Police officer Gideon released on bail

Police Officer Derrick Gideon, has been on remand at the Hattieville Prison on charges of kidnapping, robbery, and aggravated assault. Gideon was released on a $12,000 bail granted by the Belize Supreme Court last Friday, March 19th. Perez's vegetable stand

According to court reports, Justice Michelle Arana granted Gideon’s application for bail on the grounds that he has not been previously convicted. Since there was no objection from Crown Counsel Christelle Wilson from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office, bail was granted.

Gideon's bail came with conditions which include that Gideon has to appear in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court whenever the case comes before the court; and since he is a resident of Sand Hill Village, he is required to report to the local Police Station three days per week and he must not interfere with any of the witnesses in any way.

Gideon remains interdicted from police duties, pending the outcome of the criminal charges against him.

Gideon was charged in San Pedro along with two others for kidnapping, beating and robbing vegetable vendor Juan Perez of $350 during the process of searching for drugs on the morning of Sunday, February 21.

Perez and his assitant who was hurt in the incident

According to his statement, Perez was sleeping on his boat , when three men (Police Constable Derrick Gideon, Juan Cus, a resident of the San Pedro area, and a Belize Defense Force soldier whom he knew) woke him up claiming that a search was to be conducted. Perez said Gideon hit him and forced his son to look for drugs on the boat. When the search revealed no drugs, Perez said Gideon took his money found on the boat and forced him to accompany him. When Perez realized that he was not being taken to the Police Department he escaped and found help. Perez's boat where he was sleeping

The three men were later arrested and charged for the offense.

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Child Stimulation ends with parade

It's been a month filled with activities between arts and craft, visits to the town, dancing and playing. Today, preschools in San Pedro marked the end of Child Stimulation Month with a parade through the island's streets. Children's Stimulation Month was celebrated undet the theme, Investing in Early Childhood = A better Belize!

ABC Pre School Visits San Pedro Sun - The Easter Bunny Drops by Little Angels

This morning, The San Pedro Sun got a chance to host to the ABC Pre School. Kainie explained to the bunch of enthusiastics, the functions of a newspaper, and the people that make it happen.

While learning about the role of a newspaper in the community, ABC students delighted staff with a song dedicated to the five senses. Click play above to listen.

Later in the morning, Little Angels pre-schoolers were visited by the Easter Bunny. Children were excited to receive their Easter Baskets, and took the chance to take pictures with Mr. Bunny.

Shots fired last night

The San Pedro Police Department has confirmed that last night shots were fired in the beach area of Wet Willy's. According to the report, a fight broke out inside the club and once outside a person fired shots. Fortunately no one was hurt.

Police officers are looking for three suspects.

Feathered friends of Ambergris Caye

One of the joys of traveling to a foreign land is discovering the local wildlife. Common birds seen daily here on La Isla Bonita can be a new and exotic experience for a visitor, and although the residents might not think twice when one of these winged wonders grace the sky a tourist may be sent scrambling for his camera! Chances are you won’t have to look far for these Caribbean creatures and a walk on the beach will almost guarantee the sight of Brown Pelicans, Frigate birds, Great Blue Herons, seagulls and sandpipers to name a few. The cooing songs of the White-winged Doves are a constant lullaby while Great Kiskadee sing"Quest-ce-que dit" and Tropical Mockingbirds go through their repertoire of twills and tweets. Together their constant chorus is an age old tropical song that fills the air throughout the day.

Perhaps you have wondered just who these feathered friends are? Let The San Pedro Sun take the opportunity to acquaint you with these resident birds who call San Pedro home.

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