Congratulations San Mateo Bombers - 6-a-side Tournament Champions!!

The 6-a-side football team San Mateo Bombers took home the top honors this past Sunday when they became the tournament champions. Having bested out the SP Police team (2nd Place), as well as other teams like the Fire Blazers, Tropic Air, SP Strikers, Mario's Boys and Mata Chica Bombers, San Mateo took the lead and 1st place trophy.

Councilor Joseph Elijio was on hand to aid Miss San Pedro Natasha Stuart, as well as Deputy Mayor Pablo Ico in handing out the trophies to the winners. Congratulations once more, and job well done!!!

As always, big up to the referees who were on hand for all the games!

Paving of the Southern Highway

Press Release - Belmopan - February 28th 2011 - A contract signing agreement was signed between the Government of Belize and the Contractor Cisco Construction Ltd at a cost of BZ $47,995,867.50 for the upgrading of the road from Big Falls Village (Dump) to the Belize/Guatemala Border. Funds for the implementation of this projects were sourced from a loan to the Belize Government from the Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development and AFID (OPEC Fund for the International Development)including the Central American Bank for the Economic Integration (CABEI), and counterpart funding contributed by the Government of Belize.

The works consist of upgrading approximately 34KM (23 Miles) to paved standards, the existing road embankment from Big Falls Village –mile 14 (Dump) to a point 1.5km south of Jalacte Village, following the current alignment, which passes through the villages of Mafredi, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Santa Elena and Pueblo Viejo. The road cross section will comprise of two 3.25 meters of wide lanes with 1 meter wide paved shoulders; this is a total of 8.5 meters surfaced roadway width. All major existing drainage structures (box culverts) and concrete bridges will be rehabilitated to ensure continued service life.

When completed, the highway will serve several objectives and will allow Villages located in the Western part of Toledo District improved access to Punta Gorda and the rest of the country. It will enhance our capacity for commerce and trade from our Central American neighbours and encourages the formal establishments of a second border crossing with Guatemala.

San Pedro RC School celebrates Belize's many cultures

Culture day is always a fascinating way to see children's perceptions of the cultures in their country. With a great mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese and a growing number of North American residents, Belize is a glorious mix of peoples. San Pedro RC School held an open/culture day on Friday, February 25 to showcase what children have learned about the cultures they were assigned, and below are some photos of the results.

The Creole

The Mestizo

The Garifuna

The North Americans

Chinese

East Indian

Garifuna

Ketchi Maya

Mennonites

The Art of Life - The Jewel Stand

By Christopher Emmanuel
“We are all diamonds seeking to be polished”

Selling jewelry on the beach all depends on the weather for her. On cloudy days I pass by the makeshift stand-an oil drum with plywood on it empty. Today she is carefully placing her jewels on a cloth. “A wan sell today have to mine me picne.” “Me man done gwane an lef we.” She says as I pass by. She polishes the jewels with a loving touch every day to keep the shine. Later as the sun sets she will pack the jewels taking the table cloth leaving the stand behind.

We could all learn from the lady at the jewel stand. In each of us is a jewel we take with us when we pass on. This is the essence we are without bodies. This essence belongs to the Divine source energy we are. This jewel is all we can take with us. The stand is the body we leave behind to decay back into the dust it came from.

Some people worship the body and its desires so much that they struggle to let go of people, places and things. The now pleasures can be intoxicating and make addicts of us all. School prepared us for life, but preparation for passing on we are not taught. Nature walks, Church songs, your child’s stare, your favorite creative sport or activity, any and everything that connects us to this expanded nature teaches us our essence. Once we know our true essence and work towards polishing it. Death is no longer a bother but just a passage to go home to love.

Books by Christopher Emmanuel can be purchased at his Art Gallery in The Sun breeze Hotel, Art of Touch, Pages Book Store, Black orchid Spa and Sol Spa.

The Island Academy & La Isla Bonita remember Sir Barry Bowen

Today, February 26, 2011 marks one year since a tragic plane crash claimed the life of Sir Barry Bowen and his four passengers, Jillian, Mike, Makayla and Bryce Casey.
Students at the Island Academy, along with parents, teachers, staff and Lady Dixie Bowen held a very touching tribute to Barry on Friday, February 25th.
Students sang a sweet lullaby...
Children brought flowers...
and the flag was flown at half mast.
Mr. Eddie Halliday Sr. led the group gathered under the palapa at the Island Academy in prayer.
Students then sang the Island Academy Anthem.
After which, a procession was led by Lady Dixie to the end of the Bowen pier.
The flowers that had been brought by the students were released into the ocean, a place that Barry absolutely loved.
Barry Bowen was larger than life. He was a husband, father, friend and business man. He was an unforgettable man, someone who will remain imprinted in our memories.

Similarly, we remember the Casey family, who devoted their time and energy to their students and the community at Gallon Jug. May their names and memories never be forgotten.

A Letter from the Bowen Family

Dear All:

We are sadly aware that the anniversary of our father’s death will be on the 26th of February. While alive, Sir Barry thought very little about death, instead he celebrated life to the fullest. Therefore, we have chosen to celebrate his legacy in September, at the Sir Barry Belikin Bash, around the time of his birthday. He loved this event because it stemmed from his competitive nature and determination to make Belikin “The Beer of Belize”. We will always celebrate his life and his legacy at a time of year that he loved, not at the time of his untimely death, and we hope you will join us then to raise a cold Belikin in his honour.

Thank you.
The Bowen Family