The world awaits the arrival of the Royal Baby as Kate Middleton enters the hospital in labour

This morning the world is waiting for the arrival of the new Royal Baby as Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has gone into the early stages of labour and taken to St. Mary's Hospital in London.

Photo by: Reuters

The scene outside Buckingham Palace as the public awaits the arrival of the royal baby. This is the site where the official medical announcement will be displayed on an easel soon after it leaves the Lindo Wing of the Hospital. The information shared will include the baby's sex, time of birth, weight and any other particulars.

Photo by: Yahoo

Outside St. Mary's Hospital where the media has gone into a frenzy waiting for the birth or the future King or Queen of England. 

Photo by: CBC

The correct title when referring to the royal baby will he His or Her Royal Highness Prince or Princess (Name) of Cambridge.

What do you think is the sex of the Royal Baby?

Will Carlos Moreno be confirmed as the new US Ambassador to Belize?

*Photo by Aaron Salcido

President Obama yesterday nominated retired California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno as the next U.S. ambassador to Belize.

If confirmed by the Senate, he would be America’s ninth ambassador to the former British Honduras, which became an independent nation in 1981. He would succeed Vinai K. Thummalapally, a scientist and entrepreneur who was an Occidental College classmate of Obama and became the first Indian American to hold an ambassadorship.

Moreno, 64, has been of counsel to Irell & Manella since retiring from the high court in 2009. He acknowledged in a MetNews interview two months ago that he was being vetted for the post.

He said at the time that his judicial experience would stand him in good stead if he were to receive a diplomatic post. “As a judge and a lawyer I’ve had to listen carefully, consider soberly and decide fairly, and to speak in measured tones,” he said. “I think all of those attributes apply to being a representative of the United States abroad.”

Moreno said he had been to Belize once, four years ago with the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association. In addition to the public service opportunity, he said, the appointment would give him the chance to indulge his interest in Mayan archeology.

The country has about 900 Mayan ruins, he explained. It is also “a great area for diving and any kind of sea-related activities,” he said.

Moreno explained that his wife is an avid diver, even though he isn’t. Moreno was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1998 to serve as a U.S. District Court judge and the Senate unanimously confirmed him. In 2001 he gave up his lifetime federal judgeship to accept Democratic Gov. Gray Davis’ nomination to the state’s high court.

He was reported to be on Obama’s shortlist for the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009, prior to the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor. 

Moreno is a Los Angeles native and graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University and his law degree is from Stanford.

He was admitted to the State Bar in 1975. He was a Los Angeles deputy city attorney from 1975 to 1979, prosecuting misdemeanors and handling consumer fraud cases, then became a commercial litigator at Kelley, Drye & Warren. 

He left that firm in 1986 when then-Gov. George Deukmejian appointed him to the Compton Municipal Court where he was presiding judge in 1989 and 1990. Deukmejian’s successor and fellow Republican, Pete Wilson, elevated him to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1993.

He is a former president of the Mexican American Bar Association.

Source: Metropolitan News Company

Soca Rhythms from Calypso Rose and Lord Rhaburn to fill the air on Saturday Night, July 13th, 2013

This Saturday night in Belize will bring back memories for many Belizeans as Calypso Rose and Lord Rhaburn take the stage at the House of Culture. Rose and Rhaburn has been very instrumental in keeping Belizeans moving to the rhythms of Calypso for many September Celebrations in Belize. This weekend is history in the making as they take the stage and entertain Belizeans once again.

"Calypso Rose born McCartha Linda Sandy-Lewis, April 27th, 1940 in Bethel, Tobago is a calypsonian. She began writing songs at the age of 15, turned professional in 1964 and has written over 800 songs and recorded over 20 albums." - Wikipedia

"Lord Rhaburn born Gerald Rhaburn is a Belizean calypso, soca, reggae and brukdown musician. He became famous when performing with the Lord Rhaburn Combo in the 1970's and 1980's. Rhaburn has toured frequently abroad promoting Belizean music." - Wikipedia

Calypso Rose and Lord Rhaburn in concert.
Don't miss this epic and historical event, Saturday July 13th at the Belize House of Culture.

Children under the age of 15 from the Belize Sailing Association Practicing for Competition

© 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved

Took this photo yesterday as the children all under 15 years of age from the Belize Sailing Association practiced their sailing skills getting ready for competition.

If you go to Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar you can sit and watch them while staying in the shade and sipping on cold beverages and eating great snacks.

Please feel free to: Like ✔ Tag ✔ Comment ✔ Share ✔ © 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved

Photo of Iguana in Belize

© 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved

The color and texture of these great reptiles in Belize are amazing. I can't believe that the iguanas are a descendant of the prehistoric dinosaurs.

Can you imagine seeing one of these a hundred times larger. LOL 

Please feel free to: Like ✔ Tag ✔ Comment ✔ Share ✔ © 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved

Sunset in Belize taken from Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar

© 2013 Will Moreno. All Rights Reserved

This is a photograph that I took yesterday evening's sunset as we were wrapping up a fashion photoshoot for our Weekly Top Model that's published in the Belize Times Newspaper.The scenery from Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar is certainly amazing so I had to share it with you all.

Belize Primary School Examination's Top 26 Students

Photo Courtesy of Channel5Belize

The 2013 Primary School Examination also known as the PSE has been released to the media for the top 26 students in the country of Belize. 

The 2013 PSE results reveal of the 26 Top Students, Siyun Ye from Bernice Yorke in Belize City has taken the top spot in this years PSE with an Overall Score of 391. 

It also reveals that of the 26 top students 14 are from Belize City, 7 from Cayo, 2 from Corozal, 1 from Orange Walk, 1 from Stann Creek, and 1 from Toledo. 

The results are as follows:

1. Siyun Ye - Bernice Yorke  - Belize City - Overall Score 391

2. Vincent Hulse - Saint Andrews Anglican - Cayo - Overall Score 386

3. Nelson Esteban - Saint Andrews Anglican - Cayo - Overall Score 386

4. Jennessa Sierra - San Pedro Roman Catholic - San Pedro - Overall Score 386

5. Agatha Petkau - United Evergreen - Cayo - Overall Score 385

6. Iani Adolphus - Hummingbird Elementary - Belize City - Overall Score 385

7. Sherry Tan - Belize Elementary School - Belize City - Overall Score 385

8. Alanna Rosado - Belize Elementary School - Belize City - Overall Score 385

9. Miracle Mcbeahuruike - Solid Rock Christian Academy - Stann Creek - Overall Score 384

10. Alexandra Gibson - Hummingbird Elementary - Belize City - Overall Score 382

11. Marlina Eck - Belize Elementary School - Belize City - Overall Score 382

12. Gordon Knowles - St. Joseph Roman Catholic - Belize City - Overall Score 382

13.Zahara Zul - Saint Andrews Anglican - Cayo - Overall Score 381

14. Alain Morris - Saint Andrews Anglican - Cayo - Overall Score 381

15. Zaria Morris - Belize Elementary School - Belize City - Overall Score 381

16. Jose Torres - Succotz Roman Catholic - Cayo - Overall Score 380

17. Shelby Hamilton - Grace Primary School - Overall Score 380

18. Jazmine Ysaguirre - Bernice Yorke - Belize City - Overall Score 380

19. Amanda Graniel - St. Joseph Roman Catholic - Belize City - Overall Score 380

20. Dayne Guy - Saint Benedict Roman Catholic - Toledo - Overall Score 379

21. Kristen Medina - Corozal Methodist - Corozal - Overall Score - 379

22. Aliyaah Allen - Our Lady Of Guadalupe - Cayo - Overall Score 379

23. Cusion Wong - Belize Elementary School - Belize City - Overall Score 379

24. Astrid Lopez - Louisiana Government School - Orange Walk - Overall Score 378

25. Consuelo Leslie - Mary Hill Roman Catholic - Corozal - Overall Score 378

26. Halle Villanueva - Saint Ignatius Roman Catholic - Belize City - Overall Score 378

The Belize Blue Hole - Nominated for the "8th Wonder of the World"

The Blue Hole - Nominated for the "8th Wonder of the World"

The Belize Tourism Board is elated to announce the submission of Belize's Great Blue Hole, as the "8th Wonder of the World", a title which can only be achieved with your help!

Belize has long been an escape for the free-spirited traveler seeking phenomenal wonders in an alluring and authentic setting. Through Trip Advisor's partner site, "Virtual Tourist", and in collaboration with the esteemed American Television Show "EXTRA", Belize stands to gain an audience of over 2.6 million viewers; a win that gives us major publicity for our beautiful country.   

Voting begins on June 3, 2013, and ends September 27, 2013, via the Virtual Tourist page:  

CLICK HERE
To Vote

This is what the voting spot looks like

Make sure to cast your vote for Belize's Great Blue Hole! Let's work together to place Belize amongst the top destinations on earth. You can VOTE DAILY!

Belize...Discover How To Be.

Chocolate Festival of Belize 2013 to be held May 24th - 26th, 2013

The Chocolate Festival of Belize will be held in Toledo this coming weekend, May 24th - 26th, 2013. This is a world class event celebrating the wonderful taste of nothing else but Chocolate. This years event has been organized by the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and Toledo Tourism Board.

We will be in attendance and will certainly be writing about our experience at this years festival and bringing you some great photos like we did when we attended a couple years ago.

For more information about events be sure to visit Chocolate Festival of Belize Facebook Page.

Here are the blogs from our last visit:
Blog 1 
Blog 2
Blog 3

BTB Honors Tourism Industry Partners at the Twelfth Annual Tourism Awards Ceremony

Monday, May 20, 2013-  On Saturday, May 18th, over two hundred and thirty guests, including industry stakeholders and government officials, gathered at Bannister Caye to honor the recipients of the 12th Annual National Tourism Awards.  

Over twelve years ago, the BTB had a vision to recognize organizations and industry partners for their dedicated and outstanding service to Belize's tourism industry. The BTB is proud to say that the awards have certainly evolved from being just a statement of excellence, into a way to promote creativity and to help establish a benchmark for best practices in the industry. Director of Tourism, Laura Esquivel-Frampton said, "A heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your work is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire tourism industry in Belize." The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to congratulate the winners in the following categories:

• Destination of the Year: Placencia- A destination that is proactive in its marketing initiatives and product enhancement. It also seeks to develop local tourism businesses for the development of the destination. The Destination of the Year encourages the local community's participation, promotes sustainability, executes events that highlight local culture and promotes tourist attractions.

• Hotel of the Year: San Ignacio Resort Hotel- A licensed hotel where service exceeds excellence; where positive attitude and attentiveness of staff are the norm. The hotel of the year offers exceptional value for money and is equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Its ambience gives visitors an authentic Belize 'feel'. This hotel has, over the years, demonstrated its willingness to adapt to the demands of its patrons, yet remain true to its core values. One of its hallmarks is the adoption of green initiatives.

• Small Hotel of the Year: Singing Sands Inn- A licensed small hotel that captures the essence of warmth and authenticity through its accommodations. This property displays commitment to excellence in customer service, operational standards and is keen on improving and developing its products and services, including capacity building. Importantly, for this small hotel of the year, eco-consciousness and sustainability are equally important to guests' experience.

• Frontline Person of the Year: Natalie Ranguy of Chabil Mar Villas- A frontline employee who has great interpersonal skills, welcomes guests with outstanding Belizean hospitality, is knowledgeable about Belize, and goes above and beyond the everyday duties and responsibilities to ensure that guests' needs are fulfilled. This individual makes an impressive first and last impression of her work place.
• Tour Guide of the Year: Jerome Williams of Huracan Diving- A licensed tour guide who is knowledgeable about Belize, including, but not limited to, the history, natural attractions and local tours. This guide has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and great planning and leadership abilities. The tour guide ensures that guests have an unforgettable experience without compromising safety and security.
• Tour Operator of the Year: Splash Dive Center- A licensed tour operator that excels in customer service, creativity, and personalization, while offering a variety of tours. This tour operator sets the bar for marketing initiatives, meeting the standards of safety and security, equipment quality, cleanliness and reliability. This awardee ensures that visitors have a memorable and enriching experience, therefore, leaving guests with a great lasting impression of Belize.
• Hospitality Award: Placencia Tourism Center- A tourism ancillary organization that offers exceptional customer service, manages the business seamlessly, is sensitive to the needs of staff, flexible in adapting to change and accommodating to the industry's needs. Regardless of the availability of resources, this entity is always looking for innovative ways to promote Belize through its hospitality services.

• Major Festival & Event: Placencia Lobster Fest- A hallmark festival/event that promotes income generating activities, stimulates local and international travel, attracts national & international media coverage, and positively promotes the destination.

• Restaurant of the Year: Maya Beach Bistro- A restaurant that offers more than just really good food, but an overall dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance, coupled with a menu of creative concoctions and excellent customer service, creates its own distinctive character. The use of local products and importance of food safety and hygiene, sell the Belize brand from appetizer to dessert.

Minister of Tourism & Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia, presented two special awards for the night. The Minister's Award was bestowed on David Heredia, owner of Anchorage Hotel in Caye Caulker, for his work and interest in the tourism industry which are grounded in community improvement and activism. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jessie Young, President of the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Group in Bermudian Landing, for dedicating her life to grow and develop Belize's tourism industry.  This awardee's contributions are significant and have positively impacted Belize and the lives of countless Belizeans. Despite challenges, this tourism industry lifetime achiever persevered.

Guests, donned in all-white, at the 12th National Tourism Awards were treated to food by Chef Sean Kuylen, and entertained by Pan Tempters Steel Pan, Tanya Carter and Aurelio Martinez. The event was hosted by Indira Craig & William Neal.

The Minister of Tourism & Culture, Board of Directors, Management & Staff of the Belize Tourism Board salute all winners on their outstanding achievements!

For more information, visit www.travelbelize.org.

For More Photos of the event CLICK HERE

Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree is a Sweet Time in Belize

Cashews, Cashews and more Cashews is the reason for this two day festival held annually in Crooked Tree around the end of May which is held during the season for this awkward fruit. Awkward in the sense that its a fruit unlike many other fruits that has it seed growing on the outside and not on the inside. Crooked Tree is well known around the world for being a Bird Sanctuary but its a place also known for its Sweet Cashews and Cashew byproducts. Cashew by itself is a sweet and very succulent fruit that many love to eat, be very careful though cause the juice and sap can stain your clothes permanently.

Red cashew fruit with nut seed

Driving across the Causeway upon entering the village, although many residents say that there has been very little rain and the lagoon shows signs of drought you still see the magnificent views and the occasional bird including the Jabiru stork.

Crooked Tree Village Lagoon

The residents of the village are so friendly and are always willing to help any first time visitor with the directions to the venue or to tell the story about how Crooked Tree Village came about. Here you see a few men waiting to get their haircut in front of the barber shop before going to the Cashew Festival.

Crooked Tree Villagers

As you arrive at the Festival grounds you will know you have arrived with Belizean music filling the air making you want to sway your body to the rhythm. The festivities start at 10 in the morning on Saturday and goes until 6 in the evening only to be sparked up later that night with a concert by popular Belizean Artists creating vibrant music and people filling the dance floor. The Event picks up again at 10 am on Sunday and continues again until 6 in the evening.

cashew byproduct stalls and attendees

Whilst walking around you will find that there is more to cashew than just nuts that most people are accustomed to getting in a can. Here you can find fresh roasted cashew nuts as well as the sticky sweet stewed cashews, cashew fudge, cashew cake, cashew jam, cashew wine and much more.

Vendor selling Cashew Nuts and Cashew byproducts

Roasted Cashew Nuts

You will notice that there is something for everyone at the festival grounds. If you are looking for a souvenir and something handcrafted you will certainly find that with the artisans showcasing woodwork, beaded jewelry and many other crafts.

Wood Carvers Artisan Stall

For the children you can find many games as well as rides that will have them screaming in joy while the adults drink cold beverages of their choice to beat the sweltering heat.

children playing a game

When you get tired of walking around looking at the many things around the grounds you can go to the food stalls and eat to your hearts content. We found that they were offering rice and beans or white rice and stewed beans with many types of meats including chicken, fish, deer, gibnut and bocotora (turtle). We sat down at Ms. Tillets food stall who had lots of tables and chairs which offers her customers a place to get out of the heat and retreat to the shade.

Fyah Haat Food - Fried Tilapia

Before leaving the festival make sure to visit Mr. Charlie's Wines, who had some of the best wines at the festival to include the famed cashew wine. We made sure to sample quite a few that were on ice to find our favorites. We ended up purchasing quite a few bottles to take home which I am sure we will enjoy sometime soon.

Charlie's Wine Stall

Crooked Tree Village is still a great place to visit during the course of the year as a bird watchers paradise if you missed the festivities.

Yellow Cashew with external seed

If you were not fortunate enough to visit the Crooked Tree Cashew Festival this year, don't you worry you will just have to wait an entire year for next years Cashew Festival.

Bulldozers destroy 2,300 year-old Mayan pyramid in Belize

Heavy Construction Equipment sits dormant at the remains of a partially
destroyed Mayan temple, part of the 2,300 year old site known as Noh Mul or "Big Hill"
(7NewsBelize.com / Jules Vasques)

Bulldozers and backhoes have essentially destroyed one of Belize's largest Mayan pyramids, which survived millennia of storms, rain and wind only to succumb to a construction company seeking gravel for road fill.

The head of the Belize Institute of Archaeology says the destruction was detected late last week, and only a small portion of the center of the pyramid mound was left standing, according to the Associated Press. 7Newsbelize.com, the website for TV channel 7 in the small Caribbean country, accompanied a handful of archaeologists to the site recent.

'It's an incredible display of ignorance.'

- John Morris, an archaeologist with the Institute of Archaeology

They described the destruction as "intolerable."

"This is one of the worst that I have seen in my entire 25 years of archaeology in Belize," John Morris, an archaeologist with the Institute of Archaeology, told 7newsbelize.com's Jules Vasquez. "We can't salvage what has happened out here -- it's an incredible display of ignorance. I am appalled and don't know what to say at this particular moment."

Jaime Awe, director of the Institute of Archaeology, said he was sickened by the destruction of the Noh Mul pyramid and temple platform, which date back about 2,300 years. He told 7newsbelize.com it was "intolerable."

Photos of the remaining portion of the pyramid showed what appeared to be classic Mayan-arched chamber dangling above one clawed-out section.

The Noh Mul complex sits on private land, but Belizean law states any pre-Hispanic ruins are under government protection.

The heavy equipment at the site carries the name D-Mar Construction, but Denny Grijalva, owner of the company, told 7newsbeilze he knew nothing about the project.

Morris said that the construction company must have been aware of the site's significance.

"There is absolutely no way that they would not know that these are Maya Mounds," he said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/05/13/builders-bulldoze-mayan-pyramid-in-belize/#ixzz2TE1I852m

Another Home Sold by Platinum International Real Estate in Belize

SOLD - Beautiful Riverfront Home With Room for Expansion in Punta Gorda, Belize

Just minutes away from downtown Punta Gorda this sizeable 3 Bedroom - 1 Bath single storey home with 2400 Sqft of living space in the Hopeville area of Punta Gorda has been SOLD by Platinum International Real Estate. 

This waterfront home sits on the banks of the river and just a short boat ride away to the Caribbean Sea from its private dock/pier  .

If you are looking to SELL just contact us for a FREE, no hassle HIGHEST PRICE ANALYSIS on your property. 

We offer Property Management Services as well for those that want to have investment property in Belize without the hassles of dealing with it themselves. 

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, rent or lease property in Belize make sure to have them call: Platinum International Real Estate and Investments at +501-664-1630 or email: info@platinumrealestate.biz

2 Acres of Prime Land at 11.25 Miles on the Old Northern Highway

This area is rapidly becoming a much sought after, residential location, with land that is high and flood resistant, making it an ideal shelter in times of storms.  While others will be seeking high ground, you can stay at home, confident in the knowledge that you will be protected from harsh winds and flood waters.

This property is ready to build on... partially cleared, with road frontage and access to infrastructure.  Imagine a beautiful home... your Dream Home... beautifully set on two lush acres of prime land!

Call today!  Your Dream Home might be much closer than you think!

For More information and photos on this listing Click Here!

Mixed Martial Arts makes its debut in Belize by the House of Shotokan

On Saturday, April 20th the House of Shotokan proudly brought Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights to Belize. These UFC style fights have become very popular and fans from all over Belize made their way out to cheer for Team Belize.

For the first time in Belize the octagonal cage and mat had been set up for these young men to do battle. Their opponent was Team Mexico who showed tremendous fighting style.

There were a total of 9 fights including the fight for the MMA championship belt which was taken by a Belizean. You can view the fights here: http://www.youtube.com/user/PlatinumRealEstate1

In the end Team Mexico won 5 matches and Team Belize won 4 matches including the Championship belt. Belizean, Jamil Smith, won his championship match to become the new MMA Champ in Belize. Unfortunately for the Mexican fighter who ended the fight with an illegal kick to the face while the Belizean fighter was down.