Support a worthy donation Back to School Supplies

It's back to school planning time and many of our Belizean children need help with this, so my group of friends and I have decided to do a "Build a Backpack" back to school drive this year! These are the items we are collecting:

• Gently used or New back pack ( Kinder - highschool)
• Gently used tennis shoes or black shoes ( kinder - Highschool)
• Stationery: Blanks, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, highlighters, folders, folder sheets crayons, markers etc.

we will also take uniforms in good condition and donate them to the school they can be used at. Together we can make back to school a great experience for needy kids: Deadline to hand ove these backpacks to the students is August 16. These are the members that can pick up items you would like to donate this summer.
Lisa Marie Forman: can pick items up from you in San Pedro, Jeannie Alpuche : Belmopan, Andrea Pelayo: Orange Walk, Risi Teresita in Coro, Patty Arceo in Caye Caulker, Gisele Sabido, Yesenia Zetina Michelle, Rudon, Lilian Alamina or , Olgi Urbina-Goughin Belize City. 

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING IN SAN PEDRO AMBERGRIS CAYE

This freen screening is for everyone, all you have to do is just show up. \this will take place on AUGUST 9th from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.

Pass it on to your your church members, the lions club, the business association, dive shops, tour company's, all employees, all people working on the streets, and in the sun.

A little education and a bit of prevention goes a long way. We want to reach all people of San Pedro as this would help each and every one of us. If we could get a little promotion from all of you we could try to reach as many folks as possible

We want to reach the schools, churches, groups, elderly, non-english speaking community. 

CANCER AFFECTS US ALL, EARLY DETECTION AND EDUCATION IS THE KEY.
IF WE COULD GET YOU FLYERS, WE WILL....IF YOU CAN HELP SPREAD THE WORD WE ARE THANKFUL

ANY ADVICE WE ARE OPEN TOO. We would love to get on radio, TV, everywhere. Printed flyers help. posting this note in your window making sure the elderly are aware. Please lets work together to get this word out. Dr. Lopez will be doing free screenings at ZEN ARCADE on AUGUST 9TH FROM 1:00PM TO 6:00 PM

PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GENEROUS OFFER FROM DR. LOPEZ
for more information on the Doctor see his website: www.drlopezgranja.com

ZEN ARCADE IS LOCATED ONE BLOCK WEST OF ISLAND ACADEMY. 

Press Release Ministry of Health receives vehicles from the EU

Ministry of Health receives vehicles for Vector Control Unit through a grant from the EU - Today the Ministry of Health hosted a presentation to the media of eleven (11) Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 pick-up trucks at Belize Diesel & Equipment Co. Ltd. compound in Belmopan. This comes as part of a Contribution Agreement from the European Union to improve and upgrade the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health.

The transportation vehicles will be used to assist the health workers of the program in intervention, surveillance, treatment and compliance of vector control efforts in both the urban and rural communities across the country. The vehicles have a total value of $720,000 BCY.

Chief of Operations, Vector Control Unit, Mr. Kim Bautista shared that the vehicles will be a great addition due to the limited mobility that they now face. The vehicles will also help to carry out the timely interventions, including the control of mosquitoes which directly spread vector control diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya. Dr. Gerardo de Cosio, PAHO/WHO representative for Belize mentioned that they are indeed glad to once again partner with the Ministry of Health towards the goal of a healthier community.

"The Strengthening of the Prevention and control of Dengue and Malaria in Belize" Project was signed on December 17th, 2013 between the European Union and the Pan American Health Organization with the Ministry of Health as the implementing partner. The project also includes for the management and maintenance of vehicles at a total cost of $2,280,345.77 BCY.

Kate Sealy named as Belize's flag bearer for the XX Commonweakth Games

At an executive meeting held by the National Olympics on Saturday July 12th in Belize City, heptathlete Katy Sealy was selected as the flag bearer for Belize at the XX Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremonies. 

Katy was named Belize's flag Bearer following an assessment of her commitment  to he sporting discipline. As a dedicated athlete who was grown tremendously over the past few years and has invested significant time to improve her performance, Katy's representation  of Belize at an international level has been stellar. 

The Belize Social Network would like to wish all the athletes and officials of teams Belize success in the XX on the Commonwealth Games and a safe Journey. 

Doctor Jaime Awe announced that he has Relinquish as the Director of the National Institute of Culture and History’s (NICH) Institute of Archaeology (IA)

Doctor Jaime Awe an Archaeological made a public announcement that he has reliquish as representor of the Director of the National Institute of Culture and History’s (NICH) Institute of Archaeology (IA). The unexpected announcement came during the 12th Annual Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium held on Tuesday, July 1st to Friday, July 4th. At this time their are no officials reports of Awe's replacement. But he is coming back to his originated in research and teaching.

Effectively on Thursday, July 31st, he will take his resignation, A statement made on July 1st stated that as an Archaeologist he will remain engaged in Belize’s archaeological studies. President of NICH, Diane Haylock expressed her surprise at Dr. Awe’s decision but is nevertheless grateful for his contributions to the archaeological field.

Doctor Jaime Awe  expresses his personal opinion  “I thank everyone for the support and assistance offered to me during my time as Director of the IA and the additional work I have done, without you, my success would not be possible. To the Belizean community, I urge you to be more involved in the preservation and conservation of the country’s archaeological assets, for it is important to safeguard them for future generation to come My decision to resign had nothing to do with any personal issues, professional issues or political issues, none whatsoever and, you know I’ve enjoyed working thoroughly with Minister Heredia as I did with Mark Espat.  I want to assure everybody that I am not leaving Belize archaeology.  I will continue to work in archaeology in Belize.” 

Help Ted Rino Mckoy Raise funds to document a Jankunu History story

"I am a social entrepreneur and I have started the first Social Enterprise in Belize. I am on a mission to battle social exclusion by empowering young people through the commoditization of local nuances and skills."

"I believe that by globalizing certain aspects of ones culture such as art forms, people can find new motivations to keep their culture alive and to preserve natural environment on which it depends." 

 "Efficient processes that take into account the new reality of the global culture can help to create sustainability as it relates to people and diversity. 
I am a garifuna Economics student looking to enterprise to save my culture."Ted Rino Mckoy

One of His website that was found to raisefunds is tell the community that he wants Document a story about Jankunu.  Ted Rino Mckoy mentioned that the tradition of Jankunu Dance is a story telling about people and art and is recognized by intellectuals as the only truly Native Afro Caribbean Art Form.

“There are many stories about the origin of this ancient art form and many people disagree as they try to understand it. Which ever way Jankunu is an ancient  Afro-Caribbean art form that survived slavery and colonialism not because of resistance but because it is beautiful, says McKoy.

“This Documentary film will tell the story about a group of young boys who are fighting to keep their culture alive by dancing and practicing Jankunu,”, he added.

Co-founder on RocketHub.com, All where the funding website he is using to raise funds process a documentary about the Jankunu Dance. 

Summer Camp Activity in San Pedro

There are two SUMMER CAMPS activity in San Pedro. 1.Camp Basil Jones is a GREAT place to send your child for one week to learn more about our fragile eco system! Please check out their page! I got four kids up there this week! Then there's this one: NEMO SUMMER CAMP.HAVING ITS ONE DAY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN 10 - 16 YRS.
SAN PEDRO WILL BE JULY 28, 2014. 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

WE GOT SPACE FOR 50 CHILDREN ONLY. SO, CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR CHILDREN SPACE. CALL 600 - 8672/666 - 7476 OR 206 - 2891.
LET YOUR CHILDREN COME AND HAVE FUN WHILE THEY LEARN ABOUT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.

Prime Minister leaves the country for medical treatment

Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country on Sunday, July 13, 2014 for a journey for medical reasons. The Prime Minister will return on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. During his absency , the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture Hon. Gaspar Vega will serve as the acting Prime Minister.

The No Take Zone helps to improve on Lobster, Conch and Fish

 Fishermen processing conch in Belize's coastal waters. A new report from the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that no-take zones can help conch, lobster, and other economically valuable species recover from overfishing.

A new report from the Wildlife Conservation Society shows that no-take zones in Belize can not only help economically valuable species such as lobster, conch, and fish recover from overfishing, but may also help re-colonize nearby reef areas.

The report—titled “Review of the Benefits of No-Take Zones”—represents a systematic review of research literature from no-take areas around the world. The report was written by Dr. Craig Dahlgren, a recognized expert in marine protected areas and fisheries management. The report comes as signatory countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity countries are being required to protect at least 10 percent of their marine territory.

“Belize has been a leader in the region for establishing marine protected areas and has a world-renowned system of marine reserves, many of which form the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site,” said Janet Gibson, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Belize Program. “It’s clear that no-take zones can help replenish the country’s fisheries and biodiversity, along with the added benefits to tourism and even resilience to climate change.”

WCS commissioned the report to describe the performance of no-take zones in Belize and in other countries to ultimately conserve highly diverse coral reef systems. In many coastal marine ecosystems around the world, overfishing and habitat degradation are prompting marine resource managers to find ecosystem-based solutions. The report also examines factors affecting the performance of no-take zones, such as the design, size, location, and factors of compliance with fishing regulations.

According to past studies, the recovery of lobster, conch, and other exploited species within marine protected areas with no-take zones, or fully protected reserves, could take as little as 1-6 years. Full recovery of exploited species, however, could take decades.

“The report provides a valuable guide for Belize’s marine managers and fishers,” said Dr. Caleb McClennen, Executive Director of WCS’s Marine Program. “We also hope this effort will generate and sustain stakeholder support for these important regulatory tools.”

Press Release on Titan International Securities to clear names with CYNK

On July 10th, 2014 a story was reported in the local news regarding a United States penny stock company call CNYK Technology and Titan International Securities inc (*Titan*) was identified has having an address similar to that reported by CNK Technology on its website. Titan is licensed with the international Financial services commission of Belize to trade in financial and commodity based  derivative investments and securities and has offices  on fourth floor of the Matalon Building in Belize City, Belize. Public filings with the fourth floor  of the Matalon Building albeit in a different suite.
CYNK never has operated out of the office of Titan, and, to Titan's  knowledge, never has had an office in the Matalon office in the Matalon building.  Matalon building management has confirmed that CYNK does not have a presence in the Matalon Building. Matalon Building Management  has asked CYNK to remove the Matalon address from CYNK's website. Building  management shared with Titan the response that it received from CYNK. That response was "the address is being removed. Our error-apologies."

In the interest of completeness, Titan also makes two additional statements about CYNK:
(I) Titan does not know and never has had an affiliation with CYNK, and (ii) No shares of CYNK has ever been traded at, by or through Titan.

Titan is proud of its business record. There has never been an complaint  filed against or charges of any infraction whatsoever made against the firm. Titan is  committed to strict compliance with all laws, regulations and policies that govern licensed securities firms in Belize. Titan works closely with its principal regulator, the International  Financial Services commission.

The local news channel that included Titan in its story about CYNK obtained a copy of Titan's license from Titan's website. Titan chooses to make available for viewing its license on its website so clients of Titan know that Titan is properly licensed.  Titan was never contacted about the story and had no opportunity whatsoever to state Titan's position. Titan has nothing whatsoever to  do with CYNK and was wrongly linked to the news story simply because of its address and nature of its business.

An excellent Friday and three spotted doubled propeller Army Helicopter

On Friday July 11th, 2014 I went around the island and took some photo's. Here is your highlight below of how the weather was super excellent to come and enjoy the weather. Since the island is famous for its beautiful blue sea and island style. Its was a windy day and very warm most came out to sail, swim and wind surf on the water.

My highlight for the view of Friday is a view of how excellent the weather it was in San Pedro and how lucky we are to live in a crazy paradise. With no rain during the day I headed up North. The white beaches, the clear bright blue water and the sound of wild birds. It was a journey up North to visit some of the amazing quiet places to see and some excellent photo's.

                          Here is view from Royal Palm when I was head north. The day started very well.

   It was a bright Friday Morning. 

 Look very slow start for a Friday morning. Isn't it?

  Then here you are looking at the view where Wet Willy is and Chuck and Robbie's dock. 

 Here is a fabulous view infront of Sandy Toe's 

                                                                             

This is the view while crossing the bridge. 

I like this view with the Coconut tree leaning. 

                              Their where some people sailing on the water. I managed to take a picture.

   I visited Rojo Lounge and the view was fabulous. With red painted inside and a great atmosphere the place had Fire lamp in a row. The place caught my attention the way how great they have it decorated.

Rojo Lounge at the front. 

                                                         I spotted this weird looking sea urchin.                  

                                                         

                                     I just loved the color of the water. Its so a bright Blue, green color.

                 Meanwhile I was observing to take picture's I caught this incoming sail boat passing by.

                      Hey everyone, look at this green and red stop light sign. One of the coolest decor I've seen.

               After I took this photo I suddenly heard  loud plane. Which I thought It was. 

But, it was not a plane. It was three doubled propeller Helicopter passing by. This Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary roles are troop movement, artillery placement and battlefield resupply. It has a wide loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage and three external-cargo hooks. With a top speed of 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) the helicopter is faster than contemporary 1960s utility and attack helicopters. The CH-47 is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. Its name is from the Native American Chinook people.

 Look at this bird I just fell in love with the bird. Every  time we said something it would repeat it. Suddenly, it started dancing for us for like 5 seconds. Then started laughing. What s cool bird made our day.

                                                            Palapa if you enjoy it come by.

                          This construction is nearly finishing. Last time I saw it was just beginning. Their also room for sale. 

                       Caught the black birds flying by while fishermen were cutting fish few yards away.

                                           Here is a view towards THE HOTEL next to it was The legend's .

And that's how I spent the day at La Isla Bonita San Pedro. The day was very interesting but, I would tell you the streets are way to dusty. so be prepared for a dusty road.