Wednesday, June 9, 2010

...and the BTB Tourism Awards Finalists are:

Environmental Organization of the Year
An organization that is a leader in the conservation and preservation of Belize's natural resources; practices sustainable management of Belize's natural resources, supports community development and promotes public awareness and education of environmental preservation.

International Center for Responsible Tourism (ICRT - Belize) - *FINALIST*
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) - *FINALIST*

Placencia Moorings Masters
Southern Environmental Association

Receptive Service of the Year
A tourism business entity that offers exceptional service to customers, the ability to manage a business seamlessly, is sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and accommodating to the industry's needs and offers an authentic Belizean experience.

Museum of Belize - *FINALIST*
Ambergriscaye.com - *FINALIST*

Le Petit Café
Island Adventures Golf Cart Rental

Hotel of the Year
A licensed hotel that offers a gateway to paradise, where service exceeds excellence, engulfed with positive attitude and attentiveness of staff, offers exceptional value for money, has outstanding facilities and amenities, remarkable ambiance, innovation and the ability to provide visitors with a true sample of the Belize brand.

Xanadu Island Resort - *FINALIST*
Jaguar Reef Lodge - *FINALIST*

Ka'ana Boutique Resort
Chabil Mar Villas

Small Hotel of the Year
A licensed small hotel that captures the essence of warmth and homeliness, displays customer - service excellence, utilizes environmental best practices and sound management.

Seaside Cabanas - *FINALIST*
The Lodge at Big Falls - *FINALIST*

Villa Boscardi
Black Orchid Resort

Tour Operator of the Year
A licensed tour operator that offers a variety of tours which excels in service, product innovation, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety, reliability and value for money.

Caves Branch Adventure Co. - *FINALIST*
Avadon Divers - *FINALIST*

Grumpy & Happy Enterprises
Searious Adventures

Tour Guide of the Year
A licensed tour guide with a wealth of knowledge, has the ability to mesmerize an audience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, positive attitude, creativity and the ability to provide world-class tour experience.

Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat) - *FINALIST*
Rudolf Thompson (CPR saved a life) - *FINALIST*

Dwayne Young (Joy Tours)
Mauricio Aguilar (Lamanai Outpost Lodge)
Luis Godoy (Belize Nature Travel)

Frontline Person of the Year
A frontline employee who has unmatched interpersonal skills, the ability to welcome guests with great Belizean hospitality, is well versed about the Belize product and provides a memorable experience.

Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek) - *FINALIST*
Natalie Ranguy (Chabil Mar) - *FINALIST*

Patricia Rodriguez (San Ignacio Resort Hotel)
Jubalos Kib (Seaside Cabanas)

Cultural Award of the Year
A person or organization that exemplifies Belizean entertainment, is instrumental in the creative arts, and/or music, food and promotes and preserves Belize's cultural heritage.

Three Kings of Belize - *FINALIST*
Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project - *FINALIST*

Governor General of Belize
Battle of the Drums Competition and Show (PG)

Small Vendor of the Year
A small vendor who offers creative and quality products and provides value for money with exceptional service.

Tutti Frutti Gelateria - *FINALIST*
Cotton Tree Chocolate - *FINALIST*

Sing's Gift Shop (Belize City)
Maya Ant & Bee (Punta Gorda)

Restaurant of the Year
A restaurant offering a dining experience and not just a meal or a routine. Here, the ambiance is bliss, the menu offers diversity and the service is great. The personality of the restaurant is as distinct as the staff is professional.

Blue Water Grill (Sun Breeze Hotel) - *FINALIST*
Bonefish Grille (Singing Sands Inn) - *FINALIST*

Red Ginger (The Phoenix)
French Connection (Placencia)

Destination of the Year *New*
This destination is proactive in terms of marketing, product enhancement and sustainability initiatives. In addition, customers rave about their satisfaction levels and high service standards found throughout. Events and attractions are bountiful while both the tangible and intangible product offering contribute to the lure, comfort and convenience of all who visit.

Hopkins, Stann Creek - *FINALIST*
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye - *FINALIST*

Placencia, Stann Creek
San Ignacio, Cayo

In Addition, there will be two more awards, for which no nominations were requested, namely:
Minister's Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Social Security donates $10K to Belize Cancer Center, Dangriga

- Press Release - Belmopan, June 8, 2010 – Government News - This morning, the Social Security Board donated $10,000 to the Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga to assist in the cost of medical treatment administered to patients who are suffering from various types of cancer. The Social Security Board Dangriga Branch Manager, Ms. Anna Guy, presented the cheque to Ms. Julie Cain who accepted the cheque on behalf of the Belize Cancer Center – Dangriga.
The Social Security Board continues to take great interest in the health and wellness of the members of our society. This initiative underscores SSB’s commitment to improve the quality of life of those persons affected by cancer.

North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Inaugurates new Police Substation!!

On Saturday June 5th at 12:00 noon, the North Ambergris Caye Neighorhood Watch held the grand opening of their new Police Substation. Food was provided as well countless fun-filled activities for the entire family. Congratulations to the N.A.C.N.W. for this great accomplishment!!

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!!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Schools Uniting for Peace

People were pleasantly surprised by students this afternoon as they received handmade pins and decorated balloons with lovely sayings like "Be Happy", "Stay Safe", "Be Nice", etc...it is a combined effort with the various schools who have united for peace. They are showing a little bit of love to people, stopping at random, unexpected places to share. Students are being taught manners, staying safe, and the meaning of peace. Their lessons took them outside of the classroom to share that same love with others in the community.