Island Perk

Island Perk, serving up hot and cold java to its customers has closed shop on Barrier Reef Drive. A customer appreciation day was held and everyone got to indulge on their Island Perk favorites. Not to worry, however, Island Perk will reopen its doors on Pescador Drive in the coming months.

Island Academy graduates 8

Today, eight (8) students from the Island Academy walked down to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance to proudly receive their certificates of completion. Elizabeth Westby received the Principal's Cup.
Students from the other classes received Awards of Excellence for their great work throughout the year (some highlights below).

Some of the faculty members below.

REGIONAL NEWS - El Pilar Site Enhancement

Daniel Landero teaches the tying technique for the thatch.

Press Release - Site Enhancements at El Pilar part of a new Community Collaboration - The El Pilar Archaeological Project, directed by Anabel Ford, and the Institute of Archaeology’s Park Management, directed by Brian Woodye, have teamed up to construct the model Maya house and forest garden at El Pilar as a real demonstration of how the ancient Maya lived. The expert design of Assistant Site Manager Longino Salam, and his knowledgeable park rangers, Daniel Landero and Augustine Rosado, have led the group in the renovations. Joining the effort is the newly formed El Pilar Forest Garden Network from Santa Familia under President Alcario Cano. The collaboration is the first in a series of team efforts aimed at engaging community participation in the improvements at the park.

Alcario Cano lashes roof supports of building.

The Tzunu’un model Maya house is an appropriate starting point for community involvement. For the park rangers and forest gardeners, thatched houses were once a way of life. Salam’s intimate knowledge of the construction techniques using the Corozo, or Cohune palm leaf, comes form his formative years as a boy. Landero, too, recalls nostalgically the coolness inside his thatch home as he grew up, remembering that before Hurricane Hattie there were no zinc roofs in the villages. This style of house is fast disappearing, and to have a model demonstration at El Pilar will give local and foreign visitors alike an experience that brings the past alive. The project, scheduled for 3 weeks, will conclude the end of May.

Longino Salam lends Expertise at Tzunu’un.

Visitors to the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna are encouraged to see the work ongoing now, and soon to enjoy the refreshing shade of the newly thatched model Maya houses, recalling the days, not so long ago, when most villages were dominated by this traditional style of building.

Information sent by Elias Avella, via Eve's Computer Services, in Santa Elena Town, Cayo.

30ft. sinkhole appears North of Ambergris Caye

An approximate 30 foot sinkhole was discovered this morning (Thursday, May 28th, 2009) just south of Ak'bol Yoga Retreat on undeveloped section of land. The sinkhole was discovered by Don David Pena, gardener for the resort, when he showed up for work at 7:00 a.m. It is strongly believed that this was caused due to the earthquake which stemmed off the coast of La Ceiba, Honduras. These allegations will be investigated and their results will be posted as they become available.

Placencia rocked by earthquake

The following images are of the damage caused to Placencia by the earthquake early Thursday morning. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Honduras was felt through to Belize as well.
Photos are by Fiona MacFarlane.

Street/pavement had cracks in them from the earthquake.
Cracked school walls.
Seahorse Dive Shop floats in the water.
Homes received structural damage.
Water spouted, leaving holes in the ground.