NEMO Issues Tropical Storm Watch

Date: Friday, 25 June 2010 Time: 3:00 P.M.

NEMO PRESS RELEASE No. 2

The area of disturbed weather over the northwest Caribbean has become better organized. The possibility of Tropical Cyclone formation in this area over the next 48 hours has increased to 80 percent.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has put into effect a Tropical Storm watch for the entire coast of Belize as of 3:00 pm today. A Tropical Storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are likely to affect the country within the next 36 hours.

People along the coast and on the cayes are encouraged to evacuate early, once the NEMO declares a Phase.

Mariners and fisher-folk need to make early preparations to seek safe harbour, if the need arises.

Motorists are advised that increased rainfall can cause flash flooding and render roads impassable.

The general public is being advised to:

Review your emergency plans (family, community, business)

Ensure you have adequate food, water and medicine

Make early preparations to seek shelter if necessary. If you need to seek shelter, know where you are going. Make sure to inform relatives and friends of your plans, whereabouts and intended destination.

Public Officers are encouraged to be alert and ready in the event they need to report for duty.

The public is further advised to listen to local radio and television stations for official updates from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

The next advisory will be issued at 9:00 pm.

:- End of Release:-

Fire in San Pedro!!

Fire trucks were heard at the very busy intersection of Tarpon Street and Pescador Drive where a two storey wooden structure, housing Casa Cayo Real Estate among other businesses was under fire. At 2:40pm, June 25th, 2010, the San Pedro Fire Department received a call of a fire at a building located at the corner of Pescador Drive and Tarpon Street.

Officials arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the local eatery/internet cafe Full Chevere. They quickly managed to get the fire under control. After their investigations, it was concluded that the fire started from a microwave in the kitchen area of Full Chevere, and spread to the internet/eating area. Smoke damage extended to the other businesses surrounding the cafe, namely Casa Cayo Real Estate, San Pedro Pharmacy, and the living area upstairs.

The building was insured.

The Reef Radio deejays (DJ Habo & DJ Polo - y su mini Polo) were on the scene and reported live on air for their listeners.

Traffic was backed up as the entrance to Barrier Reef Drive was blocked as officials tried to bring the fire under control.

Meteorologists advise close monitoring of Tropical System

All Dia de San Pedro Functions postponed...

Due to the inclement weather, all Dia de San Pedro weekend activities have been postponed until further notice.

Voluntary Evacuations are expected to begin Saturday afternoon.

-Press Release - NEMO - June 25th, 2010 - The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) warns the public of an area of disturbed weather, Invest 93, off the Honduras/Nicaragua border moving on a West North Westerly track. This system has the potential for development as it enters more favorable conditions existing to the East of Belize.

Presently the National Met Service predicts a 70% chance of the system developing into a Tropical Depression offshore Belize as it moves toward the Yucatan Peninsula during Saturday and Sunday.

The public is being advised to be aware of the increased likelihood of further deteriorating weather conditions as this system nears our starting later today and over the weekend.

The NEMO advises the public to be prepared for increased rainfall, potential flooding and unfavorable sea conditions. All those persons along the coast and people traveling to the cayes need to pay particular attention to sea conditions.

The public is further advised to listen to their local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service. - End-

For now, the general public is advised to start making preparations for tropical storm-like weather. Tune in to your local radio station: The Reef Radio (92.3FM) and Love FM (98.1FM)

News of interest: Tropical Weather and Oil Spills

Costa Maya Festival presents: Miss Panama

18-year-old Yosibell Sánchez Espino is the proud representative for Panama at the 2010 Reina de la Costa Maya pageant. The beautiful dark-eyed brunette is a determined young woman who is looking forward to her participation at the pageant. She was asked what she wants to do in life, and while she considered it the most difficult question she has ever been asked, she does know she has one major goal, and that is to put her efforts to protect and save our wildlife. As part of “Fundacion MarViva”, a non-government and non-profit organization, Yosibell has found a way to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves: the animals (wildlife).

Yosibell will be gracing the stage on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 by delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. One of them will be walking away with the crown currently held by the stunning Maritza Rivas of Nicaragua.

The committee has finalized their prices for tickets, and those looking to start saving up for their passes, here are the ticket prices: Season Pass: Adult - $115, Children - $45. Those who want to attend specific nights should know that the prices are as follows: Thursday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Friday: $30 (A), $15 (Ch), Saturday: $70 (A), $40 (Ch) and Sunday: $40 (A), $10 (Ch). Remember, layaway is available, so be on the lookout for the ticket outlets and start saving up for your tickets soon!!

For more news and updates, visit the new Costa Maya website, designed and maintained by Designing Solutions, www.internationalcostamayafestival.com. More sponsors are also lining up to support the festival, and businesses are welcome to join the prestigious list of Costa Maya friends: Grand Sponsors: Belize Tourism Board, Bowen Group of Companies; Diamond Sponsors: Ramon's Village Resort, Maya Island Air, Designing Solutions, Jose Luis Zapata Photography, San Pedro Sun, Ambergris Today, NICH, The Reef Radio, Milo’s Center; Platinum Sponsors: Tropic Air, SMART, Ambergriscaye.com, Krystal Shipping; Gold Sponsors: Moncho’s Island Golf Cart Rental, Atlantic Bank; Silver Sponsors: Fido's Courtyard, Moon Dancer; Bronze Sponsors: Micky's Restaurant, Captain Sharks Marine Center, Refri Tech, Belize Social Security; Hotels: Martha's Hotel, Holiday Hotel, Blue Tang Inn and Mayan Princess.

Simply contact Mr. Gach Guerrero via the festival website for information on how to become sponsor, and as always, check out your weekly copy of The San Pedro Sun for more news and updates.

257 students of the Cayo Central Area receive Government Subsidies

Press Release - June 21, 2010 - GOB Press Office, Belmopan - Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Cooperative and Area representative of Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero, today delivered subsidies to students to the Cayo Central standard six students who will be attending high school.

The 257 students receiving the subsidies are from the Santa Elena Roman Catholic School, the Seventh Day Adventist, El Progresso, San Antonio Roman Catholic School, San Antonio United Pentecostal School, Cristo Rey Roman Catholic School, Buena Vista Government School, San Marcos School, La Gracia Government School, Saint Peters School and George Ville Anglican School.

While delivering the subsidies, Minister Montero encouraged the students to stay in school and strive for the best, since they are the future of Belize and to remember that education is the tool that will empower them for any future endeavour.