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.

International Boxing in San Pedro

In honor of Father's Day, King of King Productions put on a spectacular boxing event at the SPHS Auditorium on Friday evening, June 17.

There were 6 rounds of boxing, showcasing the skill and stamina of 6 Belizeans versus 6 Mexican boxers.

In the end, it was a split victory, with 3 wins and 3 losses for both Belize and Mexico.

(Below, Match 6, Belize vs Mexico...)

Stay tuned for the full story in this week's paper, as well as to learn more about what King of King Productions is doing for this summer, as well as their future plans for more entertainment on La Isla Bonita.

FIFA bans Belize over government interference

(Reuters) - FIFA has suspended Belize from international soccer with immediate effect because of "severe government interference."

World soccer'0s governing body said in a statement on Friday that its emergency committee had issued the ban.

It means the return leg of Belize's World Cup qualifier against Montserrat, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed.

Belize beat Montserrat 5-2 on Wednesday in the opening game of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA had warned sanctions could be on the way after the government said they no longer recognized the Belize Football Federation (FFB) or the national team...MORE

Island Icon Mike Gvara AKA "Island Dog" Passes Away

The San Pedro Sun has confirmed that long time island resident and artist Mike Gvara, fondly known as "Island Dog" was found deceased in his San Pedro home this evening.

According to friends, Mr. Gvara has been suffering from ill health and was last seen Saturday afternoon letting his dogs in. No foul play is suspected at this time.

For years The San Pedro Sun printed his amusing cartoons depicting the island life he had grown to love. He will be terribly missed and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

Other articles about Island Dog can be read at:

http://sanpedrosun.net/old/07-344.html

http://sanpedrosun.net/old/06-163.html

http://sanpedrosun.net/old/99-444.html

Counterfeit $100.00 bills confiscated and some remain on the market

On Thursday, May 19^th, 2011 about 2:00pm Police on mobile patrol on West Collet Canal in Belize City conducted a search at #59 West Collet Canal, the residence of David Sedacey. A search conducted on Sedacey resulted in the discovery of a transparent plastic bag with two amounts of $100.00US notes that appeared not to be genuine. A search of the house and the premises yielded nothing illegal. David Sedacey was cautioned and escorted to the Queen Street Police Station along with the counterfeit notes.

David Sedacey

The notes were counted and categorized by serial number. There were (37) $100.00 US notes with S/N FF58641474B, (36) $100.00US notes with S/N FF80216340B, (38) $100.00US notes with S/N FJ34448254A, (39) $100.00US notes with S/N FLO34944321C all to a total of (150) $100.00US. Police formally arrested and charged David Sedasey, 35yrs, laborer of #59 West Collet Canal for the offence of Possession of counterfeit notes.

*The Public is asked to be on the lookout for these counterfeit US $100.00 notes that are in circulation. If you come in contact with anyone who has in their possession these bills, please contact the nearest Police Station or call Crime Stoppers - Tips for Rewards hotline: 0-800-922-TIPS (8477).

Find listed some of the serial numbers that may be in circulation already:- AC 80283529B- C4, AF 77981529B- F7, AG 43984569B- 67, AC 13149119B- C2, AC 80283529B- C4, AC 49984129B- C5, AC 50979499B- C8, AF 17401529B- F6, AG 53939129B- G6, AG 23989524B- G7, AG 27681529B- G7, AF 77981529B- F7, AC 80289529B- C4, AG 78589127B- G6, AC 14909829B- C6, AC 52539129B- C6.

SIGNATURE DRIVE PRACTICALLY A DONE DEAL, OCEANA CAMPAIGN SHIFTS GEARS TO VOTER EDUCATION

Oceana in Belize is almost ready to publicly announce the final tally of referendum signatures collected over a grueling three month campaign, but the organization is still not breaking its stride. To keep the momentum going to prepare for a winning national referendum vote, Oceana aims to draw from a Belizean public that has been properly educated on the Oil Industry Issue.

To this end, Oceana invites all institutions, organizations and communities from across Belize who would like to learn more about the Social, Economic, Legal, and Environmental impact of our Oil Industry, to contact us at this time to arrange for a dynamic presentation on this critical subject. We are also inviting volunteers – especially students – 17 years and older, to apply to assist us over the next few months in our voter education campaign. This is a historic and exciting time, and it is a wonderful opportunity for all Belizeans to become involved in creating a positive difference in the future of our country.

Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

KISS icon Gene Simmons in Belize

Gene Simmons and wife Shannon Tweed are on location in Belize filming new episodes for their popular TV series "Family Jewels." They were spotted today in southern Belize in Punta Gorda where they not only enjoyed local food and fun at Waluco's, but indulged in Cotton Tree Chocolate's that is grown and produced in Belize.

Photo courtesy Juli Puryear, Cotton Tree Chocolates

Marco Gonzalez officially becomes a National Park

On Friday April 1st, Minister Heredia signed the final Statutory Instrument (SI), making Marco Gonzalez a national park. The official signing took place at the Belize Tourism Board office at 2:00pm. In attendance were Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture; Ms Diane Haylock, President NICH (National Institute of Culture and History). From Belize Institute of Archaeology were: George Thompson, Acting Director; Dr. John Morris, Associate Director, Research; Brian Woodye, Associate Director, Parks; Dr. Allan Moore, Associate Director, Education; Melissa Badillo, Staff Archaeologist; members from the Marco Gonzalez Board of Directors, members of the media and other invited guests.

George Thompson, Diane Haylock, Minister Manuel Heredia

Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jan Brown

Diane Haylock, Hon. Heredia, Jan Brown

Marco Gonzalez Site:

Read more about the Marco Gonzalez site:http://sanpedrosun.blogspot.com/2010/07/exploring-marco-gonzalez.html

Anti Bullying Campaign presentation at (ACES) Ambergris Caye Elementary School

One definition of school bullying describes it as a type of bullying that occurs in connection with education, either inside or outside of school. Whether physical, verbal or emotional, school bullying is repetitive. It sometimes consists of a group of students taking advantage of or isolating one student in particular and gaining the loyalty of bystanders who want to avoid becoming the next victim. These bullies taunt and tease their target before physically bullying them. Targets of bullying in schools are often the pupils that are considered strange or different by their peers to begin with, making the situation harder for them to deal with.

At the invitation of Diane Lawrence of Quicksilver, Ms. Elizabeth Hamill, teaching assistant in the school district of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was at ACES facilitating an anti-bullying campaign workshop. Look for this week's paper or visit our website for more information.

Following the presentation, the children engaged in a fun filled activity of creating tie-dye T-Shirts.

ROVING CAREGIVERS IN ACTION

Press Release – Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation – March 15, 2011 – Serious and violent crime remains a major concern in Belize City. Recent research conducted by Dr. Herbert Gayle and Nelma Mortis on behalf of the Government of Belize, could hold the key to combating this growing trend. Diana Pook, coordinator of the Belizean Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) in an interview at the annual coordinators’ meeting at the Savannah Hotel in Barbados, outlined the progress based on the research to date.

“The new research that has been done (“Male Social Participation and Violence in Urban Belize: An Examination of Their Experience with Goals, Guns, Gangs, Gender, God, and Governance”), concerning the levels of violence in Belize City and the recommendations that have been outlined, have shown the pressing need for early childhood development programmes, such as the Roving Caregivers Programme.”

Ms. Pook further stated, “The government has started to look at early childhood development and parenting as two of the important things that can help combat the spread of crime within Belize City. More focus is being given to that at the moment and for 2011 we plan to expand our geographical reach, which is really positive because it means that we get more support for a programme that can really address some of the problems that we currently face with criminality.”

As 60 percent of the Belizean population is under the age of 29, crime is rapidly becoming a youth problem. In 2010 half the murder victims were 30 and under, who in turn were also the most frequent victims of gun violence.

Government’s Support

Suggesting that parenting initiatives such as Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) can directly address these issues Ms. Pook said, “Dr. Herbert Gayle’s report that we just received last year shows the level of different things that Belizeans are taking action on to reduce the crime levels and we don’t want the whole country to be like what Belize City is becoming. We have the full support of our government when it comes to what we are doing so I think that is a plus. We are linking with other ministries who have understood the importance of RCP as well as education and early childhood development. The Ministry of Health is coming together to work with us and I think hopefully in the future, RCP will expand in Belize and become something more than just RCP.”

Impact of the RCP

Findings collated from the 2010 analysis of the Roving Caregivers Programme, highlights the integral role that early childhood development programmes play in providing an in-depth range of emotional, informational and educational support to families with infant and preschool aged children, which can tackle some of the risk factors that can result in negative behaviours, which if left unaddressed can lead to adolescent delinquency. Although the RCP programme has only been running in Belize for the last two years, there is an increasing recognition from the government of the benefits it brings towards tackling the issues of crime and delinquency in a holistic manner.

Noting the positive reception and the tangible results that the programme has offered she said, “It has been very well received in Belize and so far we started in Toledo and what we have noticed, especially with the teachers who are teaching the children, they have told us that these children are the brighter ones in the classroom and they can see which ones have been in RCP in relation to their levels of socialisation. They speak more English in comparison to other children their age who speak more Mayan, and the RCP children are not scared to go to school.”

Ms. Pook further reported that, “The parents of RCP children have also been mentioning that for them they can see the difference and it helps them, the parents, to speak more English at home. The children develop a lot more skills and at a lot faster pace than children who have not entered the programme. There have been benefits to the parents and guardians also, especially with the literacy programme that we started. The parents are starting to read more and before they did not sing or interact with their children, now they are doing it a lot more. They learn different things when it comes to the children’s health, and how to discipline their children so it is having an all round positive effect.”

Y-Wam entertains at D Sea Convenience Store

On Friday March 4th D - Sea was the venue for various groups from Y-WAM who wowed the crowd with various gospel selections.

The Youth With A Mission , (YWAM) Destination Paradise Caribbean Base is located five miles north of San Pedro Town. The 2.5 acre property is located right on a beautiful white sand beach overlooking the second longest barrier reef system in the world.

The setting provides an ideal location for students to immerse themselves to get equipped and prepared for serving in missions, to gain understanding in the ways of God and each one’s place in His plan and His will and to have a great time in the process.

The Group Performing

The YWAM DP Caribbean Base is home to the Adventure DTS where students develop leadership skills, grow in the knowledge of God and get equipped to make Him known. As part of the course, students learn skills in SCUBA diving, receiving up to two levels of PADI dive certification as part of the DTS and having plenty of opportunity to dive throughout the school.

Baron Bliss Day

Baron Bliss Day, a national holiday is celebrated today, Monday, March 7th, providing a three day weekend.

The fourth Baron Bliss of the Kingdom of Portugal, Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, was an Englishman by birth. In 1926, he sailed in his yacht Sea King to Belize and fell in love with the green Caribbean Sea, the cayes and balmy climate.

The Baron came to Belize from Trinidad, where he was a victim of food poisoning. He spent some months off the coast of Belize aboard the Sea King, attempting to recover from this illness. He never came ashore. Fishermen and colonial administrators treated him kindly and taught him about Belize. The Baron died of food poisoning, but not before he changed his will, leaving almost $2 million dollars to Belize in a trust fund. The fund is used for the benefit of Belizeans and has made possible the building of the Bliss Institute Library and Museum in Belize City, health clinics and markets around the country, and has helped with the Belize City water supply system. The Baron is considered Belize's greatest benefactor.

Part of the trust was designated for an annual boat regatta which is held every year in honor of the Baron. The focus of Baron Bliss Day in Belize City is this regatta. Other towns in Belize celebrate the day by having small boat races and parties.

There is a Baron Bliss Memorial Lighthouse and Park located in Belize City in the Fort George Area. The Baron's tomb lies under the lighthouse overlooking the harbor entrance to the city.

Matachica redefines laid-back luxury travel in Central America

For Immediate Release - San Pedro, Belize, March 1st, 2011 – Matachica Resort & Spa is proud to begin the New Year with two prestigious prizes awarded by the world’s most distinguished travel publications. After announcing its multimillion-dollar redesign and expansion, this hidden jewel facing the world’s second-largest barrier reef is increasing its international recognition.

Condé Nast Johansens, the purveyor of international luxury travel guides, has revealed the winners of the 2011 Awards for Excellence. Matachica was selected among 270 outstanding properties throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands, and named one of the Top 3 finalists for the Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway in Mexico and Central America. Readers of the guides, hotel guests and the Condé Nast Johansens team all contributed votes for the 2011 awards. As a result, the Excellence Awards winners represent the very best of the best.

In addition, Matachica’s Jade Spa was named one of Spa Magazine’s Favorite Resort + Hotel Spas in Central and South America and was featured in the magazine’s Worldwide Guide 2011 issue. This prestigious Spa Magazine 2010 Silver Sage Readers’ Choice Award highlights Jade Spa’s growing popularity among discerning spa-goers. Jade Spa features rejuvenating massages and treatments – including papaya facials and Mayan coffee scrubs – using natural ingredients sourced locally from the Belizean jungle and sea.

“We are thrilled to receive these significant recognitions from the well-traveled readers of the Condé Nast Johansens guides and Spa Magazine. We aspire to exceed all of our guests’ expectations for a truly unforgettable experience, and it’s great to receive these acknowledgements. These awards support our intentions and propel our commitment to our guests even more,” says Daniel Lighter, proprietor of Matachica.

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Located on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, and set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach facing the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Matachica offers a spectacular Caribbean getaway with a signature relaxed attitude and barefoot elegance. Matachica features 24 intimate villas facing the sea, a freshwater infinity pool with Jacuzzi, one of the best restaurants in the country, Mambo Restaurant, as well as Jade Spa, offering a distinctive experience with its own Belizean twist.
www.matachica.com

VIP Vision Inspired by the People - promoting Unity Initiative

Chairman of the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) party, Mr. Robert “Bobby” Lopez is requesting that all Town Boards and City Councils make public their financial statements as well as their proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year 2011-2012. “Bobby Lopez” hand delivered the letter to the San Pedro Town Council’s office on Monday February 21st and met with The San Pedro Sun to enlighten us about his party.

The VIP party started in 2000 in Belmopan with two members and grew to four in 2003, graduating to a full slate in 2006 and in 2009 garnered more votes than the

People’s United Party (PUP) in that election, and as such is considered the second party in Belmopan. Bobby commented, “In 2012 we are now gearing up for full participation across the country in all the town boards and two city councils that will have elections in 2012”.

The party aims to contact voters that have realized that they are totally fed up and are at the point of absenting themselves from participating in the elections. The VIP hopes to provide a third option. Lopez stated, “San Pedro is the most receptive so far, San Pedro actually did this in 1984 when they became a township- a group got together and formed the San Pedro United Movement (SPUM).”

Mr. Lopez informed us that prior to Monday’s meeting, the VIP party’s executives met with a fairly large group of islanders known to be active supporters from both major political parties where the Unity Alliance (UA) initiative was introduced. The UA initiative is an initiative of the people and encompasses bringing individuals form the community onboard to run the affairs of the people and taking partisanship out of the communities. The VIP sees transformation starting at the community level. This movement hopes to organize a non-partisan slate to contest the Municipal Elections in 2012.

Mr. Lopez explained that in an effort to be better prepared for the upcoming elections; “We are requesting disclosure of their finances and also a copy of their proposed budget for the last fiscal year 2011 - 2012 which goes into effect April 1st. We feel it is important that any slate wanting to run in a Town or City election know what the finances would look like so that that slate can start planning their campaign around that budget, with an idea of what the income and expenses will look like. Furthermore, we feel that towns and cities run the business of the people. They are our servants. We put them there to serve us and as such in keeping with the commitment to transparency and accountability to the people, and also in keeping in accordance with the freedom of information act, this information should be public knowledge and readily available.”

VIP works with an attitude to “TEK POLITICS OUT AND PUT PEOPLE FIRST”. VIP sees this UA initiative as a precursor to eventually having proportional representation in place. Proportional representation simply means that if a party has achieved a certain threshold of voters’ support then those voters receive proper representation all City Council or Town Boards. VIP hopes to provide the Belizean Public with cross the board representation, committing to transparency and complete accountability to all Belizeans. For more information about the VIP party please contact Mr. Lopez at 602-5885, 226-2960 or vipbelize@gmail.com.

Strengthening Coral Reef resilience to Climate Change Impacts!

Reminder: Public consultation in San Pedro takes place today Wednesday February 23rd, 2011, at 7pm at the Lions Den!

An outline of the night's talk/discussion is below:

Strengthening Coral reef resilience to climate change impacts, year 2:

Why are we doing this?

What are we doing?

What are other folks doing?

Review of previous results

Latest results

Lessons learned/next steps

Two short videos

Logistics for field days!!

The General Public is invited to attend and submit your input as this is an issue that affects us all.

Tropic Air Announces Fare Increase

16 February 2011

To our valued customers:

The cost of our operations continues to increase forcing us to raise our fares. Costs in the airline industry have become so volatile that major airlines have increased their ticket prices twice within the past two weeks*.

Effective April 1st, 2011 we will increase most of our fares by $5.00 Belize per segment. See the enclosed fare schedule. This is primarily to offset the increased cost of fuel since our last fare increase in 2008. With the continuing volatility of operating costs, we may adjust fares frequently in the future without notice or delay.

While we are delaying this fare increase for the benefit of those customers who may have booked reservations and quoted current fares, we will not be able to protect customers from future increases. If you are quoting airfare in a package you should make the quote subject to immediate purchase of the airfare. Tropic Air is committed to offering the best possible service to its customers. To enable us to do that, we must charge a fair and reasonable price. We welcome any comments you have on this or any other part of our service.

Sincerely,

John E Greif III Steve Schulte

President Chief Executive Officer


* http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110216/business/business9.html

(Click graphic to enlarge)