San Pedro Fire Department Places 2nd in National Fire Service Olympiad!

This year's 16th annual Fire Olympiad hosted by the Belize National Fire Service Olympiad was held over the weekend at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk Town. Six proud volunteers of the San Pedro Fire Service travelled north to showcase their abilities in performing the various drills to prove themselves as some of the country's finest firemen.
Miguel Medina lead his team of five volunteers: Claudio Tzul, Lester Diaz, Miguel Ancona, Alex Manzanero and Andy Albeño to a very sucessful performance in this year's tournament. Competitors were required to compete in ten different fire drills in which San Pedro's team managed to acquire 13 trophies for placing first and second in the various drills. Competitors were judged by the time it took them to complete each drill successfully, with the competitor completing the drill within the shortest amount of time being the winner. The overall time each team took to complete all ten drills was tabulated and the team with the shortest time won. This year, San Ignacio Fire Station took first place and San Pedro brought home the trophy for second place. Congratulations to our San Pedro Fire Department!! Awesome Job!!!

Belize International Film Festival comes to San Pedro

Dancers clad in white welcomed everyone into the theater

It was an all white affair, and held at the Reef Village Paradise Theater, the kickoff night for the three-day event in San Pedro started with a bang. Despite Antony Anderson having to cancel his appearance at the event, film-goers were still able to enjoy a fantastic night out. Darryl "Chill" Mitchell, a NAACP-award winner and actor was in the house. Chino and Michael Flores were also on hand as they promoted their film "Do It".

Chino and Michael Flores

Miguel and Chino

The ever effusive and hilarious Lauren was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening

The film shown on the first night was "SKIN". Based on a true story about a white Aafrikaner family who were unaware of the Black ancestry, and the struggles they have with their daughter Sandra Laing when she is born with dark skin. Sandra is driven out of white society, and the film follows her 30-year journey from rejection to acceptance, betrayal to reconciliation and her fight to find a place for herself in the ever changing world.

After the movie, some of the audience were interviewed to give their review of what they had seen.

Immediately after the film, it was time to head to the White Party at the Reef Village Bar. People converged at the bar to enjoy bocas from The Palm Restaurant and drinks from Traveller's Liquors. People got the opportunity to mingle and catch up with friends.

Allan, Clive and Norma

Darryl "Chill" Mitchell and the lovely Tanya Samoila

A smiling Kim Vasquez of the Institute of Creative Arts mingles with attendees

The remaining two days of the festival showed screenings of films such as Derrick Baños: Belizean Talent; 22 Years From Home; The Roe Effect; Personal Belongings; Lie; 7 Adventures of Sinbad; Fallen Gods; Chino's Story; Who Killed the White Llama and Calypso at Dirty Jims.

The Belize International Film Festival 2010 runs from July 16 through July 24th, when an awards ceremony and Tribute to Haiti will be held at the Bliss Center. Movies will be shown at the Bliss for dates listed above.

Below is a short raw-style docu-film of the behind the scenes production on opening day. Many thanks to Daniel Velasquez for this short.

"Dollar Drive" a huge success

Saturday’s “Dollar Drive” fundraiser for the newly formed San Pedro Cancer Society was a huge success. Members of the group, along with volunteers donated chickens, rice and beans, salad, coleslaw and even cupcakes and other pastries for sale. During the sale, a Dollar Drive was held, with drivers donating amounts from $1 and up to the very worthy cause.

Drivers stopped and gave generously...thank you to all who stopped for a moment to give...

Even hardworking delivery men took a moment to donate what they could

For $1, one could also place their palm print on a banner

Food was on sale for the busy lunch hour

Smiles of success - Miguel, Monica and Juvinie take a break from the long day

Jorge and Alexis collect donations from drivers passing through

Miguel and Zoby

After a long hot day of hard work, the Board of Directors have confirmed that enough money was raised that the original goal was met, plus, more. With the extra funds, the organization can pay the legal fees to register the organization plus will have leftover to start a savings account. That account will hopefully continue to grow so that many people can be helped.
Members are still welcomed, and everyone is thanked for their HUGE support to this very worthy cause.

Dollar Drive Fundraiser for San Pedro Cancer Society

The newly formed San Pedro Cancer Society is calling on the community to give a helping hand in their first fundraiser on Saturday, July 17. This fledgling group is hoping to register as an NGO (Non Government Organization), and to do so, must raise some funds to pay for the process. To do so, they are holding a Dollar Drive at Mr. Omar Arceo's residence across from the Five-A-Side court. Starting at 11am, food will be on sale, as well as drinks. Those who come by are being asked to donate one (1) dollar ($1). If you wish to give more, it is gladly accepted. A gratuity pin will be given to donors as well.

The San Pedro Cancer Society was established to create a network of help for those who are affected and dealing with Cancer. The group works on a volunteer basis, and aims to provide educational information on cancer, along with support, both moral and financial, to those who are living with the dreaded "C", and require treatment. Monies will also be used to support the invaluable Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga.

The board of directors include: President - Monica Prevett; Vice President - Jorge Aldana; Secretary - Rene Guzman; Treasurer - Miguel Perez.

Fundraising events will be held at least every other month, and a grand yearly gala is in the works as the main fundraising event of the year for the group. To join the society, or to find out more about how to help in the fundraising efforts, contact Monica at 631-6567 or Miguel at 610-1293.

Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss Guatemala!

With only a few weeks left before Costa Maya 2010 is here, we present to you 25-year-old Gabriela Asturias. The beautiful Guatemalan representative is a Social Communicator who stands at 5’ 5", measures 34-24-35, has dark brown-eyes and hair. Gabriela enjoys dancing and reading, and is looking forward to representing her beautiful country at this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant.



Gabriela will be joined on the Costa Maya stage in San Pedro by delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, 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. Who will be our new beauty representative? You just have to be there for the grand moment!

Belize's own Berne Velasquez opens for Angel y Khriz

Also lined up for entertainment is Belize's own Berne Velasquez. This Belizean musician, model and entertainer will be on stage Saturday night, August 7, bringing the hype and melodies before International artists Angel y Khriz come on stage.

Berne's music combines rap and reggae, a collaboration has captured the attention of Hip-Hop as well as pop music aficionados world wide. Musically influenced by pop icons Bob Marley, Tupac, and Stevie Wonder, Berne has had the fortune to perform on stage with Reggae and Dancehall greats, including Beenie Man, Sean Paul, and Shaggy. And he will be on La Isla Bonita to bring his music to those in attendance.

Sunday's family day will contain some fun and giggles for the children as Ozzy and Chispin will be on hand to keep everyone entertained. These two clowns will be at the fair grounds on Sunday, August 8.