1) San Pedro Smile Center:

The San Pedro Smile Center is giving free dental work to children at the Polyclinic. Adults are $20.00. The time is 9:00am to 4:00pm. This program is being offered by Mark and Joan Johnson and they are seeking volunteers to assist at this time.

Please contact Mark & Joan Johnson ([email protected]) if you care to volunteer to help make this program a success.

2) Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P.):

Citizens on Patrol is a program which has already been implemented in Orange Walk and the Safety Committee is attempting to bring it here to San Pedro. The committee will be speaking with the Orange Walk division for advice on the implementing procedures as well as who can qualify to be Citizen on Patrol.

Citizens on Patrol are members of the community that assist the police by patrolling with them and also watching and reporting any mischievous activity to the police. Citizens on Patrol can also issue citations to children who are out after curfew.

Senior Superintendent Yolanda Murray, Commander Community Policing, contacted Chamber President, Tom Vidrine to find volunteers for this program. A C.O.P. will be required to put in a minimum of 4 hours a week and will get a t-shirt, cap and radio to identify them as a C.O.P.

Ms. Murray also stated that there is an empty office in the police station which she would like to make into a comfortable and private area for battered women or abused children to stay when they are making reports or awaiting placement. She is asking for donations of toys for children, sofa, chairs, table and anything that would make the room more homelike and comfortable.

Tom discussed with Inspector Sabal the possibility of putting in a one-way mirror for victims to be able to identify suspects without being seen. Many victims will not come to point out attackers because they fear retribution. Inspector Sabal feels he has a good location, and will be getting an estimate of cost for the mirror and the installation.

If you can help, please contact Tom Vidrine or Jules Escalante.

Thanks so much to our Safety Committee with Steve Spiro, Karen Sue Brown and Evan Vernon in their ongoing works in bringing the C.O.P program to San Pedro.

3) Free Management Seminar:

The International Labor Organization is giving a free seminar to better management techniques in dealing with the local workers.

The seminar will be held on November 9th at Banyan Bay from 9:00am to 4:00pm. A free lunch will be provided. There are only 25 seats available and you must pre-register for the seminar.

This is a seminar which should be attended by any and all managers of small and large businesses.

Please contact Tom Vidrine at [email protected] as soon as possible as the seminar seats are very limited.

4) U.S. Embassy Relocating:

The U.S. Embassy in Belize City will transfer its operations to the new Embassy in Belmopan in November, 2006. To meet the demands of this move, the Consular Unit will be closed to the public beginning November 13 through November 24, 2006. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance during this time should call the U.S. Embassy Belize City phone number (country code 501) 227-7161 which will be manned 24 hours a day during the closure. Emergency phone calls will be routed to the Duty Officer for assistance.

All consular operations will re-open on November 27, 2006, 8:00 a.m. at the new Embassy in Belmopan which is located on Floral Park Road. Hours of Operation will be:

American Citizen Services, including Notarials

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Non-Immigrant Visas -Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Immigrant Visas - Monday through Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Consular Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Belize City has experienced computer connectivity problems and has not been able to access computer applications since Monday, October 30. We regret to inform the public that the U.S. Embassy will not be able to process U.S. passports, record of birth abroad for children born in Belize, or notary services until November 27, 2006 at the new U.S. Embassy in Belmopan located on Floral Park Road.

All U.S. citizens may come to the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan beginning November 27th. American Citizen Services (ACS) hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

For additional information, please call 227-7161, Consular Unit of the U.S. Embassy

5) Library:

Library is really looking for - apart from volunteers to help with the children's computer classes - is essentially sponsorship for maintaining the computers. We lack money to provide even basic computer supplies, like cartridges, CDs, paper and additional software - when needed. I believe we already have someone who has volunteered his expertise to repair equipment in the event of a breakdown, but again, we don't have the money for any requisite parts. The library helps our local children by providing access to information that they normally would not be able to afford. Any help is welcome. Please go by the local library and see what you can do to help.

Anyone who might be able to help should contact Iracela Acosta, the Senior Library Assistant on: 206 2028.

6) New Service in Town:

We have a new business in town. The name of the business is Triumph Termite & Pest Control. The owner is Scott Ehlinger and he is certified and licensed by the Belize Pesticide Control Board. He is also licensed in the state of Texas. He is offering free estimates and is fully equipped to exterminate your bugs in homes, restaurants, hotels and all other businesses. You can contact Scott at 206-2089 or by email at [email protected]. Triumph has just joined the Chamber as a very small business for $250.00BZ. Welcome!

This is a service that is desperately needed here and we are lucky to have someone who is licensed and qualified in Belize as well as in the U.S.

7) Art Appreciation Day:

The Governor General is proud to announce the Governor General's Art Appreciation Day. This will be an Arts & Entertainment Festival and will be held at the Football Field on Friday, December 15th.

There will be many local artists showing their arts and crafts and music and different cultural events. This will be a competition and will be judged by a panel headed by the owner of Belizean Arts, Lindsey Hackston.

There will be raffles every hour and arts and crafts and food booths. Booths are for sale for $100.00 and $200.00. Seven booths have already been sold and they are looking for more vendors and more donated prizes.

This is a fundraiser for our local youths. Please attend on what is hoped to be the first of many annual Arts & Entertainment Festivals.

Attending the festivities of the day will be the Governor General himself, Sir Colville. This man is dedicated to the youth of Belize and the Chamber commends his efforts through Evan Vernon for this Festival and his School of Arts and Music.

The school is in need of "teacher" volunteers to continue its success.

8) Lighted Boat Parade

There is excitement in the air about the First Annual Christmas Boat Parade to be held December 3, 2006! Beautiful lighted boats will bring in the holidays by motoring along the shoreline of San Pedro Town from Patojo's Dock to Perla Escondida and back north starting at 6:00pm. They will be judged on beauty, theme and best overall. Trophies will be given by length of power boat categories, sail boats or manpowered boats.

You are invited to b e a sponsor of what will become a wonderful holiday tradition. Sponsorship levels are cash and for trophies as follows: Captain $1,000.00, 1st Mate $750.00, Crew $500.00 and Landlubber $250.00. Trophies will be: 1st and 2nd place in four categories of power boats, 1st and 2nd place sailboat winners and one place for manpowered boats (canoe or kayak). Your contribution will provide you with visibility in advertising.

Join the fun of the Christmas Boat Parade by returning the Registration Form by November 21 to ensure the printing of street banners, posters and t-shirts.

Remember, this is not a fund raiser�.this is just for fun. Contact any of the Committee Members below:

Happy Holidays from the San Pedro Christmas Boat Parade Committee:

Jan Brown, Chairman, Pier Lounge 226-2002;

Felix Ayuso, SPTC, 226-2198,

Daniel Cruz, Orange Gallery, 226-4066,

Melanie Paz, Caye Mgmt., 226-3077,

Andre Perez, Casa Pan Dulce, 226-3242,

Thomas Requene, Tour Guide, 602-0029,

Stephanie Taylor, Wet Willy's, 226-136,

Sterling Vorus and Jason Edwards, Island Ferry, 226-3231.

9) Advice on Residency in Belize

Cullen Walker ([email protected]) has put together a list of "Hints" or "Tips" for Americans in Belize that are applying for Belizean Residency. Thank you Cullen for sharing this helpful advice:

Tips for Permanent Residency Application

1. Your passport is stamped when you arrive in Belize. Departures are only stamped when you leave from a port or on land. Therefore, you need to keep records from all leaving flights so you can verify your one-year stay. (Less 14 days)

2. You need to get a bank statement from your bank. Provide it to immigration in a sealed envelope.

3. Immigration deposit is paid on successful completion of process. US citizens are currently $2000 per person.

4. Police record can be requested up to six months in advance. It takes two to four weeks to process so plan accordingly. Apply at the police station and you need three copies of passport size pictures and $12.00 per application.

5. Supply originals of health record and HIV/VDRL test. Keep a copy for your records.

6. Copies are acceptable for Birth Certificates, marriage record, and work permit.