Ambergris Today Daily Blog

Ambergris Today Website Is Good to GO!

2010-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Website Update: The Ambergris Today Daily Blog has been incorporated into our NEW Website as part of the switch from a weekly newspaper to a DAILY Online News Source. Ambergris Today now fully operates as an online service with daily news posts and weekly feature updates of your favorite newspaper columns like 25 Years Ago, Flashbacks, Picture of the Week, Dorian's Angels, Restaurant Reviews, Horoscopes, Pepito Comix, Teen Talk and Chris Emmanuel's Secrets to Life. All the newspaper has been incorporated to our online website for easier access and worldwide exposure of our news and your advertisements. Visit the new Ambergris Today and make sure you Bookmark it for your Daily Updates. (Subscriptions through RSS Feeds)

Thanks to everybody for the GREAT response so far! Ambergris Today Now bringing you DAILY NEWS and reports.

www.ambergristoday.com

Old Football Field Project - Preliminary Consultation

2010-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

A preliminary consultation for the Old Football Field (Saca Chispas) Sunset Boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal, was held on Monday, November 9, at the San Pedro Lions Den. Heading the meeting for the evening were Mr. Carlos Santos and Mr. Pepe Garcia.

The Sustainable Tourism Program of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation and the Belize Tourism Board have a project in concept for the Old Football Field which consists of having a sunset boardwalk and water taxi terminal in the lagoon area.

The project’s over view is to have waterfront development on the lagoon front to create a new destination within San Pedro Town which will consolidate water travel to serve local and international traffic, provide new opportunities for leisure and commerce, build public-private partnerships for commercial and cultural growth, promote waterfront beautification, and further the overall enhancement of Ambergris Caye as a tourist destination, resulting in an increase in overnight tourist visitation.

The Project Site encompasses public land along the lagoon front west of the existing football field. The project will entail some reclamation of the lagoon to extend the football field (1.2 acres) west towards the lagoon and +/- 2500 linear feet of boardwalk stretching to the north to the intersection with Caribeña Street and south to Tarpon Street. Moving the football field to the west will allow Angel Coral Street to run across the existing field at the moment for easy traffic flow as well as having a parking lot on the east side of the field, this information was done based upon recommendations of the feasibility study.

After having presented the project to those in attendance the floor was opened to questions and comments. It was a meeting filled with mixed emotions as some thought the idea of beautifying the area, having a sports complex which is so desperately needed, as well as the parking facility are great ideas. Making major changes in the area for the fishermen was not easily acceptable to everyone in attendance.

Many feared that if the area is changed and modernized not only will the island lose its historical and cultural aspect of being known as quaint fishing village we once were but the survival of all the fish in the area such as the tarpons and other fish will lose their natural habitat.

“It’s a beautiful concept, but if it is at the expense of all the fish that inhabit the area, then we don’t want it,” explained a local fisherman/tour guide.

“Instead of spending $8Mil dollars in doing such a huge boardwalk which is not needed, why don’t we spend much less in fixing up the existing sea wall and standardize all piers,” commented Mr. Severo Guerrero Jr. who is a tour guide and Town Councilor.

Many agreed that instead of having a huge boardwalk the money should be invested in other areas such as finishing the paving of the road from the San Juan Area all the way to the Boca del Rio Bridge, beautifying the beaches and even investing the money in the San Mateo Area which is dire need of proper roads and infrastructure.

This public consultation was held to get the feedback of the public which will then be addressed to the Belize Tourism Board and Inter-American Development Bank. A private meeting with the Mayor and Councilors as well as a separate meeting with the fishermen of the area is to be held today, Tuesday, November 9. Another Public Consultation for this project is set to be held by mid December of this year. For more information or questions regarding this project, you can send an email to info@sustainabletourismbz.org

Jason Reyes charged for Stabbing Death of Lionel Pinelo

2010-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 5, at about 11:45 p.m. San Pedro Police visited the Ambergris Hopes Clinic located on Pescador Drive, where a male person appeared to have a stab wound on the left side of his rib cage. The male person was later identified to be Lionel Rodolfo Pinelo, 24-year-old, Belizean cabinet worker.

Investigations revealed that Lionel was on a golf cart on Laguna Drive in front of Rainbow Star Machine Bar with some friends. The golf cart was stopped by a group of persons with whom he had a confrontation with one of them earlier in the day. One of the persons took an object and inflicted a stab wound on the left side of the rib cage.

Lionel was taken to the Ambergris Hopes Clinic to receive medical attention but was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, November 6 at about 8:15 a.m.

A post mortem was carried out on the body of Lionel Pinelo which revealed that Pinelo died of exsanguination due to internal and external bleeding due to the stab wound.

Jason Reyes, 21-years-old, Belizean Maintenance worker of Boca Del Rio area, was arraigned for Murder in the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, November 8, 2010. No plea was taken on the indictable charge and Reyes was remanded to the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville until December 8 when he will reappear in court.

San Pedro Water Jets Boat Runs Aground

2010-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

At about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, a boat belonging to San Pedro Water Jets International had a minor accident as it ran aground into a mangrove area on the lagoon side.Reports are that the boat arrived from Chetumal, Quintana Roo and was transporting international passengers to the neighboring Island of Caye Caulker. There were 40 passengers on board and there were no casualties reported. Several boats were dispatched to the area to render assistance to the passengers.

SPRC School All Saints Fair 2010

2010-11-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

The San Pedro Roman Catholic School held its 5^th annual All Saints Fair on Friday, November 5, 2010. At the fair there was much to eat and drink, raffles, and great games such as tombola, marble board games, horseshoe among others. Students from both the lower and upper division participated by dressing as a Saint.

This year’s winners are as follows:

1^st Place – St Martin De Porres – Israel Ake and Brian Sanchez

2^nd Place – Juan Diego – Osmar Vasquez and Steven Rosales and St. Lucy – Angelee Forman

3^rd Place – St. Elizabeth – Alexia Acosta, Virgin of Guadalupe – Noelie Wiltshire and St. Veronica – Abriana Sierra

Principal Roxannie Kay stated that all proceeds of this year’s fair will go towards the school’s marching band. “There are many children interested in joining the marching band and so we decided that this year’s proceeds from the fair will be put towards the marching band,” commented Mrs, Kay. “There is the need of replacing old instruments and getting new ones as well.”

Memorial Service for the Late Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

2010-11-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

A memorial service was held for the late Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez just a week after the tragic murder. Father Daniel Nuñez carried out the memorial service in front of a crowd in an empty lot adjacent to the crime scene on Tuesday, November 09, 2010.

Opening remarks were delivered by Lady Bowen as she expressed her sympathies to the family of the late Maria. Mayor Elsa Paz spoke on behalf of the island of San Pedro and reiterated that everyone feels sorry for the loss of such wonderful young lady.

After the mass ended Mr. Gach Guerrero, San Pedro Station Manager of Maya Island Air, read a letter which was sent by Maria’s brother-in-law, Arturo Gomez. The letter read:

“Mari-Toni, as she was affectionately called, was a loving twin sister, daughter, wife and mother. She loved her job and when she was offered to work for Maya Island Air Regional she was more than delighted to do so as she had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Island of San Pedro. I am sure Mari-Toni lived the most memorable moments of her life in the island which was cut short by the unfortunate incident. I appreciate your condolences and affection towards our family. We envy you all for having seen the last of her unforgettable smile in one of the most beautiful places in the world; my sincere affection, Arturo Gomez.”

Present at the memorial service were Mayor Elsa Paz, Maya Island Air Personnel, Police Personnel, community activists, teachers, hotel personnel and many local residents.

On behalf of the community of San Pedro, Ambergris Today would like to express its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez.

Lady Dixie Bowen with the opening remarks

Mayor Elsa Paz expresses condolences on behalf of island residents

Gach Guerrero of Maya Island Air reads letter from Maria's Family

Memorial attendants pay respect to Maria at scene of the crime

The large shrubs that obstructed the view to the house have been cut down for safety

San Pedro High Boys Take Silver at National Volleyball Tournament

2010-11-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

San Pedro High Male Volleyball Team

After bringing home the first place trophies for both the male and female Northern Regional Volleyball Championship on October 23, the San Pedro Volleyball teams were in high spirits as they travelled this past weekend to Corozal Civic Centre, Corozal Town where Escuela Secundaria Mexico Technical High School hosted the NSSSA National Volleyball Tournament Finals.

The San Pedro High School Boys were able to secure second place beating Wesley College in the first match to compete with Toledo Community College in the finals, but the boys from TCC stood their ground to capture the first place Trophy.

San Pedro High School Female Volleyball Team

The San Pedro High School girls had the hard task of confronting last year’s national champ from St. Catherine Academy in the first match. The SCA girls proved to be too much for the San Pedro High girls which lead them to play against Sacred Heart College in the second match which they also lost, taking fourth place. St. Catherine Academy took first place in the female competition.

Participating schools in the finals included:

*North: Female - San Pedro High School (SPHS) & Male - San Pedro High School (SPHS)

*Central: Female - St. Catherine Academy (SCA) & Male - Wesley College (WES)

*West: Female - Sacred Heart College (SHC) & Male: Belmopan Comprehensive High School (BCHS)

*South: Female - Ecumenical College (EC) & Male - Toledo Community College (TCC)

Female Champions: St. Catherine Academy – Central

Male Champions: Toledo Community College – South

Female MVP: SCA – Emma Hoare

Male MVP: TCC – Denver Lino

Ambergris Today Now Provides Daily News Service

2010-11-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ambergris Today with David Marin at Reef Radio Morning Show

Ambergris Today is proud to announce its switch from a weekly newspaper to a fully electronic E-newspaper with now DAILY updates on News and Information important to you. No more waiting for news every Thursday, get your information Now. Same website - New Look. www.ambergristoday.com

Guess what? Right after our official announcement on the Reef Radio Morning show - due to the Extreme amount of traffic to our new updated website this morning our server was not ready to handle that HUGE amount of traffic to our site. Thus the Server went down. WOW! Can you believe it! We are working on getting it back online. Sorry for the inconvenience. We are working on it FAST! THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

Murder Suspect Released

2010-11-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

The manhunt continues for the murderer of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez as last night's apprehension of a murder suspect turned out to be a bust. The man who was detained in Caye Caulker and brought to San Pedro late last night for questioning was able to provide to the San Pedro Police Department enough evidence that he is a new visitor to Belize. According to Police, the man was very cooperative and shortly after his detainment he was released and transported back to the island of Caye Caulker. The Police Department continues its intensive search for more evidence for the possible identification of Gomez's murderer.

Murder Suspect Apprehended

2010-11-05T18:06:00.001-07:00

A prime suspect in the murder of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez murder case is tonight in custody of the San Pedro Police Department. The Caucasian man, of short stature, husky body, long sandy blonde hair was apprehended in Caye Caulker earlier today and was brought to San Pedro around 6:30pm on board the last Caye Caulker Water Taxi shuttle to the island. Police have not identified the man or confirmed that he is the murderer, but he is the prime suspect of the murder.

Police Seek Missing Items of Murder Victim Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

2010-11-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

The San Pedro Police Department has released information about two items that have been reported missing, belonging to the late Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez. These items include a silver Panasonic LUMIX HD Digital Camera and a Nokia N96 Cell Phone (pictured below).

NOKIA N96 Slide Phone

Silver Panasonic LUMIX HD Camera

The San Pedro Police Department is now seeking assistance from the public in the recovery or identification of the missing items or identifying individuals in possession of them. Information given to the Police Department will be kept confidential and used cautiously. Any assistance rendered to the Police Department will be greatly appreciated and an asset to the department to solve this heinous crime. Contact the San Pedro Police Department at 226-2022, 922 or 1-800-922-TIPS.

Official Post Mortem Report

Dr. Mario Estradaban’s post mortem examination report on the body of Spanish National Maria Antonia Gomez Plaza indicates that the cause of death is due to strangulation. Two persons are detained and third person is being sought who can help the Police solve this recent murder. Plaza’s partially nude body showed signs of violence and a belt was found around her neck, believed to be the instrument used to strangulate her.

Family members of Plaza will be transporting her body back home, but the police are still conducting an intense investigation to capture her murderer and bring that person to justice. Plaza was last seen in the company of a stock man on Coconut Drive, less than half a mile from Corona del Mar Hotel where she was staying.

Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood, Belize Police Press Officer had this to say to Marion Ali of News 5 in Belize City:

“Well the person we are looking for is of Caucasian decent. The persons that we have detained, at some point during her stay on the island, they were seen either communicating with her or in actually moving around with her on the island with at least one of the two persons that we have detained. What we’re asking is that if members of the community know this person that we are looking for, if they can come forward and just assist us, even if it’s just for identification purpose—just for us to know who we are actually looking for that would help and go a long way. People who actually saw this woman on the island and made this photo available, they would remember who they saw her with and we are asking them to come forward so as not to prejudice the case for identification purposes.”

Local Building Authority Meeting on Monday

2010-11-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

NOTICE

The Ambergris Caye Local Building Authority is having a meeting on Monday, November 8, 2010, to be held at the Lion's Den at 7:00p.m. Draftsmen and Contractors are encouraged to attend as very important matters will be discussed about construction requirements, contractor's licenses and construction application forms.

Archaeological Reserves Entrance Fee Increase

2010-11-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) hereby informs the general public and its tourism stakeholders that in accordance with Statutory Instrument #40 of 2010, Gazetted 1st May 2010, the NICH Board of Directors has approved the following entrance fee increase to the Archaeological Reserves.

For sites in TABLE 1 below, the following fee increase will

become effective on 1st June 2011.

TABLE 1
Archaeological Reserves	Resident Admission	Non Resident Admission
Nim Li Punit	$10.00	$20.00
Lubaantun	$10.00	$20.00
Serpon	$10.00	$20.00
El Pilar	$10.00	$20.00
Barton Creek	$20.00	$20.00
Actun Tunichil Muknal	$50.00	$50.00
Caracol	$15.00	$30.00
Cerro Maya	$10.00	$20.00
Santa Rita	Free	Free

For sites in TABLE 2 below, the following fee increase will

become effective on 1st October 2011.

TABLE 2
Archaeological Reserves	Resident Admission	Non Resident Admission
Cahal Pech	$10.00	$20.00
Xunantunich	$10.00	$20.00
Altun Ha	$10.00	$20.00
Lamanai	$10.00	$20.00
No Hoch Cheen	$20.00	$20.00

The Institute of Archaeology, NICH takes this opportunity to assure its stakeholders that we will continue our efforts to create exciting destinations that will make a positive contribution to the tourism industry in Belize. We would like to reinforce our commitment to ensure equal access to the reserves by all users and to continue developing the appropriate infrastructures that are reasonably necessary for the full enjoyment of our archaeological parks.

Saga's Pet of the Week!Clk

2010-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Click to Enlarge

Reward Being Offered!

2010-11-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Flowers and candles were placed to respect the memory of the late Maria Plaza Gomez

Pedro's, in conjunction with Ambergris Daily, is offering a reward of $1,000.00Bze to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person involved in the murder of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez. Anyone interested in joining this effort can kindly contact Pedro's or the Ambergris Daily. So far San Pedro Police have two persons detained for questioning of the murder case.

A Weakend TS Tomas Still a Grave Danger to Haiti

2010-11-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

From Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog (www.wunderground.com)

As this record-breaking third busiest Atlantic hurricane season in history unfolded, I marveled that earthquake-ravaged Haiti managed to dodge significant rain-making tropical storms throughout the peak months of August, September, and October. Cruel fate will not allow Haiti to escape the entire season unscathed, though, as a late-season November storm already proven to be a killer--Tomas--takes aim at Haiti.

Tomas has struggled mightily over the past few days, and is now a tropical depression. However, even if it does not reach hurricane strength, Tomas is still likely to bring heavy rains capable of causing disastrous flooding in defenseless Haiti. It doesn't take much rain to cause a flooding disaster in Haiti--ordinary seasonal heavy rains have killed 23 people in southern Haiti over the past month, including twelve people in Port-au-Prince this past weekend.

According to the Associated Press, most of last weekend's deaths occurred when surging rivers burst through houses built in ravines. With the soils already saturated from last weekend's rains, the stage is set in Haiti for a significant flooding disaster capable of causing heavy loss of life.

I believe it is 30% likely that Tomas will stay far enough west of the Haiti earthquake zone so that rains will be limited to 1 - 4 inches to the region, causing only modest flooding problems and little or no loss of life. More likely (40% chance) is the possibility of major flooding due to 4 - 8 inches of rains. Finally, I expect a 30% chance that heavier rains of 5 - 20 inches over Haiti will cause catastrophic flooding like experienced in 2008's four hurricanes. Potential flooding disasters are not possible just in the earthquake zone, but also in northern Haiti and the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. So, keep praying for the people of Haiti, they need all the help they can get.

Actor Charlie Sheen's Belize Drinking Spree

2010-11-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

PHOTO (credit: flashcity.com):

A report coming in from the Huffingtonpost.com and Life & Style is that celebrity TV actor of “Two and a Half Men” Charlie Sheen was spotted in Placencia, Belize where he embarked on a drinking spree just one week after leaving court-mandated rehab. The star has become a media spotlight after exhibiting a crazy lifestyle of alcohol and drug abuse.

A Life & Style's press release reports the following:

An eyewitness reveals to Life & Style that Charlie Sheen had fallen off the wagon much earlier than his recent NYC bust. In fact, the Two and a Half Men star embarked on a booze-filled binge in exotic Belize just one week after leaving court-mandated rehab.

After flying into the tropical village of Placencia by private jet on Wednesday, Oct. 6, Charlie hit local bar, Cozy Corner, early the next day with some friends. The actor spent the afternoon hours guzzling tequila and beer while watching a playoff baseball game on TV.

By Friday evening, Charlie was hosting a rowdy party with two male friends and six women at one of Francis Ford Coppola's lodges. "There were already at least 15 partially empty or empty wine bottles. Charlie's drink of choice was Jack Daniels on the rocks," says the eyewitness, noting that two to three bottles had been emptied before midnight. "Charlie had a rainbow of girls with him. They were there with a purpose to party."

Even as one raucous female guest smashed a full wine bottle over a railing, Charlie encouraged the debauchery. "Everybody started laughing and Charlie yelled to the bartender, 'More wine!'" says the witness. "He was heavily intoxicated."

The local resident tells Life & Style that Charlie partied through the night. "His eyes were as closed as they can be. He's professional at this. This is his lifestyle. He had definitely been drinking the whole trip."

The Cozy Corner in Placencia

Mosquito Coast Park Updated Pictures

2010-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

The San Pedro Lions Club has been working arduously ever since a set of playground equipment was donated to the Club. Its erection started a few weeks back at the Mosquito Coast Park, south of San Pedro Town. Here we see that the first slide has been completed and children already enjoying it. Lions Club members and volunteers are taking time off their weekends to continue working on the assembly. It's a great addition to the park and we thank the Lions Club for their hard work and Holy Cross Anglican School for the donation.

Missing Person Found Dead

2010-11-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 31, San Pedro Police received a report that a female flight attendant of Maya Island Air Regional had gone missing. And shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, police found the lifeless body of 37-year-old, Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez.

Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez arrived in Belize City on Friday, October 29 and told the rest of the flight crew that she would be spending the night on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. She checked in at the Corona del Mar Hotel and went out for the evening.

The body of Maria being removed from the murder site and transported to south end of island for the autopsy

It has been confirmed that Plaza Gomez was seen on Saturday night at the Holiday Hotel Halloween Party and on Sunday morning, October 31, she told hotel employees that she was going to confirm her return flight for 2:00 p.m. at the airstrip. A surveillance camera at the hotel captured Plaza Gomez leaving the premises at around 7:58 a.m.; she then stopped at the Ramon’s Village gift shop where she made a purchase and around 10:00 a.m. she reconfirmed her flight to Belize City at the Maya Island Air airstrip office.

After leaving Maya Island Air, Plaza Gomez walked back towards her hotel. News Five interviewed Mr. Arnulfo Escobar, a fruit vendor in front of Ramon’s Village, who stated that he saw Plaza Gomez with a tall Caucasian male who had long hair and carried a backpack. After she made a purchase at his fruit stall, Plaza along with her male companion, continued in the direction of her hotel south of town.

That was the last time Plaza Gomez was seen and when she did not make her flight back to the city and didn’t show up to work, Maya Island reported her missing. San Pedro Police along with Maya Island Air personnel commenced a search for Plaza Gomez and on Monday, November 1, the community of San Pedro came together distributing fliers with Plaza’s picture and posting them on lap posts around town and conducting a search around the island.

Three days after her disappearance police intensified their search and on Tuesday, November 2, shortly after 3:00 p.m. police stumbled upon the body of a female in a bushy area of a private lot located on the beachfront area which is off an alley that connects to Coconut Drive. This location is just a block away from the hotel where she was staying.

Bushes under the house's veranda where the lifeless body of Plaza Gomez was found

Maya Island personnel were quickly informed about the finding and the area was blocked by police as the area was quickly filled with onlookers. The lifeless body of Plaza Gomez was found in a bushy area under the veranda of the building covered with a floating device. The building is occupied by local businessman Mr. Dennis Sunderman.

It was confirmed to us that the body was found in a preliminary state of decomposition and was partially nude. Plaza Gomez was wearing a white tank-top blouse with dark trousers and her blouse was pulled up to her neck and her bra had been pulled down, exposing her breasts. There were many visible bruises on the body including bite marks.

It was about 6:00 p.m. when Dr. Mario Estradaban, coroner of Belize, arrived to the scene along with a forensic team of investigators. The lifeless body of Plaza was removed from the crime scene at about 8:15 p.m. and was taken to an isolated area south of Ambergris Caye, in the Boca Ciega Area, where Dr. Estradaban conducted an autopsy. The body was later transported to Belize City via the police boat where Dr. Estradaban will continue his investigations.

Plaza Gomez was violently tortured, assaulted and brutally murdered; she was not raped. Dr. Estradaban’s findings confirm that Plaza Gomez was killed at the place where she was found and the gruesome murder occurred on Sunday, October 31 sometime between 12 midday and 2:00 p.m. Police reports and Ambergris Today research confirm that this is the first murder case of the year.

Police blocked off beach front area to conduct their investigations

Beachfront home where the body of Maria was found

Police and special constables await the recovery of the body

Forensics officer Arian Jones and Special Constable Karim Maroun enter the crime scene

Resident of house talks with Police Officer

Pictures of the Crime Scene the following day

Update Breaking News

2010-11-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

San Pedro Police have discovered the body of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez on the beachfront along coconut drive at 3:30pm. Belize City Forensic is being flown to the island to perform the autopsy.

Belize Lions Zone 59 grant $10,0000 US to Hurricane Richard Victims

2010-11-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Press Release

The Belize Lions Zone 59 is pleased to announce the disbursement of a grant of US$10,0000 to be used for relief supplies to the victims of Hurricane Richard. The money was secured through the Lions Club International Foundation (LCCIF) Disaster Relief Fund which is available to any district or zone after a disaster.

Immediately after the passage of Hurricane Richard, The Belize Lions Zone 59 expressed to the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow, that as a service organization inn Belize, we were ready to assist in bringing some immediate relief too the victims of hurricane Richard.

Following the announcement of the initial assessment of the damages, The Zone Chairman, Baldemar Graniel, immediately contacted Lions International and provided them with the necessary documentation to secure the grant. On Monday November 1^st, LCIF contacted the Zone Chairman to inform him that the monies have been approved and ready for disbursement.

LCIF has a board-established grant criterion and emergency grant funds must be used only to provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, blankets, bottled water, and medical supplies for those affected by the disaster. Because monies must be utilized by the Lions, thee organization will be working very closely with the Government of Belize, through the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMMO), in identifying areas that are more in need. In the immediate days ahead, the Zone Chairman, Lion Graniel will be consulting with the Presidents of the Club to work out a methodology of disbursing relief supplies.

The LCCIF grant will complement the efforts of various other Lion s Clubs following the aftermath of Hurricane Richard. The Lions Club International Foundation, along with the Belize Lions Zone 59, continues to pledge its full support to all those Belizeans affected by Hurricane Richard and we remain committed in making our community and country a better place to live. On behalf of the Belize Lions Zone 59 and the people of Belize, we also wish to thank LCIFF for awarding us with thee much needed grant.

For more details please feel free to contact Zone Chairman Baldemar Graniel or Zone Secretary Jorge Aldana.

Contacts: Zone Chairman (501) 610‐2489,

Zone Secretary (501) 634‐1171 or (501) 662‐0143

Maya Island Regional personnel missing in San Pedro

2010-11-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

A female flight attendant of Maya Island Air Regional has gone missing and reports are that Maya Island personnel, along with Tourism Police, have been conducting a search for 37-year-old, Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez, Spanish national that went missing on Sunday, October 31.

Reports are that she arrived in Belize City at 1pm on Friday, October 29 and told the rest of the flight crew that she would be spending the night on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. She checked into Corona Del Mar hotel and went out for the evening.

Reliable sources stated that she was last seen on Saturday morning as she told hotel employees that she was going to confirm her return flight for 2:00 p.m. at Maya Island Air; this happened at 10:30am. Plaza also went on a diving trip and was last seen at a local bar, and while she did confirm her return flight earlier in the morning she never made it on the plane.

Her belongings, including her passport and money, were left in the hotel room and the Maya Island staff along with San Pedro Tourism Police have launched a search for Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez, kindly contact the San Pedro Police Department at 226-2022.

Last camera footage of Maria leaving her hotel

San Pedro Delivers Materials and Fund for Hurricane Victims

2010-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

A group of local Island residents traveled to Belize City, on Monday, November1 to Belize City and represented the community of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye as they made a donation to the Government of Belize towards Hurricane Richard victims.
Elito Arceo, Osmin Rodriguez, Councilor Pablo Ico and Jan Brown, organizing members of the San Pedro Hurricane Relief Fund, visited the studios of Love FM in Belize City where a radiothon was being carried out for the hurricane victims. On hand to receive the donation on behalf of the Government of Belize was personnel from the Belize City Red Cross.
The delegation from San Pedro handed over a purchase receipt of $21,383.00 from Benny's Home Center which included materials of plywood and zinc and a check to the amount of $5,000.00 to be used for the purchase of food and water. Benny's Home Center was very kind to offer a great discount for the materials purchased and San Pedro extends a big "Thank You" for all their help.
A Belize Bank account is still open for the collection of donations as the fund collecting group in San Pedro is still expecting some more donations to come in. Donations can be made at the Belize Bank under the "San Pedro Hurricane Relief Fund". Thanks to everybody who made donations.

Venezuela donates to hurricane relief efforts

Belmopan, November 1, 2010 The republics of Venezuela's charge d' affaires donated 1200 bottles of purified drinking water, 48 cases of tuna fish, 48 cases of chicken sausages, 48 cases of sardines, 12 cases of cereals and 24 cases of klim powdered milk to the National Emergency management Organization (NEMO).

Public Officers and Volunteers Clean Up Belmopan

Minister of Public Service and Belmopan Area Representative, Hon. John Saldivar says he and his ministry are extremely pleased at the turnout by public officers and volunteering citizens who came out over the weekend to join in a cleanup effort called by Mayor Simeon Lopez and the Belmopan City Council in conjunction with the Area Representative and the Ministry of Public Service.

Over 50 public officers and volunteers participated in the cleanup effort which took place mainly on Saturday October 30, 2010. Ad the cleanup crew moved from yard to yard, and from street to street, residents came out in the carious neighborhoods and joined in. By the end of the day, a good number of streets and neighborhoods were cleared of debris and completely cleaned up.

Elito Arceo is interviewed by Rene Villanueva at the Love FM Studios in Belize City

Mr. Sean Feinstein of Benny's Home Center facilitated a great discount on the purchase of supplies

San Pedro delegation hands purchase receipt and check to the Belize City Red Cross

Saga Halloween Fundraiser

2010-11-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Saga Humane Society held its annual Halloween fundraiser on Sunday, October 31, at BC's Beach Bar and Grill that allowed pet owners to join in the Halloween spirit with their pet palls. Pet owners had the opportunity to dress up their dogs and cats to compete for wonderful prizes collected by Saga. On the beach there were plenty of games that involved both the pet owner and their pets, including raffles and music by the famed Rompe Raja. It was a fun-filled day for everybody and another successful event for Saga.

Fantastic Halloween Bash at Holiday Hotel

2010-11-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

1st. Prize: MOST CREATIVE (Total Value of 1st. prize is $1,500.00)
* $500.00 Cash courtesy of Holiday Hotel *2 round trip tickets (SPR – TZA – SPR) courtesy of Tropic Air *1 overnight stay @ Chaa Creek for two. The package includes cottage accommodation, dinner, breakfast and activities.

We don't know if it was due to the recession and hard times, but most of this year's participants at the Holiday Hotel's Annual Halloween Costume Party clearly opted to make their own costumes as opposed to purchasing store-bought costumes. So residents of San Pedro really showcased their talent and imagination for Halloween. As always, Holiday Hotel was the premier place to be for Halloween, catering to another packed house - probably the most full it has always been. It was another great year of fantastic costumes and Halloween FUN! (More pictures on Holiday Hotel's Facebook Page)

2nd. Prize: SCARIEST
1 round trip ticket (SPR – TZA- SPR) courtesy of San Pedro Water Jets Xpress * 1 night stay @ Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina *$100.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of James Brodie & Co. Ltd.

3rd. Prize: MOST ELEGANT
$100.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of Moon Dancer *$50.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of Martha Fuller, Hair Designs

4th. Prize: FUNNIEST
1 round trip ticket (SPR – Chetumal – SPR) courtesy of San Pedro Water Jets International

5th. Prize: GROUP TEAM
3 cases of Belikin beer courtesy of Belize Brewing Co. Ltd. *1 qt. Jose Cuervo Tequila courtesy of Royal Wholesale & Retail *1 Caribbean White Rum courtesy of Cuellos Distillery

6th. Prize: MANAGER’S FAVORITE (Mad Hatter)
$100.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of Celi’s Restaurant *$50.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of Holiday Hotel’s Bar

7th. Prize: JUDGE’S FAVORITE
$100.00 Gift Certificate courtesy of Blue Water Grill

Isla Bonita Trick or Treaters Visit Ambergris Today

2010-10-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

Students of Isla Bonita Elementary School hit the streets with their Halloween costumes for some good-ole Trick or Treat fun through the streets of San Pedro. Businesses and assigned homes were more than happy to hand out some goodies to the children.

Debbie and Larry Share Popsicles at R.C. School once Again!

2010-10-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

The faces of Debbie and Larry Heimgartner shine bright with smiles as they enter each classroom at the San Pedro Roman Catholic School, along with them is Mr. Manuel Delvalle of Manelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. They are back once again giving out over 1,000 paletas (popsicles) to each student and teacher at the primary school. The students, like always, are delighted with the treat the Debbie and Larry bring along with them during their school visits. Year after year the generous couple purchases popsicles for the children from Manelly’s and joyfully share with the school children. Thank you Debbie and Larry; it’s great to see you guys once again. And Happy Birthday Wishes to Debbie who celebrates her birthday this weekend.

Halloween Fun at Island Academy

2010-10-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

The students at Island Academy went to school this morning all dressed up in their Halloween costumes for a fun day that started with a costume competition during morning assembly. Ambergris Today was a guest judge and students from each class were awarded with the Most Creative, Scariest, Funniest and Fairest Maiden title. It was such a wonderful event as each student put time an effort to look their best for Halloween at Island Academy. Happy Halloween

The staff and faculty of Island Academy joined in the fun as well

Students took numbers for the judging

San Pedro High is the Male and Female Northern Regional Volleyball Champion

2010-10-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

While Hurricane Richard had no effects in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk, the San Pedro High School Male and Female Volleyball teams did have devastating effects on the northern high schools as they pounded them with spikes of hurricane strength.

On Saturday October 23, 2010, the eve of Hurricane Richard, San Pedro High School traveled to Orange Walk to participate in the Volleyball Northern Regional Tournament.

Teams participating in the tournament included in the female division—Escuela Mexico, Orange Walk Technical, San Pedro High and Belize Rural High. The male division featured Corozal Community College, Orange Walk Technical, San Pedro High and New Hope High School.

In the first Match Orange Walk Technical girls easily defeated Escuela Mexico girls and advanced to the finals. San Pedro High girls took the court and easily defeated Belize Rural High School by three sets to nil. The finals in the female division would feature San Pedro High against Orange Walk Technical High School.

In the male division, Orange Walk Technical and San Pedro played the game that everyone was saying should have been the final. It was a five set match and even in the 5th and final set, no one could tell which team would win as both teams kept exchanging the lead throughout. In the fifth set with Technical on the lead by 13 to 12, San Pedro High Boys took over, led by their MVP, Guillermo Rivero they managed to close the door on Technical. San Pedro High emerged victorious by 3 sets to 2. In the second match in the male division, New Hope easily defeated C.C.C. and advance to the finals to meet San Pedro High.

In the female finals, San Pedro High girls easily defeated Orange Walk Technical girls by the following scores—25 - 21, 25 – 12, 25 – 14, to become the Northern Regional Champions for the second time in the history of the school. San Pedro High boys took the court and also had a fairly easy victory over New Hope High School by the following scores – 25 -14, 25 -23, 18 – 25 and 25 -16.

The boys made history at San Pedro High since it was the first time that San Pedro High wins the NSTA championship in the male division. Not so for the girls because they are repeating another victory as they did only two years ago.

As NSTA champions, SPHS goes to the National Volleyball Tournament in Corozal on November 5 and 6 to face the other regional champions. Their hope is to emerge as the National Champion, a title that has eluded San Pedro High for years.

Congratulations go out to all the players, coaches, manager and Sports Coordinator for another successful tournament.

Guillermo Rivero

Gabriela Nuñez

Crocodiles Invade DFC Community

2010-10-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

    Residents of the DFC Area are worried about the constant sightings of crocodiles looming in the neighborhood and are afraid that these animals will one day attack a person. DFC resident, Francis Eiley submitted these pictures to Ambergris Today after he and his neighbors managed to capture one that attempted to cross the street. They properly secured the animal and returned it to the wild away from the neighborhood.
    "They keep coming back," commented Francis Eiley. "The same crocodile was spotted in the are not to long ago after we put it in the mangrove."
    Francis says that he has spotted more crocodiles underneath his neighbor's house and is very concerned that they will become problematic for the area residents. He mentioned that one crocodile has eaten a neighborhood dog and maybe others that he is not aware of.
    "Neighbors are constantly afraid of an attack at any time and we are hoping the proper authorities can do something about this and come to help us."

Ambergris Today and Periodico Por Esto

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Gerry just came back from a long trip to Merida, Yucatan, were he got the opportunity to visit the offices and press shop of the highly distributed Mexican Por Esto Newspaper. He was given a tour of the place and learned how things run over there with a daily publication. Here he is with a copy of the Por Esto Newspaper and his cousin Romario with a copy of Ambergris Today which he took for his family to read up on San Pedro.

Belize Audubon Society announces closure of two National Parks

2010-10-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Closure of Guanacaste National Park and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park due to damage suffered during Hurricane Richard.

Belize City, Belize, Thursday, October 28, 2010 - On October 24th the passing of Hurricane Richard had disastrous impacts on the country of Belize. Our protected areas were not spared; two of the most affected protected areas are Guanacaste National Park and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Both sites incurred tremendous damage with large amounts of trees having fallen. The closure of these protected areas is necessary for the safety of all concerned as damages have made most trails impassable and dangerous. The Belize Audubon Society will issue a public notice informing the public of the re-opening of these protected areas. We ask that all citizens and visitors be advised of this notice.

San Pedro/Belize at El Salvador!

2010-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Belize Embassy at El Salvador was kind enough to send these great images to Ambergris Today of activities involving Belize and the Belize Embassy over there.

1. This first one is of the Belize Embassy participating in the ASI Expo (Asociaciòn Salvadoreña de Industriales en su sexta Congreso y Feria 2010)

2. Here we see the San Pedro Veterans Football team at El Salvador playing with the National Selection “82” of El Salvador. San Pedro won a 3 to 2 ball game.Congratulations guys!

3. Celie Paz de Gonzalez, Belize Ambassador to El Salvador, got a hold of the latest issue of the Ambergris Today Newspaper from the San Pedro Veterans team and took the opportunity to share these two pictures with us. Thank you Mrs. Celie!

Belize Student Tops CSEC for First Time

2010-10-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- For the first time, a student from Belize is the Most Outstanding Candidate Overall in the Region in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) May/June examinations. He is Dorien Villafranco of St. John’s College in Belize City.

Dorien won the award for 2010 by achieving 15 Grade Is at one sitting. He achieved Grade I in Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, English A, English B, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Religious Education, Social Studies, Spanish, Physical Education and Sport and Human and Social Biology.

Dorien achieved A on all is his Profile Grades, except in Caribbean History and Integrated Science in which he received one ‘B’ each.

She`niele Grant of Wolmers Girls’ School, Jamaica receives the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Business Education. She achieved Grade I in 11 subjects, including five business subjects with all A Profiles. The five business subjects are Economics, Information Technology, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business. She`niele also achieved Grade I in Chemistry, English A, English B, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish.

Two other students from Jamaica have won CSEC awards. Ayala Bennett of Ardenne High School is the recipient of the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Humanities. Ayala achieved Grade I in 11 subjects including six Humanities subjects - Caribbean History, English B, French, Geography, Social Studies and Spanish. She also achieved Grade I in English A, Information Technology, Mathematics, and Human and Social Biology.

The other Jamaican student to receive a prize this year is Adrian Kellyman of Seaforth High School. Adrian wins the award for the Most Outstanding Performance in Visual Arts, 2-Dimensional work. Adrian produced a piece of work in the Imaginative Composition Section entitled “The City Dump.” The piece depicts various scenes and activities in a city dump.
The other Visual Arts award goes to Hemawati Lochansing, a student of Rio Claro West Secondary School, Trinidad and Tobago. Hemawati receives the award for the Most Outstanding Performance in Visual Arts, 3-Dimensional work. She designed and produced a container for saving coins. Using ceramics, the container was designed in the shape of a tree trunk with two iguanas looking over the opening for the coins.

Oliver Maynard of Presentation Boys’ College, Grenada receives the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Technical/Vocational Education. Oliver achieved Grade I in 10 subjects, Grade II in one subject and Grade III in one subject. He achieved Grade I in three Technical/Vocational subjects – Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing and Electrical and Electronic Technology. Oliver also achieved Grade I in Biology, Chemistry, English A, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics and Principles of Business. He achieved Grade II in Caribbean History and Grade III in Spanish.

Navindra Baldeo of Queen’s College, Guyana wins the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Sciences. Navindra achieved 12 subjects at Grade I and one subject at Grade II. He achieved Grade I in six Science subjects – Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Information Technology, Integrated Science and Physics. He also achieved Grade I in English A, English B, Geography, Electronic Document Preparation and Management and Human and Social Biology, and Grade II in French.

The prize for the Best Short Story in the English A examination goes to Zoie Hamilton of Washington Archibald High School, St Kitts and Nevis. Zoie’s story is entitled “Grasping Death” and is based on the stimulus: it was the middle of the mathematic class. Mrs. Taylor our teacher suddenly collapsed and sprawled unconscious on the floor. It was terrifying...

As a result of Dorien’s performance St John’s College will receive the CSEC School of the Year award, a prize which was held by Queen’s College, Guyana for the last four consecutive years.

The awards was were approved last Thursday 21st October 2010 at the meeting of the Sub-Committee of the School Examinations Committee (SUBSEC) held at the Barbados Beach Club.
Awardees will receive their prizes at a ceremony scheduled for Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday 2nd December 2010. The prize package includes a full scholarship to the University of the West Indies, monetary prizes, plaques and books.

Holiday Hotel's Annual Halloween Party This Weekend!

2010-10-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

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