Delta Airlines now offers daily nonstop service to Belize via Atlanta

Delta Airlines hosted a reception to welcome Safari Services represented by Paul Hunt as the new General Sales Agent in Belize. The event took place at the Radisson Fort George. Delta now offers a daily nonstop service between Atlanta and Belize as part of its continued plans to grow in Central America. From left to right: Jorge Fernandez, Metro Atlanta Chamber and VP Global Commerce – Atlanta USA; Gladys Henriquez , Sales Manager El Salvador and Belize for Delta Air Lines; Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture – Belize; Paul Hunt, General Sales Agent – Safari Services Belize; and Miguel Lopez, Regional Sales Manager Central America and Caribbean for Delta.

Editorial -- Is that US $$ or Belize $$?

In the matter of a couple weeks while going about my daily life I was quoted prices from a cab driver, a realtor, a tour guide operator and a water-taxi business for their services. Twice I purchased their services only to find out afterwards that the price quoted was in US currency, not in Belize currency. What the heck? What country are we living in people? Hello, THIS IS BELIZE!
This policy of marking prices in US dollars is not only confusing, but is a clever way to lead people into thinking they are getting a deal, since the common exchange ratio is two BZ$ to one US$. The conversation usually goes, “Thanks, I can afford that! What, you mean US$? What? You mean EACH person?” If a vendor’s price is in US$ then it is their responsibility to be up-front and clear about that from the beginning, not after the service has been rendered, and frankly I think this practice should be abolished all together, if not outlawed!
This practice is not limited to tourists and “clear-skinned” people, as there are many Belizeans who complain of the same problem amongst themselves. The bottom line is the country we live in is Belize, and our currency is Belizean, not US.
For those who argue that they mark their prices as such because the bulk of their business is catering to tourists, since when is every tourist from the US? Do they also quote their prices in Euros? Tourists who visit foreign countries certainly know that the currency is different and they are prepared to make money conversions accordingly. Since the US dollar seems to be a common denominator, many visitors do use that when deciphering costs, but I am sure there are others who have to calculate the exchange rates of more exotic foreign currency to BZ as well.
When a vendor quotes a price it should always be in Belize currency (after all, this is where we are), and for those who are mathematically challenged or just clueless, adding “that equals x in US$” can be helpful, but one has to wonder if they refrain from mentioning a price in BZ$ because essentially the amount quoted is DOUBLE, which can scare off a customer. Instead they wait to drop that little bomb on the unsuspecting consumer after they have already enjoyed the product, and more often than not the consumer reluctantly pays the difference.
Let’s keep it simple, when in Belize let’s keep the currency to her Royal Majesty the Queen and leave the Benjamin Franklin lingo to the good ole US of A.

Don't forget to send in your poems!!

Poems will be read during the Lions' annual Valentine Dinner & Dance on Saturday, February 12th, 2011...

Holy Cross appoints new Volunteer Coordinator

The task of running a school is a rather hefty one; especially a school with an enrollment of over 400 students. Since its opening in September 2006, Francis and Vernon Wilson have worked tirelessly to bring Holy Cross School to the place it presently stands.
After almost five years, the couple has decided to step back a bit. As a result they have commenced the process of selecting individuals to fill their roles. One of such individuals is Mrs. Lydia Brown. Lydia has taken up the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Originally from New Zealand, Lydia has travelled the world and lived in the United Kingdom and just prior to moving to Belize, she lived in Cambodia.
During her travels and past work experiences, she has garnered a strong background in Customer Service, Tourism and Teaching. Lydia was also employed by the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand and worked on several projects.
She and her family were attracted by the great climate, friendly ENGLISH speaking people and political stability that the country offered. When asked about her appointment at Holy Cross, she stated; “When we moved here, we did not know exactly what we were going to do, but we came. We had decided before, that we wanted to help in the developing world. We stumbled across Holy Cross School. We bought the house next door to the school. Shortly after, we met Francis and Vernon, they gave us the tour of the school and we just fell in love.”
In her role as Volunteer Coordinator, Lydia will be responsible for coordinating efforts with the various teams of volunteers that visit and work with Holy Cross School. The moment a team agrees to visit, Lydia works hand in hand with the organizers from the United States. She is responsible for briefing the teams beforehand on what to expect while in Belize, make recommendations on accommodations and travel, coordinate trips for groups during their stay on the island; booking hotel rooms and tours and being there to assure that volunteers’ visits go smoothly and provide them with memorable experiences.
Apart form working with the Volunteers, Lydia is also at the Office, helping out in anyway she can. The San Pedro Sun welcomes Lydia and her family to the island and wishes them the best as they venture on their new life within our San Pedro Community.

Free Music School partners with Zaak Bajo (Blue Hole Entertainment)

Press Release – Free Music School – February 8th, 2010 – The Free Music School partners with the new and improved Zaak Bajo (now Blue Hole Entertainment). Brad LeFevre, the new proprietor of Zaak Bajo, has offered to host Free Music School student concerts and teacher recitals. The upcoming spring barbecue and concert will take place April 23rd, 2011 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Students will perform a series of children songs. They will sing, act out the lyrics with music drama, and play guitar, flute, keyboard and drums. The students are being taught by Mr. Bradley Haylock and FMS Founding Maestro Dr. Floyd Jackson. Mr. Haylock teaches voice and drama. Dr. Jackson teaches instrumental music. The Music School continues to give free instruments virtually every other week to students. Last week the School gave free guitars and keyboards to several students. The School welcomes contributions from the local and global community. Please contact us through the FMS website,

http://www.freemusicschoolbelize.wordpress.com/, or 663-1927. Dr. Jackson, conservatory trained violinist/flautist, will give a pre-Valentine Barbecue Recital at Zaak Bajo on Saturday, February 12th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Dr. Jackson will perform songs from the score of the Broadway Musical My Fair Lady. During the second half of the concert, he will perform a half dozen other Valentine love songs on the same concert chamber flute. The pre-Valentine Recital is free. The barbecue is affordably priced at $9.00 per plate. Please come and celebrate this historic event.