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The San Pedro Sun

New Police Substation Inaugurated in San Roman, Orange Walk
On Monday October 29, 2012, a new Police Sub-Station was inaugurated in the village of San Roman in the Orange Walk District. Financed by the Government of Belize, the building was constructed within six months at a cost of $285,000. The top floor is living quarters for the Officer in Charge and his family, while the ground floor houses a public area, offices for the Police, a cafeteria, dorms for Police officers, and a cell block. In his address delivered at the inaugural ceremonies, Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar stated, “We will continue to equip our Police Officers across this country, so that they can deliver the best possible service to you the People of Belize.” “It is without a doubt that we face in these challenging times a serious crime crisis across this country,” Minister Saldivar added. “That crime crisis is not one that appeared in only the last few months, or even the last few years. It is one that has been in the making perhaps for decades. And it will not take one day, a week or a month, or even perhaps a few years to solve this problem. It will take all of us working together, Government and community to solve the crime problem that faces us today.”

Belize Mission Project is back in San Pedro
Belize Mission Project, spearheaded by Dr. Frank Whipps, is in San Pedro once again at the Lions Den. The team is on the island from Monday October 29th through Friday November 2nd offering free dental services between the hours of 8AM and 5PM. Belize Mission Project has been visiting Belize for approximately 20 consecutive years bringing brighter smiles and healthier teeth to residents across the country. While on the island, the team aims to educate students and residents alike on the importance of fluoride protection as well as provide basic dental care including cavity fills, cleaning, and extractions.

Ambergris Today

UNICEF Looks into Proper Sewerage Sanitation for San Mateo, San Pedro
Residents of San Mateo have much to rejoice these days. Just last week Mr. Glen Wilson of Bay Trust International Ltd. made a generous donation of $50,000US for road works in the area and on Monday, October 29, 2012, Mrs. Denise Robateau of UNICEF met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero to address the sewerage sanitation in the area. At the meeting held at the Mayor’s office were members of NEMO, Ministry of Education and Health, Belize Water Services and Councilors, to name a few, all of which addressed the importance of proper water sanitation in the area that basically has none. Mrs. Robateau addressed the importance of proper water sanitation and all the campaigns that are being carried out so as to teach children in school and parents about the importance of washing their hands and having clean water for daily usage. She continued by stating that UNICEF is willing to work hand-in-hand with the local government on the island for the betterment and improvement of the island, especially the San Mateo Area.

Regional College Volleyball Competition held in San Pedro
San Pedro Junior College will travel to the Belize National Volleyball Competition on November 10, 2012, after placing second at the 2012 Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize ATLIB Northern and Central Regional Volleyball Tournament that took place at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, October 26, 2012. There were six male and two female teams that competed here in San Pedro for a chance to represent the regions at the national that will be hosted by Sacred Heart Junior College at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town, Cayo. There were only two female teams in the competition that means both automatically qualified for the nationals, but it was the ladies of St. John's College Junior College (SJCJC) who won over the ladies of Wesley Junior College (WJC) here in San Pedro.

Isla Bonita Marching Band holds Parade-Athon Fundraiser
The Isla Bonita Elementary School Marching Band hit the streets of San Pedro Town drumming their way at a fundraiser they called a Parade-Athon on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The school’s marching band is preparing to participate at the Belize National Band Fest that will be held in March of 2013. The school has started fundraising very early as they plan for its marching band to partake in next year’s Band Fest where the marching band will compete with schools from around the entire country of Belize. Much funding is necessary for the band to acquire equipment, supplies, uniforms for band members and majorettes and cover traveling expenses, food and accommodations. Joining the school’s marching band to represent San Pedro at Band Fest are other band members from Holy Cross Anglican School, San Pedro Roman Catholic School and San Pedro High School. The Parade-Athon was held to collect donations from the community as the marching band wound its way through town. The event was a success with the marching band collecting a little over $1,000 from a simple collection process from passersby.

Teen Talk: What does the Future Hold?
Everyone always thinks about the future at some point of their life. It’s either whether what to do tomorrow or even what you want to be in the future. For me, I want to be an actor. That’s why I make YouTube videos to help me practice and also to get me on the spotlight. Now the future of San Pedro would be very hard to predict; we can’t get all the latest stuff as quickly as the bigger countries but we still try to catch up. We might not get flying cars but maybe at least flying golf carts?

Pic of the Week: Faces of Belize: Young Garinagu Dancer
Garifuna Settlement Day approaches in the country of Belize (November 19) where the nation celebrates the rich and vibrant culture of the Garinagu people by observing a Public and Bank Holiday. This young Garinagu girl shared with Ambergris Today her perfect rhythm to the beating of the Garinagu drums; her punta dancing skills were amazing at such a young age.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize History: Part One, The First People, Part 2, The Ancient Maya
Sometime around 11,000BC there were people walking around the land we call Belize. These people were referred to as Paleo Indians (Old Indians). They were the descendants of those original people who came over from Eurasia via the Bering Straits, the land bridge that was formed between Russia and Alaska, over 40,000 years ago. They were strictly large game hunters such as Giant Sloths, Cave bears and Mammoths, all extinct, and all whose remains we have encountered over the Belizean landscape. Around 7,000BC, via cultural change and archaeological changes in physical evidence found all over Belize, archaeologists refer to the culture evolved from the Paleo Indian era as the archaic people. The most compelling evidence of these people’s cultural evolution is their hunting tools, especially their Lowe or Fish Tail spear points made of stone. These people were hunting smaller prey hence their hunting tools were more sophisticated in their design. Important to note for both Paleo Indian and Archaic people, is that there is no evidence that they were living in built houses as we could imagine and there is also no evidence of any organized agriculture. Sometime around 3,500BC corn was “created” in Mexico. This magical grain created in a celestial cave and in the powerful underworld, numerically represented by the number NINE in Mesoamerica, was the gift of the Mesoamerican’s to the world. Farming changed the culture on the American mainland, as it did throughout the world.

VIDEO FLYOVER: Mayan Islands Resort Open In Belize
In a recent visit, Scott Mallick of Mayan Islands in a chartered helicopter flew with some clients from the Belize International Airport and landed on the project’s new FAA regulation size helipad. This recent addition enables those who have flown privately to the international airport to continue their exclusive getaway and land on the private island in about 27 minutes. The VIP Beach Resort has a five star restaurant and bar where the chef can prepare just about anything you want. The private island resort is located 3 minutes away by boat from a town called San Pedro. San Pedro is the richest area in all of Belize with many shops and restaurants. The population of the town is about 20,000 people with English as the national language. US cash is welcome and the people are friendly. There is a island breeze all year round, and a golf cart is the mode of transportation. If you are a US citizen, a passport is all that is required for a visit.

Mistah Geeh on Maximum FM
Cayo has a new radio station! It's about time! Maximum FM. 106.5 on your fm dial. Tonight, Mistah Geeh will be spinning starting at 8:00pm. "tonight all san ignacio and santa elena peeps ... tune into 106.5 maximum fm .... the mad arab will be spinning tunes at 8 pm sharp !!!! seet deh"

Sacred Heart College's Business Expo
Sacred Heart College had their annual Business Expo Friday and Saturday. There were quite a few businesses there, along with tons of food, a dunking booth, a dog show, a karate display, and dances both nights.

Cayo Welcome Center Call for Performers
The Cayo Welcome Center is preparting for the grand opening, and the Belize Tourism Board and the SISE Town Board is doing a call for singers and dancers for the event. They are looking for talent from the Cayo district. There will be prizes for the performers. Call 632-3918 or 637-0433 for more information.

Noche de Cuenta Cuentos
Pictures from the story telling at the Benque House of Culture. "Tales from Benque Viejo Del Carmen by our very own story tellers, Mr. David Ruiz, Mrs. Elvira Duarte, Mr. Pedro Can & Mr. Mike Mauricio."

Belizean Fruit Salad/Ambrosia
Fruit Salad can be made any number of ways. In Belize however, the secret ingredient is sweetened condensed milk. This salad is best when made with canned fruits that are softer and already in serving sizes

Caye Caulker at it’s best!
With the fact that we were blessed with no bad weather, in fact very little weather at all during October – it appears that the last few days of October have inspired practically every business to invest in a coat of paint or even two!! From hotels like Island Magic and Seaside Cabanas who have had refurbishment work, to restaurants like Don Corleone and Sobre Las Olas who have got a full lick of paint, not to mention the Island Link Internet Cafe – it appears that from boats to docks and buildings have been given their coat of spring, just in time for this years season to begin!! So Caye Caulker is really looking its best – and that with the fact that it is the more ‘affordable location in Belize’, surely a holiday should be scheduled for the upcoming months??

Does AnyBody Have DiBo?
Central Cable Vision, arguably Belize's best cable TV provider, is now offering a new and super-cool service called DiBo (Digital Boss). This solution offered by CCV is a very new technology to Belize and I would like to know if Belizeans are actually using it. With the new DiBo you can watch your favorite shows any time you like and record movies, sport events and anything you like. With this gadget you can also freeze live shows and resume them any-time you like. I have seen how the technology works in small networks but I have never seen it implemented at a larger scale. This is a new form of entertainment that you guys gotta have at home. Below are the prices for the entire DiBo solution: HD Capable DiBo: $295 Digital DiBo: $150 (Note: This does not have the HD channels but has all the other features of the HD DiBo) Do you use DiBo at home? And if so what do you think about it?

Channel 7

Citrus Standoff Continues - Today CGA Protested
The standoff in the citrus industry continues tonight. The Citrus Growers Association - which represents 400 small farmers continues to suspend deliveries of product to the processing plant. They say that the convention and the law was ignored when the plant unilaterally opened last week Wednesday. And today - they protested against the CPBL - which - again is a company the CGA holds majority interests in - but, obviously, it is not a company they control. And that's really what today's protest was about - which inevitably drew comparisons to a similar protest in February of 2010 which drew thousands. As we found out in Pomona Valley today - the crowd wasn't quite that. Jules Vasquez reports: Jules Vasquez reporting Today, 275 growers - large and small and their employees - crowded under a tent in an open area near CGA Headquarters to hear two hours and twenty minutes of speeches that went right through lunch.

Chanona Says Ministry Is Wasting Words
Tomorrow is also the day that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture is inviting the leaders of the Citrus Growers Association to a meeting in Belmopan to discuss what a statement today calls the Ministry's quote, "vision for the future of the industry." For the CGA that vision has to exclude the current Ministry CEO Jose Alpuche. They called for his removal today based on an email, which was circulated in February of this year - right after the election. It comes from the advisor to the Prime Minister Allan Slusher and refers to Jose Alpuche and discusses quote, "the orderly and equitable dissolution of the CGA." As you can imagine, this is anathema to the existing CGA so fire was abundantly burned on him today. And past Chairman Tony Chanona also burned righteous fire on a statement issued by the government this morning. It says, quote "The unilateral factory opening should not occur again and all parties should be properly consulted." Chanona called it a waste of words - while Denzil Jenkins was more circumspect:.. Anthony Chanona, Former Chairman, CGA "Mr. Jules Vasquez showed me a press release from the government of Belize. There has been too much talk, those words are meaningless. The Prime Minister, the highest office in this land, whom we have entrusted full authority to govern as majority in the House; a man who has said he is nationalistic. A man who says he wants to wheel out corruption and wants to do right and I believe him, I believe the Prime Minister and that's why I am confused because what he is saying and what he is allowing to happen is a controversy of fact."

PUP Says They Support... (Nobody!)
And there is one more word on citrus tonight, and it comes from the Opposition. Today, the Opposition Party, the PUP held a press conference where they touched on a number of issues. Here are some of the recommendations they made about a solution to this dispute which has now grown larger. Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "As we meet this afternoon the citrus industry is in chaos and the citrus growers association has called for a protest and shut down in the south. The industry is mired in litigation and this UDP government inaction and failure in meaningfully engage as a good fate partner in bringing the parties to the table in an effort to resolve the ongoing stalemate has put the future of this critically important industry at risk." "The citrus industry contributes some 22% of Belize's major export earnings. We must ensure its continued growth and expansion. In this regard we call on all the parties involved to set aside individual agendas and put the interest of the industry and Belize above all else. Existing laws governing the affairs of the industry must be respected and adhere to if not this will lead to further chaos. Any proposed changes to the acts governing the industry must be arrived at through consensus and dialogue and not through unilateral government action." "Any effort to dissolve the citrus growers association must be rejected. Growers both large and small have a vested interest in the future success and growth of this industry neither is dispensable."

The Opposition On Important Issues
In the last 2 weeks, the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute has been on the minds of many Belizeans, and the newly formed Belize Coalition for Justice has advocated for an emphatic "no" to taking the matter to the ICJ. Well, today, the PUP announced that it will withhold its public opinion for on the ICJ issue. Instead, the party will conduct its own public education on the matter, and they will let citizens make up their own minds on whether or not they want the dispute settled at the ICJ. Here's how the party leader outlined their plan for the next coming months: Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "I wish to state of our party very clearly. The People's United Party will participate in the public education campaign starting in January 2013. Even before that the People's United Party will carry out its own internal education campaign among party members and supporters. At the end of the public education campaign and our own campaign the party's national executive and parliamentary caucus will meet to determine whether or not the party will endorse a yes or no vote or simply allow our members and supporters to vote their conscience." "We think it is important for us to allow the education process to take place without us first imposing our view on the Belizean people." The PUP also reiterated that there should be a voter re-registration exercise conducted so that when the referendum is undertaken, the results reflect the truest result of public opinion. Their advice is that the cost of the re-registration should be tabbed under the expenses for the ICJ public consultation exercise. So, Both the Government of Belize and the Opposition Party have announced their plans on how they will deal with public consultation on the ICJ referendum. But on the issue of the man at the forefront of Belize's foreign policies, the PUP says that according to their sampling of public opinion, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington has lost credibility with the Belizean people on the Belize/Guatemala issue.

Teenager Busted One Day, Jailed The Next
A teenager was busted with a firearm at a checkpoint yesterday and he is in jail tonight. 18 year-old Clifford Lorenzo is spending the first night of a 5 year sentence in prison after he was convicted of firearm offences in the Magistrate's Court. According to police, at around 11:30 a.m. yesterday, they were conducting searches at a checkpoint at the corner of Vista Del Mar Road and the Phillip Goldson Highway. According to the officers, they stopped a car, which was being driven by 25 year-old Victor Pratt. Lorenzo was in the front passenger seat. The officers said that they searched both men, and the vehicle, and under the front passenger seat, they discovered a black Smith and Wesson 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 11 live rounds of Aguila brand ammunition. As a result, both men were charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition, and they were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith today.

Sandy's Sweep Was Scary
Hurricane Sandy is being called one of the worst storms in memory after slamming the east coast of the United States last night. The storm killed at least 40 people in the US, 18 of them in New York City. Officials said it was impossible to measure the destruction Sandy left behind. The Reuters News Agency quotes one disaster modeling company which said on Tuesday that Sandy may have caused up to $15 billion in insured losses. Now, all that is in addition to 67 deaths the same Sandy caused in the Caribbean last week. The storm ripped through Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas. The preliminary damage estimate from Jamaica is just in; it is 55 million US dollars.

K-9 UNIT Making Major Busts
The police K-9 unit has been active recently. Two weeks ago when one of the dogs sniffed out 4 kilos of Crystal Meth at the western border and tonight there are more good findings to reports on. Last Friday while personnel from the Anti-Drug Unit, K-9 Unit and San Ignacio police conducted a search on an open lot located on George Price Avenue, K-9 "TOOJE" discovered a black plastic bucket hidden under dry leaves. Police retrieve the bucket which contained 9 pounds of cannabis. No one was in the area and the drugs were deposited as found property. Also last Saturday members of the Anti-Drug Unit along with the K-9 Unit set up a check point at the junction of the Southern Highway and Hopkins Village where they stopped a northbound Bus. The k-9 sniffed out a knapsack belonging to 25 year old Garrel Deon Flowers of Placencia. When police looked inside, they found a one kilo brick of cocaine. Flwoers was charged for Drug Trafficking.

Pantempers Triumphant Taiwan Tour
25 members of the Pantempers Steel Orchestra returned to Belize this morning - after a 15 day performing tour of Taiwan. They were a part of the 2012 Latin American and Caribbean Exhibition - where they presented Belizean cultural music to a brand-new audience. They returned today and the Bandleader shared their experience with us. Therese Martinez, Pantempers Bandleader "The trip to Taiwan entailed 5 presentations. It also included tours, so in effect what actually happened was the sharing of cultures; we share our culture with Taiwan and they also shared their culture with us in terms of the exposure to the different historical museums and to the different businesses and so on that exist in Taiwan." "We have fun when we play, and so every segment of the music we do some activity or some movement to keep us alive and to pass on that energy to the audience. Sometimes as well we get the energy from the audience and you would see us moving and laughing - like jumping up." "We brought back from Taiwan an appreciation of their culture and as well we also are more confident of what we have because what we took there to Taiwan we realize they didn't have knowledge of it, many of them came to the pan touching it, trying to find out what it is." Reporter "Pan music is new to them?" Therese Martinez, Pantempers Bandleader "Yes they are not familiar with and so they try to figure out how is the sound coming out. And so it brought about an appreciation and in terms of the repertoire that we took with us as well we included some music from local artists and we shared that with them and also shared with other delegations from the Caribbean and from Central America and introduce them for instance Punta Rock."

Wesley College's Red Ribbon Week
Surveys from throughout the years have shown that Belize is losing the war on drug use amongst teenagers. One of the last drug prevalence surveys conducted among the student population was done in 2003 - which revealed that 74 percent of students were alcohol drinkers while 23 percent were marijuana users and 39 percent smoked tobacco. And while those statistics are worrisome, there are schools such as Wesley College - that promote the importance of drug awareness through activities that educate their students. It's the school's 14th annual Red Ribbon Week - an initiative that had started back in 1999 and has now become a tradition for the institution. We checked in today: Elizabeth Goff, School Counselor "Red Ribbon is drug prevention; we are focusing on drug prevention, helping our students to look at the choices through information sharing, through the other activities that we are doing. It's a school wide campaign. It's the time of the year in October when as a school we are all united; one voice, one message - say no to drugs!"

Channel 5

Breaking News: Murder on the Highway
A few minutes ago more blood was spilled in Belize City. The details are not clear but someone was shot and killed on the Western Highway. The police had the area cordoned off and vehicles had to be deployed onto Faber’s Road. The identity of the deceased has not been revealed. We’ll have more on [...]

Surveillance equipment found during Vegas Casino bust; 1 Mexican captured
A joint operation was conducted inside the Corozal Free Zone. The multi agency team consisted of Belize Defence Force Soldiers, various departments of the police and the customs department. The raid took place at or next to the compound of Las Vegas Casino. According to sources, the forces were looking for drugs and ammunition. The [...]

Hundreds of Citrus Growers protest C.P.B.L. and Banks Holdings
Over three hundred citrus growers made their discontent clear this morning as they have refused to take their oranges to the plant and instead picketed the Citrus Products of Belize Limited, a company in which they have majority shares, but little to no control of the company. The growers were joined by members of the [...]

Caribbean Pride, whose trademark is it? Banks or CGA
Another issue involving Citrus Products of Belize Limited (C.P.B.L.), Banks Holdings of Barbados and the Citrus Growers Association is over the Caribbean Pride Trademark. According to CGA Director, Denzil Jenkins, they recently received evidence that Caribbean Pride had been registered in Jamaica without their knowledge and Banks Holdings C.E.O., Richard Cozier, was confronted about it. [...]

Should G.O.B. pay compassion to families of Guatemalan nationals who are killed during illegal activities?
Tonight’s question is: Should the government pay compassionate grants to families of Guatemalan nationals who are killed during illegal activities? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post your vote on our e-poll at channel5belize.com. You can also send an email with your comments to questions@channel5belize.com.

P.U.P. chides government on healthcare
This afternoon, the Peoples United Party (P.U.P.) held a two hour press conference inside the Independence Hall headquarters. The room was filled with party supporters and elected representatives. The focus of the press conference was to update the nation on crime and health. Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez, the Area Representative for Orange Walk East delivered [...]

Not enough; P.U.P. speaks of G.O.B.’s response to crime
Crime was the second focus of today’s press conference and the keynote was delivered by Party Chairman, Henry Charles Usher. Usher did not mince words for the Ministry of National Security, which he believes is failing the country. Instead of providing solutions, Usher lambasted the Minister of National Security for touring the police stations.   [...]

New San Roman Police Station ready for business
A new Police Sub-Station was inaugurated in the village of San Roman in the Orange Walk District on Monday. And while P.U.P. Party Chairman made it clear he did not appreciate the Minister touring and opening station houses, it probably did not make John Saldivar any less satisfied to officially open the building which cost [...]

Minor passes out and raped after having drink with other teens
A pair of teenagers, both from the Belize District, has been charged with rape and unlawful carnal knowledge, following a report by a minor that the duo sexually assaulted her on Friday.  The fourteen year-old, a student of Trial Farm Village in Orange Walk, told police that she was with four of her friends at [...]

Suspected cocaine sniffed out
On Saturday October twenty-fifth, members of the Anti Drug Unit along with the K-nine Unit conducted a vehicular check point at the junction of the Southern Highway and Hopkins Village. A blue Richie’s Bus travelling from the direction of Independence Village to Dangriga was stopped. A brown knapsack belonging to twenty-five year old Garrel Deon [...]

Prosecutor not ready and that spells acquittal
Also in court, charges of Robbery and Wounding against twenty-seven year old Michael Heusner were dropped when the Prosecutor was not prepared for trial. Magistrate Adolph Lucas set Heusner free after his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, argued that he was ready to proceed, even though he only received disclosure this morning. Sylvestre also noted that the [...]

National monument not the place to go fishing; unless you want to get arrested
A young Chunox fisherman has reeled in two charges after he was caught illegally fishing inside the Half Moon Caye National Monument. While the charges were filed by Fisheries officials from back in April, it wasn’t until today that nineteen year old Melvin Marquez appeared before Magistrate Adolph Lucas to answer to charges for fishing [...]

Pantempters sweet sounds reverberates all the way to Taiwan
The Pantempters Steel Orchestra is no doubt a singular musical entity that shares the common roots of the British Caribbean. The steel pans origins may have started with Africans forging new identities in the region after drums were banned in colonies, but the Pantempters recently took the Caribbean flavor across the planet. Taiwan recently invited [...]

Mayan Leaders Alliance dispute is with government
The Maya Leaders Alliance has been very vocal regarding the recent Environmental Impact Assessment consultation held by US Capital in Sundaywood Village. On Monday News Five spoke to Cristina Coc, the spokesperson for the MLA and she said that although there are issues with the oil company, their argument is specifically aimed at the government. [...]

However, U.S. Capital says meeting was successful
Although the Toledo Alcaldes Association, the Maya Leaders Alliance, SATIIM and the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage find that the Sundaywood meeting put a black eye on the government, U.S. Capital Energy maintains that the consultation was successful. And in respect to the Mayan Communal Land Rights, Public Relations Consultant for U.S. Capital Energy, [...]

P.U.P. believes bond negotiation has stalled
Earlier in the newscast we told you about the P.U.P.’s press conference that focused on crime and healthcare. During the Q and A session, Leader of the Opposition, Francis Fonseca fielded questions about the government’s bond negotiation with international creditors. Fonseca believes the government’s negotiation has stalled. Moreover he says that his Party has still [...]

The Next Superstar: Meet the Jeremys
The final round of competition in Be The Next Superstar takes place tonight at the Bliss. Four contestants remain and are under a lot of pressure because this is their last chance to convince the audience and judges that are worthy of the ten thousand dollar grand prize. Among the performers that have survived the [...]

LOVE FM

Police News
Thirty year old Gregory Bowen, a laborer of Croton Lane, was charged with the attempted murder of 29 year old police constable Marcelino Sam when he appeared in court yesterday. Bowen was remanded into custody until November 29. The police reported that when they responded to the robbe...

Teenager and Minor Charged with Robbery
Two persons, 19 year old Lloyd Parchue and a 15 year old boy, were charged with the robbery of Moon Grocery Shop on Coney Drive, when they appeared in court yesterday. Parchue alone was charged with two counts of attempted murder. Parchue and the minor pleaded not guilty to robbe...

Delivery Man Charged for Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition
Twenty-three year old Ronald Michael, a part time delivery man of 31 Lovely Lane, was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared in court yesterday. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that th...

Sugar Cane Farmers To Receive Bonus for the 2011 - 2012 Crop Season
Sugar Cane farmers in the north will be receiving their third and final “bonus” payments for the crop season 2011 – 2012 tomorrow. On average the 5,300 cane farmers will receive $10.00 for every ton of sugar cane delivered to the BSI factory. This year one...

Teenager Sentenced for Firearm Charges
Eighteen year old Clifford Lorenzo, one of two persons charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license, pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared in court today. He was sentenced to five years for each count by the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, who stipula...

CTV3

Belize District Residents Charged For The Rape Of 14 Year Old
Last night we told you that Orange Walk Police had two male individuals detained in connection with the rape of a 14 year old female student. The two individuals, namely 18 year old Belizean labourer of Double Head Cabbage, Tyrick Thompson and 19 year old Belizean labourer of Burrell Boom, Morgan Baptist were identified late yesterday evening during an I.D parade and were later charged for rape and unlawful carnal knowledge. As we told you yesterday, details into the case were still sketchy but tonight we have the official police version. The incident reportedly happened on Friday at about 1:00pm in the Village of Trail Farm in the District of Orange Walk. According to what the 14 year old student told police, she and four other students visited a house located on Cotton Street where they met four young men. The group began socializing and consuming alcohol and that is when the 14 year old claims she lost consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, the 14 year old noticed that one of the men was having sexual intercourse with her against her will. She immediately pushed him away but at that instance another individual got on top of her. Despite the fact that she struggled with the individual he proceeded to rape her. After committing the alleged act, both men left the residence and the 14 year old was able to call a friend who went to pick her up and took her home. Both Thompson and Baptist are expected to appear before the Orange Walk Magistrates Court sometime this week.

Neighbours Dispute Lands 56 Year Old In Detention
A dispute among two neighbors landed a woman at the Orange Walk Police Station this morning. According to a frustrated Ana Luisa Urbina, her family has not been able to see eye to eye with one of their next door neighbors. Verbal assaults have constantly been in the picture and today the confrontation reached even further as Urbina’s mother, 56 year old Aurora Cowo was picked up by police. Ana Luisa Urbina, Complainant “El problema que nosotros tenemos es con la vecina, todo el tiempo ellos están tirando palabras, tirando indirectas y nosotros nunca hacemos nada, mucha gente ha ido a pólice station, como mi hermana ha ido dos veces y a mi ya me llevaron, a mi marido quemo una culebra allí, y le quemo dos hojas de plátano que lo vinieron a buscar y lo iban a mandar a Hattieville, ese es uno y el otro uno con mi hermanita ella no puede salir a comprar la siguen, ellos se van y la esperan allá. Ahora ayer en la mañana esta gritando, se pone aquí en la calle a gritar cosas y nosotros los ignoramos pero hoy en la mañana fue el definitivo, yo y mi mama estábamos cortando pollo cuando vino la vecina acá en la orilla de su cerco y le dijo a su hija que salga a buscar su gallo y ella no le hizo caso; tu no oyes que vayas a buscar el gallo porque de aquí va a desaparecer, de aquí lo van a comer y lo único que se los juro a delante de Dios que mi mama grito no me lo voy a comer dijo mi mama así; y empezaron todos sus hijas justos con ellos a gritotear y dijo mi mama sabe que hija me voy a cambiar porque me van a traer pólice y ella fue y se cambio y acabando de cambiar llega Mr. Fuentes y le preguntamos que son los charges y Mr. Fuentes dijo que no quiere oír nada, entonces agarran a mi mama. Eso es lo que yo quiero, ahorita mi hermanita acaba de venir de el Pólice Station y Fuente no le quiere hacer caso allí tiene a mi mama sentada y eso paso como las ocho de la mañana y hasta ahorita y no le quieren hacer caso y si uno los deja por su gusto de ellos la van a dejar encerada allí todo el día.”

Two Houses Burglarized In Corozal
Apart from an attempted rape there were two burglaries in the Corozal District. In the first reported case Noemi Alcoser reported to police that between the hours of 9:00am and 8:30pm on Friday October 26th, her store, located in the Finca Solana area, was broken into. The burglar or burglars stole a meilium brand 5500 watts generator valued at $2,341.00. Also burglarized on the 26th of October, was home of Cecilia Majil located in the Chula Vista Area of Corozal Town. Majil told police that between the hours of 3:00pm on October 26th and 4:00am on October 27th, her house was broken into. The thief or thieves made good their escape with a 27” sharp TV, a Coby brand DVD player and a variety of perfumes valued at a total of $1,390.00. Up to news time no one has been detained and none of the items have been recovered. Viewers are reminded that it is against the law to purchase stolen items. If you have any information that can assist Corozal police you can contact them at telephone number 402-0022.

Corozal Resident Charged For Attempted Rape
A woman from the Corozal District was at the verge of being raped while walking in the Village of San Narciso on Saturday morning. The 29 year old woman reported to Corozal Police that at around 4:15am on Saturday, she was walking home in the company of her brother-in-law when they were approached by one Alejo Casimiro Ek, a laborer from the village of San Narciso. According to the female, Ek threatened her brother- in- law who ran away fearing for his life. The 29 year claims that Ek then grabbed her by the arm and told her in Spanish “Tu vas a hacer mia hoy”. He then punched her on the face causing her to fall. At that instance Ek climbed on top of the female, brought down her underwear and began touching her private parts. While struggling with her attacker, the 29 year old screamed for help and managed to capture the attention of neighbors who immediately came to her rescue. Upon sighting the neighbors Ek made good his escape but quick police response led to his arrest that same morning. Ek has been charged with attempted rape and is now awaiting bail.

Cane Farmer's Third Payment Is As Sweet As Sugar
Last week CTV3 News reported that indications were that the 3rd payment for cane farmers would be around $7.81 to $9.16 depending on the quality of cane delivered to the factory by each test group. As mentioned, that was merely the estimated payment and today the good news is that the final average cane price is in and it stands at $72.13 per ton of cane. This means that for the 2011/2012 crop season, cane farmers will receive a third payment of $9.01 to $10.57. The estimate is based on the final production figures of 114,519 tons of sugar, 31,013 tons of final molasses and 142 tons of B molasses of which 16,416 tons of sugar, 9413 tons of the final molasses and all the B molasses have been earmarked for the local market. It is estimated that with the third payment, more than ten million dollars will be pumped into the economy. Alfredo Ortega- Chairman, BSCFA Committee of Management “Ya tenemos la estimación ahora final para el tercer pago y estamos en $72.13 ese es across the board , ese es el pago por tonelada de cana pero entregamos por diferente test group por medio de la calidad así es que varea en los diferentes grupos de test que se dieron y el grupo que alto mas alto que es San Narciso que están consiguiendo $75.19 y el mas bajo es de $64.10 así es que dentro de ese espacio hace range los diferentes test groups que van a conseguir este Miércoles 31 de octubre de 2012.”

ASR Realign's BSI's Operational And Business Systems
While cane farmers will be receiving their 3rd payment tomorrow, there is some news coming out from the management of BSI which has now been acquired by American Sugar Refinery who purchased 78.6% of the sugar factory at a cost of US$64.8 millions. The news tonight is that ASR has begun re-aligning BSI’s operational and business systems. According to an information bulletin circulated to all employees on Friday October 26th, as part of the realignment process, the BSI Group executive management team’s role has been altered. Joey Montalvo has relinquished the title of Managing Director but will continue as the Chief Executive Officer of the BSI Group. Montalvo is responsible for the leadership and management of the BSI Group and for implementation of the overall organization's strategy and the policies of the Board. Paul Hough, who held the post of Group General Manager, is now the Chief Operating Officer of the BSI Group. Hough’s responsibilities include all the aspects of the BSI Group operations covering fields, factory and power plant. The C.O.O will also monitor and seek ways to improve the performance of the BSI Group and ensure that all operational targets are met. As the Chief Operating Officer, Hough will also be responsible for BSI’s sugar and molasses logistic operations and for the management and development of Human Resources, information technology and Environment.

Celebrating Dental Health Week
As you may already know, on Friday the Orange Walk Town Council held their first open town meeting since taking over office in March of 2012. As mentioned last night, several issues were discussed during the meeting as each councilor outlined their accomplishments based on their individual portfolios. Speaking on Internet Projects, Public Safety and Health, was Councilor Ian Cal who touched basis on all three areas but expanded on public safety. Ian Cal- Councilor “We don’t want this to get out of control, what we as a councillor have been doing is we have been working in conjunction with the police department, the municipal transport which we use as well to put check points for safe keeping of Orange Walk and the people’s coalition. We met with the officer in charge and we pledge that as councillors we will do our part, we will do our patrols around town because as councillor we have a duty to you the public, we do have patrols and see anything is going wrong in any area and we call the police station and we have been confirmed the we have priority when a councillor would call in on a specific issue. Establishing neighbourhood watch around town, currently we have three active neighbourhood watch in Orange Walk Town, starting next month on the 7th and the 8th, the 14th and 15th, 21st and the 22nd, we will conducting our neighbourhood meetings, where again we will be informing the public of what we are doing and there and then we will be having an officer Sergeant Cob who will be judging us to help us establish these neighbourhood watch groups, because this is important people, it is important to work together and we as a council will do our part but you as the people of Orange Walk need to do your part as well in keeping our town safe especially our neighbourhood.”

Keeping Orange Walkenos Informed
Do you know that regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes. New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. Research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. Here in Belize the Dental Department has seen an increase of patients accessing the dental clinics nationwide from approximately 20,000 in 2009 to a record 31,430 in 2011. This proves that Belizeans are placing more interest in their dental hygiene. And probably that’s because from October 28th to November 2nd, Belizeans and the entire globe are educated on the importance of keeping a healthy smile. This year Dental Health Week is being celebrated under the theme “Healthy eating, daily brushing, brighter smiles for a Healthy Belize”. The main focus of celebrating Dental Health Week is to generate awareness about the importance of keeping our dentures healthy, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Health. It is expected that throughout the week a number of activities will take place in commemoration of dental health week.

LOVE TV

Garbage disposal in PG disrupted temporarily
The Punta Gorda Town Council Sanitation Work Program was disrupted from its garbage disposal schedule today. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story.

CGA boss responds to Citrus Mutual claims
Late this evening, the CGA responded to the Citrus Mutual claims by saying it’s all just to create noise and distract from the real issue at hand. Anderson says the budget and audited financial reports referred to by Belize Citrus Mutual are in hand and ready for presentation to the Citrus Control Board whenever that body is properly constituted and ready to meet for purposes other than crisis management. That was Henry Anderson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Growers Association.

Citrus Mutual accuses CGA of wrong doing
And while the CGA summoned the media to Belmopan today to make its case; Belize Citrus Mutual used the electronic mail system and a paid advertisement to get its message out. It slammed the Citrus Growers Association, saying that the Committee of Management has been making unfounded accusations and unreasonable demands of the government. Belize Citrus Mutual in its release says that charges of the factory opening for processing too soon and illegally is totally without merit. It based its assertion on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling in which Belize Citrus Mutual says the high court ruled that the Citrus Act provisions which the CGA is relying on are unconstitutional. Furthermore, Belize Citrus Mutual says that with tens of thousands of boxes of grapefruits ready for harvesting any attempt to stop or delay delivery of those fruits brings into serious question whether the CGA’s Committee of Management really has the best interests of the citrus industry at heart or does if it is merely acting out of bitterness. Belize Citrus Mutual claims that the only thing that should drive the opening of the factory is a commercial decision based on the availability of adequate mature fruit. The Belize Citrus Mutual ends its press release by blasting the Citrus Growers Association for its illegal Committee of Management, failing to hold an AGM to elect a new Committee for three years and failure to submit a budget for approval by the Citrus Control Board for the past two years.

Crisis in the Citrus Industry
The Citrus industry is the number one income earner in the agribusiness sector and second only to petroleum as an industry. But tonight the twenty two percent contribution that citrus makes to Belize’s export earnings is in serious jeopardy because of infighting. It is the kind of infighting that sees the country’s largest representative of citrus growers as odds with its one processing company, the Citrus Products of Belize Limited and a smaller, relatively new comer to the industry Belize Citrus Mutual. It is a tangled mess, and today in Belmopan, the Citrus Growers Association hosted a press conference to announce the launch of its offensive designed to restore normalcy to an industry which key stakeholders say is in controlled chaos. To put the current crisis in perspective, it all started when the Citrus Products of Belize Limited went ahead and opened its processing facility last week to receive fruits, without first following the prescribed protocols, such as the submission of price formulas to the CGA. The CGA objected and instead proposed a delay in the opening of the factory to allow for the price submissions and discussions of the proposed prices. But it all fell on deaf ears as of last week some growers have been delivering fruits. Today at the CGA press conference, a call was made to right what is clearly wrong and move forward. The litany of complaints outlined by the CGA at its press conference today includes allegations of corruption; collusion and a disregard for established rules governing the Citrus industry. That is why the CGA is holding a demonstration on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, to put the spotlight squarely on the crisis in the citrus industry. It is at the same time, calling on the government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow to intervene to end the chaos and restore normalcy to the multi-million dollar citrus industry. Eccleston Irving is the Chairman of CGA’s Committee of Management. The Citrus Growers Association is asking for a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega on Wednesday in Pomona village, Stann Creek to discuss the current crisis and to advise him on the way forward. And the Citrus Growers are not happy with the Chairman of the Citrus Control Board, Chief Executive Officer Jose Alpuche, accusing him of not properly advising the Minister of Agriculture on this vital issue.

Man charged for keeping firearm without a license
Twenty-three year old Ronald Michael, a part time delivery man of 31 Lovely Lane, was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared in court today. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because of the Firearm Act. She remanded him into custody until December 11. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 26. The police reported that they were on motorcycle on Giles Street in the St. Martin De Porres area when they saw Michael and another person walking on Giles Street. The police said that Michael began to act suspicious when he saw them so they stopped Michael and searched him. The search resulted in the discovery of a black Jericho brand nine millimetre pistol, Jericho brand with four rounds of ammunition in its magazine in the waist of his pants. As a result, Michael was taken into custody and charged. The firearm and ammunition were labeled as exhibits.

Man charged with attempted murder of a policeman
Thirty year old Gregory Bowen, a laborer of Croton Lane, was charged with the attempted murder of 29 year old police constable Marcelino Sam when he appeared in court today. Bowen was remanded into custody until November 29. The police reported that when they responded to the robbery at Moon Grocery they picked up Bowen and put him and his bicycle into the pan of their pick-up truck. They said that when they reached the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and Coney Drive, Bowen pushed Sam out of the pan of the vehicle and Sam fell into the drain and struck his head on the pavement. Sam was taken to KHMH where his condition was listed as critical but stable.

Two people, including teenage boy charged with robbery
Two persons, 19 year old Lloyd Parchue and a 15 year old boy, were charged with the robbery of Moon Grocery Shop on Coney Drive, when they appeared in court today. Parchue alone was charged with two counts of attempted murder. Parchue and the minor pleaded not guilty to robbery. No plea was taken for the attempted murder charges because they are indictable offences. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser remanded the minor to Youth Hostel and Parchue to Belize Central Prison. They are to return to court on December 17. The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Friday, October 26.Thirty-eight year old Yue Di Kuang, the owner of Moon Grocery Shop, reported to police that she and her daughter were in the shop when three persons entered, one of them armed with a pistol. She said the gunman held her up and the stole $2,400.00 and two cellular phones. The police reported that when they responded to the robbery they saw two persons fleeing on foot from the area and one of them whom they identified as Parchue, fired several shots at Corporal Reynaldo Bruhier and police constable Emilio Ack but they were not injured. The police said they apprehended Parchue and the minor when they ran into the swamp.

Carpenter charged for church burglary
Twenty-eight year old Ronald Gill, a carpenter of Faber’s Road, who allegedly broke into Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church on Faber’s Road, was charged with burglary when he appeared in court today. Gill pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor did not object to bail. But Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser said she has a problem with a person charged with breaking into a church and not even the church is safe anymore. So she denied Gill bail and remanded him into custody until December 18. The incident occurred between 8:30 p.m. on October 25 and 12:10 a.m. on October 26.Michael Sylvestre Cain, a deacon of the church, reported that the lock on the front door of the church was cut and the church was burglarized and the items that were stolen included two speakers, two amplifiers and some wire, which amounted to $2, 470.00. The police, who were in the area, reported that they saw Gill acting suspicious and when they apprehended him he took them to an empty apartment across the street from the church and they recovered the stolen items.

New members for Association for Public Service Senior Managers
A new executive was elected for the Association of Public Service Senior Managers at its annual general meeting held last week. Jose M. Castellanos was elected President, Sharon Fraser Vice President, Francisco Zuniga Treasurer, Michele Longsworth Treasurer and Counselors Dr. Michael Pitts and Ivan Williams. Topics covered during the meeting included Government’s proposed 2012 Public Service regulation, update on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a proposed insurance scheme for members. The New Council will serve for two years.

FECTAB still has outstanding issues it wants addressed
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, FECTAB has come forward to address some of what they call “troubling issues” which are directed at the Ministry of Tourism, the Belize Tourism Board and NICH. President of FECTAB, Tom Greenwood, says the Federation recognizes the work done by these institutions in keeping up the tourism industry at the level that it needs to be, however they believe there are still a number of problems to be addressed. Greenwood says that all these issues start by affecting the Tour Guides who are connected to families and tour operations which are in turn connected to hotels, therefore making it a step ladder for the entire tourism industry to become affected. When we asked Greenwood why he believes the specific Tour Company has full Government support, he said if he were to say what’s on his mind, he would definitely be sued. Greenwood told Love News that since they decided to step up and discuss these issues, FECTAB is getting tremendous support from all over the nation. He said the Federation is a part of the newly formed the Belize Coalition for Justice.

Police press officer updates on weekend crimes
Love News has reported about a chopping incident in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek on Saturday evening which claimed the life of a man and left two more, including a child, injured. The Police Press Officer, Raphael Martinez, shared the details. Police are investigating whether the chopping was the result of a relationship that went sour between the alleged machete man and Olivia Coc. Meanwhile, a policeman is in a critical condition following an incident last Friday evening when he was pushed out of the pan of a police patrol pick-up truck, allegedly by a man in detention. Martinez, gave the details of the incident. The Police Press Officer could not confirm other incidents that we have received reports about, namely: an alleged attempted ambush of a bus sometime around four this morning on the Philip Goldson Highway during which the bus was shot at after it did not stop at an obstruction of burning tires in the middle of the road. No one was hurt in that incident.

Youth murdered in Belize City
The murder and mayhem continued over the weekend in the old capital. Love TV’s Marion Ali reports.

Church outing ends in tragedy
A Church retreat turned tragic on Sunday evening. Pastor Pedro Ochoa reported to Belmopan Police that he along with 11 church members went on a retreat near the Belize Old River yesterday. Pastor Ochoa said sometime in the evening one of his church members, 32-year-old Girven Ramon Trujillo expressed a desire to hunt iguana and swam across the river. Trujillo was swimming back when he suddenly went under water and did not resurface. An immediate search for the body was executed which led to its quick recovery. The body was retrieved and transported to the Western Regional Hospital where at sometime around nine o’clock last night Girven Ramon Trujillo was pronounced dead.

PlusTV

Two men charged for Moon Grocery robbery
Last night we told of the robbery of Moon Grocery Store on Coney Drive in Belize City. Police have apprehended and ...

New Police Station for San Roman
On Monday October 29, 2012, a new Police Sub-Station was inaugurated in the village of San Roman in the Orange Walk...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Garbage Warriors are at it again!
There will be another trash pickup day on Saturday, November 17 starting at 8 a.m. Any one who wants to participate is to meet at the south cemetery. Feel free to bring your own trash bags, gloves and buckets and water will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own. Any one has any questions, you can contact Noelle Gray at 626-4632. See you then, Garbage Warriors!

Amandala

CITRUS ELEPHANTS FIGHT!
Just as another season for the harvesting of grapefruit and oranges is poised to kick off, unresolved conflicts within the citrus industry are spawning a new wave of protests at Pomona Valley this week. Members of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) are planning to stage two days of protests outside the Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30 and 31, to send a message both to their Bajan counterparts and the Government of Belize that they are not happy with the status quo. The protest, scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. in front of the factory, is being led by citrus growers, who were the ones who applied for the permit to protest, said CGA chairman Eccleston Irving. Asked what they hope to achieve by the protest, Irving told Amandala that a group led by Anthony Chanona, a citrus grower who once served as mayor of the capital city, Belmopan, is saying that this crop should not begin without the necessary particulars of the ongoing crisis with CPBL being settled—particularly its relationship with Banks Holdings of Barbados, the minority shareholder of CPBL. Irving said that CPBL still does not have a substantive chairman, as Julian Murillo, the newly appointed chair, has been limited to only overseeing board meetings. Growers are saying they want to be respected; they want to ensure due diligence is followed and that if any changes are made in the industry, they are agreed to by all parties, Irving added. He said that the central issue today is the governance structure of CPBL.

UB AUDIT PUTS HR, BUDGET AND FINANCE UNDER SCRUTINY
The University of Belize issued a press statement this afternoon, informing that a working draft of an external audit commissioned by President Dr. Cary Fraser has been presented to the board of trustees. The audit was conducted earlier this year by Castillo Sanchez & Burrell, LLP, and it focused on two departments: human resources, and budget and finance. The review was done for the period August 2010 to July 2011. A significant portion of the audit addresses the employment and salary of its Human Resources Director. In April 2011, she was awarded a salary increase of nearly $10,000 per annum retroactive nearly a year, to the date of her first employment in May 2010. There had been ongoing negotiations to address the salary of the HR director. The salary offer made in March 2011 was adjusted on April 13, 2011. The proposed salary was under-budget because a 15% gratuity was excluded, since the HR director, a former government employee, is also entitled to pension/gratuity from the government, and she “cannot double-dip,” as a UB official explained via e-mail correspondences addressing payment to the HR director.

WOMAN, 18, PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING MILK AND CEREAL
She told the court she did it to feed her babies, because she has no job and no money Claudia Ramos, 18, an unemployed mother of two young children, was taken before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart, where a charge of theft was read to her, to which she pleaded guilty. What is sad is that after she pleaded guilty to the charge, she explained to the court that she did not have any money to buy the items and her children needed the food. According to the police report, at 3:30 p.m. on Friday October 26, 2012, a security guard working at James Brodie Company Limited observed a woman putting a tin of Nestle Nestum Wheat and Honey Cereal and a tin of Klim Powder Milk into her black purse, items she had taken from off the shelf in the store.

2 DAYS, 12 HOURS – 5 DEAD
A deadly weekend has seen five people shot, chopped or stabbed to death in Belize City and in the Stann Creek and Orange Walk Districts. Twenty-one hours after what could be termed a double murder occurred on North Front Street on Thursday night, a man was shot to death on Mahogany Street. On Saturday evening, in Hopkins, Stann Creek District, a man was chopped to death, and seventeen hours later, another man was stabbed to death in Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District. The tragic weekend of killings began on Thursday night, October 25. Police say that they were called to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) around 11:20 p.m., and saw Frank James, 35, a labourer of #2 Pickstock Street, dead. He had been declared dead on arrival about five minutes earlier. James had been shot once in the left side of the abdomen, twice in the right calf and once in the left wrist. Later, police went to the dockyard on North Front Street, where they found Robert Young, 43, a labourer of the dockyard, motionless. He appeared to have been shot once in the left ear, once in the right side of his head, once in the right side of the neck and twice in the right hand. Police investigations revealed that at about 10:50 that night, multiple gunshots had been heard on North Front Street, and thereafter, Frank James was seen injured on the street. He was taken to the KHMH, but pronounced dead there.

MAYA LEADERS READY TO WAR OVER OIL DRILLING IN THE SOUTH!
The vastly divided opinions of the Maya of Toledo on the very contentious issue of petroleum exploration have rival rural factions at loggerheads, with leading environmental and cultural activists from the south waging a new battle against both the Government of Belize and US Capital Energy, which they contend are not acting in their interest—but solely on the basis of the wealth private individuals can amass from the industry. The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA), the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA), and the four communities represented by SATIIM: Graham Creek, Crique Sarco, Conejo and Midway, have issued a joint public statement condemning last Thursday’s consultation held in Sunday Wood, Toledo, after Greg Ch’oc, spokesperson for the buffer communities of the Sarstoon-Temash National Park, was barred from continuing his 10-page presentation on the petroleum exploration project which is expected to span vast acreages of ancestral lands. Officials at the consultation killed Ch’oc’s microphone, we are told, ten minutes into his presentation, and thereafter, speakers from the floor were advised that they had a one-minute time limit to put in their questions to the presenters from the Department of the Environment and US Capital Energy Limited.

TOLEDO GETS READY FOR NEW CACAO SEASON – 50% GROWTH FORECAST
Roughly 200 Maya farmers from over 20 villages in Toledo supply organic cacao to a Toledo-based company, Maya Mountain Cacao Ltd (MMC), whose primary market is overseas. Emily Stone, co-founder and managing director of the company, told Amandala that 20 metric tons were produced last year at US$4,500 a metric ton, representing growth of 300% over the previous year. Farmers are paid BZ$2.50 a pound if the cacao is dry but 85 cents a pound if wet, she explained. The Toledo cacao, which was featured at an organic fair in Punta Gorda this weekend, is supplied locally to Moho Chocolate (located at the Tourism Village in Belize City), as well as US companies such as Taza Chocolate (Boston, MA, USA) and Mast Brothers Chocolate (New York, NY, USA). The world market is gaining a whole new appreciation for organic farming. Maya Mountain Cacao works with Toledo farmers, certifying their farms as organic under USDA standards. The company says that it also provides technical assistance to farmers and it guarantees them fair and stable prices for produce. On Friday, Stone, a member of the Belize National Organic Council, participated in a forum held in Punta Gorda, at which organic agriculture was the focus of discussions.

LETTERS

FROM THE PUBLISHER
“Son,” the old guys says, “you are now going out into the wide, wide world to make your own way, and it is a very good thing to do, as there are no more opportunities for you in this burg. I am only sorry,” he says, “that I am not able to bankroll you to a very large start, but,” he says, “not having any potatoes to give you, I am now going to stake you to some very valuable advice, which I personally collect in my years of experience around and about, and I hope and trust you will always bear this advice in mind. “Son,” the old guy says, “no matter how far you travel, or how smart you get, always remember this: Some day, somewhere,” he says, “a guy is going to come to you and show you a nice brand-new deck of cards on which the seal is never broken, and this guy is going to offer to bet you that the jack of spades will jump out of this deck and squirt cider in your ear. But, son,” the old guy says, “do not bet him, for as sure as you do you are going to get an ear full of cider.” - from THE IDYLL OF MISS SARAH BROWN, by Damon Runyon The PUDP politicians in this country of ours used to have the electronic media absolutely choked by the neck. The PUP were following in the footsteps of the British, and the UDP, when they finally came to power, did nothing more than follow in the footsteps of the PUP. Radio Belize remained a government monopoly after Dr. Manuel Esquivel’s UDP took over in December of 1984.

JOURNALISTS CLAIM INTIMIDATION Editorial
The Belize Times online said last week that two journalists reported incidents they consider to be intimidation. The PUP media journalist, Vaughan Gill, claimed that someone had loosened the nuts on one of his car wheels, and the Plus TV television journalist, Louis Wade, stated that someone had smashed one of his vehicle’s windows. Both these gentlemen live in Belmopan, although Mr. Gill travels into Belize City two or three times a week to participate in the PUP radio talk show on Positive Vibes. There are no national or municipal elections scheduled for the near future here. Village council elections will be held next year, but these are not normally earthshaking events. The political climate has been somewhat tense for a long time, however, because of the serious, multiple Ashcroft lawsuits against the Government of Belize, because the PUP came very close to winning this year’s national elections and took a long time getting over it, and because of referenda which will be held simultaneously in Belize and Guatemala next year October to decide whether the Guatemalan claim should go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Throw in the fact that the levels of crime and violence are frighteningly high, along with emotional issues like the fight for gay rights (UNIBAM) and the marijuana decriminalization matter, add the recent turmoil in sugar and citrus, mix in the overall malaise in the Belizean economy, and we would say that things are not all that copacetic. On the Gill and Wade incidents, we would say that they should have reported these incidents to all the legitimate media houses. We saw the Wade report on a Channel 7 newscast, but did not hear this story on the only radio station with a national signal – LOVE FM. The Gill story received even less coverage, to the best of our knowledge.

PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYOFF RACE HOT, HOT, HOT
BDF drop Police; F.C. Belize burn Placencia There has probably never been a race as hot as this one in the history of semipro football in Belize. With four weeks of out-of-zone meetings completed, and 5 games each remaining in the second round, each zone, North and South, have 3 teams jostling at the top, with 2 more still in striking distance. Only 2 teams from each zone will make it to the 4-team semifinal playoffs. (See standings below.) The only Saturday night game this past weekend saw R.G. City Boys United visit the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan and hold North Zone leaders Belmopan Bandits to a scoreless draw. The much anticipated battle of the security forces was at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday, and it was Belize Defense Force defending their home turf with a 3-1 victory, and putting an end to the Police United winning streak. BDF had goals from Ralph Flores (33 min), Vallan Symms (48 min PK) and Richard “Cheety” Jimenez (82 min); while Danny Jimenez (45+ min) got the only Police goal. The San Pedro Seadogs celebrated their first home game at the Ambergris Stadium by registering a 1-0 win over San Ignacio United. Angel Cantun (41 min) scored for San Pedro. Both are practically out of the playoff race, but will be playing for pride down the stretch.

BLAST FROM THE PAST
It is always a pleasure when we receive some information, especially with pictures, on athletes of times past. Some have already passed on, but some are still with us, and it is sometimes good for today’s youths to remember that the elderly gentleman they see on the street was once a ‘baller too. Retired B.E.C. employee Walter Bradley provided us today with the above picture of the BEC football team he played with that was Runner-up in the 1959 Belize City Football Knockout Competition played at the then Edwards Park (now Rogers Stadium). In those days, the regular football competition, which started in late September-early October and ended in February or March of the following year, was always followed by a Knockout Competition, which was almost as prestigious as the regular season. According to Walter’s recollection, Dunlop was the 1958-59 champion, but BEC played and lost to the British Army squad in the 1959 Knockout finals. BEC did go on to win the regular season championship a couple years later in the 1960-61 season, Walter’s last active competition, when Wilfred “Palmer” Davis was their goalkeeper. Missing from the above picture, taken immediately after the 1959 Knockout championship game, was then team member Jim Murphy, who was away from the country at the time.

NO BAIL FOR ALLEGED CHURCH THIEF, RONALD GILL, 28
Ronald Gill, 28, a carpenter of #70 Fabers Road, was today taken before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer to answer a single charge of burglary. Police alleged that Gill, sometime between October 25 and October 26, broke into the Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church and stole (1) black speaker valued at $500; (2) grey speakers valued at $300 each; (1) black and gold amplifier valued at $900; (1) grey amplifier valued at $500; (1) silver tape recorder valued at $150; (1) black microphone valued at $50; and (3) black wire cords valued at $30 each, all to a total value of $2,790. The items were recovered from a vacant room located opposite the church on Fabers Road. Gill pleaded not guilty to the charge and, although the prosecutor had not objected to bail, the Senior Magistrate did, calling the act “inexcusable – to break into a church. Not even the church is safe now, she said. Gill was remanded to the Hattieville Prison until his next court appearance on December 18, 2012.

Blogs

Dave’s Errand Run
I was ready for a work break yesterday morning and and texted Dick to see if he was into going to town. I waited a bit and decided to call and see what was up for the day at Lucky 13 house. Dave answered the phone, told me to come over and we could go for a walk and that Dick and Heather were still sleeping. When I arrived, Dick was up and heading off to take care of a few things in town and our walk had turned into an errand run, Dave had to go return empties and get water. We left Heather sleeping in as that is what vacations are for. As we drove down the back road a guy nicely pointed out our tire was low on air, Dave knew this already and plan was to drop the empties off go get air at the gas station down the road, come back and pick up the water jugs. When we arrived at the Belikin Beer distributor the guy that was helping us sort our empties noticed our tire and offered to put air in for us, now that is good service. Dave returned four cases of Belikin beer for a credit of around $30 bzd and purchased four, five gallon containers of water $14 bzd. Next we headed south on the main road and Dave said we needed a quick pit stop for a new golf cart lock as Zac’s combination lock had stopped working for some reason. [general consensus was weather related rust somewhere inside]

PLANTAIN FRITTERS
2 large ripe plantains or bananas, peeled 1 cup flour 1 small onion, cut into wedges 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash pepper Oil for deep-fat frying Place plantains in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Add the flour, onion, salt and pepper; cover and process until blended. Batter will be moist. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter, a few at a time, into hot oil. Cook for 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. ENJOY!

International Sources

Meet the Romney’s of Mexico
Mitt Romney’s father was born in Mexico, but the Republican candidate seldom speaks of his family’s time there. It turns out that some of his extended clan still live south of the border. The Romney’s of Mexico reside in the hills of Casas Grandes (meaning “big houses”) in Chihuahua, about 190 miles from Texas. The town is home to some 8,000 people. As many as 50 of them claim to be related to the man in a tight race with Barack Obamato be America’s next president. Of those relatives, many of the men have Anglo names and speak fluent English. They are taller and have fairer hair and complexion than most of their Mexican neighbors. Some bear a striking resemblance to the former Massachusetts governor. They are members of Mexico’s Mormon community, whose roots can be traced to pioneers who ventured from Arizona and Utah in the late 1800s. And they are by no means humble “campesinos.” They worship at a temple made of marble, with a lavish gold-trim interior that no one but Mormons are allowed to enter. Their homes are mansions by Mexican standards—featuring three floors, many rooms and manicured yards with French-style fountains. Romney’s Mexican clan are powerful farmers. They grow vast fields of peppers, peaches, pears and apples. Through a farm cooperative called Paquime, they export the high-quality produce to the United States.

Pestalozzi Village Trust
THE most difficult obstacle I’ve ever faced was going to high school every day knowing that after I completed, despite all my efforts, there was no way I could go on to tertiary education.” Rudolph Parham is a young man from Belize, who recently arrived in East Sussex on a two year educational scholarship from Pestalozzi. Rudolph and his countryman Daniel Hernandez are the first Belizeans to come to Pestalozzi in Sedlescombe and to study for their International Baccalaureate diploma at Sussex Coast College in Hastings. Like all Pestalozzi students, Rudolph and Daniel come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Rudolph explains, “The Pestalozzi scholarship offers me the chance to make something more than expected of myself. “Many people in my community didn’t have the opportunity to go to school. “Even though they have brilliant ideas and are very wise, they can’t fully contribute because they lack education.” In fact, only 1 in 20 Belizean students from similar circumstances are able to complete their schooling – so this is an exciting opportunity for Rudolph and Daniel. Rudolph is keen to get the most out of his scholarship. He said: “I would like to make changes in the world, perhaps through the development of technology in my country. “When the opportunity arises to make a difference, I will take that path.” The pair will study alongside other students on Pestalozzi scholarships from India, Nepal, the Tibetan communities in exile, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

October 30, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

The latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!! Waiting, Part II
He could see his hands as they lay knotted together on his lap. The chair he sat on was lined with soft pillows, and he was comfortable under the shade of the tree that let only the faintest dots of sunshine through. The shadows of the leaves and branches played slightly across the towel that draped over his knees. Even when the sun was out in full force, there was some air stirring that kept him cool. Or maybe it was being old and frail, when warmth was a precious commodity.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SJCJC Male and Female Teams, SPJC and WJC move on to represent the North and Central at ATLIB National Volleyball Competation
The Angel Nuñez Auditorium was the venue for the 2012 Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize ATLIB Northern and Central Regional Volleyball Tournament. Six male and two female teams competed for the chance to represent the regions at the nationals scheduled for November 10th at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town. In the female division, two teams competed but automatically qualified to move on to nationals as they were the only two female teams competing to represent the regions. In a game dominated by St. John’s College Junior College, Wesley Junior College girls couldn’t seem to catch a break. After two sets, SJCJC were named the winners with scores of 25-5 and 2510.

The Island Academy brings in a howling Halloween weekend!
Every year, The Island Academy gets into the Halloween spirit and has students dress up and show their creativity with fabulous, scary, original, funny and pretty costumes. On Friday, October 26, the staff (dressed as Where’s Waldo) lined up the troops and got them under the big palapa to show off their costumes. Four judges were tasked with choosing the top costumes, and they had a hard time indeed. There was a Tata Duende, there were scary witches, and pretty maidens and fairies and even a Jaguar queen! Spaghetti and meatballs caught this reporter’s eye, as did the amazing hulk, tootsie roll, Justin Beiber/Beaver and Teacher Jeff’s mini me.

Ambergris Today

Best Halloween Parties Hosted by San Pedro Holiday Hotel
San Pedro knows how to rock a banging Halloween party and The San Pedro Holiday Hotel has proven to be the best venue for the greatest Halloween bash on the island of Ambergris Caye. The hotel celebrated its annual Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 17, 2012, with a packed house full of revelers from all around the country and tourists alike. The famous Halloween Orange carpet was rolled out for the event and the street traffic outside the Holiday Hotel almost came to a full stop because of the crowd that gathered outside to witness the costumed participants arrive.

$50,000US Donation for San Mateo Streets in San Pedro
Residents from the San Mateo Sub-division on North Ambergris Caye will be jumping for joy after learning that the San Pedro Town Council received a generous donation from Bay Trust International Ltd. for the maintenance and work on the streets of San Mateo. Minister of Tourism - Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero Jr., and councilors were on hand to receive a grand check of $50,000US to be strictly used for the development of San Mateo roads. “We are very grateful to Mr. Glen Wilson of Bay Trust International Ltd. for this donation,” stated Mayor Daniel Guerrero to Ambergris Today. “The council has been working arduously in having this street in San Mateo in good accessible conditions and Mr. Glen saw this and decided to help with a good amount of funds towards this project.”

Alleviating Sewerage Conditions at RC School
San Pedro RC School has been receiving many complaints from parents because of the present conditions in which the bathroom facilities are in. They are constantly expressing their frustrations on the morning shows and to the school’s administration. Last week the San Pedro Town Council took the first steps in remedying the situation at the school. Councilor Gabriel Nuñez, responsible for public utilities, explained that it was one of the campaign promises that Mayor Danny and his councilors had set in their manifesto to fix. Councilor Gaby stated that they had to work on the south end of Barrier Reef Drive and destroy the cobble stone streets in order for Belize Water Services Ltd to connect the school to a proper sewer system.

Saga's Annual Halloween Fun!
Saga Humane Society held its 9th annual Halloween party on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at the San Pedro Central Park. There was lots to eat and drink and the dog costume competition was at its best! There were dogs dressed as bee's, men in black and other adorable costumes. Pet turtles joined in the fun in this year's Halloween party and they dressed up too. Prizes were given to Best Couple (dog and owner), Best Couple (dog and Owner) and Most original. Congratulations to all the winners!

Misc Belizean Sources

BSI Information Bulletin to All Employees
Belize Sugar Industries Group Information Bulletin to all Employees BSI Group Executive Management Team The ASR transaction is now complete and we are now engaged in aligning BSI’s operational and business systems with those of ASR. As part of this process the BSI Group executive management team’s roles are as follows:- Following the change in shareholder Board representation, Joey Montalvo has relinquished the title of Managing Director but will continue as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BSI Group. He is responsible for the leadership and management of the BSI Group and for implementation of the overall organization’s strategy and the policies of the Board.

VIDEO: Canyonlands - The San Pedro Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef off Ambergris Caye is characterized by fascinating spur-and-groove canyon formations, home to numerous species of marine life. This video is part of the "Colors of the Caribbean" DVD, shot and edited in Belize 2006

Chaa Creek Welcomes New Belize Air Service
A new air service linking Belize’s San Ignacio Town to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is a welcome addition to local transportation that will help travellers get the most out of their Belize vacations, The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s business manager, Peter Tonti, said today. Mr Tonti was speaking in response to the Belizean airline Tropic Air’s announcement that an inaugural service linking Western Belize to the popular Caribbean island destination will begin on December 10, 2012. He said the new, fast connection will be a boon for those Chaa Creek guests who wish to add a Caribbean island experience to their rainforest and Maya culture adventures. “Belize has always been unique in offering travellers the ability to combine a Caribbean island holiday with inland attractions such as ancient Maya temples and the natural beauty of our rainforests, the Maya Mountains and pristine jungle rivers. Now, with Tropic Air’s new service, Chaa Creek’s guests can have breakfast in a beautiful rainforest setting, explore an ancient Maya city, and still be on time for an afternoon lunch on a Caribbean beach at San Pedro, all in the same day and moving at the leisurely pace Belize is famous for,” Mr Tonti said. According to Tropic Air, the new service will run between the Maya Flats airstrip located midway between San Ignacio Town and Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Guatemalan border, and the domestic airports at San Pedro and Belize City.

Forget 2012 Doomsday, Chaa Creek is Preparing for 2013
Dismissing predictions of a 2012 apocalypse, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, located in Belize’s “Heartland of the Maya” reports that it is already receiving bookings for its popular all-inclusive Belize vacation packages for 2013. “It’s pretty ironic that while some people on the other side of the planet are promoting doomsday scenarios based on the so-called Maya prophesies surrounding 2012, those of us living in the Maya heartland are preparing for 2013, just as the ancient Maya no doubt would be,” marketing administrator Larry Waight said today. “Members of our large Maya staff and the local Maya farmers are all preparing for 2013 as if it’s just another year. Doomsday is definitely a foreign concept,” Mr Waight said. “Certainly the 2012 Maya Winter Solstice celebrations will be huge, and most Maya people regard December 21 2012 as a very significant date, but you don’t get any feeling that the end of the world is approaching around here. In fact, it’s quite the opposite as we all get ready to celebrate,” he said. Mr Waight was speaking in response to fears fuelled by Hollywood films such as 2012 and various internet sites that the completion of the 13th Bak’tun on the Maya Long Count calendar, which takes place on the Winter Solstice this year, signals the end of the world. While the apocalypse theories have been almost universally debunked by Maya scholars, archaeologists, researchers and the Maya themselves, a small number of groups and individuals continue to speculate that ancient Maya astronomers did predict that the world would end on December 21, 2012.

Music in the Schools Program has received sponsorship
Sir Colville Young’s Music in the Schools Program has received sponsorship from the Government of the Republic of China, Taiwan in the training of the Toledo Community College and Delille Academy in the southern part of the country. The project aims to introduce music both in theory and practical skills to students of Toledo and Dangriga so as to produce a marching band for each of the schools.

Lamanai Series Two- The Outpost, The New River "journey by boat"
A scenic 26 mile boat ride up the New River is the easiest way to get to Lamanai. For the aware "birder" it may be the most productive of rare and unusual sightings Belize has to offer as you travel through miles of virgin river fauna, viewing majestic trees with overhanging air plants and colorful Orchids.

Lionfish Hunt ,Sponsored Dive, Ambergris Caye, Belize
A typical LionFish Hunt, diving thee canyons along the outside of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Add!ction at SHC Fair
Gabriela Barrera's Add!ction line, along with Davina's clothing line, was represented at Sacred Heart College's Business Expo this weekend. Their Fall Fashion Show is Saturday, November 3rd, at the SIRH's Bedran Hall. Tickets are $10. "Some pictures of our little booth at the shc fair. (Add!ction and Davina's clothing)"

Green Iguana Conservation Project
The Green Iguana Conservation Project, listed as number 1 on things to do in San Ignacio on Trip Advisor, is going strong. Humberto Requena really is the iguana whisperer. You'll get a quick medicinal trail tour on the way there, and you'll be able to taste the termites. Thanks go out to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel for creating a project that does so much for the endangered green iguana.

Cayo Comic Book Clinic
This evening, at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, there will be a comic book clinic. The Concrete Park Comic Book Clinic starts at 5:00pm. Thanks, NICH! "Come out to the Comic Book Clinic today at 5:00 PM. For more information call the Institute of Creative Arts fmau@nichbelize.org"

Halloween Block Party pictures
Ms. Shalue Butcher captured some great moments during the Serendib and Mr. Greedy's Cayo Block Party. The fairies made an appearance too. What an amazing Halloween party it was. "Celebrated Halloween 2012 with an amazing block party sponsored by Greedy's, Serendib, Town Council, Aguada and many other great businesses in Belize. Great Music, Cold drinks, Yummy Food all in a wonderful enviornment. Kudos to the organizers!!!! See you next year!"

Xunantunich Closing for New Ferry
Xunantunich, one of the most popular Mayan ruins in Cayo, will be closed from today, Monday the 29th, until noon on Thursday, November 1st, for the installation of the new ferry. Thanks for the improvements, NICH!

Mr. Greedy's and Serendib Block Party
The Halloween block party sponsored by Mr. Greedy's and Serendib was awesome! Thousands of people showed up on Burns avenue to partake in the Halloween festivities, and see the winners of the costume awards. And there were some great costumes there too.

Belize Mega Bingo Results For (27 October 2012)
Straight Line 100.00 Each (9 Balls) 7 ­37 ­20 ­39 ­52 ­58 ­31 ­53 ­68­ Y 125.00 Each (14 Balls) 7 ­37 ­20 ­39 ­52 ­58 ­31 ­53 ­68 ­28 ­26 ­4 ­14 ­12­ Inside World 1000.00 Each (17 Balls) 7 ­37 ­20 ­39 ­52 ­58 ­31 ­53 ­68 ­28 ­26 ­4 ­14 ­12 ­33 ­50 ­46­ Letter X 750.00 Each (23 Balls) 7 ­37 ­20 ­39 ­52 ­58 ­31 ­53 ­68 ­28 ­26 ­4 ­14 ­12 ­33 ­50 ­46 ­23 16 ­3 ­47 ­10 ­63­ T 150.00 Each (25 Balls) 7 ­37 ­20 ­39 ­52 ­58 ­31 ­53 ­68 ­28 ­26 ­4 ­14 ­12 ­33 ­50 ­46 ­23 ­16 ­3 ­47 ­10 ­63 ­74 ­42­

Why I made the switch from DigiCell to Smart [COMIC]

Summer 2012 - Tommy Bahama in Belize
Filmed on the beaches of Belize.

Channel 7

Man Killed On Busy Street, 5th City Murder in Four Days
On Friday night a 30 year old man was killed in Belize city, making it five murders in the city in four days. Joseph Hector Almendarez was killed in a very deliberate fashion; he was shot 7 times after a trio of gunman fired 9 times at him at close range. It happened on a busy street at an active time of night. Monica Bodden found out more:.. Monica Bodden reporting 30 year old Hector Conorquie was violently gunned down on Mahogany Street. It happened just before 8 o'clock on Friday night- while Conorquie was walking towards the direction of Western Avenue. According to police 3 men passed him and began shooting. As many as 9 shots were fired- 7 of them hitting him. Conorquie was rushed to the KHMH - but was pronounced dead only minutes after. Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer "On Friday October 26, at about 8:20 pm Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw 30 year old Joseph Hector Almendarez of 6866 Electric Avenue Belize with apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Initial investigations revealed that Almendarez was walking on Mahogany Street towards the direction of Western Avenue when upon reaching the junction with Administrative Drive 3 male persons reportedly of creole decent pass him and fired several shots at him causing the fatal injuries. Joseph Hector Almendarez was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he succumbs to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 8:15 pm on the same date of the 26th October."

Murderous Machete Assault In Hopkins
Tonight a 36 year old women and her two young children are in the Southern Regional Hospital recovering from a savage machete attack. It happened in Hopkins on Saturday evening when a man went crazy on the family - and then killed another unrelated person with a deadly machete. We found out more in Hopkins today:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Hopkins, it's a sleepy seaside village and an emerging tourist hotspot, but on Saturday evening at ten past five - it became the scene for a cruel machete murder. This is where 36 year old Olivia Coc and her 2 children, a girl aged 13 and a boy aged 5 were ambushed and viciously chopped…. Edwin Castillo, rendered assistance to child "The little boy came out of the bushes and yelled out help! help!" Jules Vasquez "This is the little 5 year old boy?" Edwin Castillo "Yes the 5 year old boy yelled help. We slow down, we almost knock him down - we told him to get in the vehicle." Jules Vasquez "Was the 5 year old bleeding?"

Did Long Standing Family Dispute Cause Killing In OW?
There was also another murder, which occurred in Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District. According to police, at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, 56 year-old Manuel Cruz and another person were socializing in front of Bai Li Chinese Shop. They were allegedly approached by one Fidencio Camara, a resident of Guinea Grass, who stabbed Cruz 9 times: 8 to the left side of the back, and 1 to the center of the chest. Cruz also suffered 2 cut wounds to the right hand just behind the elbow. Cruz died on the spot. They have since detained Camera for questioning in relation to this murder; no formal charges have been laid as yet. Our colleagues at CTV3 are reporting that 56 year-old Manuel Cruz and the Camara family has a long history. Cruz's family told CTV3 that Cruz was charged and convicted in connection with the death of the suspect's father, Leopoldo Camara. Camara was killed on December 6, 1981, and Cruz spent 7 years in prison for his death.

Accused Armed Robbers To Courts
On Friday's newscast, 7News told you about the 3 men who robbed Moon Grocery store on Coney Drive and caused the dangerous incident on Belize City's Northside. Well, police have charged 2 persons in connection with that robbery. They are 19 year-old Lloyd Parchue and a 15 year-old minor. According to police, the owner of the establishment reported that at around 1:40 p.m. on last week Friday, she was inside her business place along with her daughter, when 2 dark complexioned men and a fair complexioned man entered. The owner said that one of the men pulled out a firearm and pointed it at her, while one of the other men emptied her cash register of $2,400 in cash, and robbed her and her daughter of a smart flip phone and a $1,500 IPhone 4. Quick police response led to chase of all 3 of the men from the scene of robbery, and while on Sun Dial Avenue, the armed assailant opened fire on the mobile.

Why did Police Fire In Hospital/School Zone
So, what happened to the third man who police detained from that robbery? Well, police say that he is 30 year-old Gregory Bowen. He was only a suspect who was detained for questioning but according to police, because of his actions he is now facing an attempted murder charge. Police Press Officer, Raphael Martinez, told the media more about how Bowen shoved the police officer from the back of a moving police mobile. Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer "Marcelino Sam, 29 years old police officer attached to the Caribbean Shores sub division/Eastern division Belize City reported that on Friday 26th October at around 1:50 pm he was on mobile patrol. He responded to a robbery report during which he detained one Gregory Bowen, 30 years old laborer or Croton Lane Belie City. As a result Gregory and his bicycle were placed in the pan of the mobile patrol. Sam also sat in the pan of the mobile patrol and whilst they were traveling around the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and Coney Drive, Gregory Bowen reportedly pushed the bicycle with both hands hitting Marcelino Sam on the feet causing him to lose his balance and fall off the vehicle. As a result Sam received abrasions to both elbows, knees and the back of his head. Sam was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed in a critical but stable condition. Police have since detained Gregory Bowen, 30 years old of Belize City for this incident."

Seven Shots Fired In City; Target Lives To Tell
There was another shooting incident this weekend; luckily it did not result in any fatalities. Today, the Police Press Officer told the media more about the incident, in which the gunman fired as much as 7 shots at his target. Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer "There was a shooting incident on Sunday 28th October. Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw Leron Audinette, 28 years old of Belize City suffering from apparent gunshot wound to the left thumb. Initial investigations revealed that around 6:25 on Sunday 28th October he was walking alone on Brown Street Belize when a dark complexion male who he identified riding on a bike on Brown Street suddenly stop his bicycle on the corner of Brown and La Croix Boulevard pointed a hand gun in his direction and fired several shots causing his injury. Police have retrieve 7 - 9mm expended casing from that area and are seeking a Belize City man for questioning." As noted in the interview, police are looking for one man.

Even The Church a Target For Robbers
Tonight, 29 year-old Ronald Gill, a carpenter of Belize City is at prison after he was taken to court for allegedly burglarizing the Mount Olive 7-day Adventist Church on Fabers Road. According to police, Michael Caine, the Deacon of the church, reported that between 8:30 p.m. on last week Thursday, and 12:00 a.m. the next day, the church was broken into, and the culprits managed to steal 2,790 dollars' worth of electronic and audio equipment. They gained entry into the church by cutting the lock on the front door. Police investigated the report, and they were able to recover all the stolen items, which were stored in a vacant room of an apartment across the street from the church. As a result, police arrested and charged Gill with burglary, and he was taken before Senior Magistrate Frazer today, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution did not offer any grounds for bail to be denied, but Senior Magistrate Frazer was particularly appalled by the crime saying, quote, "Not even the church is safe." With that, she denied Gill bail, and remanded him to prison until his next court date, which is set for December 18. Police say that they are looking for a second culprit in connection with this burglary.

Delivery Man Busted By GSU With Weapon
23 year-old Ronald Joseph Michael, a part-time delivery man of Lovely Lane, is in prison tonight after police allegedly busted him with a firearm on Friday. According to the GSU, they were on patrol and while on Giles Street, they saw Michael and another person walking at around 4:55 p.m. Michael allegedly began to act suspicious, and as a result, the officers detained and searched him. They allegedly found a black 9 mm pistol, which was had 4 live rounds in the magazine in his waist. As a result, Michael was formally arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. He was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, where he pleaded not guilty to both charges. Due to the nature of the offences, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded until December 11, his next court date. According to the GSU, they believe Michael is a member of the Victoria Street Bloods Gang. And on Saturday, at around 9:20 am, GSU personnel conducted a search on an open lot on Nurse Findley Crescent where a black plastic containing 248 grams of cannabis was found. No one was in the area and the drugs were labeled and deposited as found property. The GSU believes that the package belongs to a local peddler who lives on that street.

Citrus Upheaval: CGA Demonstrates Against CPBL
The Citrus Products of Belize Limited - CPBL -commenced delivery of fruit last week - but the Citrus Growers Association - which represents about 400 growers is not participating. They object to the opening of the plant and have suspended delivery of fruit because they say CPBL is acting illegally - by opening before agreeing on a price with the farmers. Now, to understand just how strange this is, you'd have to recall that the Citrus Growers Association owns what should be controlling interests in CPBL - except they don't control the company. That is a tangled tale of corporate intrigue - but the bottom line tonight is that the factory is in operation - and the single largest growers group - representing the most small farmers is not participating. We went to Belmopan and CPBL in Pomona today to find out why:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Today the CPBL factory at Pomona was taking delivery of grapefruit as normal - but it was not a regular day - because the factor was opened under protest from the Citrus Growers Association which represents that majority of the growers. They held a press conference in Belmopan at the George Price Center to say they will demonstrate against the factory's opening.

Sagicor Sponsors Science For Secondary School Students
High school principals from across the country gathered last week to take part in a sensitization workshop on the Sagicor Visionary Challenge - which is a science competition for high school students throughout the Caribbean. It is a competition where students get to come up with ideas to make their school and community more sustainable using science, technology, engineering and math. Facilitator of the workshop Doctor Maya Trotz spoke to us more about the competition. Doctor Maya Trotz "It's something that we are doing with Sagicor, the Caribbean Science Foundation and the Caribbean Examinations Council." Reporter "Are there any particular topics?" Doctor Maya Trotz "Anything goes. It's up to the creativity of students; you say what would you do to make your school cleaner or healthier or more fun; make you learn more, make you want to stay in school and so better and then they come back with ideas and things that they can do and they would have to show how they would use science and technology, engineering and math to solve that and to do it in such a way that they engage the rest of the students or they have community participation. Will they check to see that's its feasible. Did they have an implementation plan? Someone might be interesting in supporting this project that they have this idea for? Its regional but we also have a national competition where we want every high school to have at least one team. For this first year we expect high schools to have many teams. We are trying to get that excitement with the most teachers and students and we are going to have a national competition - a national fair which would be like a national science fair."

Channel 5

Man chops children, their mother; then kills a stranger
Three brutal murders have occurred over the weekend. We start our coverage in the peaceful and quiet village of Hopkins, located approximately twenty-five minutes from Dangriga Town. But on Saturday evening that tranquility was shattered by a chopping incident that took the life of a Cayo resident employed by Hamanasi Resort. Twenty-five year old Abelino [...]

Stabbed to death in Guinea Grass, Orange Walk
In an otherwise peaceful section in the north of the country, another person was murdered. Fifty-six year old Manuel Cruz was viciously killed in Guinea Grass Village on Sunday morning, while socializing at a local bar. Cruz and another unnamed man were standing in front of Bai Li Shop on the main road when he [...]

Murder in Belize City
A life was also lost in Belize City, a place that knows violence all too well. The violent spate of shootings across the city that killed four men last week continued well into the weekend with two more falling victim to gun violence in the Lake Independence area. On Friday night, shortly after eight o’clock, [...]

Lake Independence Murder; no motive established
Thirty year old Gregory Bowen was charged with attempted murder this morning when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, following an incident on Friday during which he allegedly shoved a bicycle on a police officer, causing him to fall out of the pan of a moving vehicle. Bowen, one of five men pursued [...]

Citrus Growers Association implements strike action
A crisis in the sugar industry was averted by the outstanding loans being paid by the new owners of the Belize Sugar Industries operation. But while the agricultural industry has closed the book on one problem, another festering situation is about to explode in the Pomona valley. The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) says the citrus [...]

Citrus Growers aim for Banks Holdings and C.P.B.L.
The CGA has also been bucking heads with C.P.B.L.’s minority shareholder, Banks Holdings of Barbados, which it says is responsible for the chaos in the industry. According to the CGA, BHL has created a situation where C.P.B.L., a hundred and sixty-five million dollar company is operating without a chairman and without proper fiduciary oversight by [...]

MLA betrayed by one of its own; environmentalists support Maya Leaders
For years the discontent has been evident among the growers regarding the management of an industry in which they feel powerless as owners of a product. The sentiment is also shared in the south of the country where the Mayas feel their authority as owners of communal land is being disrespected. Their discontent grows from [...]

No confessional from burglar who stole from the church
An Adventist Church is the latest target of burglars. In court today, twenty-eight year old Ronald Gill was charged for the Burglary, in which speakers, amplifiers and related equipment valued at two thousand, seven hundred and ninety dollars were stolen. Gill pleaded not guilty and while the prosecution did not object to bail, it was [...]

Gang Suppression Unit sniffs out drugs and catches a peddler
The Gang Suppression Unit was on the hunt over the weekend and they found several quantities of marijuana and a firearm. The first bust was at a house on Giles Street shortly before five o’clock on Friday evening. Twenty-three year old Ronald Joseph Michael Junior was searched and a nine millimeter Jericho brand pistol loaded [...]

Belize Sugar Industry aligns its new management with ASR
On October fourth, Belize Sugar Industries and American Sugar Refining Limited issued a joint release announcing ASR’s successful purchase of seventy-eight point six percent of the B.S.I. group at a cost of sixty-four point eight million US dollars. And now that ASR has paid off B.S.I.’s debts owed to ING Bank and the Government, the [...]

K.H.M.H. lauded by heart surgery patient
The following story is a lot sweeter than the survival of the Belize Sugar Industry operations and the continued employment of its workers. A Belize City man who worked all his life had an ailment which landed him in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. During his recent trip to the K.H.M.H., sixty year old Manuel [...]

Sir Colville Young Music School Program receives donation from Taiwan
If that testimony of the K.H.M.H. staff warmed your heart, the next one will be music to your ears. The Sir Colville Young Music in Schools Program has received a generous donation from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). A cheque for sixty thousand dollars was handed over at Belize House in Belmopan [...]

DJs start Belize Chapter of Bum Squad
A group of approximately ten disc jockeys are now members of a world renowned DJ family: Bum Squad. Bum Squad, an international group that hosts various chapters of DJs from across the world, had its reunion in Cancun where several DJs from the jewel were invited to participate. The squad of DJs generally comes together [...]

Awesome weekend sports highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   Week 9 of the PLB Season brought a monster ticket to the MCC Grounds yesterday as FC Belize looked to rebound after 2 straight losses by playing host to Zone B leader, Placencia Assassins—a team that is a legitimate contender for this inaugural football [...]

LOVE FM

Belize City Church Burglarized
A burglary was reported at a Church in Belize City. Deacon for the Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church situated on Fabers road in Belize City reported to police that between 8:30 p.m. on Thursday October 25 and 12:00 a.m. on Friday October 26, the church was broken into...

Missing Teenager Concocts Story on Being Kidnapped
Earlier in the week Love News reported on the case of 18 year old Miriam Rodriguez, a student of San Pedro High School, who had been reported missing by her mother Ofelia Polanco and later alleged that she had been kidnapped in Belize City by two men, whom she claimed demanded ten thou...

Police Issues Release on Coney Drive Robbery
Love News yesterday initially reported on a robbery that took place on Coney Drive in Belize City which sent police on a chase in the West Landivar area to detain the suspects and in the process alarming several residents and schools in the area. Today police issued an offici...

Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association Has New Committee of Management
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmer’s Association has a new Committee of Management. The yearly election was held Friday afternoon in Orange Walk Town. At the end of the voting Afredo Ortega was elected chairman, and Ramon Aban as vice-chairman. Se...

Winter Time Begins in Mexico
The Embassy of Mexico has issued a press release informing that on Sunday, October 28, Mexico will end Daylight Saving Time in order to begin Winter Time. As a result, Mexico’s clocks will go backward one hour, meaning that Mexico’s local time will be the sam...

Belize Deepens Relations with Taiwan Through Music
Sir Colville Young’s Music in the Schools Program has received sponsorship from the Government of the Republic of China, Taiwan in the training of the Toledo Community College and Delille Academy in the southern part of the country. The project aims to introduce music b...

Friday Night Murder in Belize City
A thirty year old man was murdered last night in Belize City. The victim has been identified as Joseph Hector Almendarez, a Belizean construction worker of 6866 Electric Avenue in Belize City. The incident occurred last night while Almendarez was walking on Mahogany Street in the...

CTV3

Guinea Grass Resident Stabbed To Death
There was a rancorous murder in the Village of Guinea Grass located in the Orange Walk District yesterday as all indications are that 56 year old Manuel Cruz was killed out of revenge. It was an act of retaliation dating back to 30 years. Cruz’s killer has been identified as 34 year old Fidencio Camara who has been detained by police. Reports are that Camara stabbed Cruz 11 times, sometime around 10:30am, while they were both socializing in front of a Chinese store located in Guinea Grass. The murder has left residents in shock and the family of the deceased clamoring for justice. Hipolito Novelo reports on this latest homicide. When we arrived at the horrific scene it seemed that the entire village of Guinea Grass had surrounded the mutilated body of 56 year old Manuel Cruz a cane farmer of the same village. In the click of a second Cruz became the 11th murdered victim for the District of Orange Walk. As the victims body lay on the side of the road with 11 stab wounds his family could not believe that he had been murdered.

O.W. Police Investigate Alleged Case Of Rape
On Friday night we received numerous calls that a 14 year old female from Orange Walk had been kidnapped and raped. The following morning rumors were that the dead body of the 14 year old had been found near the San Estevan By Pass. Luckily, the second report proved to be fallacious, but when it comes to the case of rape, that’s what police are investigating. CTV3 News understands that late Friday night the 14 year old, accompanied by her parents, visited the Orange Walk Police Station where she reported that she had been raped. Reports are that the minor was drinking alcohol with a group of friends when the incident occurred.

San Jose Resident Killed While Crossing The Phillip Goldson Highway
In less than a week the Philip Goldson highway has claimed the life of two men, the latest victim being a resident of San Jose Village in the Orange Walk District. On Friday night at around 9:30, 52 year old Marcos Garcia, Belizean mechanic from San Jose Village, was driving his Mazda pickup truck from the direction of Orange Walk to Corozal when upon reaching somewhere between miles 61 and 62 of the Philip Goldson Highway he knocked down Maximo Mai who was walking across the road. Mai was flung in the air and landed on top of the vehicle’s windshield which was completely damaged. As a result of the impact, Mai sustained head and body injuries. He was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at around 1:30 Saturday morning. CTV3 News understands that Garcia has been arrested and charged for the crimes of driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention and causing death by careless conduct.

BWEL Employee Charged For Thursdays' Fatal Traffic Accident
Ermelindo Mai, an employee of Belize Western Energy Limited, accused of fatally knocking down a Guatemalan National only identified as Carlos, has been charged by Orange Walk Police for driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, causing death by careless conduct and failing to keep close as possible to the right hand side of the road. On Thursday October 25th, Mai was driving a BWEL butane truck on the Philip Goldson Highway when upon arriving near the Mameyal Curve he knocked down Carlos who was pushing his bicycle across the road.

San Roman Village has new Police Sub-Station
Residents of San Roman Rio Hondo have much to boast about tonight as they are now the recipients of a newly built police substation. The building was inaugurated this morning by the Minister of National Security Honorable John Saldivar and Deputy Prime Minister and Orange Walk North Area Representative Honorable Gaspar Vega. The project, funded by government, comes at a cost of 285 thousand dollars. John Saldivar- Minister of National Security “This is all of the program to improve the delivery of service in terms of the police department so we are very happy to finally bring to a conclusion the construction of this new police station here that will serve the entire area surrounding San Roman including San Antonio and I believe the other village is Santa Cruz, so we are very happy and it will ease a lot of the problems we been having in terms of the Orange Walk town police having to come all the way here having to respond to incidence and so and so and we believe it should result in better policing.”

OWTC Holds Open Town Meeting
On Friday night the Orange Walk Town Council held an open town meeting at the Central Park where residents were informed about the accomplishments of the council so far. Since Mayor Kevin Bernard and his councilors took office back in March, Orange Walk has undergone numerous changes despite the financial constraints of the council. Those achievements were outlined by each of the councilors staying in line with their respective portfolios. The first to take the podium was Councilor Ladrick Sheppard in charge of Youths and Sports. Ladrick Sheppard- Councilor “We started with football, it is an under twelve competition which I adopted which was sponsored by Old Fashion Lemonade and it has been quite successful. We have gotten the attraction from most of the villages to come over to Orange Walk and participate in it, namely from Carmelita, Chan Pine Ridge, these are the young students that came over to participate and the age that these guys are playing football are basically kids twelve and under. Well, like I said this has not been an easy task for me but it is something that I have been doing for many years and I continue working with the youths.” When it comes to the portfolio of Women Affairs, Culture and Tourism, much has been accomplished by Councilor Rozel Arana. Courses in cosmetology, beading, cake decoration and pastry making have empowered women of Orange Walk. Another project that is in the pipeline comes in partnership with WIN Belize and the Orange Women’s Department whereby women will be further educated on their rights. In the sector of Tourism, the aim is to include Orange Walk in the list of tourism destinations.

Another Increase In The Price Of Fuel Recorded
Last week Tuesday we reported on the 12 cents increase in the price for a gallon of regular fuel. Tonight the bad news for fuel consumers just keeps rolling as last night the price for a gallon of diesel augmented by 11 cents. This means that the next time you visit the pumps you will be paying $11.37 rather than $11.26. The price of premium and kerosene remains at $13.05 and $9.71 respectively. According to our records this is the 9th time that pump prices have seen an increase for this year.

LOVE TV

Carpenter charged for church burglary
Twenty-eight year old Ronald Gill, a carpenter of Faber’s Road, who allegedly broke into Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church on Faber’s Road, was charged with burglary when he appeared in court today. Gill pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor did not object to bail. But Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser said she has [...]

Youth murdered in Belize City
The murder and mayhem continued over the weekend in the old capital. Love TV’s Marion Ali reports.

Double murders rock north side Belize City
On Thursday’s newscast, the officer commanding Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon, Junior noted that there has been a decrease in murders in the old capital. But just a few hours after that pronouncement there was not one, but two homicides on the margins of the City’s northside. Love TV’s Maron Ali and [...]

Robbery suspect pushes police officer out of moving vehicle
There was drama a-plenty today in the West Ladivar area of Belize City. Love TV’s Natalie Novelo and video journalist Myles Gillett report.

Burglaries and robberies continue
There was a terrifying home invasion reported in Belize City on Wednesday night. The victim told police that she and her sisters and a five month old baby were at home around seven thirty on Wednesday night when they were accosted by three dark men who had their faces covered. The victim says the men [...]

FECTAB still has outstanding issues it wants addressed
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, FECTAB has come forward to address some of what they call “troubling issues” which are directed at the Ministry of Tourism, the Belize Tourism Board and NICH. President of FECTAB, Tom Greenwood, says the Federation recognizes the work done by these institutions in keeping up the tourism [...]

Insurance Awareness week ends with gala
Life Insurance Awareness week is coming to an end with one more day to go. Many activities have been held throughout the week and today Customer Appreciation Day was celebrated by three Life Insurance Companies, namely Guardian Life, Sagicor Capital Life and RF & G Life insurance. Secretary of the Belize Association of Insurance and [...]

Prizes handed out for Credit Union week activities
Last week was observed as Credit Union Week and a part of activities held was a high school essay competition. High school students were asked to write on the topic “The credit union difference’. Today the winners of the competition were announced. Jason Catch of Corozal Community College walked off with the first prize of [...]

PlusTV

Man hospitalized after attack with machetes and rocks in Belmopan
The blight of evil is seeking to permeate our once tranquil community. Saturday night in Belmopan was not without i...

Failed break-in at St John's Credit Union in Belmopan
Daring thieves attempted to gain access to the Belmopan Branch of the St. John’s Credit Union over the weekend. It ...

Mother charged for theft of baby food and milk
A mother of two young babies appeared this morning in the #5 Magistrate's Court, charged with theft of baby food an...

Draft of external audit presented to UB board of trustees
A working draft of an external audit commissioned by the President of the University of Belize has been presented t...

Sadistic murder in Belize City leaves one man dead
Sadistic murder in Belize City leaves one man dead. Between 8 and 8:30 pm on Friday (Oct 26), Police visited the KH...

Attacker in Police custody after stabbing murder in Guinea Grass
Murder in Guinea Grass - The peaceful village of Guinea Grass in Orange Walk is today dealing with the murder of on...

Two detained after man is chopped to death in Hopkins Murder in Hopkins - A chopping incident in Hopkins village, Stann Creek, has left one man dead and three others, in...

Saturday traffic accident leaves four injured
Traffic Accident with -A road traffic accident on the George Price Highway on Saturday afternoon has left four peop...

Belize City businesswoman robbed at gunpoint in her store
A Belize City businesswoman robbed at gunpoint in her store. YUE DI KUANG, owner of Moon Grocery located on Coney D...

Sound system items stolen from Belize City church are recovered
MICHAEL SILVESTRE CAINE a Deacon for the Mount Olive 7th Day Adventist Church on Faber's Road., Belize City, report...

18 years-old charged for false rape claim
On Tuesday 23rd October 2012, 18 year old MIRIAM RODRIGUEZ, Student of San Pedro High School, residing at Boca Del...

CRIB presents diverse cultural entertainment
CRIB, executive Director, Manuel Lizarraga dropped by our office, this week to remind us about the end of month cul...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Arms of Love *UPDATE*
candle-light The Arms of Love will be having a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, October 31st 2012 at 6:00 p.m starting from Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion church. Feel free to bring along your candles. On Sunday, October 28th 2012 there will be a mass dedicated to the cancer victims, survivors and their families at 9:00 a.m. at La Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. We are also having a raffle which will be drawn after the candlelight vigil. Any one interested in buying, the cost is $1.00. Prizes: 1st – 1 blender, 2nd – 1 toaster, 3rd – 1 mixer. You are all welcome to come and show support and any one wishing to join our group is welcome to do so. To keep updated with the activities of the group you can join their facebook page Arms of Love. Thank You

Blogs

A Barking Good Time at Saga's Halloween Party
Since Barry has been rehabilitating a torn muscle and pinched nerve in his upper back for over a month now (he's improving at last, but it's been slow going), I've been having to do a lot of things solo lately. Yesterday it was a bike ride into town to attend the Saga Humane Society's 9th Annual Halloween party and fundraiser in Central Park. There was something for everyone: delicious donated homemade food, cold drinks, free biodegradable doggie poop bags and dog collars, t-shirts and jewelry for sale, raffle tickets to benefit Saga, and the highlight, a doggie costume contest full of the cutest pooches I've ever seen! I couldn't take Paisley because of the difficulty getting her there with only my bicycle, but that made it much easier to take photos to try to capture all the fun everyone was having. Hope you enjoy the slideslow! I did my part to help by buying a Saga t-shirt (below), a bunch of raffle tickets (didn't win anything, but I never do), a delicious cupcake topped with marshmallow creme, and an ice-cold Belikin. The service provided by volunteers was outstanding! With all the dogs and cats Saga houses awaiting adoption, in addition to the many other services they provide the community, they are always in need of funds. There was a great turnout for the party, so I suspect a good amount was raised for this excellent cause. In addition to the Saga website, did you know they have a Facebook page as well? Come on, give it a "Like"! Also, make sure to check out San Pedro Scoop's Halloween Party blog for more party and costume contest pictures, because really, who can get enough of dogs in costumes?!

Celebrating our 9th year Reef CI facebook photo contest
It is very chilly here this morning, enough to make me close the west windows in our living room aka my office. I am sure many of you are thinking cry me a river tacogirl, you have forgotten what cold really is Today’s post is for all of you who are ready to ditch your cold weather and enjoy some tropical temperatures. Take part in ReefCIs facebook contest for your chance to WIN a week in Belize, or buy a raffle ticket. Visit their page to find out more about the ReefCI facebook photo contest and how you can win. Reef Conservation International is a marine conservation company in Punta Gorda Belize that is focusing on protecting and maintaining the marine environment, they are dedicated to ensuring that their impact is always positive and never damaging. Working with local NGO’s and Government departments, they help to ensure that marine life is sustainable and available for future generations. ReefCI have a policy ensuring that they are focused on species affected by long term human impacts that have a value to local people. They work with international and local organizations to help sustain the coral reefs and commercial species in Belize. Such species include conch, lobster and commercial finfish.

Halloween is For Pets Too: SAGA's 9th Annual Halloween Town Party
Yesterday, the day after the late night parties, SAGA Humane Society held our 9th Annual Halloween party for the kids, dogs and all of the pets in town. From 11am to 5pm, people ate, drank, did a little dancing, picked out free collars and poop bags, learned how to be responsible pet owners, let their doggies prance in costumes and had a super fun time. Here are Vampire Shaggy and his owner, The Mistress of Darkness showing proper leash etiquette. (Aka Kelly, the manager of Exotic Caye Resort) The stars of the show were definitely the pets in costume. Here is Willie as the Tin Man. And they waited patiently for the contests to begin (some more patiently than others). Sunflower here won the title: Most Original. Set up started early in the morning. We had lots of donated items...plenty of rum from Travellers. Lots of cupcakes, cookies, brownies. Thanks to Mary from the San Pedro Sun for these chocolatey/marshallowy confections. And to Cindy from Asian Garden Spa for her awesome brownies.

International Sources

Cruises cancelled, ports closed: Hurricane Sandy
More cruises have been cancelled, itineraries diverted and ports closed in one of the worst storms the U.S. has ever seen. Expected to become an ‘extratropical storm’ the 8:00pm EDT advisory from the National Hurricane Centre indicated that life-threatening storm surge flooding will occur across the mid-Atlantic coast including Long Island Sound and New York Harbour with coastal hurricane winds and heavy Appalachian snows. “I have to say I can’t remember a storm that has affected so many ships and forced the cancellation of ports and in the case of Carnival Glory and Carnival Pride the cancellation of two cruises,” Carnival Cruise Lines senior cruise director John Heald wrote on his Facebook page today. New cruises affected include; Carnival Dream The ship is currently scheduled to call into Port Canaveral on 28 October between 8:00am and 4:00pm before a day at sea on 29 October instead of visiting Cozumel. Carnival Dream will then call into Cozumel on 30 October instead of Belize between 10:00am and 6:00pm before heading to Belize on 31 October between 8:00am and 6:00pm instead of Roatan...

Underwater! Shooting the Mesoamerican Reef
Anyone interested in learning more about underwater photography? "...Spend a week of diving on the Northern Hemispheres largest barrier reef. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belize Barrier Reef consists of vast stretches of unexplored coral reef, three of the Caribbean's four offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees, and whale sharks. ..."

On the religion beat: End isn't near, Mayan expert says
When asked if the world will end on Dec. 21 -- as some have predicted based on interpretations of the Mayan calendar -- Cristina Coc laughs dismissively. A human rights advocate in Belize who is of Mayan descent, Coc answers with an emphatic "no." She says the date signifies the end of a 5,000-year cycle in the Mayan calendar and does not indicate the world is coming to a cataclysmic end, as depicted in the Hollywood movie "2012." "They [the Mayan people] see this as the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new cycle," she said. Coc will be discussing Mayan spirituality and the calendar during a series of lectures in the Twin Cities starting Sunday and continuing through Nov. 5. She'll speak at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Hamline University and Macalester College, both in St. Paul, and the West St. Paul Rotary Club. Coc directs a nonprofit called the Julian Cho Society in Belize, where she is an advocate for the rights of indigenous Mayan people. She's been invited to the United States to talk about the work she does but also the "end of the world" date, which "a lot of people are sort of concerned with," she said. "I've seen quite a bit of films, publications, discussions surrounding this question. But I think what's noteworthy is ...

October 29, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

The October 28th, 2012 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Williams Facing Burglary Charge: The good news coming out of western Belize this week, is that San Ignacio police is reporting no major criminal activity in the community. The only reported incident this week is one that took place a week ago in Bullet Tree Falls Village in which a Belizean businesswoman reported being held captive in her house, for almost 40 hours, by her common- law-husband whom she has known for less than four months.
• BWS Team Visits Work Site In Belize City: As the tremendous amount of civil works continues in Belize City, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), Alberto August, accompanied by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Alvan Haynes and members of the Technical Services Department, today visited the BWS work site on Freetown Road where the Chairman was afforded the opportunity to personally appreciate the magnitude of works currently underway.
• Riding Across Belize For A Worthwhile Cause: The Belize Social Security Board’s 9th Annual Ride Across Belize cycling event, with about one hundred riders, got off to a good start as scheduled at 7:00 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from in front of the Social Security office in Corozal Town. The first leg of the four-day event ended in front of the Social Security branch office on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. The cyclists departed Belize City at 7:00 am on Thursday, October 25, for the 68 mile ride to the Social Security branch office at the corner of Liberty Street and the George Price Highway in Santa Elena, Cayo.
• Shock As Brazilian Man Turns Up At Own Wake: A Brazilian man gave his relatives the shock of their lives when he turned up at his own wake at his mother’s home. The family was gathered around a coffin thought to contain 41-year-old car washer Gilberto Araujo when he appeared, causing some people to faint and others to flee in fear. The dead man, said to closely resemble Gilberto, is believed to be another car washer who was murdered at the weekend. Gilberto’s brother said he had wrongly identified him in the mortuary.
• Oldest Mayan Tomb Found In Guatemala’s Retalhuleu: One of the oldest Mayan tombs ever found has been uncovered in western Guatemala, say archaeologists. Located at a temple site in Retalhuleu province, the grave is thought to be that of an ancient ruler or religious leader who lived some 2,000 years ago. Carbon-dating indicated the tomb had been built between 700 and 400 BC, said government archaeologist Miguel Orrego. A rich array of jade jewels, including a necklace depicting a vulture-headed human figure, were found. The scientists found no bones at the tomb in the Tak’alik Ab’aj site - some 180km (110 miles) south of Guatemala City - probably because they had disintegrated.
• Mexico Exhumes Relative of Drug Lord For DNA Test: Mexican authorities exhumed a relative of drug kingpin Heriberto Lazcano on Monday and took DNA samples from the corpse to remove any doubt they had killed the Zetas leader. Lazcano, one of Mexico's most wanted men, is believed to have been killed at a baseball field in the northern state of Coahuila on October 7, but the cartel leader's body was stolen from a funeral home by gunmen hours later.
• World Wants Obama Re-Elected AGAIN: BBC Survey: The United States president might be locked in a neck and neck battle at home with his challenger Mitt Romney, but across the world, including in India, people still overwhelmingly want to see Barack Obama re-elected. According to an international survey by BBC World Service, Obama is preferred to Romney in 20 of the 21 countries with Pakistan the only country where more people favoured the Republican for an election.
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Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Doctor Love: “Going Nuts”…because of my girlfriend
A young man's girlfriend keeps asking him all these questions, and it's driving him nuts. We love the Doctor's answer...read on...

Editorial: Mourning what once was…
The day has come where the face of San Pedro has been changed. Over the last year we have seen drug related murders, child molestation, armed robberies and countless, costly burglaries. Now, marred by the recent gang of San Pedro teenagers beating a local man to death and a tourist stabbed during a burglary attempt, the days of our quaint, sleepy and peaceful fishing village are gone…never to return, just like the number of tourists who now decide to vacation and invest elsewhere. Even longtime residents are re-thinking their choice of residence, heartbroken for the once peaceful, tropical paradise they called home. There will be many who will dislike this editorial. Even I don’t like it…and why? Because it speaks of the unmentionable truth that is destined to be our demise, and this truth will not make Ambergris Caye an easy sell. With our livelihoods compromised and our future in question, we can no longer stick our heads in the sand and simply hope these problems go away. But please, don’t blame this messenger. These sentiments are out there in full force on every message board and website designed to promote the good life on Ambergris Caye and Belize. Comments after comments are posted by visitors who lament over the good ole’ days of carefree island vacations and are now concerned for their safety when traveling to Belize. Potential investors and retirees write about exploring other locations in search of what was once the safe, island persona of Ambergris Caye. This is the word on the street, in the bars, in your office, at the airports and amongst your neighbors.

Wolfe’s Woofers: Cheater
Boys and their toys! Wolfe discovers his friend Scott is a cheater in a golf game at Caye Chapel.

Misc Belizean Sources

Jump for Belize (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
TAS Belize created a music video for Merv Douglas

VIDEO: Lionfish Hunt ,Sponsored Dive, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Mr. Greedy's and Serendib Block Party
The Halloween block party sponsored by Mr. Greedy's and Serendib was awesome! Thousands of people showed up on Burns avenue to partake in the Halloween festivities, and see the winners of the costume awards. And there were some great costumes there too.

Auditor General's Office Speaks at Galen
Representatives of the Office of the Auditor General, including Mrs. Dorothy Bradley, the AG, spoke at Galen's President's Seminar. The seminar focused on what role the AG plays and the functions that the AG's office has. Sounds like the Accounting students learned a lot.

Grease is the Word BIWG Fundraiser
The Belmopan International Women's Group had their 'Grease is the Word' fundraiser. Rydell High all the way! "The BIWG threw a great Grease fifties themed dinner dance this weekend. All profit goes to their many charitable projects."

Rotaract Halloween Party
The Rotaract Club in Belmopan had a Halloween party at the George Price Center. There sure were a lot of fun activities for the youth that went. Some cute costumes too. They even had a haunted house. "The Rotaract Club of Belmopan planned a fun party for the children of Belmopan with games, food, hauted house and more..."

CTV3

Orange Walk Teacher Stabbed While Waiting For Bus
A teacher from Orange Walk Town was stabbed last night. Sources within the police department indicate that 36 year old Camilo Mendez was standing in front of Happy Days Restaurant located on Queen Victoria Avenue waiting for a bus when he was approached by a male person of Hispanic Decent. The individual apparently walked towards Mendez and stabbed him on the neck with a pointed object and then left the area. We understand that Mendez has not made an official report to police who is investigating the matter.

Learning How To Become Better Leaders
The Certificate in School Leadership Training Program was launched this morning at the Corozal Junior College. It’s an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Education with partial financial assistance from the European Union. The program caters to enhance the leadership skills of school leaders including school managers, principals, vice principals and persons aspiring to become school leaders at a primary school level. Between the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, 60 participants were chosen to be part of the program. According to the coordinator, Ravey Vellos, the program is of great importance to the education system. Ravey Vellos, Program Coordinator “I would like to say that in the design of this program we are ensuring that the participants then will do more of a hands on learning it is not just book learning, so the way the program has been design then is that each participant will be given a module, which is reading material, the participant will also be allow to have access to the CJC Moodle, which is then the way that they will be accessing online material 24 material a day, they will have support from a course instructor and also from coaches.” Ravey Vellos, Program Coordinator “Principal who is not trained in that area has limited knowledge might say that the best way to deal with this is corporal punishment, we beat the child, but in this program they are going to learn different strategies and ways on how to deal with students and discipline in a different way.” In a span of 10 months the 60 participants will take part in five courses each having a specific theme.

BSCFA, COM Has New Chairman
Every year, as mandated by the Sugar Act, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association holds election for six of their branches, three in Orange Walk and three in Corozal. The last election took place last week in the Village of Yo Creek where Alfredo Ortega was re-elected as the Chairman of the Orange Walk Branch. And today elections were held for the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association Committee of Management. Members of both the Orange Walk and Corozal divisional committee met at the BSCFA offices here in Orange Walk where they elected Alfredo Ortega as the new chairman of the Committee of Management for the fiscal period November 1st, 2012 to October 31st, 2013. Ortega, who served as the chairman of the committee in 2010, takes over the position from Ramon Aban who still forms part of the Committee of Management since he was elected and accepted the Vice Chairman position. “Ese fue el primero adonde se eligió el Señor Marciano Novelo como Chairman y el señor Hernán Villas como Vice-chairman y después las elecciones del Comité de manejo adonde lo componemos tres de Corozal y tres de Orange Walk y el proceso se llevo y me dieron una oportunidad para ser el Chairman para este ano fiscal que empieza en Noviembre y el Señor Ramón Aban va ser el Vice-chairman, el señor Lucillo Teck es el secretario, Eledino Escarragar el Tesorero, automáticamente Marciano Novelo y el señor Arturo Olivares, entran como miembro del comité de manejo siempre siendo ellos chairman divisionales, hoy por primera ves tuvimos una oportunidad adonde estuvieron incluidos casi todo los branch chariman siempre solo el comité de manejo entra y se lleva acabo la elección y se lleva un representante del Sugar Board que conduce esa elección para que sea legal entonces el leva toda las nominaciones y todo pero en esta ocasión decidimos tener a todos los miembros que estaban acá alrededor e invitarlos para que sean parte de ese proceso y fue una experiencia muy bonita por que por primera ves logramos tener una elección sin presión, una elección donde nos entregamos mutuamente tanto Corozal como Orange Walk y ya no sentía ese desbalance que habíamos vivido en el pasado y sirve bien a nivel del branch chairman de la organización.”

Mexico Changes Time
If you are a regular traveller to or through Mexico, then a recent change of their time should take your interest. As of Sunday October 28th Mexico will end its daylight saving time in order to bring winter time. That means that Mexico’s local time will be the same as Belize’s local time. For those who transit through Mexico, you are advised to check your flight’s local time. For those travelling within Mexico on the evening of Saturday, October 27th, the Embassy suggests that their time be changed backward one hour before going to sleep.

ESTM Holds Food Festival
When you sit down to eat every day, do you think about how the meal you're eating is the product of a complex, and broken, global food system? World Food Day is celebrated on October 16th and this year Belize teamed up with a host of allies across the US and around the globe to celebrate the day under the theme “Agriculture Cooperation; the key to feeding the world”. Here in the north, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico, Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College and the Ministry of Agriculture, commemorated the day by holding a food expo at the school grounds. Our News team dropped by and here is that story. During today’s event, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico and Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College whereby both institutions will showcase the latest agricultural technologies through projects implemented by the school. All sorts of food from fresh fruits to vegetables, processed foods and homemade foods were on display today at the food fest held in celebration of World Food Day. Today’s event was a joint effort between Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico, Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College and the Ministry of Agriculture. The event saw the participation of a wide range of entities from the agricultural sector including BAHA and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association.

Have You Seen 73 Year Old John Alexander Tate
An elderly resident from the Corozal District has been missing for one month now and tonight his family fears the worst. Forty one year old Candice Carol Tate from the Chula Vista Area in Corozal, told Police that the last time she spoke to her uncle, 73 year old John Alexander Tate, was either on the 23rd or 24th of August at about 1:00pm, while in front of the court house in Corozal Town. Tate told police that she left Alexander for a few minutes and when she returned, her uncle, who suffers from amnesia, had disappeared. Reports to Carlo Tate are that her uncle was last seen in Belize City walking on Racoon Street. Tonight the family of John Alexander Tate is hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Alexander Tate is described as being slim built, 5 ft 4 inches in height weighing about 150lbs, has wavy black hair and was last seen wearing a white long sleeve shirt with a dark color long pants and black shoes. If you know the whereabouts of Tate you are asked to contact the nearest police station.

Credit Union Awards Winners Of Essay Competition
Last week Credit Unions across the globe celebrated Credit Union Week under the theme “Members Matter Most”. Included in the list of activities was a high school essay competition whereby students were asked to write on the topic “The Credit Union Difference”. Essays from all over the country were submitted for the competition and today the names of the winners were released. We are proud to announce that first and second prize was won by students here in the north. Taking the first prize of $1,000 was Jason Cache of Corozal Community College while the $500 second prize was awarded to Jessica Klassen of Linda Vista School located in the community of Blue Creek in the Orange Walk District. Third prize was awarded to Bret Coombs of Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio who was awarded $250.00.

LOVE TV

Double murders rock north side Belize City
On Thursday’s newscast, the officer commanding Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon, Junior noted that there has been a decrease in murders in the old capital. But just a few hours after that pronouncement there was not one, but two homicides on the margins of the City’s northside. Love TV’s Maron Ali and video journalist Brian Castillo worked the crime beat today. Regarding the murders of Lebanese businessmen Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Alfred Shakron, police have still not made any arrests in connection with these homicides.

Robbery suspect pushes police officer out of moving vehicle
There was drama a-plenty today in the West Ladivar area of Belize City. Love TV’s Natalie Novelo and video journalist Myles Gillett report.

Burglaries and robberies continue
There was a terrifying home invasion reported in Belize City on Wednesday night. The victim told police that she and her sisters and a five month old baby were at home around seven thirty on Wednesday night when they were accosted by three dark men who had their faces covered. The victim says the men pointed a gun at her and ordered everyone in the house to cover their faces. The men then proceeded to search the house and made off with electronic items valued at about one thousand dollars. Police investigations continue. Separate burglaries have been reported in Cayo. Twenty nine year old Sasha Aguilar, a resident of the Hillview area of Santa Elena town reported to police that her home was burglarized on Thursday. The thief or thieves made off with electronic items and jewelry valued at fourteen hundred and fifty dollars. Police are looking for one man in connection with this incident. In the other incident, a caretaker reported that sometime between Saturday morning and yesterday, someone broke into a house he is caring for situated about a mile from Bullet Tree Falls village. The caretaker told police that the thief or thieves made off with an assortment of tools and equipment valued at ten thousand, eight hundred and forty dollars. Police are looking for one man in connection with this incident.

Police issue advisory on safe Halloween
It’s the Halloween weekend and people will be out trick or treating from door to door and holding Halloween parties at specific locations throughout the country. But while the law-abiding find Halloween a time to have some clean fun spooking out their friends and relatives, robbers also use the occasion to carry out their deeds. The Police Press Officer warns the public to take precaution and to keep your children safe this Halloween. We at Love Television wish those who celebrate the occasion a happy Halloween.

Insurance Awareness week ends with gala
Life Insurance Awareness week is coming to an end with one more day to go. Many activities have been held throughout the week and today Customer Appreciation Day was celebrated by three Life Insurance Companies, namely Guardian Life, Sagicor Capital Life and RF & G Life insurance. Secretary of the Belize Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Theo Polonio Flores told us more about today’s activities. The Royal Wellness Center was present this morning to provide free checkups. Nutritionist, Lifestyle Councilor and Massage Therapist Cornelio Marfield at the center explained the procedures offered at the Tourist Market today. Life Insurance Week ends tomorrow with the Annual Red Night Gala at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. President of the Belize Kidney Association, Olga Herrera filled us in with the details. The gala will take place at seven p.m. Once again the price is for a hundred dollars and everyone is expected to wear red.

Prizes handed out for Credit Union week activities
Last week was observed as Credit Union Week and a part of activities held was a high school essay competition. High school students were asked to write on the topic “The credit union difference’. Today the winners of the competition were announced. Jason Catch of Corozal Community College walked off with the first prize of $1,000.00; Jessica Klassen of Linda Vista School in Blue Creek Village in the Orange Walk District placed second and took home $500.00 and Brent Coombs of Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio was third. He walked away with $250.00.

Blogs

Fun things to do in Belize
Halloween has always topped my list for fun things to do in Belize, people go all out for costumes and we always have a great time. Last night we started a bit late and got to Roadkill bar just in time to have a quick one and head to Pedro’s for the pimp n ho party. The bell got rung twice during the short time we were there and some people were feeling very merry from the jager shots by the time we headed to town. We all piled in our golf carts and met up Fido’s for some live music and dancing, of course I was not doing any dancing in my crazy boots ha ha. Then we all headed down to the Holiday Hotel, it was super packed as always. This was the first year I did not go in, we just hung around out side chatting and watching all the cool costumes. Don’t forget today is the big SAGA Halloween fundraiser in Central park starting at 11 am. The SAGA volunteers have been working really hard to make this a big success and have lined up tons of great prizes. Stop by and check out all the great pet costumes and spend lots of money on food and drinks.

Halloween in Belize: The Ultimate Costume Party Is San Pedro
I apologize for not blogging for a few days, I really do. I have been planning a party for the Humane Society. But lucky for both of us, my friend Krista from Crazy Canuck's Beach Bar went to the late night Halloween party at the Holiday Hotel. And took these awesome pictures. And sent me comments. So here is her blog. My first guest blogger! Let's call her GingerScoop (she's a red head after all). Here is my favorite picture that she took. Please stop into Crazy Canuck's, buy a drink, and a panini and fill her with praise. I need a helper! Enjoy. One of my favorites. Okay...just your run-of-the-mill priest costume... I almost spit my beer. Here he is from the back side. Classic. Gilligan's Island.

International Sources

Cheap Color Test Picks Up HIV
A cheap test which could detect even low levels of viruses and some cancers has been developed by UK researchers. The colour of a liquid changes to give either a positive or negative result. The designers from Imperial College London say the device could lead to more widespread testing for HIV and other diseases in parts of the world where other methods are unaffordable. The prototype, which needs wider testing, is described in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The test can be configured to a unique signature of a disease or virus - such as a protein found on the surface of HIV. If that marker is present it changes the course of a chemical reaction. The final result is blue if the marker is there, red if the marker is not. The researchers say this allows the results to be detected with "the naked eye". Prof Molly Stevens told the BBC: "This method should be used when the presence of a target molecule at ultra-low concentration could improve the diagnosis of disease. "For example, it is important to detect some molecules at ultra-low concentrations to test cancer recurrence after tumour removal. "It can also help with diagnosing HIV-infected patients whose viral load is too low to be detected with current methods." Early testing showed the presence of markers of HIV and prostate cancer could be detected. However, trials on a much larger scale will be needed before it could be used clinically.

Safety Tips When Women Travel Solo
There are real challenges to being female and on the road, like sexual harassment, including being touched or groped or receiving inappropriate or uncalled for remarks. When women travel solo, they are more likely to be the victims of theft, too. However, a majority of women say that personal security issues are their number one concern when traveling alone. Or even with female companions. But it seems that the joys of travel are so strong, these women would rather travel alone than not travel. Here is some of the best advice we've heard for women of any age who travel solo: Perhaps the best tip is to ask directions from other women or women with families, and not from men. A woman’s take on what’s safe, particularly in a new town, is very different from a man’s.

October 28, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Oil Production in Decline by 50%
If it wasn’t for the robust flame from the flaring of gas from the extraction and separation operations at Belize’s first producing oil field a visitor could be excused for thinking at first glance that they were on a college campus. The peaceful almost bucolic rural scene is only occasionally interrupted by heavy equipment, mostly trucks, and workers in overalls. Most of the time it is the clerical and white collar workers dressed more like college students or in exercise clothes who appear in sight. I had thought that with persistent reports of a sharp decline in oil production there would be visible signs of concern if not alarm, here at Belize Natural Energy’s operations headquarters and oil field but there was no such evidence during my visit today. Instead most of the staff who answered freely when questioned said that they did not feel alarm because in their view there was no reason for concern. In an interview Belize Natural Energy’s marketing manager Daniel Gutierez confirmed that production had fallen from 5,000 barrels per day in 2008, by nearly half to just 2,600 barrels per day. Gutierez said that despite having 13 wells operating at Spanish Lookout, and four more at Never Delay, production has been in gradual decline and the company’s executives and technicians did not know when the decline would stop. They were confident, however, that at some point it would stop.

Town Council receives substantial donation from Bay Trust International
After receiving the donation, the Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero expressed words of gratitude to Wilson and Bay Trust International Limited on behalf of the residents of the island and specifically the people of San Mateo. “This money will be used strictly for materials. He has seen how people live in San Mateo and it has touched his heart,” said Mayor Guerrero. Once materials are purchased, the SPTC will contribute labor for the upgrading and opening of new streets in the San Mateo area. San Mateo is considered one of the poorest areas in the entire country and while it has been neglected for a very long time, Heredia said there will be more focus from both local and national governments. “We have never actually completely neglected San Mateo. We have so much resource and we try to use it to the best. At the cabinet level, the issues of San Mateo are brought up constantly… It is our aim that we will be focusing a lot harder in San Mateo in the next few years so that San Mateo can become the most beautiful area in the outskirts of San Pedro Town,” said Heredia. Both Heredia and Guerrero explained that it is their hope to start the electrification and water distribution projects for San Mateo before the end of the year. Already the SPTC has received a commitment from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) who is expected to be making a visit to the area on October 29th.

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: Lionfish Team Hunt, San Pedro Ambergris Caye
Local Dive with Lionfish Diva Candidate Maria Steurer and team participant Mischa on the Belize Barrier Reef.

VIDEO: Diving with Turtles, Belize Barrier Reef
Dive Site, Boco Del Rio San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Come dive with us!

VIDEO: Awesome Spotted Eagle Ray with Rudy Duran, Island Divers, San Pedro
Local Dive, five minutes from the dock. Come join us on a dive. Island Divers, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.

BNYCF Halloween Tournament
The Belize National Youth Chess Foundation had a Halloween Chess tournament yesterday at Hodes.

Hidden Valley Inn Photoshoot
The Hidden Valley Inn was the setting for a photoshoot by Leonardo Melendez Photography. Vanessa Awe did a fantastic job on the make up. Check out how great some of the pictures came out. "A collaboration I did with Vanessa Awe Makeup Artistry at Hidden Valley Inn in San Ignacio Belize. Thank you Jasmine and Sofia our gorgeous models. Special thanks to the staff at Hidden Valley Inn: Raul, Arleni, Oscar and Pamela for being fabulous hosts. And for the people behind the scenes: Efrain, Ovaline, and Mother Teresa, thanks for making this a lot easier than it should have! Enjoy."

Caribbean ICT Roadshow
The Belize Youth Support Network posted pictures from the ICT Roadshow that came to Cayo on its Belizean tour. There was an amazing turnout. Thanks, BYSN! "BYSN would like to thank the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities for giving us the opportunity to partner with them and also allowing us to connect with so many young people in Belize. (All photograhs were taken by the official photographer for the roadshow)"

Noche de Cuenta Cuentos
The Benque House of Culture presented Noche de Cuenta Cuentos last night at 7:30. David Ruiz, Elvira Duarte, and other surprise guests told stories on the Benque HoC's lawn. "Noche de Cuenta Cuentos, Tales from Benque Viejo Del Carmen by our very own story tellers, Mr. David Ruiz & Mrs. Elvira Duarte. Join us for this thrilling experience as we share & preserve our folklore and rich heritage."

Halloween Block Party on Burns
Serendib and Mr. Greedy's, along with the SISE town council, did a free Halloween block party downtown on Burns last night. There was a costume contest

Kurse a di Xtabai DVD Launch Party
Kurse a di Xtabai had their DVD launch party last night at Meluchi's. What better place than the Graveyard Lounge?

Caye Caulker’s 1st live breakdance competition!!
And so it was, on an extremely hot and sunny Saturday afternoon – NYC’s B Boy Ultimatum gave Caye Caulker its first breakdance competition! And so, from young to old, local to tourist lined the basketball court on Saturday afternoon to thoroughly enjoy this unique spectacle! More acrobatics.More acrobatics We were treated to two rounds and then a final to have ‘Short Legs’ be the eventual winner – chosen by unanimous decision by the crowd! The guys are no doubt talented and fresh out of Belize City they looked just like we see on the television – real professional!! Blayd Vernon - doing us proud!The eventual winner - Short Legs What made the crowds day was the half time entertainment of gutsy Blayd Vernon (Wendy Auxillou’s son) getting up and showing how the young of Caye Caulker too have their own talent!! Us locals cheered him and he did us all proud!! Thank you B Boy Ultimatum – you are welcome back to Caye Caulker any time!!

Blogs

Not only am I excited about the Rich Culture of the New World Maya, but I am also excited about Belize’s Nature and Wildlife
Imagine waking up in the jungles of Belize on a beautiful 80°F day when sunlight is shortest and darkness is longest to participate in ancient festivities with the Maya to ring in the winter solstice. Here at home, the temperatures will be freezing and there will be chaos and fear from the “potential end of the world”, but in Belize, it is time to celebrate the new calendar year. There will be many life enriching activities to be experienced with the New World Maya that I am eager to participate in including watching ancient slate stone carving, making my own chocolate, learning about medicinal plants and even learning Maya massage techniques! Not only am I excited about the rich culture of the New World Maya, but I am also excited about Belize’s nature and wildlife. There are many unique species of bird to watch, butterflies galore, monkeys in the trees, iguanas running around and amazing sea life swimming along the longest reef in this hemisphere. I have never stayed at Chaa Creek, but the bungalows look amazing and I am thrilled by the idea of canoeing on the Macal River and taking horseback rides through the jungle to ancient Maya temples.

October 27, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Town Council Acquires Street Roller
The roller was put to the test before the local press and the happy school children at New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School on October 25th. The new piece of equipment came at a cost of about $35,000 which Guerrero said was financed through the general funds of the council collected from taxes. In other news from the council, the SPTC handed a new microscope, a volleyball and basketball to the students of Ambergris Caye Elementary School. According to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the donation was a part of the council’s commitment to fulfill the schools “wish list” that had been given to them earlier. Mayor Guerrero said the microscope was donated through the help of an anonymous donor while the council purchased the balls.

Goldson bust on display along Philip Goldson Highway
Sculptor Stephen Okeke today put his massive bust of the late “super patriot” Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson on display just inside the fence of his property that abuts the newly re-named Philip Goldson Highway. Okeke said that he is not giving interviews to the media but it is obvious that he was calling attention to the fact that although the work was paid for by the Government of Belize in 2008, no one has ever claimed it and no effort has been made to have it properly presented and displayed. The bronze bust itself is approximately 4 feet tall and weighs almost 600 lbs. It sits atop a 6 foot high reinforced concrete pedestal that weighs nearly a ton. Okeke began working on the Goldson bust in 2004 after he had completed a bust of the late Rt. Hon. George Price which was installed at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan at its inauguration on September 21st, 2002.

Ambergris Today

Ambergris Caye Elementary School Receives Donation from SPTC
Students of Ambergris Caye Elementary School will be enjoying fun days playing at their school’s compound as they have just received a kind donation from the San Pedro Town Council. Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero along with Mayor Daniel Guerrero handed over a small donation to Ambergris Caye Elementary School of a volleyball, basketball and a microscope (and microscope slides). Both sports balls were donated by the SPTC and the microscope was given to the school by special donor. Deputy Mayor Guerrero stated that there are more donations for all schools on the island yet to be delivered.

Town Council Acquires Compactor Roller for Street Up-keep
The San Pedro Town Council is committed to the up-keep and beautification of the island. The maintenance of the streets has become one of the biggest tasks for the Town Council that has invested thousands of dollars in hard core for the streets as well as for acquiring heavy equipment to fix the streets. On Thursday, October 25, 2012, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero showcased to the media their newly purchased compactor roller that will be used to fix and maintain the streets of San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sources

Support investigative journalism in Belize n the "rise n shine" morning program on PLUSTV
Saturday November 3, PlusTV is hosting an Appreciation Day! A telethon to raise funds to keep your favorite programmes on air: Rise & Shine, SportsZone, D-Facts, Divaz, and Rinconcito Cristiano. LIVE discussions and entertainment! Keep moving forward- Keep the hope – Make your donation. 822-2536, 802-0097, or 822-2031 Rise & Shine Belize!

USCAPITAL ENERGY BELIZE LTD. SAYS THANKS
TO ALL PARTICIPANTS AND ATTENDEES AT THE SUNDAY WOOD EIA PUBLIC CONSULTATION USCapital Energy Belize Ltd. would like to extend our thanks to the Chairmen, Alcaldes, NGO's and all Toledo communities for making the Sunday Wood EIA Public Consultation a tremendous success. We were amazed by the hundreds of people who attended to observe, learn or contribute their points of view and we are especially encouraged by the overwhelming public support for our oil exploration project! USCapital Energy Belize respects all the opinions voiced and written at the Consultation, and has taken note of the important contributions submitted by the public. We are preparing for our next phase, based on the trust extended to us by the people of Toledo and in compliance with all national and international Laws. We wish to carry on our work with our social programs in the villages, and want to emphasize our focus on our ability to communicate directly and honestly with every citizen. As we have done in the past, we will continue to make ourselves fully available not just to provide information, but to listen to and welcome your inputs. USCapital Energy Belize Ltd. - Working in collaboration with the people and communities of Toledo. THANK YOU!

US$8.2 billion in oil at Blue Creek ?
New World Oil and Gas Plc, an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on Belize and Denmark, is pleased to provide an update on drilling operations at the B Crest prospect on the Company's flagship Blue Creek Project ('Blue Creek' or 'the Project'), located in the productive Petén Basin in Northwest Belize. Drilling operations at the Blue Creek #2 well ('the Well') are continuing on schedule and under budget at an average rate of 24ft per hour. As at 1300 CST in Belize on 24 October 2012, the Well had drilled to a depth of 4,509ft, having passed through anhydrite, dolomite and limestone sequences in line with the Company's geologic prognosis. The primary objective of the Well lies at 5,700ft in the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval, 1,300ft below the current depth. The Well remains on course to reach the total depth ('TD') of 7,000ft on or before 15 November 2012 where it expects to have reached the base of the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval.

Traditional Healers Forum at the GPC
Pictures from the Traditional Healer's Forum at the George Price Centre. "The National Institute of Culture and History is truly grateful to all those who participated in making the Traditional Healers Forum a success. We are conscious of the profound importance of traditional knowledge and traditional medicine. We give special recognition to the Healers/Practitioners who have a commitment to practice, share, and preserve the knowledge of our ancestors. Their suggestions and recommendations will be included in the National Cultural Policy to be published in March of 2013. Additionally, a subsequent Healers Forum is scheduled for February 2013."

The Aguada Baby: Baby Madelyn
They had a baby at the Aguada! No, not the proprietors, some guests. "They chose to stay at The Aguada Hotel in Santa Elena Town to be close to the hospital, which is a mere 6 blocks from The Aguada Hotel. With husband, grandmother and midwife in tow, they visited the hospital only to be told that the baby wasn’t ready to make its GRAND debut—oh no, she wanted to be different from the moment she entered the world! Early this morning (October 26), the cramps started again; but this time, they were stronger and harder. Preparing to leave The Aguada to go to the hospital, Jalima realized she couldn’t even sit—the baby was already on its way! After ONLY 11 minutes of labour, Madelyn Georgiana Gold Leslie entered the world at 1:30 am and is such a beautiful little one!"

'Grease is the Word' BIWG Dance
The Belmopan International Women's Group had their 6th annual dinner dance fundraiser last night at the George Price Centre. "The group assists members by introducing them to various aspects of Belizean life. They also aim to assist welfare projects in the Belmopan and Cayo areas. Currently, their programmes include monthly food parcels for 8 families in the Cayo district. They also provide clothing for Hospitals to help new mothers and young children and recently added the Palm Center in Belmopan to their projects. The Palm Center is a home for mentally challenged persons. The group donates clothing, toiletries, games, books, magazines, DVD's, CD's as well as anything that could help them create a vegetable garden."

Sacred Heart College Fair
Sacred Heart College is having their Business Expo and Fair today. It starts at 10:00am. "October 26 & 27 Dog Show, Face Painting, Games Business Booths, Sports Food, Disco ...."

The Most Common Words used in Belize Channel 5 News Website [GRAPH]
No offence intended here, this just shows the reality of our country right now; A staggering increase in crime rate.

Tweet Map of Belize
Want to know the latest tweets that are coming from Belize, in numbers? Well, search no more, the one million tweet map, has that information for you, just a click away.

Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic Inauguration
If this does not break your heart to see this animal in pain then you are certainly not Human. These people are doing great work at Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. Always remember its against the law to own a wild animal and if you know of someone who has a wild animal in their posession in Belize, please report it. Speak for the Animals because they can't speak for themselves!

Channel 7

Thursday Double Murder Makes It Four City Killings In Three Days
There was a double murder in the city last night. Two men were killed in a shooting on Pickstock street. But, as Monica Bodden found out today - only one may have been the target - and the other may just have been in the wrong place, wrong time. Monica Bodden Reporting The double murder happened in this dockyard on North Front Street just before 11 last night. Neighbors say they heard when the gunshots rang out. The police arrived shortly after and found the body of the body of 35 year old Frank James lying on the side of the street. He had a gunshot wound to the left side of the abdomen, two to the right calf and one to the left wrist. James was pronounced dead at approximately 11:15 last night. But while police were processing the crime scene - searching for evidence in the dockyard, they discovered another murder victim's body - 43 year old Robert Young.

Family of Frank James Speaks
And in that story you didn't hear from the family of Frank James. That's because we didn't manage to catch up with his family until an hour ago. His common law wife told us that her husband was shot near his friend's home. She asked to appear off-camera: Voice of: Radiance Flowers - Common-Law Wife of Deceased "I heard the noise outside, I got up and opened the door. When I opened the door, I heard someone say that a man got shot, but I never thought it was him. I stood up by the door. The people ran out that way, and when Shaneal came this way, I heard her say that it was 'Card' they shot. And I know that he hangs out there, so I hurriedly put on some close and I left. When I got out there, a young lady met me and told me, 'Don't feel too bad, but it's your man who got shot.' I didn't believe because when I left here, another girl from around here said, 'Radiance, don't worry. It's not Franky. I went by where the police were so I was investigating. So, when I saw a next young man, and from the time he described the close that he got on, a camouflage pants, a red shirt, and a slippers, I already knew it was him." Monica Bodden "So when you got to the hospital, he was already dead?" Voice of: Radiance Flowers "He was already dead.

Cops And Robbers On City Streets Endangers Students
And there was an alarming cops and robbers chase in a busy area of the Northside today - where students were put at risk. It happened in the area of Coney and Princess Margaret Drives, spilling into West Landivar - the intersection of six schools. The entire terrifying event was triggered by a broad daylight robbery - which happened just before 2 p.m. 3 armed men barged into Moon Grocery on Coney Drive and robbed the shopkeeper of an undisclosed amount of money. 7news captured security camera footage which showed the men casually walked in without masks - and then one of them put a gun to the shopkeeper's face. The footage next shows them running from the scene. Several police officers responded and set chase after the men, detaining one of them very quickly. He was being transported in the pan of a police mobile, and the robber, in an attempt to escape, pushed the guarding officer out of the moving vehicle. This officer fell into the drain at the Corner of Coney and Princess Margaret Drives.

Why Were Guatemalan Survey Takers in Belize?
Last night we had sketchy details on a group of Guatemalans who were detained in Southern Belize. Tonight, more is known, but it is not encouraging. The group of nine came into the country legally and were granted visitors permits. But they weren't here to visit; they came instead to conduct a survey. Punta Gorda police detained them on Tuesday after police found them conducting an opinion survey - asking pointed questions about the Government and the Prime Minister. The matter was deemed to be one of national security - but police did not charge them. And so on Wednesday evening, the Immigration Department was alerted to give them an order to leave and escort to the Western border. No one we spoke to could say with certainty for what purpose they were conducting the survey. We tried to find out why the Ministry of National Security did not charge them, but no answer was forthcoming.

The Curious Case Of Khaled El Turk
Khalid Jamil El Turk - a Belizean of Lebanese origin remains in the Hattieville prison tonight pending extradition. The US Embassy today confirmed that he has beenindicted in the United States for pseudoephedrine trafficking. The Embassy reports that "he was detained on October 16 by the Belize police and arrested on October 18, with a provisional arrest warrant, under the U.S. - Belize extradition treaty." According to our reports he was arrested at the Belize-Corozal border heading to Cancun. Belize police believe that El Turk may somehow factor into this week's murder of Abdul Aziz Mohammed Dib - who was killed on Tuesday at the King Kabob Lebanese restaurant. El Turk's associates in the Belize- Lebanese community flatly deny any connection.

EIA Consultation In Toledo Gets Testy, Anarchic
The public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment for US capital Energy was held last night in Sundaywood village - and it was contentious! The venue was the village Community Center which could not handle the crowd - a crowd which included busses brought in by the Oil company. Controversy erupted when Greg Cho'q - as the first presenter - took the microphone as the spokesperson Graham Creek, Crique Sarco, Conejo and Midway. Shortly into his presentation - a part of which was Quechi, Chief Environmental Officer Martin Allegria moved to end his presentation based on a one minute time limits. Allegria was backed up by Sundaywood's Alacalde Mateo Tush who acted as the enforcer. OCEANA captured the video of what happened and we share that with you. After that exchange - it took a while for order to be restored, with a great deal of jostling for the microphone, heated hard talk, shouting and negotiating with police. The anarchy persisted for a at least ten minutes after that - and emotions were running very high.

Who Shot Scott?
Police say they have no suspects in the shooting of 23 year old Anthony Scott. As we reported, he was shot yesterday afternoon at 4:15 at the corner of Rivero and Barnett Streets. Police today confirmed that he was shot to his left shoulder and left calf. SCOTT was with two male friends in front when an unknown gunman came from the direction of Waight Street and fired several shots at the trio. According to police, The perpetrator then fled the area in the direction of the "South Side" gang's territory.

Shrimp Cleaners At Bze Aquaculture Want An Hourly Wage, Mgmt Says Piece Work
One story that we haven't covered this week is the labour dispute at Belize Aquaculture Limited. That's the Shrimp Farm near Placencia formerly owned by the Bowen and Bowen Group which is now a joint enterprise with a foreign investor. But new management, new rules - which forced 70 workers to walk off the shrimp packing line on Monday. Our friends from PLUS TV were there and they got both sides of the story: Jules Vasquez Reporting Belize Aquaculture Limited recently resumed operations after a two year shutdown. But to make the operation profitable this time around, the new management says workers have to produce on a contract basis - which means the end of hourly pay:

A Regional Approach to HIV
Since Wednesday, the regional outreach organization, PAN Caribbeans Partnerships Against HIV & AIDS (PANCAP), has been in Belize for its 2012 annual general meeting at the Biltmore Plaza hotel. PANCAP is an organization with multinational membership that has been operating since 2001 to try to get the HIV/AIDS epidemic under control in this region. Today, representatives of the organization gave the media a briefing about the topics they discussed in the AGM for the past 3 days. Here's what they told us: Volderine Hackett - Head, Strategic Information and Communication, PANCAP Coordinating Unit "PANCAP is really the regional mechanism that was established by CARICOM heads of governments to respond to the HIV/Aids epidemic in the Caribbean. PANCAP was established on February 14, 2001 because the situation in the Caribbean was bad. We were having a number of deaths etc., and so we had to have a dedicated response to the deal with the epidemic. PANCAP is really a combination of governments, UN agencies, regional institutions, civil society, and regional networks of persons living with HIV and AIDS. And they have all come together under one strategic framework to design and implement programs that would respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Credit Unions Recruiting Young Savers
Last week, the Belize Credit Union League, an organization where 12 of Belize's 13 Credit Unions are members, celebrated International Credit Union Week. As part of that celebration, the BCUL held an essay competition with the theme, the Credit Union Difference, and invited entries from high school students, where they had a chance to win as much as $1,000 in cash. It's a great recruitment tool for young savers. Today, BCUL announced the winners, and 7News got a chance to speak with them. Here's what they told us: Clement Usher - President, Belize Credit Union League "The essay competition actually goes way back. It was something that used to be done, but somehow along the way it stopped. And we decided that we would revive it this year. So Corine and Miguel took up the charge, and I think that they did an excellent job. It's a pity that we didn't get as much submissions as we would have liked, but what was important was the theme, which was "The Credit Union Difference and Members Matter Most."

How to Make Borderline Busts
Recently, when 4 kilos of Crystal Meth was intercepted at the western border - it gave some suggestion of how much illicit traffic is smuggled through formal border points. Much of that traffic is illicit drugs - destined for the United States the world's largest drug consuming state. And that insatiable demand is why the US - through its Central American Regional Security Initiative known as CARSI tried to curb supply by providing training and equipment for Belizean law enforcement. They facilitated an international border interdiction training this week. Margaret Hawthorne form the US Embassy told us how this kind of training has already paid dividends: Margaret Hawthorne - Representative, US Embassy "'You know what? One of the students in that class was just instrumental in the largest Cocaine seizure on the Northern border of Belize, a hundred and eleven Kilos. And he used his CT-30 kit to go and check a vehicle that had already passed the initial inspection. But, he took his training and he said, 'You know, something is not right.' And working with officials up on the northern border, he identified that there might be a hidden cavity in that vehicle. And they pulled it back, broke it open, and they found 110 kilos of cocaine, so, tremendous success. And just the training a few weeks ago, one of the officers involved in that was part of the team that busted the 4 kilograms of crystal-meth on the Western Highway, just a couple of weeks ago."

Channel 5

Double murder on Belize City. Is a stolen bicycle the motive?
Two Lebanese businessmen were murdered this week. And while the investigations continue into possible links, there is no mistake that Thursday night’s murder of two Belize City men are related. With four men gunned down this week, the police department is yet to make arrests in the cases. However, the brother of one of the [...]

Cop flung from truck and robbery suspects run for freedom
Statistically, most of the country’s murders take place in Belize City, particularly in the south side. But it must be noted that all four of this week’s murders took place on the north side of the city, traditionally regarded as a safe area. Now that the bubble has burst on that myth, it should come [...]

Murder acquittal over 3 years in the making
While the suspects in that robbery case await their day in court, suspects in a three year old murder case spent their final day before a judge in the Belmopan Supreme Court today. The case ended with an acquittal before it could go to the jury. Twenty-two year old Eric Hernandez and twenty-three year old [...]

Carnal knowledge case closes session of Appeals Court
The Court of Appeals heard its last case of the session today. The criminal appeal for twenty-seven year old Guatemalan national, Reymundo Reyes was heard today. Reyes was convicted on February fourth, 2011 after he was found guilty of having sex with a twelve year old child. Reyes, however, will have to wait a little [...]

SATIIM’s Greg Ch’oc removed from mic during US Capital Consultation
The southern part of the country, which is the most economically deprived does not experience the violence associated with the Belize District. However, the residents of Toledo now have a battle of their own with a corporate citizen, since discussions have faltered with US Capital Energy Limited. Consultations regarding the environmental impact assessment for oil [...]

Citrus Industry shake up; growers grow weary and prepare to protest
Trouble is brewing in the Citrus Industry. For several years there has been tension within the industry between its stakeholders. The Citrus Growers Association sent a press release saying, “Growers are advised that the citrus factory illegally opened on Wednesday…while the factory did not have a license to process fruit.” Millions of dollars are at [...]

Elderly couple not quite bankrupt as millions of assets in offshore Belize
Belize is sometimes advertised as a hideaway and a getaway. And an elderly US couple, thought it would be a great place to hide millions of dollars. The couple got into major trouble for hiding the millions in Belize because there were involved in a bankruptcy proceeding. After a year on the run, eighty-seven year [...]

Another “Martinez scammed me” land fraud case
Several Belizean Americans, living in Los Angeles, have contacted this station alleging that they have been swindled out of thousands of dollars by Edward Martinez, the brother of Minister, Anthony “Boots” Martinez. His M.O., according to the BelAms, is to use his brother’s name to convince them to pay him for properties that would be [...]

Burglars have a busy week
While the victims in that scheme no doubt feel violated, several home owners share their pain as their physical property was also treated with irreverence. The spike in burglaries continues unabated and three more incidents have been reported to police in the past two days. On Wednesday, night Police Street resident Ana Ortiz, was the [...]

Passport Office in Belize City remained closed
A number of concerns have been raised by Belize City residents since the processing of passport applications was transferred to Belmopan a few weeks ago. The move by the Immigration and Nationality Department comes in the aftermath of a recent passport scandal involving suspected members of the Islamic militant group, Hezbollah. In an attempt to [...]

Heal the World says traditional healers
Traditional healers from across the country are meeting in Belmopan. They are discussing what is called traditional knowledge, specifically traditional healing and medicine. The topic is broad; it includes songs, music, storytelling and agriculture. According to NICH, it wants to revive that form of alternative medicine which will find its way was part of a [...]

Credit Union League award some youths
Credit Unions have been present in Belize for over sixty-eight years. And with a total of thirteen credit unions countrywide, twelve are members of the Belize Credit Union League. The third week of October is celebrated as Credit Union week and this month is being celebrated under the theme, “Members Matter Most.” But additionally, 2012 [...]

24 countries join Belize in PANCAP’s mission to fight HIV/AIDS
Representatives from twenty-four countries of the Caribbean region have been in Belize since Wednesday for the twelfth Annual General Meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership. PANCAP is an alliance of governments, NGOs, private sector and civil society groups that came together in 2001 to fight HIV/AIDS. The meeting was held under the theme PANCAP; Forging [...]

National Aids Commission says time to focus on marginalized groups
While it is a regional discussion, Chairperson for the National AIDS Commission, Kathy Esquivel, says the meeting validates the work that is ongoing in Belize. Esquivel says there have been many successes, and the commission is aware that there is a need to focus resources on vulnerable groups and reaching those who may not be [...]

LOVE FM

University Students from India May Not Be Missing After All
Yesterday Police reported that three students of the University of India who were on training in Belize had gone missing. The trio, Amandeep Singh Brar, Parmindr Singh and Gurmukh Singh came to Belize on Sunday for a one week training course at the Belize Archives and Records Ser...

Two Men Murdered on Thursday Night in Belize City
Two men were shot dead on Thursday night in Belize City. The double murder occurred shortly before eleven p.m. near Zeta Ice Factory and claimed the lives of thirty five year old Frank James and forty three year old Robert Young. Police say that several shots were heard at ...

Cash Prizes Issued for Credit Union Week's Essay Competition
Last week was observed as Credit Union Week and a part of activities held was a high school essay competition. High school students were asked to write on the topic “The credit union difference’. Today the winners of the competition were announced. ...

Shots Fired In North Side of the City - Children Hid In Fear and Terror
Residents of the North Side of Belize City were left shaken this afternoon after shots rang out in the area of West Landivar. With two murders occurring recently on the once peaceful north side, it seems like no side of Belize City is being spared of the wanton violence. ...

Police Officers Get Boost In Wages
The Police Department is the extra mile to make working conditions more conducive to law enforcement authorities. Minister of National Security John Saldivar today confirmed to reporters that allowances for police officers which were frozen have now been restored, retroactive to ...

Police Seeks Assistance in Identifying Victim of Traffic Accident
Orange Walk Police are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the body of a man who knocked down and killed on the Phillip S W Goldson Highway near the Mamayal curve. Sometime around four o’clock this evening the man who was riding a bicycle was reportedly...

University Students from India Disappear in Belize
Three students of the University of India who were on training in Belize have been reported missing. According to police reports Amandeep Singh Brar, Parmindr Singh and Gurmukh Singh came to Belize on Sunday for a one week training course at the Belize Archives and Records Servic...

Police News
Twenty-two year old Eric Reynolds, of Casaurina Street charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license, was found guilty of both charges today. Reynolds was sentenced to five years for each count with the stipulation that the sentences are to run concurrently, so he will...

Thursday, October 26 ------ Guatemalan National Charged for Immigration Offences
A 61 year old Guatemalan national charged with five immigration offences was fined a total of $10,500.00 today after he pleaded guilty to the charges. He is Carlos Mauricio Rosal Perez, a businessman residing on Handyside Street. He was fined $500.00 for false representation of a Beliz...

LOVE TV

Man found guilty of firearm charges
Twenty-two year old Eric Reynolds, of Casaurina Street charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license, was found guilty of both charges today. Reynolds was sentenced to five years for each count with the stipulation that the sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only serve five years. The incident occurred on April 12, 2012. Evidence which came out at the trial revealed that Reynolds was riding a bicycle on Administration Drive and he sped off when he saw a police mobile patrol vehicle. Reynolds was pursued by the vehicle and he was apprehended. When the police searched him they found a point 38 revolver with five rounds of ammunition in its chambers in the waist of his pants. As a result, Reynolds was taken into custody along with the firearm and ammunition and charged. Reynolds testified and denied that he had the firearm and ammunition. He claimed that he rode away from the police because he had cannabis on his person. But Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith did not believe his story and she found him guilty.

Guatemalan guilty of identity theft
A 61 year old Guatemalan national charged with five immigration offences was fined a total of $10,500.00 today after he pleaded guilty to the charges. He is Carlos Mauricio Rosal Perez, a businessman residing on Handyside Street. He was fined $500.00 for false representation of a Belizean passport that was in the name of Naim Matar, a Belizean who resides in Chicago, U.S.A. He was fined $3,000.00 for using a document he is not entitled to use $5,000.00. For using a passport he is not entitled to use, $1,000.00 for using a birth certificate he is not entitled to use and $1,000.00 for using a border permit he is not entitled to use. Magistrate Dale Cayetano ordered him to pay the fines forthwith. If he defaults on payment he will serve two years because the sentences which amount to seven years are to run concurrently. Immigration Officers got on to Perez when he went to the Immigration Department in Belize City yesterday to renew the passport in the name of Naim Matar. His application was referred to the investigation department and it was found that there were some discrepancies in the information in his declaration. As a result, it was discovered that the real Niam Matar was residing in Chicago and that he had two brothers and a sister. When Perez did not return to receive the passport from the immigration Department the northern border was alerted and Perez was apprehended at the Northern border in a black Mitsubishi Montero.

Shooting on Rivero Street, one man injured
A man was shot this evening in Belize City. The incident happened shortly before five this evening on Rivero Street and the victim is twenty-three year old Anthony Scott, a resident of the same street. Love News understands that Scott was walking on Rivero Street when as he reached in front of a green cement house, someone rode past and fired several shots at him. We understand that he was hit in the ribcage and foot and that he is currently receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Emergency ward. When we arrived there, police personnel were processing the scene. A resident told us that she was heading out to the store when she heard three shots and a man speeding off on a bicycle. One of the bullets hit this cement fence and left an impression. Police are looking for a suspect.

Audit finds butane gas and money missing
Police in Corozal are investigating what appears to be a huge case of theft from Belize Western Energy Limited. An audit of the butane gas company’s operations nationwide conducted last month, found that over five thousand gallons of liquid petroleum gas, also known as butane was unaccounted for from the BWEL plant in Ranchito village in the Corozal district. The amount of the unaccounted for butane gas is estimated at twenty seven thousand, nine hundred and seventy six dollars. Furthermore, the audit showed that a reconciliation of sales and deposits for the months of August and September found that twenty four thousand, five hundred and ninety eight dollars and ninety six cents was also unaccounted for. The case is now a criminal matter under investigation by the police.

Exchange students disappear in Belmopan
Three students of the University of India who were on training in Belize have been reported missing. According to police reports Amandeep Singh Brar, Parmindr Singh and Gurmukh Singh came to Belize on Sunday for a one week training course at the Belize Archives and Records Service. The students checked into the Bull Frog Inn in Belmopan; but when an employee of the Archives Department went to pick them up on Wednesday morning, the hotel staff had no recollection of the three visiting students either entering or leaving their room. After getting permission from the hotel’s management, the room where the students were checked in was searched and only their suitcases were found. Police are investigating this strange incident.

Science and Technology competition come to Belize
The Caribbean Science Foundation has teamed up with Sagicor and the Caribbean Examinations Council to hold sensitization workshops throughout the region on Sagicor’s Visionary Challenge for high school students that live in the Caribbean. The idea behind the workshops is encourage competing students to come up with ideas to make their school or community more sustainable, using science, technology, engineering or math. Leading the charge for the Caribbean Science Foundation is Maya Trotz, and she says in this annual competition, anything goes. Meanwhile the Caribbean Science Foundation also has a program called SPISE, a student program for integration in science and engineering and it’s a summer program held this year in Belize. In the recent program, Belize Telemedia sponsored a student. Ten students from six countries took part in the program, but the plan is to double that number for next year.

Police investigating murders of Lebanese businessmen
Police in Belize City is appealing for the public’s assistance in their investigation of the murders of businessmen Abdul Aziz Mohamed and Alfred Shakron. The two men of Lebanese extraction were shot and killed within twenty four hours and the police have gone on record as describing the two homicides as, quote, “hit-style murders,” end of quote. The Ministry of National Security in a statement to the media on Wednesday said that the killing of Aziz and Shakron is a marked departure from the overall mood in the streets with respect to gang-related violence. Minister Saldivar expanded on this train of thought. Officer in Charge of Eastern Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon Junior told reporters that investigators are pursuing all leads in order to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further possible reprisals that may endanger the general public. ACP Aragon says the police will continue to investigate, not only the two recent murders, but also other crimes, which he described as opportunistic crimes. Anyone with information that could assist the police in arresting the person or persons responsible for the murders of Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Alfred Shakron is asked to contact the nearest police station, the 911 hotline or Crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-8477.

PlusTV

Double murder in the old capital
A double night murder reported in the old capital. Last night sometime after 10pm police responded to reports of gu...

Hostile take-over of Citrus Industry at Boiling Point! Part 2
Plus news has been reporting on the crisis within the citrus industry. Today, we continue our coverage of that stor...

CARSI conducts International Border Interdiction Training
An International Border Interdiction Training was conducted today at the Belmopan Police Training Academy. The sess...

Hostile take-over of Citrus Industry at Boiling Point!
When it comes to Belize's industries, all eyes have been on the sugar industry up north in recent months with the n...

CRIB presents diverse cultural entertainment
CRIB, executive Director, Manuel Lizarraga dropped by our office, this week to remind us about the end of month cul...

New Testament recorded in Belize Kriol
Audio recordings of the completed New Testament in Belize Kriol Language are now recording in Belize. The audio pro...

Three men detained after armed robbery of store
Police have detained three men following an armed robbery of a grocery store. This afternoon at approximately 1:50 ...

Three thieves invade a Belize City home
Three thieves invade a Belize City home. ANA ORTIZ of Police Street, reported that on Wednesday around 7:35pm, she ...

Electronic items and jewllery stolen from Santa Elena residence
Electonic items and jewllery were stolen from a house in Santa Elena. Sha Sha Ismeni Aguilar, a resident of the Hil...

Over ten thousand dollars stolen from house
Police are looking for a suspect after over ten thousand dollars is stolen. 60 year old Skip Billings, an American ...

73 years-old man missing A 73 years-old man is missing. MS. CANDICE CAROL TATE of Chula Vista Area, Corozal Town, reported that on either Tu...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

First Live Breakdance Competition!!
Saturday the 27th, 3pm at the Caye Caulker Main Basketball Courts

Amandala

$10,000 FOR ATTEMPTING TO SMUGGLE WEED INTO PRISON
Former prison officer Amir Reyes, 28, a resident of Orange Walk Town charged with drug trafficking for attempting to smuggle 324 grams of cannabis into Belize Central Prison in a food container, was found guilty of the charge today in the #1 Magistrate’s Court. The Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, fined him $10,000 and ordered him to pay $5,000 forthwith and the balance by June 30, 2013. If he defaults on payment, he will serve 3 years in prison. The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. on May 7, 2012. Prison officer Derol Dougal testified that when Reyes arrived at the prison to work he had a black transport bag and he was dressed in his uniform. Dougal said he searched Reyes, but he did not find anything incriminating. But when he searched the transport bag, Dougal said, he found a cream-colored food container with a red cover and when he opened the container, he saw ground meat with rice and beans. Dougal said he requested a spoon and when he used it to dig to the bottom of the food, he found two black plastic bags that contained compressed leafy substances which he suspected was cannabis. As a result, Dougal made a telephone call to Hattieville Police Sub-station and informed police constable Mark Pascascio of his finding. Pascascio testified that when he arrived at the prison, Dougal handed Reyes over to him, along with the bag and the food container and its contents. Pascascio said he took Reyes and the cannabis to Hattieville Police Sub-station and he weighed the parcels of cannabis separately.

DEATH WAITED ON CONEY DRIVE
Barely 21 hours after a Lebanese man, Abdul Aziz Dib, 40, a car dealer who lives in the US but resides in the Coney Drive area when in Belize, was murdered — shot six times in the head and chest at close range by a lone masked gunman at approximately 12:30 p.m. in a restaurant — another Lebanese man has been executed. The owner of JEC Jewelry and Pawnshop on Youth for the Future Drive, and Mega Bingo, Alfred Shackron of a West Landivar address, died on the spot when an unknown gunman shot him multiple times in front of Body 2000 Gym on Coney Drive at about 9:30 this morning. Shackron was walking to his vehicle after coming from the gym. The gunman fired about four shots at him at close range, killing him almost instantly. One of the bullets went into his throat and came out behind his head. A witness told Amandala that Shackron had just come out of the gym. His vehicle was parked across the road from the gym. As he stepped onto the pavement after descending the gym’s stairs, a black car came speeding down Coney Drive from the direction of Princess Margaret Drive, towards the Canaan High School. The car stopped in front of Shackron, and an unknown person out of the car fired four shots at him, and when he fell, the car continued down Coney Drive. Police reports said that Shackron was hit in the neck, chest and left side, which caused the fatal wounds. Police have since recovered two expended 9mm shells from the scene, as well as one .22mm shell. In a press release on Wednesday, police said that they believe that the attack on Shackron was not a random act of violence, nor was it gang-related, and that the murder has all appearances of being an organized hit, “having to do with a business [deal] that went sour.”

LEBANESE AMERICAN EXECUTED IN FARMERS MARKET RESTAURANT
The gunman walked into the restaurant, shot his victim multiple times, and walked out A Lebanese man who resides in the United States was executed this morning in a Lebanese restaurant, King Kabab Restaurant, in the Farmers Market compound near the BelCan Bridge, in a building that was once the Spice Depot. Abdul Aziz Dib, 40, a car dealer who resides in the Coney Drive area when in Belize, was shot six times in his head and chest at close range by a lone masked gunman who went into the restaurant at approximately 12:30 p.m. A witness and a friend who were with Aziz Dib told reporters that they and ten other Lebanese were eating and socializing in the restaurant when the gunman entered the restaurant through the open main door, facing the BelCan area, and approached Aziz. The gunman then shot Aziz six times, hitting him in the head, chest and face. After Aziz fell, the gunman slid the gun under the waist of his pants and strolled out of the restaurant as if nothing had happened. He got on his bicycle and rode off towards the Freetown Road exit of the Farmers Market. The witness said that only Aziz was shot, and that Aziz reportedly had come to Belize just to deliver a vehicle, and was to return to the States. He said that there was no planned meeting at the restaurant with Aziz, that they were all friends and that they usually go to the restaurant to eat and socialize.

THREE STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITY OF INDIA MISSING
The students are here on a 1-week training, but disappeared on Wednesday Three students from the University of India, Amandeep Singh Brar, Parminder Singh and Gurmukh Singh, mysteriously disappeared from their hotel room in Belmopan, the Bullfrog Inn. They were last seen around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday after they were dropped off at their hotel. Herman Byrd, director of the Archives Services, told police that the students came to Belize for a one-week training course at the Archives and Records Services in Belmopan. Byrd said that the students were picked up at the Philip Goldson International Airport around 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 21. They were taken to Belmopan, where they were checked into the hotel. They were picked up on Monday and Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and taken to the Archive Department, and returned to their hotel around 4:30 p.m. on both days, but on Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m., they could not be found. The hotel attendant told police that they did not come to their rooms.

American, 30, stabbed in his home by so-called friends
An American visiting San Pedro is lucky to be alive after he was stabbed and almost killed by three men who had been socializing with him at his apartment in the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro. Police said that Shawn Patrick Danielly, 30, a film director, was in his apartment around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, October 21, when three men known to him entered the house to rob him. He struggled with them, and one of the thieves stabbed him with a knife in the lower left side of the abdomen. Police, who were called by the neighbors, entered Danielly’s apartment, where they found him lying on the floor bleeding from the wound. They took him to the clinic, after which he was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was stabilized. He has since been released from the hospital. Police said that the men were drinking with Danielly earlier that Saturday night and returned to Danielly’s apartment early Sunday morning to rob him. They gained entry through a back window that they broke, believing that he was asleep. The noise of the breaking window alerted Danielly, who came out of his room to see what was happening. He then saw the three men who were socializing with him earlier in his apartment. He told police that they were stealing his laptop computer, an IPod and his cell phone. He said that they attacked him when they realized that he had caught them, and one of them took out a knife and stabbed him. Police captured the three men in San Pedro and took them to the city, where an identification parade was conducted, and the men were identified by the victim.

Guatemalan, 61, pleads guilty to passport and document fraud
He had a Belizean passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, voter’s identification card, temporary border permit, and social security card, all in the name of a Belizean living in Chicago. Carlos Mauricio Rossal Perez, 61, a Guatemalan businessman living at #11 Handyside Street here in the city, was today taken to the Magistrate’s Court by immigration officers, where a slew of charges were read against him. Perez was charged with false representation, using a document to which he wasn’t entitled, using a passport to which he wasn’t entitled, using a certificate to which he wasn’t entitled, and using a border permit to which he wasn’t entitled. According to the immigration officer Carlos Amaya, Perez visited the immigration offices here in Belize City, in an effort to renew his passport. That passport, bearing PP#P0069610, was issued on October 19, 2007, and expired on October 19, 2012. However, the passport was not in Carlos Perez’s name; it was in Naim Matar’s name.

FFB MAKES FIRST SELECTION OF NATIONAL “A” TEAM PLAYER
The following is the first selection of National “A” Team players called to camp commencing on October 30 through November 29, 2012. Please note that during this process players will be eliminated as the selection process continues. Goalkeepers: Woodrow West – Belmopan Bandits; Keith Allen – Police United; Calvil Richards – Santa Cruz, Orange Walk. Defenders: Dellon Torres – Placencia Assassins; Evral Trapp – Verdes; Luis Torres – Placencia Assassins; Tyrone Pandy – Belize Defence Force; San Mendez – Verdes; Cristobal Gilharry – F.C. Belize; Ian Gaynair – Belmopan Bandits; Kishane Pech – Police United; Andres Makin, Jr. – Police United; Trevor Lennon – Police United; Dalton Eiley, Jr. – Placencia Assassins.

ALMOST OLYMPIAN DONALD BOWEN VISITS HOME, SAYS THANKS
On his first trip back to the Jewel, after leaving in 1988, Donald Bowen visited the Zinc Fence this morning and gave us a brief flash-back on his involvement in athletics in Belize back then. According to Donald, he was the captain of a running team called “Front Runners,” and he had qualified to attend the 1988 Olympics to participate in the half- marathon along with Louis Haulze and other Belizean runners, but instead he seized an opportunity to meet his father and left for the U.S. on October 2. Even before leaving though, Donald says he helped to form a new running team, named “No Hope In Dope,” which was subsequently headed by Louis Haulze, who still runs as a veteran in marathon races held by the Amateur Athletics Association. A building contractor by profession, who had built many houses in Belize City before moving to the States, Donald said he taught for 17 years in Chicago, after which he moved to Iowa, where he is now employed in a company that manufactures refrigerators. Donald arrived in Belize last Tuesday, October 16, to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. Rosita Armstrong, which took place on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church. He says he would like to sincerely thank all those who attended the funeral or expressed their sympathy to himself and the rest of his family.

EDITORIAL: A SERIOUS AND DELICATE BUSINESS
This newspaper is not opposed, in principle, to the concept of compensation. Neither do we believe the people of Belize are so opposed. This is, in fact, an old legal concept which most often comes into play in cases of manslaughter by negligence. But, when the Belize government decided on some “compassionate compensation” for the family of a Guatemalan intruder who had been shot dead recently by a BDF soldier, they did not appreciate how serious and delicate an issue the Guatemalan claim is, and how troubled the Belizean people are by repeated, increasing Guatemalan incursions into our territory for fishing, xate-gathering, logging, gold panning, and other purposes. The case of Steven Buckley, moreover, had been sticking in the throats of many Belizeans. A husband, father and hard-working tradesman, he had been shot in the face by a senior police officer who had been drinking. If any case was crying out for compensation, that was it. But, years had gone by and the matter of Mr. Buckley appeared consigned to the dustbin of local history. In a matter of days, a trespasser Guatemalan was receiving compensation for his family. The Belize government was throwing gasoline on fire. As the immediate grumbling began building into anger, then outrage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the person of Chief Executive Officer, Alexis Rosado, tried to distract the Belizean people with a story that this compensation money, or some of it, would be coming out of a fund controlled by the Organization of American States (OAS). As we understand from Channel 7, Rosado had explicitly referred to the OAS fund in a government propaganda show on television. The OAS lie, however, established no real traction. Last weekend’s press conference by the Belize Coalition for Justice (BCJ), a national coming together of many organizations, a press conference which screamed condemnation of Belmopan’s “compensation” package, took center stage.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
Word was received here this morning of the kidnapping and shooting death of Belizean-born Gerald Cattouse in Guatemala City. Gerald Cattouse, eldest son of the late Hon. Albert Cattouse and Mrs. Cattouse, had lived in Guatemala for the last thirty years and owned a very lucrative tourist business – Jerry’s Tours – which catered mostly to Americans. His business reportedly had branches in many towns and Cattouse was a wealthy man. He disappeared on Friday night after work, and it was on Saturday that one of his former secretaries picked out and identified his face from among 70 bodies at the Guatemala City morgue awaiting burial. There were 9 bullets in his body. Almost suddenly, we Belizeans are entering a phase of our political history which looks as if it will be stormy. By comparison with larger, traditionally more violent societies, our Belizean storms have not caused many casualties. But, our storms have been dramatic, even traumatic. When the upheavals connected with Bethuel Webster’s Seventeen Proposals took place in Belize in early 1968, I was in the last couple months of my university degree studies in a place called Hanover, New Hampshire in the United States. I really wanted to come back home then, but I was sensible enough to suspect that the power structure in Belize might put me in the insane asylum if I did that. So, I held on and graduated in June of ’68.

LETTERS: THE EASTWARD DRIFT BY Guatemala
Major Lloyd Jones writes Hon. Wilfred Elrington on Guatemala: He advises “containment,” not “appeasement”. Dear Hon. Minister, I write to express my concern (as a citizen of Belize) regarding what appears to be a relentless eastward drift by Guatemala into Belizean territory. The recent shooting of Francisco Quinn Yat, though regrettable, is a reminder of the abject failure of Guatemala to dissuade its citizens from encroaching into our territory. I bring to your kind attention Clause 9 (f) of the Confidence Building Measures, which places an explicit obligation on Guatemala to do its part to ensure that its citizens do not establish settlements in our territory. Though one may be inclined to argue that there are no Guatemalan settlements in our territory, it is impossible to establish settlements without illegal incursions. The current situation, in my view, if left unchecked, will lead to such illegal settlements and therefore we must be proactive. It is my humble view that Guatemala has employed a policy of coercive diplomacy in relation to Belize, and that policy is bolstered by a strategy that actively supports the silent invasion of Belize through incursions and naturalization. If this strategy is not countered effectively, Belize runs the risk of harm from within.

IDEAS AND OPINIONS – MARIJUANA – ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
Bad laws Any law that nobody respects, because it is ridiculous, and the general population knows this, is a useless law, which probably does more harm than good. Let me give you an example: There is an old road sign on the approach to Belize City, on the middle “island” dividing the road entering and leaving the city. It reads – “Trucks & buses, 15 mph; all other vehicles 25 mph.” It is so ridiculous in this day and age that nobody, absolutely nobody, neither police nor preacher nor politician, pays any mind to that sign. As a result, traffic has often been far too fast, and there have even been fatalities. An idiot would say, then we need to enforce the law. Such a trend of thought is not what makes for human progress. Such is the idiocy of those who insist that marijuana should remain illegal, and the law just needs to be enforced. There is a very good reason why bad laws need to be changed. “Common law” reflects the customs and accepted behavior of a people; when, with changing times, it no longer does, then the law needs to be changed. Bad laws make lawbreakers out of otherwise good people, who would much prefer to be completely law-abiding. What we have right now is a whole nation of lawbreakers, every day that we drive on the Northern Highway into and out of Belize City. Since we are all lawbreakers, some feel the urge to go extremely fast, recklessly so, and dangerously so, knowing that they are “in the same boat” with the preacher, the policeman and the politician – lawbreakers all. But if the bad traffic law was changed, and the speed limit was set more realistically, and achievably, at, say “Trucks & buses 30 mph, all other vehicles 40 mph” in that area, it is reasonable to expect that drivers would all pay more attention to their speedometer, and try to stay within the law. In other words, increasing the speed limit would not necessarily lead to an increase of speed on that stretch of highway: it would more likely reduce it. For sure, it would make the law-abiders suddenly become the vast majority, and those who break the law for speeding would be more exposed to criticism and, perhaps, prosecution. Presently, we’re all breaking the speed limit daily, and nobody is being ticketed or prosecuted.

TABLE TENNIS – 2012 BROTHERS HABET TEAM LEAGUE, UPDATED RESULTS AND STANDINGS
The brothers HABET TEAM LEAGUE continued this past Saturday, October 20, with more exciting table tennis at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium. Games were played in both 1st & 2nd Divisions, starting at around 2:00 p.m. In the 1st Division, Welders crushed CUZ, 5-1. And in the 2nd Division, Tallawah blanked SJC Lightspeed, 5-0; Ping Pang shut out SJC Strikers, 5-0; Garage dropped SJC Snipers, 5-1; Bismark clipped BDF Spin Kings, 5-4; SJC Young Warriors turned back Turds, 5-4; Ping Pang whipped Garage, 5-1; and Turds stopped SJC Strikers, 5-3. Games continue this coming Sunday, October 28, with another packed schedule. Three sets of matches will take place. 9:00 a.m. – Tallawah vs SJC Snipers; BDF Spin Kings vs SJC Strikers; SJC Young Warriors vs SJC Lightspeed; Racqueteer 2nd Div vs Ping Pang; Team Phoenix vs Garage 2nd Div; Turds vs Bismark.

DUNKELD CONTINUES TO SEEK FOREIGN ARBITRATION OVER BTL
Dunkeld Investments Limited, a UK company affiliated with British billionaire Michael Ashcroft, appeared against the Government of Belize in the Court of Appeal this morning, in an attempt to challenge the injunction placed on the company by Justice Samuel Awich, restraining it from pursuing foreign arbitration over the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The hearing scheduled to span two hours this morning could not proceed, because the panel of judges, led by Justice Manuel Sosa, ruled that submissions should be made in writing, after Senior Counsel Denys Barrow bitterly complained that Dunkeld attorney, Nigel Pleming, QC, an English barrister hired to defend Dunkeld, served him documents, including a 77-page written submission, a mere two days before today’s hearing. “Give me the opportunity to put in my 77 pages,” Barrow told the court. Barrow said that whereas the document was served to him with 50 cases and extracts of authority only a few days in advance of the scheduled hearing, court rules requires that skeleton arguments—which should not be longwinded submissions—should be served 14 days before the date set for the sitting of the Court of Appeal. This year, the session opened on October 8, 2012. “My protest was that was unfair, it was unjust; it did not give the government time to prepare for its own case,” Barrow told the media, adding that he could not even do a half-prepared job under the circumstances.

DEAN BOYCE OFF THE HOOK International
Court of Appeal to decide whether BTL can proceed to pay dividends on Dec. 14, 2012 Trustee of the BTL Employees Trust, Dean Boyce, was this afternoon relieved of having to face cross-examination for affidavit evidence sworn before the Court of Appeal, in which he expressed deep concern that the Government of Belize would be hard-pressed to pay compensation to the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) because of current financial challenges evidenced by its inability to meet full payment of the $544 million super bond. Recently, the appellant won a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which stayed the hands of BTL’s board from paying any dividends for this year until December 14, 2012. However, they have now gone to the Court of Appeal, which has heard the legal challenge to the nationalization of BTL, seeking to extend that injunction to completely bar any payment of dividends until the matter is satisfactorily resolved by the court. Denys Barrow, SC, counsel for the Attorney General’s Ministry and the Ministry of Public Utilities, took issue with Boyce’s assertions on government’s financial position and asked the court to permit his cross-examination. That should have occurred this afternoon in the Court of Appeal, but Barrow agreed to withdraw his motion after Boyce’s attorney, Godfrey Smith, SC, made it clear that Boyce really had nothing more to add – that whatever assertions he had made in his affidavit had been backed up by exhibits to his statement, including documents published by the Government of Belize.

OAS SECRETARY-GENERAL DISCUSSES BELIZE-GUATEMALA ISSUES
José Miguel Insulza, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), was in Belize today, where he met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington, National Security Minister John Saldivar and Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca. He held a short press briefing at the VIP Lounge of the Philip Goldson International Airport just before his departure this evening. Insulza said he felt that “since we had a meeting yesterday in Guatemala to examine the progress of our work, to examine the resolution of the bilateral issue between Guatemala and Belize, it would be proper that I came to Belize, even though for a few hours, to report to the Prime Minister, to talk to the authorities, to make sure that everybody is well informed.” In Guatemala yesterday, Foreign Affairs delegations from Belize and Guatemala met along with the OAS Secretary-General and diplomats who have missions there, as they made a pitch for funds from the international community to help finance the process leading up to October 2013—when voters in Belize and Guatemala are expected to register their position on whether they want the territorial differendum to be settled at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

KARL HEUSNER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NOW OFFERING HEART SURGERY
Two patients of the jewel are now benefiting from open heart surgery, being performed by a team of doctors from different countries, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), which is now able to offer this type of advanced cardiac care procedure through international collaboration. Belizeans suffering from heart diseases or heart-related problems no longer necessarily have to travel to foreign countries to undergo the lengthy and expensive procedure, which is now being performed locally and meets international standards. Through an outstanding cardiograph program at the KHMH, heart diseases and problems are investigated to identify those needing the open heart operation or other corrective procedures. Doctor Adrian Coye, Director of Medical Services and also the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the KHMH, said that the open heart surgery is being performed at the KHMH at international standards, and it is being performed by doctors who are experts in their field. He said that it is a team effort, and there are many components. This is the second open heart operation that is being performed at KHMH. The first was performed last year and it was successful — the two patients who received the procedures are living normal lives. This second round of open heart surgeries is also expected to go well, and the two patients will also live normal lives, said Coye. The program will benefit Belizeans substantially, Coye said. Belizeans with heart problems who come to the hospital and are diagnosed after the investigation, will save money by not having to go overseas; the procedures required will be done here, and will be cheaper, but at the same standard as procedures done internationally. A Belizean requiring open heart surgery would otherwise have had to pay the cost of travel, in addition to an average cost of around $100,000 for the procedure; in contrast, the procedure can now be done at home in Belize for an estimated $5,000 USD.

The Reporter

Indian “students” pull disappearing act
Belmopan police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of three students from the University of India who came to Belize purportedly to undertake a one-week training course at the Belize Archives and Records Service in Belmopan. Amandeep Singh Brar, Parminder Singh and Gurmukh Singh arrived in Belize on Sunday, October 21. Herman Byrd, the director of Belize Archives and Record Service, told Police he picked them up at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport around 3:45 Sunday afternoon. The three students checked into the Bullfrog Hotel in Belmopan and showed up at the Archives Department at 9:30 on Tuesday morning, October 23. At 4:30pm, Lizet Thompson of the Archives Department accompanied them back to their hotel.

Guat imposter jailed for Belizean passport
A Guatemalan man, who claimed to be Belizean using stolen documents was arraigned in the Belize City magistrate’s court on criminal charges on Thursday, October 25 and sent to jail for two years. Carlos Mauricio Rossal Perez, 61, somehow managed to get possession of a Belizean passport, birth certificate, social security card, voter identification, border permit and driver’s license all belonging to Naim Matar. Immigration officials say they became aware of the identity fraud on October 1, 2012, when Perez, claiming to be Matar, visited the Immigration Office in Belize City to renew Matar’s passport. He paid the fee of $50.00 for the renewal, and on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, Perez returned to retrieve the new passport. During the waiting period his application form, which aroused suspicion, was scrutinized and Perez was asked to return at 3:00 p.m., that same day. Scrutinizers used the extra time to check with the department of Vital Statistics and learned that Naim Matar had two brothers and one sister. Perez had assured immigration officials that he was an only child.

2 Lebanese businessmen executed within 24 hours
The execution-style deaths of two Lebanese businessmen this week may be related, police say. Police investigators say they will look into the possible connection between the murders of car dealer Abdul Aziz Mohamed Dib, 40, and Alfredo Shackron, 51, owner-operator of Mega Bingo and JEC. They were killed on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, within 20 hours of one another. The police are yet to report any motive for the put-down, but the Ministry of National Security was quick to issue a press release to assure Belize City residents that the murders “do not reflect the overall mood in the city’s streets with respect to gang-related violence.” The release also calls on the public to assist the police in bringing these killers to justice. Shackron was killed as he left the Body 2000 Gym on Coney Drive. He was about to enter his Toyota Sequoia parked in front of the gym around 9:40 am, when a black SUV without license plates pulled up Two of the occupants got out and tried to muscle Shackron into their SUV. There was a struggle as Shackron resisted, and when he cried out for help, the men shot him to the neck, his chest and left torso.

Problems at Northern Regional Hospital Patient loses womb and ovary during delivery
Alicia Pott, a 31-year old housewife who went to the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town to deliver her baby on Tuesday, October 2, was able to save her baby, but came out of a cesarian surgery missing her womb. She told The Reporter she almost lost her life, after doctors at Northern Regional botched a routine Caesarean delivery and reportedly lied to her about the surgical procedure. Pott told The Reporter that she experienced heavy bleeding during the cesarian procedure and the attending physicians allegedly removed her womb and took out one of her ovaries without telling her about it. “I went to a private doctor. He did an ultra-sound and found out that I did not have one of my ovaries and that I still had infection. He treated me for three days,” she said. In a letter to her Orange Walk East Area Representative, Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez, she explained that she had developed diabetes and high blood pressure. “I went into labour around 9 in the morning of October 2 after as my water bag burst, but I had to suffer until 1:00 p.m. when I was at last admitted into the surgical theatre for what the doctors described as an ‘emergency caesarean section.’

New judge on Supreme Court bench
A new Justice of the Supreme Court took the oath of office in a swearing-in ceremony before Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, inside his courtroom on Monday, October 22.

Keon “Baba” Francis killed on C. American Boulevard
Belize City Police have detained a 23-year-old man for the death of Keon “Baba” Francis Johnson, 21, on Monday. Francis, an associate of the Gill Street Gang, of Jane Usher Boulevard, was killed around 5:20 P.M. in what appears to be gang-related shooting, as he walked along Central American Boulevard on Saturday, October 19.

Rhett Fuller appeals Minister’s extradition order
Two diplomatic cables that were posted on the Wikileaks website led to a another appeal in businessman Rhett Fuller’s protracted anti-extradition case. Last Friday, Fuller’s attorney, Eamon Courtenay, asked the court for an injunction to stay Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General Hon. Wilfred Elrington’s December 2011 order to extradite his client to the United States, because the cables reveal that the Elrington had discussed the case with representatives of the U.S. government. Courtenay said the fact that they were discussing the matter, while it was before the minister and later before Supreme Court Justice Samuel Awich, was prejudicial to his client. The appeal justices, however, refused the request. Courtenay, however, returned to court on Monday with another series of submissions, including a rebuttal to Elrington and Justice Awich’s ruling that was based on a judgement from the Privy Council.

US considers giving more Caribbean states CBERA status
Several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries could benefit as the United States considers whether to designate them eligible to receive benefits under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA). The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, DC, said it is requesting comments no later than November 9 on the possible extension of trade preferences under CBERA, as amended by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) to countries not currently receiving them. The CBTPA is currently authorised through September 30, 2020, and the USTR said that it is considering whether to designate Curacao, St Maarten, and the Turks and Caicos Islands as eligible to receive benefits under CBERA/CBTPA. USTR said that Congress had identified the Turks and Caicos as potentially eligible for benefits in 1983 but the country did not request beneficiary status until July 2012. Separately, as a result of the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010, Curacao and St Maarten became successor political entities and have therefore requested the receipt of CBERA and CBTPA benefits.

Is dirt good for kids?
It’s the basic nature of young children to touch the very things in their environment that their parents find most disgusting. Just try to keep your 1-year-old from sticking the dog’s bone in her mouth! Epidemic-scale flu seasons have health authorities imploring regular hand washing, and with talk of sanitizer gel like it was liquid gold, it’s tough not to worry about what your children are getting into and the ultimate impact it will have on their health.

Most women need paps every 3-5 years
Most women can wait three to five years between checks for cervical cancer, depending on their age and test choice, say guidelines issued Monday. Many medical groups have long recommended a Pap test every three years for most women. The new advice from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that’s true for women ages 21 to 29 whose Paps show no sign of trouble. But for healthy women ages 30 to 65, the preferred check is a Pap plus a test for the cancer-causing HPV virus, the group concluded. If both show everything’s fine, they can wait five years for further screening. The guidelines from the nation’s largest OB-GYN organization agree with advice issued earlier this year by a government panel, the American Cancer Society and other medical groups — showing growing consensus that it’s safe for the right women to wait longer between Paps. Cervical cancer grows so slowly that regular Pap smears, which examine cells scraped from the cervix, can find signs early enough to treat before a tumor even forms.

Team Belize wins 1st annual Taiwan National Day Double-10 basketball tournament
Team Belize won the first annual Taiwan Double-10 National Day Basketball Tournament held at Belize Elementary School auditorium in Belize City on Sunday, October 21. The tournament was organized as part of the Belize-Taiwanese community activities celebrating Taiwan’s national day on October 10. Team Belize triumphed 45-35 over the Chinese team in the finals. Devon Defour led Team Belize with 12 pts while Clive Reyes and Keron Reyes each added six points, Keron ramming home a monster dunk and the Belize boys were up 31-14 at intermission.

St Ignatius girls & boys win in primary schools football
The girls and boys of St Ignatius RC Primary School enjoyed victories when the Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition continued at the M.C.C. Grounds on Friday, October 19. Christy Francisco scored the winning goal as she led the St. Ignatius girls to a 1-0 win over the girls of Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School. The St. Ignatius boys also enjoyed a 1-0 victory over Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School when Michael Sarmiento got away from the Buttonwood defense in the second half for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He won, scoring the winning goal in the second half. The boys of St. John Vianney School enjoyed their second victory 3-0 over the boys of Wesley Upper School, who had held them to a 0- 0 draw up to intermission. In the second half, Akeem Sutherland scored a goal and Orlando Velasquez added a second. He also converted a penalty kick for the 3-0 win.

Guatemalan NGO proposes joint effort to protect southern forest
The Guatemalan based National Commission of Protected Areas (CONAP) has proposed the formation of a joint force commission with Belize’s Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD) to manage the Chiqiubul Maya Mountains. FCD, CONAP and several other Guatemalan-based organizations that a have vested interest in the area met on Thursday, October 18. Director of the FCD, Rafael Manzanero, explained that the invitation was extended by Guatemala to collaboratively manage the area because the countries share the Chiquibul Maya Mountains. CONAP, which has in its five-year management plan provisions that such a commission be formed, met with the FCD to begin to draft the frame work of how the commission would operate. Manzanero describes the meeting as productive, stating that Guatemala shares the aspiration with Belize to protect the environment. They agreed to extend full cooperation with Belize to work in unison to achieve this goal, he said. CONAP will meet with other institutions in Guatemala on this matter, after which both FCD and CONAP will meet again on Friday, November 26, to determine what to do next.

No compensation from OAS for family of Guatemalan farmer, Sec. Gen says.
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, has categorically said that the OAS will NOT compensate the family of Guatemalan farmer, Francisco Quinn Yat, who was killed during a confrontation with elements of the Belize Defense Force last month on the Belizean side of the border. The revelation came on Tuesday afternoon in the VIP Lounge at the PSW Goldson International Airport before Insulza departed for Washington, D.C. He had been in meetings with Belizean and Guatemalan delegates in Guatemala to finalize the discussions to take the age-old claim to the International Court of Justice. Insulza, who was responding to a question from reporters, said that “We have never paid compensation for Belize, Guatemala, or any country. I don’t know where you got that idea. We have a Peace Fund, but it’s not for that. If some government is trying to compensate that’s a matter for that government, but the OAS does not do that…we don’t have a budget for any kind of compensations. Where do you get these things? I am certainly saying this is not true, definitely not true.” This position by the OAS is in sharp contrast to public comments made only last week Thursday by Belize’s Foreign Affairs CEO, Alexis Rosado, who said that “…the OAS is offering to do something that is tangible that can assist the family and other countries are willing to assist in the contribution to the peace fund. It’s not a case that Belize is going to [offer] the family of this person. We are contributing to the OAS and the OAS will do as it sees fit to determine how they will help the family.”

Belize’s population is aging, with consequences – 2012 UNFPA report
Improvements in healthcare has increased Belize’s life expectancy rate and presently 7.1% of the Belizean population is 60 years or older. Ten years ago, half of Belize’s population was 15 years old or younger, but those teenagers have aged, reducing that percentage to 34%. These are the findings of a situational analysis of older persons in Belize done by the National Council on Aging in 2010. The study provided the context for the 2012 report prepared by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) entitled “Ageing in the 21st century: A Celebration and A Challenge”. HelpAge Belize launched the report in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation at the Chamber of Commerce conference room in Belize City on United Nations Day on Wednesday, October 24. Despite the fact that many Belizeans over 60 years of age still can make a valuable contribution to society, the data shows that less than one in five of senior golden citizens consider themselves to be in good health. It also revealed that two out of three senior citizen do not receive a pension or financial benefit.

Blogs

Belize’s Romantic Vacations “Work Miracles”
Is a romantic tropical vacation as effective as counselling in helping couples with their relationships? Some couples seem to think so, even going so far as to say a romantic Belizean holiday worked miracles for their love life, Chaa Creek’s Food and Beverage Manager Bryony Fleming said today. “I received an email from a woman in the US thanking us for a holiday that she said rekindled her and her husband’s love for each other. She said that their time together here worked miracles and did more for bringing them closer together than months of expensive counselling. Later on, during a staff meeting, everyone seemed to have a similar story about couples saying they left here happier and more affectionate than they’d been in a long time. “I think the lesson is that sometimes people just need to break the routine and spend some time together in an exotic setting to rekindle their love for each other, and we decided that we’re going to continue to make a couple’s stay here as romantic as possible,” Ms Fleming said. Ms Fleming said that Chaa Creek had pioneered “adventure romance” in Belize and has become the country’s popular venue for destination weddings, honeymoons and other romantic getaways. “It’s not something we planned so much as just having seen grow over the years. After more and more requests for us to host weddings I took a personal interest in wedding planning and designing honeymoon packages, and, mostly through word of mouth, interest continued to grow. Now, when we see a couple booking a stay or one of our affordable all-inclusive Belize vacation packages the staff automatically goes that little bit extra to make the experience as memorable as possible.”

FriFotos: The Golden Northern Cayes
When I hear “gold” I think of all the wonderful sunsets I’ve enjoyed on the Northern Cayes this month, particularly on Caye Caulker. It’s been a blessing to be able to take a break from my writing and just walk outside at 5:00pm to witness all this natural beauty, right at my doorstep. Many thanks to my Ambergris and Caye Caulker hosts, for their support and assistance this month as I worked on my first guidebook chapter, particularly my Caye Caulker friends who gave me a safe, calm place to write and meet my first challenge. I did it! And I surely will miss everyone as I move on to other parts of the country soon. Hope your Friday is golden! CLICK HERE for several great photos....

I love Belize Facebook Challenge
Amber Sunset Jungle Resort is conducting a month long facebook challenge to help promote Belize for its spectacular sights and scenes. See here Fans are asked to send in a photo of themselves featuring a Belizean activity or adventure such as Zip Lining, Cave Tubing, diving the barrier reef or even standing atop one of the Maya ruins to be able to get “Likes” from other fans for their photo. The participant with the most “Likes” on a single photo wins an overnight stay for two at our beautiful, serene jungle resort. The I love Belize Facebook challenge started on September 26, 2012 and has so far gained a lot of attention and a great response from fans wanting to win an overnight stay at the Jungle Resort. The challenge has so far received 31 entries all vying to win an overnight’s stay for two at Amber Sunset Jungle resort. With the challenge concluding on October 30th 2012 it’s a tight race, in first place you have Reena Usher with 123 likes featuring a photo of her on top of Xunantunich Maya Ruin in Cayo District, Belize.

VIDEO: Expat Life in Belize
Two aspects of expat life in Belize, Central America, I did not expect. Shopping gringo style, and visiting a Belizean Orthodontist for my teenage son to get braces.

VIDEO: Diving Belize- Victoria Canyons, San Pedro
Mischa and Maria helping Island Divers Team create awareness of reef conservation.

Diving Tackle Box Canyon with Mischa and Maria
Creating awareness of reef conservation here on the Bleize Barrier Reef, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

International Sources

On the religion beat: End isn't near, Mayan expert says
When asked if the world will end on Dec. 21 -- as some have predicted based on interpretations of the Mayan calendar -- Cristina Coc laughs dismissively. A human rights advocate in Belize who is of Mayan descent, Coc answers with an emphatic "no." She says the date signifies the end of a 5,000-year cycle in the Mayan calendar and does not indicate the world is coming to a cataclysmic end, as depicted in the Hollywood movie "2012." "They [the Mayan people] see this as the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new cycle," she said. Coc will be discussing Mayan spirituality and the calendar during a series of lectures in the Twin Cities starting Sunday and continuing through Nov. 5. She'll speak at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Hamline University and Macalester College, both in St. Paul, and the West St. Paul Rotary Club. Coc directs a nonprofit called the Julian Cho Society in Belize, where she is an advocate for the rights of indigenous Mayan people. She's been invited to the United States to talk about the work she does but also the "end of the world" date, which "a lot of people are sort of concerned with," she said. "I've seen quite a bit of films, publications, discussions surrounding this question. But I think what's noteworthy is ... there's been an absence of contemporary Mayan people explaining what Dec. 21, 2012, means to them." "Our value system ... is built on sustainable livelihoods within our world, our planet. We view ourselves as a part of Mother Nature. And we celebrate that at the end of this cycle because she has sustained us." Coc says she has been contacted by travel agencies in the United States and Europe interested in bringing tourists to Latin America on Dec. 21. "Lots of people want to come and sleep at a Mayan temple overnight," she said "It's just, like wow, this is crazy." And what will Coc be doing on Dec. 21? Celebrating her 31st birthday.

Secretary-general urges Belize private sector to make use of CARICOM market
Secretary-general of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Irwin LaRocque has urged the Belizean private sector to make use of the opportunities provided under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). On the second and final day of his official visit to Belize, LaRocque told a cross section of private sector representatives that CARICOM “is your market; use it; it is your right.” He hailed the interaction with the group as one of the highest levels of engagement he has had with the business community during his visits to member states. The secretary-general outlined to the businessmen the measures being undertaken to encourage the growth of trade within the Community and also the opportunities for increasing exports to international markets. He stressed Belize’s potential to capitalise in both instances particular in the area of agriculture. The business community brought to the secretary-general’s attention some of their concerns and offered suggestions to improve the trading exchanges within the Community. Discussions also centred on Belize’s role as a possible conduit to increase trade and business opportunities between CARICOM and Central America. Later the secretary-general told youth representatives that he viewed youth as an asset not a problem and their time was now not the future. LaRocque met with the group including one of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and members of the group of Belizean students who participated in a project funded by the European Union which enabled them to visit other member states of the Community to observe the CSME in action.

Relocation Abroad to Belize as a Qualified Retired Person
Belize, a small Central American country on the Caribbean, offers an incentive program to retirees seeking to relocate to a less costly, subtropical locale. According to Liz Pulliam Weston, writing for MSN Money, some one million American retirees are living abroad. There are numerous countries where the cost of living is considerably lower and where retirement dollars can be stretched a good bit further. This can be a very important consideration for those facing the prospect of retiring on a modest fixed income. Belize, a small country about the size of Massachusetts (8,867 square miles) and located on the east coast of Central America, is one country frequently considered by Americans contemplating expat retirement living. Formerly known as British Honduras, the country was renamed Belize in 1973, eight years before being granted independence in 1981. Due to its British colonial heritage, unique among its Central American neighbors, English is the official language of Belize. Retirement living in Belize can be considerable less expensive than in the U.S. but that isn't all the country has going for it. In addition to lower costs of living and frost-free, subtropical climate, Belize boasts an impressive array of cultural and ecological treasures. Lush rain forests, beautiful beaches, the world's second longest barrier reef (longest in the Western Hemisphere), and an extensive collection of ancient Mayan ruins are a few other things that make Belize an attractive retirement living destination. Belize Qualified Retired Persons Program Belize actively encourages retiree immigration with its Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. The program, administered by the Belize Tourism Board, offers some compelling benefits to those who choose to retire there. The benefits, according to the tourism board include: Importation of personal and household effects free of duties and taxes, Importation of one motor vehicle (no more than 3 years old) free of duties and taxes, Importation of a light plane or pleasure boat (subject to some restrictions) free of duties and taxes, Exemption from all Belize taxation on income derived outside Belize whether active or passive.

October 26, 2012

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Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

ACES welcomes Halloween 2012 with their annual Halloween Fair
Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) held its annual Halloween fair on Friday October 19th at the Central Park. It was a not-so-scary Halloween event for the most part, as enthusiastic and expressive children dressed as witches, and princesses, spotted eagle ray and even their favorite pop stars instead of scary monsters and ghouls. Kids were encouraged to dress in their costumes with a chance to win fun prizes for the funniest, most original and the cutest costume. Students and patrons got a chance to enjoy fun games such as the ‘pitch-till-you-win’ – which is a very interesting game requiring that you knock down six of ten cans to win a prize. There was also the ring toss, the duck pond, wheel of fortune and the ever popular Tombola. Teacher Phillip raised the bar by creating his haunted house under the palapa, complete with coffin, corpse, zombies, tombstones and skeletons crawling out of the sand.

Boca del Rio Park Palapa Burned Down
San Pedro police were notified about a fire in progress at the Boca del Rio Park on Wednesday morning, October 17th. They notified the San Pedro Fire Department at 12:10am, who quickly responded to the scene. According to Chief Fire Fighter at the San Pedro Fire Department, Mr. Ernest Dominguez, when fire personnel arrived at the scene the palapa was engulfed in flames and had burned half way. Quick response allowed the fire fighters to extinguish the flames. No one at the scene was able to provide any information as to what happened to cause the fire. Dominguez stated that there were neither electrical wires nor any ignition source in or around the immediate area of the palapa. As such, it is apparent that the fire was caused by some other source. However, with the lack of eye-witnesses, the investigation has to come to a halt.

Ambergris Today

Road to Recovery for Addicts at House of Hope
San Pedro Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI) is an organization here on the island working arduously to help those with a drug and alcohol addiction to recover from their addictions and become better productive citizens. One of the most recent projects that the group has carried out is picking up of loafers (most with an alcohol addiction) who are in public places. SPADAI along with the San Pedro Police and Councilor Wally Nuñez are doing this to clean up the island for the betterment of the community and to help these people with addictions. Currently SPADAI takes these men/women with addictions and sends them to either to Remar in Belize City or to rehab center in Mexico called Milagro. Although there are traditional support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous here on the island there is no rehabilitation center for them to keep these people here and offer support and help them to recover from their addiction.

Belizean Businesses Start Rejecting US Currency
Belize’s currency is pegged at $2Bz for $1US. Using American currency in Belize has never been an issue as most establishments accept the currency for payment. But until just recently island folk have started complaining that most, if not all businesses, are giving a hard time accepting US currency. Some business have put up signs that read, “Due to new bank rules we are not accepting any US bills that are torn, old or have any markings on it”. And when it comes to bank deposits and credit card payments, customers have been getting frustrated when most US bills have been rejected. Ambergris Today spoke with a representative of the Central Bank of Belize who stated that they have not issued any rules to any banks stating that they are not accepting the US Currency but that it might be that each bank has set up their own policies and standards in regards to the matter.

Misc Belizean Sources

Free speech by GMike
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Plus tv featured an interesting exposé about the citrus industry of Belize. Citrus is one of Belize’s major money earners, right up there with sugar, fisheries and tourism. The problem is that as is the case with tourism and sugar, the citrus company is in danger of falling under foreign ownership and control. Louis Wade and Patrick Andrews, the two journalists who host the show, gave some revealing statistics and damning evidence of certain questionable goings-on within the citrus industry. During the Monday broadcast, Mr. Wade read a text whereas someone informed him that a window in his car had been smashed. Of course, there are several scenarios that could explain what happened. A mischievous child might have thrown a rock, someone wanted to burglarize the car or there was someone upset with the family about a totally unrelated matter. There is however, the distinct possibility that this was an attempt to send a message to Mr. Wade. “Back off or face the consequences.” In a television interview later that evening, Wade’s wife informed that she did not plan to even file a police report and was not paying the incident much mind. Not a wise decision.

BUS TRANSPORT – BELIZE, MEXICO, GUATEMALA
Belize bus transport operators have been in negotiations with government regarding rates. They are asking for $0.16/mile, while government has apparently agreed on a $0.10/mile across the board rate. But the bus owners are not only talking about increase in rates….they are also requesting duty-exemption on the fuel. Bus transport is of great importance to Belizeans, as most Belizeans travel to and from work by bus….and the cost of transportation is now taking up to 20% of a semi-skilled workers salary. Belize bus transportation is currently of two categories….the regular service, which stops at any point to pick up and drop off passengers…and the express service , which is a non-stop service in between the major transportation hubs. These different services do not currently factor in QUALITY of service....nor difficulty of traversing terrain. The express service is already charging BZ$0.12/mile….and there is no consumer tax on bus transportation. The buses are mostly over 20 years old, and regularly experience break downs. In Mexico and Guatemala….the bus transport system has been developed along the lines of quality of service….also taking into consideration the terrain of the various routes.

VIDEO: Caribbean Reef Sharks, Blue Hole, Belize

Good news/bad news for ocean miracles
One of the wonders of the oceans is the reef off Southern Belize called the Gladden Spit. Literally millions of cubera snappers, mutton snappers and dogtooth snappers converge to lay their trillions and trillions of eggs. It could forever be one of the greatest tourist attractions for Belize and it is incredibly important for these species that the Gladden Spit is protected. Very sadly the OceanElders were told that the Government is allowing fishing boats to wade in and this miracle of nature could get wiped out, leaving Belize and the world poorer for it. The Grand Cayman Islands are an example of the opposite kind of behaviour. Millions of groupers go there to spawn in the winter and the whole ocean is full of them. The Government have just voted in a perpetual ban on fishing them, which will not only benefit the Caymans, but the countries around them. They deserve full praise for their move.

VIDEO: Diving Belize with Mischa and Maria- Victoria Canyons
Sponsored Lionfish Awareness Dive, The Belize Barrier Reef, San Pedro Ambergris Caye

VIDEO: Lamanai Belize, High Temple, U.S. Military Helicoptors?
Eco Tour day trip from San Pedro to Lamanai...surpriseingly and unexpected guest from the sky. We usually see Dragonflys and Howler Monkeys from here, today was a first for aircraft. Tour Operator, Seaduced by Belize, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Belize Zoo Improves Accessibility
The Belize Zoo is making their walkways more accessible. They are calling it the SHED project, meaning Stroller-Handicap-Elderly-Disabled, and they plan to be done on December 12th. They had their SHED consultant, Jerome Flores, out to experience the progress. Good job, TBZ! "The contrast between the loose-gravel pathway and the SHED upgrade, is truly something to applaud. No longer will guests who are not as mobile as some of us, be left out from a fun zoo visit. There is still much to do, but even with our recent rainy spells, good progress is being made. At this time, the SHED pathway skirts around the jaguar area of the zoo. This is because work is currently going on there to provide Black Jaguar Lucky Boy with his new home."

Photography Workshop pictures
The Benque House of Culture is doing a digital photography workshop this week. Here are pictures from the first night. "Art & Culture Exchange Argentina & Belize, through Proyecto Cruz Del Sur, NICH, CACHE, SISE HOC, Benque HOC & Mount Carmel High SChool, photography session # 1 manual mounting of images, and history of pop art a highly interactive session, the fusion and creativity was highlighted"

SHJC Self Defense Class
Sacred Heart Junior College had Karma Senge, from Primal Survival, come in to teach the basics of self defense. This was the first of 3 sessions that he'll be teaching at SHJC. The next are next week Wednesday and Friday. Here's a great video from the event:

Pumpkin Pie
I decided to use the stewed pumpkin from the prior video to make a delicious pie. Using the sweet pie dough as an outer shell, I put the flesh of the pumpkin as the filling. This pie is sweet and the crust is flaky.

What to expect from Halloween on Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker with it’s multi cultural population holds this tradition high and for those of us that have been around for years, it is one that we cherish. This weekend (on Saturday 27th October) the ‘adult’ part of halloween – the costume party, will be held … commencing at 88 West with their Halloween Monster Bash, following on to the Lazy Lizard at the Split and then last but not least the Oceanside till 4am!! Prizes galore will be given out and much will be had to drink during this process. And the best thing is that Halloween is traditionally rained out but this year’s forecast is for glorious weather under the prospect of a full moon – too much fun!! For those of you who do not live in a community like Caye Caulker it would be hard to imagine the enjoyment of this spectacle. The whole island becomes alive – at least 250 people that we all know and love will make an enormous effort to disguise themselves under their costume. With their costume persons takes on a new identity or character and this always proves absolutely hilarious!! Can you imagine your local postman or bank clerk coming at you as Frankenstein or similar???? I can guarantee you that a costume to the party is not a pre-requisite as 50% will not dress up but just come along to enjoy the fun – this is no problem as, in my experience, there is always enough of those who have made the effort to go around. This night is like no other and with very little tourists on the island, the local contingent is always in full force and ready to enjoy Halloween. The kids version or the ‘trick or treat’ element of Halloween will always be observed the traditional 31st October – nice and early as it is a school night!! So if you are on or near Caye Caulker, come join us – you will not be disappointed!! Please understand that we are almost at the end of high season, festivities and a reason to celebrate has been low on our agenda but now high season is around the corner. This twinned with a Belizean’s natural flair for the creative.

Happy to Be Ants Free!
A couple months ago I moved in to my beautiful dream home and it was a very special day for me; I finally had a place of my own to share rich moments with my beautiful wife. I am not here to talk about that though, but about something that has been bothering me since I moved into my new house -- "Ants Infestation". Since my house is still in construction I find a lot of little unwelcome creatures crawling around the house. I guess they make it through the cracks of the house. At first I thought my major problem was going to be roaches since my yard is rich in grass, but that wasn't the case here. Instead a huge colony of ants made their way in and invaded my territory. Ants have literately overpowered my land and have managed to build at least one ants castle every 10 cubic feet. So my yard is currently an ants mine, so to speak. If you manage to walk around my yard without getting an ant bite then consider yourself lucky partner; or your blood just taste awfully bitter, they don't like that. I have had huge headaches lately because every-time I reach home from work, I see a pack of ants marching with leftover food in and out of my house. So I decided to go on-line and search for a solution. While searching on Google I saw small little newly-born ants crawling inside my laptop keyboard and that is when...

Channel 7

Guatemalans Detained After Conducting Strange Survey In Belize
Very little is known tonight about a group of Guatemalans who are being held by police after undertaking what authorities consider a suspicious survey. Only sketchy details are known, but earlier this week the Immigration Department picked up the group in southern Belize - and - according to our sources, briefly considered charging them for espionage activities. But then they were taken into the custody of police - which is where they remain tonight. We asked the Minister of National Security about the curious case today:.. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "Yes we are aware of some Guatemalans being held. I am not do sure if it is accurate to say they were doing a mapping exercise but they were certainly doing some sort of survey in the area questioning people and asking various questions of the residence in that area. They were detained, they were questioned, they were found to be legal in the country with proper permits and it is still under investigation."

Police Have No Leads, No Motive In Schakron Murder
Belize City is still recovering from yesterday's stunning murder of 51 year old businessman Alfred Schakron. It happened on Coney Drive in broad daylight - and investigators say the fatal shots were fired by men who drove a 2003 Ford Escape. Eyewitnesses told 7news that Schakron and the men appeared to be having an argument in Arabic before the shooting. But, that is about all that is known tonight. There is no known motive, no suspects and no trace of the vehicle. The officer commanding Eastern Division Elodio Aragon today told the media they have set up a special multi-department team to investigate. We also spoke with the Minister of National Security who underscored what a ministry press release said yesterday: that the execution of two Lebanese descent men in 24 hours is not a part of the current crime wave: Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "It doesn't appear to follow the pattern of crime that we have been experiencing over the last few months and that this appears to be an act totally out of the norm in terms of the crime that we've been seeing recently and that it certainly appears to us an orchestrated hit against both business persons and we are looking into it to see the possibility of them being connected."

Why Does US Want Khaled El Turk?
And lurking in the background of all this Lebanese community turmoil is another Lebanese name, Khaled El Turk. He was picked up last week by the ADU and is being held at the Hattieville prison - reportedly for the possession of a single round of ammunition. Reports to us say that he is wanted by US authorities and we asked the police minister about his detention today:... Jules Vasquez "Khalid El Turk, this is a man who was detained supposedly with one round of ammunition. His people say he had no such round. The ADU detained him, he is now at Hattieville. He is Lebanese extraction and I understand United States is interested in this person." Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "Yes and we are currently awaiting the submissions and to see what will be done with him. It is indeed my understanding that there is an interest in having him extradited to the US."

Sandy Swamped Jamaica
Hurricane Sandy started to take shape as a tropical storm off the coast of Nicaragua early this week and tonight, she is a powerful Category 2 storm doing damage in the Bahamas. The storm has claimed at least two lives in the Caribbean as she grazed past Haiti, and ploughed through Jamaica, Cuba and now the Bahamas. In Jamaica, Sandy dumped heavy rains, downed power lines, and forced hundreds to seek emergency shelter. Jamaica's power company reports that 70 per cent of its customers were without power. Police ordered a 48-hour curfew to deter looters. A 74-year-old person was reportedly killed when a boulder rolled onto his house.

Indian Interns Pull Disappearing Act
Tonight, bosses at the Archives and Records Service in Belmopan are scratching their head after three Indian University students who came to Belize for an internship have disappeared without a trace. Amandeep Singh Brar, Parminder Singh and Gurmukh Singh arrived in Belize on Sunday afternoon for a one-week internship at the Archives Department. They were supposedly transfer students from the Archives and Information Studies programme at the Dr. Hari Singh Gour University in India. A person identifying himself as the Director of International Training had made the arrangements for them. It seemed legit - until they showed up for work on Monday and appeared clueless. Now, usually internships are for those already in a field of study, but these students told the folks at Archives that they were just beginning their studies.

What About Boco?
Two weeks ago we asked Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington about Kevin Kelly known as Boco-T. He was killed in police custody in May of 2012, but his family has not gotten any compassionate grant from the government. That is contrasted with the treatment afforded to the family of Guatemalan Francisco Quinn Yat. He was killed in Belize by a BDF soldier 20 days ago. Government has said it is putting ten thousand US dollars to the OAS Peace Fund for disbursement to his family. Foreign Minister Elrington told us that the consequence of not giving a grant to Boco-T's family is far less grave than not giving the Guatemalan family. Boco-T's family reached out to us to comment on that. They told us that no one has even contacted them to update them on the investigation - if there is one:.. Lorna Wade - Common Law Wife of Deceased "Up to yet his mother and I don't hear anything. No police, no one contact us. We want to do a lawsuit, but we can't because nobody gives us any kind of information. The most we hear is that they were on interdiction but after that we didn't hear anything more."

Is Diplomacy Turning the BDF Into Toy Soldiers?
The diplomatic crisis between Belize and Guatemala - if there ever was one - has been defused. Relations appear to be just about back to normal after a meeting in Guatemala City on Monday. Unofficial information from inside those meetings is that privately Guatemalan Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros had to back track on inflammatory remarks he had made in early October. But while relations are back to normal - we're not sure we can say the same for the BDF's rules of engagement along the Western border. The Prensa Libre reports that coming out of Monday's meeting in Guatemala, the Government of Belize has decided that the BDF will only use rubber bullets and stun-guns to prevent further deaths. That sounds to some like an emasculation of the armed forces in an area of Belizean territory known to be hostile. We asked the National Security Minister about it:.. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "What we have been doing at this time is a review of the terms of engagement as it were and the instructions that our BDF has when they go out there with respect to when they confront or engage persons in the area. We are currently reviewing that and very shortly we will finalize a new protocol that hopefully can resolve or can help us to avoid the fatalities that have been occurring in the area. Certainly the BDF will continue to carry live rounds but I would want to say that perhaps in addition to carrying live rounds they may also carry some non-lethal weapons. But the thought of BDF not taking lethal weapons is not under consideration. But we may add non-lethal weapons so that they may have other options when they are confronted."

BTL/BEL Nationalizations Exhaust Court Of Appeals
For the past 3 weeks, the October Session of the Court of Appeal has been overrun with cases involving the BEL and BTL acquisitions of 2011. But, the BEL/BTL case is not the only appeal which was put on the schedule and the court has had to make major adjustments to allow all those appeals to be fully heard, which has caused them to become over-worked. Today, they still had to hear 2 applications from both the Government of Belize and Dean Boyce, Trustee of the Employees Trust, both parties in the BTL acquisition appeal. These applications were made to allow GOB to cross-examine Dean Boyce and the Employees Trust to cross-examine Joseph Waight, the Financial Secretary, in relation to the GOB's ability to pay an award of damages in the event the court rules against them. Those applications were eventually withdrawn, which forced to court to waste an afternoon with a hearing which both sides told us was still important to them. Here's how they explained it:

Evening Shooting In City
A man was shot this evening in the city - but fortunately he was not seriously injured. It happened at ten minutes to five on Rivero Street which is near to Neal's Pen Road. According to reports, Anthony Scott was shot to the foot near the intersection with Barnett Street. He was shot as he stood near the drain where police found his slippers. Residents say they heard three shots. He was taken to the hospital before the ambulance arrived and is in a stable condition. Police have no suspects at this time.

Guatemalan Identity Thief "Guilty!"
You've heard a lot about Guatemala on the news tonight - and there's one more, this time some court news. 61 year-old Carlos Perez, a Guatemalan businessman residing on Handyside Street is at prison tonight after he was taken to Magistrate Court for a slew of immigration offences. According to Immigration Officials, Perez went to the Belize City Immigration Department yesterday and tried to renew a Belizean passport, which he was using. The problem is that passport he was claiming as his belongs to Belizean Naim Matar, who resides in Chicago. The authorities became suspicious and as a result, they conducted an investigation which revealed that there were some discrepancies with his application form for renewal. They discovered that the real Matar had 3 siblings but Perez, on his form, declared that he had no brothers or sisters. When he did not return for the passport, the authorities realized that he might flee the country, and as result, they alerted the officials at the northern and western border.

Reynolds Riding Through Hood With Revolver
22 year-old Eric Reynolds is spending the first night of a 5 year sentence after he was convicted of firearm offences in Magistrates Court today. According to police, on April 12, they were patrolling on Administration Drive, when they spotted Reynolds riding a bicycle. They pursued and detained him, and found a .38 Revolver, loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Police charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. In court, Reynolds denied that he had the firearm and ammunition on him. He said that he sped away from the vehicle, because he had weed on him. Today, Chief Magistrate Smith ruled that Reynolds was guilty of the offence, and as a result, he was sentenced to 5 years for each count, which are to run concurrently. As a result, he will only spend a total of 5 years in prison.

St. Joseph's Primarys Art Is World Class
Art students of St Joseph primary school made their school proud after competing in the Forty third annual world school children's art exhibition of the Republic of China. Two of the school's students both received a bronze medal for their artwork. It is the school's second time competing in the art exhibition with over 30 thousand other students. An award ceremony was held at their school to honor their hard work and 7news was there. Glorisilla Torres - School Principal "The exhibition is done every year internationally and this is our second year that we have won. Last year we won one bronze medal. This year we won two out of 30,000 entries around the world. We have a variety of expressive arts in our school. We have a total of about 12 - 13 students, now we are introducing music into the expressive art program. The art is a program that we have free of cost in the evenings and we have a very dedicated volunteer, she has the passion and the love for art. We worked through summer and over the Easter to have our pieces together."

PROFILE
Tonight's profile is about BDF Soldier, Eric Neal, who grew up as a member of a big family on the south side of Belize City. He learned very quickly in life that his complexion and appearance was a source of ridicule in his social circles. He tells the profile how five great Belizean men played a role in his securing a post which allowed him to meet and work with one of these people. Here's his explanation of how he overcame his obstacles:

Saldivar Spruces Up Police Barracks
Police Minister John Saldivar has been much in the news tonight - and that's because there are so many security issues. But, the reason we got to interview him in the first place is because Saldivar wanted to show off the work the ministry and the police are doing to refurbish the police barracks at the Queen Street station. That is the Rafael Fonseca Barracks named after the former Financial Secretary - father of Ralph Fonseca. It was opened probably two decades ago - and until recently - it had looked like it! But now - with the ministry footing the bill, special constables providing the labour and a Superintendent overseeing the work - the third floor of the barracks is almost ready for use. It is needed with the advent of 12 hour shifts at the Patrol Branch - and should have been in place when those shits started in August. But as the officer commanding explained, everything in due time:.. ACP Elodio Aragon - Officer Commanding Eastern Division "Presently we are renovating 10 of our rooms here at the Ralph Fonseca building behind Queen street and these rooms will be retrofitted to accommodate at least 20 officers for now. That is already in the phase as you have seen and we look to complete this by the end of this month."

Every Ribbon Tells A Story
Tomorrow night cancer survivors along with family, friends and members of their community will join forces in a candlelight vigil and prayer service - to show their support to those living with cancer. Friday night event is just one in a series of events to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while every ribbon tells a story, some of those stories will be told tomorrow night. Today we caught up with Clinical Director of the Cancer Society, Ivorine Bulwer who told us more about tomorrow's program. Ivorine Bulwer, Clinical Director, Cancer Society "Tomorrow we will be having a candle light vigil. This vigil has to do with a support for persons who have survived cancer - persons who are considered a self-cancer fighter - persons who consider themselves cancer warrior. Also this candle light vigil is a vigil and a prayer service and as I have said earlier for those who are survivors of cancer; those who are experiencing chronic pain and those who are experiencing chronic diseases." "Chronic pain; you are talking about arthritis, chronic pain from injuries. Chronic diseases we are looking at diabetes, hypertension, the cardiac cases cancer including."

Channel 5

3 Indian nationals disappear and leave hefty bill at hotel. Human trafficking?
Three Indian students have managed to con the Belize Archives and Records Service with a plan that is as simple as ABC. The trio applied for an exchange program with the department and arrived in Belize on Sunday. They checked into a Belmopan Hotel and reported to work on Tuesday, but by the afternoon, they [...]

Police say full investigations into murder of Lebanese businessmen
The ruthless executions of businessmen Abdul Aziz Mohammed Dib and Alfred Schakron in Belize City on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning have rocked the Lebanese community across the country. Both men were victims of what appear to be carefully orchestrated hits. Forty year old Abdul Dib was shot multiple times inside King Kabab Restaurant whilst [...]

Anthony Scott shot near City Hotspot
There was a shooting just before five this evening in the south side of Belize City. Another youth has fallen victim to the gun violence. Details are still coming in, but News Five understands that twenty-three year old Anthony Scott was shot three times near the corner of Barnett and Rivero Streets located in close [...]

Guatemalan Gallup Pollsters detained for posing as tourists
A group of Guatemalan nationals who entered Belize over the weekend as tourists were detained by police for suspicious activities. The group was reportedly conducting polls for the international Gallup agency, that provides data-driven news based on U.S. and world polls as well as daily tracking and public opinion research. They caught the attention of [...]

Minors beat and kill 63 year old in Placencia
A group of minors, some of whom are students, is in police custody tonight following the death of a sixty-three year old Belize City resident employed as a marine and industrial engineer in Placencia. Roy “Chief” Waight was brutally beaten at his work site at the Sustainable Tourism Project last Saturday. He was transferred to [...]

A.G. Ministry gets mas tiempo to respond to Dunkeld’s binders of arguments
There were two cases in the Court of Appeals today that concern the nationalization of Telemedia. In the morning session, the court heard Dunkeld International Investment Ltd versus the Attorney General. Dunkeld once controlled sixty nine percent shares of the Hayward Charitable Belize Trust in Telemedia. So when Telemedia was nationalized, Dunkeld relied on the [...]

2 applications withdrawn by both sides in Telemedia case
While tensions were high in this morning’s session at the Appeals Court, it probably had to do with the fact that only one day remains for the close of the session. There was another Telemedia related matter heard in the afternoon session. The Appeals Court Justices heard two applications; from both sides of the Telemedia [...]

Nonlethal weapons and additional troops for the border
In the wake of the shooting death of Guatemalan national Francisco Quinn Yat inside the Chiquibul National Park recently, requests have been made by Guatemalan officials for members of the joint border patrol to man the border unarmed to avoid further loss of life. While Minister of National Security John Saldivar dismissed the idea of [...]

Teens busted and charged for stealing wood from a house
A thirteen year old school boy and nineteen year old Clive Geban were jointly charged with theft and handling stolen goods this morning in the Magistrate Court. Allegations are that the two stole almost two thousand dollars worth of lumber and plywood from Ewarth Sutherland. But while the older of the two pleaded guilty, he [...]

Guatemalan National steals identity of Belizean living in Chicago
There was another case of theft before the courts today; but this time it’s identity theft. Sixty-one year old Carlos Mauricio Rossal Perez is a Guatemalan national from the Sapaka area, who was picked up by Immigration personnel today. In his possession were a Belizean passport, birth certificate, social security card, voter’s ID, border’s permit [...]

This is Belize! St. Joseph students beat 30,000 in art battle
Art students from St Joseph’s Primary School have distinguished themselves in an international competition. Adrian Bernard Junior and Nigel Juarez went up against thirty thousand students; they won bronze medals in an art competition organized by the government of Taiwan. Today they both received awards from the Taiwanese Ambassador. News Five’s Delahnie Bain reports.   [...]

Healthy Living coughs up details about strep throat
How do you know if your sore throat is cold or flu related or if it is a more serious throat infection? That question will be answered tonight in Healthy Living, which looks at a condition known as strep throat.   Marleni Cuellar, Reporting Most of us can identify with the pain and discomfort of [...]

CTV3

Man Knocked Down And Killed By BWEL Butane Truck
Traffic was interrupted this afternoon on the Philip Goldson Highway as one man was knocked down dead near the mameyal curve. The individual, who has only been identified as Carlos of a Guatemalan Nationality, is believed to be between the ages of 28 and 30. Reports are that Carlos recently arrived in Belize and started working as a watchman for Mameyal Cool Spot three weeks ago. When we arrived at the scene the dismantled body of the deceased was observed lying face down on the right hand side of the highway. Reports are that at around 4:00pm the deceased, accompanied by another man, was pushing his bicycle heading towards Orange Walk. The duo was walking on the left hand side of the highway when they decided to cross the road. It is at that instance that Carlos was knocked down by this BWEL butane truck driven at the time by Ermelindo Mai who was traveling from Orange Walk to Corozal. We understand that Carlos and his bike were flung in the air. At the scene laid a boot worn by the deceased. Reports indicate that Carlos suffered several injuries and one of his legs was torn off. Police have detained Ermelindo Mai for questioning.

Caneros To Buy Governments Shares In BSI
Yesterday we briefed you on the meeting held between representatives of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the Prime Minister of Belize Dean Oliver Barrow at the Chamber of Commerce Building in Belize City. As mentioned last night, several issues were laid on the table including the sugar concession which provides major tax breaks and exemptions as part of the sale of the Belize Sugar Industries to the American Sugar refinery. The meeting went on for approximately three hours but at the end of the day representatives of the BSCFA managed to twist the elbow of the Prime Minister, at least to a certain extent. “Ayer tuvimos esa junta con el adonde él nos estuvo explicando en lo que aparece en el Bill a veces no es como lo estamos interpretando de que es todo tax free de que van a tener lo de ASR si no que él nos explico de que hay ciertos parámetros de que ellos van a tener que someter su lista al ministerio de finanzas y de allí va a ver un equipo que va a estar procesando esas listas para ver si que lo que ellos están pidiendo es relevante para la área que están pidiendo ya sea en agricultura o partes de la fabrica para así ellos puedan determinar si todo lo que están pidiendo va hacer tax free o si no para lo que no sea tienen que pagar, sin embargo nos dijo que para los caneros individual no puede dar ese mismo oportunidad de tax free si no es de que tiene que ser un proceso a través de la Asociación pero ya sea como en grupo que estén pidiendo para una maquinaria o equipo que se va a necesitar para trabajar en el campo.”

Over $50,000 Stolen From BWEL Corozal
policeTonight over $50,000 dollars has been reported missing from the Belize Western Energy Limited located in Ranchito Village, Corozal. According to the General Manager of BWEL, Orlando Perez, during September 2012, the external auditor for the company, Jiron Hernandez, conducted an audit for the BWEL Company countrywide. The audit proved that up north, specifically in Corozal, thousands of gallons of butane and sales were unaccounted for. On September 20th of this year, Perez received an inventory report which revealed that 5.95 gallons of butane from the Ranchito Plant was unaccounted for. But further investigations revealed that that was merely the icing on the cake because later on it was found out that some 6,994 gallons of butane had gone missing valued at a total of $27,976. Further checks on the reconciliation of sales and deposits also revealed financial discrepancies for the months of August and September 2012. According to auditor $24,598 was also unaccounted for. No arrests have been made and police investigations continue.

Crime On The Decrease In Orange Walk
Last night a community meeting was held between the Orange Walk Police Department and residents of Orange Walk at the Banquitas House of Culture. The meeting symbolizes one of the many steps the Belize Police Department is undertaking in order to sensitize the general public on several sensitive issues that continue to plague our nation. Forming part of the meeting’s agenda was the crime statistics for the Orange Walk District which was presented by Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Police Formation, Senior Superintendent Joseph Myvett. Believe it or not Superintendent Myvett reported that crime in Orange Walk has seen a decrease in the past 5 years. In 2007, 1612 crimes were reported. In 2008, the number of reported cases reduced by 349 with a total of 1263. Over the years the numbers kept decreasing and so far, for 2012, the number of reported crimes stands at 579. Joseph Myvett, OC O/W Police Station “We are very much on par with last year except for minor increases especially in minor crimes. As a result of our traffic enforcement from January to September there were five traffic fatalities on our highways and equally five traffic fatalities on our highways this year. There was an increase in minor traffic offences and we believe that it is very essential that we improve our driver education as well as our traffic enforcement and by doing these things we believe that we will be able to further reduce our traffic accidents.” Kevin Bernard, Mayor “Just for some clarity ask the officer in charged based on those twelve murders that have occurred and I could point out on two that have really touched the town; that of Mr Perrera and the businessman, the Hindu that was killed at Guadalupe Street. How many people have been arrested and how many have been charged in relation to these murders and how many convictions.

LOVE TV

Alfred Schakron murdered
Less than twenty four hours after a Lebanese businessman was gunned down in cold blood, tonight the business community is mourning the loss of another of its members. Businessman Alfred Shakron was marked for death this morning on the city’s north side. Love TV’s Marion Ali and video journalist Brian Castillo pick up the story on Coney Drive.

Investigations continue into Abdul Aziz’ murder
Investigations continue into yesterday’s broad daylight murder of businessman Abdul Aziz Mohamed Dib. Aziz was shot dead just after one o’clock yesterday afternoon inside the King Kabab Restaurant at number four Farmers Market in Belize city. According to police reports, Aziz was shot several times to the head, chest, abdomen and lower back. Police say that their initial investigation reveals that Aziz was with another man around a table when an unknown male person entered the restaurant and fired several shots fatally wounding Aziz. Police say they have retrieved a total of nine millimeter expended shells and three slugs from the scene.

Businessman held up on Neal’s Pen Road
There was an armed hold up in Belize City on Tuesday afternoon. Twenty five year old Abram Dyck reported to police that he was in front of number 136 Neal’s Pen Road when he was approached by two men, one of whom carried what appeared to be a nine millimeter pistol. Dyck says that the man with the fun ordered him to hand over his belongings. Fearing for his life, Dyck says that he put both of his hands up in the air and the men proceeded to search his pockets, relieving him of personal documents, a hundred dollars in cash, his cell phone and vehicle keys. Both men then rode off on separate bicycles making good their escape. Police investigations continue.

Youth beaten up for his bicycle
A nineteen year old Belize City man has reportedly been beaten up by someone who tried to steal his bicycle. Maynor Francisco Perez told police that he was walking on Wilson Street around ten fifteen yesterday morning, when as he approached the corner with Kelly Street, he was approached by a dark skim man who was riding from the opposite direction. Perez says that his assailant stopped in front of him causing him to get off his bicycle. When the thief demanded that Perez hand over his bicycle, Perez says that he refused and as a result he was beaten up. Authorities say that upon seeing the police approaching, the thief ran off onto Baymen Avenue making good his escape.

Problems brewing in the citrus industry
The opening of the processing season for citrus is about to start … but not without controversy. The Citrus Growers Association is suggesting that the factory at Pomona be opened at the end of the month; but country’s largest processor, the Citrus Products of Belize Limited, is proposing that the opening be brought forward to today. That proposal to open for delivery and processing of fruit by CPBL is being supported by another group of producers known as Belize Citrus Mutual. The other group says it is tentatively accepting CPBL’s first fruit price submission, subject to a review with CPBL. The Citrus Growers Association, in a press release says that it has so far only received a first fruit price submission for grapefruit, and none for orange. CGA had requested a meeting with CPBL to discuss the submission which was made on Friday; but that meeting is yet to be formalized. A meeting of the harvest committee, which is tasked with setting the schedule for the delivery of fruit to the factory which was supposed to happen today, was postponed on the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture Jose Alpuche. The Chief Agricultural Officer is the chairman of the harvest committee. With the submission for first fruit price for grapefruit already in hand, the CGA is requesting a submission forthwith for orange along with the annual sales plan as mandated in the legally binding 2010 arbitration report, which the CGA says was sanctioned by the Citrus Control Board.

Commuters complain of inadequate bus service
For a while now the issue of public transportation has been out of the headlines. But that does not mean that everything is honky dory. Love TV’s Natalie Novelo and video journalist Myles Gillett have been monitoring the situation and bring you this first in a series of reports.

Poster competition opens at the House of Culture
A special exhibition is being mounted at the Belize City House of Culture on Regent Street. But the launch of the exhibit was not the only thing happening at that venue this morning. Director of the Belize Tourism Board is Laura Esquivel Frampton. The Minister of Tourism and Culture who was present for this morning’s occasion, told us why he made an effort to be present. Heredia also commented on the relationship between the Tourism Industry and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. Nazeem Segura from Grace Primary School took third place in the junior division and was presented with a cheque of one thousand dollars, the same amount of which will be awarded to the school for art supplies. Second place in the Senior Division was placed by Jordanny Williams of the Belize High School and he received a cheque of one thousand five hundred dollars. BHS will also receive one thousand five hundred dollars for art supplies. Segura’s and Williams’ posters won from among a pool of entries in which according to FCCA representatives Ana Benitez, came from fifteen nations.

Karena Mahung gets top academic award
Former Love FM correspondent Karena Mahung has won a top regional academic award. Reports reaching the RSV News Centre indicate that Mahung topped the Environmental and Natural Resources Management Year Two group. Karena, who is the daughter of Paul and Celia Mahung, is currently pursuing a degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.

Woman steals shampoo, pleads guilty
Fifty-four year old Jennifer Moody of Victoria Street who shoplifted a shampoo and conditioner from Bottom Dollar Store on North Front Street, pleaded guilty to theft when she appeared in court today. Because she did not have any previous conviction, Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith bound her over to keep the peace for one year. If she does not keep the peace for that period of time she will have to pay a fine of $200.00 or serve two months in prison. The incident occurred on Monday, October 22. Bottom Dollar security officer Francisco Camara reported to the police that Moody was seen removing the items from a shelf in the store and she walked out of the store without paying for them. It was then Camara seized her and held her in custody until the police arrived. When asked by Chief Magistrate Smith why she stole the items, Moody said she did not have any shampoo and she did not have any money to buy it.

Man charged for smuggling marijuana into prison
Twenty-eight year old former prison officer Amir Reyes, charged with drug trafficking for attempting to smuggle 324 grams of cannabis into Belize Central Prison in a food container, was fined $10,000.00 after he was found guilty of the charge. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who imposed the fine, ordered him to pay $5,000.00 forthwith and the balance by June 30, 2013. If he defaults on payment he will serve three years. The bust occurred around 6:50 p.m. on May 7, 2012. Prison officer Derol Dougal testified that when he searched a transport bag that Reyes had, he found a food container that not only contained food but also two black plastic bags that had compressed cannabis. Police constable Mark Pascascio testified that when he weighed the cannabis it amounted to 324 grams or about a half of a pound. Reyes who worked at the orison for one year and five months, testified and said that the bag was given to him to take into prison by a man by the name of Kent whom he met at the junction of Burrell Boom Road and the Northern Highway while he was on his way to work. But Chief Magistrate Smith did not believe his story and she told him that it was pack of lies and she found him guilty.

Organic farm to be held in Punta Gorda
Plans are in place for the fourth annual sustainable harvest international organic fair in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details.

Police officers undergo training on how to record proper statement
There have been complaints in abundance about police officers who fall short of taking a comprehensive statement from witnesses and complainants, but a two-day course that ended today is expected to enhance the skill of officers, at least those in Belize City, who must deal with that part of the job. Sergeant Martha Reese who heads the Family Violence Unit, told Love News that there are specificities being looked at in obtaining a proper statement. Fifteen officers mainly from the Patrol Branch at Eastern Division and Belize City-based branches were part of the training.

PNP wants the PM to fire Wilfred Elrington
There has been a fresh call for the removal of the minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington. This time the call comes from the Toledo-based People’s National Movement. In a statement issued today, the PNP says that Foreign Minister Elrington has on multiple occasions, quote, “demonstrated that he is unable to properly articulate and represent the sovereignty of our country,” end of quote. PNP Leader Wil Maheia told love news this evening that he and his party are of the belief that Elrington is incapable of handling weighty matters of diplomacy. Love News pointed out to Maheia that Elrington is a senior member of Cabinet and as such a call for his removal is not something that should be taken lightly. Maheai says the time for action is now. The PNP release concludes that Belize’s Foreign Minister responds from a position of subservience and reacts nervously to maneuverings of a country that has no moral grounds to its unfounded claim on our country.

The Bible in Belize Kriol
In 2011 the New Testament was translated into Kriol. That publication is still at the publishers, but as an addendum to that, Kriol aficionados will take pride in knowing that the New Testament will also be available in dramatized audio CD’s and on the internet. It comes through an effort of the Belize Kriol Council and Primary Translator in the project, Yvette Herrera, told Love News that it was a time-consuming period. Nicholas Okereke is from the organization called Faith Cometh by Hearing, which is the organization that is funding the project. The translation comes at a cost of fifty thousand dollars, all funded by Faith Cometh by Hearing.

UNO introduces its brand to Belize
Over the past months the Belizean Community may have noticed that the former Texaco gas stations have now gotten a new image and a new name. That new name is UNO and this morning, the company launched its new service at the UNO Gas Station situated beside A&R on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City. During a brief ceremony this morning, Country Manager for UNO in Belize, Guillermo Monroy said that this is a confirmation of their commitment with Belize. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Santiago Castillo said that today’s event is a very historic and important development both for the Country of Belize and for the local and foreign private sector. UNO service stations across Belize will offer UNOPro, their premium fuel with additives to improve engine performance, along with regular and diesel fuel. They will also offer a variety of lubricants for good engine performance and protection for engines. UNO originates from the country of Honduras.

PlusTV

Three Indian students have disappeared
Three Indian students who landed in Belize on Sunday have disappeared. The Belize Archives and Record Service were ...

More conflict in the citrus industry
In the first part of our series on the citrus Industry, PlusNews revealed that the current board of CPBL is without... Belize needs to prepare for a larger population of older persons

Belize needs to prepare for a larger population of older persons
Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and A Challenge". That is the name of a report launched in Belize today b...

A Guatemalan national stole the identity of a Belizean man
A Guatemalan national who stole the identity of a Belizean man was arraigned in court today. Guatemalan national, 6...

Belize City man shot in leg this evening
A Belize City man, Anthony Scott, was shot to the leg just after work time this evening. Scott was on Riviero St at...

PUP expresses sympathy to Alfred Schakron's family
The People’s United Party (PUP) in a press release issued today expressed its sincere sympathy and deepest condolen...

The Guardian

Belize: the Bread Basket of CARICOM
The United Nations Millennium Development Goal Number 1 calls for the reduction of the proportion and the absolute number of people who suffer from hunger and malnutrition by half by 2015. Unfortunately, high oil prices, expansion of ethanol production from corn, increased demand from developing countries such as China and India and climate change – giving rise to an increased frequency of natural disasters - has caused world food prices to continue being volatile and remain at high levels. High food prices are difficult for every citizen of the world however, for citizens of developing countries such as those in CARICOM, high food prices are even more crippling. This makes food and nutrition security one of the top priorities of regional leaders. The Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, said, “Belize, Guyana and Suriname have a much greater role to play than others in the region in terms of food security.” Read more...

Police Officer Amin August Recognized by People’s Coalition of Cayo
President of the People’s Coalition of Cayo (PCC) Albert Moore handed over on Wednesday night, ‘The People’s Hero Award’, to Assistant Superintendent Amin August. There was a standing ovation for August. In receiving the award, Officer Amin August said “… it is my duty to protect and serve; I had to put in my input.” Read more...

Police Brass visits Cayo
Commissioner of Police, David Henderson held the first of a series of consultations with community members in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District last Thursday, October 18th, 2012. Commissioner Henderson was joined on this tour by Superintendent Aaron Guzman, Officer Commanding of the three Western Regions; Superintendent Ralph Moody, Officer Commanding of the San Ignacio Police Formation; Senior Superintendent Deserie Phillips, Officer Commanding, Community Policing and Inspector Dehann Augustine, National Coordinator for the Jasmine Alert Program. (A similar meeting by the Police Department will be held in San Ignacio Town at the Center for Employment Training on Buena Vista Street at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 25th, 2012.) Read more...

CEMO Continues Hurricane Preparedness
The hurricane season is coming to a close but even so, there is one hurricane that has formed in the Central Caribbean. And Belize has a history or being struck by hurricanes in the month of October. With that in mind, the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 23rd at the Belize City Council's Conference room to keep committee members updated. Read more...

Coalition Afraid of Public Education in Southern Belize
The Department of the Environment has scheduled a public consultation process on the prospect of petroleum exploration drilling (inside and outside) of the Sarstoon National Park by U.S. Capital Energy to begin in Sunday Wood Village, Toledo District, on Thursday, October 25th, at 5:00 pm.

Fort George and Dangriga has New Committees
Dangriga new Executive CommitteeDangriga new Executive CommitteeOn Friday, October 19th, the Fort George Division held its meeting to elect its new executive committee. Read more...

More for Port Loyola!!
Belize City Mayor and Port Loyola Representative on a MissionBelize City Mayor and Port Loyola Representative on a MissionResidents of the Port Loyola Constituency are asked to exercise patience for any inconvenience caused during the execution of infrastructural projects in the area. Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez recently upgraded the entire stretch of road from the Faber’s Road Police Station to Pen Road. An entire portion of uninhabited land was cleared in the area as well and loads of solid soil was also dumped to make house lots for residents of Port Loyola. Minister Martinez promises to continue the upgrading of secondary streets in Port Loyola. On Thursday, October 19th, the Minister was in the area with the Mayor of Belize City, Darrell Bradley. Residents were happy to see both men in the area, knowing it means not only that infrastructural development will continue, but that it will proceed at a much faster pace. Read more...

Minister of National Security visits Recovering Police Officer
Minister of National Security, Minister John Saldivar on Thursday, October 18th visited Police Officer Sergeant #97 Mark August at his residence in the village of Camalote in the Cayo District. Read more...

Councillor Pitts secures Trophies for Upcoming Mayor’s Cup
As the Councillor with responsibility for Youth and Sports, Bernard Pitts, Jr. received a generous donation of 56 football trophies from Major Lloyd Jones. Pitts explained that Belize is a country that has many talented people who love sports whether it is basketball, volleyball or football. More often than not however, the young people don't get a chance to excel and share their talent. This, he says, is something he is looking to improve upon through his portfolio. He stated that he will do his best to organize sporting events for the youths to involve them in positive activities. Read more...

Jason McKenzie Captured after Seven Months on the Run
26-year-old Kenroy Flowers almost lost his life on March 24th of this year after being stabbed while trying to part a fight between two men. Flowers reported to police that at about 10:00 p.m. on the night of March 24, he was on Kut Avenue when 21-year-old Jason McKenzie and another man got into a fight. Flowers intervened and that was when McKenzie stabbed him to the left side of the abdomen. Police were unable to apprehend McKenzie until Friday, October 19th. He was arrested and charged for one count of attempted murder, grievous harm and use of deadly means of harm upon Kenroy Flowers. Since the charges are indictable offenses, no plea was taken and bail was not granted. McKenzie will remain on remand at the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on December 20th.

Murder Retrial for Alvaro Rene Gregorio
The murder case against 34-year-old Alvaro Rene Gregorio began on Monday, October 15th, and took a sudden halt on Friday, October 19th, when Justice Troadio Gonzalez discharged the 12-member jury and ordered a retrial. Gregorio is accused of killing his estranged wife’s lover, 43-year-old Roberto Jimenez Maroquin on October 8th, 2008. According to reports, Aura Molina had separated herself from her husband, Gregorio, for three months before the incident took place. Gregorio went to his wife’s home on the day of the murder and fifteen minutes later, Roberto Jimenez arrived to have lunch. Gregorio warned Jimenez that he did not want him around his wife and that’s when police say he reached for a twelve-inch kitchen knife and stabbed Jimenez to the left side of the rib cage and to the left side of the chest. Jimenez died inside the home. San Pedro Police later recovered the murder weapon from a nearby swamp. Gregorio’s wife was the only witness to the incident and she testified in court on Friday, saying that she had been having an affair with Maroquin, who showed up at her house in San Pedro while her husband and two children were at home. She told the court that Gregorio tried to chase Maroquin from the house and they got into an argument. Gregorio allegedly took a knife that Molina was using in the kitchen and stabbed Maroquin. The trial came to an abrupt end when Gregorio’s attorney, Simeon Sampson, raised a technicality that his client’s wife should not have been called to give evidence against him. Molina assured the court that she was willingly testifying, but after arguments from both sides, the issue could not be settled and the jury was discharged. Sampson says that he approached the prosecutors, Sharmilla Williams and Thalia Megan Francis, about his concerns even before the trial began, but it was not addressed until he brought it up in court. The retrial is set to begin next week and Molina will not be on the witness list.

Elderly Man charged for Attempted Murder of His Nephew
On Wednesday, October 24th, an elderly man, 66, appeared in court on charges of attempted murder. Cyril Banner, a plumber of Lemonal Village, who was represented by attorney, Arthur Saldivar, appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith in Court #1 where three indictable offenses were read to him. He was charged with attempted murder, grievous harm and the use of deadly means of harm upon Alvin Banner. No plea taken and due to the nature of the offenses, the Chief Magistrate remanded Banner into custody at the Belize Central Prison. He was remanded to prison despite the fact that Saldivar submitted that the incident did not happen with a firearm and rather a machete. He then asked that the court grant his client bail. The Chief Magistrate explained to him that she was unable to grant his client bail at this time. Allegations are that on October 20th, there was a misunderstanding between the men which resulted in Cyril Banner pulling a machete and lashing his nephew with it. Cyril Banner is due back in Court #1 on November 27. Saldivar requested in court for partial disclosure to be granted on at that time.

Patrick Jones on Remand for Gun Assault
On Thurday, October 18th, 20-year-old Patrick Jones, a laborer of #4161 Banak Street in Belize City, appeared unrepresented in Magistrate's Court to answer to a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm upon, Layla Fuentes. He was also charged with harm upon her. The incident is said to have occur on Tuesday, October 16th on Banak Street at Jone’s home. Allegations being made against Jones are that Fuentes, went to Jones’ home, her daughter’s father, and upon her arrival, Jones pointed a black revolver at her and threatened to kill her. According to Fuentes, Jones then punched her in the face and hit her in the head with a stone, which caused a cut wound. In court, Jones, who was in pain and crying was asked what happened to him and he told the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith that, he had been tazered. Jones pleaded not guilty to the charge but due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Four Minors charged for San Pedro Killing
The death of a Succotz resident on La Isla Bonita has led police to arrest and charge four minors between the ages of 13 and 15 for the offense of manslaughter. On October 10th, 46-year-old Emerito Itza was hanging out on the eastern end of Sand Piper Street with 24-year-old Marwin Lizama, when they were attacked by a group of young men. One of the minors grabbed a piece of wood and hit Itza and Lizama in the head. Itza, who was badly injured, was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday, October 15th, whilst undergoing treatment for the injury. The minors were escorted to the Belize City Family Court on Friday, October 19th, to face a charge of manslaughter. No plea was taken since the matter is an indictable offense and the minors will be remanded in a juvenile detention center until their next court appearance on November 20th. The minors were represented by attorney, Simeon Samspon.

Shalini Zabaneh is Inet Caribbean Cycling Time Trial champion
Shalini Zabaneh wins goldShalini Zabaneh wins goldThe Belize Cycling Association participated in the 2012 Inet Caribbean Cycling Championships that were held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda on October 20th and 21st. Belize participated in the female Individual Time Trials held on Saturday, October 20th with only one participant in the event. At the end of the 12-mile event, it was Belize’s Shalini Zabaneh that captured the Gold Medal in the Individual Time Trial. She completed the course in a time of 31:12.967. The silver medal went to Bermuda’s Nicole Mitchell in a time of 31:15.550. The bronze medal went to hometown favourite Tamiko Butler of Antigua and Barbuda in a time of 31:27.682, fourth place went to Donnelys Carino Rivera of Puerto Rico in a time of 32:22.541, while fifth place went to Claire Fraser of Guyana in a time of 33:40.250. The other finishers included Kevinia Francis of Antigua, Dahlia Palmer of Jamaica and Naomi Singh of Guyana. We say congratulations to Shalini for capturing her second Caribbean Cycling Championships gold medal.

Port of Belize leads in Firms Basketball Competition
Atlantic Bank’s Marcel Orosco scored 20 points against SmartAtlantic Bank’s Marcel Orosco scored 20 points against SmartThe Belize District Basketball Association Firms Competition continued over the last weekend with a number of games at Bird’s Isle. On Saturday, October 20th, in the only U-23 game played, Belize Bank defeated Tiger sharks by the score of 55-46. The top scorers for the Belize Bank were Brian White with 16 points and 13 rebounds; and Lincey Lopez with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Tiger sharks were Daniel Norberto with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals; and Winston Pratt with 12 points, and 5 rebounds. In the only Firms’ game played that evening, Belize Bank won over BEL by the score of 57-46. The top scorers for the Belize Bank were Troy Gabb with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals; and Eugene Courteney with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for BEL were Lloyd Leslie with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and a steal; and Brandon Cadle with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. The competition continued on Friday, October 19th, with three more games. In the U-23 game played, Truckers defeated Belize Heats by the score of 74-53. The top scorers for Truckers were Winston Reynolds with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; and Stannis Thomas with 14 points, and 14 rebounds.

San Pedro High Baseball Boys win 2 at CODICADER
The San Pedro High School boys’ baseball team, won 2 games and lost 3 when they represented Belize in the Jewel’s first participation in baseball at the 17th annual COCICADER Central American Junior Students Games hosted by Panama from Friday to Monday, October 12 -15th. Belize did not medal as a team, finishing with a two win - three loss record in five outings, but star pitcher Eduardo Carmona won a gold medal for pitching the Most Strike-outs: 18. This brought Belize’s total medal haul at this year’s CODICADER Games to 14 total: 10 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze, the most Belize has won in 6 years of participation at CODICADER. The St Catherine’s Academy girls won Belize’s first team medal in volleyball: bronze, while Sherika Burton won an individual gold for Best Attacker. Belize also won team golds for the first time in basketball – won by the Sadie Vernon Technical High School boys and in softball – won by the Ladyville Technical High School girls. The Stann Creek Ecumenical boys won Belize’s first ever football win in CODICADER: 6-3 over Nicaragua, and St Catherine’s academy girls won Belize’s first ever female basketball win. The San Pedro High School boys had won National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) softball Championship at the Denbigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote earlier this year, but boys do not play softball at CODICADER, only baseball, so to represent Belize, the island squad had to get a whole new game. Baseball not only has a faster overhand pitch as opposed to softball’s underhand pitch, but the distance between the bases is bigger; it’s a bigger diamond altogether. The baseball is smaller, harder and travels faster. To win an individual gold medal against teams, who have been playing the sport since they were children, is a major accomplishment The San Pedro boys enjoyed their first win: 13-1 over Costa Rica on Friday, recovering from a 0-21 loss to the hosts, Panama. On Saturday, the San Pedro boys lost 1-11 to Nicaragua, holding off the first 3 innings, giving up only 4 hits, but the island boys’ errors allowed Nicaragua to score.

Primary Schools Football Competition continues at the MCC
St. Ignatius’ Michael Sarmineto scored only goal of the gameSt. Ignatius’ Michael Sarmineto scored only goal of the gameThe 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition continued at the MCC Grounds with a number of games over the last week. On Wednesday, October 17th, in the first of three boys’ games played, St. John Vianney blanked St. Luke Methodist by the score of 3-0. The goals for St. John Vianney were Kenroy Linares’ two and a third by Orlando Velasquez. In game two, Calvary Temple won over Buttonwood Bay Nazarene by the score of 3-0. The goals for Calvary Temple were scored by Tariq Lamb, Miguel Jax and Kelly Connor. In the final game of the day, Salvation Army edged Muslim Community by the score of 2-1. The goal scorers for Salvation Army were Marvin Martinez and Keron Patnett, while the goal scorer for Muslim Community was Tyrique Ciego. The competition continued on Thursday October 18th, with three more games. In the girls’ game played, Holy Redeemer School blanked Queen Square Anglican by the score of 2-0. The goal scorers for Holy Redeemer were Jennifer Estrada and Dianna Banks. In the first of the two boys’ games, Queen Square Anglican won over Holy Redeemer School by the score of 7-1. The goal scorers for Queen Square Anglican were Kadeem Longsworth’s impressive six and the seventh by Rayne Gentle, meanwhile, the only goal for Holy Redeemer was scored by Anthony Cervantes via a penalty kick.

Hattieville, Third World & Brown Bombers win in Smart Mundialito
The Hattieville United Youth Sports Club and Third World of the St Martin de Porres area enjoyed their second victories, Jane Usher Boulevard posted their first win and the Brown Bombers continued to lead the Smart Mundialito under-15 football competition with their third win in the fourth week of competition at the MCC grounds on Saturday, October 20th. The Bombers now lead the tournament with 10 points following a 2-0 triumph over Unity Rangers. Shamar Thompson scored the first winning goal before intermission, and Sherwin Requena added a second goal after the break. Requena is now the tournament’s top goal-scorer with four goals to his credit. The Rangers rank ninth in the league with two points from two draws and two losses. The Hattieville United Youth Sports Club moved up to third place with 7 points from two wins and a draw enjoyed a 3-0 victory over the Ladyville Jaguars in the second game of the morning. Kenyon Young scored the first winning goal, Cameron Thomas added a second goal and Darrel Flowers scored a third for the 3-0 win. The Ladyville Jaguars are the cellar dwellers of the league with only one point from a draw and three losses. Third World moved up to second place in the league as they enjoyed their second win 1-0 over the hitherto undefeated Ladyville “Japan” in the third game of the morning, when Marquis Conorquie scored the winning goal.

Rivero’s Welders & Ping Pang winning in Bros. Habet Table tennis
Team Rivero’s Welders is leading the 1st Division of the Brothers Habet team table tennis competition with 5 points, while undefeated Ping Pang is leading the 2nd Division with 10 points the tournament held under the auspices of the Belize Table Tennis Association at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Saturday, October 20th. Team Welders cruised past Team Cuz: 5-1 with Ian Mcfield swatting Hollis Parham and Nick Martin 3-0 each, Ernesto Rivero spanked Jorge Espat and Hollis Parham each by a 3-1 score and Petie Usher-Matus edged past Jorge Espat 3-2. Nick Martin won one for Team Cuz: 3-2 against Petie Matus. In 2nd division play, Team Ping Pang blew out the winless SJC Strikers 5-0. Yasser Musa spanked Johann Ketz and Kody August: 3-0 each, Mark Musa spanked Ashley Weller and Johann Ketz also 3-0 each and Mishek Musa won 3-0 over Kody August. Ping Pang also mauled Team Garage 5-1. Team Tallawah is ranked 2nd with 8 points after posting their 4th win: 5-0 over SJC Lightspeed on Saturday. Tallawah’s Robert Peyrefitte spanked Daniel Sanchez 3-1 and despatched Miguel Reyes: 3-1, Gian Lisbey spanked Bryton Codd and over Daniel Sanchez each: 3-0 and Harim Ochaeta dismissed Miguel Reyes: 3-0. Team Bismark also has 8 points after posting their 4th win: 5-4 against the BDF Spin Kings. Bismark’s Aaron Stock swatted Charlton Roches 3-0 and spanked Radford Baizar 3-1, Moses Babb won 3-1 over Radford Baizar and 3-0 over Clifton Williams, and Matthew Usher dismissed Charlton Roches 3-0. For the BDF Spin Kings, Charlton Roches outlasted Moses Babb 3-2, Clifton Williams outlasted Aaron Stock and Matthew Usher each: 3-2, while Radford Baizar sent in Matthew Usher: 3-1. The Turds bounced back to upset the SJC Strikers: 5-3.

Team Belize wins Taiwan National Day Double-10 Basketball tournament
The Belize-Taiwaneese community’s organized its first annual Taiwan Double-10 National Day Basketball tournament at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium in Belize City on Sunday, October 21st, and the Belize team won. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. David Wu presented the first prize and medals to Team Belize and 2nd prize to Team Chinese. Junior Commissioner on the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, Alex Chang of Fen Lan Motors sponsored the event along with Lee Mark Chang of Chon Saan Palace. Team Cayo finished the first round to enter the semifinals undefeated as the No. 1 seed with 2 wins: 48-40 over Team Youths and 37-34 over Team Belize. In Game 2, the Taiwan-Belize Seniors won 52-38 over Team Chinese. In Game 4, Team Chinese made the semifinals as the No. 4 seed when they eliminated Team Youth: 37-21. Michael Guan top-scored with 13 points. Ming added 8 points, Allan Huang drained in a trey to add 7pts, and William Quan hit 2 treys as Team Chinese led 19-6 at the half. Nick Chang top scored for Team Youths with 8 points, Inaru Enriquez added 6pts, Chia Chen had 4 points and Jonathan Tseng added 2 points. In Game 5, Team Belize made the semifinals as the No. 3 seed as they won 51-46 against Taiwan Belize Seniors. Clive Reyes top-scored with 10 points, Devon Defour had 6 points and Brandon Rogers added 5 points to lead 21-19 at the half. Keron Reyes added 4 points and played Big D, grabbing rebounds in the paint. Randall MacFadzean and Arden Pou each added a basket for the win. Andy Lin top-scored for the Taiwan Belize Seniors with 16 pts, David Ying added 4pts, Tony Liu and Aries Lin added 3 points each and Rei Lee had 2 points.

Five Men Appealing Convictions
Five Guatemalan men who were convicted in March of 2011 for their plot to kill Jose Shoman, Jr. and his family back in December 2008 have appealed their sentences. The five men, Miguel Mayorga, Eswin Fabian Rosalez, Carlos Juarez, Jose Ismael Cordova, and Cesar Junior Aldana are hoping to get their conviction overturned. Their attorney in the matter was Hubert Elrington while the DPP herself, Cheryl Lynn Vidal represented the Crown in this matter. Elrington argued on eight grounds on behalf of the men. They included, that the trial judge erred in law in leaving the case to the jury without giving the jury the directions and warnings in a case where the evidence was solely visual identification evidence. He also argued that the judge erred when he permitted the witness, Eric Alexander Miranda to make a dock identification of Eswin Rosales, Jose Ismael Cordova, Carlos Juarez and Cesar Junior Aldana and Miguel Mayorga. He stated that it was wrong for the judge to allow the witness to conduct an dock identification of them. He also argued that the judge erred when he left the case to the jury without giving them an adequate direction on conspiracy and joint enterprise. After the Court of Appeal judges heard from both Elrington and the Crown, they concluded that there were a number of discrepancies in the trial but they will leave their ruling for a later date so they can consider all they heard.

Government destroys over 700 Guns
Hydraulic Shears Crushing RiflesHydraulic Shears Crushing RiflesIn just two days, the Government of Belize destroyed 730 confiscated, surplus or obsolete guns. Such a feat would not have been possible without the use of a hydraulic shear weapons destruction machine donated by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) in May of this year. Read more...

An Intellectual Giant from Cayo passes on
An intellectual powerhouse from the Cayo District has passed on. Elias Awe passed away on October 19th, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Dulce Maria Awe; daughter, Amira Awe Bodden and sons, Joe and Mike Awe. He is also survived by his brothers, Jose and Nazim Awe. Read more...

The San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture exhibits Art Collection
Artists from the Cayo District now have a new opportunity to exhibit their work. The San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture opened this past Friday, the ‘Cayo Art Collection 2012’, a variety of paintings from a multi discipline of talents.

PANCAP holds Twelfth Annual Meeting
Under the theme “PANCAP: Forging New Paths, more than 100 members of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) will meet for its Twelfth Annual General meeting on October 24 - 26th, 2012, in Belize City, Belize. Chaired by Hon. Dr. Kevin Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health, Jamaica and Chair of the PANCAP Executive Board, the objectives of this Twelfth meeting are to assess the Partnership’s progress in, among other areas, planning for its sustainability, human rights and access to prevention and treatment by vulnerable communities. It will also review developments related to the reshaping of the regional architecture for HIV and the complementary roles of PANCAP and the recently established Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in advancing the regional agenda for HIV. The meeting is organized into several sessions, which will examine new perspectives on the global economic climate and sustainability at the Community level. Panelists include members of Government, representatives of regional and international agencies and Civil Society. Keynote speaker of the official opening, Henrietta Elizabeth Thompson, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator of Rio+, will address several Ministers of Health of Health of the Caribbean, high-level Government officials, regional and international representatives of the Partnership and other invited guests in attendance.

UNO double dipping on Consumers?
UNOPETROL is the leading distributor of fuels and petroleum products in Central America. It has over 500 service stations in the region and on Wednesday, October 24th, the company officially launched operations in Belize. Read more...

Violence and News Part II
In “Violence and News Part I”, we looked at the two most popular news producers in Belize, 7 News and Channel 5 News, and found that in one week 37 of 42 pieces featuring subjects 25 years of age and younger were crime reports. The executive producer of both newscasts were unapologetic about their coverage despite the fact that the Prime Minister’s Chief Executive Officer, Audrey Wallace said, “Increasingly the Belize Broadcasting Association (BBA) has been receiving a lot of complaints about the graphic details featured in news and the impact it has on children watching.” Without intervention by the Belize Broadcasting Authority (BBA), the content in local news is unlikely to change. That intervention is unlikely to happen since Wallace explained the difficulty of finding a balance between “emphasizing the need for sensitization and being accused of censoring the media”. Wallace pointed out that the Belize Broadcasting Act has been reviewed and the belief is that it needs to be amended for the authorities to effectively regulate the industry. The Act was passed in 1984 and is inadequate for the modern media. The Act provides the BBA with no authority to control content. In essence, the BBA is simply a door watcher. It decides who gets to operate in the media but doesn’t control what they do once inside. Wallace said that there are a lot of provisions in the Act that needs to be revised and as the BBA continues to review its policies and role in the media, Wallace said, “We will also begin to focus on regulating content.” She stressed however, that the BBA will be careful not to engage in censorship because it has no place in a democratic society. Until the BBA is able to revamp its code of ethics in local broadcasting, those raising concerns about the violent content in news are left at the mercy of the news producers. Based on their comments last week, readers will understand that they have no plans to change their “if it bleeds it leads” policy. Understanding that, the United Nation’s Children Fund is requesting an improvement in the standard of reporting. Christine Norton, Country Representative for UNICEF, is challenging journalists to look beyond the immediate story. She suggests we look into the background of the subjects. That means reporting more than the shooting was done by a 14-year-old. It means shedding light on the life of the 14-year-old to get viewers to understand what happened before that child pick up the gun. It means asking what alternative did the child have and is any of his siblings at risk of falling into the same trap. Looking beyond the story means presenting young viewers with alternatives to the choices that were taken by the 14-year-old, who picked up the gun and opened fire at another.

Wesley College to celebrate 14th Annual Red Ribbon (Drug Prevention) Week
Wesley College will be celebrating its 14th Annual Red Ribbon (Drug Prevention) Week, October 29th – November 2nd, 2012. The theme for the week is “The Best ME Is Drug-Free!”. Red Ribbon Week focuses on drug prevention and celebrates drug-free youth. It is a special time for the Wesley College community as it allows time to focus on whole-school activities in the very important area of drug prevention. The week will be officially opened on Monday, October 29th by His Worship Darrell Bradley, Mayor of Belize City. Tuesday is “Shade Out Drugs Day” and staff and students will be wearing sunshades to “shade out drugs” (saying no to drugs). Wednesday, October 31st is Red Ribbon Day and students, members of staff and members of the Board of Management will be wearing red ribbons throughout the day. The Red Ribbon is a catalyst and symbol for Wesley College to say that, ribbon by ribbon, the school community is united for drug-free youth. There will be the usual Wednesday Church Service at Wesley Church which, this year, will be led by Form 3 Red. After the Service, there will be a short parade. Special activities organized for the students include Class Mascot and Homeroom Mixed-Talent Competitions on Wednesday, and Wear Red Day and Roast and Toast on Friday. The Roast and Toast is a special time for fun and fellowship and the toasting of hot dog sausages and marshmallows. Students will also participate in poetry and poster competitions, and the signing of the Red Ribbon Week Pledge Banner.

OW Town Council Broke - Eleven Employees Fired
Kevin Bernard, Mayor of Orange WalkKevin Bernard, Mayor of Orange WalkThe chickens have come home to roost at the Orange Walk Town Council as 11 employees were axed from that municipality. PUP Mayor, Kevin Bernard has gone to great lengths to try to explain away the woes at the Town Council, but the reality has set in. Last week, we reported that the Council was unable to pay employees and now, they have begun to lay off workers. A release from the Council states that "On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, the Orange Walk Town Council held a management meeting to address certain critical matters affecting the delivery of service to residents of the town." It goes on, "At the end of the meeting, the regrettable decision to immediately streamline staff was taken, resulting in the Council laying off 11 employees on Friday, October 19, 2012." What the release forgot to mention was that after assuming office, Bernard and his Council went on an all-out campaign to fire employees, who had been there for years and, who were perceived to be supporters of the UDP. Shortly thereafter, the Council was overloaded with PUP lackeys, some of whom were hired to do the same job, in effect paying two people for the same work. Among those hired was a bodyguard for the Mayor. The Council then became overburdened with salaries. In the month of April, salaries went from a projected 34 thousand dollars to be spent, to a whopping 55,600 dollars. Then in June, the projection of salaries went from 34 thousand dollars to 66 thousand dollars. It is no wonder that these days, all the mayor can say is that salaries are consuming all of the Council's finances. And he is right, but it is as a result of the Town Council being saddled with highly paid lackeys, who spend most of their time standing in front of the Town Council looking at passersby.

OAS Secretary General visits Belize to discuss Referendum Costs
OAS General Secretary, Jose Moguel InsulzaOAS General Secretary, Jose Moguel InsulzaThe Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) was in Belize on Tuesday ,October 23rd. Jose Miguel Insulza met with the Belizean press after having talks with the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington and Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar. At the press briefing, Insulza explained to the press that the reason for his visit to Belize was to appraise the Prime Minister about talks, which had taken place a day earlier in Guatemala on October 22nd. "It would be proper to come to Belize to report to the Prime Minister and talk to the authorities to ensure that everyone is well informed," stated Insulza. At the meeting held in Guatemala, Insulza met with Hon. Wilfred Elrington and Harold Caballeros , Ministers of Foreign Affairs for Belize and Guatemala respectively. During the meetings, the men spoke of the upcoming referendum process, which is expected to take place on October 6th, 2013. Key in the talks were the costs that will be associated with the referendum process. The Guatemalan press is reporting that the education campaign in Guatemala will be in the region of 33 million U.S. dollars or 260 million Quetzales. According to the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexis Rosado, Belize's figure is significantly less at 4.4 million U.S. dollars or 8.9 million Belize dollars. The monies will be used in various aspects of the education campaign including setting up an office, equipment and staffing. The campaign will also be a dynamic one where printed material, documentaries, debates and panels will be held as well as website blogs and other forms of electronic media will be used.

Two Businessmen killed in Two Days
Alfred Shackron is the latest victim of crime in Belize City. Shackron was shot three times as he exited Body 2000 gym, which is located on Coney Drive at around 9:20 on Wednesday morning. Shackron was shot just as he was about to get into his vehicle that was parked nearby. Police report that shots were fired at Shackron from a vehicle, which was in the area. Those, who were in the area, say that men pulled up in a black Ford Escape and he had an exchange of words with them. After which, the men in the vehicle attempted to drag him into the vehicle. He resisted and was subsequently shot. He received wounds to the neck and chest. He died shortly thereafter as a result of the injuries he sustained. At the scene, police recovered two expended 9 millimeter shells as well as a .22 millimeter expended shell. Shackron, who is of Lebanese descent, was a well-known businessman, being the owner of JEC Pawn Shop in Belize City as well as the owner of the popular lottery game Mega Bingo. Shackron's murder comes just a day after another businessman was similarly killed. Shortly before 1p.m. on Tuesday, Abdul Aziz Mohamed Dib, a 40-year-old U.S. national of Lebanese descent, was at King Kabab Restaurant located in the Farmer's Market in Belize City along with other men of Lebanese extraction, when a gunman approached them. The assailant, described as being tall and of dark complexion and wearing a mask, simply approached Dib and opened fire. He received a gunshot to the head, left hand, center of the abdomen, upper chest and lower back. Dib fell off his chair, breaking it, and died on the spot. Police recovered 7 expended shells on the scene. It is unclear what connection there is between the two murders, but, that two businessmen of similar background being killed less than 24 hours apart has investigators looking at the likelihood of a connection existing between the two murders. Police have stated that the killings were not random acts of violence or gang related. A police press release states that the Shackron killing has all appearances of being an organized hit having to do with a business deal gone sour.

Blogs

What $50 buys you at the corner store
Yesterday I left the house with $50 in my pocket and decided somewhere along the way I would pick up a few groceries. I could not resist stopping in Flamboyant park for a bit as the swing bench was in the shade and it was nice to sit and listen to music for a bit. After my nice Zen break, I walked as far as the gas station and on my way back, I stopped at a few fruit markets on the main road but did not see anything I wanted to carry the distance, and decided to shop closer to home. I ended up at La Despensa Del Hogar otherwise known as our corner store. We have always called it Mini Marinas because it is the same owners and there was never a sign. Without doing the math as I was shopping, I came pretty close to my $50 budget, $49.40 was my total. Here is what I got for that: 4 pack pork chops from Running W meats $12.75 1 Jar Nescafe Dolca Coffee $9.50 1 Lala Light box milk 3.50 1 pack Ginger cookies $1.25 1 bag of peanuts $1.25 1 jar Manzanilla Olives $4.45 1 Gatorade $3.50 1 Cucumber $2.00 1 Green Pepper $1.50 12 rolls Elite butt wipe $9.70 Pricing in Belize dollars

An Afternoon on the Rum Punch and a Stop at Palapa Bar
Yesterday four ladies and quite a few coolers loaded on the Rum Punch II for a sail northwards. A very pretty day with a few heavy clouds and a surprisingly stiff wind from the northwest. The captain, George Eiley, estimated it at about 15 knots. We sailed north passed Grand Caribe... And some gentlemen out lobster hunting... Bonnie lounging with Captain George. Up by the Mexico Rocks snorkeling area, the water was getting pretty rough. A few went in to snorkel...here is Manuel, the first mate, blowing bubbles... You can see how foggy the water was. I chose to take a quick dip and then lay in the sun. On the way home, we decided to have one quick drink at the Palapa Bar. Here we are pulling up...

The people, their life stories and their rich history is why I want to experience the 2012 Maya Winter Solstice in Belize
Sitting on the bank of the Moho River in the Toledo District, Senida a thirteen year old Mayan girl, relates wanting to go to high school but instead her father has found a man for her to marry. Senida asks the high school students I am traveling with what school is like in the US and they ask her about life in Belize. We are all richer from the experience. On break from building a library for a school in Conejo Belize, I cut a pineapple purchased at the market. Immediately school children are next to us saying “Please Miss.” We share our pineapple and in return they share mangos. One girl, Juanita, offers us a drink of her cloudy drinking water. After sharing a small meal together we start a quick game of soccer. All are richer from the experience. One evening Rhea, A Mayan woman with five children, invites me to dinner. Her children eat on the floor while we share stories of what motherhood is like in Belize and the US. We see that we are more alike than different. We both worry about our children’s health, education and future and we both love to cook. We are richer from the experience.

The Day Of The Dead
Although, the Day of the Dead (also known as el Dia de los Muertos and Los Finados) is most prominently recognized and celebrated in Mexico, it is also very popular in many villages and towns in Belize. This is due to the fact that the tradition of celebrating the life and death of lost loved relatives dates back to the ancient Maya, an indigenous culture of Belize and Mesoamerica. However, interestingly enough, the day of the dead is also linked to Catholicism, the primary religion that was enforced by Europeans when they colonised the Americas. Understanding that, it is not by coincidence that the Day of the Dead is celebrated at the beginning of November coinciding with All Saints Day and All Souls Day. What makes this event unique? On the Day of the Dead, Maya and Mestizo communities across Belize unanimously get together to commemorate the life and death of their ancestors. This is done by decorating small tables as alters at home and including water, flowers, fruits, candles and portraits of their deceased. Families also make sure to have delicious traditional Belizean foods such as tamales, Bollos, Caldo de Gallina local, Chirmole and Ishpasha Atole. As for favorite alcoholic drinks, rum and tequila seem to be the popular choices.

International Sources

The Evolutionary Importance of Grandmothers
In the 1980s, Kristen Hawkes and James O'Connell spent time with Hadza hunter-gatherers. They noticed that the older women in the society spent their days collecting tubers and other food for their grandchildren. That was the proverbial fallen apple that sparked Hawkes' interest in the Grandmother Theory, which says that humans evolved to live so long because grandmothers were around to help take care of the young'uns. The Grandmother Hypothesis goes further than to establish the importance of grandmas. In our early years as a species, the theory goes, older women helped gather food for their offsprings' offspring. In so doing, they were freeing up their daughters to have more children, more quickly. So the most evolutionarily fit grandmothers have the most grandchildren, to whom they pass on their longevity-promoting genes.

Funding opportunity for Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Program
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has modified its announcement that it expects to award a maximum of 35 discretionary grants to support projects that promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds and their habitats in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. It was modified to reflect changes in the description of the funding opportunity. The estimated total program funding available was cited as $3.79 million with a ceiling of $200,000 for each award under this program. This funding opportunity is open to any entity such as state, county, city, township and special district governments; Native American tribal governments and organizations; institutions of higher education; Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities; nonprofits; for profit organizations; small businesses; eligible agencies of the federal government; and faith-based or community-based organizations. A funding opportunity notice from the Fish and Wildlife Service states: "The neotropical migratory birds population reductions contribute to the loss of biological diversity in the nearctic and neotropical countries where the migrants breed and winter. Most evident in forest-dwelling species, the declines have been attributed to human activities like forest fragmentation, tropical deforestation and general habitat loss. Much alarm has been expressed about the impacts of deforestation on South American biotas, yet deforestation rates have been highest in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Basin, areas where most neotropical migrants are concentrated. The Foundation proposal recommended that research and conservation efforts be focused on those countries that supply winter habitat for the majority of neotropical migrants: Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Program is designed to address this need by coordinating cooperative efforts among federal, state and local government agencies in the United States, as well as conservation groups, professional alliances, philanthropic foundations and private companies. Cooperation is also actively sought with government agencies, institutions and private groups in neotropical countries and Canada. The program emphasizes that cooperative research, monitoring and habitat management actions be implemented simultaneously in breeding and wintering areas and that conservation activities embrace the goal of sustainable development for human populations." The funding opportunity number is NMBCA-13-635 (CFDA 15.635). The application closing date is Nov. 29.

Mexico Daylight Saving Time ends on October 28th
· In Mexico, clocks go backward one hour on Sunday, October 28th. · Mexico and Belize will have again the same local time. Belmopan, Belize, 25 October 2012- The Embassy of Mexico informs that on Sunday, October 28th, Mexico ends Daylight Saving Time, in order to begin Winter Time. This means that Mexico’s local time will be the same as Belize’s local time. For those traveling within Mexico on the evening of Saturday, October 27th, the Embassy suggests that their time be changed backward one hour before going to sleep. If you are in transit through Mexico, please verify your flight and bus local time.

CHC documenting historical sites in Texas, Belize, San Francisco
Historic sites at California’s most famous prison, in the jungles of Belize and closer-to-home in the town of Belton, Texas are three of the most recent documentation projects undertaken by Texas A&M’s Center for Heritage Conservation. Earlier this month, Robert Warden, CHC director, took preservation technology students to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, to create 2- and 3-D models of the former federal prison’s recreation yard using sophisticated scanning equipment including the total station, a tool that employs a laser distance meter to scan and record imaging data that yields accurate, highly detailed structural models when entered into computer-aided design software. The Alcatraz imaging project is part of an ongoing collaboration with Chico State University and the National Park Service, which operates the island as a tourist attraction and a sanctuary for seabirds. Warden documented other parts of the prison during a previous visit to the island. In another CHC project, Warden and Michelle Bernhardt, a civil engineering Ph.D. student pursuing a Certificate in Historic Preservation, traveled to northwestern Belize for two weeks in July 2012 to document Blue Creek, site of an ancient Maya site. It was Warden’s second trip to Blue Creek, where the Maya Research Program has been conducting archaeological excavations since 1992. “We do our work where burial grounds are uncovered,” said Warden. “Before artifacts and bones are extracted, we go in and create 3-D models of the burial site, which we share with archaeologists working on the project.”

New World Oil & Gas making steady progress with Belize drilling
New World Oil and Gas’s (LON:NEW) first well at Blue Creek in the Petén Basin in northwest Belize is making steady progress toward its primary target. The B Crest well has drilled to a depth of 4,509ft, having passed through anhydrite, dolomite and limestone sequences in line with the company's geologic prognosis. Drilling is on schedule and under budget and progressing at an average rate of 24ft per hour, it said. The primary objective of the well lies at 5,700ft in the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval, 1,300ft below the current depth. New World added it remains on course to reach the total depth of 7,000ft on or before 15 November 2012 where it expects to have reached the base of the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval. William Kelleher, chief executive, said, "We are 1,300ft above our primary objective, being the Yalbac 2 formation, which we believe to contain multiple payzones for this well." The Blue Creek #2 well is part of the company's three well drilling programme at Blue Creek. An independent report compiled by RPS Energy assigned an un-risked P50 resource (ie a 50 per cent chance of oil or gas being produced) of 92 million barrels of oil to B Crest. It is the smallest of three prospects at Blue Creek, which has a total P50 resource of 329 million barrels.

Michael and Linda Mastro Accused of Stashing Assets in Belize Off-Shore Trust
The indictment against Michael and Linda Mastro relates to bankruptcy fraud and money laundering. The federal government alleges that the two hid millions in assets during a bankruptcy proceeding, including a $15 million Medina home. Medina residents Michael Mastro, 87, and his wife, Linda, 62, caught in France Wednesday after more than a year on the run, are being accused by federal prosecutors of hiding millions of dollars in assets from creditors in an off-shore trust in Belize, and now face a 43 count indictment, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Annette L. Hayes Thursday. The hidden assets, according to federal prosecutors, included diamond rings, a Rolls Royce automobile and their $15 million Medina home. Federal prosecutors also say they transfered money from their hidden bank accounts and paid for car loans for a 2006 Range Rover, a 2007 Bentley Continental, and a 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe; household expenses; legal expenses; department stores purchases; and a bulk gold coin purchase. The indictment includes a variety of bankruptcy fraud crimes and multiple counts of money laundering, according to federal prosecutors.

New World gets closer
Belize-focused New World Oil & Gas (LON:NEW) is drilling ever closer to its target depth at Blue Creek. Drilling operations at the Blue Creek #2 well have continued on schedule and under budget at an average rate of 24 feet per hour. As at 24 October 2012, the well had been drilled to a depth of 4,509 feet, with the primary source expected to lie at 5,700 feet. The well remains on course to reach the total depth of 7,000 feet on or before 15 November 2012. Blue Creek in Belize is the company's most advanced project, with unrisked prospective resources of 92 million barrels of oil, as confirmed by a competent person. New World also operates two projects in onshore Denmark, located in producing basins covering a combined area of more than 2.6 million acres, making it the largest holder of acreage in Denmark. Management has said it is 'constantly evaluating' additional projects that would 'complement' the growing portfolio, particularly late-stage exploration or early production projects located in basins with large proven reserves that, in the opinion of the directors, are 'undervalued, underdeveloped or underperforming'. Chief executive William Kelleher argued that the experience of drilling so far had been 'in line with expectations and forecast geological prognosis'.

Mind-Blowing Glamping in Cayo
Chaa Creek was mentioned in oyster.com's top 5 list for 'mind-blowing' retreats. The article mentions glamping, a term which is becoming well known, at CC's Macal River Camp. "The budget-friendly Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek takes camping to a whole new level — specifically, the 'glamping' (translation: glamorous camping) level. Guests stay in tents lit only by the flickering glow of a gas lamp at night, and can fall asleep to a chorus of howler monkeys and cicadas."

October 25, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Armed Robbery at Western Union Branch
No arrest has been made in the armed robbery of the Western Union Branch at Ambergris Lake Villas which occurred on Friday, October 19th. Sometime before 3PM on Friday, police responded to the call and upon arrival they observed a male person suffering from head injuries and bleeding. The lone employee, Bernis Gutierrez of the Western Union Branch which is operated by Milo’s Center said that two men of dark complexion entered the office by posing as customers wanting to conduct a transaction. “I was getting ready to balance the transactions I made that day. And I was sitting down counting the money just making sure that everything was right. Then two gentlemen came in; they kind of forced the door open because I usually have it locked due to the fact that I have money in there. So it kind of cautioned me a little, but the gentlemen came in and asked if I still do Western Union and I said yes. As they were looking for their ID, it was a surprise to me instead of an ID one of them took out a gun and the next one took out a knife and told me to hand them all the money. I told them that the money is here. You can take whatever you want, just don’t harm me. And then they pushed me against the wall and with the point of the gun, hit me on the side of my head and then with the bottom of the gun, the man punched me in the nose. And they just throw me to the floor. As I was on the floor, I was bleeding. They just took the cash I had; they took the laptop and my personal phone. Then before leaving they kick me like three times and then they went to the front but I really didn’t see which way they went. I just stayed on the floor lying down to be safe until they were gone,” said Gutierrez who suffered minor head injuries and was treated and released. Gutierrez explained that while he did not recognize the two men, a surveillance camera captured the incident.

One Love store held up by armed thieves
The crime situation is fast spinning out of control in San Pedro Town, as yet another business establishment was held up at gun point in broad day light. One Love Store, situated in the DFC Area was the latest business targeted by armed thieves. The lone storekeeper, 17 year old Amid Harmouch was held up by two men shortly before 11AM on Wednesday, October 24th. Speaking to The San Pedro Sun, Harmouch said that sometime before 11AM, he noticed two brown-skinned males of Creole descent on separate bicycles approaching the entrance of the store. The two men had their faces covered when they entered the store and went over to Harmouch, each pointing what appeared to be silver guns. The men then demanded that Harmouch handover the cash from the cash register. Harmouch explained that he was very nervous and agitated, so he was ordered to lie down in the corner of the store. Fearing for his life, the shopkeeper complied. Just as the men stormed the cash register, a female customer entered into the store. At that point one of the armed men pointed his pistol at the lady. The woman, who choose to remain anonymous said, “Just as I was going into the shop I was standing at the entrance, one of the men took and pointed a gun at me. I think they figured that I saw what was happening so they pointed the gun at me. I took the risk and I ran outside and began screaming. The two men, who had masks and were armed, decided to hurry. I saw when they began taking out the money from the cash register and grabbed a laptop and a cell phone ran out of the shop.”

Ambergris Today

Mathieu’s Delicatessen Says Goodbye to San Pedro
Owners Gunter Mathieu and Anna Williams will be relocating to Placencia, where they will both be joining the prestigious Robert’s Grove Resort. Chef Gunter will be running the bakery there and catering to four in-house restaurants. He will also be developing Robert’s Grove Deli and provisioning business and will oversee “Habaneros” restaurant on site. Anna will be coordinating dive, snorkel and inland tours and will be responsible for developing and marketing new products at Robert’s Grove, including Chef Gunter’s food businesses. Mathieu’s will strive to continue to supply many of their wholesale customers in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Belize City, with a view to catering to retail customers in the future, dependent on an agreement with an appropriate store here in San Pedro. Gunter and Anna would like to thank everyone in San Pedro and Caye Caulker for an amazing two years’ custom, support and encouragement. Whilst sad to be leaving friends in San Pedro, they are excited at this opportunity for expansion and new ventures, which was unfortunately not possible on Ambergris Caye. They welcome any opportunity to keep in touch on their email: mathieus.delicatessen@gmail.com, via Facebook or by phone 670-3354 or 626-2925.

BTB makes first step towards hosting 2013 Mundo Maya Games
In the spirit of promoting and representing our commitment to the Mundo Maya initiative, the logo of MUNDO MAYA (registered trademark) is now on the face of the BTB’s building. The logo is formed by the “conch” symbol and the title, MUNDO MAYA. It synthesizes the philosophy and objectives of the program, expressing the unity between the Mayan culture and nature which have been in existence for more than 2000 years. The Mundo Maya trademark was created to identify a common image and to position the product as a regional tourist destination worldwide. This partnership between the BTB and the Mundo Maya organization seeks to strengthen and foster an ongoing budding relationship. With a readily visible and identifiable logo, the Mundo Maya’s objectives and philosophies have been easily instilled into the culture of the BTB and the tourism stakeholders, through a positive identification with the Mundo Maya Organization.

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: My Favorite Croc Capture
This is still my favorite capture! This was a problematic croc that we were asked to remove by local residents from WASA. The croc became problematic because it was being illegally fed as a "tourist attraction." Crocodiles are apex predators, just like bears, and learn to associate humans as a food source once fed. In the USA, any alligator that has been fed by humans is shot immediately. Please do not come to Belize and feed the wildlife. It is illegal here, just as in any other country, under the Belize Wildlife Protection Act (Chapter 220).

Traditional Healers Forum
Tomorrow, at the George Price Centre, there will be a Traditional Healers forum. Thanks go out to the Institute for Social and Cultural Research and National Institute for Culture and History for the event. "Call for Traditional Healers! Calling all Traditional Healers countrywide to participate in our second form. The first forum held in January was a huge success, we are looking for more healers across the country to participate in our second forum."

Lucky 5 Sports Bar Commercial
Lucky 5 Sports Bar and Grill has a new commercial, and it looks professional. Make-Belize Films created it. Lucky 5 is at the base of the Cahal Pech hill. "Check out our brand new TV commercial for Lucky 5 Bar in San Ignacio, 100% made in Cayo!!"

"A Most Compelling Wildlife Story"
Roni Martinez has a touching story, that was timed perfectly with the opening of the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic. They got a call about a captive Spider monkey that was abused, and near death. After the ceremony, the monkey was confiscated, and Roni was there to document it. "The Human race; A species capable of great compassion, and great destruction. I had always seen wildlife medicine from a different angle, not knowing what ALL it entails. Not fully understanding the hardships and setbacks, or the expense and the complications. After the inauguration of the BWRC on Friday October 19th, I had the life changing experience of living a day with Belize's TOP wildlife vets. This, changed forever the way I look at wildlife medicine."

October Cayo Event Calendar for San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize

Tropic Air Starts Cayo Run on December 10th
It's Time to Fly! Tropic Air has released their flier with the flights to and from Cayo. They'll have 2 flights to Maya Flats, Cayo's newest airstrip, each day, one from Belize City, and one from San Pedro. They both arrive at 12:40, and then head back at 12:45. Hopefully, they'll add Placencia soon since that's the next stop from Cayo.

UEFA Champions League 2012/2013 Standings after round 3
Filed under: football, sports, UEFA 2012 2013, uefa champions league These are the standings after round three of group stages of the UEFA Champions League 2012/2013. The biggest surprises after round three are German giants Borrusia Dortmund (defeating Real Madrid by 2-1) and Spanish powerhouse Malaga (defeating AC Milan 1-0). Both teams lead their respective groups and are looking sharp in this edition of the UEFA Champions League. The biggest let-down comes from current Premier League Champions, Manchester City, whom stand at the bottom of group D.

Channel 7

Wealthy Well-Known Lebanese-Belizean Businessman Executed
Alfred Schakron is a wealthy well-known, well-connected Belizean businessman - but this morning all his money and influence could not save him as he was executed in the street. It happened on Coney Drive in the City's northside - where murders or acts of violence occur very rarely. Schakron becomes the second Lebanese businessman to be murdered in broad daylight in 22 hours - and his killing appears to have been carried out by other Lebanese. For many, it is a frightening event - that such a powerful man could have been killed with such ease and impunity. But police say it is an indication that something serious is afoot within the Lebanese community. Monica Bodden was on the scene this morning and she has this report: Family, friends and employees of JEC filled the parking lot outside the KHMH this morning -when news broke that businessman Alfred Shakron was gunned down. His ex-wife and mother of his two children - Yolanda Shakron - had to be consoled when she arrived at the hospital. Shakron's 16 year old daughter was rushed to the hospital by her school teacher. And as she got outside the vehicle, there was an awful shrieking wail from his high school aged daughter.

Aziz Dib Was Shot Five Times
And while you could say that Alfred Schakron was an institution in Belize City - yesterday's murder victim, 40 year old Abdul Aziz Mohammed Dib was only a visitor who came to Belize every few months. Dib was a US Citizen and car dealer who went for lunch yesterday at King Kabob Lebanese Restaurant. Police say he was sitting with Khaled Assaad when a masked creole make strode in and opened fire at close range. Today, police are reporting that he was shot 5 times, to the left hand, center of the abdomen, upper chest area, head, and lower back. Police found nine 9mm expended shells on the scene. No one has been detained for either murder. According to the 2010 census, there are 240 Lebanese in all of Belize, which is less than .1 % (point 1 percent) - so, to have two Lebanese murdered in 22 hours is highly exceptional.

Trial By Media?
38 year Laverne Longsworth, better known as "Antichrist", has been standing trial for murder in the courtroom of Justice Adolph Lucas for the past 8 days. She is charged in connection with the death of her 32 year-old common-law husband, David White. The allegation which is currently being tested in the case before Justice Lucas, is that on July 15, 2010, Longsworth threw gasoline on White and lit him on fire. He died 17 days later at the KHMH from burn injuries. The case is peculiar because the main pieces of evidence that the crown counsel is using to try to convict Longsworth are the interviews she gave to this media house and Channel 5. As a result, media personnel, who have been summoned by the court, are the ones giving testimonies for the prosecution. This is the first time in recent history that the court is accepting electronic evidence to be admitted in a criminal trial.

Prison Officer Fined 10K For Weed Smuggling At Prison
28 year-old Amir Reyes, a former prison officer from Orange Walk Town, has to pay $10,000 after he was convicted of drug trafficking in Magistrate Court today. He was caught trying to smuggle weed into the prison. The prison officer who busted Reyes testified in the trial that at around 6:50 p.m. on May 7, 2012, Reyes reported to work with a black bag. When the officer searched the bag, he found a container which contained food. Underneath the food, the officer discovered two black plastic bags stuffed with 324 grams if cannabis, almost three-quarter pound. As a result, police arrested and charged Reyes with drug trafficking. In his defense, Reyes testified saying that while on the way to work, he met a man who gave him to bag to take to prison. He said that this was the first time he met this "Kent", and he didn't know that drugs were inside. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, after considering the evidence, found Reyes guilty of the offence, and she particularly remarked that his story was, quote, "a pack of lies". Since it was his first drug trafficking conviction, Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced Reyes to pay the mandatory $10,000 fine. He was ordered to pay $5,000 forthwith and the balance by June 30, 2013, or he will face 3 years in prison if he defaults on payment.

UNO's Momento
You've probably seen the UNO signs up at gas stations in your area. And that's because the Central American company has taken over all the service stations that used to be Texaco - a total of 10. Those stations have now been re-fitted, re-branded and reloaded with a type of fuel called UNO Pro. The company was officially launched today at the gas station at mile one on the northern highway and we found out more about what's in the new name: Jules Vasquez "What's that brand, UNO?" Andrea Eiley - Local Finance Officer, UNO Belize "UNO is a regional brand that comes from Honduras. Our main office is Honduras, and we have our UNO brand in all of the Central American countries, including Belize." Jules Vasquez "What does the change represent for the people who've been used to the Texaco Gas Stations." Andrea Eiley "The UNO brand comes with quality products, which includes and additive in the premium, lubricants, and quality customer service at our stations." Jules Vasquez "And so, there is no premium anymore."

Only One out of Five Elderly Say They Are Healthy
Today is United Nations Day and the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge launched a report called "Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and A Challenge." The condition of the aged is relevant all over the world - because, eventually, all of us are expecting to get to a good old age, when hopefully we will be well taken care of. 7.1% of the Belize's population is older than 60 - but only 1 out of 5 says he or she is in good health. And of greatest concern is that two-thirds of the population of older persons does not receive a pension or financial benefit. The chairman of HELPAGE told us about the condition of the Aged at today's launch: Evan Dakers - Chairman, HELPAGE Belize "The importance of this report has to do with the fact that it chronicles some of the major demographic changes that are taking place in the world's population. And we are focusing specifically - of course - on that age group which is 60 years and older. And it looks at how, as the world's population becomes older as it ages, countries have to put in place relevant policies and programs to meet those special needs of the population 60 years and older."

Elderly Man Sent To Jail Because of Nephew
Tonight, 66 year-old Cyril Banner is at prison after he was taken to court for attempting to murder his nephew. The allegation is that on Saturday, Banner's nephew came to his home and hit him in the stomach, and as a result, he pulled a machete hit the nephew with it, inflicting injuries. As a result, police arrested and charged Banner with attempted murder, grievous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. Banner was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith this afternoon, and due to the nature of the offences, no plea was taken, and he was remanded to prison until November 27. Banner is being represented by attorney Arthur Saldivar.

Mayan Communities Sing Resolutions Against Capital Energy
SATIIM and the Maya Communities it represents will attend the public consultation on the environmental Impact Assessment tomorrow evening in Sundaywood Village. But, they aren't going happily. They have gotten signed resolutions form the villages of Conejo, Crique Carco, Midway and Graham Creek. The resolutions say that these communities have not been consulted and have not granted their free, prior and informed consent. They say that they want a just agreement with the oil company which addresses their rights, concerns and needs through a process that represents full and effective participation. The resolutions are signed by over four hundred villagers in those communities as well as Vilage Alcalde's and chairmen. The background to all the resolutions is that Maya customary land tenure was established by the court in all these communities. They say that their communities must grant consent before US capital Energy proceeds with oil exploration in the lands falling under customary land tenure.

Riding For A Reason
The Ride Across Belize started its ninth annual ride this morning at 7:00 in Corozal Town in front of the Social Security Office. 80 plus miles later - the first leg of the four day event ended five hours later in Belize City - again at the social Security Office. It was an easy ride for some and a mighty struggle for other - but all for a good cause. We found out more from the organizer: Chandra Cansino - Organizer/Participant, Ride Across Belize "This year we know that the big issue in the news is crime, and we try to align ourselves with what is happen in the country of Belize. So this year, we decided to ride for 2 organizations that are trying to assist with that problem. There is no shortage of nay-sayers and critics, but we decided that perhaps, the way to address it right now - because everybody wants to improve the situation - is to help an organization that is already making the effort themselves. So, we chose Crimestoppers and Belize Emergency Child Response."

A Bible You Can Relate To
Many Belizeans learn kriol as their first language - but do they pray in kriol? And for those who do, does God understand? Those are questions of divinity - that no investigative report could ever hope to answer. But, the folks at the National Kriol Council say they know that kriol is accepted at the Heavenly Headquarters in the sky. That's why they're translating the bible. We got chapter and verse on that story today: Jules Vasquez Reporting Ian Guttierrez "Ahn like how the high priest ihself, we inna lot ah ways, ih cud deal with dehn wan inna wah gentle way, when dehn mek mistake ahn noh know weh dehn di do.'

Channel 5

Megabingo & JEC owner, Alfred Schakron, murdered
Less than twenty-four hours after the execution of Lebanese car dealer Abdul Aziz Mohammed Dib, multi-millionaire businessman, Alfred Schakron was gunned down. Schakron returned to Belize on Tuesday and this morning he went to the Body 2000 Gym.  At about nine-thirty, he left the gym and was about to get into his vehicle when a [...]

Megabingo will not air on Wednesday in memoriam of owner’s murder
This piece of information for Mega Bingo clients. The game has been postponed tonight due to the murder of its owner Alfred Schakron. The company says it will go back to the regular schedule of the popular live game show this coming Saturday.

Who paid cash for the shooting death of illegal Guatemalan gold panner?
A compassionate grant for the family of the Guatemalan national Francisco Quinn Yat has stirred up an ants nest. Social activists have condemned payment of the grant on the grounds that Belizeans who have been killed by the B.D.F. have not received compensation and that Quinn Yat was in fact illegally in Belizean territory when [...]

Tourist arrivals go up at the PGIA
The Belize Tourism Board is reporting that tourism arrivals are on an upward trend. For the month of September, the B.T.B. says that tourist arrivals at the Philip Goldson International Airport were up by a whopping thirty point two percent from last year. And according to B.T.B., for the first time in the last ten [...]

No love at One Love Store as 2 gunmen hold up clerk
While visitor numbers are up, crime is also escalating in the prime tourist destination, San Pedro. Before eleven o’clock this morning there was another broad daylight armed robbery. Two armed men stormed into the One Love store situated in the DFC area and held up the lone shop attendant and a customer at gun point.  [...]

What’s that fuss; prisoners brawl on the prison bus
It was an unusual spectacle at the Magistrate’s Court this morning when a fight broke out on the prison bus. Prison officers could not diffuse the situation and police officers posted at the court had to intervene. The reason for the brawl is not known, but the situation became dangerous since several of the prisoners [...]

Anderson and Sosa committed to stand trial for murder in bathroom
Ashton Anderson and Christopher Sosa, who were in the prison bus fight, were committed to stand trial for the murder of Romel Palacio Senior. On Father’s Day on June nineteenth, 2011, gunmen stormed inside a house looking for Romel Palacio Junior, but found his father inside the bathroom and shot him multiple times on the [...]

Only grass safe; stealing lumber and plywood from the house
It has also been dangerous in the old capital where burglaries and thefts are on the rise and the perpetrators are getting younger. Burglars aren’t only targeting the items in your home; they are also going after the walls. According to Ewarth Sutherland, he left plywood and two by four strips of wood attached to [...]

Getting older, but with more health challenges
A report on the aging population was launched in Belize by UNFPA’s country office, HelpAge International and the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation. It serves as a report card on the situation of older persons since the International Plan of Action was implemented ten years ago. The report found that people [...]

Belizeans get creative with Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s Competition
Two Belizean students made it in the top three in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s regional environmental poster awareness competition. Earlier this year, the BTB teamed up with the FCCA to promote and stimulate environmental awareness among Caribbean students. This year, the competition was conducted in two categories: a junior division for children ages twelve [...]

Ride Across Belize for your favorite charities
Cyclists and enthusiasts of the sport, participating in the ninth annual Ride Across Belize, pedaled on the Philip Goldson Highway today. The event has two main objectives: one is to promote healthy lifestyles and the other is to raise funds for needy charities.  The social occasion which has typically commemorated the anniversary of the Social [...]

Customs Officers stop ozone depleting products from hitting the market
The Department of the Environment teamed up with the UN Environment Program for a workshop on a subject that is not the exciting but is vital in the monitoring of substances that hazardous to the ozone. It is the third session with the Customs Department to sensitize them on the potential for the illegal trade [...]

LOVE FM

Prominent Businessman Killed In Broad Daylight
There was another north side execution for the second consecutive day and this incident was not the regular street gang revenge, but by all accounts, a calculated and precise attack on a businessman. His name is Alfred Schakron, the owner of one of Belize’s most successful ...

Police News
Investigations continue into yesterday’s broad daylight murder of businessman Abdul Aziz Mohamed Dib. Aziz was shot dead just after one o’clock yesterday afternoon inside the King Kabab Restaurant at number four Farmers Market in Belize city. According to police...

People's National Party Calls for Removal of Foreign Minister
There has been a fresh call for the removal of the minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington. This time the call comes from the Toledo-based People’s National Movement. In a statement issued today, the PNP says that Foreign Minister Elrington has on multiple occas...

Opening of Citrus Processing Season Starts With Controversy
The opening of the processing season for citrus is about to start … but not without controversy. The Citrus Growers Association is suggesting that the factory at Pomona be opened at the end of the month; but country’s largest processor, the Citrus Products of Belize ...

Prominent Businessman Murdered
Reports reaching Love FM News Centre are that a prominent businessman/owner of a pawn shop in Belize City was shot this morning as he exited the gym on Coney Drive in Belize City. Details coming shortly. ...

CTV3

Another Lebanese Murdered In Belize City
The blood bath continues in Belize City as another Lebanese national was murdered this morning. At approximately 9:40am Belize City Police were called to an area in front of Body 2000 Gym on Coney Drive where they observed the lifeless body of millionaire businessman Alfred Shakron who was seen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Initial investigations reveal that at approximately 9:20am, Shakron was about to get into his vehicle which was parked in front of the Gym when shots were fired at him from another vehicle. The bullets found their mark on Shakron’s neck, chest and left side causing his demise. Police recovered two expended 9mm shells and one .22mm shell from the scene. Police have reasons to believe that this is not a random act of violence nor is it gang related and that the murder has all appearances of being an organized hit having to do with a business deal gone wrong. Police are also investigating if Shakron’s murder could be connected to the killing of 40 year old Aziz Dib who was murdered execution style around midday yesterday. Alfred Shakron is the ex-husband of Yolanda Shakron President of the advocacy movement Belizeans for Justice.

Secretary General Insulza Denies Making Payment To Guatemalan Family
February 2nd of this year marked 3 years that Atanacio Gutierrez was shot dead by a member of the Belize Security Force during the massive riot at the junction of BSI. Gutierrez was one among thousands of farmers calling for the removal of the infamous core sampler. Since the death of her husband Benita Gutierrez has been pressing the Prime Minister to have her husband’s death investigated but her requests have fallen on deaf ears because three years after not a single move has been made. Compensation for her lost is nowhere in the horizon and the mother of six has been struggling to make ends meet while the Government of Belize is more than willing to compensate the family of Guatemalan National Francisco Quim Yat who was shot and killed by a Belize Defense Force Soldier seven miles east of the Belize/Guatemala border a few weeks ago. Viewers might recall that a few days ago the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the government of Belize will contribute U.S$10,000 towards a fund for the family of the deceased who left behind 7 children. The “compassionate payment”, as how the Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington calls it, would be administered by the OAS who had already made a payment to the family. It was also reported that the finances would be obtained from a peace fund established by the OAS.

Jasmine Alert Launched In Corozal
During the meeting last night between officials of the Corozal Police Department and the community of Corozal, the Jasmine Alert Program was also launched. As the name implies, it’s a warning system in memory of the slain 13 year old Jasmine Lowe and every other teenager that has been brutally murdered. The program was officially launched back in July and since then a team of trained personnel have been travelling across the country carrying out a sensitization campaign. From what we found out, the program is a nationwide initiative that links police department’s country wide. Dehanne Augustine- National Coordinator Jasmine Alert “Many at times when people are so traumatized because they can’t find their kids, their child has been living with you for twelve years, you grow up that child, you bathe that child and don’t make the police ask mom what colour is your child hair and that is like the hardest question like taking CXC because you are so confused and you have seen that child for years and all of sudden it is important to know the colour of the eyes, it is important to know the shape of the nose, it is important to know what colour of clothes that child was last seen wearing so when you get to the police and you don’t remember these things it is the police responsibility to help you, it is the police responsibility to help you get relaxed so that you can try recall some of this information.”

Corozal Officers Meet With Residents
It’s very rare to hear about police officers meeting with their respective community members to listen to their concerns in efforts of building a better working relationship. That is what newly appointed Senior Commanding Officer at the Corozal Police Station, Andrew Ramirez, did last night. In a town’s meeting, Superintendent Ramirez presented to residents the crime statistics for Corozal Town for the months of July, August and September of this year. The participation of residents was not what we expected but the initiative and effort was present and so was our news team. Last night residents of Corozal Town gathered at the Andres Campos Civic Centre to air out their concerns to the newly appointed Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Formation Andrew Ramirez. Of course one of the main causes of concern is crime which seems to have plagued the once peaceful community. A few months ago the community saw an increase in the number of robberies and burglaries and in order to assists the police a group of concerned residents formed the Citizens for a Better Corozal Coalition. But soon after blood began to flow in Corozal and the murder rate started to escalate. The most shocking murder was that of 18 year old Shanny Federsdorf and her mother 35 year old Clari Federsdorf which was recorded on July 4th. But the carnage did not end there; just one week after, another double murder was recorded. This time 38 year old Robert Hernandez and his cousin 50 year old Kenrick Vacarro were the victims.

Attorney Speaks On Behalf Of Marina Graniel Kay
Last week the family of a three year old boy from San Pedro Town made a serious accusation against Little Angels Pre-School owned and managed by Marina Graniel-Kay. At the time of the accusation, the story made headlines on all media houses including CTV3 News. The grandmother of the preschooler reported to San Pedro Police that her grandson had been sexually abused while at the preschool. The child, we understand, was examined by two doctors who confirmed that there were signs of abuse. The accusation was cause for public outcry especially in San Pedro and the integrity of the school and owner is now in question. So far no one has been detained by San Pedro Police and answers are slow to come by. But according to Graniel-Kay’s attorney, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, the accusations made against her client are uncalled-for. “I represent Ms. Marina Graniel-Kay and her pre-school Little Angels Pre-School in San Pedro. First of all I’d like to make it clear that I don’t do criminal cases, nor do I represent alleged child abusers. So my client is Ms. Kay and her pre-school and they have the right to the hard earned reputation that she has, she and her pre-school of sixteen years. She’s the principal. Now this is very unfortunate and from my investigation on Friday in San Pedro, this seems to be the case of an overzealous education officer, who is conducting one’s self in a most unprofessional way and I don’t say that lightly because what has happened in this matter is that rumors have just grown legs and all of a sudden my client’s family seem to be involved and it is absolutely unfounded. We took the opportunity to meet a length with the police, who have assured us that this case is only in the very initial stages of investigation. There is no suspect or suspects at this time. There are angles that any, you know, self-respecting and professional investigative journalist will want to examine in terms of the possible abuse of this child but I can say with certainty that not even the doctor’s reports have been properly obtained by the police and that has come directly from the police themselves in San Pedro. Apparently this individual has claimed that she is going to shut down Little Angels’ school and I really would wish that the ministry would want to take a very hard look at that kind of most irresponsible statement.

Ride Across Belize For A Worthy Cause
It started in 2004 as a public relations tactic for the Social Security Board but over the years the Ride Across Belize has gained recognition as one of the most high profile fundraising events on the calendar. The 9th “Ride Across Belize” started this morning in Corozal with the hope of raising much needed funds for Crime Stoppers Belize and the newly formed pressure group Belize Missing Child Emergency Response. About 70 riders left Corozal Town at around 6:00 this morning and two hours later they arrived in Orange Walk. Our news team met the riders for the first leg of the ride and found out more about their cross country effort. Hipolito Novelo - Reporting Just minutes after 8:00 this morning over 70 riders made their way into Orange Walk Town after peddling for more than 35 miles from Corozal Town. It was a journey that took them nearly 2 hours but they all did it for an important cause. Chandra Cansino, Organiser/ Rider “Thank God the weather has been in our side and it hasn’t rain at all as forecasted and there is a little bit of cloud cover so that is helping us to stay cool. We have a lot of elite cyclist that help the none elite cyclist because a lot of cyclist that do this ride are amateurs or people that have never ridden these distances and so they have been very, very supportive and helpful and we are very grateful for that as well.”

FFB Selects Orange Walk Players For National "A" Team
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) this afternoon sent out a press release in which it lists the players for the first selection for the National “A” Team. These players will be called to camp scheduled to commence on October 30th and finalize on November 29th. So far 32 footballers have been chosen to fill the post of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers. Three goal keepers have been chosen and one of them hails from the Orange Walk District. He is Calvil Richard from the Village of Santa Cruz. Eleven defenders and midfielders have also been chosen. For the midfielders, Digel Chacon and Alexander Diaz, both from Orange Walk Town, have made the roster. Russell Casanova from Corozal and Nelson Pech from Orange Walk made it on the lists of strikers.

LOVE TV

CARICOM Secretary General says integration process is not stalled
The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community Ambassador Irwin LaRocque today met with media practitioners in Belize City. LaRocque, who took office in August, 2011 is on a working visit to Belize during which he is meeting with government officials, including Prime Minister Dean Barrow. LaRocque is also meeting with private sector representatives as well as visiting CARICOM institutions which are headquartered in Belize. During the media roundtable discussion, LaRocque heard open and frank discussion of various issues affecting the media’s coverage of Caricom activities. A major hindrance as pointed out by Love FM’s Patrick Jones is the ‘disconnect’ between the media in belie and the CARICOM Secretariat, particularly in this day and age of instance electronic communication. LaRocque acknowledged the shortcoming and gave media representatives a pledge to end the ‘disconnect’ immediately by ensuring that the relevant channels of communication are fully established and working. During the course of the discussion, Love News asked Ambassador LaRocque if the much talked about CARICOM integration process has stalled. This was his response. The CARICOM Secretary General told reporters that there are good things happening in the region; but that enough of that positive happening is not as widely disseminated as the negatives. Prior to his meeting with media representatives, Ambassador LaRocque met with private sector representatives to hear their concerns regarding CARICOM and the role that Belize plays in the whole scheme of things.

Concerns over garbage disposal in Punta Gorda town
There are concerns about the garbage disposal is carried out in Punta Gorda town. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story.

Global Minds forum held in Belize City
The Global Minds Club at Saint John’s College Junior College is hosting a small forum at the Student Center. Love News spoke with the President of the club, Justin Clarke who told us more about what the club does at the Junior College and gave us details on today’s forum. Eric Hayden from the American Embassy told gave us a sneak peak on his presentation on requirements and the process to become the President of the United States. The forum was held at the Saint John’s College Junior College in Belize City.

Robberies reported in Belize City
A woman was robbed on Monday morning as she walked on Kut Avenue. Lellia Senticum told police that sometime before seven on Monday morning, she was on Kut Avenue when a man riding a bike approached from behind her wearing a yellow rain coat and khaki short pants. She said that the man ordered her to give him what she had in her purse while appearing to be holding something in his pants waist. Senticum said that fearing for her life, she handed over a cellular phone valued at 300 dollars and the man rode off towards Rocky Road. Police investigations continue. Peter Issaka, a nationalized Belizean security guard, reported to police that on Monday night he was riding a silver bicycle valued at 300 dollars on Amara Avenue and heading towards Cemetery Road. He said that upon reaching in front of Grace Primary School a man wearing a white T-shirt and dark long pants and who was leaning on the wall approached him as he slowed down to cross a speed bump. The man allegedly grabbed him from behind and pulled him off his bicycle, when another man ran out of Grace Primary School yard armed with a piece of stick and hit him on the left leg. Issaka said that a third man approached the scene and they demanded his belongings. They three men got away with his bicycle, cell phone valued at 200 dollars, a bag containing personal items, and 20 dollars in cash. A teacher has reported that her house was broken into. Christine Staine reported to police that between 8:30 on Sunday night and 7:30 on Monday morning her house on Vernon Street was broken into and several household items worth over three thousand dollars were removed. Jose Diaz of Mosul Street, Belize City, told police that between 7:00 on Sunday night and 9:00 on Monday morning, a house which he is taking care of was burglarized. The thieves took hair driers, a phone charger, an AC unit, speakers, and assorted items. Police have since recovered the AC unit and other items.

Alleged kidnapped teen returns home
A teenager from San Pedro has been reported missing by her mother, who says she was apparently abducted in Belize City. Love News spoke to Ofelia Polanco, the mother of the missing, 18 year old girl, Miriam Rodriguez and she told us that Miriam was apparently abducted when she came to Belize on Saturday to pick up a laptop computer. However, the chain of events surrounding the alleged kidnapping, are a bit sketchy. Polanco says that she had agreed with a businessman from Belize City who often visits San Pedro that she would purchase a laptop for her daughter from him and had agreed on a payment method. The businessman agreed to take the laptop to the island on Monday. However, Polanco says that on Saturday around 9:00 am, the businessman allegedly called Miriam and asked her to go to Belize City and pick up the laptop. Polanco then told Miriam that she is not allowed to go into Belize City since the businessman had already agreed to take the laptop on Monday, however, Miriam insisted and even threw a tantrum, then told her mother she would still go anyway. Polanco says Miriam got the money from her godfather to go to Belize City on Saturday. Miriam is said to have picked up the laptop, but according to her mother, the businessman informed her that Miriam seemed to be in a hurry and quite suspicious, saying she had to go because they were waiting for her. Miriam is said to have been taken to the store in a white taxi with tinted glass, and there was another occupant in the back seat. Polanco says her daughter told her she would call her before boarding the 3:00pm. Water Taxi back to the island, but the call was never made. The mother says she tried calling her daughter and didn’t get an answer until Sunday morning, when her daughter told her she was kidnapped by two men who took away her laptop and her money. Miriam told her mom that the men blindfolded and gagged her but they actually untied her mouth for her to speak with her mother. She also said the men were injecting her with an unknown drug that caused her to pass out. Polanco says Miriam told her she didn’t know where she was because she couldn’t see anything and the men were asking for a ten thousand dollar ransom. One of the men spoke to Polanco according to her, but she could not understand him because she says he speaks Garifuna or Nigerian. Polanco says Miriam had run away on the 20th of September of this year and had gone to Orange Walk to watch the parade. She also says that there is a twenty four year old male from Orange Walk who was interested in her daughter, but she doesn’t know if her daughter was with him or if she was really being held captive. When Love News contacted San Pedro Police we were informed that an investigation was underway into the situation, but that Miriam is had been contacting her parents and police. We understand that Miriam did not stipulate to police that she was being held captive, but affirmed that she was with a male person. This afternoon, her mother got a call from police telling her that her daughter was at the San Pedro Water Taxi express waiting to board the next boat toward San Pedro, but she said that her kidnappers were nearby keeping an eye on her. Love News understands that Belize City police arrived at the terminal but didn’t find anyone fitting Miriam’s description, however Miriam arrived at San Pedro at 1:30 pm this afternoon. She is alleged to have arrived with different clothes than the ones in which she was last seen and had bruises on her body. She also said that she was raped by her kidnappers and was therefore taken to a clinic in the island. Her mother says there is still confusion about what happened because Miriam is saying a boyfriend in Belize or Orange Walk bought her the new clothes after seeing her in rags.

Businessman murdered inside restaurant
There was a murder in Belize City this afternoon. Love TV’s Marion Ali reports.

Shalini Zabaneh wins gold in regional cycling
Belizean Cyclist Shalini Zabaneh returned to Belize today after having traveled to Antigua and Barbuda to compete in the Caribbean Cycling Championships. Zabaneh did not return empty handed however, as she managed to secure the Gold medal in the Women’s time trial race which took place on Saturday October 20th. Love News spoke with Zabaneh this afternoon and she told us about her experience in Antigua and Barbuda. Second place in the women’s trial went to Nicole Mitchell of Bermuda and third place to Tamiko Butler of Antigua who took the gold in the forty two mile women’s road race on Sunday.

PlusTV

More details on murder of Lebanese businessman Aziz Dib
More details are arising into the murder of a Lebanese businessman who was shot and killed yesterday afternoon. As ...

Owner of JEC Pawn Shop gunned down in broad daylight
Now there was another daylight murder in Belize City today again and it is another Lebanese businessman. A well kno...

People's National Party also call for Foreign Minister to be removed
We have heard from the Belize Coalition for Justice and COLA, calling for the removal of the Minister of Foreign Af...

Businessman robbed in Belize City
A Mennonite businessman was robbed in Belize City yesterday. 25 year old Abram Dyck of Spanish Lookout, was on Neal...

Police interrupt beating and robbery
Police interrupted the beating of a man as a robber tried to take his bicycle. A nineteen year old dental assistant...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Halloween Monster Bash at 88 West/Belize Diving Services
Sat., Oct 27th, 7pm to midnite 88 West

Caye Caulker Cancer Society-Arms of Love
The Caye Caulker Cancer Society will be having a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, October 31st 2012 at 6:00 p.m starting from the Central Park. Feel free to bring along your candles. On Sunday, October 28th 2012 there will be a mass dedicated to the cancer victims, survivors and their families at 9:00 a.m. at La Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. We are also having a raffle which will be drawn after the candlelight vigil. Any one interested in buying, the cost is $1.00. Prizes: 1st – 1 blender, 2nd – 1 toaster, 3rd – 1 mixer. You are all welcome to come and show support and any one wishing to join our group is welcome to do so. To keep updated with the activities of the group you can join their facebook page Arms of Love. Thank You

Blogs

Taste of Playa Announces Participating Restaurants for 2012
I can’t wait Taste of Playa 2012 is coming up fast November 18th and we are long overdue for one our favorite Belize Mexico foodie adventures. I was on the coconut phone with Mitch yesterday and she has secured the San Pedro foodie crew’s VIP passes before they get sold out. I have included the recent press release below with the 2012 restaurant line up. The participant list is long and based on Taste of Playa 2009, I we will be in 7th Heaven again. I just checked the website and VIP passes are sold out , Taste of Playa pesos another great great way to enjoy the foodie fun and still available. We bought some to top ourselves up up on drinks and a few food items we could not live without more of, they were worth it. You can purchase Taste of Playa Pesos via paypal on the ticket page or get them at the event.

Black & White Bar: A Cultural Center?
As the San Pedro Sun newspaper wrote a few days ago, the Black and White Bar just south of San Pedro Town is making changes. But many people hear the name "Black &White Bar" and they think...girls. A place were you can drink and hang out with ladies that make their money hanging out with you. But recently, after years of leasing out the building to others, the owner Julia Martinez has taken over. She wrote a letter to the newspaper explaining her new ventures and how she wants to bring her culture, the Garifuna culture, to San Pedro. I'd been in the bar before this turnaround (you can see some before pictures here from February) and wanted to see the change for myself...so yesterday I stopped in for a beer. Here is Miss Julia. She very kindly changed into her Garifuna clothing for us. When you are driving south, just past the gas station, the turn off for the bar is by this sign. Black and White had their sign covered since heavy rain seemed to come out of nowhere. There are some intriguing signs when you pull up to the building. We entered and the first room has been totally transformed. Gone are the pool table and the dark lights....

Checklist for the First-time Adventure Traveler
Are you planning to get ready for an adventure travel, taking a break from your tired hectic and stressful lifestyle? Here is what you have to check out. Your checklist does not start from packing your backpack; it just starts right from planning. The primary factor that will decide what to carry and what not to carry along is the weather. Ensure you plan during the right season to visit the desired place. Your adventure trip will be more pleasant and exciting if only you plan during the ideal time of the year. Firstly, checkout the season of the place you are planning to travel. If not the right season, either plan for the next season or change the location whichever you are passionate about.

International Sources

Airlines Are Going To Start Profiling You and Deciding How Much You Should Pay for a Ticket
Airlines are about to start testing a new ticket initiative meant to compete with airfare websites, according to USA Today's Bart Jansen. If all goes well, it could be adopted by 2016. Basically the initiative involves asking for personal information, including frequent flier membership, travel history, and use of credit card, to cook up a personalized ticket. This would enable them to offer discounts to frequent fliers or bundle charges such as meals, extra legroom or expedited boarding. Is this good for consumers? Hard to say yet. Some consumers will be put off if they feel their information is being used against them to charge higher prices, said Brett Snyder of CrankyFlier.com, which tracks the airline industry: "It won't go over well." However, "travelers should be excited if the airlines use [the plan] well," he said, like if they offer a bag fee or not based on their status. "If the airlines are concerned about public perception, then there should be a standard widely available published rate as there is today, but as people log in, it should give the opportunity to bring the cost down."

Hedge Fund Havens Weigh Taxes as Caribbean's Debt Rivals Greece
From the Cayman Islands to the Bahamas, hedge fund havens are considering a surprising remedy for widening deficits -- higher taxes. The Bahamas is planning a town hall to debate a tax overhaul that may include the nation’s first income and sales tax. In the Cayman Islands, which has the highest number of hedge funds in the Caribbean, Premier McKeeva Bush vowed to increase registration fees for the industry after foreign workers balked at a tax on their earnings. Antigua & Barbuda is targeting self-employed workers for tax evasion, with the Finance Ministry calling it “high time” to go after cheats. Hedge funds and other financial companies such as Bain Capital LLC, co-founded by U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have invested in the region to help themselves and their clients lower their taxes. Yet widening deficits and debt burdens that rival Greece are causing some Caribbean governments to reconsider the strategy they used to lure investors in the first place. “They are in a Catch-22,” said Carl Ross, managing director of investments at Oppenheimer & Co. in Atlanta. “If they start raising taxes on expats and trying to extract more blood out of the stone, they make it much less attractive to go there.”

New World Oil & Gas making steady progress with Belize drilling
New World Oil and Gas’s (LON:NEW) first well at Blue Creek in the Petén Basin in northwest Belize is making steady progress toward its primary target. The B Crest well has drilled to a depth of 4,509ft, having passed through anhydrite, dolomite and limestone sequences in line with the company's geologic prognosis. Drilling is on schedule and under budget and progressing at an average rate of 24ft per hour, it said. The primary objective of the well lies at 5,700ft in the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval, 1,300ft below the current depth. New World added it remains on course to reach the total depth of 7,000ft on or before 15 November 2012 where it expects to have reached the base of the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval. William Kelleher, chief executive, said, "We are 1,300ft above our primary objective, being the Yalbac 2 formation, which we believe to contain multiple payzones for this well." The Blue Creek #2 well is part of the company's three well drilling programme at Blue Creek. An independent report compiled by RPS Energy assigned an un-risked P50 resource (ie a 50 per cent chance of oil or gas being produced) of 92 million barrels of oil to B Crest. It is the smallest of three prospects at Blue Creek with a total P50 resource of 329 million barrels.

Smithsonian launches marine effort with $10M gift
The Smithsonian is launching a new initiative to study coastal waters and create the first global network monitoring climate change and human impacts on ocean life with a $10 million gift. Los Angeles hedge fund manager Michael Tennenbaum is announcing the donation Thursday. He says long-term data is needed to raise the level of dialogue about climate change and biodiversity. The project will begin with five marine observatories, studying plants and animals in the Chesapeake Bay, Fort Pierce, Fla., and sites in Belize and Panama. The Smithsonian plans to add 10 more stations within a decade, using federal money, partners and fundraising. Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough says coastal ecosystems are highly affected by humans. He says the Smithsonian will foster long-term study, while universities and others depend on short-term grants.

New World Oil and Gas announces drilling update, Belize
New World Oil and Gas Plc, an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on Belize and Denmark, is pleased to provide an update on drilling operations at the B Crest prospect on the Company's flagship Blue Creek Project ('Blue Creek' or 'the Project'), located in the productive Petén Basin in Northwest Belize. Drilling operations at the Blue Creek #2 well ('the Well') are continuing on schedule and under budget at an average rate of 24ft per hour. As at 1300 CST in Belize on 24 October 2012, the Well had drilled to a depth of 4,509ft, having passed through anhydrite, dolomite and limestone sequences in line with the Company's geologic prognosis. The primary objective of the Well lies at 5,700ft in the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval, 1,300ft below the current depth. The Well remains on course to reach the total depth ('TD') of 7,000ft on or before 15 November 2012 where it expects to have reached the base of the mid Cretaceous Y2 interval. New World CEO William Kelleher said, "I am pleased to report that drilling operations at B Crest, the first of our three well programme at the Blue Creek Project, Belize, have so far been in line with our expectations and forecast geologic prognosis. We are 1,300ft above our primary objective, being the Yalbac 2 formation, which we believe to contain multiple payzones for this well. I will of course provide the market with further updates on our progress in due course." The Blue Creek #2 well is part of the Company's three well drilling programme at Blue Creek, the details of which are included in the table below:

BCB posts net income from continuing operations
BCB Holdings reported net income from continuing operations of $1.8m for the three months to the end of June against a net loss $1.3m last time. The net income per ordinary share from continuing operations for the quarter was $0.02 compared with a net loss $0.01 a year ago. BCB Holdings current operations are principally comprised of the parent company and its wholly owned financial services division which operates through Belize Bank Limited and internationally through Belize Bank International Limited, both of which are based in Belize. Within Belize, Belize Bank is the largest, full service commercial and retail banking operation with a head office in Belize City and thirteen branches extending into each of the six districts of Belize. The principal operations of Belize Bank are commercial lending, consumer lending, deposit-taking and related banking activities.

$10 million donation launches Smithsonian study of coastal marine biodiversity
Michael Tennenbaum, philanthropist and senior managing partner of Los Angeles-based Tennenbaum Capital Partners, and his wife, Suzanne, have given $10 million to launch a long-term project to study coastal marine biodiversity and global ecosystems, the Smithsonian Institution announced Thursday. The Smithsonian’s Tennenbaum Marine Observatories aim to monitor the ocean’s coastal ecosystems to study environmental change around the world’s coasts. “I think it’s way past due,” said Tennenbaum, an avid diver for more than two decades. “As an investment person, I like to deal with relevant information and to have hundreds of billions of dollars affected, and huge discussions around climate change and oceans without long-term, large samples of information is, to me, a bad idea.” Tennenbaum said that when Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, a longtime friend, called to ask for help, he quickly saw the need. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population live within 100 miles of a coastline, but long-term ocean data are scarce. “The key is having a standardized method for collecting data and a wide spatial area so scientists can see the big picture over a long period of time."

October 24, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize host 3rd annual Latin and Central America Lions Quest Conference in San Pedro Town
Representatives involved in the Lions Quest Program from several Latin and Central American countries are meeting on Ambergris Caye for their annual event. The third Annual Latin America and the Caribbean Lions Quest Conference which is a two-day event is being hosted by the Belize Lion Zone 59 at the Sunbreeze Conference Room in San Pedro Town. The purpose of the event is for the representative of each country to report on the progress of the program in their respective countries, discuss some of the challenges and share ideas that can help overcome the challenges. The Lions Quest, a school based life skills program, is being taught in about 70 primary and secondary schools across Belize following a pilot project launched in 2005. Internationally, the program is run by the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) and in Belize the program is financed by the local clubs. According to the Belize Country Director for the Lions Quest Program, Robert “Bobby” Lopez, the two days of event which includes a field trip will help the delegation to see and understand how a well supportive program by all stakeholders has an impact at both the school and community levels. “We each give our report, look at some of the challenges, share ideas and see how we can overcome some of the challenges. We hope that we can set goals and go over strategic plans both individually as a country as well as collectively,” said Lopez.

Ambergris Today

Belikin Launches Water-Themed 2013 Calendar
Belikin held its 2013 Calendar Launch on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the Princess Hotel & Casino Poolside. This is the second year in a row that this signature event for Belikin has been held at the Princess, much to the pleasure of those who attended. Saturday night's event was shaping up to be a big one with wonderful promotional giveaways supported by an aggressive online campaign. Not that all this was really needed because after all this was the Belikin Calendar.

Controversy at Miss International Pageant, Miss Belize Proudly Represents
After it was announced that Miss Japan was Miss International 2012, a wave of complaints inundated the social networks, like Facebook and Twitter. Miss Japan was never considered a favorite of the crown, and some even believed she would not be in the Top 15. “Lack of facial beauty” is the main criticism she has been getting. A comment in the social pages stated the following “I beg to disagree. She is out of my radar. My current top 16 include Belize, Brazil, Crimea, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Uruguay, USA, Wales.”

Misc Belizean Sources

BEL Presentation to BCCI - Series 5 Debenture Offering
The BCCI Executive Board met on Friday, October 19th with the CEO of Belize Electricity Ltd and his team for a presentation on the proposed investment by SSB in BEL. Please go to the following link to view the presentation.

SPRCS All Saints Day Fair
The San Pedro RC SChool All Saints' Day Fair is here once again. The event will take place on Friday, November 2, 2012 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the School Grounds. This year's All Saints Day Fair will be held to raise funds to relocate the cafeteria to an area where it won't cause any risk to the students above and those close to where it presently is. The plan is to move the cafeteria and use the space for a classroom. The two classrooms above the cafeteria will then become only one class as the space is presently to small for two classrooms.

Perlita Gets a Dale Wallace Original Custom-Made Guitar
Perlita was handed a personalized custom made guitar made from beautiful Belizean hard wood. Both Perlita and Mr. Wallace were a bit emotional, LOL! Mr. Wallace admitted to us that every time he sells a guitar it is bittersweet moment for him as he finds it hard to depart from his creations. “I put so much work into these guitars, up to 200 hours, and I get a bit attached; but it’s a good feeling knowing someone will appreciate it and enjoy using their quality hand-made guitars,” stated Mr. Wallace. One of Mr. Wallace’s newest projects is making beautiful ukuleles from our beautiful Belizean hard wood. For orders be sure to visit www.wallaceguitarsbelize.com or call 206-2445 and be sure to tell Mr. Wallace that the Angels sent you!

News Transitions from Print to the World Wide Web
It’s been going on for a while now – major newspapers and magazines from around the world making the switch from their print editions to online publishing. It is not necessarily a trend but a necessity, a need of demand and supply. With social media dominating how fast information is spreading, media houses have to adapt to provide the fastest information possible. Times have changed and the future is online. Ambergris Today is proud to have made such a big move at the right time. Our online edition of the newspaper is making waves and providing a much better service with lots more information, pictures, video and embracing technology and moving with the times.

Why Teach?
By Gustavo Ramirez, Guidance Counselor / Education Consultant Teaching, whether in public or private schools, is much more than just a job; it’s a lifetime vocation of continuously wanting to learn while helping others to learn. Those of us who dedicate our lives to the vocation of teaching include not only the teachers who work directly with students inside a classroom, but also administrators, guidance counselors, and all other school staff (salaried and non-salaried) who are part of and/or connected to a school. On the other hand, those who attempt to teach others, especially young people, merely because teaching provides a regular salary, do not genuinely teach, do not like it, and are hardly ever successful at it. Moreover, students on the receiving end of such teachers quickly feel the facade and insincerity. How do we measure the value of someone who teaches and helps others to learn everyday, whether in a classroom or not? Those on the receiving end of the learning can best answer that question. Example: If I am sick I will seek out a medical professional to help me learn how to get better, or how to avoid getting sicker. However, if after many visits and examinations the medical professional does not eventually help me to understand the cause of my ache/pain, or cannot help me to cure, manage or ease it then he/she did absolutely nothing for me. Words of instruction, whether spoken or written, can be valuable when accompanied or followed by actions from speaker and/or listener.

Sacred Heart College Business Expo
Friday and Saturday, Sacred Heart College will be having their annual Business Expo. There will be games, food, raffles, booths, discos, and many specials. Digicell will be doing a double up promotion too.

Kurse a di Xtabai @ Meluchi's
This Saturday, there will be a screening of Kurse a di Xtabai on Meluchi's big screen to celebrate the DVD launch. The movie was made completely in Cayo, and was premiered at the Belize Film Festival. After the Sacred Heart College Fair, check out the screening at 8:00pm.

Photography Workshop at Benque HoC
Starting tomorrow evening, and going on for 3 nights, the Benque House of Culture, in collaboration with Argentina's Proyecto Cruz del Sur, will be having a photography workshop. "A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away, join us capturing great and memorable moments"

News.Exchange Magazine's Website
News Exchange Magazine has a new issue...and a new website. 'Promoting Everything Belizean' is their motto. You can read some of the articles from their current edition online. You can find the latest issues at Venus in Cayo. "Can and should Belize benefit from developing its natural resources, turning the perception of poor resource management and use of economic proceeds-the resource curse- into the blessings it deserves?"

Rosalee's Stewed Pumpkin
This recipe was my mom's favorite when she was a child. The recipe is very simple with very few ingredients. The pumpkin is sweet and delectable at the end. In keeping with the show to never waste, we opted out of making Jack O Lanterns for Halloween and cook the pumpkin instead

Channel 7

Execution of American Businessman at Busy City Intersection
Today there was a disturbing murder at one of the city's busiest intersections: The Belcan roundabout. A Lebanese - American car dealer was killed as he ate lunch in a well-known Lebanese restaurant in the Farmer's Market compound. But, it wasn't a robbery - by all accounts it was an execution. We found out more at the scene today:.. Jules Vasquez reporting The restaurant in the Farmer's Market known as a King Kabob is a popular hangout for Lebanese men, but during lunch today it was a crime scene. A Lebanese American, 40 year old Aziz Dib was killed inside as he was having eating. Another Lebanese man who frequents the restaurant had just stepped out when the killer stepped in. Asking to appear off camera, he told us what happened: Voice of: Patron at the restaurant "A slim, dark skin person who wore a mask went in, emptied the gun and roll out." Jules Vasquez "So, he just walk in, he didn't demand money?" Voice of: Patron at the restaurant "No, this is what got everyone wondering what really went wrong; it could be a wrong person, it could be someone else..." But the killer seemed to have no doubt - he singled out Aziz Dib from other persons in the restaurant and shot him multiple times. Police recovered seven expended 9 millimeter shells from the scene and photos taken by a passerby show that he was shot to the head, and fell to the floor breaking the chair he was sitting on leaving a pool of blood.

OAS Secretary General Insulza In Belize
Yesterday, Foreign Ministers from Belize and Guatemala joined the Secretary General of the OAS in Guatemala City to meet with the International Group of Friends. Those are the friendly nations who want Belize and Guatemala to settle their territorial dispute at the International Court of Justice and are willing to help fund the effort. That means partially paying for the referendum and the education campaigns in both countries. The meeting was considered a success - and Insulza came to Belize right after to meet with the Prime Minister, the National Security Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Today at a 12 minute press briefing at the airport - he said he came to Belize right after so no one would think the OAS is playing favourites with Guatemala:.. Jose Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General "With the adjacency zone and the possibility of find a solution to the issue of the International Court of Justice. The reason for me to come here immediately after was precisely to erase any doubt that there could be some kind of different treatment." So how much will the referendum and public education process cost? Today's Amandala reports that it is 50.5 million US Dollars between both countries.

Little Angels Preschool - The Other Side
Last week, we told you about the controversy surrounding the Little Angels preschool in San Pedro. A three year old boy and his grandmother made a complaint to police alleging that he had been molested at the school. It has caused quite an uproar at the school and put the principal and owner Marina Graniel Kay and her family under intense scrutiny. Today we spoke to her attorney Dolores Balderamos Garcia who said the adverse attention is unwarranted because there has been no police investigation to implicate anyone. Balderamos Garcia instead apportioned blame to an education officer. Here are her comments:.. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, attorney "I don't defend allege child abusers. My involvement in relation to the reputation of my client, her family and the school and far be it from me to deny any allegations but I have to say that the police's position is that the investigation is at a very initial stage and the matter is in the hands of the police."

Police Said Pump Shotgun, Court Says Pellet Gun
The arrest of 23 year-old Glenford Vernon, 23 year-old Carlton Pakeman, and 18 year-old Lindon Hinds was heralded by police as a break in the case for the shooting death of 39 year-old Jessem Gladden, who was shot to death in June of 2011. But tonight, all 3 men have been freed of all firearms charges which were laid against them after they were found in a vehicle which allegedly matched the description of the one which fled the scene of that shooting. According to police, the men were intercepted in a grey Ford Escort car on Thursday June 23, 2011, near the Esso Gas Station at the corner of Woods Street and Cemetery Road. They claimed that they were responding to reports that this vehicle fled the scene of Jessem Gladden's shooting on Flamboyant Street. As a result, police searched the vehicle and said that they found a sawed-off shotgun. All 3 men were charged with keeping a prohibited firearm. We fast-forward to today, when the trio was acquitted of the offence as the trial ended before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer. In the trial, it was determined that this sawed-off shotgun that police claimed they found was nothing more than a pellet gun, which the firearms expert testified saying was not even in working condition.

Another Arrested For A Stolen Car
Last night, 7News told you about the 2 men who were remanded to prison for a stolen vehicle. Well today, there is another man who is behind bars; he is 36 year-old Roberto Gilharry, a resident of Amara Avenue. According to police, Wawat Napata, a lecturer of the University of Belize, reported to police that on August 19, someone stole his $5,000 Ford Escort car from in front of his house, where he had parked it. Police investigated the report and on Friday, October 12, they found the vehicle at a home in Hattieville. The homeowners reported that it was Gilharry who brought the vehicle and parked it there. As a result, police arrested and charged Gilharry with handling stolen goods and he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, where he pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Smith granted him bail of $2,000, which he was unable to meet. He was taken to prison this evening, and he will remain there until he can make arrangements for bail at a later date. He is expected back in court on December 6.

CARICOM SG Also In Town
We already showed you the Secretary General of the OAS who made a six hour visit to Belize today. The CARICOM Secretary General has also been on a longer visit - meeting with Government officials and the private sector. Today he met with the media where a number of issues were discussed including Belize's role in the Caribbean as a bread basket and a gateway to Central America:.. Irwin La Rocque, CARICOM Secretary General "Belize is well known in the rest of the region for two products; red kidney beans and citrus juices; very well know and we have had a traditional market of exporting those products to the rest of Caricom. We know that corn products are now being exported from Belize into Jamaica. Jamaica is a major consumer if corn products; corn meal porridge in the famous songs of reggae and so on. You are also exporting citrus products to the Dominican Republic and we have a vibrant poultry association here, poultry producer."

Ladyville Man Drew his Own Gun, Still Remanded
56 year-old Dennis Flowers, a resident of Vista Del Mar in Ladyville, is spending his second night in prison after he was taken to court for assaulting another Ladyville man. According to police, Marcos Antonio Magana reported that on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at about 6:30 p.m., he was on Pigeon Street in Ladyville when Flowers approached him, pulled out a gun and pointed it in his face for no apparent reason. Police arrested and charged Flowers with aggravated assault. Flowers was arraigned in Magistrate's Court yesterday where he pleaded not guilty. He challenged the charge by telling the court that he is accused of committing the offence with his own licensed weapon. The sitting magistrate pointed out to him that it doesn't matter that it is his licensed weapon, aggravated assault is still an offence.

Primary School Fire Drill
Emergency plans are something we all need whether in our homes, schools or public buildings. But sometimes it only exists on paper - if at all. Today though, NEMO put St. Ignatius Primary School in Belize City through a fire drill to see how well they execute under pressure. Monica Bodden found out how they mobilized a school of 800 students:.. Monica Bodden reporting As the clock struck 11:20 this morning - the PA system at St Ignatius's Primary School went off - alerting the entire school of a fire. The teachers assembled their students in lines of twos and then quickly processed to evacuate. Over 8 hundred students exited the school compound through this one front exit. The school wardens stopped the traffic - so the students could cross the street to safer grounds. Everything seemed structured and in place and it was all done in just minutes - The fire department arrived on the scene a little under two minutes after the emergency call was made. But there wasn't a real emergency at the primary school this morning - It was only a simulation put in place by NEMO to help the schools develop an emergency plan in case of a disaster.

9 Year Old Needs Heart Transplant
We often have stories of children who are in urgent need of medical attention. But our next story is about a child who needs a miracle, not medical attention. Local Doctors say they can't do anything else for 9 year old Keon McKoy because he has a congenital heart defect that can only be remedied with a heart transplant. While mercy missions for pediatric medical care are often flown out of Belize, a heart transplant is something else entirely: It can't be arranged through charity. And so while everyone has more or less given up little Keon, his mother said she can't. She told us that in spite of the dire prognosis she is still trying to fundraise. Cicilee Trapp - mother "I went to the Rotary Club and they say that they cannot help me. They specialist came in from the states and they say they can't help me because he needs a open heart surgery and I dint have any money, I am begging to the public if they can please assist me with my son. He really needs help." Monica Bodden "Tell us a little more about Keon's condition." Cicilee Trapp - mother "From at the age of 5 years old I took him to the doctor because he was swelling up. When they ran tests they found out that he has a heart condition. His main valve to his heart is leaking - both of them. I don't really know what it would cost but I am pleading for help."

Channel 5

Murder of businessman in Belize City. Is it linked to Khaled Jamil El Turk?
A car dealer was executed during the lunch hour in the Old Capital. Abdul Azziz Mohammed Dib and friends were having coffee at a Lebanese restaurant in the heavily trafficked area behind the Farmers Market when a gunman entered the premises and opened fire. The murder has the trappings of a hit, because the gunman [...]

Guatemalans ready to take claim on Belize to ICJ
There has been a flurry of diplomatic activity in the past twenty-four hours on the referendum to the International Court of Justice. Today, the Secretary General of the OAS, Miguel Angel Insulza was in Belize for about five hours. On Monday, in Guatemala, both the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala met at [...]

Belize’s awareness campaign for ICJ referendum will be in 2013
While Guatemala launched its public awareness campaign on Monday, here in Belize, the launch of the campaign for the October 2013 referendum is months away. The price tag is much less at four million dollars. Foreign Minister Elrington says the government has decided to put off the start of the nationwide education campaign until early [...]

P.U.P. will outline for or against ICJ during education campaign
Both the ruling United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party will play a vital role in the education process of the public regarding the history of the dispute and the various ways that the matter could be settled. What is not yet clear is the positions of the local political parties on this historic [...]

Does the P.U.P. support G.O.B. position to pay cash for dead Guatemalans?
Guatemalan national, Francisco Quin Yat of Montes de los Olivos, Dolores, Peten was killed in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul earlier this month. Quin was panning for gold well inside Belize’s territory and Belize Defense Force soldiers claim he advanced towards them threateningly despite warning shots. There were threats that Guatemala would have [...]

Doctor Mendez concerned about sick women at Northern Regional Hospital
There are more allegations of medical malpractice at the Northern Regional Hospital to which the Ministry of Health is yet to respond. The incidents started after the abrupt transfer of two local doctors who resisted the transfer and subsequently resigned. The issue was ventilated in the House of Representatives by Orange Walk East Area rep, [...]

Attorney Balderamos Garcia defends client and business tarnished by toddler abuse case
Last Thursday we reported that the family of a three year old boy alleges that he was sexually abused at his pre-school in San Pedro Town. The infant was subsequently examined by two doctors, who reportedly confirmed that there are signs of abuse. While there have been no arrests in the matter, the school’s reputation, [...]

Garbage in, garbage out.” That’s Sedi’s viewpoint on Coalition for Justice
Last week a new NGO, Belize Coalition for Justice asked for Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington to be removed from the Ministry. When asked to respond, Elrington admitted that he didn’t know much of the group since he has been out of the country quite frequently over the past few months. He said he suspects though [...]

PG residents concerned about U.S. Capital Energy and EIA
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage is challenging a statement made by the Minister of Forestry and Fisheries on Section twenty-two (one) of the Environmental Protection Act Chapter as it relates to the rescheduling of the public consultation for the US Capital Energy Exploratory Drilling Environmental Impact Assessment. The act says, “The Department [...]

Pellet gun mistaken for sawed-off shotgun; case fizzles
Three men, who were arrested on the night of June twenty-third 2011, were freed of firearm charges today. Twenty-three year olds Glenford Vernon and Carlton Pakeman were picked up along with nineteen year old Lindon Hinds shortly after a shooting incident in the Pound Yard area in which, Jessem Gladden was injured. The Ford Escort [...]

Burglaries and robberies galore in Belize City
Thieves were on the loose on Monday preying on more unsuspecting persons. The first reported robbery took place at about six-forty-five in the morning when Lellia Senticum was walking on Kut Avenue. Senticum says she was approached by a man wearing a yellow rain coat and riding a bicycle. The assailant demanded that she hand [...]

Energy Workers Union still deciding on B.E.L. debenture sale
The Social Security Board is proposing an investment of fifteen million dollars in debentures of the Belize Electricity Limited. B.E.L., needs operating cash and proceeds from the sale of the new bonds, it is anticipated, will be used to defray series one debentures that will mature in December. The financially embattled, government-owned utility company is [...]

St. Ignatius School students learn from a fire drill
A drill was held today at the St Ignatius School to develop a plan for schools in the event of a fire. Everyone was evacuated from the school as CEMO, the Fire, Police and Traffic Departments and BERT tested their preparedness. Duane Moody was on hand for the exercise.   Duane Moody, Reporting Classes were [...]

CARICOM Secretary-General stops in Belize for a visit with the P.M.
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque concluded an official visit to Belize today, following a call on Prime Minister Dean Barrow and other CARICOM-affiliated agencies in the country. During his stay LaRocque also met with stakeholders in the private sector before convening a brief sit-down with members of the media. The discussion covered [...]

$10,000 much closer to a winner in Superstar!
Be the Next Superstar starts shortly at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. It’s down to the wire now and so far the following have survived: Daniel Aguirre; Dania Arana; the Jeremy’s; Romi and Elizabeth; Kristen, Colin and Ashanti and the Ascenthium Band. Tonight, they will fight for your votes and a spot in [...]

CTV3

Price For Regular Fuel On The Rise
Tonight there is some bad news for consumers who operate their vehicles by using regular fuel. If you are holding your head just about now and saying fuel price “gann up”, then, we are sorry to say, you are right, at least when it comes to regular fuel. Previously here in Orange Walk a gallon of regular fuel was sold for $12.03 but on Sunday the price increased by 12 cents taking the new price to $12.15. The prices of premium, diesel and kerosene remain the same. Regular gasoline is the most expensive in Punta Gorda where it now sells at $12.32. The last major change in pump prices was recorded in August 26th with the increase of regular and premium prices only. By our count this is the 8th time that pump prices have increase for this year alone. According to a recent data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, gas prices increased on average by 9.5% over the span of August to September.

Caledonia Resident Charged For Exposing HimselfpoliceThere is a very disturbing report coming out of Corozal tonight. A Belizean domestic of Santa Rita Layout visited the Police substation in Caledonia on Sunday October 21st at around midnight, and reported to police that on Saturday October 20th, at around 3:30pm, she was walking on a street located in the village of Caledonia when she was approached by 36 year old fisherman Hijinio Canto better known as “Cocoy”. What Canto did next was unexpected and ghastly. He stood directly in front of the woman, brought down his pants and exposed his private area causing the complainant to feel threatened. Police have arrested Canto and charged him for the offence of “exposing person in public”.

Belize And Guatemala Foreign Ministers Discuss Referendum
Yesterday in Guatemala City, Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Harold Caballeros, and Belize’s Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington, along with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza met with the Group of Friends (GOF) of the General Secretariat for Belize-Guatemala referendum process. According to a press release issued by the OAS, during the meeting the two foreign ministers reported on the status of discussions that have taken place between Belize and Guatemala to address its centennial territorial dispute. The press release also states that the foreign ministers, quote, “requested support from the international community to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice, once referenda on the issue are held in both countries on October 2013,” end quote. With a population of over 14 million, Guatemala is moving full speed ahead in the awareness campaign which would approximately cost the Guatemalan Government about US$46 million. The awareness campaign will cost Belize approximately $4.5millon for a population of over 325,000. The awareness campaign is an effort to sensitize the population of both countries about the probable negative and positive effects that might result in taking the issue to the International Court of Justice. The OAS has pledged its political and technical support for the diplomatic process to take its course.

Orange Walkenos Makes Complain Against Social Security
Tonight Wilfredo Gutierrez has a lot on his mind. The truck driver from Orange Walk has been unable to work since May of this year when he suffered an accident. But what’s even worst is that Gutierrez claims that Social Security no longer wants to pay him his benefits. Here is what he told us when he visited our studio yesterday. “Me calli de mi tractor, estaba arrancado el tractor, y jale el gear shifter by mistake y entro en gear y cuando me calli en el suelo me paso la llanta grande del tractor sobre mi pie y me fracturo el right tibia de mi pie y entonces consegui una operación y me pusieron un platino.” According to Gutierrez, when he visited the Social Security Office here in Orange Walk he was informed that he was unable to claim an accident benefit but would qualify for a sickness benefit. Gutierrez was paid one month and after that he was disallowed.

Belize Has New Supreme Judge
Belize has a new Supreme Court Judge who comes all the way from Guyana. Yesterday, Justice Courtney Ashton Abel was sworn in by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Justice Abel has been practicing law for more than 25 years and is an experienced trail lawyer in the areas of civil, corporate and commercial law. Justice Abel is a graduate of Warwick University and was admitted to the bar of England and Wales in 1980. Justice Abel is a former President of the Anguilla Bar Association and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Bar Association. Courtney Abel has appeared as lead Counsel before Courts and Tribunals in Anguilla and elsewhere in the Eastern Caribbean including the Court of Appeal and before the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, on a number of occasions. Justice Courtney Ashton Abel fills in for Justice Samuel Awich who is now serving as a judge in the Court of Appeal.

LOVE TV

Officials discuss carbon credits
Currently in Belize to discuss the air the air that we breathe are representatives from nineteen regional countries whose interests are really how we can turn the relatively clean air on this side of the globe into money. It’s a complicated theory still being toyed with on how developing countries can bring developed countries to bear for the level of their emissions into the atmosphere. The discussions fall under a Clean Development Mechanism and this is the second attempt to see it come to some fruition after round one did not materialize into anything more than talk. Minister of Sustainable Development, Liselle Alamilla, says there are not Designated National Authorities from the various countries at the helm. The Climate Change Project is at the centre of the discussions and its Liaison Officer, Carlos Fuller, worked out the finer details for us. Fuller said that this second effort is looking at the period from 2013 to 2020 to bring to reality what they’ve been discussing.

String of burglaries and robberies reported
A series of burglaries and robberies has been reported in Belize City between last Thursday and Saturday. In the first incident, businesswoman Katrina Garbutt reported to police that sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning, her business place, namely KG’s Phonetech, was burglarized. Garbutt reports that an assortment of cell phones and accessories with an estimated value of fifteen thousand dollars was stolen. Police have since detained one man for questioning in connection with the incident. A house on Supal Street in Belize City has been burglarized. According to taxi driver Ismael Flores, his two bedroom bungalow house was burglarized sometime between seven o’clock on Thursday morning and eleven o’clock the same morning. Flores says that the thief or thieves made off with electronic items valued at one thousand, one hundred and forty five dollars. No one has been detained so far as police continue their investigations. A nineteen year old junior college student has been robbed. Christian Lara told police that just after one o’clock on Friday afternoon he was walking on University Drive when he was accosted as he reached in front of the University of the West Indies campus. Lara says that two men on separate bicycles accosted him and took away his knapsack containing a laptop computer. Both men then rode off, making good their investigation. In another attack in the same general vicinity, a man was robbed of his belongings. Thirty eight year old Rony Lopez told police that he was attacked near the Edward P. Yorke High School around four o’clock on Friday afternoon. Lopez says that he was grabbed from behind by a man of dark complexion who placed a firearm to his head. Police say that Lopez struggled with his attacker, during which he managed to grab hold of his assailant’s hand and the firearm. During the struggle, a second man reportedly joined in the attack, punching and kicking Lopez. During the struggle a magazine loaded with nine Aguila brand 9 millimeter rounds reportedly fell out of the firearm. Lopez was relieved of a brown knapsack which contained his personal documents. He also received a small cut wound to upper lip and left thumb during the struggle. Police say they are looking for a Belize City man for questioning in connection with the incident.

Two charged in burglary of water taxi terminal
27 year old Jermaine Rhaburn and 37 year old Kevin “Pizza” Jex, who allegedly burglarized Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal and stole money and items amounting to over $11,000.00, were charged with burglary when they appeared in court today. They pleaded not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser did not offer them bail because they have court fines for which payment is outstanding. They were remanded into custody until December 4. The burglary occurred between 5:30 p.m. on October 14 and 7:30 a.m. on October 15. One of the vendors at the terminal reported to the police that the items that were stolen from him included $ 4,300.00, one laptop computer, two boxes of Cuban cigars and some cigarette lighters. Another vendor at the terminal, reported to the police that the items that were stolen from his booth included $3,000.00, one black Samsung cellular phone with $250.00 worth of credits and one Nokia cellular phone. A third vendor at the terminal told police that $1,527. 00 was stolen from him. None of the money or the items have been recovered. According to reports, there was no evidence of forced entry and it is believed that the culprits entered the building, located on North Front Street, through a back door that was open.

Mayor explains firings at Orange Walk town council
Last week, the Orange Walk Town Council terminated the services of eleven employees. According to a press release from the Orange Walk Town Council, they came to this decision after a management meeting held last week. Our correspondent Arturo Cantun spoke with Mayor, Kevin Bernard. Bernard explained how the Town Council will now operate without those eleven employees. That was Orange Walk Mayor, Kevin Bernard.

Police updates media on weekend crimes
At its regular weekly press briefing today, Police Press Officer Rafael Martinez spoke of two separate incidents in San Pedro in which one was stabbed and another died while swimming. On the case of baby Kaylee Burgess, police say the investigation is still ongoing and now they’re asking for anyone with information to assist them in bringing closure to that matter. Since the death of baby Kaylee, who was killed two days before her second birthday in Ladyville, an elder sibling has named someone as the killer, but the police are depending on an adult to make a report naming that individual. Meanwhile, a cane farmer, 51 year old Felix Santoya of Santa Rita Layout reported that at around seventy twenty on Friday he was shot while exiting his vehicle near his home. The gun man was reportedly a man on a bicycle. There were a couple of burglaries reported in Belize City. KG’s Phone Tech at 10 Cemetery Road was broken into over Thursday night and thieves stole an assortment of cell phones, tablets, wrist watches and electronic items worth over fifteen thousand dollars. Meanwhile, taxi driver, Ismael Flores, told police that last Thursday night his house was broken into and the thieves stole items worth over a thousand dollars. Meanwhile, in Corozal Town, money changer, Rosendo Tun was robbed of around twenty thousand pesos while at a bar in that municipality. Corozal police have recovered the money and have detained a twenty year old unemployed man of San Juaquin Village, Corozal, pending charges.

A new wildlife clinic opens in Cayo
A new wildlife and referral Clinic has been established in the Cayo district. The facility, which was inaugurated on Friday, is located at the Tiger Run farm in Central Farm. The clinic is designed primarily to offer veterinary care to imperiled wildlife. Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand is the founder and director of Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. The establishment of the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic was assisted greatly by a twenty five thousand US dollar grant from the Colorado-based HESKA organization, which supports technology and services for veterinarians around the world. Through the grant, Durand says the bulk of the equipment and medication needed to start the clinic were purchased. And while the priority emphasis will be on wildlife treatment, Durand says that domestic animals will also be provided with veterinary care; but only on an appointment basis. Durand told Love News that under the guidance of the Forestry Department the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic will also work to improve the welfare of captive wildlife in an effort to decrease hunting pressures on the wild population. A further objective, she says, is to offer a world-class teaching facility right here in Belize. Guest speaker at last Friday’s inauguration of the new veterinary clinic was the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development Lisel Alamilla who pledged government’s support for the work being carried out by Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic and other wildlife entities in the country that assist in protecting and providing care for imperiled wild animals.

Belize and Guatemala Foreign Ministers meet
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala have concluded a meeting in Guatemala City. Today’s closed-door meeting was held under the auspices of the Group of Friends of the General Secretariat for Belize-Guatemala. According to Guatemala’s Prensa Libre newspaper, the purpose of the meeting was to fine-tune the details of a simultaneous referendum in Belize and Guatemala to determine whether that country’s unfounded claim to Belizean territory should go to the International court of Justice for final resolution. The closed-door meeting was held at the headquarters of Guatemala’s foreign ministry. The outcome of today’s meeting was expected to be released at a post-meeting press conference in Guatemala City; but so far there has been no word from Belmopan as to what transpired in the meeting. Guatemalan press is also reporting that during today’s meeting a report on Guatemalan incursion into Belizean territory resulting in the deaths of at least four peasant farmers was to have been released. The Belize-delegation to the Guatemala meeting included Foreign Minister Elrington and Ambassadors Fred Martinez and Lisa Shoman. Jose Miguel Insulza In related news, the office of OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza today announced that the head of the hemispheric body will make one day working visit to Belize on Tuesday. During his stop over on the way back to Washington, D.C. Insulza will meeting with Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, Minister of National Security, John Saldivar and the leader of the opposition, Francis Fonseca.

Audubon Society holds bird count in Toledo
The Belize Audubon Society conducted a bird count in the Toledo district over the weekend. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details.

PlusTV

The CARICOM Secretary General is in Belize
The CARICOM Secretary General is in Belize. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque met with Belize’s Prime Minister at his Belmo...

The OAS Secretary General was in Belize today
The OAS Secretary General was in Belize today. His Excellency José Miguel Insulza arrived in Belize today and met w...

Roberto Gilharry charged with handling stolen goods
36 year old Roberto Gilharry was charged today with handling stolen goods. Police say they have cracked the case in...

Belmopan mayor explains benefit to residents of bond offering
Last week we learned from Belmopan City Administrator, Ismael Garcia, of a Bond Offering that is in its development...

UB students support Eternal Flame Of Peace Declaration
The University of Belize Student Government President Hope Amadi hosted a meeting with thirty-five Tertiary Level S...

Shrimp workers walk off job
The workers of Belize Aquaculture Ltd. are crying foul. They claim that their employer is trying to pull fast one o...

Belize has appointed a new Judge of the Supreme Court
Belize has appointed a new Judge of the Supreme Court; the learned gentleman is Justice Courtney Ashton Abel. Justi...

Alleged water taxi terminal burglars remanded
Two Belize City residents 37 year-old Kevin Jex, and 27 year-old Jermaine Rhaburn have been taken to the Belize Cen...

Two men accused of van theft out on bail
Last week Friday Juan Pariente, made a report on the theft of his Astro Van which was taken from Save U Supermarket...

Police in Belize City investigate an early morning robbery
Police in Belize City investigate an early morning robbery. LELLIA SENTICUM, a secretary of Belize City, reported t...

A robber escapes on stolen cycle
A robber escapes on stolen cycle. MR. PETER ISSAKA, a Security Guard of Belize City, reported that yesterday (OCT 2...

Police make two arrests for theft
Police have made two arrests for thefts which occurred back in September. MICHAEL ESTELL had filed a report on Sept...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Third Annual Lions Quest Conference visits Caye Caulker School
Delegates from across Latin America arrived in Belize over the weekend, to attend the 3rd annual Lions Quest Conference. The Lions Clubs of Belize are hosting the two day conference, which started today (Monday Oct 22nd) and closes tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct 23rd) at the Sun Breeze Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Lions Quest is a transformational life skills program that was first introduced to Belize in 2005, when it was piloted in 10 schools. With approval and support of the Ministry of Education, the program has expanded to over 70 schools across Belize. Belize was the first country in Latin America and CARICOM region to introduce the program. The program has since been introduced into 15 countries across Latin America. This afternoon, the delegates visited the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School, which was part of the pilot year, and has become a model primary school in the program. Schools interested in the program can contact your local Lions Club, the Quality Assurance department in the Ministry of Education, or email lionsquestbelize@gmail.com.

Caye Caulker’s Recovery After Hurricane Hattie
Some of us always wondered what happened during or after Hurricane Hattie hit our island in 1961. Here is an excerpt found in the Belize Archives after the storm. Caye Caulker’s Recovery After Hattie Caye Caulker, 20 miles north-east of Belize, near the Barrier Reef, was swept by 15-foot waves. After the hurricane only two good houses were left out of over 100. Almost 400 people were homeless and nearly completely wiped out with 14 known dead. There were a few more houses numbering about 8 that were also used as refugee centres during the storm but at best were continually swept by water and badly damaged. People were in a complete daze for the next two days as their grief and sorrow made hem seemingly incapable of dealing with the situation. Meanwhile on the second day in Belize a fisherman from the Caye arrived in his small boat where he immediately spread the word among relatives of the terrible bad, bad, bad disaster there. Upon questioning the man, Mr. Ray Auxillou, an Englishman, residing in Belize, thought it necessary to make a trip out to the Caye and bring back an accurate damage report. He set out, contacting relatives of the people on the Caye and soon a small party with a 19ft. runabout and salt water drowned motor was found. A mechanic from Gordo’s worked on the motor feverishly while gasoline was hunted. During the hurry and bustle of preparation a visit to the controlling authority was paid by Auxillou to notify them of the intention to inspect the needs of the people at the Caye and the extent of the damage. Controlling authority turned out to be the Governor who seemed pleased and offered any help. Consequently, a small list of food was obtained from the Marketing Board to be taken out for emergency use. The food turned out to be too much for the small boat and tow other island sloops were commandeered at the wharf and the food loaded aboard. The speedboat with Ray Auxillou, Luis Alamina and Ilna Alamina went ahead to organize the reception and distribution of food.

Homemade Organic Soaps on Caye Caulker
For the past few months we have been hearing about these homemade soaps that are made from natural ingredients and no preservatives are added. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth and studies show that one of the main issues with most commercial soaps is the Glycerine is removed which is created, to sell as a separate product. Glycerine is a natural humectant which means it attracts moisture to the skin. There is nothing more irritating that having just finished a shower and the soap you used dried out your skin. Homemade soap will solve that problem. These organic soaps also have special purposes and can be used for treating acne, dry skin, wrinkles, replenishing the skin, etc. especially for kids who have the most sensitive skin, organic soaps are the best and safest option. Also because of the use on non harmful chemicals, they are more environment friendly and it does their part in reducing the burden we are putting on nature. These soaps can be found right here on Caye Caulker and they are fantastic. Lisa’s Soap Delights by Lisa Novelo. She has a wide variety of soaps such as Almond Oatmeal, Rosemary and Aloe, Chocolate, Lavender, Orange Blossom, Choco Banana, and many more. There are also scented and non-scented soaps as well. These can be bought at Village Treasures Boutique located next to Cayeboard Connection and they are $12.00Bze per bar. She also makes hotel size soap bars and are also great for gifts. Personally I love them!

Amandala

US$50 mil for ICJ
Belize and Guatemala today entered a new phase in their push to have their territorial differendum, with a history dating back nearly 160 years, settled at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with Guatemala Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros declaring the start of a US$14 million public education campaign in that country and urging Guatemalans to look to the ICJ for a final resolution to the territorial conflict between the countries. “Now begins the work to sensitize the entire Guatemalan population that the ICJ can give a decision that would put an end to this conflict. To that we are committed,” Caballeros said in a short statement to the press, “…from today, I call on all Guatemalans to seek to imbue ourselves, find out, obtain knowledge as to what this differendum has been about and how it can be resolved.” Whereas Guatemala today announced the start of its public education campaign, the public education campaign in Belize is not set to begin until January 2013. Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, who led a three-member delegation at today’s meeting held in Guatemala City, declared at a press briefing that “Belize is a country that believes in a rule of law and that also believes very passionately that disputes should be settled legally.”

A culinary “Little Belize” in South L.A. area
The last undiscovered ethnic culinary enclave in L.A. might be a dozen-plus Belizean restaurants in the South Los Angeles area, a “Little Belize” offering the multi-culti flavors of the tiny country formerly known as British Honduras. Drive south from the 10 Freeway down Western Avenue to the limits of South L.A. and into Gardena you’ll encounter a cache of Caribbean culture, where food is ordered in Belizean Kriol, an English-based Creole language that teases but evades comprehension. The Belizean restaurants are inconspicuous among Mexican, soul food and other Central American diners in a neighborhood full of no-tell motels and possibly the largest collection of Latino storefront Pentecostal churches imaginable. On their tables you’ll encounter the food of two distinct Belizean cultures: Maya and Kriol. Most of L.A.’s Belizean restaurants draw from both the Yucatan’s Maya heritage and the British and West African mix known as Kriol. You can start with a Maya appetizer such as panades, tuna stuffed in a folded, paprika-stained, fried tortilla. A Kriol main like boil-up is a Saturday indulgence of pig tail, fish, hard-boiled eggs, yams, plantains, boil cakes made from flour, sweet potato, yucca and taro (called cocoa in Belize) covered in a stew of tomatoes, onions and peppers.

KHMH “non-emergency” fees step up $15
The hospital says it needs the new fees to improve services and fund other programs The public is advised that as of Thursday, November 1, in cases of non-emergency at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, they must pay an additional fee of $10, called a “consultation fee,” before a doctor is consulted. Also, an administration fee of $5 will be added on to the prescription order, which must be paid before prescriptions are filled. All other fees remain the same. Amandala was informed of the changes today, Monday. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Sheena Garnett, said that the hospital is improving its revenue collection to improve services and fund other programs like cardiography, which has recently been introduced at the KHMH to carry out open heart surgery. Garnett said that the new fees will open the way for other services and improve the present ones being offered.

Court of Appeal denies Fortis injunction
The Court of Appeal on Friday evening denied the request of Fortis Energy International (Belize) Inc., subsidiary of Fortis Inc. of Canada, for an injunction to stop the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from issuing $10 million worth of preference shares to the Belize Social Security Board (SSB), which it is offering at an interest rate of 5% yearly. The application of Fortis was vigorously opposed by attorney for the Government of Belize, Denys Barrow, SC, who challenged Fortis’ initial application, which sought to stop BEL from not just issuing the new preference shares to BEL, but which also sought to block any move by BEL to raise new financing, including $25 million it hopes to raise in series 5 debentures by the end of the year. Fortis has claimed that new debt would diminish the value of the company’s shares.

Belize participates in COCABA U-16 Championship in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
On Friday, October 19, the National U-16 Boys’ Basketball Team will leave for Tegucigalpa, Honduras to participate in the COCABA U-16 Championship tournament. The delegation includes Coach Matthew Smiling, Coach Bernie Tarr and Coach Raymond Sanchez. Six countries will be participating in this tournament, and the teams will play in a round-robin format. Belize’s schedule of games is as follows: Sun. Oct. 21 – Belize vs El Salvador Mon. Oct. 22 – Belize vs Honduras Tues. Oct. 23 – Guatemala vs Belize Wed. Oct. 24 – Belize vs Costa Rica Thurs. Oct. 25 – Panama vs Belize. The teams that place first and second in the tournament will qualify for the Centro Basket U-17 Tournament to be held in 2013. The participation of the national team was made possible through the sponsorship of the Belize Olympic Committee, Ministry of National Security, D Victoria Hotel, Derrick Gillett, Caye Caulker Water Taxi. Numerous parents also supported the team.

Smart Mundialito 13 & Under Week 4 results
Five more games were played on Saturday, October 20, in Week 4 of the Smart Mundialito 13 & Under football competition at the MCC Grounds, beginning at 11:00 in the morning. In game 1, Brown Bombers won, 2-nil, over United Rangers, with Sherwin Requena and Shemar Thompson netting a goal apiece for Bombers. It was Hattieville 3-nil over Ladyville Jaguars in game 2, with Darrell Flowers, Cameron Thomas and Kenyon Lewis scoring for Hattieville. Game 3 saw Third World getting the 1-nil victory over Ladyville Japan, with Justin Menzies scoring the game winner for Third World. In game 4 it was Jane Usher, 2-1, over Young Stars. Amil Crawford and Kyle Samuels hit the target for Jane Usher, while Uriel Correa scored for Young Stars. And in game 5, City Boys Junior and St. John Vianney played to a 0-0 draw.

Behind the claim
There are billions of people in the world who live from day-to-day, from hand to mouth. The majority of Belizeans would probably be included in that number. But, there are other people, different people, who are the rulers of the world. They are extremely wealthy and surpassingly powerful, and they can afford to consider matters from long-term perspectives. The people who work directly for the rulers of the world work on Wall Street, in the City of London, in Zurich, and so on and so forth. Now then, here we have this small country called Belize, blessed with bountiful natural resources, and inhabited by a relatively tiny and diverse population of people who have been trying to build a home here and make a future for ourselves. We Belizeans inherited this territory from the British, who were our slavemasters and, afterwards, our colonial masters. Our belief is that we fought the British to achieve sovereign independence, and they decided to grant us that independence in 1981. This is our Belizean belief. Across our western and southern borders is a republic called Guatemala. The socio-political and financial elite in Guatemala are of the opinion that they inherited certain rights from Spain, who were their colonial masters until 1821, and among those rights were hegemony over most of the territory of Belize.

From The Publisher
We explained to you in last weekend’s issue that political parties which are populist, trade union, or masses-based, are called “left wing,” and political parties which defend the interests of wealthy, propertied citizens, large companies, and the business class, are called “right wing.” We also said in our last column that since the masses of the people are always far more numerous than the wealthy elite, then it would seem that the left wing parties have a numerical advantage in political systems which feature universal adult suffrage – one citizen, one vote. Over the last six decades in Belize, we have seen the business of political campaigning become much more extravagant and expensive than it used to be. As a consequence of this, the importance of campaign financing here has grown by leaps and bounds, especially since our political independence in 1981, and the power of the wealthy has reached the point where they essentially control both of Belize’s two major political parties. Even though the People’s United Party (PUP) appeared to be completely left wing at its birth in 1950, the richest native in British Honduras, a mulatto mahogany/chicle contractor by the name of Bob Turton, was supporting the PUP from behind the scenes. He was, in fact, Mr. George Price’s employer, and it was Mr. Turton who had pushed Mr. Price into local politics in the early 1940s.

Court of Appeal denies Fortis injunction
The Court of Appeal on Friday evening denied the request of Fortis Energy International (Belize) Inc., subsidiary of Fortis Inc. of Canada, for an injunction to stop the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from issuing $10 million worth of preference shares to the Belize Social Security Board (SSB), which it is offering at an interest rate of 5% yearly. The application of Fortis was vigorously opposed by attorney for the Government of Belize, Denys Barrow, SC, who challenged Fortis’ initial application, which sought to stop BEL from not just issuing the new preference shares to BEL, but which also sought to block any move by BEL to raise new financing, including $25 million it hopes to raise in series 5 debentures by the end of the year. Fortis has claimed that new debt would diminish the value of the company’s shares. Government has maintained that there is no guarantee that even if Fortis is successful in challenging the July 2011 nationalization of BEL, that the court would order a return of the shares. That constitutional challenge has been heard by the Court of Appeal, but a decision is still pending and may not come until next March, Barrow told us.

Four minors charged with manslaughter after they allegedly beat Emerito Itza, causing his death
Four minors, two of whom are 14 and the other two, 15, were today taken to the Family Court in the company of their parents and their lawyer, Simeon Sampson, SC, where they were charged with manslaughter for causing the death of Emerito Itza, 46, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According to a police report, at 7:00 p.m. on October 17, Itza was with Marwin Lizama, 24, hanging out on the beach at the end of Sand Piper Street. While the men were hanging out, they got into a brawl with four teenagers, one of whom hit Itza in the head with a piece of board. Itza was critically injured due to the hit, although he didn’t die immediately. He was first treated at the San Pedro Polyclinic then transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he died. As mentioned above, the minors, (one of whom is in Standard 6) were charged with manslaughter for Itza’s death and remanded to the Hattieville Prison until their next court appearance on November 20, 2012.

Letters:

US Capital meets Punta Gorda residents; EIA consultation in Sundaywood Thursday
US Capital Energy Ltd. held a public meeting at the Parish Hall in Punta Gorda this Saturday morning, at which Allan Herrera of Nextera Environmental and Engineering Consultants and chief drilling expert Juan Carlos were among those present to address questions and concerns from residents of that municipality. Over a hundred people attended and they mostly supported the opportunity for development in Toledo, Niall Gillett, public relations consultant for US Capital, told Amandala today. Teachers also asked about scholarships and expansion of Internet access, Gillett said. In rural Toledo, meanwhile, where consultations have been ongoing, the number one appeal has been for jobs, said Gillett. He said that a subsequent meeting was held on Saturday afternoon in Midway, the last buffer community to be included in exploratory drilling planned for 2013. According to Gillett, there could be 100 to 150 jobs per oil well. He noted that the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is focused on the two drill sites within the Sarstoon-Temash National Park (STNP), and if oil is found, a new EIA would have to be prepared for the production phase of the project.

Regular gas gets more costly
Drivers are feeling more of a pinch this week after the price of regular gasoline rose by 12 cents on the gallon on Sunday. The prices of premium gas and diesel, meanwhile, remain the same. Pump prices are most expensive in Punta Gorda, where a gallon of regular gasoline is now $12.32, according to sources from King’s Texaco Service Station. In Belize City, Shell One Stop and Texaco (Belchina), rebranding as Uno, have confirmed that a gallon of regular gas now costs $12.07. Premium gasoline is approaching $13 a gallon in Belize City, but it has passed that mark in Punta Gorda, where consumers now pay $13.21 on the gallon. The last major price change was recorded in August 2012. According to September data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, gas prices increased on average by 9.5% over the span of August to September.

Caribbean officials formulating regional position to proposed ban of queen conch trade
Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Milton Haughton, recently back from the 3rd Special Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the CRFM held in Antigua and Barbuda last Thursday, told Amandala this afternoon that leaders in the region are finalizing a position statement to respond to a petition filed in the USA to have the queen conch listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—a move that would wipe out all existing trade of the queen conch between the region and the US, which imports 70% of the conch produced from the Caribbean Sea. Responses to the WildEarth Guardians petition to ban trade in conch must be submitted by this Friday, October 26, 2012. “We find that the petition and information in our files present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted,” said Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, in a notice published in August for the US Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “We will conduct a status review of the species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species…” Haughton said that the region has to take a very scientific approach in its response, which should incorporate the positions of individual countries, particularly those such as Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos, which are the main exporters.

Belize spared floods despite heavy weekend downpours
Authorities at the National Met Service have confirmed that no significant flood events have been documented in the country, despite 48 hours of heavy weekend rains, particularly along the coastal parts of central and northern Belize. Hydrological Technician Ellington Cayetano told Amandala that there are no reports of flooding at any of their monitoring stations along the Belize River, New River or other parts of the country, although they are aware of localized flooding in areas such as Belize City and other low-lying areas of the country. Yesterday, for example, eastern portions of the Philip Goldson Highway were virtually impassible due to flooding, and some vehicular traffic had to use alternate routes to get to their locations. Forecaster Gordon said that the highest rainfall level, a total of 4 inches over 48 hours, was reported at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) – far lower than the record high 18 inches documented over 24 hours when Hurricane Keith struck in 2000. Meanwhile, Libertad in the north recorded only 2 inches of rainfall this weekend. Central Farm recorded 1.5 inches and Big Falls 1 inch. According to Gordon, Belize has really seen a deficit of rain for most of the summer months. The forecaster said that the heavy rains this weekend were triggered by a moist northeasterly airflow which resulted from a frontal system north of the country. The last intense rainfall was recorded in May 2012.

Blogs

Prizes You Want To See: SAGA Humane Society's Annual Silent Auction
Excuse today's funky font issues but I wanted to make sure this generous list of donated items got online to as many people as possible! This year is SAGA's 9th Annual Halloween party for dogs, kids and adults (and even one ferret last year). It is far and away our biggest fundraiser of the year. We have costume contests (for kids & dogs!), food, raffles, a DJ, games, candy, cookies. Oct 28th at the Central Park from 11am to 5pm. I hope to see you all there. But for those who cannot make it (and those who can), here is our silent auction. All bids ARE so appreciated. And why not bid on a few things...a few nights at a great hotel, maybe a dive trip, maybe a photo session for your family and a romantic dinner at a local restaurant? You've got all the makings of a great trip back to San Pedro right there... Both Pepe and I were San Pedro Lions last year. Here are the rules. Rules are very important: Put your bids in through a private message on the AmbergrisCaye.com message board, SAGA Humane Society's Facebook page, email me at racoutant@hotmail, call me at 605-4347 or stir it up, be proud of your generosity and post online. Our auction expires on Tuesday, October 30th, 5pm. All offers (hotel stays, tours, flights, etc.) are subject to availability and are valid for one year unless otherwise noted. Current bid (now zero) is at the end of each prize. Don't be afraid to overbid the retail value, this is for charity...so that dogs and cats can be placed in loving homes. And please, if you have a chance, visit our amazing sponsor businesses and thank them for their generous donations. We are super exited about this list. Can you believe that the retail value is over $10,000 BZ!?!?!?!

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF BELIZE AND GUATEMALA MEET TO DISCUSS REFERENDUM
The OAS Secretary General, Chilean, Jose Miguel Insulza and the Foreign Ministers from Guatemala and Belize, Harold Caballeros and Wilfred Elrington, respectively, initiated a working reunion to refine the details on the Referendum that will be carried out by both countries on October of next year. The objective of the one day meeting which was carried out behind closed doors at the headquarters of the ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guatemala, was to “refine the details on the referendum” in which the decision of both countries regarding the territorial litigation that they maintain for over a century will be submitted before the International Court of Justice, said a source from the Guatemalan Ministry. Although from 1991 Guatemala recognized Belize’s independence, they still claim close to fifty percent of territory from the former Britannic Colony, which with the mediation of the OAS, both States agreed to clarify before the International Criminal Court based in La Haya.

Big up the Belize Shark Project!
We have to be proud of our environmental pioneers here in Belize as they have every intention of ensuring our reef retains and indeed flourishes under their guidance! The Belize Shark Project, just one of those groups have spent the last two weeks recording data of the various sharks in the area and tagging them at the same time. The purpose of this is to protect the ever decreasing shark population on our reef due to fishing . Sharks are apex predators that sit at or near the top of the food chain. They are vital components of healthy and functional marine ecosystems, playing key roles in structuring fish communities and fostering reef resilience.

International Sources

Killer Videos of Belize
from a good Dr. Mucker!! Some awesome videos, each link below has lots of cool videos on it... Hi guys love the site and love Belize and all of its wonderful sights we have been twice now and have made a few videos of the country and our travels Here are 4 playlists of what we have done and seen in Belize and around San Pedro. we will be returning in 2013 and visit friends and places we love there thanks DrMucker. The Best HotDog in Belize Best Hotdog Ever 22:14 The Best Adult drink in Belize Deon's Dirty Banana 31:11 The Best Street BBQ in Belize Cruz and Family 43:03 World Famous Conch Fritters Elvi's Kitchen 51:50 Giant Burrito's Best Flavors Waruguma 61:52 Best Pulled Pork Sandwich Palapa Bar, Ambergris Caye 72:21 Best Band Fidos Restaurant & Bar 81:15 Koox Hannah Restaurant 1:15...

Research in Belize Leads to Revised Timeline of Ancient City’s History
Dating the growth and decline of cities of ancient Maya civilization is complicated, particularly when hieroglyphic texts are either absent or too eroded to decipher. In such cases, researchers must rely on construction histories and ceramics deposits to measure change. The ancient city of La Milpa, Belize, is no exception. In its heyday during the late eighth to early ninth centuries A.D., La Milpa was believed to have been a Maya city with political power and influence. It was also believed that the site was rapidly abandoned in the early ninth century prior to the completion of several construction projects. New research, however, shows La Milpa may have built up more gradually and declined slower than previously understood, leading researchers, including University of Maine anthropologist Gregory Zaro, to believe this city persisted generations longer than first thought. Zaro and co-author Brett Houk of Texas Tech University, who published their findings in the journal Ancient Mesoamerica, found evidence that La Milpa persisted into the 10th century. Their revised chronology, anchored largely to new radiocarbon dates and the presence of ceramics known to have been produced very late in Classic Maya civilization, has implications for previous models of ancient Maya population growth, decline, and ultimately the collapse of Classic Maya civilization in the eastern Petén region of Guatemala and Belize.

VIDEO: Lost In An Underwater Cave, Dont Let This Be You
Whats the reality of being lost in an underwater cave. This short film explores one Scenario

Maya Forum debunks doomsday, promotes tourism
Some 400 people participated in the Maya Forum that was held by the Central America Trade Office to shed light on the ancient Mayan civilization and attract visitors to Central America, in Taipei, yesterday. Four experts from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras shared their insights on topics including the similarity between ancient Chinese and Mayan cultures, Mayan astronomy, its calendar and ruins, as well as the so-called “2012 Doomsday” prediction that has been so widely talked about in recent years. Miriam Lourdes Mendez Arevalo, an archaeologist from El Salvador's Secretariat of Culture, told The China Post that the myth of a Mayan prophecy — that Dec. 21, 2012 will be the end of the world — is unfounded. The day only marked the end of a cycle in Maya Calendar but it is not the end of things, just like nightfall does not lead to the end of times but to the beginning of a new dawn, she said. After Dec. 21, 2012, the world will simply enter the 13th Baktun in the Maya Calendar. A baktun is a cycle that equates to around 394 years.

Forum on Central America features Mayan civilization, tourism
Central American experts shared their knowledge about the ancient Mayan civilization at a forum in Taipei Tuesday as part of a bid by the Taipei-based Central America Trade Office to attract more visitors to Central America. Experts from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras -- countries rich in Mayan heritage -- covered a wide range of issues at the forum, from Mayan civilization and astronomy, to science and Mayan ruins. They also talked about the long-since debunked myth perpetrated in the media of a so-called Mayan prophecy that Dec. 21, 2012 will be the end of the world, pointing out that such speculation is complete fabrication, as the date simply marks the end of a cycle in the Mayan calendar. "The rumors that the world is ending is not in our belief," said Cherie Minette Nisbet, Belize charge d'affaires to the Republic of China.

Eco-Friendly Stays in Belize
Belize is best known for its lush rain forests, Mayan ruins, and gorgeous barrier reef — one of the world’s best sites for snorkeling and scuba diving. As so much of the country’s tourism is dependent on its breathtaking natural surroundings, a determined commitment to eco-friendly practices can be found in most hoteliers throughout the country, and Oyster has stayed in everything from compact eco-lodges to rustic-luxe hideaways during our visits to this small South American country. Check out photos of our favorite eco-friendly stays — and find out what exactly makes them green — in this slideshow...

October 23, 2012

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Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SP police detained three men for weekend stabbing incident
Three male suspects have been detained following the stabbing incident of a tourist that occurred in the wee hours of Saturday October 20th. According to San Pedro Police the incident occurred over the weekend in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye inside the apartment that the tourist was renting. The victim has since been identified as 30 year old American Film Director, Shawn Patrick Danielly, a guest at a tourist accommodation situated on the beach at Boca del Rio Drive. According to San Pedro Police at about 4:20AM on above mentioned date, they arrived on the scene at the beachside establishment where police found a Caucasian male person, later identified as Danielly, on the ground and bleeding from the abdomen area. Police investigations revealed that the male persons entered the building and were in the process of stealing several items when a struggled ensued. During the struggle, police said that one of the young men pulled out a knife and inflected a single stab wound to the left lower area of the abdomen. Because of the commotion, people living in the area were able to notify police who responded shortly after. Police say Danielly was familiar with his attackers since he had been socializing with them for five days during his stay on the island.

Ambergris Today

Fire Drill Simulation Conducted at Holy Cross Anglican School
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a fire starts in your child’s school? Does your school have a safety plan or strategy on how to respond to a fire threat? Well with this in mind the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) San Pedro along with the Ministry of Education held a fire simulation at the Holy Cross Anglican School on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The Holy Cross Anglican School located in the San Mateo Area was chosen for the fire simulation because of the school’s proximity and location to other vulnerable areas. The School Principal was advised to involve all staff members in the planning of the school safety plan and seek advice and assistance if needed from the relevant agencies involved in public safety. With over 500 students, school principal and staff made sure that students evacuated the school grounds in an orderly and safe manner. The fire drill commenced at 10:00 a.m. and concluded at 10:53 a.m. According to information received from NEMO San Pedro the school did quite well being the first time a drill is conducted., although there is lots of room for improvement.

San Pedro Sailing Club Shines at Corozal Bay Regatta
It was a challenging regatta due to the lack of wind but nevertheless it was a great event in which the San Pedro Sailing Club had the opportunity to shine. Results for the Optimist Finals were: Gold - Rupert Garnett from Liberty Sailing Club; Silver - Carlos Villatoro from Placencia Sailing Club; Bronze - Davin Puc from San Pedro Sailing Club. (Faith Noel placed Fourth and Zulema Alaya Fifth – both also from San Pedro).

Pic of the Week: Enjoying Yet Another Belizean Sunset
Insert Self Here! There has been a spectacular show of sunsets on Ambergris Caye lately that we have to share yet another amazing picture this week. What better way to totally engulf yourself in all the richness of a Belizean sunset than by lying on a hammonck on the beach and taking in all its beauty. Here is one recent sunset taken at El Secreto Resort located 11 miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. What else can we say but, "Wish You Were Here"!

25 Years Ago: San Pedro's Miracle Tree
“Did you know that the palm trees here in Ambergris Caye intentionally grow with an incline so that brides can pose on them?” This was the humorous caption that Jose Luis Zapata, one of San Pedro’s leading photographers, put on this photo. Although we do realize that this is only good humour, if we go back twenty five years ago, we can definitely say that the coconut palm tree is indeed a miracle tree as the photographer describes. COCONUT WATER: Twenty five years ago San Pedranos enjoyed this delicious fresh and sweet water almost on a daily basis. On Sundays we would walk down the beach and pull the coconuts to treat our friends, relatives and special visitors like the nuns, priests and vacationers.

Ryan’s Halloween Costume Ideas for 2012
So Halloween is coming and no one is ever too old to celebrate and join in on the fun! I sure hope everybody likes to participate, because Halloween is a very great way to get in character and enjoy spooking people. It’s not Halloween without great costumes and I know deciding on a great one is always a hard task, so I have some costume suggestions I think would really be good for Halloween this year. Happy Halloween everybody and Happy Spooking!

Isla Bonita Elementary School Halloween Fair
Isla Bonita Elementary School held its Halloween Fair this past weekend on Saturday, October 20 at the Lions Den where the school hosted children who wanted to have some spooky Halloween fun. It was a fun evening that had lots of games and prizes for all the participants. Here are some of the fun and spooky costumes of the evening. Happy Halloween!

Observing Remembrance Day in San Pedro
On the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour there will be a resounding silence throughout the Commonwealth; it will be for remembering all those fallen heroes of the two world wars and all the conflicts since and we shall remember them. Jamila Janmohamed, member of The Royal British Legion Belize would love to see the San Pedro Community show its support for the Belizean and Commonwealth veterans and their families by wearing a poppy and contributing to the cause.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Future for Electricity in Belize
Roughly 75% of total energy demand is supplied through foreign sources. Fossil fuels are imported by two companies: Esso Standard Oil S.A. Limited, the only private company in Belize authorized to import fuel, and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), which also imports diesel fuel from Mexico. Roughly 50% of the electricity consumed is imported from Mexico. An interconnection between the national grids of Belize and Mexico allows the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), a state-owned utility, to sell electricity to Belize’s BEL. Extended Network: In Belize, 85% of the total households have electricity; almost 100% of the urban areas (Belize, Corozal and Orange Walk districts) have light, and 49.59% of the rural area (mostly the Stann Creek and Toledo Towns and villages). Even though Belize is making an effort to electrify its rural communities, partially causing a rise in energy demand estimated at 9% per year, there are still a large amount of households without electric services. Electrification is expected to expand in line with an expected rise in electricity demand. Some of the rural communities that lack electricity are situated in areas that are not easily accessible to the transmission network. Therefore there might be a need to assess whether off-grid solutions could be more cost effective for these communities. Capacity Concerns:

VIDEO: Hand Feeding Tarpon at Sunset Restaurant, San Pedro, Belize
After a day of diving, Mischa and Maria hand feed the Tarpon at Sunset Resturant, San Pedro

SMCU Visiting Cayo Villages
Saint Martin's Credit Union will be visiting several of Cayo's villages this week to inform people about the credit union, and all it has to offer. They'll also have account opening specials for only $17.50. They visited Bullet Tree Falls today. Tomorrow, they'll be in Esperanza, at the preschool compound, from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Thursday, they'll be at the community center in San Antonio. Go learn more about why SMCU is the best option.

UB Goes Pink
The University of Belize celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness month by going pink. They had Kim Simplis-Barrow, a cancer survivor, stop by to give a speech. They had a huge turnout, and quite a few people wearing pink. There was even some pink hair. SHJC does their Pink Day this Wednesday.

Cayo Art Collection Exhibit Launch
The SISE House of Culture had their Cayo Art Collection Launch on Friday night. The exhibit has art from local Cayo artisans, in multiple mediums. The exhibit can be seen over the next month at the SISE HoC. "The Opening of the Cayo Art Collection was a Success. We encourage you to visit the House of Culture in the coming week to take a look at the Artist's wonderful works of art."

Beeswax Candle Making Workshop
The Benque House of Culture had their latest workshop this weekend, and they made beeswax candles. Doesn't look easy, but it looks like fun. "Our highest acknowledgments to Mr. Raul Shish & Family and to all the participants on the Traditional Bee's Wax Candle making, it was a well anticipated and highly interactive session, many more to come."

"A Look Back at a Fantastic Summer!"
The George Price Centre had scores of activities through the Summer, including quite a few Summer camps. The had computer camps, chess camps, a 'reading is fun' camp, and their PEACE camp too. They are reminiscing about the awesome Summer they had. "With the dust of the many September activities now settled and the grey skies hovering over Belmopan, we thought it would be nice if we could take a look back at the fantastic summer we shared with 125 youngsters at the Centre! ... Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted us and to all the children and youth who participated. We can't wait for next summer to come!!!"

Purple Movement's BBQ Fundraiser
The Purple Movement has pictures from their BBQ and bake sale they did at Cayo's Saturday market. Talk about a fun time! Lots of music, BBQ, pastries, and smiling faces.

PACT's Call for Proposals
The Protectes Areas Conservation Trust is calling for grant proposals. They have $600,000 available for grants, with a cap of $200,000. The projects must revolve around protected areas management, conservation, education, and awareness. Good luck! "The functions of PACT are to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize. PACT is managed by a Board of Directors that is comprised of Government agencies, non-government organizations and individual experts."

Belize Mega Bingo Results For (20 October 2012)
Straight Line 100.00 Each (5 Balls) 19 ­13 ­7 ­67 ­60­ Y 125.00 Each (17 Balls) 19 ­13 ­7 ­67 ­60 ­53 ­44 ­50 ­72 ­20 ­15 ­39 ­73 ­55 ­6 ­75 ­21­ Letter X 750.00 Each (22 Balls) 19 ­13 ­7 ­67 ­60 ­53 ­44 ­50 ­72 ­20 ­15 ­39 ­73 ­55 ­6 ­75 ­21 ­36 ­26 ­25 ­54 ­71­ L 175.00 Each (29 Balls) 19 ­13 ­7 ­67 ­60 ­53 ­44 ­50 ­72 ­20 ­15 ­39 ­73 ­55 ­6 ­75 ­21 ­36 ­26 ­25 ­54 ­71 ­10 ­48 ­8 ­57 ­28 ­74 ­5­ T 150.00 Each (30 Balls) 19 ­13 ­7 ­67 ­60 ­53 ­44 ­50 ­72 ­20 ­15 ­39 ­73 ­55 ­6 ­75 ­21 ­36 ­26 ­25 ­54 ­71 ­10 ­48 ­8 ­57 ­28 ­74 ­5 ­41­

Channel 7

Alicia Pott's Pain
On Friday night, we told you the story of a 30 year old mother who delivered a baby boy by C-Section on October second, and then ended up spending most of the next three weeks in the hospital - some of it in intensive care - after the caesarean delivery went terribly wrong at the Northern Regional Hospital. Indeed, she nearly died, and in the process both her womb and ovaries were removed, meaning this mother of two can't have any more children. On Friday, we withheld her name at the request of her family, but tonight, she is speaking out about the series of mishaps and what she believes is malpractice that has her still in the hospital tonight. She spoke to the media from her bed in a private facility in Orange Walk after being transferred from the Northern Regional Hospitalization where she had been going through her second hospitalization. She is still recovering and today discussed the pain of her losing her ability to bear children:..

"Baba" Killed In City
There was a murder in the city on Saturday. The target was Keon Francis, who survived an attempt on his life in July of last year. At that time police recovered 24 expended shells from the scene and Francis was shot to the arm and rib cage. He survived that one, but on Saturday a gunman found him in broad daylight - just a block away from where that first shooting occurred. Monica found out how the man they called Baba was killed. Monica Bodden reporting The shooting of 21 year old Keon Johnson happened here on Central American Boulevard around 5:20 on Saturday evening. According to police, Johnson who is known as BABA was walking on Central American Boulevard heading towards the direction of Neal's Penn Road when he was approached by a gunman who opened fire on him. BABA managed to run in front of South Side Butane Depot where the murderer caught up with him and continued to fire shots.

Foreign Minister & Insulza In Guatemala
Foreign Minister Wilfed Elrington was in Guatemala City today for a high level meeting with his Guatemalan counterpart Harold Caballeros and the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza. They were meeting with the Group of Friends for the Belize-Guatemala differendum process. According to an OAS release, "the foreign ministers reported on the status of the talks between Belize and Guatemala on the territorial dispute, and they requested support from the international community to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice, once referendums the issue are held in both countries in October 2013." Tomorrow, Secretary General Insulza will visit Belize where he will meet with Prime Minister Barrow, Foreign Minister Elrington, National Security Minister John Saldivar and leader of the opposition, Francis Fonseca.

Weekend Shows Record Rainfall
It rained in buckets all through the weekend in Belize City! The Met Office says it recorded 5.1 inches of rainfall in Ladyville over the three day period between Friday and Monday. The bulk of it - over two inches - came down last night. Now, 5.1 inches is way above average, in fact the average monthly rainfall for October is 9.8 inches - so that is more than half in just three days! According to Chef meteorologist Dennis Gonguez, normally this kind of rainfall only occurs during a tropical cyclone. The rain caused persistent flooding all through Sunday into Monday - forcing the closure of a number of schools in the city - and causing inconvenience to many regular folks whose homes were and streets were affected by high waters that just would not drain off. The rain was caused by moisture from a north easterly airflow over Belize.

Environment Minister Says EIA Hearing Must Be Held
Last week, SATIIM the Sarstoon Temash Institute for ndigenous Management slammed the Department Of Environment for failing to push back a public consultation on the environmental Impact Assessment for US Capital Energy's Oil Exploration in the Sarstoon Temash National Park. It's an expected but still compelling outcome because the Environment minister, Lisel Alamilla is from Toledo and comes form a conservationist background, where she was friendly with SATIIM. In fact, PACT recently awarded SATIIM a 93 thousand dollar grant. But, the Kumbaya period, if ever there was one, is over - and now SATIIM is saying that Government has adopted a "fists clenched" approached to the indigenous people. We asked Minister Alamilla, how did it come to this?:.. Jules Vasquez "You are from that area, you have been involve at the other end and now you are on the receiving end of criticism. How did that come about?" Hon. Lisel Alamilla "It's just the reality of life here. Jules as I sit in this post I am learning more and more about the intricacies about how these things work and ideally I would have wanted to grant them more time. However we are obligated under the EIA regulations that we must facilitate the entire process within 60 days and from the beginning to now we are almost at the end of those 60 days. If not then we are open to a legal challenge from the company but also I think what is most important is that the consultation is not the end of it. The consultation is the process whereby people can go in and speak up, so to me the focus should be for the NGOs to be prepared to present what their concerns are; what are their concerns about the EIA?; What are their concerns about this development within the Sarstoon/Temash National Park?; How can we go about it with the least impacts instead of focusing on whether we can postponed it for one more month."

Rhett Fuller Awaits Appeal Court Decision
In Friday's Newscast, we told you about the beginning of Rhett Fuller's hearing in the Court of Appeal as part of his last attempt to fight extradition to the United States. Well today, his appeal was heard to completion, and his attorney, Eamon Courtenay, argued that Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington made the wrong approach to come up with his final decision on the extradition by adopting the decision of the Privy Council. Their main position was that Fuller was not given a fair hearing from the Minister because he already made up his mind based on the Privy Council's decision, and as a result, the Minister did not properly consider any of the other issues that a Foreign Minister can, in the interest of justice to the person whose extradition is sought. The appeal hearing went up to just an hour before news time, and when it ended, 7News asked Attorney Eamon Courtenay about his submissions. Here's how he explained it: Eamon Courtenay, Attorney for Rhett Fuller "The entire basis of the application was to try to establish that Mr. Justice Awich did not consider our submissions. We have submitted that Minister Elrington did not properly weigh the evidence that Mr. Fuller had put before him and that in fact what he did was he looked at what the Privy Council had said and said oh I come to the same conclusion. Mr. Justice Awich seems to be saying that he agrees with that."

Trying to Intimidate Luis Wade?
Is someone trying to intimidate PLUS TV's Director Luis Wade and his wife Shasta Wade? Wade confirmed to us that they woke up to find his wife's windshield smashed this morning. The vehicle is parked in their fenced yard at night where they have dogs. And then, Shasta Wade confirmed to us that on Saturday she got out of her car to walk into the Nazarene Church when someone threw stones at her. She told us that she isn't making a big deal of the incidents which she does not feel are related. As for the stones, she said it could have been thrown by a child playing. She told us she has no information to say who did it - and does not intend to make a police report.

Stole A Van, Sent To Jail
21 year old Rameile Pandy, and 50 year-old Joseph Hyde are currently facing theft charges after police linked both men to the theft of a van. According to police, 52 year-old Juan Pariente reported that on Friday, he parked his 1999 Astro Van in the San Cas Plaza parking lot. He said that at around 1:30 p.m., someone got into the vehicle and drove off with it. Quick police response led to the interception of the van at the mile four checkpoint on the Western Highway Highway, and the detention of Pandy and Hyde. Police arrested and charged both men with theft and handling stolen goods. They were arraigned today before Magistrate Adolph Lucas where both men pleaded not guilty to the charges. When asked why they should be granted bail, Pandy told the court that he was given a job to transport Hyde to Hattieville. He said that he was given a key for the vehicle and told where it was located.

New High Court Judge is From Guyana
Tonight, Belize has a newly appointed Judge of the Supreme Court; he is Justice Courtney Ashton Abel. Justice Abel hails from Guyana and he has been practicing law since 1980, when he became a Barrister after graduating from Warwick University. He returned to the Eastern Caribbean State of Anguilla in 1988, where he was admitted to practice. He has been a member of the Guyana Bar Association, a former President of the Anguilla Bar Association and a former president of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States Bar Association. Justice Abel was sworn in this morning by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. He fills the seat that was recently vacated by Justice Samuel Awich, who is now a judge of the Court of Appeal.

Home Invaders In Hattieville
A single mother and her 4 children became victims of a home invasion last night in Hattieville Village. Just before 9 last night, 3 armed men barged into the home of Ann Pou. It happened in a quiet neighborhood that Pou and her children have lived in for many years. Today in an off camera interview with 7news, she recalled last night's terrifying episode. Voice of: Ann Pou "I was in my bed laying down watching TV and talking to one of my girlfriends over the phone when I heard one of my daughters screaming out here. When I heard her screaming I told my girlfriend to hold. I heard my other daughter saying 'mom, gunman' and I threw down the phone and ran out my room because I heard their door slam. When I ran out of my room to come into the living room, I see a man with a gun in his hand pointing at me, I ran back into my room and I text my girlfriend saying to please call the police for me. I call 911 up here but I couldn't get anyone. At that time my other daughter was already on the phone with the police. I tried to call the police from Belize City." "What happen is that I was in my room and I heard my daughter (she was out here laying down watching TV on the sofa with my baby and a young boy in the house drawing). What happen is that somebody yelled for me outside, he got up and look through the door, but he saw someone standing on the street - he puts on the lights and open the door. As soon as he opens the door the two guys came in and one pull a gun and crank it and put it at his head - he ran into my bathroom. He says up to now he doesn't know how he reaches on top of the closet."

Man Knocked Down And Killed By Motorbike
A Teakettle man was knocked down and killed on Saturday night in Ontario Village. But it wasn't a car that hit him, it was a motorbike. The police press officer told us more:.. Rafael Martinez - Police Press Officer "On 20.10.12 at 7:45pm, Police visited miles 56 ½ on the George Price Highway, Ontario Village, Cayo District where they saw a male person lying face down apparently in pain, he was also seen with his left elbow fractured and his right ankle broken. The male person's name was learnt to be Ermindo Quintanilla, 30yrs, Belizean Laborer of Arizona Area, Teakettle Village, Cayo District. Initial investigations revealed that on 20.10.12 at 7:15pm, Quintanilla was walking along George Price Highway on the right hand side of the highway and upon reaching miles 56 ½ in Ontario Village he was knocked down by a green "dirt bike" motorcycle with red fender, reportedly driven by a Creole male person wearing a grey T-shirt with stripped pants, low haircut and clean shaven who then fled the scene. Quintanilla was transported to the Western Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries whilst undergoing surgery. This person remains at large as police investigations continue."

Another Crazy Coro Robbery
And in other police news, there was another lawless armed attack in Corozal where a cane farmer was shot as he got home. Again, here's the police press officer:.. Rafael Martinez - Police Press Officer "On Friday 19th October, 2012 about 7:25pm Corozal Police visited the Corozal Community Hospital where they saw Felix Santoya 51years old Belizean cane farmer of Santa Rita Layout Corozal Town suffering (2) wounds on the left forearm which appear to be gunshot wounds and (1) wound on the lower part of his back which also appears to be a gunshot wound. Investigation revealed that about 7:20pm on 19.10.12 Felix Santoya arrived home in his Chevrolet pick-up truck and upon exiting his vehicle he was fired upon several times by a male of brown complexion causing his injuries. The criminal then fled the scene on a bicycle. Police investigation continues."

ALLEGED WATER TAXI BURGLAR REMANDED
27 year-old Jermaine Rhaburn and 37 year-old Kevin Jex, both Belize City residents, are at prison tonight after they were taken to court for allegedly burglarizing the Caye Caulker Water Taxi terminal. According to police, 3 vendors reported that sometime between when they close last week Sunday and opened the following morning, someone broke into the terminal, and stole a total of $11,200 in cash and goods from their stalls. Police investigated the reports, and they eventually charged both men with burglary. They were arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer today, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charge. Due to the fact that both men owed the court money for fines, they were denied bail and remanded to prison until to December 4, their next court date.

Clean Development Not Always A Clean Deal
The Clean Development Mechanism is an incentive programme that came out of the Kyoto Protocol which in turn came out of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. All that very boring, professional workshop talk refers to projects such as the one for Belize Solid Waste Management which will create a regional landfill at mile 24 on the Western highway. If that saves on the emission of greenhouse gasses, it qualifies as a Clean Development. From that reduction in greenhouse gasses, Belize would be able to sell green credits to developed countries that emit too much greenhouse gasses. Except that right now, it's a bear market for those credits, meaning that prices for carbon credits are too low. So this week, those groups called the designated national authorities in Latin American and the Caribbean are gathering in Belize to discuss what will happen when prices go up. Belize's Climate Change Liaison Carlos Fuller Explained that the timing has to be just right:..

Hugo Got Home
In an update to a story we had been running last week, police are reporting that the 17 year old who had been reported missing, Hugo Moreno has been found. He was reportedly in Mexico. He was reunited with his family in Orange Walk on Saturday afternoon.

Shalini Shines
Shalini Zabaneh, Belize's most dominant female cyclist made Belize proud in the Inet Elite Caribbean Championships which took place this weekend in Antigua and Barbuda. She came in first in the 12 mile elite females time trial -edging out the second place finisher Tamiko Butler from the house country by less than three seconds. Butler got her revenge in the elite Females road race, getting fourth while Shalini finished fourth. Belize's Kaya Cattouse came in sixth in that race.

Channel 5

Road to ICJ starts with Foreign Minister in Guatemala with OAS Reps.
In Guatemala City this morning, the Foreign Ministers of that country and Belize along with the Secretary General of the OAS, met with the Group of Friends. The GoF comprises a number of members of the OAS and Britain who have come together to give support to the process of taking the territorial dispute to [...]

ICJ campaign in Guatemala costs $46 Million
As you know, a week ago, the Foreign Minister of Belize Wilfred Elrington declared that the country had plunged into a diplomatic crisis with Guatemala over the shooting of a Guatemalan national in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul. But today the atmosphere appeared cordial. While questions from the press were not entertained after [...]

Allegations of Malpractice at Northern Regional Hospital; one mother speaks
As we reported on Friday, there are serious allegations of medical malpractice at the Northern Regional Hospital that are being compounded by ministerial interference. A number of female patients who have undergone surgery in the past two months developed life threatening complications. Tonight we speak to one patient, who recently delivered a baby and who [...]

Is Keon Johnson’s murder gang related?
Early on Saturday evening another city resident succumbed to gun violence. This time, it is no different… gang violence was at the root of the murder. Twenty-one year old Keon Johnson is the latest murder victim in what police describe as an ongoing feud between rival gangs in the Port Loyola community. On Saturday evening [...]

Cane farmer shot several times
Crime is also on the increase up north where in Corozal the murder stats have increased over last year. A cane farmer of Corozal Town remains in critical condition after being shot several times on Friday night by a lone gunman. Felix Santoya was ambushed in front of his home as he exited his vehicle. [...]

String of burglaries; KG’s Phonetech hit hard
Meanwhile, back in the city, residents were terrorized by robbers and thieves over the weekend. A string of burglaries and robberies in the Old Capital were reported, beginning with a break-in at an electronics store on Cemetery Road sometime on Thursday night. KG’s Phonetech, a business belonging to Katrina Garbutt was hit by thieves sometime [...]

Rhett Fuller’s extradition case wraps up in Appeals Court
The Rhett Fuller extradition case continued in Appeals Court today. On Friday the Court of Appeals rejected as evidence, two cables released by the website Wikileaks. The cables revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General, Wilfred Elrington, held meetings with U.S. Embassy representatives regarding the extradition process of Fuller and Mark Seawell, [...]

5 Guatemalan National, who plotted to murder Shoman Family, also in Appeals Court
Also in the Court of Appeal, were five Guatemalan nationals who were convicted in February 2011 for plotting to rob and murder businessman Jose Shoman Junior and his family back in December 2008. Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced Miguel Mayorga, Eswin Fabian Rosalez, Carlos Juarez, Jose Ismael Cordova and Cesar Aldana to ten years each for [...]

San Pedro Western Union robbery caught on camera
Police in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye are looking for two known suspects for the armed robbery of the Milo’s Center branch of Western Union situated at Ambergris Lake Villas. The incident took place shortly before three on Friday evening when two dark skin male persons, pretended as wanting to do a transaction, held [...]

U.S. Citizen stabbed in San Pedro; assailants knew him
Also in San Pedro, a tourist was stabbed inside the room he was renting over the weekend. The incident occurred in the wee hours of Saturday morning when three men entered the apartment of thirty year old American Film Director Shawn Patrick Danielly at Casa Caracol situated on Boca del Rio Drive and were caught [...]

Belize City residents robbed on Princess Margaret Drive area
In one more piece of crime, two Belize City men were robbed in separate incidents over the weekend. Christian Lara, a sixth form student, was forcefully relieved of a knapsack containing a laptop computer as he walked home from school on University Drive last Friday. In another incident a day later, thirty-eight year old Rony [...]

More than 60 women protest Belize Aquaculture Limited over money
A protest was held today in the south. Employees of Belize Aquaculture Limited located on the Placencia Road are angry that their terms of employment have changed to contract work, which means that they will only take home half of their usual salary. There are five hundred employees with the company, of which three hundred [...]

Weekend highlights with James Adderley on Sports Monday!
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   Week 9 of the PLB Football Season fell victim to a complete washout as torrential rain pounded the nation all weekend. A look at the MCC Grounds yesterday inside Belize City shows the soggy condition that led to the cancellation of the much anticipated [...]

LOVE FM

Separate Robberies in The City
A nineteen year old junior college student has been robbed. Christian Lara told police that just after one o’clock on Friday afternoon he was walking on University Drive when he was accosted as he reached in front of the University of the West Indies campus. Lara says...

New Justice of the Supreme Court Sworn In
A new justice of the Supreme Court has been sworn in. He is Justice Courtenay Ashton Abel, a native of Anguilla, an island in the Caribbean. Justice Abel was sworn in this morning by the Hon. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in a ceremony that was held in his court. Justice Abel, who is ...

Two Men Charged for Burglary
27 year old Jermaine Rhaburn and 37 year old Kevin “Pizza” Jex, who allegedly burglarized Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal and stole money and items amounting to over $11,000.00, were charged with burglary when they appeared in court today. They pleaded not guilty to the ch...

Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala Meet to Refine Details of Referendum
The OAS Secretary General, Chilean, Jose Miguel Insulza and the Foreign Ministers from Guatemala and Belize, Harold Caballeros and Wilfred Elrington, respectively, initiated a working reunion to refine the details on the Referendum that will be carried out by both countries on October ...

Weekend Shootings In The City
The Police have identified the man who was shot and killed on Saturday evening in Belize City. He is twenty-one year old Keon Johnson Francis. Francis was reportedly shot multiple times in front of South Side Butane Depot at around five-fifteen on Central American Boulevard...

Belizean Teacher Makes Presentations in London
A Belizean teacher is among several delegates from around the world who are making presentations in London, England in their field of work. Alberto Matus who teaches at Sacred Heart College in the Cayo District, is attending the education plenary forum entitled “One Young W...

Woman's Suicide Leads to Arrest of A Wanted Man
Police have arrested and charged 21 year old Jason Mckenzie, a laborer of Sittee River Stann Creek with Attempted Murder. The charge against McKenzie follows an incident on March 24th of this year when he allegedly stabbed 26 year old Kenroy Flowers in the abdomen after a misunde...

Search Continues for Missing Teenager
Police have extended the search for a teen who went missing on Sunday to across the northern border. Seventeen year old Hugo Moreno became the first teen whose missing person’s announcement and particulars were disseminated through the Jasmine Alert system on Monday. ...

CTV3

Twenty One Year Old Injured During Broad Daylight Armed Robbery
There was a broad daylight armed robbery in Corozal Town on Saturday which resulted in one person injured. Around 1:25pm three armed masked men stormed into San Fa Construction Supplies on San Andres Road, Corozal Town, and robbed the owner of the store and employees at gun point. The entire robbery, which was captured on the stores surveillance camera, took less than two minutes and the robbers walked away with over $3000 in cash. Hipolito Novelo Reports. On Saturday around 1:25pm 21 year old Mirna Pena, 18 year old Edwin Garcia and 28 year old George Hill all employees of Sanfa Construction Supplies situated on San Andres Road in Corozal Town were hanging around the store’s counter along with their bosses daughter 21 year old Annie Wu when three armed masked men stormed into the store demanding money.

Traffic Mishap Leaves Corozal Resident Seriously Injured
On Friday night the Philip Goldson Highway recorded another traffic accident which luckily did not see any fatalities. One man; however, was seriously injured. Around 8:30 on Friday night Freddy Cuellar was driving a blue and white International Blue Bird Bus from the direction of Corozal to Orange Walk when somewhere between miles 79 and 80 of the Philip Goldson Highway a blue car with CZL license plate, traveling in the opposite direction, collided into the left tire of the bus. The driver of the car, identified as Ediberto Cache of Xaibe Village in the Corozal District, received injuries to the left hand, foot and abdomen and was transported to the Corozal Community Hospital in an unconscious state after which he was transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital where he is presently in a critical condition. Cuellar on the other hand, complained of pain on both legs. According to Corozal Police a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been issued to Cuellar and one is also expected to be issued to Catch as soon as he regains consciousness.

Hugo Moreno Jr. Back At Home
But amidst all the bad news, there is a bit of good news. Seventeen year old Hugo Moreno Jr., returned home on Saturday after he was reported missing for over a week. On Saturday at about 3:00pm Moreno’s father, Hugo Moreno Sr., received a phone call from his son who informing him that he would be home in 10 minutes. So said so done; Moreno arrived at his parent’s business establishment in good health. Moreno Sr. told us via phone this afternoon that his son was living in Rovirosa, a small Mexican community located along the banks of the Rio Hondo River. As was reported, Moreno walked out of his house on Sunday October 14th at about 1:00 in the morning after an argument ensued between him and his father.

Corozal Resident Shot At While Locking Vehicle
There was an attempted murder in Corozal on Friday night. Reports are that around 7:00 51 year old Hernan Santoya of Santa Rita Layout Corozal Town was at home with his family when he decided to step into his yard and lock his Chevrolet pickup truck. While locking the vehicle, Santoya was approached from behind by a male Hispanic person armed with a firearm. The individual fired three shots at Santoya before escaping on a bicycle and leaving him for dead. Santoya received gunshot wounds to his left forearm and lower left back. He was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where he underwent surgery. According to family members, doctors were able to remove the bullet that was lodged in Santoya’s forearm but another bullet still remains in his lower back. Family members also told CTV3 News they suspect that Santoya’s shooter is of Guatemalan descent and is known to him. From what the family told us, the shooter had solicited employment from Santoya a few days ago. No one has been arrested and Corozal Police have ruled out robbery as a motive.

Mother Of Two Accuses NRH Of Malpractice
Tonight the staff of the Northern Regional Hospital is once again in the hot seat after a couple is accusing them of medical malpractice. On October 1st, 31 year old mother of two, Alicia Patt went into labor and was admitted at the Northern Regional Hospital where she had been receiving her prenatal care. According to Pott, she was admitted at 8:30am and it was not until around 1:00pm that she was informed that a C-section needed to be performed in order for her to deliver her baby boy. That c-section says Pott nearly cost her, her life as she ended up getting a hysterectomy. “The pregnancy was going good but like at the seven or eight months, my sugar was high, and they said that they were going to take out the baby before the time because the sugar was making the baby to grow big and I was could have her normal so they never did do it they just keep me in the hospital. I came in for a normal delivery and after, that was about 8:30 in the morning and about 1:30 in the afternoon they told me that I have to go in for a C-section because the baby couldn’t come out and from there they rushed me in the theatre for the C-section and when they took out the baby they took me in the operation room about an hour after that the doctor said that I had some heavy bleeding and they took me back in the theatre and when they do me a next check-up they told me that I had a bad womb and they took me to remove my womb and that is where they put me to sleep and I didn’t remember what happened.”

O/W Town Council Lays Off Employees
On Friday October 19th, 11 employees of the Orange Walk Town Council were handed their letter of termination. On Wednesday, October 17th, the Orange Walk Town Council held a management meeting to address certain critical issues affecting the delivery of service to residents of the town. During the meeting a number of issues were discussed including several proposals on how to enhance the sustainability of the Council. At the end of the meeting, the decision to immediately streamline staff was taken, resulting in the Council laying off 11 employees. According to Mayor Kevin Bernard it was not an easy decision, yet it was one that the council had to take. “We have had three separate meeting with the different departments and I remembered clearly when we spoke to them when we had that issue, we had been running with a tight budget ever since and I clearly remember stating to the staff that we will try our best to work along with them and keep as much employees we can because it is a difficult situation and we stress with them that at some point in time the council feels that it cannot continue to sustain itself with all these overhead expenses then we will have to make some tough decisions and it has come to that point.” In the past Mayor Bernard met with all employees informing them about the financial status of the council and the necessary measures that would be taken if there was the need. The council is also making other adjustments to cut cost, according to Mayor Bernard.

Too Many Cases Of Malpractice Gone Unheard
But Alicia Pott and Edward Garbutt are leaving no stone unturned and are taking their claim to the highest level with the assistance of Orange Walk East Area Representative Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez. According to Mendez the distressed family wrote him a letter asking him for his assistance in ensuring that their case is investigated. Screen_shot_2012-10-22_at_7.57.03_PMDoctor Marco Tulio Mendez- Orange Walk East Area Representative “Already sent a letter to the Belize Medical Dental Association and also to the Medical Council seeking for them to intervene because this needs an urgent care and assistance because of the so many cases in the Northern Regional Hospital, I am also going to be addressing the letter to the Minister and the Director of Health services and the C.E.O that this needs to stop urgently or the persons that are involved need to be put into administrative leave and investigation immediately.” Carmelita Perez – Reporter “In the letter sent to you by the patient, apart from outlining the details of what happened to her while at the NRH and while at the KHMH, what is her main cause of concern, what is it that she wants you as Area Representative to do about this situation?” Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez- Orange Walk East Area Representative “Well, to help her assist her by calling the authority to investigate her problem, she wants to know in detail what happened, why it happened.” The Pott case is not an isolated one as unconfirmed reports indicate that there have been numerous reports of malpractice made against the Northern Regional Hospital.

Money Exchanger Robbed Of $20,000 Pesos
A money exchanger from San Joaquin Village in the Corozal District was robbed of thousands of dollars while at a bar in the Village of San Joaquin. On Friday October 19th 54 year old Rosendo Tun, a Belizean money exchanger, reported to Corozal Police that on Thursday October 18th he was at a bar in San Joaquin and as he was about to pay the bartender with a $20.00 note, a man, he identified as 20 year old Sergio Cowo, grabbed approximately $20,000 pesos from his hand and ran away. Quick police response led to the detention of Cowo who is also from the Village of San Joaquin. Corozal Police recovered (31) bills of $200 pesos and (14) bills of $100 pesos. Charges are expected to be levied against Cowo.

LOVE TV

Toledo Alcaldes meet in Punta Gorda
The Toledo Alcalde’s Association met this morning in Punta Gorda town to address concerns related to current oil development projects in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.

Belize City man gunned down
A man was murdered in Belize City over the weekend. Love TV’s Marion Ali and video journalist Brian Castillo were on the crime beat today and bring you the following report.

Independence High School chooses agriculture queen
The Belize Audubon Society conducted a bird count in the Toledo district over the weekend. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details.

PUP leader visits Toledo district
The leader of the People’s United Party Francis Fonseca has completed a weekend working visit to the Toledo district. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.

Guatemalan allegedly kidnapped in Belize
A Guatemalan newspaper is reporting that security forces in Guatemala succeeded in freeing a woman who was allegedly kidnapped in Belize by her estranged husband. Media reports across the border say that forty year old Carla Suleima Lemus was allegedly kidnapped in the Cayo District on Friday by forty two year old Mario Randolfo Sagastume. The newspaper report says that Sagastume took Lemus into Guatemala, not through the arrival and departure section at the Western border but via an illegal crossing. When he arrived on the Guatemalan side, reports are that Sagastume hijacked a taxi cab. Guatemalan police set change and it is reported that they caught up with Sagastume inside the village of Los Tulipanes, where he was taken into custody; but not before authorities had to shoot out the vehicle’s tires. Newspaper reports say Lemus indicated that she separated from Sagastume some months ago and that he had originally intended to take her to Puerto Barrios, Izabal. This incident angered neighbors who went to the police station with the intention of lynching Sagastume, but by then he was already behind bars. Love News contacted Benque Viejo Police this afternoon and they were able to confirm that their Guatemalan counterparts had called and informed them of the incident over the weekend, however, they cannot confirm if a kidnapping did happen on Belizean soil since they have no reports made on the incident. We were also informed that Carla Suleima Lemus although it is said she is thought to have resided in Benque Viejo, is in fact a Guatemalan National.

New judge for the Supreme Court
There is a new judge on the Supreme Court bench. Swearing-in ceremonies were held today for Anguillan native Justice Courtenay Ashton Abel. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin administered the oath of office to Justice Abel who replaces Judge Samuel Awich who has been elevated to the Belize Court of Appeals. Justice Abel, who is married, comes with a weather of experience having served in the private sector in his home country of Anguilla.

Man killed in hit-and-run incident
A man was knocked down and killed over the weekend on the George Price Highway in the Cayo district. Correspondent Fem Cruz reports.

PlusTV

Hatteville home invasion scares a mother and her children
A Hatteville home invasion scares a mother and her children. A family from Hatteville is in shock tonight after the... Belmopan mayor insists liquor laws are being enforced

Belmopan mayor insists liquor laws are being enforced
A perennial problem exists between liquor consumption and senseless acts of abuse and violence. In Belmopan of rece... Missing 17 years-old was in Mexico

Missing 17 years-old was in Mexico
On an up note the police press officer issued a release earlier today stating that Hugo Moreno has been reunited wi...

Motorcyclist flees scene of fatal accident
BELMOPAN CITY Police are seeking a motorcyclist who fled after fatally hitting a pedestrian. On Saturday at 7:45pm,...

23 years old man arrested for murder of 21 years old
A 23 years-old Belize City man has been detained for murder. At about 5:30 pm on Saturday, Keon Johnson (Francis) w...

Gunman escapes on bicycle after shooting cane farmer
A gunman escapes on a bicycle after a shooting incident in Corozal Town. At about 7:20 pm on Friday, 51 years-old c...

KG's Phonetech store burglarized
A man was detained, after a store was burglarized in Belize City. MS. KATRINA GARBUTT, a businesswoman of Burrel Bo...

Electronic items stolen from Belize City home
MR. ISMAEL FLORES, a Taxi Driver of # 3172 Supal Street, Belize City, reported to police that sometime between 7:00...

Thieves steal student's Laptop
MR. CHRISTIAN LARA, a 19 years-old Student of Saint John's College, Junior College, and a resident of Belize City, ...

Belize City resident struggles with armed thieves
MR. RONY ALEXANDER LOPEZ, aged 38 years of Belize City reported to police that at 4:00pm on Friday, he was walking ...

Money changer robbed in bar
On Friday at 1:30pm, Rosendo Tun, a 54 years old money exchanger of San Joaquin village, Corozal District, reported...

Electronic items stolen from car parked outside Biltmore
A 47 year old Nicaraguan Sales Executive reported that between 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Saturday, her rented Kia Sporta...

Police make several arrests over the weekend
Two men have been charged following the burglary of several businesses at the Caye Caulker Water taxi Terminal in B...

Third Annual Lions Quest Conference visits Caye Caulker School
Delegates from across Latin America arrived in Belize over the weekend, to attend the 3rd annual Lions Quest Confer...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Public Meeting on Monday, October 29th
There will be a public meeting with the Commissioner of Police on Monday, October 29th 2012 at 6:00 p.m. sharp at the Community Center. They will also be presenting the Jasmine Alert Program. This is a good opportunity to voice your concerns. Please make every effort to attend.

Community Meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Culture and Belize Tourism Board.
There will be a community meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. along with members of the Belize Tourism Board on December 6th at 11:00 a.m. to discuss tourism in our island. This is a great opportunity for the business community to come out and voice your concerns. For more information on this meeting you can contact Ms. Jana Puga via email at jpuga@travelbelize.org or via telephone at 227-2420.

Blogs

Belize’s Maya Halloween at Chaa Creek
The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s annual festivities to honour both Halloween and the Day of the Dead will have a distinctly Maya flavour this year as Belize and the Mundo Maya region prepare to celebrate the completion of the Maya Long Count cycle on December 21, 2012, according to the eco resort’s Food and beverage manager Bryony Fleming. “We always get a big kick out of Halloween and in Belize it’s combined with the Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, to create a truly cross-cultural experience,” Ms Fleming said. “This year, with 2012 and the emphasis on Maya culture, we can expect a bit more Maya influence as well,” she added. Ms Fleming said that Belize, the former English colony of British Honduras, is unique in the region due to its combination of English and Spanish influences set amidst a Maya culture that has defined Belize since 1800 BC. “So most of our holidays are a mix of traditional English, Spanish, Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna and other celebrations, all rolled into something distinctly Belizean. “For example, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Belize, but you’ll find tamales on the table next to the turkey, and the pumpkin may be the same one the Maya have cultivated for thousands of years. You hear Christmas carols sung in Creole with a Garifuna drum beat, and New Years can be rung in with Spanish or English songs, or both, depending on what village you’re in. “Halloween is probably the best example of this, as people with a Spanish background celebrate the Day of the Dead as they do in Mexico and Guatemala, while those from English and European cultures celebrate as they do in North America, complete with costumes and trick or treating. It’s a great mix and always a fun time for both kids and adults,” she said. Today’s Day of the Dead has its origins in Aztec festivals dating back centuries to honour the goddess Mictecacihuatl and to related Maya observances. It is now celebrated throughout the Latino world, with visits to cemeteries and churches on November 1 and 2.

Moon Guidebook Author Offers the Best Reasons to Move to Belize
I am pleased to share with you the official release for Moon Living Abroad in Belize and am patiently waiting for my copy to arrive by snail mail. I will give you a more personal take on the book once I have it in my hands. Each year, the promise of magnificent scenery, a laid-back lifestyle, and endless outdoor opportunities lures many North Americans to make the move to Belize, a country where the quality of life is high and the cost of living is low. Expat Victoria Day-Wilson—journalist, photographer, and author of Moon Living Abroad in Belize—shares the reasons why moving to this unique country is easier than one might think. Moon Living Abroad in Belize by Victoria Day-Wilson ” North Americans find themselves drawn to Belize, a country that boasts more than a tropical climate, beautiful scenery, and multiculturalism…”

A Stormy (Almost Tropical Depression) Weekend in Belize: Finding Shelter at Estel's and Canucks Beach Bar
The air over the Caribbean Sea continues to churn in typical late October fashion. This weekend a wave of serious rain passed over and left us drenched. The island, though, got relatively lucky. The mainland was hit the hardest. And flood watches and warnings were called late Saturday afternoon for Belize's largest city. The storm was so intense that NEMO (our Emergency Management group) was monitoring it closely throughout Saturday night. Apparently, it was very close to forming Tropical Depression characteristics. Sometimes they can just come out of nowhere. We are monitoring another system now that is in our area but thankfully predicted to switch direction soon and head back up to the north east. Let's all keep our fingers crossed. What to do on days that are grey and dreary and nights that are pouring rain? Well...you can always head to your favorite restaurant and/or bar, relax and have a few beers. Well...at least that is what I did. The day actually started out with a bit of sunshine.

International Sources

OAS Secretary General to Visit Belize and Meet with the Prime Minister
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, will make a working visit to Belize on Tuesday, October 23, where he will meet with the country’s Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow. The leader of the hemispheric organization will also hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar and the leader of the opposition, Francis Fonseca, among other authorities. The Secretary General will travel to Belize following his participation on Monday, October 22, in Guatemala City in a meeting of the Group of Friends of the General Secretariat for Belize-Guatemala.

Affordable Islands of the Caribbean
I’m paddling idly in the cool waters off the Split, wondering if I should drag myself to the bar of the Lazy Lizard for a beer. I’ve spent the morning snorkeling off the Barrier Reef, viewing coral formations and brightly-colored fish. Now, with evening coming on, I’m taking a last swim in Caye Caulker’s best-known swimming spot before showering and dressing for dinner. Though here, “dressing” is pretty casual… it means I’ll probably put on flip-flops rather than going barefoot. Probably. These days Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off Belize’s Caribbean coast, has the laid-back, beach-bum vibe that brought expats to nearby Ambergris Caye 20 years ago. The streets on Caye Caulker are still packed sand. Most people get around by bicycle. And for those who come here, life is all about the water.

Consultants invited to bid RO project
Belize Water Services has selected four consultants to submit proposals for the expansion of the water and sewerage facilities at Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize and a popular tourist destination. The consultants invited to submit proposals are: Geniver of Trinidad Fichtner Water & Transportation GmbH of Germany Roughton International, Ltd of Hampshire, UK Stantec Consulting International Ltd of Canada A feasibility study completed in May 2011 provided preliminary designs and made recommendations for a capital investment program that could be phased in over the next 18 years. However, some aspects of the study did not consider the latest available information and site-specific conditions, and must be updated to incorporate the missing data. The planned project involves the construction of a new 2,080 m3/d (0.55 MGD) RO potable water treatment plant and distribution system; a new gravity sewer collection system and twelve sewage pumping stations; a new 5,950 m3/d (1.6 MGD) sewage treatment lagoon system; and a UV disinfection system and onsite power generation at the new and existing lagoon systems.

OAS Secretary General Participates in Belize-Guatemala Meeting
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today participated in Guatemala City in the meeting of the Group of Friends of the General Secretariat for Belize-Guatemala, with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Wilfred Elrington, and Guatemala, Harold Caballeros. During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reported on the status of the talks held between Belize-Guatemala to address its centennial territorial dispute, and they requested support from the international community to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice, once referenda on the issue are held in both countries on October 2013. This diplomatic process has the political and technical support of the OAS. The Secretary General also met with the President of Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina, and tomorrow will travel to Belize, where he will be hosted by Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque Makes Visit to Belize
CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque began an offiicial to Belize on Monday, the Secretariat announced. LaRocque’s visit included a courtesy call with Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Monday. The trip also includes a meeting with Foreign Trade Minister Erwin Contreras. The Secretary General’s two-day visit to CARICOM’s only Central American member state will involve discussions with members of Belize’s private sector, youth representatives and the media. LaRocque is additionally visiting the offices of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism. Both agencies are headquartered in Belize.

Belize and Panama trip rewards biology students for hard work
This past summer Dr. James Engman, professor of biology and department chair, took students on two adventures to study abroad. In June, he took a group of 10 to Belize. In July, he took another group of 10 to Panama. Before students fly off to different lands to study their ecosystems and the organisms that reside in them, students must have some knowledge about these areas. “For both trips, students were required to learn a list of 120 organisms, mainly marine, by their scientific name and common name and be able to identify them before the trip,” Engman said. “We had to write two 10-page research papers, one on a cultural aspect of Panama and the other on a organism found in Panama,” Catie Morrow, pre-medical biology major, said. “I had to memorize 125 different organisms. We had to learn their genus species name, so I made flashcards for them.” Students have readings in textbooks as well as discussions on journal articles. For the Belize trip, students must complete a research paper and presentation, and for the Panama trip, students are required to write two research papers and present one or two presentations. “Students on the Panama trip should have had at least general zoology,” Engman said. “For Belize, it is more flexible. Students on both trips received college credit.”

Treasure Island Management Ltd. Announces New Chairman Of The Board, Mark M. Moskowitz
Treasure Island Management, Ltd. (TIM) announced that on October 17, 2012, Mr. Mark M. Moskowitz, a distinguished legal scholar and practitioner, has been appointed as the Company’s new Chairman of the Board. Mr. Moskowitz is a graduate of Harvard Law School as well as former editor of The Harvard Law Review, and spent 40 years as a senior corporate and securities counsel and a shareholder/partner with several major US law firms. During this period he represented clients in a variety of industries, and developed an international reputation for his expertise with the gaming industry, having participated in several billion dollars of gaming financing transactions. “Mark has made enormous contributions to Treasure Island Management for the past 5 years, serving as General Counsel for TIM, as well as business consultant on financial funding for the proposed resort,” said Rickey Pierce, Treasure Island Management’s Founder and CEO. “His insight and leadership are incredibly valuable to our Company.”

Internship Program In Animal Caretaking: Belize
Introducing our new, six-week animal caretaking internship in Caye Caulker, Belize!Caye Caulker, Belize This intensive training program offers students hands-on experience in animal care, socialization, behavior, and rescue as you participate in the daily work of a local cat sanctuary. The internship provides a unique opportunity to work in Belize's first and only no-kill cat sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals. Pending availability, there may be an opportunity to observe procedures in the spay/neuter clinic and to shadow a veterinary technician, if one is available. Otherwise, you will shadow P.A.W. Cat Sanctuary’s founder and director, Madi Collins. The internship will include a weekly reflection with your mentor and an experience report, due on your fourth week of the project. You are also required to outline your goals and objectives on a weekly basis during the first three weeks, and discuss this at your weekly reflections. This will help you to choose an area of concentration during your fourth week at the sanctuary.

October 22, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

The latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!! WAITING... Part I
When the sun hits his face in the morning, it’s coming in from the slats in the window that look out to the small green mountains ringing the house he rests in. The big ball of fire has begun its ascent to the blue heavens; it is ringed in a layer of white where the heat is blistering even the skies with its fervor. It’s going to be a hot one today, again. It’s been hot every day this month, and in his small bed, he has lain listlessly as the hot air pushes and pulsates around him, unable to do much more than bear the heat that each summer has brought, as long as he’s lived.

The October 21st, 2012 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Brave Policeman Cracks Crime Ring: The heroic actions of a senior police officer resulted in the onsite apprehension of at least one person, from a team, long suspected of involvement in a string of robberies within the community. It was shortly after 10 o’clock on the night of Friday October 12, 2012, when Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Amin “Sheriff” August was recreating with friends at a bar in his home village of Esperanza when three armed robbers stormed into the bar with intent to pull off a robbery.
• Trapp Gets Five Years For Burglary: Convicted burglar Harvey Trapp Jr. was today sentenced to five years in jail after he was found guilty of burglarizing the home of Ramon “Monchies” Vargas in March 2012. Six and a half months ago, on March 31, Belizean teacher, Ramon Vargas, 43, reported that his house, located in the Hillview area of Santa Elena Town, was burglarized and that the thief made off with over 11 thousand dollars in electronic items, jewellery and cash. In the report to the police Vargas informed that he secured and left his house at around 6 o’clock that Saturday morning and proceeded to the market in San Ignacio to conduct his trading business
• People on the Move for Justice: BY: Rolando Cocom Since the recent murders in the Twin Towns, people in the Cayo District have become increasingly vocal about their concerns to reduce, and if possible end, the hideous crimes afflicting our society. I extend my sincerest sympathies to all Belizeans who have had to experience criminal activity, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones, particularly the Martinez and Lowe families. No number of demonstrations, no whipping of criminals, no person hanged, will ever be able to heal the void left in the lives of those who have lost loved ones.
• REACTION TO GUATEMALAN WHO WAS SHOT, BY Wellington C. Ramos: If it is true that our Government is planning to compensate the family of the Guatemalan citizen who unlawfully entered our country to extract our natural resources, I am totally against such proposition. According to the information that was in the press, not only did he try to come into the country but he was also armed with a weapon to try and shoot one of our BDF soldiers. As a former member of the Belize Police Force and the United States Army, if I was in that soldier's position I would have acted the same way without any reservation or hesitation.
• Increasing The Nation’s Forensic Capability: Minister John Saldivar’s speech: “I feel extremely privileged to have been afforded this opportunity of addressing this most captive audience - and one capable of influencing positive change in our fight against crime and violence here in Belize; I am encouraged by your presence here this morning; this certainly gives me the assurance that as stakeholders we are all committed to create a safe and secure environment where our citizens and visitors can live in peace with itself. I wish to welcome the Hon. Minister and her team to Belize. My understanding is that the programme of events included a fly over in a helicopter along the Belize/Guatemala border accompanied by the Vice Minister of Guatemala and CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• October 19, 2012 “The Cayo and Benque Viejo” Celebrating 108 Years of Townships:
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Come on government, will business shutdowns and demonstrations call your attention towards crime and violence?
Dear Editor, For the past days, crime and violence has been in the headlines of our local newspapers in Belize and on the target of other regional and international news media. Why can’t it be something positive and outstanding that identify Belize and allows it to be features in the news and media? We are a small nation but in fact we are competing with other developed nations in forming part of the “Black List”. I am not taking any sides against any political party but I do not think that our present government is doing its utmost best to reduce the high crime rate and violence rate in Belize by simply paying those individuals involved in the gang truce. So far this action has proven to be ineffective, our people need more concrete actions other than promises that are not fulfilled so that then our people can sleep without fear and the worry that someone else could be found dead on the street side, without proper punishment of the perpetrator(s). I want to know why our University of Belize (UB) students being the targets of crime in Belize?

Misc Belizean Sources

It is the Belikin Calendar Launch Party!
BELIKIN CALENDAR LAUNCH Come meet the beautiful Belizean women of the 2013 calendar - our best year yet! Saturday, October 20, 2012 7:00 pm Princess Poolside, Belize City Music Provided By: TAGG INTERNATIONAL

Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic Inauguration
More pictures from the BWRC's inauguration. Such a great cause. They have shirts and other items, like water bottles. to raise funds for the project.

Belikin Calendar Shoot Behind the Scenes
Here's one for a rainy Sunday. Olivera Rusu recently shot for the Belikin Beer calendar for 2013. They had a sunny day at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Rosie Syme is the model. Island Films did the video.

Snooty Fox Opening Weekend
The Snooty Fox Grill is open for business! This is their first weekend, and the food is superb. Peggy, Heather, and Robin have got the grill going, so stop on by for some great burgers, salads, kabobs, Philly Cheesesteak, wings, or Peggy's famous Red Eye Special, which is the cure for your hangover. Enjoy!

Learn to Make Belizean Johnnycakes in 1 Minute
Nothing like Fry Fish and Johnnycakes to know that you are a true Belizean. In this video, I show in just about a minute, how to make Johnnycakes or Journeycakes from scratch.

Cemetery Road Floods
Even though the area has been cemented by the Belize City Council, the area of Cemetery Road near the Salvation Army Church still floods when it rains. This video was taken on Sunday, October 21.

Blogs

Saturday in San Pedro: Photos around Town, Tequila & Wildlife at the Barrel Bar
Yesterday, the SAGA fundraising team (Kathy from Pampered Paws, Eileen from D&E's Frozen Custard and me) hit the town to...well...raise some funds. Businesses were INSANELY generous about donating prizes for our raffle and silent auction and ingredients for the food that will be sold at the 9th Annual SAGA Halloween Party (see the flyer at the end of this post). A trip around town is always good for a few pictures. We ran into some very cute little boys that were running around on the beach scaring each other with their Halloween masks. Not so menacing with the masks up. After all that hard work, I met some friends at the Barrel Bar. You get a little bit of everything at this lagoon-side place...iguanas in the mangroves...frigate birds diving for bait fish...

Happy Anniversary Ali and Edith
The backbone of Raggamuffin is the amazing Edith. A year ago to this very day she tied the knot in matrimony with her now husband Ali Cansino of the Fisheries Department. We, meaning the extended Ragga family, were ALL there .. nobody was left out to see the cornerstone of our family on her happiest day of her life! We want to wish her and Ali the a Happy Anniversary from all of us here at Raggamuffin – we know you are enjoying your day in Orange Walk with Ali’s family and we want to wish you blessings for many more years to come!

International Sources

To Snap A Predator: The Patented Tech That Helps Photographers Go Nose-to-Nose With Sharks
No cage, no metal suit, just a camera between me and their teeth." Michael Muller is fascinated with sharks. Ever since he was a kid, surfing in Northern California, he's loved the creatures -- Great Whites, in particular. And Michael Muller, fortunately for us, is also a professional photographer. He has snapped pictures of sharks from all around the world, including the seas of the Galapagos, South Africa, Fiji, and Guadalupe Island. But how do you actually capture the kind of amazing -- and tantalizingly, terrifyingly close-up -- images that Muller has? In a Q&A with the blog Feature Shoot, Muller described the self-developed technology that allows him to conduct photo shoots with some of the most frightening, and beautiful, subjects on the planet. To get pictures like his, you may not need a bigger boat. But you will need a better camera.

McKinney resident's book shows immigrants' struggle for citizenship
Is the American dream simply that - a dream? To Jacintha Griffith, it's a reality. But in her book, "Coveting the Dream," the McKinney resident shows that's not always the case for immigrants. "America's been advertised for many years as the 'Land of Opportunity,' and with that kind of advertisement, everyone will want to come here," said Griffith, who came to the U.S. in 1979 after growing up on Grenada, an island in the Caribbean. "It's inherent in people to always gravitate to where they can have a better life. But unfortunately, when people come to the U.S. with that dream, it's not an easy transition. It's not an easy thing." Griffith, an occupational therapist, released the book in July. It tells the story of Serena, a naïve 20-year-old woman from Belize who sneaks into the U.S. illegally to reunite with her boyfriend, but ends up pursuing her own "dream" in the face of hardship and heartache. It's a fiction tale with non-fiction undertones. "This story has really never been told - how difficult it is for people who come into the U.S. to find their way and to make a life for themselves against all the obstacles to legal residency," Griffith said.

Savannah-Chatham public schools halt plans to sponsor residency for foreign teachers
Tricia Fairweather, a native of Belize with a degree from an American university, had been teaching math in her homeland for six years when she heard about the teacher shortage in Georgia and contacted the Savannah-Chatham school district. She was hired along with the 58 recruited Filipinos. They hold all certifications and training required by the state of Georgia. “I passed their tests and met all of their requirements,” Fairweather said. “I taught math at Beach High School my first three years. They had vacancies every year I was there.” Over the past six years Fairweather and the other foreign teachers were trained to use the district’s multimillion-dollar investment in new technology and schooled in the state’s new Common Core Curriculum. During the Beach High reorganization district officials tapped Fairweather, a skilled math teacher, to prepare students for college-level courses at the highly celebrated Early College specialty program. Many foreign teachers earned tenure and honors for their dedication to the work of educating Savannah students. One of them, Bernardino Cabahug, was the district’s 2012 Teacher of the Year runner up. As they became a part of their schools and communities, many of the foreign teachers joined local churches, purchased homes and even started families.

Cyclist Mitchell wins silver at Caribbean Championships
Bermudian cyclist Nicole Mitchell was pipped at the post for gold in the Caribbean Cycling Championships in Antigua yesterday. Ms Mitchell took silver in the 12 mile time trial, coming in just 2.5 seconds behind winner Shalini Zabaneh of Belize. Ms Mitchell went one better than the bronze she achieved in the 2010 competition. In the men’s competition, Dominique Mayho and Mark Hatherley finished 15th and 20th respectively. Today, all five Bermudian competitors will compete, with Ms Mitchell competing in the 42 mile race...

October 21, 2012

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Sailing Club’s Junior Sailors perform at Corozal Bay Regatta
Setting counterproductive vagaries aside, the sailors still believe that the regatta was both exciting and worthwhile. A number of intrepid San Pedranos even chose to enter the Pico class races. Picos are sloops, larger than Optimists and have 2 sails (a main and a jib). Our little Optimist dinghies have only one sail. The young San Pedrano teams who entered the Pico races had never or hardly ever sailed a Pico, let alone race one!

Armed Robbery at Western Union Office South of San Pedro
Police in San Pedro continue to investigate an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, October 19th. Sometime before 4PM on Friday, police responded to the scene at the Western Union office located at Ambergris Lake Villas south of San Pedro Town where upon arrival they observed a male person suffering from head injuries. Initial investigation reveals that a male person entered the premises and made his way to the Western Union office. He pointed what appeared to be a hand gun at the personnel and hit one of the employees on the head with what is believed to be a firearm. The thief then made good his escape with approximately $3,000 in cash and a laptop computer.

Black and White Bar – Showcasing Garifuna Culture
As more recent, the Black and White Bar has been synonymous to a (Girl Bar). However, owner and manager, Julia Martinez is in the process of restoring Black and White to the Cultural venue it was envisioned to be during its inception. Writing of her plans, Julia stated, “I Julia Martinez, the owner and manager of Black & White Bar would like to inform you of my new agenda. In the early years of our family bar it was well known as a Garifuna Cultural Entertainment Bar. Where we portrayed the Garifuna culture to many visitors. My place of business got out of control and became a girl’s bar due to renting and more so because of being so committed to my teaching profession. At this point I had made a personal survey and I’m not satisfied with the outcome of a girls bar. For me at this time and age, I strongly believe that bringing the bar back to a Cultural Entertainment place will be more beneficial to my family, my place of business, the community I served and most of all promoting the Belizean Garifuna Culture in a very unique manner to our tourists, visitors and friends. As a well known citizen of this beautiful Island which I have served in many ways. I would gladly appreciate the assistance of the Tourism board, the hotels, restaurants, golf cart rentals and taxi association by helping, in the process of encouraging guests to see and learn of what San Pedro has to offer in a cultural way at our local place of business.”

The BTB enhances Cruise Visitor Experience through Hair Braiders Training
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce that in the continuous effort to further enhance the visitor experience of cruise tourists, the Capacity Building & Training Team is embarking on a two-day interactive training session for 23 Hair Braiders from the Fort Street Tourism Village Zone. The training session will be held on October 18th – 19th 2012 at ITVET in Belize City. It will be facilitated by Ms. Mapye Smith, covering topics such as Professionalism, Etiquette, Health & Safety and Job Hazards in Hair Braiding. The Hair Braiders training course will serve as a sensitization process which will include assisting participants in the development of their marketing strategies, introduction of the underlying principles of marketing in the context of tourism services and best practices in customer relations. Upon completion of the training session, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Hair Braiding Kit which will include some hair care products and sanitizers on behalf of the Belize Tourism Board. Equally important to mention is that the present Hair Braider’s Minimum Standards will be reviewed and updated soon and once legislated by law, Hair Braiders would have to go through a licensing process every year in order to conduct business in the Fort Street Tourism Village Zone and in the country. The purpose of this initiative is to allow a suitable organization of Hair Braiders in that tourism area.

Misc Belizean Sources

Malathion spraying
-They sprayed us in Hopeville last night. We sat with rags over our nose and mouth for a long time. Isn't that a great way to spend your evening. UGGGG -They used it in California years ago, when we lived there. It damaged the paint on automobiles. Wherever the spray landed, the paint was damaged...not sure if it was just the color or if it actually 'ate" the paint. But people's cars were "dotted." -After lots of meds and a round of antibotics, Tommy is finally getting over being sprayed right in the face. It really affected his lungs, BAD stuff! - I think the spray program is sponsored by US AID. I said if was cheap and better than DDT. Not that I agreed with this practice. I lived twenty five years in the rainforest/jungle and never had malaria or Dengue. But when I moved to Dangriga I got Dengue and when I moved to Belmopan I got Malaria. The human vector is needed to transmit these.

VIDEO: Splash Belize, Whale Shark Diving

Purple Movement General Meeting
The Purple Movement will be having a general meeting Sunday, at 2:00pm, at the Red Cross Building in Cayo.

Elias Awe Wake and Funeral
Elias Awe, former civil servant, and champion of the Octavia Waight Centre, passed away yesterday. There will be a wake tomorrow, and the funeral services will be at 2:00pm on Monday, at Sacred Heart Church. The Awe's ask that instead of sending a wreath, that a donation be made to the Octavia Waight Centre instead. RIP, Mr. Awe.

Floral Design Class at BBG
Al Quaranto of Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge taught a Floral Design class at the Belize Botanic Gardens. The goal is to train locals in marketable skills. They had more than 40 people attend the event. Thanks go out to the DuPlooy's, the BBG and Al for sponsoring this event.

Hurricane Hattie @ 51 Exhibit
The Benque House of Culture launched their Hurricane Hattie at 51 exhibit on Thursday. They had many survivors relate their experiences of the hurricane. Here are some pictures from the well attended event. "Hurricane Hattie set an all clear your can now visit your Benque HOC, for a historical review of the many struggles and developments caused by this natural disaster. Pictorial & time line available,police logs book copies, map's a complete insight of 1961 hard hit. Exhibition runs until November 23rd, 2012"

FTC Customer Appreciation Day
Farmer's Trading Center is celebrating their customer appreciation day today. "Since rising to supply the needs of Spanish Lookout in 1962, Farmers Trading Center has grown to offer one of the largest product ranges in Belize. In addition to our greatly expanded hardware department, we also offer an extensive range of home goods, textiles and grocery products, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Proficient service and competent prices continues to be our commitment to you, our valued customers."

Candle Making Workshop at Benque HoC
The Benque House of Culture is having a traditional candle making workshop today at 1:30pm. Learn how to make bee's wax candles with Mr. Raul Shish.

LOVE FM

Four Teenagers Remanded To Prison For Murder
Reports from San Pedro town say that four teenage boys have been charged in connection with the death of forty six year old Emerito Itza. Itza died on Monday of this week after he was badly beaten on the night of Wednesday, October tenth in San Pedro town. Because of their ...

Former Civil Servant Dies In San Ignacio
News has been received of the passing of former civil servant Elias Awe. According to reports received, Awe, who was battling cancer, died around four thirty Friday morning in San Ignacio town. Awe has his country and community in various capacities over the years, including ...

OAS Says Foreign Ministers for Belize and Guatemala To Meet Next Week
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala will meet on Monday in Guatemala City. The announcement was made yesterday by the Organization of American States. According to a brief statement posted on the OAS website, Wilfred Elrington and Harold Caballe...

Judge Discharges Jury; New Trial for Accused Murderer
A murder case which began on Monday of this week came to a sudden halt this morning when the judge discharged the 12 member jury. The case of the accused will be traverse and a new trial will begin next week. 34-year-old Alvaro Rene Gregorio, who was accused of killing Robert...

LOVE TV

Shooting incident in Belize City
Reports reaching the RSV Media Center indicates that a man was injured by gunshots this evening in Belize City. The name of the victim cannot be released, pending confirmation of the details. Preliminary indications are that the victim was shot once to the chest and once to the left arm. Police investigations continue.

Belize and Guatemala foreign ministers to meet on Monday
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala will meet on Monday in Guatemala City. The announcement was made yesterday by the Organization of American States. According to a brief statement posted on the OAS website, Wilfred Elrington and Harold Caballeros will meet on Monday in the context of the group of Friends of Belize-Guatemala. No details of what will be discussed at the meeting have been announced, except that it will be attended by OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza. The OAS statement also addressed an issue that has been much talked about in Guatemala, that of a meeting between the president of Guatemala and Prime Minister Dean Barrow. As Love News has reported previously, Prime Minister Barrow is on record as saying that he had no knowledge of a scheduled meeting with the Guatemalan president. The OAS statement says that Secretary General Insulza is always available to attend meetings involving Belize and Guatemala at the request of the respective governments, even to the point of postponement of commitments to facilitate such meetings. It appears that special interests in Guatemala are pushing for the meeting of the two leaders; but as confirmed to Love News, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is not aware of any pending meeting with Guatemala.

Environmental groups take umbrage with oil exploration in the south
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage and its member organizations are calling on the Government to reschedule a planned public consultation to discuss the UC Capital Energy’s Exploratory Oil Drilling Environmental Impact Assessment. The EIA was necessary because the area where the oil company, US Capital Energy, is interested in exploring is located within the Sarstoon Temash National Park. The date set for the meeting is October 25th, but the Coalition is asking for the date to be set for November 22nd, or a later date in order to give the communities involved adequate time to review the highly technical EIA. But Public Relations Officer for US Capital Energy, Niall Gillett, says that the company has already changed the original date of the discussion from last week to October 25th. This afternoon Love News spoke with the Executive Director of the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, Tanya Williams, who said that the document is such a technical one that they need time to translate it for the Maya people who live in the surrounding communities. Williams added that even if the Government goes ahead with the consultation, the Coalition would then ask for a second forum to further discuss matters arising from the EIA and concerns that people might have.

KHMH to introduce new service fees
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is in the process of streamlining its revenues and expenditures in order to be a more viable health institution. This has become necessary since the hospital has been falling short of around two million per annum in its operations. Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth, told Love News today that because of this, the hospital will begin to charge a fee for non-emergency services rendered to patients. In addition, the KHMH will also seek to collect for outstanding fees owed for services rendered. Dr Longsworth encourages Belize City residents to utilize the health clinics during normal working hours for non-emergency type ailments and an additional five dollars for pharmaceutical services. In addition, the hospital is planning to contract its security services to a private firm to cut costs. Love News will have details of these other changes in our weekend news.

High School girl killed in road traffic accident
A teenage girl was knocked down and killed on the Southern Highway on Thursday evening. [VO STARTS[ The victim has been identified as eighteen year old Nalleli Canelas, a third form student of the Independence High School. According to reports reaching the RSV News Centre, Canelas ad just alighted a passenger bus in San Juan village and was attempting to cross the Southern Highway when a south-bound SUV knocked her down. Canelas sustained massive head and body injuries and died on the spot. Her body was first taken to the polyclinic in Independence village and later transferred to the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital. The principal of Independence High School, Omar Longsworth told Love News that Canelas’ school mates are having a hard time coping with the tragic loss. Love News understands that the driver of the SUV has been detained pending the outcome of the police investigation of the incident.

Commissioner of Police meets with Santa Elena residents
Commissioner of Police David Henderson met with residents of Santa Elena town last night. Our Cayo correspondent Elaine Berry reports on that meeting and other news from the area.

Minister Saldivar completes his tour of the country
The Minister of National Security’s nationwide wide tour is nearing a close as he tours Southern Belize today. Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of National Security, Delroy Cuthkelvin told us more on what is taking place during this tour.

A new ferry for San Jose Succotz village
A new ferry will soon be pressed into service to take visitors across the Mopan River in the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo district. Shari Williams is the communications officer for the National Institute of Culture and History.

Elias Awe passes; funeral arrangements announced
News has been received of the passing of former civil servant, sixty two year old Elias Awe. According to reports received, Awe, who was battling cancer, died around four thirty this morning in San Ignacio town. Awe has his country and community in various capacities over the years, including as a public officer, head of the organization Help for Progress and in broadcasting as a news correspondent for the now defunct Radio Belize in the 1980’s. Last month, the Board of Directors of the Octavia Waight Centre, where he also served as a member, gave Awe a public citation in honor of his many years of dedicated service. A year ago, Awe was a guest on the current affairs program Belize Watch, right here on Love Television, where he was discussing proposed legislation regarding older persons. Here is an excerpt of that conversation. A wake is scheduled for Sunday, October twenty first, followed bya funeral services on Monday, October twenty second. Elias Awe is survived by his wife Lourdes, three children and a host of other relatives and friends.

Man charged for assaulting his baby’s mother
Police have formally arrested and charged a twenty year old man following an alleged assault of his baby’s mother. According to police reports, Patrick Jones, a resident of Banak Street in Belize City has been charged for the crimes of aggravated assault and harm. Twenty one year old Layla Fuentes reported to police that on Tuesday afternoon she went Jones’ home, reportedly to collect money for a child the couple shares. Fuentes says that when she got to Jones’ Banak Street house, the young man pointed a black revolver at her and threatened to kill her. Fuentes says that Jones then punched her on her face and knocked her on her head with a stone causing a cut wound. Jones is expected to appear in Magistrate’s court shortly.

Vehicle broken into; items stolen
Theft from motor vehicles has been reported frequently in the last few weeks. And today there is one more report to add to the list. Twenty nine year old Paul Wade Junior reports that sometime between nine thirty and ten o’clock last night, someone broke the passenger side window of his Toyota 4-Runner as it was parked on Krooman Road. Wade told police that the thief or thieves stole a laptop computer and personal documents that were in the vehicle. Police investigations continue.

Teens charged for Manslaughter
Reports from San Pedro town say that four teenage boys have been charged in connection with the death of forty six year old Emerito Itza. Itza died on Monday of this week after he was badly beaten on the night of Wednesday, October tenth in San Pedro town. Because of their ages, the names of the boys cannot be released, but Love News understands that they were read a charge of manslaughter when they appeared before a Justice of the Peace last night in San Pedro town. They were formally arraigned in Family Court today. As we have reported previously, Itza, a resident of the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo district, was brutally attacked in San Pedro town, where he worked. He was initially treated at the local polyclinic and released. But twenty four hours later Itza had to be readmitted and then a decision was taken to transfer him to the KHMH for further treatment where he died. Emerito Itza was laid to rest in San Jose Succotz village on Thursday afternoon.

Happy birthday Ada Tucker
Birthdays are special times for most people. But when a person reaches the one hundredth year of life on earth … it is an especially joyous time for celebration. Today, Love TV’s Natalie Novelo and video journalist Myles Gillette visited one such happy occasion and bring you the following report.

Independence High School prepares to celebrate World Food Day
A major event to commemorate World Food Day will be held tomorrow in Independence Village. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details.

Belize City Passport office back in business
Two weeks after the announced closure of the passport office in Belize City, today the Ministry of Immigration and Nationalist announced that the facility is back in business. A brief statement making the announcement says that the reopening of the passport office is for the acceptance of application services only. Furthermore, it says, persons who wish to apply for an emergency passport can do so at the Belmopan office.

Orange Walk man acquitted of burglary charge
Thirty-one year old Germin Bustillos, a laborer of Guinea Grass charged with the burglary of Quan’s warehouse in which over $8,000.00 worth of items were stolen, was acquitted of the charge today. After the prosecution closed its case, Bustillos’ attorney, Phillip Palacio, submitted that he did not have a case to answer to because it was not established that entry was gained to the warehouse, which is one of the elements needed to prove the charge. As a result, Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith upheld the no case submission and acquitted Bustillos. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on May 4, 2011, at the warehouse, located at mile 3 and a half on the Northern Highway. Mario Chun, a security officer at the warehouse, testified that he heard noise coming from the warehouse and when he climbed on top of a truck he saw two persons with items in their hands. Chun called the police and the police upon arrival saw Bustillos on the compound. The police pursued Bustillos and caught him on the compound. The stolen items were recovered by the police outside of the warehouse. The items included a compressor, a table saw, 11 boxes of fluorescent tubes, 144 cans of WD 40 and 1 roll of electric cable.

Blogs

Paisley's treasure
loves to chase these and tear them up. But before she got going on that, she sniffed something under our dock and made a bee-line underneath to retrieve it. We laughed out loud when we saw the treasure she hauled out. A full-sized coconut, almost as big as she is! She never fails to make us laugh with her silly antics. She actually managed to carry it over the sea wall, where Barry rolled it for her a few times, and she ran after and chomped on it. I guess there was enough coconut meat in it to provide some delicious flavor as she tore it apart. She just loves to deconstruct coconuts, I know not why. It's a dog thing. MUST TEAR UP...NOW! Soon the retrieval game moved to the water, where Barry would toss the coconut from the dock, and she'd rush in after it. We were amazed that she was able to retrieve it once it filled with water. It was pretty heavy, but she was able to "swim it in".

Alll kinds of Weather
Today was one of those days where we have been lucky enough to experience a wide range of weather, we even got a rainbow in amidst the sun, rain and fast approaching cloud cover. I also noticed the breeze has been coming in a bit more from the west which often brings cooler temperatures. I took the opportunity to enjoy the sun while it was out and get a nice walk in this morning. Part of the reason for my walk was a grocery run , so I headed down the road that leads to Marina’s stopped at a fruit stand near Banyan Bay. I picked up 1/4 watermelon, 2 beets, 2 carrots, 2 plantains, and 5 bananas for 12.50 bzd, I would have added a pineapple if I was not walking. Next came our corner store where I spent $31.15 for a jar of Nescafe Dolca coffee, a box of Lala milk, 2 green apples from Washington, 2 tomatoes and a tube of tooth paste. As soon as I got home the sky changed again and grew dark, perfect weather for an afternoon nap . I will leave you with a couple of sunset pictures I snapped on Thursday afternoon as I was passing by the Crocodile pond, it is always so peaceful there at that tine of day.

Cali, Colombia: Now This City's Got Some Pizazz, Part Two
I returned from Colombia almost one month ago and loved it. Adored it. I wrote about Medellin...twice, about visiting an amazing coffee finca outside of Manizales, about the thermal hot springs of Santa Rosa, about bland, colonial Popayan and then about Cali, the city of salsa and tight clothing. Medellin was far and away my favorite, a city that I could live in, but Cali, my last stop, had some spark...some spunk. And I only wrote Part One. So here is Part Two. Bear with me. I have never written a post weeks after the experience. I always write the morning after. Let's see if my memory fails me. For the tight clothes, the awesome zoo, and historical buildings of Cali, Colombia, see Part One After the zoo, we headed back to downtown Cali to check out the higher end neighborhood, the area of posh restaurants and more boutique hotels. On the way over we passed through a park filled with men and old fashioned typewriters. Cesar consulted one of the writers but couldn't understand one word the guy said. I found out later that these guys will write a poem for you on the spot. There were about 15 desks and no customers. Seems like a tough way to make a living. Across the almost completely dried up river (September is the heart of the dry season in Colombia), is the Granada neighborhood and it's undergoing quite a resurgence. There is plenty of construction going on along the tree lined streets. But there are also lots of shops and great restaurants.

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