San Pedro RC School Mundialito

The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) embarked on a project to acquire and implement a new system of teaching; moving away from the chalk board, which has proven hazardous to some students in terms of allergies; to a white board system. In order for this project to become a reality, funding is needed – funding that is not readily available to the SPRCS. Teachers have found a way to raise funds: A Mundialito Tournament. Students get to play sports, while benefitting from discipline and lessons learned on the field.

One of the organizers of SPRCS Mundialito Tournament, Mr. Kenny spoke to The San Pedro Sun; “On the weekends, a lot of time our students don’t really have lots of constructive things to do. The Mundialito will serve to encourage sportsmanship, healthy habits – exercise and pretty much keep the children off the streets, while raising some funds for our white board project.”

Students from all classes are divided into four divisions. Students from Infant 1 and 2 competed in (Div 1), Standards 1 & 2 (Div 2); Std. 3 & 4 (Div 3); and Standards 5 & 6 (Div 4). Each division comprises of three to four teams competing. Each team represents a different country. Countries being represented include Belize, Brazil, Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, countries from the Caribbean, Europe, United States, England and Norway to mention a few.

A special ceremony was held, similar to World Cup opening ceremonies, and parents, guardians and friends came out in droves to show their support for the children. Games will continue throughout the school year, so be sure to swing by and show your support as well!!

Brazil Ambassador Presents Credentials

Press Release - Belmopan - March 21, 2011 - The Ambassador of Brazil, His Excellency Tomas Mauricio Guggenheim today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, at Belize House in Belmopan.
Mr. Guggenheim said that this step is necessary to strengthen the links of friendship that already existed between the two countries and that Brazil and Belize share important values that make up modern civilization such as firm adherence to democracy and human rights, good governance and commitment to a sustainable development.
"It is a great honour for me to present to your Excellency the Letters of Credence from the President of the Federation Republic of Brazil, Dilma Roussef, accrediting me as the Second Ambassador of the Federation Republic of Brazil to Belize", said Mr. Guggenheim.
He concluded assuring the Governor-General that he would always convey the message to help identify and promote initiatives of cooperation and solidarity for the continual strengthening of both Countries.
The Ambassador paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow and also on Minister Wilfred Elrington in their Belmopan offices.

World Vet Spay Day 2011

Saga is hosting visiting vet group called World Vets http://www.worldvets.org/ - they travel all over the world helping animals for free!!

The volunteers will be working on Caye Caulker for a couple days and coming to do a free spay and neuter clinic at Saga this thursday March 24th. Starting at 9:30 am to 4:00pm.

Update on rescue efforts at sea...

On Sunday 20th March, 2011, at about 11:00am, information was received from The Belize Coast Guard of a cargo vessel that had sunk about two miles out of the outer reef, east of Caye Caulker Village. Initial investigations revealed that the vessel was a cargo ship, 74 meters in length and 11meters in width, with the name HELGA that was travelling from Panama and was heading to Mexico with a shipment of salt. The crew consisted of (11) male person, all of Cuban Nationality. The crew rescued were namely: Iraelio Mengana Garcia, 47yrs; Armando Garnado Martinez, 47yrs; Antonio Perez Sadez, 37yrs; Humberto Iglesias Hernandez, 49yrs; Alfredo Porta Martinez, 43yrs; Jose Consta Nalia, 46yrs; George Herrera Aldana, 38yrs; Joaquin Ruiz De Zarate Arribas, 39yrs. The three that are still missing Arturo Edreira Cuza (Captain), Nelson Perez Ardao and Alexis Gonzalez Cune are still being sought by Coast Guard, Police and local personnel.

This information was provided by the Police Press Office...

13th Annual Asset Protection and Global Investment Forum held

Exotic Caye Beach Resort was the venue, and co-hosts, along with Caye Bank Financial Center; for “President’s Week”, March 12th – 16th, 2011. Originally founded as a small gathering of corporate presidents (hence its nick name) who wanted to exchanger insights on the world economy, demographic and market trends, and new investment opportunities, the (APGI – Asset Protection and Global Investment) group has now grown in membership. While the conference is no longer limited to corporate presidents, it continues to be a private invitation only event where attendees have the opportunity to speak personally with international experts on business, investments, banking and economic trends, as well as entrepreneurs offering investment opportunities.

Highlights from the Forum included: Asset Protection for a Dangerous World; How to Safeguard Your Wealth in a World Drowning in Printed Paper Money; Private Equity, Global Opportunity and the Conversion of Demographic Trends Makes Latin America the Place to be Now; The Last Dominoes: Seldom-Discussed Economic Factors with a Historical Perspective; Double Digit Returns in a Zero-Percent World; The Last, Best Loop Hole for Tax-Deferred Growth and Investment; Global Banking: What You Need to Know; Tax Considerations for US Citizens Living, Working & Retiring Abroad; US Capital Controls – Are They Hidden in the New Jobs Bill (H.R.2847)?: Retirement Incentives and Structures for Holding and Protecting Assets in Belize among others.

Paul German - Manager of Excotic Caye Beach Resort, Hon. Wilfred Elrington - guest speaker and Michael K. Cobb - CEO, ECI Development, Ltd

Presenters included Joel M. Nagel, Esquire, Nagel & Associates, LLC; Egon von Greyerz, Founder, Matterhorn Asset Management AG, Zurich, Switzerland; Michael K. Cobb, CEO, ECI Development, Ltd; Hank Brock, CEO, Mutual Benefit International Group, Ltd; Brad Thomason, CPA, The Jefferson Group, LLC; Peter Nolan, President, Karlsberg International Insurance Corporation, Ltd.; Peter Zipper, President Caye International Bank, Ltd.; Maurice Glazer, CEO, Glazer Financial Network; Trevor Bradley, Georgetown Trust, Ltd. among others.

Michael Cobb, Chairman and CEO of ECI (Exotic Caye International) Development opened with a formal introduction to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Wilfred Elrington and a welcome to all in attendance.

Hon. Wilfred Elrington, in his introduction, offered his gratitude to the forum for their consideration of Belize as a recipient for their investments, while pointing out the various aspects of Belize that makes it ideal for investing and retiring. Following his welcome, Hon. Elrington went on to give a brief history of the beginnings of the country, from a British Colony to present while pointing the areas where the country can be improved – and where investment would be most welcomed.

Following the speech by Hon. Elrington, dinner (in the form of a Beach Bar-B-Q) was blessed and served under the tent on the beach.