New immigration law takes effect in Mexico

MAY 25, 2011

A new immigration law took effect in Mexico on Tuesday aimed at better protection of undocumented migrants passing through Mexican territory on their way to the United States.
The new law will permit undocumented migrants to obtain a special visa when entering Mexico from either Guatemala or Belize and tries to enact reforms in the country's immigration ministry, which has been implicated as complicit in criminal acts such as kidnapping migrants.

"Today, Mexico is doing its part to improve the immigration system in North America," President Felipe Calderon said during a ceremony in which he signed the law. "This, without doubt, is advanced legislation, bold legislation, immigration legislation with few precedents in the world," he said.

Migrants have been attacked and kidnapped in increasing numbers in Mexico. The National Human Rights Commission has reported that 11,333 migrants were abducted by criminal groups, including Los Zetas, during a six-month survey period in 2010.

Measles Outbreak Prevention in Belize

Press Release – Ministry of Health, Belmopan - May 25, 2011 - The Ministry of Health notifies the general public that an outbreak of Measles is ongoing in 33 different countries in Europe and transmission has been reported in 5 countries in the Americas. The last cases of measles in Belize were reported in 1991.

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by an infection with the measles virus. Transmission of the virus occurs through unprotected coughing and sneezing of an infected person. A single case of this virus can cause an epidemic among unvaccinated persons. Signs and symptoms of Measles infection include:

- Fever - Rash - Cough - Runny nose (coryza) OR - Red eyes (conjunctivitis)

All persons, especially young children, who have not been vaccinated against measles are asked to contact the nearest public health center during normal working hours.

Travelers going to or coming from Europe, North, Central and South America are advised to review their immunization status and to seek measles vaccine if unvaccinated.

The general public is urged to immediately report signs and symptoms of this disease to community health nurses in the districts or to public health personnel at the Ministry of Health.

Fabian Bain aka Carlos Escalante, escapes from Prison

The Belize Police Department and Kolbe Foundation are seeking the assistance of the Public in locating Escaped Prisoner FABIAN BAIN, aka CARLOS ESCALANTE, 31yrs of last known address Junesville Area, Lake Independence, Belize City, who escaped from Authorities at 11:45am on Tuesday, 24^th May, 2011 whilst being escorted to Kolbe Foundation at the junction of Belize Hattieville / Boom Road. Fabian Bain was on remand since November, 2006 for Murder. Bain should be considered dangerous. If seen, please contact the nearest Police Station, or call 0-800-922-TIPS (0-800-922-8477).

Treasure Island Academy invites you!!

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum & Coca Cola! The Island Academy boldly invites all lads, lasses, families, and visitors to the "TREASURE ISLAND ACADEMY PIRATE PARTY 2011" on Friday, May 27, from 7 pm - 11 pm. There will be games, drinks, dancing and dinner for a whole fleet! Featuring Poker, Roulette and Karaoke for adults, with Bingo, Limbo, Chalupa, and more. Mariano's Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt arcade will be inflating the "Treasure Island Bouncy Castle" to keep kids buoyant. Dress to Plunder! All ashore who like fun galore!

The booty keeps coming! Generous donors include: Seaduced by Belize, San Pedro Woodworks, Pages Bookstore, Lourdes Hardware, Lynn's Boutique, The Train Station, Estel's by the Sea, El Divino Steakhouse at Banana Beach, S.P.O.G.-San Pedro Online Grocery, Kakaw Chocolate, Sarai's Boutique, Black Orchid Management Tours, Hugh Parkey Dive Team, Eye Candy Boutique, DandE's Custard, Belize Surf Shop, Nautica Seafood Restaurant, with grand awards from Cayo Espanto, El Pescador Lodge, and Chan Chich Eco-resort!

Everyone is invited to don pirate costumes and enjoy drinks, dinner, and dancing from 7 pm - 11 pm. Island Academy teachers will be leading the games. Admission is $10 Adults, $5 kids under 18. Join the lads and lasses who are done with classes!