Dia de San Pedro Celebrated

Dia De San Pedro was celebrated after a week's delay, but it was worth the wait as entertainment came from all over to join San Pedranos in the festivities.

After a grand fireworks display on Friday night, there was some dancing and singing, followed by the second annual Karaoke competition, which was won by Valentino Caliz.

On Saturday night, it was Belizean Culture at its Best!! With fabulous performances by the Yo Creek Uch-Ben Ok-ot (Old/Traditional Dance) Dance Group, Belize National Dance Company and Super Furia Band from Orange Walk.

Sunday's Fishing Tournament was cancelled, but the evening's events were back in full swing with more performances by the San Pedro Dance Company, Natalie Arceo, a surprise Cultural Show by a Mexican Dance Group and capped off with the fabulous stylings of Banda Cubana. All in all, the weekend was a great success, and hats off to the organizers for pulling off such a great event. Feliz Dia de San Pedro!!

US Ambassador visits Americans living in San Pedro

The US Ambassador, Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally and his wife Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally, along with Consul Tom Wallis, Ashley C. Barriner – Byrd, Manager, American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit and her assistant Ms. Anna McFadsen, were present at the June 24th Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Blue Water Grill.

The meeting was attended by members of the Ambergris Caye Chamber of Commerce and approximately 20 US Citizens presently residing on Ambergris Caye who had a chance to meet and greet the Ambassador and his wife, ask questions and receive answers.

The meeting was opened by Mr.Tom Wallis, US Consul, who proceeded to present the Ambassador and his wife. After his presentation, Ambassador Thummalapally shared a little in regards to his political as well as occupational background, information about his family and gave an overview of his functions at the US Embassy.

A major area of concern for members of the US Embassy was the importance of US Citizens to register with the Embassy. Ashley explained to the guests that the reason for the registration is not because the Embassy is seeking to keep track of its Citizens, but rather that they may be better prepared in times of emergency when the Embassy will be expected to mobilize and provide assistance on a mass level to all citizens presently residing in the country.

Also mentioned was a notable change of procedures within the Embassy. It is now necessary for patrons to make appointments to meet with the staff of the US embassy for services. Appointments may be made online at www.belize.usembassy.gov.

The remainder of the one hour meeting was opened to the attendees for question and answer session which the participants took much advantage of. While the meeting was called to an end at 1:00 pm, the Ambassador and his entourage remained at the Blue Water Grill until around 2:30 pm where they were available for questions and answers as well.

Hawkesworth Bridge Pedestrian Crossing presents danger

-July 1, 10 - Above are photos of imminent danger on the Hawkesworth Bridge, which links the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District. Based on the images, one can see that there is no support under the highly corroded metal plate.

The danger, should anyone fall through, would be fatal. Hundreds of persons cross this bridge daily.

Mr. Garbutt, from the Ministry of Works (824-2077) has been informed on this grave situation.

Costa Maya presents: Miss Mexico!!

This week we present to you 22-year-old Mexican beauty, Priscilla Pastrana Lopez. She is currently pursuing a career in Business Administration. Miss Lopez is the proud representative for Mexico at the 2010 Reina de la Costa Maya pageant to be held on August 5th, 2010. Standing at 5’ 5", and measuring 36-26-36, this brown-eyed brunette enjoys dancing, reading, studying and exercising.

Priscilla will be gracing the Costa Maya stage in San Pedro, and joining her will be delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. At the end of the night, only one will be crowned by outgoing Reina de la Costa Maya Maritza Rivas, of Nicaragua. Who will be our new beauty representative? You just have to be there for the grand moment!

Costa Maya confirms Yerbaklan from Honduras for Friday Night

Friday night’s lineup has just gotten even more exciting, as Honduras’ Yerbaklan will be on stage performing to your heart’s delight. They’ve been here before, but under a different name. Now, with a fusion of reggaeton and urban rhythms, Cesar Castaneda (Csarec) of San Pedro Sula, and Jaime Colindres (Jimmy James) of Tegucigalpa, are one of the most well-known duos in Honduras. Csarec and Jimmy James both dreamt of becoming artists/singers from a very young age, writing their own lyrics and making their own music. They eventually fused their styles and became what is now known as Yerbaklan.

They are influenced by such artists as UB 40, Boyz II Men, Vico C, El General, Shabakan and Nando Boom. They got their start in 2004 when they were included in a compilation called “Leyenda 2”. This production catapulted them via newspaper media, radio and television, both local and national. In 2005 they were recognized as “Duo of the Year”, and got top radio and television rotation with their hit “La Vaquerita”.

They even traveled and performed throughout Honduras, Guatemala and San Pedro, Belize for Costa Maya (2005). They have had the good fortune to be the opening performances for artists such as Calle 13, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Rakim y Ken-Y and Tito “El Bambino”. In 2008, they held a concert of their own in Honduras, and caught the attention of US record label “Xatruch Music”.

Their first album, called “Primera Clase” started production in 2009, and if their 2007 singles “Sexy Gial” and “Tu Amante” is anything to go by, Primera Clase is a guaranteed hit for this talented duo. And now, festival goers will be able to enjoy them in the flesh as they once again hit the stage, polished, primed and ready to blow you away. Be sure to catch the front row when Csarec and Jimmy James come on stage.