Golf Cart runs over motorbike

Last night around 7pm electrician Secundino Gonzalez was making a house call to the residence of Elito Arceo when his parked motorbike was run over by an out of control golf cart. Witnesses report that the driver of the cart, Reed Purdy, appeared under the influence of alcohol and was speeding along the road that borders the south side of The Mansions Gated Community in the San Pablo area. Somehow Purdy lost control of his cart and completely ran over the parked motorbike while also damaging a section of the Arceo fence.

Police were called but had not yet arrived when The SPSun reported to the scene. At that time Purdy was not with his vehicle and witnesses stated that he claimed to be on a mission to replace the motorbike.

No one was injured and the accident is under investigation by the San Pedro Police Department.

Immigration advice to travel to Mexico

*Belizeans are reminded that VISA IS NOT REQUIRED to travel to Mexico.
*The Embassy of Mexico’s consular services will be closed December 25th and 28th and on January 1st, 2010.

Press Release – Mexican Embassy – December 16th, 2009 – In order to welcome Belizean residents who wish to visit Mexico during the holiday season, the Embassy of Mexico reminds the public the following regulations:
Belizean nationals are reminded that a visa is not required to travel to Mexico as a tourist or in transit through Mexican territory to another country. To enter Mexico, they will only need to hold a valid Belizean passport and fill out a tourist immigration form which is obtained free of cost at any of the points of entry into Mexico, at any of the borders, maritime ports or international airports. They will be able to enter Mexico multiple times within the period of time authorized by Mexican immigration officials.

Residents in Belize with passports from other countries, like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua among other nationalities, need a Mexican visa to travel to Chetumal or any other part of Mexico. US, UK and Canadian nationals, among others, do not need a Mexican visa. Before visiting Mexico, it is advised to consult the list of countries whose nationals require visa at the Embassy of Mexico Consular Section or the web site www.sre.gob.mx

Belizeans who hold a Mexican border card (FMVL) can continue using it in the usual manner to travel exclusively to Quintana Roo (Chetumal, Tulum, Playa, Cancun) with a maximum stay of 3 days. The border card FMVL does not allow travel to Merida or any other part of Mexico outside Quintana Roo, but it is required to use a passport. Belizeans that wish to work, study or do business in Mexico, will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

The Embassy of Mexico will be closed on Friday 25 (Christmas) and Monday 28 December (celebration of Boxing Day), and Friday 1 December 2010 (New Year Day). The Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Corozal will be closed from 24 December to 7 January 2010.
For any inquiry and further information about visas and consular services, please contact the Consular Section, telephone number 223-0193 or 223-0194, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or the Honorary Consulate in Corozal, telephone number 422 20 49. Visit the Embassy of Mexico’s web page www.sre.gob.mx/belice/ or write to consular@embamex.bz

Be Kind Belize students get special visit

School children of Holy Cross Anglican School got a special visit during their Be Kind Belize classes on Monday. The special visitors were Rashell Newton and her friendly little dog, Sir Isaac Newton. The visit was intended to give the students hands-on lesson on dogs.

The students have been learning about the history of dogs and cats. Sir Isaac Newton is a six year old Chinese Pug. The children had the opportunity to interact and play with the dog. Read more in this week’s issue of The San Pedro Sun Newspaper.

SPTC & Santa distribute presents

Mayor Elsa Paz and Santa, along with Santa's helpers, were around town distributing gifts to the schoolchildren of the island on Monday. One of their stops was at Island Academy. While the children sang holiday songs, the assistant elves (Town Council Staff) worked diligently to make sure there was a toy for EVERY student. Happy Holidays!!

Apprentices complete their program

The Apprenticeship program has helped many people get on-the-job training on the island, and today, Friday, a fresh batch of apprentices received their official certificates of completion. They are ready to join the workforce, with some already hired full-time at various businesses around town. Congratulations graduates!