Man Shot North of San Pedro

Reports have reached The San Pedro Sun that one man, identified as Freddy Jaime, was shot shortly before 8pm tonight in the Sueño del Mar area, some ten plus miles north of San Pedro Town. Apparently the victim was shot twice in the upper left chest. The man is listed in critical condition and was emergency airlifted to Belize City for hospital care. We will post more reports as information becomes available.

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

Man Found Deceased in DFC Area

Tonight word has reached The San Pedro Sun that the body of a man has been found in his home located in the DFC area. Although his identity has been confirmed, his name will not be released until family has been notified and the police investigate the scene. Foul play is not suspected at this time. The SPSUN will release the name of the deceased once all is clear with the officials.

Child Stimulation month ends

Under the theme "Parents educate your Child", Child Stimulation Month came to an end wit the various primary schools getting together and marching down the main streets of San Pedro.

Freak accident leaves one injured

Residents of the Boca del Rio area flocked to the streets a little before 7:00pm tonight as a loud sound penetrated the airwaves. A white taxi van had crashed into a lamp post a half block south of La Popular Bakery. In no time, the scene was covered with residents.

The San Pedro Sun was on the scene. It appeared that the only person in the white taxi van was the Driver; known to many as "Tico". According the onlookers, it took much effort by about five men to extract him from the taxi, He was later taken for medical attention. He appeared to be in good health. However, the exact state he is in is unknown.

Resident of the area, Sandra, informed The Sun, "I was there taking care of my kids, and all of a sudden I saw this man coming fast. And when I went to look, he crashed into the post. When he crashed into the post, the car just went that way. Like there, where it is right now. I was scared. My kids are always playing out there in the yard. If that post wasn't there, I don't know what woulda me happen."

The front end of the vehicle sustained much damage. The San Pedro Sun will continue to follow this story and update you as more information becomes available.

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.

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.

ACES Croc Chronicles #2

Submitted by ACES Biologist Cherie Rose

Croc Being Illegally Harassed is Rescued
On Jan 13th, the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) received a call from the San Pedro Town Council about a croc in DFC near W&W Store. This time it wasn’t humans that were in peril, but the small crocodile that was stuck in a polluted water hole no more than 2ft deep. Every time the animal would come out to sun or try to escape kids would throw rocks at it, so obviously that croc needed to be rescued. On Wednesday, Jan 19th, ACES did just that.

At 11 am the ACES team arrived at the site. A few neighbors came out to watch and help if necessary. A couple children who were watching reported that just minutes prior to our arrival, some other children were again throwing rocks at the poor croc. Seems ACES arrived none too soon.

By 11:20 the croc was rescued, data collected, tagged and re-released in a secluded lagoon area south east of Port Authority. Although the 5ft 8in croc suffered several injuries to her back from the rocks, she seemed otherwise healthy. Swimming ‘happily’ in her new habitat, we don’t suspect she’ll try to return to DFC.

Some people may say kids will be kids; but throwing stones at crocodiles is illegal. American crocodiles, named so because they are only found in North, Central, and South America, are a protected species in Belize. Belizeans should be proud to have them here. Worldwide there are not many of their species left. We need them to keep the island’s environment healthy; so we must start trying to safely co-exist with them.

Vendors Illegally Selling Protected Species Parts
While kids may be kids, it is the adults who set the precedent for their behavior. Children learn by example, and on Thursday night, Jan 20th, around 7pm ACES received an anonymous call that there was a crocodile skull for sale at the town square. Not only is this illegal in Belize, but it is illegal worldwide to have in one’s possession any part of an American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, without the proper permits. Additionally, ACES was told that the vendor was wrongly informing tourists that they could indeed cross international borders with the skull. In the USA, the offense of smuggling a crocodile skull across International borders is punishable by up to twenty (20) years in a federal prison. I have to ask; how would Belize look as a country when an otherwise innocent tourist is arrested for smuggling crocodile parts, and then tells the world that a Belizean not only sold them the illegal croc skull, but also told them it was okay to take it across International borders?

Belize Forest Department (BFD) Wildlife Officer Rasheda Garcia- Sampson had just recently informed all the vendors that it is illegal to sell or even to have in one’s possession parts or pieces thereof from any protected species, including but not limited to crocodiles and jaguars. Some vendors evidently think they are above the laws of Belize. Thanks to communications between Chief Arnold and the BFD, for the first time on Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Police was able to enforce this law of the Belize Wildlife Protection Act (Chapter 220) and confiscate the illegal croc skull. For now, the skull will remain in the possession of the SP Police Department. ACES hopes to be allowed to use the skull in upcoming educational presentations on crocodilians and how to safely co-exist with them that will be open to the public and available to schools here on the island.

ACES sends a great big Thank You to everyone involved with both croc cases. Your help is taking a bite out of extinction!

ACES's mission is commitment to conserving Belize's critical habitats and protected species through scientific research and education to prevent further extinction of species Worldwide and to preserve Belize's wildlife for future generations. For more information about ACES or to report a problem croc please call 666-3871 or 631-6366.

ACES Fundraiser BBQ

On Sunday, January 23rd, Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) will be having a BBQ sale on GIBNUT, CHICKEN & PORK!!! At Wayo’s bar on the beach Boca Del Rio Area! Please come and support ACES.

Hundreds of Lionfish caught in first ever Tournament

On Wednesday January 19th, the first ever Lionfish Tournament was hosted by the Wahoo Lounge. All day, eager fishermen and fisherwomen hit the waters to try and land the most Lionfish, the largest and even the smallest. With prizes like snorkel equipment, restaurant dinners, bar tabs and more, everyone was in the mood to catch some Lionfish! Those who attended the tournament go to sample some tasty dishes and learn how to prepare the lionfish.

Everything Italian Cook Off Tonight!

Free Butane Gas delivered to Georgeville Residents

Press Release - Belmopan - January 6, 2011 - The people of Georgeville area of the Cayo District today were treated to free butane gas for their cooking and kitchen needs.
The process of delivering the butane gas started around eleven in the morning and, because of the large amount of villagers who came out with their empty gas cylinders, it lasted well into the afternoon, until every single resident, from Central Farm to Cool Shade, got their fill.
On hand to make sure the process went smoothly and fairly, was Area Representative and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Rene Montero. Minister Montero said this is an excellent way of starting out the New Year, helping the residents improve their standard of living, and perhaps in a very timely manner, when most of the butane gas was used up during the Christmas and Years Holiday’s cooking and baking.Minister Montero thanked the staff of Belize Natural Energy for the generous donation and their overall contribution in making today’s event a total success. The scope of today’s activity encompassed all villagers of Georgeville, which covers every resident from Central Farm to Cool Shade. At last count, some two hundred and 25 butane cylinders had been completely filled up.
The event was made possible through the kind donation of Belize Natural Energy, BNE, which donated three thousand five hundred gallons of the gas. For his part, Daniel Gutierrez of the Marketing Department, Belize Natural Energy, said that his Company has entered a new phase of producing liquefied petroleum gas, more commonly known as butane. “We are now producing butane gas in Belize, Belizean butane, and we want the people to be aware of this, and share in the benefits”, said Mr. Gutierrez. BNE is seeking Government’s permission to market the product directly to consumers, which would result in substantial benefits in reduced butane gas prices.
When prompted about upcoming developments in his Ministry in the next few months, Minister Montero said that the Integrated Farming System is about to be launched. This will directly assist some sixty farmers, who will undergo personal training to improve their farming practices, so that they can make a living exclusively off their farm. This will allow them to be self-employed and even go on to employ other people, hopefully, mainly youths in the rural areas.

Michigan State University (MSU) Students Visit Belize

Press Release - January 4, 2010 - National 4-H Youth Development Center - On December 26th, 2010 twenty students and faculty from MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources arrived in Belize as part of the first of its kind study abroad program. The team will be in Belize up until January 9th, 2011 during which time they will be visiting several areas of interest as outlined below to learn and develop a deeper appreciation for Belize’s Culture, Agriculture and Tourism Industries. Mr. Matthew Miller of Monkey Bay Wild life Sanctuary is the local coordinator of their visit and Mrs. Dixie Sanbord is the MSU Faculty in charge of the group. The areas include:

• The Belize Zoo
• The Taiwanese Farm Village/Market
• Aquaculture Tilapia farm
• TBS Citrus and Cacao farm
• Sibun River guided canoe paddle
• Spanish Lookout Farming and Food processing community
• UB Central Farm
• Chaa Creek Resort Natural History Center
• Trek Stop and Xunantunich Maya Site
• Tobacco Caye

From January 2 – 4th, 2011 they visited with Staff and Trainees of the National 4-H Youth Development Center. The main purpose of their visit was to foster positive interaction with trainees and to complete a service learning project. On the first day they were teamed up with individual trainees and facilitated a full afternoon of recreational sessions. The following day they painted five (2) of the front buildings with the official 4-H colors; renovated a green house cover structure that was destroyed by hurricane Richard and constructed 300 ft of foot path to connect the upper and lower part of the compound. On their final day with 4-H trainees they travelled to Duplooys’ Jungle Lodge and Botanical Garden for a day of educational and fun-filled activities. To conclude their visit with 4-H the group donated several board games and sporting equipment to the centre.
The team now travels to the Cave branch area and Marie Sharp. Followed by visits in the Toledo district under the guidance of Mr. Will Mehia before returning to Monkey Bay Wild Life Sanctuary to wrap up their tours and visit to Belize.
The National 4- Youth Development Centre under the Youth for the Future Secretariat and within the Ministry of Education and Youth expresses its appreciation to the MSU team for their visit and contributions.

Lighthouse Christian Radio hosts after Christmas Football Tournament

While many visitors to San Pedro come to enjoy the sights, sun, sea and other activities that are easily accessible from the island, a group of 18 energetic volunteers from Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA decided to spend their Christmas vacation donating their time to a worthy cause, and the major recipients of this year’s mission were the children of San Pedro.
The mission came to life as a result of communications between Lighthouse Christian Radio and the Believers World Outreach foundation in the United States. Believers World Outreach (BWO) is a non-profit organization responsible for organizing missions and sending them to various regions. They facilitate mission trips for individuals, churches and other ministry groups that desire to reach out, sharing the love of Christ beyond their own comfort zone. (http://believersworld.com/) The “After Christmas Football Tournament Program” commenced on December 28th and stretched through December 31st. With the major success of the past year’s Summer Sport Camp Program, Mr. Welsh of Lighthouse Christian Radio, decided to keep the focus on sports, but this time only on football. The group brought with them, jerseys, sports balls, back packs, trophies, medals and other gift items to the total value of over $5000.00 BZ.
The mission saw over 36 kids between the ages of 9 and 13 competing in a four day football tournament. The tournament was divided into two divisions. The first division saw competitors between he ages of 9-11while the second division had competitors between the ages of 12 and 13. Apart from sportsmanship, the program promoted lessons in devotionals, friendship and team work; encouraging the children by offering them a chance to learn some good core values as well as compete in a sport that is close to their hearts.
In the afternoons, the same teams got a chance to enjoy various events at the Central Park including face painting and vacation bible school for some of the smaller children. At the end of the four day tournament, each team received a trophy, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place received trophies as well as medals for all members of the teams.
The program ended with a New Years Day Children’s Festival at the Central Park from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Over 300 children were in attendance, along with their parents, and had the chance to participate in funfilled activities such as water balloon toss, sack race, cabbage toss, ring toss, face painting and there was even entertainment provided by a clown.
Lighthouse Christian Radio takes this opportunity to extend a hearty thank you to the visiting mission members from the United States, the San Pedro Town Council for providing venues, Southwind Realty and all the children and parents that participated, and made this first ever After Christmas Football program a success. With this huge success, Mr. Welsh hopes to make this event an annual one.

Planned Power Outage - San Pedro Town - Thursday, January 6, 2011

Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in San Pedro Town that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011.

Areas to be affected: All that area North of Boca Del Rio.

BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused but this outage is necessary for the company to facilitate system improvement works on the distribution system in the area.

For customer inquiries and services call us toll free at: 0-800-BEL-CARE OR 0-800-235-2273. To view scheduled outages via our website visit: http://www.bel.com.bz/services_outages.asp

This notice is for public information purposes only. For more information, contact Belize Electricity Limited, Corporate Communications Department at 227-0954, extension 2502.

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.

Justice Manuel Sosa Sworn in as president of the Court of Appeal

Justice Manuel Sosa sworn in as President of the Court of Appeal
Belmopan, 3rd January, 2011 Justice Manuel Sosa was today sworn in as President of the Court of Appeal by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young, at Belize House, Belmopan.

Witnessing the swearing-in ceremony was the Attorney General, Hon B. Q. Pitts.
Justice Sosa succeeds Justice Elliot Mottley who resigned as President of the Court of Appeal at the end of December 2010.

Justice Sosa’s distinguished legal career spans some 34 years. He was first called to the Bar in 1976 after qualifying from the Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica, where he received the award of the Most Outstanding Student.

He pursued private law practice in Belize from 1976 to 1998 and was elevated to Senior Counsel in 1988. He also held the positions of President and Vice President of the Bar Association and served on both the Bar Committee and the General Legal Counsel.
Justice Sosa was appointed as a temporary Justice of the Supreme Court of Belize in 1993 and a substantive Justice in 1998. The same year he was awarded the honour of the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.

Justice Sosa served as the Chief Justice of Belize for a short period in late 1998 before being appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in early 1999. During the last 10 years, he presided over appeals heard by the Court of Appeal on several occasions. He is highly regarded in the profession for his legal acumen and meticulousness.

Justice Sosa was born in Corozal Town and is now 60 years old. He is married to Mrs Elba Sosa nee Rosado and is the father of three children.

Justice Sosa is the first Belizean President of the Court of Appeal. Other Judges of the Court of Appeal are Justice Denys Barrow, Justice Dennis Morrison and Justice Brian Alleyne.

Crocodile Confiscated

On Thursday December 23rd at around 10:00am, Vince Rose and Cherie Chenot-Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) received a phone call from the San Pedro Police Department informing them that the Police had confiscated a small American Crocodile. According to information received from the police, a man was seen walking in the San Mateo area, with the crocodile. The man was informed by the police officer of the risk he runs by having the crocodile in his possession. The police then took the crocodile and placed it in the care of the ACES team.

According to Biologist Chenot-Rose, the croc appeared to have been a captive animal as it was suffering from a condition called Belly Rot – Brown Spotting Disease, which is prevalent in ill kept crocs. The croc measured 40 inches (3ft 4in) and weighed about 10 pounds. There was a mark where it appeared to have been hooked in the back. The ACES team administered medical attention to the confiscated crocodile and held it under observation for 12 hours after which it was tagged and re-released into a small canal on the southern end of the island near the Port Authority.

The general public is reminded that it is ILLEGAL under the Laws of Belize Wildlife Protection Act, to capture, feed, harass or handle, or have in your possession any parts of a crocodile (including claws, teeth, skulls, skin, including use for jewelry). If caught, the first offence carries a fine of up to $500.00 and the second offence carries a fine of up to a $1000.00 and/or six months imprisonment.

Should you have a problem crocodile in your area, know of people illegally feeding or harassing them, or know of ones that are in illegal captivity you are asked to please call the Belize Forest Department at 822-1524 or ACES at 666-3871 or 631-6366.