Celebrating 27 years of Independence

Patriotism was high in September and the days leading to Belize's twenty-seventh anniversary of Independence! Belizeans nationwide celebrated with pride and in San Pedro was no different. Residents en masse came out for the Independence Eve Ceremonies and block party at the Central Park. The night culminated with a dynamic display of fireworks in the sky! Here are some highlights, be sure to catch the rest in this weeks issue of The San Pedro Sun.

Independence Eve Ceremonies

Belikin Bash 2008

Bowen & Bowen hosts an annual bash around the September celebrations, with $3 Belikin Beer, and excellent music. This year, company owner Barry Bowen's big birthday bash is bigger and better!
Legends of the Belizean music industry: Lord Rhaburn and Chico Ramos were on stage with Gilharry 7, sharing with the gathered crowd the best in Belizean music. Supa G also got to share the stage with these legends, and brought the crowd en masse to join in this year's September Celebrations!
Icon Lord Rhaburn had a wonderful repertoire of monologue and music that had everyone tapping their feet and jumping in the air!
Chico Ramos and the beats from the band enthused the values of love and patriotism with his beautiful lyrics and great dance moves!
Yes, this year's Belikin Bash was a success. Hope you can make it next year!!

These lovely ladies are enjoying the star of the night, Belize's "Belikin" beer!

Charlene, Mike, Mel and Wil - cheers!

Lord Rhaburn gets the crowd moving..."Pump it up!"

Mr. Domingo Perez was thrilled to witness one of his favorite singers (Lord Rhaburn) live!

"I am my own grandfather" had everyone in stitches.

Luis and Jorge couldn't wait for their photo op with one of Belize's icons.

The interlude was live and fun...

Chico Ramos...

...was a soulful and passionate singer as well...but he also brought some dance moves to get the crowd going!

The ladies of The San Pedro Sun enjoy a few cold ones at the Bash as well!

Happy Independence Day, and Happy 27th Birthday Belize!!

"Coconut Leo" crowned Karaoke King 2008

A packed house applauded and cheered as Coconut Leo was crowned Karaoke King 2008. Held at Jaguar's Temple Night Club, eleven (11) finalists took to the stage one last time in the hopes of taking the grand prize.

Contestants:

Coconut Leo, Contestant #9 was the Grand WinnerContestant #1 - Julianne FergusonContestant #2 - Diane LawrenceContestant #3 - Joel AndinoContestant #4 - Alma EncaladaContestant #5 - LeRoi HydeContestant #6 - Glenda GentleContestant #7 - Hector HernandezContestant #8 - Wilber RiveroContestant #10 - Natalie ArceoContestant #11 - Rolando Albeno

Winners:

(l-r) Joel Andino (3rd prize - $500); Natalie Arceo (2nd prize - $1,000);

Coconut Leo (1st prize - $2,000)

Judges for the night were:

(l-r) Dejon Tucker, Jennifer Lovell, Ann-Marie Williams, Max Rosado

Celebration:

Special Performance:

Dejon Tucker, Karaoke King 2007

Who was there:

Croc Chronicles Part 2

Click 'PLAY' for live video footage of the relocation of the 12 foot crocodile from the WASA pond, south of Ambergris Caye. The south ends greatest tourist attraction, 'George' has retired to a new home. This footage is the sole property of The San Pedro Sun and no animals or people were hurt in the making of this video. Feel free to post your comments, enjoy!

Who dat?

Many people have lived here all their lives and have seen so many changes over the years. The biggest changes are the many faces of the various people walking down the streets. All of a sudden, we don't know who we pass by on the street at all. So, every week we will introduce you to someone new: a friend, your neighbor, anyone walking down the street. Six questions will be answered, who they are, what they do here, where they come from, when they came and why they chose to live here, and a little extra fun question. Hope you like this fun feature! Who: Francisco Funez
What: Taxi Driver
Where: Belmopan, Cayo
When: Nine years ago
Why: A retired truck driver, Mr. Funez came to the island for a more relaxed atmosphere. Here he started to drive a taxi and soon, he became sole owner of his own vehicle, which he drives around town. He invites you to enjoy a cool, comfortable ride for the same price!
Status: Common-law marriage