The Toledo Howler

Newspaper of the Toledo Chapter of the Tourism Industry Association

NOVEMBER 2007 YEAR 1, ISSUE 2

FIRST ANNUAL TOLEDO TOURISM EXPO ‘TOLTEX’ INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

No, it is not a man-made fiber nor a 2. generates greater economic woolen cuxtals all of which find their new acrylic paint but the first Toledo benefits for local people and en- way into gift shops in Toledo and MARTHA 2 Tourism Expo planned for Saturday hances the well being of host com- around Belize. The Aguacaliente WEATHERBURN 10 November 2007 and timed to munities; improves working condi- Management Team is leading a coincide with World Responsible tions and access to the industry gibnut ranching project which gen- THE 4 IN BELIZE Tourism Day on Wednesday 14 erates economic benefits and con- November. WRTD is being pro- 3. involves local people in decisions tributes to conservation. Hotels moted by the organizers of the that affect their lives and life offer tours that enhance guests’ BATTLE OF THE 4 World Travel Mart exhibition which chances appreciation of the natural world DRUMS takes place in London in November 4. makes positive contributions to inland and under water and brings ILLEGAL DUMP 5 each year. the conservation of natural and them into contact with local people CLEARED and culture. Here is how it is described on the cultural heritage embracing diver- sity TOLEDO TRAVEL 6 World Travel Mart web site. “WTM We will be bringing it all together at CENTER World Responsible Tourism Day 5. provides more enjoyable experi- the party in the park on 10 Novem- supported by the UNWTO …. is the SPOTLIGHT ON ences for tourists through more ber. See you all there! 6 first opportunity for travel and tour- meaningful connections with local CRAFTS ism to become one powerful and people, and a greater understand- unifying force. A chance to make a BTIA MEMBERS 7 ing of local cultural, social and envi- TOLTEX Vital Statistics real difference that will keep our ronmental issues beaches clean, preserve our stun- When: Saturday 10 November WAT’S COOKING 8 ning scenery, save wildlife and glory 6. provides access for physically 2007, 10am-5pm challenged people in our historic buildings and pre- Where: Central Park, Gorda TRANSPORT 9 cious heritage. 7. is culturally sensitive, encourages Town SCHEDULES There is a responsibility too to help respect between tourists and hosts, local people wherever they might and builds local pride and confi- ARE WE THE 10 WEAKEST LINK? be, provide them with shelter, jobs, dence clean water, food and education. We do all or most of these things Protect them from exploitation, AGUACALIENTE 11 here in Toledo and TOLTEX is our WILDLIFE corruption and deceit. attempt to showcase these for the SANCTUARY Making the difference personally first time. It brings together the LEARNING CAN 12 and corporately is what WTM's work of Non-Governmental Organi- BE SO SWEET World Responsible Tourism Day zations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and tourism EDITORIAL 13 (WTM WRTD) is all about.” related businesses including hotels, So what is responsible tourism? In restaurants, tour operators and 2002, 280 representatives from all guides and will demonstrate how sectors of tourism from 20 coun- they all complement each other. tries attended the Cape Town Con- Small community based organiza- ference on Responsible Tourism in tions make honey, jam and wooden South Africa. They agreed in a dec- picture frames. Local crafts people laration that responsible tourism: make carvings from calabashes, bowls from rosewood, baskets and 1. minimizes negative economic, other articles from jippi jappa and environmental and social impacts

“Responsibility is our Motto.” Watertaxi Daily Runs

Punta Gorda Leaves 9am

To Returns 2pm M Puerto Barrios ariestela

Charters to Fulfill Your Needs 12 Front Street Contact: Julio Requena Tel/Fax:(501)722-2070 Punta Gorda Town Email:[email protected] Toledo, Belize, C.A. Site:www.belizenet.com/requena PO Box: #18 THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 2

MUSIC FROM THE ROOTS

Martha Weatherburn and reggae. She writes many of her songs her- Miss Martha Weatherburn is a singer self, but also performs old and songwriter who was born and folklores and traditional raised in Cattle Landing, Belize, a songs. village about 2 miles from Punta Gorda. “When I sing, I feel the sea, Martha has put out a new the people, nature, life. I stand in my CD of Christmas music. yard and look at the sea, and I get Songs include “She neva inspired to write music and poetry”, had a Christmas Tree” says Miss Martha. and “Child of Bethlehem” both written by Martha. Martha was born in 1939, and still “Christmas Bum” is an old lives on the same property where she Calypso selection, sung by was born. Her yard overlooking the her Uncle Cleveland Caribbean Sea is filled with flowers, Berry, circa 1959. “Drink her house is filled with family pictures a rum on a Christmas mahnin” is an old and local art, and her voice is filled with a Kriol folk song in the Calypso style that will received awards in both Belize and abroad, sweet power. On the day that we chatted, have you dancing around your living room. including the EGF Belize Celebrations award, the afternoon sun slanted through the bead All of the songs on the CD are simple and and a certificate from Inglewood, California, curtains in her kitchen doorway, and she joyful, with a tropical flavor. Definitely not where she performed at the September sang and talked to me of her life and music. your same old Christmas carols. If you want Celebrations. She lived in the US for 25 something a lee bit different for your holiday “I have been singing since I was 12 years years, where she was a nurse. She per- tunes, stop by Carysha’s Deja Brew Café in old. My parents sang, and my father played formed there at parties, old folks homes, PG to pick up an autographed copy of Mar- the accordion with his band at local dances and Belizean celebrations in her community. tha’s Christmas CD. Martha will be perform- in PG.” The songs Martha sings are in Spanish, Eng- ing some selections from the new album at lish and Kriol, and her music runs the gamut One of her first performances was at the Deja Brew Café on December 6, at 3 p.m. from classical boleros to brukdown, soca Belize City September Celebrations. She has Admission is free!

Accommodation in elegant riverside cabanas

www.thelodgeatbigfalls.com [email protected] YEAR 1, ISSUE 2 Page 3

Phone 722-0050 Fax 722-0051 Box 135, Punta Gorda

Machaca Hill Lodge sits high up within the rainforest canopy. With an awe inspiring panorama and a view of and in the distance, our world-class resort is where you will feed your thirst for adven- ture or relax in the privacy of 12 elegant cabanas. The resort is situated on an 11,000 acre nature reserve, and is the ideal place for walking our trails, experiencing the rainforest canopy by tram, or exploring the Rio Grande river by canoe. The Arbor Restaurant features a balanced menu of fresh, local seafood and regional cuisine with many of the herbs, vegetables and tropical fruits organically grown at Machaca Hill. All of our bread and desserts are homemade. Our bar offers a full selection of top-shelf liquors, wine and local beer. We offer a variety of tours, from rain-forest to reef, including world-class fishing, caving and Mayan sites.

Bring this ad for a 20% discount on lodging,.

We invite you to quench your thirst for adventure and luxury THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 4

THE GARIFUNA IN BELIZE The Garifuna, or Garinagu people The main center of the Garifuna are recent arrivals to Belize, hav- celebration has always been ing settled the southern coast of Dangriga, but in the past several Belize in the early 19th century. years, Punta Gorda has become Their story begins on the island the place to be. Celebrations of of St. Vincent in 1635. That the holiday in PG have begun to year, two Spanish ships carrying attract people from all over the Nigerian slaves sank off the country and abroad. coast of this Caribbean island. The traditional Garifuna colors The survivors swam ashore, and are yellow, black, and white. found refuge in Carib Indian set- Garinagu women wearing long tlements on the island. For the dresses sewn from checkered next 150 years these two peo- material along with colored head ples mingled and intermarried pieces are a familiar sight in PG. thus creating the Garinagu. Traditional foods are based on A series of wars between the coconut milk, “ground food” such French allies of the Garinagu and as yams and cassava and fish. the British on St. Vincent ended One traditional dish is Hudut in a final battle on June 10th, (see recipe in “Wat’s Cooking”). 1796. The Garinagu were forced The Garinagu brought Punta to surrender, leaving St. Vincent music and dance to Belize. Tradi- to look for a new home. They tional Punta is drum-based, with first landed on the island of gourd shakers and turtle shell Roatan, in Honduras, and soon percussion. Punta Rock has migrated to the Honduran evolved from traditional Punta mainland. According to tradition, into Belize’s most popular and the first Garifuna reached British seductive dance music. Check Honduras on November 19th, out Garifuna drumming at the 1832. In modern Belize, Novem- Battle of the Drums on Novem- ber 19th is now celebrated as ber 16. Enjoy the celebrations in Garifuna Settlement Day. PG.

BATTLE OF THE DRUMS 2007

Garifuna Settlement Weekend in PG will be- The Battle of the Drums was conceptualized was held in Punta Gorda Town on November gin with an exciting event again this 17, 2006 and was well received by specta- year. Drummers from all over the coun- tors from home and abroad. Last year, the try of Belize as well as from Livingston, Battle of the Drums was restricted to drum- Guatemala are invited to compete and mers from the Punta Gorda Town area. display their talents. However, the idea is that it will evolve into an international drumming competition; This year’s show will be one of intense and this year will showcase drummers from competition. Drummers will compete in towns and villages all over Belize. 5 categories of Garifuna drumming. First place cash prize is $1500! The The Battle of the Drums is the brainchild of show will be held on Friday, November Darius Avila, a businessman of Punta 16, 2007. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the Gorda Town, and owner of the award- show begins at 8, with a grand dance winning Beya Suites Hotel. He is actively following the competition. Food and supported by a team of leaders from Punta drinks will be on sale. Venue is the Gorda Town who form the Organizing Com- sports complex, near the airstrip in PG. mittee. The committee is still seeking spon- sors for the event; if you are interested in The proceeds from the Battle of the contributing to this worthwhile cause, please Drums will be used strictly to pursue various in October 2006 out of a desire to assist the contact Mr. Avila at 722-2188. cultural retrieval projects in Punta Gorda National Garifuna Council – Punta Gorda Town and other Garifuna communities. One (Peini) Branch in raising funds to defray ex- Start your holiday weekend with a bang on of these projects is an initiation of a Garifuna penses relating to Garifuna Settlement Day Friday November 16 at 8 p.m. at the P.G. Drumming in Schools program. celebrations. The first Battle of the Drums sports complex. Don’t miss it!

Contact Toledo BTIA at the Tourism Information Center, Contact The Howler Editorial Team Tel. 722-2531 E-mail [email protected] Front St., Punta Gorda Tel. 722-2531 E-mail btia- Features Editor: Marta Hirons 671-7172, Advertising Manager: Juli Puryear, [email protected] Chair: Bruno Kuppinger, Secretary: 722-2276 Production Manager: Rob Hirons 671-7172, Editorial Assistant Zoara Yvonne Villoria, Treasurer: Leonie Requena Gutierrez 722-2531 YEAR 1, ISSUE 2 Page 5

TRIBUTE TO CRAFTER OF THE QUARTER

Illegal Dump on San Antonio Road Removed

Community Effort and Coopera- The new site designated by the Ministry of the A sign was also erected stating that the area was Environment and the Ministry of Health is the Old “Closed to Dumping”. Plans are underway to fill tion Pays Off Quarry located close to San Pedro Columbia vil- the area with soil and to plant tropical flowers over lage. The new site has been deemed to be of a the site. The flowers for this part of the project good enough quality to eliminate the risk of leach- were donated by Machaca Hill Lodge. Over twenty community minded people spent ing damaging effluents into the surrounding water Saturday 29th September working to remove the table. It was a collaborative effort of the Toledo District illegal and unsightly dump that was located on the B.T.I.A, T.I.D.E., P.N.P. Party Executive, Aguacali- Punta Gorda-San Antonio Road about half a mile As another part of the community outreach, over ente Management Team, Big Falls Village Council, from the intersection of the Southern Highway and twelve buses loaded with over seven hundred the Ministry of Works, Peace Corp volunteers San Antonio Road. It has been an eye sore for travellers who normally passed the illegal dump serving in Toledo, Toledo Ecotourism Association, some time as well as being an environmental on a daily basis were stopped and boarded by the Machaca Hill Lodge, Dem Dats Doin’, Sun Creek hazard, with the waters from the area flowing into volunteers. They explained to the passengers Lodge, Shell Gas Station, Toledo Cacao Growers the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary and areas of what the exercise was all about, why it needed to Association, Green & Black Cocoa, Earth Watch commercial rice farming close to the sanctuary. be done and the location of the new dump site. and several other concerned citizens. People The passengers were also asked not to dump any either volunteered their time or donated materials, A total of ten truckloads of garbage or the equiva- trash there in future and to assist in keeping their cash or equipment necessary for the dump re- lent of one hundred and thirty cubic yards of gar- own communities clean. moval. The effort was a huge success. Working bage was removed from the illegal dumping site. together works! THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 6

TOLEDO TRAVEL CENTER

vious experience bore little relation to his up. The service is guaranteed. present business. Tours take people inland from Punta Gorda Bruno is now well established here and with (pick ups can be arranged from other loca- his wife Melissa from Mango Creek they man- tions) to Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary (see age Sun Creek Lodge fourteen miles west of article on page 11), Blue Creek and Aguacate Punta Gorda on the Southern Highway. They and caves close by the village of Santa Cruz. met a few months after his arrival in 1998 in The Mayan sites of Lubaantun and Nim Li a Spanish language class in Belize City. Sun Punit are also on his menu of tour offerings. Creek is strategically located for visitors who But Bruno does more than day trips and want to have easy access to the attractions of keenly explores and researches his overnight the Mayan villages, archaeological sites, trips. The Maya Divide Trail is a case in point. caves, rivers and forests of central Toledo. It is in many ways Bruno’s “flagship” small Their other business is IBTM Tours through group adventure tour and takes up to ten which Bruno has escorted German groups days from San Jose village in western Toledo touring all Belize. IBTM has now established along the trail which runs parallel to the bor- an office in Punta Gorda as the Toledo Travel der with Guatemala up to Las Cuevas in Center. Cayo. The trail runs through some of the only Wilma Salam, Office Manager at TTC The office is next to the Fajina Craft Center rainforest in Belize which deserves the status and is just across the road from the new Cus- of “pristine” due to its remoteness from set- Hailing from Stuttgart in southern Germany, toms and Immigration building. It is ideally tlements. This is a tough trek with partici- Bruno Kuppinger formerly worked as a bank placed to entice visitors to stay longer in pants toting packs of up to forty pounds manager and in marketing and sales for Toledo. Wilma Salam (pictured left) runs the weight with their own gear and all food and BMW among other companies. But he, like office, welcomes travelers and books them other supplies and is really only for the physi- an increasing number of people, came to feel on to tours. cally and mentally strong but is truly a once in the financial rewards were not worth the im- So what is different about these tour offers? a lifetime experience. This trip is done in balance between life and work. Until now all tours in Toledo have been pri- association with guides from San Jose village He started to scan the world for a place vate charters with tour operators. The Toledo and guests will be safe and well-looked after. where that balance might be restored and Travel Center’s regular scheduled tours allow Contact Toledo Travel Center and Sun Creek with a shortlist of ten countries in different visitors to sign up at eight in the morning for Lodge continents finally settled on Belize. His first a trip leaving an hour later. That means if Tel: 722-0112, 600-8773, 604-2124 introduction to Belize was through the annual there is only one guest the tour will still run. [email protected] or [email protected] ITB travel show in Berlin. So like many other No waiting around to see if anyone else turns foreign investors in tourism in Belize his pre- Spotlight on Crafts: Hand-Carved Rosewood Heirloom Pieces Mateo Cal is a native of Dolores village in the twenty-three years that Mateo has lived there far south west corner of Belize but moved to and there is little paid employment. He grows Crique Sarco nearby at the age of eighteen corn, plantain, bananas and cassava on his when he married his wife Ularia who is from plantation and supplements this with some there. They have brought up their five chil- hunting and fishing on the Temash river on dren, between 15 and 23 years old, and the which the village is built. According to Mateo youngest two are now studying at the Julian being able to get in a dory on the river and go Cho Technical High School close to Big Falls. fishing anytime is one of the greatest pleas- And with education comes school fees, so ures of life there. that Mateo and Ularia have had to supple- Probably the biggest change in the past ment their family income through the manu- twenty years has been transport. Mateo re- facture and sale of Mateo’s exquisite hand members the time not so long ago when the carved bowls made from rosewood and ma- journey from Crique Sarco to Punta Gorda hogany. He makes leaf-shaped, heart- was a four-hour boat ride up the coast past shaped, oval and round bowls as well as Barranco. Now it is two hours by bus and salad fork and spoon sets and miniature with a bridge being built over the Temash carved dories (dug out canoes). maybe change is on the way. Even if he had power tools Mateo would not Gift shops and hotels wanting to order be able to use them since there is no electric- Mateo’s crafts can contact him on the Crique ity in Crique Sarco where life is more attuned Sarco community phone at 702-2674 or to the rhythms of the sun and moon. His send an e-mail order to [email protected] tools are basic; chisels made from machete and Mateo will pick the order up when he blades, a hand planer, spoke shave and comes into Punta Gorda each week and de- rasper. liver it on Tropic Air. Mateo Cal from Crique Sarco Not much has changed in Crique Sarco in the

Where to get your copy of The Toledo Howler: The Toledo Howler will normally be distributed at the Toledo Tourism Information Center on Front Street as well as at other shops, restau- rants and places of business of BTIA members in Toledo (see list on Page 7). The paper can also be found at Maya Island Air and Tropic Air terminals throughout Belize plus Tropic Air and Requena’s Charters in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. YEAR 1, ISSUE 2 Page 7

BTIA TOLEDO MEMBERS 2007 Business Name Email Phone Contact Person Beya Suites [email protected] 722-2188 Lisa Avila Blue Belize Guest House & Tours [email protected] 722-2678 Dan Castellanos & Rachel Graham Coral House Inn [email protected] 501-722-2878 Rick & Darla Mallory Cuxlin Ha Time Share [email protected] 501-614-2518 Dona Lee Scafe Dem Dats Doin [email protected] 501-722-2470 Yvonne Villoria Fish & Fun Guiding Services [email protected] 671-0506 Ovel Leonardo Garbutt’s Marine Investment [email protected] 604-3548 Dennis Garbutt Hickatee Cottages [email protected] 662-4475 Ian & Kate Morton Juli Puryear [email protected] 722-2276 Juli Puryear

Larry Smith [email protected] 722-2300 Larry & Carol Smith The Lodge at Big Falls [email protected] 671-7172 Marta & Rob Hirons Machaca Hill Lodge [email protected] 722-0050 Ovel Leonardo Obsession Bar & Grill [email protected] 722-0193 Carlo Wagner Requena's Charter Service [email protected] 722-2070 Julio Requena Romero’s Charter Service [email protected] 722-2625/2924 Frances Romero Scotia Bank [email protected] 722-0098/0099 Jose Chan Sun Creek Lodge [email protected] 600-8773/614-2080 Bruno & Melissa Kuppinger Toledo Eco-Tourism Association 722-2531 Vicente Sackul Tumul Kin Center of Learning [email protected] 608-1070 Esther Sanchez Sho

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES IN PUNTA GORDA

Hotel Name Address Email Address Phone Number

A Piece of Ground #1050 Pelican Street [email protected] 722-0044

Beya Suites #6 Hope Ville [email protected] 722-2188 Blue Belize Guest House Front Street [email protected] 722-2678 Charlton's Inn #9 Main Street [email protected] 722-2197 Circle C #117 West Street 722-2726

Coral House Inn Main Street [email protected] 722-2878 Frontier Inn #3 Air Strip Road [email protected] 722-2450

Hotel Mira Mar #95 Front Street 722-2033

Mahung’s Inn & Guest House #11 North & Main Streets [email protected] 722-2044/722-2874

Nature’s Way Guest House Front Street Natureswayguest- 702-2119/722-2841 [email protected] Pallavi’s Hotel #19 Main Street [email protected] 702-2414

Sea Front Inn #4 Front Street [email protected] 722-2300

St. Charles Inn #23 King Street [email protected] 722-2149 Tate’s Guest House #34 Jose Maria Nunez street 722-0147

Tidal Waves #50 Havana Street 702-0154/607-9335

Upstairs Lounge Inn #51 Main Middle Street 722-0111

Wahima Hotel #11 Front Street 722-2542 THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 8

Sun Creek Lodge & IBTM Tours

5 Thatched Roof Cabanas w/Breakfast Tours operated by: US$ 50.00 + Tax

722-0112 or 600-8773

E-mail: [email protected]

Sun Creek Lodge—The Hidden Charm WAT’S COOKING!!!!

Hudut is a traditional Garifuna dish, in honor 1-3 hot peppers, left whole Sauté onion, garlic and sweet pepper in oil of Garifuna Settlement Day on 19 November: until soft. Add coconut milk and hot pep- pers, and bring to a simmer over me- Preparation: Hudut dium heat. Add fish to this broth, and Season the fish with salt, pepper, recado, Serves 6 simmer until the fish is cooked through, cilantro and cilantro. Set aside to marinate. stirring constantly to keep the coconut Ingredients: Make the coconut cream by grating the coco- milk from curdling. Do not boil. Correct 2 lbs. fish filet, from firm fish such as tarpon nut, then pouring warm water over it, and seasonings. If you want more heat in the or barracuda, washed in lime juice squeezing the cream out of it. You can soup, break the pepper while cooking. Salt and black pepper squeeze out the milk with your hands, or by Put mashed plantain into bowls, cover 2 tsp. red recado wringing it in a clean dish towel. Discard the with hot soup and serve. Eat till you bust Cilantro and culantro, 1 bunch each, chopped yu belly! fine grated coconut trash, or feed to the chickens. Cream from 3 coconuts (method below) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Peel green 8 cups warm water plantain, and add to boiling water. Boil till just 3 green plantain soft, then add peeled ripe plantain and boil a 1 ripe plantain few more minutes. Mash plantain using large 1 large onion, sliced wooden mortar (‘tubruce mortar’ - see photo). 1 sweet pepper, sliced Mash until it all comes together…it will be 1 clove garlic, chopped sticky, but not smooth. Cover and keep warm. 1 TBSP oil Tableta Preparation: Grate coconut and put into pot with brown Ingredients: sugar and ginger. 2 coconuts (dried coconuts) Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until 1 lb brown sugar mixture sticks together. Grated ginger Put on a wet or greased sheet. Spread and flatten with wet spoon or knife. Cut into squares when cool. YEAR 1, ISSUE 2 Page 9

TRANSPORT SCHEDULES

Boat Schedule from Punta Gorda Schedule for Buses leaving Punta Gorda To Puerto Barrios

Departs Arrives in Price Service Type of Exit fee is $7.50 BZ from Punta Belize City Service Provider Gorda 4:00am 11:00am $22 James Bus Line Regular Business Departs Arrive in Fare Days of Notes 4:30am 9:15am $22 National Regular Name & Punta Puerto depar- Single contact info Gorda Barrios ture Transport one way 5:00am 11:00am $22 Usher’s Bus Regular Line Requena’s 9:30am 10:30am $40 Mon-Sun Customers Charters are asked to 5:30am 12:30pm $22 James Bus Line Regular arrive at the Tel:722-2070 6:00am 11:00am $26 James Bus Line Express customs at Email: 9am for 6:00am 1:00pm $22 James Bus Line Regular [email protected] customs et 8:00am 3:00pm $22 James Bus Line Regular clearance.

9:00am 4:00pm $22 BBDC Regular Pichilingo 2:00pm 3:00pm $43 Mon-Sun 10:00am 5:00pm $22 James Bus Line Regular Marisol 4:00pm 5:00pm $43 Mon-Sun 12:00 noon 7:00pm $22 James Bus Line Regular

1:30pm 7:30pm $22 Usher’s Bus Regular Boat Schedule from Puerto Barrios Line to Punta Gorda 3:00pm 9:00pm $22 James Bus Line Regular Applicable exit fees and taxes: $80 Quetzales Maya Island Air Flights from Punta Gorda Business Name Departs Arrive Punta Fare Days of & contact info Puerto Gorda Departure Single - One Barrios PUNTA GORDA way Pichilingo 10:00am 11L00am $43 Mon-Sun FLIGHT # TZA-PND FLIGHT # PND-TZA Requena’s Char- 2:00pm 3:00pm $40 Mon-Sun 103 8:00 102 6:50 ter Service

tel:722-2070 103 1:00 104 9:30 Email: water- 115 2:30 116 4:00 [email protected] Mari Sol 2:00pm 3:00pm $43 Mon-Sun

Did you know…? The first edition of The Toledo Howler reached as far as South Africa with Renee and Kevin Brown of The Moorings in Placencia. The next edition is going to the World Travel Mart in London and to Hol- land. Send us your jpegs of you and Howler in far off and famous places and we will publish them. THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 10

ARE WE THE WEAKEST LINK? BY DR. RACHEL GRAHAM

We all form part of an intricate food chain have also revealed a lack of top predators mand either. A restaurant survey conducted that, once broken, can take many years to fix. throughout Belize, and Southern Belize in as part of the research has revealed that For example, large sharks such as blacktips particular. Historical accounts derived from additional pressures will be placed on this eat fish such as barracuda and hammer- fishers, dive tour operators and guides have critically endangered species due to planned heads, snack on stingrays and eagle rays. provided information on the changes in abun- expansion of restaurants and increased de- Remove these sharks through overfishing dance and distribution of shark species and mand; and Goliath grouper wasn’t even con- and you end up with more barracuda and Goliath grouper populations. Surveys of local sidered a favorite fish species for the dinner more rays. More barracudas mean fewer and Guatemalan fishermen revealed that table! Fishers identified nets as their pre- herbivorous fish that eat algae and more catches of sharks and large Goliath grouper, ferred shark fishing gear and spearfishing eagle rays mean fewer conchs (eagle rays once commonly taken, have declined dra- and set lines capture the majority of Goliath prey on small conch). matically over the past twenty years. grouper. Most dramatically of all, the two species of sawfish that existed in Belize ap-

pear to be ecologically extinct: not a single Take it one step further: with no herbivorous Some species such as lemon sharks and one of the 151 fishers interviewed had en- fish to eat the algae covering the coral reef, hammerheads are rarely found anymore countered a sawfish in recent years despite there is nowhere for little corals to settle where they were once abundant. More worri- an increase in fishing effort throughout the down and grow following coral spawning and some is the fact that fishers in Livingston who country. Again, nets were cited by the major- the reef dies without being replaced. So top used to fish shark in Amatique Bay have now ity of fishers interviewed as the reason for predators fulfill an important role in the ma- turned to catching stingrays as the sharks rine ecosystem and their removal can have were fished out. A similar trend is occurring in their demise. impacts that may be far more severe and Belize where fishers are increasingly focusing widespread than we can imagine. their efforts on nurse sharks and small mud- It is hard for some to imagine why one would want sharks or huge grouper. Yet we need to bottom dwelling sand sharks to make up for the increasing lack of large sharks (blacktips, think about the future of our coasts and Before we can understand some of the com- reefs, our future. Also, plexities of the food chain and our impacts on can we imagine a sea, its networks, we need to know more about our sea stories or our the species and the links in the chain. One imaginations devoid of such set of links includes the sharks and sharks or large grou- Goliath grouper. pers? Will we let these species, these “jaguars Southern Belize hosts two top predator re- of the sea” become search projects spearheaded since Decem- distant memories like ber 2005 by the Wildlife Conservation Society our once abundant in partnership with local fishers and guides, sawfish? We hope not. Fisheries and local non-governmental organi- Big fish are not only zations TIDE, SATIIM, FON and TASTE. These part of Belize’s heri- projects focus respectively on finding out tage, they keep the more about the populations and distribution country’s marine realm of sharks and rays and Goliath grouper, also healthy and attract known as jewfish. Our goal is to foster the tourism. In fact, sharks management and conservation of these long are friends, not food! lived and, in many cases, endangered spe- We look forward to cies. To date, research results have been hammerheads, lemons, reef sharks and ti- working with fishers, guides, NGOs and gov- disseminated through community presenta- gers). This is similar to findings presented by ernment to bring back and manage the popu- tions, handouts and articles published in other researchers worldwide. lations of large marine predators for future “The Placencia Breeze”. generations and we definitely want to hear There is even less information on Goliath your stories of the big fish you have seen and Evidence that populations of sharks and rays grouper as most populations worldwide have have kept alive in your memories. worldwide are buckling under the pressure been fished out before research could even from unsustainable fisheries prompted our begin. It’s not just impacts on the species For more information contact: research. Dramatic declines and complete themselves that is cause for concern but on Dr. Rachel Graham disappearance of functional populations for a their habitats. Recent studies in Florida have Wildlife Conservation Society, Hopeville, range of shark species has been documented revealed that Goliath grouper require red over relatively short time scales. Goliath grou- mangroves to survive as juveniles – this is Punta Gorda Tel: 672-7777 per, another top marine predator in our wa- the same species that lines many of our estu- Email: [email protected] ters, have also faced dramatic declines aries and coasts in Belize. Goliath grouper http://www.iucnredlist.org/ The World Con- throughout their ranges leading to local extir- are therefore increasingly vulnerable to the servation Union pations that have earned them the label of rapid changes in Belize’s “Critically Endangered to Extinction” by the coastal mangrove habitats World Conservation Union’s Red List. fostered, ironically, by tourism-driven develop- The food chain's top predators have similar ment. life history traits of long life, late maturation, low production, and low population recovery Whereas Goliath grouper rates. Their absence is a strong indicator of are primarily caught by fishing pressure. In many coastal and coral local fishers for local con- reef habitats, an abundance of sharks repre- sumption, sharks are cap- sents functional ecosystems. Moreover, in tured in Belize by fishers many sites worldwide sharks and grouper residing in Guatemala and form the basis of a rapidly expanding snorkel products are exported to and dive tourism industry. With one in four Guatemala or Mexico. The Belizeans associated with tourism, and a demand for shark prod- country-wide focus on marine tourism in par- ucts is fueled primarily by ticular, keeping sharks and large grouper the Lenten season and the alive is good for business. Asian fin markets – both of which are growing. Goli- Results from the field work and fisher surveys ath grouper are not being spared from market de- YEAR 1, ISSUE 2 Page 11

AGUACALIENTE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

It is easy to overlook the contribution of com- Creek, and Silver Creek. To arrange a meal in munity-based organizations in tourism devel- any of these villages contact the AMT office in opment in Belize and here in Toledo the Big Falls. Aguacaliente Management Team (AMT), rep- Florentino Pop is the manager of the resenting ten local villages, has been working Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary and is based hard over the past five years to conserve the at the AMT’s office in Big Falls village. He has remarkable biodiversity of the Aguacaliente been involved since the beginning and has Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) established in taken a leading role in its development. He 1998. says, “ I feel proud of our achievements Part of those efforts have been aimed at which are the achievements of everyone in- demonstrating the potential benefits of at- volved, from villagers to PACT, the govern- tracting local and international tourism and ment, and the Forestry Department with part focused on educating local people about whom we share co-management responsibili- the sustainable use of the natural resources ties, as well as overseas organizations like within the sanctuary. Traditional uses of the the Peace Corps and Trekforce”. area, in addition to hunting, and fishing, in- clude the harvesting of bay leaf and tie-tie vines for thatching, leaves from the Give and Look out for Aguacaliente’s new web site Take palm for brooms, and the collection of www.aguacaliente.bz which will be on line medicinal plants. Before being declared a soon. Contact AMT at their Big Falls office wildlife Sanctuary, the area was once used on 665-4301 or e-mail for cattle ranching as well. [email protected] The AWS is a protected area of about five and newborn males from their jealous fathers a half thousand acres including a central who may kill them. They also must ensure wetland area with three large permanent that there is a water trough in the gibnut en- lagoons set amidst rolling hills to the east closure since they always mate standing in Visit Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary and steep karst hills to the south. It really is water. a birder’s paradise and a number of species such as the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Blue- The sanctuary is also home to what may be To arrange to visit the Aguacaliente Wildlife winged Teal and Black-necked Stilt use it as a the largest structure in Toledo if not in the Sanctuary call the Laguna community transmigration stopover between February whole of Belize. This is the 2000 yard board- phone 709-2970 and speak to Miss Han- walk constructed with the help of local people and May. nah Shol. The sanctuary policy requires and Trekforce volunteers with wood salvaged that all visiting groups are accompanied by Much of the sanctuary consists of a very shal- from Hurricane Iris in 2001. The boardwalk low basin which is quickly inundated when a park ranger. Miss Shol is the only person makes the sanctuary accessible all year authorized to receive entrance fees and the rains begin and the seasonal flooding has round and runs from close by Laguna village produced adaptations of the flora and fauna canoe hire fees on behalf of the AMT. to Piedra Creek where visitors may embark Please remember to ask for your receipt which make the whole eco-system unique. on one of the canoes to take them out into upon payment. the lagoons. Volunteers have also rebuilt the As part of AMT’s “Alternative Livelihood Pro- Entrance Fee BZ$10 for overseas visitors gram” a gibnut (paca) rearing project has Visitor Center and toilets. There are presently BZ$2 for Belizeans and residents. been established. It is modeled on a success- two canoes available for visitors use with one ful project in Costa Rica. A number of house- or two more on the way. Canoe hire $10 per canoe per visit holds in Laguna and San Marcos villages are AMT has also invested in training for their Ranger Fee $30 per group for any part of a involved. The project is aimed at domestica- park rangers, three new tour guides living day tion of gibnuts for meat production and the close to the sanctuary and for hospitality, ranchers are already learning new things food service and hygiene training for twenty about them. They have learned to separate women from Big Falls, Hickatee, Laguna, Blue Visit a Gibnut Ranch

Wan Lee Bit a Kriol To visit a gibnut rearing facility ask for When yu go out da night, when yu da come home, you fi walk in a yu house Vicente Choc or Leoncio Muku in San Mar- cos Village or Manuel Mis, Wallace Cucul, backways so ghost no da follow you in. Eduardo Coy, Francisco Chub or Vicente If you go out at night, when you return home you should walk into the house Sakul in Laguna Village. backwards, so ghosts can’t follow you into the house. There is no fee but donations are appreci- ated. THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 12

LEARNING CAN BE SO SWEET TUMUL K’IN CENTER OF LEARNING

If you are looking to satisfy your sweet years spent at the Center and the fifth The Tumul K'in Food Processing Unit tooth while doing some good for local year spent in their respective villages currently produces bottled honey, honey kids, look no farther than Tumul K’in doing their entrepreneurial pro- jelly, pickles, jams and pepper Center of Learning. Located in Blue jects. These are either in Food Process- sauces. Tumul K'in’s farm produces Creek, Toledo, Tumul K'in was officially ing or Agriculture Science and Produc- pigs, sheep, corn, rice, vegetables and founded by Mr. Angel Tzec and Dr. Filib- tion (or directly related areas) since poultry for its own consumption and erto Penados but has really been in the these are the two main specializations some for sale. Presently, their honey, mind of the Mayan elders for about 25 offered. jam and pepper sauces are available at Mel's Market, Green Supaul’s Supermar- years. For many years local people have pro- ket and Carysha's Deja Brew Café Work to set up the school started as duced many fruits, vegetables, honey in Punta Gorda as well as many hotels early as the year 2000-2001 and the and other products and not found a mar- and lodges. These delicious products are school was officially opened by Prime ket for them. Tumul K'in took it upon a great addition to your pantry, and also Minister Said Musa in January of 2002. itself to try to provide a market for many Tumul K'in is a non-governmental or- of these raw materials and convert make sweet gifts to take home. ganization and only receives a small them into processed foods for sale to subvention from the Ministry of Educa- the general public. All income gener- tion and the Ministry of Agricul- ated from the sale of these products ture. Their primary funders are Ireland goes towards financing the school. Aid, Omega - Finland and they have had The Center became recognized nation- projects with FAO, UNICEF, GEF/SGP, ally in 2006 with the launch of its honey PACT, UNDP, Regional Radio Pro- product at the Radisson Fort George ject, and many others. The Ministry of Hotel. Since then it has provided con- Agriculture in Cayo has provided invalu- sumers with a honey product that is har- able non-monetary assistance. vested, processed, packaged and mar- Tumul K'in has a total of 30 students keted with the utmost care and atten- from Toledo, Orange Walk, and Cayo tion. Tumul K'in not only produces its districts. They have students as young own honey but purchases honey from as 14 and as old as 20. There is no spe- other bee-keepers in the Toledo district cific age limit as they believe that you and the country of Belize. The honey are never too old to get an educa- processed and eventually sold comes tion. The students are a part of Tumul primarily from bees feeding off wild K'in for a total of 5 years, with the first 4 flowers in the rainforest. THE TOLEDO HOWLER Page 13

Coral House Inn BED, BREAKFAST AND BICYCLES

Step off of Main Street in Punta Gorda and experience the intimate atmosphere of the Coral House Inn, with spacious verandas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Amenities include – Swimming pool, conti- nental breakfast, wireless internet, poolside bar and use of bicycles. www.coralhouseinn.net 722-2878 EDITORIAL BTIA (Belize Tourism Industry Association) is the private sector body in Belize promoting and advocating the interests of a healthy tourism industry which is both profitable and sustainable. And let’s remember that it cannot be one without the other. The BTIA directly represents the interests of hotels, lodges, guest houses, restaurants, tour operators, taxi and bus services and tour guides. It indirectly promotes those of the shops and wholesalers, weavers and carvers and those young school and university graduates whose skills and education will leave Toledo if we cannot find long term employment for them at home. All these and others benefit from the extra trade and commerce the tourism industry generates in the local economy. BTB (The Belize Tourism Board) advertizes that one in four jobs in the national economy are in tourism and the success of tourism has a trickle down effect through the local economy that will posi- tively benefit far more than that. BTIA’s success in the promotion of tourism in Toledo is directly proportional to the energy, enthusiasm and numbers of its mem- bers. New members should be asking themselves what they can do for the organization, for the success of its projects will benefit all the stakeholders mentioned above. The Toledo Howler is one project that will help to spread the word about the cultural and natural wealth we have to share with visi- tors from Belize and overseas. Support The Howler by advertizing and support your own business or organization by joining BTIA. Put your business on the map and join those volunteers in BTIA working for tourism with energy and enthusiasm on behalf of the whole community. Join BTIA in 2008 and receive a free blank copy on CD of our Punta Gorda map on page 15 and Toledo District map on page 16. You can adapt these freely, using Photoshop or similar software, to produce your own promotional flyers and literally put your business on the map. Apply now at the Tourism Information Center on Front Street to join us for the whole membership year beginning in Janu- ary 2008.

TOLEDO’S #1 ECO-TOURIST DESTINATION! One of the “must see” places in Belize DEM DATS DOIN More than a thousand species of exotic plants, Over 100 varieties of tropical fruits. Pick up a brochure at the Toledo Info Center, Requena Charters or Carysha’s Call Yvonne at 722-2470 Email: [email protected] TOLEDO EVENTS CALENDAR 2007-08 Page 14 DATE EVENT LOCATION DATE EVENT LOCATION 9 Nov. Cultural Talent Show Parish Hall, P.G. 17 Nov. Garifuna Festival, all day Central Park, P.G.

Torchlight Parade Cemetary to Central Park, P.G. 9 Nov. Miss Cultural Pageant, St Peter Parish Hall, P.G. Mali Central Park, P.G. Claver School 9 Nov. Garifuna Drumming 18 Nov. Garifuna Cultural Festival, all day Central Park, P.G.

10 Nov. Drumming 18th Night Party: Paul Nabor, DJ P.G. Sports Bar Jessie, DJ Bush, Umalali Drum- TOLTEX Central Park 10am-5pm mers, Sports Bar Vibes 11 Nov. Drumming 19 Nov. Yurumein Re-enactment Immigration Wharf, P.G.

Garifuna Mass St Peter Claver School

14 Nov. Garifuna Service at 6:30pm Methodist Church, P.G. Official Ceremony, Parade, Jump Central Park, P.G. Up & Block Party

16 Nov. Yurumein Re-enactment by St Fire Engine Wharf, P.G. 27 Jan 08 ‘Meet the Stars’ Fundraiser Central Park, 7– 9 pm Peter Claver School Cultural Day & Garifuna Mass St. Peter Claver School, 27—29 Mar 08 3rd Annual Belizean Flavor Craft 9 am — 6 pm P.G. Competition: Exhibition & Sale

Cultural Day TOLTECH High School 27 April 08 1st Annual ‘Fighting Poverty & Malnutrition District Tour

Cultural Day & Yurumein Re- Toledo Community College, 24—25 May 08 Monkey River Festival Monkey River Village enactment P.G. Cultural Day Methodist School, P.G. 23—25 May 08 Toledo Cacao Festival P.G. & district venues TBA

Battle of the Drums Multi-purpose Building

Note: Please help us to help you advertise your annual events such as school fairs, deer dances, concerts, etc. by contacting the Howler edi- torial staff giving the event title, date, time and location. Only events which are open to the general public will be listed here.

Cuxlin Ha timeshare resort and retirement village *Swimming pool with waterfall, lounge chairs and palapas to shade you. Pool open to public. River access for swimming & fishing.* *Hot showers, A/C, meeting facilities, volleyball court.* *Full kitchen facilities in every unit; meals available* *Inland and sea tours available with our licensed Maya guide* Located at the end of Papishaw Road, Eldridgeville. Email: [email protected]. Check us out at our website at: www.cuxlinha.com Dona Scafe: 011-501-614-2518 . 2007 special: $199USD+ tax . For 1 week in a 1 bedroom condo, sleeps 4 in 2 beds.

Did you know…? You can see scarlet macaws at Red Bank village from around the end of December until the end of March.

Call Geronimo Sho at Red Bank village on 509-3110 or 608- 7776 to find out if they have arrived or are still around.

Contact Toledo BTIA at the Tourism Information Center, Contact The Howler Editorial Team Tel. 722-2531 E-mail [email protected] Front St., Punta Gorda Tel. 722-2531 E-mail [email protected] Features Editor: Marta Hirons 671-7172, Advertizing Manager: Juli Puryear, 722-2276. Chair: Bruno Kuppinger, Secretary: YvonneVilloria Production Manager: Rob Hirons 671-7172, Editorial Assistant Zoara Gutierrez 722-2531 Treasurer: Leonie Requena Join BTIA and Put Your Business on the Map How Do I Join BTIA?

BTIA is businesses working together to promote Toledo Visit www.btia.org to read about BTIA and all the other member- district as a tourism destination. ship benefits and to download an application form. Complete the form and hand it in to Mrs Leonora Requena at Requena’s char- Join now and get a FREE blank copy of the PG town map ters on Front St. above. Use the map to produce your own promotional lit- erature for your business. BTIA meets monthly on Wednesdays at the Tourism Information Center on Front Street. Be a part of BTIA and make a practical The BTIA membership year runs from January to Decem- contribution to the economic development of Toledo District. ber so apply now to put your business on the map from the beginning of 2008. MAP OF TOLEDO DISTRICT

Classified Ads

Tour Guiding and Chartering Services, DISCOVER! Offered by Terence Woodye, professional fully-licensed tour guide. Mayan sites & village life, caves, waterfalls, birdwatching The Unique Indigenous Experience and kayaking. 614-5147/722-2136. [email protected] A people-to-people cultural mutuality Carysha’s Internet Café program. Learn about the High speed dsl wireless Internet services on quality computers. No sticky keyboards here. Copies, printing, fax, lamination. We Mayan culture have a friendly helpful staff in a relaxing environment. Free E- mail classes everyday.

Dream Light Computer Center Internet for .10¢ a minute, Student Discounts, Printing starting at .30¢ per page, A/C, Repairs, International Phone calls start- ing at .25¢ a min., Lowest Prices in town. Money gram agent, Mari Sol Boat agent to Guatemala (Located just past Texaco on Main Street, below Dream Light Club.) 702-0113/607-0033 [email protected] or [email protected]

Great Value Advertizing in the Howler Promote your business in our classified section $25 for up to 21 words! Phone 722-2276

BTIA’s distinctive octagonal Infor- mation Center on Front street in Punta Gorda. All you need to know about Toledo is inside

Join BTIA and display your promo- tional materials in the information Homestays in Aguacate, San Jose and center. Na Luum Ca Villages. Join BTIA and Contact Yvonne at 722-2470 make a differ- ence. Email: [email protected] Leonie at 722-2070