Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
UTILA CARNIVAL JULY 18TH, 2009
Famed Reggae songwriter and performer from Kingston Jamaica, Eric Donaldson, is scheduled as Utila Carnival's mail attraction this year. The concert will be free to the public and is planned to be held at Chepas Beach. You don't want to miss this event if you're planning a visit to Central America.
POLITICAL CONTROVERSY IN HONDURAS
Sunday June 28th President Zelaya was taken from the Presidential Palace by the Military and then transported to Costa Rica by air. The Congress later named Roberto Michiletti as interim President. President Michiletti has vowed that the Presidential elections in November will continue as scheduled. As Head of Congress Michiletti was next in line as President in accordance with the Honduran Constitution.
Zelaya's insistence on a referendum vote which had been ruled as illegal and a violation of the Constitution by both the Honduran Supreme Court and the Congress led to removing him from office. The referendum vote was reputed to be Zelaya's attempt to make changes to the Honduran Constitution in order to stay in power beyond his 4 year term.
Zeleya's association with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has created distrust in the majority of Hondurans as to his motives and fear that Democracy was in danger by Chavez style Socialism. Using the Military to remove Zelaya from power unfortunately has created sympathy by the international community however 70% of Hondurans do not support Zelaya.
Although some countries have issued travel alerts for Honduras tourists continue to arrive to Utila without problems or incident.
Zelaya's insistence on a referendum vote which had been ruled as illegal and a violation of the Constitution by both the Honduran Supreme Court and the Congress led to removing him from office. The referendum vote was reputed to be Zelaya's attempt to make changes to the Honduran Constitution in order to stay in power beyond his 4 year term.
Zeleya's association with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has created distrust in the majority of Hondurans as to his motives and fear that Democracy was in danger by Chavez style Socialism. Using the Military to remove Zelaya from power unfortunately has created sympathy by the international community however 70% of Hondurans do not support Zelaya.
Although some countries have issued travel alerts for Honduras tourists continue to arrive to Utila without problems or incident.
NEW WRECK COMING TO UTILA
The Utila Dive Safety and Environmental Council (UDSEC) purchased a cargo vessel, the Captain Berto, with plans to make a new dive site and help create marine habitat. The permit process is under way and hopefully will be completed soon.
The Captain Berto, previously the "Starfish" for years was the only cargo boat servicing Utila so as a new Wreck Dive she will continue to serve the island. Before we had a passenger ferry it was also the primary transportation for tourists coming to dive. The Starfish would come from La Ceiba every Tuesday afternoon loaded with produce, lumber, and drums of fuel as well as passengers.
The Captain Berto, previously the "Starfish" for years was the only cargo boat servicing Utila so as a new Wreck Dive she will continue to serve the island. Before we had a passenger ferry it was also the primary transportation for tourists coming to dive. The Starfish would come from La Ceiba every Tuesday afternoon loaded with produce, lumber, and drums of fuel as well as passengers.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Whale Sharks are back!!!
Whale Sharks have returned once again the waters off the North side of Utila. We're having perfect weather conditions for spotting these gentle giants of the sea. Our customers and staff are having a great time snorkeling with these impressive creatures so if you're into Whale Sharks come see us.
Nobody dives the North Side more, NOBODY!
Nobody dives the North Side more, NOBODY!
Shaken...But Not Stirred
May 28th, 2:25 am Honduras & the Bay Islands experienced a 7.1 earthquake. The USGS placed the epicenter 27 miles Northeast of Roatan and 6.2 miles deep.
Utila experienced no damage other than broken dishes and the like. Electrical service was not interrupted, ferry service continues normally and Scuba diving schedules remain unchanged.
Utila experienced no damage other than broken dishes and the like. Electrical service was not interrupted, ferry service continues normally and Scuba diving schedules remain unchanged.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Earth Week Cleanup on the Cays
In association with Project AWARE’s Dive for Earth Day campaign, Captain Morgan’s Dive
Centre organized a series of events to kick off Earth Week on Jewel Cay, Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. After two dives on the north side of Utila, we returned to Hotel Kayla where we started the preparations for the Dive Masters in Training (DMTs) Endurance Challenge, consisting of a swim test, treading water, snorkel test and a tired diver tow. Our three DMTs, Tini, Nicolette and Sunni did a fantastic job while everyone was cheering them on from our double level dock.
After the competition ended, we were joined by the children from the Richard H Rose School for their
cleanup effort; over 30 students participated by donning gloves and filling up garbage bags with litter from the cays. Meanwhile, 15 divers got into their gear, split up into two groups to clean up Jewel Cay Lagoon, the reef just off our dock – it was a coordinated effort, with a kayak following the divers to empty their mesh bags so they can continue their efforts without interruption. The school children were rewarded for their efforts with cake and refreshments before being invited for a Discover Snorkelling experience.
The divers were treated with a BBQ
and cold drinks once their hard work was over; we were left with a mountain of garbage to transport back to Utila, and most of all with the satisfaction of doing our small part toward improving our environment in honour of Earth Week. Many thanks to all those involved from the entire Captain Morgan’s team and the residents of the Utila Cays!
Centre organized a series of events to kick off Earth Week on Jewel Cay, Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. After two dives on the north side of Utila, we returned to Hotel Kayla where we started the preparations for the Dive Masters in Training (DMTs) Endurance Challenge, consisting of a swim test, treading water, snorkel test and a tired diver tow. Our three DMTs, Tini, Nicolette and Sunni did a fantastic job while everyone was cheering them on from our double level dock.
After the competition ended, we were joined by the children from the Richard H Rose School for their
cleanup effort; over 30 students participated by donning gloves and filling up garbage bags with litter from the cays. Meanwhile, 15 divers got into their gear, split up into two groups to clean up Jewel Cay Lagoon, the reef just off our dock – it was a coordinated effort, with a kayak following the divers to empty their mesh bags so they can continue their efforts without interruption. The school children were rewarded for their efforts with cake and refreshments before being invited for a Discover Snorkelling experience.The divers were treated with a BBQ
and cold drinks once their hard work was over; we were left with a mountain of garbage to transport back to Utila, and most of all with the satisfaction of doing our small part toward improving our environment in honour of Earth Week. Many thanks to all those involved from the entire Captain Morgan’s team and the residents of the Utila Cays!
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