Cayo District's Macal River reaches new heights!

On Saturday, September 27th, the Macal River that flows between the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio rose to new, higher levels. Below are some photos taken on a regular day, and following are pictures sent to us by Elias Avella (courtesy of Eve's Computer Services). Note the lowlying bridge submerged and nearly impassable.

Before

(During, Present Day)

Before(During, Present Day)

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Brightening smiles at Smile Clinic

Volunteer dentists brighten kids’ smiles The Holy Cross Anglican School houses its own modern, air conditioned dental clinic on the school premises, and every chance they get, US dentists volunteer their time to the school to tend to the children’s dental needs. Solicited by Dr. Mark Johnson a long time resident to San Pedro, the volunteer teams find themselves embracing the experience and assist with the many cases of poor hygiene practices that the kids are faced with on a day to day basis. The team arrived last week and is comprised of Dr. Dwight Salmon, Dr. Tom Cable, and Dr. Deanna Cable who hail from New Mexico. The team held clinics at the San Pedro Smile Clinic Too from Tuesday, September 23rd to Friday, September 26th and the kids are very much delighted that they are here for their next check up. From fillings to extractions and teeth counts, before each child leaves they are supplied with a bag of toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a toy for their brave efforts. Dr. Mark Johnson

Special thanks to hosts Vernon and Francis Wilson of Holy Cross, Cholos for donating the golf cart, Sunbreeze Suites for the hotel rooms and Maya Island Air for the discounted air fare. The team is scheduled for another smile clinic in November of this year. Kudos to the gang for continuing the effort for brighter smiles.

Vivel Rodriguez crowned Miss ACES

After several intense rounds of competition, Vivel Rodriguez was crowned Miss Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) 2008-09. The event took place at the San Pedro Lions Club on Thursday, September 18th, 2008 as part of a fundraising drive organized by teachers at the Elementary School.

(l) Alina Saldivar, Miss Popularity (r) Vivel Rodriguez, Miss ACES
Evening Wear

Throughout the night, those in attendance were asked to kindly pledge a monetary donation to the girl of choice. The contestant who raised the most money by the end of the night would be crowned Miss Popularity. The funds garnered by the participants and Miss Popularity will benefit the school greatly as they will be used to build a much needed fence around the school compound.Reign AckerlyAlina SaldivarLucy Verrals Erica Kockerbeck Vivel RodriguezYolanie Sutherland

Entertainment:

Miss Popularity and Miss ACES will reign for one year and during their sovereignty will work hand in hand for the betterment of the school. These lovely ladies will represent ACES at major events and serve as leader within the school.

Who dat?

Many people have lived here all their lives and have seen so many changes over the years. The biggest changes are the many faces of the various people walking down the streets. All of a sudden, we don't know who we pass by on the street at all. So, every week we will introduce you to someone new: a friend, your neighbor, anyone walking down the street. Six questions will be answered, who they are, what they do here, where they come from, when they came and why they chose to live here, and a little extra fun question. Hope you like this fun feature! Who: Miriam Zaldivar
What: Catering/Housewife
Where: Belize City
When: June 2008
Why: Coming here back and forth for 12 years, finally decided to come live with my husband.
Status: Married

Independence Parade

Photos of the Independence Parade in San Pedro Town. After the big parade, and jump up, the congregate gathered at the Central Park for the annoucements of the days winners.

Best Float: 1st place - E&L/Varelas; 2nd place - Marina's Store; 3rd place - Holy Cross Anglican School.

Best organized group: 1st place - ABC Pre-school (supported by Island Academy); 2nd place - Reef Radio; 3rd place - Belize Bank.

Miss San Pedro Favorite: Tricycle float depicting the Belizean Flag's Coat of Arms.

Click "Play" for a video splash of the Independence Day parade in San Pedro!!! Feel free to post your comments, we love to hear from you, our readers!

Celebrating 27 years of Independence

Patriotism was high in September and the days leading to Belize's twenty-seventh anniversary of Independence! Belizeans nationwide celebrated with pride and in San Pedro was no different. Residents en masse came out for the Independence Eve Ceremonies and block party at the Central Park. The night culminated with a dynamic display of fireworks in the sky! Here are some highlights, be sure to catch the rest in this weeks issue of The San Pedro Sun.

Independence Eve Ceremonies

Belikin Bash 2008

Bowen & Bowen hosts an annual bash around the September celebrations, with $3 Belikin Beer, and excellent music. This year, company owner Barry Bowen's big birthday bash is bigger and better!
Legends of the Belizean music industry: Lord Rhaburn and Chico Ramos were on stage with Gilharry 7, sharing with the gathered crowd the best in Belizean music. Supa G also got to share the stage with these legends, and brought the crowd en masse to join in this year's September Celebrations!
Icon Lord Rhaburn had a wonderful repertoire of monologue and music that had everyone tapping their feet and jumping in the air!
Chico Ramos and the beats from the band enthused the values of love and patriotism with his beautiful lyrics and great dance moves!
Yes, this year's Belikin Bash was a success. Hope you can make it next year!!

These lovely ladies are enjoying the star of the night, Belize's "Belikin" beer!

Charlene, Mike, Mel and Wil - cheers!

Lord Rhaburn gets the crowd moving..."Pump it up!"

Mr. Domingo Perez was thrilled to witness one of his favorite singers (Lord Rhaburn) live!

"I am my own grandfather" had everyone in stitches.

Luis and Jorge couldn't wait for their photo op with one of Belize's icons.

The interlude was live and fun...

Chico Ramos...

...was a soulful and passionate singer as well...but he also brought some dance moves to get the crowd going!

The ladies of The San Pedro Sun enjoy a few cold ones at the Bash as well!

Happy Independence Day, and Happy 27th Birthday Belize!!