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Today's Topic's on the Morning Show
Today, Friday October 09, 2009, the morning show discussed the fact that a "Labour Force Survey" was conducted on the Island. We were alerted to the fact that members from the Statistical Institute of Belize were actively conducting this survey when we got a phone call into the morning show. The caller assumed that it was a population census survey but in speaking with the Statistical Institute of Belize, we have found out that they were doing Labour Force Survey. A Labour Force Survey takes data of how much of the population is eligible to work and out of that how many are actually employed.
We got a complaint that the staff conducting the survey were unable to produce proper identification when they were conducting the survey in the Escalante Subdivision. In speaking with the Institute, we were told that all of their staff should carry proper identification badges. They should indentify that they work for the "Statistical Institute of Belize" and present their I.D. before asking any questions. Residents are not obliged to participate in the survey but are encouraged to do so.
We got a phone call from one of the persons conducting the survey here on the island and she was able to verify to us that they are in San Pedro and that the ID badge issues have been resolved. She explained that they are assigned specific houses in different subdivisions which they need to visit and get data from. She is asking for the cooperation from the public. They will be visiting households even after 5pm to ensure that the persons living there are home. We got an assurance from this person that all data is kept confidential. The Data sheets gathered do not carry names, they only carry a serial number. Once the data is processed all paperwork is burnt.
The morning show hereby extends an open invitation to the entire crew of the Statistical Institute of Belize who are in San Pedro conducting the survey to come to the show so the entire public can get to know them in person. We do believe that this will ensure that they do receive better reception when they visit households. Residents now a days are very much on alert about giving personal data.
Today, Wednesday October 07, 2009, the issue that Belize Basket Ball Team lost its appeal was discussed. Yesterday afternoon, a decision was handed down in the case of the Belize Basketball Federation versus FIBA in which the federation was challenging the nationality of certain members of the Belize Team who won silver in the August COCABA games in Cancun. Word is that the Belize Team lost its appeal. In the eighteen page judgment signed by Doctor Ulrich Haas, it says that the evidence furnished by the B.B.F., did not convince the Chairman “with the certainty that the acquisition of Belizean nationality was finalized in every respect before the players' respective sixteenth birthdays. For this reason the Appeal must be dismissed as unfounded. FIBA also ruled that since the BBF did not succeed with its requests in this case, it must bear the costs of the proceedings. Belize Laws state that a person born outside Belize on or after Independence Day shall become a citizen of Belize at the date of his birth if, at that date, his father or mother is a citizen of Belize. That was the argument used to defend the players who were born outside of the country. But FIBA rules are bound to Swiss Law and it is in Swiss Law that was used to aid in the determination of FIBA’s decision, not Belize’s constitution. This means that any olympic hopes for the Belize Basket Ball team have been stripped away.
We were also informed by a resident that the Census Department is in town taking the census. An excersize they do every five years. We certainly hope that the census does truly reflect the correct figures as everytime we get a new census reports, the figures do not match. San Pedro has around 18,000 residents living and working on the island. It will be interesting to see what the figures are after the Census Department issues its report.
Today, Tuesday October 06, 2009, we were visited by the New Miss World Belize, Letty Lara. Letty, a San Pedro born resident, won the title this past Saturday at a pageant held in Corozal Town. This pageant was organized by PageantsBelize. Margaret Johnson from Pageants Belize and Letty Lara came to the Morning show to share the good news but also to announce that they will be doing fundraising to ensure that Letty is prepared for her trip to London and South Africa. Ms. Johnson stated that Ms. Letty Lara actually leaves Belize in early November, so they only have the month of October in which fundraising can be done. A few phone calls came into the morning show with pledges for Letty. A special bank account will be set up for anyone who wants to donate. As soon as we have that information, we shall let you know.
The confusion with the water taxi's associations continue. A meeting was held on monday night between both water taxi associations, the town council and other relevant authorities. Caye Caulker Water Taxi has permission to operate from the Wet Willie's Dock and San Pedro Belize Express has permission to operate from the Tackle Box Dock. Both the Trade Licensing Board and the Port Authority must be properly informed of any change in address BEFORE it can take effect. So what does this mean? Well it means that San Pedro Belize Express is back at the Tackle Box Dock and Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association is back at Wet Willie's Dock. A business may operate from a new address but only after proper procedures are permissions are issued. The overnight move to a "new operating address" that both water taxi companies did was illegal and relevant authorities pointed that out. We shall continue to monitor this situation and will inform you of any changes later on this week.
It was a busy Monday on the Morning Show, today October 05, 2009.
The tragic death of a Tropic Air Station Manager was discussed. According to the Police Department "Initial investigation revealed that the victim left her work place around 5:30pm and about 5:50pm her husband Charles Anthony Young, 49yrs, arrived home and found his wife inside the bathroom lying face down with a large cut wound to the lower portion of her neck. Police have since detained two suspects pending investigation." Her body was layed to rest on Sunday, October 04, 2009.
For the second time a born and raised San Pedro Resident will have the honor of representing Belize in the Miss World Pageant to be held in South Africaon December 12, 2009. Letty Lara from San Pedro Town took the crown at a pageant held in Corozal Town this past Saturday. Martha Badillo was the first born San Pedro resident to represent Belize in the "Miss World Pageant". We at the Reef Radio congratulate Ms. Letty Lara and wish her the best of luck as she prepares to travel to London and Johannesberg, South Africa where she will spend a month preparing for the pageant.
If you plan to use the services of Caye Caulker Water Taxi, we were informed this morning that they have moved to the Tackle Box Dock. But wait, that is where San Pedro Belize Express is right? Well San Pedro Belize Express also announced that they have moved. San Pedro Belize Express moved its operations to Ambergris Divers, next door to the Tackle Box Dock. If this sounds confusing, it is. This morning we saw lots of Police and BDF presence at both docks. Both companies have said that the runs remains the same. What will this do to the Traffic congestion in down town San Pedro? We will have to find out in the next couple of days. There are still many questions that remained unanswered but we will deal with them later on this week.
Today, October 01, 2009, the morning show discussed several topics.
Sick leave was discussed on the morning show. Now that the Flu season is upon us, some employees state that they "must" show up to work or else they "will not" get paid.
The Labour Act (Chapter 297 Section 131(1) states "that any worker who has been employed by the same employer for an aggregate period of not less than 60 days in the preceding twelve month falls ill while in the employment of the said employer, the employer shall grant to said worker, at his request, sick leave with pay for a period of up to sixteen working days in any twelve month period and the employer shall pay the worker in respect of any such period of sick leave at the rate corresponding to his total remuneration over the last sixteen days of his employment with him."
This direct quote from the Laws of Belize does give all employees the right receive full pay for 16 days while on sick leave. Employees must request sick leave from Social Security first. The difference between the amount that Social Security pays for the sick period and the amount the employee would have earned for those sick days is what the employer should pay to ensure that the employee received his full salary. Employees must present written proof of sickness to employers within 48 to ensure payment of sick leave.
The San Pedro Town Council is designating "School Crossing/Pedestrian Right of Way" at the end of Pescador Drive with Tarpoon Street. Another one is located in front of the Tropic Terminal Building. Motorists, people on golf carts and bicycles are reminded that school children and pedestrians have right of way and you must come to a full stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street. The Traffic Department will be monitoring and fines will be issued to those who break the law. This project will also take effect in front of other schools to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Today, September 30, 2009, the topic of discussion on the morning show was the treatment that people received yesterday at the San Pedro Poly Clinic. This past Monday, both the Public Health Inspector and Dr. Zuniga from the San Pedro Poly Clinic asked the public that any person with flu like symptoms seek medical attention. The Ministry of Health sent a press release later on stating the same. Schools have been asked to send students home if they present flu like symptoms. Parents are being asked to get a note from the doctor to certify the health status of their children. Employers are being encouraged to do the same.
But what happens when a whole community decides to heed that call? It would seem that the San Pedro Poly Clinic was not prepared for the number of patients it has been receiving during the past days. Doctor Zuniga called into the show and expressed his concern and asked for patience. He stated that the volume of people visiting the clinic has more than doubled. He says that they "do" need help and have asked for additional staff to cope with the huge number of residents coming in for treatment.
Yesterday afternoon, there seems to have been lack of communication between the Poly Clinic and the patients. We got many angry calls from residents who stated that the front desk attendant was very rude with them, even shouting at them. They were told to wait outside the Poly Clinic under the sun at first and shortly after a heavy shower came and many residents with sick patients got wet. Most of the complaints seemed to be centered at the treatment received at the front desk.
Many ideas including putting a tent outside the Poly Clinic with chairs to have patients wait their turn were discussed. An appeal was made to the Mayor and Area Representative to look into this situation which required immediate attention.
Flu was the main topic of discussion for today, Monday September 28, 2009. The number of flu cases in on the rise country wide and we got visited by the Public Health Inspector of San Pedro Town who is currently on an across town educational campaign to help stop the spread of the flu. The public health inspector advised the general public that any child who presents flu like symptoms should remain home. All schools in San Pedro have been visited and advised to send home any students presenting flu like symptoms. You are reminded to check with your individual school to see how they manage this situation. According to Doctor Zuniga from the Poly Clinic, not all cases of the flu are sent abroad for testing. Only severe cases that fits all of the criteria are sent to the Caribbean Testing Laboratory. As of today, Monday, there are no confirmed cases in of H1N1 in San Pedro Town. The general public is advised to wash hands after sneezing and coughing. We will continue to update the general public on this situation in other morning shows.
Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2009, we continued the discussion on the Flu Situation affecting San Pedro Town and Belize. A government press release stated that Belize is experiencing the second wave of the flu virus across the country. 36 Laboratory Cases of H1N1 have been confirmed within Belize as of September 25, 2009. According to Doctor Zuniga from the Poly Clinic here in San Pedro, none of these 36 cases are from San Pedro Town. Doctor Zuniga also stated that there is a marked increase in the number of people sick with the flu. Of 80 patients receiving service at the Poly Clinic, about 40 of those cases were because of "flu" or flu related symptoms. This compares to only 10 to 15 cases per day in previous months. Tamiflu, the medication of choice for the H1N1 is being used to treat patients but only the severe cases are receiving this medication. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, other medications are being used.
We got a phone call from a teacher of San Pedro High School in regards to a letter printed in one of the local newspapers. This letter contained strong allegations against the Dean of San Pedro Junior College and a Catholic priest. The teacher expressed that the allegations were false and were done to defame the character of both the Dean and the Priest. The letter was signed by a "Tony Foreman J.P.". An investigation has revealed that no J.P. under that name is registered in Belize. We understand that the matter is under investigation and that efforts are being made to find the true "author" of this letter.
The New Lions President, Melanie Paz, visited the Morning Show. The main purpose of the visit is to highlight events which will take place later on this month and also to invite new members of our community to join the Lions Club. Lion Member Marina Kay also spoke and invited the general public to join this very prestigious club. If you want to join the Lion's Club, we invite you to visit the Lions Club as new members will be installed soon.
The Rain kept both Eiden and David away from the studios and the show got underway today, September 24, 2009 via telephone with David calling in. Eiden made it into the studios later on. Downtown San Pedro, was drenched with a 45 minute heavy shower this morning. This is part of an active wet pattern affecting the country of Belize. The forecast is calling for this wet pattern to continue for the rest of today and into friday.
The flu was discussed on the morning show. Schools in Caye Caulker were closed down, and all September Celebrations were cancelled due to the number of people suffering the "flu". While tests have been sent to see if it is the "H1N1 Flu Virus", no positive results have been reported. San Pedro Town is also suffering from the flu with many children and working adults reporting sick. This situation needs to be monitored as the common flu can spread very fast in the household, workplace or school. The polyclinic is reporting that they do not have any vaccinations against the flu at this moment. They are unsure as to when they should receive a new stock. Private doctors do report having the flu shot. We expect many residents to get the preventive flu shot but we can see that there is a great shortage and we hope that the ministry of health can remedy the situation. Our local public health inspector is visiting schools educating the children about the flu and H1N1 Virus.
The concert promoters of Makano, SUN-R.E.G. Productions announced that they will be donating air conditioners to the San Pedro Dance Company studios. They wish to thank all of the people in San Pedro and across Belize for being part of the Makano concert and want to announce that they will continue to give back to the community of San Pedro. Expect more good news coming form SUN-R.E.G. Productions coming very soon.
The morning show took a break on tuesday to recover from a full 5 days of weekend events. Today Wednesday September 23, 2009, we went thru some of the events that happened in San Pedro over the extra long weekend.
Karaoke competition came to a final with Rolando Albeño being crowed the New Karaoke Champion for this Year. Mavis Usher came in second place and Joel Andino & Velma Melendez battled for third place. At the end both were given the third place cash price. Congrats to all the winners and thank you to all who participated.
Friday, San Pedro saw the arrival of Makano to the Island. The huge crowd that went to see him arrive on the island was very happy. There were hundreds of children with posters waiting for an autograph, unfortunately not all children could get one. It was planned that Makano would be given the tour of downtown San Pedro, but that did not happen as children were running behind Makano's golf cart. The situation was quite alarming and the organizers opted to take an alternate route and took Makano to his hotel.
Saturday was concert night and the gates opened at 8pm. At 10:22pm, 1000 persons had entered Saka Chispas Football Field. By 11pm 1600 persons were inside the football field as the crowd was entertained by a group from Merida and the Reef Radio's Luis Romero & DJ Fast. It is estimated that anywhere between 2200 to 2400 hundred fans enjoyed the Makano's Concert. It seemed that the entire crowd knew all the lyrics as Makano pumped so much energy into the stage with his backup dancers.
Sunday the celebrations continued with the Mid-Night Ceremony and block party which started around 8pm. The Block party continued into the early morning hours. Monday, the 21st of September San Pedro woke up to rainy and cloudy skies. The weather held up and the grand parade took place around 3pm. Congratulations to all those who participated and to those who took prizes.
Drinking and driving was discussed on the Morning Show on Monday September 14, 2009. A traffic accident on Pescador Drive raised the discussion. The mayor announced the previous week that there is an S.I. (Statutory Instrument) which has been passed into law that DOES prohibit drinking liquor in ALL public places. This means that drinking and golf cart riding which happens on a daily basis on the island is of course an offence and fines and arrests can be made by the police department. It could be assumed therefore, that consuming liquor on the beach would also be illegal.
Complaints continue to come in about the treatment of passengers who arrive on flights and boats from Corozal. The Customs Department in San Pedro has been slammed with many complaints from the public regarding the way the department conducts searches. It is being claimed by San Pedro Residents that passenger's luggage at the airport are searched without the consent of the passengers. One lady claimed that a Custom's Officer was pulling on her purse as she was walking off the plane to the airline office. The officer was demanding to search the purse and was pulling on the purse in order to see the content. According to the lady who filed the complaint, the purse contained a pack of baby pampers. We got a phone call from the Area Representative who said that he has received similar complaints and that even his wife has been subject to such treatment by that department. The Area Representative went on to say that he filed a complaint with the central office at the Custom's Department as complaints are not isolated to San Pedro but occur country wide. The Area Representative is appealing to the Customs Department to use discretion and to treat all residents with respect and courtesy. One caller suggested that perhaps signatures of complaints should be gathered and given to the Area Representative to see what can be done to better the situation.
We at the morning show welcome your comments and suggestions. (Contact Us)
Today Tuesday September 15, 2009 is the last day in which you can vote to bring back one of the contestants that did not qualify for the 5th annual Tele-Radio Karaoke Competition organized by the Reef Radio, Jaguar's Temple Nite Club and Coral Cable Vision. Ten persons have qualified and contestant number 11 will be chosen via internet voting. We urge you to vote as soon as possible. The voting poll will be closed at 5pm on tuesday and the decision will be announced live on the airwaves of the Reef Radio.
Makano "Mania" is starting to grip the Island as the date for the Makano concert comes closer. We invite you to go our Events section on our website. We have posted 6 Makano songs with lyrics to ensure that you can sing along with Makano this Saturday September 19, 2009. The gates at Saca Chispas will open around 8pm. Entertainment will be provided by DJ's and by a live band from Merida. This will lead up to the mid-nite hour when Makano will take the stage. The Band from Merida will continue to play after the Makano concert. Makano and his crew of 11 are scheduled to arrive on the Island on Friday September 18, 2009. They will arrive on the Island by boat on board San Pedro Belize Express. The boat will dock at the San Pedro Belize Express Pier where we expect the Mayor and tons of fans to be present to receive him. Stay tuned to the Reef Radio for exact arrival times.
The Morning Show announced today Wednesday September 16, 2009 that the winner of the Internet Voting to bring back one of the contestants that did not qualify for the 5th Annual Tele-Radio Karaoke Competition is Christian Gutierrez. We at the Morning Show want to thank all those who went on line and voted. We now have all 11 contestants and we are making final preparations for the Grand Finals to be held on Thursday September 17, 2009. We extend the invitation for you to join us at Jaguar's Temple Nite Club. The club will open its doors early to accommodate all those who will view the finals live at Jaguars.
Back in July of 2009 Ambergris Today reported that one man was to attempt to break the world record for the longest salt water dive. Well Mr. Robert Silva has arrived in San Pedro and at this moment is underwater at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve already having broken the world record of 36.5 hours. As of this morning he has been underwater for over 44 hours. He is expected to surface from his 48 hour dive around 10:30am. The Reef Radio will be broadcasting live from Hol Chan Marine Reserve when Mr. Silva surfaces. We invite you to tune in. We will have a complete report on tomorrow's edition of the Morning Show.
September 09, 2009
The September 10th activities was discussed on the Morning show today September 09, 2009. Felix Ayuso from the Town Council texted in to remind the public that the official coronation of our New Miss San Pedro will be taking place at 9:30am at the "old football field" "Zaca Chispas" tomorrow Thursday September 10, 2009. The general public is invited for this very special occassion. Following the official coronation, the "Uniform Parade" will take place along the down town streets of San Pedro Town. The Uniform Parade is being organized early to aviod the hot midday temperatures. The activities continue on September 10, 2009 with the fishing tournament which will take place at Holiday Hotel Beach. It promises to be an afternoon of fun with lots to eat and drink.
Concert promoters of the "Makano Concert" visited the morning show today. Giovanni Marin from San Pedro Belize Express, Roberto Canul from The Stadium, and Eiden Salazar from the Reef Radio are the event organizers. They cleared up rumours concerning the concert and re-assured the public that everything is in order for the Makano Concert. Eiden and Giovanni promissed a fun night on the 19th of September. The Makano concert will take place at "the old football field". Ticket sales are only $50.00 until Saturday. Tickets go up to $60.00 from the 13th to the 18, 2009 and gate tickets are $75.00bze. Eiden stated that the concert will be a "hype" concert full of energy and tons of dancing on stage. The gates for Makano open from 8pm with entertainment leading up to midnight when Makano is expected on stage. Makano will arrive on the Island on board "San Pedro Belize Express" on Friday the 18th, 2009. Stay tuned to the Reef Radio for exact arrival time on September 18, 2009.
This is a preview of Makano in Santa Rosa, Equador, September 01, 2009. This will give you an idea of the energy and hype to expect September 19, 2009.
The last week of Tele-Radio Karaoke competition takes place on Thursday the 10th of September. We invite you to join us at Jaguars Temple Night Club for a fun Karaoke Night. Karaoke grand finals will be on the 17th of September. You will be able to "vote to bring back" one of the contestants who did not qualify. Voting will be exclusively on the Reef Radio Website from September 11 to 15, 2009. Voting closes at 5pm on the 15th of September and we shall make the official announcement on the Radio Station after 5pm.
September 08, 2009
Traffic and Parking was the main Topic on the Morning Show today September 08, 2009. We received the visit of the Mayor, The Police Deparment, the president of the Central Park Taxi Association and Mr Milo Paz. This was a follow up to last week's Morning show where Mr. Paz had complained that a member of the Central Park Taxi Association had moved his parked golf cart without his permission. It is understood that all members involved held a closed door meeting hosted by the Mayor and cooler heads previaled and an amicable solution was found. Mr. Paz is no longer taking court action against the association.
The Mayor went on to read a couple of S.I.'s (Statutory Instruments) that were put into Law back in 2005. These have to do with parking for the different associations and other traffic rules and regulations. Of note was the fact that on Pescador Drive, parking is only allowed for 15 minutes. As the town continues to grow The Mayor acknowledged that some of these laws may need to be revised.
Several ideas regarding parking were received by callers including having the Central Park Taxi Association park at the old football field. Another idea posed was for the public to park at the old football field and for the security to be provided. Parking and Traffic is a very important issue for all those who come to do business down town and for those who wish to visit our Central Park, Churches etc.
The Mayor also announced that "the block party" would be held on Barrier Reef Drive, similar to last year. She also mentioned that the "midnight ceremony" would also be held at central park. It had been previously announced that these events would have been held at "the old football field".
At the end of the show, Mr. Milo Paz and the president of the Central Park Association shook hands and both of them expressed that they both want the best solutions to be put forward to aliviate traffic in downtown San Pedro.
New Miss San Pedro Queen. Congratulations to Raquel Badillo, our new Miss San Pedro 2009.
The main topic discussed on the Morning Show for Today, September 07, 2009 was the Miss San Pedro Beauty Pageant held this past Saturday September 05, 2009. Vanessa, a parent of one of the contestants called the show with some complaints. She claims that she was told by two other parents who had daughters competing that her daughter (Yanira)'s Evening Wear dress was disqualified. She was told that Yanira was not wearing the right format. She feels very disappointed as she says that the event organizers did not inform her or her daughter that the dress worn on the pageant had any issues. She also had an issue with the questions and answer segment, claiming that the questions should have been sorted. Another issue was that the dressing rooms did not have enough lights and chairs.
Eiden (Master of Ceremony) and David Marin (DJ) for the event pointed out that all questions were folded and placed in a glass container. Each contestant picked thier questions at random. It was a matter of luck which question the contestants got to answer. Eiden and David did not feel qualified to answer the other issue regarding the "correct dress format" for the evening wear competition.
Adaly, one of the event organizers called the show to clear up some of the issued posed by the caller. She mentioned that at no time was any dress worn at the pageant disqualified. She also said that the orgainizers do help and aid the contestants in selecting thier dresses whenever the contestants ask for help.
Today's Topic's on the Morning Show
Today, Thursday Sep 03, 2009, the Reef Radio had the honor to host the delagates vying for the title of Miss San Pedro. more news will be posted later today. Stay tuned.
Today's Topic's on the Morning Show
Today, Wednesday Sep 02, 2009, the topic of Parking was discussed. We had a guest who came in to complain that his golf cart was moved away from the spot where he parked it at Central Park without his permission. He had gone to buy Ice Cream at the Manelly's Snack Shack located next to Jaguars and had parked his golf cart infront of Alliance Bank. After eating ice cream, 45 minutes later, he went to his golf cart to drive home only to find out that his golf cart had been moved away. He investigated and found out that it was the Taxi Drivers located at The Central Park who had moved his golf cart without his permission. The topic of discussion is if the Association has the right to move his golf cart? The Association has a permit to park within that general area, but is the parking exclusive for the Association? Those are the questions that callers posed on this morning's show.
Another topic discussed was the increased crime wave that is hitting the Island. On Friday, there was gun shots fired by the Boat Yard Area, Monday two male persons robbed a store on Tarpoon Street by the Five-A-Side Court around 8pm, while a Five-A-Side game was being played, Tuesday Night gun shots were fired at an attempted robbery and two people were injured during an altercation at Espinosa's Store located on Pearl Street at the San Pablo Area. Crime is on the rise and the police and town council need to address this right away.
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