In observation of the 37th Township Day (November 27) for San Pedro, the San Pedro Town Council hosted an Award Ceremony to highlight individuals from the various sectors of our community whose, together over the recent years, contributions have impacted our island. These were the following awards for 202; Congratulations to all the honorees:
Healthcare Providers – Dr. Joshua Canul.
Dr. Joshua A. Canul was born in 1990, and raised in Belize City. Dr Joshua A. Canul in 2018 was granted permanent employment at the Doctor Otto Rodriguez Polyconic, where he currently practices Medicine. He has successfully completed several training in different Medical Courses and is a member of Belize Medical and Dental Association. Dr Joshua Canul along with his medical team has had the difficult job of working with Covid-19 patients on the island since the start of the pandemic and is the current Surveillance Focal Point Officer for the Island. We thank Dr. Canul for his service to our community especially during this difficult time.
Law Enforcement – Assistant Superintendent Basil Delbert Reyes.
Assistant Superintendent Reyes is presently the Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Station. He joined the Belize Police Department in 1997. He has extensive working experience in different areas of the country and branches within the Belize Police Department. Such as community policing, domestic violence, patrolling officer and 12 years plus at the Anti-Drug Unit. We commend Assistant Superintendent Reyes for his contributions to the island through the Police Department.
Education – Mrs. Odelia Jacobs Caliz.
Mrs. Caliz was born and raised in the village of Mafredi, Toledo District. Mrs. Caliz came to San Pedro in 1994. She became a teacher at LIFE for over 9 years. In 2003 when LIFE closed with the support of a group of parents she founded the Ambergris Caye Elementary School. From there in 2009, she decided to venture into another path where she then became the Assistant Education Officer with the Ministry of Education. Over the years, Mrs. Calize organized and coordinated many initiatives in the community such as annual literacy camp, literacy sessions for teachers and early childhood assessments. Mrs. Caliz is now the Education Officer with the Ministry of Education on the island and she is a member of various boards on the island where she contributes greatly to our community.
First Responders – Mr. Phillip Francis Leslie.
Philip Francis Leslie better known as Billy was born on 26 February 1965 to Martha and Godfrey Leslie of San Pedro Town. Mr. Leslie has held the position as president of the San Pedro Tourist Guide Association for several years. He has led many projects for the town with this position. Reef enhancement project, mooring bouy project, fish attracting device project, no wake zone project, cleanup campaigns, many educational training classes for tour guides. Four years ago after the tragic death of Rickilee Mercer he was part of the formation of a volunteer rescue group to assist and enhance tourism in San Pedro Town mainly for water responses. Covid-19 has placed a challenge on all of us and his Team also partnered with another group RRR land and air evac to be all inclusive of WATER, LAND, and AIR TRANSPORTS. Ever since they have been responding to many emergencies on San Pedro as well as in Caye Caulker. They all do it for the love of la Isla Bonita and the community.
Youth – Mr. Anthony Colman.
Mr. Colman is a Martial Artist/ Fighter, he is a 2nd Ranked Limalama Student; looking forward to receiving his 3rd rank (orange belt) in december. He has lots of goals when it comes to Martial Arts. He wants to continue representing the island and the country. He is very determined and has won various 1st places around the world in different virtual tournaments. Despite his condition he has managed to train with Mr. Martin Dawson. He is a very determined youth, who only wants to make a difference for the community. One of his goals is to involve other youths into the world of martial arts and its discipline. He believed that it is the best way to get youth out of the streets, by getting them involved in something they would love.
Business Community – Mrs. Kelly McDermott Kanabar from Red Ginger.
Mrs. Kanabar is well-known on the island for all the projects she has spearheaded over the years. She believes in working together as a community and that people should be treated with respect. This recognition highlights Mrs. Kanabar contribution to town from moral support, monetary donations, and sponsorships to inspiring the community to assist in various charity and fundraising efforts. Today to accept the award on Mrs. Kanabar behalf, who could not attend today is Ms. Dianeli Aranda.
Non-Profit Organizations – Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye
In communities worldwide, Rotaract members aim to be exceptional through fellowship and putting service above self. The Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye was founded in 2017, and officially inducted into Rotary International on May 2018 and sponsored by the rotary club of Ambergris Caye. The club has performed many projects in the community of San Pedro such as clean up campaigns, environmental awareness campaign, professional development sessions, the Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye’s goal and purpose is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship.
Private Sector – Mrs. Lily Paz.
Mrs. Paz is one of those that can claim that she is a born and raised SanPedrana. Her roots are well grounded in San Pedro. Since she was a child she got involved in community events. She was crowned Miss San Pedro in 1977 and years later she became a director of the Miss San Pedro Pageant. Her involvement in community projects led her to offer herself to public office and served as a Town Councillor. Mrs. Paz is a Justice of the Peace and as her children grew up she spearheaded the formation of the San Pedro Dance Company. Today she is an active member of her church and she continues to serve the community of San Pedro.
Tourism Sector – Ramon’s Village.
Established in 1987 by Richard & GIna Headrick, Ramon’s Village Resort has become one of the most popular in all of Belize and has led the way to the growth in tourism for our island. Ramon’s Village is “home”to staff of 70 from all parts of Belize, all of whom extend authentic, Belizean Hospitality to their guests from around the world. Ramon’’ is along-standing supporter of the Miss San Pedro Pageant, Local and national government agencies, and local fundraising projects that enhance our community, our school and the safety of our residents. In the tradition of their late legendary host Ramon Nunez, and the late Richard Headrick, Gina and the entire Ramon’s Village staff are honoured to continue their commitment to sustainable growth in tourism and being an active contributor to the community and community activities in our town.
Public Sector – Mr. Adan Kay from the Ministry of Human Development.
Mr. Kay has been serving the island for the past 9 years and the ministry for the past 20 years. His work entails child abuse cases and domestic violence cases for both san pedro and caye caulker.
