US Ambassador visits Americans living in San Pedro

The US Ambassador, Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally and his wife Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally, along with Consul Tom Wallis, Ashley C. Barriner – Byrd, Manager, American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit and her assistant Ms. Anna McFadsen, were present at the June 24th Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Blue Water Grill.

The meeting was attended by members of the Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce and approximately 20 US Citizens presently residing on Ambergris Caye who had a chance to meet and greet the Ambassador and his wife, ask questions and receive answers.

The meeting was opened by Mr.Tom Wallis, US Consul, who proceeded to present the Ambassador and his wife. After his presentation, Ambassador Thummalapally shared a little in regards to his political as well as occupational background, information about his family and gave an overview of his functions at the US Embassy.

A major area of concern for members of the US Embassy was the importance of US Citizens to register with the Embassy. Ashley explained to the guests that the reason for the registration is not because the Embassy is seeking to keep track of its Citizens, but rather that they may be better prepared in times of emergency when the Embassy will be expected to mobilize and provide assistance on a mass level to all citizens presently residing in the country.

Also mentioned was a notable change of procedures within the Embassy. It is now necessary for patrons to make appointments to meet with the staff of the US embassy for services. Appointments may be made online at www.belize.usembassy.gov.

The remainder of the one hour meeting was opened to the attendees for question and answer session which the participants took much advantage of. While the meeting was called to an end at 1:00 pm, the Ambassador and his entourage remained at the Blue Water Grill until around 2:30 pm where they were available for questions and answers as well.

The 10th Annual BTB Tourism Awards - the winners..

On Thursday, June 10, 2010, the BTB held it's tenth annual Tourism Awards ceremony honoring those exceptional service providers in the tourism industry. The Best Western Biltmore Plaza was the venue for tourism stakeholders, nominees and invited guests.

After a brief welcome, the national anthem and invocation, the awards were announced and the winners are as follows:

Cultural Award of the Year:
Three Kings of Belize

Other Finalists: Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project, Governor General of Belize, Battle of the Drums Competition and Show (PG)

Frontline Person of the Year:

Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek)

Other Finalists: Natalie Ranguy (Chabil Mar), Patricia Rodriguez (San Ignacio Resort Hotel), Jubalos Kib (Seaside Cabañas)

Tour Guide of the Year:

Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat)

Other Finalists: Rudolf Thompson, Dwayne Young (Joy Tours), Mauricio Aguilar (Lamanai Outpost Lodge), Luis Godoy (Belize Nature Travel)

Small Vendor of the Year:

Tutti Frutti Ice Gelateria

Other Finalists: Cotton Tree Chocolate, Sings Gift Shop (Belize City), Maya Ant & Bee (Punta Gorda)

Restaurant of the Year:

Blue Water Grill (San Pedro)

Other Finalists: Bonefish Grille (Singing Sands Inn), Red Ginger (The Phoenix), French Connection (Placencia)

Receptive Service of the Year:

Museum of Belize

Other Finalists: ambergriscaye.com, Le Petit Cafe, Island Adventures Golf Cart Rental

Environmental Organization of the Year:

International Center for Responsible Tourism (ICRT - Belize)

Other Finalists: Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), Placencia Moorings Masters, Southern Environmental Association

Small Hotel of the Year:

The Lodge at Big Falls

Other Finalists: Seaside Cabañas, Villa Boscardi, Black Orchid Resort

Tour Operator of the Year:

Caves Branch Adventure Company

Other Finalists: Avadon Divers, Grumpy & Happy Enterprises, Searious Adventures

Hotel of the Year:

Jaguar Reef Lodge

Other Finalists: Xanadu Island Resort, Ka'ana Boutique Resort, Chabil Mar Villas

Destination of the Year:

Hopkins, Stann Creek

Other Finalists: San Pedro - Ambergris Caye, Placencia - Stann Creek, San Ignacio - Cayo

Minister's Award:

Brian Young Sr.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Celi McCorkle, Holiday Hotel

Special Awards:

Green Globe Recognition:

Chaa Creek, Hamanasi Lodge, Xanadu Resort (San Pedro)

Ingrid, Martin and Blanca of Xanadu Resort in San Pedro

Rudolf Thompson - CPR saved a life

Congratulations to all winners and nominees!!

...and the BTB Tourism Awards Finalists are:

Environmental Organization of the Year
An organization that is a leader in the conservation and preservation of Belize's natural resources; practices sustainable management of Belize's natural resources, supports community development and promotes public awareness and education of environmental preservation.

International Center for Responsible Tourism (ICRT - Belize) - *FINALIST*
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) - *FINALIST*
Placencia Moorings Masters
Southern Environmental Association

Receptive Service of the Year
A tourism business entity that offers exceptional service to customers, the ability to manage a business seamlessly, is sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and accommodating to the industry's needs and offers an authentic Belizean experience.

Museum of Belize - *FINALIST*
Ambergriscaye.com - *FINALIST*
Le Petit Café
Island Adventures Golf Cart Rental

Hotel of the Year
A licensed hotel that offers a gateway to paradise, where service exceeds excellence, engulfed with positive attitude and attentiveness of staff, offers exceptional value for money, has outstanding facilities and amenities, remarkable ambiance, innovation and the ability to provide visitors with a true sample of the Belize brand.

Xanadu Island Resort - *FINALIST*
Jaguar Reef Lodge - *FINALIST*
Ka'ana Boutique Resort
Chabil Mar Villas

Small Hotel of the Year
A licensed small hotel that captures the essence of warmth and homeliness, displays customer - service excellence, utilizes environmental best practices and sound management.

Seaside Cabanas - *FINALIST*
The Lodge at Big Falls - *FINALIST*
Villa Boscardi
Black Orchid Resort

Tour Operator of the Year
A licensed tour operator that offers a variety of tours which excels in service, product innovation, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety, reliability and value for money.

Caves Branch Adventure Co. - *FINALIST*
Avadon Divers - *FINALIST*
Grumpy & Happy Enterprises
Searious Adventures

Tour Guide of the Year
A licensed tour guide with a wealth of knowledge, has the ability to mesmerize an audience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, positive attitude, creativity and the ability to provide world-class tour experience.

Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat) - *FINALIST*
Rudolf Thompson (CPR saved a life) - *FINALIST*
Dwayne Young (Joy Tours)
Mauricio Aguilar (Lamanai Outpost Lodge)
Luis Godoy (Belize Nature Travel)

Frontline Person of the Year
A frontline employee who has unmatched interpersonal skills, the ability to welcome guests with great Belizean hospitality, is well versed about the Belize product and provides a memorable experience.

Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek) - *FINALIST*
Natalie Ranguy (Chabil Mar) - *FINALIST*
Patricia Rodriguez (San Ignacio Resort Hotel)
Jubalos Kib (Seaside Cabanas)

Cultural Award of the Year
A person or organization that exemplifies Belizean entertainment, is instrumental in the creative arts, and/or music, food and promotes and preserves Belize's cultural heritage.

Three Kings of Belize - *FINALIST*
Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project - *FINALIST*
Governor General of Belize
Battle of the Drums Competition and Show (PG)

Small Vendor of the Year
A small vendor who offers creative and quality products and provides value for money with exceptional service.

Tutti Frutti Gelateria - *FINALIST*
Cotton Tree Chocolate - *FINALIST*
Sing's Gift Shop (Belize City)
Maya Ant & Bee (Punta Gorda)

Restaurant of the Year
A restaurant offering a dining experience and not just a meal or a routine. Here, the ambiance is bliss, the menu offers diversity and the service is great. The personality of the restaurant is as distinct as the staff is professional.

Blue Water Grill (Sun Breeze Hotel) - *FINALIST*
Bonefish Grille (Singing Sands Inn) - *FINALIST*
Red Ginger (The Phoenix)
French Connection (Placencia)

Destination of the Year *New*
This destination is proactive in terms of marketing, product enhancement and sustainability initiatives. In addition, customers rave about their satisfaction levels and high service standards found throughout. Events and attractions are bountiful while both the tangible and intangible product offering contribute to the lure, comfort and convenience of all who visit.

Hopkins, Stann Creek - *FINALIST*
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye - *FINALIST*
Placencia, Stann Creek
San Ignacio, Cayo

In Addition, there will be two more awards, for which no nominations were requested, namely:

Minister's Award

Lifetime Achievement Award