Two Belizean Criminals Killed, One Wounded in Honduras

Alexander "Pinky" Edwards, deceased.

Gabriel Salazar, hospitalized.

Alex “Pinky” Edwards, Benjamin Peters (photo not available) and Gabriel Salazar are no strangers to the news. In fact, they were wanted in Belize for the Spanish Lookout March 13th Scotia Bank gun point robbery. The news today is that at least two of the men were killed and one remains hospitalized in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

The San Pedro Sun confirmed with the family of Alex Edwards living in San Pedro that he was killed in Honduras sometime before Monday, September 27 along with Benjamin Peters. Robert Villafranco, the uncle of Alex Edwards explained that funeral services for his nephew were held on Wednesday, September 29th at 4 PM in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Villafranco explained that the parents of Alex travelled to Honduras and identified the bodies to the Honduran authorities.

Villafranco nor the grandfather of Alex Edwards, Frank Edwards Sr. would say what were the circumstances that led to the death of their relatives, but reports to media in Belize is that they were involved in a highway bus robbery and were killed during a shoot out with authorities in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The relatives of Peters, who are from Santa Elena, Cayo are making arraignments to transport his body back to Belize for a funeral. Gabriel Salazar, as we understand, remains hospitalized in Honduras.

Police in Belize have not commented on the incident. Alex Edwards was also under investigation for the February 2009 triple murder in North Ambergris Caye.

Costa Maya confirms Yerbaklan from Honduras for Friday Night

Friday night’s lineup has just gotten even more exciting, as Honduras’ Yerbaklan will be on stage performing to your heart’s delight. They’ve been here before, but under a different name. Now, with a fusion of reggaeton and urban rhythms, Cesar Castaneda (Csarec) of San Pedro Sula, and Jaime Colindres (Jimmy James) of Tegucigalpa, are one of the most well-known duos in Honduras. Csarec and Jimmy James both dreamt of becoming artists/singers from a very young age, writing their own lyrics and making their own music. They eventually fused their styles and became what is now known as Yerbaklan.

They are influenced by such artists as UB 40, Boyz II Men, Vico C, El General, Shabakan and Nando Boom. They got their start in 2004 when they were included in a compilation called “Leyenda 2”. This production catapulted them via newspaper media, radio and television, both local and national. In 2005 they were recognized as “Duo of the Year”, and got top radio and television rotation with their hit “La Vaquerita”.

They even traveled and performed throughout Honduras, Guatemala and San Pedro, Belize for Costa Maya (2005). They have had the good fortune to be the opening performances for artists such as Calle 13, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Rakim y Ken-Y and Tito “El Bambino”. In 2008, they held a concert of their own in Honduras, and caught the attention of US record label “Xatruch Music”.

Their first album, called “Primera Clase” started production in 2009, and if their 2007 singles “Sexy Gial” and “Tu Amante” is anything to go by, Primera Clase is a guaranteed hit for this talented duo. And now, festival goers will be able to enjoy them in the flesh as they once again hit the stage, polished, primed and ready to blow you away. Be sure to catch the front row when Csarec and Jimmy James come on stage.

New International flights by Maya Island Air

Maya Island Air will soon start offering flights to Cancun and Guatemala City. Starting July 8^th, 2009, those wishing to travel by air to these hotspots can now do so with the trusty Maya Island route. San Pedro Sula and Roatan in Honduras are also part of their flight rotation.