Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss Nicaragua!!

Hailing from the land of current Reina de La Costa Maya, Nicaragua, is the beautiful Claudia Alejandra Trejos Gadea. Standing tall at 5’9", 23-year-old Claudia is a Graduate of Business Administration, Tourism and Hotel Management. The brown-eyed brunette measures 34-24-38 and enjoys going to the beach and exercising.

Claudia believes in the strength of family, and that women are fighters by nature, having been born prepared to tackle the various stages of life with inner strength and intuition. She also believes that if all her people would unite with a positive attitude to address the political differences that directly affect the economy and culture, there can be change for her beloved Nicaragua. Claudia’s life ambition is to fulfill both personal and professional dreams by becoming a renowned chef with her own restaurant, while raising a family.

On Thursday, August 5th, 2010, watch as Claudia graces the stage alongside delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama. At the end of the night, only one will be crowned by outgoing Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas, of Nicaragua. Will Nicaragua take the crown for a consecutive year, or will a new country proudly hold the crown?

You just have to be there for the grand moment when newly confirmed Pageant Host Sandra Hoyos announces the 2010-2011 winner!! The Costa Maya Committee is pleased to welcome her as this year’s special invited Mistress of Ceremonies for La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant.

Sandra Hoyos is the host of Siempre Contigo, shown on Sundays on America Teve/Canal 41. She is the proud mother of four who was born in Miami to Cuban parents. As a lawyer she has offered her expertise on such shows as Al Rojo Vivo. Her current TV show is very similar to one she was in when she was 14, called TV Mujer on Univision. Touching on health, beauty and social issues, her show also answers online questions and features special invited artists and guests. And on Thursday, she will be on stage herself as our invited guest hosting one of the most exciting nights in August.

Help Save Baby Daniel

Daniel Estell is a 7 month old boy who is in desperate need of a liver transplant. Born in Belize Daniel is now at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. It is the hope that sufficient funds can be raised to make this life saving transplant possible.

To find out how to help, CLICK HERE

Baby Daniel suffers from a rare liver disease ‘Biliary Atresia’. Biliary atresia is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The condition is congenital, which means it is present from birth. The only 2 treatments for this disease are the ‘Kasai Procedure’ which baby Daniel has gone through already and secondly a liver transplant, which baby Daniel is in dire need in this present time.

Nobody really knows what is the actual cause for Biliary Atresia the only thing we know is it can be treated. The encouraging news is that most of the babies who are treated in time grow up and live normal lives.

Presently in Los Angles, California, baby Daniel is being treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. He is in a stable condition but just for a short period of time, due to his chronic and progressive liver disease. He will need a liver transplant within the next few months. Time is very critical in his life.

Saga has a new vet - Dr. Laura J. Henckel

After weeks of reaching out for public support and persistent efforts with the Veterinarians Surgeons Board of Belize, SAGA Humane Society was informed that Dr. Laura J. Henckel has finally been granted a conditional temporary license to provide veterinary services at SAGA’s Veterinary Clinic. The temporary license is valid until September 30th 2010.

Dr. Lauren Henkel has been working in Las Crusas, New Mexico for the past year and a half as a veterinarian. She is a long time lover of San Pedro and has visited the island over six times in the past fifteen years. Dr. Henckel is excited that she can finally start to contribute to the island and its residents though her work at the SAGA Humane Society’s Veterinary Clinic. More than for a salary, Dr. Henkel stresses that her interest in working with the SAGA Humane Society stems from her genuine love of animals as she herself is the proud owner of five pets.

The Board of Directors of SAGA Humane Society stated to the The San Pedro Sun, “We are thrilled that we were at least issued a short term temporary license for now so that we can fully run the Clinic. The petition and community support for SAGA definitely played a part in this and so we thank the community wholeheartedly for its help. SAGA is currently waiting to receive some guidance and clarification from the Veterinary Surgeons Board on certain terms of the license and will exercise its best judgment in the interim. SAGA will continue to advocate for the Board to issue SAGA’s vet a permanent, unrestricted license so that SAGA can be financially sound and available to help all those in the community that need our services. We appeal to the community to continue to support us in this effort as well.”

The SAGA Humane Society and Veterinary Clinic is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. On Saturdays, SAGA is open from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. In addition to veterinary services, SAGA is available to render assistance with adoptions, surrenders, abuse/neglect reports and other animal issues. SAGA’s Clinic is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information and to make an appointment, please call 226-3266.

Maya Mound Park for Sale

“Mayan Mound”, a parcel of land located south of San Pedro in the San Pablo neighborhood has been the subject of scrutiny and controversy since its alleged sale last year. Presently it is an opened lot that houses a deteriorating palapa, a Stella replica and at one point picnic tables where residents used it as a park. What is special about this parcel of land is that the mound on the property is believed to be a Mayan structure of some sort. The mound holds much significance to residents of San Pedro, as well as to the Government of Belize for its possible archeological value and hence would be protected under the laws of Belize.

According to Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. while the parcel of property should never have been sold, it was. Therefore, the property is no longer in the possession of the Government of Belize.

Information reached our office that there was a “For Sale” sign placed at the property, which raised concerns for residents. The San Pedro Sun spoke to Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. for some clarifications. In a telephone interview, Heredia informed us that, “yes, it was brought to my attention that the parcel of land was being sold. I called the present owner to talk to him about the sale. I informed him that while he can legally sell the parcel of land, as he is the owner, whoever purchases the land will not be able to do any construction on the property.”

Although the present owner is at liberty to sell the piece of property, all future owners will not legally be able to use the parcel of land for any construction development that would interfere with the existing mound located on the property.

Dia de San Pedro Celebrated

Dia De San Pedro was celebrated after a week's delay, but it was worth the wait as entertainment came from all over to join San Pedranos in the festivities.

After a grand fireworks display on Friday night, there was some dancing and singing, followed by the second annual Karaoke competition, which was won by Valentino Caliz.

On Saturday night, it was Belizean Culture at its Best!! With fabulous performances by the Yo Creek Uch-Ben Ok-ot (Old/Traditional Dance) Dance Group, Belize National Dance Company and Super Furia Band from Orange Walk.

Sunday's Fishing Tournament was cancelled, but the evening's events were back in full swing with more performances by the San Pedro Dance Company, Natalie Arceo, a surprise Cultural Show by a Mexican Dance Group and capped off with the fabulous stylings of Banda Cubana. All in all, the weekend was a great success, and hats off to the organizers for pulling off such a great event. Feliz Dia de San Pedro!!