For the first time this year TIDE initiated a Seafood Fundraising Gala. This is in an effort to publicize the wide variety of seafood found in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, contribute to TIDE’s Fundraising efforts and also provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy fresh seafood. During the event local stakeholders of Punta Gorda were recognized for their continuous support of conservation efforts in Toledo. There were several awards given out that night which included:

 

-          Hotel of the Year which went to Coral House Inn owned by Rick and Darla Mallory

-          Marine Tour Guide of the Year which went to Lionel Martin of Punta Negra

-          Fisherwoman of the Year which went to Ms. Gwendolyn Jacobs of Punta Negra

-          Fisherwoman of the Year which went to Ms Anna Ramirez of Punta Gorda Town

-          Terrestrial Tour Guide of the year went to Rosalio Sho of Blue Creek Village

-          Fisherman of the Year which went to Mr. Marcello Martin Reyes of Punta Gorda

-          Ranger Awards were given to Carlos Ramirez of Port Honduras Marine Reserve, O. Leonard Williams of Paynes Creek National Park and Louis Ishim of TIDE’s Private Protected Lands and a

-          Recognition Award was also given to Mrs. Celia Mahung, Executive Director of TIDE to recognize her significant contribution to the success of TIDE and the Toledo Community.

 

The Gala also served as a means to promote our cultural diversity through live and entertaining musical performances by Garifuna Drummers, Mayan Music and local Belizean Artists. The night was fun-filled and it showed that local residents can be outstanding conservation stewards.

 

Once again, we were privileged this year to have the Weekend Warrior Cycling Club with us. They did a race through the streets of Punta Gorda Town on Saturday, Oct 8, 2011 at 4 p.m. for which the people of Punta Gorda lined the streets to see the race.  

 

The day continued with the Youth Conservation Competition of which the theme for this year was in line with the “International Year of the Forest”. For 2011 TIDE along with other particpating NGO’s highlighted the importance of Forests in Belize and showcased the conservation efforts they undertake on a daily basis. The Youth Conservation Competition has proven to be an innovative way of reaching out to the masses in creative ways, learning about the work of conservation groups in Belize and most of all, assisting youths in developing a deeper appreciation for the environment. Participants get the opportunity to win tertiary level scholarships as their prize for being in the competition.

 

Participants included Emily Evans of St. Catherine’s Academy representing Belize Audubon Society,  Tanisha Cal of Julain Cho Technical High School representing Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) – Belize, Brittney Logan of Independence High School representing Southern Environmental Association, Cordelia Kile of Toledo Community College representing Colombia River Cooperative (CRC), Rudolph Parham of Toledo Community College representing TIDE and for the first time we had an international candidate from Guatemala who was Michael Josue Mendez Parham of Instituto Nacional de Educación Básica, representing FUNDAECO. 

For the year 2011 to 2012, we are proud to report that Mr. Rudolph Parham representing TIDE, won this year’s title for the Youth Conservation Competition, with Tanisha Cal from SHI - Belize taking second place and Cordelia Kile from CRC taking third place.

 

The weekend continued on Sunday, Oct 9, 2011, with the Toledo Fish Fest that kicked off at 6 a.m. with the fishing tournament at TIDE’s wharf. Sixteen boats left TIDE’s wharf that morning. Third place went to Anna Ramirez and her crew, second place went to Winston Thompson and crew and first place was won by the team of Francisco Rejon. 

 

This was followed by the official cycle race with the Weekend Warrior Cycling Club at 9 a.m. They completed a 40 mile race on the Southern Highway which began and ended at TIDE’s wharf. 

 

Official ceremonies for the Fish fest began at 11a.m. at TIDE’s compound in Hopeville with opening remarks by Minister Peter Eden Martinez and closing remarks by Board Director, Mr. Eric Moore. 

 

Other main activities for the day included a kayak race from TIDE’s wharf to the Marina and back, coconut husking, corn husking and shelling, cast net throwing, tug-o-war, and many other activities for kids.

 

All participants who won for these activities received prizes! During the day visitors could have chosen from a large variety of delicious sea food, cultural food and drinks. 

 

 

 

 

Dreamlight Computer Discount Center

Garbutt’s Marine Investment Comp Ltd.

First Caribbean International Bank

Humberto Balona Sr. & Family

Josephine Supaul Store

The View Restaurant

Duke Marine Company

Fultec Systems Limited

Santiago Castillo Ltd.

Roses Paper Products

Olympic Bar & Grill

Angelus Press Ltd.

Charmini Coleman

Grace Restaurant

Albert Humes

Charlton’s Inn

Brother’s Habet

Frontier Inn

Mikados

Kay BBQ 

Platinum International Real Estate

Marians Bayview Restaurant

South Linkz International

Walucos Bar and Grill

Oliver Williams & Family

Requena's Water Taxi

Rosalma's Pharmacy

Julio Muschamp Jr.

Traveller’s Limited

Stationery House

Martina's Kitchen

Esso Super Station

 Hotel Mopan

Garay’s Kitchen

Arsenio Witz

Colin Monsanto

Seafront Inn

Marelco Ltd.

Eve Supaul