Press Release - The Ministry of Health announces Food Borne Research study

Last week the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Belize and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) presented the results of the Burden of Illness (BOI) research study on Acute Gastroenteritis and causes of Food Borne Illness in Belize.

The study launched in September 2012 and was aimed at estimating the proportion of the population suffering from Acute Gastroenteritis (AGI), also known as stomach flu, at a specific time period while also estimating the economic burden the disease has on the public health system. In addition, the study investigated the more common biological agents transmitted through food and water which cause foodborne illnesses in Belize.

A total of 2,901 questionnaires were completed from the 3,110 households sampled, with a response rate of 93.6%. The results showed that the prevalence of self-reporting Acute Gastroenteritis was 7.1% for the period September – October, 2012 (low AGI season) and April – May 2013 (high AGI season). 

The predominant biological agents contributing to the disease and other related illnesses over the study period were parasites; however, the highest burden was found for Rotavirus infections. The highest monthly prevalence of cases of AGI came from the Cayo District followed by the Belize District. The burden of AGI on the public health system was estimated at BZ$6.2 Million annually taking into consideration basic medical services, supplies, hospitalization as well as working days lost and the need for caregiver services.

Foodborne infections are linked to a significant number of illnesses and deaths worldwide. Studies have shown that 70% of diarrheal diseases are foodborne. Research also shows that cases are not reported to the health system. The results of this survey provide evidence that the estimated health burden of AGI and other foodborne diseases are significantly higher than what is reported to the Ministry of Health.

The results will be used for targeted interventions in food safety and improvements in underreporting at the laboratory level.For more Information contact: Englebert Emmanuel Burden of Illness Coordinator/ Director of License Accreditation Ministry of Health 822-2325

Ruins in the jungle and plentiful sea life await visitors in the tiny place called Belize

A modern copy of an ancient frieze adorns El Castillo at the Xunantunich complex of Mayan ruins in Belize. The jungle city was built up over millennia. The nation’s Institute of Archaeology says Belize is home to more prehistoric buildings than modern-day ones.

SAN IGNACIO, Belize — The same turquoise waters that lure tourists to Caribbean destinations slosh around Belize’s island chain. But tiny Belize has a major advantage in reeling in the holidaymakers — spectacular Mayan ruins tucked away in lush jungle. The nation is home to more prehistoric buildings than modern-day ones, according to its Institute of Archaeology.

That ancient appeal draws in backpackers eager for adventure as well as divers ready to gawk at its bustling reefs or plunge into its famed Blue Hole. Belize has all the ingredients for a surf and turf vacation — at least for those who don’t mind the odd giant cockroach or neon green frog that might invade their jungle dwellings.

Caye Caulker is a laid-back island that caters to budget tourists who want to explore Belize’s nearby barrier reef. The island is crowded with tour companies that ferry visitors to reef hot spots. Snorkelers can see fish, of course, but also squid, octopus, lobster and crabs.

CAVES AND SKELETONS

Evidence of human sacrifice in Mayan times litters the floors of the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves, where the skeletons are welded in place by limestone sediment. Mayan pottery is also frozen in time there. To get to the caves, visitors are led down a gentle jungle trail that includes several river crossings. Next comes an invigorating swim across a frigid pool of water at the cave’s mouth. Water winds throughout the cave, and visitors have to squeeze through impossible-looking openings before being rewarded with the archaeological trove.

PYRAMID IN THE JUNGLE

Just a fraction of Caracol, a once-powerful Mayan city state, has been unearthed by archaeologists. Once home to 150,000 inhabitants (nearly twice the population of Belize’s current industrial center, Belize City), the site was lost until a logger stumbled upon it in the 1930s. Shards of ancient pottery are scattered around the complex, which includes astronomical buildings, ball courts, palaces and a 141-foot-tall pyramid.

STONE WOMAN

This complex of ruins got its Mayan name, Xunantunich — meaning “Stone Woman” — from a sun-soaked apparition said to haunt the site. The city was built up over millennia and its history is sketched out neatly at the newly opened visitor center. At the site itself, the main attraction is the ruin known as El Castillo, which towers above the jungle. Four stucco friezes depicting Mayan gods once hugged each side of the building. Now just two remain, and they’re both covered up by fiberglass copies to preserve the originals.

PALACE

Even from its perch high up on a hill, Cahal Pech lives in the shadow of its more impressive neighbors, Caracol, Xunantunich and Tikal. Cahal Pech — which unflatteringly means “Place of the Ticks” in Yucatec and Mopan Mayan — sits on the outskirts of San Ignacio, a popular base for those exploring Mayan ruins. Under the cover of an encroaching jungle, visitors can get a glimpse of how the upper crust lived in Mayan times through the site’s palace structures.

BARRIER REEF

Caye Caulker is a sandy strip of land surrounded by a bounty of sea life. The more laid-back alternative to San Pedro provides a base for the thriftier tourist looking to explore Belize’s nearby barrier reef. The island is crowded with tour companies that ferry visitors to reef hot spots, such as the intimidating Shark Ray Alley.

Eerie night snorkeling affords an opportunity to watch the fish scurry to find a home among the reef before darkness falls. When things do turn truly nocturnal, snorkelers armed with underwater LEDs have an opportunity to spot squid, octopus, lobster and crabs.

IGUANA PROJECT

Iguana scurry all over San Ignacio thanks in part to the efforts of the Iguana Project, which hatches and releases the critters whose eggs are regularly gobbled up by predators in the wild. A guided tour of the facility where they’re kept allows tourists to see the scaly beasts up close.

Belize Sports in Tennis: 17 year old Marco Mendez became No.1 in winning Tennis

Over The past weekend, the Belize Tennis Association hosted the to honor the National Men’s Singles for the “Eric Eusey Trophy” at the Belize Pickwick Club tennis courts. In the first round, No. 1 seed Mike Sosa defeated Dr. Atanacio Cobb, 6-0, 6-1; and No. 2 seed Curtis Musa defeated Ellison Flowers, 6-1, 6-3. Marco Mendez walked over Guillermo Rayo, 6-0, 6-0; and Peter Quan overcame young Richard Huang, 6-1, 6-4.

In the first semifinal, 17-year-old Marco Mendez showed us the returns on hard work and training by defeating No. 1 seed Mike Sosa, 6-2, 6-2. Mendez’s game is a solid one, and perhaps the best Belize has ever seen so far.

The second semifinal proved to be a marathon 3-hour match between No. 2 seed Curtis Musa and Peter Quan; but in the end, Curtis overcame Peter, 7-6, 6-1.

In the finals, the young Marco Mendez proved too much for Curtis, and took the victory over him, 6-0, 6-0, demonstrating powerful ground strokes and an all-round solid game!

The sponsor, Mr. Eric Eusey, Jr., son of past tennis legend Eric Eusey (in whose name the tournament is sponsored), presented beautiful trophies to the runner-up and champion. This is the eleventh year Eric Eusey has sponsored this tournament, and committed to continue sponsoring it.

The Belize Tennis Association extends congratulations to young Marco Mendez, who is the second youngest (Billy Musa, Jr. won it at 16 years old in 1979) to win this coveted title of the No. 1 Male Tennis Player in Belize!

BIGGEST CRYSTAL METH BUST IN BELIZE HISTORY

On Wednesday 20th August 2014 at around 7:20 pm while on Anti-Drug operation in Orange Walk Town members of the Anti-Drug Unit attempted to stop a black Toyota car with the license plate OW-C-00623 which was driving in an divertion  motion across the street. As we got all along side we identified ourselves as police officers and the driver of the car increasing its speed heading towards the Phillip Goldson Highway in the direction of Liberty Avenue where it spin around due to the high speed of travel. On liberty avenue.


 Both persons exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Police manage to arrest both occupants a short distance away. The driver was then known to be RUPERTO EULALIO REYES 49 YRS D.O.B 27/03/65 a Laborer Belizean of # 5 Sittee River Street Orange Walk Town. The passenger is one PASCUAL TERRERO PINEDA 52 YRS D.O.B 13/12/62 a Laborer Cuban of Boca Del Rio San Pedro Town. A search of the car resulted in the discovery of a red cooler box with 18 parcel of suspected meth and a blanca soap powder box with 12 parcel of suspected meth to a total weight of 54.7 kilogram. Subjects along with the drugs and vehicle were escorted to the Orange Walk Police Station for processing and charges of drug trafficking.

The Miss San Pedro Pageant 2014

During the weeks, practices and entertainment around Belize the six contestants are ready to showcase their talented show that will take place on August 30th, 2014 at 8pm.  During the time of their days, On Sunday, August 10, 2014, the Miss San Pedro Delegates were officially worn a ribbon by their individual sponsors. The event took place at the selected laid back Rum @ Bean, making it the perfect venue for the event. 

After being officially recognized by their worn ribbons the six delegates had the opportunity to not only meet their respective sponsors but to meet other sponsors and attendees as well.

The Miss San Pedro Committee would like to extend a HUGE and ENORMOUS thank you to Ms. Beth Clifford and the Staff from Rum + Bean for hosting this event and making it a memorable event.

We would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to our fabulous Make Up Artist Stephanie M. Manuel for being the Official Make Up Artist of the Miss San Pedro Pageant's Photo Shoots!

On the other agenda for the six delegates the other event where also taken place which were hosted by tranquility bay with its lush surrounding made for the perfect back drop for their photoshoot !!! We extend a HUGE thank you to Foreva Fancy for sponsoring the dresses and accessories for the Miss San Pedro Contestants' photo shoot!Check them out on the corner of Coconut Drive and Tarpon Street!

The pageant, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious pageant in the country, this is something YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! Come and bring the whole family and friends to to this year's Miss San Pedro Pageant 2014! This year we have six contestants vying for the title of Miss San Pedro 2014 to be held on August 30th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Facility.

TICKETS EXCLUSIVELY SOLD AT THE SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE.

Seaweed Ashore in the Caribbean

When you look at a beach you may think of it as a desert, with little in situ primary production "seaweed". This is because the mobile sand prevents plants and algae communities from establishing. All the fauna living on beaches have to rely on the import of food, such as storm-cast seaweed, to survive. When the seaweed is cast ashore it starts to decompose and becomes a veritable feast for invertebrates. 

As everyone is complaining about the seaweed in San Pedro, Ambergris, Caye Their's nothing much but, to keep clean along the beach as much as we can. This are aquatic plant-like algae. For its use in food, see Edible seaweed; for the similarly-named plant, see Seagrass; for other uses, see Seaweed(disambiguation). Seaweed is a macroscopic, multicellular, benthic marine algae.  Most of them are the green (about 1500 species), brown (about 1800 species) or red (about 6500 species) kinds, samples of which are each illustrated on this page, and most are attached by holdfasts, which generally just have an anchorage function, although a particularly efficient one. 

Seaweeds can also be classified by use (as food, medicine, fertilizer, filtration, industrial, etc.). At this time of the year it travels to the Caribbean “This is completely unprecedented,” said David Freestone, executive director of the Sargasso Sea Alliance in Washington, which has been fielding reports of unusual quantities of the seaweed washing ashore in places as far-flung as Sierra Leone in West Africa. While small amounts of Sargassum are normally found in the Caribbean from May to September when regional currents and winds transport the floating algae to the islands, such large accumulations across so many regions, he said, has “never happened in living memory.”

Theories as to why range from shifts in ocean currents to climate change to the gulf oil spill. But at least for now, “it’s a mystery,” Mr. Freestone said.


Resorts and tourism officials fear that the weed could linger into high season, which starts in November, but anecdotal reports suggest that the worst may be over. Ramon Roach, a water-quality analyst for the Barbados Coastal Zone Management Unit who has been part of the effort to clear the weed, said that in the last week and a half, “we haven’t seen any additional seaweed coming from the sea.” Seaweed can be found washed ashore after a storm that agitates the water and breaks the seaweed off wave action wind currents and high tide tend to bring it onshore. 

Ecosystem   effects   of   harvesting   seaweed   for   biofuel

Three sources of seaweed have been suggested for the extraction of biomass for biofuel: harvesting of wild seaweed that is attached to rocks; collection of storm-cast seaweed from beaches; and aquaculture of seaweed on long-lines. This PhD project focuses on the ecological importance of beach-cast seaweed and the potential impacts of its removal for biofuel. The study area is North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where large amounts of seaweed are cast ashore each year.

Justice for Cayo angry protesters Burning tires and sixth charge's by Police Miguel Segura

In the early hours of Tuesday morning heavy protesting crowd in the entrance of Benque Viejo Del Carmen blocked the George Price Highway. Angry protesters used tires to block the road and light it with fire.

 The residents where demanding justice for the accident that occur on Saturday August 16, 2014. The tragedy involved an intoxicated Deputy Commissioner Police Miguel Segura collided head-on  with a taxi that was driven at the time by Cu and a passenger which left twenty-eight-year-old Yanie Cu fitting to life at the KHMH. Cu's mother of five Azucena Cu said that she saw police not doing much at her daughter's accident. 

But, because their was not a breathalyzer they tested his blood.  With the awaiting court charges in the afternoon on Tuesday August 19, 2014 in Belmopan the Magistrates Court, Police Department had final charged Deputy Commissioner Miguel Segura sixth charge which read:  They include manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, drove motor vehicle without due care and attention, driving with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit, negligent grievous harm and failing to alter direction to give way. 

Bail was admitted with a sum of $6,000.00 plus anothr payment of the same amount or two sureties of $3,000.00 each on the condition that he will not be able to interfere with the witness and he will be reporting to the Benque Police Station every Friday, and will appear at every court date if he does not commit any offence while on bail. The matter was resumed until October 9 2014.

Queen of the Bay Belmopan

It all going down at the Newly renovated Civic Center on Friday 22nd August at 7:00 p.m. Come out and see Six beautiful young ladies vying for the title of Queen of the Bay, Belmopan. Come out and support your favorite contestant.

PRESS RELEASE - Minister Hulse Visit to Taiwan

At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hon. Sen. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management and Immigration and Nationality, has concluded a five day visit to Taiwan from August 11th, to 15th, 2014. 

During his visit, Minister Hulse met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Simon Ko, as well as Director General of Bureau of Consular Affairs, Hon. Kung Chung-chen  and the Acting Minister of Labout Dr. HAO Feng-min. 

In keeping with the friendly and cooperative relations between Belize and Taiwan, Minister Godwin Hulse signed a memorandum of understanding between the Minister of Labour, Local Government Rural Development, National Emergency Management and immigration and Nationality of Belize, and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China (Taiwan), relating to cooperation in Immigration Affairs and Human Trafficking Prevention. 

The MOU seeks to promote cooperation between Immigration Agencies of both countries on the issue of transnational crimes, and particular human trafficking, through the exchange of information and promotion of capacity building. 

The signing ceremony took place at Ministry of Interior of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and was witnessed by Her Excellency Ms. Cherie Nisbet, Ambassador of Belize to Taiwan, along with R.O.C Government Officials including the Director- General of National Immigration Agency Hon. Mo Tien-hu, Deputy Director- General of National Immigration Agency. 

minister Hulse also visited the new Taipei City Government and exchanged experience about national emergency policies with an aim to exchange ideas and best practices for the further strengthening of bilateral relations between Belize and the Republic of China. ( Taiwan). 

Press Release Vestiage notified a Support for Oceana Conservation Organization

Science-Based Ocean Conservation Organization Also Supported by Celebrities Sting, Jeff Bridges, James Cameron, Ted Danson, Morgan Freeman, Josh Lucas, Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Diane Lane, Sam Waterston, January Jones, Adrian Grenier, Kate Walsh

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 19, 2014-- Vestiage(TM), Inc. ("VEST"), the healthy-aging Company, announced today that it is now supporting Oceana, the largest international advocacy group focused only on protecting the world's oceans.

Scott Kimball, Vestiage CEO stated, "Our Company motto is 'We Believe Life Deserves Vitality.' It makes sense that we strongly support the protection of our planet, in particular, the lands and the oceans where our ingredients are found. Oceana is a fierce advocate and is committed to achieving policy victories on behalf of the ocean and sea life. Vestiage and Oceana, which has offices in both Monterey and Newport Beach, have a lot in common. When we launch Monterey Bay Nutraceuticals, which is planned for Q1 2015, we intend to make another announcement that will show how serious our support for Oceana is."

Oceana wins policy victories for the oceans using science-based campaigns. Since 2001 Oceana has protected over 1.2 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Oceana has more than 500,000 members, is global in scope, and is headquartered in Washington DC with offices in North America, South America, Central America and Europe.

Some of Oceana's victories:

   1. Oceana convinced Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to stop their floating 
      cities from dumping 280,000 gallons of inadequately treated harmful 
      sewage and other wastewater into the beautiful areas where they cruise. 
 
   2. Belize is home to the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere. 
      Oceana secured a government agreement to ban all forms of trawling in all 
      of the waters of Belize and they secured a policy to keep foreign fleets 
      out of Belize waters. 
 
   3. Oceana secured a law in the EU to stop the dumping of oily bilge water 
      from oil tankers and impose criminal sanctions for illegal discharges 
      into the ocean. This could prevent up to 20 million gallons of this water 
      from entering the ocean annually. 
 
   4. Oceana's efforts have removed thousands of miles of coastline from 
      offshore drilling plans. 
 
   5. Oceana convinced seven of the nine large chlorine production plants in 
      the USA to stop using toxic mercury polluting technology which releases 
      mercury, a neurotoxin which gets into our seafood and can impair health 
      and brain development in children. 
 
   6. Through various policy and other actions, Oceana has protected dolphins, 
      sharks and sea turtles from harmful, life threatening human practices. 

Vestiage has been a supporter of the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an Official Business Partner since 2013 and is proud to add Oceana to its list of causes that it supports to keep our earth and oceans clean and vital.

For more information on how you can invest and grow with Vestiage and its natural products from the earth and sea, please contact: ir@vestiageinc.com.

About Vestiage(TM)

Vestiage(TM) (stock symbol "VEST") is a publicly traded healthy aging company. The Company offers premium branded science-based nutraceuticals to a premium consumer base through multiple channels. The Company is a sales, marketing, and distribution company specializing in bringing science-based products to the healthy aging consumer. The Company utilizes key partners to integrate production, fulfillment, customer service, advertising, sales, media, marketing, distribution, new product development and acquisitions. Vestiage is focused on the use of the best ingredients from the ocean and earth, including cutting edge, patented, clinically proven ingredients to produce highly potent, and elegantly formulated products. Using potency and novel ingredient combinations, Vestiage(TM) creates and distributes nutraceuticals such as RegiMEN for men (www.RegiMENLife.com) and the multifunctional Monterey Bay Nutraceuticals line for women (www.MontereyBayNutra.com). Vestiage(TM) brands address the top "in demand" healthy aging concerns of men and women. Vestiage(TM) research is focused on extending the active period of a human life covering both the cognitive and physical realms. To learn more, visit the Company website, www.vestiage.com.

As with many fast growing companies, our growth is dependent upon adequate funding for inventory, media, general overhead, professional fees, technology, salaries and other expenses related to the business. Should we be unable in the future to obtain appropriate funding to pay our expenses and media at current levels, our growth, and our financial stability, will be negatively impacted.

This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as "believe," "expects," "plan," "intend," "may," "will," "should," "can," or "anticipates," or the negative thereof, or variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause industry trends or our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these statements. Important factors that may cause our results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in or new government regulations or increased enforcement of the same, (ii) unavailability of desirable acquisitions or inability to complete them, (iii) increased costs, including from increased raw material or energy prices, (iv) changes in general worldwide economic or political conditions, (v) adverse publicity or negative consumer perception regarding nutritional supplements, anti-aging or stem cell facial care products or stem cell technology in general, (vi) issues with obtaining raw materials of adequate quality or quantity, (vii) litigation and claims, including product liability, intellectual property and other types, (viii) disruptions from or following acquisitions including the loss of customers, (ix) increased competition, (x) slow or negative growth in the anti-aging or cosmetics, beauty, or nutritional supplement industry or the healthy foods or anti-aging channel, (xi) the loss of key personnel or the inability to manage our operations efficiently, (xii) problems with information management systems, manufacturing efficiencies and operations, (xiii) insurance coverage issues, (xiv) the volatility of the stock market generally and of our stock specifically, (xv) increases in the cost of borrowings or unavailability of additional debt or equity capital, or both, or fluctuations in foreign currencies, and (xvi) interruption of business or negative impact on sales and earnings due to acts of God, acts of war, terrorism, bio-terrorism, civil unrest and other factors outside of our control.

CONTACT: Vestiage, Inc.
Copyright Business Wire 2014

Scott Kimball, CEO 949-258-4404

ir@vestiageinc.com

SOURCE: Vestiage, Inc.

20,000 Strong Marketplace held at the Radisson in Belize

Remember 20,000 STRONG? Well it's not done yet! Come check out the 20,000 STRONG Marketplace featuring the work of Belize's female entrepreneurs! This is a part of a National Call to Action Conference on Women and Girls' Financial Health being hosted by the Special Envoy for Women and Children on August 29th at the Radisson. Let's empower Belize's women!

Carlos Perrote 2014 Concert

Steel band music, it has made a comeback and no where is it more alive than in students. Students learn basically rhythms, different kinds of rhythms, just technique to play the pan and to play different kinds of instruments. in Steel Drum you need to practice. The steel band is just like another instrument. It isn't different. For a violin you have to practice and for steel band you have to practice. In this purpose, the first objective is to introduce the children to music. Carlos Perrote wants.

Their are over 5,000 instruments percussion  to be learnt and 10 year's of experience. "Its like going into steps by step to reach the goal of music." Carlos Perrote explained to the students while practicing. 


The groups where divided into two groups: the Morning Group (Beginner's) and the Afternoon Group (Advanced).This year's Music Summer Camp took place on July 28th to August 15th (Concert Day). On the first week of preparation for the Summer Camp 2014 the students had to learn the different types of instruments. But, for those who were familiar with on last year's practice they made a quick catch up with the every step they did.

It is to show Belize who we are so we try and bring musicians from different corners, different talents says perrote. he brings a lot to the table in terms of Belizean advancement of music here in Belize and we would be really nice for not just musicians but for those who like his music to come out and support.

This year's event the children were very interested to learn how to practice the instruments. But, it was challenging on the way to learn it but it got very easy. Their where over 30 students who learnt the instruments. The groups were divided into the piano lesson, guitar, steel drum and the precaussion.
Certificate were given to the students who participated on the Summer Camp. We would like to thank Mayor Daniel for giving a kind donation for advancing the instruments upgrade. Mayor Daniel said that he wants to see this Summer Camp to continue in the island and to make students take this opportunity of learning music.

Students in practice. 

48th Annual SAN JOAQUIN FIESTA Ramma

Every year on August the village of San Joaquin and the rest of country awaits on the San Joaquin Fiesta. The Fiesta in San Joaquin Village which is becoming the biggest event on the North of Belize it will be in full swing this weeekend. This year on there 48th year of celebration the event will have its presentation with the Opening schedule below: 


On August 15th at 7:30pm- The Coronation of Miss Pageant, Cultural Presentation by Raices de Yucatan - Retoños de Belice show that will come alive. The Fiesta is in celebration of the village’s patron saint: San Joaquin. Then at 10:00 p.m you don't want miss this very entertainment show, dance with "Techno Band" along-side DJ Gaby & DJ Star. Come out and enjoy with the entire family. Techno Band will be performing its latest songs & the duo DJ Gaby,  DJ Star will be blazing the night with their amazing state of the art light show.


On Saturday August 16th from 10am to 5pm San Joaquin Fiesta Businesses Expo Booths by: Brodies, Smart, Bic and Happy Cow, St. Francis Xavier Credit union, Belize Bank, Bowen and Bowen, and other businesses.6:00pm Mass in Honor of San Joaquin, 7:00pm Musical presentations by Merelia pop and contestants from 'La Voz Karaoke.' 10:00pm don't miss this Dance with the Gillharry & band. 

Sunday August 17th- 7:00pm Cultural Presentation and at 10:00pm Dance with the Youth Connection Band. 

History of the San Joaquin Fiesta 

By Joaquin Magaña
In Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico for many years the feast of San Joaquin is celebrated on August 16. Many Belizeans, especially from the North traveled to Bacalar for this celebration, families and people from San Joaquin also assist. Families would say that they are not missing a San Joaquin Fiesta in Bacalar.

Seeing the number of families that were attending to the Fiesta of San Joaquin in Bacalar, Mrs. Angelita Magaña thought on the idea that our village which bears the name of San Joaquin can celebrate the feast day in our own village, San Joaquin. She mentioned her idea to members of the community who supported it to make it a reality. With the help of young people and members of the village Mrs. Magaña raised funds to buy one large image of San Joaquin. She founded the fiesta which is celebrated by our Church in August 1967.

The first fiesta was inaugurated by very Honorable George C. Price. This celebration was held at the primary school in San Joaquin. The first Queen of the fiesta was Maria Pol. After celebrating the first fiesta in the school, in 1969 it was celebrated in the new Park grounds of San Joaquin in a place which was more spacious and close to the new Catholic Church. Today in the year 2004 we celebrate the 38th anniversary of our annual Fiesta. The fiesta each year has been rather larger. It begins with the Novenas to our Patron Saint on August 8th. The Novenas for many years have been prayed by Mr. Luis Puck. On the 8th of August a group of youths organized by Mrs.Angelita Magaña run a marathon with a torch from Bacalar to San Joaquin. The runners arrive just before the first novena begins. From the torch they lit the veladoras for the first novena.

Many believers visit the Church to attend mass on August 16 and many of the visitors come to venerate San Joaquin and on one side of the image they light their candles, bring him flowers and make prayer. Many come to thank for the intercession, ask for his intercession or fulfill the promise to come every year. Visitors come from all the districts of Belize and some from Chetumal, Mexico.

Carlos Perrote Concert This coming Friday August 15th, 2014

The students of the Second San Pedro Music Summer Camp under the direction of Maestro Carlos Perrote cordially invite everyone to their graduation concert. They will show their talent performing on Steel Pan, Afrocuban percussion, guitar and keyboards on Friday, August 15 at 11 a.m. at the Angel Nunez Auditorium. Entrance is free.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow Leaves the Country

The Prime Minister Office informs that Prime Minister Honorable Dean Barrow had left the country on Tuesday, 12th August, 2014 on Government business in addition to two days personal leave. A brief statement from the Government of Belize didn't specify on why he had left the country. The only saying that he went "on Government business in addition to two days personal leave." He returns on Saturday August 16th, 2014. While the Prime Minister’s abs ency, Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister, will be acting as Prime Minister of Belize.

Staying healthy is one thing everyone is looking for here are some tips to be read

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley or Cilantro ( Coriander Leaves ) and wash it clean
Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.Parsley (Cilantro) is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural

Aloe vera leaf is a miraculous healing food that is one of the oldest healing remedies and natural antibiotics in the world. Taken internally, aloe works wonders for assimilation, circulation, and elimination. It is known to purify the blood, reduce inflammation, ease arthritis pain, prevent kidney stones, lower high cholesterol, prevent Candida, boost physical endurance, benefit cardiovascular health, and protect the body from oxidative stress. It also soothes ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, diverticulitis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. 

Aloe provides recovery from fatigue and aids in muscle function as well as optimal utilization of several vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It’s alkaline nature, helps to soothe acidosis and alkalinize the whole body. Aloe’s clear gel can be applied externally to soothe and relieve pain from sun burn, rashes, bug bites, scratches, and wounds as well as deeply hydrate the skin to prevent wrinkles and aging. It can also be massaged into the hair and scalp to stimulate hair growth and can be used as a toothpaste or mouthwash to keep the mouth healthy, clean, and free from plaque producing bacteria. 
For best results, purchase whole Aloe leaves in the produce section of the grocery store. Cut a 2 inch piece off the leaf and scoop out the clear gel inside. This gel can be blended in water, juice, or smoothies to be taken internally or used externally and applied directly to the skin for quick relief and healing.

Basil is an herbal antibiotic, antiseptic, carminative, and appetizer that has an special affinity for the stomach. Basil significantly benefits the stomach during digestion and can provide immediate relief from gas, stomach cramps, and nausea. It also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief for inflamed bowel conditions such as colitis, IBS, crohn’s and celiac disease. It is also highly antibacterial and antiviral making it effective against bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, colds, flu, mono, shingles, and herpes. Basil is a rich source of magnesium which relaxes muscles and blood vessels and supports cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of irregular heart rhythms and spasms. The essential oil of basil contains eugenol which works similarly to aspirin and ibuprofen in decreasing the swelling in joints and tissues to provide relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia. Basil’s fungicidal properties also aid in healing wounds, skin rashes, warts, and insect bites. You can purchase creams and salves or crush fresh leaves in a small amount of coconut oil, apply to the skin, and wrap with a fresh bandage daily. Consider making fresh basil a staple in your diet and regularly add to salads, homemade pesto, guacamole, green smoothies, and even fruits like strawberries and bananas, the health properties are not to be missed.