Belize and Mexico for Costa Maya Pageant

Meet Miss Belize

Felicita Arzu

Age: 24

Height: 5’8

Professions: English Teacher

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Skin Color: Brown

Hobbies: Traveling, singing, reading, dancing, socializing and listening to a wide range of musical genres.

Meet Miss Mexico

Marliese Edelmann Ayala

Age: 20 years

Height: 5.57Feet

Profession: Actress

Eye Color: Green

Hair Color: Brunette

Skin Color: Tan

Hobbies: Reading and Dancing

A Costa Maya office has been secured this year thanks to Atlantic Bank and it is located on Black Coral Street at the old Nancy’s Store (Phone # 226 4153). Booths are available for the festival days and interested persons can contact committee member Jan Brown at 226-2059. Read more on Miss Belize and Miss Mexico in this week's issue of Ambergris Today out on Thursday, July 9 and also Online.

Influenza A H1N1 Confirmed in Belize

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of five (5) confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in the country of Belize. These results were received today, July 7, 2009, through Belize's reference laboratory CAREC.
All the five cases came from the Corozal district and linked to the Casinos in the Corozal Free Zone. These individuals have been treated and are recovering at home. This highlights the increased surveillance which the Ministry had put in place at the initial response to Influenza A H1N1.
The Ministry of Health is awaiting the results of 15 other suspected cases, majority of which presented mild flu-like symptoms. The Ministry continues its heightened surveillance and awareness campaign to contain this situation.
The Ministry of Health encourages the public to continue washing hands with soap and water, covering your coughs, seek medical attention if you present any flu-like symptoms and stay at home until your symptoms are resolved.

The Ministry would also like to inform the public that there is no need, at this time, to limit any mass gatherings.

National Geographic Geotourism Challenge

The Marco Gonzalez Mayan site in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has been entered into the second annual National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009. The challenge awards winning entries for their efforts to promote geo-tourism, defined as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents."

Jan Brown, who is spearheading the Marco Gonzalez Site project, submitted the site in the challenge that has a $5,000US cash prize, not to mention the honor of spearheading the continuing growth of the geo-tourism movement. A panel of judges will select the finalists, which are then voted on by the online community.

A major part of the entry is input from the general public. Please take a minute to check it out and post a comment about the importance of the project to the island culture and education for our children and guests. Your comments will help the Marco Gonalez Mayan Site enter the finals. Voting is July 15th for the final cut of 10 to 15 entries.

Click on the following links to learn more about the project and leave your comment. THANKS!

*National Geographic Geotourism Challenge 2009

*Marco Gonzalez Mayan site