National Kriol Council comments on Mr. Peters' passing

-Press Release – June 10, 2010 – National Kriol Council - The National Kriol Council joins the country in celebrating the life of Belizean icon Wilfred Peterrs, fondly known as "Bra Pete" or "Mista Peetaz" and professionally acknowledged as the "King of Brokdong Music" nationally, regionally, and internationally. Mista Pete's life has left an indelible mark on Belizean folk music, Belizean lifestlye and Belizean culture.

Moreover, his specific influences on the longevity of the Belize Kriol culture and language will reach into generations to come. Members of the National Kriol Council recall numerous instances when either his music, or his Kriol one-liners full of wisdom, or his incredible sense of humor made many an event that much better and more fun.

National Kriol Council President Myrna Manzanares recalls Mista Peetaz great contribution to be as follows: " Mista Pete has left a legacy for us to enjoy. And he has shown that his beloved Kriol language should never be downplayed as it was the language of his heart. "Wen Mista Peetaz taak er sing - noh mata eena poblik er eena praivit - di Kriol langwij ahn kolcha shain!" He travelled the world and spoke to men, women and children without being ashamed of his culture or his language. Mista Peetaz truly loved his culture. He was a "true true Kriol" without any apologies. The National Kriol Council hopes all Belizeans will take a page from his life, or, indeed, a tune from his songs." Bredda David, creator of Belizean Kriol kungo music, credits the almost decade long musical teachings he received from playing with Mista Peetaz and his "Boom ahn Chaim" band as being the signal influence on his own music. The National Kriol Council sends its deepest respect and sympathies to the family of Mista Peetaz, Brokdong King, Kriol giant, and Belizean icon.

Costa Maya Presents: Miss El Salvador!!

The first of a bevy of beauties has confirmed participation for this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. 25-year-old Diana Ingrid Martinez Pineda is a Psychology student at La Universidad Jose Simeon Cañas. Standing at 5’ 5", and measuring 32-25-26, this lovely brown-eyed brunette enjoys swimming and extreme sports. Diana will be joined onstage on August 5th, 2010 by delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama, all vying for the crown, currently held by Nicaragua’s beautiful Maritza Rivas. Best of luck!!

Students of SPRC School honor Kindness Week!!!

Students of the San Pedro R.C. School today encouraged each other to show a little kindness - marking the clothing of each other, with kind words, encouraging each other to cease the violence, practice patience and offer a word of kindness to all!!!

Mr. Wilfred Peters passes...

The undisputed King of Brukdown, a Belizean icon, a genre defining musician – Mr. Wilfred Peters – has passed away. Reports are that he passed away at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, June 9th, 2010 after suffering a heart attack.

He performed Brukdown for well over 60 years, combining African rhythms with the call-and-response patterns of European harmonies and Belizean Creole lyrics. Mr. Peters and the Boom and Chine band were known for the true Belizean music. His legacy will live on through his music - and in the hearts of all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

...and the BTB Tourism Awards Finalists are:

Environmental Organization of the Year
An organization that is a leader in the conservation and preservation of Belize's natural resources; practices sustainable management of Belize's natural resources, supports community development and promotes public awareness and education of environmental preservation.

International Center for Responsible Tourism (ICRT - Belize) - *FINALIST*
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) - *FINALIST*
Placencia Moorings Masters
Southern Environmental Association

Receptive Service of the Year
A tourism business entity that offers exceptional service to customers, the ability to manage a business seamlessly, is sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and accommodating to the industry's needs and offers an authentic Belizean experience.

Museum of Belize - *FINALIST*
Ambergriscaye.com - *FINALIST*
Le Petit Café
Island Adventures Golf Cart Rental

Hotel of the Year
A licensed hotel that offers a gateway to paradise, where service exceeds excellence, engulfed with positive attitude and attentiveness of staff, offers exceptional value for money, has outstanding facilities and amenities, remarkable ambiance, innovation and the ability to provide visitors with a true sample of the Belize brand.

Xanadu Island Resort - *FINALIST*
Jaguar Reef Lodge - *FINALIST*
Ka'ana Boutique Resort
Chabil Mar Villas

Small Hotel of the Year
A licensed small hotel that captures the essence of warmth and homeliness, displays customer - service excellence, utilizes environmental best practices and sound management.

Seaside Cabanas - *FINALIST*
The Lodge at Big Falls - *FINALIST*
Villa Boscardi
Black Orchid Resort

Tour Operator of the Year
A licensed tour operator that offers a variety of tours which excels in service, product innovation, marketing, creativity, uniqueness, safety, reliability and value for money.

Caves Branch Adventure Co. - *FINALIST*
Avadon Divers - *FINALIST*
Grumpy & Happy Enterprises
Searious Adventures

Tour Guide of the Year
A licensed tour guide with a wealth of knowledge, has the ability to mesmerize an audience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, positive attitude, creativity and the ability to provide world-class tour experience.

Eloy Quevas (Monkey River Retreat) - *FINALIST*
Rudolf Thompson (CPR saved a life) - *FINALIST*
Dwayne Young (Joy Tours)
Mauricio Aguilar (Lamanai Outpost Lodge)
Luis Godoy (Belize Nature Travel)

Frontline Person of the Year
A frontline employee who has unmatched interpersonal skills, the ability to welcome guests with great Belizean hospitality, is well versed about the Belize product and provides a memorable experience.

Benjamin Awe (Chaa Creek) - *FINALIST*
Natalie Ranguy (Chabil Mar) - *FINALIST*
Patricia Rodriguez (San Ignacio Resort Hotel)
Jubalos Kib (Seaside Cabanas)

Cultural Award of the Year
A person or organization that exemplifies Belizean entertainment, is instrumental in the creative arts, and/or music, food and promotes and preserves Belize's cultural heritage.

Three Kings of Belize - *FINALIST*
Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project - *FINALIST*
Governor General of Belize
Battle of the Drums Competition and Show (PG)

Small Vendor of the Year
A small vendor who offers creative and quality products and provides value for money with exceptional service.

Tutti Frutti Gelateria - *FINALIST*
Cotton Tree Chocolate - *FINALIST*
Sing's Gift Shop (Belize City)
Maya Ant & Bee (Punta Gorda)

Restaurant of the Year
A restaurant offering a dining experience and not just a meal or a routine. Here, the ambiance is bliss, the menu offers diversity and the service is great. The personality of the restaurant is as distinct as the staff is professional.

Blue Water Grill (Sun Breeze Hotel) - *FINALIST*
Bonefish Grille (Singing Sands Inn) - *FINALIST*
Red Ginger (The Phoenix)
French Connection (Placencia)

Destination of the Year *New*
This destination is proactive in terms of marketing, product enhancement and sustainability initiatives. In addition, customers rave about their satisfaction levels and high service standards found throughout. Events and attractions are bountiful while both the tangible and intangible product offering contribute to the lure, comfort and convenience of all who visit.

Hopkins, Stann Creek - *FINALIST*
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye - *FINALIST*
Placencia, Stann Creek
San Ignacio, Cayo

In Addition, there will be two more awards, for which no nominations were requested, namely:

Minister's Award

Lifetime Achievement Award