Tourist unhappy over traffic mishap

Bicycles are perhaps one of the fastest modes of transportation on the island and for those tourists economizing; it is perhaps the cheapest way to visit Ambergris Caye. One tourist did not have the best experience after she was involved in a traffic mishap on December 28th on the island. Christine Rodriguez, an American lawyer from the State of California, explained to The San Pedro Sun that sometime between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on the night of question, she, along with her boyfriend Angel Topette, was riding her bicycle in the Banyan Bay Area when she was hit by a golf cart. The man behind the wheel was later identified as Harry Longsworth, manager of the town’s Transport Department whom Rodriguez claims was driving his golf cart while on his cellular phone. According to the lawyer, it was not until after Longsworth got off his phone that she was approached by him and questioned, “Why did you hit me?”

Harry Longsworth, who is the former Ambergris Caye Traffic Control Chairman, denied being on the phone while driving. He went on to explain that it was not until after the accident that he got on the phone to call the police for assistance. Longsworth stated that he was driving on Coconut Drive near Mar de Tumbo Area and was about to make a right turn in front of Los Caminates Store on his way home. It was while he was making the turn that he accidentally collided with a cyclist who was attempting to overtake the cart on the right hand side of the road.
According to the Police Department, they responded to the scene of a traffic accident where they observed the right front wheel of a golf cart on top of the front wheel of the bicycle involved in the incident. While no one was seriously hurt, police still proceeded to process the scene and statements were recorded after which the police informed both Longsworth and Rodriguez of a notice of intended prosecution. Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold clarified that neither individual wanted court action hence no one was charged. However, according to Rodriguez she was not given the adequate attention by police officers. Superintendent Arnold denied Rodriguez’s accusation stating that what she had wanted was for Longsworth to accept fault and compensate her for damages to the bicycle and medical expenses. Police officers told Rodriguez that the Department could not impose fault on anyone and it was for the court to determine who had caused the accident.

Read more on this story in today's issue of the The San Pedro Sun! In stores now!

"the nightmare is over", Former Miss Belize wins case against Pageants Belize

In a case that has been brewing for a while now against Pageants Belize Director Margaret Johnson, twenty four year old Former Miss Belize World delegate, Felicita “Leesha” Arzu emphatically announced on Tuesday, December 26th that she won the case in the Orange Walk Magistrate Court against her previous coach.
Whilst Arzu broke the news to The Sun via email correspondence, she was relieved to hear the news and claims that she finally got what she deserved – “justice.” The matter dates back since July of 2007 when Arzu’s coach, at the time, Margaret Johnson held a fashion show in Orange Walk which required the rental of chairs for the function. Owner of the chair rental company sought payment which never arrived and he demanded that payment be made. Johnson refused to pay him and, as a result, he sued Arzu for the money since she had been present when the chairs were rented.
In a letter issued by Arzu she comments, “To avoid the frequent trips to fight that loosing battle, I paid the man $480 Johnson owed him. During the time I was paying him, I sued Johnson for that same amount,” she stated. After countless adjournments, the case was heard on Monday, December 22nd by Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. At the court hearing, there was no sign or appearance from Johnson or a representative from Pageants Belize. Despite Johnson’s absence, Judge Stewart proceeded with the case and heard Arzu’s side of the story. Arzu reiterated that it was never her responsibility to make the payment as according to the contract she signed to participate in the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China in December 2008, it clearly stipulated that all expenses incurred would be dealt with by Pageants Belize. Arzu further stated that the fashion show raised over two thousand dollars ($2,000) which could have remedied the payment. Magistrate Stewart wholeheartedly agreed that Margaret Johnson (Pageants Belize) should pay the $480 fine she owes by February 15th, 2009 or will be distressed. Arzu explained to The Sun that the matter was more of ‘principle” than about the money, “Johnson was wrong to take advantage of me. So many young girls aspire to be Miss Belize someday. Imagine how they will feel when the person they are supposed to trust is the person who will put them through misery. Johnson should have taken responsibility for her actions but instead made me fight her own battle,” she ended.
Leesha along with Miss Belize Universe delegate, Maria Jeffery and ex-Miss Belize Universe Tanisha Vernon, whose crown was revoked in July, led an upheaval against Johnson earlier this year for this and similar cases of misallocation of funds. It is uncertain if Jeffery and Vernon will proceed with their cases against Johnson. This is the second court case in two months against Johnson and the first dates back in November 24th of last year when Miss Belize mini Universe, Azizi Hoy won an undisclosed sum of money in another default judgment against Johnson. After the win, a triumphant Arzu exclaimed, “It was a very long journey for me but finally I received justice and it is such a relief, the nightmare has finally ended and I can only move on from here” she ended.

Young Author, Gigi Harris visits San Pedro

Just a few days after New Year’s Day, young author Gigi Harris donated a signed copy of her book to the San Pedro Library. Miss Harris began her book when she was six years old, and then it was selected for publication when she was eight. The book is also illustrated by Miss Harris.

The story, “Stella and Orion” is about two children who were both named after stars and become friends. There are 10 short chapters as you follow their lives, and each chapter has illustrations of the children in their escapades. Read more on this story in Thursday's edition of The San Pedro Sun Newspaper!

Who dat?!

Who: Sean Marlow
What: Contracting/Construction
Where: Washington State
When: Just Arrived
Why: For the holidays and to see my son, Davin
Status: Taken

BTB to offer Food and Beverage workshop

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS) is inviting Small and Medium-sized Hotel and Restaurant owners, Managers and prospective managers to participate in a Food and Beverage Management Training Workshop.
The workshop has been slated to take place at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina from Monday, January 26th - Friday, January 30th, 2009. BTB kindly advises that all workshop sessions will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Some of the topics to be covered include The Business Management of Food and Beverage; Financial Management; Concepts, Menu Development, Pricing and Aspects of Marketing; Revenue Management; Revenue and Cost Controls; and the Benefits of Food and Beverage Workshop. The workshop aims at familiarizing you with aspects of Food and Beverage management and operations for small and medium hotels, to provide critical to assist prudent decision-making including taking advantage of economic opportunities and avoiding or minimizing costly mistakes, as well as to assist in expanding your management skills as it applies to Food and Beverage management.
Everyone is encouraged to come into the Belize Tourism Board offices to register. There is limited space available and workshop deadline has been set for January 19th. For further information or to register please contact: Lorraine Herrera, Product Development Officer at telephone number 227-2420 ext. 263 or Email mailto:lorraine@travelbelize.org?subject=Food%20and%20Beverage%20Management%20Workshop