Two People Injured in Boat Explosion in Caye Caulker

Two men were injured and remain hospitalized after their vessel exploded a short distance from the Caye Caulker Gas Depot yesterday afternoon. The two men are 33 year old boat captain Coronel Brown and 23 year old boat assistant Jairo Reyes. The 28 feet vessel is Royal Palm Kay and belongs to the Royal Palm Resort located off Saint George’s Caye. According to Police, the two men had just refueled the vessel and were heading to pick up their guest when the boat experience electrical problems and exploded.

As police noted, one of the men, namely Coronel Brown was seriously injured and is listed in a critical condition. Reyes, who is a resident of St. George’s Caye received lesser degree injuries but also remains hospitalize. The entire area remains blocked off as investigations continues.

Boat accident in Caye Caulker leaves 2 persons injured

The San Pedro Sun has has been able to confirm that there was an accident in Caye Caulker earlier this afternoon. Confirmed reports are that a vessel exploded in the vicinity of the Caye Caulker Gas Station, located at the Pelican Point Marina.

Unofficial reports are that while two individuals were injured, one individual has been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, in a critical condition, while the other remains on the scene.

The vessel reportedly came from St George's Caye to fill up with gas and had left the station when the explosion occurred.

The San Pedro Sun will continue to follow up on this story and report to you as the information becomes available.

No Caye Caulker Lobsterfest for 2011

The San Pedro Sun was able to confirm that there will be NO Lobsterfest in Caye Caulker this year. This was necessary due to a decrease in support from the business community over the past years. The Lobsterfest Committee is a non-profit organization, and without the necessary support, the decision not to have a Lobsterfest was necessary. The main beneficiaries of Lobsterfest are the business community.

Our investigations further revealed that this is NOT the end of Lobsterfest for Caye Caulker. The team responsible for the event will be pounding the streets and working tirelessly immediately after the September Celebrations, preparing for Lobsterfest 2012.

With Lobsterfest not happening; you may ask, “What can we do in Caye Caulker instead?” Well, unconfirmed reports are that Lazy Lizard is planning a private Lobsterfest at The Split. Apart from that, Joanna Arellano, the Chairperson for the Caye Caulker Marketing Committee informed The San Pedro Sun that they have organized 2011’s Caye Caulker Cool Seafood Fiesta. The fiesta is scheduled to span two days, Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th at the Central Park/Basketball Court. The event promises to be filled with music, fun games, lots of food and drinks. Times for the fiesta are Friday 12:00pm until and on Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Caye Caulker Sewage Needs Assessment

Press Release – Belize Press Office –May 24, 2011 – The Department of the Environment will be hosting another public consultation this Thursday, May 26, 2010 at the Caye Caulker Community Centre starting at 7:00 pm.

The primary objectives of the project are:

1. To investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker for the collection and treatment of sewage in Caye Caulker within the framework of the Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution Protocol of the Cartagena Convention (LBS Protocol).
2. To investigate the possible contamination of Caye Caulker’s ground and surface waters resulting from the current sewage waste management practices by undertaking an in depth water quality monitoring programme.
3. To investigate the current use of ground water resources in Caye Caulker to determine the potential impacts to human health.
4. To consolidate the recommendations of prior studies conducted in Caye Caulker and formulate new recommendations taking into account the realities of Caye Caulker, the new information collected and noting the recent passage of Effluent Limitations (Amendment) Regulations in line with the LBS Protocol.

Over the past year, the DOE has been sending out personnel to Caye Caulker on a regular basis to conduct water quality monitoring of both groundwater and sea water at pre-established monitoring sites. The DOE has conducted a public consultation as well as a survey to further the overall goal of the project in working towards recommendations for proper waste management in Caye Caulker.

In July 2009, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, through the Department of the Environment (DOE), embarked on a Sewage Needs Assessment Project for Caye Caulker to investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker and determine the extent of contamination of ground and surface waters from these waste disposal practices. All residents of Caye Caulker are invited to come out and learn more about the project.

Caye Caulker implements Pet Control Program

The island of Caye Caulker is being faced with some problems due to an increase in its dog population. With reports of over 20 dog bites in the past five months, and the continued sightings of unkempt pets on the beaches and many public streets, this has become a dire concern to residents and visitors alike.Initially brought to light in a public meeting held in September of 2010, the issue of uncontrolled dogs was discussed at length and a plan was devised. The plan involved the implementation of a Public Awareness Campaign. “Through local media and public meetings, the Caye Caulker residents were informed of the rules and regulations regarding owning a pet,” said Caye Caulker Village Chairman, Mr. Alberto Villanueva. “Owners were encouraged to start practicing the leashing law – which stated that if a dog is in public, it must at all times, be held on a leash.”
He agreed that the public awareness campaign has been working well. Most dog owners now ensure that their dogs are behind closed gates/fences and that when in public, their pets are on a leash. However, the problem of the strays remains.
As a result, the Caye Caulker Village Council, in conjunction with the Caye Caulker Humane Society have embarked on a program that seeks to eradicate stray dogs that are not cared for and eventually, in the long run – provide a system where pets are controlled and are registered.
In the initial phase, dogs found in any public areas at the night time will be picked up by a team including, the local Health Inspector, a Police Sergeant, a Village Council worker and a member of the Caye Caulker Humane Society. If the dog possesses a collar with information in regards to ownership, such owner will be informed and granted the opportunity to pick up his/her dog. In cases where dogs show no sign of ownership, the animals will be put down.
According to Chairman Villanueva, “The process is very painless. A member from the Humane Society insisted that the team witness it. The dog is first administered a tranquilizer, in the form of an injection, which takes about five minutes to work. This is followed by the administering of a second injection, which puts them to sleep within the minute”.
The first phase of the eradication project was held on Thursday March 17, between the hours of 11:00pm and 2:00am, when eight dogs were picked up and humanely put to rest. Future plans include the implementation of a system where all pet owners will be required to register each pet. The details of that program are not complete as yet, but that is where the Council is gearing towards.

Update on rescue efforts at sea...

On Sunday 20th March, 2011, at about 11:00am, information was received from The Belize Coast Guard of a cargo vessel that had sunk about two miles out of the outer reef, east of Caye Caulker Village. Initial investigations revealed that the vessel was a cargo ship, 74 meters in length and 11meters in width, with the name HELGA that was travelling from Panama and was heading to Mexico with a shipment of salt. The crew consisted of (11) male person, all of Cuban Nationality. The crew rescued were namely: Iraelio Mengana Garcia, 47yrs; Armando Garnado Martinez, 47yrs; Antonio Perez Sadez, 37yrs; Humberto Iglesias Hernandez, 49yrs; Alfredo Porta Martinez, 43yrs; Jose Consta Nalia, 46yrs; George Herrera Aldana, 38yrs; Joaquin Ruiz De Zarate Arribas, 39yrs. The three that are still missing Arturo Edreira Cuza (Captain), Nelson Perez Ardao and Alexis Gonzalez Cune are still being sought by Coast Guard, Police and local personnel.

This information was provided by the Police Press Office...

Boat Capsizes Near Caye Caulker - Three Missing at Sea

At 11:10PM on Saturday night Belize National Coast Guard received a distress call on Channel 16 from the vessel Helga. Helga, which flies a Panamanian flag, is leased by a Cuban company. The crew of one captain and 10 men were in route from Mexico to Honduras where there were transporting salt. Their location was posted three miles east of Caye Caulker. A rescue mission was launched consisting of the National Coast Guard, the Belize Defense Force, local police and volunteers. At 3AM today four survivors were rescued from the water and another four were recovered at 8AM.

Three crewmembers remain unaccounted for and the search continues. The men rescued were transported to Caye Caulker where they received medical care and are awaiting transport off the island.

First Ever Crocodile Rescue on Caye Caulker

submitted by Cherie Chenot-Rose

For years Liz Ross has been trying to get someone to help her with her crocodile problem on Caye Caulker. Liz owns and operates the only fuel station on the island. Finally, on Sunday, January 23rd, she received some help.ACES/American Crocodile Education Sanctuary, now located on Ambergris Caye, loaded up the ‘Croc Runner’ and headed to Caye Caulker early Sunday morning. Having never navigated these waters, the 15 minute boat trip took quite a bit longer and cost Cherie (ACES biologist and First Mate) some more fingernails. Somewhere between the two cayes, all of a sudden, coral heads surrounded the ‘Croc Runner’. With Cherie sitting on the bow and pointing the way between the treacherous obstacles, Vince (ACES animal behaviorist and Captain) was able to safely get the boat to the cut. Channel markers sure would have been nice!

Arriving late morning, the ACES team of Vince, Cherie and Chris got straight to work. By noon the first croc was caught. Measuring at 5’ 7” and named “Jockey” by Liz’s daughter, the male American Crocodile was extremely aggressive. With him safely secured ACES reset the snare and shortly after lunch had caught the second smaller croc, a female this time, measuring 4’10” and now named Matilda.
The ‘Big Guy’ is about 10’ in length and eluded the ACES team all day. “We had spotted him when we first arrived and then we never saw him again,” stated Vince. ACES will need to set a net trap and spend a night or two to catch this smart croc. Without sufficient funding, they are not sure when they’ll be able to return to Caye Caulker.

ACES utilized funds from their recent Rufford grant for the rescue effort. Since the grant is for a croc population survey of the area, now that a count has been done in that area, no more monies can be allocated for the rescue. Liz does not wish to see ‘Big Guy’ harmed in anyway and is seeking in-kind donations of lodging and meals for the ACES team to be able to return to catch it before it harms someone. Liz herself is generously donating boat fuel for the team to return and relocate the large American Crocodile. “‘Big Guy’ lays under the fuel tanks at the waters edge and waits for my workers to pass to try to attack. It has already eaten several of my pets,” states Liz. The real fear is that it could attack an unsuspecting tourist who likes to get dangerously close for pictures.

Where are the captured crocs being taken? With no facility in place yet since the arson of ACES, the team is forced to just relocate the crocs to nearby uninhabited cayes. This is fine for these two smaller crocs, but the ‘Big Guy’ really should be placed in a secure habitat so that he doesn’t return or become someone else’s problem, states Cherie. While there is talk of a new croc facility being built on the mainland, it is still many months from getting started.

Anyone wishing to help, ACES is in need of: a digital camera/video, two nights lodging on Caye Caulker, meals for those three days on Caye Caulker, electric tape, duct tape, ropes, and chicken for bait. Donors for the Caye Caulker capture can contact Liz Ross or ACES at acesnpo@hughes.net or 666-3871. Your help will take a bite out of extinction!

What’s new? Mathieu’s Delicatessen

Mathieu’s Delicatessen is one of San Pedro’s newest establishments that opened its doors to residents of Ambergris Caye. A venture of Gunter Mathieu and Anna Williams, Mathieu’s Delicatessen offers food delivery as well as retail services.
Specializing in freshly hand prepared ready meals, breads, pastries, cakes and beverages; Mathieu’s is opened Monday through Saturday 6:00am to 2:00pm, offering breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast goods include cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and a variety of bread choices. Newly opened, Mathieu’s hopes to offer home made pasta lunches: fettuccine, ravioli and lasagnas, as well as catering to vegetarian customers. They also plan on offering pre-packaged meals in portion packs, sold frozen and chilled, among other services.
Well known to residents of San Pedro as well as Caye Caulker, Gunter brings over 30 years of experience working in and managing restaurants and food businesses. On Caye Caulker North, Gunter was known for his creative cooking and exciting full moon parties.

With a background as a teacher and a marketer for corporate design companies, a trader at a hedge fund and a dive instructor, Anna takes care of customer service and marketing at Mathieu's Delicatessen. Together, they form the ideal partnership. For more information on this new fave – contact either Gunter or Anna at 670-DELI.

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee says Thanks

Miss Stephanie Arce, Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2010-11, had her official photo shoot on September 18th, 2010.

The shoot was made possible through:
The Victoria House in San Pedro that provided a beautiful location, accommodations and warm hospitality (http://www.victoria-house.com/).

Emil Alvarez of Emil Alvarez House of Couture from Orange Walk (610-0512). Mr. Alvarez is a dress designer who custom made outfits to fit beautifully. His designs can be found on FaceBook.

Maya and Colette - talented photographers of Conch Creative from San Pedro (http://www.conchcreative.com/). TOP NOTCH, San Pedro boutique that provided gorgeous accessories and shoes. And last but not least, the communities of both Caye Caulker and San Pedro for always supporting a worthy cause.

Thank you all for helping us create beautiful memories, the results are clearly gorgeous. The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Pageant Committee and Miss Lobster Fest 2010-11, Miss Stephanie Arce, thank you for this amazing opportunity. The Committee is also proud to announce that Miss Stephanie Arce is currently enrolled at St. John College Junior College.

Thank you.
/s/ Ernesto Marin Jr.
Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee

SP Water Jets Express has minor incident in Caye Caulker

Several passengers on board SP Water Jets Express were a bit shaken when the boat they were on ran aground in Caye Caulker Village. Apparently the boat was docking at its usual spot in Caye Caulker (west) when the incident occurred. A phone call placed to owner of the company confirmed the minor incident but no details have been released. The Port Authority and Police are heading to the scene to conduct their investigation.

Hands Across the Sands in Caye Caulker

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage called on Belizeans who are against Offshore Drilling to actively show their opposition to this activity by joining hands across the sands on Saturday June 26, 2010. Despite the threat of the storm brewing a few miles away East of the Caye Caulker shore, representatives of the Coalition and residents of Caye Caulker turned up at 12noon to join the millions worldwide by linking hands.

While holding hands, a chat was held, "Ail ahn Waata Noh Mix". Hands were joined for fifteen minutes, and afterwards, only footprints remained.

Hands Across Sands will also be held in San Pedro, at a date and location to be announced.

Stephanie Arce is Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2010

With tropical depression - later to be named "Tropical Storm Alex" brewing in the Caribbean, residents of Caye Caulker had the opportunity to distract their minds as five beauties took to the stage to compete for the coveted title of Miss Lobster Fest 2010.

The evening was filled with colorful gowns, themed outfits and the five beauties wowing the crowd with their various unique talents. Along with the pageant contestants, the crowd was entertained during intermissions by Belize City's New Generation Dance Company - with their exquisite cultural, contemporary and modern dance performances.

At the end of the competition, Miss. Stephanie Arce was called to center stage to receive her crown as Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2010-2011.

Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Contestants 2010

It is that time again, time for Caye Caulker’s Lobster Fest 2010. It is time to sizzle and shine, and we mean that for the ladies! The annual tradition at the Lobster Fest, the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant is set to take place on June 25th, 2010 at the Caye Caulker Central Park starting at 7:00pm. Last year’s winner, Ms. Lexee Marin, will be crowning one of the following five beautiful and deserving contestants: Iriani Anahi Pineda (16), Ricardina Ruby Alcalaá (17), Stephanie Giselle Arce (16), Norielli Estrella Sandoval (16), Fidellie Salome Jimenez (17).

Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Queen 2009/2010 - Lexee Marin

Stephanie Giselle Arce

Ricardina Ruby Alcalaá

Norielli Estrella Sandoval

Iriani Anahi Pineda

Fidellie Salome Jimenez

Attendees at the pageant will be blown away by the performances and show the girls will put on. After the introduction of the contestants, there will be a group dance, followed by the Costume, Depiction of Life Style on Caye Caulker, Evening Wear and Question and Answer Segment. Hosts, Indira Craig and William Neal will also grace the stage with their presence, as will a variety of acts and musicians.

Prizes: Other than the amazing $4,000 scholarship, this year’s winner also walks away with a fabulous photo package from Conch Creative, plus 100 hours of Internet usage from Cayeboard Connection, amongst other prizes. The 1st runner up of the pageant will receive a $1000.00 scholarship, plus 50 hours of internet time from Cayeboard Connection, and other prizes. All remaining participants will receive 20 hours of internet time from Cayeboard Connection, and prizes and surprises. There are four other categories which any of the five girls can win, and those include Miss Photogenic, Miss Popularity, Miss Creativity and Miss Amity (chosen amongst the girls themselves).

This is a can’t-miss event, and you better swim on over if you have to, because on Friday June 25th, 2010, Caye Caulker is the place to be!!

The committee would like to extend their thanks to this year’s MUCH APPRECIATED sponsors such as, the Caye Caulker Village Council, Pelican Point Marina & Caye Cargo Ltd., GRACE KENNEDY (BELIZE) LTD., BTB, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Mr. Alberto Villanueva Jr., Lazy Lizard Bar at the SPLIT, San Pedro Belize Express, Loskot Studios, Caye Caulker Water Taxi, Purple Passion Salon and Rainbow Grill & Bar.

Caye Caulker gears up for Lobsterfest 2010

The weekend of June 25th through June 27th will be hopping in Caye Caulker as that delectable of all crustaceans is celebrated: LOBSTER. Grills will be lining streets, music will be blaring, and drinks will cool as Lobsterfest 2010 hits La Isla Cariñosa.

Already, Caye Caulker festival organizers have held their grand gala presenting their pageant contestants. Caye Caulker annually hosts an elegant pageant full of pomp and circumstance, with special guest hosts and entertainers. This year, hosts include popular media personalities William Neal (Channel 5) and the beautiful Indira Craig (Channel 7). Friday June 25th will be the pageant itself, and one of the five beautiful ladies vying for the prestigious title of Miss Caye Caulker Lobsterfest 2010 will be crowned. The reigning queen, Miss Lexee Marin, will be present to crown and sash her successor.

The following day, Saturday is the official opening ceremonies, followed by all things lobster. See you there!!

Caye Caulker shooting leaves one dead, one officer detained

Alpheus Parham

At around 5:20pm on May 9th 2010, P.C. #437, Alpheus Parham and a special constable responded to reports of a male person behaving in a disorderly manner at The Split area in Caye Caulker. As a result, a male person by the name of Alex Goff was detained and escorted to the Police Station.
Shortly after, a second incident occurred at the police station. Acting upon information received, the Police responded to the eastern cell block of the Caye Caulker Police Station where the lifeless body of a dark skinned male person was seen in a sitting position against the wall, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
The body was later identified as one Alex Goff, 31, of #33 Mopan St., Belize City. Initial Investigation revealed that the victim was detained and escorted to the Caye Caulker police station where he was placed inside the cell block for disorderly conduct and assaulting a Police Officer.

After Goff was placed inside the cell, he continued to make noise, and P.C. # 437 Alpheus Parham re-visited the cell block and began speaking to him. The diarist reported hearing a loud bang then immediately saw the officer exit the cell and placed a .38 revolver inside the diarist desk [drawer], subsequently the officer left the station.

The other officer on duty then made checks inside the cell where he reportedly saw the victim bleeding from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the forehead. The body was transported to K.H.M.H. where it awaits a post mortem. The .38 revolver has been recovered. As is customary when a shooting involves a police officer The Office of Internal Affairs and Discipline is conducting an intensive investigation. Officer Parham is detained pending charges.

Fire in Caye Caulker

News reached The San Pedro Sun office that there was a fire at Caye Caulker. Two houses were completely destroyed on the end of Park Street and Seaside and one structure received partial damage. Three families lost everything. Two persons have been detained. Read more in the next issue of The San Pedro Sun.

Caye Caulker Fire Details

As we mentioned this morning, several buildings were destroyed by fire in Caye Caulker. 4 buildings were completely engulfed in flames and destroyed, and 3 structures received partial damage. In an interview with the media, both Police and Fire Officials estimated the damage at close to $1 million dollars. None of the buildings were insured. More details in this week's issue of The San Pedro Sun...