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Pinelo family says "Thank You"

Oscar Pinelo is an on/off resident of San Pedro whose kidney and liver functions have degenerated. Father of two, Pinelo is in dire need of constant medical attention and care. As many know, this does not come at a slight cost. Friends, family and loved ones are at a constant lack of finances in their attempt to assist Mr. Pinelo and see him back to health.

To help offset his medical expenses, the family and friends held a fundraiser this past Saturday at Cholo’s Sports Bar. The BBQ sale fundraiser was promoted constantly through the Reef Radio airwaves and was very successful.

The family of Oscar Pinelo would like to take this opportunity the give their heartfelt thanks to all the generous people that donated and showed up to give Oscar support, as well as The San Pedro Sun for allowing them to get the message across.

Donations are being accepted and may be done by contacting Landy Pinelo at 620-2167 or Nathalie Manuel at 665-4873. Every bit counts, no donation is too little or too big.

Meet Miss Panama: Marielena Gonzalez Peña for Costa Maya 2011

Marielena González Peña is Panama's representative, vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya 2011. Marielena is 22 years old, she is 5’5″ and her measurements are 36-25-35.

Marielena was born on September 12, 1988 in Havana Cuba, to a Cuban mother and Panamanian father. At 3 months, her family moved her to Panama City, along with her brother, father and mother.

She is a model and lawyer, two things she wanted to be from a very young age. Her modeling career began when she was only 15 years old and her first appearance was in 2004 for magazine, Ellas Teen for Felix B. Maduro. She’s also made commercials for Bellsouth, photography for Medcom, Samsung, Aurosport, and participated in the music video of national artist, Nigga (Dj Flex) in the song Sin Tu Amor.

In 2005, she won the titles of Miss Photogenic, Best Silhouette and Miss internet in the Miss Teen Panama 2006 Pageant. She also participated in the event, Estrelas del Alma, organized by Prestige Models. She took a modeling course from this agency and received the prize of best Runway Model in her graduation during the FashionExpo Show.

She is pursuing her degree in Law and Political Science from the Universidad Santa María la Antigua. In 2008 she obtained her broadcaster’s license from Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos.

In 2008, she joined the agency Physical Modelos. They helped her achieve her goals as a model and has appeared in Ad Campaigns for Digicel Carnavales, made the first editorial of the magazine Mia de la Estrella from Pamana and has appeared in T.V. commercials for Almacenes el Costo, Revista Mia, Cable Onda and Metromall verano 2011. She has also modeled for events like MacroFest & Fashion Week Panamá.

In 2009, she participated in Bellezas Panamá and received the prizes for Best Hair Style and Best Silhouette.

She was First Runner-Up in the most important pageant in her country, Miss Panama 2011. She represented La Provincia de Bocas del Toro.

She enjoys living her life one day at a time, enjoying each moment. She is always willing to help others and is part of the Asociación de Cubanos Residentes en Panamá and is the person in charge of the activities for the youths for this organization. She collaborated in the movement for the Juventud de Ogobsucun, a community in Kuna Yala that helps, feeds, educates and defends the rights of children. MORE

San Pedro NEMO holds Search and Rescue/First Aid Training

The San Pedro branch of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is holding a Search and Rescue/Basic First Aid Training on Friday, July 1st. The training is being held with the objective to continue the preparation for the remaining hurricane season 2011. The training will be held at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room commencing at 8:30 am.

The purpose of the training is four-fold: to enhance knowledge, skills and ability to better understand the importance of search and rescue; to train participants on how to conduct search and rescue; how to apply basic first aid on casualties and; the importance of search and rescue and basic first aid in the field before and after an emergency or disaster.

While the training is geared towards the emergency chairpersons and committee members, members of the general populace are welcome to attend. The terms of your participation would be discussed and you are asked to contact Ms. Jeromey Timrose, District Emergency Coordinator for NEMO San Pedro, no later than today at 600-8672/666- 476 OR 226-4291.

Planned Power Outage - San Pedro - Friday, July 1, 2011

Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in San Pedro Town that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011.

This 4-hour power outage will affect all of San Pedro Town.

BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused, but this outage is necessary to facilitate maintenance works at the San Pedro Substation.

For customer inquiries and information on power outages call us toll free at: 0-800-BEL-CARE OR 0-800-235-2273. To view scheduled outages via our website visit: www.bel.com.bz.

Coral Reef Ed-venture schools San Pedro’s kids on conservation

The Hol Chan Coral Reef Ed-Ventures is a children’s educational summer program in collaboration with Smiths College from Massachusetts, USA and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The program teaches children about reef ecology and conservation. The project started some 12 years ago as a result of professors from Smiths College who had been working in Belize on the Barrier Reef conducting various researches working with Hol Chan.In an effort to give back to the community, two of the professors, through working with Mr. Miguel Alamilla from Hol Chan, developed the program. Some 12 years ago, the camp started with an enrolment of about two students. This year, there have already been approximately 100 students who have signed up.
This week a team of five students from Smiths College are on the island for a six weeks stay. The program serves as a summer internship for the participating students. Prior to arriving on the island, the students have a week of preparation and come here for six weeks, one of which is used for research on the reef along with their professors. As part of their research, the students get to enjoy our barrier reef eco-system through scuba diving as they research the various fish species and their occurrence.
The summer program is divided into two parts. The youth camp is for students ages 9 – 12 while the advanced camp is for students 13 and over. Activities are scheduled to commence on July 4th through July 16th with a graduation ceremony at the Central Park on Thursday July 14th. Permission slips may be obtained by visiting the San Pedro Town Library or the Hol Chan Marine Reserve office.

Congratulations Conch Creative!!

Big Kudos to Maya Papovic and Colette Kase of Conch Creative for their super nice feature in the Wall Street Journal.

Conch Creative's gorgeous photos of the House of the Day feature an incredible private escape near San Pedro but accessible only by boat. The "nearly 3-acre property in Belize includes a private marina, a two-story main house and a three-bedroom guest house. It is also outfitted with solar panels, rainwater collection and facilities to purify seawater."

Conch Creative is a combination of both ladies' knowledge and talents in photography, design, videography and PR. They offer high quality service, emphasizing on customer care, with end results that are beautiful and tasteful.

Congratulations once more to the wonderful team at Conch Creative!!

San Pedro's 2011 Lobsterfest - "Party like a lob-Star"

Not even a quick downpour could stop the crowd from enjoying San Pedro’s 2011 Lobsterfest on June 25th. Gaily decorated booths served as shelter for the passing storm, and soon after, the music, food and enjoyment kicked off again. Hundreds of people came and went, sampling the many ways lobster had been prepared for their enjoyment. Each booth at the Central Park had their unique way of preparing the tasty crustacean. Special drinks like the Chocolate Lobster, which contained chunks of chocolate coated lobster at the bottom of a very delicious, creamy concoction kept crowds coming back for more. Grilled lobster tails, lobster hot dogs, lobster tamales and coconut curry lobster salad in a waffle ice cream cone – the variety of preparations were endless, and everyone indulged in the biggest celebration of the lobster.

At the end of the night, Supa G came onstage to help everyone “party like a lob-star”!! Watch for the results of the judging and of course, for more information on what all went down this year at San Pedro’s Lobsterfest 2011 in The San Pedro Sun newspaper

Did YOU party like a lob-star this year?! See you in 2012!!

2011 Tres Pescados Slam Tournament

This July 28th, 29th and 30th marks the 3rd annual Tres Pescados Slam Tournament to be held in San Pedro. The Tournament has become known internationally bringing the needed attention to Belize’s catch-and-release law for the tarpon, bonefish and permit which in turn brings fly fishing anglers all year to our waters trying for the coveted grand slam of all 3 fish in one day.

This year’s event includes the same wining formula as in past years with a new moon, great local fly fishing guides, one and two person angling teams, great location with award winning food and accommodations, a fly casting competition, and of course, the marvelous creatures that are only found together in a few spots on Earth with Belize being the best of those locations.

Wesnday, July 27th starts the event with the Casters Banquet being held at the Lion’s Den with all teams required to be represented to go over the rules and receive any last minute changes or updates. The San Pedro Lions have always put on a great banquet for us. Putting the money raised back into the community and providing ongoing protection of the sustainable income the 3 fish represent to San Pedro is a priority of the Tournament.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 28-30) are the hard fishing days for the Pro Division competitors coming to town to team with the fly fishing guide they think will bring them to the Grand Champion win. We have 17 Pro teams entered consisting of one and two persons per team with most coming from the USA to compete for the title of Grand Champion of 2011. We have two women teams entered this year and many of the same faces from the teams of the past will compete once again this year.

The Amateur Division will once again be opened for all those wanting to compete without a guide and against the other amateur fly anglers entered. This division allows two person teams to compete for a split of 30% of the purse among the top 3 amateur winners.

The purse again this year will be $10,000 divided among the top winning spots. We hope to once again donate and equal amount of the money raised to the Conservation and Management of Sport Fish in Belize program designed to further the protection of this sustainable income producing resource.

The casting activities for the for the youth, men and women along with the kids mini-rod casting will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Central Park from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM each of those days. The kids casting with prizes will again be free for all kids.

Mark your calendars for July 28-30, 2011 for the 3rd Annual International Tres Pescados Slam Tournament and compete in the fishing, casting or bring the kids to cast the mini rods. Your help will keep the stainable income from these 3 fish here for generations.

We would like to thank El Pescador Resort for being the Presenting sponsor again this year; Belize Tourism Board, Victoria House and The Phoenix Resort for their Platinum sponsorships; Captain Sharks, Marelco, Costa del Mar Sunglasses and Tres Pescados Fly Shop for their Gold sponsor; San Pedro Town Council, Anglers Abroad Fly Shop, Go Fish Belize, Yellow Dog Adventures, The Red House, Caye Casa, Palapa Bar, Fly Treks, and Fish The Earth for their Silver sponsorship; and Fidos, Atlantic Bank, San Pedro Tourism Guide Association, Coastal Xpress and Caribbean Treasures for their Bronze level sponsorship.

For more information please go to http://www.tres-pescado-tournament.org or phone Jim Oliver at 668-6690. The Ambergris Caye Fly Fishing Club is the event organizer.

Court of Appeal decision regarding Telemedia

Press Release - Saturday, June 25, 2011 - Belize Press Office - On Friday June 24, 2011 the Belize Court of Appeal ruled that the acquisition of Belize Te-lemedia Limited by the Government of Belize, is unconstitutional. As a consequence of that decision Mr Dean Boyce, one of the successful appellants, went to Telemedia's headquarters on St Thomas street in Belize City and purported to take back the company. Government then got immediate legal advice as to the full import and consequence of the Court of Appeal decision. On the basis of that advice Government concluded that it was not open, without more, to Mr Boyce to assume control of the company. The Court of Ap-peal judgment is declaratory in nature, and by itself does not deprive Government of its de facto possession of the company. For that to happen the appellant Boyce would have to go back to court for an enforcement order telling Government to give up possession. Gov-ernment thus instructed its appointee, the Executive Chairman and the Telemedia Board, to continue in command of the company unless presented with a court order specifically placing the appellant Boyce in control.

Government stresses that in resisting Mr Boyce government is acting strictly in accor-dance with the law. In fact It was Boyce and his lawyer who tried to circumvent the court processes by moving without the specifically required order. And government actually waited until it could be absolutely sure of its legal ground before it decided to resist Boyce.

Government also makes clear that it will fight any application for an enforcement order, and that it has several bases on which to do so. Government has also taken steps to ap-peal to the CCJ the Friday decision of the Court of Appeal. And regardless of the outcome of Boyce's application for an enforcement order, the appeal will be carried on.

The Government of Belize is naturally extremely disappointed at the ruling of the Court of Appeal. It is at a loss to understand how, in all the circumstances, the Court could have come to its decision, which has the effect of thwarting the will of the Belizean people as exercised by a sovereign Government. Nevertheless our system of democracy and rule of law is such that the decision must be respected, even as Government exercises all op-tions which that very rule of law gives to government.
Government also regrets the uncertainty that the legal developments have caused, espe-cially to the staff of Telemedia but also to the wider public. But Government will now use every recourse to preserve the status quo.

Finally, the Government of Belize thanks the Belizean people for what Government is cer-tain will be the continuing solidarity with, and support for, the entirely just and necessary struggle against Billionaire arrogance and disrespect for national pride and national sovereignty.

The fight will be carried on and one way or another Belize will prevail.

End

Holy Cross Graduation

It was a very proud day for Principal Grace Williams and the staff and guests of Holy Cross Anglican School to see 20 of their students graduate on Sunday, July 19th. Staff, parents, honored guests and volunteers gathered to celebrate the success and perseverance of these students, some of whom had overcome great odds. Under the guidance of their teacher Mr Carlos Coba, 16 passed the PSE, and 7 earned scholarships to High School. Holy Cross wishes to thank all the many, many people who made this proud day possible. We wish the graduates every success.

Support a worthy cause

On Saturday June 25^th, 2011, family and friends of Oscar Pinelo will be holding a BBQ sale/fundraiser to assist in medical expenses. Radiothon will start at 9AM. BBQ sale will start at 11AM on the beachfront of Cholo’s Sports Bar. Any donations will be gladly accepted kindly contact Landy Pinelo at 620-2167or Nathalie Manuel at 665-4873.

Mexican President meets with Belizean Prime Minister

As part of the International Conference to pledge Support for the Central America Security Strategy, held today in Guatemalan City, the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon met with the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow.

During the meeting, both leaders reiterated their commitment to advance bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. They expressed their intention to achieve greater synergies with the process of regional collaboration in this field.

The leaders discussed major bilateral issues of mutual interest, specially their concern to strengthen security along the common border and improve border infrastructure. Therefore, they agreed on the need to soon put into operation the new border crossing at the junction of “Subteniente Lopez 2” on the Mexican side and Santa Elena, Belize. The new border facilities will allow both countries to have greater control over the movement of people and goods in the Mexico-Belize border.

As per the energy power supplied by Mexico to Belize through the Federal Commission of Electricity (Comision Federal de Electricidad, CFE), President Calderon reiterated Prime Minister Barrow the Mexican Government’s commitment to identify options that will maintain the electricity supply, taking into consideration the current situation in Belize.

Lastly, both President Calderon and Prime Minister Barrow congratulated the President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom for the fruitful Conference on Security in Central America, and the significant results achieved during the event in order to contribute to security in the region. President Calderon was accompanied by Mexican Foreign Secretary, Patricia Espinosa.

Lobster Lunacy Tonight at Pedro's Inn

Meet Miss El Salvador - Andrea Bazant Sol

The Costa Maya Festival Committee is proud to present the Miss El Salvador contestant for Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant 2011. She is 20 year-old Andrea Bazant Sol from San Salvador, El Salvador.

Andrea is a student at the Monica Herra School of Communication, and she also speaks fluently in Spanish, English and French. Her hobbies include photography, Arabic dancing, design and art.
On August 5, 2011, she will join contestants from Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica at the Miss Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant.

Be sure to swing by the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival taking place from August 4 to August 7, 2011!