Be Kind Belize Holy Cross Anglican School Graduates

Thank you to the Community!

On Thursday the 15th of June 2011, Be Kind Belize was proud to celebrate the graduation of 24 children from Mr. Zetina’s Standard 2 at Holy Cross Anglican School. All of the students had successfully completed the Be Kind Belize programme.

Two students won additional accolades for being voted as the kindest kids in their class or by demonstrating generosity of spirit with their participation in the programme. Those children are Alhusaan Martin and Jennifer Neal.

Be Kind Belize was started in 2007 to offer humane education to primary schools in San Pedro and it is now being taught in the Cayo district as well. Humane education teaches children the meaning of kindness and empathy, gives them an understanding of responsibility and consequences and helps them to develop reverence and respect for all living things and the planet that we live on.

All of the Be Kind Belize, Kind Kid Winners received a fantastic selection of prizes, which were donated or sponsored. Many businesses and individuals deserve a huge thank you for supporting the programme and putting smiles on the faces of some very wonderful young people. The most exciting prize of all this year was full scholarships to San Pedro Summer Camp with a value of $600. San Pedro Summer Camp gives children the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the month of July. Be Kind Belize will be running a camp programme in association with San Pedro Summer Camp so there will be more fun with kindness this summer.

In particular, Be Kind Belize would like to thank Tammy Peterson from San Pedro Summer Camp, Marty Casado & AmbergrisCaye.com and Paradise Theatre. There were a number of other donors who contributed greatly to the prize packs that the children received and Be Kind Belize could not provide such wonderful motivators and rewards without their ongoing support. Be Kind Belize is very grateful.

If you would like to volunteer as a Be Kind Belize Humane Educator or if you would like to sponsor the programme in some way, please contact Colette Kase on 226 4366 or write to BeKindBelize@gmail.com.

MIBOOKLIST.COM Provides Solution To Yearly School Book Hassle

Every school year, especially at this time, students and parents are put under pressure to not only find their new school books for the new semester, but also are burdened with how to sell their old books. We have created MIBOOKLIST.COM, an easy to use, helpful, and free Belizean website to provide a solution.

MiBooklist.com was created and designed by a concerned parent with both the book buyer and seller in mind, to be a medium through which sellers and buyers of school books - or any other kind of book for that matter - can be connected.
Buyers can search by Title, Author, Publisher, ISBN and more! Sellers can post as many books on the site as they wish. When someone wants to purchase a book they have found on the site, they contact the seller directly and make mutual arrangements for the sale.

Use of the site is free - it costs nothing to look for books, and it costs nothing to put books for sale. Furthermore, Mibooklist.com is in no way involved in the sale nor do we ask for any commission. We just want it to be useful, so please tell a friend, or feel free to print out the attached flyer or post or promote at will in your particular medium.

Please take a look at the site and upload your own books for sale! Did we mention that it's absolutely free?

For further information contact the MiBooklist team by visiting the site, email at mibooklist@gmail.com, or by calling 610-5700.

ABC Pre School celebrates Father’s Day

Over 50 proud fathers gathered at the ABC Pre School on Friday Morning, June 17th, creating arts with their child. This was done in an effort to celebrate fathers – providing a bonding experience between father and child – in honor of this special day.

Scotia Bank gives back to the community

This morning, the San Pedro Branch of Scotia Bank made presentations to five hard working students from the various primary schools on the Island. The presentations were of grants of $300.00 each along with a back pack containing school supplies.

(Read more in our next issue of The San Pedro Sun).

Honorable Manuel Heredia donates to two San Pedro Institutions

On Thursday June 16^th, Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation made two presentations of donations.

The first was in the form of cheque in the amount of $10,000.00, which was presented to the Marco Gonzalez Committee. This donation was accepted by Ms. Jan Brown, Chair for the Marco Gonzalez Archeological Site.

The second donation was in the form of Hygiene Products to the worth of approximately $3,500.00. The products are all from the Kimberly Clark Line.

(Read more in our next issue of The San Pedro Sun)

Police Media Relations Workshop held

On Tuesday June 14, 2011, 30 Police Officers from Benque Viejo, San Ignacio and surrounding villages attended a Media Relations Workshop facilitated by the Ministry of Police and Public Safety and the Government Press Office. This is a country wide exercise that has since covered the Belize District and Belmopan. This workshop is being coordinated by the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Police and Public Safety, Mr. Raphael Martinez and entails

· knowing the media

· tips when dealing with the media

· legal perspective

· interviewing skills

· role playing

The next workshop is scheduled for Orange Walk in July then proceeds to Dangriga, Punta Gorda and Corozal. The purpose of the Media Relations Workshop is to provide Police Officers with information enabling them to efficiently and effectively engage the media in information sharing regarding matters that affect the public.

SPJC inaugurates Hon. Manuel Heredia Hall

The Hon. Manuel Heredia Hall was officially inaugurated on Thursday June 2nd. With its three classrooms, the facility will also provide extra space for the High School during the daytime. This came just under one year of the official ground breaking ceremony for the building.

Present for the ceremony were; Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation; Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education; Principal of San Pedro High School (SPHS) Mr. Emil R. Vasquez; Mr. R. Angel Nuñez, President of the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC); Mr. Gustavo Ellis, Dean, San Pedro Junior College; Mayor Elsa Paz, members of the media, other special invited guests and students.

After a welcome address by Mr. Vasquez, the ceremony continued with entertaining presentations by the new SPHS band, solo skit by Josie Lopez, a cultural presentation by Emily Gomez and Ismael Kay and other presentations.

Offering special addresses were guest speakers, Mr. R. Angel Nuñez, Hon. Patrick Faber and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. After much entertainment and inspirational talks, Mr. R. Angel Nuñez and Mrs. Martha Guerrero had the distinct honor of unveiling the plaque. This was followed by the blessing of the new building by Rev. Fr. Daniel Lemence Nuñez and the cutting of the ribbon by Hon. Manuel Heredia, Hon. Patrick Faber and Miss. SPHS 2011-2012, Miss Miriam Rodriguez.

Located on the SPHS grounds, the facility came about through the joint efforts of Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and President of the SPJC, Mr. Angel Nuñez, who lobbied for funding. Funding for the construction of the new structure was eventually secured through Grand Belizeans Estates Limited in exchange for a parcel of government land on Northern Ambergris Caye. The building was constructed at an estimated cost of $350,000.

SPRCS dominates Zone Competition in the Zone B Primary School competition

Four teams from two schools on Ambergris Caye travelled to Caye Caulker on Tuesday June 7^th. The teams travelled to compete against schools from Caye Caulker, for the Zone B elimination of the Primary Schools Football Tournament.

SPRCS Girls Team

While this leg of the competition is usually held in San Pedro, this year the four teams travelled to our sister island. With only two teams in the female division, SPRCS girls went up against NHAS girls. At the end of that game, the SPRCS girls were successful with a score of one to zero.

SPRCS’ boys first game was against the team from Caye Caulker which was a very tight game, ending in a penalty shot with San Pedro leading by one with a score of eight to seven. Game two for the SP boys saw them victorious over New Horizon boys’ team with a score of one to zero.

SPRCS versus New Horizaon's Male Football Team

Both New Horizon’s Adventist School (NHAS) and San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) sent two teams; one male and one female team.

At the end of the elimination rounds for Zone B – the area encompassing San Pedro and Caye Caulker, it appears both teams representing the Zone are from SPRCS. The teams now prepare to travel to Belize City to the MCC grounds, where they go up against winners from the other zones in the Belize District for the District eliminations. This is scheduled for Wednesday June 15^th.

SPRCS' Alessandra Gutierrez scores 4th highest in the PSE

For students in primary school, the culmination of their 8-year studies is the Primary School Examination (PSE). The years of study and hard work are tested with the PSE, and often, students find that they must prepare months in advance to do well.

This year, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) is proud to name one of its own as the top 4th scorer in the entire country of Belize. Alessandra Gutierrez, daughter of Amparo and Oscar Gutierrez, and Standard 6 student at SPRCS managed to score a total of 368 points out of 400, or 92%. This score puts Alessandra in fourth place countrywide. Holy Redeemer Primary School’s Aliyah Marin topped the exams with a score of three hundred and eighty five points (96.25%). Placing second overall this year is Josette McGann of United Evergreen Primary with three hundred and seventy six points (94%) and Jordan Murrillo of Belize Elementary with three hundred and sixty nine points (92.25%).

(L-R: Xanairi Xiu, Jacqueline Hernandez, Jamie Valentine and Alessandra Gutierrez)

At the SPRCS, there is much to celebrate, and according to Mrs. Roxanni Kay, everyone is very “happy and very proud [of all the students].” Of the 58 SPRCS students that sat the exam, 57 passed, making this year’s PSE another success story for the island’s largest, most populated school. Rounding out the top five were Jamie Valentine (87%), Rosanna Guerrero (86%), Jacqueline Hernandez (82.3%) and Xanairi Xiu (81.3%).

Congratulations to all the students!! Job well done!

The Art of Life - Authenticity

“Authenticity is the only solid position in hard times”

Natural wood is an art in Belize. Logging was a major trade in the country in the past and as you travel around and see the variety of trees, it’s easy to understand why. A wood carver’s and carpenter’s haven, real wood is a great pleasure and pastime for artisans in Belize. Over time, and facing the elements, real wood gets worn looking, but internally it has a solid strength and feel that make authentic wood a pleasure to have around.

In other parts of the world it is hard to find unique wood like Belize has. You can find a lot of fake wood though. They look nice, often pressed and glossy, over time they never seem to last, often, they crumble from the inside out.

Authenticity is not as easy to find when it comes to people, what is on the surface can be very deceiving. Making good business deals is an art and you need to take time to create solid results. Often times you need to look deeper to find how it’s all going to hold together. When we meet people we can be dazzled by shiny smiles, polished words and the promise of quick results, but like pressed wood that looks good, we need to temper all in the light of scrutiny for some time to see how they really hold up.

Books by Christopher Emmanuel can be purchased at his Art Gallery in The Sunbreeze Hotel , Art of Touch, Pages Book Store, Black orchid Spa and Sol Spa.

ACES at Isla Bonita

Cherie and Vince Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) were back at it on Thursday May 19th, imparting information about the American Crocodiles. This time around, the students of Isla Bonita Elementary School received the opportunity to acquire education, ask questions, and even touch one of the oldest animals in the world, dating back to the Dinosaur Age.
ACES is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Belize's critical wetland habitats and protected species, specifically Crocodilians, through scientific research and education in order to preserve Belize’s wildlife for future generations.

Further information about ACES may be found at their website http://www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org/, via email at acesnpo@hughes.net or by calling 011-501-631-6366.

Education Period celebrated

Education Period 2011 was observed across the country from May 3^rd through May 15, 2011. Throughout the two-week span, several activities were organized across the country under the theme “Education empowers: Creating change, nurturing minds, embracing the future."

During that period, the Ministry of Education (MOE) conducted several activities to highlight some of its accomplishments and the accomplishments of teachers. This year, the MOE focused on increasing public awareness as it relates to such issues as quality child friendly schools, secondary school refinancing reform and teacher education to name a few.

In San Pedro, there were a couple of activities which included an Ecumenical service held on Tuesday, May 3^rd. After the service, it was time for sports. For this event, two locations hosted: San Pedro High School (SPHS) and the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS). On Thursday May 5^th, all Ministry officials went into schools in their respective areas and taught lessons, in an effort to connect directly with teachers and students. Ministry officials visited three schools here in San Pedro; New Horizon SDA, St. Peter’s Elementary and San Pedro High School.

On Wednesday, May 11^th, a Festival of Arts was held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium (Read more on Page 1 & 4). The following day, teachers along with nurses were invited to enjoy the annual party hosted for them by the San Pedro Town Council and Area Representative.

Friday May 13, 2011, was a day to celebrate Teachers’ Day. On this day, activities, trips, fun events take place that help to build staff relations. All across the country, teachers enjoy a day of fun. We join the rest of the community and country in saying Happy Teachers’ Day, and thank you for all you do!

Festival of Arts held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium

Under the theme " Education empowers: Creating change, nurturing minds embracing the future", the various schools from San Pedro converged at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Wednesday May 11^th to showcase the culmination of months’ of preparations.

This year’s Festival of Arts saw the participation of students from St. Peter’s Elementary School (SPES), Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS), San Pedro RC School (SPRCS), New Horizon (NH), Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) and Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES).

One of the Gold Presentations!!

The presentation started around 7:00pm with the opening prayer by Mr. Miguel Hernandez, followed by the national anthem and a welcome by Principal of SPRCS, Mrs. Roxani Kay. Following this, the adjudicators were introduced by Ms. Candy Jones Armstrong, Education officer for San Pedro.

Read the full story in next week's edition of The San Pedro Sun.

SPRCS Students embrace their school

In honor of Education Period, students gathered all around their school compound and "hugged" their school. Education Period this year runs from May 3rd through May 15, 2011.

GARIFUNA MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES GRAND OPENING

Los Angeles, CA (April 27, 2011) – The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles (GaMoLA) held its grand opening ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The Museum was officially opened by Dr. Cadrin Gill, Honorary Consul General of St. Vincent & The Grenadines who cut the black and yellow ribbons draped in front of a Garifuna flag at the entrance to the museum.

Founded by Rubén Reyes, president and founder of The Garifuna Hope Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, the Museum was established in memory of two great pioneering Garifuna men, Don Narciso Reyes and Don Justo Flores. The Museum’s mission is to strive to “preserve the unique heritage and culture of the Garinagu (Garifuna people) through the collection and preservation of Garifuna historical and present-day artifacts, through educational and performing arts programs, exhibitions, and partnerships with community based organizations in the United States and abroad.” In addition, it will serve as an educational tool for the community at large to learn about the unique traditions and customs of the Garinagu.
From a humble beginning of a few drums and household items from friends in Garifuna villages of Honduras, the museum’s collections have grown to include: a Garifuna village model; miniature dolls depicting Garifuna dress and adornments; a life size paper maché figure of a Wanaragua dancer; and an impressive collection of books, videos, art, and artifacts depicting Garifunaduaü (the Garifuna way of life). Various scholars, historians, authors, musicians, artists, philanthropists and collectors have contributed originals and copies of their prized works to the museum. Other art connoisseurs and collectors have also loaned priceless historical items and collectors’ items to the museum to showcase the unique culture and rich heritage of the Garinagu.
The Museum is housed by the Blazer Learning Center, a non-profit organization founded in 1969 that provides many empowering programs to youths in the community, including a very successful after school program. Located on the ground floor in three rooms, the Museum boasts a main room containing Garifuna artifacts, the Gari Gallery, and a library and multimedia room.
Thanks to the benevolence of several philanthropists and the relentless efforts of volunteers, the museum’s home underwent essential renovations to prepare it for its grand opening by the weekend of April 16 to coincide with Garifuna Memorial Day. Every year, Garinagu commemorate April 12, 1797 as a day of reflection in memory of their ancestors’ exile from their homeland of Yurumein (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to the shore of Roatan in Honduras.
“The museum belongs to people of all nations and we invite the general public to visit and bring a friend to share and delight in a culturally diverse experience,” Rubén Reyes, executive director of the museum said. Mr. Reyes adds that volunteers are encouraged to participate in the on-going development of the Museum and in-kind and monetary donations are welcomed, which are tax-deductible and donors will receive an official receipt for tax purposes.
The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles is located at the Blazer Learning Center, 1517 West 48th Street in Los Angeles near Denker Avenue. Museum tours can be scheduled by calling (424) 218-6212.
For additional information visit the museum’s web site at www.garifunamuseumla.org or contact:
• Rubén Reyes, Director, (323) 864-1007, ruben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Ben Flores, Assistant Director, (323) 234-3404, ben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Helen Laurie, Public Affairs Director, (323) 496-4101, helen@garifunahopefoundation.org

San Pedro Community Health Fair underway

The San Pedro Community Health Fair started this morning at 9:00am. The various booths are set up at the central park, offering services from the Diabetes Association, Public Health, HECOPAB, Alliance Against AIDS, Maternal and Child Care, San Pedro Town Council, Lions Club, Kidney Association, Vector Control, NDACC, Dental and Chest clinic.

Students from the various schools came out to listen to educational presentations as they visit and are acquainted with all the different services. Services offered include, FREE HIV TESTING and blood pressure, to name a few.

Come on out to the Central Part and be a part of the educational event.