Defying Gravity: Jorge takes a dive!

Tsunami Skydivers' Boogie in Belize V

It is considered one of the most extreme sports in the world, but skydiving can also be considered the best, it all depends on who you ask. The Boogie in Belize group from Tsunami Skydivers Incorporated is no stranger to the people of Ambergris Caye and Belize. For the past five years many eager spectators have flocked the beach annually to the landing drop near Coco Locos Bar, north of the bridge. The day is enjoyed while taking in the scenery as the divers jump out of a shark painted plane, open their colorful parachute and land on the ground in a perfectly safe condition. And while many prefer to enjoy the scene, many also like to be front and center of the action.

The San Pedro Sun’s Jorge Aldana was one of those eager to try out this extreme sport, and he got to experience a true bird’s eye view of La Isla Bonita. Read more about his experience in Thursday’s edition of The San Pedro Sun.

Lyal Waddell, Jorge’s tandem buddy.

Workers march in solidarity of South Beach Belize

Some 200 people marched from Reef Village this morning and were heading to down town San Pedro in support of South Beach investment. After a small discussion with the Police, they were directed to disassemble because they lacked a protest permit. After about an hour into the protest, they disassembled at the foot of the Boca del Rio Bridge, and return to their work site peacefully. Full details will follow in this week’s issue of The San Pedro Sun newspaper.

Nomination Day in San Pedro

The People's United Party marched to the San Pedro Town Hall where they were officially nominated just after 11:00 AM today.

The United Democratic Party team was nominated just after 3pm, and afterward they marched through the principal streets of San Pedro Town. Look out for full details in this week's issue of The San Pedro Sun Newspaper.

San Pedro celebrates Valentine weekend

Love is in the air and there were many business across the island that offered great productions over the Valentine weekend. Jaguars Temple Night Club celebrated their 8th Anniversary in fabulous style with imitators from Chetumal who impersonated Shania Twain and had great performances as Aztec Warriors.

Hideaway Bar also had some fun with Cuban singers who delighted everyone with their great voices. Next week, the rest of their group is set to come so join Hideaway for a fabulous time.
Las Chicas Roland from Honduras set the stage on fire on Saturday night at the San Pedro Lions Den.


The Punta Boys rocked Bayside with their infectious beats.
Sports also formed a part of the weekend activities with 5-A-Side and Softball.

Local News

Three wanted in connection to double homicideTen days after police uncovered the bodies of James Swan and Edward Gutierrez buried in a grave north of San Pedro Town in an area known as Rocky Point, today police released the pictures of three men they strongly believe committed the double homicide. The suspects wanted for the murders have been identified as Gabriel Salazar and Alexander and Frank Edwards. Police say they believe the motive to be drug related.
If you have any in formation that can lead police to their wanted men please call the nearest police station.

Sail away with Blue Tang Inn

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the turqoise Caribbean waters of Ambergris Caye. With great friends, family and a wonderful staff your day will end splendidly as you glide through the waves. Check out next week's Visitor Guide for further information.

National News

Butane Prices increase

The price of a tank butane gas increased by $7 today. A 100 pound cylinder of butane is now $93 in Belize City and Corozal, $94 in Orange Walk, $95 in Belmopan and San Ignacio, $96 in Benque, $97 in Dangriga and $98 in Punta Gorda. You will need to add two dollars to those prices for delivery.

Government says the increase is owing to the rise in the acquisition cost. The upside is that this is the first increase in the price of butane since August of last year when it began tumbling from a record high of $132 per hundred pound cylinder. Late last month, the prices fell to a record low of $86.

Source: Channel 7 News

Regional News

Sarkozy orders review

Sarkozy has called for better distribution of riches

French President Nicholas Sarkozy has ordered his government to review its policy towards overseas territories. The statement came amid escalating unrest in the departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It was Sarkozy's first public reaction to strikes and protests that have been simmering since last month in Guadeloupe. Neighbouring Martinique joined the industrial action last week.

Sarkozy called for better distribution of riches to fix what he called the social sickness that has stricken the two islands. The protesters say they can no longer afford the rising cost of living, and they are demanding an increase in the minimum wage and a cut in fuel prices.

Venezuelans vote this weekend

President Hugo Chavez

Venezuelans will vote this weekend, in a referendum on whether to remove term limits on the number of times the country's president and local politicians can be re-elected. This is President Hugo Chavez's second attempt at that kind of constitutional reform.

He lost a similar vote in 2007. Chavez has been campaigning throughout the country in the lead up to the vote, to drum up support. On Thursday he told supporters that he was "committed to recognizing the result on Sunday, whatever it may be". If he loses, he would have to leave office in early 2013.