Happy Birthday Boss!!

As always, we wish Mr. Ron Sniffin a very happy birthday. The Sniffin family also wishes his twin Don a happy birthday! We're sure you'll both have a great day! :)

Devastation from Arthur

Right in front of Island Academy is a boat tipped to the side the day after Arthur.

What hit Belize was simply supposed to be a Tropical Depression, but the ravages felt countrywide tell another tale. According to Ramon Frutos, meteorologist, indications are that the remnants of TD Alma joined up with TD Arthur, which strengthened and became a Tropical Storm and ultimately hit Belize and Mexico. San Pedro experienced quite a bit of rain - actually, it still is raining, but not nearly as hard as it was this morning around 4 am. There was something akin to a fireworks show on the island when lightning turned night to day for a good few minutes.

Hard rain, flashes of lightning and loud thunder made for an exciting morning on Monday.

What a sight to wake up to! Flooded yards, overflowing canals on a soggy Monday!

The morning commute was a little interesting today.

Fences swayed and bowed to the breeze during the night; even signs blew down.

As many people are saying today, there hasn't been such an occurence in years. Completely taken aback, people were unprepared for the deluge that was brought overnight. Unconfirmed reports state that there have been three deaths from the South district of Belize, and a family is missing. Homes are flooded, with emergency rescue efforts taking place with BATSUB, NEMO and more. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected.

Tropical Storm watch for Belize's Coast!

It is raining! A lot. After a couple months of dry dusty and hot weather, San Pedranos are now gearing up for some cool rainy days. A Tropical Storm watch for the entire coast of Belize was announced today, Saturday May 31st, 2008. June 1st is the official start of Hurricane Season, so both Tropical Storms Alma and Arthur were a bit early!

Everything is wet and gray. Dive shops are closed.

It is definitely time to break out the ponchos and umbrellas.

TS Arthur is currently (4:45pm) dumping quite a bit of rain - a constant drizzle, with occasional bursts of hard showers, and sudden gusts of wind.

The predicted forecast is for more rain through the night.

Some children decided that playing under the rain and in the sea was much more fun than staying indoors!

Environmental Journalism Awards

Jorge Aldana, News Director for The Reef Radio was honored last night with an honorable mention for his radio analysis of climate change causes and consequences, which was broadcast on Reef Radio News in San Pedro.


Also winning awards were Stewart Krohn and Janelle Chanona of Channel 5 (first and second prize respectively), and Shannon Harrison of Plus Television (third place - not pictured). We congratulate our friend and colleague Jorge, and give major thumbs up to all participants who provide great informative pieces on the environment.

Children's March

Children in uniform held up handmade posters.

"Stop the abuse!" "Say no to drugs!" "We have rights!"

Children from Holy Cross Anglican, New Horizon's Academy, San Pedro RC School, Little Angel's Pre School and ABC Pre School chanted these phrases as they took to the streets for the first annual March for our Children this morning.

Having heard too many disturbing stories about children being sexually, physically and mentally abused, organizers for the march decided it was time for the children to take a stand.