Lion's Club hosts Noche San Pedrana

On Saturday night, sponsors of Costa Maya, Reina de la Costa Maya contestants and special guests were treated to a night of entertainment, food and cultural exchange. The lovely “Noche San Pedrana” evening is an annual tradition to formally greet the Reina de la Costa Maya participants and to honor the sponsors who are so essential to the success of the four day event. This years Noche San Pedrana was taken up a notch and the San Pedro Lions Club lived up to its promise to host a one of a kind event for all. With the Lion’s Den sporting a whole new look, and a fresh coat of purple and gold paint, the night brought out a crowd eager to see and meet the La Reina de la Costa Maya contestants. With an all you can eat rice and beans buffet, live entertainment by Rompe Raja, Natalie Arceo, and a skit by Lion Mel and Kainie proved to be a night that won’t soon be forgotten. Here are the highlights of the event, read more in Thursday’s Costa Maya Edition of The San Pedro Sun.

The eight lovely ladies looked radiant all night long.

Reigning queen Maria Jeffery sashing the contestants.

Fans of Miss Guatemala, Jennifer Chiong.

Miss Panama strikes a pose with fan Johan from Belgium.

The Lion's Club hosted Noche San Pedrana which proved a raging success.

(l-r) Miss El Salvador, Miss Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Maya queen 2007 Maria Jeffery.

Miss Mexico, Miss Guatemala Universe, Miss Costa Rica and Miss San Pedro.

Singer, Natalie Arceo wowed the crowd with her renditions of Celia Cruz.

This young 'lad' was brave enough to dance with all the contestants.

Strike a pose ladies.

Dancing the night away with fans.

Miss Mexico, Natalia Alvarez sings along with the Rompe Raja band.

They're Here!

Seven of the eight delegates for The Reina De La Costa Maya Pageant 2008 arrived on the island. Miss Belize delegate Jessie Medina, alongside last year's winner, Miss Belize Maria Jeffery, welcomed delegates from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. A dinner was held in their honor at Riverside Tavern on July 31st, and on August 1st, it was a whirlwind of activities and photo shoots in Belize City.

The Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, had a meet and greet with the ladies.

The beauties were then whisked off for a photo shoot at the House of Culture.

Some pensive, some smiling - they were into their photo shoot!

Lunch was at Harbor View Restaurant - yummy!

Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador arrive via Tropic Air.

Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico came via Maya Island Air.

Miss Honduras is expected to arrive on Saturday, August 2nd. The delegates' days are booked solid with wonderful activities and practices leading up to the pageant itself, which kicks off the Costa Maya Festival Weekend.

Good luck to all the contestants!

BTB hosts BETEX 2008

Every two years, collaborating together, Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) organize what has become internationally known as BETEX. This year’s event kicked off in sunny San Pedro Town at the SunBreeze Hotel with local suppliers showcasing the best of what Belize has to offer. Travel trade professional were on hand to experience first hand the beauty of our country. Hotels, restaurants and many more were present in the exchange of information. Following the beginning night of BETEX, everyone was treated to a delicious dinner at El Patio. BETEX continues tonight. Here are some highlights..

Ramon's Village participated.

Discovery Expedition showcased their tours.

Changes in Latitudes held a booth and exchanged information.

Staff of El Divino participated..

As well as Staff from The Holiday Hotel.

BETEX continues tonight at the Sunbreeze Hotel, everyone is invited to come out and browse thru the booths.

Get your copy today!

Crocs killed by human hands

On Saturday, The San Pedro Sun received information of a crocodile’s carcass found south of San Pedro. Photos of the carcass were taken and submitted to Chenot-Rose who determined that the carcass was only a few weeks old. The crocodile was missing its head since there was no sign of a cranium, snout or teeth on the carcass. Chenot-Rose states, “A croc’s head is next to impossible to remove from the carcass as the hide is fused to the cranium plate; and, the photo showed a clean cut at the jaw line. This was only done by human hand.”

On Saturday, July 19th, members of American Crocodile Endangered Sanctuary (ACES) and Belize Forestry Department were in San Pedro working on relocating crocodiles from the lake across from Banyan Bay. Along with the three hundred pound eight foot two inches adult female, ACES managed to relocate a two foot eight inch crocodile which was found in the DFC Area. The crocodile was named Rodney and transported back to ACES headquarters in Punta Gorda. ACES discovered that the DFC homeowner, who caught Rodney, did so by placing a stick in its mouth which caused damage to the palatal valve. ACES directors decided to keep Rodney under their care until it healed and then planned on releasing it in the Rio Grande River. However, last Thursday, Rodney unexpectedly died and a necropsy was carried out to determine the cause of death.

During the necropsy six inches of fishing line were found lodged in the animal’s throat.

At the end of the line, there was a two inch fishing hook wedged into the animal’s stomach.

According to Biologist Cherie Chenot-Rose, Executive Director of ACES, the hook and fishing line was, “without a doubt the cause of the crocodile’s death. We must continue our efforts to educate the public and relocate those crocodiles in danger of being harmed. FINES NEED TO BE ENFORCED. Read more in Thursdays issue of The San Pedro Sun.