Vol. 12 - No.10
March 12th, 2010
STORY #1
Residents Object New Fishing Laws & Fines
Fisheries Minister on the HOT SEAT

San Pedro Tour Guide Association president Billy Leslie calls this legislation “an insult to every resident of San Pedro and insult to every Belizean”. Leslie is referring to Government’s decision to apply a license to anyone who wants to engage in fishing. In simple terms this license will be charged unto any person who goes to the beach, the end of the lagoon or the end of a pier or even at the Boca del Rio with a fishing line and the intention to catch a fish or two for his children to have a decent fish meal.

Leslie very candidly explained to the listeners of the Reef Radio Morning Show that the original intention of the law was to apply a license fee unto certain people and only for certain species of fish. It was never intended to punish every Belizean desirous of enjoying a day in the sun casting his hand line or fishing rod.

Statutory instrument No.115 of 2009 dictates the terms of reference and stipulates the fees as follows: This SI is signed by Vincent Gillet for Coastal Zone Management Authority and by Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

One Day Fishing $20.00
One Week Fishing $50.00
One Year Fishing $100.00

The people’s University, which is the common man and woman on the street is vehemently opposing this new proposed law based on the following observations:

  1. It is a totally new tax on every Belizean who has the right and privilege to go fishing on any given day.
  2. Hundreds of citizens, if not thousands like to go out sport fishing and at the same time catch a few fish for their table.
  3. If one has to pay $20 to (possibly) catch a few fish, then it is better to go buy a few fish from the few fishermen who set up wire traps.
  4. By the time you go and possibly get your license, you should already be returning from the beach. Most of the time one decides to go fishing at night on one’s free time.
  5. This tax will lay an additional financial burden on tourists who already have a steep price to pay with air travel, hotel, food, and tourist guide fees.
  6. The minister of Fisheries is literally driving away our tourists to a friendlier destination at a time when we are already suffering a recession and a drop in tourist arrivals.

The Minister of Fisheries is in a hot seat and will put our government on the hot seat. He will put the Minister of Tourism on the hot seat. He will put our Town Board on the hot seat. But can the Minister comfortably sit on a cool seat. Yes he can. He can consult with our Minister of Tourism whom we assume is opposed to this new tax law and he can consult with our local Town Council which has already publicly expressed its opposition to the law. With the stroke of a pen, the minister can boil to his own death, or he can sit back on his comfortable seat and relax his next three years in office and perhaps guarantee another five more years. It is all up to the Minister.

Amendments to Fishing Laws to be Made

After much fanfare that the new fishing laws and fines created throughout the country of Belize, even more so on Ambergris Caye, the Coastal Zone Management released a press release after newspaper deadline, indicating that amendments will be made to the laws, much to the delight of the local fisherman.

- Press Release Coastal Zone Management, March 11, 2010 - The Coastal Zone Management Authority wishes to inform the public about certain changes that will soon be made to the new Sport Fishing legislation, S.I 115 of 2009.

The term ‘Sport Fishing’ will now be amended to define in more detail what sport fishing is and those groups that will be required to hold sport fishing licenses.

A Sport Fishing license will now be needed by two main groups of fishermen. Visitors (non-Belizeans, non-permanent residents), and Sport fishermen (Belizean or otherwise) who are looking to target the main Sport Fish species as listed in the Fisheries legislation (S.I.114 of 2009).

Exemptions are now being granted to all tour guides of Belize who possess a valid tour guide license upon application to the CZMA. Consideration is now being taken for full exemption for these tour guides.

In an effort to stimulate the love of fishing in our young people children under the age of 16 and ease the burden on elderly persons over the age of 65, exemptions for these two groups of anglers will also now be granted.

Exemptions will also now be granted to anglers who are simply fishing from a dock or pier as well as those who are fishing from the sea shore.

Another amendment to S.I. 115 of 2009 will only require the angler that is fishing to hold a sport fishing license. Other passengers who are not fishing will not need a sport fishing license.

The CZMAI remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to allow for a smooth implementation of the new regulations.

Any questions about these new changes can be forwarded to the CZMA offices on Princess Margaret Dr. in Belize City or telephones: 501-223-0719, 501-223-5739 or 501-223-2616.
STORY #2
San Pedro High School is Math Olympiad National Champ

It seemed as if a rock star had just arrived on the island as commotion took o the streets of San Pedro Town Wednesday afternoon, March 10. But indeed celebrities in their own right, the San Pedro High School Math Olympiad team are indeed famous. Residents lined up along the streets to cheer along with the entire school for the National Champions of the Math Olympiad. It is a great accomplishment for San Pedro High School and we are all proud of our team.

Dear Editor:

     Let me first publicly congratulate the Math Olympiad team lead by Jing Han, Vicky Balam, Ismael Kay and Emily Gomez from San Pedro High School for holding high the name of San Pedro. Winning the National Math Olympiad is not an ordinary feat; yet our students and coaches proved even to the skeptics that San Pedro High School could stand head to toe with established giants in our country.


     When you look at the giants who have won it before, the likes of St. John’s College, Corozal Community College and Belize Christian Academy are there. I can only extrapolate and reach to the conclusion that something good must be happening at San Pedro High School. This is no accident, last year we won the National Food and Nutrition competition and led the delegation that eventually won the Caricom Food and Nutrition competition.

     As an educator, I appreciate the effort placed by these youngsters in the name of academics. To Mrs. Iris Herstig (head coach), Mr. Gary Tabony, (volunteer teacher), and Mrs. Shakira Coleman (volunteer teacher) I would like to tip my hat off for your unselfish effort to prepare these students for such prestigious event. The qualities that you have displayed: commitment, patience, generosity just to mention a few have made it possible for these students be able to experience what it is to be on the top and to truly be the best. You depict the profile of what a teacher should be and we are blessed to have you working at SPHS.

     I came to San Pedro in 1997 to work at San Pedro High School and promptly fell in love with the island, the community and above all with the institution. San Pedro High School see, is not an ordinary High School; it was not founded by the Government of Belize, or by any Religious Denomination to serve its need and the need of the community. But rather, it was established in 1971 by community oriented natives who had a vision of providing quality education to local students who could not make it to the mainland for an education.

     These founders stood firm in their vision to provide this insignificant (education was not relevant to the livelihood then) venture and now can enjoy the fruits of their vision. In many other institutions people come and go, not in San Pedro High, people like Mrs. Martha Guerrero, Mrs. Celi Mckorkle and Mr. Angel Nuñez are still active and vigilant of the needs and accomplishments of "their" school.


     I have mentioned it before and will mention it again; parents of San Pedro, there are no need for you to risk the safety of your children or family unity in an effort to provide the best education for your child. San Pedro High School is gradually showing the signs of a great school and it is up to you the parents, your children, the students and us the teachers to put our efforts together to provide the relevant education that our future San Pedranos really need.

      Mrs. Guerrero, Mrs. Mckorkle and Mr. Nuñez feel proud about what you have founded. It is a legacy that is priceless and the fruits are slowly being enjoyed by those who have put the trust in you. Meanwhile I invite the entire community to join in the celebration of the above mentioned feat.

/s/ Gustavo A. Ellis, Dean San Pedro Junior College
STORY #3
Tatiana Rivero Prepares for Piel Dorada Pageant

- Press Release - Pageants are a celebration of smart, strong, successful, well-rounded women. Ms Tatiana Rivero is the embodiment of Belizean women as she is beautiful, intelligent and rich in culture. She has been a positive role model for young women ever since winning the coveted title of Miss San Pedro in 2003.

LPEL Model Organization is inviting interested parties to be partners in the exciting and prestigious journey Tatiana is honored with; that of representing Belize internationally. Your assistance as a sponsor will help Tatiana to prepare for the Miss Piel Dorada Internacional pageant to be held in Chiapas, Mexico March 24 – April 4, 2010.

For your sponsorship, LPEL and Tatiana will ensure that you and your company are recognized for your invaluable support. The pageant is a two-week event where over 15 delegates from the Central, South American and Caribbean region compete in swimwear, long gown, costume and interview. The highlight of the experience is the coronation of the next Miss Piel Dorada Internacional queen on April 4, 2010.

LPEL Model Organization wishes that San Pedro residents will consider supporting its delegate in her quest to become Miss Piel Dorada Internacional 2010. As her sponsor, your company will receive recognition in all press releases and at promotional events to be held in San Pedro and Belize City. You may contact LPEL’s executive director Leilah Pandy via the email or by calling 501-605-9697.
STORY #4
Miss Chiquitita Pageant Makes a Comeback

Meet the six contestants for Miss Chiquitita Pageant

Organizers for the Miss Chiquitita Pageant are pleased to present to you the six beautiful and talented young girls they are:
*Nayobi Rivero 6-year-old
*Leilani Alamilla 6-year-old – The San Pedro Town Council
*Adrianie Henkis 7-year-old – Ashley’s
*Gabriela Knox 6-year-old – Wild Mangos
*Marcela Bonilla 4-year-old – Mambo Chill
*Victoria Moguel 7-year-old – The Community of San Pedro

These lovely girls will take center stage on Saturday, March 20 at the Old Football Field and will be judged in several categories which include swimsuit, talent and modeling and formal wear. The girls will also be delighting the crowd with dance presentations.

Come and witness as one lucky girl is crowned Miss Chiquitita 2010. Prizes for Miss Amity and Miss Photogenic will be awarded as well as all contestants will receive great consolation prizes.

Ms. Ilna Nuñez, Pageant Founder/Coordinator, in collaboration with the San Pedro Pre-School have planned a fun-filled pageant for all to enjoy. There will be lots of local entertainment, from local sensation – Rompe Raja Band, The San Pedro Dance Company, Barbara’s Dance Group and other local entertainment.

All are invited to attend this event; it will be a fun night for the entire family. So mark your calendars for this long awaited event, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Old Football Field; entrance fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds go to the San Pedro Pre-School.
STORY #5
Bottle Art
Artist Chris Emmanuel inspires through Recycled Sculptures

It all began with a conscious mind of keeping La Isla Bonita Clean that Chris Emmanuel got the idea of creating this wonderful sculpture of a Spotted Eagle Ray made out of plastic bottles. As he takes his ritual morning walks down the beach, Chris explains that he takes time to pick up discarded plastic bottles and trash that he finds along the way.

"I’ve had some tourists come up to the art gallery and comment on the garbage on the beach,” Chris told Ambergris Today. “I told them that I pick up the plastic bottles and that is where the idea came of doing a sculpture. He told me that he would purchase my first sculpture no matter what it was and how it came out.”

Chris’ first sculpture of a Spotted Eagle Ray took him about a month to collect the bottles and 20 hours to complete the sculpture and it has been sold! It’s on display at his gallery at the Sunbreeze Hotel. Chris managed to intricately weave 72 clear plastic water bottles together to form a magnificent ray and used the bottle caps as the sea creature’s spots.

And guess what? Chris’ sculpture has inspired other businessmen to take on similar recycling challenges and even Mayor Paz was impressed with his sculpture and idea to recycle. On Wednesday, March 10, Chris also visited Isla Bonita Elementary Primary School during morning assembly to showcase his sculpture and talk to the school children about the importance of recycling and pride in our Island’s cleanliness. The teachers at the school will now take up the challenge of initiating a recycling project at the school and have the students create sculptures of their own.

Chris Emmanuel says that he is now inspired to create another sculpture and already has an idea of what it will be.
STORY #6
Women Achievers

“Women Achievers in Belize” is the theme for Belize National Library Service Women's Month for March 2010. For years women’s contributions were routinely underestimated or ignored even in the history of our own profession.

San Pedro Public Library is celebrating Women's Month, by mounting displays about women who have/are contributing/achieved in some way or the other within our society - displaying profile picture along with their biographies and their achievements.

The SPPL feels honor and is proud to present, Flora Graniel Ancona and Melanie Galathy Paz as "Women Achievers in Belize". All are invited to stop by the Library to view the display.