Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Caye Caulker Sewage Needs Assessment

Press Release – Belize Press Office –May 24, 2011 – The Department of the Environment will be hosting another public consultation this Thursday, May 26, 2010 at the Caye Caulker Community Centre starting at 7:00 pm.

The primary objectives of the project are:

1. To investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker for the collection and treatment of sewage in Caye Caulker within the framework of the Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution Protocol of the Cartagena Convention (LBS Protocol).
2. To investigate the possible contamination of Caye Caulker’s ground and surface waters resulting from the current sewage waste management practices by undertaking an in depth water quality monitoring programme.
3. To investigate the current use of ground water resources in Caye Caulker to determine the potential impacts to human health.
4. To consolidate the recommendations of prior studies conducted in Caye Caulker and formulate new recommendations taking into account the realities of Caye Caulker, the new information collected and noting the recent passage of Effluent Limitations (Amendment) Regulations in line with the LBS Protocol.

Over the past year, the DOE has been sending out personnel to Caye Caulker on a regular basis to conduct water quality monitoring of both groundwater and sea water at pre-established monitoring sites. The DOE has conducted a public consultation as well as a survey to further the overall goal of the project in working towards recommendations for proper waste management in Caye Caulker.

In July 2009, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, through the Department of the Environment (DOE), embarked on a Sewage Needs Assessment Project for Caye Caulker to investigate the waste management practices of the residents of Caye Caulker and determine the extent of contamination of ground and surface waters from these waste disposal practices. All residents of Caye Caulker are invited to come out and learn more about the project.

Art of life: Is it worth it?

By Chris Emmanuel

“Circumstances in the right hands can become a great motivator.” – Emmanuel

We create our own traps in life. We suffer in occupations we don t like, incompatible friendships, places we don’t want to be in. We can suffer in abusive relationships wishing that the abuser will change. “if only he stopped drinking, if only she would do as I say, I will leave once the children grows up, I can’t survive without his money,” and on and on.. The excuses continue. It sometimes takes drastic measures for people to wake up and take charge of their lives. It takes courage to strike out on your own-you might fail, but you can also make a better life for yourself. Either way you will gain new experiences.

When you are not happy with your life, it’s important to take steps to correct the situation. It might not happen quickly but it’s well worth the effort. By just striving we become happier than if we had made no attempt at all. Making changes for a healthier life for ourselves and the ones we care for, is not always easy. But when we are suffering in a household of unhappiness it’s time to ask the question, “Is it worth it?” the days are long but the years are short. Life is happening now. When you plan to make changes now for your happiness you don’t need to count on happiness that is (or isn’t) waiting in your future.

Never overestimate your ability to change people and never underestimate your ability to change yourself for the better.

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

Monday, May 23, 2011

Brandi Mermaid at Capricorn Resort

“Brandi Mermaid, Belize’s First Real Mermaid” was at Capricorn on Friday May 13th and The San Pedro Sun was invited to view her in action.


Dressed in her very realistic mermaid tail, Brandi became the serving platter for countless sushi rolls. Visitors were invited to sip of some wine as they enjoyed sushi off the mermaid’s body. She informs that she has been training for over two years now, practicing breath hold, yoga, and free diving with her tail.
Brandi hopes to soon offer the following services all over the Caribbean as a mermaid:- Underwater Photography/Modeling, Mermaid Nyotaimori catering, Underwater Marriage Proposals, Films/Documentaries/ Commercials, Event Promotions, Advertising, Acting, Singing/Playing guitar (can provide music for events as well),Entertainment at Pool Parties/ Hotels/ Resorts, Adult Parties.




Brandi may be reached for private parties and events by contacting her at 630-3048 or via email brandimermaid@yahoo.com.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Education Period celebrated

Education Period 2011 was observed across the country from May 3rd through May 15, 2011. Throughout the two-week span, several activities were organized across the country under the theme “Education empowers: Creating change, nurturing minds, embracing the future."

During that period, the Ministry of Education (MOE) conducted several activities to highlight some of its accomplishments and the accomplishments of teachers. This year, the MOE focused on increasing public awareness as it relates to such issues as quality child friendly schools, secondary school refinancing reform and teacher education to name a few.



In San Pedro, there were a couple of activities which included an Ecumenical service held on Tuesday, May 3rd. After the service, it was time for sports. For this event, two locations hosted: San Pedro High School (SPHS) and the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS). On Thursday May 5th, all Ministry officials went into schools in their respective areas and taught lessons, in an effort to connect directly with teachers and students. Ministry officials visited three schools here in San Pedro; New Horizon SDA, St. Peter’s Elementary and San Pedro High School.

On Wednesday, May 11th, a Festival of Arts was held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium (Read more on Page 1 & 4). The following day, teachers along with nurses were invited to enjoy the annual party hosted for them by the San Pedro Town Council and Area Representative.




Friday May 13, 2011, was a day to celebrate Teachers’ Day. On this day, activities, trips, fun events take place that help to build staff relations. All across the country, teachers enjoy a day of fun. We join the rest of the community and country in saying Happy Teachers’ Day, and thank you for all you do!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Rachelle Wintzen gives Modern Hip Hop Dance Classes

On Wednesday May 18th, Rachelle Wintzen was at the Train Station, where she presented two classes to students of various ages in the art of modern hip hop dances.

All attendants were dressed for the occasion, each individually expressing themselves through fashion and dance.

This is the first in a series of classes that Ms. Wintzen hopes to be giving on the island. Look in next week's paper for a full introduction as well as availability and classes that she hopes to provide.

Enjoy photos and the video from Wednesday's classes.