Fido's Courtyard kicks off Lobster Fest 2010

It's the grand opening of Lobster Season once again and Fido's Courtyard just received its first mass supply of Lobsters. As of early this morning, fishermen have been flocking to the seas in an attempt to capture the largest and best lobsters. Fido's Courtyard is presently offering a $100.00 gift certificate for the largest Lobster brought into the restaurant. Throughout the day activities will include a raffle taking place at 4:00 pm, with a chance to win over 25 prizes; Lobster Darts competition, Horseshoe Tournament Bracket competition and Lobsters prepared to suit every tastebuds.

San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 Kicks Off at El Divino

The San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 kicked off in fine fashion last night with a “Meat & Greet” cocktail party at El Divino located at Banana Beach Resort.

Special guest, celebrity weatherman Joey “HOT HOT HOT” Stevens and Bob the Parrot of One Caribbean Weather/WSEE TV attended the event and will be on the island filming the entire week’s events. Joey and Bob travel around the Caribbean and feature different destinations during their weather forecasts and on the One Caribbean Weather Satellite Channel.

The night was a great success and featured drink specials, prizes and live entertainment by Banda Cubana. The Ambergris Caye Dance Club (ACDC) also delighted the crowd with some impressive dance moves. El Divino also introduced their brand new Tapas menu and everyone enjoyed the festivities.

Joey Stevens and Bob the Parrot were on hand for photos as well as mingling with the crowd.

Banana Beach owners Crystal and Jimmy Dean hosted the event.

The Ambergris Caye Dance Company delighted the crowd with some jammin' moves!

Guests could order a sampler tray of the new Tapa's served at El Divino.

Walter takes a dreddy photo with Trey.

For more information about the San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 please visit their website at http://sanpedrolobsterfest.com/

Oil prospecting raises concerns in Orange Walk

The splendor and beauty of the Lamanai Archaeological site is being threatened by a nearby dredging project believed to be a prospect for oil exploration in that fragile area. According to the Northern Tour Guide Association, members of the community are sounding alarms about the close proximity of the dredging taking place south of the Lamanai Maya site. Oil prospecting in Orange Walk is as much concern for residents and ecologists as it is for the various Nonprofit Organizations that have banded together to lobby against it.

On Tuesday, June 8th, members of the media along with BTIA members and tour guides set out to visit the scene; a 40 minute boat ride through the New River Lagoon. Long time resident of Orange Walk, Wilfredo Novelo was among the first to notice the dredging of canals taking place several months ago. “I started seeing activity like what is happening in Shipyard with the Mennonites building large barges on land and they brought a huge metal boat. When I asked what the purpose of it, they told me it was for drilling oil. In regards to who is behind it, the workers on the site that I spoke with were tight lipped and did not disclose any solid information. The artificial canals within the vast wetlands are believed to be used in the prospecting exercise. We have an obligation as Belizeans to save and secure the health of the river for our future generations.”

Errol Cadle, tour guide, expressed his anguish on the matter and stated that this will definitely affect his and Belize’s livelihood and especially ruin our fragile eco-system. “I’ve been a tour guide for most of my life, and visitors enjoy all the splendor and glory of this area. It’s rich in history and for us to suspect that the black gold is being prospected in this area leaves us with great concern; this could be a disaster. If there would be a leak it will be very catastrophic because the river flows this way. It will destroy everything in its path and the birds, wildlife and fishes will be gone. A majestic barge equipped with oil drills and an old beaten up boat named ‘Horizon Bell Florida’ were anchored on the river side. This was used to dredge the linear canals upstream, in close proximity to diverse terrestrial and riverine eco-systems that surround it. Also, the Lamanai Maya site is very close and we are greatly concerned”.

It is uncertain who or which company are behind the project. Novelo confirmed that there is only speculation about oil prospecting activities to happen in the New River Lagoon Area. The Association (NTGA) will be contacting the Department of Geology for a confirmed report and to inquire of any dispensation granted. The New River is the most historic and largest freshwater lake in Belize.

Lime Bar hosts Mediterranean Night!

On Friday night, patrons of Lime Bar were treated with tasty delicacies as chefs from across the island had a chance to provide food with a Mediterranean Theme!

Everyone got to enjoy the variety of delicious dishes that were provided, and for only $10, one could sample every single dish! The proceeds will be donated to the winner's charity of choice.

Sean McDermott Performs San Mateo Benefit Concert

A benefit permormance by Broadway talent Sean McDermott was held on Thursday night, June 10th at the Paradise Theatre north of San Pedro Town. All of the proceeds from this concert, and the second one scheduled for tonight, June 12th will go to the San Mateo road building fund. http://sanpedrosun.net/old/10-221.html

The proceeds will also be matched, dollar for dollar by Sean's father, long time San Pedro resident, Corry McDermott.

Faith, a new fan of Sean's, purchases one of his CD's at the event.

Sean dedicates a song to the people of San Pedro.