Michael Casey and his young family all died Friday while on board a private plane piloted by Sir Barry Bowen.
Bottling magnate Sir Barry Bowen died last night when the private plane he was piloting crashed south of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Reports are that the 64 year old Bowen was flying to his home in San Pedro with four other passengers. The other passengers are reported to be employees of Bowen and were school teachers at the Gallon Jug school. The couple, along with their two small children also perished. The plane crashed within range of the San Pedro Municipal Airport in a marshy area a fair distance south of the airstrip. An experienced pilot, Bowen has been flying for over 40 years. The plane was a Cessna 272 with a turbine engine. Similar to the ones used by the small airlines.
Sir Bowen was a prominent businessman, developer, bottling magnate and one of Belize’s wealthiest men. His company, Bowen and Bowen Bottling Works owns Belikin Beer, Guinness Stout and Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Crystal Water bottling operations. Bowen and Bowen company was started by his father in the 1930s. Barry Bowen bought the company from his father in 1978.
Bowen is survived by his five children; four sons, one daughter and his wife, Dixie.
The plane crashed at an area south west of the DFC Subdivision in a marshy swampy location. The white single propeller airplane was on its back and rescue efforts attempted to turn the plane right side up in order to remove the bodies from the wreckage.
This is tragic news to the country of Belize. The most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Sir Barry Bowen.
At approximately 10:15 a.m. today, Judge Emerson Banner remanded Derrick Gideon, Juan Cus and Justin Cassimiro to Hattieville as a result of charges laid upon them in connection to an incident which took place on Sunday, February 21st in San Pedro Town.
An official police report states that on Sunday, approximately between the hours of 12:15 and 1:00 a.m. Gideon, a police officer stationed in Belize City, Cassimiro, a Belize Defense Force soldier stationed on San Pedro Town and civilian Juan Cus visited Juan Perez, a vegetable vendor, who was sleeping in his boat docked by the Old Football Field. According to the report, both officials, who at the time were dressed in civilian clothing, arrived with Cus and explained to Perez that they needed to transport him to the San Pedro Police Department. The three men who were armed with a firearm proceeded to hurt Perez’s assistant, a minor, who was on the boat with him at the time. Perez agreed to go with the officers. However, the report alleges that he was being taken in the opposite direction and not to the Police Department as the officers had stated. Perez was robbed of $650 before managing to escape. Once free, Perez made a report at the Police Department. The report led to the detention of the three men who were arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court.
The three men were jointly charged for kidnapping, aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and harm. Because kidnapping charges are dealt in the Supreme Court level, all three were remanded to Hattieville Prison until their next court appearance on April 7th, 2010. Gideon was additionally charged for resisting arrest.
"Skills for Adolescence" is a three-year positive youth development program sponsored by Lions-Quest that addresses the challenges of living experienced by children ten to sixteen years of age. In addition to personal and social growth, it introduces students to concept of service to the community.
Lions-Quest "Skills for Adolescence" originated in the United States in 1975 and has been part of the curriculum in Belize Primary Schools for five years. All the Districts in the country use this program. Excellent texts and teaching guides are provided by Lions International.
An image of the path of the Endeavor
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In the middle of the bustle of San Pedro Town lies an oasis of tranquility and absolute bliss – Ambergris Lake Villas. The Villas, situated just south of San Pedro Town offer the perfect getaway for those who love the island but want a bit of privacy and home relaxation, as well. Ambergris Lake Villas Limited, proud owners of the luxurious suites, offers a night’s rest in the quiet corners of the lake. The lake itself abounds with natural beauty as birds chirp and frolic in its waters. .jpg)
Ambergris Lake Villas is the perfect honeymoon, or special occasion destination which will put you directly in touch with the island’s beaches, hotspots, restaurants and life. A stone’s throw away from all activity, the Villas proudly welcome you to your tropical home. 
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