Name: Nathalia Lucía Tamayo Dominici
Age: 21
Height: 5.6’
Proffesion: Model and University Student
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Blonde
Skin Color: Clear
Hobbies: Activities in the open air like: painting, running, cycling, going to the beach, gym and movies, reading and sharing time with family on Sundays.

Hot Entertainment Lineup for Costa Maya Fest

After attending the Costa Maya Committee meeting this week it was clear that the entertainment lineup for the festival will be exceptional this year. It’s a totally new lineup with different entertainers that will add much gusto to the sensational cultural presentations.

We all know that Belizean entertainer Supa G is locked for a mega concert for Friday, August 7, international singer Cristian Castro has been confirmed for International Night, Saturday, August 8 and funny man Adrian Uribe for Sunday, August 9, 2009. Here is a rundown of the confirmed performers for all four nights:

Thursday (Aug. 6), Pageant Night
* Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant
- Entertainment by Jackie Castillo, San Pedro Dance Company, New Generation Dance Group and singer Mario Mejia from Guatemala
- After Party with Rock Band (TBA)

Friday (Aug. 7) Opening Night
- Opening Ceremonies by SP Dance Group
- Belize Dance Company
- D Creations Dance Group from El Salvador
- Alma Caribeña Dance Group from Mexico (Cultural)
- Mario Mejia Pop singer from Guatemala
- Supa G performs

Saturday (Aug. 8) Intl’ Night
- D Creations (El Salvador)
- Alma Caribeña Dance Group from Mexico (Modern Cabaret-style)
- Abner Babil (Hip Hop/Reggae Belizean Artist)
- Cristian Castro

Sunday (Aug.9) Closing Night
- Dyllan Jones (Belizean Comedian)
- Rock in Peace (SPHS Band)
- Adrian Uribe (Mexican Comedian)
(Schedule of performances is not complete and subject to changes and additional performers yet to be added)

Residents in the Airstrip Area along Swan Street were startled in their homes as gunshots flew through the neighborhood on Monday, June 29, at about 9:35 p.m.

Ambergris Today was first at the scene immediately after it happened and eyewitnesses claimed that bullets scattered, one hitting the golf cart’s windshield and another grazing a bicycle being used by a child on the streets.

Police reports state that the masked man shot at three persons sitting on the golf cart, grazing two of them, one Clifford Galvez, 18-years-old and Armando Ordaz, 20-year-old and causing minor injuries to both of them.

They reported that they were along with another friend around a golf cart parked almost opposite Stone’s Apartments on Swan Street when a Hispanic-looking male person of clear complexion who had a shirt tied around his face, came riding a bicycle from Tropical Wave Street on to Swan Street.

Upon getting closer to them the person drew a handgun from his pants waist and as he continued riding he fired four shots at their direction causing abrasions on Galvez and Ordaz. While passing in front of Stone’s Apartments he fired a fifth shot towards the entrance of the building then turned left into Glitter Street and disappeared towards the direction of San Pedrito Area.

Gunshot impacts were observed on the golf cart’s windshield, on the building nearby and at Stone’s Apartments building. Galvez received a bullet graze on his upper back and Ordaz had a bullet graze on his upper left arm.

Investigation so far indicates that incident may be related to some old argument between parties but this is yet to be confirmed. Investigation continue and one suspect has been detained for questioning.

Lobster Fest in our neighbouring island of Caye Caulker kicked off this past Friday, June 26 with the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant. Five local girls between the ages of 15 and 18 contested for the title of Miss Lobster Fest 2009/2010.

The poised young ladies danced and entertained the packed venue of both locals and tourists as three esteemed judges marked them in various categories. MC Indira Craig kept the evening running smoothly despite being interrupted by rain on two occasions. Chairs were wiped down, the stage was swept and the show went on. At the end of the evening Miss Lexee Marin was crowned Miss Lobster Fest 2009, with first runner up Miss Blenda Aguilar, and 2nd runner up Miss Vanessa Flowers.

Much like San Pedro, Caye Caulker celebrated the opening of the lobster season with a massive lobster cookout all weekend long. Ambergris Today was present on Sunday, June 28, and witnessed grill after grill filled with luscious lobster tails. The Isla Cariñosa was in the party mood and teeming with activity all weekend long with city folk and even Sanpedranos enjoying the island’s “Go Slow” attitude.

After the earthquake hit Honduras on Thursday, May 28 and shook Belize as well, a sink hole (cenote) was found in an empty lot about one mile North of the bridge. The sinkhole measured about 30ft in diameter and although the depth cannot be measured it is believed to be more than 30ft deep.

Last week Thursday, June 25, a group of workers from Graniel’s was sent to the area to try to pump out the water from the cenote. Several attempts were made but efforts seemed futile as the water level rose up again and the edges were crumbling in.

According to witnesses, a person known as “AJ” attempted to dive the sinkhole but was only able to dive about 40 ft as his rope length had finished and there seemed to be another connecting hole which was much deeper.

Mr. Armando Rivero, worker of Graniel’s, stated that he would attempt to dive the cenote and see how deep it actually is. The sink hole attracts many tourists and locals and a fence has been placed around it for the safety of all.

After recovering from a weeklong celebration of LobsterFest, San Pedro was back in full swing with the San Pedro Day (Dia de San Pedro) festivities that took place throughout the entire weekend. The old football field was the epicenter of all the entertainment as the San Pedro Town Council set up a great lineup of entertainment, dance presentations and cultural dances for everybody to enjoy. In the background, the mechanical games kept the children busy and having much fun. The festivities concluded on Monday, June 29 with the religious part of the festivities which included the Fishermen’s Mass & Breakfast, Boat Procession, Monday Mass & Street Procession.

Sanpedranos gathered at the Old Football Field on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to celebrate our patron Saint’s Day St. Peter (Dia de San Pedro). The three-day event leading to the actual Dia de San Pedro on Monday, June 29, was compromised of lots of entertainment, food and drinks galore and of course the mechanical rides for the children to enjoy.

The first time ever Dia de San Pedro Karaoke competion was held on Friday, June 26, in which 15 participants sang their hearts out for the coveted prize; ultimately Joel Aldino took the grand prize and title of Karaoke King.

Karaoke Winners

1st Place – Joel Aldino - $800.00
2nd Place – Javier Castillo - $500.00
3rd Place - Juliani Ferguson - $300.00
4th Place – Rolando Albeño - $100.00
5th Place – Jaime Manzano - $100.00
***Please note that all other participants got a T-shirt and $50.00 cash!

Other highlights for the grand celebration were well choreographed dance performances by the San Pedro Dance Company, The Dance Factory (from Delevan, Wisconsin), The Belize National Dance Company, Barbara’s Dance Group, The Showtime Dancers, San Jose Palmar Cultural Dance Group and the Xiabe Cultural Dance Group. Rock in Peace rocked the house on Saturday, June 27 and Super Furia Band kept everyone dancing for the rest of the night.

The Fifth Annual Dia de San Pedro Fishing Tournament took place on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 ending with a grand beach party at The Holiday Hotel. Reeling in the grand prize of $5,000 was Captain Ali Urbina and his crew on board ‘The Doctor”. Other prizes included:

2nd Place – Outreach – Captain Vernon Wilson - $2,500.00
3rd Place – Rampage – Captain John Crump - $1,000.00
4th Place – Christina – Captain Alberto Bradley - $750.00
5th Place – Mad Storm – Captain Adrian Heusner - $500.00

On Sunday night, cultural presentations by the Xiabe and San Jose Palmar dancers were one of the main highlights and of course the most awaited show of the night for both young and old was the fireworks display at midnight.

To culminate the festivities of Dia de San Pedro the Misa de Gallo was held at 4:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, followed by a breakfast at the Lion’s Den and a Boat procession for the blessing of all fishermen’s boats. The Dia de San Pedro street procession at 7:00 p.m. marked the end of this year’s celebrations. Long Live San Pedro!

SAGA Humane Society and Veterinary Clinic is the place where most people take their cats and dogs for checkups and emergency care. But SAGA has many faces and is here to help all the animal life of San Pedro, be it dogs and cats, lizards, snakes, birds or marine life. Dr. Laurie Droke, with the assistance of Ingrid Lima, is more than willing to attend to your pets and all animals at SAGA.

Ms. Droke is originally from Forth Worth, Texas and has been in the veterinary field for 10 years and loves working with animals. “I really enjoy working here. I fell in love with the island since I first came here on diving trips,” commented Ms. Droke. Laurie started working at Saga in December of 2008 and enjoys working in a different environment. “Working here is quite different from working in the US; it’s an interesting challenge.”

“What really is incredible of working on the island is the rescues that one experiences or is a part of,” commented Laurie. Laurie shared with Ambergris Today an interesting anecdote of a rescue that she was a part of. A sea turtle was found south of San Pedro Town by the Mosquito Coast Area and Hol Chan officers were called to the scene to help remove it, as the animal was lethargic and barely moving. It was believed that it had eaten a plastic bag. The turtle was taken to SAGA where Dr. Droke examined it and observed a split on the shell of the animal. Because of the extent of the injuries the beautiful creature had to be humanely euthanized.

But not all cases have a sad ending as such at SAGA. A most recent rescue of a dog left out by the reef had a happier ending. With the assistance of the friendly staff at Rico’s, the dog was rescued by the captain of a fishing boat. The dog was taken to SAGA, named Rico and is now up for adoption.

Ms. Droke commented on one if the biggest issues that the community is facing, the increase of stray dog population. “We would like to encourage every pet owner to have their pets spayed/neutered,” commented Droke. “I know it’s not part of the existing culture but in the long run it is the best thing to do if one really loves his pets”.

SAGA plans on patrolling the streets of San Pedro and picking up stray dogs, so they are encouraging all pet owners to keep their dogs in their yards. It is also very important to have your pets (cats/dogs) checked once a year and to be updated with their vaccines, added Laurie.

SAGA has a “Fort Dog” house which homes lost, unwanted, and homeless dogs and puppies who receive treatment and loving care until they are found an adoptive family. Fort Dog, in its current state is the home of 60 animals all ready to be adopted.

The Saga Humane Society was founded in March of 1999, mainly in response to the animal control measures used in Belize: strychnine laced bait tossed onto the streets at night for any animal unlucky enough to be wandering around and hungry. The organization is able to operate through the kind donations and support of the community.

Saga is planning on have a fundraiser event on the 4th of July, a family party at Pedro’s, where the entire family is welcomed, as well as pets. Lots of fun on the poolside, live band and lots to eat and drink. Any donation is welcomed and any businesses willing to donate prizes are more than welcomed to do so.

For more information on this event or on how you can help The Saga Humane Society feel free to contact Ms. Droke at Saga’s office Tuesday thru Friday. Surgeries are performed from 8:30a.m. to11:30a.m. and appointments are from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.; Saturdays from 9:00a.m. to 12:00noon. For appointments feel free to call 226-3266.