Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee says “THANK YOU”

The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all who came to support us during our Easter Temptation 2012 Event.

Also we would like to express our most sincere thank you to all our sponsors for being a part of this event. They include:

Krem FM

Don Corleone

Bowen and Bowen Company Limited

Sobre Las Olas Restaurant & Bar

Bad Arthur Sounds

Cayeboard Connection

Island Magic Resort

Atlantic Bank

The Island Link Internet Cafe

Sergio Marin

Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill

Amigo’s Store

Rainbow Hotel

Roses Grill & Bar

Caye Caulker Village Council

Habaneros Restaurant

Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association

Pancho’s Villas

Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel

Caye Reef Condo

Blue Wave Phone Sales

J&L’s Store

Tropic Air

Northern Fisherman Cooperative

The Tropics Hotel

Syd’s Restaurant & Bar

Chat ‘N’ Chill Restaurant & Bar

Anchorage Beach Resort

Rainbow Grill & Bar

Caye Caulker Shopping Center

Barefoot Caribe

Raggamuffin Tours

And last but not least our entertainers: Federation 501 Sounds, Dj Clarence, Bad Arthur Sound Sector, Dj Kris and Nello Player and hostess Linda Blease.

We hope to have your continued support for our Lobster Fest which will be held on June 29,30 and July 1, 2012.

Reina’s pastries offering Pizza

Caye Caulker applauds one of it’s own

Justin Marlon Kuylen – roots Hicaqueño

Justin’s latest accomplishment

By: Diane Auxillou, Local Caye Caulker gal

Caye Caulker is still very much a small little island off the coast of Belize which prides itself in keeping things ‘real’.  There is no pomp and circumstance here, no glitter, no high rises, no pretentiousness.  If you ain’t rough & tumble, and you like things ‘just so’, Caye Caulker is probably not for you.

Perhaps Caye Caulker residents are hardy individuals, because not so long ago (about one generation back), electricity was still a novelty, TV and indoor plumbing was no where to be found.  In fact, for decades Caye Caulker residents have had to detach from family, friends, and this tiny island (1,500 inhabitants) they call home, if they aspired for a higher education.  The ability to attend a secondary school (on mainland Belize City or sister island Ambergris Caye) was simultaneously a challenge and a privilege.

Today, Caye Caulker now boasts it’s very first high school: “Caye Caulker Ocean Academy” – Thanks to a mixture of volunteers, donations and salaried teachers.  Having a high school on Caye Caulker, with innovative ideas on how best to teach it’s children to prepare for life after age 14, is an impressive first.

Nonetheless, Caye Caulker has much to be proud of in the education department, as despite the commitment, expense, move and separation from family which has been the norm for teenagers seeking a higher education, Caye Caulker has produced it’s fair share of ‘well educated’ residents. Most notably among them is Ilna Alamina-Auxillou, Caye Caulker’s first local elementary school principal, who happens to turn 80 years old today: April 4th, 2012.  Happy 80th Birthday, Ilna Alamina-Auxillou! You have lead the way for Caye Caulker residents on a whole and even more so, set a high bar for our women to follow!

Mrs. Ilna Alamina-Auxillou in her yester years

Recent photo of Ilna Alamina- Auxillou turning 80

Born and raised in Caye Caulker, Ilna Alamina (Auxillou) started studying for a degree in education in 1946, at the tender age of 14 yrs. She also began her teaching career at that age, handing over her monthly paycheck directly to her parents (approximately $15 US / Month) to help out with the family household expenses.  Over the years, Ilna Alamina consistently passed every level of the Teachers Exams available in Belize, thereby completing her secondary education in this country.  To obtain a tertiary education, she would need to leave the country, and left the country she did. Leaving her tiny country and even smaller island behind, she headed for Jamaica to continue her studies. Ilna described that experience as foreign as ‘going to the moon’ might be.

Ilna Alamina-Auxillou achieved her goals, obtaining a Teaching degree, by attending various universities abroad on educational scholarships.  Her first university years were done in Jamaica, followed by Michigan State University, and then finally the University of Leeds in England.  Ilna Alamina-Auxillou, always a hardworking and dedicated individual, will be the first to tell you that in the early days she studied by candle light, or kerosene lantern, yet managed to get straight A’s in class.

During the course of her 30+ years teaching career, Ilna Alamina-Auxillou taught at Holy Redeemer R.C. School, and St. John’s College extension in Belize City; following that, she became the first local principal at Caye Caulker R.C. School.  She was also the principal at Ladyville R.C. School in the late 1970′s, before becoming a teacher and assistant principal at Junior Secondary High School (1) and Junior Secondary High School (2) in Belize City in the early 1980′s.  Ilna Alamina-Auxillou applied for early retirement in 1983-1984, when she migrated to the USA with her four teenage daughters.

In addition to celebrating one of Caye Caulker’s leading ladies, today we also celebrate her grandson, Justin Marlon Kuylen, who is the eldest among her grandchildren, and the first to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Though still not yet quite as educated as his 80 year old grandma (grin), Justin will proudly walk up with his graduating class at Upper Iowa University on May 5th, 2012, where he graduates Cum Laude.

Congratulations to both Ilna Alamina-Auxillou and her grandson, Justin Marlon Kuylen, for stepping up to the plate in the way of education.  Caye Caulker may still be a sleepy fishing village, on the verge of a tourism boom, but we do like knowing how to count our money!  Caye Caulker residents, continue to say “YES” to education.

Note: Justin Marlon Kuylen is the first Belizean student to attend Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa on a scholarship facilitated through the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UIU and St. John’s College, Belize in 2009: (http://www.sjc.edu.bz/main/newsmodule/view/id/47/src/@random494459d0d9ba6/)

Snorkeling trip turned Tragedy at sea

Via Patrick Jones of Love FM/TV/News:

It’s very sad to report that a snorkeling trip turned to tragedy.  There are reports that one person has died during a snorkeling trip near Caye Caulker village early this afternoon.  Details are still coming in; but unconfirmed reports are that one person is missing. There are also reports of multiple injures. The body of the victim has arrived in San Pedro.  More updates as they become available.

UPDATE:

I am hearing that 5 people were rescued (alive); 2 dead and 2 missing in the boating incident at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

2nd UPDATE via San Pedro Sun Newspaper:

Updated information is that a total of 7 people were out on tour, 5 were rescued, 2 confirmed dead. Contrary to a previous report, no others are believed to be missing at this time.

Seven tourists left Caye Caulker on the morning of April 3^rd to experience Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, one of Belize’s top destinations for snorkelers and divers alike. Trusting tour operators from Tsunami Tours to provide this memorable experience in Belize’s waters, two deaths were the last thing on their minds.

According to Dr. Noeli Nicholson, around 12:40pm, five tourists arrived at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II accompanied by a Hol Chan Marine Ranger. They appeared to have received multiple scratches and were shaken, with one of the men crying hysterically because he said he left his wife there and she was dead.

Further investigations revealed that the tourists left for Hol Chan with Caye Caulker based Tsunami Tours, which is owned by longtime Caye Caulker resident and Canadian national Heather Martin. They mentioned that the tour guide kept taking them into the channel at Hol Chan and they started to get separated because of the strength of the waves that were pushing them into the reef. Dr. Nicholson informed The San Pedro Sun that the husband stated that he and his wife became separated from the group around 11:30am but by noon, he couldn’t hold onto her anymore. At this point, he took off her wedding band and let her go as she was already dead.

Around 1:45pm, a private boat CC-0021, arrived with the female casualty at the dock in front of BC’s. Dr. Nicholson was called to pronounce the death of the woman, whose name is being withheld. Around 2:45pm a second (unidentified) body was brought in by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve boat. The body was taken to the PolyClinic.

The survivors were also taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic II and treated for multiple abrasions and bruises which were sustained from the reef. The husband of the first casualty is currently under observation as he suffers from a heart condition. The tour guide was detained by police where a statement was issued. The investigation continues into this case. The San Pedro Sun will keep you updated as information becomes available.

Tourists Drown as 7 Dragged by Strong Currents at Marine Reserve

Source:  http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/stories/2012/april/03/tourists-drown-7-dragged-strong-currents-marine-reserve

Tragedy strikes a group of tourists while vacationing in Belize as seven of them are dragged by the strong currents at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, off the island of Ambergris Caye, leaving two dead on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Five of the seven tourists were rescued after seven of them were dragged out into the channel and into open waters at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. They were on a snorkeling day tour on board Caye Caulker’s Cyclone vessel of Tsunami Tours when the incident took place at around midday.

Shortly after the five people were rescued the body of a woman was retrieved from the water and taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic where she was confirmed dead on arrival. According to bystanders, the woman was being given CPR at the dock when they arrived to the island, a visiting doctor tried to render assistance but police did not allow him to do so.

The search for the second missing tourist took about two hours until finally the body of a male person was pulled out from the water. More details on this incident as they become available.

Police Constable Jose Valerio Shot in Caye Caulker

Source: http://www.sanpedrosun.com/crime-and-violence/2012/04/02/police-constable-jose-valerio-shot-in-caye-caulker/

A police officer attached to the Caye Caulker Police Station was shot shortly after 5PM today Monday, April 2nd was shot by a civilian who remains at large. According to multiple police sources, Valerio was shot in the head in the Bahia del Sol area in the southern part of the village near the airstrip.

Information is still sketchy at this time but The San Pedro Sun understands that sometime last night, a male person was being detained for having a firearm. The person, while being taken to the station, managed to escape. It appears that while the police in Caye Caulker were on a man hunt for the person, Valerio was shot by the same person they were searching for. A seriously injured Valerio was airlifted to Belize City where he remains hospitalized.

A team of law enforcement officers, including members of the Belize Defense Force, were dispatched to Caye Caulker Village where a vigorous manhunt for the armed civilian is being coordinated.

Press Release from Belize Water Services

Caye Caulker Water Quality

Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) has become aware of some esthetic problems with the water on Caye Caulker, with customers reporting a salty taste. In order to rectify the situation as quickly as possible, BWS has dispatched a team to the reverse osmosis plant to perform remedial works including installation of new filter membranes. BWS expects the water quality to be restored by March 30, 2012.

At BWS, quality service and customer satisfaction are two key objectives. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to the residents and consumers in Caye Caulker.

Tyson Rodriguez shot by Police in Caye Caulker

Source: http://www.sanpedrosun.com/crime-and-violence/2012/03/29/tyson-rodriguez-shot-by-police-in-caye-caulker/

Details forthcoming from Caye Caulker are that PC Chuc, a police officer attached to the Tourism Unit shot Tyson Rodriguez sometime around 7AM Thursday, March 29, 2012. Rodriguez, who is believed to be mentally challenged, is originally from the Stann Creek district. He had been living in the back neighborhood of Caye Caulker, where his neighbors took care of him. Police are not releasing any information at this time.

However, neighbors are speaking to The San Pedro Sun, telling how Police initiated an impromptu search in Rodriguez’ apartment (for reasons unknown). Rodriguez, unaware of what was happening, decided to flee and officers set pursuit. He ran through various streets in Caye Caulker until he reached the beach side around Tom’s Hotel. Witness accounts state that Rodriguez was critically injured when he was shot in the abdomen. Rodriguez was rushed to the Caye Caulker clinic, then transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The San Pedro Sun remains on Caye Caulker. More details will be posted as they become available.

Beach reclamation in Caye Caulker underway

Since early this year, the announcement was made that Caye Caulker would be having yet another beach reclamation after one that was done 12 years ago.  Here is a report from Maria Novelo of Love TV/News:

“Fu Goh” serving healthy food, snacks and smoothies!

By: Lizette Alamina-Gutierrez, Editor

Being an advocate in healthy eating which provides us with healthy living, I was invited by Proprietors, Mario and Carin Guizar to visit their newest venture in food outlet on Caye Caulker, “Fu Goh” meaning to go in Belizean creole.  Fu Goh is located at the Atlantic Bank’s plaza on middle street in the heart of town.  All the food being served there is pre-packaged and ready to go, visitors and locals can also dine on site on their quaint and inviting location.   The newest addition to their menu is their smoothie bar where Carin whips up her refreshing smoothies using natural products and no sugar.

So, for those who are advocates in healthy eating, like myself and even people who believe they need to start eating healthy, Fu Goh can definitely hook you up with their delicious pre-packaged meals and natural food and vegetable smoothies.   It’s never too late to make a change in your dietary intake.  Foods are cooked free of fats and oils or fatty carbs.

It’s my pleasure to share the following photos:

Fu Goh’s seaweed wrap accompanied by its sauce

Who’s up for some chili?

fresh fruit at the smoothie bar…my kinda thing!

Lasagne anyone?

Their newest addition to the menu..fresh fruit and veggie smoothies

Fu Goh is definitely a place you need to visit on your next trip to Caye Caulker…that smoothie was refreshing on that hot day…Thanks again, Carin and Mario!

Belize tops among best beaches

Source: http://www.reporter.bz/index.php?mod=article&cat=General&article=5592

Three of Belize’s best known beach locations in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker have been rated the 7th, 8th and 9th best beaches in Central America, the Belize Tourism Board announced on Tuesday, March 13.

Visitors loving their experiences in Belize wrote enthusiastic reviews online and shared them with the world.

One of the reviews on San Pedro’s beaches read: “I loved everything about San Pedro, especially its beaches. The clarity of the water and the water’s temperature made my vacation extra special.”

A plus is that the barrier reef keeps the ocean waters calm. It was perfect!”

Trip Advisor grades countries based on the  reviews  their receive from satisfied tourists.

“This is indeed quite an honor and will definitely help to create more awareness of Belize as a ‘choice’ tourist destination,” declared Dalhouse,  Director of Marketing and Industry for the Belize Tourist Board.

“Today, most travelers plan their vacations while searching different locations online and reviews like this help to make their decision easier.”

This latest recognition comes only a few months after several of Belize’s hotels headed Trip Advisors’ Top 25 Hotels in the World List in which the Phoenix Resort,  on Ambergris Caye, gained bragging rights to be called the “Best Hotel in the World”.