The San Pedro Sun caught up with Terryl, also known on the island as a One Man Band, to get a little feed back on his grand win. “For this exhibition, we were supposed to do something that represents Coca Cola and happiness, what we can remember about Coca Cola in the past, something that is very happy. I did a piece that showcases what I perceive Belize to have been in the 60′s or 70′s. It really had people’s minds wondering like what or where is this painting. Because of how realistic it seems people try to associate it with a certain place or location.  In actuality, this piece is a creation from my mind’s eyes. I just thought about a scene and I painted it. So the truth is, it never did exist and I don’t know if that’s the thing that probably got to the judges and forced them to take a good look at that piece more than once. But the painting was created to give viewers the effect of visualizing what Belize used to look like, so everybody that lived in that time could probably relate to that painting.”

The exhibition saw the participation of some 50 artists, professionals and novices. In speaking of what the win means to him, Terryl stated, “It’s the first time that I have ever won something and this means I’ve got to keep the art alive. This means to just keep on painting because I believe now that more people will be looking at me and my work and have a little bit more respect for what I do. Even though Papo, Carolyn Carr and Walter Castillo along with all the other artists that were a part of the competition, their work is very good, well, ya now people will look at my work with more respect I believe.” For his win as first place, Tyrell took home a $5000 check. Individuals wishing to view Terryl’s work can do so by contacting him personally at 661-8867.

Carolyn Carr of Banana Bank won second place and San Pedro’s Papo Alamilla won third. The show is a travelling exhibit and runs from May to October 2012.

Speaking of the event, Organizer Clive Myers, Destination Planning and Development Coordinator, for the BTB stated, “The Village Arts and Craft Expo was an initiative that branched out of the Destination Planning’s Umbrella project – Village Outreach. The BTB has realized that many of the rural communities can play an important role in developing our tourism industry since many of these communities sit just on the border of important archeological sites and forest reserves. There are many who currently make unique local products that the BTB is not aware of.  In creating a database of who these people are and where they can be contacted will definitely help the BTB with marketing these products, the producers or makers and the destinations in which they can be found and as a result – the Village Expo initiative was created.”

Village Expo 2012 brought small producers together under one roof to showcase their unique products to a variety of buyers and opened an avenue to a new and direct way of marketing to gift shops, hotels, stores, supermarkets, corporate businesses, homes and the consumer at large to include even visiting tourists.

Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland of Corozal were at the Expo showcasing their products and spoke of their items on exhibit as well as how they came up with their very refreshing bubbly blackberry wine; “Today we are displaying three different products; our natural juices, our Tambranero sauce – a tambran based habañero sauce and our most popular item, the sparkling blackberry wine. The wine, we honestly simply stumbled across. It’s not as alcoholic as most wines, it’s mild so people tend to use it for toasting like at weddings and so for the.” And after taking two samples as opposed to one, I must concur the wine is definitely a keeper. Not very strong but it does have a kick. It is mildly sweet and has a fruity, bubbly taste to it. “We just stumbled across the wine because we already made blackberry juices. In attempting to store them long term in glass bottles, we just sort of created a wine and it was delicious. Our friends just loved it and so we started experimenting with it, to see if we could create the same bubbly yet fruity effect, and this is our end product.” The Sutherland’s business is located in the Corozal District and they deliver at a cost. For more information on any of their items feel free to give them a call at 602-8067 or via email to lynsuddy@hotmail.com.

While many coral and wood arts were on display, some jewelry and table pieces that stood out to me for their uniqueness in  size – miniature, precise and detailed curves were those of Tropical Treasures. Victor Alamina, proprietor spoke of the art pieces they had on display; “We have Black coral, Angel coral, Wilk shell, Conch shell, Coconut shell and even some local wood. We have ziricote, mahogany and rosewood. But these wood carvings are not like your usual wood carvings, they are actually ear rings. In the other items, we have necklaces, bracelets, earrings and we even have some carvings made from the conch shell, we have created turtles, dolphins and even a variety of fishes. What makes our products more special? For one, we take more time in doing our finishing work, we don’t do anything in a hurry, just to go out and make a sale. We try to give the customers quality instead of just making for quantity.” For more information on Tropical Treasure, find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/tropicaltreasuresbelize.

Village Expo was packed to capacity with vendors and shoppers from across the country. It was the perfect occasion for individuals to check out the huge variety of arts, craft and culture that Belize has to offer, while taking advantage of great deals for bulk purchase. Throughout the day entertainment was provided by the Larubeya Boys, Mr. Peter’s Brukdong Band and intermission dancing from the Yo Creek Mestizo Dancers. In speaking on whether this will be a yearly event, Myers sated, “With the Expo being a huge success on Saturday, we can surely say that it will be an annual event. We had approximately 97 participants which clearly surpassed our expected amount.“

A resident of Northern Ambergris Caye detailed her experience in which she, along with her children, were a victim of a home invasion where they were terrorized and their belongings stolen. While her son was not physically harmed, he remains traumatized and concerned for his safety after he was attacked by the intruders. “Already I have no faith in the system. I am not seeing the police presence in the way they should be,” expressed the very emotional resident who asked to remain anonymous. The child who was present also gave an emotional account of the incident and told the Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vienie Robinson  that while he can clearly recognize his attacker, “I am afraid that he comes back after me when he gets out of jail.”

Business people who have been the victims of burglaries of late, also expressed their frustration in the way the Police Department is addressing and investigating their cases. “The police know who are committing these crimes, we all know who are committing these crimes, however these people are still out,” said Julian Rivero, a sentiment that was echoed by many others at the meeting. According to the affected business owners and other concerned residents, it appears as is if the police are not giving the issues much attention and it has now become a growing problem that is beginning to “plague” the community. “We simply do not feel safe anymore!” expressed the victims.

The residents also expressed serious concerns about the issue of children being used as part of the crime ring, some of whom are believed to be selling drugs. Serious concerns were also raised about underage children being out late at night and even sold alcohol. The issue of stores opening late till the wee hours of the morning to facilitate the sale of alcohol to the public was also raised. Concerns also centered on the large number of vagabonds and unemployed people harassing tourists for money or offering them drugs, thus contributing to the spike in crime especially during the slow season.

But for ASP Robinson the issue of crime “is real” but equally “real,” is the lack of resources which is clearly “a challenge,” that she is faced with. San Pedro Police has a total of 36 officers to run an island with a population of about 20 thousands. The SP Police Department runs on a three-shift rotation with nine officers per shift. The remaining officers are in charge of ensuring that the day to day operations of the Police Department continues. According to ASP Robinson, within her two months of taking over the SP Department, she has seen the urgent concerns and as such is moving swiftly to get the community engaged. “Already we have trained 27 Special Constables, which we hope will help us to alleviate some of the crime situation,” said ASP Robinson. Speaking on the loss of public confidence, she stated, “Since taking responsibility of this area, I have been working to curb the public perception of the Police Department, but the truth of the matter is that the community simply refuses to be cooperative.” Commenting on the issue of the sale of alcohol up to the wee hours of the morning by certain store owners, ASP Robinson said “it seems that alcohol is the order of the day in San Pedro. I have never seen a community like this in my 25 years of career of service.”  She explained that the community refuses to report those store owners that open late at night because the store owners supply some of the same community members with alcohol late at night.

As for kids being on the street late at night, ASP Robinson explained that already there is dialogue and the proper steps are being taken to propose a curfew for underage children on Ambergris Caye. As for the suggestion to have unemployed people be take off the island, ASP Robinson made it absolutely clear, that as per the constitution, no Belizean can be deprived to move freely within the territory of Belize of which she reminded Ambergris Caye is a part of.

In addressing the issue of “unsolved crime” ASP Robinson explained that the community seems “uncooperative,” with the police during investigations. “We cannot base our investigation on hearsay. We are asking the community who knows about these crimes to come forward and give a statement. We need something to act on and bring these criminals to justice. And if we have the necessary information to investigate your case and you are still not getting the help you need, then you can request to see me. I will ensure that we follow up with your case and that we get to the bottom of it,” assured ASP Robinson. She also promised to personally follow up on the allegations that items recovered as part of the investigation have gone missing from the Police Department. “I heard that such things were happening previous to my post here. I want to assure you that I will not tolerate this from anyone of my officers,” stated ASP Robinson who promised to look into the matter.

What makes it even worse for the SP Police Department is that two of its vehicles are no working making it difficult to conduct mobile patrol as efficient as the Department would want. During the meeting, the SPTC promised to donate a vehicle to the Police Department along with new hand radios that will help them respond to reports in a timelier manner. ASP Robinson strongly encouraged stakeholders to come together and to restart the neighborhood watch groups in the different areas. The meeting ended with a strong commitment from both the Police Department and the SPTCC to work together and to seek an audition with the Minister of Police Hon. John Saldivar to see what can be done to address the issues promptly.

CIBC FirstCaribbean has announced its intention to relocate its San Pedro Branch operations
to Orange Walk Town.

To facilitate this move our San Pedro branch will close permanently to the public  on June 15, 2012.

In an official statement, Country Head, Glen Smith indicated that the current economic climate had necessitated a thorough review of the bank’s operations, resulting in strategic decision to relocate to the Orange Walk District.

“We remain committed to our clients in San Pedro and we encourage them to continue to bank with us through a number of options, including our Visa Debit Card products; Internet and Telephone Banking; and by mailing in Cheque Deposits.  We are also exploring additional options for providing banking services to our clients in the area that will be advised to our clients as they are finalized.”

He added that the new Orange Walk facility will provide CIBC FirstCaribbean with excellent opportunities for improving customer service while continuing to play its role as responsible corporate citizen in a new community.

- END -

About CIBC FirstCaribbean

CIBC FirstCaribbean is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean serving over 500,000 accounts in 17 markets, through 3,400 staff, across 100 branches and offices. The bank offers a full range of market-leading financial services in: Corporate and Investment Banking, Treasury Sales and Trading, Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Small Business and Credit Cards.

CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group. CIBC (TSX, NYSE: CM) is a leading North American financial institution serving clients in Canada and around the world. Through its distinct business lines, CIBC Retail Markets and Wholesale Banking, CIBC provides a full range of products and services to almost 11 million individual, small business and commercial banking clients and meets the financial needs of corporate and institutional clients. CIBC is rated A+/Stable/A-1 by Standard & Poor’s.

For more information about CIBC FirstCaribbean, visit www.cibcfcib.com

Media contact:
Debra King, Director of Corporate Communications, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Barbados Head Office; telephone: 246 367 2248; fax: 246 421 7148 and email: debra.king@cibcfcib.com.

Media contact:
Glen Smith, Country Head, CIBC FirstCaribbean, 21 Albert Street, Belize City, Tel: 227-7212

Johnny Smith, first PUP Party Leader

The People’s United Party (PUP) first Party Leader, John Smith, has died. 93-year-old Smith passed away on Tuesday May 15^th surrounded by his wife and children in his home in Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.A. The announcement was made by the PUP Secretariat on Wednesday May 16^th in which the Party says that “The PUP pays tribute to the life of John A Smith.”

John Smith became the first Party Leader of the People’s United Party September 29^th, 1950 after the People’s Committee was dissolved making way for the first political party in Belize’s history. Smith led the PUP for two years, up to 1952, after which Leigh Richardson took over up to 1956. Smith stepped aside as leader following differences within executive members of the PUP. Besides being the first PUP Leader Smith was a Legislator in the British Honduras Legislative Assembly, Mayor of Belize City, City Councilor, and Vice-President of the General Workers Union.

His contributions to the building of a new Belize are two many to mention as he laid one of the pillows of what Belize is today. Smith was a member of the Belize City Council from 1944 to 1955, elected Mayor of Belize City in 1947 and 1950, member of the Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1954, the founder of the People’s Committee in 1948 and first PUP Party Leader. He was also Vice-President of the General Workers Union.

Smith eventually moved to live in the United States and according to the release even though he moved “he truly loved Belize and always proud to say he was a Belizean. He has passed this love for Belize on to his children.” In the press release from the PUP, it is stated that he always credits the education he received at St. John’s College for his success.

John Smith is survived by his wife, Consuelo Smith (Nee Riverol) and four daughters: Jean Benard, former Honorary Consul to Belize in New Orleans, Anne Angelle, Donna Bodin, and Patricia Smith; Sons-in-law, Gary Benard, Terry Angelle, and Russell Bodin; eight grandchildren, Tosha Benard Harris, John Angelle, Andy Angelle and Laine Bodin, Russell Bodin, Jr., Christina Bodin, and Connor and Ethan Bodin three great-grandchildren, McKenna Harris and Benard Harris, and Patrick Harris, and many nieces, nephews, and friends in both Belize and the U.S.A.

Funeral Services for the late John A Smith will be held in Metairie, La. at the St. Phillip Neri Church on Saturday, May 19th. The PUP Press Release ended by saying that “The People’s United Party expresses its condolences to the family of John Smith.”

John A. Smith, FMLI, CLU, LUTC was born on May 9^th, 1919. The San Pedro Sun takes the opportunity to express condolences to the Smith family, the PUP and to all Belizeans.

PRESS RELEASE
15 May, 2012
For Immediate Release

COLA and The Coalition apply as co-claimants challenging Oil Concession Contracts

In the Supreme Court today, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and The Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage presented applications requesting to be joined as co-claimants in Oceana in Belize’s present claim against the Ministry of Natural Resources, challenging the validity of six Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs).  The PSA’s, also called oil concession contracts, that are being challenged were granted by the Minister of Natural Resources to Island Oil Belize Ltd, Tropical Energy Ltd, PetroBelize Company Ltd, Princess Petroleum Ltd, Providence Energy Belize Ltd and Sol Oil Belize Ltd between 2005 and 2007.

Crown Counsel Herbert Panton, holding over for Crown Counsel Nigel Hawke, informed the court that they object strongly to the joinder and needed time to review the application and provide a response.  The matter was adjourned to May 23 at which time arguments will be presented on behalf of the Ministry as to reasons why these two organizations should not be joined as co-claimants.

The applicants are both non-governmental organizations that have been very actively involved in challenging the Government on the issue of oil exploration offshore and onshore in protected areas.  COLA is a known grassroots organization that has been operating since 2008 and the Coalition comprising some 36 membership organizations was formed on June 8, 2010 in response to the revelation that almost all of Belize’s marine and terrestrial acreage had been given out under oil concessions unbeknown to the general Belizean population.

Oceana filed this case on December 21, 2011 and today was set aside for the second case management date.  The matter was adjourned to June 7, 2012, a day before World Ocean’s day and the second anniversary of the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage.

In relation to other litigation proceedings being undertaken by Oceana in Belize, a date has been set for hearing of the application for leave for judicial review against the Chief Elections Officer and the Governor General in relation to the 8047 signatures rejected from the referendum petition.  The application will be heard in the Supreme Court on June 20, 2012 before Justice Michelle Arana.  On February 1, 2012 the Chief Election Officer announced and informed the Governor General of the rejected signatures.  Following the Chief Election Officer’s determination, Oceana’s numerous attempts to determine who were the rejected petitioners, the reasons for each rejection and the procedure used to determine who got rejected, remained unanswered.

-END-

Contacts:

Audrey Matura-Shepherd
VP Oceana in Belize
Or
Hipolito Bautista
Communications Officer
Oceana, Belize
+501-227-2704

Justice Samuel Awich (Photo by Channel 5 Belize)

Justice Samuel Lungole Awich was today sworn in as a Justice of the Belize Court of Appeal by the Acting Governor General, His Excellency Carlos Perdomo, at Belize House, Belmopan. Present at the swearing-in ceremony were his wife, son and daughter.

Justice Awich who is originally from Uganda has served as a Supreme Court Judge in Belize since April 2001. He retired as a Judge of the Supreme Court on 15th May 2012 after attaining the age of 65 years.

Justice Awich was appointed as Acting Chief Justice in October 2010 on the retirement of the former Chief Justice, Dr Abdulai Conteh. He continued to act as Chief Justice until September 2011 until the appointment of Justice Kenneth Benjamin as Chief Justice.

Before coming to Belize, Justice Awich served as a Judge of the High Court of Solomon Islands from March 1995 to 2001. He also sat as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Solomon Islands from March 1998 to February 2001.

Other Justices of the Court of Appeal are Justice Manuel Sosa as President and Justice Dennis Morrison and Justice Douglas Mendes.

The next Sitting of the Court of Appeal commences on 11th June, 2012 in Belize City. Also sworn in at today’s ceremony was Mr. Bernard Pitts as the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission. Mr. Pitts’ appointment was approved by the Senate at its meeting held on 11th May 2012.

Mr. Pitts’ appointment is for a period of five years with effect from 15th May 2012. He will replace Mr. Alberto August who resigned last month.

The four bodies were also transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Initial investigations revealed that all five persons were traveling in a gold Geo Prizm car bearing license plate BZC-38571 from Belize City to Belmopan, whereupon reaching Mile 44, they collided into a blue Isuzu D-Max, driven at the time by 56 year old Corrine Abcock, a Canadian National, who was traveling in the opposite direction.

All four bodies have been transported to the Belize City Morgue for a post mortem examination. While investigations continue, Police believe that slippery road conditions and heavy rains may have contributed to the fatal collision.

As part of the national activities, all schools throughout the country have been invited to join and participate in a National poster contest to be judged in Belmopan for NEMO Week. The contest is open to students in standard 4 to 6 in all primary schools countrywide. Entries must be submitted through the school’s principal or a class teacher no later than May 22^nd and depicting the theme “Preserving Life and Property”. Posters will be judged on expression of the theme; creativity and originality, visual clarity and appeal; broad audience appeal and educational value. There will be prizes for first, second and third places. The winning posters will be used as display during NEMO week at NEMO Headquarters in Belmopan and other displays throughout the year as well as will be considered for promotional materials. Poster contestants will be competing at a chance to win $1,600 in prizes.

Locally, all schools in the Belize Rural South constituency are invited to participate in the quiz contest scheduled for May 29^th. Other activities include a church service, scheduled for Sunday the 27^th, radio and TV talk show appearances to promote Public Awareness on Monday 28^th, Quiz contest at the Lion’s Den on May 29^th at 1PM, and ending with an entertainment night on June 1^st scheduled to start at 7pm at Central Park. For more information about NEMO training, feel free to Contact Ms. Jeromey Timrose, district emergency coordinators for Belize Rural South at telephone number: 206 – 2891 or cell; 600-8672/666 - 7476

While NEMO goes into full preparation mode, on the 4^th of April 2012, Drs Philip J. Klotzbach and William M. Gray, of the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, issued the expected forecast for the Atlantic hurricane activity.

According to the release, information obtained through March 2012 indicates that the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season will have less activity than the median 1981-2010 season.  It is estimated that 2012 will have about four hurricanes (median is 6.5), 10 named storms (median is 12.0), 40 named storm days (median is 60.1), 16 hurricane days (median is 21.3), two major (Category 3-4-5) hurricanes (median is 2.0) and three major hurricane days (median is 3.9).

The probability of a U.S. major hurricane landfall is estimated to be about 80 percent of the long-period average. The Atlantic basin Net Tropical Cyclone (NTC) activity in 2012 is expected to be approximately 75 percent of the long-term average. This forecast is based on a new extended-range early April statistical prediction scheme that utilizes 29 years of past data.
Analog predictors are also utilized. A somewhat below-average Atlantic basin hurricane season is expected due to a combination of an anomalously cool tropical Atlantic and the potential development of El Niño.

Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.

On April 13^th, the name Irene was retired from the official list of Atlantic Basin tropical storm names by the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) hurricane committee because of the fatalities and damage caused in August 2011 and will be replaced by Irma. Storm names are reused every six years for both the Atlantic Basin and eastern North Pacific Basin, unless retired for causing a considerable amount of casualties or damage. Irene is the 76th name to be retired from the Atlantic list since 1954.

The storm names for 2012 are as follows: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.

The Media Round Table commenced shortly after 4PM with invited members of the media. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce C-NET to the general population, with the aim to reach individuals infected or affected by the HIV Virus and disseminate information that they feel is very important and will contribute to the continued empowerment of individuals living with HIV.

C-NET was initiated by a group of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) with the aim to improve the quality of their lives and those of their peers, through the assistance of REDCA, the Central American Network of Persons Living with HIV. C-NET hopes to accomplish this through various activities which share information pertinent to PLHIV, education and communication. C-NET aims to propel and develop its members’ individual capabilities while promoting a mutual respect for their Human Rights. C-NET + was formed in July of 2011 with the aim of contributing to improving the quality of life of people with HIV in the country and to engage more actively in the national and regional response to HIV -AIDS. Seven people founded the network, which was constituted as the first organization of and for people with HIV in Belize.  On October 14, 15 and 16^th 2011, C-NET + held its first General Assembly, which saw dozens of PLHIV from all districts of Belize participating.

President of C-NET, Mr. Eric Castellanos spoke of the purpose of C-NET. Introducing himself, Mr. Castellanos informed that he is a Person Living with HIV for over 15 years. He admitted that at the point of his diagnosis, he was unsure of what the future held for him, however with the organization of C-NET, others living in the country that have become infected with this virus no longer have to feel alone, uncertain or unwanted.

One of the ways C-NET hopes to empower PLHIV is through support groups. Each individual’s experience with their HIV Positive diagnosis is different. C-NET presently holds support groups for PLHIV at various locations within the country, and after proper training of key individuals, hopes to bring such activities country wide. It is the hope that these individuals, once trained as Peer Councilors, will serve as a liaison between testing facilities, service providers and C-NET. The trained individual will be available to newly diagnosed individuals to provide somewhat of a “big brother” service or to already diagnosed individuals needing encouragement, guidance or even assistance in terms of adherence to medications. These councilors will receive continuous training and will play a key role in the dissemination of new information to targeted individuals as it pertains to PLHIV within their various communities.

C-NET, through its parent organization REDCA and with funding from Global Fund, continues its efforts to strengthen the technical capacities of PLHIV, empowering them to strive toward better health, security and dignity; through various activities. One of such activities is a scholarship program being offered by REDCA to all members of C-NET. Through the program, 50 three-year scholarships have been secured for PLHIV in the various Central American countries, including Belize. These scholarships may be used for completion of primary, secondary, tertiary level education or vocational studies. The scholarships will become available in July of this year. Through this initiative, C-NET is also improving the lives of PLHIV through improved employability.

C-NET continues to work hand in hand with organizations such as PASMO; the National Aids Commission NAC; United States Agency for International Development USAID and other programs with the combined objective to strengthen the Central American response to HIV. CNET has three focal points in Belize, Mr. Stephen Diaz, Mr. Eric Castellanos and Ms Adi Mai.

Further to this, a new website, And What Now www.andwhatnow.info has been developed by PASMO Belize and recently launched. The site provides an interactive platform for information acquisition for PLHIV, online support group sessions, referrals to organizations for services, chat and answers to frequently asked questions. The site caters to newly diagnosed individuals as well as individuals in search of HIV information.

Following the media presentations on available services through C-NET; the group held its first National Solidarity Day with PLHIV as well as family and friends of PLHIV. The function was a heart warming event filled with testimonials from the three focal points in Belize, of their positive diagnosis and their journey to present. Families and friends cheered on as these brave souls shared their stories of tragedies and successes. HIV/AIDS is something that affects the entire world. It affects individuals dear and close to us and half the time we do not even know their struggles. Most are afraid to reveal their positive status for fear of discrimination, rejection or simply because of the lack of information.

The next time the topic of HIV comes up C-NET encourages individuals to remain optimistic during the conversation. Become informed. Show support. These individuals did not wish to become infected with this disease. Some stories are heart wrenching. An HIV infected individual can be your best friend, your mother, your sister, your brother, an aunt or uncle, your grand parents; it could be the person that you hold so very close, but because of something you might have said in a negative connotation towards a PLHIV can be very hurtful to a who is struggling with the disease.

The Solidarity Day gave individuals the opportunity to share their stories and support for PLHIV as well as their families, friends and individuals that have succumbed to an illness related to the disease. During the course of the evening, snacks and beverages were shared as well as wishes sent to the skies via helium balloons and a candle lighting ceremony of the symbolic red ribbon on the PASMO grounds. For more information on C-NET and the services offered through the organization, please contact Mr. Eric Castellanos at 630-1900 or via email to puntofocal1.be@redca.org.

2012 Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge Winners, Douglas Penland and Fernando Giacoman

Twenty seven teams took off from the “Embarcadero” area of San Pedro to take on the 8^th Annual Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge on May 12^th. Both junior and senior kayakers alike took to the creeks and waves of Ambergris Caye for their chance to claim the coveted prize and bragging rights of what has quickly become the most popular sporting event on the island. The 42 mile long race took them along the banks of the lagoon at the back of Ambergris Caye, through thick mangrove wetlands and winding creek pathways all the way north to the border between Mexico and Belize, snaking their way through the small channel separating the two countries, just a few feet apart, and then pinning the teams against wave after wave of Caribbean Sea along the Ambergris Caye shoreline as they sprinted to the finish at the Central Park in San Pedro Town on May 13^th.

At the end of the race, and after all times were recorded and verified, Team #13, 2 Horse Power Yamaha, was crowned the overall winner of the 2012 Eco-Challenge Kayak Race. 2 Horse Power Yamaha team members Douglas Penland and Fernando Giacoman crossed the finish line with a total combined time of 9 hours, 53 minutes and 57 seconds in a race that was fought tightly among the top three teams. Team #2, Southwind Boys, Jimmy Polonio and Carlos Ramirez, led the first leg of the race for the majority of the first day and only narrowly lost out at end by 9 seconds as Penland and Giacoman edged past them moments before the finish. Third Place Team Coast Guard, #23, Tony Franzva and Karl Borland, gave both 1^st and 2^nd Place finishers a tough challenge, managing to stick with them the entire race and at moments looked to take one of the top two places themselves.

It proved to be a tough race for many of the kayakers and on the second day, only 16 of the 27 teams that started the race took off from the Basil Jones area of north Ambergris Caye to fight for the win. Strong waves and sweltering heat made it a hard fought battle and the kayakers gave their all in an exciting and grueling race.

In the Junior category, top place finishers, #5 Blue Ridder Boys, Daniel Gregorio and Mario Chimal, were the first to cross the finish line on day two in a surprise finish that saw them beat out all the other teams by over a minute, but had a total 2-day time that saw them take 8^th place overall, ahead of three of the senior competitors. Their total time was an impressive 10 hours, 45 minutes and 3 seconds. Rounding out the top three places in the Junior category were team #3, Con Todo, who took second place, and team Oceana Boys, #25, who finished third.

For a full list of placing and times for each category and day of the race see the table below…

Prizes:

Senior Division
First Place – $3,000 Cash and Gift Certificate Wine de Vine
Second Place-  $2,000 Cash and $50 Tab at Stars Café
Third Place – $1,000 Cash and $40 Gift Certificate Liquor Box

Junior Division
First Place – $1,000 Cash and 2 Massages at Sol Spa
Second Place – $700 Cash and Dinner at Las Terraza O Restaurant
Third Place – $400 Cash and 2 Tickets Tropic Air

Overall Standings Prizes:
Fourth Place – Two $150 from Belize Bank
Fifth Place – $200 Cash
Sixth Place – $200 Gift Certificate at Caliente Restaurant
Seventh Place – $200 Gift Certificate at Red Ginger Restaurant
Eight Place – $150 Cash
Ninth Place – Two round trip tickets Tropic Air
Tenth Place – $100 Cash/ Shopping at La Divina Providencia
Eleventh Place – $100 Shopping at SP Hardware

Other Prizes Awarded
Dead Dog Tired Award
Most Grumpy
Most Creative
Sportsmanship Award
Most Eco Friendly
Most Enthusiastic
Team that got lost
Team that got smoked
Youngest team
Last Place

Now we look forward to a new Kayak Race coming next month by the same organizers of the Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge, The Eco-Pro Kayak Race. Slated for the 23^rd and 24^th of June the Eco-Pro Kayak Race will see major competitors from all over the country as well as some international kayakers completely circling the island in a 60 plus mile race with more challenges and much larger prizes on the line. 1^st Place kayakers will be able to win a whopping $10,000 prize for taking on the challenge of this much larger and longer race around Ambergris Caye. Pro Kayakers… start practicing!

On another note, Eric Donis, the young athlete who planned to swim from San Pedro to Belize City in the Healthy Reefs, Healthy People Swim Challenge, did take to the waters to swim, but instead swam from Caye Caulker to San Pedro. Eric and four other swimmers were awarded certificates of completion and appreciation for their efforts in the swim challenge and for doing their part to bring awareness for our delicate reef and marine eco-systems.

The San Pedro Sun would like to congratulate all the kayakers for taking part in this year’s competition and thank all of the sponsors who gave to this worthy cause. We look forward to next year’s race being even bigger and better. Kayakers, start practicing from now!

Sponsors for the 2012 Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge were The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, SEAduced by Belize, El Pescador, Captain Sharks, Fido’s Restaurant, The San Pedro Sun, Belize Diving Adventure, Kakaw Chocolate, The Palms, FC’s Aluminum, Pedro’s Inn, Go Fish Belize, Wally’s Electrical , Mata Chica, Sunrise Reality, Nellie’s Laundromat, Hollywood Reality, Belize Shores, Coco Beach , Southwind Properties, Tropic Air , Sol Spa, Island Golf Cart Rentals, Elvi’s Kitchen – Prepared all the food, Las Terrazas  O’ Restaurant, Victoria House Hotel, El Dorado Store, Caribeña Enterprise, Bowen and Bowen Crystal Bottling Co. – gave all the water for the race, Castillo’s Hardware, Geo’s Hideaway Café, Captain Morgan’s, White Sands, Blue Tang Inn, Caye Management, San Pedro Town Council, Julie Babcock, Banyan Bay Villas, Cocotal Inn and Cabanas, Caribbean Villas, Cholo’s Golf Cart Rental, Mata Rocks, Wayo’s Beach Bar, Lady Leslie, OCEANA, Ramon’s Village, Belize Bank Ltd., Go Fish , S.P. Hardware, Wine de vine, La Divina Providencia, Average Joe’s, Caliente Restaurant, Blue Water Grill, Red Ginger Restaurant, Baller’s Barber Shop, Hurricane Ceviche Bar & Grill, Premium Wines, Liquor Box, San Pedro Starz Café Bar  & Grill, Casa Pan Dulce, Lino’s Meat Shop, Quality Poultry , Luis Zapata Photography, Love Fm, Mr. Sean Gordon vegetable and fruit vendor- supplied all the fruit for the paddlers , Amigos Del Mar , Mr. Jody Leslie, Mr. Pepe Molina, Brianna’s Restaurant, Island Gear Boutique, The Belize Tourism Board, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and the Belize Coast Guard.

2012 Lagoon Reef Eco-Challenge Race Results:

There will be more boots on the ground conducting patrols along with the police after 27 islanders were sworn-in as Special Constables. The swearing in took place after the completion of two days of training on Saturday May 12^th and Sunday May 13^th upstairs of Fido’s Restaurant. The training of the Special Constables was conducted by Inspector Gerald Jones and Corporal Johnny Tun, both instructors at the Police Academy in Belmopan.

The Special Constables received training in areas such as The Constitution of Belize, Justifiable force and harm, Powers of Arrest, Beat and Patrol, Searching of Suspects, Methods of Arrest, Station Diary and Giving Evidence in Court. According to Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Formation Assistant Superintendent of Police Vienie Robinson, the newly sworn Special Constables will conduct voluntary duties in foot patrols, diary entry, follow up from front desk inquiry made by members of the public, assist with special events, assist in natural disaster, boat and traffic patrol along with other minor duties. “It is very important for you to know and understand that all information that you are privy to while assisting the police is confidential,” cautioned ASP Robinson in addressing the Special Constables. She added that, “You are now sworn in to help in enforcing the laws and as such must conduct yourself differently. The Police Department will not tolerate any wrong doing from you and the minute you are found involved in wrong doings, we will release you from being a Special Constable.” ASP Robinson also cautioned the Special Constables and asked them to be extra vigilant of rogue officers and to distance themselves from dishonest activities.

At hand to issue the certificates of completion was Councilor Wally Nunez Jr. whose responsibility is to work with the Police Department on the island. In addressing the 27 Special Constables, Councilor Nunez encouraged them to “get more involved in the community and work along with the police for a better San Pedro.” He also congratulated them and asked them to “be the best” they can.

ASP Robinson explained to the Special Constables that while they have the “Power of Arrest,” it is limited only to Ambergris Caye.  The group of Special Constables will be lead by Special Constables Brian Cook and Daniel Jones and will meet monthly. The group will be part of regular ongoing trainings in San Pedro. Special Constables who report to duty will work along with a Police Officer and will have a T-Shirt issued by the Police Department clearly indicating “Special Constable” along with the Police Emblem. All Special Constables will be required to work a minimum of four hours weekly to remain active. With the addition of 27 new Special Constables, it is expected that there will be more boots on the ground to conduct patrols resulting in less crime.