Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Belize has been featured in the August issue of the Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.  There are some great pictures in the 25 that they have on the site.

http://www.caribbeantravelmag.com/gallery/caribbeans-creepiest-adventure-tour-belize-caves

"The headline on the magazine reads '25 Top Secrets,' under which the subtitle includes, '…Deepest Plunge in Belize.'  The article was covered by media friend Jad Davenport and is entitled, 'What Lies Beneath.'  In it, Davenport guides the readers through 'the sacred caves of Belize.'  He highlights the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest reserve, Actun Chek (Footprint Cave), and, most of all, our Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave.  Davenport lets readers know what to expect when exploring these caves and also gives a brief history on the famous Crystal Maiden of the ATM cave. He describes his experience in the cave as 'Indiana Jonesing.'"

The Ambergris Today was invited to see the Eco Kids Summer Camp.  They got some amazing shots of the fun and games.  Their account of the experience is a great read, and is very well written.  You really get the feel of the experience as they talk about the Maya Farm and then the Friends for Conservation and Development.

"You see, to become an Eco Kid the youngsters were required to submit a 300-word written essay to Chaa Creek’s scholarship committee, which then shortlists the entries ensuring that children with an eco-passion from each of Belize’s six district attends.   The 24 winners chosen from this year’s 86 entries then participated in archaeological excavations at ancient Maya sites, took part in hikes and horseback excursions to study local flora and fauna and Maya medicinal plants, and participated in song writing and talent show sessions, hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques, and supervised water activities.  It was great to see that Lucy Fleming would take time off her busy schedule in running the resort to spend so much time with the campers; she was there from early in the morning making sure everything and everybody was okay."

There is a new early alert for kidnapping victims in Belize.  The Jasmine Alert, which can quickly mobilize everyone with a phone to help look for any abducted child.  Great news!

"If a child is kidnapped anywhere in the country and somebody sees it and calls 911 - the police will get notified.  They will immediately call the national coordinator who is Inspector Ms. Augustine who will decide if the report meets the criteria of a Jasmine Alert.  If it does, she will immediately advise both telecommunications companies (SMART & BTL) and the media that there was an abduction.  Ms. Augustine will send out a text type material that will be put out by both SMART and BTL.  The media starts to broadcast that across the nation so that everyone can be looking for the vehicle or the individual that performed the crime."

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=23090

http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/73867

When was the last time you used a phone book?  BTL has a nice looking one for this year.  Since most people will never see it, Ambergris Today posted a picture of it.  

"This year’s cover gives a rare look into the vibrant and mysterious Maya Deer Dance.  This spiritual dance, although ancient, tells a tale that is important to societies, even today, as it focuses a great deal on the significant relationship between humanity and nature . This dance is sacred and is performed only on special occasions mostly by the Q’eqchi Maya."

Zee Edgell's Belizean novel, Beka Lamb, is 30 years old.

"Beka Lamb has been continuously in print since it first appeared in 1982. It has been required reading for CXC-takers around the Caribbean, and is on syllabi for university literature courses around the world.  The Belizean novel has also gained an international audience when it won Britain’s Fawcett Society Book Prize.  An entire generation of people in the Caribbean read Beka Lamb as part of their High School literature curricula.  The book has been translated into German, is taught at universities in the United States and the Caribbean, and is enjoyed by readers around the world."

Pictures and a 'behind the scenes' video from a photoshoot of Chantae Chanice Guy with Jose Luis Zapata for the Ambergris Today.

"Chantae Chanice Guy was the first Belize delegate to make it to the Top 10 of any Miss World preliminary competition when she made the Top Model Top 10.  Will she also make history at Miss Continente Americano?  Chantae Chanice Guy of Belmopan, Cayo will represent Belize at Miss Continente Americano in Guayaquil, Ecuador during September, 2012.  As she prepares to represent Belize at her second international pageant, Chantae worked with Jose Luis Zapata Photography to build her portfolio and get some professional pictures taken for official use."

Melonie Gillett has a new music video for her song 'Come Away.'  In the video, which is shot all around Belize, you can see some of Joris Hendrik's designs being worn by Melonie.  It's a great song, and a really well done video.  She is also launching a new TV show.

"Melonie Gillett is a Belizean singer/songwriter/model who has been singing professionally for the last 7 years.  She has collaborated with Director of Star Base Films, Ben Hudson to create a dynamic Music Video and TV Show representing Belize to the fullest.  We invite you to join us on this campaign in an effort to highlight our jewel and its talents."

Check the video out on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp2VcTxFAJM

Don't forget that Saturday night, at Bedran Hall, the Cornerstone Foundation will be having their Feed the Children Fashion Show.  A few San Pedranos will be coming over to participate in the fund raiser.  Miss San Pedro Lions Shantell Pascacio and Mr. Jade World Jhoshi Najarro Valencia will be in the show.  

Video of Jennifer Lawrence describing her vacation in Belize, and how she got it at the Oscars.  Now that's a cool story.  Glad she had fun.  Now come inland, where the action is.  

"During one of her press interviews while promoting her new movie roll, Jennifer mentioned that she had an “UnBelizeable” vacation. And get this – Jennifer’s vacation was courtesy of The Oscar’s as it was included as part of her ‘goodie bag’ for being an Oscar nominee. It’s a ‘vacation in a bag’ as they described it."