SPJC implement Mangrove Restoration Project

Despite their significant importance mangroves are experiencing a major threat: clearance! This apparent trend is increasing in Belize, especially here on Ambergris Caye, as a result of high demand in coastal settlements and developments.

As part of their Conservation of the Reef course, students of San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) are embarking on a mangrove restoration pilot project intended to serve as an initiative to raise awareness on the importance of mangrove ecosystems on our environment. In order to accomplish their objective more efficiently , the group is joining forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to conduct this pilot project for future mangrove projects and at the same time participating in the first ever "Mangrove-Friendly Shoreline Development Chanllenge".

Along with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Mc Lean, the SPJC group hopes to make their project a successful one. The McLean’s provided the group with the perfect location – their home at Tres Cocos on the beachfront. The group plans to implement their project using the method of growing the small mangrove trees in pipes. This method proved successful since it was used in the coastlines of Florida, USA. Should the project that the SPJC have embarked upon prove to be a successful one, WWF hopes to implement even a bigger project to restore mangroves around the needed areas on the island. Group members included: Sherie Ann Pou, Erica Molina, Bertha Calderon, Alison Banner, Olivia Gilleth, and Jameli Hob.

*Project was embarked on Sunday, April 19th, 2009.

Through out the day, students have been in and out of the Hol Chan Marine Office where 2009 Turtle Expo has been launched by The Belize Sea Turtle Network. Information placards line the office, a live Hawksbill Turtle is in a water container and information abounds as children learn the life of a turtle. By understanding their way of live, children understand how and why it is important to protect these valuable and beautiful creatures. Their life cycle is also explained and the importance of nesting season and the protection of their eggs is highlighted. Teacher Moncho's class coming out of Hol Chan all smiles!

Turtle Man made an appearance!

The Expo will be available for viewing at Hol Chan until Friday. For observation only!

Education Coordinator for Hol Chan Marine Reserve Mariela Archer teaching children about the importance of the turtle's preservation.

Uncertain whether Azteca paid their $800K fine

Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego, owner of the yacht Azteca which caused damages to the reef just outside of San Pedro Town (http://sanpedrosun.blogspot.com/search?q=azteca) was ordered to pay a $787,000 fine after an assessment was carried out by the Department of the Environment (DOE). Pliego committed to pay on Holy Thursday before he sailed away. According to Jevon Hulse, acting Chief Environmental Officer stated that “It was my understanding that he (Ricardo Salinas Pliego) was expected to make arrangements for payment before sailing out of Belize.”

The mega yacht Azteca damaged Belize's reef on April 7th

It is unconfirmed whether the monies were paid to the Ministry of Finance. However, according to our colleagues at El Diario de Quintana Roo Newspaper based out of Chetumal, Mexico, “Azteca” docked at port on the island of Cozumel on Good Friday. This would mean that the cost of damaged had to be settled before the vessel left Belizean waters, but as of press time, it was still unconfirmed whether or not those monies where in the Government coffers.

The Mexican billionaire was never arrested, instead his captain, forty-nine year old Salvador Villeras Eckart of Cancun, Mexico was detained. Eckart told authorities that that the vessel was drifting towards the reef after a rope tangled in the propeller, causing it to automatically shut down. He went on to explain that he had to drop anchor to avoid running aground. Salinas Pliego is a well known billionaire and owns of the Mexican television station, Azteca and the chain of appliance stores, Electra.

Port Authority to visit SP

This is to confirm that I am flying Mr. Rodriguez, from the Port Authority, on Wednesday, April 22nd, to inspect boats, and complete registration/re-resgistration paperwork. I will take him to the Palapa pier, at about 9:30 a.m. (assuming all goes according to plan...you might want to call me at 226-2725, or the Palapa Bar, at 226-3111, before bringing your boat).

Many have expressed interest, and we will keep him here, as long as there are boats. Mr Rodriguez cannot test for captain's licenses (currently, you must take the written test, in Belize City, on a Monday or Tuesday...to be followed by a driving test). I am advised that he will take my expired captain's license, back to Port Authority, for renewal, and know that several intend the same. I intend to keep a list of participants, and send a messenger to the Port authority, a few days later, to pick up our completed paperwork (thus avoiding the two hour wait, which I have endured, on multiple occasions).

I forgot to ask about the fees, but it seems to me that it was rather modest, last time. I will be paying airfare, Belize taxi, and lunch at the Palapa, along w/ a probable gratuity. Although contributions are welcome, they are not necessary, since I would be flying him over, even were no one else interested.

/s/ Pat Stiley

Blue Water Grill are 2009 Softball Champs

For the third consecutive year, Blue Water Grill has come up on top, they continue to be the reigning champs, have collected bragging rights and remain the Interoffice champs. They defended their turf, defended their trophy and defended their name to the end. Against D's Pharmacy, Blue Water Grill batted and swung and defeated their rivals in a 11-3 ball game.

D's Pharmacy took second place in the 2009 Interoffice Baseball Championship.