Eight Year Old Catches Biggest Dorado

It was a little rough for fishermen to catch those prized Dorados for the fishing tournament that took place this past weekend and it was eight year old Josh Marin who caught the winning Dorado at 24 pounds.

Read entire article on this week’s edition of Ambergris Today out on Thursday, May 8, 2008.

Work Permits in Mexico for Belizeans

- Press Release, Embassy of Mexico to Belize, Belmopan, 29 April 2008. – The Government of Mexico recognizes that labor force is needed in the southern states of Mexico, and reiterates its commitment to protect the human and labor rights of Belizeans that at the moment work or wish to work in Mexico.

As a result, the government of Mexico has initiated a program to facilitate to Belizeans a permit as temporary border workers (FMTF), which will allow them to work during a year in any legal activity in the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco or Chiapas.

Belizean applicants should first hold a job letter from a Mexican employer that states their salary then they will be able to submit their application with the following requirements at the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), Calzada Centenario 582, Colonia Isabel Tenorio, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, from Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 2p.m.

1. Job letter of Mexican employer stating salary.
2. Be above 16 years old.
3. Valid Belizean passport + one photocopy.
4. Two 1"x 1¼ inch size pictures (either in color or in black and white).
5. Complete FMTF application form (available at the INM office).
6. Receipt of FMTF fee + one photocopy (FMTF will be free in case of earning the minimum wage in Mexico).

In case the application is approved, the FMTF will be issued immediately and will allow working for one year. It also entitles the holder to apply for permission to their spouses and children as economic dependants according to the rules of the INM.

Further information on requirements for FMTF can be obtained by calling at telephone 223-0193 or 223-0194 in Belize City between 8:30 and 17:00 hours from Monday to Friday or ask directly at the INM office in Chetumal.

Mar de Tumbo Alley Cobblestoned

The office of Ambergris Today received word that the pathway between Banyan Bay and Grand Colony leading to the beach of Mar de Tumbo was being cobble stoned and that the public would be denied access to park there.
Ambergris Today contacted Deputy Mayor Juan Alamilla to clear out this situation and found out that indeed that pathway is being cobble stoned by Seferino Paz from Banyan Bay. We were told that Mr. Paz had proposed the idea of placing cobble stones with the condition that no one parks in the pathway since it causes chaos, being too narrow. But, according to the Town Council, Mr. Paz will have to find an alternative parking space for the public since people cannot be denied access to the beach.

Scuba Diving Visits Belize

Scuba Diving’s magazine Territory Manager, Mr. Steve Eisenberg and Travel Editor, Mr. Gill Griffin arrived in the country on Saturday, April 12, and traversed the country exploring Belize until Tuesday, April 22, on assignment for a feature in their upcoming issue.

Scuba Diving is the magazine divers trust for objective gear reviews, cutting-edge scuba training articles, underwater photography & video tips and unbiased dive travel information. The magazine was established in 1992 and today has a circulation of 184,274. It is geared toward scuba divers of all skill levels and also includes adventure travel features, ocean-related environmental and science news and profiles and reviews of dive equipment and literature.

While here, Mr. Eisenberg and Mr. Griffin visited San Pedro diving at the Belize Blue Hole, then made their way to Belize City to do a few more dives at the Turneffe Atoll. They then moved on to Hopkins in Southern Belize to do a couple more dives and then moved on to Placencia to dive with the Whale Sharks. Mr. Griffin visited Punta Gorda to do a couple more dives at Lime Caye and then visited the Maya Site of Lubaantun and toured the Blue Creek Cave.

“Since the article will be based on the author’s experiences, it is a candid means of gaining exposure by both local and national audiences throughout the United States and it will equip those planning their vacation with enough information to now seek Belize as their destination of choice,” commented Director of Tourism, Mrs. Tracy Panton. “Editorial coverage of Belize in specialized markets such as diving, continues to be important being that the dive market is one of Belize’s strengths as a destination,” Panton went on to say.

It is important to note that the Scuba Diving Magazine 2008 Reader’s Choice Award was awarded to the Atolls of Belize under the categories of the Top Five Healthiest Marine Environment; the Top Ten Top Value, Top Underwater Photography and Top Advanced Diving; and the Top Fifteen Top Dive Destinations Overall.

The 2008 Reader’s Choice Award was also awarded to Ambergris Caye for the Top Five Top Big Animal Encounters; the Top Ten Top Value and Top Advanced Diving; and the Top Fifteen Top Dive Destination Overall.

Scuba Diving Magazine’s visit to Belize was made possible with the assistance of the Belize Tourism Board, Journey’s End Resort, Aqua Dives, Belize Adventure Lodge, Hamanasi Resort, the Inn at Robert’s Grove, Garbutt’s Marine Enterprise, Machaca Hills, and Tropic Air. - Belize City, Thursday, April 17, 2008 –

Cubans Video

One of our avid readers who goes by the name Silver, submitted this video of the Cubans who made it to shore last week Friday. It was taken on his cell phone.

Art Show At Central Park

Local artists teamed up to set up an Art Exhibit at Central Park from Thursday to Friday. The artist will be present to showcase their most recent paintings, and of course they are on sale.

Third Cuban Landing this Year

In an amazing twist of events, last week marked the third landing of Cuban exiles on Belizean ground in only four months this year. For some reason, more Cubans are making their way to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye as they flee from their native land looking for refuge.

This time around, eight men and three women landed in front of the Holiday Hotel in downtown San Pedro in a much smaller vessel than previous groups prior to them. They were all covered with diesel fuel.

More details on this story on the Thursday, May 1, edition of Ambergris Today Newspaper.

Belize Bank's Second Win at Eco-Challenge

The mighty paddlers of the Belize Bank team managed to win the Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco-Challenge for the second time in a row. The two-day kayak challenge around Ambergris Caye took place this past weekend (Saturday & Sunday).

A large crowd gathered at Central Park, where a beach party and grilling competition took place on Sunday, to cheer on their favorite team.

It was another successful year with over 20 teams taking on the challenge. A complete review of the rave and a picture gallery will be available online at www.ambergristoday.com this Thursday with the paper hits the streets and our website is update. Stay tuned!

Looking for Expansion in Airline Industry

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Airport Concession Company Limited (BACCL) with the support of Intervistas, convened several meetings last week in the United States with existing and potential new airline service providers, to present a business case for Belize, with the intention of developing new routes and securing lower fares.

The meetings produced very encouraging and productive sessions serving as a springboard to strengthening further discussions with the airlines. Strategies presented were the development and addition of new or increased services to Belize from the USA by carriers currently serving Belize and those that have not yet realized the Belize potential. Similar sessions are being scheduled later in the year with other airlines in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

From April 1 through to April 4, the traveling delegation met with Continental Airlines in Houston, Texas, with Spirit Airlines in Miramar, Florida, with Jet Blue Airlines in Forest Hills, New York, and with United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois.

“With increased interest in Belize as a premier destination, increased hotel investments, greater tourism promotion, and improved airport facilities at the International Airport, Belize is poised to attract greater airlift from existing & new markets,” commented Director of Tourism, Tracy Panton.

The BTB and BACCL have entered into a three year agreement with Intervistas Consulting Inc., a consulting company based in Ottawa, Canada for an Airline Development Strategy for Belize. This strategy will identify air service deficiencies, provide recommendations for priority routes and formalize the business case for presentation to potential new airline partners.

Intervistas Consulting Inc. was formed in 1999 as an independent employee-owned consulting practice and has developed airline strategies for St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and various cities in the United States and Canada. Martin Copeland has 35 years experience in the aviation industry including 20 years in senior management positions with two international airlines where he specialized in route planning, code sharing alliances, marketing and airfare analysis.

The traveling delegation included Mr. Martin Copeland of Intervistas Consulting, Mr. Enrique Hoare, Operations Manager and Mr. Lindford Rosado, Financial Controller both of the Belize Airport Concession Company Ltd, Mr. Mike Singh, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Lloyd Enriquez, Registrar of Hotels of the Belize Tourism Board. -Press Release, Thursday, April 17th, 2008 -

Popular to run out of Corn Tortilla by Weekend

Mr. Perez of the Popular Tortilla Factory informed Ambergris Today that their supply of corn flour (Maseca) will run out by this Sunday, April 26, leaving his business in limbo.

He explained to us that license to import the corn flour from Guatemala was awarded to another person and this is slowing down the process of bringing more Maseca to the country. If an agreement cannot be settled between the Guatemala producers and the new buyer in Belize, the fate of corn flour importation to the country could be bleak.

So for now, Mr. Perez explained that he would have to lay off most of his employees as his factory would be with out the main ingredient to produce his popular tortillas. Affected would also be the restaurants, private homes and other private businesses that depend on the Popular Tortilla Factory. And how about the food vendors who sell tacos, tostadas and pupusas? They are all in danger of losing business.

In addition to all of this, there is rumor that the price of corn flour will increase by 25% which would definitely raise the cost of tortilla. There are about five tortilla factories on the island, of which only El Patio Tortilla Factory on Pescador Drive produces their tortillas from ground corn processed locally. So if the minsa (corn flour) tortilla is your favorite, plan to prepare a meal that you eat with the tortillas as it might be your last for a long time.

Exploring Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret

This past weekend I traveled to San Ignacio, Cayo and became a tourist in my own country. I had never had so much fun exploring my own land, Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret, as they say. I am usually heading off to Chetumal or Cancun for the long weekend.

I have visited many areas of my country, but they are usually one day trips which have me back home the same day. This time I managed to experience an entire weekend of exploring San Ignacio, Cayo, as my friends and I rented a car and took off on the Western Highway. It was both relaxing and exciting at the same time.

The drive to Cayo was very easy with signs all they way to San Ignacio Town; and the highway was very well kept – a smooth ride. Cayo is simply amazing. I got to relax in the picturesque setting of the Cahal Pech Resort Village. Perched atop a high hill, the view overlooking the entire town was breathtaking.

I got to visit the nearby village of Spanish Lookout, a Mennonite community that is simply amazing; you have to see to believe. Teaming with livestock, orchards, plantations, fields, the center of the village is a long strip of businesses that make you feel as if you are in the US. With large supermarkets, grain mills, car/truck dealerships, tractor suppliers and repair shops, tire companies and wholesale dealers, the village looks more like a self-sustained city.

Exploring the Mayan ruins of nearby Xunantunich and swimming in the Mopan River was another part of our adventure in Cayo. Climbing the ruins of Xunantunich and overlooking both the Belizean and Guatemalan landscapes you imagine yourself living like the Mayans. The view from the top of the main temple is surreal.

After burning up the calories climbing the ruins we concluded the day with a refreshing swim in the Mopan River. We joined some boys who swum themselves from a rope into the fresh water along the river bank on the side of the road. Pure bliss!

So the next time I have some free time, I am definitely planning to take my friends on another trip inland into the Belizean wilderness, instead of the urban jungles of Chetumal and Cancun. Much fun and relaxation can be experienced in my own country. Viva Belize!

Cradled in a Picturesque Valley
Between the Macal and Mopan Rivers ....

San Ignacio and sister-town, Santa Elena make up Belize's second largest urban area. The two towns are separated by the Macal River and Belize's only suspension bridge, the one-lane Hawksworth Bridge (Built in 1949).

Together the towns have a combined population of about 20,000 including: Creole, Mestizo (Spanish-Maya), Lebanese, Chinese, Mennonite, Maya and other cultures. Both English and Spanish are spoken, plus a myriad of other languages.

Known locally as "Cayo," San Ignacio is located along the Western Highway about 70 miles and 90 minutes drive time from Belize City. Teeming with Guatemala-bound travelers, archaeologists, peace corps workers, North American retirees and thrill seekers, "Cayo" is a unique blend of America's Old West and tropical backwater with frontier-like wooden shops on narrow streets.

Burns Avenue is "Main Street" and a good place to begin a tour of the town. Most days it's a busy thoroughfare with lots of people walking in the streets. Burns Avenue and the adjacent streets are packed with shops, hotels and places to eat where hospitable townspeople mingle in restaurants, bars and wooden shops with colonial era architecture of days gone by.

Things to Do....

Excursions around San Ignacio include a short trip to nearby Cahal Pech, a Maya archeological site. It's a quick cab ride or a 20-minute uphill walk from town. Macal River canoeing is very popular. Stopovers include a Blue Morpho butterfly-rearing facility and "medicine trail".
The Iguana Conservation Project and baby iguanas are located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Rent a bike, walk or jog 1.5 miles along scenic Branch Mouth Road to the "Hammock Bridge" where the Macal and Mopan rivers join up. From the shaded river bank, you can watch for wild parrots along with lazing iguanas and enjoy a swim in the heat of the day.

Venture to the Mountain Pine Ridge on the way to Caracol, or travel to Succotz Village. Another mile gets you to Benque Viejo and Hydro-dam Road where the journey continues on to Chechem Hah, a cave filled with Mayan artifacts. From Benque Viejo, it's one mile to the Guatemalan border. Bullet Tree, 3 miles northwest of San Ignacio, is where the road to El Pilar, another archeological site, begins.

Other Cayo area activities include: Horseback Riding, Birding, Canoeing & Kayaking, and excursions to other nearby Caves and Ruins, including Tikal and Flores in Guatemala.

Saturday is the Busiest Market Day
Here you will find vendors from the small towns and villagers selling their wares and locally-grown fruits and vegetables. You can get good buys on bananas, papaya, pineapples, oranges, mangos, coconuts, avocados and other tropical produce.

Cash advances, internet, real estate, travel, and auto rentals are some of the Business Services available in San Ignacio.

Eiden Salazar Jr. Appointed Senator

Party Leader Briceño Names Senators

Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceño has announced the appointment of three Opposition Senators who will take their place in the House of Representatives on the people’s business.

The are: Hector Silva Sr. from Cayo District, Corona Villafranco from the Stann Creek District and Eiden Salazar from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

These Senators were chosen after weeks of consultation with PUP supporters, Executive Committee and the Caucuses of the People’s United Party. The Party Leader is confident that the choices reflect the new policy of inclusiveness of the PUP, ensuring a wider scope of representation for party supporters countrywide. (Complete story on Thursday's edition of Ambergris Today)

San Pedro High Parades

San Pedro High School took to the streets on Friday afternoon after winning the National Food and Nutrition Quiz last week. The students were very proud of their team that represented them and begged for a parade to celebrate their national win. Congratulations SPHS for a job well done.

Bring on the BDF?

Undoubtedly crime is on the rise countrywide and San Pedro is no exception. And while everyone wants the solutions, except the criminals, everyone also has different suggestions as to how the solution can be achieved.

Prime Minister Barrow has been suggesting that Belize might soon pass legislation making it legal to intercept phone calls and emails. The Minister of National Security is still consulting with his CEO and is considering obtaining the expertise for higher forensic testing including DNA data collection and interpretation. Minister Perdomo also believes that giving the criminals employment is part of the long-term solution to curbing the rapidly growing criminal activities in the country.

In San Pedro we have seen increased break-ins, theft, assault, armed robbery, wounding, and a few homicides. And what has been the strategy to reduce crime in San Pedro? There has been a slight increase in the number of police officers, the placement of more experienced Sergeants and Officer in Charge, the acquisition of equipment like patrol boats for the force, among other things.

But crimes are still on the rise. It is to be recalled that for the Christmas season the BDF was brought to San Pedro to provide increased patrol and security. Similarly, it is to be recalled that there was a dramatic decrease in crime for that period. Local concerned citizens have been advocating and calling for the return of the BDF to offer that extra helping hand. What do you think? Kindly speak out, loud enough for our Area Representative to hear us and to listen.

We at Ambergris Today fully support the use of the BDF. A few citizens are afraid that they are not as courteous as the police. “They are trained to kill,” according to a few. Aren’t they better described as trained to shoot to protect the people and the country? And isn’t that what an escaping criminal deserves in order to be stopped?

Personally, we found the BDF guys here in December as quite courteous. We said “Good night” to several and they responded quite nicely. When treated with respect and appreciation, people will reciprocate. We believe we can get a lot of our BDF who can patrol our streets and roads instead of the mountains and valleys with borders to Guatemala and Mexico. Our suggestion to our Area Rep is to bring on the BDF.

Cast your vote online if you think that the BDF should be brought back to the island to curb crime. Online poll at www.ambergristoday.com

Fancy Roofs

This weekend, my new neighbor-to-be cast his concrete roof. What was impressive was the amount of man power it took to do such a complicated task on the second floor. What's happening now is that many new homeowners want concrete homes to feel safe during the hurricane season, but don't like the flat look of a poured concrete roof. What many are doing is designing fancy roofs, like this one, and making them concrete instead of wood. The job is more complicated, technical and EXPENSIVE. But I guess, if you can afford it, it is good to go the extra mile to make your house look good and feel happy about it.

Cinco de Mayo Charity Event

Costa Maya Festival Set for August 7 to 10, 2008

The first official meeting of the Costa Maya Festival Committee took place last week which confirmed and solidified that the 16^th Annual Festival is on for the first week of August 2008.

From August 7 to the 10, the Costa Maya Festival stage lights up as international artists from all over the Americas merge to put on a multicultural spectacle in Ambergris Caye for a celebratory week of dance, music, pageants, food and drink.

Celebrating their ancestral Mayan culture the Costa Maya Festival is a week-long celebration. This year the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant seeks the participation of Panama to complete the participation of all the Central American countries.

Local and international visitors enjoy a world class event in beautiful San Pedro. There are traditional and modern dance groups, star-studded musical bands accompanied by renown singers.

A lot of the preparation has commenced including the booking of not one but possibly two international entertainers. The committee wants to cater to both young and old and is looking to book entertainers that will appeal to both age groups. So expect an even more spectacular festival than previous years.

As always, the festival is not possible without the kind donations of sponsors. So please dig deep into your pockets and give as much as you can to the annual festival that gives back tremendously to our island. More updates to come soon! (www.ambergristoday.com)

No More Tortilla!?

Word has it that the production of minsa (corn flour) tortilla will no longer take place since government is no longer allowing the importation of Maseca to Belize. In speaking with Mr. Domingo Perez of Popular Tortilla we found out that indeed the government had seized the importation of Maseca from Guatemala.

“I cannot say that we will seize production, but I am in a state of limbo since I only have a supply that will last for about two weeks,” commented Mr. Perez. If the production of Minsa tortilla is stopped, not only will Mr. Perez be affected but other businesses and residents that use the product as well.

According to Mr. Perez many restaurants and hotels purchase tortillas in a vast amount on a weekly basis. A rough amount of 3,500lbs is consumed weekly on the island. If Maseca is no longer permitted to be imported another alternative will have to be found.

Jerry Jeff Walker Coming in May

Jerry Jeff Walker will be offering exclusive "local" pricing for his concerts here in San Pedro from May 25 thru 31. Prices for locals will be $100Bz per concert!! Just stop by Wet Willy's for more information.

Cinco de Mayo Charity Extravaganza

A New Computer Lab Would be Fab!
- Press Release - Holy Cross Anglican School announces the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo ‘Faces of the Future’ Charity Extravaganza, a fundraising benefit for the Holy Cross Anglican School. Wet Willy’s Bar and Grill located on the Hustler Tours pier is hosting this wonderful event on Saturday, May 3 from 11a.m. - 9p.m.

A computer lab is urgently needed by the Holy Cross Anglican School to ensure that national curriculum standards are met and to enable children to participate in important extracurricular activities, which provide them with opportunities to develop additional skills using modern technology. All proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will help Holy Cross provide this much needed computer lab.

Due to the huge success of last year/s Cinco de Mayo, Friends of Holy Cross have decided to make the event double the fun. From 11pm – 3 pm will be a Beach Party. Come and join the fun with bouncy tents, delicious food, piñatas, exciting games and prizes for all the family.
Anyone looking for a good bargain is bound to find a treasure at a huge yard sale. Amazing items will be raffled throughout the Beach Party event. All of this has been organized by the wonderful Holy Cross teachers and will happen right on the beach in front of Wet Willy’s dock.
From 3p.m. onwards, the community is invited to come inside Wet Willy’s Bar and Grill for the charity event. Supporters can participate in 50/50 draws and Live Auction. Excellent entertainment from local bands will keep everyone tapping their toes all evening.

Some of the items available at the auctions include: Romantic dinners at Blue Lotus, Casa Picasso, Christo’s and Portifino, massage and beauty treatments from Brahma Blue, Carole Goudreau Esthetic and Sol Spa and use of a boat that takes eight people, including a Captain for a whole day’s personalised trip.

Bring your family and friends to this once a year Cinco de Mayo ‘Faces of the Future’ Charity Extravaganza. Who would think that you could have so much fun in one place and walk away knowing that you’ve done something wonderful for your community.
To volunteer, donate items for the auction, raffle or yard sale please contact the School office on 226 – 3456. If you are in a band or a musician and are able to volunteer during the day, please do get in touch. But if you believe in children and education, please be there.