The Caye Caulker BTIA Chapter held its 2009/2010 Annual General Meeting last night at the Community Center in the island tourism destination. The Secretary Ms. Maria Vega opened the meeting with a review of the Minutes for last year's AGM, while outgoing Treasurer Dorothy Beveridge gave a report on the financials of the Chapter.

Caye Caulker BTIA Chapter President Luis Antonio Aguilar gave a detailed report on the operations year highlighting the Chapter's success in project management in two hallmark areas - Mangrove Rejuvenation and Safety Swim. The two projects saw the Chapter introduce two activities that seek to protect natural and human resources for the island community - one by replanting mangrove seedlings and the other via installation of buoys in popular swimming areas, respectively.

The meeting was attended by twenty (20) operators and members of the Chapter. Elections for the new Board were held. The Chapter now has a total of eight (8) directors on the Board. The positions and representation are as follows:
Chairman Luis Antonio Aguilar
1st Vice Chairman Javier Novelo
2nd Vice Chairman Ernesto Marin Jr
Treasurer Alina Saldivar
Asst. Treasurer Joana Arellano
Secretary Maria Vega
Asst. Secretary Stacy Badillo
Director Reuben Reyes

The BTIA Executive Director Daedra Haylock supervised the elections and administered the oath of office. Ms. Haylock as well informed the members of the activities being held in connection with the 25th Anniversary of the organization. These included the re-launch of BTIA on April 26, the actual birthday of the BTIA and tourism trainings to be conducted in the latter part of the year. Ms Haylock as well informed the group that on April 26, BTIA will have the expertise of Mr. Crist Inman in country once again to speak about "Determining Core Values for Tourism in Belize".

The BTIA Coordinator of BETEX 2010 Idealabs Studios was also in attendance and gave a presentation on the tourism expo. The BETEX show this year will have three mini-marketplaces with one in each show venue - San Pedro, Placencia and Cayo. The price for a booth is $750 for suppliers. For more information, you can visit the BETEX website www.betex.bz.