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.

Belizean students visit the Rights of the Child exhibition

Belmopan, Belize, 14 June 2011.- On June 13th and 14th, Belizean students visited the photo exhibition “Human Rights through your Eyes” at the Institute of Mexico in Belize. Children from 4th and 5th forms from Hummingbird School and Queen St. Baptist School visited this exhibition dedicated to the Rights of the Child. During the presentation the students interacted and discussed on their fundamental rights, including rights to adequate food, shelter, clean water, formal education, primary health care, leisure and recreation, cultural activities and information about their rights. They also received brochures provided by the UNICEF Belize Country Office with information regarding this topic.

The exhibition was part of the event "A Day for the Rights of the Child", organized by the Mexican Embassy in collaboration with specialists from the Human Rights Commission of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo late May. The event included various activities in Corozal District and Belize City. It was organised with the aim to raise awareness on human rights, especially of vulnerable groups such as children.

The exhibition includes 26 photographs to encourage the promotion of values and the dissemination of the culture of human rights. The works showcased in this exhibition are the award winning photos in the 2010 Human Rights through Your Eyes’ contest, sponsored by the Quintana Roo Human Rights Commission.

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.

Institute of Mexico inaugurates Women’s Photo and Film Exhibition

Press Release - Belmopan - 24 March 2011 - As part of the celebrations of Women's Month in Belize, the Embassy of Mexico inaugurated yesterday an exhibition of photography and film at the Institute of Mexico in Belize, with the support of Quintana Roo Women's Institute. The main objective of the exhibition is to raise public awareness on gender violence issues and share information on public programs that contribute to women’s empowerment.
The opening ceremony was headed by Ms. Icilda Humes, Director of the Women’s Department of the Government of Belize, Ms. Karla Patricia Rivero-Gonzalez, Director of Gender Perspective of the Quintana Roo Women's Institute (IQM), and Mr. Hector Peralta, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Mexico. Ms. Humes acknowledged the tremendous support received from Mexico and especially from Quintana Roo for assistance and cooperation projects on Women’s issues. She also expressed the Belizean government’s commitment to continue the coordination and exchange with the IQM.
Ms. Karla Rivero, on behalf of the director of IQM, Ms. Cecilia Loria-Maria, emphasized the excellent cooperation with Belize as well as Quintana Roo's interest to continue contributing to the development and empowerment of Belizean women. She stressed that women are characterized by diversity and called for increased efforts to combat gender violence. Mr. Peralta, meanwhile, delivered the welcome address and called for continuing the joint work between the two countries, in particular on women's issues.
The photographic exhibition includes 30 posters designed by women, using their artistic skills, and creativity. Through these posters, women denounce the excruciating reality of gender violence in different cultures and countries.
During the exhibition the short film “En el tiempo de las mariposas” (In the time of the butterflies) was presented. It tells the story of a group of sisters that fought for the release of their husbands during the Dictator Leonidas Trujillo’s regime in the Dominican Republic.
The event was also attended by artisans from Mexico's Mayan communities, who presented various embroidery techniques and results of development projects implemented in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Statement on Aircraft Operations – Department of Civil Aviation

Press Release - Belmopan - February 3, 2011 - The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture and the Department of Civil Aviation, take this opportunity to clarify certain reports in the local media about aircraft operations at the P.S.W.Goldson International Airport.

With reference to the Mexican registered helicopters, two of them landed on Wednesday, 19th January, 2011. Their nationality and registration marks were XA-UCC and XA-HSK. The two of them were of the type BELL 412EP. These helicopters and flight crew met all the technical requirements to operate in Belizean airspace.

On Sunday, 23rd January, 2011, personnel from the Belize Airport Concession Company Ltd. alerted the Department of Civil Aviation that there were persons working around one of the helicopters and that it appeared that they were changing the marks on one of the helicopters. The Department of Civil Aviation did not consider this appropriate and immediately took action to stop the activity.

On Monday, 24th January, 2011, the flight crew from the helicopters visited the Department. They indicated that they had permission from the Mexican Civil Aviation Authorities to carry out this change. They provided the Department with approval documents from the Mexican Civil Aviation Authority. The Department of Civil Aviation informed them that in accordance with international standards, this activity cannot be done outside the boundaries of the State of Registry. In this case Mexico.

Even though there was approval from the Mexican Civil Aviation Authority, this activity was not authorized to be carried out in Belize. The helicopters departed back to Mexico (Cozumel) with their original nationality and registration marks that they had on their arrival.

In relation to the aircraft with Mexican nationality and registration marks, XB-LRP, Beechcraft 65, it arrived in the country on the 12th April, 2010. Most of the time this aircraft was parked at a private maintenance hangar at the P.S.W.Goldson Airport.

The aircraft did a test flight in August of 2010 and another in October, 2010. These flights were approved after flight safety inspectors from the Department of Civil Aviation perused the aircraft and flight crew documents to ensure that all are in order. These flight safety inspectors consist of pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers working for the Department of Civil Aviation.
On Monday, 24th January, 2011, permission was sought and there was no objection from the Department of Civil Aviation for another test flight since the documents were found in order a flight safety inspector. The flight test was carried out on Saturday, 29th January, 2011. This flight test was to be carried out in the area of Dangriga. After the flight departed, the Tower Air traffic Control Officer informed the pilot to contact the Radar Air Traffic Control Unit. Even though a Transponder Code was assigned, it was never activated by the pilot nor was there any radio contact made with this unit. This flight was considered as a local flight since at no time were the Air Traffic Services notified that this aircraft would leave the country.

After many attempts to contact the aircraft failed, and there was no indication of the aircraft having crashed, it was believed that the pilot’s action was that of not returning to its point of departure. The matter was then handed over to the law enforcement agencies at the P.S.W.G. International Airport for further investigation.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture and the Department of Civil Aviation, will continue to promote the safe, efficient and expeditious movement of domestic and international air transportation through the provisions of proper regulatory procedures in accordance with the air navigation regulations in force and the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Belizeans receive Mexican scholarships

20 Belizeans will receive Mexican scholarships

Belmopan, 30 December 2010. – The Embassy of Mexico held a meeting with Belizean students who will receive scholarships granted by the Government of Mexico to study undergraduate and postgraduate studies at different Mexican universities. During the event held at the Institute of Mexico in Belize, the list of selected 20 Belizean students was announced. Once the students finish the selection process they will receive the Mexican scholarships for the academic period starting in 2011.

The meeting was headed by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Mexico, Mr. Hector Peralta, and the Cultural Attaché and Director of the Institute of Mexico, Mr. Domingo Rodriguez. During the event the final process to receive the scholarship was presented and preparations for their stay in Mexico were discussed. The Mexico’s cwill grant those scholarships.

Currently there are more than 100 Belizeans studying undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Mexico under different Mexican scholarship programs. During the last year, Mexico increased in 15 the number of scholarships granted to Belizeans. In few weeks, Mexico will also announce additional scholarships for Belizeans for short-term courses in Mexican universities and other institutions.

20 beliceños recibirán becas para estudiar en México

Belmopán, Belice, 30 de diciembre de 2010. – La Embajada de México realizó una reunión con jóvenes beliceños quienes recibirán becas para estudiar licenciaturas o posgrados en diversas universidades mexicanas. En el evento celebrado en el Instituto de México en Belice, se anunció la lista de los 20 estudiantes beliceños seleccionados que están en condiciones de recibir las becas mexicanas en el periodo académico que inicia en 2011.

La reunión estuvo encabezada por el Jefe de Cancillería de la Embajada, Héctor Peralta, así como por el Agregado Cultural de la Embajada, Domingo Rodríguez. En el evento se explicó el procedimiento final en torno a la beca y los preparativos para sus estudios en México. Las becas son otorgadas por la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores de México.

Cabe destacar que en la actualidad existen más de 100 beliceños estudiando licenciaturas o posgrados en México bajo diversos programas de becas mexicanas. En el último año, México incremento en 15 el número de becas para beliceños y próximamente se anunciará el programa de becas para beliceños para realizar cursos cortos en México.

Mexico Donates 16,000 Books to Belize

-Press Release - Embassy of Mexico - Belmopan, 6 December 2010 - Today, Mexican Ambassador, Hon. Luis Manuel Lopez-Moreno, handed over 16,000 books to the Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Patrick Faber. The donation includes different teaching material collections regarding literature and grammar for Spanish lessons published by the National Commission for Free Textbooks of the Mexican Ministry of Education.
During the ceremony held at the Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan, Minister Faber acknowledged the Mexican government for the valuable contribution to the education of Belizean children. He announced that the books will be distributed among primary schools and public libraries around Belize. The donation is part of the celebrations of the 200th Anniversary of the Mexican Independence and the 100th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. The donation is also part of the cooperation that Mexico has traditionally provided as a contribution to Belize’s development, as well as the ties of friendship between the people of Mexico and the people of Belize.

Argentine and Mexican Presidents inaugurate a Mexican painter mural

-Press Release - December 3, 2010 - Embassy of Mexico - Accompanied by her Mexican colleague Felipe Calderón, President Cristina Fernández inaugurated on Friday a mural of Mexican painter David Alfaro Sigueiros, at the underground remains of the old Taylor Customs House close to the Government House, now recovered as a museum, as informed by Télam.

Siqueiros, who belonged to the famous group of Mexican muralists of which Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco were part, painted the mural in Buenos Aires, in the early thirties. It was placed in the basement of a suburban residence owned by Natalio Botana, the owner of the newspaper Crítica.

The mural remained stored during many years and was about to be sent abroad, when former Argentine President Néstor Kirchner signed a decree to incorporate it to Argentina´s cultural patrimony. “I am complying with an obligation of the Government and the people of Argentina”, Cristina said, when she conveyed her appreciation for the generous asylum granted by México to thousands of Argentines who went into exile during the military dictatorship installed in 1976.

The President reminded that Siqueiros, as well as many of his fellow muralists, was a Communist militant who combined his art with active political participation. “I have always been keenly interested in the history of my country related to culture”, she said, adding that she had wanted “my friend Calderón” to be present at the inauguration ceremony of Siqueiros´mural.

Prime Minister’s Visit to Mexico Achieves Major Progress in Bilateral Cooperation, Assistance and Development

-Press Release - GOB, Belmopan- 21st October, 2010-Major progress has been achieved in vital areas of cooperation, assistance and development as a result of the official visit to Mexico earlier this week by Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow and a ministerial/technical delegation which left Belize on Sunday October 17 and returned home on Tuesday October 19th 2010.
A total of FIVE bilateral agreements and documents were signed by the two countries. Signed by Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education and Youth was an agreement for Technical Cooperation to support Quality and Competitiveness in Technical Education and Training. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Wilfred Elrington signed three documents. One is an exchange of letters for the exemption of Mexican visas for holders of Belize Diplomatic Passports to include Official Passports, another is a memorandum of understanding between the foreign ministries of both countries regarding Cooperation to support National Communities abroad, and the third is a Cooperation Agreement between the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property Rights and the Belize Intellectual Property Office.
Also during the visit, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alexis Rosado signed the Final Act of the VI Session of the Bi-national Commission held on September 30 and October 1st, 2010, which covers a wide range of areas for cooperation, assistance and development.
During bilateral meetings held on Tuesday between the delegations headed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and President Felipe Calderon, further cooperation and assistance was discussed in a number of areas such as Regional Security, Energy, Infrastructure, Housing, Education, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Sports and Climate Change.
Another substantive achievement coming out of the Prime Minister’s visit was an agreement with representatives of COMCE for a team of Mexican business people to visit Belize in February of next year to explore possible areas of trade and investment and to help develop the framework for a partial scope agreement between Belize and Mexico. The agreement was reached during a breakfast meeting that the Prime Minister and his delegation held with members of the business community in Mexico City.
The Prime Minister’s delegation to Mexico City included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber, Senior Advisor and former Prime Minister Dr. Manuel Esquivel, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister Audrey Wallace, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexis Rosado, CEO in the Ministry of Works Cadet Henderson, and CEO in the Ministry of Housing Lawrence Sylvester.
The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied during the entire visit by Mexico’s Ambassador in Belize H.E. Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno and Belize’s Ambassador in Mexico H.E. Rosendo Antonio Urbina. (ends)

Mexico’s Federal Police offers training to the Belize Police Department

Belmopan, October 15th, 2010. - The Mexican Embassy informs conclusion of the training course on “Analysis and Police Intelligence” offered by the Mexico´s Federal Police to the Belize Police Department (BPD). The training was sponsored by the Ministry of Public Security of Mexico and was held at the Police Academy in Belmopan. This training constitutes part of the agreements made between Mexico and Belize within High Level Mexico – Belize Border Security Group (GANSEF). The objective of the training is to enhance the capacities of the offices in the Belize Police Department, to strengthen the operative capability, and to contribute to the efforts that the Government of Belize has embarked to combat delinquency.

The course was developed from October 11th, to 15th, 2010. The training was headed by two officials of the Mexico`s Federal Police with experience in training elements of the Mexican Police. Thirty three members of the BDP, Belize Defense Force, National Coast Guard of Belize likewise the Department of Immigration, Customs and Prison Officers participated in the training. The objective was to improve activities on intelligence and analysis of information of those security agencies in combating criminal activities.

The training was especially prepared for the needs of Belize, including topics such as terrorist organizations, organized crime, threats against the Government, intelligence and information, cycle of intelligence, planning and administration, search and database collection, analysis and dissemination of the intelligence products. The course included practical tasks and an evaluation.

The representatives of the BPD expressed their gratitude to the Government of Mexico because these type of courses represent a great importance for the Belizean forces. In particular, they underlined the professional capability showed by the Mexican trainers. At the closing ceremony Ambassador of Mexico to Belize Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno mentioned the importance of the cooperation and the mutual support in the struggle against crime. He also presented the participants with certificates for completing the training program.

This is the fifth course that the Mexico`s Federal Police have given to the BPD during this year. The previous ones were “Scene of the Crime and Preservation of the Evidence”, “Reconstruction of Road Accidents”, “Interview and Police Examination”, “Tactics of Security and Survival”. Those courses were given to 132 officials, which represents approximately 10 % of the elements of that department.

Costa Maya sees Mario Mejia and Yerbaklan for Cultural Night!!

Friday Night for Costa Maya is a night of culture and music, and this Friday was no different as the stage welcomed the Ballet Folklorico de Quintana Roo's (Mexico) cultural dances, Belize's very own Nu Generation Dance Group as part of the entertainment before the main draws of the evening. Guatemala's Mario Mejia serenaded the crowd with a mix of both English and Spanish songs, including his very own originals.

Honduras' Yerbaklan duo of Csarec and Jimmy James definitely brought the hype on the stage afterwards with their very unique mix of music...and the girls of Costa Maya Pageant 2010 even got on stage to party with them....

It was definitely a variety of entertainment, and the crowd was enjoying it all!!

Saturday Night's Angel y Khriz will surely be another big draw for this year's Costa Maya Festival, and The San Pedro Sun will be on site to bring all the great pictures and news of the performance. See you there!!!!

Who do you think will be La Reina de la Costa Maya 2010?

Start calling The San Pedro Sun office at 226-2070 and tell us who you think will win the pageant on Thursday night, or leave your vote as a comment on this blog page. Be sure to leave your name, number and choice of contestant. At the end of the pageant, we will raffle the names of those who chose the winning delegate, and the winner will receive a framed, autographed photo with the new Miss Costa Maya 2010-2011!!!

Costa Maya Kicks Off with Noche San Pedrana

The long awaited Costa Maya Festivities kicked off in fine island fashion with the annual Noche San Pedrana held last night. Hosted by the San Pedro Lion's Club for the third consecutive year, the Lion's put out the welcome mat for La Reina de la Costa Maya Pagaent Contestants and the San Pedro community joined in greeting the young ladies to the Isla Bonita for a night of entertainment, dinner, fashion and dance.

The evening began with an address by reigning Costa Maya Queen 2010, Maritza Rivas.

One by one the Pageant Contestants were escorted to the stage and introduced to the applauding crowd.

Miss Belize, Liliana Mia Nuñez

Miss Nicaragua, Claudia Alejandra Trejos Gadea

Miss Guatemala, Gabriela Asturias

Miss Costa Rica, Krysia Ortiz Campos

Miss Honduras, Nicole Yaret Hawit

Miss Mexico, Priscilla Pastrana Lopez

Miss Panama, Yosibell Sánchez Espino

Miss El Salvador, Diana Ingrid Martinez Pineda

The Contestants, with Costa Maya Queen 2010 (center) and flanked by Miss San Pedro Lion's Club, Alexis Guerro (far left) and Miss San Pedro Rachelle Badillo (far right)

San Pedro Lion's Club President, Melanie Paz, extended a warm greeting to the Contestants.
The crowd was then treated to a fashion show where several clothing stores and boutiques on the Island showcased their designs. beautifully modeled by the Contestants.

After dance performances by the San Pedro Dance Company the crowd enjoyed a delicious dinner of roasted chicken with all the trimmings.

After dinner Rompe Raja provided jammin' music where Contestants got to dance with the crown and mingle.

Before the night ended the ladies were given a gift from the San Pedro Lion's Club, a very appropriate beach towel with the map of Belize on it!

Be sure to attend the much anticipated La Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant this Thursday night!