Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Feelgood news of Christmas.  Atlantic Bank visited the residents of the Octavia Waight Centre to bring them presents and bring them some Christmas cheer.  As you can see, the residents at OWC always appreciate visits.  Thanks, Atlantic Bank!

"This year we chose a nursing home in San Ignacio Cayo called Octavia Waight Centre to bring back a little Christmas joy to the elderly.  This is our christmas story about our visit to the nursing home.  On Wednesday, December 18, 2013 we visited 28 residents of the Octavia Waight Centre.  The staff and the residents were very welcoming.  We met with each and every one of the residents of the Centre one at a time.  While visiting with them, many of the residents spoke about their likes, dislikes, the careers that they once had.  They shared with us their hobbies, their life stories and even told us their amazing christmas story."

The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio has pictures from their See Clean See Green art competition they had at the Cayo Welcome Center, which was the night before they had their Macal River clean up campaign.

"Judging of our Final Posters took Place on Friday, October 11th, 2013, with Finalists coming from Mount Carmel High School and Sacred Heart College.  The club was making early preprations of the location since around 4:30p.m.  There were young local artists presentations, Rotaract Trivia Questions and Prizes, and announcement and distribution of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Consolation Prizes.  We take this moment to thank our Sponsors for the Paint/poster Prizes who were: Fuego Bar & Grill Belize, Cahal Pech Village Resort, San Ignacio Belize, Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch, Hun ch'ik Tours, and Belize Telemedia Limited"

Congratulations to the winners of the National Song Competition, and especially Nello Player, who won again!  Great photos, Will Moreno!

"National Celebrations Commission Announces National Song Competition Winners 2013

The National Song Competition 2013 was held by the National Celebrations Commission in association with Atlantic International Bank on Saturday August 10th at the Memorial Park in Belize City. The competition had three junior entries, ten Belize Song, formerly patriotic seniors, and five carnival senior entries this year.
We are proud to present the following winners:
Junior Category
1st Place - $1500.00 and a trophy – Jael August
2nd place – $1000.00 and a trophy - Marilyn Vansen

Patriotic Senior
1st Place - $6000.00, a Trophy, a music video production and the opportunity to represent Belize at a Regional competition- Winner - Kernelle Parks 'Nello Player'
2nd Place -$3000.00 and a Trophy– Wilson Grinage

Carnival Senior
1st Place - $6000.00, a Trophy, a music video production and the opportunity to represent Belize at a Regional competition -winner:
-TR Shine 'Kick off the Carnival'
2nd Place -$3000.00 and a Trophy – Ernestine Carballo
'Every day for me is Carnival'

A special thanks to all of this year’s entrants, and congratulations to all winners. For more information kindly contact National Celebrations Commission"

The National Celebrations Commission, in conjunction with Atlantic Bank, is getting ready for the 2013 September Celebrations, so they are asking artists for their entries for this year's National Song Competition.  There are 2 categories you can enter: The Belize Song and the Carnival Song.  They should promote culture and the Belizean way of life.  You can enter as a solo, duet, or group.  There will be prizes for the winners, and you could get a music video too.  Good luck!

"Wish we were artistic enough to come up with something....but for all you talented, accomplished and aspiring composers, musicians and interested bodies."

Just 2 more days until the Inspiration Telethon.  In Cayo, you can donate at the booth that will be set up in front of Atlantic Bank.  They will also have t-shirts and hats that you can buy to support the Inspiration Center.  You can also call 0-800-INSPIRE. 

The National Celebrations Commission, in conjunction with Atlantic Bank, is getting ready for the September Celebrations and is having a call to artists for this year's National Song Competition.  There are 2 categories you can enter: The Belize Song and the Carnival Song.  They should promote culture and the Belizean way of life.  You can enter as a solo, duet, or group.  Good luck to all!

The National Celebrations Commission, along with Atlantic Bank, are doing song writing workshops around the country in preparation for the National Song Competition.  They'll be in Cayo, at the Cayo Welcome Center, on June 27th.  All song writers and artists are invited to attend. 

In related news, the National Theme Competition deadline for submissions has been extended until May 30th.

The East Cayo Chess Association had their Cultural Chess Championship, and it's great to see such an interest in the classis strategic game.

"This last Saturday, November 16th, the Cultural Day chess championship was held and it went very well.  There were a couple dozen participants and the tournament directors – Alfred, Akeem and Javier – made sure that the tournament ran smoothly.  There were other volunteers that provided arts/craft activities, cooked food for sale, drove participants to the tournament and just provide help when needed.  There are too many names to mention everyone individually but your contributions helped and are very appreciated. 

Finally, no matter how much volunteer help is available, there is still a need for funds to pay for things necessary to run the tournament.  We would like to thank everyone who contributed funds, especially Sagicor and Atlantic Bank.  Without your help this tournament would have been very difficult to do.  If you would like to get a visual of how the day went look at the pictures that are available."

Atlantic Bank is having their 3rd annual Art Competition, with this year's theme being: 'Belizean Folklore Comes Alive.'  The contest is for primary school students in standard 4 through standard 6, and entries will be accepted through the 19th of July.  Prizes include Kindles, school supplies, and a mini-notebook.  Good luck!

The Inspiration Telethon is tomorrow, from 8:00am through 6:00pm, and most every channel will be showing it.  There will be scores of Belizean artists performing throughout the day, live from the Bliss Centre.  In Cayo, you can donate in front of Atlantic Bank.  There will be a place in Spanish Lookout too, and in Benque, and Belmopan.  Help make the Inspiration Center a reality.

Rotaract had a highly successful BBQ to raise funds for their school projects.  It was delicious!  A big thanks to the sponsors, and to the Rotaractors, for being the change they wish to see in the world.

"On Saturday, May 25th, Rotaract San Ignacio Went out to San Ignacio's Market to do a BBQ sale.  The Club was fundraising for our upcoming event: Living Healthy Campaing.  It was a total success; we were even sold out!  Thank you for everyone who supported and thank you once again to those who never hesitate to sponsor us.  We all did it!

Sponsors: Codd's Drug Store, Atlantic Bank Ltd., The Belize Bank Limited , Rumors Resort Hotel, Astrid Salazar Silva, Matus Dental Clinic, Emil & Sharon Figueroa, Rotary Club of San Ignacio, and Rotarian: Franklin Syrowatka.

Photographer: Asunción Martínez"

Sacred Heart College has completed the first 2 phases of their new auditorium, and it looks great.  They are asking for help with phase 3, and are doing a cement and steel drive.  If you can help in any way, please do.

"Phase 3 of the project is the cement floor/slab, which will cost approximately $200,000 and we are anticipating that this will be completed by June 5, 2013, in time to hold our Graduation Ceremonies.  To make this possible, we continue to rely on the support of the SHC family - our parents, staff members, the business community, alumi and other stake holders as we work to raise the necessary funds to complete this phase of the project.  We are presently organizing a cement and steel drive to complete the cement slab/floor.  If you would like to assist financially, please give us a call and we would be more than willing to pick up your contributions.  We can be reached at 824-2102 or 824-2758.  You can also contact Karim Juan at karim@shc.edu.bz or at 607-5619 or Mr. Julio Llinas at julio@shc.edu.bz or at 622-5986.  Deposits can be made in our account at Atlantic Bank with Account Number 211133281. "