Public Consultation to be held tomorrow

The Sustainable Tourism Program (STP) of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, and the Belize Tourism Board, in conjunction with the San Pedro Town Council will be holding a public consultation on Wednesday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. at the Lions Den, San Pedro.

The purpose of the meeting is:

1) to present to the community the STP Project and specifically the Ambergris Caye investements: the Saca Chispas Sunset Boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal, and Bacalar Chico Educational Center

2) to obtain feedback from the community for consideration and incorporation within the design options and planning process

3) invite suggestion on the developments as presented.

All potential stakeholders to include the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belize Hotel Association, local hoteliers, tour operators, and other service providers, handicraft and other commercial vendors, water-taxi/taxi association members and citizens of San Pedro Town and Ambergris Caye are encouraged to attend.

Chaa Creek - voted as Best Environmentally Friendly Hotels in the World

The Lodge at Chaa Creek has been selected as one of the best environmentally friendly hotels in the world by CNN Traveler Magazine. According to the CNN press release, Chaa Creek was listed 2nd amongst 6 other internationally recognized hotels.
The preferred environmentally friendly hotels were located in Kenya, Australia, Philippines, Ecuador, Switzerland, and of course Belize. The Lodge at Chaa Creek was the only Central American hotel to be included in this distinguished directory.
CNN Traveler is published in two editions, one for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA edition) and the other for Asia Pacific (AP edition) to ensure greater relevance to readers.
The Magazine has a readership of approximately 308,000 per issue and has received many accolades for its award-winning writing and world renowned photography. Belize’s first Green Globe certified resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek caters to eco-adventure families , friends & honeymooners and hosts an internationally recognized Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail and full service spa.
The lodge’s 365 acre private reserve also accommodates the Macal River Camp and provides miles of trails for walking, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding, a fleet of canoes, and a new eco-friendly swimming pool. The on-site organic farm supplies farm fresh food daily for delicious regional fare while elegant accommodations create an ambiance of peace and serenity.
Staffed by 130 professional individuals and with only 23 distinctive spaces, this romantic little lodge blessed with understated Belizean charm and a spectacular jungle setting guarantees a unique and truly intimate experience.
Reef and Rainforest combination packages are also offered with Chaa Creek’s Caribbean partners.
For more information about The Lodge at Chaa Creek, toll free USA 877-709-8708, UK 0-207-096-0329, Belize 501-824-2037 reservations[ at]chaacreek.com or visit the web site at http://www.chaacreek.com/belize-travel-blog/2009/

Fire in Caye Caulker

The San Pedro Sun has confirmed with fire officials that there was a massive fire near the split in Caye Caulker last night (November 23). 4 buildings were completely destroyed, including one hotel and two residential homes. The San Pedro Fire Department were dispatched in the night to Caye Caulker where they assisted the CCFD in bringing the fire under control.
The San Pedro Sun will have more details and pictures from our reporter in the area as the day progresses.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the fire.

Liberty Children's Home 5-K Run-Walk

The invitation to participate in a Run-Walk fundraiser had many people lining up at the Central Park palapa to sign up.
Liberty Children's Home desperately needs funding to continue to provide care for abused, neglected and abandoned children of Belize at Liberty Home in Ladyville, Belize.

A little bit about Liberty Children's Home
Liberty Children’s Home was founded in 2004 by Ms. Marcelle Delahaye, a resident of the United Kingdom who began visiting Belize in 1999. During her visits, she identified the need for a new facility that would improve the lives of children. She researched and trained in Hungary, Italy, and England in early childcare and childhood education. Drawing from these experiences, Ms. Delahaye set about creating a facility which would provide a safe, caring environment where children are respected and where they can heal, grow, and learn. The financial sources that built Liberty Home and originally supported it have pulled back for a variety of reasons, including the world financial market. Ms. Delahaye’s life has changed; she married, has an infant, and has had to limit her help to fundraising activities in U.K. and short trips to Belize. Delfena Mitchell is the current director of the home, and Dacia Tillet is the principal of the school. Local teachers and care givers have had training to create and maintain this supportive educational environment for these children. The community of Belize is now being called to help financially support this facility for our children. Donations are critical to the survival of Liberty House.
While new means of financial support are being put in place, every dollar counts to buy food and pay staff and utilities. Contact Delfena Mitchell at Liberty 225-2158 or 624-3696 and keep a lookout for fundraisers on the island for Liberty Children’s Home.

Children's Day Parade

Happy Children's Day 2009!! As always, RC School's children enjoyed their day with a fun parade through San Pedro's main street. Afterwards, they were treated to fun games and activities on campus.