Thumbs Up! Michaela and Beverly help raise funds for SAGA

Every so often, about once a week, friends Michaela Peterson and Beverly Medrano get together and help to raise funds for SAGA. According to Michaela, they get together every time they outgrow their clothing, or when they collect donations of clothing and toys and books that they can sell. The funds are split, with 50% going to SAGA, and the other 50% shared amongst the enterprising young ladies.
The last sale netted $55, and they are looking forward to raising even more. So be sure and stop by and check out what they have on sale on Coconut Drive. You might find a toy, a book, some gently used clothing, brand new items, and more. Every little bit helps - and as these young ladies are proving, anyone can make a difference! Kudos!

ABC Pre-School hosts Graduation

64 pre-school graduates, hand in hand with their parents and guardians, walked through the streets of San Pedro down to the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church where a graduation mass was held in honor of the ABC Pre-School graduates of 2009.

Congratulations babies!

ACES graduates five

Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) held it's first graduation ceremony on Friday, June 26th, 2009. Students Erin Bradley, Jesus Castillo, Tiffany Rivero, Aline Rodriguez and Kristian Zaldivar officially completed their Primary School Studies and will now move on to the High School chapter of their lives.
Kristian Zaldivar gave the valedictory speech, whilst the Welcome address was read by Tiffany Rivero. Closing the ceremonies with the Vote of Thanks was Erin Bradley.
Congratulations graduates!

Shooting on Swan Street grazes two

Two men narrowly escaped more serious injury after they were grazed by bullets following a shooting incident on the island last night. The two people are 18 year old Clifford Galvez and 25 year old Armando Ordez, both of a Swan Street address in San Pedro Town. According to the police, sometime around 9:35 last night, they received information of a shooting incident by "Back-a-town" in the Airstrip Area.

When police arrived at the scene they saw two people suffering from what appeared to be bullet grazes; Galvez was grazed in the upper back and Ordez to his upper left arm. Galvez and Ordez told police that they, with two other persons were sitting on the stairs of the home opposite Stone’s Apartments. While sitting, they noticed a man on a bicycle, described only as being slim and dark skinned, coming from the direction of San Pedrito down Tropical Wave Street. When the man came closer, he pulled out what appeared to be a firearm from around his waist and fired five live rounds towards the four men’s direction. He then made good his escape. As a result of the shooting, both Galvez and Ordez were grazed.

One of the bullets hit the windshield of a golf cart parked on the same street.

Police do not have a clear motive as yet but they strongly suspect that the shooting is in retaliation from an old argument (beef). Police have detained one man for questioning while their investigation continues.

Dia de San Pedro Boat Procession

Dia De San Pedro 2009

It was a fabulous weekend chock full of great activities, including a fishing tournament, lots of cultural presentations, karaoke, rides, and more!! Shows by San Pedro Dance Company, Wisconsin Dancers, Belize Dance Company, San Jose Nuevo Palmar Dance Group from Orange Walk and Xaibe Cultural Dance Group from Corozal (accompanied by the Maya Band) kept everyone entertained throughout the weekend. The Orange Walk and Corozal groups joined the SP Dance Company in capping off the festivities on Sunday night. A grand fireworks display at midnight brought in the official Dia de San Pedro!!
Below are some images of the weekend - with many more to come during the course of the day!!

Belize Barrier Reef placed on UNESCO's "Danger" list

27 June 2009 News - Press Release

The Belize Barrier Reef System and Los Katios National Park in Columbia are the two natural sites added to the List of World Heritage in Danger, following the advice of IUCN.

Composed of seven protected areas, many small mangrove islands and coastal lagoons, the Belize Barrier Reef System is home to a number of threatened species, including marine turtles and the American crocodile.

A series of technical assessments and a joint IUCN/UNESCO monitoring mission to Belize in March 2009 revealed alarming developments such as extensive mangrove cutting and sale of mangrove islands. The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, is also the country’s top tourist destination.

“By adding the Belize Barrier Reef to the List of World Heritage in Danger, the World Heritage Committee is acting to ensure that one of the world’s most outstanding natural places is being protected and that the international community is doing its utmost to support Belize in its conservation efforts," says Tim Badman, Head of the IUCN delegation at the World Heritage Committee meeting.

To read more on the official notification visit www.iucn.org/worldheritage

5-a-side football season comes to an end!

On Thursday, the 5-a-side football tournament culminated with a bang. Games started with the junior finals between Caramba and Boca Strikers. At the end of the game, Caramba walked over Boca Strikers taking the first place in the juniors division. The Catrachas Girls also managed to walk away with the female's first place in the regular competition. The two major games were the matches between Greenhouse boys and E & L Butane for third place and Los Catrachos against Red Scorpion for first and second places.

First Place Female Category : Las Catrachas

Junior Champs in the regular competition: Caramba Boys

MVP in Juniors Category : Rene Reyes (Caramba Boys)

The games were heated...and spectators enjoyed themselves fully!

3 Place in regular season: E & L Butane Boys

Tito and the team's trophy!

The Jurado boys and Emma after taking the 3rd place trophy!

Los Catrachos displaying a Central American flag before the big game!

Los Catrachos and Red Scorpions battle for the first place!

1st Place winners in the regular season: Red Scorpions!

New Horizon graduates 21

Yesterday, the Seventh Day Adventist New Horizon Academy proudly held its 10th Commencement Exercises. Held under the theme "Hold My Hand and Lead Me Lord" 21 graduates walked down the aisle to receive their diplomas. Valedictorian Javier Williams

Congratulations to all students and good luck in your future endeavors.