TIDE weekend was a huge success
Published in
Published by Stephene Supaul - On 11 October 2010
Planning started way back in July with rapid preparations in August to October 9th and 10th 2010. The entire event was organized by TIDE and has over the years become an established, exciting annual event for the people of Punta Gorda and visitors.
The annual TIDE weekend is a planned effort to highlight the conservation efforts of the Toledo Institute for Development and to give stakeholders an opportunity to come together to participate in a variety of traditional exciting activities, win fabulous prizes donated by it’s sponsors and get an opportunity to make an income from selling local food, craft and other products.
The rules and regulations of the fishing tournament promote sustainable fishing and the Youth Conservation Competition highlights the value of Biodiversity – as this is the International Year of Biodiversity. We all know that our well-being depends on biodiversity! The weekend attracts many Belizeans to the Toledo District and helps to boost the Punta Gorda economy.
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The weekend kicked off on Saturday Oct. 9 at 3PM with the Weekend Warrior Cycling Club – doing a race on the main streets in Punta Gorda Town. The people of Punta Gorda lined the streets to see the race. A race such as this has not been seen in Punta Gorda for the past five years.
The evening continued at 7PM at the Fr. Ring Parish Hall with the 4th Annual Youth Conservation Competition. Participants included: Keenan Moguel from Independence High school representing Southern Environmental Association (SEA), Ranisha Williams from the Toledo Community College representing Sustainable Harvest International, Shajira Cho from TCC representing TIDE and Leticia Halliday from TCC representing Plenty International.
For the year 2010 to 2011, we are proud to report that Ms Shajira Cho, representing TIDE, won this year’s sash.
The winner received scholarship monies that will be sent to their choice of sixth form once they have been accepted. Third prize winner got BZ$500, second prize winner got BZ$1,000 and 1st prize winner for BZ$1,500. There was also a consolation prize of BZ$200.
We take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the TIDE weekend. We value your ongoing support and thank you for your donations.
On Sunday, Oct 10, 2010, the Toledo Fish Fest kicked off at 6 a.m. with the fishing tournament at TIDE’s wharf. Eight boats left TIDE’s wharf that morning. Third and second place went to Armando Ramirez, Jack Alford and 1st place was split between the team of Francisco Rejon, Herson Colema and Alex Leonardo and the team of Mikhail Daniels, Javier, Denise, Robert and Albert Johnston.
This was followed another race by 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 Chairman of TIDE’s Board of Directors, Mr. Albert Roches and Punta Gorda Mayor – Mr. Floyd Lino. Music was provided by DJ Fresh throughout the day and at the conservation competition.
Other main activities for the day included:
- - Kayak race from TIDE’s wharf to the Marina and back
- - Thrialathon
- - Greasy Pole
- - Coconut husking
- - Castnet throwing
- - Tug-O-war
- - And many other activities for kids.
All of these activities were complete with top prizes! During the day visitors could choose from a large variety of delicious sea food, cultural food and drinks.
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We thank the TIDE staff and Volunteers who worked tirelessly in getting the TIDE weekend off the ground.
We also officially thank the donors (as listed below). Without them the weekend would not have been possible.
Elusive Permit Package (BZ$2,000 and above in cash or prize)
LOVE FM
Mass Audubon
Bonefish Package (BZ$1,000 to $1,999 in cash or prize)
Atlantic Insurance Company Limited
Garbutt’s Marine Investment Co. Ltd.
Institutional Development Consultants
PHMR Red Snapper Package (BZ$500 to $999 in cash or prize)
The Lodge at Chaa Creek
World Wildlife Fund
Wamalali
Romero’s Charter Services
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Tropic Air
Snook Package (BZ$200 to $499 in cash or prize)
Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina
Sagicor Capital Life Insurance Ltd.
Bowen and Bowen Company Ltd.
South Linkz International
Blue Belize Guesthouse
Atlantic Bank Ltd.
Angelus Press Ltd.
Sea Sports Belize
Coral House Inn
Bacab Eco-Park
Marelco Ltd.
Joy Grant
OCEANA
RVJ’s Creative Designs and Gift Shop
First Caribbean International Bank
RF&G Insurance Company Ltd
Dick’s Service Station
Brother’s Habet Ltd.
King’s Gas Stations
Yong’s Lumber Ltd.
Hickatee Cottages
Belize Bank Ltd.
Maya Island Air
AMANDALA
Mel’s Mart
Barracuda Package (Below BZ$200 in cash or prize)
Dreamlight Computer Center
Maurenco's Ice Cream Paulor
Josephine Supaul Store
Fultec Systems Limited
Humberto Balona Sr.
Johnsons Distributors
Dolphins production
Eclipse Beauty Salon
Grace Restaurant
Belize Mills Ltd
Charlston Inn
Frontier Inn
Beya Suites
Crocland
Mikados
Aquifer
Caribbean Tire Wholesale Ltd.
Marians Bayview Restaurant
Jonathan Supaul's Taxi
Walucos Bar and Grill
Requena's Water Taxi
Rosalma's Pharmacy
Toledo Farm Supply
Raju's Variety Store
PG Shopping Center
Julio Muschamp Jr.
Martina's Kitchen
NVJ's Pharmacy
Sonny's Records
Olympic Bar
Seafront Inn
Bruce Leslie