San Pedro's new Tourist Information Center

   Various business people of San Pedro attended the ceremony, as did people from La Isla Cariñosa (Caye Caulker) and Belize City. Mayor Alberto Nuñez gave the welcome address and thanked those who attended especially the ladies, teasing he realized that the time of the ceremony clashed with the time of their novelas (soap operas). Mrs. Therese Rath, Chairwoman of the Belize Tourism Board was also present for this event and took the opportunity to address the gathering. In her speech, Mrs. Rath happily reported that she had to be bumped twice from her flight to San Pedro. "This is a good sign for the people of San Pedro. It means that tourists are coming in to the island and that means good business," commented Mrs. Rath. Mr. Reynaldo Guerrero representing the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) was guest speaker for the event and shared his thoughts and ideas on the importance of tourism to our country. An ecstatic Area Representative then addressed the gathering. She stated that the information center would play a vital role in the promotion of our businesses and island. She also reported that the Government of Belize allocated $55,000 for this specific project. Ms. Arceo also congratulated the people involved in the tourist industry for doing an excellent job in promoting La Isla Bonita. Mrs. Mel Spain, Town Councilor gave the vote of thanks followed by the official cutting of the ribbon by Ms. Arceo. Also attending the ceremony were Miss San Pedro 2000 Adaly Guerrero and Miss Carnival 2001 Sofia Guerra. The gathering was then invited to take a tour of the center and the Belize Rural South office. During the ceremony, guests were treated to refreshments and local dance groups entertained.