Goodbye 2009, HELLO New Year, 2010!

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Island Christmas Show a cheery success!!

The Bikini Bar Island Christmas Show was a joyous success! Everyone that attended were treated to a delicisou dinner, snacks and a chance to win great gifts. Children who sung christmas carols or presented a dance got a free gift and goodies. There was even fire juggling taking place on the beach. Donned in santa hats and christmas color outfits, the barmaids were a cheery sight and suoper freindly with the patrons. With plenty of booze flowing and the good times rolling, there is no doubt that those who attended had a great time. It was the first Christmas ISland Show the Bikini Bar has hosted and we look forward in continue to serving our patrons in the New Year!

Christmas Island Show at the Bikini Bar beachfront!

On December 24th, the beachfront at Big Daddy's will come alive in christmas spirit and holiday cheer! The Bikini Bar is having its first Christmas Island Show where X-mas Carols, Belizean music and dance are the order of the day! Plenty of prizes and giveaways will be given out the brave children who get on the mic and sing a christmas tune and carols. Music will be provided by Fiya Links and the Punta Boyz! There will be plenty to eat and drink, so bring the family along! We will have beach games such as table checkers, beer pong, corn hole and much more.... FREE on the beach!! Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2010 from the Bikini Bar Staff!!

Panama Artists to perform on La Isla for reggaeton concert!

Directly from Panama, the Dancehall Duo, La Factoria will be on the island entertaining fans on December 19th. The spectacular show has already been booked and the headliners are eager to visit La Isla Bonita. Having topped the charts worldwide, it is expected that their performance will be one to remember. They Duo will arrive on the island on midday today and are expected to ber bombarded by their fans.

Ticket sales for the show have been going well and prices are as follows: Children – $20 (advance) $30 (at the door); Adults – $50 (advance) $60 (at the door). Tickets are available Sundancer, Reef Radio and Stadium Sports Bar.

Real Estate Ambergris Caye - Featured Listings

Bermuda Landing on North Ambergris Caye!

Bermuda beach Virtual Tour

 Your personalized Home where Quality and Luxury Come together! Bermuda Beach is only a quarter mile north of the new bridge separating San Pedro from the quiet and lush North Ambergris Caye. Two three-story buildings are being built with three units on each floor. All face the reef and the pool. These are some of the most beautiful views on the island! Priced at $245USD

Grand Caribe Condominiums

Grand caribe suites and residences are one of its kind in luxury condominiums. Meticulously designed and buit to extremely high standards - the team has cut no corners to bring you a product like no other ever built in Belize! Starting price at $250KUsd

Bargain Beachview Condominiums

These two 2bedroom, 1bath Condos are perfect for divers and snorkelers. Located on the Phase II building at Royal Palm, this deal is a steal for those that buy it! fantastic views of Caribbean Sea from living room area. Contact Us for a viewing at NO COST to you! Priced at $139,900K Usd

House and Lot on Sarteneja, Corozal

Located in Sarteneja, in the Corozal district, this house and lot sits on a 15 acre estate. Only 3 blocks from the waters edge, this wood and concrete structure can be demoslished or restored to your liking. The lot has plenty of fruit trees and vegetation surrounds the property. Owner selling for $80,000USD.

AmbergrisProperty.com

Email: Ambergrisproperty@gmail.com

226-3232

662-2020 (Broker Cell)

Front Street, Ambergris Caye!

Nassau Grouper regulations come into effect

The Nassau Grouper is one of the largest and most fished amongst the grouper family in the western Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The large predatory fish inhabiting coral reefs are now being overfished. Because of being overfished, experts say it may lead to devastating ecological and economic consequences if proper legislation for the protection of grouper specie is not enforced. For that reason, the Government of Belize through the Fisheries Department introduced a special regulation that came into effect on December 1st which is intended, for the most part; to protect the Nassau Grouper in Belizean waters.


The special regulation introduces strict measures that indicate who can fish, the specific areas grouper are allowed to be fished at, the specific sizes and the season grouper can be catch. According to the Fisheries Department, grouper can only be caught from December 1st to the 31st of March in two specific areas. The Fisheries Department announced that from the 12 spawning areas, fisherfolks with special license can only fish in two areas; Northern Two Caye at Lighthouse Reef and Mauger Caye at Turneffe Islands. That special license will be granted by the Fisheries Department to fisherfolks who are traditional fishers of each particular area.

This new legislation which the Belize Fisheries Department has enacted includes important grazers such as those in the Scaridae (Parrot Fish) and Acanthuridae (Surgeon Fish) family into legislative protection. The legislation states that:

1. No person shall take in the waters of Belize, or buy, sell or have in his possession, any Nassau grouper form the 1st December and the 31st March inclusive in any year.
2. No person shall take in the waters of Belize, or buy, sell or have in his possession, any Nassau grouper which is less than 20 inches in total length or greater than 30 inches in total length.

3. Every Nassau grouper caught in the waters of Belize shall be landed whole.
4. Every fish, other than the Nassau Grouper and the grazers, caught in the waters of Belize landed as fillet fish shall have a skin patch of two inches by 1 inch.

5. No person shall take in the waters of Belize, or buy, sell or have in possession any grazers.

6. A person who contravenes any of these regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both a fine and imprisonment.

7. A person found guilty of taking or possessing any undersized fish during the closed season, or taking any prohibited fish, is liable, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, to a fine of thirty dollars in respect of each such fish.

The Fisheries Department says that the grouper population is not looking good in the Caribbean and even in Belize. Hence, the regulation is a permanent law and is meant for the grouper species to be conserved within Belizean waters. Anyone found guilty of contravening the law can be convicted and possibly face jail time. Because of the seriousness and the dwindling grouper population in Belize, the Fisheries Department will be vigorously policing and enforcing the law. In addition, the fisheries department is appealing to the buying public to 1) only buy Nassau Grouper from those people with a special license 2) buy only whole grouper and 3) buy grouper within the legal size.

The Nassau grouper is a medium to large fish, growing to over a meter in length and can weigh up to 55 pounds. Nassau Groupers are generally identified by four to five irregular dark stripes and their color can range from a pale tan or gray body to a pinkish to red color all depending on the dept they are found. Other generally features of the grouper is their black dots around their eyes, a large black saddle patch on their tail and a wide “tuning-fork” pattern on their forehead. Republished from The San Pedro Sun Newspaper!

Fire Tips for the Holidays

In light of the fact that faulty wiring has been the cause of a number of fires as of late the National Fire Service is advising the Public to be more careful. Kenneth Mortis is the Training Officer at the National Fire Service.

Kenneth Mortis; Training Officer, National Fire Service
“For probably the past two months we have had structural fires throughout the country, especially Belize City; Caye Caulker. The fire department has investigated and concluded that these fires started as a result of mal practice, overload in electrical wiring so to speak. From the departments perspective we remain committed and we are trying our best to educate the general public about the negligent use in electrical wiring or overload in the electrical outlet and supplies. It is a known fact that electrical equipment in your house can be sustained from a certain grade if you choose to use an extension cord. We do not recommend the non-heavy extension cord especially to suffice current to an eight cubic foot or eight cubic watt refrigerator our other heavy duty washer dryer type. Those particular devices or machines have specific grade in extension cords that you would like to use. The normal or regular type cord can be used. Those would be primarily used for the fans and some of the small electrical decorations especially for the coming Christmas holiday.”

Mortis says that although there is the decrease in the number of fires this year compared to 2008 the number of avoidable fires can significantly increase the number of fires.

Kenneth Mortis; Training Officer, National Fire Service
“This December month is a month filled with lots of light. It is the Christmas time and everybody wants their house to look pretty and so forth. That’s no problem. Use the extension cords sparingly and use it in the manner in which it is used for. One of the trend that has set its pace in the pass is the pushing for the in the completion of our cooking for Christmas dinners or what have you. It’s a tiresome, tedious task that one person cannot take on alone so we recommend that whether it be the house wives that do the cooking or the male that does the cooking in the home; don’t try to take on this burdensome task by yourself. Have partner with you. If you are cooking up into the midnight hours and you feel tired, there is no crime in taking a couple hours rest. Take a couple hours rest, get up back and carry on from where you left off. We encourage you guys to look after yourselves, be conscious of what you are doing, follow the safety guidelines set out there, not only by us the fire department but from our other agencies such as the Belize Electricity Limited. We all have guidelines that we put in place and it is not just for paper and ink purposes, it’s for the benefit of all of us, domestic house hold, wherever you are. These are the guidelines set out, let us abide by them and we should have a fire free Christmas this year.”

Every year around this time the department carries a fire safety campaign and according to Mortis this year’s campaign will be launched in a week or so.

Boat Parade spreads holiday cheer!

Residents of Ambergris Caye came out enmasse to witness the 4th Annual Boat Parade over the night black carpet of the Caribbean Sea. Donned with xmas lights and decorations, and even Santa Claus, the event drew hundreds of people excited to see the floatilla of brightly colored boats and yachts. Geared at spreading hol...iday cheer into the homes of residents, it definately brought the christmas spirit out of most that stood and watched in awe. Happy Holidays all!

Holiday Cheer in SP with Central Park Christmas Tree

BEFORE (PIC: SPSUN)

After a few days of installing the foundation, lights, and ornaments, the Central Park Christmas Tree was lit up in grand style and amazement to all that gathered for the ceremony. Christmas is here and the holiday cheer can be felt in San pedro and all of Belize.

AFTER

Felize Navidad a todos!! Merry Christmas to all!

Coffee in Paradise served at Sail Away Cafe

Formerly Island Perk, the newly revamped coffee spot on Front street has seen a change in hands and given a new look. Owners Ivo and Daisy Tzankov recently opened this one of a kind café and proudly boast that they are the only place in town that offers authentic Italian Sandwiches – Panini. Their one-of-a kind sandwiches are freshly prepared right before your eyes. You can choose from Ham & Provolone Cheese, Canadian Bacon & Provolone Cheese, Roast Beef & Provolone Cheese or have the Ultimate Panini which consists of ham, bacon, salami, roast beef, mozzarella and provolone cheese.

Sail Away to a little bit of casual elegance as you enjoy delicious coffee and sandwiches at the newest spot in town – Sail Away Café, located in the heart of the island at Island Plaza on Barrier Reef Drive.

At Sail Away Café you can truly enjoy great coffee in paradise; their coffee is imported and is one of the world’s top coffee, having a rating of 94 points out of 100. You can enjoy great coffee in the company of friends and family at the bar side or enjoy the great atmosphere in the patio.

The great atmosphere at Sail Away whisks you away while you enjoy their great coffee specialties such as Frappuccinos, Cappuccinos, Macchiatos and Lattes in France. Rest assured that bartender “Chino” will be attending to your every need and will have you coming back for more.

Sail Away Café will have its official opening later this month but they are now open every day from 7:00 a.m. Ivo and Daisy Tzankov would like to thank the Paz family for allowing them to open their business at Island Plaza.

Annual Boat Parade on Saturday!! Don't Miss it!

A must event for ALL of Belize and every one visiting Belize! Now in its 4th year, the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade brings a wonderful night to San Pedro with lighted boats decorated in themes that rival some of the best landlubber parade "floats" - no fake floats here, our parade "floats" truly float with some of the most artistic designs on each boat.

The nighttime flotilla of brightly decorated boats has become a premier event to kick off the holiday season. Free to the public, the shores will be lined with happy viewers watching the equally enthusiastic boaters compete for both trophies and prize money!
 

This year's festivities include the wonderful viewing of the lighted boats, Santa visiting the docks with goodies, face painting, DJ Debbie spining the evening's music, the Lion's Club hosting the bar, awards and more - Let the kids get their picture taken with Santa. We will also have a variety of Children's Games with Lots of Prizes! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a family night out and kick off the holidays in style!

 

Read more at http://www.sanpedroboatparade.com/

World AIDS Day observed in Belize

It is estimated that globally there were thirty-three point two million people infected with HIV at the end of 2007. The disease continues to be a prevailing concern, which is why every December first is set aside as World AIDS Day to bring awareness to the epidemic. Locally, statistics show that there were two hundred and twenty-eight new infections in the first six months of 2008 and in 2007, HIV was the fourth leading cause of death in Belize for the overall population and jumped to number one among the thirty to forty-nine age group. As has become the tradition, every year around this time, the Ministry of Health holds a press conference to update the public and its partners on strides made and work yet to be done in the field. The biggest news coming out of this year’s exercise was the release of the National HIV Epidemiological Profile 2003-2007. News Five’s Kendra Griffith has the findings.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director, Nat’l AIDS Program

“I think it’s good data, lots of data. It took lots of work from the Epidemiology Unit to compile the data and it will allow us to take a critical look at where we have been in the last five years.”

Kendra Griffith, Reporting

Some of the information coming out of the profile was not necessarily new, such as the HIV epidemic is most concentrated among the fifteen to forty-nine year old population... eighty-three percent to be exact. Five percent of HIV infections also occurred in the zero to fourteen year old population. But there were some blows when it came to testing.

Ethan Gough, National Epidemiologist

“We see that nationally we have had a forty-four point three percent decrease in the amount of persons tested countrywide every year and that represents an average decrease of six hundred and eleven persons tested per hundred thousand population per year. When we look at the prevalence of HIV among the persons who have been tested, we see an increase from 2003 to 2007 of sixty-two point one percent. We went from a prevalence of three point one to five point O. That can be partly explained by the fact that we have tested less people, but the number of cases that we identify every year has not changed.”

Ethan Gough, the National Epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, assisted in compiling the data.

Ethan Gough:

“We’ve done some estimates, some estimation, some projections with a UNAIDS software called Spectrum that shows that the incidence has actually decreased in the past five years, incidence meaning the proportion of the population that are new cases.”

In terms of distribution, women continue to be tested more than men, but the report also shows that in spite of feminization fears, men continue to show higher rates of new infections. When it came to access to anti-retrovirals, at the end of 2007, five hundred and fifty-eight patients were on medication out of a possible one thousand one hundred and fifty-one, representing forty-eight point five percent.

The brightest star in the HIV response so far is the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission program which continues to enjoy a high rate of success with eighty-eight percent of pregnant women getting tested over the five year period and just as high rates of testing and medication to babies.

At today’s ceremony several persons involved in the PMTCT program since its inception were awarded for their contributions.

The purpose of the five-year profile is to provide an analysis of data collected, summarize patterns and trends of the disease, provide insight into the progress made in prevention and policy and planning implications. And while the average reader looks at the document and sees gloom and doom, those in the trenches are looking on the bright side.

Ruth Jaramillo, Executive Dir., Natl. AIDS Commission Secretariat

“While yes, the picture may seem gloomy, there’s actually a lot of positive coming out of there. In Belize the national response has demonstrated commitment because you have now access to ARVs, HIV testing, also comparatively in the region, coverage is relatively high. So that is something we should encourage and promote. Where we are weak in and need more strengthening are the support services.”

Dr. Marvin Mazanero

“It tells us that we need to work. As Ethan mentioned in his conclusion, one of the things we are seeing is that we are trying to catch up to the epidemic. We still haven’t gotten there and that’s why we think the numbers look kind of bleak. I also highlighted, I don’t think we’re running out of time. I think we still have time if we do adequate planning based on the statistics that we have to meet our targets, which is to start to reduce incidence of HIV by 2015.”

Ruth Jaramillo

“This was an important step, the fact that we have new information, more up to date information, it’s critical. This will open the eyes of many of us or partners who are engaged in the response, as I mentioned before, to rethink the strategies. But there have been also a lot of successes I think that also has to be stressed.”

At the end of the conference, several attendees commemorated World AIDS Day by taking an HIV test. Kendra Griffith reporting for News Five

Source: Channel 5 News

Peacful Protest against Water Increase

Members of the San Pedro Town community will be conducting a peaceful protest through the principal streets of San Pedro Town. The protest started at 9:00 a.m. from the Central Park on Friday, November 27th, 2009. The protest then move through the main streets of San Pedro and culminated at the Central Park. The purpose of the protest was to publicly reject the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) initial approval of 10.6% increase in water rate for the Belize Water Service Limited.

A letter was be circulated during the protest and signatures will be collected, a target of oevr 100 signatures was needed. This will then be forwarded to the PUC before December 2nd, 2009.

AIDS Solidarity Walk this Sunday!

AIDS Solidarity Walk this Sunday

The San Pedro AIDS Commission invites all youths, families, schools, organizations, businesses - EVERYONE to its Annual AIDS Solidarity Walk in commemoration of World AIDS Day. The walk will commence from Central Park on Sunday, November 29th at 9:00 a.m. and will go through the principal streets of town. The Solidarity Walk will culminate with an HIV/AIDS fair at Central Park with information booths, food sale, rapid HIV testing, music and more!Everyone is invited to participate in this endeavor as we march for one common good; to reduce the stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS.

San Pedro to celebrate 25th Township Day!

On friday, November 27th, San Pedro Town will celebarte its 25th anniversary of being a Town. Celebrated in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, it was on this day in 1984 - 25 years ago - that the Government of Belize officially declared San Pedro a town. Township Day is celebrated with music, parades, fiesta, boat races & fishing tournaments.

Below are images of past year celebrations....do enjoy!

Singer, songwriter Paul Nabor recovers from mild stroke

83 year old Paul Nabor was admitted to the KHMH on Friday, and is recovering from what doctors fear is a mild stroke. Nabor, as most of us know, is a genuine national treasure. He is considered the most prolific and relevant living songwriter in the Garifuna culture.

He is responsible for a number of songs that have become touchstones of the Garifuna musical tradition, most notably the anthemic Naguya Nei – which translates to “I am moving on.” And as of Friday night, the news is that the grand old man of paranda is showing signs of improvement after a scary night.

The last time we saw an energetic Paul Nabor giving one of his classic performances was on May twenty ninth 2004. He was in concert with another great musical talent the late Andy Palacio.

Eighty three year old Paul Nabor affectionately referred to as Nabi was visibly frail as he was taken from the plane, placed on a gurney and put into an ambulance and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

And if he has anything to do with it Paul Nabor will continue to do his best to inspire and entertain us. Paul Nabor remains in a stable condition at the KHMH. Source: 7 News Belize

How to Invest Hassle-Free Overseas

There are many reasons for choosing to buy overseas property.

You may wish to buy a place where you can retire in comfort for a lot less than you pay now to stay in your own home. Or you may wish to buy a place as an investment. Perhaps you’d like to own a property that can produce an income... or even invest in an undervalued beach lot… where you can sit back and watch it appreciate… a place where you can build a home in years to come.



Regardless of why you want to invest in overseas real estate, International Living can help you. We have dozens of contacts in the overseas havens we write about. Real estate developers... attorneys... title insurance experts... and property scouts... to name just a few of the contacts in our rolodex.



And one of our best contacts is Ronan McMahon, who you may have heard from in one of our recent IL Postcards. Ronan is our foremost real estate scout. He heads up a worldwide team of professionals who dig up the best real estate opportunities the world has to offer.



Ronan has been part of the international real estate scene his entire adult life. He's traveled to more than 25 countries... to find the best properties to present to you in the overseas havens we write about.

Some of these properties are on white sandy beaches tucked away from the hustle and bustle... while others are in booming markets, where property values are still going up, and aren't affected by the recession like they are in the U.S.


An example of a recent deal Ronan found is on the northeast coast of Brazil. Here, he found an opportunity where you can invest with as little as $920 down... and see the value of your stake grow by 1,905% in a matter of weeks.


Buying overseas real estate can be an intimidating venture. But with Ronan’s experience and resources... we can help make the experience fun and worry-free.


As well as being a property investment scout Ronan is also editor of our limited membership service called the Real Estate Trend Alert.


The best part of the Real Estate Trend Alert is that Ronan does all the leg work for you. He travels extensively to find the best investment opportunities for his readers. Then he does his due diligence, and presents those opportunities to you. All you have to do is sit back and pick the ones that suit your needs the best.


Real Estate Trend Alert isn't for all of our IL Postcard readers. In fact, less than 1% of our readers ever participate in the service. Instead, it's for the small portion of people who want to make their overseas real estate investment dreams come true.


If you are one of these readers, Real Estate Trend Alert may be exactly what you're looking for. But only you can decide for sure.

5-K Run/Walk for the Liberty Foundation on Sunday

Interested parties are asked to mneet at the Central Park for juice and muffins at 10:00AM. The walk/run starts at 11:00AM and ends with a party when you reach the finish line at Captain Morgans Retreat.

Proceeds to benefit:

The Liberty Children's Home in Ladyville, Belize - (caring for abused, neglected and abandoned children of Belize - located in Ladyville, Belize.)

Entry fee is only $30Bz - larger donations welcome!

Liberty needs your help urgently. All funds received will go directly to sustaining the daily operations of Liberty Children's Home.

At the finish line at Captain Morgans there will be live music, and fabulous prizes!! Also, on sale there will be bbq and $5 beer.

If you can't walk or run with us, please sponsor somebody. If you can walk or run, find as many sponsors as you can. the person raising the most money will receive a gift certificate for dinner for two and an overnight stay at Captain Morgan's!!

Registration: Stacey Bove/Captain Morgan's**

226-2207 or email staceylynbove@yahoo.com

Walk-Run for your health..... GIVE FOR THE KIDS!

Houston, Texas establishes "Andy Palacio Day"

Singer, Song writer and champion of the Garifuna people Andy Vivian Palacio will be recognized by the City of Houston, Texas on his birthday December 2. The day will be known as Andy Palacio Day. The City of Houston recognizes Andy Palacio’s contributions to Garifuna music and the legacy of his life’s work on Garifuna culture.

The Mayor of the City of Houston, Bill White, will make the proclamation on that day. According to White, Andy Palacio left an important mark on contemporary history, and claims that the rich cultural traditions are popular with many Houston citizens.

“Andy Palacio, of Belize, was a notable example of a poet, musician and activist,” White said. The Mayor recalled that Andy Palacio was the first musical artist from Belize to have a music video on international television, and he popularized Garifuna music and promoted awareness about Garifuna people, through his art form.

Andy Palacio received the award for “Best New Artist” at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991 and was awarded the BBC Award for World Music in the Americas in 2008. He was born on December 2, 1960, and was raised in the coastal village of Barranco, working briefly as a teacher before turning to music. He died on January 19, 2008.

Palacio was appointed Belizean Cultural Ambassador and Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History in 2004, and devoted himself to the preservation of Garifuna music and culture. In 2007, Palacio’s years of work with the Stonetree’s Garifuna All-Stars project reached its high point with the release of the acclaimed Wátina album. Wátina featured a multigenerational crew of Garifuna musicians from Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras (including octegenarian singer Paul Nabor).

With the success of the album Wátina, Palacio was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace and won the prestigious WOMEX Award in 2007. In all, he released more than five original albums beginning with Nabi in 1990. He also travelled widely promoting and performing his music.

On January 17, 2008, Palacio suddenly fell ill with two apparent “stroke-like seizures.” According to a press release from Stonetree Records, he died in Belize at 21:00 hours on January 19 of “a massive and extensive stroke to the brain, a heart attack and respiratory failure.”

The Garifuna will be celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day, next week Thursday, November 19, with the theme from Andy Palacio album WATINA: Gunfuli wamei hayumahan wayunagu, which means: Let us answer the call of our ancestors.