The San Pedro Sun Takes a Vacation

SPSUN Editorial - July 8, 2010 -For the last several weeks the staff at The San Pedro Sun has agreed that we are long over-due for a vacation. Often blurry eyed and sleep deprived, the thought of a vacation has been the dangling carrot that has keep us inspired to get ‘er done. And no wonder we are feeling like we need a vacation, the last full week we had off was almost a year ago in August, 2009. Sure we have had our share of three day weekends and of course
Christmas brought a few days off at a time, but we are good and ready to spend a week doing anything but work.

Unfortunately a true week off is not a reality when it comes to news…as news never knows when to take a holiday. No matter how hard we might try to relax, our news “radar” is always on, and no matter how dedicated we are to properly relaxing we are equally dedicated to reporting the news. It’s in our blood and there’s no denying a breaking story when it happens.

Whatever it is that we chose to do to properly enjoy our time off let’s keep our fingers crossed that it will be a slow news week because it is pure torture for a reporter to sit back and watch news happen without getting involved! You can bet if we hear a screaming fire engine pass us while we are sunning on the beach sipping a cold one our camera-finger will be twitching and the urge to chase the story will pull at our vacation sensibilities. Hopefully the news will take a vacation with us next week and we can all enjoy a holiday!

Stolen Boat

Submitted by Dr.Wil Lala -

Around 2 a.m. Sunday, the 11th of July, Wil Lala’s boat was stolen from the Caribbean Villas pier. Toward the south of the island an alert night watchman saw suspicious activity near some of the piers starting at 6 pm. He suspected that the theft of a boat or boats was being planned and alerted several people in the area. He saw three black men in a 23 foot Ponga type white boat with blue trim. One in a red shirt, one with no shirt, one with a black life jacket. Another man was on a wave runner. The thieves got Dr. Lala’s boat, the Gigi, undetected. The boat was padlocked with a heavy chain and there was night security.

The abandoned stolen boat was spotted by a fishing guide early Sunday morning in the mangroves near Congrejo Caye. Everything on board had been taken including two 115 hp 4 stroke Yamaha motors.

Dr. Lala reported the theft to the Police but they were not able to notify the Coast Guard as they did not have the phone number. We called many people and either could not reach them or they did not know it or they were on their boat and didn’t have the number with them. Billy Leslie was able to give us the phone number of the Commissioner of the Port Authority. We left a message on his phone and he responded quickly.

While Dr. Lala was recovering the boat Carols Alejos of Suya Tours went to the Coast Guard and got three phone numbers that can be used to contact the Coast Guard. Others on the island may like to have them in case of an emergency. The numbers are as follows: 626-2631, 205-2173 extension 450 and 225-2186.

Commissioners Flowers of the Port Authority requested that Wil get a copy of the police report when he filed it and FAX it to him to aid in the search for contents of the boat and the engines and perhaps lead to the identity of the thieves. Sunday afternoon when Dr. Lala went in the police office to file a police report he was told that could not be done on a Sunday.

Thanks to an alert guide and with the help of friends the boat was recovered but not the engines, cushions, gas tanks, center consul cover, engine instruments, Eagle 480DF fish and depth finder, Marine radio, two marine batteries (one only 3 days old), fish gaff and push stick.
The Lala's send a special thanks to: Cliff Kirk, Carlos and Suyapa Alejos,Carlos Marin, Billy Leslie, Steve Lee and Marcela Marin.

If you have any more information on this theft please call Dr. Lala at 226-2716.

Friends of the Humane Society (FOTHS) and SAGA Thrilled at Success of FAB Ball

Press Release - July 7th, 2010 -FOTHS - Despite being delayed because of Tropical Storm Alex, the FAB Ball turned out to be a truly fabulous event, raising money for SAGA Humane Society and giving everyone a night to remember. Approximately $5,000 was raised on the evening, all of which will help SAGA to care for the animals of San Pedro.

With a delicious four course meal provided by El Divino Restaurant at Banana Beach Resort, cocktails sponsored by Travellers Liquors, an exotic belly dancing display by the stunning Tatiana Rivera, a riveting dance performance by Wilford Williams from the Belize National Dance Company followed by Marisa Tellez giving a dazzling fire dancing show guests were delighted with the evening.
They were also able to further support the cause by bidding on some amazing and unique items donated to the silent auction by artists such as internationally known Angela Gegg along with popular local artists Melody Sanchez Wolfe and Carrie O’ Farrell.

FOTHS is extremely grateful for the sponsorship they received for this event and would like to extend thanks to the following businesses and individuals. There were many others involved who also deserve thanks even if they are not mentioned here. Banana Beach, Tropic Air, Premium Wines, Changes in Latitudes, Caribbean Villas, Conch Creative, Angela Gegg, Carrie O’Farrell, Melody Wolfe, Wilford Williams, Tatiana Rivero, Marisa Tellez, Jane & Bruce West, Wild Mango’s, Ak’Bol, Seaduced by Belize, Moondancer, Caye Winds, Graniels, Sol Spa, Carole Goudreau, Blue Iguana, Asian Spa, Art of Life, The San Pedro Sun, Ambergris Today, Rachel Putnam Hoke, Kevin McFeeley and Gwen and David Army.

Photos courtesy of Conch Creative http://www.conchcreative.com

Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Project goes to a new level

Tourism and Education stakeholders were hosted by the Board of Directors of the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Project at a reception at the Belize Yacht Club. Those in attendance were able to view artifacts from the Maya Site, plus met visiting archaeologists.


As part of her Master's thesis, Miss Nadia Glassup, University College London, England, is also conducting a four day exhibition (July 8th through of Marco Gonzalez artifacts and the importance of the island site.

A media tour of the site itself has been scheduled, pending the inclement weather. Watch for more photos as they become available.

Pedro's Poker Room

Pedro’s Hotel, located in San Pedro already offers the best price and value on the Island. Designed for the budget-minded traveler, Pedro’s affordable accommodations allow guests to enjoy all the excitement and adventure Belize has to offer. Centrally located and with its 32 standard king or twin air-conditioned rooms starting at $50 USD per night, on-site concierge desk, swimming pool, free sea kayaks,Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and more, Pedro’s Poker Room is just another “Wow!” added to your budget package.
The only poker room in town, Pedro’s Poker Room is an official poker club. There is no fee to join and the club is opened to locals as well as visitors. The only game played at the Poker Club is Texas Hold 'Em, a game that has become tremendously popular over the last ten years and generally makes up a large part of televised poker competitions. Some members of Pedro’s Poker Club have even competed in the world championship tournament held in Las Vegas. The Poker room provides dealers and chips. Cash games are available as well. The buy in price ranges from Bze$100.00 - $500.00.
One interesting aspect of the Poker Room is that the house does not take a rake out of the winning pot. There is a $20.00 charge to sit which is included in the buy in price. Contrary to other poker houses, it is okay to get up and leave the poker table at any point; whether you’re winning or losing.
The Poker Room opened its doors earlier this year and currently has a membership of approximately 200 members. Games are played Mondays – Wednesdays from 7:00pm – 12:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00pm – 12:00 midnight. Games may be scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays as well.
Poker tournaments are held on Sundays. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the competition. Come on over to Pedro’s and enjoy the “Coldest Beers” on the island, while feasting on the #1 Pizza over a game of Poker with your buddies.
Owner, Peter Lawrence has made it very simple to become a member. Interested individuals need just visit the office and speak with Cindy or send an email to cindy@PedrosHotel.com to become a member. To learn more about Pedro’s Hotel and Pedro’s Poker Room, please visit www.PedrosHotel.com, or Phone (USA) (212) 796-4897, (Belize) (011) 501-226-3825 -or- (011) 501-206-2198