Anniversary Castillo's Hardware

Castillo's Do It Best Hardware celebrated 10 years of excellent service today. For its tenth birthday, Castillo's held a grand raffle of 10 $1,000 prizes, totaling $10,000.
Ten lucky winners' names were drawn from the barrel - and they are as follows:

Josh Reyes, Faith Noelle, Hilberto Lopez, Luis Gillett, David Marin, Mandy Castillo, Ramon Contreras, Miguel Wilson, Connie Haddad and Carlos Utreva.
One of the lucky winners, David Marin!

The fabulous birthday cake was provided by Casa Pan Dulce, and snacks by Annie's Pastries.

Luxurious tranquility at Ambergris Lake Villas

In the middle of the bustle of San Pedro Town lies an oasis of tranquility and absolute bliss – Ambergris Lake Villas. The Villas, situated just south of San Pedro Town offer the perfect getaway for those who love the island but want a bit of privacy and home relaxation, as well. Ambergris Lake Villas Limited, proud owners of the luxurious suites, offers a night’s rest in the quiet corners of the lake. The lake itself abounds with natural beauty as birds chirp and frolic in its waters. Ambergris Lake Villas is the perfect honeymoon, or special occasion destination which will put you directly in touch with the island’s beaches, hotspots, restaurants and life. A stone’s throw away from all activity, the Villas proudly welcome you to your tropical home.



Recently opened in December of 2009, Ambergris Lake Villas is brand spanking new. However, they are in it for the long haul and through their unmatched quality service you can be certain that Ambergris Lake Villas will be around for years to come. Offering three, two and one bedroom units, the villas are fully equipped with both comfort and all the particular amenities that you may be looking for. Pampering you is just what they look for and as the early morning rays hit, you realize that you’ve had one of the most serene rests in a while.