Colours TV arrived on the island on Friday, November 13, with a camera crew that will be filming a new show called “Taste of Belize” with celebrity Chef Keith Jones for the television network. The new six-episode culinary experience promises to expose the very best of Belize’s food and culture to millions of viewers in the United States.

Colours TV entices its viewers to join Chef Keith Jones, for a unique “Eatertainment” experience, while he travels across Belize, as the “culinary ambassador to the world.” In each episode, Jones will meet vibrant “people” within Belize. From local standouts to international visitors, Jones sets out in search of interesting people and amazing cuisine.

With over 25 years of food artistry expertise, Chef Keith Jones promises to bring his effervescent personality and flair for exotic cuisine to Belize, the “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret” for his third television series. “Taste of Belize with Chef Keith Jones” is a feast for the eyes, the soul and the imagination!

This week, Chef Keith Jones was at Portofino Resort and La Perla del Caribe cooking up a storm, before he set to visit other parts of the country. Shot in high definition, Chef Keith Jones is set to travel around Belize, taking viewers on a journey filled with food, culture and fun. He connects with Belizean Chefs that help him prepare traditional dishes, while learning cultural lessons from the people he meets along the way. Colours TV promises that this will not be your ordinary “how-to” cooking show, this is what Chef Jones likes to call, ‘Eatertainment’

Taste of Belize with Chef Keith Jones will be scheduled to run during the most desirable day parts in an effort to maximize viewership and sponsorship support. Colours TV will help distribute Belizean content across the United States to over 19 million homes and 47 million potential viewers.

“The sharing of these cultural stories fit perfectly with our mission of celebrating people of color, and showcasing them in a positive light,” said Arthur O. Thomas, Executive Vice President Colours TV.

If the name “Taste of Belize” sounds familiar to you, it’s because Chef Jones picks up the name for the show after BTB annual Taste of Belize culinary competition which he was a judge for earlier this year. “Taste of Belize with Chef Keith Jones” will be six – thirty minute episodes that is due out on spring 2010; filming is scheduled to be complete by November 24, 2009.

About Chef Keith

Keith Denard Jones or Chef KDJ feeds all the senses while sharing over twenty years of culinary artistry and chef’s secrets through his “Eatertainment” presentations which debuted November 9, 2009 on Colours TV. Chef Keith Jones brings his entertaining presentations to the world of delicious, healthy food preparation.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Jones studied under certified Master Chef, Edward Janos for eight years, learning classical French cuisine and techniques. Jones was certified as an Executive Chef in December 1999. Since his certification, he has won several medals from the American Culinary Federation culinary salons in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Colorado, including the grand prize in the Clos Du Bois Wine and Food Pairing competition.

Jones has been featured on The YES Network, (Yankees Entertainment Sports - New York), V-103 FM (Atlanta),KUSATV, Rocky Mountain PBS, Mix100.3 Radio, Rocky Mountain News, Mangia, Colorado Expression, Architecture and Design of The West, Denver Business Journal, ColoradoProud and 5280, Denver’s Mile-High Magazine. He also has a book published - "Cooking up your Dreams". For more on Chef Keith Jones visit www.chefkdj.com

The National Garifuna Council (NGC) celebrated their 2nd Annual Mr. Garifuna King Competition on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Lion’s Den as part of their Garifuna Settlement Day festivities. Dion Samuels was named this year’s Garifuna King.

The night commenced with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem in Garifuna, followed by a very cheerful Garifuna prayer. Secondly, Barrington Castillo, one of the organizers of the event, introduced the audience to the contestants: Delroy Zuniga, Marcos Colon and Dion Samuels.

The contestants competed amongst themselves through a series of five dance competitions such as Hugu Hugu, Paranda, Punta, Chumba and a combination dance; all music was provided by an entertaining and traditional Garifuna Drummers Group from Dangriga.

The night also consisted of another competition called “Uraga Competition”, which means a poem or story telling competition. The Uraga Competition was between two persons from the audience that had signed up for the challenge.

Another entertainer of the night was Dan Man; this interesting singer was promoting his new album “No Matter What”. With much enthusiasm in the Lion’s Den, the audience was ready to find out who would be taking the title of Mr. Garifuna King 2009. Lateefah Maximo, another organizer, took the stage to give her vote of thanks and announced Mr. Dion Samuels as the new Mr. Garifuna King. Lastly, the night concluded with the Garifuna Drummers and their excellent music.

More Pictures at www.ambergristoday.blogspot.com

– by Gerry Badillo

A deadly night collision between the skiffs of Coastal Xpress Water Taxi and that of Sueño Del Mar skiff resulted in the death of person and left two persons injured.

According to Police, at about 6:55p.m. they were informed of a boat accident and went to the Amigo’s Del Mar dock and found two persons injured and one male person who had xtensive injury on his head. The male person was identified as 33-year-old, Cesar Scott, of West Street, San Ignacio Town. Scott had a cracked skull and a broken shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Miguel Allison.

In the Coastal Xpress boat “Tio John” there were five passengers along with the captain. Luckily the boat captain, Luis Alberto Paz, did not receive any injuries but US National Lynn Tony received minor injuries and received medical attention at a private clinic after being released from the San Pedro Poly Clinic.

Sueño del Mar’s boat, “Right Now” was being captained by 42-year-old Antonio Tepaz who was injured in the accident and had a dislocated shoulder and fractured left ankle. Tepaz received medical attention at Ambergris Hopes Clinic and was later air lifted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by BATSUB for further medical treatment.

In an interview it the Amandala newspaper Mayor Paz stated that according to Luis’ statement to police, which she witnessed, “Right Now” was operating without lights, and that the accident was unavoidable, since the area was dark. Luis told police that “Right Now” appeared “out of nowhere,” and his attempt to avoid it by turning hard to the right did not help, as Right Now also unfortunately turned right, right into “Tio John”.

According to personnel of Coastal Express their boats were checked by Port Authority and all boats were in perfect condition. “We are so sorry for what occurred, accidents to happen,” commented Darrel Williams. “We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Caesar Scott. We certainly believe that we were not at fault but investigations are ongoing”.

Kevin Myers of Sueño del Mar did deny that his boat light were not working and he states that he does not know enough to say who is at fault and leaves it the Police and Port Authority to determine that.

Mayor Paz also told the Amandala that she has been after the Belize Port Authority to enforce the law on lights for boats operating on the island, to avoid incidents like this one. According to the Mayor, the Port Authority does not even have an office on the island, sending revenue collectors from the main office in Belize City when they want revenue from boat licensing.

There are contrary reports whether or not the lights on the boat were working.

On Wednesday, November 11, Caye International Bank proudly held its official inauguration of their four storey building located on the corner of Coconut Drive and Hurricane Street.

The ceremony took place at the entrance of the building where invited guests and members of Caye International Bank heard short yet meaningful speeches delivered by the bank’s officials and guest speaker, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.

After the short ceremony invited guests were escorted to the fourth floor where Caye International Bank will have its offices. Guests were given a short tour and treated to drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The building is an impressive four storey structure, very modern looking with one of the few elevators on the island.

The new building will include space for rent for shops, offices and even a restaurant space. The Bank’s personnel should be moving to the new building in two weeks’ time. Caye International Bank held its ground breaking ceremony in March of 2007 and on April 10, of this year they held their Topping Off ceremony for the building.

Caye International Bank was granted an Unrestricted "A" Class International Banking License on September 29, 2003 by the Central Bank of Belize. The regulatory authority is the Central Bank of Belize who set the standards for liquidity and capital adequacy.

Caye International Bank is one of the few International Banks on the island which carries on business with both individuals and corporations who are non-residents of Belize. They offer a full range of traditional and non-traditional banking services and accounts in United States Dollars (USD), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Great Britain Pounds (GBP), Swiss Francs (SFR), and Euro Currencies.

Caye International Bank offers clients with the highest possible Personalized Banking, Investment Services, and Comprehensive Management of their assets with the aid of highly competent and professional staff, who are ready to answer any queries and provide solutions to their needs.

For more information on their banking services visit them on Coconut Drive in the Exotic Caye Beach Resort compound or call them at 226-2388 or 226-3038.

First it was Mr. Angel Nuñez who published his Twenty Five Years book that blossomed from his weekly column on Ambergris Today. Now we are very pleased to announce that Ambergris Today has a second accomplished author under its helm. Christopher Emmanuel has released another one of his amazing readings “Secrets to Life” – Keys to Inner Wisdom for Conscious Living.

In this book, Chris shares uncommon knowledge that can lead you away from difficulties back to your secret center. This book provides guidelines to connect to your inner source of wisdom, allowing you to live a life of happiness, success and radiant health.

Secrets To Life is a compilation based on the weekly column, written for Ambergris Today Newspaper from the year 2006. Christopher Emmanuel explores the simplicity of common sense wisdom extracted from living on the island of Ambergris Caye in the town of San Pedro. The book explores different topics that have not been published in Ambergris Today. So there is more excellent reading left in the book for all the avid followers of Chris in the newspaper. Ambergris Today’s Editor, Dorian Nuñez, had the privilege to write the “Foreword” in the book.

Secrets to Life is a book of reminders that can take you out of your daily drama of experiencing what is wrong to get you focused on what has true value in life. Using the backdrop of an Island setting and exploring the simplicity of nature, Chris draws you into his uncanny world of seeing from an alternate perspective. You will learn how to: Desire less and be happy more; Go with the flow; Fire up your love life; The value of doing nothing... and more. These are just a few of the concepts Chris brings to your daily thoughts along with practical steps to apply these ideas to your every moment.

In this life-changing book you’ll learn to:
Give and receive more
Get the respect you deserve
Discover your unique expression
Manage your temper
Find real love
Manage your Ego
Connect to your Divine nature
Find deeper purpose

Tied in with his new book, Chris has compiled a series of paintings called “A Mystical Journey” which ties in with his writings from Secrets to Life. The book launch will take place on Saturday, November 28, from 3p.m. to 6p.m. at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room. For more information call 226-2262 of email clarityofthought@yahoo.com

Christopher Emmanuel is a successful artist/writer/inspirational speaker who resides in Belize, Central America. His oil paintings and books are on displayed in the Art Gallery at the Sunbreeze Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. He has been featured on TV in Washington DC for his paintings and book, “True Love”. He has authored four books and currently writes a weekly column “Secrets to Life” for Ambergris today Newspaper in Belize.  Website: www.cemmanuel.com