Education Period celebrated

Education Period 2011 was observed across the country from May 3^rd through May 15, 2011. Throughout the two-week span, several activities were organized across the country under the theme “Education empowers: Creating change, nurturing minds, embracing the future."

During that period, the Ministry of Education (MOE) conducted several activities to highlight some of its accomplishments and the accomplishments of teachers. This year, the MOE focused on increasing public awareness as it relates to such issues as quality child friendly schools, secondary school refinancing reform and teacher education to name a few.

In San Pedro, there were a couple of activities which included an Ecumenical service held on Tuesday, May 3^rd. After the service, it was time for sports. For this event, two locations hosted: San Pedro High School (SPHS) and the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS). On Thursday May 5^th, all Ministry officials went into schools in their respective areas and taught lessons, in an effort to connect directly with teachers and students. Ministry officials visited three schools here in San Pedro; New Horizon SDA, St. Peter’s Elementary and San Pedro High School.

On Wednesday, May 11^th, a Festival of Arts was held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium (Read more on Page 1 & 4). The following day, teachers along with nurses were invited to enjoy the annual party hosted for them by the San Pedro Town Council and Area Representative.

Friday May 13, 2011, was a day to celebrate Teachers’ Day. On this day, activities, trips, fun events take place that help to build staff relations. All across the country, teachers enjoy a day of fun. We join the rest of the community and country in saying Happy Teachers’ Day, and thank you for all you do!

Rachelle Wintzen gives Modern Hip Hop Dance Classes

On Wednesday May 18th, Rachelle Wintzen was at the Train Station, where she presented two classes to students of various ages in the art of modern hip hop dances.

All attendants were dressed for the occasion, each individually expressing themselves through fashion and dance.

This is the first in a series of classes that Ms. Wintzen hopes to be giving on the island. Look in next week's paper for a full introduction as well as availability and classes that she hopes to provide.

Enjoy photos and the video from Wednesday's classes.

Counterfeit $100.00 bills confiscated and some remain on the market

On Thursday, May 19^th, 2011 about 2:00pm Police on mobile patrol on West Collet Canal in Belize City conducted a search at #59 West Collet Canal, the residence of David Sedacey. A search conducted on Sedacey resulted in the discovery of a transparent plastic bag with two amounts of $100.00US notes that appeared not to be genuine. A search of the house and the premises yielded nothing illegal. David Sedacey was cautioned and escorted to the Queen Street Police Station along with the counterfeit notes.

David Sedacey

The notes were counted and categorized by serial number. There were (37) $100.00 US notes with S/N FF58641474B, (36) $100.00US notes with S/N FF80216340B, (38) $100.00US notes with S/N FJ34448254A, (39) $100.00US notes with S/N FLO34944321C all to a total of (150) $100.00US. Police formally arrested and charged David Sedasey, 35yrs, laborer of #59 West Collet Canal for the offence of Possession of counterfeit notes.

*The Public is asked to be on the lookout for these counterfeit US $100.00 notes that are in circulation. If you come in contact with anyone who has in their possession these bills, please contact the nearest Police Station or call Crime Stoppers - Tips for Rewards hotline: 0-800-922-TIPS (8477).

Find listed some of the serial numbers that may be in circulation already:- AC 80283529B- C4, AF 77981529B- F7, AG 43984569B- 67, AC 13149119B- C2, AC 80283529B- C4, AC 49984129B- C5, AC 50979499B- C8, AF 17401529B- F6, AG 53939129B- G6, AG 23989524B- G7, AG 27681529B- G7, AF 77981529B- F7, AC 80289529B- C4, AG 78589127B- G6, AC 14909829B- C6, AC 52539129B- C6.

SIGNATURE DRIVE PRACTICALLY A DONE DEAL, OCEANA CAMPAIGN SHIFTS GEARS TO VOTER EDUCATION

Oceana in Belize is almost ready to publicly announce the final tally of referendum signatures collected over a grueling three month campaign, but the organization is still not breaking its stride. To keep the momentum going to prepare for a winning national referendum vote, Oceana aims to draw from a Belizean public that has been properly educated on the Oil Industry Issue.

To this end, Oceana invites all institutions, organizations and communities from across Belize who would like to learn more about the Social, Economic, Legal, and Environmental impact of our Oil Industry, to contact us at this time to arrange for a dynamic presentation on this critical subject. We are also inviting volunteers – especially students – 17 years and older, to apply to assist us over the next few months in our voter education campaign. This is a historic and exciting time, and it is a wonderful opportunity for all Belizeans to become involved in creating a positive difference in the future of our country.

Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

Whitey Feels Mighty - Even Dogs Forgive and Forget

Press Release – SAGA Society – May 17, 2011 – Whitey is a friendly and playful young dog, so little did he know when two big, strong muscular dogs approached him one day that they didn’t want to play. They attacked Whitey viciously, leaving him with deep puncture wounds to his face and his throat ripped open. When the two big dogs finished with him, they left him in the street to die.

Luckily for Whitey, some wonderful people found him barely clinging on to life in the gutter. They rushed him to SAGA, where the staff members were shocked to see the horrific wounds and terrible trauma caused to this poor sweet dog. Whitey’s trusting but frightened eyes made the SAGA team even more determined to save him.

Whitey was given love, healthy food, a great deal of veterinary care and a new lease on life by the fantastic SAGA staff. SAGA pays for all of the medical care and treatment for dogs like Whitey and can’t do that without the generous help of the public.

Whitey not only survived but now he is ‘fighting fit’. You’d think that Whitey would want to get back at the bullies who nearly killed him but Whitey is a lover and not a fighter. He loves other dogs and cats and his idea of a great day out is a romp on the beach. He’s a happy and loyal dog thought to be a Labrador mix of some sort, about 2 years old and looking for a home where he can live happily ever after.

Come and see Whitey and his friends at SAGA Humane Society. They say a house is not a home without a good dog and a dog with such a big heart will fill your home with joy and love. Whitey may have forgiven his attackers, but only a loving and permanent home will help him to forget that he was abandoned to die in the most horrible way.

If you see a dog that is injured or suffering call SAGA on 226-2366 and they will be there to help.