Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture
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Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture
All the positive news and events from Cayo, with a special focus on culture, past, present, and future.
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Belize's Logwood: The Dye of Kings

Video of the day.  Frantz Smith and Freddie Tut talk about logwood, and the history of the tree in Belize.  They do this at the Belize Botanic Gardens, which is the perfect spot.  


"Watch the red dye flowing from Belize's logwood tree. Logwood grew in lowlands near rivers, lagoons and on the coast.  These trees were readily found and cut down using axes and the bark was removed on-site.  The logs were then chopped into small blocks which were piled along the rivers then transported in wagons or long yemeri or cedar pitpans to a central storehouse at the settlement at the mouth of the Belize River."

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Rest in Peace, Mr. Peter Tonti

Rest in Peace, Mr. Peter Tonti | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Belize has lost a great tourism pioneer this week.  Peter was a contributor to Cayo tourism for almost 40 years, and was involved in everything from the BTIA to PACT.  Chaa Creek has a wonderful article about him, and his history in Cayo. Services will be next Wednesday, at Sacred Heart.  Godspeed, Peter!


"It was also the time when Belize moved from an agrarian based economy to become one of the world’s most exciting tourism destinations, and Peter was perfectly placed to assume a role in this development.  After working for the Reconstruction and Development Corporation in Belmopan, Peter Tonti joined the Belmopan Convention Hotel in 1983.  An early member of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Peter continued contributing his experience, knowledge and energy to Belize’s tourism sector for years, eventually as BTIA board member...  Always ready to lend a hand, Peter was a board member of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) from 2010-2013 and active in a variety of community and national environmental and social initiatives."

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7 Astonishing Cayo Caves You Should Explore

7 Astonishing Cayo Caves You Should Explore | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Cayo has quite a few entrances to Xibalba.  Read about 7 of the more common caves in Cayo in this travel article from Chaa Creek.  Did you know that the sink hole near St. Herman's Cave is called Actun Loch Tunich? 


"Caves tell the history of Belize, having been an intricate part of the Maya religion and culture.  The Maya used caves as ceremonial sites and evidence of these activities can be found inside these caves.  Relics, principally in the form of shards of pottery, are very common."

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USNS Comfort Visits Belize

USNS Comfort Visits Belize | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The U.S. Naval Hospital Ship Comfort ported in Belize today, and will be here through the 18th.  They are having free medical clinics around Belize.  They are having clinics in Hattieville and Independence, and while there was one scheduled in Bullet Tree Falls, they might save that for next time.  The Belmopan Active Youths are organizing volunteers to help with the clinics. 


"The USS Comfort, a medical and educational exchange ship, will be visiting Belize from April 11- April 20.  As part of its outreach, it will be performing medical services in two sites—one in Hattieville Government School and one in Independence High School.  BAY is working with the organizers to find volunteers to help at the sites to do things like hand out water, distribute coloring books to kids, etc.  If you have the time please take on this opportunity let us know!!  It's gonna be awesome!!  Transportation and lunch will be provided.  Contact the BAY Office (822-1545) for more information if interested!!"

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Santander Sugar Mill in Cayo

Santander Sugar Mill in Cayo | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

A sugar mill will soon come online here in Cayo.  Santander, who currently employs close to 600 Belizeans, is building a state of the art mill.  They also plan to use bagasse to create energy for the area.  Ambergris Today did a great job on this story. 


"Santander began working on their investment to construct and operate a new sugar mill in Belize back in 2008.  The investment group has brought with them over 50 years of experience in the sugar industry that includes sustainable and efficient methods.  Today the construction of the mill, located on a 20,000 acre property in the Cayo District, is well underway with less than a year away from their first milling season. "


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People, Market, And Love

People, Market, And Love | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Joe Awe wrote a great article about the Saturday market. 


"The San Ignacio market is a place of culture.  A place where one can see the interesting multi ethnicity of the country of Belize.  One can see the differences in the faces of the people or, in the multitude of different food that are being prepared and the languages and accents attached to the different languages...  If nothing else, its a great pace to begin your immersion into the multi ethnic world of Belize and the place where you can first test your palate."


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Of Penance and Alfombras

Of Penance and Alfombras | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Joe Awe has a nice article about the sawdust tapestries of Benque. Cayo culture at its finest, and it'll be happening again on April 3rd.


"In Belize, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, the western-most town is where these displays of passion happen every Holy Week.  This is a very proud town of people who speak Spanish predominantly and whose Catholic upbringing is anchored deeply into the culture.  A few hours of their time to create such wonderful art is worth the time for penance."


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New Chiquibul National Park Rangers

New Chiquibul National Park Rangers | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Congratulations to all 11 new Chiquibul Park Rangers!  Thanks, PACT, for making this possible. 


"Eleven Chiquibul National Park rangers are successfully sworn in as special constables on the 14th of March by officers of the Belize Police Academy.  PACT funds made this training possible."

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La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Preparation

The La Ruta Maya is finishing up today, and here's a video from Chaa Creek finishing up a canoe for the Guava Limb Cafe team for the race.  Cool video. 


"Once again, one of the coolest events in all of Central America, and definitely one of the most interesting canoe races in the world is about to take place in Belize.  Yes folks, it’s time for the annual La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge.  Since its humble beginnings in 1998, the La Ruta Maya has grown to become one of the most exciting and popular events in Belize.  Worldwide, it’s ranked 40th on “Peak Races’ 100 Toughest Races in the World."

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9 Reasons To Head To Belize

9 Reasons To Head To Belize | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Huffington Post published another great article about Belize, and while they seriously underplay Cayo, Xunantunich and Caracol are mentioned as their favorites.  Blancaneaux gets a good mention too.


"Sure it has the beach, mountains AND tropical rainforest sprinkled through the country, but Belize also has its fair share of incredible archaeological wonders.  Get an up close and personal look at Mayan ruins by traveling to any number of ancient sites-- our favorites are Xunantunich and Caracol."

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Soul Project Metal Concert

Soul Project Metal Concert | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Soul Project is having a different kind of concert.  Just try to read that flier.  They concert is tomorrow night.  The Soul Project has the best selection of Local Artisan Wines in Belize.

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Jaguars Announce Player Selection

Jaguars Announce Player Selection | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Jaguars will be hosting Grand Cayman on March 25th as part of the 2018 World Cup qualification rounds.  They've released the roster, and Cayo has quite a few great players on there.  They'll have the home field advantage since they'll play at the FFB Stadium.  Practice hard!


"Good morning!  Please note the Press Release attached.  Who is excited for this upcoming match?!  Go Belize!"

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Nohoch Che’en Sinkhole Expedition

Nohoch Che’en Sinkhole Expedition | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Check out one of the reports from the 14 day expedition that went into the Chiquibul Forest, and explored some of the natural beauty found there.  Tony and Therese Rath got some amazing pictures during the trip.  Check out the size of that sinkhole.  Well worth the read.


A 14 day expedition into the Chiquibul Forest of Belize to explore and document biological and geological diversity, find and map Maya sites and discover what exactly was at the bottom of the Holec sinkhole elicits contradictory emotions for a Belizean visiting the Chiquibul for the first time.

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Belize: A Honeymoon Hotspot

Belize: A Honeymoon Hotspot | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Cayo is all over Lavendar Magazine's story of the perfect honeymoon in Belize.  William's Belize Shuttle, K'in Winik Tours, Parrot Nest Lodge, Caracol, MPR, and of course, Actun Tunichil Muknal


"The highlight of our time in the Cayo District was our experience at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave.  Though we visited several other cave systems, we both agree that ATM is by far the best. Not for the faint of heart, the strenuous trip to reach ATM requires a 45-minute jungle hike, crossing three rivers ranging from two to five feet deep.  Once at the cave, explorers swim into the mouth of the cave, tracing the route the Mayans used to take during religious rituals and sacrifices."

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Tiburon Rum Wins Double Gold

Tiburon Rum Wins Double Gold | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Tiburon, one of the newer rums produced in Belize, won big at the WSWA.  It won double gold.  Congratulations, Tiburon!  One Barrel won gold too.


"Tiburon rum takes the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of American competition by surprise by winning double gold best in class award and One barrel takes Gold !!!  A very big day for Belize !!!"

ashhayden's curator insight, June 2, 2015 3:49 PM

A Belizean rum, Tiburon rum takes double gold. Tiburon rum is a molasses based rum aged in old oak bourbon barrels. 

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Bus Ride Across Belize to Guatemala

Video of the day.  A tourist filmed his ride around Belize.  Cayo is all over this video.  Fun.

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Belize Zoo Slogan Competition

Belize Zoo Slogan Competition | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Belize Zoo is having a slogan competition in honor of Tapir Day. It'll be Fuego's 2nd birthday on April 29th, and they are having a big bash to celebrate.  It's open to primary school students, so pass it along to all the bright, future leaders of Belize.


"The winning entries will receive a 'tapir gift-package' and will be special guests of honour, along with their classmates, at Fuego’s 2nd Birthday Bash and National Tapir Day celebrations on Wednesday April 29th at The Belize Zoo.  Deadline for submission is APRIL 16TH and should be submitted to:education@belizezoo.org."


In related news, they are looking for a bright, energetic Belizean to join their Animal Management team.

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Holy Saturday Cycling Classic 2015

Holy Saturday Cycling Classic 2015 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic came through Cayo on Saturday.  Emerging photographer Kenny Lamb got some great shots of the event.  Congratulations, Justin Williams from Team BelCal, for winning the race!


"Belize's biggest cycling event in the country and the oldest race in Central America. Everyone along the Highway stops to see the race, its fast and filled with exciment! (Share pics, tag friends & cyclist who are in these photos)."


Will Moreno got some shots of the race too, and there are over 400 on the Cycling Federation of Belize's page.

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Expedition to Chiquibul Sinkhole

Expedition to Chiquibul Sinkhole | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Due to the scientific and cultural importance of the Chiquibul National Park, and the sinkholes within, it will likely become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  There's a plan to study the area for around a year.  More pictures from the expedition.


"An historic expedition of a 425’ sinkhole located in the Chiquibul National Park of Belize may prove to reveal rare and possibly never-before-seen plants from the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. The area’s scientific, historic, and cultural significance makes it a likely candidate for a UNESCO World Heritage site designation."


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Cayo on Tripadvisor Top 10

Cayo on Tripadvisor Top 10 | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

San Ignacio once again made it on Tripadvisor's Top 10 Caribbean Destinations list!  Oddly, it's number 10, and not 1st place...next year.  The Green Iguana Conservation Project, located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel tops the list of attractions in San Ignacio.  San Pedro was listed as 2nd place on the list.  


"It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy.  But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel.  Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech(just be warned: it's uphill)."

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The Beautiful Bugs of Belize

The Beautiful Bugs of Belize | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Check out some of the crazy insects one can find in Belize.  Thomas Shahan took some amazingly pretty pictures of some stunning insects, and the BBC ran a great little story about them. 


"For the past two years, Thomas has been teaching at macro photography workshops in Belize, and he took these stunning photographs during those trips.  Most tourists visit the country for the clear tropical waters off the coast, but inland Belize includes deep jungle habitats with incredible biodiversity and an enormous amount of arthropod life."

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Belize is Top Spot for Family Travel

Belize is Top Spot for Family Travel | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

Belize made the top 10 list for family friendly travel.  Travel with Kids announced Belize as a great spot for a family Spring Break, and Chaa Creek was singled out in Cayo as a special spot.  Xunantunich's El Castillo does make for great pictures.



"Head to inland Belize to explore Mayan pyramids and go cave tubing…riding in tubes through a cave system…and much more!"

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UB Students Receive Tablets

UB Students Receive Tablets | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The GOB has started handing out the 9000 ASUS tablets to tertiary students all over Belize.  UB students received their tablets yesterday.  Students from all 11 junior colleges, UB, UWI, and Galen will be receiving tablets this week.  Great initiative.  Thanks, GOB!

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Tony Garel Receives James Waight Conservation Award

Tony Garel Receives James Waight Conservation Award | Cayo Scoop!  The Ecology of Cayo Culture | Scoop.it

The Belize Audubon Society awarded Tony Garel, who has worked with the Belize Zoo for almost 3 decades, the James Waight Conservation Award.  The award recognizes one's outstanding contribution to the field of conservation in Belize.  Congratulations, Tony!


"According to Sharon Matola, Director of the Belize Zoo, 'one of Tony’s most outstanding accomplishments was the design and development of the wheelchair accessible walkway at the Belize Zoo which has enabled hundreds of wheelchair bounded Belizeans, especially children, to easily view native wildlife.'  Mr. Garel has been working at the zoo for over 25 years, and has assisted with all of the conservation programs at the zoo."

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Michael Hyde Wins 2nd Grammy

Congratulations, Michael!  Belizean keyboardist Michael Hyde won his 2nd Grammy award, the second year in a row by the way.  Last year he won for his work on Ziggy Marley's 'Ziggy Marley in Concert' album, and this year for 'Fly Rasta,' both of which won Best Reggae album.  Here's to a 3rd win next year!


Listen to the entire Ziggy Marley in Concert album on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQbOpOwi11o

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