Cangrejo Shoals inclusion

The inclusion of the Cangrejo Shoals have been approved and the boundary in now included in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.  The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) was established in 1987 to conserve a small but complete sample of Belize’s coastal and marine ecosystem. As other marine protected areas under Marine Reserve status, the HCMR is a multi-use area that allows for no-take marine conservation and controlled fishing activities. To accomplish this, the marine reserve has been divided into zones. The Reserve is now recognized as an important tourism product for the country of Belize. In view of this Government has reinforced its commitment to conservation of our coastal ecosystems by extending the protected area to include a vast area of sea grass meadows, flats and mangrove locally known as the Cangrejo Shoals. This area has been identified as an important nursery for lobster and conch and is an important fishing ground for fishermen of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Additionally, the mangrove flats and shallow lagoons provide excellent opportunities for catch and release fishing tourism.

This new addition focuses on the protection of the mangrove islands and sea grass meadows.

This new addition focuses on the protection of the mangrove islands and sea grass meadows. Traditional fishers are allowed to continue their fishing practice but spear fishing and the use of nets is prohibited. The HCMR has now more than tripled in size and covers an area of over 55 square kilometres of mangrove, sea grass and coral reefs. Through sustainable fishery and tourism the HCMR has provide the communities of San Pedro and Caye Caulker an important economic incentive to support conservation. Stakeholders’ participation has been vital to the success of this marine protected area. This was proven in the recent extension of the HCMR where fishermen and tour guides played a vital role in lobbying government for the inclusion of the Cangrejo Shoals into the Marine Reserve.

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Costa Maya heating Up!

Since their arrival to the island, the Costa Maya delegates have been busy preparing for meet and greets, visits to several different places on the island and the week leading up to the ‘big night’ has just started. On their first day on La Isla, the delegates were hosted at the Fido’s Courtyard for a little taste of the night life in San Pedro. As seen below, the ladies got several opportunities to take their pictures, get autograoph and dance the night away in their honor.

With manager Tom of Fido’s.
(pics courtesy SP SUN)
Cheers ladies and good luck to you all!

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New Spear Fishing Rules

New Spear Fishing Regulations

spear fishing practices halted

The Belize Fisheries Department has legislated a ban in spear fishing in all Marine Reserves

. The new statutory instrument states that: – No person shall engage or attempt to engage, or assist a person to engage in spearfishing, of any kind, within a Marine Reserve. – A person within any Marine Reserve who possesses any of the following equipment on board a vessel, or on his person will be presumed to be engaging in or to be attempting to engage in spearfishing; a) speargun, b) polespear, c) hand spear, d) Hawaiian Sling e) iki jime or kill spike f) any other elastic, pneumatic powered, or mechanically powered speargun or sling.

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International Living Postcards

International Living Postcards—your daily escape
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Moving and living abroad for any reason is a big decision. Even if you’re only thinking about a part-time move, the list of challenges can be long. But Belize is one politically stable little Central American country that strikes a couple of those big challenges right off the list. Especially for anyone from the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., it’s probably one of the easiest places on earth to relocate. And the fact that it’s beautiful and affordable only sweetens the deal.

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Formerly British Honduras, Belize is a true Caribbean paradise. And it offers several important pluses for anybody looking to ease into a move abroad. First, English is the national language. You’ll be talking to store keepers, real estate agents, taxi drivers, bank tellers, and waiters in a language you already understand. Even more importantly, any contract you enter into will be written in English. Strike off your to-do list the challenges of learning a new language and needing multiple versions official documents.
Second, the Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at two-to-one, and the U.S. dollar is commonly accepted in Belize. Strike tricky currency conversions, anxiously watching exc hange rates, and constant trips to the casa de cambio off the list.
Third, the tax situation in Belize is easy to manage. No taxes on foreign-derived income. No capital gains tax. No corporate tax. No inheritance tax. That’s easy, isn’t it? Strike convoluted foreign tax rules off the list.
Fourth, the population of Belize is a little over 300,000. That’s not the population of the largest city in Belize… that’s the entire country. And Belize is only 180 miles long and 68 miles wide. So it’s easy to find the people, offices and resources you need to get things done. Strike getting lost in the crowd off the list.
Fifth, Belize has the Qualified Retirement Program, and you don’t have to be retired to take advantage of it. If you’re at least 45 years old and have a monthly income of at least $2,000 from a pension or annuity (including Social Security), you can qualify. This allows you to bring all your personal goods to Belize tax-free. Strike from the list the maze of customs and duty regulations that exist in most other Central and South American countries.
Last but not least, it’s easy to enjoy yourself in Belize. With miles of tropical coastline, the second-longest barrier reef on earth, some of the best diving and snorkeling on the planet, lush forests and mountains, immense natural preserves, vast river and cave systems, and a wealth of important Maya archeological sites, there is always something to do in Belize.
Add it all up, and Belize makes it easier than almost any other country on earth for you to make your move abroad. Stay happy and healthy,

Dan PrescherPublisher, International Living
P.S. The best way to find out if Belize is right for you…is to take a trip to check it out first-hand. A “Chill Weekend” is a benefit of an International Living subscription—discounted trips to a small group of exotic destinations. On the next chill weekend to Belize, you’ll get all of your questions answered about living on Ambergris Caye (the Caribbean island off the coast of Belize), buying property, and the business culture here. All your food and accommodation…even a cocktail party…is included. Normally a trip like this would be expensive…but look out later today for details of how you can get a trip like this at a big discount.

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Sea Turtle Monitoring

 Sea turtles have captured the attention of humans each time they come into contact with them. In Belize, sea turtles are fully protected under law. It is illegal to have in your possession any marine turtles, their eggs, or articles made from their shell. There are three species of sea turtles found in Belize: Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate); Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta); and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Green Sea Turtle at Hol Chan

The northern beaches of Ambergris Caye inside the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve have been known for nesting of sea turtles. They visit this nesting beach between May to August to lay their eggs. Eggs take around 56 days to hatch from the time they were laid. The nesting beach is currently being monitored by the Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico staff. They keep track of the number of nests that are laid and monitor hatching success after the eggs have hatched.

In Belize sea turtles are protected by law

Stranded sea turtles sometimes wash up on the beaches. A stranding is an animal that is helpless, usually because it is injured, weak, or cannot cope in its present situation. What to do if you find a stranded marine turtle: **Keep people away from the stranding; **Take photos if possible……

Observe the animal and be able to provide the following information: 1.) The number of stranded animals; 2) The approximate size of the stranded animals; 3) The condition of the stranding (dead or alive; trapped in a structure or material) 4) Know the precise location of the stranding; 5) Do not feed a live stranding. 6) Do not have domestic animals near the stranding. Take photos if possible. Keep people away from the stranding. Spearheaded by the Northern Marine Reserve Management unit, the initiative of the newsletter is to  provide an effective means of communicating activities and accomplishments of our northern Marine Reserves.

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2009 Costa Maya Schedule

INTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA SCHEDULE 2009

Thursday, August 6th
Reina de la Costa Maya International Pageant
Belize Dance Company
Jackie Castillo (Belizean Singer)
San Pedro Dance Company (Belize)
New Generation Dance Group (Belize)
Mario Mejia (Guatemala)
Delegates: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, and Belize

After Party: Banda Sensacion (Honduras)

Friday, August 7th
Opening Gala / Mega Concert
Dance presentations by the following countries:
Belize: Belize Dance Company
Mexico: Alma Caribeña (cabaret show)
Guatemala – Mario Mejia

Supa G & Danger Zone

Saturday, August 8th
Abner Babil – Reggae/Reggaeton (Belize)
D.C. Creation Dance Group (Salvador)
Banda Cubana (Cuba)
Cristian Castro

Sunday, August 9th
Night for the Family
Dylan Jones (Belizean comedian)
Dizzy Creation Dance group (Salvador)
Pan Tempter Steel Band (Belize)
San Pedro High Rock Band (Belize)
Comedian – Adrian Uribe (international comedian)

Pageant Schedule

Thurs, July 30, 2009 – International Airport All delegates arrive in Belize. Delegates will be met by Chaperone and Pageant Director.
Discovery Expeditions Day tour of Downtown Belize City and Museum.
Riverside Tavern Lunch in Belize City
Delegates will be traveling to San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Venue of the Pageant.
Ramon’s Village Resort Delegates Check In.
BC’s Bar & Grill Delegates will be given an orientation of the pageant and activities by Pageant Committee Members
Hidden Treasures Dinner

Fri, July 31st, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Breakfast
Seaduced by Belize Delegates will be going on all day Mayan Tour
7:30pm Hosted by San Pedro Lion’s Club Delegates leave hotel to attend Noche Sanpedrana which begins at 8:00pm. Introduction of the delegates and official sashing.
Sat, Aug 1st, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Delegates breakfast
9:00am Tour and shopping in San Pedro
12:00pm Ramon’s Village Delegates return to hotel
5:00pm Delegates must finish and hand in biography and questions sheet that will be used in judging.
7:30pm Elvi’s Kitchen Dinner
El Patio Lounge Town Outing with stops on popular night clubs.
11:30pm Delegates leave to return to hotel.

Sun, Aug 2nd, 2009 9:00am Late breakfast
11:00am Day trip…swimming, snorkeling…enjoying San Pedro. Light snack provided.
5:00pm Delegates return to hotel.
6:45pm Sunset Grill Dinner
11:00pm Delegates return to hotel
Mon, Aug 3rd, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Delegates’ breakfast….Miss Costa Maya, Mexico, El Salvador on Reef Radio and Local TV
8:00am Rehearsal
12:00pm Lunch with Mayor Elsa Paz
2:00pm Rehearsal
4:30pm Delegates leave to return to hotel
6:45pm El Patio Restaurant Dinner
11:00pm Delegates return to hotel

Tue, Aug 4th, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Delegates’ breakfast. Miss Guatemala and Panama on Reef Radio and Local TV.
8:00am Rehearsal
12:00pm El Fogon Lunch
2:00pm Rehearsal
5:00pm Moon Dancer Boutique Swimsuit Modeling Show. Official Luxury Bikini Launching of Lemon Cruch Belize.
7:30pm Hidden Treasures Dinner

Wed, Aug 5th, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Delegates’ breakfast. Belize and Nicaragua on Reef Radio and Local TV.
8:00am Rehearsal
12:00pm Mickey’s Place Lunch
2:00pm Rehearsal
4:30pm Delegates leave to return to hotel.
7:00pm Pier Lounge World Famos Chicken Drop
8:30pm Stage rehearsal

Thurs, Aug 6th, 2009 7:00am Ramon’s Village Delegates’ breakfast. Honduras and Costa Rica on Reef Radio and Local TV.
8:00am Final Stage Rehearsal
12:00pm Ramon’s Village Lunch
2:00pm Interview with judges
5:45pm Delegates leave to go to pageant venue
8:00pm Pageant
11:30pm Delegates leave to return to hotel
Fri, Aug 7th, 2009 Delegates return to their respective countries except for the winner.

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Costa Maya Bevy’s arrive on Thursday!

Outgoing Queen Jennifer Chiong along with all the delegates will arrive on the island on Thursday

The eight contestants for the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant arrive this Thursday to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Follow them around the island and get a glimpse of how HOT the pageant will be on Thursday, August 6. View their full itinerary before they hit the stage on Pageant Night CLICK HERE! Also visit Costa Maya Festival Online! and on Facebook.

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4th Annual Film Festival kicks off

As one of the “kings” in the documentary that kicked off the Belize International Film Festival, Mr. Peters and the Boom and Chime Band performed for the the crowd at the reception/cocktail party prior to the opening film. Peters is featured in the opening film “Three Kings” which was filmed, produced and directed by Katia Paradis The long awaited 4th edition of the festival, which runs through Aug. 2, promises local festival goers a look at highly acclaimed international films as well as the regular treat of recently released and some not even released as yet films.http://www.belizefilmfestival.com (excerpts San Pedro Sun)

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Exploring Belize in video

Upload of the day!

From the jungles to the Reef! Your Belizean Adventure awaits!

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New Resort Site launched

Wondering where to stay for your upcoming Ambergris Caye vacation?! Worry no more, ResortsAmbergrisCaye.com is the newest resort based website that features the ‘Top 10’ Best places to stay whilst on your getaway. Find information about Ambergris Caye and take advantage of special discount rates from the respective featured resort/hotel. There is also a compilation of Featured Hotels and Motels for those budget minded travellers. Our goal is to make your vacation as worry free as possible while enjoying the best the island has to offer. www.resortsambergriscaye.com

Ambergris Caye Hotels and resorts

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