Exporting must comply with international standards

In recent expression had pointed that global Recent figures have indicated that the global food and beverage industry is rising at 3.5 percent per annum and is estimated to worth more than US$7 trillion this year.

Mentioning to those statistics, Executive Director of Caribbean Export Development Agency, Pamela Coke Hamilton, mentioned that her agency understood clearly that in order for CARIFORUM settles in that industry is to hold and raise their share of the global market, which they must be well equipped to enter the export markets and maintain a competitive edge. The meeting took place at the Hilton Hotel On Thursday where Her comments came during the Regional Food Safety Preparedness Meeting

One of the example that was used of the EU market, Coke Hamilton wrote down that while having successfully completed the Economic Partnership Agreement that was given products from the boundaries duty-free quota-free market access to the European Union, it is important that such products meet the standards of the importing country.

“This is increasingly true given emerging global food safety requirements. For CARIFORUM food and agro producers, merely stating that our food products are of a high quality is insufficient to satisfy the demands of consumers and government abroad,” she warned.

She mentioned that when exporting, every product  must meet a number of requirements and standards for food and food products, the difference from country to country. The Caribbean Export head written down that in addition to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) quantity, exporters must also meet the technical barriers to trade requirements which cover such areas as food labelling, nutritional claims and packaging, which have implications for the Caribbean private sector.

The Executive Director contended that unless regional firms comply with international standards, they will be forced to the local and regional markets, which are also open to imports which create competition for those products.

“It is therefore required that all players with the command to support the private sector development must play their role in getting our securely equipped to pass through export markets. Firms need to be made aware of the issues that affect them, they need financial and technical assistance with meeting the new and emerging global food safety requirements and they also need continued efforts at both export development and promotion,” she added.

Coke Hamilton’s comments came to her as she wrote down that several CARIFORUM securely that have already been achieved success in the export market. Among them, she declear are Banks Holdings from Barbados, Marie Sharpe from Belize and Baron Foods from St. Lucia, which were awarded the coveted Taste 13 Award at ANUGA 2013 – the largest food and beverage trade show in the world. She said their accomplishment should be hymn as only 54 of 7000 companies exhibiting products at ANUGA received that award.

“This is testimony to the fact that we have world class brands doing business every day in our region. International buyers were impressed with the value added and differentiation displayed among our companies… Success stories like these indicate that we can compete at the global level. It should also motivate us to do our utmost to ensure that more firms can have similar stories which in the end can only auger well for regional economic growth. What’s left is for us to put all the structures in place whether it is at the policy, the business support, or firm level, to truly reap the benefits,” the Caribbean Export head added.

Dean Barrow Leaves the country for personal duties

The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country on personal/duty leave during the period 27th May – 3rd June, 2014, to Houston, Texas and Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture will act as Prime Minister from 27th – 31st May, 2014 and the Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security will act as Prime Minister from 31st May, 2014, until his return on 3rd June, 2014.

Export Market secured by Qualter Hall to help Belize

YORKSHIR an engineer resolute is assisting to create a rope-hauled railway system, as the export market share grows. Since 1860 Barnsley-based Qualter Hall was developed and for most of its history, assisted services for the depth mining industry. In the past recent years, the company, which has £20m in accountant and 140 staff, has distributed into specialist machinery sectors, to help it to fight off the threat from overseas competitors, and move forward into global markets.

International orders now account for more than 25 per cent of Qualter Hall’s total business.

It has secured work on a rope hauled its tension railway system which is bound for South Korea.

Other international projects include the design and supply of specialist road bridges for Indonesia and Belize, mining equipment for Morocco, shipyard machines for plate bending and forming for Baku, China, Korea and the US.

Qualter Hall has previously completed a major project to design, manufacture, supply, install and commission the operating package for the 50m long swing footbridge at Shoreham in West Sussex. Qualter Hall’s manager director, George Orton, said: “Qualter Hall’s strength is its dedicated, experienced and highly skilled personnel.We also continue to implement an apprenticeship programme which allows us to bring additional employment opportunities to young budding engineers and tradesmen of South Yorkshire.

“Over the last number of years, we have strategically and carefully invested over £8m in our company through acquisitions, and extending our facilities for both carbon steel and stainless steel manufacture.

He added: “From this position of strength, we will strive to move forward with our ongoing business plans and objectives.”

June 1st Opening for Hurricane season approaching

Hurricane season is coming to a beginning on June 1st and ending on November 30. In order to be prepared for a hurricane you must listen to your radio, prepare for floods, listen to shelter areas, carry your personal disaster kit, protect your pet.

On NHC the weather advice an update on Amanda late yesterday.  It weakened yesterday to a maximum wind forty miles per hour wind.

But what will happen in the future days? Well on the look at the Pacific ocean on Friday Morning (today) where there is a disturbance.  It was formed few hundred miles southeastern of Mexico.
It is a low organized activity, environment conditions will produced for changing development will form during the next few days as it moves toward the Northward occurring over Panama and westward of Columbia. The cyclone has a small chance to become a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. In the next five days it has a medium chance for development.

There will be rain this weekend as the development drifts over Campeche, Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Central America as a low pressure system. As the days come their will systems forming on the over the Caribbean by next week. As the Caribbean and the elsewhere are preparing for Hurricane season it is now the time to start looking at weather closely. 


The hurricane season named for 2014 are Arthur, Berta, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hannah, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, Wilfred. 


For El Nino Will be active during summer and Fall. So everyone keep an update of the future forecast. 

Here are some few tips after a Hurricane 

• remain at home or shelter
• beware of lose wires
• stay away from danger or disaster areas, building and flooded areas
• take extra fire precaution 
• report broken sewers and min to the Belize Water Services Ltd.
• check refrigerated food for spoilage. 
• drive carefully roads may have been substantially weakened.

listen to the radio for information about:

• places to go receive relief aid and shelter 
• where to go for emergency aid shelter, food and cloths. 

Are you ready for a Hurricane season?

Watch- Conditions are possible, usually within 36 hours.

Warning- Hurricane conditions are expected, usually within 24 hours. 

Do not listen to rumors! Stay at home if you know if you deem safe. If not, go to a safer place of refuge, such as designated shelter.  

Crime Stopper meeting held in San Pedro

Crime is rising and the tourist among our community is decreasing. What can we do to decrease crime? This is a question all are asking. Today, we as the community should work together as one. The more guns are heard the more we as a community will continue fighting against crime. It is the observation of the community  to watch the area of their neighbor; where they live in the area. 

On Thursday May 28^th a meeting was held in Lion’s Den along with the Ex-officer Rudolph Orio regarding COPS. As members from businesses, teachers, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, council members, OC Castellanos and the public attended the meeting. Orio was working with the community to stop crime in Belize from 1988- 1997. 

  Orio explained the only way this could stop is to let the community work together and ensure the crime should stop now. People need to be aware of their surrounding and not being to comfort only making money. The island is divided by zone areas where community watch is being work to make this island safer.

According to Rudolph Orio he wants this program to be well structured program within the community. Having the boots around town to lessen the crime. Volunteer's will be trained with law basic procedure and observation technique's. While on training no citizen will have the empowerment to arrest people but only to use the intelligent and observation. 

Crime in Belize is one big problem and not only Belize. A recent meeting Mayor Daniel attended with other Mayor's in the Caribbean, they tried to organized a job creation to lessen the crime. Crime statics where discussed throughout the Caribbean region. Crime is not only being seen in Belize but around the world. 

It is not only the job of the police 100%, but the help of the public to report any suspiciousness being seen in the island.  As each council and officer in charged,  including the Mayor made their speech. It was a tight meeting between the speakers and the people argument discussion on how children could avoid this type of problems, especially when the town is dealing with the drugs, alcohol, and other drug uses.

 It was mentioned by the Minister of Health that an insights program was made for the children in school three years ago. A contract is made with the school when a child made an first time offence. It is then taken to the Minister of Education if a drug is caught in school. One person said in the meeting, Where are the drugs? everyone knows where is drugs but police has not done anything about it. Orio mentioned you should reported it immediately to the police if any drug where seen in their area.  

OC Castellanos explained that the volunteer persons should atleast volunteer for 4 hours a week. He will work with the community if they participate. Orio is begging the community to step up and stand up for the community to make the island safer all he needs is the help. If you would like join the meeting and would like to  here more about Crime Stopper in San Pedro join the group meeting in San Pedro for updates please contact Facebook: Footprints for Peace Belize. 

P.U.P Minister Marcial Mes dies in car crash

As a Belizean Leader politician and a member of the People's United Party, Minister Marcial Mes severed as a Minister on Rural Development and Culture from 1998- 2001, in 2001- 2003 he entered in  Rural Development, Minister of Human Development, Local Government, and Labour from 2003 to dated 2005.

On May 26, 2014, Mes died in a road traffic accident in the rural Toledo District, Leader of the main opposition People’s United Party (PUP), Francis Fonseca has paid condolence to former minister Marcial Mes, after his death announcement. 

Sixty-Five year old Mes along with his neighbor Mario Caal from San Marcos, 46, were  heading home in Punta Gorda when Mes was driving his green pick up Toyota, while driving in the area of Yemeri Grove village, Mes lost control of his vehicle and head on to a cement culvert. It happened in the wee hours at 1:15am on May 26th 2014. They sustained serious injuries. Police are investigating and unwilling to give any feedback. Mes leaves to mourn his wife and six children.

According to Francis Fonseca “He was the first full Mayan Belizean to serve in the cabinet, something he was always proud of and we will remember him most of all his absolute dedication to the people on the Southern Belize."He was an educator as well. Many people will forget that he was a teacher and a principal in Toledo. So he has lived a very, very good life, a life of service to his country, a life of service to his people in Toledo and a life of service to our party."

Civil Society makes an observed relation on Economy Development in the Caribbean and pacific islands

A task taken from the United States of America has issued an procedure statement for the SIDS Final Preparation Committee Meeting being held in June of 2014 at the United Nations Department of of Sustainable Development (NY) Concerning new voluntary engaging  and partnerships for  sustainable development, climate change and creation of global partnerships to help raise biodiversity and economy in the small Island Developing states SIDS.  

The procedure statement issued to the United Nations Department of Sustainable Development from Cary Lee Peterson one of the main NGO represent-or to the UN (United Nations) and accredited IGO represent-or to European Parliament understanding details on the plans that are being performed and arrange by major groups and Civil Society  the act of process at the United Nations and European Parliament, which are theme  supporters for groups, being aware, and post-2015 de

velopment on sustainable energy solutions, anti-corruption and human trafficking, sustainable housing, and economic development in Mariana Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Mauritius, Guinea Bissau, Belize, Guyana, Samoan Islands, Micronesia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

Peterson's action plan for SIDS solution Recent and future development for international trading commerce between the Asia-Pacific, Americas, Persian Gulf, and Eastern Europe to create job opportunities through great extent supply by chains for export and import goods, energy efficiency solutions, rural development, in addition to more educational programs on human rights and social development within local communities.

Major groups, as ECCO2-GP continues to create new ideas, delivered from civil society engage and launch of partnerships to raise awareness through forums, meetings, and conferences as 2014 Third International Conference on Small Islands Developing States tht will be held from 1st - 4th of September 2014 in Faleata Sports Complex in Apia, Independent State of Samoa. 

Belize is listed as one of the "World's Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2014

The section Travel of AARP.com, one of the popular website on the internet has selected Belize the world’s best honeymoon destination for 2014.

The writer, Andrea M Rotondo described Belize as follows:

Located in Central America, Belize is an incredibly compelling honeymoon destination for three simple reasons: it is closer proximity to the United States (a two-hour flight from Miami), the weather is (around 84 degrees daily year-round), and the 190-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef, which is easily accessible along the coast and a wildly popular spot for snorkeling and scuba trips, fishing excursions and romantic sunset cruises. Belize attracts a variety of honeymooners, from nature lovers, history buffs and diving fanatics to zip-liners, cave (river) tubers and their's those who simply prefer to sit on the beach at a resort with drink in their hand.
Belize was the only country in Central America that made it on the list.

The other countries New Zealand, Cancun Mexico, Maldives, Bali, Thailand, Saint Lucia, The Caribbean and Croatia were the other countries that were recommended as the best honeymoon destinations to travel for this year.

On December 2013 Belize was ranked among Google's most search honeymoons spot. On the last update on AARP.com wrote an article of Belize on their website was in 2010 when they suggested our country as one of the best retire which entitled "Best Places to Retire Abroad."

According to AARP Belize is listed among one of the "World's Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2014.
To learn more about Belize best Honeymoon check out the website here: http://bit.ly/1m9WduE

Dr. Healy exploring Belize Maya site and explains his passion

Ancient Maya people where known by the one's that predicted the calendar, made pottery's, exchange products and much more. One of the significant discoveries that Dr. Paul Healy has uncovered, there is one that stands out in his mind.

In the late 1980s the archaeologist and his team found a Maya site in Belize an eight-foot limestone monument. Which is Carved into its surface with an image of a Mayan king, seated with a huge headdress adorning his head.

The monument was dated back to 450 AD and Around it was carved in text the story of the king. 

This structure piece is one of many that Trent University professor had search while working in the field during his fourty year career. He is typically the rank expert on the Maya culture and recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers at the Maya the Lago Conference in North Carolina back in April. 

He received the distinguished award which he joins the ranks of two Maya Archeologists, one is a Yale professor and the other is an Archeologist which is working for National Geographic. 

The ceremony was joined by Dr. Healy by several colleague and former students who have learnt under his instructions at Trent.

The award was a nice way to end a career in which Dr. Healy leaves shortly. He is officially retired since July of last year, but he stayed on at Trent for another year to teach a course.

"It's nice to be honoured by your colleagues. It was very fun to see everyone. There were students there from the 1970s to present. But it really gave me a chance to thank my wife for her support and the great colleagues I've worked with." He said.

The question is, ''Is This The End?'' Dr. Healy Helped Us Debunk The Claims That The Maya Predicted The World Would End In 2012

It is not possible to ignore the comperance between Dr. Healy and Hollywood's famous archeologist played by Harrison Ford. Few even call him Peterborough's Indiana Jones. He chuckles at the thought and smiles, admitting he kind of gets a kick out of the comparison.

"The funny thing is when those movies came out we would get double or triple the enrollment into archaeology courses," quips.

 Dr. Healy passion for archaeology began At an early age. He was Born near Boston, Massachusetts,his father who was a civil engineer and his mother who worked at home, Dr. Healy  remembered a Grade 5 trip to a museum which harden his interest in all things old. As his classmates wandered through the museum, Dr. Healy was amazed on the Egyptian exhibits.

"I just kept looking at the artifacts. It was fascinating and I remember thinking that I couldn't believe how old the artifacts were," says Dr. Healy.

Clearly he wanted to follow archaeology as a profession from a young age allowed Dr. Healy to chose the courses he needed in school to accomplish his goal.

It was until he was a senior at the University of California, Berkeley that Dr. Healy chose which area of archaeology he wanted to focus on. He was the only undergrad to join graduate students and a professor on a field assignment in Mexico. It was there his fascination inspired him with the Maya cultural was born. This obsession of sorts that has led Dr. Healy on many archaeological search in Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico. Also he has worked in Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and the United States.

Dr. Healy had work to five published books authored by about the Maya culture and  wrote more than 50 articles or book chapters on American archaeology.

One of His first published paper focused on a search in Honduras as a Harvard graduate student in 1974. He was exploring a cave and discovered ceramic materials dating back to 1,000 BC.

Dr. Healy came to Trent not shortly after the university had opened. He spotted the job posting and applied. He was fascinated by the department that consisted of young archaeologists like himself. He fit the form because at the time university officials were looking for a professor with experience in Central America.

Dr. Healy and his wife Doreen moved to Peterborough and had two kids. He says he plans on sticking around after his wife retires from YWCA this summer.

"I've enjoyed teaching, but it's time to move on to do other things," says Dr. Healy.

 That's sad news for current archaeology students who are learning from one of the greatest Maya experts. Fourth-year student Brittany Cleminson said, Dr. Healy is a phenomenal teacher whose passion about archaeology comes across in spades when he's in front of a class.

"He effectively conveys his interest in the subject and it's great because you know he is the expert."says Ms Cleminson.

For Dr. Healy, teaching it was a way to bring his field experience back to the desire minds that were craving the knowledge he possessed. It allowed him to trust and share his enthusiasm about archaeology.

And that absurbing is more than evident when you talk with Dr. Healy. There's an excitement in his voice when he speaks about artifacts and discoveries he has made.

"It makes you feel excited when you find something and then try to determine what you found and how it fits into the bigger puzzle," says Dr. Healy.

Jim Incledon travel to Belize in search of the mammoth crocodile

The show from Animal Planet The Men Who Jump Off Buildings-indie, Double Act has been authorized  by Animal Planet to to film an hour-long documentary in search for a killer crocodile.

Monster Croc- Camerman Jason Giberti and Jim Incledon (Search For A Killer) will follow wildlife travel to Belize in search for the mammoth crocodile, tap Croczilla.

The pair made a career out of examining and solving human and animal battle  in some of the world's most remote regions. In the film production they will need to race and capture footage of crocodile before the local poaching can kill it. 

The documentary film is set to air in June on Discovery Animal Planet UK. Double Act's, The producer's are Alastair Cook and Krishna San Nicholas for Animal Planet. 

Cook is also the co-founder of Double Act the company said which increase exclusive access to interview locals who had survived the Croczilla attacks.

“Double Act has built its reputation on delivering daring and often dangerous-to-make programmes, so heading into the depths of the Belize jungle to hunt down a killer crocodile proved no exception,”  he said.

 Double Act are responsible for a range of shows including the recent shows Dead Famous DNA and C4's science series. 

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest

May 15 - The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee is pleased to announce the winner for the 2014 logo competition is entry #7 by Keron Tzul! We believe that this logo is a diverse representation of the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest, and also incorporates aspects of our beloved home, Caye Caulker. We are working closely with the artist to finalize the official draft of the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2014 logo, and will posting that in the coming days! We will keep you updated on the latest Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2014!

San Pedro Tiger Sharks VS Orange Walk on Basketball competition

On Saturday May 17th,2014 the Basketball San Pedro Tiger Sharks VS Orange Walk play-off game was interesting.  It was week 14 of the NEBL San Pedro VS Orange Walk Running Rebels. It took place at the Angel Auditorium. 

 On the first quarter the Tiger sharks made  lead to their score. as much as Orange Walk tried to battle up to score, at the end of first quarter the game was scored San Pedro Tigers Shark 29-9 Running Rebels. On second quarter the game got more interested at the end of the game it was scored at Tiger sharks 46-24 Running Rebels. On Third Quarter San Pedro Tiger Sharks 67-35 Running Rebels. On fourth quarter the San  San Pedro Tiger Shark manage to win this game leaving Orange Walk Running Rebels to 60. 

at the end of the game fans of San Pedro Tiger Sharks cheered for their team. It was a interesting game to watch.  On last weeks game San Pedro Tiger Sharks went to Dangriga to play against the Dangriga Warriors that won the game. 

Here are some picture's and videos below: 

Here some video's from the Basketball that took place on Saturday night

"AJI TAPA" Restaurant in San Pedro, Belize

I will take you to an adventure very unique located 2.5 miles North in San Pedro. Aji Tapa Restaurant is located right on the beach. The entrance is a stone design on the roadside with a unique wood design looking like a pirate style. As you head inside on the west side, the jungle walk to the beach is very nice, to the great atmosphere this restaurant is very quiet  and you get to see iguana's on the property. This includes  Bella Vista Guest Homes, a four casita boutique resort located 2.5 miles north of San Pedro inside Aji Tapa premises. It has full equipped furniture, wifi, cable, air-conditioning and kitchen. The garden has a walk way very clean and maintained. 

Aji Tapa is a perfect venue for rehearsal dinners, working meetings, weddings and other intimate gatherings. The restaurant is open all day serving throughout the afternoon, with happy hour from 1p.m. to 4p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, but walk-ins are always welcome.The food is amazing to try with a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine – a mixture of Italian, Spanish and Argentinean flavors. 

For more/reservations:
Phone: 501-226-4047
Bella Vista/Aji Website

Here are some photo's:

Bowen & Bowen explains the Shortage of Coke in Belize

For those who are a coke lover and some just drink it on a hot day, to the famous Beer "Belikin"  of Belize nothing can go wrong with it. The bad news, for several months the company is in a shortage of coke and an amount of usual quantities,  in the high quantity glass bottle is neither available and its several processing. 

Back in 2013 the stores noticed a sudden decrease on the amount of coke that were usually bought. The company is one of the largest in Belize, which was rumored that the company was being shut down. A press-Released was then issued on July 2nd of last year which the rumor was just a false concern. The main fact is that the company is going through an upgrading on their systems.

The company Bowen & Bowen Limited, that gain the franchise more than ten years ago which is now one of Belize's largest employer, in the recent upgrade to their plant in Ladyville which had led to a slow production.

According Christelle Wilson,  Under the legal counsel and public relations officer for Bowen & Bowen, mentioned that the glass versions of Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Belikin, Guinness and Lighthouse are effected as well as Crystal Water but their's not really a shortage on the list above. 

Their is a replacement to the company's older parts which was brought in a new equipment. Meanwhile only Coke, Fanta and Sprite are available in the plastic bottles and sufficient beer stored to last until June, where normal operations resume. Later this year the new upgrade of the plastic bottles will take place. 

Everyone are asked to drink beer responsibly.

Dennis Eiley Chopped Multiple times in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk

Orange Walk police report this morning at around 8:30a.m. a victim identified as Dennis Eiley owner of the Prestige Block Factory in Carmelita Village, while being at his workplace in the Block factory three men arrived asking for the owner Mr. Eiley. 

The three men attacked him, chopped him multiples times. Eiley is now hospitalized at the Northern Regional Hospital and is in stabled condition. 

Preceding Information suggest that Eiley was robbed $3,000 dollars, the proceeds of the sale of a horse which he had just sold.  Police Orange Walk are on the look out for three attackers. 

A view from Coco Beach Resort San Pedro, Belize

I had the opportunity to visit Coco Beach and the resort is absolutely lovely. The resort is just 3 miles up north and with its welcoming service's I am planning to go back soon. The entrance is very surprising as they have a water fountain inside the lobby.  

 The entrance from the Beachfront view is attractive to its green grass, to the sits which are facing towards the beach are very comfortable to sit on. The pool is very large you don't even know where to be. From the coconut view, to the fountain view, to the resort’s Cocoblanca restuarant serves excellent Italian food and is open daily for Lunch and Dinner. If you are a coffee lover, Coco Cafe is open until 12 midday and serves pastries and morning snacks. 

The restaurant inside has an open view kitchen to a New York style designed inside.If you want a get-away place to relax Coco Beach has it all,  to sit outside the bar under the shade to have a few drinks in the pool or just sit back relax and enjoy the day. 

The hotel has many activities to do besides being in the area, from an enjoyment of kayaks, bicycles and paddle boats, Mexico Rocks and snorkeling site is only 6 km from the premises. Below are some picture's I took when I was their  last week: 

To book your room click the link here:   http://www.booking.com/hotel/bz/coco-beach-resort.en-gb.html?aid=311984;label=coco-beach-resort-RUbK_vLcQhnBdhFX4NRC%2AwS32467901713%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg;sid=63081688a2c602decd23eef74c4d78e8;dcid=4;ucfs=1;srfid=fed71dc0342e0b71ea785adcb88a728f72fc1409X1