PNP Constitution and Principles signed in SP

-Press Release – People’s National Party – April 28, 2011 - Whilst Belize enjoyed the Easter holidays, a group of People’s National Party members chaired by party leader Wil Maheia put the finishing touches to the party’s Constitution and Principles.
Those involved included candidate for Belize Rural South, Mike Campbell, and candidate for Stann Creek West, Basilio Mes.Explains Maheia, “We decided to have this important meeting on Ambergris Caye so that we could, at the same time, announce Mike Campbell’s candidature. We have been working hard on our Constitution and Principles for several months, so this was really just to put the final polish on things.”
“Our Constitution is of course the rules by which our party is run, but more than that, it’s been designed so that free spirited individuals can join our party and be a very active part of it without having to declare that they will put party first before all other considerations. We also wanted to make the party as democratic as possible, with every member having a true voice. We have seen how destructive the old-style party system with its highly centralized control is, and we wanted to avoid that at all costs.”
Maheia goes on to say, “Our Principles enshrine our most important beliefs about the governance of our country. They really speak for themselves. Amongst those beliefs are territorial integrity, the absolute rule of law, an end to corruption, the vital place of education, the building of a free market economy with the support of government, and of course, the preservation of our natural resources to be used wisely for the benefit of all Belizeans, both now and in the future.”

GARIFUNA MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES GRAND OPENING

Los Angeles, CA (April 27, 2011) – The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles (GaMoLA) held its grand opening ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The Museum was officially opened by Dr. Cadrin Gill, Honorary Consul General of St. Vincent & The Grenadines who cut the black and yellow ribbons draped in front of a Garifuna flag at the entrance to the museum.

Founded by Rubén Reyes, president and founder of The Garifuna Hope Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization, the Museum was established in memory of two great pioneering Garifuna men, Don Narciso Reyes and Don Justo Flores. The Museum’s mission is to strive to “preserve the unique heritage and culture of the Garinagu (Garifuna people) through the collection and preservation of Garifuna historical and present-day artifacts, through educational and performing arts programs, exhibitions, and partnerships with community based organizations in the United States and abroad.” In addition, it will serve as an educational tool for the community at large to learn about the unique traditions and customs of the Garinagu.
From a humble beginning of a few drums and household items from friends in Garifuna villages of Honduras, the museum’s collections have grown to include: a Garifuna village model; miniature dolls depicting Garifuna dress and adornments; a life size paper maché figure of a Wanaragua dancer; and an impressive collection of books, videos, art, and artifacts depicting Garifunaduaü (the Garifuna way of life). Various scholars, historians, authors, musicians, artists, philanthropists and collectors have contributed originals and copies of their prized works to the museum. Other art connoisseurs and collectors have also loaned priceless historical items and collectors’ items to the museum to showcase the unique culture and rich heritage of the Garinagu.
The Museum is housed by the Blazer Learning Center, a non-profit organization founded in 1969 that provides many empowering programs to youths in the community, including a very successful after school program. Located on the ground floor in three rooms, the Museum boasts a main room containing Garifuna artifacts, the Gari Gallery, and a library and multimedia room.
Thanks to the benevolence of several philanthropists and the relentless efforts of volunteers, the museum’s home underwent essential renovations to prepare it for its grand opening by the weekend of April 16 to coincide with Garifuna Memorial Day. Every year, Garinagu commemorate April 12, 1797 as a day of reflection in memory of their ancestors’ exile from their homeland of Yurumein (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) to the shore of Roatan in Honduras.
“The museum belongs to people of all nations and we invite the general public to visit and bring a friend to share and delight in a culturally diverse experience,” Rubén Reyes, executive director of the museum said. Mr. Reyes adds that volunteers are encouraged to participate in the on-going development of the Museum and in-kind and monetary donations are welcomed, which are tax-deductible and donors will receive an official receipt for tax purposes.
The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles is located at the Blazer Learning Center, 1517 West 48th Street in Los Angeles near Denker Avenue. Museum tours can be scheduled by calling (424) 218-6212.
For additional information visit the museum’s web site at www.garifunamuseumla.org or contact:
• Rubén Reyes, Director, (323) 864-1007, ruben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Ben Flores, Assistant Director, (323) 234-3404, ben@garifunahopefoundation.org
• Helen Laurie, Public Affairs Director, (323) 496-4101, helen@garifunahopefoundation.org

Saga attends Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference

Press Release – SAGA Humane Society – April 27, 2011 - Katia Marin and Heidi Sowards, two of SAGA’s Directors attended the 2011 Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference in San Juan Puerto Rico. April 3rd - 5th.
Held from April 3rd through the 5th, the three day conference included different types of humane societies, shelters and rescue groups coming together to talk and share ideas about the great work that they do. There were all kinds of international speakers from St. Thomas, Bahamas and even the Belize Society. Clara Lee Arnold from the Hopkins Humane Society spoke about the changes that have happened in Hopkins since they started bringing vet teams to hold spay and neuter clinics. The topics included ‘Animal Capture and Handling Techniques’, ‘Surveying Roaming Dogs’ Population and Increasing Adoptions’, and ‘Marketing and Fundraising Strategies’, just to mention a few. SAGA would like to thank Clara Lee for donating jewelry, which she and her husband make themselves out of shells.

Katia and SAGA Volunteer Heather Beck also attended the International Association of Canine Professional (IACP) conference in San Diego April 7th - 9th which included speakers Wendy Volhard, Joel Silverman, Jeff King and the main speaker Cesar Millan. Following the Conference the two volunteered their time at Best Friends Animal Society to work on some dogs at Dog Town Sanctuary. Dog Town is home to dogs rescued after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, and it also houses Michael Vick’s dogs.

Body found at Pedro's Inn

The body of 42-year-old Michael Donald Virgin, a resident of Illinois, USA, was found in Room 3 of Pedro's Inn at approximately 11:00am.

No visible signs of violence were found on the man's body, and Police do not suspect foul play. Dr. Otto Rodriguez pronounced him dead.

According to the Police, he was last seen on Monday when he checked into the inn.

The man's body has been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police continue their investigation.

The Holy Aspect of Easter

Good Friday is one of the most religious days observed in San Pedro. In days gone by, families would remain at home and prepare for the religious services. Children, in particular, were urged to stay home, asked not to argue or fight with their siblings and were even discouraged from swimming in the sea. It was the belief of their ancestors that something tragic would happen to those who disobeyed or behaved "rudely" on Good Friday. The common myth used to discourage the children from going to swim was that they would turn into mermaids/mermen. This practice seemed to work as the village was transformed into a "ghost town" on this specific day.
At midday on Good Friday, the "Celebration of the Seven Words" would commence. This is a two and a half hour service concentrating on readings of the seven times Christ spoke before he died. This is followed by a Eucharistic Service and the Adoration of the Cross before the Holy Procession begins at about 5:30 p.m. The Holy Procession was and still is the largest annual procession held in San Pedro. The entire congregation is divided into groups led first by children and followed by teenage girls, women and lastly, the men. The young ladies take turns carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary while the men carry a casket (symbolizing the death of Christ) as hymns and prayers are chanted throughout the main streets of town.

Good Friday Procession:

On Easter Sunday, Catholics rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the first time ever, San Pedro witnessed a special procession early Easter Sunday morning. Called El Encuentro, the procession was a replay of Christ come to life, and his joyful reunion with his bereaved mother, Mary. Children dressed as angels sang carols and ended the meeting of the women & men at the Church square on a most joyful note.

El Encuentro - Easter Sunday

San Pedro AIDS Commission hosts Estrellas del Momento

El show de las Estrellas Del Momento was held on Saturday night at the SPHS Auditorium. People in attendance were entertained well into the early morning hours - singing, dancing, comedy - great entertainment was provided by the actors/singers on stage.Held as a fundraiser for the San Pedro AIDS Commission, the night was one of much laughter and entertainment.
Celia Cruz performed...
Lady Gaga...
Amanda Miguel...
and Paulina Rubio...all wowed the crowd with their vocals, dance moves and choice of songs...

Read more in this week's issue of The San Pedro Sun.

The Art of Life: Mind Space

By Christopher Emmanuel

“A cluttered mind can’t find focus”

Everything you acquire takes up mental space. I call this “Mind space”, because you hold it in your thoughts. Someone gave me a gift and I was thankful for it. But I thought to myself, “What am I going to do with it.” Have you ever gotten a gift you don’t want? But you kept it anyway because you don’t want to hurt the person - it’s like a gift you take out when they are coming over to visit. You want to be kind but you just don’t have use for it. Hey! Don’t get me wrong, who doesn’t love to get gifts? But only gifts that have value are the ones you can use. But come to think of it I am using the gift because it is the subject of this article.

We are possessed by what we own. For instance, you get a new boat, for the next while all you can think of is how you can enjoy it. Then it becomes something to maintain and the real cost comes into perspective. If you truly enjoy it, then it’s all part of the pleasure, but if you only love it when it works, you feel shackled by the thoughts when it’s not working.

So if you find your mind cluttered with too many thoughts, consider clearing your space. Physically clean out your closets and things at home that you don’t use. If you haven’t used it in six months or a year, trade it, sell it, and give it away. You will find your thoughts start to become clear.

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.

Hugo Meyer and Victoria Wolski get engaged

A proposal is always a romantic occasion, especially when creativity and thought goes into “popping the question”. On Wednesday, April 13th, 2011, Aji Restaurant’s Hugo Meyer returned from a trip to Spain, where he had been visiting his ill father. With all intents of getting one very important question answered, he had bought a beautiful dress for his beloved Victoria Wolski, and told her that he had lunch planned for them at Las Terrazas. Joining the lunch party was Victoria’s mother and cousin.

At lunch, their waitress presented a glass with some flowers and a ring inside to Victoria’s mother. Hugo explained that the ring was for her, and he asked for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Another glass with flowers was brought out, and inside was Victoria’s engagement ring. Hugo asked that all important question, to which Victoria said yes!

Congratulations to you both, and we wish you a wonderful life together!!

DAVID HARLEY McLAIN CHARGED WITH FAILING TO REGISTER AS SEX OFFENDER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bob Troester

April 19, 2011 Phone: 405/553-8999

OKLAHOMA CITY MAN CHARGED WITH FAILING TO REGISTER AS SEX OFFENDER

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – DAVID HARLEY McLAIN, 55, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was indicted for failing to register as a sex offender, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

The indictment alleges that from December 1, 2010, through March 30, 2011, McLlain was required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA and also known as the “Adam Walsh Act”) after traveling from Oklahoma to New Orleans, Louisiana, and to the country of Belize. McLain was arrested on March 31, 2011, by Deputy United States Marshals with the Sex Offender Investigations Unit for the Western District of Oklahoma when he arrived at the Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, after being expelled from Belize. McLain is currently being held in the Oklahoma County Jail pending further court appearances.

The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the indictment for further information.

This case is the result of investigations conducted by the United States Marshals Service Sex Offender Investigations Unit for the Western District of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Police Department with substantial assistance from the Belize Police Department and the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office in Belize. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Don Gifford.

Freeway Pays the Toll - SAGA

Press Release – SAGA – April 21, 2011 – As we watch the changes in San Pedro we all get to know that with progress comes the good and the bad. Unfortunately it is often our furry friends who end up paying the toll. Freeway is a good example of this.

Recently taxis have been allowed to cross the bridge to the part of the island north of the cut. Dogs who live in town grow up around taxis and learn how to stay safe and out of the way as they pass. But for dogs north of the cut, taxis are a new and unknown danger.

Freeway grew up footloose and fancy free at a resort on the north side of the island because his owner lived and worked there. He had not seen many taxis in his lifetime and because he was neglected by his irresponsible owners, he was just allowed to wander around on his own. This had been safe enough until the taxis were allowed to cross the bridge.

Poor Freeway didn’t know anything about how to stay out of the way and before long he was run over. Sadly, his owners didn’t care enough for him to take him to SAGA and have his injury treated. So, his foot got worse and worse, leaving him in pain and suffering – only able to hobble around on three legs. Luckily for Freeway, some kind tourists took pity on him and brought him to SAGA.

It was too late for Freeway and he ended up paying a very high toll. Because his injury had been left so long without medical attention, part of his foot had to be amputated. The worst part about this is that if his owners had been responsible and cared for him the way they should have, he probably would have recovered fully.

But there is good news. Freeway is getting better and with the love and attention of the SAGA staff and volunteers, he will soon be looking for a new home with people who truly love and care for him.

If your dog is injured or if you see an injured animal that has not been cared for, make sure to get help. You might just save them from paying a very heavy price.

For information on how you can help sick, injured or neglected animals or if you’re interested in adopting Freeway or any of his friends, please contact SAGA on 226 3266.

The Best Medicine premieres at the Paradise Theater

The play tells the story of a father, ill from just about every sickness one could imagine. His good-for-nothing doctors and pharmacists have convinced him that he is very ill and continue to add to his medical conditions with every visit, costing him a fortune.

Coupled with a scheming wife, Mr. Moody; the father, spends his days on a schedule of medications, reports and doctor visits. Well off by his own right, he becomes worried that his medical conditions would leave his only daughter Angie, penniless after his demise.

In an effort to secure his daughter’s inheritance, he schemes to marry her off to his doctor’s nephew, a young practitioner with an unfortunately short attention span.

Scheming wife, Bella is only too happy to ship her stepdaughter off to boarding school while she cares for him. As she pretends not to be interested in Mr. Moody's will, she cannot stop from prying to find out exactly what she would be getting.

After being encouraged by Uncle Hector and the ever sharp housekeeper, Toinette, Mr. Moody agrees to pretend to be dead, to find out how his wife truly feels about him.

A truly spectacular, comedic play. A blast was had by all in attendance.

Visit our website for the entire story.

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican artist DARRIO arrives in San Pedro

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican artist Darrio arrived in San Pedro around 6:00pm via Maya Island Air. The San Pedro Sun was there to welcome him. Scheduled to perform on Friday and Saturday night inside Fido's Restaurant and Bar on Barrier Reef Drive, Darrio arrived early as he will be making a couple media appearances, promoting Island Invasion Easter Edition.

Darrio gives us an intro to what will happen this weekend inside Fido's Courtyard!

Visiting from the United States - Catherine Demdam was one of the first to meet Mr. Darrio

Scotia Bank donates to Cancer Society on Ambergris Caye

The staff of the Scotia Bank Limited San Pedro Branch donated a box of assorted personal hygiene supplies to the San Pedro Cancer Society. The donation was handed over in a short ceremony at the Scotia Bank office on Saturday morning.

According to Tatiana Perez of the San Pedro Scotia Bank Branch office, the donation was a result of the staff’s “giving back to the community” program. She further informed that during Women’s Month in March, the staff brought in several personal toiletry supplies.

At the end of the month, the staff collectively agreed to hand over all the items collected to a charitable organization, which rendered help to women on the island; in this instance the Cancer Society on Ambergris Caye.

At hand to receive the donation was Treasurer Miguel Perez and member Dina Graniel of the San Pedro Cancer Society. They expressed their gratitude on behalf of the organization towards the staff of Scotia Bank for their exemplary dedication to the community. Following the donation, the supplies were distributed to females that are battling cancer on the island.

Perez explained that the staff at Scotia Bank is open to help any charitable organization and as such remains open-minded in helping make the community a better place.

Good Friday Liquor Sales Notice from the SPTC

The San Pedro Town Council and the Liquor Licensing Board inform the general public of the sale of liquor on Good Friday as follows:

Only establishments holding a Restaurant Liquor License will be allowed to sell liquor during the day.

All other liquor establishments ARE NOT ALLOWED to sell liquor from Thursday Midnight 12:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Good Friday.

The cooperation of all the establishments is requested and appreciated. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the cancellation of their license.

Exotic Caye Resort and CREED support two Ambergris Caye schools

Exotic Caye Resort and CREED support two Ambergris Caye schools - school supplies, cash donation for meal program aid local children. Press Release – Exotic Caye Resort – April 11, 2011 – Exotic Caye Resort and its parent company, Exotic Caye International (ECI) Development, through programs operated by the nonprofit organization Center of Resources of for Economic Education and Development, Inc (CREED INC.), recently made two donations to help improve the lives and education of children at local schools on Ambergris Caye. Creed Inc. and Exotic Caye Resort donated 98 kits with basic school supplies to students of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School who received top marks in each of their respective classes. The donation, through a program operated by CREED, Inc., helps children stay in school by supplying them with paper, pencils and other basic needs that might pose an economic burden to their families.

In March, attendees of a conference held by Hemispheres Publishing at Exotic Caye Resort heard about ECI’s efforts at Holy Cross Anglican School to provide breakfast and lunch for some 400 students who otherwise would go hungry each day. ECI and Exotic Caye Beach Resort collected donations from conference attendees totaling $500 BZ to support the program. This latest donation brings the total donated to the nutrition & feeding program this year by Exotic Caye Resort and ECI Development to $1500 BZ. In addition to Exotic Caye Beach Resort, ECI Development owns the San Pedro Fitness Club and is developing the Grand Baymen community in San Pedro Town.

The Art of Life By Christopher Emmanuel

“Successful manifestation creates continual joy”

Some people believe strength is in the mind, and to some degree that is true thoughts do help shape your reality. But the mind doesn’t feel and this is a feeling universe. What I mean is we are vibrating energy and this energy goes to the highest polarity. Real power lies in the hearts intention, because what we truly feel deep in our being is what we manifest.

So if you are not getting what you want don’t be surprised because you most likely are getting what’s good for you. Even in prayer people wonder why they don’t receive what they are asking –because the Source energy. Great Order Divine knows what’s good for you better than you. This energy regulates your flow of blood and does all that automatic functions that you don’t think about- is what creates the dynamic of the universe.

Many times in our haste to acquire things we can’t see the cage we are building for ourselves. We are so sure in our minds that this is right for us, we move too fast and forget so much because we cannot see the future and the real cost of our desires. We end up with the physical thing, but without the feeling of joy and happiness.

The best way I know to get what is good for me is to always ask for physical desires from an internal perspective. By asking the source, “give me only what’s good for me.” This allows source to move to the highest polarity and provide with intention for the greater good for all. After all we are soul creators and soul is one and more.

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.

Be sure to support ABC Pre-school!!

Enjoy great performances...fun for the entire family!!

San Pedro participates in FERPROTUR

A delegation from Belize consisting of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) travelled to El Salvador at the invitation of Belize’s Ambassador to El Salvador, Mrs. Celi Paz Gonzalez. The invitation was for the participation in the FERPROTUR (Feria de Proveedores de Turismo/Tourism Trade Show) trade show held in San Salvador. The UR trade show is a grand trade show which boasts the participation of the United States, Mexico and the Central American countries such as Colombia, Panama, Belize and others.

Representing the BTB were Ms. Amy Leiva and Honorable Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture accompanied by his wife Mrs. Carmelita Heredia. The SPTC was represented by Mayor Elsa Paz; Assistant to the Mayor, Mr. Felix Ayuso; Town Administrator, Mrs. Patricia Tillet, Councilor Pablo Ico and Ms. Raquel Lopez.

While the group’s presence at the fair drew attention to San Pedro in a whole as a touristestination, the main focus was on selected establishments which contributed greatly towards the delegation’s participation in the trade show. Represented were; Ambergris Lake’s Villas, The Palms Condominium, Banana Beach and Grand Caribe Resort. Also on display at the booth were products of Ambergris Caye such as Elvis Kitchen’s jalapeño sauce and pepper sauce, Kakaw Chocolate from Chris Beaumont, products from the Rum House and Visitor Guides fromThe San Pedro Sun.

Mayor’s Assistant, Felix Ayuso informed The Sun that the event was a big success as the booth saw traffic on average of about 500 patrons per day. The trade show was a three day event which started on April 8^th though April 10^th and targeted high-end tourism. At the end of the event, the delegation representing Ambergris Caye raffled a three night stay The Palms Condominiums.

As part of the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to visit with El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, the Mayor of San Salvador and received a tour of the Belize Embassy. Mr. Richard Cordova, resident of San Pedro living in El Salvador while he studies tourism, also assisted the San Pedro delegation during the show.