Friday, June 18, 2010

The Coral Reef Ed-Ventures returned to San Pedro for its 11th great year of coral reef programs

Press Release – Coral Reef Ed-Ventures (Smith College) – June 15th, 2010 – Hol Chan Coral Reef Ed-Ventures is an educational summer program that teaches children about reef ecology and conservation. In 2000, three professors from Smith College, USA, Al Curran, Paulette Peckol, and Susan Etheredge collaborated with the managers of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, especially Miguel Alamilla, to create a program that provides a way for Smith students to give back to the community of San Pedro while supporting its beautiful resource of the coral reef. The goal of the program for the past ten years has been to foster collaboration between Smith students and the residents of San Pedro to promote an understanding about the environmental and economic benefits of a healthy reef ecosystem nearby, in the hopes of increasing the conservation of this remarkable resource.

This program has two programs for children who are interested in learning more about the coral reef. There is an advanced program for children ages 12 and over, who will create, with the Smith student teachers, a coral reef conservation project. For the past two years the group has published a magazine focusing on the Meso-American Barrier Reef nearby and its links to the community.

The magazine printing was generously supported by community donations and was distributed free of charge throughout San Pedro. This program starts on Thursday, June 24th and ends on Friday July 2nd. The program runs from 4 to 6pm (Location TBA). For children ages 7 to 11, there is a youth program that lasts for two weeks. It runs from Monday, July 5th to Friday, July 16th. The children participate in many hands-on activities that emphasize the care and preservation of the reef. The program runs from 9:00 to 11:45 am at the RC School. Interested students should pick up permission slips at the library (across from the San Pedro R.C. School) or at the Hol Chan Office and bring it to the first day of the program. We hope you will join us on our coral reef adventure!! Before the program officially gets underway, there will be two movie nights with popcorn and juice for anyone in the community who is interested. Be on the lookout for dates and times!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Costa Maya Presents: Miss Costa Rica!!

Krysia Ortiz Campos is the second confirmed participant in this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. The 24-year-old brown-eyed architect stands at 5’7" and measures 34-24-36. She enjoys singing, dancing and being with family. She dreams of starting her own firm, wherein she can apply herself to Architecture and Urban Design that is socially conscious. She also dedicates her time at a center that reaches out to troubled youths who struggle with alcoholism and drugs. She is ultimately pleased to represent her country, humbled at the opportunity to bring to light her beloved country Costa Rica.

Krysia will be joined onstage on August 5th, 2010 by delegates from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. One of them will be walking away with the crown currently held by Nicaragua’s beautiful Maritza Rivas.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Contestants 2010

It is that time again, time for Caye Caulker’s Lobster Fest 2010. It is time to sizzle and shine, and we mean that for the ladies! The annual tradition at the Lobster Fest, the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant is set to take place on June 25th, 2010 at the Caye Caulker Central Park starting at 7:00pm. Last year’s winner, Ms. Lexee Marin, will be crowning one of the following five beautiful and deserving contestants: Iriani Anahi Pineda (16), Ricardina Ruby Alcalaá (17), Stephanie Giselle Arce (16), Norielli Estrella Sandoval (16), Fidellie Salome Jimenez (17).

Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Queen 2009/2010 - Lexee Marin

Stephanie Giselle Arce

Ricardina Ruby Alcalaá

Norielli Estrella Sandoval

Iriani Anahi Pineda

Fidellie Salome Jimenez

Attendees at the pageant will be blown away by the performances and show the girls will put on. After the introduction of the contestants, there will be a group dance, followed by the Costume, Depiction of Life Style on Caye Caulker, Evening Wear and Question and Answer Segment. Hosts, Indira Craig and William Neal will also grace the stage with their presence, as will a variety of acts and musicians.

Prizes: Other than the amazing $4,000 scholarship, this year’s winner also walks away with a fabulous photo package from Conch Creative, plus 100 hours of Internet usage from Cayeboard Connection, amongst other prizes. The 1st runner up of the pageant will receive a $1000.00 scholarship, plus 50 hours of internet time from Cayeboard Connection, and other prizes. All remaining participants will receive 20 hours of internet time from Cayeboard Connection, and prizes and surprises. There are four other categories which any of the five girls can win, and those include Miss Photogenic, Miss Popularity, Miss Creativity and Miss Amity (chosen amongst the girls themselves).

This is a can’t-miss event, and you better swim on over if you have to, because on Friday June 25th, 2010, Caye Caulker is the place to be!!

The committee would like to extend their thanks to this year’s MUCH APPRECIATED sponsors such as, the Caye Caulker Village Council, Pelican Point Marina & Caye Cargo Ltd., GRACE KENNEDY (BELIZE) LTD., BTB, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Mr. Alberto Villanueva Jr., Lazy Lizard Bar at the SPLIT, San Pedro Belize Express, Loskot Studios, Caye Caulker Water Taxi, Purple Passion Salon and Rainbow Grill & Bar.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Fido's Courtyard kicks off Lobster Fest 2010

It's the grand opening of Lobster Season once again and Fido's Courtyard just received its first mass supply of Lobsters. As of early this morning, fishermen have been flocking to the seas in an attempt to capture the largest and best lobsters. Fido's Courtyard is presently offering a $100.00 gift certificate for the largest Lobster brought into the restaurant. Throughout the day activities will include a raffle taking place at 4:00 pm, with a chance to win over 25 prizes; Lobster Darts competition, Horseshoe Tournament Bracket competition and Lobsters prepared to suit every tastebuds.






San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 Kicks Off at El Divino

The San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 kicked off in fine fashion last night with a “Meat & Greet” cocktail party at El Divino located at Banana Beach Resort.

Special guest, celebrity weatherman Joey “HOT HOT HOT” Stevens and Bob the Parrot of One Caribbean Weather/WSEE TV attended the event and will be on the island filming the entire week’s events. Joey and Bob travel around the Caribbean and feature different destinations during their weather forecasts and on the One Caribbean Weather Satellite Channel.

The night was a great success and featured drink specials, prizes and live entertainment by Banda Cubana. The Ambergris Caye Dance Club (ACDC) also delighted the crowd with some impressive dance moves. El Divino also introduced their brand new Tapas menu and everyone enjoyed the festivities.

Joey Stevens and Bob the Parrot were on hand for photos as well as mingling with the crowd.

Banana Beach owners Crystal and Jimmy Dean hosted the event.

The Ambergris Caye Dance Company delighted the crowd with some jammin' moves!


Guests could order a sampler tray of the new Tapa's served at El Divino.

Walter takes a dreddy photo with Trey.

For more information about the San Pedro Lobsterfest 2010 please visit their website at http://sanpedrolobsterfest.com/