San Pedro High School Girls shine in Orange Walk

The Boys and Girls football teams of the San Pedro High School traveled to Orange Walk over the weekend to compete in the Northern Regionals of the High School Football competition. At the end of the day, the girls topped the competition bringing home the trophy while the boys were defeated - non the less, they performed exceptionally. Both teams were not short on fans as many individuals traveled from San Pedro to cheer on our boys and girls. Congratulations to both teams. Great Job.

SPHS Girls with their trophy
SPHS Girls

SPHS Boys playing

What's New? The Butcher

With a large number of residents from all corners of the world living on Ambergris Caye, it is just fitting that “The Butcher” becomes an integral part of our community. Kurt Buhles of Frankfurt, Germany, moved to San Pedro in 2009. His experience working with meats and sausages, both items he enjoys – he took his love for the food and decided to share it with residents, visitors and tourists on San Pedro.

After opening its doors on November 1st, 2010, The Butcher now offers a unique variety of sausages, guaranteed to satisfy the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters. Items available at The Butcher include, breakfast links, pork salami, roast beef, Vienna sausage, meatloaf, cooked ham, cheese grillers, onion sausage, blood sausage, bratwurst and polish sausages among others.

The Butcher is your one stop location for delectable sausage and German bread from the two German bakeries on the island. All products are prepared using fresh Belizean meats. Opening hours for The Butcher are as follows: Mondays through Saturday – 9:00am – 6:00pm and on Sundays from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Between the hours of 11:00am – 4:00pm daily The Butcher grills international style burgers for just $5.

For further information, Kurt may be reached at 628-8262.

The Art of Life

Friendship with Pain

“It’s never about what happened to you, but what you become through it.” - Emmanuel

You see them when you travel through Belize City; in fact they are in every city. Standing, sitting, lying sometimes barely alive it seems. These are the street people, the homeless. “Spare some change?” He calls out, holding out a hand crusted with grime. He’s got a blank stare in his eyes just behind his pain, his skin is weathered hanging inside old clothes that has seen too many pavements. His smell makes you coil backwards as though being pushed back by an invisible field.

Pain or pleasure-who knows what, put him roaming on the streets. He is part of the human landscape. No one likes to look at pain. No need for details-we want to move on-get to the fun part. Out of fear it might be you, you toss the coin into his palm, you can move on now.

Some people live with pain all their lives. Others chose to end life hoping for a better place. Living with pain is not easy. Some days are better than others they say. But as they come to accept it, pain becomes a friend that comes and goes teaching when to stand strong and when to let go. Life is filled with opposites but as we step back blurring our vision we transcend the detail and see the whole beauty of the complete picture. Pain is the complement of a joyous life. As we stay strong in the face of suffering, joy eventually becomes the background of all there is. Through time it prepares us for a door we may pass through. After all we can’t take the human landscape where we are going.

Books by Christopher Emmanuel can be purchased at his Art Gallery in The Sunbreeze Hotel, Art of Touch, Pages Book Store, Black orchid Spa and Sol Spa.

Oceana Declares: "Government must immediately amend Petroleum Act"

Press Release - January 28, 2011 - Oceana - In the interest of good governance and good faith towards the people of this country the Barrow Administration needs to immediately amend Section 13 of the Petroleum Act.

There is need for comprehensive revision of the entire Petroleum Act Chapter 225 Laws of Belize but there are sections that need to be amended immediately. Section 13 of the Petroleum Act has been abused by both government administrations, so much so that all, except one, petroleum contract have been and continues to be given out behind closed doors at Cabinet.

Section 13 provides for open competitive bidding, but also has proviso three which removes this layer to transparency and accountability and allows the Minister “with the approval of the Cabinet, [to] select contractors other than through competitive bidding procedures in the following cases-
(a) where the technical or economic circumstances make it advisable; or
(b) where he determines that the circumstances so require.”

The recent revelation in the 2010 Petroleum contract Maps obtained by Oceana from the Department of Petroleum & Geology is a clear indication that companies such as Paradise Energy, with no Petroleum experience in violation of Section 11, will continue to obtain oil leases unknown to the Belize people, who are the true owner of oil rights in this country.

“The government only holds these rights on trust Belizeans”, explained Oceana VP Audrey Matura-shepherd. “We must continue to demand accountability and transparency, but sadly every government has sought to ignore subsections 1 and 2 of Section 13 of the law because it suits their purpose, which is not to be transparent and not to be accountable to the people of Belize when entering these deals”

Section 13 Petroleum Act says that “selection of contracts should be carried out through public competitive bidding or such other competitive procedure as may be determined by the Minister”. It also states that the minister “shall publish in the Gazzette a description of the areas for which bids are to be solicited along with the procedures and rules relating to the submission of such bids”.

Matura-Shepherd explains that “this is never done because the open competitive bidding process is completely circumvented and the Minister applies the exception which is to go behind closed doors in Cabinet unknown to the unsuspecting Belizean people and using Section 13 (3) it appears that the Minister always seems to “determine that the circumstances require” secret issuing of contracts…. this cannot continue!”

Oceana is concerned that the now relinquished OPIC block vacant since October 2010 can secretly be given out again using the provisions of the law, which must not stand.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Audrey Matura-Shepherd

610-0702.

Mark Your Calendars!!

San Pedro Cancer Society Fundraiser:

(with the help of Miss Flora Ancona)

On Saturday, January 29th, 2011, a fundraiser will be held for Verna Reyes at the Central Park starting at 10:30am. Food such as Tamales and Rice and Beans will be on sale.

Special t-shirts depicting the San Pedro Cancer Society logo as well as a lavender cancer ribbon will be on sale at this event for $20. Members and supporters are asked to purchase a t-shirt which can be used for the cancer walk held on February 4th, 2011.

The San Pedro Lions Club

Miss Chiquitita (to benefit San Pedro Pre School):

Alta Mar Neighborhood Watch donates to SAGA

Alta Mar Neighborhood watch has taken the initiative to contribute to the community in various ways. One of the first contributions was a cash donation of $985 to SAGA Humane Society. This amount was the result of a BBQ sale held a while back. The joint decision to make the donation came about after SAGA had to cut back services to the community due to lack of funds. SAGA Humane Society contributes invaluable service to the community, and has done so for many years, so it was only fitting that they be the first recipient.

Kudos to the Alta Mar Neighborhood Watch, and once again, a big thank you to SAGA for all the wonderful services they provide to the community.

First Ever Crocodile Rescue on Caye Caulker

submitted by Cherie Chenot-Rose

For years Liz Ross has been trying to get someone to help her with her crocodile problem on Caye Caulker. Liz owns and operates the only fuel station on the island. Finally, on Sunday, January 23rd, she received some help.ACES/American Crocodile Education Sanctuary, now located on Ambergris Caye, loaded up the ‘Croc Runner’ and headed to Caye Caulker early Sunday morning. Having never navigated these waters, the 15 minute boat trip took quite a bit longer and cost Cherie (ACES biologist and First Mate) some more fingernails. Somewhere between the two cayes, all of a sudden, coral heads surrounded the ‘Croc Runner’. With Cherie sitting on the bow and pointing the way between the treacherous obstacles, Vince (ACES animal behaviorist and Captain) was able to safely get the boat to the cut. Channel markers sure would have been nice!

Arriving late morning, the ACES team of Vince, Cherie and Chris got straight to work. By noon the first croc was caught. Measuring at 5’ 7” and named “Jockey” by Liz’s daughter, the male American Crocodile was extremely aggressive. With him safely secured ACES reset the snare and shortly after lunch had caught the second smaller croc, a female this time, measuring 4’10” and now named Matilda.
The ‘Big Guy’ is about 10’ in length and eluded the ACES team all day. “We had spotted him when we first arrived and then we never saw him again,” stated Vince. ACES will need to set a net trap and spend a night or two to catch this smart croc. Without sufficient funding, they are not sure when they’ll be able to return to Caye Caulker.

ACES utilized funds from their recent Rufford grant for the rescue effort. Since the grant is for a croc population survey of the area, now that a count has been done in that area, no more monies can be allocated for the rescue. Liz does not wish to see ‘Big Guy’ harmed in anyway and is seeking in-kind donations of lodging and meals for the ACES team to be able to return to catch it before it harms someone. Liz herself is generously donating boat fuel for the team to return and relocate the large American Crocodile. “‘Big Guy’ lays under the fuel tanks at the waters edge and waits for my workers to pass to try to attack. It has already eaten several of my pets,” states Liz. The real fear is that it could attack an unsuspecting tourist who likes to get dangerously close for pictures.

Where are the captured crocs being taken? With no facility in place yet since the arson of ACES, the team is forced to just relocate the crocs to nearby uninhabited cayes. This is fine for these two smaller crocs, but the ‘Big Guy’ really should be placed in a secure habitat so that he doesn’t return or become someone else’s problem, states Cherie. While there is talk of a new croc facility being built on the mainland, it is still many months from getting started.

Anyone wishing to help, ACES is in need of: a digital camera/video, two nights lodging on Caye Caulker, meals for those three days on Caye Caulker, electric tape, duct tape, ropes, and chicken for bait. Donors for the Caye Caulker capture can contact Liz Ross or ACES at acesnpo@hughes.net or 666-3871. Your help will take a bite out of extinction!

Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Named A Finalist in Ashoka Geotourism Challenge 2010

Press Release – Caye Caulker Ocean Academy – January 24th – 2011 – The prestigious Ashoka Changemakers Geotourism Challenge 2010 is themed “Places on the Edge: Saving Coastal and Freshwater Destinations”. There were 250 entries from 54 countries; Caye Caulker Ocean Academy’s project was chosen as one of the twelve finalists. Expert judges selected the most innovative solutions for coastal, waterway and island destinations that protect the environment and strengthen the heritage and livelihoods of local residents.

The three finalists who get the most online votes by February 2nd will each earn USD $5000 for their project. Log on with your vote today at www.changemakers.com/coasts.

Ocean Academy was founded in 2008 as the first non-profit community high school on Caye Caulker (www.cayecaulkerschool.com). In addition to the Form I-IV standard curriculum, Ocean Academy offers many specialized and site-based programs. Aquatic Careers in Tourism (ACT P.E.) classes include scuba certification, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and swimming. In the World of Work (WOW) Apprenticeship Program students can shadow a variety of career options, such as assisting marine biologists with a mangrove restoration project, coral reef surveys and beach cleanups. Other popular elective choices include Tour Guide Training, and Graphic Design. Science students research practical solutions to waste management on a small island. Instruction is hands-on, interactive, and relevant to real-life issues.

Ocean Academy’s school motto is “Protecting our Heritage, Creating our Future”. Environmental education and sustainable tourism are important studies to fulfilling that vision. Nationally, a Caye Caulker Ocean Academy student was honoured in 2009 with Youth for the Future’s Environmental Award. Locally, the Caye Caulker Village Council granted funds in 2010 for the school’s composting project and small business venture of culinary herb sales. The international panel of judges for Geotourism 2010 is very impressed with Ocean Academy’s innovative approach to education and commitment to youth engagement in Belize. They also like the school’s inclusion of the skill sets offered by voluntourists (tourists who travel to a destination specifically to volunteer).

Vote for Caye Caulker Ocean Academy at www.changemakers.com/coasts and show your support for innovative education projects in Belize. Be a Changemaker!

Aurelio Chi arrested for Obtaining Property by Deception amongst other charges

With the knowledge that the Police Department is the body charged with the responsibility to keep residents safe from harm, crooks and con artists among other duties; it was the least to say suspicious, when a male individual was approaching residents of Northern Ambergris Caye impersonating a member of the San Pedro Police Department; soliciting finances.

As this information became known to the San Pedro Police Department, officers worked diligently in following up on the situation, leading to the quick apprehension of one Aurelio Chi 35yrs Belizean Laborer of San Pedrito Area. Mr Chi was arrested in the Boca Del Rio area and charged with 4 counts of obtaining Property by Deception. Chi was additionally charged for Mischievous Act as a result of mischievously giving his name as Jose Cowo when his true identity is Aurelio Chi.

HSI Spay Day photo online photo contest to benefit SAGA

Your pet is very cute – but does he or she have what it takes to win Humane Society International’s 2011 Spay Day
Pet Photo Contest, presented by Zazzle?

The Spay Day Pet Photo Contest to benefit SAGA HUMANE SOCIETY
is now OPEN - GIVE US YOUR BEST PHOTO!

To Enter Now, GO TO hsi.org/photocontest

When you enter, please choose Saga Humane Society to benefit from your pet’s photo. After your entry is complete, help save animals’ lives by asking friends and family to vote for your pet. Each vote is just a $1 USD donation, and every vote your pet receives will help us spay or neuter even more pets after Spay Day (February 22nd, 2011) is over -- AND increase your chances of winning!

More than 600 entrants whose photos have received the most votes will win stellar prizes. And even without votes, you'll be in the running to win big -- the panel of judges will award prizes to their favorite 36 entries.

The earlier you enter the more time you’ll have to get votes and raise critical spay/neuter funds for Saga Humane Society. Please upload a photo of your pet now at hsi.org/photocontest to get started!

Saga HS will also be sponsoring a Spay Day 2011 Event in San Pedro Town during the month of February, details to be announced soon.

Thanks for your support!

SAGA HUMANE SOCIETY, SAN PEDRO TOWN, BELIZE

P.S. Don’t want to enter your pet’s photo (or don’t have a pet)? Please vote for one of the pets benefitting our organization! Visit hsi.org/photocontest and then:

*Click on the “Search Pets” tab
*Click on “Filter by: Local Organization”
*Click on SAGA HUMANE SOCIETY. A vote for any of the pet photos shown in this view benefits Saga!

NOTE: Funds designated for organizations that fail to meet the requirements listed at http://www.hsi.org/issues/spayday/factsheets/spayday_eligibility.html will be added to the general fund and divided among spay/neuter programs of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International and all eligible organizations.

Theft at BEL’s Buena Vista Substation Affects Power Supply to Northern Districts

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reports the theft of approximately 350 feet of copper cable from its Buena Vista Substation in the Corozal District.

On Monday, January 24, BEL employees reporting to work at the Buena Vista Substation discovered that ground wires for equipment at the substation had been disconnected and removed from the compound.

The stolen copper wires provided grounding for transformers, equipment and communication towers.

Works to replace the damaged infrastructure required a 3-hour power outage for the entire Orange Walk and Corozal Districts this afternoon.

BEL advises persons involved in these criminal activities that they are putting themselves at risk of being seriously injured or electrocuted. The damage to these essential equipment can also result in electrical damage to customers’ equipment and puts into jeopardy the safety of employees who have to work at the site.

The perpetrators should also be aware that under the Electricity Act, any person who unlawfully enters an electric substation or maliciously cuts or injures any electric line or work can be liable to a fine of up to three thousand dollars and/or to a term of imprisonment of up to three years.

Anyone with information on these criminal and unsafe activities is asked to contact the Police Department or call BEL at 0-800-235-2273 or 0-800-BEL-CARE or call Crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-8477.

-END-

Justice of Appeal Denys Barrow returns to private practice

Press Release - Belmopan - 25th January, 2011 - The Government of Belize announces that Justice of Appeal Denys Barrow has decided to return to private practice. He has therefore tendered, to the Governor-General, his resignation from the Court of Appeal with effect from 28th February, 2011.

The Government of Belize thanks Justice Barrow for the services he rendered to the Court and the Country during his tenure, and wishes him well in his return to the private Bar.

A statement from Justice Barrow is below:

Statement by Denys Barrow on his return to private practice

By letter dated 24th January 2011 I conveyed to His Excellency the Governor General my decision to return to private practice as an attorney at law. The resignation is to take effect from 28th February.

The decision stems from the refusal of the Government of St Lucia to pay pension benefits due to me upon my retirement, two years ago, as a Court of Appeal judge in the Eastern Caribbean. Matters reached the point where I was forced to file a claim on 14th January 2011 against the Government of St Lucia which has been simply ignoring the claim, latterly refusing to even acknowledge receipt of letters of inquiry.

Having returned at the end of 2008 to Belize and to private practice, I later decided I could afford to leave private practice and become a judge in Belize because I treated the expected pension benefits as part of my financial resources. That expectation having been removed, I must now adjust. Hence, my decision to return to practice.

I express my gratitude to the Government of Belize for the honour conferred on me by the appointment. I am especially grateful for the confidence and support members of the public, on both sides of the political divide, expressed on my appointment and during my tenure. It took courage for the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, to appoint his brother to the judiciary and no less courage for the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, to support that appointment. I salute them.

I am confident that the Court of Appeal under its new President, the Honourable Manuel Sosa, with the support of its new member, the Honourable Sir Brian Alleyne, and its newly re-appointed member, the Honourable Dennis Morrison, will continue to provide satisfaction to the nation in delivering justice.

Denys Barrow SC - 25th January 2011

Mama Vilma's Family Home

In a society where abuse happens but is often never reported, it is imperative that those abused have a haven to turn to when in need. Having seen the need for such a home, a group of dynamic volunteers have taken on the hefty task of planning a variety of activities in the hopes that the community comes together to build this much-needed home for women, children and men in need. The San Pedro Sun met with two of the ladies spearheading the group, Mrs. Shelley Huber (President) and Mrs. Eve Dirnback (Vice President), and they outlined their plans.

Mrs. Dirnback has been active in San Pedro, having (often single-handedly) raised funds for projects, especially at San Pedro Roman Catholic School. Mrs. Shelley of course, is known for her participation in community events, providing delicious food from her catering company, as well as offering support whenever necessary. With the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, and bearing in mind one of San Pedro’s most beloved women, Mrs. Vilma Arceo, the volunteers are ready to work to build “Mama Vilma’s Family Home”. It is not just a home for women and children; there are single fathers who need help too.

Taking into account the legacy of love that Mama Vilma had for the children in her community, being herself a battered woman, the group decided that the home would be dedicated to her memory. The first fundraising effort will be a Fashion Show, to be held at the Coco Locos Bar on February 19th, from 4pm- 8pm. Local models (Recycled Teenagers) will be modeling clothing from various local boutiques and great food and entertainment will be provided. It will be a night of fun and fashion, and one that will help jumpstart a worthy cause. Everyone is invited to attend and all are asked to give their support to the project which will help those in our community that are most in need. An official meeting will be held on January 30th, 2011, at a location to be announced later.

To pledge your support, or to find out how you can be of assistance with this project, call 623-9962 or 651-3533. Help a worthy cause and let us all have a hand in stopping the abuse.

--(Printed January 20, 2011 - Vol. 21, Issue #03)--

Tropic Air Announces non-stop service between Placencia & Belmopan

- Press Release - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize - Monday, January 24, 2011 - Tropic Air announced today that it will be inaugurating daily non-stop service between Placencia and the nation’s capital, Belmopan on January 31, 2011. The service will also allow easy connections in Placencia for passengers wishing to travel between Punta Gorda and Belmopan, and provide for efficient cargo services to and from the nation’s heartland.

The new service is a direct response to requests from its valued customers, and carries through on the airline’s stated commitment to the people of Belmopan, Cayo and Southern Belize.

“When we inaugurated Belmopan in April 2010, we promised the people of Cayo to increase our service levels in the coming years. Belmopan is an integral part of the growth strategy for Tropic Air and as such we feel it important that we link the expanding areas of the south with our nation’s capital” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “Tropic Air is continuously seeking new and innovative routes that promote tourism, business, domestic travel and cargo within Belize”

The flight schedule for the new route is as follows:
Flt# DEPARTS TIME ARRIVES TIME
900 Belmopan (BMP) 08:30AM Placencia (PLJ) 09:00AM
350 Placencia (PLJ) 12:00PM Belmopan (BMP) 12:30PM
DAILY (Effective January 31, 2010)

An introductory fare of BZ$99 each way will be offered on the new route through February 28, 2010 and is bookable via the web at www.tropicair.com, via e-mail at reservations@tropicair.com, by phone at 226-2012 or by contacting any of our stations.

Tropic Air operates a fleet of 11 aircraft (including the lastest generation, G1000 “glass cockpit”, air conditioned Cessna Caravans) to 11 destinations in Belize and Guatemala. With over 250 employees, Tropic Air carried 200,000 passengers in 2010.

For more information on the new service, please contact Dora Gonzalez DoraGonzalez@tropicair.com or Julie Kee JulieKee@tropicair.com.

Belize Coalition to save our natural heritage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Geovannie Brackett

Chair, Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage

Telephone: 664-3771

Email: coalitioncoordinator@apamo.net

Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage Supports SATIIM’s Opposition to Oil Exploration in the Sarstoon-Temash National Park

Belize City, Belize, January 19, 2011 - - The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage supports SATIIM in its opposition to oil exploration in the Sarstoon Temash National Park, a protected area, by US Capital Energy. The Coalition also firmly rejects the Prime Minister’s publicly stated position that oil exploration and exploitation should be allowed in protected areas.

Protected areas in Belize have been designated as such to safeguard ecosystem services such as the provision of clean water, clean air and food, and to maintain biodiversity. In addition, both marine and terrestrial protected areas are the primary tourist visitation sites in the country. Countries such as Ecuador have allowed oil companies to exploit oil from ecologically sensitive areas with devastating effects. Over three decades after fourteen thousand barrel of oil spilled in the Ecuador Amazon, the effects on people’s health and lives continue.

The minimal economic benefits that the people of Belize are receiving from tax revenues from oil exploitation do not outweigh the high risk of an oil spill in ecologically sensitive areas during the exploratory or exploitation phase.

We call on the Government of Belize to rescind its policy of allowing oil exploration and exploitation in protected areas and in our marine waters through the cancellation of leases issued within these areas, and protect the livelihoods and health of all Belizeans.

Join the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage in its fight. Contact us at 223-7962 or at coalitioncoordinator@apamo.net.

###

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage protects our natural heritage by serving as a channel for the voice of the people through advocacy, education, research and actions, which promote the best interest of Belize and its people.

ACES Fundraiser BBQ

On Sunday, January 23rd, Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) will be having a BBQ sale on GIBNUT, CHICKEN & PORK!!! At Wayo’s bar on the beach Boca Del Rio Area! Please come and support ACES.

Cardiology Pediatric services: Venezuela Technical Cooperation

Press Release – Ministry of Health – December 28th, 2010 – The Government of Belize and the Government of Venezuela recently signed an agreement for the provision of Pediatric Cardiology Services for Belizean children. The surgeries will be performed at no cost to the patients and families.

The target group is children 0 to 15 years of age with congenital heart disease.

The Ministry of Health of Belize has designated the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Bernard Bulwer, and Dr. Giovanni Solórzano, both from KHMH, as Focal Points for Belize. They will have the responsibility to follow up on the cases selected and will act as liaison officers between the Embassy of Venezuela and the Ministry of Health of Belize.

The Children’s Cardiology Hospital in Venezuela provides service for the following diseases:
* Inter atrium communication
* Inter ventricular communication
* Tetralogy of Fallot
* Persistent Ductus Arteriosus
* Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
* Aortic Valve Stenosis

Requirements for acceptance of patients:
1. A letter addressed to the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez Frías, justifying the clinical and socio-economic status of the patient.
2. A medical report that indicates the clinical condition of the child.
3. A CD with an Echocardiogram recorded.
4. Identification documents of the child and his/her mother, father or legal guardian.

After selecting the patient, s/he must travel to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on a commercial flight accompanied but the mother, preferably, who will remain the country for a reasonable time as determined but the attending physicians.

The costs of the round trip plane ticket, lodging, meals, medical treatment and surgery in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will be paid by the Venezuelan Government.

All potential clients must be referred to the Pediatrician of the Regional Hospitals for assessment. Once these comply with the criteria they will then be referred to Dr. Bulwer or Dr. Solórzano at KHMH. In turn they will liaise directly with the Embassy of Venezuela in Belmopan.

Any concern or doubt, feel free to contact the Venezuelan Embassy or the designated Focal Points.

Hundreds of Lionfish caught in first ever Tournament

On Wednesday January 19th, the first ever Lionfish Tournament was hosted by the Wahoo Lounge. All day, eager fishermen and fisherwomen hit the waters to try and land the most Lionfish, the largest and even the smallest. With prizes like snorkel equipment, restaurant dinners, bar tabs and more, everyone was in the mood to catch some Lionfish! Those who attended the tournament go to sample some tasty dishes and learn how to prepare the lionfish.

Charlotte Hansen and the Bunkhouse Gang at ABC Pre-School

The children at ABC Pre School had great fun this morning when a colorful bunch of puppet friends came by to say hello, sing some songs and make new friends.

Charlotte Hansen, who is on the island for a week is making several stops at the various schools on the island with her puppet friends, and they have been brightening the days of the children everywhere they go.

Saturday is the official big show, which is a fundraiser for SAGA Humane Society. Don't miss what promises to be a super fun event!!