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.