Breaking Scuba Dive World Record in Belize

On September 13, Illinois scuba diver Robert Silva will travel to Belize’s Ambergris Caye, where he will attempt to set a new world record for longest saltwater dive. To succeed, he will have to stay underwater for over 36 and a half hours. Silva, 31, initially set out to break the much longer freshwater record, which stands at about 120 hours.

The location of the dive was going to be Haigh Quarry, a former limestone pit in Kankakee, IL. In March, however, Silva received a call from Tina Haigh, the quarry’s owner. Haigh Quarry was withdrawing its offer to host the attempt. After searching for another site and “just hitting dead ends”, Silva received and accepted an offer to challenge the saltwater record at Ramon’s Village, a dive resort in Belize. For Silva, who completed his PADI Divemaster certification in Belize in 2005, it would be a return to familiar waters. (Read more on next week's issue of Ambergris Today)

Biggest Loosers are Biggest Winners at Lime

The Lime Challenge is officially over and the folks over at the Lime sent Ambergris Today the rundown of what was accomplished during the challenge

Twenty people started out on April 14 and 10 of them finished with the final weigh-in on July 6. As a group the challengers lost 115.5lbs in weight with the overall winner being John Dalgarno, JD to his friends, who lost a staggering 36lbs which was 14.66% of his body weight. Robbie Pitcher came in a close second losing 37.5lbs which was 12.5% of his original weight and third was Ruth Blair who lost 11lbs which was 6.18%of her original weight.
The Lime Challenge managed to raise $225.Bze for Saga Humane Society which is going towards the new isolation unit that will be built in the near future.

Lasagna/Pasta Cook Off
A Lasagna/Pasta cook off is scheduled to take place this Friday, July 10 at 6p.m.-8p.m. at the Lime Bar and Grill which is also for the Humane Society. The $10.00bz fee to test all the dishes includes a raffle ticket which is a 3-day golf cart voucher, so please go to the Lime and show your support, have some great food and help raise money. Cheers!

Dorian's Angels at Fahitas Restaurant

Having been to China, land of the Dragon, the Angels felt an impulsive desire to try a different Middle East Culture and our curiosity was attracted to the land of the belly dancing beauties, exotic music and strong religious devotion. Nobody had to recommend us, as Angel Scartleth, who has a passion for exotic foods, was immediately attracted to Fahitas on Tarpon Street (previously Devin’s Pizza). The pungent aroma of garlic and other spices welcomed all three Angels as we excitedly walked into Fahitas Restaurant. Read more at Ambergris Today Online.

Belize and Mexico for Costa Maya Pageant

Meet Miss Belize

Felicita Arzu

Age: 24

Height: 5’8

Professions: English Teacher

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Skin Color: Brown

Hobbies: Traveling, singing, reading, dancing, socializing and listening to a wide range of musical genres.

Meet Miss Mexico

Marliese Edelmann Ayala

Age: 20 years

Height: 5.57Feet

Profession: Actress

Eye Color: Green

Hair Color: Brunette

Skin Color: Tan

Hobbies: Reading and Dancing

A Costa Maya office has been secured this year thanks to Atlantic Bank and it is located on Black Coral Street at the old Nancy’s Store (Phone # 226 4153). Booths are available for the festival days and interested persons can contact committee member Jan Brown at 226-2059. Read more on Miss Belize and Miss Mexico in this week's issue of Ambergris Today out on Thursday, July 9 and also Online.

Influenza A H1N1 Confirmed in Belize

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of five (5) confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in the country of Belize. These results were received today, July 7, 2009, through Belize's reference laboratory CAREC.
All the five cases came from the Corozal district and linked to the Casinos in the Corozal Free Zone. These individuals have been treated and are recovering at home. This highlights the increased surveillance which the Ministry had put in place at the initial response to Influenza A H1N1.
The Ministry of Health is awaiting the results of 15 other suspected cases, majority of which presented mild flu-like symptoms. The Ministry continues its heightened surveillance and awareness campaign to contain this situation.
The Ministry of Health encourages the public to continue washing hands with soap and water, covering your coughs, seek medical attention if you present any flu-like symptoms and stay at home until your symptoms are resolved.

The Ministry would also like to inform the public that there is no need, at this time, to limit any mass gatherings.

National Geographic Geotourism Challenge

The Marco Gonzalez Mayan site in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has been entered into the second annual National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009. The challenge awards winning entries for their efforts to promote geo-tourism, defined as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents."

Jan Brown, who is spearheading the Marco Gonzalez Site project, submitted the site in the challenge that has a $5,000US cash prize, not to mention the honor of spearheading the continuing growth of the geo-tourism movement. A panel of judges will select the finalists, which are then voted on by the online community.

A major part of the entry is input from the general public. Please take a minute to check it out and post a comment about the importance of the project to the island culture and education for our children and guests. Your comments will help the Marco Gonalez Mayan Site enter the finals. Voting is July 15th for the final cut of 10 to 15 entries.

Click on the following links to learn more about the project and leave your comment. THANKS!

*National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009

*Marco Gonzalez Mayan site

Tropic Air Opens New Terminal Building

Ambergris Today left the island on Friday, July 3, on a special mission and upon arrival on Sunday, July 5, we were very pleased to see have been directed to the new Tropic Air terminal building for baggage claim. Although not completely finished, the move of their dispatch department to the new building was necessary for the old dispatch building to be removed. This will allow for the final stages of the project and surrounding areas to be completed.

Inside the terminal it is very open and spacious to handle the busy schedule of Tropic Air’s hourly flights and accommodating the many customers who commute in and out of San Pedro on a daily basis. One feature that stands out at the terminal is a giant round aquarium that stands one story high, which people can admire as they wait to board their flight. Tropic Air is planning to hold an official inauguration of its new terminal facility in the near future once all the final touches have been made. But from now, Tropic Air customers can enjoy the luxury and commodities of the new terminal.

Spacious departure lounge

Check in counters

Baggage claim is now much cooler and shaded

Health Press Release on H1N1

Press Release - Belmopan. July 3, 2009. The Ministry of Health reminds the general public that to date Belize remains free of any cases of the Influenza A H1N1 Virus. As of today, July 3, 2009, the Ministry awaits the result of 15 outstanding samples sent to CAREC. Of concern is a cluster of suspect cases from the Corozal Free Zone. Four additional samples will be sent to CAREC on Monday. Results from these samples are expected during the course of the coming week.

The Ministry of Health continues with its enhanced surveillance and health education countrywide. The general public is reminded to continue taking the necessary precautions which include the following:

* Wash hands frequently and use disposable tissue when possible to cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

* Public places must ensure that door knobs, bathroom counters and other similar surfaces be cleaned on a regular basis with disinfectant.

Upon presentation of any flu-like sign or symptom the public is advised to visit the nearest health center or your health care provider.

Giant Squid found at Esmeralda Canyons.

First a whale....and now a squid! whats next?


Ambergris Today was called to Ramon's Village Dive Center as divers Andy Kerr and Palma found a dead squid while on a dive trip at Esmeralda Canyons.


The squid had missing tentacles which divers believe was eaten by a shark. The squid measures 3ft in length but with tentacles it may have been another three to five feet longer.

Tourists gather at the dock to see the giant squid.

Cancer Walk - This Weekend

Remember to partake in the Breast Cancer Walk this Sunday. It's for a great cause. Click on ad above for more information.