Honorable Heredia travels to Washington

Belize Tourism Board attends Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit in Washington

Press Release – Belize City – Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 – The Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mike Singh and the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Tracy Panton traveled to Washington to attend the 1st Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit at the International Trade Center from June 21st – June 25th, 2008.
The Summit, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, the marketing and business development unit owned equally by the Caribbean Hotel Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, was designed to bring together key industry leaders from all sectors and to stimulate a heightened interest in the Caribbean, with the primary goal of increasing the flow of foreign direct tourism capital investment into the region. Keynote speaker at the Summit was Alan Greenspan who served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for over 18 years. Mr. Greenspan discussed the current status of the US economy and its potential impacts on the regional economy.
Other topics discussed included Outbound Travel – Outlook for Caribbean Tourism; Creating Opportunity Through Sustainability, Creating the Future through Educational Partnerships; Investment Infrastructure Needs, Carbon Trading – Creating New Business Opportunities and Small Business Investments in the Tourism Sector. Closed Summit Sessions were also held each day with the various US Department Secretaries, as well as with potential donor agencies.

“Attendance at the Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit provided an excellent forum for international tourism leaders to exchange ideas and interact with the influential Policy Makers, Financial Leaders, Marketing Professionals and Tourism Officials from more than 30 Caribbean countries,” commented Tourism Minister, Honorable Manuel Heredia, Jr. “We are also happy to network with other tourism leaders to see how we can further grow this important economic sector.
While in Washington, the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia, CEO Singh and the Director of Tourism, visited with the Inter-American Development Bank, Cruise Line International Association and Conservation International. The Belize delegation also made a courtesy call on the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, H.E. Jose Miguel Insulza. The Belize delegation had the full support of His Excellency Nestor Mendez, Chief of Belize Mission in Washington and his team.
For more information on the developments and events in Belize’s Tourism Industry, please contact the Marketing Department at the Belize Tourism Board at (501)-227-2420, via email: btbb@btl.net or visit our website http://www.belizetourism.org/.

St. Agnes Academy holds Summer Camp

From Houston, Texas, USA arrived the 11 student, four faculty/parent delegation. Straight from the St. Agnes Catholic Academy, the group arrived on the island on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 and by Monday were hard at work. With groups amounting to up to 30 children, activities were held at the San Pedro Roman Catholic School which included science experiments, mathematics, sports, and workshops that helped students find their individuality, and discover their talent and possible careers/vocations.

Duck, duck, goose - you are it!
Through many projects, the children learned while they played.
Friendships were formed and the US students stated, "The kids are wonderful and so very talented."
Science Experiments kept everyone entertained and wondering what would happen next.
For all the students that arrived from the USA, one of them had previously visited the island with her family and since their school advocates for community service, she figured what better way to serve than in San Pedro, Belize. Each student individually funded their transportation, accommodation and meals and was also responsible for their supplies used during the one-week camp. “We just wanted to create a fun, healthy environment for the kids. From getting to know them, I know that these children are wonderful, full of enthusiasm and are very talented.”
The group plans for this to be an annual event and have already started planning their trip for next year.

20 year High School reunion

The class of San Pedro High School 1988 held their reunion this past Saturday in grand style. These past graduates did something most of us would love - relive our prom night. With gorgeous dress, spiffy suits and hot dates, all past graduates had a great time, which included a red carpet entrance into the Lions Den. (photos provided by Dalinda Guerrero)

The class of 1988

Pamela Zetina was named Prom Queen

While Wil Alamilla Jr. was named Prom King and Yasmin Blanco was named Best Dressed.

The night's events also include the revival of the Sunshine Dancers. After a stellar performance, the girls received a standing ovation and an encore was called for.