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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

Super Furia releases new song about Ambergris Caye
The Super Furia Band from the Orange Walk District have released a new song in honor of the number one island in the world according to Trip Advisor. The song is rightfully entitled, “#1 Island Ambergris Caye” by the Super Furia Band and lead singer, Roxana Alcoser. Super Furia has provided musical entertainment for Belizeans across the country for over 27 years. Lead singer Roxana Alcoser has been singing professionally for fifteen years. Alcoser contacted The San Pedro Sun to share a little more on the new single. “This song was written with sleepless nights and lots of our musical effort was put into the production of this special song, honoring an important destination in Belize,” said Alcoser.

Ambergris Today

El Pescador Lodge Hosts the Filming of "Buccaneers and Bones"
El Pescador Lodge is privileged to have hosted the filming of "Buccaneers and Bones" starring Lefty Kreh legendary angler, Tom Brokaw news anchor/author, Yvon Chouinard founder Patagonia, Bill Klyn director Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Huey Lewis singer/performer, Will Benson film maker/fishing guide and Meredith McCord angler. This is the second time that El Pescador has had the honor of hosting “Buccaneers and Bones”; the previous time was in June of 2010. Orion Multimedia, the world's largest producer of outdoor adventure television, just spent the week with El Pescador on Ambergris Caye to film the series which will air on The Outdoor Channel in January 2014. The “Buccaneers and Bones” series features the anglers' passion for fishing and the camaraderie they share as they search for answers on how to safeguard our environment. In addition to fishing the famed salt water flats of Belize, these notables are fishing for answers, too. How can we save our last great coastal environments? It's a question that has been the heart of Bonefish and Tarpon Trust's mission since 1998, and is being pursued by some of the world's top scientists.

Misc Belizean Sources

MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA, A RENEWED RELATIONSHIP
On February 20th, 2013, the President of Mexico, Enrique Pena-Nieto attended the First Summit between Mexico and member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA), held in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was the second international tour of his presidency and which he dedicated to approach visit a region that binds us like no other: geographical closeness or proximity, history, sisterhood and culture. At that time, the Government leaders instructed the Foreign Ministers to convene to, “explore new formulas aimed at deepening and strengthening the ties between Mexico and Central America.” The foreign ministers of the Central American region, as well as Colombia, Dominican Republic and Mexico will meet on Friday, June 21st at San Cristobal de las Casas, state of Chiapas, an emblematic city of southern Mexico and meeting place with Central America. We will hold, as always, a frank political dialogue based on our solid democratic culture, sustained on common values. We will analyze ways to promote and strengthen our economic ties that last year reflected a trade exchange between our countries to a value of 10 billion US dollars and accumulated Mexican investments of a similar amount.

MTA with Lawrence Vernon
The The National Heritage Library had their 6th Meet the Author event last week. This time, they had Mr. Lawrence Vernon, who has written extensively about Belize in his books: Cultural Groups of Belize, From the Pages of our History, and A History of Political Parties in Belize: 1950-1981."

UB 2013 Graduation
Congratulations to the 471 graduates of the University of Belize! "Luis Ek, and Oliver Garay (will graduate at Punta Gorda Campus) both scored a GPA of 3.92 with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelors of Science in Management respectively. Anna Petkau achieved the highest overall GPA score of 3.95 in Business Science, and Jonelle O'Brien scored the highest overall for Certificate/Diploma Program with a GPA of 3.89 in Diploma in Education Methodology."

Hanna Stables' Ride to Xunantunich
Hanna Stables horseback ride to Xunantunich has become one of the more popular tours around Cayo. Add a stop to Benny's Kitchen for lunch, and you have the perfect half day tour. Santiago is definitely the horse whisperer. "The ride to Xunantunich is pleasant and scenic, including the crossing of the Mopan river by a hand-churned ferry. Just a little further on are the well known Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Also, if it’s a lucky day, you will be able to experience an up close encounter with howler monkeys. The Xunantunich ride has a duration 1 ½ hours of riding to the site and approximately 2 hours hiking of the site, and an additional 2 hours ride back. This is a half day to a full day ride depending on the request of the guest. Lunch stops can be included to a feast of local dishes in a pristine setting along the river. Please indicate in the booking form if you would like lunch included."

11th Annual BAAS
The 11th BAAS will be held at the SIRH's Bedran Hall, where it will start on July 2nd, and go through the 5th. The theme this year will be: 'Ancient Maya: Household and Social Identity in Belize.' Lectures start at 8:30am every day. For more information, including schedules, go to NICH's or the Institiute of Archaeology's pages. "The 11th instalment of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium (BAAS) is scheduled for July 2nd - July 5th, 2013 in San Ignacio, Belize. Registration for the conference will begin on March 4th, 2013. Participants are encouraged to pre-register and make travel plans early so that they can be guaranteed a place as well as advantageous rates on travel. Presentations of the symposium proper will be held inside the San Ignacio Resort Hotel Bedran Hall starting on Tuesday July 2nd and continue through to Friday July 5th, 2013."

Channel 7

Peter Contreras Gets 15 for Killing Mother In Law; His Ex-Wife Says It’s Not Enough
44 year-old Peter King Contreras, the man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for strangling his mother-in-law, will spend 15 and a half years in prison. That was the sentence handed down by Justice Adolph Lucas today. In December of 2010 Contreras offered to give his mother-in-law, 50 year-old Argentina Garcia a ride to the bus stop. It was a short distance, but he and Garcia, got into an argument in which he says Garcia told him, quote, “Why would (my daughter) want a loser like you?” The insult enraged Contreras who punched Garcia twice in the face, and she tried to get out of the vehicle. Contreras then grabbed a piece of rope, which he used to restrain her. He then took the rope and strangled her to death. After that he stuffed her body in the trunk and drove around with it for hours, leaving it in the vehicle for most of the night. At around 3 a.m., Contreras was trying to find somewhere to dump the body, when he was stopped by a police patrol which discovered the dead woman inside the trunk.

FECTAB Fires At FCCA’s Platinum Club
The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association – it represents 15 cruise lines operating 100 vessels in this hemisphere and, for those reasons, is considered to be tremendously influential in the cruise tourism business – a business which brings in more than half a million visitors to Belize every year. And that’s why it is news that an FCCA subsidiary called PAMAC, the Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council is having a cruise conference in Belize for the next few days. As the word Platinum implies, this is the super elite club of cruise executives and, in tourism circles, it’s considered a huge deal that they are in Belize. We’ll have more on the significance of the meeting shortly, but for FECTAB their presence here is a huge problem – and that’s because they say once again, Chukka Tours, the Jamaican Outfit that’s set up a tour operation in Belize is taking a place at head table – while FECTAB’s members can’t even get a foot in the door. There’s a simple reason for that: Chukka is a platinum member and FECTAB’s members aren’t – but still, FECTAB says BTB should have done something to protect local interests. That was the subject of a press conference held early this morning – where the famous FECTAB fire was on full blast:…

BTB Responds to FECTAB; Says They Should Look To The Industry’s Wellbeing
This morning after the press conference Director of Tourism Laura Esquivel Frampton responded to those bitter complaints hurled at the Tourism Board. She said there was no intentional exclusion, but the decision was made by a committee – on which BTB was only a member, as was Chukka Tours and Cruise Solutions both members of the FCCA. She said Chukka made the offer up front: Laura Esquivel Frampton - Director of Tourism "The fact is Chukka came to the table with 'this is what we want to do complimentary', this was open knowledge to everyone who sat on the committee that they were able to put int there two cents of what they were going to do. Let's also remember that the FCCA is an association, a membership based organization and so obviously the preference goes to members of the FCCA but there are other tour operators who are providing tours, there's even a submarine tour that is on the schedule for the Belize City tour." Jules Vasquez "So who had membership on that committee and why were FECTAB members not included?"

Waters In Western And Central Belize Rising
On Monday evening, Tropical Depression 2 made landfall in Southern Belize and dropped 10 inches of rain in 24 hours. We showed you the flooding it caused in the Stann Creek District. But the news tonight is that after TD 2 travelled over Guatemala and Mexico, with winds of about 30 miles per hour, it strengthened into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. The storm is now named Barry and it is off the coast of Mexico. The projected path is for the storm to head to Veracruz, Mexico, making landfall near that port city Thursday morning. But while that is the situation to the north, in Belize the after effects of TD2 are still being felt. This afternoon NEMO reported rising water levels in Central and Western Belize. NEMO reports that in the west, the Macal River is 24 inches above normal and rising while the Mopan is 12 inches above and rising. In the Belize district, The Belize River is 6ft above normal and rising throughout the District. In Lemonal by the Governor Creek culvert there is 6 inches of water across the road.

The Stann Creek River Valley Is Like A Basin
But, while that is that situation right now, the reality is that the Stann Creek River Valley is flood prone. We didn’t get to explore that story fully yesterday, so tonight, Daniel Ortiz revisits the floods from TD 2 in the context of what these low-lying communities face every year during the hurricane season. Here’s his report: Daniel Ortiz reporting Communities in the Stann Creek River Valley experience flooding every year, and so, they’ve learned to live with the lingering threat. Sarawee Village is only a few miles away from Hope Creek, and as a result, it is susceptible to the negative effects of the North Stann Creek River. Yesterday, we found sections of the village under water; one on side, the flooding was minimal, just below knee height. Some of the young men of the village used their yards like swimming pools, where they simply enjoyed themselves as if it was just another rainy day. The other sections were completely cut off, passable only if the person waded through waist deep water, with a very strong current resembling that of a river. Keep in mind, though, that what you’re looking at are actual streets these people travel on normally, not some obscure river hidden away in the far corner of the village.

Murder Down 15% Through End Of May 2013
April and May 2013 had 16 fewer murders than the same period in 2012 – and now latest police crime statistics through to the end of May show that the number of murders is down compared to last year’s record pace. How much down. Well up to the end of May, there were 60 murders in 2012; while at the end of May 2013, there have been 51 murders – a decrease of 15%. Reports of major crimes such as burglary, robbery and rape are also down – while theft is about the same as last year. Carnal knowledge – on the other hand - is up more than 100% over last year’s figures. Today Police Minister John Saldivar held his monthly review with the Department’s Senior commanders where for the second consecutive month, the Northern Zone and the Orange Formation of the Police Department registered the greatest reduction in major crimes. Today the press was invited to the session at the Police Training academy in Belmopan. Police commissioner Allen Whylie discussed the crime trends:… Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "Our statistics are out, it is showing that at the end of May we had 51 recorded cases of murders compared to 60 at the same time in 2012. In terms of rape we had 12 reported up to the end of May compared to 14 in 2012. In terms of robberies we had 117 cases reported compared to 216 for the same period in 2012. In terms of burglaries we recorded 403 cases compared to 470 cases in 2012. In terms of theft we have record 394 cases compared to 393 cases in 2012.

Police Senior Command Will Investigate Cop Who Could Not Identify Hon. King
Last night, 7News told you how Minister of State, Mark King, was acquitted of all charges in relation to his outburst at the Princess Casino in February. Viewers may remember that he threw an ugly tantrum resulting in him being ejected from the Casino – and then later having a confrontation with police. Due to the lack of cooperation from the officers who made complaints against him, Magistrate Clive Lino was forced to acquit him of all charges. Well, that’s not sitting well with Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie, and he told the media that members of the Professional Standards Branch have been dispatched to investigate the officer who refused to cooperate with the prosecutor. He explained why: Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "My understanding, having heard the news last night and speaking to the officer commanding is that the police officer PC Ramos went to court and withdrew the charges so he did not wish to proceed. Immediately last night I called the assistant commissioner, Mr. Leal, who is the commander of the professional standards branch and he directed that he and a team proceeded to Corozal this morning and to do an internal investigation then he'll be making recommendations to me. It is my view that that officer was a police officer when this incident occurred, he was not an ordinary citizen and he had no authority to withdraw that case or to refuse to testify. It's a matter I view very seriously and as soon as the investigation is concluded we'll be taking the appropriate action against him."

COMPOL Explains Delay In Noh Mul Investigation
Commissioner Whylie also discussed the investigation into the wrongdoing at Noh Mul. As has been very extensively reported, the main temple at the northern site was bulldozed – and the company that did it – publicly owned up to the error. So why no charges? Whylie explained that for the police it is an unusual investigation. Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "I have directed the regional commander to ensure the investigator move vigorously to complete the directives that the DPP had passed to him and he should be proceeding by Friday at the latest in that case to formally hand over to the DPP. Once she approves it and she feels satisfied that the investigation has been thorough or have the necessary grievance to lay a charge then she will direct our officers and we will comply promptly." Reporter "What has been the difference in this case because I know there have been cases where the evidence was there that it was destroyed, Mr. Grijalva took responsibility but there was no arrest - all this going to the DPP before charges are laid. Have there been consideration made on the fact that Mr. Grijalva is a political aspirant and very well connected in Orange Walk?"

Nike Sponsors Belize’s Football Uniforms
We’ve been reporting regularly on the Belize National Football Team’s performances in the friendly matches while preparing for the Gold Cup. The glimpses we’ve provided are of the only of the players in action, and from a far distance away. So today, the Football Federation of Belize decided that it was time for the Nation to meet the selection which will represent Belize in the US three weeks from now. They also unveiled the uniforms which have been provided by NIKE. Here’s how that unveiling went: Marlon Kuylen - Executive Member, FFB "We have the official Belize Jaguar's logo and as you look behind us it's on this banner here so that will be on all of our promotional items. Genesis Arts had come up with this design and they will be selling promotional items which we have in the back here, which we have, and each item that they sell - 15% of the proceeds will come to the National Team. Now we're proud to come to one of the items that we've been patiently waiting for and patiently introduced to the Belizean public. We have been in talks with Nike about sponsoring our National Team's - their headquarters is in Portland, Oregon where we will be playing USA in our first match. So when we go up there we have a meeting set with them to come fully on board to sponsor all our National Teams.

Belize Obesity Rate At 60%, Health Ministry Educates Food Providers On Nutrition
The Ministry of Health held a nutrition seminar today for popular food providers around the city. It is in conjunction with the celebration of the annual Caribbean Nutrition Day. With an obesity rate of 60 percent countrywide, the Ministry’s objective today was to educate these vendors about the basic nutrition principles of preparing a healthy meal. Robyn Daly - Nutritionist Ministry of Health "We're doing a nutrition seminar for food service providers. It is in recognition of Caribbean Nutrition day, which is celebrated June 1st. The overall objective for this training is to show and to educate the people that are preparing food for us, our food service providers. We have about 35 of them all over Belize City and we made sure we reached the very popular ones. So we have representation from Chon Saan, Li Chee, Kick Down Fence - some of our vendors that are on Coney Drive, Farmers Markey - where people access more or less everyday for lunch. We want to bring them out together and teach them about nutrition and what they need to know about our nutrition situation in Belize. They need to know how bad the situation is - looking at over 60% obesity rate in the country and looking at about 14% prominence of Diabetes, 28% of Hypertension - we need to reach out to the people that are preparing our food. We use these people every day to eat and they need to be trained in nutrition to prepare healthy meals for us."

Garifuna Collective Heads Out On Tour In support Of New Album
Andy Palacio’s backing band was known as the Garifuna Collective – and now they’re preparing to embark on their first major world tour without him. The Collective left for Minnesota today where they lead off a 25 stop, 19-city North American tour – to be followed later in the summer by a European Tour. It is in support of their first album – which will be released in Belize a month from now. Produced by Stonetree Records, the album, called “Ayo” picks up where Palacio’s “Watina” left off. But the tour is different that just a straight Garifuna affair. For a few dates, they will be teaming up on stage with Canadian folk singer Danny Michel – for a compelling musical fusion. It should make for an interesting journey and we spoke to them today at the PGIA, just before liftoff:…. Lloyd Augustine - Singer, Garifuna Collective "Everything is feeling great because we have prepared ourselves in terms of rehearsing the songs and also we are launching a new album."

Channel 5

ComPol disappointed by cops in Mark King trial
Minister of State with responsibility for gangs Mark King may be a free man since the charges of aggravated assault, threatening words and disorderly conduct were dropped after the police [...]

Still no charges for Noh Mul
Whylie also commented on the Noh Mul charges…or rather lack of charges, since nobody has been held criminally liable for the destruction of the Mayan mound in northern Belize. Our [...]

Puerto Azul: Environmentalists against another hundred million U.S. dollar development
Recently, the environmental community as well as the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organization have been united in their objection to a proposed cruise [...]

Florida Caribbean Cruise Association meets, but FECTAB not invited to party
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize (FECTAB) is once again up in arms over what it claims is unremitting preferential treatment being afforded to Chukka Tours.  The Florida [...]

B.T.B. Director explains why FCCA’s visit in Belize did not include FECTAB
According to Director of Tourism Laura Esquivel-Frampton, the tours being offered by Chukka are all free of charge since a select committee, which includes B.T.B., requested assistance from local members [...]

Crime Stats: murders down for 1st half of year
The top brass of the Belize Police Department converged at the Police Training Academy as ComPol Allen Whylie presented the latest crime statistics for 2013 up to the end of [...]

Man who killed mother-in-law sentenced for manslaughter
A man who killed his mother-in-law was today sentenced to eighteen years by Justice Adolph Lucas. Peter King Contreras was not charged for murder after he strangled Argentina Garcia in [...]

Kids build virtual cities
It’s no secret that our country began as an settlement for buccaneers. There was little planning but eventually the colony of British Honduras rose to become Belize. And if you [...]

Caribbean nutrition day also looks at the health killers
No city, virtual or otherwise would be incomplete without a proper diet for its inhabitants. Caribbean Nutrition Day is recognized every year on June first. And today, at the Biltmore [...]

F.F.B. shows off new jerseys and jaguar teammates
‘On the Road to the Gold Cup’…is Channel Five’s focus on the national ‘A’ selection football team’s journey to the July 2013 Gold Cup to be held in the United [...]

Meet Ian Andrew Mork, Belize Jaguars new head coach
Since previous head coach Leroy Sherrier returned to his home in Costa Rica, the Football Federation had found a suitable replacement. Ian Andrew Mork was formally introduced as the head [...]

LOVE FM

Tourism Director Speaks on Berthing Facility for Belize
Back in March of this year the multimillion dollar proposed cruise port venture by Stake Bank Enterprises limited was back on the table. Originally the project proposed to build a cause way to nearby islands from Belize City but the project had to be downsized. A Stake Bank consultation is being ...

Food Service Providers Take Part In Nutrition Seminar
Today the Ministry of Health hosted a Nutrition Seminar for Food Service Providers. It’s in conjunction with the Caribbean Nutrition Day which is celebrated annually on June 1st According to Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health, Robyn Daly, the topics discussed included non-com...

Belize District Has Highest Reported HIV Cases
The Ministry of Health is getting ready to launch their HIV annual report next week. The report looks at data collected showing statistics of the disease for the year of 2012. The person in charge of the HIV program for the Ministry of Health, Marvin Manzanero says that collecting the...

Businessman Gets 18 Years For Manslaughter
On June 11, forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King’s Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter. Today Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced Contreras to eighteen years in prison. Since ...

Village Resident Left Critical In Hospital Following a Road Incident
A traffic accident occurred on the Gorge Price Highway this afternoon. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details. FEM CRUZ “A road traffic accident on the George Price Highway in the village of Camalote has left a man in a critical condition. Love News spoke to 33-year...

FECTAB Says Something Has Gone Horribly Wrong In The Cruise Industry In Belize
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture in conjunction with FECTAB is welcoming 80 delegates for the Platinum Associates Membership Advisory Council, PAMAC, hosted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association FCCA from June 19 to the 23rd. As part of the visit complimentary land tours will be provided...

Armed Robberies On The Rise In Northern Belize
Orange Walk Police are investigating a robbery in that municipality. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “Orange Walk Police are investigating another armed robbery in Orange Walk Town, the fourth in less than 5 days. According to reports, on Monday at around...

Rivers On The Rise In Belize
The National Emergency Management Organization advises the public that the Macal River in the Cayo District is 24 inches above normal and riding while the Mopan River is 12 inches and rising. The Belize River is six feet above normal and rising throughout the Belize District. In Lemonal nea...

Two Belizeans Destined For Europe Via Scholarship
Two Belizeans have received top European Union Scholarship Awards under the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Program. The awardees are Leo Koop and German Lopez, both graduates of the University of Belize who will pursue Masters Degrees in Europe in September. Koop was awarded a two year stu...

LOVE TV

Tourism Sector Looks At Possibility of Berthing Facility In Belize
Back in March of this year the multimillion dollar proposed cruise port venture by Stake Bank Enterprises limited was back on the table. Originally the project proposed to build a cause way to nearby islands from Belize City but the project had to be downsized. A Stake Bank consultation is being held this evening but whatever the case may be, the Belize Tourism Board is forecasting an increase of cruise visitors for next year. And as the Platinum Associates Membership Advisory Council conference gets under way tonight in San Pedro, there is no doubt that tourism delegates will questions as to why Belize does not have a berthing facility as yet. Here is what Director of the Belize Tourism Board, Laura Esquivel-Frampton had to say about it. LAURA ESQUIVEL FRAMPTON “We are actually working right now to come up with a policy to provide the government in terms of how we move forward in looking for those kinds of investments for a berthing facility. We recognize that the Government of Belize certainly recognizes that we need a berthing facility and as you know there are many legal issues that are taking place right now having to do with contracts that were signed and projects that never happened and what not which the government on a whole is trying to deal with those things but both the BTB and the Ministry and by wider extension, the Government of Belize does recognize the importance of getting that together and ensuring that we can have a tendering port.” LOCAL REPORTER “Where will this port be because so much depend on it; will it be in Belize or will it be at Stake Bank?” LAURA ESQUIVEL FRAMPTON “Well I don’t think it is as simple as that; I think you’re bringing these up because these are proposals that have come to the government in terms of where these docking facilities will be and that is why I said that we are working very diligently to really best advise the government, if a docking facility should come in where that should be. The information that you have right now is based on where it has been proposed to us. We feel and I think the government agrees very strongly that at some point it should be the government who should be saying, ‘this is where we want it’.”

Health Ministry Gives Training To Food Providers
Today the Ministry of Health hosted a Nutrition Seminar for Food Service Providers. It’s in conjunction with the Caribbean Nutrition Day which is celebrated annually on June 1st According to Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health, Robyn Daly, the topics discussed included non-communicable disease, basic nutrition principles, food safety and food guidelines. ROBYN DALY ““We have invited people who most of the Belize population would get food from at lunch time. We have representation from most of the food vendors among popular locations in the City and we have brought all of them here today to educate them on different nutrition practices to improve healthy eating. We are looking at over 60% of the population obese, 27% having high blood pressure; 13% having diabetes, we are seeing diabetes as the leading cause of death. So, people need food, food is very important so we decided to bring them together to this location do a short training for three and a half hours, more or less, and share our information with them as a means of impacting the way that they provide food to businesses or Belizean people. Our monitoring is the Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health; we have them here today with us and also they will be doing a presentation on food safety. They do get this training in order to get their food handlers permit but they also serve as our monitoring as well for the ministry because when we look at expiration goods on shelves, they actually go out and do that as well. They are responsible for that from the Ministry of Health and the information that they provide the general public is very informative and very helpful for us in looking at the health of our population, so they are here with us providing that. We have here with us the northern region of the Ministry of Health and there is an important reason for that; we recently hired a nutritionist that is stationed in the Orange Walk District, so we have invited that entire team to come here and observe and join us in this initiative so they can go and reproduce this exact training in Orange Walk and Corozal.

HIV/AIDS Data For Belize Shows Shift In Numbers
The Ministry of Health is getting ready to launch their HIV annual report next week. The report looks at data collected showing statistics of the disease for the year of 2012. The person in charge of the HIV program for the Ministry of Health, Marvin Manzanero says that collecting the data has taken some time since they are trying to report on more variables than what they’ve done in the previous years. He gave us a sneak peek into what the 2012 statistics look like. MARVIN MANZANERO “We have a slight increase in the total number of new infections as compared to 2011. The increase is a little bit under 10% but primarily the trend that we are noticing, particular in the last 3 years is that we are having more males being positive than females. So, the terminology that was used in the latter part of the last decade which talks about feminization of the disease can no longer be said because we are talking about more males turning out positive than females. We are obviously having less males being tested than females; so the positivity rate when you do that is significantly higher for males that is a particular trend we are noticing. When you look a total number of people dying as a result of HIV, the numbers really have not changed that much. We had about 81 deaths associated to that; we have a 1,000 plus people currently receiving treatment and we are working also to completing the data because towards 2010 we had been talking about 6,000 people living with HIV in Belize but after that data cleansing process and data quality measures that are being placed, I think our figures are closer to being anything between 3 – 4 thousand people living with HIV in the country of Belize.”

Murder Victim’s Son-In-Law Pleads Guilty For Manslaughter; Sentenced to 18 Years
On June 11, forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King’s Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter. Today Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced Contreras to eighteen years in prison. Since Contreras has spent the last two and a half years behind bars, he will serve the next fifteen and a half years to complete his sentence. The incident occurred on December 13, 2010, in Ladyville. Contreras was represented by Attorney, Ernest L. Staine and the prosecutor was Kaysha Grant from the DPP’s office

Motorbike Rider Remains Critical Following Road Incident
A traffic accident occurred on the Gorge Price Highway this afternoon. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details. FEM CRUZ “A road traffic accident on the George Price Highway in the village of Camalote has left a man in a critical condition. Love News spoke to 33-year-old truck driver, Aldo Carrillo from San Ignacio Town who says that around 3pm he was in front of the Community Centre checking a tractor on his truck.” ALDO CARRILLO “Well the guy was coming fairly slowly and at the same tome a dog just came out of the road and he hit the dog; the driver couldn’t control the motor cycle and just slid like 15 yards and he burst his head and it left him unconscious and he was taken to the hospital by a citizen who was willing to render aid.” FEM CRUZ “The person was transported to the Western Regional Hospital in an unconscious state suffering from serious head injuries; he is in a critical condition. His name was later learned to be Victor Castro of Teakettle Village in the Cayo District. “

FECTAB Executive Says The Cruise Pie Is Not Being Shared
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture in conjunction with FECTAB is welcoming 80 delegates for the Platinum Associates Membership Advisory Council, PAMAC, hosted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association FCCA from June 19 to the 23rd. As part of the visit complimentary land tours will be provided by CHUKKA Belize and the Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, FECTAB is not happy about it. FECTAB called a press conference this morning where the executive members expressed their concerns. It’s all about exposure and according to the President of FECTAB, Tom Greenwood, says that the small local tour operators were left out over preference for CHUKKA. FECTAB EXECUTIVE MEMBERS “Today we have asked for this press conference to be held because something utterly horrible has taken place in our cruise world. Only early this week, I was made aware of the fact that the Platinum Conference of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association schedule of events included something that put the local tour operators at risk completely. In fact, completely out of the picture as far as land based tours are concerned. We found out that all tours taking place on land here in Belize will be provided by Chukka Belize. Twelve tours established for land based activity have been handed to Chukka; they offered complementary tours, we offered complimentary tours; in any scenario, anywhere, it would be shared, it has always been shared; this is a first, this opens the door for God knows what. This is a simple thing, as far as I can remember in my 27 years as a tour guide, the BTB has always come to us, has always shared out things; we have been quite happy about that, sometimes upset because somebody gets a bigger part of the pie but it had been shared. This is a precedent, this is the first time by the BTB oblique stroke Ministry of Tourism granting all land based tours and remember, they talked about others having been invited and are doing something, Cruise Solutions in San Pedro, end of story; one sea cruise, done, end of story; all the land based tours have been approved to Chukka.”

Orange Walk Police Investigate Several Armed Robberies
Orange Walk Police are investigating a robbery in that municipality. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “Orange Walk Police are investigating another armed robbery in Orange Walk Town, the fourth in less than 5 days. According to reports, on Monday at around 8:40, four male persons exited a cream in color car in front of Chavelo’s Vegetables Place on Bakery St. in Orange Walk Town. The men described as tall and slim were all armed; three with sawed-off shot guns and one with a short arm shot gun. They entered the vegetable shop which we understand was about to close and proceeded to rob the proprietor, Isabel Paz of an undisclosed amount of cash. The men got back in their vehicle and drove off, no one was hurt. However authorities in Orange Walk are stepping up patrols in the area and town since this latest incident is the fourth in less than 5 days in Orange Walk Town. On the 14th of June, Yummy’s Restaurant was hit; on the 15th Police had a run-in and a full-fledged chase of a robber who entered and tied the female employee of ICB Insurance on Belize Corozal Road, while the would-be robber was arrested in this case, officers are investigating yet another robbery, this time at Lucille’s Guest House on San Antonio Road in Orange Walk Town that occurred over the weekend. What seems to be a hike in armed robberies in Orange Walk Town has triggered the Police Department to increase mobile patrols in town and they are asking the public to assist with any information that can lead to an arrest. In addition, if anyone notices any suspicious individual in their neighborhood, to contact the police station at 322 -2022.”

National Emergency Organisation Issues Report of State of Rivers Following TD2
The National Emergency Management Organization advises the public that the Macal River in the Cayo District is 24 inches above normal and rising while the Mopan River is 12 inches and rising. The Belize River is six feet above normal and rising throughout the Belize District. In Lemonal near the Governor Creek culverts there is six inches of water across the road. In Crooked Tree Village the lagoon is rising and is running off into Black Creek, Spanish Creek, Black Burn, Mexico Creek and Muscle Creek into the Belize River causing it to rise. In the Stann Creek District, assessment and health teams are presently in the affected communities of Sarawee, Mullins River, Gales Point and Dangriga. All shelters are closed. The coastal Road remains closed and the temporary crossing at Mullins River is closed to vehicular traffic and is currently being repaired by the Ministry of Works. In the Toledo District there is no report of flooding. The water on the Boom Creek Road has receded and the toad is now open to vehicular traffic.

EU Awards Scholarships to Two Belizeans Under The Erasmus Mundus Program
Two Belizeans have received top European Union Scholarship Awards under the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Program. The awardees are Leo Koop and German Lopez, both graduates of the University of Belize who will pursue Masters Degrees in Europe in September. Koop was awarded a two year study at the Technische Universitat Berlin in Germany and will major in Computer Simulation for Science and Engineering while Lopez will attend Bangor University in the United Kingdom for a similar period of study in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management. The scholarships cover monthly allowances, tuition, registration costs and insurance costs. Erasmus Mundus is the EU’s only scholarship program open to graduate students and institutions around the world with three main components, all with the objective of helping individual students, tertiary institutions and organizations active in the field of higher education. For the students the main objective is to promote accessibility to Europe’s top universities, help improve their career prospects, and promote intercultural understanding. The second component looks at assisting universities implement joint programs at postgraduate level or set up inter institutional partnerships between themselves and universities in Europe and targeted third countries. In the third component, organizations active in the field of higher education who wish to develop projects aimed at enhancing the attractiveness, profile, visibility and image of European higher education institutions also qualify for funding. Koop and Lopez join several Belizeans who have benefitted from the program since 2004. Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Jamaica and Belize, Paola Amadei extended her congratulations to both students and urges students and institutions in Belize to seize opportunities offered by the program.

PlusTV

Police report current crime statistics
It’s been a little over five months since Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie has taken over command of the Belize Police Department. Since then, Whylie along with his management team and policy group has tried to chart the way forward for the Police Department by shuffling things up and...

Noh Mul investigation should be complete by Friday
Will anyone be charged for Noh Mul and if so when? Those are the questions that were posed to Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie by the media. It’s destruction plastered Belize on international headlines and caused quite the local upset but eight weeks after it’s desecration, charges have not...

Tropical Depression 2 leaves flooding in parts of the country
Tropical Depression #2 has come and gone, though the effects of the storm are still prevalent in some areas of the country. NEMO today issued its 5th advisory detailing the intensity of flooding caused by the storm. Up until this morning, the Macal River was measured at 24 inches...

Northern Formation saw greatest crime reduction last month
At this afternoons’ press briefing, the Regional Command which saw the greatest reduction in crime for last month was awarded for their efforts. This was done along with Awards to the specific sub formation within that particular region. Minister of Police and Belmopan Area Representative, the Hon. John Saldivar...

Sex offenders to serve prison terms for incest and rape
In separate cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, two alleged sex offenders were adjudged guilty of the offenses of incest and rape. The first case comes from Orange Walk Town, where Isabel Mendez was convicted on Tuesday by a nine-member jury for ten counts of incest,...

Police say elderly man in critical condition following attack
Police have released an official report regarding an elderly man who was attacked and left for dead last week in Armenia Village. As we previously reported, the 63 year old was socializing at a bar in the village and while returning home, he was jumped by someone, beaten up...

Belize is the best place to retire
What’s the best place in the world to retire? Well Belize of course! Live and Invest Overseas, which is considered the world’s foremost authority on overseas retirement, has compiled its first Annual Retire Overseas Index titled: Best Places to Retire 2013, which features Belize, twice! Ambergris Caye snatched the...

Two Belizean students awarded Masters Degree scholarships
Two Belizean students will be travelling to Europe to pursue a Masters Degree of their choice. The awardees, Leo Koop and German Lopez, both graduates of the University of Belize are the recipients of the scholarships offered under the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus program. Leo Koop will be pursuing...

Blogs

What to do with rain in Belize
Sometimes you just cannot help bad weather when traveling. I have seen a few weather posts on forums recently about people wanting to know what to do with themselves when it rains. Unless you are the type that melts when wet like the wicked witch of the west, going out in the rain can be lots of fun. Just make sure you are well water proofed if you do. This morning Dick and I had a few errands to run so we checked out the back roads to see just how bad they were getting from all the rain. We saw lots of big puddles and a few peoples yards were under water. I took lots of video and will start editing it tomorrow and see what I got. After coming home I was planning to finish a #TravelTuesday post but I got sidetracked with a great rainy day project instead. AVG scanning, organizing and backing up all my pictures. With 36,716 thousand of them, it has taken me a good 9 h to load them between two 16 GB flash drives and my 300 GB Samsung external hard drive. When was the last time you backed up all your important files? This was a perfect excuse to watch TV in bed while I worked

There can be no greater need or deed than saving the earth as an Eco-Kid
Eco- kids, the same in name, different in ways, but all with the same important mission, trying to help make our world a better, cleaner and healthier place for us all. We Eco-kid work together for what we want to accomplish .Ecosystems types are not only determined by their abiotic factors. Of these soil is the most important. Along the entire cost and bordering many cays lie extensive mangrove forests. We also cannot forget the submerged habitat within the Barrier Reef, lagoon includes sea grass beds. Extinction is the complete loss of one or more species from the face of the earth. Today the principal causes of species extinction are the increase of human population grows. It invades and destroys ecosystems. Life is so intricately. Interdependent that in many cases the extinction of many more species that were dependent on them, for food, pollination or shelter.

Belize’s Rise as a Cultural Mecca
Belize just keeps developing as an artistic kind of place… Across the world from Australia to Trinidad and Tobago, word is out that the Belize International Film Festival is a prestigious event, and having your film accepted to be shown at it is a big deal. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday of June 17, Trinidadian filmmaker Andre Johnson had his short film, “Sweet TnT” selected for this year’s film festival in Belize City, which runs from July 11 to 15. Here’s what Newsday had to say; “Local short film Sweet TnT written and directed by Trinidadian Andre Johnson, has been selected for the 2013 Belize International Film Festival (BIFF), a major accolade for this filmmaker and Trinidad and Tobago, since the mission of this prestigious Film Festival is to ‘highlight culturally stimulating films to the Belizean audience’.” To hail a country’s film being selected for the 2013 BIFF as “a major accolade” speaks volumes for not just the artist, but for BIFF itself, and for the high regard the film festival is held in by Belize’s neighbours and the international community. And with entries from 13 nations including the United States of America, Cuba, Ukraine, Poland, France, Australia, and Spain. The BIFF has grown into a truly international event.

Anita Mesh Re-Elected As Chair Lady In San Jose, Orange Walk - Belize
San Jose Village is a large community on the Phillip Goldson Highway in the Orange Walk district adjacent to San Pablo Village. The two villages are only separated from each other by a sleeping policeman (speed bump) and are generally considered one community. Nevertheless, the villages have different village councils. While San Pablo villagers simply endorsed the uncontested participants, the people of San Jose voted for their leaders on Sunday June 9, 2013. San Jose village has a population of nearly 4,000 and about 2,000 electors. Those numbers make San Jose an important area for the politicians of Orange Walk North. That’s why on June 9, the area representative and standard bearers for Orange Walk North were present at the village council elections taking place at the San Jose Government School. Although a significant amount of electors did not vote, 1,066 votes were polled.

5 STEPS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS!!
Many business people achieve their greatest successes in unexpected areas. They begin a business and then they find that it isn’t as profitable as they had anticipated, so they change direction, using their experience and their momentum, and strike pay dirt in something else. The most important thing is to begin. To take action. To move forward one step at a time, learning and growing as you go. There is enough information available in virtually every field for you to become knowledgeable enough to achieve success, but action is necessary.

“Together Again” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
When I got up yesterday morning it was still raining. And raining quite hard. Managed to sit on the veranda with my ‘wake-up’ mug of coffee and The Times on-line for a while but then the rain started to drift in and hit me and, more importantly, my iPad so the only sensible (and,contrary to what many people might think, I am sensible) thing to do was to move inside. So I did. Once I had showered, shaved, dressed and had breakfast I set about trying to organise a replacement windscreen (windshield for non UK readers) for the one that had been stolen from our golf cart. First of I sent an email to Captain Sharks to ask how much they would charge to provide and fit a replacement. I then drove to FC Aluminium to find out what they would charge. I then went back home. When I got the response from Captain Sharks it was a close run thing but I opted for FC Aluminium so we took the ‘cart there before going to visit our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize. They were very efficient, taking slightly longer to get the replacement windscreen(windshield) from the stockroom than they did to fit once they had found it. Hopefully this one – with rivets to secure it to the ‘cart’- will remain in place!

International Sources

John McAfee’s endgame: ‘To stay alive as long as possible’
He fled the Central American country of Belize to Portland, Ore., by way of Guatemala and Miami in the wake of his neighbour’s murder, with his 20-year-old girlfriend and a film crew in tow. Yet little is what it seems with John McAfee, 67, the Virginia-raised software developer, who sold his eponymous anti-virus company in the mid-’90s to pursue a life of sun, sex and adrenalin. His life changed—though not necessarily for the worse—when he became a person of interest following the November 2012 killing of American Gregory Faull in Belize. McAfee claims the government wanted to frame him for the murder, and that he orchestrated his own media feeding frenzy to prevent his detainment. His escape from the country was certainly cable news fodder, and will be part of a series of movie and book-related projects by Montreal-based Impact Future Media.

Government approves draft agreement with Belize on exchange of tax information
A draft agreement between the Ukrainian and Belizean governments on the exchange of information on tax issues was approved at a cabinet meeting on June 19, 2013. According to a report of the press service of the Income and Tax Ministry of Ukraine, referring to Minister Oleksandr Klymenko, the provisions of the agreement will allow the exchange of information at the request of authorities of the two countries, in particular, on banking information and information on the owners of companies, agents, nominal owners and authorized delegates.

John McAfee resurfaces as ranting video star, mocks McAfee software
Eccentric former software pioneer John McAfee is back in the spotlight - lashing out at the anti-virus software that bears his name in a profanity-laced video. McAfee, an American who helped create the anti-virus software industry, generated a media frenzy at the end of last year when he fled his home on a tropical island in Belize, claiming that police in the Central American nation wanted to frame him for murder. He has begun producing a series of YouTube videos, the first of which lampoons the McAfee anti-virus software company that he founded in the late 1980s and that is now owned by Intel Corp. He has not worked for the business in more than 15 years.

BAGMO Calls On Belize Govt: GMO Soy Is Biopiracy
BAGMO Calls On the Government of Belize to Recognize Illegal Smuggling and Planting of GMO Soy to Be an Act of Biopiracy Belizeans Against GMOs are responding to the disclosure that GMO soybeans are illegally growing in Belize. BAGMO views the planting of illegal, smuggled soy seed to be an act of BIOPIRACY. Belize has banned trawling in Belizean waters, burned illegally cut rosewood, and burned rejected GMO corn in 2011, efforts at regulation and protection that were applauded across the globe. It is with this same sense of urgency that we implore that a strong and swift message be sent to all those farmers who undermine the regulation of food safety and protection by smuggling contraband genetically modified seed, which has never undergone a thorough and scientifically rigorous risk assessment, the established policy of the Belize Government. BAGMO calls on the Government of Belize to provide BAHA with the authority and necessary materials to conduct random and thorough testing throughout Belize for the presence of GMO crops and to immediately eradicate all GMO plant material that is found. BAHA must be allowed to create a precedent of zero tolerance for any illegal agricultural practices that would undermine the safety of Belizean food and the environment.

Another Look At The Science Museum’s Up-Coming Maya Exhibit
We are just a couple of days away from the opening of a huge new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota. It’s all about the ancient Maya, people who lived in places like southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador centuries ago. Some 300 objects are in this exhibit. It’s the largest traveling exhibit the museum has ever built, and it’s also the most complex collection of artifacts of the Maya ever put together. The ancient items include artwork and tools, and they demonstrate the amazing skills the Maya people had long before anyone else in the world. “They are fairly well-renowned, I think, to some people for their pyramids and the cities that have been abandoned and disappeared into the jungle, so there is a certain mystique that goes along with the Maya,” said Dr. Ed Fleming, an archaeologist with the University of Minnesota.

Hendrix students study marine life in Belize
Eighteen students at Hendrix recently explored marine environment in Belize as part of biology professor Dr. Jenn Dearolf’s marine biology course. “The only way to teach a marine biology class at Hendrix in Arkansas is to have a trip to the ocean linked to the class,” said Dearolf, adding that the trip was required field research for students in the spring semester class. Belize’s barrier reef is the second largest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, offering ample hands-on research opportunities, she added. Prior to the trip, students learned about rocky intertidal zones, estuaries, the epipelagic, the deep ocean, coral reefs and mangroves. They also learned about some of the organisms that they would see on the coral reefs of Belize and studied to which taxonomic groups the different organisms belonged, their scientific names, and distinctive features of the taxonomic groups.

Live and Invest Overseas Names the World's Top 21 Retirement Havens
The first thing to notice about this list is that it is a list not of countries but of particular places. You aren't going to retire to Panama or to Belize, not to France or to Ireland... just as you aren't going to retire to the United States. Every country in the world (even little Belize, to take a good example from our list) offers a diversity of lifestyle options, of costs of living, of climates, etc. You won't get far if you try to plan for your retirement to Panama... or any other country. Approach this that way, and you're guaranteed to be confused, frustrated, and disappointed. The second thing to consider about this list is: Why these destinations, specifically? That is, of all the places in all the world, why have we chosen to focus your attention on these 21 in particular? First, collectively, these 21 spots represent the best our world has to offer -- city, beaches, mountains... Old World and New... East and West.

Fly-Fishing in Belize
A novice heads to Turneffe Flats for a six-day lesson in Central America’s fishing mecca. I am covered head to toe in a long-sleeved shirt and pants, wearing heavy lace-up wading boots. My safari hat is fastened firmly under my chin, and a tubular bandana is pulled up to my eyes, which are covered by Polaroid lenses. It’s only 8 A.M., but it feels like 110 degrees. I might as well be deployed to Afghanistan instead of standing on a 16-foot flatboard skiff floating atop a deep-blue Caribbean lagoon, trying my first cast of the day. Instead of a rifle, I’m packing a ten-weight fly rod. I’m 30 miles off the coast of Belize, at Turneffe Flats, a haute-rustic fishing lodge perched on a coral reef offering 250 miles of beautiful protected waters and some of the best saltwater fly-fishing in the world. I’ve come on a lark after having had just one experience fly-fishing off the western tip of Nantucket and a single lesson on my front lawn in Washington, D.C. When my Nantucket fly-fishing pals—Linda Vollkommer, a college fencing coach, and Phyllis Burchell, a 79-year-old Nantucketer who holds an International Game Fish Association world record for catching a 26-pound permit fish with a fly off the Florida Keys—invited me to fish with them in Belize, I had no idea these were sacred waters. “Coming here to fly-fish after one lesson,” Turneffe Flats co-owner Craig Hayes tells me, “is like taking one golf lesson and going straight to Pebble Beach to tee off.”

Family of Six in Belize
Native South Carolinians McKinley and Natalie have lived in their hometown of Columbia their whole lives. Married for several years now and the parents of four little children, they feel it is time to branch out and explore parts of the world outside of their southern comfort zone. After a vacation in Belize they realized it would be the perfect place to move their family. The children are still young and therefore very flexible and both parents want them to experience a different culture, a change in landscape and grow up in a place where outside activity supersedes sitting in front of a television or video game station. Mom and Dad are outdoor enthusiasts as well so they also look forward to the outdoor activities available in Belize year-round. In order to finance the move, builder McKinley recently sold his construction business and plans to get into real estate sales in Belize once relocated. Looking to start off renting as they investigate the housing market, the couple's budget cannot exceed 5500 dollars and McKinley is adamant about that. Seeing as they need a house big enough for a family of six and both want to be close to amenities such as the beach, pools and tennis this might be a challenge for real estate agent Macarena. But she knows her stuff and will try her best to get this active family settled into a home and location that works for everyone. Will she succeed? Will McKinley and Natalie regret the move or embrace the tropical adventure they are so ready for? Find out when House Hunters International takes a long hike to Belize.

June 19, 2013

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

Helping hands- Restoring the beach
On Tuesday the Mayor of San Pedro Town and Vice Chairman of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) – San Pedro Operational Committee Daniel Guerrero was supervising beach restoration work. “We did an assessment of the island immediately after the passage of the storm and we are ready to work to restore the island and bring it back to normal. The storm brought mostly debris and brought land erosion in some areas. What happen is that the sand from the shoreline was brought more on shore. The only place underwater is San Mateo. A few of the private docks were damaged so it is not much. It will take us two to three days to clean up the beach from the debris and we should be up and running like normal,” said Guerrero who was accompanied on site by members of NEMO San Pedro Branch.

The first Lobster catch
Lobster season is finally open, and the fishermen are already flocking to the sea. The Lobster Season is a time when many fishermen in San Pedro wake up from as early as 5AM to go lobster hunting, dedicating most of their day to checking their traps for the anticipated Spiny Lobster. Since it is the opening of the season, the fishermen are catching as many lobsters as they can to provide for the Annual Lobster Festival. Throughout the rest of the season these fishermen will have to meet the high demand of lobster to sell to the various restaurants across town. Fishing for lobster is no easy task, these little critters are fast, but they are no match for the island divers who have been fishing all their lives. With in a few hours the boats are loaded with Spiny Lobsters. After the fishermen return home with their bountiful catch, it is time to clean it. After this has been done, the fishermen are off the sell their catch and collect their well deserved earnings.

Ambergris Today

New Division at San Pedro High School Has First Graduation Class
San Pedro Adult Continuing Education (SPACE ) is the new name given to what once used to be St. Peter’s College. After running into administration problems and closed down by the Ministry of Education, San Pedro Junior College was given the license to operate this adult education institution. Others refer to this new school as San Pedro High School Night Division because it is employing high school teachers and following a curriculum similar to San Pedro High. This past Sunday, June 16, 2013, SPACE held its historic first graduation ceremonies for nine seniors who proudly marched up the aisle at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in their blue gowns. The emcee Alex Nuñez welcomed Salutatorian Sheila Olivarez to greet the many friends, relatives, spouses and boyfriends to the ceremony. The invited guest speaker, Mr. Clive Welch of Lighthouse Christian Radio, concentrated on impressing unto the graduates the many useful meanings of the word “continuing” and coaxed the graduates into setting high goals and pursuing their dreams.

91 March at San Pedro High Graduation
San Pedro High School which commenced with a twenty five student enrollment and graduated ten in its first class has passed with flying colors its mission statement - that of providing secondary education to a wider community. Founded in 1971 when there was a yearly average of two students going to high school in Belize City, this year SPHS marched 91 seniors up the aisle at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Graduation ceremonies and Commencement Exercises were held this Saturday, June 15, 2013, in a ceremony which has been described as historical with the largest graduation class ever.

NEMO Issues Advisory on Flooding and Evacuations in Belize
Tropical Depression Two slammed into Belize yesterday and surprised everybody with torrential rains, high wind gusts and rough seas that managed to cause heavy beach erosion in parts of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and damage some piers. The storm is moving towards the west-northwest away from the country but still posing a threat with more rain. It is still raining in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but the San Pedro Town Board has already sent out crews all over the town to commence the cleanup process and get the island back to normal for when the sun comes back shining bright. A group of 50 students of the Church of Christ from North Carolina volunteered to clean up the beaches along with the San Pedro Town Council. The group was here to volunteer their services at Holy Cross Anglican School, but because classes were cancelled due to the bad weather they decided to help out the community by cleaning up!

Keeping One Step Ahead of the Storm
It is hard to believe what a mess we got from "just" a tropical depression! The storm that hit Belize on Monday, June 17, 2013, could not by any words be described as a little one. Just because the storm is not classified a hurricane it does not make it a small tropical squall. I do believe that we do take it for granted that these ‘no named’ storms will just pass us by with rain. There have been other tropical depressions and tropical storms that have caught us off guard in the past. Have we learned from them? Indeed we have. We’ve learned what to expect, how to prepare, where to take shelter, where to secure our boats and which homes will withstand stronger hurricanes. We have learned that we can batten down the hatches and fair through a big storm if, and only if, we are prepared and take the precautionary steps to stay safe.

25 Years Ago: Disciplining Children
We hear of a whole lot of misbehavior, mischief and even delinquent acts that go unpunished or even unnoticed today. Not so many years ago in San Pedro when there were a whole lot of people whose duty it was to discipline the children. Yes, I am talking about lashing, something that cannot be done today for fear of human rights violation. On another occasion I will talk about methods of punishment. Today I want to deal only with the various situations that did require a good lashing or beating or, as our elders would say, some disciplining. Admit it; our parents could not say “You will be locked in your room without coming out for an entire week, because we did not have our own private rooms. Or they could not tell us that we would not be able to see our favorite television program because there again we did not have television.

Misc Belizean Sources

Placencia BTIA Rejects Mass Cruise Tourism in South
The Placencia Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association condemns in the strongest terms Government’s willingness to accept mass cruise tourism in southern Belize. We find it inexplicable that Cabinet could reject Norwegian Cruise Line’s proposal for a cruise port at Crawl Caye yet simultaneously encourage the company to find an alternate site, in this case Harvest Caye. Although Harvest Caye does not lie within a marine protected area, the same negative environmental impacts resulting from excessive visitor pressure remain. Likewise, despite the Prime Minister’s statements that traffic at the Belize City cruise port would not be diminished, the inevitable result of a southern alternative would be the eventual migration of ships away from the old capital. Most importantly, however, the development of a large cruise port in the south inexorably commits the area to an economic future based on mass cruise tourism. This type of mass tourism is 180 degrees opposite from the path of low impact overnight tourism that has brought the Placencia Peninsula so much success and promises to provide even greater opportunities in the future.

Full Moon Concert Series
The Corozal House of Culture is pleased to be presenting another Full Moon Concert this Saturday, June 22 beginning at 7:30 pm in front of the House of Culture. Please join us for a night of Latin music featuring one of Corozal's finest in musical entertainment, CoroSalsa will surely delight the crowd with their vibrant performance.

The Passport Party Project
First things first: Judging the Passport to Belize contest was hard. The judges and I wanted everyone who entered to win. We're travelers, so we love the idea of giving the gift of travel to everyone. For us, it is like giving a part of ourselves. If we could put the world in a box and give it to all of the girls, we would. And yet, it wouldn't be a contest if there weren't people who won and people who lost, right? It's one of those disappointing life lessons, but definitely not the end of the world. So April, Shelley, Ana, Expedia and I would like to say a special Thank You to all of the girls that put their hearts into entering The Passport Party Project's Passport to Belize contest. We believe that your shiny new little blue travel booklet is merely the beginning of your journey to global citizenship.

Video: Diving Hol Chan Marine Reserve 2013 with Manatee
Marine life was extreme today with a family of manatee passing through the reserve as tropical depression enters the region.

Video: Corals Canyon, The Belize Barrier Reef 2013
Diving outside the reef as Tropical Depression enters. San Pedro Ambergris Caye Belize

Video: Eagle Ray Canyon, Hol Chan Marine Reserve
We pass through Hol Chan Channel to reach outside the reef as tropical depression enters our region, conditions starting to effect visibility dive 6 of 7,

Video: Scuba Diving Toffey Canyon, Ambergris Caye 2013
Lots of marine life, local diving, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with guest divers Trip, Janine and Don from Colorado. Thanks for choosing Belize as you dive vacation destination,

Video: Diving Cypress Canyon, Ambergris Caye Belize
Swim through was awesome, the Hawksbill Turtle feeding...a great dive with Trip, Janine and Don from Colorado

Video: Diving Tackle Box Canyon, Ambergris Caye
Join Guest Divers; Trip, Janine and Don as we explore Tackle Box Canyon with Belize Pro Dive Center, San Pedro Ambergris Caye.

Xunantunich's New Facilities
Xunantunich has a new visitor's center along with some new bathrooms. They should be open for guests soon.

Stonetree Rehearsal at Soul Project
Stonetree Records, based in Benque, had a rehearsal and photoshoot at the Soul Project. Lots of talent there between the musicians and the photographers. Looks like they had a great time. "lotta Belizean and international artist at the soul project"

Video: Squid Family Caye Caulker Reef

Oooh, Caye Caulker
I've probably posted about Caye Caulker, like, 80 times already, so I won't bother repeating myself; instead, I'll just share some pictures I took while I was enjoying my day off there yesterday.

Channel 7

Hope Creek Gets Flooded Again, This Time Residents Ready
Tropical Depression two dropped about ten inches of rain in the south in 24 hours resulting in raised river levels, closed schools, people in shelters and collapsed culverts on the highway. The news tonight though is that in most areas, the water is receding and life is returning to normal. But “normal” is a relative term for flood ravaged communities. Today, our news team trekked across many of the flood prone areas in the south – and we begin our coverage in Hope Creek where, at the height of the flood, 39 people were put in shelters. Hope Creek, viewers will recall experienced vicious flash floods in 2008 leading to the loss of life. Well, this time, the water didn’t come in a flash, but it did flood and, it seems, they were ready. Our Daniel Ortiz and Codie Norales were thigh deep in the flood waters today – and they have this report.. Daniel Ortiz reporting An uninformed observer maybe mistaken if they look at this area and concluded that it is some natural body of water. It's an actual street in the Hope Creek Village which was overrun by the flood waters from Tropical Depression 2.

Met Office: TD 2 Formed Unexpectedly
But first, we get the overview from the Met Department. They’ve been watching this Tropical Wave since last week – and were caught slightly off guard on the weekend when it formed into a depression 50 miles off the coast of Belize. Today, Chief Met Officer Dennis Gonguez told us that the weather system has produced heavy, but not record rainfall. Dennis Gonguez - Chief MET Officer "As tropical depression #2 moves away, we're still getting some rainfall around the country. The numbers range from 2 1/2 inches in the north to about 3 1/2 inches in the west and as high as 7 inches in the south. This has led to some flooding in some sections in the southern parts of the country. In the past 24 hours since the system was called a tropical depression we were close to about 10 inches in the south, in the previous 24 hours we had about 3 inches in the south so we're pretty much close to 10 inches in the south to this time. We tend to focus on Tropical storms and hurricanes with their wind damage but however tropical depressions can provide us with copious amount of rainfall resulting in flooding."

The Death Of Delone
And while it rained steadily in Belize City last night – it was still a time to kill at a canal side house. A masked gunman stormed into a home where 31 year old Delone Vernon was playing cards and singled him out for execution. It’s a terrifying and cold blooded act – particularly considering that the house he was in is the base of the home turf for the “Back A Town” gang. Today, Monica Bodden visited the neighborhood. Monica Bodden reporting It was through this front door that the gunman stormed into the house of Dorla Williams –ran up this narrow flight of steps – and opened fire on 31 year old Delone Vernon. It happened just before 9 last night-during the heavy showers. Vernon – was upstairs playing cards with 6 others at the time of his death. Many heard as many as 4 gunshots rang out - one of those shot caught Vernon to the chest and penetrated through his heart – killing him almost on the spot. His sister-in-law 32 year old Sherna Miller was also shot – in her left arm and right leg. She is hospitalized in a stable condition.

Hon. Mark King Cleared Of Charges
In February UDP Minister of State Mark King was at the center of an event just short of a political scandal: he’d lost his temper at the Princess Casino in Corozal and thrown an ugly tantrum resulting in him being ejected from the Casino – and then later having a confrontation with police. It resulted in charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and threatening words. Well today was trial day in Corozal Magistrate’s Court and he was acquitted – tonight he is free and clear of any charges. Here’s what happened in court: First off, the police officer whom he had allegedly committed an aggravated assault on? That’s constable Nelson Ramos, and he withdrew his testimony – meaning he didn’t want to press charges. And then the three other witnesses including a PC Swazo could not identify Mark King from the witness stand. That’s the basic standard of identification that has to be met and without it, Magistrate Clive Lino declared that there was insufficient evidence to continue with the case and acquitted King of all charges. King told us he was busy today and will comment tomorrow.

Man Convicted Of Incest In Orange Walk
A jury in Orange Walk convicted a man of incest today. 47 year old Isabel Mendez was convicted of 10 counts of incest by a jury of 9 in the Supreme Court sitting in Orange Walk Town. He was tried before Justice Herbert Lord for having sexual intercourse with his daughter, then 12 years old from 2006 until it was reported in 2009. Crown Counsel Sabita Maharaj was the prosecutor while Mendez was unrepresented. He will be sentenced on June 27th. In other court news involving a sex offender, last week Friday, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of alleged serial rapist Leroy Gomez. He had been convicted of rape and robbery in July of 2012 and was sentenced by Justice Adolph Lucas to 15 years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. After hearing arguments from the DPP and Gomez’s attorney Hubert Elrington, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction, so Gomez remains in jail serving his sentence. Up to the time of his conviction in 2012, Gomez had beaten 4 other rape charges.

BTIA to PM: No Bull with Noh Mul!
Last week, the Prime Minister said at a press conference that he too had gotten impatient with the slow moving investigation into the destruction of the main temple at the Noh Mul site. Well, today the Orange Walk Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association Orange Walk Chapter, sent an open letter to the PM saying that it is dissatisfied that one month later no one has been charged. The BTIA asks him to intercede to, quote, induce the relevant authorities to promptly conclude their investigation and press charges as the law provides.

Flood stories From Sarawee and Sitee
As we showed you at the top of the Newscast, Hope Creek experienced flooding which affected the low-lying areas of the village, and forced 39 residents to evacuate to the hurricane shelter. Well, Sarawee and Sittee River had their own share of flooding from Tropical Depression 2, and while on survey of the affected areas, we stopped in at both villages. Here’s what one villager told us about how the rise in water surprised him, even though it was a weak storm: Steven Emmanuel Sr. - Resident, Sarawee Village "It started from about 10:00 and I went to my bed and took a little nap and when I woke up about 3 it went down about 3 - 4 inches and then this morning it came up back a little higher because it was 3 inch to enter my house and this morning when I noticed, it almost entered the house. This is the first time i see that it takes so long to go down." Daniel Ortiz "Was there anyone from Sarawee who had to evacuate from low lying areas which had dangerous experiences with flooding?" Steven Emmanuel Sr. "Yes they have a few people that live in the North west side and over there at the east side but not to evacuate out of the village, just to get to higher land in the same village." Daniel Ortiz "What you're looking at, is your yard and it looks like a pool."

NEMO In Griga Was In Front Of the Flood
A major part of the Stann Creek District’s excellent response was that the NEMO Hub in Dangriga was very active and vigilant, watching every move of Tropical Depression 2. Today, we spoke to the Mayor of Dangriga Town, who is also the chairman of the Stann Creek Emergency Committee, and he gave us a full report on their activities since yesterday. Here’s what he told us: Mayor Gilbert Swazo - Chairman, Stann Creek Emergency Committee "Earlier this morning about 3:00 we recieved word that there were people on the Mullins river who needed to be evacuated. Again we immediately coordinated through NEMO, through Coast Guard who then subsequently deployed a vessel and we also placed an alert - one shelter, Parish Hall within Dangriga with the view to house and shelter those evacuees from Mullins River. There were 49, however, I must report that right now while the coast guard has arrived at the destination at Mullins River, we have no confirmation that the people have now been extracted but the shelter remains open and the shelter management team prepared to support those evacuees from Mullins River. Amongst the other reports that we received is that the Mullins river bridge is compromised and the coastal road is under water as a result of the bridge being compromised and the fact that the road is severely under water. That road has now been declared again in concurrence with NEMO - it is now closed for vehicular traffic. There is also a culvert on the Southern Highway which is compromised and again the Ministry of Works are on scene doing rehabilitation works with a view then that we could open the road for continuous traffic. Those areas are critical arteries to provide supplies to our people, to the villagers in those communities that are not impacted.

Fun In A Time Of Flooding
We’ve shown you the residents of the Stann Creek Valley who were affected, and who had the scare of the floods from Tropical Depression 2. Well, there were some young men from Sarawee Village who weren’t too worried about the storm. As a matter of fact, they had a good time in the floods waters of their yard. We asked them why they were taking light of a situation which the adults thought was no joke. Here’s what they told us: Rudolph Emmanuel - Resident, Sarawee Village "We're just playing football. In the water you can jump and not get hurt, just playing rough in the water." Daniel Ortiz "You usually play like this when you have flooding in this area?" Rudolph Emmanuel - "Yes we go around in canoe." Daniel Ortiz "Tell us about when you guys decide that instead of waiting until the rain passes, we will be out there playing in the water."

Channel 5

TD2 floods the south
Tropical Depression number two which made landfall on Belize on Monday afternoon has resulted in significant rainfall all across the country. But today all eyes were on the flood prone [...]

Floods chip away at newly cemented streets
Though the projected path was over Monkey River, the sheer width of the cloud cover reached the former capital, Belize City. The City is also experiencing flooding in the aftermath [...]

NEMO advises on location of Tropical Depression
Life for residents of southern Belize, who sought refuge at various shelters during the overnight passage of Tropical Depression Two, resumes normalcy, as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) reports [...]

Meteorology Dept. says more rains for coming days
NEMO keeps close contact with the Meteorology Department that is stationed at the Philip Goldson International Airport. An hour after the NEMO advisory, the MET Office indicated that at three [...]

A King freed! Police officer drops charges against Minister Mark
And much further north, the remnants of a political storm had expectedly fizzled. There was no need for a forecaster to predict that Minister of State Mark King would be [...]

Do you have confidence in the health system because the Minister of Health won the village council elections?
And tonight’s question is: Do you have confidence in the health system because the Minister of Health won the village council elections? Yes or No. Send your comments and responses [...]

Murdered in his home on Sibun Street
A young man who had turned his life around was shot and killed on Monday night. Until he was murdered, Delone Vernon was an employee of Youth for the Future. [...]

Did wife have a role in murder of Belizean American?
A Belizean also lost his life to violence in the United States. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the murder of a Belizean American inside his home on Sunday. [...]

Armenia man sodomized and left for dead
An elderly man was reportedly beaten and sodomized in Armenia Village on the tenth of June, while socializing at a local bar.  The man, in his sixties, was said to [...]

Man acquitted for murder after 5 years on remand
A man who has spent the last five years on remand for a 2008 murder will not go back to the Belize Central prison tonight. Twenty-eight year old Anthony Sabido, [...]

5 years for firearm
A Belize City man was convicted in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court after he was found with a nine millimeter pistol loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. This afternoon, in the [...]

10 counts of incest for Isabel Mendez
The Orange Walk Town Supreme Court is also in session.  Today, Isabel Mendez was convicted by a nine member jury of ten counts of incest. Mendez was tried before Justice Herbert [...]

Water on floor in maternity ward of K.H.M.H.
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the nation’s only referral hospital, and is currently being bombarded with very negative publicity following the deaths of newborns in the neonatal intensive care [...]

The threats to Chiquibul featured at symposium
From hospitals inundated with water to forests under siege…The Chiquibul National Park is Belize’s largest national park; about four hundred and fourteen square miles, which is approximately the size of [...]

Sights and sounds of TD2
There are five more months to go before the end of Hurricane Season. And though we have barely begun the first month in the season, Tropical Depression Two won’t be [...]

LOVE FM

Dangriga Mayor Reports on Flooding
NEMO Stann Creek is in full effect monitoring the flood situation in that area. Correspondent Harry Arzu met with representatives and has more on the conditions in the following report. HARRY ARZU “NEMO Stann Creek held a meeting today to address the flooding situation here in...

Young Student Awarded On Behalf of ComPol
The Commissioner of Police Do the Right Thing Award for Toledo was presented yesterday to a student of Punta Gorda. Here is Correspondent Paul Mahung with the details. PAUL MAHUNG “On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the award was presented to recipient Mellissa Rodriguez...

Northern Belize Reports Normalcy Following Passage of TD2
In Orange Walk the District Emergency Management Organization is also monitoring the weather conditions. Dalila Ical Reports. DALILA ICAL “Classes were canceled as the rain poured this morning in Orange Walk Town; DEMO Orange Walk continued to monitor the situation in the dist...

Emergency Management Issues Fourth Release on Tropical Depression 2
This afternoon the National Emergency Management Organization issued their fourth advisory on Tropical Depression Number Two. NEMO informs that at two pm, the depression was located near latitude 18.3 North, Longitude 91.9 West. It is moving towards the West-Northwest at approximately...

Four Maskall Villagers Charged With Drug Trafficking
Four persons from Maskall Village have been charged with drug trafficking. Around 5:20 am on Friday June 14th, police conducted a search at a house in the village. Present at the time of the search were forty year old Winston Devans, forty year old Sharlet Migueal, twenty one year old...

Casey Scholarship Fund Assists Residents of Gallon Jug
Hundreds of standard six students across the country are completing their eight years of basic education around this time of the year. While some will move to secondary school, others will not enjoy of that privilege. In many cases it’s not because they were not accept...

Reports of Flooding In Hospital In Western Belize
The RSV News Center has received reports of a flood at the San Ignacio Hospital. Although the hospital is well situated on a hill, we understand that the flood is being caused by a leak in the building. Reliable sources tell us that the leak has been a problem in the building for a wh...

Woman Convicted of Incest With 12-Year-Old
Isabel Mendez was today convicted by a nine member jury in the Supreme Court sitting in Orange Walk Town of 10 counts of incest. Mendez was tried before Honorable Justice Herbert Lord for having sexual intercourse with the victim who was twelve years old at the time over a period which spann...

Young Man Murdered In Girlfriends Home While Socializing
One man was shot to death and a woman was injured last night. It happened at about 8:50pm on Sibun Street and this time the victim was thirty one year old Delone Vernon, an employee of Youth for the Future who was murdered and thirty two year old Sherna Miller who is currently in a stable conditi...

BTIA Orange Walk Chapter Wants Charges Levied For Destruction of Maya Temple
The Orange Walk Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, BTIA, has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow in connection to the destruction of a temple at Noh Mul in the Orange Walk District. Chairperson of the association, Osmani Salas says they are calling on the Pr...

No Evidence of Charges Against Minister of State
Love News understands that Lake Independence Representative Mark King appeared before the Magistrates court in Corozal this morning. After hearing the evidence from four prosecution witnesses, the Magistrate declared that there was no evidence to prove any of all the three minor charges.&nb...

Belize City Laborer Remanded on Firearm and Ammunition Offences
Twenty-one year old Stephon Anderson, a laborer of number 7 Ebony Street charged with firearm and ammunition offences became an inmate of Belize Central Prison today after he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court and pled not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded hi...

Accused For A 2008 Murder Acquitted
Twenty-eight year old Lincoln Sabido, charged with the murder of Norman Reyes, was acquitted of the charge today in court. After the prosecution closed its case, Sabido’s attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, submitted that he does not have a case to answer to. Justice Gonzalez uphel...

CTV3

Tropical Depression Number 2 Floods Parts Of The South
Tropical Depression number 2 drenched the country last night especially the South as the system headed further west and crossed over Belize. As a result of the heavy rains classes were cancelled countrywide. The system unleashed torrential rainfall in the South causing major flooding in several areas. The Mullins River is rising and the temporary crossing is under 12 feet of water as the Coastal Highway remains closed. In Sarawee, the water is residing and most of the people who sought refuge at the Community Center have returned to their homes. In Hope Creek, the water is also receding rapidly and the highway is no longer under water. Most of the people who were in the shelter have returned to their homes. Near Sittee River, the Hopkins Road is closed and is under 2 feet of water. In Dangriga Town, where flooding was also experienced, the water is receding. In Belize City flooding was recorded in some areas but there was no major damage. The same goes for Orange Walk and Corozal. Nemo’s 4th release indicated that at 2:00pm Tropical Depression Two was located near Latitude 18.3 North, Longitude 91.9 West. The depression is moving towards the West-Northwest at approx. 10 mph over the Southern Bay of Campeche and away from Belize, with maximum sustained winds at 30 mph with higher gusts. Flooding is likely to continue in the low-lying communities. This afternoon we spoke to Chief Meteorologist Dennis Gonguez who told us that the system is presently moving away from Belize. Dennis Gonguez- Chief Meteorologist “The depression continues to produce some rainfall around the country and rainfall beakers varied from as low as three inches in the north to as high as seven inches in the south, we did receive significant amount of rainfall out of the system.”

Stanley Tillett Accused Of ICB Robbery Goes To Court
Stanley Tillett, accused of the broad daylight armed robbery of the Insurance Corporation of Belize Orange Walk Branch on Saturday morning, appeared before the Orange Walk Magistrates today. It is important to note that since the court room was being used for the Supreme Court session, cases at the Magistrate level were heard inside the police’s conference room. Stanley was charged by police for robbery, unlicensed firearm and ammunition and harm. But before the charges could be read to him by Magistrate Hetti Mae Stuart, Stanley began complaining of pain and claimed police brutality. As a result, Magistrate Stuart stated that she would not listen to the case until Stanley is provided medical attention. The accused was then escorted out of the court room and transported to the Northern Regional Hospital. As he walked down the stairs Stanley accused police of brutality. At around 3:15 this afternoon Stanley was escorted back to the court room where all three charges were read out to him. He was remanded to prison until his next court date. On Saturday June 15th, at around 9:00am, Stanley is believed to have entered ICB located on Belize Corozal Road Orange Walk Town, pulled out a .22 pistol and pointed it at Customer Service Officer Ruth Martinez, who was alone in the office at the time.

Minister Of Gangs Mark King Acquitted Of All Charges
This morning Minister of State with Responsibility for Gangs, Mark King, walked out of the Corozal Magistrates Court bouncing with joy after he was acquitted of Aggravated Assault against P.C Nelson Ramos attached to the Corozal Police Station, as well as Threatening Words and Disorderly Conduct. Accompanying King this morning was Chairman of the United Democratic Party Alberto August and other high officials of the UDP. The three charges were levied against King back in February of this year after he became involved in a brawl with casino security and Corozal police while socializing at the Princess Casino located just outside the Corozal Commercial Free Zone in the early hours of February 5th 2013. Today in court, the prosecution, represented by Assistant Superintendent Daniel Arzu, called four witnesses to the stand- two security officers from the Princess Hotel and Casino who were on shift at the time of the incident, P.C Suazo and P.C Nelson Ramos who was on duty at the Corozal Free Zone police booth on the day of the incident. Of note is that this morning in court P.C Ramos withdrew his testimony.

Another Armed Robbery In Orange Walk
There has been a recent spike of robberies occurring here in Orange Walk Town. This past weekend alone, saw the robberies of three business establishments, one which proved to be very brutal. But while the manner in which the crime is conducted may differ, there is no doubt that Orange Walkeños now fear for their lives. Home or anywhere else around town, is safe no more since robbers have been targeting local businesses who are trying to make ends meet. Yesterday, another robbery at gun point left the owners of Chabelo’s Fruits and Vegetables located on Bakers Street in shock after they were robbed of the day’s sale. The horrendous incident happened very quickly but luckily, no one was hurt. Isabel Paz Valenzuela, proprietor of Chabelo’s Fruits and Vegetables Store, told us what happened. Isabel Paz Valenzuela, Fruit Vendor “Era cosa como las ocho a punto de cerrar la tienda, se presentaron un vehículo beige, tipo Toyota corola y bajaron tres personas armadas después bajo el ultimo que eran cuatro y nos amenazaron para que entreguemos el dinero que tenemos y nosotros hicimos lo que nos pidieron y me quitaron mi celular y el dinero que se llevaron ellos y eso fue todo y gracias a Dios no nos hicieron daño.”

UB Fires Patrick Menzies
Patrick Menzies is a well known activist who for some time now has been very vocal regarding national issues such as the death of the thirteen babies at the KHMH and also the most important one; the discrepancies in the overcharging of students along with credit transfers at the University of Belize. But today he is on the news fighting his own war after his services were terminated at U.B. Yesterday afternoon when Menzies showed up to teach his Management Information Systems class he received the shocking news that he was already replaced. Menzies’ termination comes at the heels of a research conducted by his students which shows that the University of Belize is overcharging students for some courses. As a result he strongly believes that he was fired for speaking out. Patrick Menzies- Former UB Lecturer I showed up for the class and there was another gentleman trying to find the key for the same classroom. So we came downstairs and when we met together in the secretary’s office, He asked for U4 and I said, ‘But I’m in U4.’ I asked ‘What class are you doing?’ He said MIS; I said ‘Well that’s my class.’ He said ‘Well I don’t know what’s going on; I have been here for two weeks.’ So what happens is the secretary calls and says ‘No, Mr. Menzies it’s not your class, we have given it to this other guy. I said ‘Really?’ So I go look for Dr. Urbina and he wasn’t there, so I go to the Provost’s Office, but they were already waiting for me; they expected this. So I get there and who is there? The Provost is there and then she makes all these statements and I will say now live on the media, the reality is 1. She said that I misrepresented her by saying about giving a hardcopy to the President. God as my witness and let God be the judge, she said it, so that’s a lie.

BTIA Orange Walk Chapter Writes To P.M On Destruction Of Noh Mul
When are those responsible for the destruction of Noh Mul going to charged? That is what BTIA Orange Walk Chapter is asking tonight. Despite the fact that statements have been recorded and video footage of the destruction has been obtained, charges are yet to be levied against the owner of De Mar’s Stone Company, Denny Grijalva, who has practically accepted blame for the destruction of the site, or any other person for that matter. And BTIA Orange Walk Chapter is concerned about the situation. So much so, that today the organization wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Belize asking for his intervention into the matter. In the release, BTIA Orange Walk expresses their dissatisfaction that one month has passed and no one has been charged for, quote unquote “Committing that atrocity.” The organization is discouraged at the prolonged process that the official investigation has been taking. Based on this fact, BTIA Orange Walk Chapter pleads to the Prime Minister that he interceded so as to induce the relevant authorities to promptly conclude their investigation and press charges as the law provides.

Three Wanted Men Still On The Run
Police issued a wanted poster for their arrest on June 7th and up to news time 37 year old Robert Hill and 23 year Austin Sutherland, both residents of Corozal Town wanted for robbery and burglary respectively, are still on the run. Hill is wanted in connection to the armed robbery of Chan Li Game Room which occurred on June 5th 2013. By the time police arrived at the scene Hill had already disappeared into the night on bicycle. The 23 year old from San Antonio Village in the Corozal District is believed to be armed and dangerous. Also on the run is Austin Sutherland, a resident of G Street South Corozal Town who is wanted in connection to the burglary of the breeze Hotel situated on 1st Avenue Corozal Town. Police suspect that that on June 1st 2013 Sutherland entered the hotel and stole more some $75.00 in cash and more than $600.00 worth in items. Sutherland is also considered armed and dangerous. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Hill and Sutherland are asked to contact the nearest police station. Today marks 22 days that Orange Walk resident Nimrod Tillett absconded from police while waiting to receiving treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital on May 21st 2013.

Tropical Depression Two Brings Heavy Rains To The North
At the wake of the passage of tropical depression number 2 the entire country has experienced the remnants of the system. Down south the heavy rains caused flooding and serious damage to some highways. Here in Orange Walk, the damage, if any, was minimal yet similar to the rest of the country, classes were called off. While Orange Walk did not experience major flooding DEMO continues to monitor the situation. Zuleima Celiz, Coordinator DEMO O/W “Here in Orange Walk we haven’t had any complains or any calls concerning river levels going up or any flooding or anything so pretty much everything is normal here in Orange Walk but the villages have been calling them but there is no report of anything or any damages.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “So at this point in time the north can breathe a sigh of relief in regards to don’t worrying about any more floods or anything in that respect.” Zuleima Celiz, Coordinator DEMO O/W “Well, we are awaiting to see if the southern part has been affected and to see if the water will come through this side but so far everything is normal and we haven’t anything in regards to TD2.” People living in the low lying areas should remain on the alert since the heavy rains are expected to continue for a few days.

LOVE TV

Mayor Swazo Gives Report on Flooding in Southern Belize
NEMO Stann Creek is in full effect monitoring the flood situation in that area. Correspondent Harry Arzu met with representatives and has more on the conditions in the following report. HARRY ARZU “NEMO Stann Creek held a meeting today to address the flooding situation here in Dangriga and surrounding communities such as Sarawee Village which is about 4 miles from Dangriga, as well as Hope Creek Village. The floodings are as a result of the heavy torrential rains produce by Tropical Depression #2. Mayor Gilbert Swazo is the Chairman of NEMO Stann Creek, he tells us what transpired from the meeting and gives us his observation on the grounds.” MAYOR GILBERT SWAZO “The Stann Creek District Emergency Management team met earlier today to get a current update of the current situation as a consequence of the impact of tropical depression number 2. We also met to confirm the state of readiness of the respective operational subcommittee. The EOC is currently activated and is poised to respond to any serious but credible risks to any of the communities, villages and Dangriga that is within the Stan Creek District. It must be noted that at the present time, two shelters are open; one in Sarawee and the other in Hope Creek. Those two shelters have combined, a total of 59 people in those shelters including the shelter managers. There is one shelter in Dangriga, the Parish Hall which is now being prepared for evacuees from Mullins River; the coast guard is now in Mullins River preparing to evacuate 49 people from Mullins River to Dangriga and as I have indicated earlier, where they will be sheltered in the parish hall.

Police In Southern Belize Awards Young Woman
The Commissioner of Police Do the Right Thing Award for Toledo was presented yesterday to a student of Punta Gorda. Here is Correspondent Paul Mahung with the details. PAUL MAHUNG “On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the award was presented to recipient Mellissa Rodriguez by Officer in Command of Toledo Police Formation, Superintendent of Police, Simeon Alvarez.” SIMEON ALVAREZ “Mellissa Rodriguez, student of the Toledo Community College, Punta Gorda Town congratulation on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. You have been selected as the recipient of the Punta Gorda Formation, ‘Do The Right Thing’ in the program award for the month of April 2013. It is my sincere desire that you will continue your education to the highest level and develop life skills that will develop positively toward a better future for yourself and the community in which you live. Being exposed as a young person to people of different character and lifestyle allows you to appreciate yourself and your community more and aspire for your dreams. Remember to always do the right thing not because you can but because you want to make a difference.” PAUL MAHUNG “Felicia Rodriguez was grateful for the award.”

How Is Northern Belize Following TD2?
In Orange Walk the District Emergency Management Organization is also monitoring the weather conditions. Dalila Ical Reports. DALILA ICAL “Classes were canceled as the rain poured this morning in Orange Walk Town; DEMO Orange Walk continued to monitor the situation in the district. Suleima Celiz, District Coordinator tells us more about the situation.” SULEIMA CELIZ “Orange Walk is normal; I have been calling the different villages and checking the low lying areas and talking to people in the villages. The river levels remain normal; classes have been canceled early this morning by the Ministry of Education and Orange Walk is normal so far. I am waiting for advisory from the headquarters as to the situation with classes. The rains have been off and on here in Orange Walk, nothing to be concerned of here in Orange Walk. Just stay tuned to your radio especially the persons living by the river side and Trial Farm and so forth.” DALILA ICAL “In case of emergencies or queries, the number to call at the Orange Walk office is 302 3228 or Mrs. Celiz at 605-5046. The situation in Corozal is also being monitored. We spoke with District Coordinator, Willard Levy.” WILLARD LEVY “Presently we don’t have any reports from any villages or town; we don’t have any flood threats; we had rains during the course of the night and part of this morning but so far the rains have ceased and we haven’t received any reports from any of the villages, so we do not have any threats at the moment; currently the schools are closed so that’s the position with Corozal.”

Fourth Advisory on TD2 Issued By Emergency Management
This afternoon the National Emergency Management Organization issued their fourth advisory on Tropical Depression Number Two. NEMO informs that at two pm, the depression was located near latitude 18.3 North, Longitude 91.9 West. It is moving towards the West-Northwest at approximately ten miles per hour over the Southern Bay of Campeche and away from Belize with maximum sustained winds at thirty miles per hour with higher gusts. NEMO also advises that flooding is likely to continue in the low-lying communities. One of the most affected areas at this time is the Stann Creek District. A team from Love News headed south today to look at the situation and we’ll have the story for you later on in the newscast. Meanwhile in Belize City, the Coordinator for the City Emergency Management Organization, CEMO, Phillip Willoughby informed us on the situation in Belize City. PHILLIP WILLOUGHBY “Let’s establish that we are below sea level; what the engineers and the staff from the Works Department are doing is looking at the entire City doing their initial survey to see where the bottle necks are, the problem areas are and those bottle necks will be looked at and be dealt with to alleviate and facilitate free and smooth flow of water in these hot areas or blocked up areas.” HIPOLITO NOVELO “Have you visited the flooding areas?”

Reports of Flooding In Western Hospital
The RSV News Center has received reports of a flood at the San Ignacio Hospital. Although the hospital is well situated on a hill, we understand that the flood is being caused by a leak in the building. Reliable sources tell us that the leak has been a problem in the building for a while now. We understand that an entire hallway inside the hospital becomes flooded every time it rains and that although the situation has been reported to the relevant authorities, nothing has been done to fix the problem. We were even informed that a whole section of the ceiling has caved in. Our correspondent in that area today visited the hospital and she was informed that no such thing is happening and says she observed only a small leak, and that whatever problem there was has been addressed. Our sources say however, that the leak is huge and the flooding evident. Unconfirmed reports are that the representatives from the Ministry of Health were at the hospital this afternoon inspecting the problem. Love News spoke with the Deputy Regional Health Manager, Myra Pulido who told us that the reports were untrue and she was not certain who was making the reports since no one is allowed to call the media. Sources however maintain that only yesterday the entire corridor was flooded.

Boyfriend Murdered; Girlfriend Injured In Southside Belize City
One man was shot to death and a woman was injured last night. It happened at about 8:50pm on Sibun Street and this time the victim was thirty one year old Delone Vernon, an employee of Youth for the Future who was murdered and thirty two year old Sherna Miller who is currently in a stable condition at the KHMH recuperating from gunshots wounds to her hand and leg. It is believe that Vernon was shot to the chest by a gunman who barged into the house were Vernon was at the time and release a barrage of bullets. Reporter Hipolito Novelo found out the motive on this latest city killing. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING The murder occurred here on Sibun Street inside Miller’s residence. The shooter made his way through the front door, scurried up the stairs, took out a firearm and released a barrage of bullets towards the direction of seven persons. FAMILY MEMBER “Last night about a few minutes before nine o’clock, I was already in my bed, I drank my medication and about a half hour after I was in bed, I heard the dogs barking but I didn’t’ pay it any mind, a few minutes later we heard BANG BANG BANG.” The bullets found their mark on 31 year old Delone Vernon, an employee of the Department of Youth Services and 32 year old Sherna Miller.

Belize Tourism Association Wants PM To Ensure Charges Are Levied For Destruction of Noh Mul
The Orange Walk Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, BTIA, has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow in connection to the destruction of a temple at Noh Mul in the Orange Walk District. Chairperson of the association, Osmani Salas says they are calling on the Prime Minister to bring those culpable to experience punishment to the whole extent of the law. OSMANI SALAS “We had expressed our anger and disappointment a month ago and we are still very upset and disappointed that a month later no one has been charged and the investigation seems to still be ongoing. So, we felt it important as a membership organization and as an organization that represents tourism interest in northern Belize specifically, Orange Walk to express our frustration and to ask the Government represented by our Prime Minister to intercede to see how this matter can be concluded and whoever needs to be charged get charged and penalized to the full extent of the law. We feel that if nothing happens with this situation then there will be no deterrent at all for similar incidents to occur not only in Orange Walk but other parts of the country. It is a firm reminder on our part to the authorities to please get to the bottom of this, conclude investigations as completely as possible and press charges as the law provides.” Salas says he does not believe that the destruction of what was deemed to be the highest temple at the sight will soon be forgotten. OSMANI SALAS “I don’t’ think it has been forgotten; our letter serves as a strong reminder to the authorities and I have certainly spoken off the record with people in the-know from some of the relevant authorities and I know that a lot of information has been compiled and has been presented to the police department for them to do what they have to do.

Area Representative Has No Charges To Answer To
Love News understands that Lake Independence Representative Mark King appeared before the Magistrates court in Corozal this morning. After hearing the evidence from four prosecution witnesses, the Magistrate declared that there was no evidence to prove any of all the three minor charges. This is in connection to an incident that occurred in February of this year at the Princess Hotel and Casino in the Corozal Free zone. The police press release at the time reported that a uniformed police officer standing outside the casino saw the security guard from the casino escorting a man out. The guards then escorted another man out because he was behaving disorderly. The police learned that the first man was twenty two year old Diego Witz a businessman of Punta Gorda and the other man, who was later alleged by witnesses to be King, attempted to hit one of the security guards. The policeman intervened and Witz reportedly punched him in the face. He was then subdued and later escorted to the police station. At the time the police did not report that King was the next man implicated in the incident.

Ebony Street Resident Remanded to Central Prison
Twenty-one year old Stephon Anderson, a laborer of number 7 Ebony Street charged with firearm and ammunition offences, became an inmate of Belize Central Prison today after he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court and pled not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded him into custody until August 6. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on June 16. The police reported that they were on mobile patrol on Lakeview Street when they saw Anderson riding a bicycle and coming towards them. They said that when Anderson saw them he turned his bicycle around and headed for Sibun Street. The police said they pursued Anderson and when they were a few feet behind him they saw him reach into his right pocket and take out an object which he threw into an open lot. The police reported that when they retrieved the object it was a Smith and Wesson brand 9 millimetre pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition in its magazine. Anderson was apprehended and taken to the open lot where the firearm was found. He was shown the firearm and he was unable to produce a license for it so he was taken into custody and charged.

Accused Murderer Set Free
Twenty-eight year old Lincoln Sabido, charged with the murder of Norman Reyes, was acquitted of the charge today in court. After the prosecution closed its case, Sabido’s attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, submitted that he does not have a case to answer to. Justice Gonzalez upheld the “no case” submission and he directed the jury of 5 men and 7 women to return a formal verdict of not guilty. Sylvestre submitted that the prosecution did not have any evidence against his client because the witness, Dennis Nembhard now deceased, whose statement was admitted as evidence, could not have seen what he said he saw because his view was impeded by a building. Based on what was seen when the court visited the scene of the murder, the submission was upheld. Nembhard in his statement said that he heard an explosion and when he went to the corner of Moya Street and Nutmeg Street he saw Reyes on Nutmeg Street coming towards him. He said Reyes collapsed and then he went to his yard. Nembhard said that he then saw Sabido coming from the same direction with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand. The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on January 15, 2008. The prosecution, represented by Crown Counsel Sheneiza Smith, called 4 witnesses.

Meeting With Venezuelan Ambassador Aims At Solidarity
On Saturday the Venezuelan Embassy hosted a meeting with several representatives of Belize’s sector including leaders of the opposition party, Mayors from across the country and other social leaders. Love News was present at the function and we spoke to Venezuela Ambassador to Belize, His Excellency Yoel del Valle Perez Marcano. YOEL DEL VALLE PEREZ MARCANO “The meeting today forms part of the Bolivarian Republic and solidarity. We invited the social movement in Belize to support in solidarity the Bolivian revolution. We have gotten a lot of people here from different organizations and cultures of Belize. They have expressed that the country of Belize stands in full solidarity with the country of Venezuela. And this support the 14 years of revolution of President Hugo Chavez Frias and at the same time represents the unity of Central America and the Caribbean I nits fight for solidarity and against the pressure of the government of the United States of America. We like to have a committee formed in every country for the solidarity of Venezuela. Each community responsible will then meet with the community in Venezuela to file reports. In the event that they try to attack the revolution then the committee will be responsible to react. We want democracy and peace; we don’t want any other interference in our county. So we call on all the people of the Caribbean and Central America to support the solidarity in Venezuela.” Guest speaker was Ambassador for Foreign Trade and Head of International Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adalbert Tucker who said Belize should take advantage of the relationship with Venezuela. ADALBERT TUCKER “It is a meeting called by the embassy to share the solidarity of the Belizean people with the Bolivarian Revolution and to give encouragement to Venezuela to continue the good work that it is doing for democracy, for progress, for development of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Trouble Brews At University of Belize
While the country slowly floods because of a passing tropical depression, the University of Belize also slowly floods with controversy and in the center of it is UB Lecturer, Patrick Menzies, or in this case, former lecturer, since he says he headed to UB’s Central Campus in Belmopan to teach one of his summer classes, and to his surprise there was someone else to substitute him. PATRICK MENZIES “I was scheduled to teach to a class at 2 o’clock. I have all the e-mails to show that I was to teach a class on June 1, they moved it to the 17th of June to the 19th of July. I accepted it and I postponed my trip to the US which I do every year to see my kids. What happened is that I came to teach my class and there is another man walking around trying to find the key to the class; so, I asked him what is he doing; we both went down to the office to get the same key. I asked him what class are you teaching, he said MIS, I said that’s my class. So, finally after that the Secretary called, they basically said that it wasn’t my class that this guy was teaching; I waited in Belize to teach this particular class I was asked to teach the class.” We contacted UB to find out what was happening and Head of the Office of Public Information, Selwyn King says Menzies is an adjunct teacher, but is not officially on the adjunct list. SELWYN KING “Adjunct professors/lecturers – once there is an opening, a vacuum that we need extra to teach courses, we hire from my understanding; Mr. Menzies name is not on the official list of adjunct. Within the last couple of weeks the new Information Communication Technology Director has come on board and as head of that department he has been tasked as an adjunct for an IT class.”

PlusTV

Tropical Depression Two crosses country
It will be another few days before Belize is dry as a result of the rain from Tropical Depression #2, which is still crossing the country. Schools in the entire northern half of the country including Belize City have been closed per order of the Ministry of Education as...

Mass flooding has forced evacuations in the South
In the South, mass flooding has forced evacuations in a number of areas. Our Dangriga Harry Arzu visited Chairperson in the National Emergency Management Organization, Mayor Gilbert Swaso and filed this report. Harry Arzu – Dangriga Correspondent: Flood-waterscontinue to affect residents here in this municipality and other surrounding communities...

Delone Vernon murdered in Belize City
A social night out playing cards for residents of the Sibun Street area on Monday night turned deadly. 31 year old Delone Vernon, an office assistant with Youth for the Future, was assaulted while with a female friend identified as 32 year old Sherna Miller at her home. Both...

Police identify body found on Monday morning in Western Paradise
Police have identified the body found on Monday morning in the Western Paradise area as 24 year old Elias Santos of the Stann Creek District. Santos’ body was found in a house under construction in the Western Pines division. The body had a large cut wound to the fore...

Anthony Sabido acquitted of murder
28 year old Anthony Sabido spent five years on remand for a murder case but tonight he is a free man. Sabido was today acquitted of the January 15, 2008 murder of 31-year-old Norman Reyes, also known as “Mimi”. The 31 year old victim was fatally shot once to...

Selwyn King explains Patrick Menzies status with UB
They shot the whistle-blower. That’s Patrick Menzies’ claim for why he is no longer serving as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Belize. According to Menzies, who we spoke with yesterday, when he showed up to teach his Management Information Systems class, he found out that another lecturer...

BTIA Toledo and Placencia Chapters reject large-scale cruse tourism
Earlier this month, it was announced that Cabinet rejected a proposal made by the Norwegian Cruise Line for the development of a cruise terminal at Crawl Caye. When the offer was tabled to GOB, there was a string of negative response coming from various sectors including the Belize Tourism...

Randy Wagner Jones sentenced to 5 years for firearm offenses
25 year-old Randy Wagner Jones was sentenced to 5 years in prison after he was convicted of firearm and ammunition offenses. Yesterday, Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith found Jones guilty on the charge of keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition. This follows an incident which occurred in...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Roots in the Sea Website
Roots In The Sea has now published their website and is asking for donations in order for them to cover the expenses for the trip to Belize. The goal of $3,000 will fund a return trip to Belize for a crew of two. Funds will cover transportation and miscellaneous expenses. Check out their website for more information on the contributions http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roots-in-the-sea They have also been selected in the Short Documentary category for the Belize International Film Festival which starts on July 11th to July 15th 2013.

Roots In The Sea
A long form documentary examining the history and culture of a small fishing village in Belize. The story is told by long time residents of Caye Caulker.

Amandala

TD 2 – WILD WIND AND WATER!
Bringing heavy rains and 35-mile-per hour winds, Tropical Depression Two, which formed from a tropical wave over the northwestern Caribbean Sea near the Nicaragua/Honduras border earlier today, trekked ashore Belize near Monkey River, Stann Creek, mid-afternoon today, rendering portions of southern Belize impassable. Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advised that, “Persons living in flood-prone areas across the country are advised to be on the alert for possible flooding in your areas as the system moves across Belize. Motorists are also advised to exercise extreme caution when driving on the highways and secondary roads.” Concerned about the latest developments, the Ministry of Education called off classes for certain portions of Belize, deemed to be under threat of flooding, to ensure that students would be able to get home safely. “The primary concern with this system is heavy rainfall which could cause significant flooding over portions of Central America and eastern Mexico,” said forecasters at the US National Hurricane Center in Miami. They add that the center will move over Belize and northern Guatemala tonight and early Tuesday, and over eastern Mexico later on Tuesday. The depression could emerge into the southern Bay of Campeche by early Wednesday, and become the second named storm of this very active hurricane season.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER MURDERED ON HIS WORKSITE
Police say that Elias Santos, 24, a tile layer of Orange Walk, was chopped to death at his worksite in the Western Pines area off Mile 8 ½ on the George Price Highway. Santos’ body was found in one of the houses under construction at about 9:00 this morning by co-workers who went to work. According to police, Santos had been chopped in his head and body, and he was declared dead on the scene. He was taken to the morgue at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where a post mortem was conducted to certify the cause of his death. Police believe that Santos was laying tiles in the house when the killer or killers attacked him. So far, no one has been detained, and the motive for the murder is unknown.

MAN, 64, FOUND BEATEN AND SODOMIZED IN ARMENIA
A 64-year-old man of Armenia Village is fighting for his life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Ward after he was robbed, badly beaten and sodomized. He was found nude in an unconscious state at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, in bushes beside the road in Armenia Village. His clothes were found torn up a short distance away from him. Witnesses told police that the man became intoxicated after socializing at a bar in the village on Tuesday night. He left the bar to go home, but fell asleep beside the road. People in the area who saw him said that about 2:00 a.m. he awoke and again began to walk home, but he did not arrive at his house. A man told police that he was travelling on the Hummingbird Highway, through Armenia, towards Cave Branch, when he saw a naked man lying on the roadside. When he stopped, another driver who was travelling in his vehicle in the opposite direction towards Belmopan from Dangriga stopped also, and they called police, who came to the scene. The elderly man was taken to the Belmopan Hospital, where he was stabilized before being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

THE US AND EUROPEAN UNION SEEK “LANDMARK TRADE DEAL”
The deal could add £85 billion to the rest of world’s economies; protestors, however, rallied against “ruthless capitalism.” Two of Belize’s most important trading partners, the European Union (EU) and the United States, today announced the launch of major trade negotiations at the start of the 2013 G8 Summit being held at Lough Erne in Northern Ireland from Monday, June 17, to Tuesday, June 18, even as protestors rallied against what they decry as ruthless capitalism. According to official reports from the UK Government, the G8 2013 Summit began with an announcement to launch negotiations on what it describes as “a landmark trade deal” between the EU and the USA. US President Barack Obama said at a press conference held to announce the talks that the US-EU trading relationship is the largest in the world, accounting for about a half of global GDP. He announced that the US would host the first meeting to negotiate the Transatlantic Trade and Investment partnership (T-TIP) in Washington next month (the week of July 8). Obama also said that he believes the US and the EU can forge an economic alliance as strong as they have in the areas of diplomacy and security – alliances which he said are the most powerful in history.

LEROY GOMEZ HAS APPEAL FOR RAPE AND ROBBERY CONVICTIONS DISMISSED
Today, the Court of Appeal dismissed Leroy Gomez’s rape and robbery conviction appeal after a panel of Justices heard arguments from his lawyer, Hubert Elrington, on Tuesday, June 11. Gomez was sentenced to 15 years concurrently for each offense on August 8, 2012, after a jury found him guilty of the crimes on July 31, 2012. The victim of the rape and robbery appeared in court and gave her testimony. She said that she was walking on Administration Drive heading toward her boyfriend’s house when she noticed someone riding toward her on a bike. Her attention was drawn to the person because he looked like a friend of hers who had passed away. She testified that she kept on walking and when she looked back, she noticed that the same person was still riding toward her in the direction she was going, but this time, he was wearing a handkerchief tied around his nose and mouth, allowing only his eyes to be visible.

3 SHOT IN THE CITY IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS
Three men are lucky to be alive after they were shot in two separate shooting incidents in the city. One man was shot multiple times in his house by two masked men, while the other two men were shot while walking on Pine Street. The shooting victims are Arturo Varela of Antelope Street Extension, Rafael Francisco Aguet of Pine Street, Belize City, and Cecil Gill, also of Pine Street. The shootings both occurred in Belize City on Tuesday, June 11. Varela told police that about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, as he was about to exit his yard, he saw two men putting masks on their faces inside his mother-in-law’s yard (she lives next door to him). He quickly ran back into his house, but the masked men ran after him, and as he shut the door, they kicked it open and one of them opened fire and the he was hit by gunshots several times.

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF ROBBERY WITH KNIFE
Jaime Villanueva and Wardworth Clark were both charged with robbery today, Friday, and granted bail of $5,000 each. Villanueva, 28, a barber, and Clark, 18, a construction worker, pleaded not guilty to their charge. They are to reappear in court on July 24, 2013. Both men were charged with robbery after being accused of holding a man at knifepoint earlier today and robbing him of a backpack, a Belize passport, a wallet, a Nokia cell phone, and a hat. All the items are valued at over $200. The two men have previous convictions, but the court did not deem them flight risks and granted them bail on the condition that they stay away from the complainant and witnesses. They are also to report to the Queen Street Police Station every Wednesday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

GENTLE TOUCH OF CAYO TAKES EARLY LEAD IN ATLANTIC BANK WOMEN INTER-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
The FFB’s Atlantic Bank Women Inter-district Football Tournament 2013 got under way over the weekend with Week 1 games on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16. Garnering 3 points from the only victory over the weekend was perennial Cayo champions Gentle Touch who have taken the early lead in this competition. On Saturday afternoon at the FFB Field, Triple-B of Belmopan drew, 1-1, with visiting Toledo Scorpions, giving both teams a point each. Jenisha Scott shook the net for Triple-B, while Shireen Paulino hit the target for the Scorpions. Then on Sunday at the Ladyville Field, visiting Gentle Touch of Cayo defeated the home team, Ladyville Jaguars of the Belize District, by a 3-1 score. Gentle Touch got goals from Ethleen Gentle, Eden Gentle and Abby Halliday (by penalty); while the Jaguars’ only goal was by Kara Kisling. Seeing their first action this coming weekend will be Sugar City Girls or Orange Walk and Dangriga Pumas of the Stann Creek District. Resting will be Triple-B of Belmopan and Gentle Touch of Cayo.

TWO-WAY CRICKET SHOWDOWN
Excellence vs Berlan and Brilliant vs Sunrise. Cricket fans are poised for a real treat, with both best-of-3 semifinal series coming down to a final third game, as this past Saturday, June 15, saw both Game 1 losers avenging their loss in Game 2, knotting up both series at 1-1. The decisive Game 3 will determine the two finalists in the 2013 SMART Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition. At the Bermudian Landing cricket field on Saturday, Zone 1 #1 seed, defending champions Excellence of Double Head Cabbage rebounded from their Game 1 loss by defeating the Zone 2 #2 seed Berlan of Bermudian Landing. Berlan batted first, garnering 103 runs, but Excellence eclipsed that total with 104 runs, with 4 wickets to spare, forcing a decisive Game 3. For Berlan, Jerry Casasola scored 34 runs and took 2 wickets; while for Excellence, Keenan Flowers batted 39 runs, and Orson Flowers took 5 wickets. Meanwhile, at the field in Crooked Tree Village on Saturday, it was Zone 1 #2 seed Sunrise of Lords Bank exacting their revenge against Zone 2 #1 seed Brilliant of Crooked Tree, who had won Game 1 of their semifinal series the previous week. Sunrise went to bat first, and they put up the formidable total of 197 runs, with Barbadian born Michael Sobers leading the scoring with 66 runs. Brilliant was unable to match that total, their last wicket falling at 151 runs, despite 22 runs each from Shane Westby and J. Smith. For the victorious Sunrise, Dwayne Hendy, Justin Sanchez and Edison Parks took 2 wickets each; while for Brilliant, Lawrence Banner and Brandon Lewis took 3 wickets apiece.

THE PUZZLE THAT IS THE JEWEL Editorial
There are certain individuals in Belize who have proven themselves to be the most rank of villains in different spheres of our Belizean society, but these individuals move around in our society with absolute impunity. Why is this so? It is because these individuals are protected by powerful institutions and forces, and, because they are so protected, the disapproval, or even condemnation, of the Belizean people is of no account. Such is Belize. Belize is a free market capitalist society which has produced some wealthy families and individuals. When one points fingers and calls names, then these families and individuals raise a hue and a cry, on the grounds that exposure of their wealth will endanger them. Since Belize’s criminals appear not to have yet developed any expertise in blackmail and kidnapping, one wonders if such danger would have to originate from across our borders. It is the poor who are in danger in Belize, we think, not the rich. In a football tournament in Costa Rica in January this year, Belize’s footballers overachieved and qualified for the so-called Gold Cup tournament in the United States next month. We say “overachieved,” because Belize’s football programs are generally haphazard and poorly financed. The Central American teams against which the Belize selection competed have very well-organized and highly financed football programs. Plus, Belizean football had only last year managed to escape from the selfish, suffocating, and suspicious rule of one Dr. Bertie Chimilio. The Belizean people, at home and abroad, were quite thrilled by our boys’ success in Costa Rica, but the new executive of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) did not move quickly enough to exploit the Costa Rica success in financial terms. When they finally managed to stage a fund-raising telethon last Saturday, the FFB’s approach to the telethon was a kind of socialist one. Their executive spokesman explained that the FFB’s goal was a half million dollars, and he reasoned that, it being the case that Belize had 300,000 people, if each person gave a dollar, then they would be more than halfway there.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
It’s a distinct handicap in business here to be a person of roots ancestry, as opposed to being of immigrant background. If you are in any kind of business, our Belizean people expect you to be always in possession of liquid cash, and they have developed a habit, which has become almost obsessive, of asking for money. Our people do not ask the immigrant business people for money because they know they will not receive any. But, when they see a native business person, the request has become almost automatic, and sometimes it is practically demanding. In competitive businesses which require various kinds of machines and equipment, like ours on Partridge Street, you are always seeking to accumulate capital so as to update your machinery and equipment. The more modern your machines are, the higher the quality of the product you can deliver to your customers, and the more competitive your business will be. The more competitive your business is, the more you will be able to expand, which means the more jobs you can create. In between charity and outright extortion, however, native businesses in poor neighborhoods suffer an amount of capital hemorrhaging on a daily and weekly basis which makes capital formation more difficult to achieve. It is impossible to explain this to the individual supplicant, because he or she considers his/her situation to be critical, and the supplicant really does not want to hear you are trying to buy a machine which will make your newspaper look better or your radio station sound cleaner. No, no, no. Gimme money, right now!

GUAT XATEROS CAUGHT IN CHIQUIBUL FOREST
Two Guatemala nationals, Adelmo Mancia, 24, and Rolando Ramirez, 35, were arrested on Friday, June 14, 2013 in the Chiquibul Forest. The Joint Forces Team for the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) were on patrol in the Chiquibul Forest near the Tapir Camp, where they saw two Hispanic men moving towards the Caracol Road. The men were caught around 7:30 p.m. in the area. Mancia was armed with a .38 revolver with five cartridges while Ramirez was armed with a 16-gauge shotgun with three .38 revolver ammunition. The men also had in their possession 64.6 grams of cannabis. The men were about five miles away from the Western Border and were moving further into the interior of the forest. They were apparently seeking xate leaves and hunting game species, both of which are illegal activities in the area. Both men were detained and taken to the San Ignacio Police Station, where they were formally charged for keeping a firearm without a gun license, keeping ammunition without a license and drug trafficking.

OCEANA AND GOB EXCHANGE BLOWS AS THEY AWAIT CJ’S RULING
Prime Minister Dean Barrow reasserted his Government’s position last week that until they can come up with “firm metrics” on which zones offshore of Belize will be excluded from petroleum exploration, it will hold off on the issuance of any new petroleum concessions. Meanwhile, the most recently released map showing the petroleum contracts indicates that two petroleum concessions, those issued to Princess Petroleum Limited and Providence Energy, continue to be included – a bone of contention between the Government and Oceana, which obtained a favorable ruling from Supreme Court Justice Oswell Legall in April declaring six offshore contracts to be “unlawful, null and void.” Oceana says that the inclusion of the two concessions on the latest map, dated May 2013, is “outright disregard” for the Legall ruling. Treaty Energy Corporation, the joint venture partner of Princess, paused petroleum exploration works shortly after the Legall ruling, but announced shortly after that it was resuming works based on the advice of its attorneys and public statements from the Government of Belize. Government’s attorney, Denys Barrow, SC, has argued in court that the contracts were not quashed by Legall, but that the Government is fettered from conducting any oversight of Treaty’s activities. However, Oceana contends that Treaty ought not to be doing any works under the petroleum contracts.

DANGRIGA TOWN BEHIND IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Market renovation delay is causing vendors to lose revenue. Dangriga Town is the only municipality that has not seen completion of phase one of the two-part Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP) under the Social Investment Fund. We were told that last Wednesday a team from the World Bank and Social Investment Fund (SIF) visited the Town Council to take a mid-term review for the BMDP and to check the project’s progress, challenges and lessons learned, among other things. The Dangriga Market Extension and Renovation Project is a $1.3 million dollar project and is the largest project under phase one of the BMDP. However, Dangriga’s market project is the only phase one project in the country that has not been completed as yet. Dangriga Town Mayor Gilbert Swaso said it is all due to poor management and financing. “The Dangriga Market Extension and Renovation is significantly delayed,” he said. “As a matter of fact, since the signing of the contract it was expected that that project should have been completed end of July, which is the one-year period since the signing of the contract. However, because of several factors which include from a SIF perspective, poor management and poor financing of the contractor, that market is significantly delayed.”

VENEZUELA AND BELIZE STRENGTHEN TIES
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Belize held an “Act of Friendship and Solidarity” activity today, Saturday, in the city of Belmopan. The purpose of the gathering, which was held at the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation (IVCC), was for the people of Belize to be reassured that Venezuela will continue to build their political and economic relationship. His Excellency Yoel del Valle Perez Marcano, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Belize, said in his address that the economic, political, and military sectors of his country are being threatened by Venezuelan and Latin American opposition groups. He went on to add that those in opposition are seeking support from the United States government in overthrowing the democratic government of President Nicolas Maduro. He said that overthrowing President Maduro would lead to an end of policies of cooperation, integration and solidarity that the country has already formed with Latin American and Caribbean sister nations. For that reason, the Venezuelan government is seeking to further strengthen their ties with those nations without foreign interference. Adalbert Tucker, Ambassador For Foreign Trade and Head International Cooperation for the Government of Belize, told us that the day’s activity was an opportunity, not only for Venezuela to show their solidarity but also for the Belizean people to offer their encouragement to Venezuela as the country pushes for increased solidarity.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE DENIES VETTING THE IBC AND SHIPPING REGISTRIES TERM EXTENSION LETTER
The Ministry of Finance has categorically denied a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition that the letter of March 24, 2005, signed by him and the then Prime Minister, which purported to extend the term of the Management Services Agreement for the International Business Companies Registry and the Shipping Registry for another seven years from 2013 to 2020, had been vetted by officials of the Ministry of Finance. Gian Gandhi, who has been legal advisor in the Ministry of Finance for the last 13 years, says that at no time was his advice sought on the validity of this letter and that the first time he saw it was last month when it was produced by Belize International Services Limited in response to a letter from the Financial Secretary. Gandhi also says that he has carefully looked through the Cabinet Briefing Notes for the period January 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005, prepared by the then Cabinet Secretary, Robert Leslie, and that he found absolutely no mention of extension of term of the Management Services Agreement for the IBC and Shipping Registries. This contradicts the Leader of Opposition’s claim that the extension letter had been approved by Cabinet.

Blogs

VIDEO: Friday night boxing San Pedro Style
This Video shows how action packed Belize boxing matches are. Great people watching, excellent boxing and prizes too.

Lobster Fest in Belize
Belize is a country filled with diverse cultures, and an array of different terrains. Every year the country hosts many events. One very popular and rapidly growing island celebration, held for the last 17 years in June and July, is the Belize Lobster festival, better known as Lobster Fest. This festival marks the opening of the lobster season and the closing of the conch season. Lobster fest features Belizean music, live entertainment, water activities and a variety of contests that are fun for everyone but most importantly it features manydifferent Lobster dishes. Lobster fest is celebrated in three different locations; Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Pedro. These celebrations include activities and entertainment for locals and visitors. Lobster fest begun in Caye Caulker as a local tradition 17 years ago. Since then its popularity has increased attracting not only locals but many tourists to the island to enjoy the different seafood delicacies. Each year this lobster fest develops into a larger and more productive event as the public demand and business participation increases. Caye Caulker, the original Lobster Fest locale, has gone from a local fest to an international festival gaining recognition from both locals and tourists world wide. Placencia was the second destination to host the Lobster fest in 1998 in an effort, by the Belize Tourism Industry Association, to attract and increase visitors to the Peninsula during the slow summer months. Placencia attracts many to its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. If you are in Placencia in the month of June make sure to stop by to enjoy the lobster delicacies, the fun family activities and most importantly indulge in the Belizean Culture.

What to do with rain in Belize
Sometimes you just cannot help bad weather when traveling. I have seen a few weather posts on forums recently about people wanting to know what to do with themselves when it rains. Unless you are the type that melts when wet like the wicked witch of the west, going out in the rain can be lots of fun. Just make sure you are well water proofed if you do. This morning Dick and I had a few errands to run so we checked out the back roads to see just how bad they were getting from all the rain. We saw lots of big puddles and a few peoples yards were under water. I took lots of video and will start editing it tomorrow and see what I got. After coming home I was planning to finish a #TravelTuesday post but I got sidetracked with a great rainy day project instead. AVG scanning, organizing and backing up all my pictures. With 36,716 thousand of them, it has taken me a good 9 h to load them between two 16 GB flash drives and my 300 GB Samsung external hard drive. When was the last time you backed up all your important files? This was a perfect excuse to watch TV in bed while I worked

Making Waves in Belize
On twitter, there’s a big chat every week that you can follow with the hashtag #FriFotos or by tuning in to the @FriFotos account. Participants share photos and stories around a certain subject which is usually chosen early in the week by a committee and then announced through the FriFotos account and by co-hosts of the chat. This week’s theme is: waves. Immediately I thought back to Belize which was my last destination right before returning to NYC for the summer. One of our days involved being out in a boat and there are few things I love more than cutting through the water, making waves, on a bright and sunny day. Particularly when it’s the Caribbean. Just look at the color of that water!! I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you will join in the photo-sharing fun on your own blog or over on twitter. I look forward to seeing your images.

Belizean Beef Panuchos
Panuchos are a Spanish dishes of Central America. It is cooked only in certain districts in Belize and is not as popular as garnaches, enchilader or panades. This dish is similar to the Belizean Salbutes, but with the twist of adding the main ingredient of Belizean Tamales. The cheese that is added on top and allowed to melt makes this dish irresistible.

Grow your business through better cash management
“When it comes to your small business one of the biggest challenges can be having the cash to grow. There are a number of “cash management” tools offered by banks that can help your business pick up surprising amounts of cash flow without increasing traditional borrowing levels. As simple as it may seem, before you can identify tools to improve cash flow you must understand your company’s cash cycle. The cash cycle consists of: How you get paid. What you do with the cash you have on hand. How you pay it out.

“Wasting My Time” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Another rainy morning yesterday created no great desire on my part to do much at all. Even attempts to sit in the fresh air on the veranda didn’t last too long before the rain swirled in and I retreated for cover in to the condo. Boy did I get through some pages of the latest book that I am reading though (The Covenant by James A. Michener). Fairly raced through the pages! As the day progressed the weather started to improve. The downpours became less frequent and slightly lighter and the sun made attempts at showing itself so Rose and I decided to head off to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize to look at progress. With our raincoats with us and the windscreen on our golf cart it didn’t matter if it rained, did it? Well that is where we were wrong. Why? Well, when we got to the golf cart-parked just outside the condo we are renting- we found it minus the windscreen. Some b@&#*^d had stolen it. We briefly (for all of two minutes) contemplated reporting it to the police but concluded that it would be a pointless exercise and I really didn’t see the sense in wasting my time! Nothing about our windscreen that discerns it from the hundreds and hundreds on the island anyway. So, feeling well and truly pissed off (angry/irritated for non UK readers) we set off on our journey north and got to our lot shortly after 3 pm (much of the water on the road north of the bridge had gone).

June 9, 2013 - June 15, 2013 Fishing Report
What a fun week. Thanks everyone for expressing your fishing passion and fun with us here at El Pescador. It’s always heart felt to see our returning guests, thank you. What can we say? We have been “sold out,” for weeks! All of our guides are working full time and they keep exploring. We are so proud of our guide team: Without you, new angers would never know how it feels to land a bonefish on fly. Without you, our “Grand Slam” plaque is now filled, and now we need to have the guys make a new frame. Wow. YOU GUYS ROCK!

What Follows Low Proficiency Scores?
According to the recently released results of the 2013 PSE (Public School Examinations) proficiency exams, more than half of all exiting Primary school students throughout Belize ranked poorly in English and Math. The results that were released to the media show that 53% of the 7359 students who took the exams were assessed as not proficient. The median score in English was 58% while in Math it remained steady at around 54% as the previous year. These low proficiency scores indicate loudly that our students in Primary schools are not learning as they should. Readers who follow my Guidance Counseling columns know that, for years now, I strongly advocate and assert that Education, especially at early levels, needs to be focused on successful “learning”. Low PSE results this year show, without a doubt, that there continues to be large disparities between teaching and learning in our Primary schools. The results of these standardized exams deem that half of all students who complete Primary school throughout the country this month are “not ready” to enter high school. How valid is this statistic? At the outset, I submit that it does not mean that our children and schools are deficient. Moreover, no amount of finger-pointing or vocal public accusations against schools/ teachers will even out any disparities between teaching and learning, or improve student performance. Politicization of these results merely focuses on blaming, and adds to the trauma that students and schools may be suffering now. Let us, especially after this unfavorable assessment, respect and uphold the dignity of our schools and teachers, and students. To remove the stigma of failure, policymakers who manage Belize’s Education Systems can focus on designing and providing multiple resources for schools and educators to use to help young students learn to develop their inquiry and reflection skills. Rote learning and memorization of fragmented academic subjects, which we continue to emphasize in Primary schools, are not learning methods. Teamwork, experimentation, and problem-solving are preferable.

Standards 6 Teachers Can’t Pass The PSE Either
As a follow up to our last article about the high failure on the PSE in Belize. Well it turns out that the teachers can’t pass the exam either. This tells us that something is still seriously wrong and actually makes the argument stronger. Either the teachers are so under educated or the system is so broken. I go with the last one, there is no way on this rock we call home that we have that high failure rate in our Educators base. This latest finding actually proves my point even more that we DESPERATELY need to do something about the current state of our education system but we need each and everyone of you to join hands and do your part no matter how small. Here is the article as per 7News As we’ve reported, failure rates in the PSE continued last year and with examinations coming up in May, most educators concede that it won’t get much better. And today, new information released by the Ministry of Education tells us why that may be the case. Late last year, teachers took the test and the results were alarming. Those were released to mixed reaction at a Ministry of Education press conference this morning. We were there.

VIDEO: Cavern Diving safety message
Cavern Diving with a certified Cavern guide is a safe and enjoyable experience however many unscrupulous "guides" risk unsuspecting open water clients lives on a daily basis to make an extra buck or because they simply do not care. Please watch this brief video that explains the cavern diving safety guidelines.

International Sources

The new “Most expensive expat cites” list is out, with the usual misleading data
The fine folks at ECA International, which is evidently a global human resources consultancy firm, has released its 2013 list of the most expensive cities for expats, and most outlets seem to reprint it without evaluation. I’ve actually mentioned this in the past, but this year the list is even more skewed than before, so I can’t help but discuss it again. On top of the list of most expensive cities is Oslo, which is actually a justifiable champion because it’s the most expensive city in an expensive country where nothing is cheap. There’s another more obscure Norwegian city on the list, as well as Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Basel, which are also solid choices for similar reasons in Switzerland. Tokyo also deserves its place, even if it has fallen down the list this year due to a weakening Yen. The cities that don’t really belong Where I begin to take issue with the list is that Luanda, Angola comes in #2, Juba, South Sudan is #4, and Moscow is #5. The average incomes of locals in these three cities are only a fraction of the incomes of the others on the list, so this “expat” list only really applies to executives at multi-national companies and oil engineers.

Angela Amos to study overseas
A Colcord woman has been selected to participate in summer 2013 global graduate studies in the Central American country of Belize. Beginning in mid-July, Siloam Springs High School staff member Angela Amos of Colcord, will study conservation and marine ecology in the Central American country of Belize. “I’ve struggled a bit for several years with the increasing throwaway mentality that seems to have taken over our world. This led me to studying more about conservation efforts both locally and internationally. I’m especially interested in purchasing local goods and seeing local farms and businesses thrive, and I try to make purchasing decisions with that in mind. Last fall my principal sent a flyer about a program that seemed tailor-made for me, focusing on conservation and ecology methods. The first year I will be able to study in Belize, but in the three years it takes to finish the program, I’ll be able to travel to three different international locales to research differing conservation methods (both animal, marine, and community-based conservation efforts),” said Amos.

New chair of CRFM Ministerial Council urges implementation of Castries Declaration on IUU fishing and CARICOM Common Fisheries Policy
The recently appointed chairman of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick, has urged fellow Caribbean ministers to place special emphasis on the implementation of policies and recommendations coming out of the 7th Ministerial Council of the CRFM, held at the end of May in Barbados. An area where focus is definitely needed is the implementation of policies and recommendations in a much more timely manner. We have seen tardiness to this end in the implementation of policy decisions from the Ministerial Council. One such policy that readily comes to mind is the Castries Declaration in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated [IUU] fishing and the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy,” said Estwick.

Best Places To Retire 2013: 21 Cities Around The World Are Named
Where's the best place in the world to retire? Is it Abruzzo, Italy or maybe Cayo, Belize? The truth? Only you can decide. But to help anyone who might be contemplating a move abroad, Live and Invest Overseas has compiled its First Annual Retire Overseas Index. After considering 12 factors -- things like taxes, safety, climate, health care and real estate -- Live and Invest Overseas came up with 21 destinations it believes offer the greatest potential for the would-be retiree in 2013. Note that none of the destinations are countries -- but cities. "Naming countries as top places to retire is silly. It doesn’t make any sense. Because even very small countries can offer dramatically different standards of living, lifestyle options, costs of living, climates, etc.," said Kathleen Peddicord, publisher of Live and Invest Overseas and Huff/Post50 blogger. "Belize is maybe the best example. It’s a tiny country with all of 350,000 people, yet it offers both Caribbean beach living and back-to-basics country living on the mainland in the Cayo district," she added. There's also no ranking. According to Peddicord, all the destinations should be considered.

June 18, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

NEMO ADVISORY No. 1

Doctor Love: Grounded because of friends
When a youngster gets grounded, for fighting or because of friends fighting - who is the stupid one?

The Garifuna Collective live at Rojo Lounge
On Wednesday June 12th, many came out to hear the musical selections of The Garifuna Collective who performed live at Rojo Beach Bar just a few miles north of San Pedro Town. It was a great opportunity to witness the band’s final show in the country before they set off on their international tour through the United States of America and Canada from June 20th-August 10th. As time drew nearer and the band was just about ready to play, guests were invited closer to be a part of the inspiring musical experience. The cultural Paranda rhythms of the Garifuna Collective were perfectly blended with Canadian Danny Michel’s soulful indie sounds. The band played started off with songs such as Just the way I am, Love until you break your heart and a few more selections which were done in collaboration with Michel, then they were followed this by a jam session of classic Garifuna songs such as Pomona and Watina that certainly got the crowd moving. Between intermissions, band members greeted guests and new- found fans of their music.

Ambergris Today

Danny Michel and The Garifuna Collective Prepare for Tour, Perform at Rojo Lounge
It was their first performance before heading to the United States of America and Canada to kick off their tour together; Danny Michel and Belize’s Garifuna Collective performed a free concert at Rojo Lounge, Azul Resort on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. The evening was a magical one filled with the unique blending of Danny Michel’s rock n’ roll influences with that of the Afro-Amerindian Garifuna Collective sounds. It was a once in a life time event at Rojo Lounge as the Garifuna Collective performed sets as themselves and along with Danny with new music from his album titled “Blackbirds are Dancing Over Me”. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular as you can see that both artists have developed new musical styles and working together surely was one of the best decisions they have ever made.

Matachica Resort and Spa Partners Launch San Pedro Day Camp for Kids

Never Underestimate a Small Tropical Depression, Belize Drenched
Even if it is just a small tropical depression that is only forecasted to bring rain, one should never underestimate these storms during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The second tropical depression of the 2013 season hit Belize today, June 17, 2013, and has been drenching the country with much rainfall and expected winds of up to 35mph. The effects on Ambergris Caye can be seen with much beach erosion as the large waves have been pounding the beaches, piers and seawalls. Some coconut trees along the beach are in danger of toppling over, while tons of sea grass has been piling up as well. Business is slow – dive boats cannot go out to sea. Classes have been canceled during the beginning of exam week, one cannot walk the beach and enjoy a sunny day and most boat owners have opted to tie up their vessels or haul them up to land to protect them. There have even been some flights cancelled to Belize City after the Municipal Airport there had to be closed down due to flooding of the runway.

Flashbacks: High Science Lobster Pats
Built with wood frames and covered with pimento or bamboo strips, these nasas provide shade which is what lobsters are looking for to hide. However, once inside, they just can’t figure a way to come out and remain there until the dutiful fisherman takes them out. After securing them at the bottom of the sea with weights, nine to 15 feet deep, the fisherman will check once a week. On an unlucky day you might get anything from one to three lobsters but on a lucky day you might get anything from ten to twenty lobsters. The large ones will be kept and the undersized ones are thrown back into the sea. If a pat gives you 20 lobsters in a month you get 160 during the season or about fifty pounds for a total of one thousand dollars at today’s selling price. A small producer works with some one hundred pats while a big producer operates with as many as three hundred during the eight month season. Now do you want to know who brought the idea of the lobster pats to Belize and San Pedro? Will tell you all about that in another issue.

Pic of the Week: Wave Hopping During Tropical Depression
While his friends are ducked under this large wave, we see this one boy jumping high to avoid being hit by it. Although they were having much fun, we understand that the Belize Coast Guard is conducting security patrols along the coast and has discouraged the young boys from this activity due to the high tide and strong rip currents. Safety First!

Check Out Belize Through My Lens
The ability to capture images and see them in motion to tell a story is what made me fall in love with videography. Recently I started venturing into the world of videos and informing people about the beautiful and exciting things happening in Belize through my eyes. Since then I have been documenting stories of my beautiful country through my eyes. The journey has been fun and it has made me love my job even more. What I like the most about my video blog is that people appreciate the work that I do and most importantly enjoy my adventures and experiences I go through. For example: exploring the popular ATM Caves, walking through the historical Maya ruins, documenting fun school events, interviews with lovely pageant contestants and much more.

Misc Belizean Sources

New Trend Spurs Belize’s “Great Gatsby” Honeymoons
A growing trend towards luxurious honeymoons in exotic locales is behind a record number of couples taking advantage of the more affordable casual luxury of Belize, according the Lodge at Chaa Creek’s wedding and honeymoon planner. The Belizean eco-resort’s Denise Duran said the increase in the number of couples “looking for that extra something” has spurred greater interest in what she calls “adventure romance travel” in exotic locations such as Belize. Ms Duran said she believed that all-inclusive honeymoon vacation packages, which put the cost of an overseas honeymoon in reach of more people, are helping to fuel the trend towards more exotic honeymoons. “Honeymoons have always been important to people, but we’re seeing a definite trend towards couples wanting to do something different, to share a more exotic and at the same time luxurious experience. Think The Great Gatsby in the bush. It seems as if more couples are looking to start their lives together by doing something extraordinary.

114 Photos of TROPICAL DEPRESSION 2 in San Pedro
Images showing damages done to the beach from Spindrift Hotel to the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge.

VIDEO: Diving Dardenellos Canyon, Ambergris Caye
Scuba Diving Belize with Trip, Janine and Don from Colorado. Lots of marine life encounters captured on film this week. Thanks for choosing Belize as your dive vacation destination. Belize Pro Dive Center, Ambergris Caye

The Jade Mask's Journey
The Jade Mask that was found at Cahal Pech and adopted by the SIRH is about to go on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Maya exhibit. Thanks, Shauniece Heusner, Research & Education Officer at the Museum of Belize, for the great history of the mask. "This mask was adopted by San Ignacio Resort Hotel from the Museum of Belize & House of Culture. This mask was found at Cahal Pech along with 3 large jade celts and is dated to the Terminal Classic period around A.D. 800-900. This amazing ancient Belize artifact is made of jade and shell and was used as a belt worn by a royal ruler along with the accompanying celts that were found. Currently, both the mask and the celts are being installed in the Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibition at the Science Museum of Minnesota, along with other pieces from the Belize National Collection. The exhibition opens June 21st, 2013."

Catwalk in the Jungle Pictures
The Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show was great - the Cayo Welcome Center really is the perfect place for events of this type - and here are some more awesome pictures from the event, courtesy of D Russell Photography.

Massage Weekend Workshops
There are some massage workshops coming up at the end of the month, and the middle of July. The Vision Exchange will have workshops for Reiki and Cranial Sacral Therapy the weekend of the 29th, and deep tissue therapy for the shoulder and hips the weekend of July 12th. Contact Jude at 652-8595 or email at theyvisionexhange@gmail.com.

Sneak Peak of Miss Tourism Photoshoot
Jasmine Skeen, who won the Miss Tourism International pageant that was held in Cayo at the end of March, had a photoshoot with Jonathan Cariddi, and he's released a few pictures as a sneak peek. She'll be representing Belize in December in Malaysia. In related news, she'll also be at the Cayo session of the Belize Film Festival, which will be at Midas on July 13th. "Sneak Peak of Miss Tourism International 2013. Jasmine Monique Skeen, was crowned Miss Tourism Belize 2013. She will represent Belize at the Miss Tourism International Pageant to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December."

Belize Travel and Trade
Belize comes to South Florida Saturday June 29th.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP LAB
Are you constantly thinking how to create and build new business ideas or how to improve it? If you answered yes to this question, then this workshop is designed for you. The session will provide you with: Skills and knowledge necessary to effectively assess yourself Ability to utilize the tools to develop innovative business ideas, Ability to develop marketing strategies, Provide you with tools to effectively generate a business model that will allow you’re venture to be unique, structured, and focused; leading to profitability. Guest Speaker Mr. Michael Singh

Channel 7

Torrential Rain From TD Two!
At this hour, Tropical Depression #2 is over Southern Belize near Monkey River with winds of 35 miles an hour. Now that is over land, the weather system is weakening but it has dumped and continues to dump torrents of rain – particularly on Southern Belize. NEMO reports that Mullins river is three feet above the temporary bridge on the Coastal Road and that is closed to vehicular traffic. Further south, the North Stann Creek River is 3 ft above normal and rising in Middlesex, Pamona And Hope Creek. The South Stann Creek River is also 3 ft above normal and rising. Sittee River is 4 ft above normal and also rising. Water is across the Hummingbird Highway at miles 13, 18 and 20 while the Bowman housing area at mile 15 is under 6 inches of water. Today, the Chief Met Officer said they have been watching the system develop since Saturday.

Stann Creek Construction Worker Murdered At Jobsite
Tonight, the family and friends of 24 year-old Elias Santos a resident of Bella Vista Village in Stann Creek are trying to come to terms with the terrible news that he passed away sometime this weekend. But while Santos resides in Stann Creek, he was killed 8 miles outside of Belize City. That’s a far away from his home, and so 7News went looking for answers today at his workplace. Daniel Ortiz has that story. Daniel Ortiz reporting This morning, police responded to the report that someone had been found dead in the Western Pines area at around 8:20. Inspector Calbert Flowers - Acting Rural Executive Officer "Acting upon information received, the hattieville police visited the house of which is under construction in the Western Pines area on the Western Highway. Where upon arrival they saw the apparent lifeless body of a male person lying face up in the bathroom area of the house. The body was examined where it was observed that it had several cut wounds to the head area. The body was later identified as Elias Santos, a 24 year old male who resides in Bella Vista village in the Stann Creek district."

NTUCB Supports GOB Takeover of IBC & Shipping Registries
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize has come out in favour of government’s take-over of the IBC and Immarbe Registries. A release issued this afternoon calls it a “bold and necessary move.” The release concedes that Government is opening itself to litigation – but adds quote “we are rightfully concerned about this cost but we deem it a necessary one…given the EU’s blacklisting of Belize…the government’s take back of the registries is undoubted necessary.” End quote. The NTUCB demands form the Government transparency in the take-over process and form the opposition, they want them to, quote, “come clean to the Belizean people and release any and all other secret documents/agreements.” End quote. The NTUCB is also asking for a Senate Select Inquiry into this secret agreement. It’s a rare declaration of support for the government from the unions – but not completely unexpected as the Prime Minister has publicly committed to put 50% of any additional revenue from the Registries towards a raise for teachers and public officers. Last year, the Registries’ Revenue was estimated at 13 million US dollars.

Gandhi Says Francis Fonseca Fibbed
And that is not the only interesting statement on the registries takeover tonight. The legal advisor in the Ministry of Finance, the enigmatic Gian Ghandi has made – to our knowledge – the first public statement of his career. Ghandi who has been legal advisor in the Ministry of Finance for the last 13 years came up last week because in 2003 he wrote a letter to Belize International Services Limited of behalf of the Musa Administration saying that the Registries contract could not be extended for a number of what appeared to be very valid reasons – reasons still valid today including the European Union’s concern over the Ships Resgistry. But in 2005, the then Finance Minister Said Musa went against that advice and signed a 10 year renewal and a 7 year one after that, taking the life of the contract up to 2020. The leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca who co - signed those agreements went on record last week to say that the legal Counsel in the Ministry of Finance was consulted before the letter granting the extension was signed. Well, in his statement today, Ghandi says that at no time was his advice sought on the validity of the extension and that the first time he saw it was last month when it was produced by BISL.

Man Gets Five Years For Gun
25 year-old Randy Wagner Jones, a resident of Mopan Street, is spending the first night of a 5 year sentence after he was convicted in Magistrate’s Court today. 2 police officers testified in his trial before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith that on September 8, 2012, they saw when Jones pulled out a gun from his pants waist and threw it away at the corner of Mopan and Mahogany Streets. The officers detained him, retrieved the gun, and discovered that it was a 9mm pistol, loaded with 9 live rounds of ammunition. As a result, they charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. In his defence, he told the court that indeed, he was there as the police officers testified, but he didn’t have any gun, and neither did he throw anything away. He also asked the court to consider that the scenes of crime personnel could not find any fingerprints on the gun which matched. This followed a testimony from a technician that the gun’s materials proved difficult to lift fingerprints without special equipment.

FFB Telethon Fell Short of Financial Target
On Saturday, the Football Federation of Belize held its telethon to raise funds for the National Football Team, the Jaguars as they prepare for their historic appearance at the 2013 Gold Cup. The FFB set out to raise half a million dollars – but when the final tally was made, they had only raised a little less than $120,000 thousand dollars, leaving them $380,000 thousand dollars short of their target. That’s a major let down – but there were still inspiring stories of members of the public going to the Princess to make five and ten dollar contributions. Still, it’s corporate Belize that failed: they came through with only forty thousand dollars – only a third of what was raised. Today, FFB Executive Member Marlon Kuylen told us they are disappointed but still moving forward. Jules Vasquez "How much of an effect will this have on the plans going forward that you fell $380,000 short of your target?" Marlon Kuylen, FFB Executive Member "Well right now as it is, we owe the players $40,000 for stipends for the last game they played in Guatemala and for what we owe them for Costa Rica because I don't know if I had mentioned it to you but in Costa Rica for coming fourth we were supposed to collect $25,000usd which was promised to the players and when we collected the money we got a check for fifteen hundred and add dollars because the previous administration had owed UNICAF twenty three thousand and add dollars.

Another Tale Of The Talented Ms. Gillett
Violinist Courtney Gillett is back from a two week training programme at what’s consider the finest music school in the USA, Julliard. And she’s also getting ready to tour Central America with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA). And more than that, she’s also a coach for the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize comprising 30 youths and 13 Teachers. Today, this former winner of the open scholarship told us what the experience at Julliard was like and how she will translate it into useful instruction. Courtney Gillet - Belize Youth Orchestra Teacher "Really really fantastic and inspirational, so we learnt a lot about Violin teaching for upper level students and how to move beyond playing the notes to looking at sound production and that is what you're looking for as you advance in music, how to create different sounds to create different emotions. I hope to teach that to my students and as much as I can, I want to work with my other teachers - Cindy Burgos and that others at Pallotti and see if we can raise the level of awareness about what is needed to be professional musicians and to build a culture of professional musicianship in Belize."

Armed Xatero’s Detained Deep Inside Belize
Two weeks ago the BDF shot Guatemalan Edgar Alexander Alveno in the Chiquibul but the incursions continue, and on Friday night at 7:30, a joint forces team of Belize law enforcement officers detained two armed Guatemalan men who were about to cross the main Caracol Road – which is well into Belizean territory, more than five miles in. They are 24 year old Adelmo Hernandez Mancia, of La Rejoya, Guatemala and 35 year old Rolando Ramirez of Dolores, Peten. The had two guns, a .38 revolver and a 16 gauge shot gun, both weapons loaded. They were found with 5 shotgun cartridges and 3 rounds of (.38) revolver ammunition, as well as 64.6 grams of cannabis, which is about two ounces. And even though they were deep into Belizean territory, the pair were heading further east into the Chiquibul interior seeking xate leaves and hunting for game species. They were detained and taken to the San Ignacio Police Station where they were formally charged for keeping a firearm without a gun license, keeping ammunition without a license and drug trafficking.

“The Good, The Bad, The Nobody Road” – A Southside Story
Since August of 2012, the Department of Youth Services has been operating a pilot program called the Southside Youth Success and Drop-in Center. The idea behind it is that GOB is providing another second-chance initiative which ensures that at-risk young men between the ages of 14-17, who are living on the Southside of Belize, are provided an opportunity to become productive citizens instead of turning to crime. Well in the 10 months that the facilitators have been working with the young men, they’ve learned a lot about their lives, and the challenges which they face daily. As a result, it is inspired them to publish those stories, most resembling a biography, in a collection called “The Good, The Bad, The Nobody Road”. Sounds kind of like a southside spaghetti western but it is a compelling collage of stories of social fracture. That book was officially launched at the Port Loyola Library today, and 7News attended. Here’s an excerpt of the tales these young men have decided to share.

Clarencio Coc’s Body Awaits A Post Mortem
The body of Clarencio Coc remains in Taiwan tonight. As we reported, the 26 year old was killed in a scooter accident near the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology where he had been on scholarship since 2010. Belize’s Charge’ d Affairs in Taiwan Cherie Nisbet tells us that the autopsy has not been done yet – and only after that is completed can arrangements be made to send his body home. Coc was on the back of a motor scooter driven by a Guatemalan student, Mervin Hernandez when it was hit by an out of control car. Hernandez was reportedly crushed under the car while Coc flew into a ditch.

UB Graduates 471On Saturday 471 students graduated from UB in the University’s 17th Commencement exercises. The students received accreditation at the Associates, Bachelor, Certificate, and Diploma levels in Management & Social Sciences, the Education and Arts, Science and Technology, and Nursing, Allied Health & Social Work. Their guest speaker was Godwin Hulse, the Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management. He spoke to the graduates in a 32 minute Keynote address about the importance of education. Here’s an excerpt of that presentation: Hon. Godwin Hulse - Keynote Speaker "There's a theme I selected for my presentation today as you did not give me a theme and I think that was on purpose but it is one that I have cherished from I was a kid and that is 'education is the only forward for Belize' and I want you all to always remember it. When I was a young man, my dad never used the term 'education' - he said it was too elusive and to learn every thing you have an opportunity to learn, everything, if it's to cut the grass then he told me to learn to do it well, wash the dishes - learn to do it well, kill a mosquito - learn to do it well. So when you look at my seaming disconnected CV people said 'Lord man he couldn't make up his mind what to do' - I simply learned everything that came my way and learned to do it well. There's an Intel commercial that you may be seeing and it struck me and in addition to saying that education is the only way forward, this commercial says and it is a private sector inititave - it says 'education is our primary philantrophic endeavour' - what a wonderful thought coming from a private sector institution."

Channel 5

Tropical Depression #2 crosses the country
Forecasters predict an active hurricane season with eighteen storms of which nine are expected to develop into major hurricanes. And so it is that two weeks into June, the first [...]

Schools across country close in wake of Tropical Depression #2
The depression has affected schools in the southern, central and western districts while in Cayo District, students were sent home at three p.m. The northern districts, however, have been sparred [...]

Toledo in direct path of TD2
The path of tropical depression two takes it squarely over the Toledo District. The advisory from NEMO stated that the Boom Creek Road in Toledo was under four feet of [...]

Western Pines murder by axe
There is a murder to report tonight…it is the third for the month of June and it happened at the eight miles community of Western Pines off the George Price [...]

G.O.B. says “secret agreement,” but Financial Secretary Joe Waight signature on document
Prime Minister Dean Barrow came out blazing last week, accusing former Prime Minister Said Musa and former Attorney-General Francis Fonseca of signing a secret agreement with Belize International Services Limited, [...]

Brother of Ministry’s Secretary detained with Chinese Passports
A Belizean was detained in Cuba when he landed at the Jose Marti Airport in Havana with what we have been told are as many as five Chinese passports with [...]

Foreign Affairs will help lay student to rest
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with their Taiwanese counterparts and the family of Clarencio Coc to bring the body of the twenty-six year old student home from Taiwan [...]

Caught on camera: Cayo cops flip suspect on head in truck
Amateur video of a police apprehension in San Ignacio on Saturday at around four pm has made the rounds of Facebook and has resulted in somewhat mixed reactions. The video [...]

14 year old accuses teacher of carnal knowledge
There is a disturbing report coming out of the south. A fourteen year old student of the Toledo District is claiming that she had sex with her teacher. The minor [...]

Mike Menjivar’s home shootout with GSU in court
The trial of attempted murder against Mike Menjivar continues in the Belmopan Supreme Court. Menjivar’s house was raided in May 2011 by the Gang Suppression Unit; the raid started before [...]

Who shot Valley of Peace resident?
Belmopan Police are currently investigating two incidents which occurred over the weekend that have left several persons recovering at the Western Regional Hospital. The first incident happened at around eleven-thirty [...]

3 women argue; 2 women stabbed
And on Sunday, an altercation in Ontario Village in the Cayo District also landed three women and a minor in the Western Regional Hospital. Police are still trying to sort [...]

Pallotti School music teacher plays to higher heights
The National Institute of Culture and History and the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize announce the international recognition of young Belizean violinist Courtney Gillett. Gillett, who lived her [...]

Football Telethon raises over $100 thousand…400 more needed
Jaguars have not been combing through the dense forests, but also on the playing field. The national football selection, also known as the Jaguars, has been working extremely hard to [...]

Road to the Gold Cup features Woodrow Wilson West
On the Road to the Gold Cup: The National Football team will be playing the United States, Cuba and Costa Rica in the upcoming Gold Cup games in July. Tonight [...]

Sports Monday highlights with Guru James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports.   The age old rivalry between Belize Telemedia and Mirage Lady Rebels produced another monster showdown Friday night inside Rogers Stadium [...]

LOVE FM

Belizean Violinist Returns From Intense Music Training At Julliard
Belizean Youth Musician Courtney Gillett a violinist and the principal violinist and coach in the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize, began playing Suzuki violin at the age of ten. Now at the age of 26, she has a vast amount of achievements, especially in music. Gillett has ...

Venezuelan Embassy Meets With Leaders For Solidarity
On Saturday the Venezuelan Embassy hosted a meeting with several representatives of Belize’s sector including leaders of the opposition party, Mayors from across the country and other social leaders. Love News was present at the function and we spoke to Venezuela Ambassador to Belize, His E...

Activist Says He Was Replaced At University Without Notice
While the country slowly floods because of a passing tropical depression, the University of Belize also slowly floods with controversy and in the center of it is UB Lecturer, Patrick Menzies, or in this case, former lecturer, since he says he headed to UB’s Central Campus in Belmopan to tea...

Orange Walk Police Nabs Armed Robber
One man has been charged for a robbery at a business establishment in Orange Walk Town on Saturday. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “Orange Walk Police has charged one man for the robbery of the Insurance Corporation of Belize, ICB office in Orange Walk Town.&n...

Committee For September Celebrations Gears Up For Activities
September is less than three months away and that means that the September Celebrations Committee is already gearing up the preparations. Love News today spoke with the President of NICH, Diane Haylock who told us more about what’s in the making DIANE HAYLOCK, President, NICH ...

Police In Southern Belize Seeks Teacher For Carnal Knowledge Investigation
Police are looking for a teacher from the Toledo District. This follows a report by a 14-year-olkd student who told police that on May 29 she went to the teacher’s house in Santa Teresa Village where he had sexual intercourse with her. Medical examination was conducted on the mi...

Russian Ambassador To Belize Presents Credentials
This morning, His Excellency Eduard R. Malayan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Belize, presented his credentials to the Governor General of Belize His Excellency, Sir Colville Young. In his speech, Ambassador Malayan extended warm greetings from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President o...

Belize's Trade Union Congress Supports GOB Move On International Registries
Last week the Government took control of the shipping registries, IMMARBE and IBC. Today the National Trade Union Congress of Belize says it supports the government’s move to do so. The NTUCB calls the move bold and necessary. According to the Unions while it is concerned ...

Tropical Depression #2 Brings Heavy Rains and Winds To Belize
Marion Ali, Reporting The second Tropical Depression for the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane season slammed into Belize this afternoon at around 13 MPH with wind gusts of up to 41knots. The storm formed at around nine this morning, some 98 miles ENE of Punta Gorda Town and 60 miles E of Monkey ...

World Bank and SIF Raise Questions On Incomplete Construction In Dangriga
Residents of Dangriga are become uneasy because of the slack an important project in that municipality has taken, since it is a means of revenue for the municipality. Correspondent Harry Arzu has more on the issue. HARRY ARZU “The delayed work on the existing Dangriga Market i...

Residents In Southern Belize Cautioned on Possibility of Flash Floods
The Stann Creek NEMO met this afternoon to discuss the current weather situation. Correspondent Harry Arzu has more details on the meeting. HARRY ARZU “The incessant rains continue to affect the Stann Creek District as a result of the tropical depression that is passing over B...

Planned Countrywide Activities Lead Up To UN Public Service Day
Sunday will be observed as the United Nations Public Service Day and Belize will join in on observing the day. But for the entire week starting today, the Ministry of the Public Service will engage in a series of activities to celebrate those public officers who have delivered sterling serv...

CTV3

Tropical Depression Number 2 Batters Belize With Heavy Rains
This year’s Hurricane forecast calls for a total of 16 named storms, 9 of which are expected to become hurricanes, including 5 major hurricanes between Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Tropical Storm Andrea was the first named storm of the Atlantic season which developed on the 5th of June 2013. It didn’t raise flags for Belize since it made landfall along the Florida Big Bend region, slamming with heavy rain and wind. Andrea did not develop into a hurricane but did cause flooding and storm surge on the areas affected. And today Tropical Depression number two formed in the Caribbean just off the coast of north-western Honduras, close to Belize causing heavy rainfall across the country. According to Chief Meteorologist at the National Meteorology Service, Dennis Gonguez, the system is expected to move west into parts of Belize and the Yucatán Peninsula over the next 24 hours, most likely as a tropical depression. Heavy rain will be the greatest threat over these areas along with portions of Guatemala and Honduras.

ICB Orange Walk Robbed At Gunpoint
Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town turned into a crime scene on Saturday as a female employee of the Insurance Corporation of Belize Orange Walk Branch was robbed at gunpoint while inside the business. The perpetrator, disguised as a customer, gained entrance to the establishment and demanded that the employee, who was alone at the time, hand over all the cash. Luckily for the victim, her colleagues in Corozal became suspicions when they called her on the company’s line and her cell phone and she did not answer. Instead her cell phone was answered by the robber as he made a wrong move. CTV3 News’ Reporter Victor Castillo arrived at the scene minutes after the incident and filed the following report. Victor Castillo – Reporting It was a busy Saturday morning but that did not stop a lone gunman from making his way into the Insurance Corporation of Belize Orange Walk Branch, located on Belize Corozal Road and robbing Customer Service Officer Ruth Martinez, who was alone at the time, at gunpoint. At around 9:00am, a male person appearing to be an ordinary customer, showed up at the entrance door with documents in hand. The door, which can only be opened from inside was unlocked by Martinez. That is when her worst nightmare began. CTV3 News understands that as the robber entered the business, he pulled out a gun, pointed the weapon at Martinez, took away her cell phone, and demanded that she open the cash vault. Fearing for her life Martinez did as she was told.

Faber Chastises Teachers For The Second Time
In his press conference last week Thursday, the Minister of Education made a daring move as he trashed the Belize National Teacher’s Union. But it’s not the first that Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, uses strong language when referring to teachers. We’ll get to that part of the story in a while. Faber’s latest attack was due to a number of issues storming the education sector including the disappointing PSE results. In his statement the Minister categorically stated that while teachers are asking for a salary adjustment of 30% they are doing nothing to improve the PSE results. For context here are his remarks. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education “It is absolutely amazing and I’ll go on a limb that teachers are saying that we want a salary adjustment of 30% when the government is saying we can’t afford it but then we have the same old results and there is no denying that teachers have a tremendous effect on what these results are and correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t hear the Union talking about how we can improve professionalization in the teaching service at all and I challenge them it is not a quarrel but a challenge I said before and I will do it again we want you to insist that teachers get more professional training. It is the ministry that provides the continuous professional development training in the summer time, is it not, the unions collect dues from teachers $20 dollars a month I paid for ten years, what out of that do they invest back in making sure that our teachers are trained, the ministry provided the certificate of education program paid for 95% by the ministry the other 5% by the teachers what do the Union do, but we have a Union in this country and I will get into trouble again for it that fights for teachers who are incompetent, some of them who are molesters, some of them who don’t do their job in the classrooms and the Union officials know it but we fight for them they are not functioning , they are not doing the best job but the minute the principal or the management or the ministry tries to bring them up there is a champion called the Union who fights against.”

Gian Ghandi Says He Knew Nothing About 10 Year Extension Granted To BISL
Following the most recent back and forth between Prime Minister Barrow and former Prime Minister Musa and former Attorney General Francis Fonseca regarding the so called secret agreement which purported to extend the contract for the management of the IBC and Ships Registries by Belize International Services Limited, the Ministry of Finance issued a press release today. In his press conference on June 12th, the PM boasted that the takeover of the two companies was completely legal because the letter that granted the extension to BISL was indeed illegal. But former Prime Minister Said Musa and former Attorney General, Francis Fonseca, who signed the agreement back in 2005, have indicated that there was no secret agreement since the issue was brought to cabinet and that the legal counsel in the Ministry of Finance did know about the letter. The agreement, signed on March 24th 2005 between G.O.B. and BISL, states that in consideration of a payment of one point five million dollars U.S., the Government agrees and confirms the extension of the duration of the Agreement to eleventh June 2020. Six weeks after, on May thirteenth 2005, the Ministry of Finance issued a letter asking that one point five million dollars US, payable by Belize International Services Limited, be paid to the Central Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. The purpose was explicitly stated as follows – “for the purchase of the option to manage and operate the International Business Companies Registry and the Shipping Registry from 2003 to 2020. The letter was signed by Joseph Waight as Financial Secretary and it was copied to the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Belize and the Legal Counsel in the Ministry of Finance, Gian Gandhi.

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Presents Credentials To Governor General
This morning, a new Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Belize presented his credentials Governor General Sir Colville Young at the Belize House. In his speech His Excellency Eduard R. Malayan, extended warm greetings from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to the Governor General and people of Belize. He further expressed the possibility to deepen the relationship between the two countries not only in the political and diplomatic spheres, but also in trade, culture, education and technical cooperation.

Logging Season Closes
In the month of April 2013 the illegal harvesting and exportation of Rosewood, despite a moratorium set in place back in March of 2012, caused huge public outcry. This prompted the Government of Belize to declare a 19 days amnesty for those in possession of the precious hardwood and to approve the sale and export of rosewood with government splitting the profits from sales with exporters. While it seems that the illegal harvesting of Rosewood has died down on Saturday the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development and the Forest Department declared the logging season closed. This means that between June 15th and October 14th the harvesting of trees will not be permitted. According to the Ministry of Forestry the closure of logging activities coincides with the arrival of the rainy season which is not conducive to logging operations. Apart from an increased risk of loss of human life, logging during the rainy season often results in damage to forest soils and to public access roads. Of note is that there will be no consideration for extension of forest permits and licenses after the closure of the season. All forest produce not removed from the license areas prior to this date, automatically becomes the property of the Government of Belize. The logging season will re-open on the October 15th 2013. All applications for licenses for the next logging season should be submitted by November 30th, 2013 to the respective district office which will subsequently be forwarded to the Chief Forest Officer, Forest Department, Belmopan. Application forms are available at all district offices.

San Estevan Library Has A New Name And Logo
For well over 10 years, the San Estevan Library has been providing students with informative and educational literature free of cost. Students, without a doubt, have made good use of the service and most recently, now enjoy the facility of computers to further enhance their learning capacity. So as to attract more student attention, the former San Estevan Village Council along with librarian, Nancy Canche, launched a competition for students in order to find a name and a logo that will best describe the Library. Fidelmar Hernandez, Former Chairman of San Estevan Village “A few weeks ago we had a meeting with the librarian and the village council and we decided to give a prize to the standard II to standard XI classes whose over come up with the best logo and name for this library because for the moment we have it as San Estevan library.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “How many persons more or less have submitted entries for this competition?” Fidelmar Hernandez, Former Chairman of San Estevan Village “We have approximately about 12 to 14 logos and names.”

And So Was Yummy Restaurant
Apart from ICB and Lucia’s Guest House, another establishment was robbed at gunpoint but not over the weekend. This time the robbery played out on Thursday June 13th at around 6:30pm when three men entered Yummy Restaurant located on San Antonio Road Orange Walk and robbed the owner and one of the female employees at gunpoint. According to the employee, the first individual to enter the restaurant was armed with a firearm. After he made his demands, two other men entered the restaurant and assisted the first robber in the crime. Robbery Victim “Solo entro el primero y parece que se arrepintió y después agarro la pistola y dijo que es un asalto y entraron dos más y agarraron un laptop y salieron y se fueron.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “A qué horas paso?” Robbery Victim “A las seis y media de la tarde.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “Llamaron a la policía, que fue lo que paso después?”

"Belize In You, Belize In Me, Land Of The Free" September Celebrations Theme
September is a little over two months away and already the soca music can be heard playing at the distance as Carnival groups prepare for the annual road march. The patriotic month is held every year under a theme and this year is of no exception. The National Celebrations Committee held a competition for the 215th Anniversary of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye and the 32nd anniversary of Belize’s Independence and this year’s winner is Jeanelle Mencias from the City of Belmopan. Mencias’ submission was among 125 entries received by the National Celebrations Committee which was selected as the winner. Mencia’s theme is, “Belize in you, Belize in me, Land of the Free.” According to an official release by the National Celebrations Committee, the theme was selected because, and we quote, “it engenders a spirit of personal pride and nationalism about being Belize and Belizean.” Jeanelle Mencias will receive a cash prize of $1,000.

Man Marries Twice, He Now Has The Law To Face
A man from the Toledo District is tonight under investigation for the crime of Bigamy. Bigamy is when one is legally married with more than one person at the same time. Yesterday morning, sixty-seven year old Faustina Coc of Punta Gorda Town reported to police that her husband, whom she had been married to for the past twenty years, was married to another woman. According to Bol, she and Ambrocio Bol were married in April of 1997 and have lived in the Cayo district since. Last month, May of this year, her husband married Magdalena Chiquin of San Felipe Village in the Toledo District. As a result of this second marriage, we all know that Hell has no fury like a woman scorned, and scorned was the sixty-seven year old first wife.

Association Of Churches And Evangelical Ministries Oppose Gender Policy
One of the main topics on the Barrow administration’s agenda is the gender policy. The Prime Minister has gone on record to say that he believes the National Revised Gender Policy 2013 is a good policy and as a result, he will not withdraw the policy as some organizations have requested. The Evangelical Church has stood against the terminologies used in the policy and believes that they are left open for wrong interpretation. The church has stated that the gender policy is a very dangerous document and puts in jeopardy the freedom of speech Belizeans on a whole enjoy today. During his press conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister stated that he has met with leaders of the churches but his position has not changed, however, he is open for dialogue so as to rephrase certain sections of the policy that may be subject to misinterpretation. As for withdrawing in entirety the policy, the PM says absolutely not. The Association of Churches and Evangelical Ministries is formed by approximately 75 churches country wide with each district having their own executive. Yesterday, the executive issued a press release in which it condemned the National Revised Gender Policy 2013 and urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the policy. We spoke to the president of the association, Oscar Barrera, who told us more.

New Exhibit Opens At he BHOC
52 years ago, on Tuesday, October 30th, 1961, Belize was rocked by Hurricane Hattie which caused major destruction having spent only three and a half hours over Belize. With recorded winds of 160 mph and gusts of up to 200 mph, the storm surge reached between 13 to 15 feet above sea level. Taking the brunt of the storm were the Turneffe Islands, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, followed by Belize City and the Stann Creek District. In commemoration of the aftermath of the storm, a new exhibit is on display at the Banquitas House of Culture and reporter Irvin Aragon along with Cameraman Kenric Simpson visited today and relived that historic event; here’s their story. Irvin Aragon- Reporting "Eye of the Storm - Fifty Years since Hurricane Hattie" is the name of a new exhibit that is on display at the Banquitas House of Culture. Hurricane at Halloween, refers to a devastating hurricane which struck British Honduras some 52 years ago, just as the residents of British Honduras were starting to breathe a sigh of relief because the 1961 hurricane season would soon be ending, however, unexpectedly, a powerful Category 5 hurricane named Hattie hit Central America on Hollow’s Eve.

LOVE TV

Armed Robber Holds Up Insurance Office In Northern Belize
One man has been charged for a robbery at a business establishment in Orange Walk Town on Saturday. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “Orange Walk Police has charged one man for the robbery of the Insurance Corporation of Belize, ICB office in Orange Walk Town. The incident played out on Saturday morning around 9. Reports indicate that the man identified as Stanley Tillett of an Orange Walk Town address entered the ICB office and immediately pulled out a .22 pistol and pointed it at the female employee who was alone in the building at the time. Reports are that Tillett ripped out the phone line, tied the woman and placed her behind the counter; he then searched the cash register taking an undisclosed amount of cash but before he could finish his heist, an employee from a nearby business who says he normally check on the woman at the ICB office stopped by to make his routine check.” WITNESS “That was when my superior told me to go and check and see what happened and what is going on and if everything safe, if everything is alright. When I reached and I looked through the glass I saw a male person standing but I never saw the girl; so, I said maybe she is at the back with the papers; so, I knocked on the door and the man came and opened it. As I was looking to go inside he pulled out the gun and aimed it at me. The man said, ‘you come in wrong time now it’s you who is going to get it and who sent you; the man says I feel like killing you right now; you have spoiled my day and messed up my move; so, with that in mind the man hit me in my head and then he said I have to tie you.”

Plans for September Celebrations Underway
September is less than three months away and that means that the September Celebrations Committee is already gearing up the preparations. Love News today spoke with the President of NICH, Diane Haylock who told us more about what’s in the making DIANE HAYLOCK, President, NICH “We have recently selected the theme for this year’s celebration which is. “Belize in you, Belize in me, land of the free” – short and sweet. We have sent out that information so people can now begin to use that theme in promoting their own events, whether at the national or local levels. I think there were 145 entries; we have a subcommittee of the celebration commission that goes through the entries and then they short list and the commission itself makes the decision. So, we had a short list at our last meeting of 7 entries that was selected and the back and forth among us and you know finally choosing this one, I think it sort of resonated with us; BELIZE IN YOU, a play on BELIEVE IN YOU and it’s a play on the word, Belize. “Belize in you, Belize in me, land of the free” – it was short, it was sweet. Sometimes people write these long sentences for themes and then they don’t role off the tongue very, very easily and that for us ended up being catchy and as short as it was it had a lot of significance.” The winning theme for this year was contributed by Jeanelle Mencias from the City of Belmopan. Haylock says they hope to encourage young people to devise creative pieces centered on the theme to artistically express what it means to them. And of course one of the highlights of the September Celebrations is the Carnival which Haylock says is getting along despite shortcomings.

Teacher Incriminated In Carnal Knowledge Report
Police are looking for a teacher from the Toledo District. This follows a report by a 14-year-olkd student who told police that on May 29 she went to the teacher’s house in Santa Teresa Village where he had sexual intercourse with her. Medical examination was conducted on the minor which revealed that she was carnally known.

Belize Welcomes Russian Ambassador to Belize
This morning, His Excellency Eduard R. Malayan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Belize, presented his credentials to the Governor General of Belize His Excellency, Sir Colville Young. In his speech, Ambassador Malayan extended warm greetings from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to the GG and the Belizean people. Ambassador Malayan further expressed the possibility to deepen the relationship between Belize and the Russian Federation in several forms including political, diplomatic, trade, culture, education and technical cooperation. During his visit Ambassador Malayan presented his Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington and CEO, Alexis Rosado.

Belize Gets Rains and Wind From Tropical Depression #2
The second Tropical Depression for the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane season slammed into Belize this afternoon at around 13 MPH with wind gusts of up to 41knots. The storm formed at around nine this morning, some 98 miles ENE of Punta Gorda Town and 60 miles E of Monkey River and made landfall somewhere between Dangriga Town and Independence Village at around three this afternoon. Dennis Gonguez, Chief Meteorologist “As the system moves across here all this will be swinging in that direction over the northern part because the circulation is counter clock wise so this will be swinging up towards the northern part of the country.” Gonguez said that the roughly two inches of rainfall that inundated some of Belize City streets on Sunday and Sunday night were associated with the Depression. By the time the depression passes over Belize over tonight, it would have dumped another three inches of rainfall over the country, and that is cause for concern. Dennis Gonguez, Chief Meteorologist “We’re looking at, in the north this afternoon and this evening up to about 3 – 3 ½ inches up in the north and that could cause some issues then the activities switches to the south tonight where we could be getting 2 – 2 ½ inches between tonight and tomorrow morning. We are looking at the rains being the bigger threat than the winds.” While the greatest part of the storm has passed, the system will continue to deposit rain over the country and Gonguez advises people in low-lying areas to make the necessary adjustments. Dennis Gonguez, Chief Meteorologist “You should take the necessary precautions to safeguard life and property if you see the waters are rising in your vicinity.” Even when the system leaves our area that will not be the last of it. Dennis Gonguez, Chief Meteorologist “It appears that when the system goes into the Bay of Campeche, it could regenerate into a depression once it maintains its status across the Yucatan Peninsula.”

Incomplete Construction In Southern Belize Causes Revenue Loss
Residents of Dangriga are become uneasy because of the slack an important project in that municipality has taken, since it is a means of revenue for the municipality. Correspondent Harry Arzu has more on the issue. HARRY ARZU “The delayed work on the existing Dangriga Market is becoming more of a concern for the residents of this municipality and more so for Mayor Gilbert Swazo.” MAYOR SWAZO “On Wednesday, June 12, 2013, Representative of the World Bank accompanied by their counterparts from the Belize Social Investment Fund was in Dangriga to conduct their midyear review after the phase one component of the Belize Municipality Development Project which consists of the construction of the extension to and the refurbishment of the existing Dangriga Municipal Market. The review included a meeting and a site visit to the market project. During the meeting, I as the Mayor and on behalf of the people of Dangriga explicitly expressed concern on the snail pace speed of the project and its token employment of the residents of Dangriga. I also, as a consequence demanded forcefully yet respectfully that the contractor increase the number of Dangriga residents on the project and to speed up the construction of the project without compromising the quality. The World Bank Representative also expresses their concern on the present state of the project and their disappointment with the contractor for having completed only about 40% of the project.

Flash Floods Are Likely In Southern Belize
The Stann Creek NEMO met this afternoon to discuss the current weather situation. Correspondent Harry Arzu has more details on the meeting. HARRY ARZU “The incessant rains continue to affect the Stann Creek District as a result of the tropical depression that is passing over Belize. A number of primary schools were given permission to close their doors today despite the fact that primary school students were scheduled to start their third term promotional examination here in the municipality. However, NEMO Stann Creek says they are on alert and is monitoring the weather. Mayor Gilbert Swazo is the Chairperson for NEMO Stann Creek.” MAYOR SWAZO “We continue to monitor the tropical depression and along with the Regional Coordinator and the District Coordinator we continue to issue advisory in relation to the likely impacts of the rainy condition. We are giving advisory to all those flood prone areas within Dangriga and within Stann Creek District to be vigilant and to be on the lookout for flash floods. We continue to monitor and at this time we have given advisory to residents within the Stann Creek District and Dangriga in general.”

Belize Joins In UN Public Service Day Observation
Sunday will be observed as the United Nations Public Service Day and Belize will join in on observing the day. But for the entire week starting today, the Ministry of the Public Service will engage in a series of activities to celebrate those public officers who have delivered sterling service over the years. Chairperson of the Public Service National Committee, Freya Parham August, told Love News that the public officers even have a chance to get free check-ups as well. FREYA PARHAM AUGUST “What we will be having on Friday in lieu of the 23rd is an award ceremony and the ceremony is going to be held in Punta Gorda. We have been rotating the ceremony in the different municipalities just to interact with the citizens from different parts of the country. On that day we will be recognizing public officers who have done outstanding work, who have committed their lives, so to speak, for the last 25 years, to the government and people of Belize. So, that is what we will be having on Friday that is the highlight in Belize for our Public Service Day. This week we will be having a week of activities across the country; today in Belize City they will be having a Health Day where public officers can come in and get free tests.

Violin Teacher Attends Julliard 2013 Starling Symposium
Belizean Youth Musician Courtenay Gillett a violinist and the principal violinist and coach in the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize, began playing Suzuki violin at the age of ten. Now at the age of 26, she has a vast amount of achievements, especially in music. Gillett has recently returned from Julliard’s 2013 Starling De-Lay Symposium for Violin studies, which provided intense music training her. She says she applied for the program as a teacher and became a participant. COURTENAY GILLETT “It was to explore how to use violin technique and to help your students get better sound; in this case they focus on the Bach, Partitas and Sonatas and also some other technical studies such as Kreutzer and what it was – it was master classes; so, they had student artists who performed for us and while there, they had professional teachers who came up and they gave their critique on how you can change the sound; it’s all about sound production. As musicians, we can’t allow ourselves to stay the same; when we perform, if I sing today in one way, I don’t expect that ten years down the road for it to sound the same way. It has to evolve even better; so it’s how to get your students to produce even better sounds; not to concentrate on playing notes but creating music.” Now Gillett is getting prepared to join the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, YOA, in touring Central America. She told us what she looks forward to in that venture.

PlusTV

Body found in Western Paradise area
Police have confirmed the discovery of the body of a man inside a house at mile 8 on the George Price Highway. Complete details are not known at this time but police have announced that the body showed apparent chop wounds to the head and have classified the incident...

Two Guatemalan xateros arrested in Belize’s Forest
Two Guatemalan xateros found in Belize’s forest were arrested and charged in San Ignacio. Acording to reports, on Friday the 14th June, the Joint Forces Team on patrol in the Chiquibul base at Tapir Camp detained two male Hispanic persons who were maneuvering to cross the main Caracol Road....

NEMO issues Advisory on Tropical Depression
Belizeans spent a very wet Father’s Day weekend as a result of severe rains affecting the country. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) this morning confirmed that the rains are a result of Tropical Depression No. 2 which formed several hours ago from an area of disturbed weather right...

Dangriga family’s home destroyed by fire
A Dangriga family is tonight asking the public’s assistance after their home was completely destroyed by fire. It happened over the weekend and our Dangriga correspondent Harry Arzu spoke to the owner of the home. He filed the following report. Harry Arzu – Dangriga Correspondent: A two-story wooden structure...

University of Belize Fires Professor Patrick Menzies
University of Belize Fires Professor Patrick Menzies. Mr Menzies is well known within the media circle as a social activist and the UB Lecturer, whose students recently conducted a research which shows that the University of Belize is overcharging students for some courses. This afternoon, Menzies showed up to...

PUP gearing up to lead national demonstration
Earlier this year the People’s United Party (PUP) had plans for a national demonstration to highlight alleged abuses and inefficiencies of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP). But there has been nothing heard of it since and members of the press asked Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca about it on...

NTUCB declares support for Government’s move to recover registries
Last week we aired the Opposition Leader’s response to allegations that he and former Prime Minister Musa signed a secret agreement to extend Management Services Agreement for the International Business Companies Registry and the Shipping Registry for another seven years from 2013 to 2020. In a press release issued...

Life sentences in prison for two men still stand
They were accused of cold-blooded murders in 2002 –after robbing bottling giants Bowen and Bowen, then fleeing the country. First tried and convicted in 2004, the cases of Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau have gone as far as London, England and the Privy Council to be decided. But after...

Stabbing and shooting in Belize City
There was both a stabbing and a shooting incident in Belize City over the weekend. On Friday June, 14th, at 9:30pm police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw RUSHELL LOPEZ, Belizean Domestic of a Fabers Road address, suffering from (2) stab wounds to the left side...

Belmopan Police investigates shooting and incidents
Belmopan Police investigates shooting incident. On Sunday June 16th shortly after 1pm. Police visited the emergency ward at that Western Regional Hospital where they observe Edwardo Antonio GARCIA, a Salvadoran Farmer of Valley of Peace Village, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper rib cage area. Garcia...

Local Musician returns from two-week training at Juilliard Music School
Burrell Boom native and musician and teacher Courtney Gillett has scored a pair of major accomplishments. She has just returned from a two-week training for music teachers at the world-renowned Juilliard Music School in New York City, and soon leaves for Panama as Belize’s first and sole representative in...

Toledo Police investigate Carnal Knowledge accusation
Police in the Toledo District is looking for a teacher after a carnal knowledge report by one of his students. Over the weekend a 14yr, old student visited the Police Station in the company of her father and reported that on May 29th around 7:45pm she went to her...

Police investigate firearms offence and robbery
On Saturday June 15th, Police conducted a searched at the residence of 31yr old Omar CALDERON, of Orange Walk Town. Present at time of the search was CALDERON and a 16year old minor. As a result of the search police recovered a black plastic bag containing (12) rounds of...

Belizean Artists First hosted Father’s Day Song Competition and Concert
On Saturday night, the Association for Belizean Artists First (ABAF) hosted its fifth annual Father’s Day Song Competition and Concert, which for the first time is being held among high school entrants only. Ahead of the concert, on Friday Promoter Tony Wright told us how his organization collaborated with...

Football legend maintains Hostel Field for 27 years
Last week, we met football legend and community activist Bernard “Dubu” Thomas, a star forward on the Coke Milpros teams of the late 1980’s and later on the over-35 Ebony Lake football team. But for the past 27 years, he has been known for something else: a one-man effort...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Ocean Academy graduates 10!
Ocean Academy High School held it’s annual graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 14th. 10 students graduated with their high school diplomas. Canadian musician, Danny Michel, was the guest speaker. Congratulations to all the graduates on a job well done! May your future be as bright as the Caye Caulker sun. Congratulations to the staff, faculty and friends of Ocean Academy high school as well. You are an oasis of hope for the village.

Crazy Weather on Caye Caulker
Tropical Depression 2 which formed over Belize yesterday is blanketing the country with heavy rains and gusty conditions. Out on Caye Caulker, heavy breakers are rolling in from the reef. Locally, this heavy surf is referred to as “rekaladas”, or rolling waves. The sea is at the level of some of the piers at this point, and there has been some erosion along the seashore.

Thank You from Tracie Young
Tracie Young ran for councilor and won with a total of 315 votes. Chairperson was won by Mr. Wayne Miller, other councilors are Enelda Rosado, Julian Rosado, Ilda Marin, Ralph Humes and Raul Young.

The June 16th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Jarod “Steel Bob” Lamb Finally Captured:
  Jarod “Steel Bob” Arthurs Lamb has been on the San Ignacio police’s most wanted list since the January 2013 home invasion/murder of Belizean businessman Steven Valencia in his Loma Luz Boulevard home in Santa Elena, Cayo. Lamb, who had managed to evade the police for over five months while committing more crimes, was today caught off guard when Belmopan police was alerted of his location. San Ignacio police informed that Lamb, 25, Belizean laborer of Ontario village in the Cayo district was captured in neighboring Camalote village. He was escorted to the Belmopan police station where he is to face charges for crimes he is accused of committing in that area.
• BECOL Warning System Failed:
  Reliable reports reaching us indicates that the Tuesday, June 4, 2013, planned testing of BECOL’s early warning system, in the event of a dam break, failed. The rather embarrassing incident reportedly occurred in the presence of representatives from the National Emergency Management Organization and from the Department of the Environment both legally charged with overseeing such exercises. The system at San Ignacio fire station failed as well as the one located at Black Rock Resort. The siren was to have blasted seven times for three consecutive minutes at three minute intervals none of which reportedly occurred. The failure now begs the question: Is BECOL really prepared to issue the relevant warning in the event of a dam break, or will residences in the destructive path of the dam feel before they hear the warning?
• Hon Rene Montero - Delivering On His Promises:
  2013: In fulfilling his manifesto promise to support young athletes in Cayo Central, Minister of Works and Transport, Hon Rene Montero, today handed over a thousand dollar check to the captain of the Georgeville football team. The donation explained the coach could not have come at a better time as the Georgeville football team is preparing to play, in Georgeville, a friendly match against a Guatemalan team. The coach is asking villagers from Georgeville and surrounding communities to come out and support their team. As works continue to progress in the village, with the upgrading of streets, refurbishing of the community center and support for the feeding program in the village primary school, Minister Montero pledged to continue supporting the community and the entire Cayo Central constituency.
• St. Andrews Excels In PSE:
  Bernice York Institute of Learning is this year’s top PSE student, the management and staff St. Andrews Anglican Primary School in San Ignacio are proud to have produced the next two top students in the Primary School Examination (PSE). St. Andrews Primary School’s Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban tied for 2nd place both receiving perfect scores in Math and Science finishing the examinations with an astounding 386 points out of a possible 400. Other top PSE St. Andrews School students are Alain Morris and Zahara Zul who both tied in 6th place.
• Evangelism In Politics:
  When televangelist Silas Malafaia gathered 40,000 followers outside Brazil's congress this week, it wasn't just to raise their arms to the sky and praise the Lord. The rally was a show of support for lawmakers who oppose abortion and same-sex marriage and a message to other politicians that they should not ignore Brazil's fast-growing evangelical churches if they want to stay in office. "Gay activism is moral garbage," Malafaia roared into the microphone to a cheering crowd on the grassy esplanade of the Brazilian capital. "Satan will not destroy our family values."
• Belizeans In The United States And Abroad Agressively Demanding Full Citizenship Rights In Their Homeland:
  By: Wellington C. Ramos When the Government of Belize started the debate to educate Belizeans throughout the country on the Referendum Initiative to take the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (I.C.J.), many Belizeans in the United States and Belize became insecure about their current citizenship status. Since the 1980’s the Government of Belize has been granting citizenship status to many Guatemalans who entered the country illegally. These citizens now have the right to vote, run for political office and become the Prime Minister of Belize. While, the Belizeans who were born in Belize and became citizens of the United States and other countries, are not entitled to these same fundamental rights unless they renounce the citizenships of their new countries.
• Response to Briceno’s letter on behalf of Fortis:
  Contributed by: Candy Gonzalez Mr. Briceno penned a Letter to the Editor that Fortis, Inc. used in a full page ad as part of their attempt to quash any objections to their purchase of C.H. Energy, in upstate New York. One of the letters opposing the takeover was from Robert Kennedy, Jr., who spoke of Fortis’ record in Belize. Briceno felt “compelled to correct the errors in the commentary and present your readers with an accurate account of the developments that took place under my watch”. Unfortunately, his “accurate account” is about as accurate as his pronouncements back in 1999-2008. One has to wonder if Mr. Briceno even wrote this letter. The reason I say this is because he refers to the NEAC as the “National Environmental Assessment Committee.” The NEAC reviews all Environmental Impact Assessments. The Department of Environment was part of Briceno’s portfolio, Wouldn’t he know the NEAC stands for the “National Environmental Appraisal Committee”?
• Belize Embassy in Washington Raises funds for the Inspiration Center:
  The Embassy of Belize in Washington has raised US$60,000 for the Inspiration Center. His Excellency, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, who is visiting Belize, handed over the cheque to the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow on Tuesday. The donation is the proceeds of several fundraising events hosted in Washington between October 2011 and May 2013. The majority of the funds were raised at a hugely successful gala on February 16th, 2013, which brought in over US$40,000. Mrs. Barrow is extremely grateful to Ambassador Mendez and his team for their hard work and dedication as well as the Belizean diaspora in Washington for supporting the important cause of providing a safe, inclusive environment for children with disabilitiesto access much needed services.
• Fuego Bar and Grill- At The New Cayo Welcome Center:
  After a barrage of photos and tempting advertisements promising the latest and greatest “elevated Belizean street cuisine” I was excited to attend the tasting preview for Fuego Bar and Grill this past Monday. Fuego made a great first impression as I stepped up the sidewalk of the new Welcome Center into the patio area with simple clean edges and clever little flairs of style making their appearance as drinks we served and dishes popped out of the kitchen. The interior of the restaurant continued to warm the taste buds with oversized photos of the local market and glowing lamps dangling over the bar illuminating Leo Arguelles and his team of Mixologists as they blended and twisted to keep up with thirsty tasters. Trays of tiny little treats began to make their way out of the kitchen window where I could see Chef Jesse Mas was in his element constantly smiling and making sure every morsel was up to his standard. Each dish that was served was unique and enticing and well prepared. The tastes were a brilliant mix of local flavor and international styling.
• National Gender Policy Issue What’s The Fuss? Part 1:
  On May 17th, news broke about the new Revised National Gender Policy developed by the National Women’s Commission, and the INCLUSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION into the Gender Policy. Turns out that Caleb Orozco and UNIBAM were actively brought into the process of CREATING the new Gender Policy, and that this Policy was already APPROVED BY CABINET IN MARCH!! Now hold on a minute!! You trying to tell us that while Govt was fighting UNIBAM with one hand in Court, they had ALREADY APPROVED a Gender Policy months before, and UNIBAM helped draft it and it includes the homosexual agenda? How can this be?
• Official Results of the June 9th Village Council Elections:
• Santa Elena Primary School Receives Much Needed Assistance:
  The Infant one and two students of Santa Elena Primary School have been housed in two trailer home classrooms for the past ten years. The classrooms have since deteriorated considerably, with one of the major problems being the flooring of the buildings. We have echoed these sentiments to our community and other stakeholders at every opportunity we get, but to no avail. The cries of our teachers reached the ears of Mr. Richard Zul and Lucille Sosa who visited our school and saw the urgent need for the repairs of the floor and immediately contacted their partner, Mr. Robert Trausch who has been bringing teams to Belize for the past years to do voluntary services in various communities. Proactive, retired couple, Gary and Jerry Dennis, heard about the plans to renovate the floorings at SEPS and assisted Mr. Zul with the ground work before the arrival of the main team. Hence, the students from Nederland High School in Colorado have spent the last week under the guidance of their teacher Ms. Lorie Kinczel working on the flooring of three much needed classrooms.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

Blogs

Crazy Wet Weather
The one inch of rain that we got yesterday during Lobstermania pool party felt like 7, we could have had a great wet tee shirt contest The band got rained out and anyone who was not taking shelter under the tents or in the pool bar got drenched as well. At one point someone offered me a towel and I had to laugh there was no way I was staying dry until the rain stopped. Between floaty toy wrangling and trying to keep the taco cam streaming a good pool party view, I got soaked big time. It was pretty funny, every time I asked someone sitting in the bar if the webcam view looked ok they gave a few directions to reposition it and would say ‘it looks great.’ Then wen I got back to check it myself on the laptop, it looked all tilted like a drunken monkey had set it up

Why I would like to be an eco-kid
Hi! My name is Lillian Aguirre. I live in hope creek village on the Stann creek valley road. I am attending hope creek Methodist school. I am in the class of standard 4. My favorite sport is volleyball, my father is a diver at Marisol caye, and my mother goes to school at the junior college in Dangriga. She loves nature as well as I do; by the way I am 11years old! I want to be an eco-kid because I love nature and would like to help to protect the rainforest. When I visit the rainforest, the shade from the canopy of tree refreshes me. The smell of green trees relaxes me and the singing of the birds inspires me. I hope and pray that I might find and fallow a jaguar’s paw prints on a trail or I may look up high above and see an owl staring at me. If I am lucky I hope to see soldier ants carrying leave to build their homes wild pigs grunting by howler monkeys hanging on trees branches like thunder.

“I Can’t Stand the Rain” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
I mentioned in the previous edition that it rained for the greater part of Sunday and right through the night. Well, it didn’t abate and rained just as hard yesterday morning. A rainy and blustery view from the veranda around 8.30 am. I had intended to wash the golf cart because the dusty roads, (and especially on the road north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize) make it look very dirty. And very quickly. I then was going to spend some ‘quality time’ on the beach with my book. Well the rain put paid to that idea. I can’t stand the rain when it stops me from doing things that I want to do. With my plan in tatters there was only one sensible form of recourse for me. No, not go back to bed, but to Estel’s for breakfast. What would you have done in the same circumstances? Exactly. So. I got the raincoat out of the cupboard (haven’t had to wear it for nearly a year) and went for my breakfast and found a nearly empty Estel’s . Very unusual. Just as unusual was that I sat inside. It made sense to do do because even though they had the ‘rain shades’ down the rain was getting through them to hit the tables on the deck. In the afternoon I made the trip to visit our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize on my own because Rose wasn’t feeling the greatest. The best place for her was in the dry at our rented condo.

Raggamuffin Tours Summer Promotions
Raggamuffin Tours offers a unique 2 night/ 3 day sailing, snorkeling and fishing adventure from Caye Caulker to Placencia. The tour is unrivaled in quality and value for money and is a must for all who enjoy the Caribbean and the magic it holds. The tour is devised to take passengers away from the high tourist traffic and population areas of San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Belize City by traveling South. Customers are offered the chance to access the more remote parts of the inner reef and therefore some of the world’s most highly regarded snorkeling and even fishing opportunities.

The Cat Lady of Caye Caulker, Belize
Beyond the sounds of the waves and the beat of the reggae music on Caye Caulker, you might also hear a “meow,” or maybe 86 of them. This side of the island is home to P.A.W.’s, run by Madi Collins. She started the animal sanctuary after returning home from the United States. One day in 2003, she was on the dock next to her home and saw a bag floating in the ocean. Four kittens were trapped inside. Madi jumped into the ocean to rescue the kittens and nurse them back to health. “My life changed forever …” Madi told me. “People out here don’t want cats. They beat them or they throw them out in the ocean to die.” Ten years have passed since then. As I visited her in November 2012, I saw the toll that working 12 hours every day has left on her. She said she feels pain, but the cats keep her going. “If I die, who’s going to take care of them?” she said. “The culture here in Belize isn’t like the United States. People won’t think twice about abusing animals.”

GMO Products to stay away from
Ensuring that your family is healthy is a huge priority and buying non-GMO foods should be part of that process. If you are health conscious and want to keep GMO’s out of your diet, here is a list of products that contain GMO so you can avoid them. The list is not 100% guaranteed to list all GMO containing products but it’s a good start. Mainly you should read the ingredients list and research them to see how they may impact you and your family. Baby Food ~ Genetically Engineered Ingredients Nabisco (Phillip Morris) Arrowroot Teething Biscuits Infant formula Carnation Infant Formulas(Nestle) AlSoy Good Start Follow-Up Follow-Up Soy Enfamil Infant Formulas (Mead Johnson) Enfamil with Iron Enfamil Low Iron Enfamil A.R. Enfamil Nutramigen Enfamil Lacto Free Enfamil 22 Enfamil Next step (soy and milk-based varieties) Enfamil Pro-Soybee

International Sources

A 6-Month Escape to Belize
Life was good in the States. We had a big house, two cars, and a community of friends in our Pennsylvania hometown. We had meaningful work and our weeks rushed by in a whirlwind of activity for both us and our children. We espoused the American view of “work hard, play hard.” But something was missing. The lifestyle we were living was too stressful, too busy, too unhealthy, and too expensive. We found ourselves accumulating—and worrying about—unnecessary stuff. We felt we were running on a work-and-spend treadmill that didn’t get us anywhere and left us exhausted. In the name of living the good life, we felt we were actually losing ours. So last winter my husband Kevin and I decided we needed a break—a family escape—from what we knew to be “normal.” We realized we couldn’t stay where we were with our four kids and find the change we wanted. We focused on Central and South America because of their proximity to the U.S., their warm tropical climates, and their low cost of living. We spent many hours online researching and talking to expats who lived in the countries we were considering: Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and Ecuador. We paid flying visits to several places to see in person if we would like it there. Ultimately, we decided on Belize, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and facing the morning sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. A sparsely-populated country of around 300,000 people, Belize is English-speaking. It’s also very affordable and would allow our family of six to live comfortably, even without selling off everything we owned in the States.

President Otto Pérez Molina: Guatemala Dry Canal Plan Well Underway
Guatemala’s President Otto Pérez Molina, has said that his country’s plans for a dry canal between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are more advanced than a similar project being undertaken by Nicaragua, The president made the statement in Taiwan, where he is on an official visit. In an article published in Guatemala’s Prensa Libre newspaper today, Perez is quoted as saying that “there is a difference” between the Guatemalan dry inter-oceanic canal and Nicaragua’s project made official in a concession given on June 13, to the Chinese company HK Nicaragua Canal Development. “Nicaragua’s project is more akin to the Panama canal,” while Guatemala’s is “a project of 390 km, with oil and gas pipelines, a federal expressway and railway line,” said the President.

Tropical depression heads towards Belize
Tropical depression number two formed on Monday in the far western Caribbean Sea and, at 5:00 pm EDT, was 10 miles northeast of Monkey River Town, Belize, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, with higher gusts. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the depression was moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph and this general motion, with a decrease in forward speed, is expected over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the centre will move over Belize and northern Guatemala on Monday night and early Tuesday, and over eastern Mexico later on Tuesday. The depression could emerge into the southern Bay of Campeche by early Wednesday. Weakening will occur as the centre moves over land on Monday night and Tuesday. Some strengthening is possible by early Wednesday if the centre emerges into the Bay of Campeche.

June 17, 2013

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

Wolfe’s Woofers: Talking to the ladies
Well, of course what would you expect to happen at Ladies' night at Wet Willy's? FUN of course!!

ABC celebrates Father’s Day
The students at ABC Pre-School on Ambergris Caye had a very special day on Friday June 14th. All students were invited to bring along their dad to a Father’s Day event that the management had planned as part of the school’s calendar of events. The Father’s Day event included arts and a few songs which the students had prepared weeks in advance. “This is the first time we have had so many dads for an event like this. We are happy that they took time out to be with their kids,” said a very happy Wil Alamilla, Principal of ABC Pre-School. He said that the event is part of the school’s many activity which forms part of their school’s curriculum. “Today we invited the dads of all the kids. Events like this allow family member to come and spend time with their children at school and see what they are doing.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Election results
Official results...meet your new CCVC Councillors!!! Enelda Rosado 414, Tracy Young 315, Julian Rosado 298, Ilda Marin 270, Ralph Humes 258, Raul young 243 official results for Chairman.... Congrats to our new Chairman of the Village Council Mr. Wayne Miller Official tally is Marcial Alamina 29, Errol Guizar 53, Wayne Allison Miller 303, Eduaro Arceo 108, Mineli Young 234 and 40 rejected votes.

BECOL Warning System Failed
Reliable reports reaching us indicate that the Tuesday, June 4, 2013, planned testing of BECOL's early warning system, in the event of a dam break, failed. The rather embarrassing incident reportedly occurred in the presence of representatives from the National Emergency Management Organization and from the Department of the Environment, both legally charged with overseeing such exercises. The system at San Ignacio fire station failed as well as the one located at Black Rock Resort. The siren was to have blasted seven times for three consecutive minutes at three minute internals non of which reportedly occurred. The failure now begs the question. Is BECOL really prepared to issue the relevant warning in the event of a dam break, or will residences in the destructive path of the dam feel before they hear the warning?

Belize Takes Steps to Improve Internet Service
After ranking dead last in a recent survey of Internet pricing and speeds in English-speaking Caribbean countries, Belize is taking steps to improve. The country’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hosted Belize’s first Internet Exchange Point Open Forum, bringing together international and local stakeholders to discuss options for improving the quality and lowering the cost of Internet services for Belizeans. PUC Commissioner Kimano Barrow stated, “The PUC wants to create an environment where Internet based companies and entrepreneurs can thrive in Belize. We were able to get two internationally recognised experts in this area to share their knowledge with our local stakeholders.” Over 65 persons representing ISPs, business, government agencies, civil society groups and academia, attended the half-day event in Belize City on June 6. Interactions centered on the economic and social benefits of improved local Internet service and how best these benefits can be realised in a Belize context. Bill Woodcock and Bevil Wooding from the US-based Internet research and training firm Packet Clearing House (PCH) facilitated the special forum.

Catwalk in the Jungle
The Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show at the Cayo Welcome Center last night was an outstanding success. The venue was filled as the models of all ages showed the fashions on the catwalk. Kubuli sponsored the event, and had special prices on beer. There was a silent auction with such great prizes as resort stays, canoe trips, and phones. Emmanuel Mangar was there strumming, and Almost 7 ended the night with some rock and roll. "What a great night at the Cayo Welcome Center! It was packed, and the fashion show went off without a hitch. Emmanuel Mangar played, as did Almost 7(a mix of Ascenthium and Echoes). The models did a wonderful job on the catwalk."

Calla Creek's New Basketball Court
Feelgood news of the day. 4 the World has finished the basketball court at Calla Creek primary school. Thanks for all your hard work over the years, 4 the World. They've also uploaded a little video entitled 'What If,' of which some was filmed in Calla Creek. "We finished up the baskeball court last week in Calla Creek and put basketballs at the tienda that any kids in the village can use whenever they want to play."

Chaa Creek's Eco Kids Summer Camp
There's still time to submit essays for Chaa Creek's Children’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program. They have a short video out about the program. "Every year we team up with a number of private sector businesses to offer a weeklong summer camp scholarship program for Belize's resident school children between the ages of 8 to 13 years old in order to educate them about biodiversity, natural resource conservation, the ancient Maya, traditional healing, and the three "R's" Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The program aims to install memorable values that will have an impact on the way children conduct their lives, their relationship with our fragile Earth, and the sustainable development of our future."

SCNW Box Kart Race
The Santa Cruz Neighborhood Watch is having a Box Kart Race today at 10am at the Santa Cruz park. There's no fee to enter the race. This event will be for everyone, so bring the family out for some fun and games. Call 600-8947 for more information.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

New Village Council for Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker Village has a new village council. On Sunday, June 16th, villagers elected Mr. Wayne Miller as the new Chairman. Six councilors were also elected. They are: Enelda Rosado 414 Tracy Young 315 Julian Rosado 298 Ilda Marin 270 Ralph Humes 258 Raul young 243 Now that the election and campaigning is over, it’s time to rally behind our new chairman and councilors to make the village work for all of us. Congratulations to the new council!

Blogs

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Here in Belize we’re celebrating in the usual fashion, as well as having a special Father’s Day celebration and song competition at the at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City, which sounds like a great idea. The competition will feature songs in different genres done by students and is being hosted by the Association for Belizean Artist First and the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports. Belizean Artists First vice president Jorge Ernesto Babb had this to say: “My message to the fathers is to go to the Bliss and listen to the children and get the wisdom and the understanding that they are putting out for you; they love you, they honour you, respect you and they want to unite with you.”

International Sources

U.K. Territories to Join Tax Agreement
U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said Saturday that Britain's 10 crown dependencies and overseas territories—including financial centers like the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Jersey—will sign an international convention to help combat tax evasion. Together with advancing free trade and increasing corporate transparency, combating tax evasion and avoidance is among the priorities of Britain's presidency of the Group of Eight nations this year. Mr. Cameron is due to host a G-8 summit, with leaders of the U.S., Japan, Germany, Russia, France, Italy and the European Union, on Monday and Tuesday in Northern Ireland. The leaders of the overseas territories and crown dependencies agreed to sign the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters following meetings with Mr. Cameron on Saturday. The convention is led by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and has been signed by more than 50 nations. The crown dependencies and overseas territories—Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Anguilla, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man—also agreed to produce action plans about providing information on who owns which companies and who benefits, the so-called beneficial ownership, Mr. Cameron said.

Local film for Belize Film Festival
Local short film Sweet TnT written and directed by Trinidadian Andre Johnson, has been selected for the 2013 Belize International Film Festival (BIFF), a major accolade for this filmmaker and Trinidad and Tobago, since the mission of this prestigious Film Festival is to “highlight culturally stimulating films to the Belizean audience.” The film will compete with 13 others from countries including the United States of America, Cuba, Ukraine, Poland, France, Australia, and Spain. Sweet TnT was produced by The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (ttfc) and Johnson and was shot on location in several areas of Trinidad and Tobago. It was screened in 2011 at the Portobello Film Festival, London and The Antigua International Film Festival, Antigua and as part of Dark Tales from Paradise. Sweet TnT was combined with Radica directed by Francis Escayg and The Midnite Affair directed by Ryan Khan to form Dark Tales from Paradise, which was the premier feature film to open the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival 2010.

New World Oil and Gas secures six-month extension for Danish licences
New World Oil and Gas, an oil and gas operating company focused on Denmark and Belize, has secured a six-month extension in work programme commitment deadlines for Licences 1/09 and 2/09 at its Danica Jutland Project in Western Denmark. The company said that the extension had been discussed with Danica Jutland ApS and the Danish North Sea Fund, the company’s 20% full-paying partner, and approved by the Danish Energy Agency. It said that the agreement would allow the results of the recent acquisition of 3D seismic survey and some soil geochemistry work over the Jensen prospects to be incorporated into a forward work programme on these licences. In addition to allowing New World more time to evaluate the 3D data interpretation and the prospects defined by the survey, the extra six months would provide New World with more time to continue on-going discussions with potential farm-in partners, the group added. William Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer of New World Oil and Gas, said: ‘We continue our efforts to secure a farm-out agreement that will allow us to drill as many of our drill-ready prospects as possible at our Danica Jutland Project and, at the same time, highlight the value we have created to date through our seismic acquisition programme.

De Vos and Canada Win
New Town signing Jason De Vos captained Canada to a second 4-0 victory over Belize within four days as they progressed to the semi-final stages of CONCACAF's lengthy World Cup qualifying campaign. De Vos played the full 90 minutes of the game - his 46th full cap - picking up a yellow card in the first half. Canada's goals came from Tomasz Radzinski, Dwayne De Rosario (2) and Jim Brennan. Head coach and former Town defender Frank Yallop was pleased with the 8-0 aggregate victory: “Good to get through to the next round. With two very good results, we are looking forward to the semi-final round.”

Disturbed weather has medium chance of becoming tropical cyclone
An area of disturbed weather associated with a tropical wave near the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras became better organised on Sunday, with a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, although this system is expected to move over Central America Sunday night, some development is possible if the disturbance emerges into the northwestern Caribbean Sea in a day or so. This system has a medium chance -- 30 percent -- of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. Regardless of development, heavy rains and gusty winds are likely over portions of Central America during the next couple of days.

Belize Food – Best Served at Street Food Stands
Belize, as of right now, is probably our favorite country. The beautiful weather, beaches, and people make it a place where I would consider moving to. However, the most fun we had was eating Local Belize Food at the tons of food stands that are as varied in food as they are in character. Yes this is a Food stand and was a great spot for a quick morning coffee while looking for a place to get some breakfast.

How to Ditch a Vehicle in Belize: A Running Diary, Part I
After a whirlwind 72 hours last week that saw me leave home with my prized Jeep and return empty-handed, I figured the story deserved it’s own kind of post. So… welcome to my Belize-trip running diary! And yes, if you’ve ever read any of Bill Simmons’ running diaries over at Grantland.com, I’m not ashamed to say I totally “borrowed” the format from him. At the very least, I hope this gimmick makes for more interesting storytelling, as I’ll narrate it exactly as the event unfolded. On with the diary:

June 16, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

Manatee mortality rate on the rise
Manatees occur along the coast of Belize and have been studied for the past 16 years. Presently, an NGO, Sea-To-Shore Alliance along with its local partners conducts research which focuses on movements and ecology of the Antillean manatees. Over time, 161 manatees have been captured and approximately 40% of them have been tagged with a satellite and/or radio transmitter for tracking purposes.

Caye Caulker Village Council Chairperson Candidates provide answers at a peaceful forum
Islanders on Caye Caulker will be going to the polls on Sunday June 16th. While elections at the village level are a little different than town and national elections, a number of people have openly declared their intention to run as candidates. Five people will be running for the position of Chairman. Ahead of the elections, The San Pedro Sun newspaper, working in partnership with the Caye Caulker Village Council hosted a “Meet the Candidates Question and Answer Forum” on June 12th. The five candidates are Wayne Miller, Philip Errol Guizar, Mineli Young, Marcial Alamina III and Eduardo Arceo. The event was well attended and questions ranged from issues relating to tourism, development, infrastructure and roads, taxes, noise pollution, governance and even crime. Each candidate was allowed four minutes for an opening statement where they introduced themselves as well as the reasons why they are running for Village Council.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Sailing Club Lobsterfest National Regatta 2013
Come watch the young sailors of Belize battle it out on the water and enjoy a charity beach BBQ and presentations by ACES (a live crocodile) and Belize Shark Awareness (no live shark unfortunately)

Belize Football Telethon
Final Total for the Telethon: 115,079.84 Thank you Belize! (Belize National Football Team)

SCNW Box Kart Race
The Santa Cruz Neighborhood Watch is having a Box Kart Race tomorrow at 10am at the Santa Cruz park. There's no fee to enter the race. This event will be for everyone, so bring the family out for some fun and games. Call 600-8947 for more information.

ROWKIDS in San Antonio
Feelgood news of the day. Rowkids has been in Cayo a lot lately, and in San Antonio, they've just finished building new restrooms for the primary school students, and installing a new Safe Water system there to provide safe drinking water. Thanks, Rowkids! "Great team of Servents from New Life Church as they workedin San Antonio Belize. Finishing 6 restrooms and and installing electric in the Safe Water Building. They worked hard and played hard. Showing Christ's live. More pictures to come so keep checking back." "Pictures of the 6 new bathroom that Wright Christian Acadamy from Tulsa Ok. helped build in May 2013. Huge blessing for the 165 Student at this primary school. Great job Wright Christian!"

SHC's Future Bus Stop
Sacred Heart College is getting a new bus stop. There will be a big area for buses to pull in so they can load and unload students safely. This will also stop there from being any traffic backups because the buses won't be stopping in the middle of the road anymore. Congratulations, SHC! "SHC is getting a bus stop, which will be safer for the students, and will ease up on traffic since the buses won't stop in the middle of the road, like idiots. Looking great so far, and they are moving quickly."

Fuego Bar and Grill Opens
The Fuego Bar and Grill has officially opened. They opened on Tuesday night, to much fanfare. They have a beautiful place at the Cayo Welcome Center. They open at 4:00pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.

LOVE TV

Churches Oppose Gay Pageant
Yesterday the Association of Evangelical Churches and Evangelical Missions from Orange Walk sent out a press release stating their opposition against a gay pageant that was planned to be held on June 29th. In the release the association claims the event violates the principles and moral values of the majority of Orange Walk residents and at the same time promotes the lifestyle of the homosexual community. We spoke with the organizer of the event, Marcos, who told us that at no point their agenda was to “pervert” the Orange Walk community. ARTURO CANTUN REPORTING MARCUS “Well for now we are just basically standing back and allowing the churches to do what they have to do; we don’t want a conflict with the churches, we are not people to cause violence or anything like that. This is just solely a private event and we will keep it like that; all our guests are registered and we will give the churches the opportunity to do what they have to do and when they are done, we will just continue with our private event..” ARTURO “Are you guys are planning on moving the event from that place to go somewhere more private?” MARCUS “We are still meeting with our partners at this moment but that is a possibility. We don’t want to be confrontational with any of the church members and also the safety of my guests and the people attending, that is very important to us. So, for that reason we are thinking about making some changes from the current location.” ARTURO “This not the first time you guys are holding this type of event; now they are calling it a homosexual pageant how you would describe it?” MARCUS “I would describe it as an entertainment for people of our interest; there is no way possible that our agenda is to pervert the society. All the guests that are attending are people of our kind; people that share similar interest and it is not a public event and it is very private and positive, for that matter. So, our intension is just simply entertainment for our group and people of our kind.” ARTURO “You are saying, ‘people of our kind’ what do you mean by that?” MARCUS “Well by that I mean the LGBT; the gays, bisexual and stuff like that; people that share similar interest.” The organizers have postponed the event and are planning to move the venue for the pageant.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Tracie Young for Councilor
Tracie Young shares some of her views with you and asks for your support on Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201340245207134

Eduardo Arceo’s Message to the Islanders

Village Council elections are set for Sunday!
Village Council elections on the island of Caye Caulker are set for Sunday, June 16th. Five candidates are vying for the post of Chairman, while at least fifteen people have thrown their hat into the ring for the six councilor positions. There are two full slates that have been presented. The remaining candidates are all running as independents.

Lobster season opens today
Lobster season opens today. The opening of the season heralds the coming of the yearly Lobster Fest. The season runs for 8 continuous months, after which it closes for 4 so that the lobsters can reproduce. The village of Caye Caulker, long before it was discovered by tourists, was a fishing village whose main catch was lobster. The first and largest fishing cooperative in the country of Belize was started here on Caye Caulker, and is still in existence today.

Blogs

Melting and loving the new taco cam view
It is a totally melty day out there, unless you are lucky enough to be in air conditioned places today, be prepared for your showers to feel like they lasted 3 minutes if that. Loving our new live streaming resort cam view from Grand Caribe go to taco cam page to check it out. For those of you who cannot make it, we will be broadcasting Lobstermainia 2013 at Cowboy’s pool bar live so you can still join the fun. I am sure a few of you will be adding San Pedro Lobster Festival 2014 to your travel list while you watch. Going to go take a break and rest up for the opening night party tonight at El Divino. This years menu: Lobster Sushi Roll, Tropical Lobster and Key Lime Pie price $50 BZD. Will add a few pics of last night’s boxing match in central park and a short video clip to this post asap.

Go Girls Go! Chaa Creek likes the “Girls Fly” Initiative
Every now and then something comes along through the bush telegraph that grabs our attention and makes the day a little bit brighter. This time it’s a report that that Belize’s First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow is behind an interesting initiative that kicks off with an exciting event this month. Word is that over ten thousand Belizean girls are expected to become involved in “Girls Fly” a motivational program designed to help young women realise their dreams by believing in themselves and others. Led by Gael Sylvia Pullen, a businesswoman, media host and speaker from the US, the effort also involves the very inspirational Ms Simplis Barrow and Dr Carol Babb, the Deputy Chief Education Officer from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and sounds like a very worthy endeavour. The three women met with the local media on June 10 and described Girls Fly as an inspirational week of motivational talks and activities, beginning June 24, for Belizean girls and women. Ms Sylvia Pullen said the idea is for, “…girls and women from the local community to have an experience that empowers them into believing into their dreams, to understand the power of their dreams and to celebrate them”

The Good and Bad of Feeding Lionfish to Other Marine Life
The invasion of lionfish into areas of the world where they are not natively found has become a huge problem in the marine world. Lionfish were typically only found in warm regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and thirty years ago, there were no sightings of lionfish in Atlantic waters off of the coast of the USA. However, over the last ten years or so, they have become more and more common in areas like North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Bermuda and Belize, and have even been identified as far north as New York. Why Is The Lionfish Invasion A Bad Thing? The lionfish invasion is problematic for several reasons. For example: Lionfish are voracious eaters. They herd juvenile reef fish and feast on them, their stomachs able to stretch to three times their original size as they gorge, and the stomach contents of dead lionfish have shown that not only do they eat lots of juvenile fish, but they also favour a lot of different species. Reef fish are key factors in keeping a reef clean. If there are no more fish to eat the algae on the reefs the reefs will die and this will have catastrophic consequences. Lionfish have no natural predators in these areas. They breed prolifically all year round.

Drinks for Dieters
Ok folks. Time to get a post on having fun while trying to be healthy. Here are a few things to help you on your way…. While alcohol is fat-free and low in carbs, it’s important to remember that it’s the calories that count when it comes to weight management. As you know, alcohol and dieting don’t mix well—your body processes alcohol first, leaving carbohydrates and fats to get stored as fat instead of getting used as fuel.

June 15, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

Silly for Sliders
We all have things that we look forward to throughout the year. Maybe it’s a holiday or celebrating your birthday that you eagerly anticipate each year, or maybe it’s a favorite season or event? Some could say they live for the opening season of baseball while others can’t wait for mangos to ripen on the tree. Whatever the occasion may be, you find yourself counting the days, hours and minutes until the long awaited day has arrived. Gushing with embarrassing enthusiasm you find yourself acting like a kid on Christmas morning or the birthday girl who finally got her pony, your zeal and excitement is off the charts. One such occasion that has me salivating in anticipation each year is the opening of lobster season on June 15th. Of course this means bring on the grilled lobster, the stewed and stirred and baked and broiled lobster…all a delicious treat, but you can have them…because I will be waiting on the doorstep at Casa Picasso on the evening of June 15th waiting for LOBSTER SLIDERS!

Prom 2013 – SPHS Graduates get Glam!
Thursday June 13th was a highly anticipated night, as San Pedro High School (SPHS) graduates had the opportunity to dress up for that most glamorous of occasions: Prom Night! As always, a crowd awaited the arrival of the couples, dressed to impress, as they walked the red/purple carpet heading to their party station at El Divino at Banana Beach Resort. Below is a gallery of some of the evening’s looks.

Matachica launches San Pedro Day Camp
Just in time for the summer holidays, Matachica Resort and Spa is pleased to announce the launch of San Pedro Day Camp. After identifying a need for summer activities for Belizean children, Nicholas Lighter, son of Daniel Lighter, owner of both properties, established a brand new summer program, San Pedro Day Camp. Nicholas and four of his Montreal-based classmates have banded together to fundraise and organize San Pedro Day Camp, a nonprofit summer camp that will offer fun outdoor activities to local children to enjoy the summer months with friends. The camp will offer daily activities such as swimming, soccer, football, volleyball, dodge ball, beach games, treasure hunts, snorkeling, board games, and arts & crafts. Based at Isla Bonita Elementary School, San Pedro Day Camp will host 50 children each week throughout July. As a result of their fundraising efforts in Canada, Nicholas and his team are able to cover all expenses for the program, including free camp T-shirts, daily snacks, games, sports equipment and arts & crafts supplies. Each child will be able to enjoy the fun of summer camp without any costs to their families.

An overview of the national PSE results
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports officially released the Primary School Examination (PSE) results late on Friday June 7th, and one student from Ambergris Caye is amongst the highest in the country. 13 year-old Jennessa Sierra of San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRC) came in second in the entire country from amongst 7,359 students who sat the exams. She tied with two other students from the Cayo District. According to Miriam Pott Codd, the Education Officer for Belize Rural South, of the 197 registered students, 192 sat the exam on two separate dates earlier this year. Sierra did not only capture the highest in both her school and on the island, but tied with Nelson Esteban and Vicente Hulse of Saint Andrews Anglican School in the Cayo District for second place countrywide. She obtained a total of 386 points of a possible 400 points. A few minutes after receiving the good news at her home, an overjoyed Sierra spoke to The San Pedro Sun. “It feels great and I am amazed. I knew that if I put my all I would do good. I didn’t expect to do so well!” she said. “I want to thank my parents, teachers, friends and everyone who helped me.” Sierra added, “This means a lot to me and I don’t have words to describe how I feel.” She plans to attend San Pedro High School (SPHS).

Ambergris Today

Belize in Cover of National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine June/July Issue
National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine June/July issue features Belize’s Turtle Inn on its cover. The magazine features the World’s Best Eco-lodges where it highlights 25 spots to sleep in the wild. Here is what National Georgrphic wrote about Belize’s Turtle Inn:

A Night In Dubai Themed Prom for San Pedro High
San Pedro High School Prom Night has become a spectator’s sport on Ambergris Caye as hundreds flocked to the street outside of Banana Beach Resort, prom venue, to marvel at the beautiful dresses and suits worn by the senior class of 2013. This year’s prom theme was “A Night in Dubai” and was held at El Divino Restaurant on Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Misc Belizean Sources

“Biggest Ever” Lobster Fest Kicks Off in Belize
This year’s series of Lobster Fests celebrated along Belize’s Caribbean coast and cayes is set to become the biggest yet, with three main festivals taking up most of the month of, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s food and beverage manager. “The Lobster Fests have always been something people all over Belize look forward to, and as more and more travellers discovered Belize, the seasonal parties began growing from small local celebrations to major events.” Ms Fleming Bradley explained, “And this year, judging from the number of enquiries we’ve had, we’ll be seeing the fests biggest yet,” she added. Originally held in fishing villages to celebrate the opening of lobster season in June, the lobster fests would welcome in the first catches of the season and the long awaited return of income for many of the villages’ inhabitants. Musical groups would arrive and along with conspicuous consumption of seafood and drinks there would be dances and beachside barbeques.

Caribbean fisheries experts attend 9th CRFM Scientific Meeting
National and regional fish experts from across the Caribbean are meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week for the 9th Annual Scientific Meeting, organised and sponsored by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The group—which is meeting in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week, until Friday, June 14—is currently engaged in working group meetings to conduct scientific data analyses for providing advice to the region’s fishery managers, to review fisheries management progress and ongoing challenges, and to identify priorities for advancing statistical and other scientific approaches required to support new and emerging management needs of major fisheries within the CRFM membership and the Wider Caribbean. During this 9th Annual Scientific Meeting, national fisheries reports from CRFM member states—which provide details on production data and the fishing fleet—are also being presented.

Catwalk in the Jungle Models
The Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show is tonight at the Cayo Welcome Center. It starts at 7:00pm. Emmanuel Mangar will be performing during the event. A portion of the proceeds from the event will got to a feeding program to support families with children who are unable to provide nutritious meals for the kids.

Commemorating our Fishermen – 18th Annual Lobster Festival!
Caye Caulker’s biggest annual event, Lobster Fest is just one week away! We are anticipating another exciting weekend celebration commencing with the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant Friday evening at 7pm and ending with the beach party on Sunday, June 30. As the official lobster season opens today, June 15, fishermen will set their lobster traps and get ready to reel in the bountiful catch and so we mustn’t forget why we celebrate: “to commemorate all the fishermen who have made Caye Caulker what it is today.” Caye Caulker began as a fishing village, with lobster as its main catch. Today fishermen observe conservation policies which regulate their catch. The length of the lobster’s tail must weigh over four ounces or the cape length/carapace must exceed three inches. The lobster season ends in mid-February, 2014. As we kick off the new lobster season during next week’s Lobster Fest, we can expect an array of lobster dishes, fourteen food booths, a live band, local DJs and eight other booths including The Fisheries Department, Wildlife Conservation, and the Belize Shark Project. Contests including the “biggest-lobster” contest and perhaps another “greasy pole climb” contest will also highlight the weekend. This highly sought out annual event is a celebration for the entire family –the young and the young at heart and we encourage those who miss the island to visit next week, or to simply visit our Facebook page for a mini play-by-play of Lobster Fest 2013. Let the celebration begin!

Channel 7

Belizean Student Dies In Taiwan Cycle Accident
Tonight a family in the Cayo district is making preparations to bring their loved one home – after Clarencio Coc died in Taiwan where the 26 year old was on an academic scholarship. According to reports posted by Belizean students in Taiwan on Facebook, last night in Pingtung, Taiwan, Coc was on the back of a motor scooter driven by a Guatemalan student, Mervin Hernandez when it was hit by an out of control car. Hernandez was reportedly crushed under the car while Coc flew into a ditch. It was in a heavy rain, so he was reportedly carried downstream – and rescuers took some time to find his body. But by the time they did, he had already drowned. The accident is reported to have happened near the entrance to their school, the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

Convicted Quadruple Murderers Denied By Appeals Court
You probably remember convicted quadruple murderers Leslie Pipersburg and Patrick Robateau. In March 2004, they were convicted of killing security guards Kevin Alvarez and Fidel Mai and civilians David Flores and Cherry Tucker after a robbery of Bowen and Bowen in July of 2002. They appealed that conviction at the Privy Council, and in February of 2008, the court quashed it and set aside their death sentences. They were granted a retrial, which took place in April of 2011, where they were convicted a second time, and sentenced to life in prison. Well, they weren’t satisfied with that, so they filed an appeal which was heard today at the Court of Appeal. Attorney Simeon Sampson presented the court with one main ground on behalf of his client Patrick Robateau. After the session 7News discussed it with him outside of court, and here’s how he explained it: Simeon Sampson - Attorney for Patrick Robateau "Robateau was intercepted in Mexico, apparently in flight and he was taken by the Mexican authorities to our Belize Embassy in Mexico City where he was met by Mr. Figueroa, our Ambassador at the time, and the case for the prosecution - not the trial - was that when the Ambassador was apparently investigating this matter, it was back and forth with the Belize authorities and so forth.

Belizean Detained In Cuba With Chinese Passports
Tonight, a Belizean man is detained by authorities in Cuba after he tried to get into that country while carrying two Chinese Passports. 7news has learned that he is 28 year old Carlos Murga who was intercepted flying into the Jose Marti Airport in Havana Cuba over last weekend. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belize has confirmed through a spokesperson that the Belize Embassy in Cuba is aware of his detention and is assisting him as they would any Belizean detained by a foreign authority. Now, a case like this points immediately to the possibility of human smuggling and visa fraud – and in previous cases Cuba has been known as a gateway for this type of illicit activity. Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse confirmed today that his ministry is aware of the case and is quote, “gathering information so that it can get a clear picture of what has taken place.”

Hon. Briceno Defends Fortis
Former PUP Leader John Briceno is making news tonight after a thousand word letter he wrote to a US Newspaper was used as an advertisement by Fortis in New York Newspapers. You’ll recall that Fortis used to own BEL and still owns BECOL. Well, now Fortis is trying to purchase an electric company in the Central Hudson Valley in New York State and must appear before the New York Public Service Commission to prove their worthiness. Opponents of the FORTIS in the US have enlisted the support of conservationists in Belize – and Fortis, it seems has enlisted Briceno. His letter is in response to a newspaper commentary published in the US by Robert Kennedy, Jr. in which he said that Fortis has a deceitful past and pointed to its track record in Belize when the Chalillo Dam was built in 2003 – when Briceno was Minister of Natural resources.

An Educational Legend Retires
Today was the last day of the 2012-2013 high school year at Wesley College in Belize City, and it was also the last day for Brenda Armstrong as the school’s principal. She’s a career educator had an institution-defining tenure of 24 years as the school’s leader, but she’s decided that it is time for her to retire from the teaching profession. But after so many years, one just doesn’t end a profession without a major disruption in routine and lifestyle. So 7News caught up with her today where she discussed the decision. She also told us about the hundreds of Belizeans she’s influenced, and how her final class gave her a grand send-off yesterday: Brenda Armstrong - Outgoing Principal, Wesley College "That going away session was really a heart-warming experience, 24 years as a school leader is not a short time and it doesn't hit you until you actually are in the position of having somebody read a citation for you, or write a poem for you, sing a song and all of that was done by my students and they really made me feel very appreciated. In fact it was called Appreciation Day and it made me realize that I have touched the lives of a lot of people.

FFB Needs Half Mil
Tomorrow will make exactly 2 weeks since Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Barrow held the Inspiration Telethon to raise half a million dollars for the Inspiration Center. And now the Football Federation of Belize is hoping the public is still inspired to give them – half a million for their historic run to the Gold Cup. They’re asking each Belizean to donate at least 1 dollar to fund the National Team’s first appearance in the Cup, which will be played next month in the US. They’ve organized their own Telethon, which happens tomorrow, and this evening, 7News spoke to a representative of the FFB, who explained how it will work: Marlon Kuylen - Executive Member, FFB "Well we're hoping that the Belizean citizens continue to display the patriotism that they have or they did when we were playing in Costa Rica. We can only do as good as our funds allow us to. Right now that the team is in full camp which means 4-5 days they'll be at the federation, it's costing us around $13,000 a week. We have to train in the Mountain Pine Ridge because of the altitude in Salt Lake City where we will play Costa Rica so the players need to do that kind of training to get used to it. Then again there's the diet, a special diet that they have to abide by and if we don't get the funding, something will have to suffer."

Marin On Mute But Popular At The Polls
Health Minister Pablo Marin is probably the only politician in recent memory who’s made news by not saying anything. Marin appeared front and center at a press conference two weeks ago to discuss the 13 babies that died in the pediatric intensive care unit. But he was the only one at the head table who didn’t say anything. Now, to put it kindly, he is not a man known for his oratorical skills – and it was a heated event, so we could kind of understand his role there as a mute placeholder. But others have taken exception to it – and now are taking further exception because at his press conference this week – the PM basically said, it’s ok if the Honourable Marin keeps quiet, because he wins elections. Here’s what the PM said, and what the Leader of the Opposition had to say in response:.. Reporter "This is your Minister of Health and he does not say a word - I don't know if he was not allowed to speak or he chose not to speak." Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "You know I was at that press conference and I'm doing a press conference and there's three Ministers, four Ministers here - it's good to welcome Santi back after his accident - and they don't speak.

UDP Claiming Village Victories, PUP Playing The Romantic
And while Fonseca took issue with Barrow’s explanation about Marin’s popular successes as a fair trade for his press conference quietude – the background issue is that success at the village council polls. We are loathe to get into village council politics, because the slates do not run under PUP or UDP colours and to know who’s running for which party, you’d really have to know the village personalities. But it’s made it to the news tonight because– and with just a week left to go, the UDP is boasting that it has made impressive gains in the number of village councils it controls. Those gains have been largely in the Belize District Stann Creek districts while the PUP has made gains in the Toledo District. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister boasted that the UDP has increased its hold on village seats by 10% since the last round of council elections in 2010 which would mean that in 2013, Francis Fonseca’s PUP is faring off worse than John Briceno’s did in 2010. Here are the comments of both political leaders:… Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "This Sunday is the last Sunday in the 2013th Village Council election. Every single Sunday the UDP has been recording massive victories, we're now at a point where we're at 67.7% of the seats we have won. In 2010 we won 54."

Seeking Community Healing
For as many problems as there are on the southside of Belize City – there are thinkers with solutions – some say a curfew will help, others say poverty alleviation, some say more community policing. But having an opinion is easy, it’s doing the work that’s the tough part. And that’s why Perry Sticks Smith stands out; he’s planning his second day of healing for this weekend at the Albert Hoy Field on Raccoon street. What’s a day of healing? Well it started early this year in the George Street community after the Dean Street Massacre. Sticks plugged into that effort and used it as a model which he’s now taking to the Queen Square and Mesopotamia Divisions. He explained:…. Perry Smith, AKA Sticks - Care-taker, Dubu Field "All those days of healing started from Dean street from the tragic quadruple murder that took place. That community saw that they needed to rebuild their morale, build back up their spirit and show that they aren't like what everybody thinks they are. I was out there and I saw that it is beautiful that it sparked form a tragedy but it was something beautiful that needs to be taken not only on Dean Street because other communities are suffering just like how Dean St. is suffering. In the Lake Constituency, right at St. Martin's we had the second day of healing in April and during that day of healing - Ptita came to me and told me he is with me and wanted to work and that he had a community that we needed to 'buss' next, and that was Dubu Field."

The Garifuna Collective Taking Up Andy’s Torch
The Garifuna Collective is going on a major, 25 stop North American tour with Canadian Folk Singer Denny Michel. The collective has collaborated with Michel on a few songs – and this video shows them rehearsing for the tour this week in San Pedro. But the tour won’t just be collaboration, the Collective has its first album named Ayo – a word that means goodbye, a nod to the band leader they used to tour with, Andy Palacio. Now, the collective is forging out on its own with this new album – which will be released in July when they are on tour. And while that album – produced by Ivan Duran – should be well received, Michel’s album with the collective has already been nominated for a Juno award – which is the like the Canadian Grammy’s.

Concert for The Youths
Tomorrow, the Institute of Creative Arts is organizing a concert for the youths as part of the schedule for this year’s Festival of the Arts. It is part of ICA’s effort to use the arts as an avenue of outreach to Belizean youths and they’ve put together a line-up of big name Belizean artists. The Creative Arts Development Officer explained more about the show: Joseph 'Stamp' Romero - Creative Arts Development Officer ICA "As we move to finish the Fesitval of Arts calendar we have a huge concert planned for the youths, it's one of those concerts where we allow the arist to give back to their community. A lot of our recent artists are just proud to be a part of this event, this is another event where they can say they are a part of something huge, something that helps develop the young people artistically. So people can come out and see Nello Player, Jackie Castillo, Jenko, Ernestine Carballo, Denise Castillo, Belize Generation Dance Company, TR Shine just to name a few so we have a really great line up of artist who just basically said yes to the idea to doing a concert just for the young people." Daniel Ortiz "Ok so tell us what exactly are you guys hoping to accomplish?" Joseph 'Stamp' Romero "Well we have one featured act, Marlen Vancin, from E.P York he's one of the young artist that I've seen that shows a great deal of promise and so tomorrow she's featured with these bigger acts.

Tony Wright Wants Kids To Feel Fathers Day
Sunday is father’s day and Promoter and Musician Tony Wright is organizing his fifth annual Father’s Day Song Competition and Concert. But this year, there’s a change. He recruited the involvement of the Ministry of Education and gotten high schoolers to participate. The rule is they have to write inspiring songs about fathers – which they’ll perform with a band. Wright explained:.. Tony Wright - Promoter, Father's Day Concert "First it started with mothers and we didn't have any problem with that but we definitely thought that Dad needed some love also. We have a lot of dads out there that put out their all for their children and so it's all about Dad and we wanted them to write lyrical content concerning Dads. We didn't want anything with 'deadbeat dad' we wanted something with upliftment with Dad. They will have a variety of music, some will sing reggae, some will sing rap and some will do punta so it's a variety of different music." ‘ The concert will be on Saturday night at 7:30 at the Bliss Center. The first place winner will win a thousand dollars – plus get a thousand dollar scholarship.

RDX in BZE
They are one of the hottest dancehall groups in the Caribbean with hit songs like Jump and Kotch – and tonight RDX is in town to perform at a weekend concert. The group who has been touring in Europe this year landed in the jewel this afternoon and one of their first stops was here at 7news. Renigade - RDX "First and foremost I'd like to just say that it's a pleasure being here, it's coming to you all shortly. I want to big up all the Belizeans here at home and abroad and RDX is here. It's a good feeling. This place hot though and they said it will be hotter tomorrow night." Monica Bodden "You guys just touched down?" Delomar - RDX "Yes we just touched down and as Renegade just said it's a wonderful vibe. The second time around and that time we were like in the country area and now we're in town. We're ready to mash up the town."

Channel 5

Is G.O.B.’s $30 Million tax assessment of BISL lawful?
The government took control of the Belize International Services Limited (B.I.S.L.) and nationalized the International Business Companies Registry (I.B.C.R.) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) on Tuesday, [...]

Teachers’ Union meets to respond to Education Minister’s verbal assault
The international business community is not the only sector that is taking a hit from G.O.B. The Belize National Teachers Union (B.N.T.U.) is considering its next move after Minister of [...]

OCEANA says G.O.B. refuses to accept ruling of court
The Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities it’s in its own battle with OCEANA Belize. On Thursday, the ministry sent out a release responding to a recent [...]

But how does G.O.B. continue to defy court orders?
The ministry has also proceeded to issue maps indicating areas currently being held by various companies, including Princess Petroleum and Providence Belize Energy, for oil exploration.  The Petroleum and Geology [...]

Belizean student killed in accident in Taiwan
A Belizean studying in Taiwan has passed away. Clarencio Coc has been studying Plant Health at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in southern Taiwan since 2010. According [...]

How do P.S.E. students fare in Social Studies and Science
By now you are aware that the seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students that took the Primary School Examination did not perform well in English and Math. The Ministry [...]

Coalition says teachers won’t get raise on G.O.B.’s schedule
The potential of a commercial oil find by Maranco Energy Belize Limited in northwestern Orange Walk was used by Prime Minister Barrow much like a dangling carrot back in April, [...]

But Maranco’s Production Sharing Agreement is favorable to G.O.B.
The report was generated using cost data from BNE’s Spanish Lookout oil field, the existing terms of Maranco’s production sharing agreement, as well as corporate tax.  The Production Sharing Agreement, [...]

Senior citizen busted by his wife for marrying another woman
Crime in Belize is typically categorized by murder, assault, carnal knowledge, robbery and burglary… So it is rare when a case falls out of those categories. But a senior citizen [...]

Murder suspect on the run with his son
An all points bulletin, issued for the apprehension of Sergio Moran, whom it is strongly believed brutally killed his wife on Wednesday in Caye Caulker, remains in effect tonight.  Moran [...]

Duo loses appeal and remains convicted of robbery/murder
Twice convicted multiple murderers Patrick Robateau and Leslie Pipersburgh were in the Court of Appeal, just one of the their many stops during a legal process which has gone from [...]

1 year anniversary of Jasmine Lowe’s murder
When thirteen year old Jasmine Lowe disappeared in June, 2012, the nation joined her parents in fear, and Cayo residents combed the land for clues. The murdered teen’s death changed [...]

They robbed him, but court gave him bail
Two Belize City men were today charged for a robbery of an Orange Walk businessman in the court of Magistrate Adolph Lucas. The duo, twenty-eight year old Jaime Villanueva and [...]

Entire Maskall family hauled to court for marijuana charges
Also in court, four persons including two females, one a minor and the mother of a one month old newborn were in court today facing charges for drug trafficking. Earlier [...]

Tests show Cross Country cyclists rode drug free
Immediately following the 2013 annual cross country cycling classic held in late March, several cyclists were selected to take a mandatory anti-doping test of which Channel Five was one of [...]

Mayor dragged one more time to court to decided old city debt
The headlines and the country’s immediate future are both mired in court battles. The former managers of the registries and OCEANA Belize are not the only people taking on G.O.B. [...]

Taiwan gives scholarships to Belizean students
Earlier this year, in January, the Taiwanese Embassy held a scholarship briefing with students, teachers and principals from various educational institutions across the country.  It was to provide information on [...]

Artist’s works are Contagious
Contagious…it is a new exhibit that is launching tonight at the Image Factory. Although presumed to be the works of several artists, it is in fact the artwork of nineteen [...]

Jeanelle Mencias writes September Celebrations Theme
The September celebrations are months away but the National Celebrations Commission held its 2013 competition for the theme. And earlier this week, the commission announced that this year’s theme is: [...]

LOVE FM

Driver's License Fee Increases
If you drive a motor vehicle and you have to renew your driver’s license then you will have to pay an additional 20 dollars hereafter, no matter where you live. Today Belize City Mayor told Love News that it was a decision that came from the Ministries of Transport and Local Governmen...

Organizer of Gay Pageant Says Event Is Private
Yesterday the Association of Evangelical Churches and Evangelical Missions from Orange Walk sent out a press release stating their opposition against a gay pageant that was planned to be held on June 29th. In the release the association claims the event violates the principles and moral val...

Belize Prepares For A Special Father's Day Event
Father’s day will be internationally observed this weekend and in Belize there is preparation for a special event geared toward that special person and that is a song competition. The competition is being hosted by the Association for Belizean Artist First, which is an organization th...

Concerned Residents In Dangriga Discuss National Gender Policy
The Revised National Gender Policy has been in the forefront of controversy lately. As a result we have been reporting on various discussions led by different groups and organizations who oppose to some of its content, the latest being that of the Association of Churches and Evangelical Lea...

Scholarship Recipient Dies In Taiwan
A Belizean student has been confirmed dead following a traffic accident in Taiwan which occurred around 9:45 on Friday night in Taiwan which is sometime after 8:00 o’clock local time. He has been identified as twenty six year old Clarencio Coc of San Antonio Village in the Cayo Distri...

Possession of Sea Cucumber Deemed Illegal Shortly
The Belize Fisheries Department sent out a press release this morning informing all fishermen and the general public that in accordance with the law, no persons shall take, buy, sell or have in possession, export or attempt to export any sea cucumber after June 30th of this year. The Ministry of ...

Family of Eight Loses Home In Fire
A family of eight has been left homeless after a fire completely destroyed their houses in Belmopan. Correspondent Fem Cruz reports. FEM CRUZ “On Thursday, June 7 sometime around 6:15 Belmopan Police responded to information received that a house in the Salvapan Area in Panama...

Another Dismissal By The Belize Court of Appeals
An appeal by 27 year old Leroy Gomez, who was convicted of rape and robbery and was sentenced to 15 years for each offence, was dismissed today by Belize Court of Appeal. Gomez’ conviction and sentence were affirmed. Gomez’ attorney, Hubert Elrington, had appealed on five g...

Guilty Verdict Upheld For Convicted Murderers
Appeals by Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau, who were convicted of two counts of murder and were sentenced to life imprisonment, were dismissed today by Belize court of Appeal. Their convictions and sentences were affirmed. The main ground of appeal for Pipersburgh was that there was no ev...

Sugar Factory Workers Receive Dividends Earlier Than Expected
LOVE NEWS understands that some 400 hourly paid BSI workers today received 30% of dividends owed to them by the sugar processing company before ASR acquired majority shares in October 2012. This represents approximately 1.5 million dollars. The workers received 50% upon the signing of ...

Weekend Graduation For University of Belize
Over four hundred students are expected to graduate from the University of Belize this weekend. Students who have successfully completed their course of studies will receive diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor and Certificate levels tomorrow at the Seventeenth Commencement Exercise at the U...

Elderly Citizen Sodomized In His Village
Unconfirmed information to Love News is that an elderly man of Armenia village was raped by two young men from the village. Our sources tell us the incident happened on Tuesday night as the elderly man was on his way home. We understand that in the process the...

CTV3

Leader Of The Opposition Says There Was No Secret Agreement
In a lengthy press conference held in the old capital yesterday, the Prime Minister of Belize revealed the details of what he called a secret agreement made between Belize International Services Limited, (B.I.S.L.) and the Musa Administration. The agreement, which gave BISL and extension to operate for 10 years, was signed back in 2005 by then Prime Minister Said Musa and then Attorney-General Francis Fonseca. But according to the now Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca, the Prime Minister is just finding an excuse to divert from the real issues affecting the country. Honorable Francis Fonseca- Leader of the Opposition To the substantive issue of disagreement, it was a letter of agreement…this was an old agreement that dates back to 1993—some ten years before I became a member of parliament. But when this matter came up—and this is a matter that was discussed in cabinet and I recall that discussion quite clearly—it was a discussion about the performance of the company, how it had been doing and generally the discussion that was generated demonstrated that the company was doing well; it had served Belize well.

Who's To Blame For Bad Performance In PSE Results
This year, a total of seven thousand five hundred and thirty students sat the Primary School Examination which indicated a 5% increase over last year. This year’s results, which were released last week Friday, show that despite having top scorers in every district, there is nothing to applaud for when it comes to overall performance. While subjects such as Science and Social Studies have steadily improved to satisfactory performance, Math and English continue to be the centre focus for most of the stakeholders in the education system. That was revealed today during a press conference held by the Ministry of Education in Belize City. Christopher Aird, Chief Education Officer explained that English is one of the areas that needs urgent attention since half of the student body that sits the PSE, is scoring below performance.

Miscalculation Leads To Inconsistency In PSE Grades
Yesterday CTV3 News received several calls from irate parents stating that the Ministry of Education was retracting their child’s PSE scores because an error was committed with the calculation. Most of the calls were made by parents of students enrolled at Trail Farm Government School. Every year the Ministry of Education releases two PSE reports. One is provided to the principal of each school and the second, an individual report, is made available to each student that sat the exam. While both reports should enclose the same grades some schools have discovered that the grade of the student is either higher or lower showing a discrepancy on behalf of the Ministry of Education. This, we are made to understand, is taking place country wide and today when we questioned Minister of Education Patrick Faber about the situation, during a press conference held in Belize City, he was vague in his response.

No Need For Pablo To Apologize For Death Of 13 Infants
During yesterdays press conference Prime Minister Dean Barrow fielded a number of questions from the media as he touched basis on a number of national issues including the KHMH scandal. The P.M mentioned that as it pertains to the death of 13 infants at the nation’s referral hospital back in March, the draft final report prepared by the Pan American Health Organization is looking to give a black eye to the KHMH. All indications are that as a result of the report, two persons are about to resign from their position at the hospital. Now, all of that sounds good. But what shocked the nation yesterday was the response provided by the P.M when asked why the Minister of Health Pablo Marin did not address the nation on the issue during a press conference held at the KHMH back in May. In his response the Prime Minister beat his chest keeping to his motto that a party is all about winning elections. So, if the parents of the dead infants expect an apology from the Minister of Health, well, it’s best they wait sitting down.

Minister Of Education Lashes Out At BNTU
The main topic of discussion for today’s press conference held by the Ministry of Education was to discuss the 2013 PSE results. We’ll get to that in a few, but for now we’ll tell you that the overall results are not good. But who’s to blame? Apparently it is the teachers because today Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, lashed out at the Belize Teachers Union. The minister says that one of the reasons the results have not been able to improve is because the union has not given the Ministry its full support. The Belize National Teacher’s Union is the largest union in the country of Belize which provides a number of services for teachers and those in the education system. But according to the Minister, the union has been failing miserably which has taken its toll especially in the results of not only the PSE, but all other examinations that are conducted throughout the year. The lack of professionalism and proper ethics in the classroom spells failure, according to Faber. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education “It is absolutely amazing and I’ll go on a limb that teachers are saying that we want a salary adjustment of 30% when the government is saying we can’t afford it but then we have the same old results and there is no denying that teachers have a tremendous effect on what these results are and correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t hear the Union talking about how we can improve professionalization in the teaching service at all and I challenge them it is not a quarrel but a challenge I said before and I will do it again we want you to insist that teachers get more professional training.

Controversial Revised Gender Policy Is Here To Stay
The revised Gender Policy 2013 continues to gain major opposition from the religious sector. On June 7th Prime Minister Dean Barrow met with church leaders from Belmopan to discuss the contents and the language used in the policy, which according to church leaders, promotes homosexuality. But even after the meeting, the Prime Minister has categorically stated that the policy is here to stay. And he made that clear yesterday during his lengthy press conference in Belize City. Dean Barrow Prime Minister of Belize “To the extent that there is that paragraph that calls for diversity that is a matter of principle for the Government of Belize and cannot be reviled for, however as you know I have met with a number of church leaders last such meeting being on Friday I was accompanied in that meeting by ministers Godwin Hulse, John Saldivar and Lizell Alamilla and I reiterated my position I will not withdraw the gender policy but I have said repeatedly to the extent that there is terminology used to the extent that are wordings there are language formulations that are being misunderstood that are subject to misinterpretation the government is perfectly willing to sit with the churches and rework the language in order to put matter beyond any doubt, already there were three such formulation that were agreed that could be reworked that group was the representatives of the Belmopan pastors there is clearly a far larger body that they tell me will sent formal submission to government by way of brief being prepared by lawyers, we will look at that I thought we could work things out without the presence of the lawyers, you know when lawyers get into any equation that trouble and if they call for their lawyer I would have to call for my lawyers and I don’t think that is necessarily helpful but in any event suffice it to say that we made some progress on Friday against the backdrop of my insistence and I believe the acceptance on the part of churches that there would be no withdrawal of the policy.”

Education Is Everyone's Business
At the Ministry’s press conference today, the Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, highlighted a number of issues of utmost importance to the education system particularly the role every stakeholder plays. While the Minister stated that his Ministry has been carrying out its responsibilities with utmost attention and dedication, there is room for improvement. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education “I want to begin with the role of the school in terms of what can be done about these results and of course we implore schools to take ownership for their performance and for the quality of education that they deliver, that is a must. Self-evaluation and development of school improvement plans are key so I want to challenge all principals, you heard Mr Lopez say we are going to get deeply into the analysis of these results but we want you to study the trend after it is presented to you. The ministry has said to our schools, we want you to take ownership, we want you to be able to self-reflect and come up with your own solutions and not wait on the ministry to put in place a one size fits all approach you to help you fix the problem that exist in your school, so we want the school to do it part. Does the ministry have a role in dealing with these grades that we aren’t happy with? Yes we do. We examined this performance nationally and we used it as a basis for further informing of our policy decisions. We also wish to provide pressure and support for school to improve. The ministry is not to be in the classroom everyday monitoring teachers, and that is to say we are depending in our management and our principals to be doing that role but I will be getting into that role of what we expect of them in just a minute but it is to tell as well that the ministry sees as one of our responsibilities to be pressuring those and supporting those more importantly. It is not a fight we want to be supporting you to make sure that you are doing what you should be doing as to improve on the quality of education.”

LOVE TV

High School Students Perform For Their Fathers
Father’s day will be internationally observed this weekend and in Belize there is preparation for a special event geared toward that special person and that is a song competition. The competition is being hosted by the Association for Belizean Artist First, which is an organization that aims at highlighting Belizean artists and music, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports and will feature songs in different genres done by students. Vice President of the Association is Jorge Ernesto Babb. JORGE ERNESTO BABB “In this competition we selected 10 finalists from 6 different high schools in Belize City because this competition is dealing directly with the students at the high schools because it is in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.” NATALIE NOVELO “So what is your primary objective of having a father’s day song out there?” BABB “Well we have found out that in the past, most Belizeans only want to celebrate Mothers’ Day and have big ceremony for Mothers’ Day; so, five years ago we said better we attack the father’s day thing and just concentrate on this and put the dedication that the children today big up their fathers; because the fact is that many children say their fathers left them and went about their business; but that’s the reality of their character; I would say that is not our business but we want to unite them and have children sing for them because the reality is that if it wasn’t for our fathers we wouldn’t have been here and if it wasn’t for your mother you wouldn’t have been here and so it is both of them to unite as one and you need to big up two of them, no one is better than the other; 2 of them come as 1 because as the bible says leave your mother and father unite as 1.

National Gender Policy Still A Pressing Issue
The Revised National Gender Policy has been in the forefront of controversy lately. As a result we have been reporting on various discussions led by different groups and organizations who oppose to some of its content, the latest being that of the Association of Churches and Evangelical Leaders. A group in Dangriga is stating their dissatisfaction with the policy and will hold consultations on the matter. Here is Correspondent Harry Arzu with the details. HARRY ARZU “A number of concerned citizens from Dangriga have organized a series of consultations for the residents of this municipality to discuss National Gender Policy. A community activist and one of the organizers of the events told Love News that influential organizations from this municipality were not consulted or involved in the drafting of the policy.” ACTIVIST “The objective of this community forum is to inform members of this community of the content of the revised National Gender Policy 2013 about things in this policy that could impact the lives of our children, morality and family life. The fact that all stakeholders were not consulted in the drafting of this policy speaks of the total disrespect for the views and opinion of all stakeholders.” HARRY ARZU “Despite the fact that the Prime Minister said that he will not withdraw the policy, what is it that you intend to accomplish form the consultation? ACTIVIST “For the members of this community to decide where we desire to be taken; what we intend to achieve is to register the concerns of the attendees with intention to protest against this policy. I am inviting all parents, parents to be, guardians, teachers, youth and all others in between to join in the struggle for our children’s future.” HARRY ARZU The first consultation to discuss the revised National Gender Policy takes place on Saturday, June 15 starting at 6pm at the Benguche Community Centre.”

Belizean Dies In Road Accident In Taiwan
A Belizean student has been confirmed dead following a traffic accident in Taiwan which occurred around 9:45 on Friday night in Taiwan which is sometime after 8:00 o’clock local time. He has been identified as twenty six year old Clarencio Coc of San Antonio Village in the Cayo District who was attending the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology and resided in Pingtung. Love News understands that Coc was travelling on a motor bike along with a Guatemalan student when they collided into a car. The Guatemalan, Melvin Hernandez died on the spot while Coc died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, David Wu says there is still much more information to gather from the accident but he shared with us the information that the embassy has so far. DAVID WU “About 11 o’clock this morning, we received a phone call from Taiwan telling us that there were two students, both of them were scholarship recipients, they were starting in Pingtung Technology University. At the time, we only knew that they were in a very serious car accident; their nationalities are Guatemalan and Belizean, the Belizean is Clarencio Coc. My embassy with Belize’s Foreign Ministry and also our Foreign Ministry and Belize’s embassy in Taipei, we are working very hard to get more details and get contact with the family. Now, we have the primary report from the University where Mr. Coc was starting. One of the lecturers told us unofficially that both students went to a party on Friday evening and on the way back to the university, they had a collision and the driver was the Guatemalan and he passed away; the Belizean student was seriously injured and rushed to the ICU but he passed away later. We have been trying to get in contact with Coc’s family; the information in his file at our embassy, it states that he was a scholarship recipient in 2010 and he only had one year left to become a graduate of the university. We really regret such tragic news and now, we are working with Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; his sister has already been notified and we are trying our best to see in what way we can help his family.” Clarencio Coc is a former Food Processing Technician at the Tumul K’in Center of Learning. Wu says that a number of Belizean students will shortly leave to pursue new scholarship opportunities in Taiwan this year and he provided the following advice for the safety of students to pursue this educational venture.

Sea Cucumber Season Closes Soon
The Belize Fisheries Department sent out a press release this morning informing all fishermen and the general public that in accordance with the law, no persons shall take, buy, sell or have in possession, export or attempt to export any sea cucumber after June 30th of this year. The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development says that any person found in possession of sea cucumber after the 30th of June will be charged and prosecuted in a court of Law in accordance to the Fisheries Regulations.

Belmopan Fire Leaves Eight Homeless
A family of eight has been left homeless after a fire completely destroyed their houses in Belmopan. Correspondent Fem Cruz reports. FEM CRUZ “On Thursday, June 7 sometime around 6:15 Belmopan Police responded to information received that a house in the Salvapan Area in Panama Street Extension, Belmopan was engulfed in flames. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed two wooden houses adjacent to each other with zinc roofing, one measuring 20 by 15 feet and the other measuring 12 by 12 feet along with the contents were completely destroyed by fire. Love News spoke to one of the owners of the house, Mrs. Yolanda Saki, 45-year-old, Belizean vegetable vendor of Panama Street who said that sometime around 6pm on the same date, her daughter 24-year-old, Jennifer Saki went to buy at a nearby grocery shop leaving Yolanda’s five grandchildren with her at home. Saki said it was very hot inside the house so she decided to go outside along with her grandchildren to sit down on some bags of sand. About ten minutes of sitting outside, she heard a loud pop like the sound of a gun coming from inside the house. She immediately ran inside the house and noticed that her house was on fire. Saki, along with her neighbors tried to extinguish the fire but was unable to do so. The value of the houses and items are yet to be ascertained. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Police investigation continues. Love News understands that there was nothing the family could salvage from the fire and they were left empty handed. To help the family you can call 624-5684 or 666-6720.

Workers at Belize Sugar Industry Get Early Dividends
LOVE NEWS understands that some 400 hourly paid BSI workers today received 30% of dividends owed to them by the sugar processing company before ASR acquired majority shares in October 2012. This represents approximately 1.5 million dollars. The workers received 50% upon the signing of the subscription deal on October 2ndlast year. The agreement was that after the payment of 50% of money owed to them since 1998, nine months after BSI workers would receive 30% of the monies owed. That brings them to July 2, 2013; but it seems the money came before that date, which is not bad. The remaining 20% of that money is expected to be paid in April 2014; thus closing that chapter of dividends owed to the workers for almost 14 years. In March this year (2013) the company announced a three million dollar profit sharing among the entities that owned shares from BSI before majority shares were acquired by ASR. That amount was approximately 2.4 million dollars.

University of Belize Graduation Set For The Weekend
Over four hundred students are expected to graduate from the University of Belize this weekend. Students who have successfully completed their course of studies will receive diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor and Certificate levels tomorrow at the Seventeenth Commencement Exercise at the UB Central Campus in Belmopan. Of the four hundred and seventy one graduates, two hundred and ninety eight are females and one hundred and seventy three are males. The largest number of graduates totalling one hundred and fifty-three is from the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, followed by one hundred and thirty three from the Faculty of Education and Arts, one hundred and thirty two from the Faculty of Science and Technology and fifty three from the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work. During the ceremony students will receive the official white, gold and purple honour chords recognizing those graduating with Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude respectively. There are forty three honour graduates. The President of UB, Dr. Cary Fraser, has extended congratulations to all graduates for their dedication, commitment and achievement saying quote “The University continues to play a significant role in nation building by educating and empowering future leaders to become decision makers who can create opportunities for Belizeans and chart the way for future generations.” End quote. The ceremony will kick off at 10:00 am and the feature address will be delivered by Guest speaker, Senator Godwin Hulse who is also the Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management.

Police Seeking Young Men Following Sodomy of An Elderly Man
Unconfirmed information to Love News is that an elderly man of Armenia village was raped by two young men from the village. Our sources tell us the incident happened on Tuesday night as the elderly man was on his way home. We understand that in the process the senior citizen received injuries and had to be taken to the hospital by a concerned villager. He is receiving treatment at the KHMH. In the meantime, residents of Armenia have expressed their concern over the incident as no one has been arrested. We understand the elderly man lives with is elderly wife. Police continue their investigation into this incident.

PlusTV

Patrick Faber says media gave wrong impression on PSE comments
Yesterday, after the Hon. Patrick Faber’s press conference, headlines for media outlets countrywide were less than flattering for the Minister in charge of education. And this morning, he called in on Rise and Shine to shed further light on some of the issues he addressed, issues he says were...

Belizean student in Taiwan involved in fatal traffic accident
A Belizean studying in Taiwan was involved in a fatal traffic accident. Clarencio Coc, originally from Cayo, was along with a Guatemalan student, going home from a party, when the motorcycle they were on crashed into another vehicle. The Guatemalan student, who was the driver of the cycle, was...

Francis Fonseca defends signing of the BISL agreement
Yesterday we gave you a rundown of the Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca’s response to Prime Minister Dean Barrow calling him and former Prime Minister Said Musa out on Wednesday. The Prime Minister said in that Press conference that the two former Ministers signed a ‘secret’ agreement to...

Belize based company ordered to close
The National Post, which is a national Canadian based newspaper is reporting that Global Pharmacy Canada, which can be found online, is being ordered to close its Ontario Canada operations amid disclosure that it’s actually a Belize based company. According to the article, Global Pharmacy Canada advertise its “dedicated...

Fire in Belmopan leaves family homeless
Two houses were burnt to the ground last night in Belmopan on Panama Street in the Salva Pan area. It happened shortly after 6 o’clock. Owner of one of the homes, Yolanda Saki, says that her daughter had recently gone to a nearby store and left her five grandchildren...

Elderly man on life support after he is brutally beaten and sodomized
Disturbing reports reaching plus news is that an elderly man was beaten on Monday night and sodomized. Plus news has confirmed that the incident took place on Monday night in the Village of Armenia where the individual was socializing at a local bar. The elderly person was under the...

Opposition Leader says good leadership is needed in schools
Francis Fonseca is a former Minister of Education and presided in the early years of the Primary School Examination. Eleven years later with little change in the mean scores, Fonseca says it’s time for a serious look at the education sector. Hon. Francis Fonseca – Leader Of The Opposition:...

Orange Walk Mayor will not support transvestite pageant
Last night, we told you about a pageant for transvestite males that has been stirring controversy in the north. Pastors and other concerned citizens in Orange Walk are contesting the Ms. Gay Goddess Pageant, which sees male contestants from across the country. The show was slated for June 29th,...

Man in Southern Belize may face bigamy charge
A man in southern Belize may be facing a bigamy charge. Yesterday, a 67 year old housewife of the Magoon Area, visited the Punta Gorda Police Station and reported that her husband, whom she has been married to since 1997, wed another woman in May of this year. The...

Meet the Author Program honors Lawrence G Vernon
The Meet the Author Program, initiated by the National Heritage Library of Belize, honors Belizeans who have contributed to the literary output of the nation, and the latest author to be recognized is Lawrence G. Vernon. He joins the likes of Felicia Hernandez, His Excellency the Governor General of...

Amandala

GLENFORD “BUCKET” BERMUDEZ, 42, WINS APPEAL AFTER 2 LAWYERS “FOUND NO LEGAL GROUNDS”
Appeal Court President Manuel Sosa said that “The jury was subjected to contradictory and confusing direction.” Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez, the ex- BDF soldier who was convicted of fatally shooting his wife, Racquel Requeña Bermudez, 41, had his appeal allowed when he appeared unrepresented before the judges of the Court of Appeal. It was alleged that on November 22, 2007, Bermudez ran his wife’s car off the Hattieville/Boom Road when she was heading to the Belize Central Prison. After the car ran into a ditch, Bermudez allegedly shot Requeña with a shotgun to her head, causing her death. Bermudez then unsuccessfully attempted to end his own life by tying a piece of wire around his neck and attempting to hang himself from a tree. Bermudez was convicted of the murder on April 27, 2011, and was sentenced to life in prison by Justice Herbert Lord.

KEON “GAMBIS” WILLIAMS, 35, ACQUITTED OF UNNATURAL CRIME AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES
The male victim, now 17, told the court that he lied to police in his statement. Keon “Gambis” Williams, 35, walked out of court a free man after Justice Adolph Lucas, Sr., instructed the jury to find him not guilty. This came about after the first witness, the now 17-year-old victim of the alleged unnatural crime and aggravated assault, took the stand and told the court that his mother made him give the report to police. He also told the court that he wants to drop the case and what he told the police in his statement was a lie. When asked by the Crown’s representative, Kaysha Grant, if he was threatened or promised anything to make such a statement to the court, the minor replied no. According to police, the child and his mother went to the police station and reported that sometime in November of 2009, the child, then 14, was at the BTL Park on Albert Street when he was approached by Gambis, whom he had known for three years. Gambis told him to take off his pants, after which Gambis turned him around and had anal sex with him.

GUAT DAD KILLS WIFE, FLEES WITH SON, 9
A 28-year-old mother, Julia Moran, of the Black Neighborhood of Caye Caulker, was viciously killed and mutilated in her home, and her husband, Sergio Moran, has since absconded, taking their 9-year-old son with him. The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12. Moran lived upstairs of a house that was one of four houses in the yard of a “Ms. Paula,” her landlady. Her neighbours told police that they heard “noise and ruction” at about 12:30 Wednesday morning when Moran’s husband, who is a chef at Roses Restaurant, came home. According to Moran’s neighbours, they heard her husband knock on the door, but there was no answer, and the door was not opened. The husband, they said, then kicked open the door and went in, and an altercation with his wife began. The neighbours said that after about 45 minutes, they heard him threaten his wife with violence, and they heard her say, “Don’t do it Sergio,” and then there was silence.

2 STABBED IN ORANGE WALK; 1 ASSAILANT REMANDED
Two men, who were stabbed in two separate incidents on Saturday, June 8, in Orange Walk, are now being treated for their injuries at the Orange Walk Hospital. The victims are Misael Valdez, 18, of Trial Farm, who is in a serious condition, and Irvin Cantun, 28, of San Jose Palmar, who is in a critical condition. Valdez suffered stab injuries to his chest and neck, while Cantun was stabbed in his neck, chest, and stomach. Alejandro Itzab, 40, a Belizean laborer of San Jose Palmar Village in Orange Walk, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm in connection with the stabbing of Cantun. He was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Tuesday, where he was remanded at the Belize Central Prison until August 8, when he is to be returned to court.

2 ACCUSED MURDERERS CAPTURED
The second of two vicious Cayo criminals who had terrorized the districts has been captured, and they are both locked away at the Belize Central Prison on charges of aggravated burglary, murder, armed robbery and other violent offences. They have been remanded to prison until August 8. Police said that the men, identified as Marvin “Bamboo” Neal, 25, of San Ignacio and Jerod “Steel Bab” Arthurs Lamb, 27, were the killers who went into the home of Steven Valencia in Santa Elena Town on Tuesday, January 29, and killed him in front of his two children, ages 4 and 7, and robbed him of $7, which was the only money found in Valencia’s house after they ransacked it. Valencia was shot once in the center of the upper back, in the right thigh and in the ankle. Police also contend that on Tuesday, April 16, the same two killers went into the home of a woman in Rumors Resort on the Benque Viejo Road, Cayo District, where they beat and choked her, tied her up and left her to die in her laundry room. They then went into her home, from which they stole various items, then got away.

265-GRAM WEED BUST ON SANTA CRUZ ROAD
The “weedist” walked into the hands of policemen on mobile patrol. San Ignacio police have labeled a bag containing 265 grams of marijuana as an exhibit, to be used as evidence against a man who was found with the drug and was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. Police say that about 2:15 a.m. Saturday, June 8, on Santa Cruz Road in Santa Elena, Cayo, while they were on mobile patrol, they saw a man of Hispanic descent dressed in a white T- shirt walking down the road. The officers reported that upon seeing the police vehicle, the man threw a black plastic bag into the bushes to the side of the road and continued walking towards the vehicle. Police immediately stopped him and took him back to the area where he threw the bag, and retrieved it. They said that in his presence, they opened the bag and found that ganja was in it.

DANGRIGA SPORTS STATS
Interoffice basketball finals: The Finals of the Dangriga Town Council Interoffice Basketball Tournament were held last Friday at the Why-Not Island. Third place went to Belize Bank. First place went to Police, as they defeated Digicell-4G to gain the championship. Father’s Day Over-40 cycling: This Sunday, there will be a big Over-40 cycle race in conjunction with Father’s Day. The Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association will be hosting its second Annual Over-40 Male Cycle Race, starting from Waruguma Shed on Ecumenical Drive at 10:30 a.m. and head to Silk Grass Village and back, with one lap around Dangriga Town and finish in front of Family City Supermarket. Registration per rider is only $5.00. First place $300.00; second $200.00; third $100.00. Station prizes will be provided for both going and coming. For more information, riders can contact Mr. Peter Morgan or Moses Lopez at 625-4022. Primary school volleyball: According to results from yesterday at the Why-Not Island in the Stann Creek District Sports Council Primary Schools Volleyball Regional tournament, representing the Stann Creek District next week Friday at Bird’s Isle in Belize City will be Sacred Heart Primary males and Holy Angels females.

BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL KIDS AND YOUTH CUPS 2013 CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
The Belmopan City Council Kids and Youth Cups 2013 climaxed this past weekend at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium with All Star games on Saturday, June 8, and championship games on Sunday, June 9, for both the Kids and Youth Cups. All Star games The opener on Saturday saw the Belmopan City Council Kids All Stars defeating Orange Walk Kids All Stars, 4-0, with goals from Tahj Reid (7’), Dalton Moreira (17’), Darrel Matute (30’) and Tyzae Carr (33’). And in the nightcap, it was Belmopan City Council Youth All Stars prevailing by a similar 4-0 score over Orange Walk Youth All Stars, with goals from Noah Moro (28’), Jairo Lopez (33’ & 63’) and Tarique Humes (69’). The Belmopan Football League, the organizers of the tournament, want to extend their thanks and appreciation to La Immaculada RC School and Mr. Carlos Umana for accepting our invitation to participate in this year’s All Star games for the Belmopan City Council Kids and Youth Cups.

LORD MICHAEL’S GHOST Editorial
“The middle class in rich countries is shrinking, and a tiny set of people is accumulating unimaginable riches. Groups and individuals with huge wealth use it to gain inordinate political influence. The ’99 percent’ feel swindled, impoverished, and exploited by the rich and powerful 1 percent.” - pg. 218, The End of Power, Moisés Naím, Basic Books, New York, 2013 In late 2011, then PUP Leader Johnny Briceño resigned, and the Albert area representative and then PUP Deputy Leader, Mark Espat, became Interim Leader. During his 11 days as Interim Leader, Mark Espat was endorsed by 30 of the 31 area reps/standard bearers for leadership of Belize’s oldest political party. In early 2008, following the resignation of the 1996-2008 PUP Leader, Said Musa, Mark Espat had been one of three candidates for PUP leadership, along with the aforementioned Briceño and present PUP Leader, Francis Fonseca. Espat and Briceño had withdrawn their candidacies because they wanted a more democratic convention, with more delegates given a chance to vote. Francis Fonseca was supported by the aforementioned Musa, Ralph Fonseca (his first cousin), and PUP Leader Emeritus, Rt. Hon. George Price. Mr. Briceño then re-entered the race, supported by Mr. Espat and another PUP Deputy Leader, Cordel Hyde, and defeated Mr. Fonseca in a PUP leadership convention.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
In our editorial on Tuesday, we pointed out that the heat on the ruling UDP should definitely be more intense than it is, given the amount of “hot button” issues which have arisen recently and thrown a negative light on the present administration. We suggested that there may be a disconnect between the philosophy/policies of the Opposition PUP and the interests of the trade unions/workers of Belize. In this column, I would go even further: I would say that this present PUP does not seem to have harnessed the energies of the youth. The PUP came out of the March 2012 general elections somewhat surprised by their 14-seat performance, and definitely upbeat. There were a couple area representatives from the South and the West, in fact, who were thrilled by their ascension in the power structure of the party, and they wanted to protect their new national power. For sure, after the last generals the PUP embarked on a period of several months where it seemed as if they were convinced they could win in 2017 (or whenever) by concentrating on the Districts outside of Belize, Districts where they had won more seats than the UDP in 2012. It appears at this stage that the UDP this year have won more village councils than they did in 2010, when Orange Walk Central’s Johnny Briceño was leading the PUP. The village council results are not all that unexpected, because Belizean villagers, like the bulk of Belizean voters, are more politically sophisticated than they have ever been. They realize how immensely powerful the national government is, that the UDP may control Belmopan for the next four years, and so the pragmatic villager will not rush to go against the UDP at this stage of the political cycle. This pragmatism favors the ruling party, as well as the fact that the UDP village slates have more resources available for campaigning and election day logistics.

HY NOT “PUNTA ROCKERS” INSTEAD OF “JAGUARS”? Letters
W Dear Editor, Why did our football team come up with the name for our national team, “Jaguars”? I think the University of Belize has already used “Jaguars.” We should have been innovative and used a name like “Punta Rockers” to help promote our cultural music. For example, look at Jamaica and Trinidad national team names – Reggae Boyz for Jamaica and Soca Warriors for Trinidad. Both are promoting their type of music for which theIr countries are famous. Although the jaguar is a native of Belize it is still associated with other countries. Just an observation

NOT THE SAME PM, SAYS HAKEEM Letters
Dear Editor: In 2008 when the Barrow administration came into power I thought this administration would solve Belize’s problems and make us proud. But after listening to the PM at the press conference on Wednesday I am convinced it’s not the same PM that was elected 2008. I was very disappointed when a reporter asked him why the Minister of Health didn’t speak at the press conference concerning the babies and the answer he gave. He told the reporter he won’t blame Minister Pablo Marin because Minister Marin is winning village council elections in Corozal and that’s good for him. Come on, Mr. PM, are village council elections more important than the lives of those babies? Sometime ago when Doug Singh was Party Chairman for the UDP, he mentioned that this Barrow administration is not to govern, but to win elections. Now I see where he’s coming from. Shame on this PM; he must be losing it.

PLEASE, MR. PM, DECLARE BELIZE GMO-FREE! Letters
Dear Prime Minister Barrow, Once again the eyes of the world will be on Belize as it struggles with the disclosure that GMO soybeans are illegally growing in Northern Belize. I am not alone in considering this to be a serious issue, not unlike that of an ecoterrorist, who, by the very nature of cross-pollination, intentionally contaminates the surrounding environment (including water systems, numerous non-targeted animals, insects and organisms, and the soil) with a man-made protein whose characteristics and actions are barely understood. Vertical transfer and resistance are already being noted in scientific studies that these proteins are having impacts well beyond those desired by the biotech industry. The world is rapidly awakening to the existence of adverse and understudied GMOs – to their many and serious dangers and negative effects. I am sure you are aware of the highly-publicized March Against Monsanto that happened in 436 cities in 52 different countries on May 25. The mainstream media chose to ignore the event, but the Internet overflowed with photos, blogs and videos of the phenomenal participation of over 2 million people.

RESPONSE TO JOHN BRICEÑO’S LETTER ON BEHALF OF FORTIS Letters
Dear Editor, Hon. John Briceño penned a Letter to the Editor that Fortis, Inc. used in a full page ad as part of their attempt to quash any objections to their purchase of C.H. Energy, in upstate New York. One of the letters opposing the takeover was from Robert Kennedy, Jr., who spoke of Fortis’ record in Belize. Briceño felt “compelled to correct the errors in the commentary and present your readers with an accurate account of the developments that took place under my watch.” Unfortunately, his “accurate account” is about as accurate as his pronouncements back in 1999-2008. One has to wonder if Mr. Briceño even wrote this letter. The reason I say this is because he refers to the NEAC as the “National Environmental Assessment Committee.” The NEAC reviews all Environmental Impact Assessments. The Department of Environment was part of Briceño’s portfolio, Wouldn’t he know the NEAC stands for the “National Environmental Appraisal Committee”? He should know that but the article misnames it not once, but twice. He states that there was complete disclosure and public consultations, but this is less than accurate. There was no full disclosure on the secret contracts that the government signed with Fortis until after BACONGO sued the Department of Environment and the Public Utilities Commission.

PETER KING CONTRERAS, 44, PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER
Today, Peter King Contreras, 44, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his mother-in-law, Argentina Garcia, 50. The facts which were read to the court stated that at 9:30 a.m. on December 13, 2010, Garcia arrived at King’s Cuisine Restaurant, which was operated by Contreras, and located in Ladyville. Garcia had gone to the restaurant to see her daughter, Lesley, who was Contreras’ common-law wife. At about noon that day, Contreras offered Garcia a ride to the intersection of Philip Goldson International Airport road and the Philip Goldson Highway in order for her to catch a bus back to Indian Creek, where she resided. According to Contreras’ caution statement, which was recorded at 6:56 a.m. on December 14, 2010, “It was whilst on the way to the intersection that Garcia and I got into an argument, where she told me ‘Why would Lesley want a loser like you?’ “After that, I punched her twice in her face and then a struggle ensued and she attempted to exit the vehicle. But I stopped her by using a rope, and I used that same rope and choked her to death.

BELIZE TRYING TO AVERT EU SANCTIONS OVER IUU FISHING ON HIGH SEAS
“…Belize keeps an International Merchant Marine Registry responsible for vessel registration which does not ensure that vessels flying the flag of Belize have a genuine link with the country.” - Official Journal of the EU, November 2012 “…Belizean authorities were not empowered to require information from and to conduct administrative investigations of operators, registered owners and beneficial owners of the fishing vessels flagged to Belize,” the journal said. Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced on Wednesday that a primary justification for the Government of Belize’s decision to take full control of the merchant shipping registry, along with the registry for International Business Corporations (IBCs), which were being managed by Belize International Services Limited under a contract dating back to 1993, is to avert impending sanctions by the European Union (EU), which they have threatened to impose due to allegations that Belize—which has about 130 flagged vessels operating on the high seas, but only 28 of which land products in the EU—has been deemed uncooperative in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Barrow said that the EU, by way of the Commission decision of November 2012, has served Belize notice that unless the country gets control of the registry and does something to regularize the operations of the registry and in particular of the fishing fleet, its exports to the EU will be banned.

PERRY “STICKS” SMITH DOES IT AGAIN: ANOTHER DAY OF HEALING AND CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
After a successful Day of Healing and candlelight vigil event that was held in the Lake I community in April, in which over 700 people participated, Perry “Sticks” Smith is organizing a similar event, which will be conducted in the communities of Queen Square and Mesopotamia at the Albert Hoy Football Field, next to the Raccoon Street Police Headquarters. The Day of Healing and candlelight vigil for these neighbourhoods will be held on Sunday, June 16, Father’s Day. Smith said that the aim of the event is to provide an opportunity for neighbourhood residents to show love and appreciation for each other, to make an effort to take back their community, and to appreciate and nurture the talents of the children. It is designed to be a family fun day, on which parents will come out with their children, to have wholesome fun and engage in friendly competition, and to see the talents of the children. Some of the activities planned for the occasion include writing competitions, drawing, lime and spoon races, a football tournament, a volleyball game, and plotting of the maypole. Medals and trophies will be given to the winners, and parents participating in the competitions will also be given medals and prizes, Sticks said.

The Reporter

Editorial
After so much has been said about the contaminating effect of chemically engineered grain, it has been shocking to learn that GMO soybean seeds have not only been smuggled into Belize, but actually planted by Mennonite farmers of Orange Walk.

Government takes over ship registry to avert EU sanctions
The Government of Belize has taken control of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) to prevent a ban on Belize’s marine exports to the European Union. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained that the EU has served Belize a written notice saying [...]

Domestic abuse ends in murder on Caye Caulker
A woman was savagely murdered on Caye Caulker on Wednesday and her husband, who is wanted for questioning by police, disappeared in the predawn hours, Caye Caulker Police reported. Around 12:15 p.m., police visited the Estella Street home of Julia Jennie Moran, 28, located in the Black Neighbourhood of Caye [...]

GOB: Oceana being reckless
The Government of Belize has said that despite Oceana’s accusation that it is disregarding a court ruling on oil contracts, it is actually trying to keep Belize from getting sued by the oil companies.

Part III: Horizon 2030, National Sustainable Development Strategy: Vision, Values, Goals, Constraints, Implementation and Evaluation
As stated last week, the Vision for Belize’s development captured in Horizon 2030 reads as follows: “Belize is a country of peace and tranquillity, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life. Belizeans are an energetic, resourceful and independent people looking after [...]

The Minister of Health and KHMH
There are some things that are just too absurd to be ignored at times, and Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s suggestion that the Minister of Health cannot be held accountable to any degree for last month’s neonatal deaths at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is certainly one of those things.

Eriean Jang wins 19th annual Coca Cola Spelling Bee
Eriean Jang of Sacred Heart R.C. School in Dangriga, Stann Creek district, won the 19th annual Coca-Cola National Spelling Bee hosted by Bowen & Bowen Ltd and the Ministry of Education.The now famous spelling contest took place at the University of Belize gymnasium in Belmopan on Friday, June 7.

Belize & Mexican businessmen explore trade partnerships
Belizean business people explored possibilities of trade partnerships when they met with representatives of 14 Mexican companies at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City on Thursday, June 6.

Belize Waste Control may seek contempt ruling to force Mayor Bradley’s hand
Attorneys for Belize Waste Control (BWC) and Belize City Council (BCC) met in the chambers of Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana on Monday, over a court judgment for $2.3 million that the BCC has failed to pay and for which Mayor Darrell Bradley could be cited for contempt of court.

Chef says he strangled his mother-in-law; didn’t know what to do with the body?
A man who admitted to killing his mother-in-law and drove around Ladyville with her body in his vehicle pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on Tuesday, in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas.

CJ withholds judgment in Oceana vs. GOB case
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has reserved judgment in the case of Oceana and others vs the Government of Belize until June 20. The CJ decided to delay the judgment after the case’s conclusion on Tuesday where attorneys for Oceana and the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, Godfrey Smith [...]

No pardon for imprisoned former president in Peru
Imprisoned former Peruvian leader ,Alberto Fujimori , won’t receive a pardon because the nation’s president has determined that he does not have a terminal illness, officials said Friday.

Ecology woes spark protests in Turkey
What began in late May as a demonstration focused on the environment – opposition to a plan to build a mall in Gezi Park – has evolved into a crusade against Erdogan that’s spread around the country.

Four tips to get kids to eat their vegetables
Was it announced to all children that vegetables are pure evil, dooming health-conscious parents to resort to sneaking nutrition into their meals? Well, it’s about time vegetables became a daily expectation on child dinner plates, instead of an occasional curse. According to kids cooking.about.com, kids have to be exposed to [...]

What causes nightmares and how to stop them
Although nightmares are more commonly seen in children, at least half of adults have occasional nightmares. In fact, between 2 and 8 percent of adults frequently suffer from nightmares. What are Nightmares?

Brilliant spanks Sunrise in SMART Harrison Parks cricket playoffs
Brilliant of Crooked Tree outlasted Sunrise of Lords Bank 144-122 in the first semifinal match of the 2013 SMART Harrison ParksNational Cricket Competition in Lord’s Bank on Saturday, June 8.

Camalote, Grace Kennedy & Wolverines win in Cayo softball
Undefeated Camalote United, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and the Esperanza Wolverines all enjoyed big victories when the Miley Garcia Softball Competition continued under the auspices of the Cayo Softball Association at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza Village last Sunday, June 9.

The Belize Times

Barrow Exposed!!! – Another get-rich “Legal Fees” scheme for Barrow Attorneys
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has schemed another round of expensive legal battles as a result of Government’s hostile takeover of the privately managed International Business Company Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marne Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) on Tuesday. According to the PM, even though the Government is at its worst point financially, he is prepared to fight “to death” or did he mean “to debt”. Belize International Service Limited (BISL), which held the management contracts for IBC and IMMARBE since 1993, warned on Monday that they will pursue damages to the highest level which could see the Government become liable for over US$60m as a result of the takeover. Where Belize sees distress over the reckless and irrational actions of the UDP Government, Prime Minister Barrow sees dollar signs. Barrow’s anticipated takeover of the IBC registry and IMMARBE has nothing to do with the actions of the former Musa Administration and not entirely with the international pressure over its proper regulation.

Fired SSB CEO gets job as Port Commissioner
Merlene Bailey Martinez who was removed from office as Former Chief Executive Officer in the Social Security Board, after it was exposed that she was guilty of insider trading and had ...

Mayor disobeys court order! – Rogue Mayor either pays up or goes to jail!
By the skin of his teeth, this past Monday Mayor Darrel Bradley once again avoided going to jail for not paying a Belize City Council’s debt owed to Belize Waste Control. On ...

No apologies for 13 dead babies! – PM defends Pablo Marin, says he is performing where “it matters”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is a very cold and callous man. He proved just as much on Wednesday when he conveyed that he still had confidence in Pablo Marin ...

Sweetheart Deal – GOB buys out Espat building for millions
Mark Espat is a slippery guy. He is one thing today and next he is holding a dagger behind you tomorrow. As we have been telling ...

UDP Politics as Usual…
NO Clue… In terms of this crime thing, can we realistically expect 2011 to be any different from 2010? Can we expect a decrease in murders, in home invasions, in assaults, in robberies and shootings and thefts? The government ...

Distractions!
In characteristic heavy-handed nature, Dean Barrow strong-armed control of the International Business Company (IBC) and International Merchant Marine Registry (IMMARBE) Registries on Tuesday the 11th of June, 2013. The two registries were previously managed by a private company by way of a Management Services Agreement entered into with the Government ...

Horizon Academy dominates Judo competition
The Red Dragon Judo Club hosted the first ever Primary School Judo Championship at the Horizon Academy Primary School with 5 primary schools participating on June 2nd. Lightweight category 1st place – Victoria Usher (Horizon Academy) 2nd place – ...

Brilliant dazzles Sunrise 144-122 in cricket semifinals
Four-time national champs, Crooked Tree Brilliant dazzled Lords Bank Sunrise with their bowling to win the 2013 SMART Harrison Parks national cricket semifinals in Lord’s Bank on Saturday ...

Camalote defeats Shooting Stars 15-3
Camalote’s star pitcher Francine Salazar struck out 6 batters in her 15-3 inning mercy rule shutout of the Las Flores Shooting Stars, who committed 5 errors and left 2 runners ...

Mother Nature obstructs oil discovery
The Barrow Administration is running out of gas, literally. The oil fields in Spanish Lookout, discovered in 2005, are expected to be depleted by the year 2020. Already, Government’s revenue from the export of crude oil through Belize Natural Energy is falling, and with no economic ...

Contagious: art by Julian Veronin Kuo
The new show at the Image Factory may have some us spooked especially with the current situation at the KHMH. Contagious, quite unlike the tragedy at Belize’s national referral hospital, features ...

AMAZING GRACE – Jesus the Bartender?
Many times I wonder what Jesus would be doing if he was here on earth today. If he was in Belize visiting for a month, what would his daily activities be? I believe it would be a much more difficult experience for those who claim they believe in him than ...

The World is Flat: FREE Online Education Courses
By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph Technology has provided us with many great learning tools. Stimulate your mind with these FREE online courses that can be taken anywhere or anytime and are available year-round. Enrol in at least one course, and challenge yourself to learn something new today. Through E-Learning you have ...

Belize’s potential in the Garment Industry
By Richard Harrison In 2000, Belize exported BZ$40 million worth of garments. Today our export of garment is ZERO. The one garment exporter closed down....they used to produce clothing with DICKIES brand. Belize has the capacity to support a robust garment industry for the domestic market....and expand outward from there. Instead of ...

SCALES OF JUSTICE: Checking yuh Change
By anthony sylvestre My friend observed the other day that the Prime Minister Dean Barrow keeps making a lot of noise and we aren’t checking our change; that the Prime Minister says a lot of stuff that doesn’t make sense to divert our attention from the real issues and gets away ...

2013 Valedictory Speech by Steven Lam of Belize High School
“At the end of the day, it has all been said before. But this is the end of our ‘day’ here at Belize High School- history has been made - WITH us and BY us. And so for us ...

2013 Valedictory Speech by Justyn Peter Craig of St. John’s College High School
As Ms Gongora has said, I am a man of very few words. Therefore, the task of preparing this valedictory speech to the Class of 2013 was far more daunting than taking the recent Spanish orals for the CSEC exams ...

Will UDP’s Denny Grijalva ever face charges?
The Orange Walk Police Department are dragging their feet with the investigation into the destruction of the archaeological site, Noh Mul, located near Nuevo San Juan village in the Orange Walk north constituency. The BELIZE TIMES has ...

Tubal Institute – The Leading Pioneer of Vocational Education
There is a no-so-well known school off the beaten path in Ladyville Village in the Belize District ...

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – YOUNG MANDELA: THE REVOLUTIONARY YEARS
By FRANCIS W. FONSECA As I write this column, television images of a frail, 94 year old Nelson Mandela are being carried throughout the world as this great man nears the end of life’s journey. If News reports of the gravity of his health situation are accurate, it may even be that ...

Belize faces sanctions for “money laundering and terrorist financing”
The February 2011 report and recommendations from the European Fisheries Control Agency on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is not the only document being ignored by the Barrow Administration. The BELIZE TIMES has discovered that Belize ...

Prejudices still alive in Belize
Dear Editor, “I have a dream”. Fifty years ago, on August 28th, 1063, American Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., uttered those words in his most famous speech. Using that captivating refrain, Dr. King expressed his dreams or hope that one day people would enjoy life free from racial prejudice. ...

Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear
Dear Editor, We’d like to address this issue of gay rights. As Christians, we’d like to make it known in no uncertain terms that this is NOT something we will entertain in any shape or form in our nation of Belize. Firstly, we have nothing to prove. People were not our idea, ...

BAGMO asks PM to step up fight against GMOs
Dear Prime Minister Barrow, Once again, the eyes of the world will be on Belize as it struggles with the disclosure that GMO soybeans are illegally growing in Northern Belize. I am not alone in considering this to be a serious issue, not unlike that of an EcoTerrorist, who, by the very ...

Nursing Student seeks remedy for faulty UB program
Dear Editor, I am a student nurse at the University of Belize. I would like to express my concern with respect to a practicum course NURS 3101 P, Care of the Adult Population Practicum, that was carried out at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. I decided to come forward when I saw ...

SHAME ON THE PM
Dear Editor, In 2008 when the Barrow Administration came into power I thought his administration would solve Belize’s problems and make us proud. But after listening to the PM at the press conference on Wednesday I am convinced it’s not the same PM that was elected 2008. I was very disappointed when ...

The June 16th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• PM Barrow: “Bring it On!” Restoring Honour to our National Flag!:
  The announcement first came in a brief Press Release on Monday June 10, which read, “The Ministry of Finance announces that the Management Services Agreement between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited, to manage the International Business Companies Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) comes to an end, today, 10 June 2013. Accordingly, the Government of Belize will assume control of the two Registries with effect from tomorrow, 11 June 2013.” The release promised that the Prime Minister would give a full briefing on the matter on Wednesday, June 12; and he did. At his Press Conference, the Prime Minister recounted that a master agreement was first signed on June 11, 1993, only days before the June 30th snap elections called by then Prime Minister George Price; a ten year agreement wih Belize International Services Limited which managed IMMARBE and the IBC Registry with the option to renew for another ten years. When that ten years was about to expire in 2003, the Government’s legal Counsel, Mr. Gian Ghandi, advised in writing to BISL that because of a fundamental change of circumstances, they could no longer exercise the option to renew for another ten years.
• “The More Things Change...”:
  Delroy Cuthkelvin Chairman, Editorial Board. In our edition of last week, in an article titled, “The Case of the Crawl Caye Project – a Lesson in Transparency, Thoroughness and Thoughtfulness”, we had just reiterated the stark difference between the Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the administration that preceded it, led by former Prime Minister Said Musa, with regards to their respective modus operandi in entering agreements and undertakings that have far-reaching implications for the Nation and its People. We had just recounted the fact that, in contrast to the open, cautious and methodical manner in which the Barrow Administration handled such matters, the Musa Administration was one that, besides being hasty and reckless, was characterized by serial style secrecy. As if we needed one more reminder of this, news broke this week of yet another secret agreement signed by the same two who endorsed the infamous Accommodation Agreement, Musa and his former Attorney General, Francis Fonseca. This one was for the purported ‘extension of an extension’ of a contract for a company called Belize International Services to manage the International Companies Registry (IBC) and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE).
• Chile Donates Computers:
  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a donation from the Embassy of Chile, presented Six (6) laptop computers to Our Lady of Guadalupe High School in Belmopan, on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 12:00pm. The Government of Chile is donating computers to one high school in every CARICOM country as a symbol of its commitment to assisting CARICOM countries in education. The Chilean Government has always provided support to Belize through the provision of specialized training courses for officials in areas such as diplomacy, cooperation and language training, and provides scholarships for higher studies. His Excellency Renato Sepulveda Nedel, the Ambassador of Chile to Belize with residence in San Salvador was on hand to present the Laptops on behalf of the Chilean Government. Receiving them on behalf of Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School was the institution’s Principal, Mrs. Barrette Belisle.
• Support Our National Football Selection::
  FFB Official Telethon, Saturday June 15, 2013, MCC Tennis Court, Newtown Barracks, Belize City
• Exciting Softball in Cayo District: Ismael ‘Miley’ Garcia Competition in Progress:
  In the Cayo District, there’s an exciting Softball Competition that is in progress, and, as of this week, we’re bringing you regular updates on it. The Competition is sponsored by UDP Cayo South Caretaker, Ismael ‘Miley’ Garcia. This past weekend, Camalote United, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and Esperanza Wolverines were all victorious in games played at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza, on Sunday afternoon to be exact. The first game featured Camalote’s star pitcher, Francine Salazar, who earned a 15-0 shutout victory over the Las Flores Shooting Stars in three innings, as the mercy rule was applied. She struck out 6 batters in the process. In that game, the Las Flores Shooting Stars committed 5 errors and stranded 2 runners on base.
• Speaking Truth Even When We’d Rather Not:
  By Zelda Hill. Belizeans, in general, were once thought to have been a non-confrontational, complacent and cowardly species. That notion has been overruled as individuals and groups all over Belize are openly demanding better quality of life, good governance of our wealth, equity of access and answers from our stewards. Those who prefer to accept their plight or to not “rock the boat” may do so out of fear or hopelessness, or perhaps the matter that would cause them to break their composure has not yet raised its head. For the Church in Belize that time has arrived. Truth, which we value and honor, is under attack! We must rise to its defense even in a time when it may seem inconvenient to do so and even when we’d prefer to be silent. Those who prefer to accept their plight or to not “rock the boat” may do so out of fear or hopelessness, or perhaps the matter that would cause them to break their composure has not yet raised its head. For the Church in Belize that time has arrived and the truth, which we value and honor, is under attack. We must rise to its defense even in a time when it may seem inconvenient to do so and even when we’d prefer to be silent.
• Elections and Boundaries Department: Results of Village Council Elections:
• UB Graduation Coming UP:
  Students who have successfully completed their course of study at the University of Belize will receive their diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels on Saturday June 15, at the University’s Seventeenth Commencement Exercises, Central Campus, Belmopan. The ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. Of the total number of 471 graduates, 298 are females (63.3%) and 173 (36.7%) are males. The largest number of graduates are from the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences (FMSS) totalling 153, followed by the Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) with a total of 133, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) with 132, and the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health & Social Work (FNAHSW) with a total of 53.
• Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, and Public Utilities Responds to Oceana:
  The Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities notes with regret a recent press release by Oceana in which it persists in putting its spin on the judgment delivered on April 16th, 2013 by Justice Legall concerning certain oil exploration contracts awarded by the previous government. In that judgment, His Lordship made certain declarations against the Ministry but not against the oil companies. Most importantly, the Judge specifically refused to quash the oil exploration contracts. The legal consequences that follow from what the Judge ordered as well as what he refused to order are purely a legal issue. For that reason, the Ministry has obtained and has acted upon legal advice from one of the nation’s most respected attorneys at law , which states in the clearest possible terms that the effect of the Judge’s refusal to quash or terminate the contracts is to leave them fully enforceable by the oil companies. That advice emphasized that no order or judgment was made against any oil company, none of which was even a party in the court case. This point was fully made by the Ministry in its written and oral arguments to the Honourable Chief Justice on its recent application to stay the effect of Justice Legall’s judgment. Consistent with the legal advice received, the Ministry is obliged to treat the contracts as binding and enforceable against the country of Belize by the oil companies.
• Crawl Caye Off Limits: Cruise Tourism NOT Off the Table :
  We doubt many of you caught it, but last week in our story titled, “The Case of the Crawl Caye Project - a Lesson in Transparency, Thoughtfulness and Thoroughness”, we mistakenly reproduced a photograph of Hunting Caye instead of Crawl Caye. For that we sincerely apologize, although we will hasten to point out that the error on our part did not minimize in any way the principal point of our story, which is that the current government, unlike the one that preceded it, is an administration that thoughtfully and thoroughly considers pertinent issues and concerns before entering into agreements and undertakings that have far-reaching implications for the Nation and its People, and that it invariably conducts the entire process in a transparent manner. And while we admittedly erred, we should be readily excused, we contend, for having mistakenly brought you that splendid aerial view of Hunting Caye, also in Southern Belize, which is no less precious an island than Crawl Caye. Furthermore, in following up this week on the substance of the story, we get the opportunity to print for you, not one, but two photographs of the real Crawl Caye, hoping that in so doing, we make it up to you.
• Drill & Discipline Course Completed at National Police Training Academy:
  Graduation ceremonies were held this past Friday, June 7, for close to Twenty Police Officers who completed a two-week squad drill course conducted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The course was for non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants who are attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the country; and its purpose was to have the participating Police Officers sharpen up their drill-skills, something which keynote speaker at the Ceremony, Acting Director of Training, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams reminded them is an integral part of their discipline as members of one of the nation’s leading security forces. Williams noted that everywhere in World, disciplined forces must engage in such drills, which though they vary in specifics from country to country, have the same basic objective, mainly that of instilling discipline in the individuals who are part of a uniformed and coordinated team that operates as a single unit in executing its functions.
• One Week to Go: UDP Extends Lead in Village Council Elections:
  This past week, the UDP again scored overwhelming victories nationwide in the Village Council Elections, which are nearing completion. In Corozal, the UDP swept all 7 seats in Libertad, Caledonia and Paraiso, and won five seats including the chairmanship, in Patchakan, leaving the PUP with only 2 councillors. In Orange Walk, Deputy Prime Minister and Orange Walk North Area Representative, Hon. Gaspar Vega won the last two of the villages in his constituency, San Jose and San Luis, completing a 9 out of 9 sweep over his PUP opponents. The UDP also won August Pine Ridge in Orange South. In Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero is also 8 out of 8 to date, with only one village to go. This past week, he took San Antonio, where the UDP slated was unchallenged.
• Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Bounce Back in Game 4 Against Spurs to Tie the Series:
  LeBron James was going to deliver on his Game 4 guarantee, no question about it. He’s simply too talented and too battle-tested to be held down this long. But Game 4 was more than just redemption for James. It was Dwyane Wade living up to his reputation and Chris Bosh living up to the hype. It was Miami’s celebrated Big Three, maligned after their no-show performance in Game 3, wresting back control of the NBA Finals with a collaborative effort for the ages. “It was on our shoulders, honestly,” James said. “When all of us are clicking at the same time we’re very tough to beat.”
• Spelling Bee in Belmopan: The Champion Comes from the South:
  Following two rounds of eliminations countrywide, 12 finalists participated in the exciting grand finale of the 2013 Coca-Cola National Spelling. The competition, which began in February with the participation of 271 primary schools, culminated on June 7 at the UB Sports and Recreation Center in Belmopan. A tie for the first and second place spots emerged at the end of the first eliminating reserve list round; the contest rules then allowed for the spell-off for third place to proceed, and it was Toledo’s Hilda Saki of St. Benedict R.C. that emerged in the Fourth Round as the third place winner with the spelling of the words “fylfot” and “nappe.” She received a $1,500 educational prize from Bowen & Bowen Ltd., parent company of Coca-Cola in Belize, and a tuition and book grant for one year from the Ministry of Education.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
  Playoff Results for Weekend - June 1 & 2

Blogs

Battle Royal and Friday’s fun
I know am not the only one who feels like they are going through a Battle Royal inside themselves right now. For me it’s another round of trying to find some sort of balance and curb my overactive junkfoodie ways I have been working hard to keep the extra few pounds which was my junk food bonus, tone up and loose my Buddha belly by Sunday’s Lobstermainia 2013 pool party. Now that is a tall order. For fun I looked up the meaning of Battle Royal and a few of them caught my eye: Merriam Webster b : a violent struggle Thesaurus.com Definition: fierce fight Synonyms: intense battle It was not long before my mind wandered I got thinking about a Royal with Cheese from Melt at Exotic Caye Resort and why it can be so hard finding balance when it comes to food and health. Here is a good health related article on Expatify.com about pharmacies and prescriptions for expats in different parts of the world. I found it very interesting and directly applicable to living in Belize. I know many people here who use a pharmacist as a primary medical councilor. And while they do regulate some drugs and sometimes require a perscription, it is not always enforced.

Why I want to be an Eco-Kid
My name is Olivia Frisinger and I am ten years old. I am related to San Pedro and Colorado. I believe we should save animals habitats. I hope to take pictures of colorful animals. I love to go horseback riding. I love hiking to see wildlife. I live in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Now I have been living in Colorado for the last six months. It is not the same environment in Colorado; no beaches or golf Cart, but in San Pedro not as much wildlife popping out of the forest. I want to do something fun for the summer so I wanted to go to Eco Camp. I love the tropical jungles and I want to know about the animals to save their habitats. I know that a lot of the jungle is being destroyed worldwide. I want none of the colorful animals to become extinct. The way to start helping the rainforest is to learn all about it. I want to go to your camp to start learning.

“Superstar” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Keen to get the stuff we have had in storage in the UK since we departed for Ambergris Caye over a year ago (some of it being in storage for far longer than that as we gradually cleared our previous home of possessions) I ‘fired’ off an email to Ismael Gomez the broker we are using in Belize City to ‘smooth the way in’ for our consignment. He has submitted details of our load to “BTB” (Belize Tourism Board) and we just now need permission to import the stuff without having import duty applied (this being one of the benefits of gaining admittance in to the Qualified Retirement Program (“QRP”). When we get the O.K. I can contact Excess International Movers in the UK to put our stuff on a boat but it is looking increasingly unlikely that it will arrive (the journey will take between seven to ten weeks) by the time that our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize is completed. Oh well. Best laid plans and all that! Rose and I spent time in the morning finalising the layout for shelving, drawers and hanging rails for our respective walk-in closets and then Rose laid them out more clearly, and with the exact dimensions that we want, on her computer. We now just need to review one more time to be certain that they will give each of us what we want. Then they will be ready to be handed over to Daniel Camal the building contractor for our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize.

International Sources

Did illegal fishing trigger takeover move?
The Belize newspaper Amandala reported on the assumption of control over the International Business Companies (IBC) Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), saying: “ ... operations which were estimated to net the Government $11 million in revenues in this year’s budget.” In an article published on Tuesday, the newspaper continued: “A statement issued by the Government of Belize today said that the Management Services Agreement under which the registries were privatised comes to an end at the close of business today. That contract, an official source tells us, involves a major financial player in Belize — British billionaire Michael Ashcroft, whose interest in the agreement links back to Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited. “Waterloo, an IBC in the British Virgin Islands, has indicated in published reports that it holds 50 percent interest in Belize International Services Limited, a joint venture company which operates the international open shipping and company registry business in Belize. The other major party of the agreement is Morgan & Morgan of Panama. “Amandala understands that the Ashcroft group and the Panamanian investor have controlled the operation of the registries since 1990. First, they were engaged under separate three year agreements: one for the IBC and the other for the shipping registry. However, in 1993, the then People’s United Party (PUP) administration issued one 10-year agreement to the parties, for both registries, with an option for a renewal for another 10 years.

Belize’s Conservation Balancing Act
In comparison to many of its neighbors in Central America and the Caribbean, Belize has pursued a very effective and comprehensive policy of conservation in order to capitalize on the growing segment of eco-tourism. However, given the stresses of economic development, Belize is facing a difficult balancing act when it comes to determining the limits of environmental and cultural conservation. Like most Caribbean countries, Belize is burdened with extremely high-energy costs—yet it was expected that this would change when Belize discovered deposits of oil in 2005. This recent discovery of oil has sparked a debate about the future of Belize’s economic development. Earlier this year, the Belizean court stopped government plans to begin contract offshore oil deposits to inexperienced companies in the Meso American Reef—the world’s second largest barrier reef and a World Heritage Site. Due to the devastation brought by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, the decision to drill within such an ecologically sensitive and important zone was regarded as highly controversial within Belize. The court case resulted from the work of conservation organizations sparking a “people’s referendum” in which 96% of those who participated voted against offshore drilling.

Sun sets on Army training in Belize
The British Army Training Support Unit Belize, or BATSUB, has been announced as the latest victim of the defence cuts, although some specialist training will continue in the country. British Forces News reporter Charlotte Cross has been with British soldiers on the last large scale jungle training in Belize as the base prepares to be mothballed… Second Lieutenant Sam Westlake takes off his helmet and shakes the sweat from his hair and eyes, gratefully dumping his daysack on the ground. It weighs a good thirty pounds, and he’s spent the last five hours carrying it on his back as he and his platoon race across rough ground, assaulting enemy position after enemy position. As always with British Army exercises, the enemy is positioned uphill, forcing the infantry soldier to overcome his weary limbs and straining, burning lungs, as he pushes on to the final attack. This is the culmination of a three-week Platoon Commanders Course in the devastatingly harsh terrain of Belize. With access to nine thousand square kilometres of primary jungle and open plains, many thousands of infantry troops have undergone the tough training Belize is famous for… almost 9,000 of them in the last three years alone.

June 14, 2013

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Specials and Events

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

In search of the elusive Whale Sharks
After an hour and half boat ride, we finally arrived at Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve. Just outside the reserve, Ed our knowledgeable guide took the opportunity to brief us about the procedures while swimming along with the whale sharks. Just as the briefing was over, our attention was drawn by the presence of a curious Hawksbill turtle that poked its head from the water, perhaps to greet the visiting humans and to take in some fresh air. It swam toward us for a couple of pictures before moving on. Ed signaled that it was time for us to move on as well. A quick boat ride over the reef brought us close to about half a dozen of dolphins that jumped out of the water, breaking away and escorting the vessel through the channel. It was a spectacular short show, one I had seen only on television, and now here I was, living it. Our divers resurfaced and we all made our way back inside the vessel for a quick break for lunch at the ranger’s station. Just as we anchored for lunch, I got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marvel at a pod of six bottlenose dolphins frolicking right in front of us. It was a spectacular show as they sprang into action creating a spectacle in their natural environment. The fully mature adult dolphins sprang out of the water and into the air then splashed back into the water for a dive. All their movements were well synchronized as if they were choreographed to do so. I was determined that if I had failed on my close encounter with whale sharks, then I would settle for the dolphins. It was sight to behold and I just had to get in the water. I gradually came in close proximity to them, stopping short at a couple feet taking in the breath-taking view of the playful creatures. Under the water, two calves swam in whirlwind motions almost as if dancing to a specific tune. They whistled and clicked at each other as they synchronized their motions. Above water, the adults tested their speed and agility by jumping far into the air. Unbeknownst to them, they were putting on a spectacular show for those still onboard the vessel and in the water. After nearly 20 minutes they disappeared into the distance making their way beyond the reef. Occasionally they would jump out of the water as if to say “follow us!”

Tropic Air announces new Placencia & PGIA flights from San Ignacio
“We are celebrating an increased presence in San Ignacio, connecting local and tourism travellers with a growing number of places in Belize and abroad”, said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “Our new non-stop flights between San Ignacio and Belize International allow passengers access to the International Airport’s global network, an enhanced travel experience, and demonstrates our commitment to the Cayo District. In addition, our new non-stop between Placencia and San Ignacio connects western Belize with the adventures and beaches of the south for the first time”

Visually impaired Rowan Garel to dive the Blue Hole
On June 5th young Rowan Garel celebrated his 15th birthday. Rowan’s birthday has taken on much significance since he has focused attention on others, using his reach to aid other like him to be able to do normal activities. And what makes him so special? Rowan was born blind. The visually impaired teen has not let this get in the way of accomplishing great things and in fact has broken barriers while experiencing the world around him. In 2011 Rowan climbed the one of the highest summits in Belize, Victoria Peak in two days and in 2012 he journeyed across the country walking 92 miles. Both astonishing achievements were done to raise funds for the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) which is the only organization in Belize that caters to the blind or visually impaired. On July 14, 2013 Rowan will make yet another achievement; he will become the first visually impaired person to dive the Great Blue Hole. The purpose of the dive is to raise funds and awareness for BCVI. According to Rowan, it’s not about the personal achievement but the funds raised and awareness such daring ventures gain. “What I’m interested in is raising funds and awareness for the only program in Belize that deals with blind or visually impaired people and they have a rehabilitation program which is completely free of cost. Take that away, and all the blind people, like me, will just be behind with everything, there would be no one there to help them along and that is what motivates me.”

Island Deals Store burglarized
On the morning of Monday June 10th, an employee of Island Deals discovered that the store, located on Barrier Reef Drive, had been broken into. Entry seemed to have been gained through the front door as the latches appeared broken to allow access to the store. The store was closed on Saturday June 8th at 9PM and it was not until on Monday June 10th at 9AM that it was noted that the store was broken into, and owner of the store, PrakashWadhwa (PK) immediately contacted the police. First inspection of the scene revealed that cellphones and eight racks of clothing were missing.

Ambergris Today

Belize Embassy in Washington Raises funds for the Inspiration Center
The Embassy of Belize in Washington has raised US$60,000 for the Inspiration Center. His Excellency, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, who is visiting Belize, handed over the check to the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. The donation is the proceeds of several fundraising events hosted in Washington between October 2011 and May 2013. The majority of the funds were raised at a hugely successful gala on February 16, 2013, which brought in over US$40,000. Mrs. Barrow is extremely grateful to Ambassador Mendez and his team for their hard work and dedication as well as the Belizean Diaspora in Washington for supporting the important cause of providing a safe, inclusive environment for children with disabilities to access much needed services. The Inspiration Center will provide medical care, physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, psychological care and social work among other specialized services to assist children with disabilities to be more productive and independent despite any impediments. The center will also assist disadvantaged children with afterschool programs, giving them access to computers and other resources to ensure their optimal development.

Caye Caulker, Belize Could Possibly Boast Largest Marine Cave in the World
Caye Caulker could possibly be sitting on the largest marine cave in the world. The entrance of the cave system is located on the west side of the island called Tarpon View, by some, where tarpons inhabit. The cave was first explored back in 1981 when the first owners of Belize Dive Services Paul Heinerth (to this day an International cave diving pioneer and author of many books on the subject) and Chuck Hattel dug into the cave. Belize Dive Services was bought by Chip Petersen in 2009 and in November 2012 he and Bill Oestreich ‘Bert’ (both recognized Cave Dive Instructors) entered the cave once more. Chip’s real dream in purchasing BDS was to follow the footsteps of his predecessors and access the cave system to allow Belize to realize the potentials of this natural beauty; so when his mentor Bert turned up on Caye Caulker, he seized the opportunity.

Tropic Air Announces Flight Schedule From San Ignacio, Cayo
Tropic Air announced today two new non-stop flights from San Ignacio. The flights to Placencia and the Belize International Airport, both start on November 15, 2013. “We are celebrating an increased presence in San Ignacio, connecting local and tourism travellers with a growing number of places in Belize and abroad”, said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “Our new non-stop flights between San Ignacio and Belize International allow passengers access to the International Airport’s global network, an enhanced travel experience, and demonstrates our committment to the Cayo District. In addition, our new non-stop between Placencia and San Ignacio connects western Belize with the adventures and beaches of the south for the first time”

Police Barracks Update – Donations Needed!
The much needed Police Barracks is finally becoming a reality thanks to several donors who teamed up to give the first monies towards this much needed project. Construction on the two storey building has commenced and it will have eight rooms, each with its own bathroom. In addition, each room will have a small balcony. To date the group has contributed $20,000 to the new barracks. They currently have $15,502.35 in the bank. This amount is not sufficient to complete the project, so money needs to be raised. If you are interested in contributing, kindly email Mukul Kanabar at mukul@thephoenixbelize.com.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Revised National Gender Policy Should be Withdrawn
Written by: Godfrey Smith I had followed only from the fringes the brouhaha that had bubbled in the media over the Revised National Gender Policy and had been meaning to bring myself up to date on the issue. After a day of courtroom arguments, I downloaded the document, summoned up my reserves of mental energy, readied myself to analyze a document thick with controversy and thorny with social implications, and then delved in. The revised policy is the product of the National Women's Commission of Belize and is funded by the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It examines inequalities experienced by both women and men in Belize and recommends strategies to correct gender disparities in five priority areas: Health, Education/Skills Training, Wealth and Employment Generation, Violence Producing Conditions and Power and Decision-making.

Caribbean fisheries experts attend 9th CRFM Scientific Meeting
National and regional fish experts from across the Caribbean are meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week for the 9th Annual Scientific Meeting, organised and sponsored by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The group—which is meeting in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week, until Friday, June 14—is currently engaged in working group meetings to conduct scientific data analyses for providing advice to the region’s fishery managers, to review fisheries management progress and ongoing challenges, and to identify priorities for advancing statistical and other scientific approaches required to support new and emerging management needs of major fisheries within the CRFM membership and the Wider Caribbean. During this 9th Annual Scientific Meeting, national fisheries reports from CRFM member states—which provide details on production data and the fishing fleet—are also being presented. As in previous years, the scientific meeting information enables fisheries managers to understand more about the status of key commercially important fisheries across the region, and required management actions to ensure sustainability and continued profitability of the industry.

Belize government seizes control of Bermuda-listed company's assets
The government of Belize has assumed control of two registries that are 50 percent owned by Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited (WIHL) a Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) listed company, whose majority shareholder is Lord Ashcroft, a major Conservative Party donor and former deputy party chairman. The entities involved are the Belize International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize. In a filing on Thursday, WIHL expressed “…its disappointment and outrage at the government of Belize’s unilateral decision... the latest in a clear and expanding pattern of the government’s rejection of private investment in Belize and clearly sends the unmistakable signal that no investment, whether local or foreign, is safe in Belize.” “BISL intends to vigorously defend its contractual rights and pursue its claim in damages to the highest level of the legal system in Belize and will exercise all options available to it to vindicate its rights,” WIHL added.

The Economics of a Maranco Commercial Oil Find shows no Revenue Inflows until 2015
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage with the assistance of an independent oil expert developed an economic profile of a Maranco Commercial Oil Find at South Canal Bank 1. The results of the economic profile showed that Government is not expected to receive any revenue inflows until 2015. This projection period for any revenue generation from a Maranco Commercial Oil find is important as Government has tied the salary adjustment for teachers and public service workers in the next fiscal year which is April 2014 to a commercial find at Maranco’s South Canal Bank 1. There is no projected revenue in 2014 and projected revenue inflows to the Government in 2015 is BZ$24 million. Of interest is that Government receives inflows earlier than with other production sharing agreements (PSAs) as the cost recovery arrangements for Maranco are vastly different than the existing PSAs. Cost recovery for Maranco is 65% allowing Government to begin receiving funds from the production sharing much earlier than other PSAs which allow 100% of the production revenue to be used for cost recovery before the Government receives anything other than Royalty.

More Cayo Flights for Tropic Air
Tropic Air announced today that they'll be adding two new non-stop flights from San Ignacio. The flights will be to the Placencia and Philip Goldson airports. They've decided to skip the Summer busy season, so the flights won't start until November 15th. Tropic Air currently has one flight a day to Cayo. “'We are celebrating an increased presence in San Ignacio, connecting local and tourism travellers with a growing number of places in Belize and abroad,' said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. 'Our new non-stop flights between San Ignacio and Belize International allow passengers access to the International Airport’s global network, an enhanced travel experience, and demonstrates our committment to the Cayo District. In addition, our new non-stop between Placencia and San Ignacio connects western Belize with the adventures and beaches of the south for the first time.'”

SHC Art Exhibit
The SISE House of Culture is having the opening of the Sacred Heart College Art Exhibit Friday, June 14th, at 6:00pm. See some great art from the SHC students. Thanks, SISE HoC!

Belize in You, Belize in Me, Land of the Free
We have a winner! Congratulations, Jeanelle Mencias, for coming up with this year's September Celebrations theme: "Belize in You, Belize in Me, Land of the Free." Shouldn't something that rhymes with 'you' be in the 3rd place? Like, ' The Baymen Knew.' Anyways, well done, and she will get $1000 for winning the competition. "Belmopan resident Jeanelle Mencias has won the competition for the theme for the September Celebrations. A statement today from by the National Celebrations Commission announced that the theme to be used for the 215th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 32nd anniversary of Belize’s Independence is: “Belize in you, Belize in me, Land of the Free.” The official release says Mencias’ submission was chosen from among 125 entries and was selected because “it engenders a spirit of personal pride and nationalism about being Belize and Belizean.” As her prize, Mencias gets a cash award of BZ$1,000."

Play for Peace Basketball Tournament
The Benque DYS is having their 'Play for Peace' basketball tournament at the end of the month. If you are interested, you can contact Jimmy Leslie, or show up on June 18th at 7:00pm at Deacon's Court. "The Department of Youth Services in Benque Viejo in collaboration with the Benque Viejo Youth Sports Club present 'Play for Peace Basketball Tournament.' This tournament is scheduled to start on June 27, 2013 and end on July 11, 2013. Registration Deadline is June 22, 2013. For more information visit the Department of Youth Services in Benque Viejo and contact Jimmy Leslie at 633-5050. Or contact Mark Rosado at 631-5877 from Benque Viejo Youth Sports Club"

Benque Marimba Academy at NFoA
The Benque Marimba Academy represented Cayo well at the National Festival of Arts at the Bliss Centre. The Benque House of Culture has some great pictures from the event. Congratulations on a great performance! "The road to the highest platform in Belize, the Benque Marimba Project prepared, traveled and showcased their fine artistic skill to the Nation of Belize, June 6th, 2013."

Danny Michel and The Garifuna Collective
Danny Michel is in Belize, playing with the Garifuna Collective. Here's a musical interlude with them rehearsing with 'This is What is.' Hopefully they will come over and play in Cayo before they all head to Canada for their tour together. If you notice, Sam Harris, who plays with the World Culture Band at Lucky 5 and around Cayo, is there on guitar. They also did 'Break it You Buy it.' http://youtu.be/n3_G54BClYM

Catwalk in the Jungle this Saturday
The Catwalk in the Jungle fashion show will take place Saturday night at the Cayo Welcome Center, and it'll be free too. Emmanuel Mangar will be performing during the event. A portion of the proceeds from the event will got to a feeding program to support families with children who are unable to provide nutritious meals for the kids. "Its going to be a FREE fashion show event in our area. Everyone is invited to this great event where we are going to have tons of surprises, entertainment, fun, ect. Come out and delight your eyes with our sexy models who will be show casing spectacular cloths from different boutiques and designers. The best thing from this event is that its FREE TO THE PUBLIC. So no excuse for not being There. We are also going to have local artist to entertain the public. Every one is welcome...."

Paraguanana Grand Opening
Paraguanana, the CACHE cafe at Centennial Park in Benque, will be having its grand opening this evening, starting at 4pm. In related news, CACHE will be having a Jumble Sale at the football field in Santa Cruz on Saturday at 9:00am. "June 14th is the grand Opening of the CACHE Snack shop under new management! Be there at 4 p.m. New ambiance, new menu, & great entertainment! Be there!"

Channel 7

Fighting Faber Throws Blows At Teachers’ Union
Today Education Minister Patrick Faber led a press conference on the results of the PSE. And while that’s news which interests a large section of the population, it’s not the headline tonight – and that’s because Faber made bigger news by sharing what might be called, “inconvenient truths” about the teaching profession and the Teachers’ union. He spoke about their request for a 30% wage increase in view of the quite dismal PSE results – calling that proposed increase “ridiculously high” and, apparently, un-deserved: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education "The role of the teachers union; you know it's absolutely amazing and I'll go out on a limb that teachers are saying they want a salary adjustment of 30% when the government is saying that they can't afford and then we have the same old results. There is no denying that teachers have a tremendous effect on what these results are." And Faber wasn’t through with the Teachers Union there, he criticized them for standing up for deviant, sub-standard teachers: Hon. Patrick Faber "But we have a union in this country and I will get into trouble again for it. That fights for teachers who are incompetent, some of them who are molesters, some of them who don't do their job in the classroom and the officials know it. But we fight for them - they are not functioning, they are not doing the best job and the minute the principal or the management or the ministry tries to bring them up, there is a champion called the Union that fights against."

Husband Killer Viola Pook Appeals Lifetime Sentence
But, first, we go to the Court of Appeal where convicted husband killer Viola Pook’s appeal heard today. Two years ago, Pook was convicted of burning her common-law husband to death. As we reported, she stood trial before Justice Herbert Lord, where evidence was presented that on New Year’s Eve of 2008, in Rancho Dolores, Pook doused 46 year old Orlando Vasquez with gasoline and lit him on fire. He suffered first and second degree burns to 70% of his body and died two days later. The conviction depended greatly on an alleged confession, which she gave to the first officer on the scene, but which she later denied when the case went to court. And now, that confession statement is the main issue of contention that her attorney, Simeon Sampson, relied on to try to convince the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction. Her case was heard, and after the session, 7News spoke with Sampson, where he explained his case: Simeon Sampson - Attorney for Viola Pook "The Sergeant Zuniga said when he asked him what happened, she blurted out 'I caught him on fire' - that is a confession/admission. When the client came on and when this confession was about to be led into evidence by sergeant Zuniga - the judge allowed him to rattle it off without satisfying himself as the law requires that before the admission received into evidence, he must satisfy himself beyond a reasonable doubt on the basis of evidence 'I caught him on fire' was not obtained by promise of favor, pressure or oppression or under irregular behavior on the part of the police. The law says that the police satisfy the judge.

Husband Still At Large After Wife Chopped to Death
Sergio Moran is still at large – after his wife 28 year old Julia Morran was chopped to death yesterday in Caye Caulker. As we reported, it happened in the morning and at noon, island police discovered the body covered with sheets in a bedroom inside the house they shared. She is believed to have been killed at around 1:00 am when she was heard screaming. Two hours later Sergio Moran was seen leaving the house along with their 7 year old son. He is from Guatemala and is believed to have headed to that country. At the scene, police found a machete, knife and handwritten notes.

Accused Of Killing Wife, “Bucket” Bermudez Gets A Re-trial
43 year-old Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez, the ex-BDF soldier who was convicted and sentence to life in prison for killing his wife, is tonight on remand awaiting a retrial after the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction today. In April of 2011, his case was heard before the Supreme Court where evidence was presented that on November 22, 2007, he shot his wife in the head at close range with a shot gun, killing her instantly. After his case was traversed several times to the next session of the Court of Appeal, it was finally heard to completion today, and none of the hard evidence against him mattered. Without even an attorney to advance his case, the Justices of the Appeal Court tore into the material from the case, and they zeroed in on what they referred to as misdirection of the jury by the trial judge. President Justice Manuel Sosa used words like “egregious”, “misleading”, and “gross” when referring to the trial judge’s direction to the jury. He also said that Bermudez’s unsworn statement was, quote, “carelessly thrown at the jury.” End quote.

Mayor Says City Hall Is Moving Forward With Streets
For the past two weeks – traffic in the City has been strangled by the closure of the Belcan Bridge – forcing traffic to funell through the two other bridges – which has been further complicated by the closure of a large portion of North Front Street. Well, the news tonight is that it’s only just begun, as the first half of the northern approach to the Belcan Bridge has been completed and work has started on the second half of that same approach. Today Mayor Bradley told us that when that is completed, the council has already engaged private contractors to start on the round-a-bout - which is the busiest in Belize. Sounds like pure gridlock stress to us, but the Mayor was unperturbed.

Leader Of The Opposition Fonseca Defends Decision to Sign
Last night on the news, you heard the Prime Minister allege that former Prime Minister Said Musa and former Attorney General Francis Fonseca had signed a secret and ultimately illegal document giving Belize International Services Limited two extensions on their contract to operate the IBC and Ships Registries. We didn’t have time to get an on-camera comment from the opposition leader yesterday but along with KREM Radio, LOVE TV and PLUS TV, we did speak to him at length today about the Barrow allegation and the broader context of the registry agreement. Here’s how that went. Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader Of The Opposition "Typical Dean Barrow, when his back is against the wall - this is exactly what he does. He comes out with some bogus issue to try to divert the attention of the Belizean people away from the real problems, eating away at his government by a showman. The substantive issue that he raised in terms of this allegation of some secret agreement - well obviously the original agreement was signed in 1993, the letter that he's talking about in 2005 which extended the agreement another seven years, was absolutely not a secret. This was a letter and the agreement was vetted by the Attorney General's Ministry and the solicitor General at the time, it was vetted by officials of the Ministry of Finance, it went through the Cabinet as I indicated yesterday. Certainly we acted on the advice on the officials of the Attorney General's Ministry and in the Ministry of Finance."

The PSE, Everybody’s Failed, But Only the Kids Got An “F”
And while Fonseca’s leadership is being criticized by his former colleague, today Education Minister Patrick Faber was the one doing the criticizing – as he tried the explain the universal failure that accounts for the PSE results – where thousands of children scored less than 50% - which is considered a failing grade. At the outset, Faber made it clear that he wasn’t trying to defend anything and then went on to defend a system that is failing its students. Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education "Let me point out from the start that I am not here to defend." Jules Vasquez reporting Today’s press conference, with presentations from Ministry officials, and attendance form school principals and managers was about the PSE, not defending the consistently abysmal grades, but, in a sense sharing of the blame.

Hon. Fonseca Backs Up Faber On Key Issues
Today former Minister of Education Fonseca says he agrees that teacher training is a priority and those who are not trained have to go. Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "Yes teacher training is critically important - we have to train our teachers, we have to give teachers every opportunity to get properly trained. Yes we have to weed out of the system teachers who are not effective, not performing and short changing our students. If not performing well and they're there to collect a salary then we have to get rid of them and that is where we have to work with the churches to make sure that that is being done, that teachers are being properly supervised and properly assessed. And when they're not functioning and failing our children, they need to go." Fonseca also agreed with Faber on the issue of Corporal punishment – to which he said there must be alternatives:… Hon. Francis Fonseca "We have to accept that there are other ways of dealing with our children, I recognize that a lot of the teachers and the churches don't accept that, they believe that it was a mistake but I said at the National Assembly - I supported it at the time. I still support it, I think we have to find the right balance."

Theme For September Celebrations Chosen
“BELIZE IN YOU, BELIZE IN ME, LAND OF THE FREE” – that’s the theme for this year’s September Celebrations. It was the submission of Jaenelle Mencias and was picked from over 125 entries made to the September Celebrations Commission. For her catchy suggestion, Mencias wins one thousand Belize dollars.

City, UNICEF, Restore Bze Work With Southside School
There was a signing of a memorandum of understanding this morning between the Belize City Council and Excelsior High School. It includes the opening of a renovated computer lab with a donation from the City Council of 6 new computers and the unveiling of internal walkways and drainage done by employees of the Council. The MOU and other projects are a part of a larger plan being coordinated by the Belize City Council, UNICEF and Restore Belize to carry out series of intervention activities in the Faber’s Road Area of Belize City. The mayor explained. Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "We're trying to broaden our relationships with community assets including schools and we're doing a lot of intervention program in the Faber's road area in Belize City, we're doing a lot of infrastructures with the streets and the drainage. Faber's road, Nurse Findley Crescent, Gill street and we said that it's a project that we wanted to have more impact, we wanted to have a relationship with Excelsior, this is something that we've been talking about for two months. So what we have done today is we signed a formal MOU which now authorizes the council to continue working with Excelsior as being a real asset in this community. What we also did today is that we unveiled the renovated computer lab. The workmen for City council were here through out the last week and a half and doing all the works to facilitate to renovate the facility, tiling of the floors, painting of the walls and installing posters. The city council donated six brand new computers to them, we had our IT people come through and check the wiring and things like that, ensuring that they have internet access and wifi.

PROFILE….
Tonight’s profile is about Doctor Corinth Morter Lewis. She’s a highly trained educator and well-received author – but those achievements belie her humble Belize City upbringing. She grew up on Eve Street – and some of the most vivid memories of her youth recall the slop bucket she was forced to clean with “carbo-negros” and watching the funeral of her absentee father as a stranger. She tells the profile how that gave her the motivation to achieve:..

High School Student Wants Art To Be “Contagious”
Tomorrow night, the Image Art Factory is showcasing the talent of SJC High School Student Julian Kuo. He has been preparing an exhibit of about 55 paintings, which he produced between February and April of this year. It is his first exhibit, which he has appropriately named, “Contagious”, because he wants to inspire other Belizeans to take up art. He gave 7News a preview today, and he spoke to us about his work: Julian Kuo - Artist "In my art work I try a lot of different style. I want to show everybody that art is easy, you can create your art if you enjoy doing art. So you can see I have an abstract, human, landscape - so I want to make people like art and also they would want to start their own art when they've seen my show. Every artwork I can describe my own story in them so when I do my work, I have to think what I need to present in my show. In the artwork I would like people to think about the story of the art so that when people look at it they will create their own story to describe this work."

It Went “Swimmingly!”
Today at the YWCA Swimming Pool, students from 13 primary schools in Belize City competed against each other in a swim meet organized by the “Y”. It’s part of their mission to teach the children about the sport and provide them with in depth water training. To test how well they’ve retained the swimming lessons, the facilitators then put them up against each other and awarded the winners with trophies. It is a great initiative to provide the children with a positive outlet, and 7News asked the General Secretary to explain the history behind it: Sonia Linarez - General Secretary, YMCA "This is the sixth annual YWCA Fiona Stevenson swim-meet. We started this program many years ago because there was a need for swimming, to teach children to swim in Belize. We have many water ways but many of the students and children of Belize, both young and adults were not able to swim and we started a swim program here. With funding from the Fiona Stevenson foundation in England we were given assistance that we were able to provide free swimming lessons for many schools. This year we have been doing a program for 13 schools in Belize City and these children come for eight sessions. Those that are far away from the YWCA - we even provide transportation through the program, it has enabled over 200 children to be a part of the swim program. We have Fence Boys School, Holy Redeemer, Trinity, Stella Maris - every year we make sure they are a part of the program, Ephesus, Christian Central, Ebeneezer, St. Luke's Methodist and St. Martin de Pores and of course the YWCA. "

Channel 5

Secret contract? But Financial Secretary Joe Waight knew
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was very vocal about what he called a secret agreement between G.O.B. and Belize International Services Limited at his press conference on Wednesday. In his own [...]

More litigations ahead. Government takeover not legally airtight
At his press conference Wednesday, the PM described the agreement to extend the contract for the management of the IBC and Ships Registries as having been signed off in secret [...]

Radio hosts face libel suit from former Prime Minister
This morning during the United Democratic Party’s radio station, WAVE, Minister of National Security John Saldivar spoke about the management contracts. Saldivar and his co-hosts made some very serious allegations [...]

P.M. explains why OCEANA has it wrong
On June twentieth, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will issue his ruling on government’s application for a stay of execution of an injunction handed down by Justice Oswell Legall. The ruling [...]

Ministry of Energy responds to OCEANA’s claims
In a release sent out by the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, earlier today, it pointed out that no order or judgment was made against any [...]

Everybody’s responsible for poor P.S.E. results
Seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students sat the exams, a five percent increase over last year. The top twenty six students have been highlighted for their achievement. But the [...]

She killed her husband, Pook’s case taken to Appeals Court
Fifty-five year old Viola Pook, sentenced to life in prison for the New Year’s Eve murder of her common law husband in 2008, appeared in the Court of Appeal today [...]

Stealing a 5 gallon will get you arrest
In magistrate court, a repeat offender made another scheduled appearance. Thirty-four year old Denfield Lemmott, was arraigned on a single count of theft when he appeared in the magistrate’s court [...]

City Hall takes care of Excelsior High School
Many of the repeat offenders at the magistrate court lack basic education. That is why it is important for schools to be constantly upgraded and the training of teachers are [...]

Contemporary artists on display at the Belisle Art Gallery
A prolific art exhibit is currently hung at Belisle Art Gallery. The curator had scoured the country for artists who are constantly working to improve their trade. Some of the [...]

Profile on Ian Gaynair from the National Football selection
Training continues for the Belize Jaguars as they prepare to take on the United States, Cuba and Costa Rica in three games to be played in the United States for [...]

Healthy Living finds out where to get true blood
Banks are institutions that help the economy of a nation to thrive, but this week Healthy Living visits a bank where giving helps to literally save lives. Friday, June fourteenth, [...]

LOVE FM

Former Attorney General Comments on PM's Revelation of An Alleged Secret Agreement
On Wednesday Prime Minister, Dean Barrow disclosed what he termed as another secret agreement by the PUP Administration. The Prime Minister said that the agreement, was signed between Belize International Services Limited, former Prime Minister, Said Musa, and the then Attorney General, Fra...

Belize Coalition To Save Our Natural Heritage Gets Independent Report On Oil Find
On Tuesday CEO in the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Doctor Colin Young, told Love News that Maranco Energy Belize will soon begin the second phase of drilling operations at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well to determine whether or not crude oil is availab...

Church Leaders Meet In Northern Belize To Discuss Gender Policy
Church leaders in Orange Walk met to discuss the gender policy. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “The association of churches and the Evangelical of ministries of Orange Walk joined several others churches and movements in opposition to the gender policy movemen...

Belize City Mayor Gives Major Boost To Secondary School
This morning the Belize City Council and Excelsior High School signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will greatly benefit the school. But other than just the signing of the MOU, the event also featured the opening of a newly renovated computer lab where Mayor Darrell Bradley presented a donat...

Minister of Education Discusses Exam Results
The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, held a press conference today to discuss the Primary School Exams results. On Monday we reported that the seven thousand 359 students who sat this year’s PSE scored a mean average of 57.8% in English, while in Math they scored a mean average o...

Woman Convicted of Burning Up Her Husband Appeals Conviction; Court Reserves Its Decision
Belize Court of Appeal today reserved its decision in the appeal of 56 year old Veola Pook, a resident of Rancho Dolores who was convicted of the murder of her common-law husband and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Pook’s attorney, Simeon Sampson, had appealed on the ground that the lea...

Retrial Ordered For Man Convicted of Killing His Wife
An appeal by 43-year-old Glenford Bermudez, who was convicted of the murder of his wife and was sentenced to life imprisonment, was allowed today by Belize court of Appeal. Bermudez conviction and sentence were quashed and a retrial was ordered. Bermudez, who was not represented by any attorney, ...

Forest Home Recreational Park Completed Through Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust
An inauguration ceremony for Forest Home Village recreational park was held yesterday in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “Opening prayer was done by Pastor Gideon Richards who also did the blessing of the park. A key person in the vi...

Police Continues Search For Man Following Wife's Murder
Police continue to look for Sergio Moran following the murder of his wife 28-year-old Julia Jennie Moran in the Black neighborhood of Caye Caulker on Wednesday. Police say just after midday yesterday they visited the residence where they found the woman’s lifeless body on a bed covere...

Young Artist Puts Art Pieces on Display
The word Contagious is defined by the free dictionary dot com as “Transmissible by direct or indirect contact” and artist Julian Veronin Kuo has used the word Contagious for his acrylic on canvass art collection which will be exhibited at the Image Factory. Kuo who is nineteen, ...

CTV3

Mix Up In PSE Grades?
If your child was among the over seven thousand students who sat the 2013 Primary School Examination you probably already know his or her grade by now. But were you provided with the correct one? By now you must be wondering where we are getting at. Well, the thing is that this afternoon we received several calls from concerned parents of students of Trial Farm Government School who sat the exam. According to the parents, their child’s grade is being retracted since the Ministry of Education conducted an error upon calculation. One parent said that her child scored 84 percent on the exam or at least that is what she was told. When the child received her grade slip provided to students by the Ministry of Education, it contained a different grade than the one given out by standard six teacher’s of the institution. Here is how it works. Every year after the PSE, the Ministry of Education releases two reports, a school report provided to the management of each school and an individual report made available to each student that sat the exam.

Maranco's Oil Find Still Undetermined To Be On Commercial Quantities
Back in March Government announced that Maranco Energy Belize Limited had discovered an encouraging oil show at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well located in the Gallon Jug area in the Orange Walk District. Since then Maranco has been trying to determine the commercial potential of the oil show and after more than two months there has still been no confirmation on the extent and feasibility of the finding. And that is because testing is still being carried out. According to CEO for the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Doctor Colin Young, the oil company will drill an appraisal well which is allowed under the company’s current Production Sharing Agreement. Maranco, says Young, has up to eighteen months to complete the appraisal well which will be used to determine whether or not black gold runs through the area in commercial quantities. The drilling of the appraisal well should commence sometime next week. But what will Belize’s cut if oil in commercial quantities is found? According to CEO Young, Maranco will pay Government 15% on the first 5,000 barrels of oil extracted while they will receive 85%. The extraction of an additional five thousand barrels of oil will yield Government 40% in revenues while Maranco will retain the remaining 60%.

PAHO'S DRAFT FINAL REPORT GIVES A BLACK EYE TO KHMH
During today’s press conference the Prime Minister also gave the media an update on the investigations carried out at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital by the Pan American Health Organization in relation to the death of 13 babies at the hospital back in the month of May. Based on the draft final report, things are not looking good for the KHMH. In fact, today the Prime Minister reveled that two persons are about to resign from their post at the national referral hospital. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize “The Government cannot short responsibility that is why I was there, that is why I offered my condolences, I continue to do so, that is why I said to the board any investigation that takes place, they asked me about the possibility of liability, of people suing, I said I don’t care what the liability would be you are to cover up nothing, you find negligence you are to identify the negligence and let the people sue and be compensated man we can’t be playing the fool with a tragedy of those sorts of dimensions. I understand that a head of this draft final report that PAHO has prepared one person has already resigned to be confirmed and I understand that a second person even higher up than that person is about to resign. I don’t yet know what the draft final report is saying; I gathered from the chairlady that it does not put the KHMH in a good light whether it goes to the extent of saying person (a) and person (b) is negligent I don’t know but please if that is so then the consequence must follow, whoever was negligent must face disciplinary action and if there is negligence compensation must be given to the families there can’t be no getting away from that and I would never ever try to side step that kind of responsibility.”

Injured Guatemalan National Was On Belizean Soil
As we told you yesterday, On Monday June 3rd a Guatemalan national was shot and hit four times- twice to the upper back and once to the lower back and left elbow by Belizean forces. The security forces found in his possession 2 cell phones, 1 .22 rifle, and several rounds of ammunition. BDF soldiers offered aid to 27 year old Edgar Alexander Sacasa and it took twelve hours to transport him through rough terrain to the Western Regional Hospital where he was admitted and subsequently had to undergo surgery. Today in his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow indicated that a joint team comprised of Belizean and Guatemalan counterparts has visited the area and concluded that Scasa invaded Belizean territory. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize “A joint verification team including officials from Guatemala, the OAS and the Government of Belize visited the area and confirmed that he incident had occurred well within Belize. The foreign minister or rather the CEO who accompany the foreign minister to the OAS meeting in Guatemala had a discussion with the deputy foreign minister in Guatemala, as I recollect the foreign minister did not even raised the incident with our foreign minister so presumable the fallout of this incident would be minimal especially if the man makes a full recovery.”

Prime Minister Releases Details Of Takeover Of Two Registries
On Monday June 10th, the Government of Belize announced that it was taking over the management services agreement with Belize International Services Limited, (B.I.S.L.) to manage the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), effective Tuesday, June 11th. Both companies had been privately and profitably managed since 1991, but that, according to the Prime Minister, will no longer be, as the contract between the Government and BISL has expired. However, when the Barrow Administration informed BISL’s management that they were to prepare to hand over the companies, they responded with what is being called a secret agreement in which they were purported a 10 year extension by the then administration. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize “The 24th of March 2005, it turns out that on that day a secret agreement was signed between BISL and the then Prime Minister and the then Attorney General who is the current leader of the opposition, the Honourable Francis Fonseca, and that secret agreement not only purported to recognize and validate the exercise of the option which Ghandy had already said was invalid but as well it purported to extend the life of the agreement after the exercise of the option for another seven years up to the 11th of June 2020 for a consideration of US$1.5 million dollars, understand what is happening , they already operated for three years then they got the new agreement which gave them ten. When they started operating for the second ten under that agreement by way of exercising the option, Ghandy said you can’t, it is not valid. The Prime Minister and Fonseca obviously said ignore Ghandy and then two years later signed this secret document saying to them via SL not only is the exercise of your option to renew valid, we are going to give you when that option we are treating as valid finally expires in June of 2013 and additional seven years of until 2030 which will make up all together for a grand total of something like 30 years that these people would get to control the two registries. Now of course, nobody was aware of the existence of that agreement “March 24th of 2005” that Musa and Francis Fonseca signed. I have checked through directly in one case and through a third party in another of persons who were member of the cabinet on 24th March 2005 and they are quite clear that that agreement was never disclose to the cabinet, because as well no official neither Ghandy nor the financial secretary or anybody else in the public service was ever made aware of that letter, this current administration wrote on the 6th of May of this year to BISL saying that since of the face of the agreement that they had their period of control of the registry expires on the 10th June 2013, please prepare to hand over control of the registry as a consequence of fluxion of time, as a consequence as a coming to an end of the contractual agreement, please prepare to hand over control of registry to the Government of Belize. In response BISL then produced this secret agreement of 24th March 2005 and stated that in view of this agreement there is no need for any meeting we have invited them to come and sit us to discuss the logistics of the hand over. Well you can imagine how shock we were, we checked to see whether there was any copy of that agreement anywhere in the file in Belmopan and of course we came up with a big fat zero.”

P.M Admits Investigation Into Destruction Of Noh Mul Taking Too Long
At his press conference today the Prime Minister touched basis on a number of issues including the destruction of Noh Mul. Surprisingly the Prime Minister admitted that the investigation is taking way too long despite the fact that Denny Grijlava, the owner of the company accused of destroying the Maya edifice for land fill, has basically accepted responsibility. In the words of the P.M, it’s about time that charges are levied against those found responsible. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize “The file was given to the Director of Public Prosecutions who was directed that additional police worked be done to complete investigations into the matter. Police hope to do the additional work by Friday, there are two critical issues; they need to record a statement from the camera man or men that did the video recording and the drivers of the equipment are still not positively identified, the video recording available but the DPP doesn’t think that is sufficient for prosecution purposes. The DPP is obviously being extremely careful she want to be sure that when she gives the directive to lay charges the case will be water tied, yes I am concerned that the officer in charge of the investigation, whom I shall not mention name, did not from the start get some of the material or all of the material that the DPP is now sending him back to get, this report was brought to my house by Coronel Lovell after I had spoken to him during the day making blame that I wanted to be able to report to the public and that I would not be at all pleased if couldn’t report that this thing has happened or is about to happen imminently, I signaled that in my view it is taking too long no getting away from that.”

More News: Scroll up from here

LOVE TV

Former Attorney General Says PM’s Behavior Is Disgraceful
On Wednesday Prime Minister, Dean Barrow disclosed what he termed as another secret agreement by the PUP Administration. The Prime Minister said that the agreement, was signed between Belize International Services Limited, former Prime Minister, Said Musa, and the then Attorney General, Francis Fonseca, and it extended the contract to 2020. But today Fonseca told reporters that Mr. Barrow is creating mischief. FRANCIS FONSECA “It is the response of a prime minister, who in my view is desperate; he is presiding over a government in crisis, a government that is being rocked by scandals week after week and is typical Dean Barrow, whenever his back is against the wall, this is exactly what he does, he comes out with some bogus issue to try to divert the attention of the Belizean people away from the real problem eating away at his government: corruption, nepotism, incompetent; so, I want to make that very clear that that is what took place at the press conference; it was a show by a show man. The substantive issue he raised in terms of this allegation of some secret agreement, well, the original agreement was signed in 1993, ten years ago even before I became a member of parliament. The letter that he is talking about, the letter of 2005 which extended the agreement another 7 years, it was absolutely not a secret; this was a letter and agreement vetted by the Attorney General ministry and the Solicitor General.

Salary Increase For Teachers May Take Much Longer Than Expected
On Tuesday CEO in the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Doctor Colin Young, told Love News that Maranco Energy Belize will soon begin the second phase of drilling operations at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well to determine whether or not crude oil is available in commercial quantities. The appraisal phase of the drilling operation will span for a period of eighteen months, well after 2014- so it would be after those eighteen months that teachers and public officers will know whether or not a salary adjustment is forthcoming. We say so because Prime Minister Dean Barrow has stated that the probability of public officers and teachers obtaining a salary adjustment is highly based on whether a commercial quantity of oil is discovered. But the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage says that teachers and public officers might have to wait even longer. The Coalition obtained the services of an unnamed oil expert who developed an economic profile of a Maranco Commercial Oil Find at South Canal Bank 1. The oil expert determined that GOB will see twenty four million dollars revenue until 2015 and a decline of revenue in 2020.

Evangelical Movement Will Protest Planned Homosexual Pageant
Church leaders in Orange Walk met to discuss the gender policy. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “The association of churches and the Evangelical of ministries of Orange Walk joined several others churches and movements in opposition to the gender policy movement. The member held a meeting yesterday at Estereo Carlos in Orange Walk to further discuss the matter and the way forward; Renaldo Rio vice president of the association tells us more. RENALDO RIO “We are opposed because the gender policy is against our constitution; if you read the constitution you will find that the constitution is putting God in supremacy; if you read carefully, the gender policy you will find out that they are not taking any consideration in God; so they are refusing God because that is the main point of the homosexuality, they don’t believe in God, they reject God. They will say, ‘yes, we believe in God’ but my question is, what kind of God? God rejected this kind of behavior and secondly, we reject the gender policy because this will affect our society in the moral issues, education, behaviors; education will be one of the most affected area because as soon as this pass they will start redefining family, redefining sexuality and this will be affecting our children because they are the ones who will receive this information in the schools; institutions will be affected, churches, preachers, businesses, if they say, ‘no, I don’t want a lesbian in my company’ – you will sue me because you will say I am discriminating you.”

Belize City Council and Secondary School Sign MOU
This morning the Belize City Council and Excelsior High School signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will greatly benefit the school. But other than just the signing of the MOU, the event also featured the opening of a newly renovated computer lab where Mayor Darrell Bradley presented a donation of six desktop computers. In addition Mayor Bradley announced the internal walkway and drainage for the high school as well as other infrastructural works that are and will be done in that area. According to Mayor Bradley, the MOU is part of a larger project being coordinated by the Belize City Council, UNICEF and Restore Belize in order to carry out a series of intervention activities in the Faber’s Road Area of Belize City. Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Excelsior High School, Marshall Nunez, says that after two months of discussion is certainly a pleasure to see that all the dotted lines have been signed but the Principal of the school, Gayle Thompson says that this is just the beginning. GAYLE THOMPSON “We are trying to broaden our relationships with community assets including schools and we are doing a lot of intervention programs in the Faber’s Road area of Belize City and we are doing a lot of infrastructures with the streets and the drainage, Faber’s Road, Nurse Findley Crescent, Gill Street and we said that we wanted the project to have more of an impact and we want to have more of an impact and we wanted to have a relationship with Excelsior; this is something we have been talking for about two months and so what we have done today, is that we have signed a formal MOU which now authorizes the council to continue working with Excelsior as being an asset in this community and what we also did today is that we renovated the computer lab, workmen from the City Council were here throughout the last week and a half doing all the works to renovate the facility, the tiling of floors, the painting of the walls, installing posters; the city council donated six brand new computers to them.

Minister of Education Says School Management Needs To Take Responsibility For PSE Results
The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, held a press conference today to discuss the Primary School Exams results. On Monday we reported that the seven thousand 359 students who sat this year’s PSE scored a mean average of 57.8% in English, while in Math they scored a mean average of 54.2%. Minister Faber said that the performance of students is everyone’s collective responsibility. He said he wanted the managing authorities of the various primary schools to take ownership for their students’ performance on the PSE. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education “We want the managing authorities as well to take ownership of the performance of their schools and the quality of education that is delivered in their schools. I feel very optimistic about this; we have some great managers and there’s a lot to be desired in terms of them taking ownership of this performance and for them to be doing in terms of improving the quality but their hearts are in the right place. In fact, one of the discussions we have had at our senior management level is in fact, the leaders may need training and we may need to start insisting on a set of conditions or criteria or qualifications they need to have in order to manage our schools and that is a discussion, that I take it, our managing authorities are willing to have. How is it that you will manage a school when you don’t know what to look for? And it’s not blame again, it’s saying to the managements, let’s work together to make sure that we have key people who are competent in place to help to make suggestions to improve the schools.

Rancho Dolores Woman Convicted For Killing Spouse Appeals Decision
Belize Court of Appeal today reserved its decision in the appeal of 56 year old Veola Pook, a resident of Rancho Dolores who was convicted of the murder of her common-law husband and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Pook’s attorney, Simeon Sampson, had appealed on the ground that the learned trial judge had erred in law when did not satisfy himself that the alleged confession statement that Pook gave to police Sergeant Zuniga was given voluntarily. Sampson contended that the judge should have done so before he allowed the statement to be admitted as evidence. Pook’s common-law husband, Orlando Vasquez, was set on fire and burned to death at his home in Rancho Dolores on December 31, 2009. Pook was convicted of his murder on July 8, 2011. She was sentenced to life imprisonment on July 20, 2011. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal, represented the respondent at the appeal hearing.

Court of Appeals Order Retrial For Convicted Murderer
An appeal by 43-year-old Glenford Bermudez, who was convicted of the murder of his wife and was sentenced to life imprisonment, was allowed today by Belize court of Appeal. Bermudez conviction and sentence were quashed and a retrial was ordered. Bermudez, who was not represented by any attorney, did not put forward any ground of appeal, but the judges of Belize court of Appeal saw that the learned trial judge had misdirected the jury in several instances. And so a retrial was ordered. The facts of the case were that on November 22, 2007, Bermudez shot and killed Raquel Bermudez on the Burrell Boom/Hattieville Road. Mrs. Bermudez, who was a taxi driver at the time, was driving on the road when her husband stopped her vehicle and shot her. Bermudez tried to hang himself afterwards. Bermudez was convicted on April 27, 2011 and he was sentenced on May 12, 2011. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal, represented the respondent.

BNE Charitable Trust Donates Park To Southern Village
An inauguration ceremony for Forest Home Village recreational park was held yesterday in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “Opening prayer was done by Pastor Gideon Richards who also did the blessing of the park. A key person in the village level achievement was former Forest Home Village Council Chairman, David Duncan who gave the welcome and also spoke of the park project.” DAVID DUNCAN “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of the projects achieved under my leadership: this recreational park facility you’re seeing here today. To give you a brief rundown of how this project came about, I will start by saying I saw the call of proposals by the Trust in several categories. I immediately saw a category that would fit a recreational park for our community based on the Trust’s criteria. I saw that this was an important opportunity especially since our village didn’t have a park. I filled out the application the Trust provided in September 2012 and the work began. The Trust and I have worked very closely, filling out the necessary paper work, justification of the project, budgets, etc. were provided. The project took its process and despite all the delays it was approved in October 2012 and the work got started around the last week in March 2013 due to circumstances beyond our control, nonetheless it is here and it’s completed, This recreational park will enhance the quality of life for the people of Forest Home by offering a safe outdoor space to play, exercise or spending time with the family.

Police Seeks Husband Following Woman’s Murder
Police continue to look for Sergio Moran following the murder of his wife 28-year-old Julia Jennie Moran in the Black neighborhood of Caye Caulker on Wednesday. Police say just after midday yesterday they visited the residence where they found the woman’s lifeless body on a bed covered with some sheets and blankets. The body had several chop wounds. According to police neighbors reported hearing noise coming from the home after one yesterday morning and shortly after Sergio Moran leaving the home with the couple’s child. Police say they retrieved a machete, knife and papers from the scene. Investigations continue into the incident.

Art Collection Is ‘Contagious’
The word Contagious is defined by the free dictionary dot com as “Transmissible by direct or indirect contact” and artist Julian Veronin Kuo has used the word Contagious for his acrylic on canvass art collection which will be exhibited at the Image Factory. Kuo who is nineteen, has been painting from the time he was four years old. Today Love News spoke with him and he told us more about his collection. JULIAN KUO “At first, I painted on my wall at home; my wall was a mess. I learned a lot online and had a lot of my drawings on my wall and found that I am interested in art and so I started to create my own art. This is my first exhibition in Belize; I started in February up to April and I have fifty five pieces here; I have abstract, human and landscape. In each artwork, I have my own story in my mind, so if I have an idea, I just use my materials and draw it. In each artwork I want everyone to describe it from their own point of view. I have my own story for each artwork but I want them to think about their own story to describe it; this is what Contagious is about. When people walk in and they see different kinds of artworks and different kinds of art style, I want people to love art and make them think that they want to do it because painting is happy.” Kuo says he studied at the Art Center in Belize for three years and plans to head to Mexico to continue studying art. The exhibit will be launched tomorrow at 7:00 pm and will remain open until the 5th of July.

Belize’s Prime Minister Reveals Secret Agreement Signed Under Musa Administration
On Monday the Government of Belize issued release announcing that it would take control of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, IMMARBE, and the International Business Companies Registry, IBC. The takeover came into effect yesterday. Both companies were being semi-managed by the Belize International Services Limited, BISL. Today Prime Minister Dean Barrow laid out his reasons for the move. Prime Minister Barrow explained that the contract for the services being rendered by the two entities expired this past Monday this week after the past government signed what he called a secret contract with the owners of BISL. The Prime Minister broke it down chronologically starting with what occurred in 1993. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “There are some of you who want to call it nationalization; the Government’s course of action is justified for any number of reasons but in particular, in consequence of the fact that the European Union by way of the commission’s decision has served us notice that unless you get control of the registry and do something to regularize the operations of the registry and in particular of the fishing fleet, you will have exports to the EU banned. We will put in place measures to regulate and to control the activities of the Immarbe fishing fleet; we are perfectly conscious of the fact that if those measures don’t work, we may, as a last resort, deregister the fishing fleet, we are not going to run any joke, we are not playing games. The fact, of our exports to the EU having to be protected at all costs mean that if we have to deregister the fishing fleet or particularly those fishing in the EU zone, we will do so but only as a last resort but people need to know about our seriousness of purpose. I see them making threats about how many millions of dollars they are going to sue us for, well, when you look at what was collected over the last few years, the figure they are talking about is outrageous and laughable but in any event, that they will seek legal recourse, that is their right and I say, bring it on.”

PlusTV

Leader of the Opposition denies secret agreement for registries
Today PLUS News and other media spoke to Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca about accusations made against him and former Prime Minister Said Musa at Wednesday’s press conference. Those accusations were made by current Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He charged that Musa and Fonseca secretly extended an agreement...

Patrick Faber says we have too many unqualified teachers
Last week’s release of the results of the 2013 Primary School Examinations (PSE) revealed that from 2012 to 2013, not much has changed in terms of mean performance. In response to questions about whether it is time to do away with the exam as a true test of student...

Orange Walk Pastors object to Gay Pageant
Ms. Gay Goddess – this is the newest insertion in Belize’s pageant world. It is a competition for transvestite males – that is a male who sometimes wears clothes traditionally worn by women. The photos you are looking at are those of the contestants and were obtained from the...

DPP is investigating Noh Mul destruction
Its destruction raised international eyebrows and local ire, but six weeks after the first discovery of the rotted-out center of the Noh Mul monument in Orange Walk District, charges have not been laid against contractor Denny Grijalva and his assistants. The Prime Minister today gave an update in the...

PM comments on shooting of Guatemalan in Chiquibul National Park
The Government has another headache to deal with in the matter of a shooting incident last week in the Chiquibul National Park. Prime Minister Dean Barrow gives details. Prime Minister Dean Barrow: There shooting incident, as you know, that occurred on June 3, 2013 between the hours of 2...

Belize City residents complain of garbage problem near Bus Terminal
The Belize City Council is after businessman Arun Hotchandani, owner of its former compound at Pound Yard Bridge on Cemetery Road which now contains a vendors’ market facility and parking for buses. The area has been home to rotting garbage and a foul stench for some time now and...

Excelsior High School gets much needed assistance
At its height in the 1990’s it was regarded as an athletic, if not academic, powerhouse on Belize City’s Southside. But thereafter it declined to the point where it was a junior high school and then a candidate to be taken over by the Ministry of Education for a...

Belize City Mayor promises minimal disruptions during road improvements
After the ceremony at Excelsior PLUS News spoke with the Mayor on multiple substantive issues involving City Hall. For several weeks now Belizeans living in the Old Capital have been inconvenienced by re-routes of traffic from major traffic centers, including the Belcan Bridge exit and entrance from Princess Margaret...

Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez will be re-tried on murder charge
42 year old Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez will be re-tried on a murder charge after an appearance in the Court of Appeal this morning. Bermudez was convicted of murder in April of 2011 by a jury for the shooting and killing of his wife, Hattieville resident Racquel Requena Bermudez. But...

PM updates on oil drilling status
You’ve heard the Government’s determination to have Belize become a successful exporter of petroleum. But two efforts in the North and South of the country have proven apparently barren. First, to the Maranco oil show in Orange Walk. According to the Prime Minister, it hasn’t been much of a...

Inspiration Center will be completed by September
This year’s Inspiration Telethon, an effort by the Special Envoy for Women and Children to raise funds for the construction of a facility which will cater to children with disabilities and special needs, trumped its projected mark. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Belize in Washington has been hosting several fundraising...

Theme for September Celebrations announced
“BELIZE IN YOU, BELIZE IN ME, LAND OF THE FREE.” That is the theme chosen by the National Celebrations Commission for the 2013 September Celebrations, now just 2 ½ months away. The announcement was made this morning and the winning entry out of 125 was sent in by Janelle...

The Guardian

Another PUP Secret Deal!!! Said Musa and Francis Fonseca signed it!
It would appear that the misdeeds of the past PUP administration will continue to haunt the Belizean people for an undetermined amount of time. This became evident as Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow once again exposed the past PUP leader and Prime Minister Said Musa and the current PUP Leader Francis Fonseca for having signed yet another secret agreement with Ashcroft-related interests. PM Barrow called a press conference on Wednesday, June 12th following the Government of Belize’s taking over the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) on Monday, June 10th. The companies registry, through various agents sets up offshore companies in Belize. IMMARBE for its part registers foreign sea vessels in Belize so they are able to fly the Belizean flag. The Government moved to take control of the companies on Monday, June 10th after the expiration of an existing contract, which allowed the two companies to be under control of Belize International Services Limited (BISL), an Ashcroft-related company. The Government wrote to BISL informing them of this, only to be told that there was a contract between the Government and them that extended into 2020. Prime Minister Barrow stated during the press conference that, despite best efforts to locate the contract, it was unsuccessful and only came upon a copy after it was furnished by BISL.

Bernice Yorke’s Siyun Ye tops P.S.E.
The results of the Primary School Examinations (P.S.E.) were released on Friday, June 7th, and Siyun Ye from the Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning is the top performer in the class of 2013. More students sat this year’s P.S.E. than ever before with 7,359 candidates taking the exam on Monday, March 18th and May 6th. Siyun Ye recorded a score of 391 out of a possible 400 points. Ye said the exam was easy but she did not expect to be the top performer. Her only challenge was to finish the essay section of the English paper in the time allotted. Sherry Ali, Principal of Bernice Yorke, said she knew that Siyun Ye would do well because “she is a brilliant student and extremely hard working”. Bernice Yorke has been one of the most impressive institutions for a long time now and its students have recorded the best performances in the last two Primary School Examinations. Ali tributes the school’s success in the P.S.E. to its emphasis on early childhood education. She said, “Early childhood education is the launch pad to have students prepared to meet the challenges of primary education.”

GOB wants Legall’s Ruling clarified
On June 20th, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will rule on a decision by Justice Oswall Legall,which gave Oceana an Injunction restraining the Minister of Natural Resources from executing production sharing agreements with Princess Petroleum Limited and Providence Energy Belize Limited. At the conclusion of the arguments, Senior Counsel Denys Barrow, who is representing the Government of Belize, explained that it is absolutely necessary for the ruling to be made in favor of Government since it is “undesirable when the Government is in a position where persons looking on and perhaps not having a full keen appreciation of all the facts, they see the Government doing something and things that the government is doing is disrespecting a court order or violating some order made by the court or as has been said disregarding and violating the rule of law.” According to Barrow, Legall’s ruling did not quash the contracts between the Government and the oil companies since Oceana’s claims against the Government came too late. Even so, the decision deemed the issuing of the PSA’s illegal; however, the companies continue to have reasonable expectations under their contracts since these were not quashed. Legall’s decision however, does limit Government’s regulatory powers over the contractors and as such it is necessary to have the injunction stayed.

Equality for Women - Temporary Special Measures and Quotas
The Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), makes provision for countries to adopt the use of quotas and temporary special measures. These measures are intended to fast-track and facilitate women's ability to function as equal partners in development, globally. Despite the commitment made to CEDAW, to the Beijing Platform for Action, and the Millennium Development Goal #3, Belize, like many of its global and regional counterparts, is still lagging behind in the implementation of its commitment; specifically, the commitment to facilitate the process of ensuring that more women are able to fully participate in the political life of the country, at every level. The progress towards leveling the playing field for women has been advancing slowly but steadily across the globe, as well as in the English speaking Caribbean. This progress is due in no small part to the adoption of temporary special measures, quota systems, and legislative changes specifically designed to ensure that women are represented at the decision making table in Parliament. Quota Systems More than 50% of the countries in the world utilize some form of quota system. There are primarily two types of quota systems, namely candidate quotas and reserved seats quotas.

Immigration and Nationality Department celebrates 27 Years
Hon. Elvin Penner, Minister of Immigration and Nationality Some twenty seven years after opening to the public as a separate entity of the Police Department, the Immigration and Nationality Services held an open day last Friday at its Headquarters on Dry Creek Street, near the Mountain View Boulevard in Belmopan. The special guest and speaker for the occasion was the Hon. Elvin Penner, who has direct responsibility over the Department.

Assuring Quality - Ensuring Relevance
After a year of discussion and analysis, the President of the University of Belize, Dr. Cary Fraser today officially launched the Institutional Curriculum Review at the University’s Central Campus, Belmopan. Shortly after his appointment, the President identified the curriculum as a major area requiring intervention and a comprehensive review. Today’s launch was scheduled for the university community. In July, the institution will schedule the launch of its curriculum review for the broader public.

CITCO forges Partnership with Excelsior High School
The Belize City Council is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Belize City Council and Excelsior High School on Thursday, June 13th at the grounds of Excelsior High School on Faber’s Road in Belize City, Belize.

Corozal Town’s Face Lift
Corozal Town has completed the implementation of Phase 1 Belize Municipal Development Project, which was officially launched in Corozal on Monday September 24th, 2012. Under the first phase, 1st Street North, Zuzuc Street and Punta Gorda Street were paved. The first phase was completed with $1.2 million being invested in the upgrades. The second phase of the Corozal projects will commence by the end of November and will see the rehabilitation of 6th Avenue, 1st Street South and a sporting complex will be constructed in the south end of Corozal Town. Under the Belize Municipal Development Project, the government of Belize is investing $30 million dollars in various municipalities including Belmopan, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Corozal and Orange Walk. In Corozal, $2.1 million will be implemented in the various projects.

Updates from PM Barrow
Prime Minister Barrow gave updates on several issues at his press conference on Wednesday, June 12th. Though the main topic discussed was the ending of agreements between the Government of Belize and the Belize International Services Limited, Prime Minister Barrow fielded questions about the shooting in the Chiquibul Nature Reserve, investigation into the destruction of Noh Mul, the Revised National Gender Policy and the oil discovery in northern Belize.

Public and Private Sector unite at Business Forum
Private sector representatives from the energy, agricultural and tourism sectors, financial institutions, wholesalers, construction companies and others joined officials of Government for the Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF) on Wednesday, June 5th.

San Estevan’s New Concrete Road
The upgrading of streets using concrete has become contagious in Belize after Mayor Darrell Bradley proved that the paving of streets in such a manner is viable. That contagion has now spread all the way up north to San Estevan village where the residents there are now enjoying the use of a new concrete road which was built through the efforts of the UDP Caretaker in the Orange Walk Central Constituency, Denny Grijalva and the UDP candidates for the upcoming village council elections.

Genetically modified Soybean Seeds In Northern Belize
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) issued a release on Friday, June 7th confirming the discovery of genetically modified soybean seeds in Northern Belize on May 24th. These seeds were tested at BAHA's Plant Health Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Farm and were proven to be genetically modified. Further tests were conducted by Eurofins Genescan Laboratory in the U.S. on May 30th confirming tests previously done by BAHA.

Pauline rises, Max falls and Boxing wins
There were six boxing matches between Belizeans and Guatemalans on Friday night, June 7th, at the Biltmore Plaza and after all the punches were thrown the result was a 3-3 draw. Promoter James Adderley deserves a ton of credit for treating local boxing fans to quality entertainment as Belizean boxers had the opportunity to step into the ring with regional champions and other tested fighters. In the first bout of the night, Colin Lamb squared up against Franklin De Leon. The match went the entire four rounds. Lamb showcased impressive power hooks that kept his opponent hesitant to attack. However, his inability to throw a jab made the fight harder than it should have been. The judges were split in their decision but Lamb won the fight. For him to move up another level, Lamb must develop a respectable jab and work on his straight punches. Allan Geban faced Milton Moran in the second fight of the night. Geban was the most impressive male boxer of the night. He came out swinging as the bell rung. At times, he was a bit wild but, according to Geban, that was because his opponent was pressing down on his head. Geban’s greatest strength is his quick hands that he never lets rest. There are some who would prefer he fights a bit more under control but that could potentially limit his aggressiveness. He put on a fireworks show in the fourth round to secure a unanimous victory. As long as Geban learns to maximize his reach advantage, he could contend for amateur hardware.

Tuff “E” Nuff advances to semi-final round
Orlando Bowen top scored with 19 points for Police against the CYDP The 2013 Interoffice Basketball League competition knockout round of the playoffs was played on Friday, June 7th, at Bird’s Isle with four games on the schedule. In the first game of the evening, Tuff “E” Nuff eliminated Digicell by the score of 84-66. The top scorers for Tuff “E” Nuff were Ashton Edwards with 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals; and Raul Roches and Winston Pratt with 15 points each. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Digicell were Lennox Cayetano and Devon Lozano with 14 points each. In game two, No Limit eliminated Youth Services by the score of 89-74. The top scorers for No Limit were Jacob Leslie with 26 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists; and Greg Rudon with 18 points, and 6 rebounds while the top scorers for Youth Services were Akeem Trapp with 31 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; and Jamir Enriquez with 15 points and 6 rebounds. In the third game of the evening, Sir Belikin eliminated Allied Insurance Abyssinians by the score of 96-80. The top scorers for Sir Belikin were Dorian Jones with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals; Ty Bradley, Steven Williams, and Keith Acosta with 13 points each. For Allied Insurance Abyssinians, the top scorers were Darwin Leslie with 31 points, 9 rebounds 2 assists and a steal; and Rupert Brown with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Belize Elementary, Hummingbird Elementary and Holy Redeemer to play for Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Titles
The Semi-final round of the Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Championship ended on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, with four games on the schedule. In the first girls’ game played, Belize Elementary School eliminated Holy Redeemer School by the score of 25-14 and 25-8 to earn the rights to play for the Belize City Title. In the second game played, Hummingbird Elementary School eliminated St. John Vianney by the score of 25-16 and 25-4 to earn the next final spot in the championship. In the boys’ semi-final round, Holy Redeemer eliminated St. John Vianney by the score of 25-15 and 25-21 to advance to the championship round, while in the second game, Belize Elementary School eliminated St. Martin’s De Porres by the score of 25-19 and 25-18 to earn the other final spot. The championship game in the girls’ competition will be played between Belize Elementary School and Hummingbird Elementary, while the boys’ championship game will be played between Holy Redeemer School and Belize Elementary School. The championship game has been scheduled for Wednesday June 12th, at 1:15 pm at Bird’s Isle in Belize City. The champions and sub-champions will represent Belize City in the District finals scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th, at Bird’s Isle.

FIFA’s Development Officer in Belize
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is please to inform the public and football fans that FIFA Development Officer Julio Rocha and his assistant Yariela Phillips arrived in Belize on Monday, June 10th, 2013. The purpose of their visit is to finalise the implementation of FIFA approve Goal Project proposal for Belize. This proposal is divided into Youth Development, Stadium Infrastructure and Office Remodeling. The two member team will leave the country on Friday, June 14th, 2013.

Olympic Day Run set for Sunday June 23rd
The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association has announced that the Annual Olympic Day Run is scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd, 2013. This year’s Olympic Day Run will actually take place on Olympic Day June 23rd. It was on June 23rd, 1894 that Baron Pierre de Coubertin began the task of reviving the Olympic Games. The Olympic Day Run is a vital part of Olympic Week celebrations throughout the world. The run will start at 6:30 am from in front of Brodies on Regent Street; then turn left into Albert Street at the Belize Bank; down Albert Street into Albert Street West then turn right onto Cemetery Lane. At the end of the Cemetery, turn left unto Yarborough Road and continue down Regent Street back to James Brodie & Co. The first 150 participants registered on the morning of the run will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The winners will also receive medals in recognition of their performance.

Miley Garcia Softball Competition rolls on in Cayo
The 2013 Miley Garcia Softball Competition in the Cayo District continued on Sunday, June 9th, 2013, with three games on the schedule. The games were all played at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza Village. In the first game of the day, the defending champions and the competition’s favourite Camalote United blasted Las Flores Shooting Stars by the score of 15-0. The winning pitcher was Francine Hoare and the losing pitcher was Guadalupe Chicas. In game two, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy also blasted Belmopan Capital City Emeralds by the score of 12-0. Leandra Guy was the winning pitcher for the Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy while Dana Mae King was tagged with the lost. And in the final game of the day, the host team Esperanza Wolverines won over the Ontario Rebels by the score of 6-1. The unknown, Shareeni Soberanis bested the veteran and experienced Kenrene Gillett. The competition will continue this coming Sunday.

14th Annual National Individual Time Trial and Road Championships
The 14th Annual National Individual Time Trial and Road Championships are scheduled for Sunday, June 16th and 23rd, 2013. The Individual Time Trial is scheduled for Sunday, June 16th, commencing at 8:00 am from the CDS Gas Station in Burrell Boom, travels south toward to Hattieville turning at the Round a-bout and the return to CDS for an approximate 20 miles. The event is Open/Masters/U-23/Masters Category. The Junior/Youth/Women category will commence from CDS Gas Station, travel south for six miles, to a marker on the Burrell Boom Road and then return to finish at CDS Gas Station for a total of 12 miles. Riders will start at 2-minutes intervals. The Road Race is scheduled to start at 8:00 am, for the Elite, Masters, U-23 and Masters Categories from in front of the Orange Walk Town Hall (lead out to the Caribbean Tire round-about), travels on the Philip Goldson Highway, turning to the Boom junction unto the Boom road exiting at Hattieville unto the George Price Highway to Mount Hope (turning point on the hill top just behind Mount Hope) to finish in front of Belmopan Comprehensive School after completing two laps around the Ring Road for an approximately 115 miles. The Road Race for the Junior/Youth and Women’s categories is scheduled to commence at 9:05 am from in front of the Police Station in Hattieville, travels on the George Price Highway to Mount Hope (turning point on the hill top just behind Mount Hope) to finish in front of the Belmopan Comprehensive School after completing two laps around the Ring Road for an approximate 63 miles. Registration to participate in any of the events is $25.00 each which is payable at the Heritage Bank Account #1599.

Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition winding down
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition is fast winding down at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. The playoffs for this year’s Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition commenced on Friday, June 7th with 6 games in the boys’ competition. In game one, St. Martin’s De Porres School defeated St. Ignatius School by the score of 17-25, 25-18 and 18-16. In game two, Holy Redeemer School eliminated St. Ignatius School by the score of 25-15 and 25-22. In the third game of the afternoon, Holy Redeemer School defeated St. Martin’s De Porres by the score of 23-25, 25-13 and 15-5. In game four, Belize Elementary School defeated St. John Vianney School by the score of 25-14 and 26-24. In game five, Belize Elementary School defeated Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 25-6 and 25-14. Meanwhile in the sixth and final game of the afternoon, St. John Vianney School eliminated Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 25-17 and 25-20. The playoffs then continued on Monday, June 10th with the girls’ competition. In the first of four games played, Holy Redeemer School won over St. Mary’s School via the default route. In game two, Belize Elementary School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 25-11 and 25-4. In game three, Hummingbird Elementary School defeated All Saints’ Anglican School by the score of 25-3 and 25-12, while in the final game it was St. John Vianney School defeated Muslim Community School by the score of 17-25, 25-18 and 16-14.

Graduation for Participants of Squad Drill Course
One Friday, June 7th, 2013, graduation ceremonies were held for close to twenty police officers, who completed a two-week long squad drill course conducted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The course was for non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants, attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the country. Its purpose was to have the participating officers re-sharpen their drill skills, something which keynote speaker at the ceremony, Acting Director of Training, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams reminded them is an integral part of their discipline as members of one of the nation’s leading security forces.

Pleads guilty to strangling his mother-in-law
On Tuesday, June 11th, 41- year-old businessman Peter King Contreras appeared before Justice Adolph Lucas for the start of a murder case against him in the killing of his mother-in-law, 50-year-old Argentina Garcia. Garcia was killed on December 13th, 2010. Before the trial got underway, however, King pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in the killing.

Charged after being found drunk
On Tuesday, June 11th, Belize City resident, 43-year-old Ernestina Reneau was arraigned on a rare charge of being found drunk in a public place.

Belizean Girls Fly
Gael Sylvia hopes to touch the lives of 10,000 Belizean girls and women as she introduces Girls Fly to Belize from Monday, June 24, to Saturday, June 29th. Girls Fly is an international organization dedicated to the empowerment of girls and young women.

The Secrets to the Success of a Leading Primary School in the Country
What are the secrets to the success of the Saint Andrews Primary School in San Ignacio? How were they able to get four of their students to be within the top 25 performers of the PSE 2013? Both Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban from Saint Andrews Primary obtained 96.5% in their PSE results, and in so doing received top ranks in the National PSE. But then came more surprises; Zahara Zul came in thirteenth with 95.25% and Alain Morris, with a similar mark, and both came from the same San-Ignacio based Anglican School. Vincent Hulse, who expressed thankfulness on Tuesday for coming in second in the National PSE, credits his success to the power of God, working hard, having supportive teachers and reviewing subjects that he was formerly weak on. While third place winner in the National PSE results, Nelson Esteban says that the product of his work also came with the support of his parents. “I managed to get high grade because I studied a lot. I did all my homework and the homework that we got were based on the questions that we got for PSE. My teachers pushed me and my parents too”, said Esteban. Standard Five teacher, Christina Velasquez says that the special approach that teachers at Saint Andrews School have for their students also helped in getting the high marks at the National level. Teachers at Saint Andrews work individually with the students on problem solving; particularly in finding out mistakes with students and are consistent with that approach. The walls of the class rooms at Saint Andrews are also covered with much visual aids and this is for a special reason, says Velasquez, since some students are visual learners while others learn by holding objects. In addition, says Velasquez, no child should be left behind for each pupil is considered special and have the ability to be great achievers.

Blogs

Why I Love Nature
I want to start by saying that there are many ways to be an eco-kid, but one main reason why I want to be one. I want to be an eco-kid, well, because I just love nature. I always dreamed of being taught about my environment and how to protect it. I ask myself questions about the environment and do observations and research on it. I want to find out if roaches bite, what types of bugs live on plants, how many types of medicinal plants we have in Belize, and many more things about science and my environment. When I am not reading fairy-tales, I am busy reading my father’s science books that he uses to teach with. Last year, I did a science computer program to improve my knowledge on science. I enjoyed it because I learnt a lot of fun facts about science. I want to be an eco-kid because I love animals and plants and am fascinated by their interactions. I go to my backyard and have tons of questions based on what I observe. How can wee wee ants destroy an entire plant in just hours? Why is the water in the creek green? Why did I have a row of beautiful orange plants grow after my dad cleared a portion of my yard? I want to find out so much about my environment.

Romantic Things to Do in Belize
Even a single gal like myself can’t help but notice Belize’s romantic aura. The coconut trees on not-so-distant islands, the rainforests with waterfalls, the fresh water rivers and birds that greet at sunrise, and the towering Mayan temples–it’s no wonder more couples than ever flock to Belize for their weddings, honeymoons or just a private getaway. Even ABC’s The Bachelor headed here for some romantic dates (the episode aired in February 2012). Add a lack of monstrous high rises, no chain resorts, and fewer crowds: it’s hard to beat in Central America and the Caribbean. Romance in Belize can be as easy as walking along the shores of Caye Caulker or laying on a dock on a starlit night. But there are a few other unique places and ways to experience the magic, when you’re on a special voyage a deux. You won’t be able to do it all on a short visit, but you can at least select a couple. Swim and picnic by waterfalls: Belize has stunning falls and parks, particularly if you head inland to some of the less crowded spots. Good choices include Butterfly Falls by Hidden Valley Inn in the Cayo District, or Rio Blanco National Park, just an hour’s drive outside the southern town of Punta Gorda. More than likely, you’ll be the only ones there. Another beautiful day trip would be to the Blue Hole National Park. Rent an island: Belize’s offshore islands or cayes (pronounced “keys”) are straight out of a Caribbean postcard. Over a dozen have small on site resorts, from charming cottages to higher end villas. Better yet, you can rent an entire caye to yourselves, complete with staff. Look into the two-acre French Louie Caye for three day stays or week-long stays. If you have even more cash available, you might want to rub elbows with jet setters at the exclusive Cayo Espanto.

“Higher Ground” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Suitably ‘armed’ with my passport, a utility (Belize Electricity Limited) bill for our lot in Tres Cocos, a completed application form and BZ$65 I set off at 10.30 am yesterday morning for the Post Office in Pescador Drive hopeful that my third attempt at renting a P.O. Box would be successful. On arrival I was ushered straight in to the manager’s office and after he had taken photocopies of the utility bill, the information page in my passport, my “QRP” ID card and my Belize Drivers License he ceremoniously handed me three keys for my P.O Box and issued me with the address for our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Whilst with him I took the opportunity of finding out whether C.A. needs to be included within the address or not. He very quickly, and somewhat forcibly, informed me that it is not required. Belize is sufficient – it has it’s own international postal code which is BZ (Emily posted on 8 June that she had heard (correctly) that C.A. is not required within the address fields). With my one task of the day (OK it did take four visits to the Post Office to accomplish it) successfully completed I returned “home” (our rented condo), grabbed my book and went and spent some quality time lounging on the beach (it’s a hard life!).

International Sources

WORLD BANK's Jun-13 Economic Prospects for Latin America and the Caribbean
Overview After a sharp recovery from the global economic crisis in 2010, when regional output expanded by 6 percent, growth in the Latin America and the Caribbean decelerated markedly, to an estimated 3 percent by 2012. Supply side constraints have become apparent in some of the larger economies, where output was near or above potential during the recovery phase, and which contributed to relatively high inflation and deterioration of current account balances. Despite a sharp deceleration in growth, regional output is only now in line with potential GDP. Cyclical factors such as lower commodity prices and generally subdued global activity, in particular in high-income countries, have also weighed on growth. Private consumption remained relatively robust, while the contribution to growth from investment and exports weakened considerably. Outlook for 2013-2015: The factors that have contributed to the deceleration in growth in the post-recovery period will continue to weigh on economic activity over the short-to-medium term. Growth in the region is expected to accelerate only modestly to 3.3 percent in 2013, and to about 3.9 percent over the medium terms. Growth is expected to firm somewhat from a very weak pace in Brazil and Argentina, while slowing down in most of the commodity exporters, largely on account of weaker commodity prices. Growth in Venezuela is expected to decelerate markedly as highly expansionary policies are reversed. Meanwhile Paraguay will see one of the sharpest accelerations in growth this year, on account of normalization in agriculture output. Growth in Central America will benefit over the medium term from firmer growth in the United States and improvements in terms of trade. Growth in the Caribbean will be held back by large fiscal adjustments necessary to bring fiscal deficits to sustainable levels and help reduce public debt burdens.

Belize Takes Steps to Improve Internet Service
After ranking dead last in a recent survey of Internet pricing and speeds in English-speaking Caribbean countries, Belize is taking steps to improve. The country’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hosted Belize’s first Internet Exchange Point Open Forum, bringing together international and local stakeholders to discuss options for improving the quality and lowering the cost of Internet services for Belizeans. PUC Commissioner Kimano Barrow stated, “The PUC wants to create an environment where Internet based companies and entrepreneurs can thrive in Belize. We were able to get two internationally recognised experts in this area to share their knowledge with our local stakeholders.” Over 65 persons representing ISPs, business, government agencies, civil society groups and academia, attended the half-day event in Belize City. Interactions centered on the economic and social benefits of improved local Internet service and how best these benefits can be realised in a Belize context. Bill Woodcock and Bevil Wooding from the US-based Internet research and training firm Packet Clearing House (PCH) facilitated the special forum.

Cayo Has Best Mayan Sites
While the list of Belize's amazing Mayan archaeoligical sites should be a top 20, out of the 5 on this list, Cayo has 3: Xunantunich, Caracol, and Actun Tunichil Muknal. They forgot Cahal Pech and El Pilar. The article gives great descriptions of the sites, and describes Cayo too: 'laid-back San Ignacio is the quintessential traveler’s hub, the launch pad for exhilarating adventures in the remote Cayo District, a wild place where ancient mysticism and incredible biodiversity coalesce to provide a sensual and cerebral adventure of epic proportions.' "What Xunantunich may lack in scale, it makes up for in its supreme location, crowning a limestone ridge that affords panoramic views of the Cayo District and the patchwork terraces of neighboring Guatemala... Radiating from the site’s ceremonial axis -- the pyramid of El Castillo -- are a series of residences built for the city’s elite denizens, in addition to a ball court, all which date from the Classic Period, circa A.D. 200 to 900. Rising from the jungle to a vertigo-inducing 135 feet, El Castillo features restored stucco reliefs that during the city’s heyday would have adorned the perimeter of the entire pyramid. Despite being one of the most heavily touristed of Belize’s Maya ruins, in part due to its accessibility, a supernatural aura holds sway. The name, Xunantunich, translated as 'Stone Woman,' dates to the late 19th century when, so myth and legend has it, a female figure dressed in white ascended the stairs of El Castillo before vanishing into the temple’s stone walls. The city reached its zenith around A.D. 750 before an earthquake, interpreted by the Maya as the wrath of God, precipitated its demise."

June 13, 2013

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Specials and Events

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

Domestic abuse escalates to murder in Caye Caulker Village
Continuous physical abuse and domestic violence has resulted in the death of a woman in the village of Caye Caulker. The victim has been identified as Julia Moran originally of San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District and a resident of Back Street in the Black Neighborhood. Police were informed that she may have been possibly hurt and was locked up inside her house, but when they arrived shortly around 11:30AM on Wednesday, June 12th they found her dead. Police are looking for her husband, Sergio Moran, Guatemalan national, for the murder. According to neighbors sometime after 1AM, they heard arguments upstairs of the wooden building. “The guy came in about 12:30AM and knocked on the door. She did not open the door so he kicked it open after which he locked it. About 45 minutes later my wife and I opened our door after we heard a commotion and the struggle upstairs in their house. I heard when the girl said ‘Sergio, please don’t do it.’ Then I heard him said in Spanish ‘shut the f$*@ up…I am going to kill you.’ After a few moments, I heard nothing else. This morning when we got up and the neighbors were talking about the incident and realized that no one had seen her, we said to ourselves that perhaps she may have been killed. She was not someone who stayed locked up late; she would get up very early and come out and talk to all of us,” said Benedict Lopez her neighbor who lived in one of the many structures in the same yard. Lopez said that the couple, who had a seven year old boy, lived a very contentious relationship. “They used to go through a lot of arguments and we don’t get into wife and husband fight.”

First ever All-star basketball competition
Andre Almendares from team Jaguars won both the three point competition and the points accumulation competition. However, the night was not over yet, as the best players from across San Pedro took to the court to play in an All-star basketball game. The two teams (East and West) were sure to deliver a great game. It was an extremely tight game, but in the end, team West rose to victory in a 54-53 point game. Most Valuable Player for the event was Ron, aka “Big Ron”, from team Tarpon. The night was a huge success displaying the talent of our various basketball players. Organizers would like to thank all those who came out to show their support. Great thanks go out to The San Pedro Town Council and Saija’s Construction for sponsoring the event.

Lobster Fest 2013- It’s hAPPening!
It’s almost that time again and with lobster season literally right around the corner our favorite crustacean is looking to make its way ashore! In preparation for its arrival the San Pedro Lobster Festival committee has been working hard getting everything in place for the big event. The 2013 Lobster Fest promises to be nothing but amazing-and most definitely worth while to say the least. In addition to the loyal participants that partake in the event, some new businesses have jumped on board, adding to the array. Due to the high demand for lobster, the Belize Fisheries department has set laws and regulations to safeguard the population of the spiny lobster for future generations. In Belize, the legal weight of a lobster tail for consumption must be over four ounces, or the carapace must exceed three inches. The carapace of a lobster is referred to the part of the crustacean where the head connects to the tail all the way to the center of the pair of small spines located between the two eyes. While lobster season will last till February 15, 2014 The San Pedro Sun reminds all fishermen to fish responsibly, and consumers to adhere to the laws in place to ensure delicious lobsters for many years to come!

Amigos del Mar Team captures third place in Mahahual fishing tournament
A fishing team from Amigos del Mar on Ambergris Caye captured third and fourth place in the annual Dorado de Plata Fishing tournament in Mahahual, Mexico. The annual two-day event tests the ability of some of the best fishermen in high seas fishing. Over 250 fishermen onboard 40 vessels set out on June 8th and 9thfor this year’s competition. Ambergris Caye’s very own, ‘Another Boat’ captained by Mike Hancock, along with Andre Paz, Shadany Bradley, Irvin Chacon, Mario Donis and Daniel Gregorio were sponsored by Amigos del Mar. The group of fishermen performed impressively in the tournament. Another Boat captured a total of nine Dorado; one of the largest, a 30.8 pounds fish, was captured on day one and placed them in second place. But on day two of the event, the Mexican teams were hungry for a win, especially since a Belizean fishing team had topped the previous Copa Governador earlier this year in Mahahual. Despite the competitiveness, Another Boat managed to stand its grounds and reeled in a bigger Dorado weighing 31.8 pounds. That was not enough since two Mexican teams captured a few larger Dorados thattopped Another Boat’s haul by a few ounces.

Ambergris Today

Belize Police Graduate From Squad Drill Course
On Friday, June 7, 2013, graduation ceremonies were held for close to 20 Police Officers who completed a two-week long Squad Drill Course conducted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The course was for non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants, attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the Country. Its purpose was to have the participating officers re-sharpen their drill-skills; something which keynote speaker at the Ceremony, Acting Director of Training Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, reminded them is an integral part of their discipline as members of one of the Nation’s leading security forces.

San Pedro Tourist Guide Association Promotes Dive Safety in San Pedro
The San Pedro Tourist Guide Association (SPTGA) has undertaken great steps to ensure that diving is done in the safest way possible. Below they outline four major accomplishments completed in the month of May 2013. *A seminar on updating all dive professionals in diving was conducted. The PADI forum was conducted at the Sun Breeze conference room on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. Over 75 dive instructors and dive masters from both San Pedro and Caye Caulker attended the event. The forum ensured that dive professionals got all updated materials and procedures when dealing with the safety of diving and training.

Belikin Beer Celebrates the Natural Beauty of Belize

Misc Belizean Sources

Ready or Not, Here We Are!
June is a month for Graduations, annual rites of passage and new beginnings for students in Belize and throughout the world. Young teenagers complete Primary/Elementary School (Standard 6) while older teenagers graduate from Secondary (High School), and adults graduate from Tertiary (Sixth Form or University). Most of the students who graduate from Primary (Standard 6) typically will head straight into a High School or Technical School, if their families can afford to pay for it, while students who leave or graduate from High School will enter the workforce, the military, or opt to continue studying, or choose a combination of employment and continuing education. Those students who graduate from a university with an Associate, Baccalaureate, or other degree are now ready to enter the workforce as career professionals. Nonetheless, each year brings more challenging and complex academic and career options. This month thousands of young Belizeans who are graduating, from Primary up through University level, face increasingly complex and pivotal crossroads and new phases in their lives. How ready, though, are they to make crucial decisions and take on the world? If they are ready, are there places for each of them in today’s world?

VIDEO: Belikin - NATURE
Belikin, the beer of Belize, celebrates the natural beauty that Belize has to offer. Belikin is proud to call Belize, this lovely place, full of nature and culture, its home. Directors: Funk Brothers Producer: Chelsea Stier Directors of Photography: Chayse Irvin, Dana Morris Camera Assistant: Matt Cabinum, Arturo Rojas Gaffer: David Miller Key Grip: Virgile Dean Jib Operator: Brian Gaetke

Placencia and Laughing Bird Caye in Belize Among the World's Top 100 Beaches
"Placencia has great beaches, but it's the adventures to be had that make this a top 100 beach destination. Jungle rivers, Mayan ruins and fantastic wildlife make this one a beach trip with various purposes," reads the description of Placencia beaches, from a recent publication by CNN Travel." We met up with Natalie Ranguy, the Guest Services Manager at Chabil Mar, to chat about this honor for the area. "Placencia is a small traditional fishing village of about 1300 full time residents, so we don't always get that much international recognition. What makes us so special is our location along the southern coast of Belize on a 16 mile long peninsula, at the end of which, lies our Village of the same name." "And to top if off, the list includes Laughing Bird Caye, a Belize National Park, just 11 miles off the coast of Placencia Village, where so many of our guests snorkel and scuba dive while visiting with us. It is a beautiful little piece of paradise and The CNN Travel list describes Laughing Bird so nicely - "Reaching barely a meter above sea level, this protected isle is less than a hectare in size, but offers one of the best day trips off the Belize coast. A huge amount of coral, bird and marine life call this place home, which is why so many visitors call it perfect", says Natalie.

New Horizons help Belizeans see more clearly
U.S. military medical personnel partnered with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired and the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, Belize, to conduct an ophthalmology medical readiness training exercise May 31 through June 14. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine dealing with the functions, structure and diseases of the eye. The 15-day medical exercise is part of a larger exercise called New Horizons. The team is conducting cataract surgeries, retina laser procedures, and pterygium removal. Pterygium is a growth of scar tissue that grows from the white part of the eye onto the cornea and is very common in Belize due to intense UV radiation from the sun. New Horizons partnered with the BCVI and the Southern Regional Hospital to coordinate the logistics and patients required for the MEDRETE.

SIPL Summer Kids Program
The San Ignacio Public LIbrary is doing a Summer Program for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. The dates are from July 1st through the 5th, and the activities will be held at the SIPL. The theme will be 'Endangered Species of Belize.' Contact them at 804-0459 or by email at sanignaciolibrary@yahoo.com. "Summer Program 2013. All parents are advised to sign their children as soon as possible since there are limited spaces available."

MTA: Mr. Lawrence Vernon
The National Heritage Library is having another Meet the Author day tomorrow, and this time they are bringing in Mr. Lawrence Vernon. "The National Heritage Library on Mountain View Blvd. in Belmopan is having its sixth segment of Meet the Author to be held on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Mr. Lawrence G. Vernon is the featured author, editor, researcher and librarian for this event. He has contributed dozens of articles, book reviews and chapters to Belizean publications throughout the years. His research has yielded several books, including, Cultural Groups of Belize, From the Pages of our History and A History of Political Parties in Belize: 1950-1981."

Belize Zoo Conservation Camp
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center will be having their 20th annual Conservation Camp from July 1st through the 5th. Students between the ages of 12 and 17 are welcome to apply for the Summer camp. It'll be a great time, and they'll also learn about wildlife and conservation while taking field trips. Contact them at 822-8000 or email them at education@belizezoo.org for more information. "The Zoo is once again hosting it's Summer Conservation Camp. Students ages 12-17 are invited to sign up! Call or email us for more details. **Note: Preference will be given to first time campers this year. Camp veterans will be put on a waiting list."

VIDEO: Bare Pantry Show in Belize Part 2
This vlog covers day 6 through 8th of our Belize adventure.

Channel 7

Barrow to Ashcroft Alliance over Offshore Registries: “Bring It On!”
Yesterday Government took over the operations of Immarbe and the IBC Registry. Now, these are what are known as offshore operations, so, outside of the Belizeans who work at the registries, the takeover has very little effect on everyday life in Belize. But, it’s a major move in the broader picture, because these registries generate millions of US dollars in revenue annually and they do so for a company that’s part of the Ashcroft Alliance, and another called Morgan and Morgan that’s a Panamanian law firm. So even though most of us might not see it, the stakes are high – and to verify that, you just need to look at the 60 million US dollars that the Ashcroft Alliance says it will claim as damages. But today when he held a press conference to explain the whole takeover, it looks like Prime Minister Dean Barrow wasn’t feeling the heat one bit. He told the media that it’s not nationalization, it’s a legal and necessary transition. Here’s how he explained it:… Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "This is not a nationalization, this is not in any way in the same category as BTL and BEL. This is the government of Belize determining that the contractuary agreement that these people had to run these two registries has come to an end. And that the secrete purported extension signed by Said Musa and Francis Fonseca is of no validity, therefore, the government has moved to assume control on a completely legal basis. The government's course of action is justified for any number of reasons but in particular in consequence of the fact that the European union by way of the commission decision has served us notice, that unless you get control of the registry and do something to regularize the operations of registry and in particular of the fishing fleet - you will have exports to EU band

Man Shot Multiple Times By Masked Men Escapes Serious Injury
But turning first to other news, a woman was murdered in Caye Caulker this afternoon – and the key suspect is her husband. Our team is just back from Caye Caulker and we’ll have that story a little later, but first….an update on the shooting we told you about last night. At 6:00 pm, 30 year old Arturo Varela was shot in a yard on Antelope Street Extension. Police say he had an argument with his common-law wife and as he was leaving his house, he saw two men pulling on ski – masks in the adjoining yard, which is where his mother-in-law lives. He ran back inside his house, but the masked men kicked open the front door and fired several shots at him. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt and the KHMH reports that he has been treated and released. Police have detained four persons all of Antelope Street Extension. The fight he’d had with his wife is believed to be related to the shooting.

Two More Men Shot In City
Less than 2 hours after that shooting, more shots were fired on the city’s southside. This one happened on Pine Street at 7:40 where shots were fired at 39 year old Cecil Gill and 57 year old Rafael Francisco Aguet by a man standing at the corner of Hondo and Ebony Streets. Gill was shot to the nose and the left foot while Aguet was shot to the left shoulder. Both men are stable and under police guard at the KHMH.

Woman Killed In Caye Caulker; Suspect Husband Flees
Tonight, Sergio Morran is believed to be on the run with his 7 year old son – after his wife was murdered on Caye Caulker today. We say “on the run” because he is a suspect in the tragic homicide – which happened early this morning. Daniel Ortiz went out to Caye Caulker and he has this story. Daniel Ortiz reporting The upstairs house in the area of Caye Caulker, known as "Black Neighbourhood", seemed tranquil at its location overlooking the coast. That, coupled with the freshly laundered clothes swaying in the wind, would mislead a casual observer into thinking that it was just another Wednesday afternoon. But that was the furthest from the truth, as cordon tape, along with the mass gathering of police officers and onlookers signaled that terrible violence had been committed there. 27 year-old Julia Morran was killed inside that house - her home - early this morning.

PM Expects Minimal Fallout From Guate Civilian Shot In Chiquibul
As you saw at the top of the news, today, the Prime Minister held a press conference to talk about the take-over of the offshore registries – but he also took time to address topics of public interest. First, is the case of the Guatemalan civilian shot by Belize security personnel in the Chiquibul one week ago. His name is Edgar Alexander Alveno and he was shot in the Caballo Camp area of Chiquibul. The Prime Minister today told the media that Alveno fired first: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "After Mr. Alveno had fired on the BDF patrol, they returned fire and Mr. Alveno was shot. Members of the Patrol disarmed him, searched and found two cell phones, one 22 rifle and 11 rounds of ammunition. He received 4 shots - the BDF medics who are obviously outstanding attended to him, tried to bind up his wounds, it took a while given where they were to walk and carry him to a point where the ambulance was waiting to take him to a hospital - this process lasted about 12 hours. The medics did such a good job that he was taken to the hospital, surgery was done on him and he is now in a critical but stable condition." A joint verification team including the Guatemalans and the OAS has confirmed that the shooting occurred within Belize. The PM says he expects minimal fallout if Alveno survives.

PM Agrees: Police Taking Too Long To Press Noh Mul Charges
The Prime Minister also addressed the situation at Noh Mul. It’s been almost five weeks since the story made the news – and still, no charges have been brought against De-Mar’s stone Company which has admitted to bulldozing the ancient Mayan temple. Today, the Prime Minister told the media why it’s been taking too long:.. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "They need to record a statement from the camera man/men that did the video recording and the drivers of the equipment have still not been properly identified. The video recording is available but the DPP doesn't think that's sufficient for prosecuting purposes. The DPP is obviously being extremely careful, she wants to be sure that when she gives the directive to lay the charges - the case will be water tight. Yes I am concerned that the office in charge of the investigation whom I shall not name, from the start did not get some of the material that the DPP is now sending him back to get. This report was brought to my house last night by Cornell Lovell after I had spoken to him during the day making claim that I wanted to be able to report to the public and that I would not be at all pleased if I couldn't report that this thing has happened or is about to happen imminently. I signaled that in my view it's taking too long."

PM Will Bend But Not Bow On Gender Policy
And last week Friday, the Prime Minister met with the Belmopan Churches to discuss the Gender Policy. It’s created a great deal of furor among some Christian sects because of the interpretation that it seems to be mainstreaming homosexuality. But the Prime Minister says he’s willing to bend but not bow: he will not rescind the policy:… Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "I reiterated my position - I will not withdraw the Gender Policy but as I have said repeatedly to the extent that there is terminology used, to the extent that there are wordings, language formulations that are being misunderstood that are subject to misinterpretation - the government is perfectly willing to sit with the churches and rework the language in order to put matters beyond any doubt. Already there were three such formulations that we agreed could be reworked. We made some progress on Friday against the backdrop of my insistence and I believe the acceptance of the part of the churches that there will be no withdrawal of the policy."

PM Discouraged About Once “Encouraging” Oil Show
And, finally, the PM spoke about what was once called “an encouraging oil show in northern Belize”. Well those hopeful words went out over two months ago – and it’s not so encouraging anymore. The PM explained:.. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "That's not going as well as we would have hoped. They are having great difficulty getting the oil to flow in a way that would confirm or help them to confirm of the volume is there - that's in respect to the well that has already been dug. They are now drilling a second well and they are going to do a directional drilling, instead of straight vertical well - this will be a kind of horizontal well, almost and they are hoping that that would help to solve the problem."

How The Registries Deal Got Done And Why GOB Says It Was Illegal
All those comments were made in a press conference that lasted for one hour and forty-five minutes – followed by another 20 minutes of one on one interviews. Indeed, the Prime Minister laid it all out today – especially in the case of the Ship and IBC registries. He showed up at the press conference with a thick file – and delved deep into the creation and continuation of the Registries. We looked at some of the paperwork dating back to 1993 – and the so-called secret extension agreement. Jules Vasquez reporting This agreement was signed on 11th June 1993, mere days before the June 30th general elections this is the master agreement signed by the then PUP government. It was a 10 year agreement with Belize International Services Limited which managed IMMMARBE and the IBC Registry with an option to renew for another ten years. When that ten years was about to expire in 2003 Government’s legal counsel Gian Ghandi wrote to BISL saying that due to a fundamental change of circumstances and they could no longer exercise the option to renew for another ten years. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "That letter, I'm told by Mr. Ghandi was written after he had advised Ralph Fonseca and Said Musa of the legal position that he took. The Prime Minister turned right around and told BISL 'you can ignore Ghandi's letter and simply continue to operate the agreement and we in effect will treat your exercise of the option to renew as valid.' "

Gambis Gets Off
Keon “Gambis” Williams is free of charges tonight after he was acquitted today before Justice Adolph Lucas. Over 3 years ago, it was alleged that he had molested a 14 year-old primary school student. According to police, the boy reported that in November of 2009, he was at the BTL Park when he was approached by Williams, who allegedly sodomized him. The boy continued that on a second occasion, Williams held him against his will at an abandoned building near the Foreshore area, but a bystander rescued him before Williams could assault him. As a result, Williams was charged with committing an unnatural crime, and aggravated assault. He was forced to await trial, which came up finally, and when the boy, who is now 17, took the stand, he recanted his written statement to police. He said that nothing like this happened, and that he told his mother this much. When he was asked about his statement, he suggested that he didn't freely give it. He went even further and told the court that he wanted to drop the charges. Because there was no evidence against Williams, Justice Lucas directed the jury of 9 to acquit him, setting him free.

Meighan Family Alleges Continuing Police Abuse
The Meighan family of Banak Street in Belize City made headlines on March 6th, when the entire household was shipped off to the Hattieville prison – after the GSU claimed to have found two rounds of live 9mm ammunition in their home. Because no one wanted to take ownership of the bullets, the entire family was imprisoned. Shelly Meighan, her daughter Shanice Meighan and her 17 year old son received bailed 3 weeks later – while her older son Ellis Meighan served out his 3 months on remand. He was released from the Hattievielle prison on bail pending his following court date. But less than 24 hours later, the GSU was back at the Meighan’s resident looking for him. The family says that they are being constantly targeted by the GSU – and today, the women of the house Shelly Meighan made an angry plea to cease the harassment. She asked to appear off camera. Voice of Shelly Meighan "The officer asked me where Ellis was and I asked him why, he said he needed to see Ellis and I went off.

Santi Says He’s Retiring From Competitive Racing
Last week we told you that Minister of State Santino Castillo had been seriously injure din a cycling accident on the Western Highway. And that’s why we were surprised to see him today in the front row at the Prime Minister’s Press Conference. He told us he’s recovering faster than expected, but after decades of competitive cycling, he won’t be going faster on the road:… Hon. Santino Castillo - Will Retire From Competitive Riding "Jules I have a collapsed lung that is presently back at 80%, that's the most serious part - I can't travel at high altitude none at all for two months. I have a rib, #6 that punctured it, I broke two of my fingers - one which had to be retendonized and of course the colar bone. Truth be told due to my healthy condition, I don't drink or smoke, I'm actually out sooner than doctors expected and I expect it to continue." Jules Vasquez "Will you ride again?" Hon. Santino Castillo "Jules I will ride again, but I have to re-evaluate if it's just for excercise - this happening racing and of course when you race, chances of this type of injury greatly increases. We were sprinting at 36 miles an hour and all hell broke loose when I touched the rider's wheel in front of me trying to pass him for the victory so I might have to just do it for my health. At 57 I can't take another 'lick' like this." Castillo was also feeling well enough to address the issue of the challenge from Mayor Darrell Bradley who’s indicated that he wants to challenge him for the UDP seat in the Caribbean Shores division. Castillo says that’s a long ways off.

Rotary Renovates Children’s Home
The Dorothy Menzies Childcare Center has been in operation since 1975. It has provided a temporary safe and caring environment for children of all ages, races and backgrounds to seek refuge during difficult periods in their lives. But to sustain one of Belize’s biggest orphanages, it takes a lot of resources – and that is why the Rotary Club of Belize has been engaged with the institution over the last 3 years to conduct a renovation project. Maria Coye- President, Rotary Club of Belize "Well as you know Rotary is a Humanitarian Organization - we do raise funds. So this time we are in the third phase of the refurbishing of the home . The first phase was moving the kitchen out of the building into the downstairs of where the activity center is - the second phase we dealt with separating the boys from the girls and we built bathrooms and we refurbished the bedrooms that they now sleep in. Now we're in the third phase that we're renovating the top floors for the girls, putting in bathrooms and making the space more pleasing to them so that the girls have their own space."

Channel 5

Prime Minister explains nationalization of registries
Prime Minister Dean Barrow called a press conference his morning. He touched on a number of subjects, but the hot button issue was the recent take-over of two private companies. [...]

Was management of registries part of a secret agreement?
P.M. Barrow says that the agreement signed between B.I.S.L. and former Prime Minister, Said Musa, and the then Attorney General, Francis Fonseca, was done in secret. That documentation sets out [...]

Leader of the Opposition and Former P.M. says no secret agreement
As we’ve told you, the agreement in the spotlight was signed by Said Musa and Francis Fonseca in 2005, and extended B.I.S.L.’s contract to 2020. The legality of that document [...]

Takeover of registries will cause multimillion dollar litigation
Government assumed control of the registries on Tuesday morning; and there will be much discussion and yes, expensive litigation ahead. B.I.S.L. is confident that it holds a valid agreement and [...]

PM concerned about Denny Grijalva/Noh Mul case
It’s apparent that this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the registries are concerned. But while it is the big issue right, there is another of [...]

PM says Health Minister has no apology to make about neonatal deaths
The death of thirteen newborns at the K.H.M.H. in the month of May and the deadly bacteria outbreak in the neonatal intensive care unit is another big issue which is [...]

Woman is hacked to death and her husband is on the lam
A mother of one was murdered in her house in Caye Caulker; her mutilated body was found around noon hidden under clothes on her bed. Her family says Julia Moran [...]

Did sympathizers of his wife shoot him?
And in Belize City, there were two shooting incidents on Tuesday evening in South Side Belize City which left three persons suffering from gunshot injuries. The first occurred around five-thirty [...]

2 persons shot on Southside Belize City
But as police were processing the scene on Pitters Street, shots rang out in close proximity of the well known Pratts Fried Chicken. Two cousins, Cecil Gill and Rafael Francisco [...]

Teen says sodomy incident didn’t happen
The case against Keon ‘Gambis’ Williams, accused of sodomizing a fourteen year old student, ended today with an acquittal of the charges that were initially levied on him in 2009.  [...]

Safa wants to come home free from suspicions of Hezbollah
The alleged terrorist suspect who took the identity of a Mennonite Wilhelm Dyck that died shortly after childbirth has been released from prison. In August 2012, a Belizean passport, driver’s [...]

P.M. says injured Guatemalan was shot in Belize
A Guatemalan national was shot by the Belize Defense Force last Tuesday in the Chiquibul and remains hospital under guard at the Western Regional Hospital. Prime Minister Barrow explained today [...]

Wife of Guatemalan national asks Human Rights Attorney for help
The report from the government on the shooting of Sacasa says that the soldiers on patrol found a make shift thatch roof shed within Belizean territory. And while securing the [...]

Recovered from injuries, Santi Castillo ready to ride again
Among those who attended the Prime Minister’s press conference this morning, was the Minister of State, Santino Castillo. Castillo was involved in a cycling accident on the George Price Highway [...]

Santi will ride to victory on streets of challenger/mayor
Eager to get back on his feet, Santi is facing a challenge, not from a competing cycling team, but from a member of his own party. Belize City’s Mayor, Darrell [...]

Highlights of Belize/Guatemala football game
A telethon will be held this Saturday to assist the Belize National Team to raise funds and we will be showing that event live from the Princess Pool side. The [...]

Dorothy Menzies Childcare Center gets upgraded
The Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center in Belize’s mission is to ‘provide a temporary safe and caring environment where children can seek refuge during a difficult period in their lives.’ [...]

Well known Caribbean musician, Glen Washington in Belize
Legendary Reggae artist Glen Washington is back in the Jewel after thirteen years.  The soulful crooner is here to perform for one night only during a pre-Father’s Day concert at [...]

LOVE FM

Prime Minister Explains the Taking Over of International Registries
On Monday the Government of Belize issued release announcing that it would take control of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, IMMARBE, and the International Business Companies Registry, IBC. The takeover came into effect yesterday. Both companies were being semi-managed by the ...

PM Updates On Investigation Into Neonatal Deaths
At this morning’s press conference Prime Minister Dean Barrow updated on the investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of at least 13 neonates at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Prime Minister Barrow said the results of the PAHO investigation are in the draft stage but...

PM Says No Withdrawing of The Gender Policy
The revised gender policy has been the topic of the discussion and controversy since its release a few weeks ago. The churches have made known their strong opposition to certain sections within the policy. While the Prime Minister has said repeatedly the policy will not be withdrawn, ...

Verification Team Confirms Guatemalan National To Be On Belize Territory In Last Week's Shooting
Guatemalan national Edgar Alexander Alveno remains hospitalized recuperating from gunshot wounds inflicted last week. Alveno was in Chiquibul Area on Belize’s side of the border when he was shot by Belizean security forces. Earlier this week Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre rep...

DPP Has Urged For Additional Info In The Noh Mul Case
Last week the Director of Archeology Doctor Jaime Awe told Love News he expected that charges for the destruction of Noh Mul would be laid early this week. During his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said key evidence is missing from the investigations- evidence which is expected to b...

Head of Business Bureau Says He Is Optimistic on Possibility of Trade Agreement
Last week we reported on the Mexican Trade Mission that visited to market their products in Belize. Fourteen businesspeople, mainly from Merida were here to access markets in the local arena. But while the Mexicans came to broaden their marketing horizons, Belize currently does not ha...

Belize's Embassy in Washington Raises 60K For Inspiration Centre
The Embassy of Belize in Washington has donated sixty thousand US dollars towards the Inspiration Center. The money raised by the embassy was handed over in the form of a cheque to Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow by Ambassador Nestor Mendez yesterday. According to a...

Burglary In The West; Armed Robbery In The South
An armed robbery took place yesterday afternoon at BWEL on three and a half miles on the Stann Creek Valley road. A forty seven year old plant supervisor reported that around 3:00 pm he was in his office when two dark complexioned men, one armed with a shotgun and one with a machete, entere...

Police Investigate Separate Shootings In Old Capital
Two men are injured following separate shooting incidents in Belize City. The first occurred shortly before 6:00 pm.. The victim, thirty year old Arturo Varela, a Manager of Antelope Street Extension, reported that around 5:30 pm yesterday, he had an argument with his common law wife....

Domestic Dispute Leads To Woman's Death In Caye Caulker Village
A woman was reportedly murdered by her husband in Caye Caulker. Love News understands that the murder occurred sometime last night or early this morning. It is reported that Sergio Moran, a Guatemalan National inflicted deadly chop wounds to his wife Julia Moran, who is originally fro...

Local Children's Home Gets Boost From US Military and Rotary
There was a lot to sing about today at the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre as the 60 children residents now have more amenities at their facility. The residents are housed there for a number of reasons: they’ve been abandoned, neglected or abused in their home settings and their fam...

Hurricane Hattie Exhibit Opens In Orange Walk
A new exhibit was opened today in Orange Walk Town. Reporter Dalila Ical reports: DALILA ICAL “A new exhibit “Hurricane Hattie” was opened this morning at the Orange Walk Banquitas House of Culture. The opening was attended by students. Coordinator at the Banquitas...

Orange Walk Woman Remanded On Ammunition Charge
A twenty two year old woman from Orange Walk has been remanded to prison for keeping ammunition. On Saturday June 8th, members of the GSU conducted a search on a house on Asuncion Street where they found four 4-10 caliber ammunition. Present at the time of the incident was twenty two year old Sop...

LOVE TV

Final Document on Neonatal Investigation To Be Released Shortly
At this morning’s press conference Prime Minister Dean Barrow updated on the investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of at least 13 neonates at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Prime Minister Barrow said the results of the PAHO investigation are in the draft stage but as far as he can say, one person has already resigned and another high level official is expected to follow suit. Rt. HON. DEAN BARROW “I have been informed by the chairperson that the draft final report of the PAHO people is now extant, has been done, that has been submitted to the board and PAHO and the board are going over it, with a view to the finalization. It is a draft final document and they are trying to reach to the point where we can eliminate the word, ‘draft’ and there will be a final document that should not take more than another day or two and then the KHMH board will come to the media and as I understand it, will share that document with the media and the public. I said to the board, any investigation that takes place; they asked me of the possibility of liability, of people suing, I said I don’t care what the liability would be, you are to cover up nothing; if you find negligence, you are to identify negligence and let the people sue and be compensated we can’t be playing the fool with a tragedy of those sort of dimensions. I understand that ahead of this draft that the final report of PAHO has prepared, one person has already resigned, to be confirmed and I understand that a second person even higher than that person is about to resign. I don’t yet know what the draft final report is saying; I gather from the chairlady that it does not put the KHMH in a good light; whether it goes to the extent of saying person A and person B is negligent, I don’t know, but please, if that is so then the consequences must follow and who is negligent must face disciplinary action and if there is negligence, compensation must be given to the family.” The results of the PAHO investigations are expected to be released shortly.

National Gender Policy Will Not Be Withdrawn
The revised gender policy has been the topic of the discussion and controversy since its release a few weeks ago. The churches have made known their strong opposition to certain sections within the policy. While the Prime Minister has said repeatedly the policy will not be withdrawn, once again today he said he is open to discussions that could lead to changes with the language used in the policy. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “I have met with a number of church leaders; the last such meeting being on Friday, I was accompanied in the meeting by Ministers Godwin Hulse, John Saldivar and Lisel Alamilla and I reiterated my position that I will not withdraw the gender policy but as I have said repeatedly, to the extent that there is terminology used, to the extent that there are wordings, there are language formulation that are being misunderstood, that are subject to misinterpretation; the government is perfectly willing to sit with the churches and rework the language in order to put matters beyond any doubt. Already there were three such formulations that we agreed could be reworked. That group was the representative of the Belmopan pastors; there is clearly a far larger body that they tell me, will send formal submissions to government by way of a brief being prepared by lawyers; we will look at that. I thought we could work things out without the presence of lawyers; you know, whenever lawyers get into anything then that’s trouble and if they call for their lawyers, I will have to call for my lawyers.”

Injured Guatemalan National Was On Belizean Territory; Verification Team Confirms
Guatemalan national Edgar Alexander Alveno remains hospitalized recuperating from gunshot wounds inflicted last week. Alveno was in Chiquibul Area on Belize’s side of the border when he was shot by Belizean security forces. Earlier this week Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre reported that the shooting occurred on their side of the border. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said a verification team has confirmed that the incident did indeed occur on Belizean soil. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “This shooting incident, as you know that occurred on June 3, 2013 between the hours of 2 and 3pm a Guatemalan national, Edgar Alexander Alvano was shot by Belizean security forces during an operation in the Caballo camp area of the Chiquibul National Park, he was encountered two kilometers east of the Belize/Guatemala border. So, he was well within Belize’s national territory. After Mr. Alvano had fired on the BDF patrol, they returned fired and Mr. Alveno was shot. Members of the patrol disarmed him, searched and found two cellphones, (1) .22 riffle and 11 live rounds of ammunition. The BDF medics, he received four wounds, the BDF medics who obviously are outstanding attended to him, they tried to bind up his wounds; it took a while, given where they were to walk and carry him to a point where the ambulance were waiting to take him to a hospital. How long did that extraction process last, Colonel? – About 12 hours but the medics did such a great job he was taken to a hospital and surgery was done on him and he is now in a critical but stable condition; apparently recovering with each passing day. A joint verification team including officials from Guatemala, the OAS and the Government of Belize visited the area and confirmed that the incident occurred well within Belize. The Foreign Minister or rather the CEO who accompanied the Foreign Minister to the OAS meeting in Guatemala had a discussion with I believe, the Deputy Foreign Minister in Guatemala. As I recollect, the Foreign Minister did not even raise the incident with our Foreign Minister, so presumably the fallout from this incident is going to be minimal especially if the man makes a full recovery.”

Charges To Be Levied Shortly for Destruction of Noh Mul
Last week the Director of Archeology Doctor Jaime Awe told Love News he expected that charges for the destruction of Noh Mul would be laid early this week. During his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said key evidence is missing from the investigations- evidence which is expected to be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions by Friday. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “The file was given to the Director of Public Prosecution who was directed that additional police work be done to complete investigations into the matter. Police hope to do the additional work by Friday and there are two critical issues. They need to record a statement from the cameraman or cameramen/camera persons that did the video recording and the drivers of the equipment have still not been positively identified; there are the video recordings available but the DPP doesn’t’ think that’s sufficient for prosecution purposes. The DPP is being extremely careful; she wants to be sure that when she gives the directive to lay the charges, the case will be water tight. Yes, I am concerned that the officer in charge of the investigation whom I shall not name did not from the start, get some of the material or all of the material that the DPP is now sending him back to get. This report was brought to my house last night by Colonel Lovell after I had spoken to him during the day making it plain that I wanted to be able to report to the public and I would not be at all pleased if I couldn’t report that this thing has happened or is about to happen imminently; I signaled that, in my view, it’s taking too long; no getting away from that.” The man at the center of the controversy is the owner of De’Mar’s Stone Company, Denny Grijalva.

Business Bureau Supports Trade Agreement with Mexico
Last week we reported on the Mexican Trade Mission that visited to market their products in Belize. Fourteen businesspeople, mainly from Merida were here to access markets in the local arena. But while the Mexicans came to broaden their marketing horizons, Belize currently does not have a full agreement to trade local merchandise with our neighbors. But President of the Belize Business Bureau, Arturo Lizarraga, says if we go by recent comments from our Prime Minister, Dean Barrow that should soon change. ARTURO LIZARRAGA “One of the encouraging things that we recently heard on the radio is our Prime Minister saying, the debacle on the fact that we did not attend the Guatemalan investment forum and we are playing catch up and one of the most important things I think the PM said is that he is now interested in a full blown agreement albeit with protection for Belize. I think that should have been done quite a while ago with Central America because if we do that then we establish Belize as the portal, as he was commenting but I think the other item on the agenda and the last meeting they had had at the Biltmore, we had brought it up with the gentleman, Gomez who is from the Caribbean of establishing Belize City as a headquarter or as a depositary of all trade matters for Central America and the Caribbean. I believe that Mexico is the biggest player, Mexico is our biggest market even though we have tourism coming from Canada and the United States, Mexico will replace that market as a larger market but we have to seek it out and I think this small visit, it might appear small but this is one of the many other processes where they look for market access and there are looking at Belize and Belize is very small as a market but if we can position ourselves for Mexico and Central America as the gateway to the Caribbean then I think we will have more investment and people who will be looking to use Belize as a distribution platform. We only have a small partial scope with Guatemala; so I think what I just previously said about Belize pursuing for a full blown agreement with the protection of Belize being a smaller country should apply to Mexico as well.

Another Big Score For The Inspiration Centre In Belize
The Embassy of Belize in Washington has donated sixty thousand US dollars towards the Inspiration Center. The money raised by the embassy was handed over in the form of a cheque to Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow by Ambassador Nestor Mendez yesterday. According to a press release from the office of the Special Envoy, the donation is the proceeds of several fundraising events hosted in Washington between October 2011 and May 2013 which brought in over forty thousand US dollars. The release says Barrow is extremely grateful to Ambassador Mendez and his team for supporting the important cause of providing a safe inclusive environment for children with disabilities to access much needed services. This donation comes at the heels of a nationwide telethon which met and surpassed its mark of five hundred thousand dollars for the building of the Inspiration Center. The Special Envoy for Women and Children and partner CARE-Belize are committed to meet the goal of completing the Inspiration Center by September and have it operational by the end of this year.

Armed Burglary at Gas Depot; GOB Department Reports Stolen Items
An armed robbery took place yesterday afternoon at BWEL on three and a half miles on the Stann Creek Valley road. A forty seven year old plant supervisor reported that around 3:00 pm he was in his office when two dark complexioned men, one armed with a shotgun and one with a machete, entered the establishment. One of the men ordered him not to move. The man with the firearm reportedly hit him behind his head causing a large cut wound. The men then searched the table and took an undisclosed amount of cash from the day’s sales. They also took his wallet which contained personal documents, then made good their escape. Police have detained one man from the Wagierale Area of Dangriga in connection with the incident and are seeking another. Over five thousand dollars in items was stolen from the Ministry of Agriculture Department in Central Farm. An extension officer reported that between the hours of 4:30 pm on the 10th of June and 7:15 am yesterday, persons burglarized the Horticulture Office located on the George Price Highway in Central Farm. Stolen were a number of electronic items and seeds valued at five thousand four hundred and seventy five dollars and the property of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Two Separate Shooting Incidents Reported In Belize City
Two men are injured following separate shooting incidents in Belize City. The first occurred shortly before 6:00 pm.. The victim, thirty year old Arturo Varela, a Manager of Antelope Street Extension, reported that around 5:30 pm yesterday, he had an argument with his common law wife. When he was leaving his house he observed two men putting on ski-masks on their faces in his mother-in-law’s yard which is adjacent to his. He immediately ran inside the house when he saw the men, but they managed to kick open the front door and fired several shots at him causing him multiple wounds. Varela was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed in a stable condition. Police have detained four persons of Antelope Street Extension pending the outcome of the investigations. The other shooting incident took place shortly before 8:00 pm and caused injuries to two men. They are thirty nine year old laborer of Pine Street, Cecil Gill and fifty seven year old Rafael Francisco Aquet, also a laborer of Pine Street. Reports are that both men were walking on Pine Street heading home from the direction of Ebony Street, around 7:40 pm when a man standing at the corner of Hondo Street and Ebony Street fired several shots at them. Gill received gunshot wounds to the nose and left foot and Aquet received a wound to the left shoulder. Both men were admitted to ward in a stable condition and police continue to investigate.

Woman’s Throat Slit During Domestic Spat
A woman was reportedly murdered by her husband in Caye Caulker. Love News understands that the murder occurred sometime last night or early this morning. It is reported that Sergio Moran, a Guatemalan National inflicted deadly chop wounds to his wife Julia Moran, who is originally from Punta Gorda. Police were reportedly alerted by Julia’s brother in-law who lives close to her house, that he had heard a dispute last night and had not seen Julia since. When police visited the house, they found Julia’s body with chop wounds to the back of the head, the face and multiple other chops, one of which we understand severed several fingers. It is reported that Sergio Moran boarded the first boat out of the island along with the couple’s son who is said to be about seven or eight years of age. But it wasn’t only Julia’s body that the police found in the house. Love News understands that Sergio left a note explaining why he killed his wife, almost three months after they had separated. According to reports Sergio states in the note that he did it because his wife was unfaithful. He reportedly also indicated that he will return to his country of birth. We understand police have set up checkpoints trying to locate Moran.

US Military and Rotary Constructs Family and Counselling Centres for Local Children’s Home
There was a lot to sing about today at the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre as the 60 children residents now have more amenities at their facility. The residents are housed there for a number of reasons: they’ve been abandoned, neglected or abused in their home settings and their family units are no longer deemed safe for them. The place they now call home was the venue for a ceremony marking the upgrade. The highlight of them all was the construction of a new Family Care and Counselling Centre, built by the US Military and worth some $200,000 US. Deputy Military Liaison Officer, Demetrius Taylor was the overseer. Marion Ali, Reporting Chief Demetrius Taylor, Deputy Military Liaison Officer, US Army “Upstairs is four rooms where they have the conference centre and the conference area; they have rooms for the counsellors to work with individuals on one on one. We shouldn’t have any issues for the next 15 – 20 years with the building.” And along with the building comes the facility’s new resident Counsellor, Patricia Brown. Patricia Brown, Licensed Family Counsellor “All of them come with histories; some of them are pretty horrible for kids to deal with but now they are learning that life can have different choices, they have control to make better choices for their future and that’s what we are here to guide them in doing.”

House of Culture Hosts Exhibit on Hurricane Hattie
A new exhibit was opened today in Orange Walk Town. Reporter Dalila Ical reports: DALILA ICAL “A new exhibit “Hurricane Hattie” was opened this morning at the Orange Walk Banquitas House of Culture. The opening was attended by students. Coordinator at the Banquitas House of Culture, Yvette Torres tells us more. YVETTE TORRES “It is very important for us to know what a disaster such as hurricanes can do to our buildings, to our structures, to our country itself and to the people; for people to be aware of the seriousness when they hear about hurricane. On this exhibit, in particular, you will see the looting, the disaster of the buildings, the infrastructure loss that happened during that time of that hurricane and the assistance that was rendered to Belize that time. We think it is very important since the hurricane season has opened from June to November and for us to be aware of the precautions that one should have when they hear about hurricane.” DALILA ICAL The exhibition is a travelling exhibit that has been to the Museum of Belize and in Corozal. The exhibit will be at the Banquitas House of Culture until the end of August.

Ammunition Charge Levied Against Young Woman From Northern Belize
A twenty two year old woman from Orange Walk has been remanded to prison for keeping ammunition. On Saturday June 8th, members of the GSU conducted a search on a house on Asuncion Street where they found four 4-10 caliber ammunition. Present at the time of the incident was twenty two year old Sophia Luna. She was consequently arrested and charged for kept ammunition without a gun license. She appeared in the Orange Walk Magistrate Court yesterday. The case was adjourned and Sphia Luna was remanded to prison until July 10th.

PlusTV

Murder in Caye Caulker
Tonight, there is tragic news coming out of Caye Caulker. A woman was murdered and her husband and six year old son are presently missing. Details are still sketchy at this time; however, one neighbor who spoke to the local media “San Pedro Sun,” says that around 12:30 am...

Prime Minister announces takeover of registries
Earlier this week, the Government announced that it had re-taken the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) and International Business Companies Registry upon the expiration of an extended contract with Belize International Services Limited (BISL), a joint partnership between Panamanian law firm Morgan and Morgan and BCB (formerly...

Two resignations announced at KHMH after neonatal deaths
According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, perhaps as soon as the end of this week, the final report of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)-led inquiry into the deaths of 13 babies at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital will be released. Here is the status report. Prime Minister Dean...

Police investigate two separate shootings
Police are investigation two separate shooting incidents occurring within three hours of each other in Belize City on Tuesday night. In the first, taking place just after 5pm, 30 year old Arturo Varela, of Antelope Street Extension was shot at several times, allegedly by two masked men. The men...

Three local organizations targeted by thives
Three local organizations were targeted by bandits. In the first incident, a laptop, the property of the Special Envoy, was reportedly stolen from out of the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in Belize City. The computer went missing sometime between 6th and 3st of last...

Belmopan School Receives 5 Laptop Computers
What makes the world tick? Technology perhaps? Industrial Science and electronic components have for years been occupying a solid presence in the many sectors, and the ability to keep up with this ever-changing technological world is crucial to the education sector. In view of this, the Government of Chile...

Top PSE student from Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning
It has become an annual tradition to profile the top scorer in the Primary School Examination (PSE), who earns the accolade by producing the highest overall score in the examination among four subjects, English, Math, Social Studies and Science set in two testing days a few weeks apart. This...

Judgement reserved in OCEANA application
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has reserved judgment in an application by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment to stay an injunction given against him by Justice Oswell Legall in April as part of a judgment declaring several production sharing agreements with companies exploring for petroleum unlawful, null...

Hip-hop 101 Summer Camp aims to be positive experience for youth
Another school year is coming to a close and that means summer is almost here; for children, summer is all about vacation and fun. However there are numerous camps which different organizations host yearly to have kids engages in diligent summer activities. Plus news spoke with James Gentle, owner...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Possible Murder on Caye Caulker – Update
There are reports about a murder of a local woman that transpired between the evening of Tuesday, June 11th and morning of June 12th. Police suspects foul play and is looking for the husband and missing son of about 9 years old, believed to have fled to Guatemala. More details to follow as it becomes available.

Chairman candidate question & answer forum held
A question and answer forum for candidates aspiring to become the next Village Council chairman for Caye Caulker was held at the Community Center last night. It was organized by the San Pedro Sun. The questions were relevant and many. To get the best glimpse into the minds of the candidates, we think it best to refer you to a facebook page which has video clips of candidates’ responses to the questions they were asked. You can find the Caye Caulker Elections facebook page HERE. Five candidates (to date) are running for the position. They are Mr. Wayne Miller, Mr. Marcial Alamina, Miss Mineli Young, Mr. Phillip Guizar and Mr. Eduardo Arceo.

Blogs

Chaa Creek Applauds Belize Government Reef Decision
The Belize Natural History Centre at Chaa Creek has applauded a recent government decision to deny approval for a large cruise ship project in an environmentally sensitive area of Southern Belize, according to the Centre’s assistant manager Brion Young. Mr Young said that the decision sends a clear message that Belize is serious about protecting its natural environment. “When the proposal to build a large cruise ship facility at Crawl Caye in Southern Belize was announced, alarm bells were set off all across the Belize,” Mr Young said. “It’s not just environmentalists who were concerned, but stakeholders in Belize’s tourism industry as well. We have a great reputation as a clean, environmentally conscious travel destination, and that’s something we want to maintain,” he said. Belize’s main travel industry body, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), has come out strongly against the proposal. According to a BTIA news release of May 30, 2013, “By opening the Southern portion of the country to large scale cruise ship visitation, the proposal fundamentally contradicts the country’s tourism master plan and irrevocably positions Belize as a mass tourism destination. This 180 degree shift from Belize’s identity as an authentic eco cultural destination is inexplicable in view of the uninterrupted success of Belize’s dynamic overnight tourism sector.”

Taking it Slow in Caye Caulker
If you’re looking for a place to relax and take it slow, consider Caye Caulker to be your next destination choice! The island motto is “Go Slow,” and you will stand out like a sore thumb if you don’t choose to spend your stay this way. The food is fresh and full of flavor. The people welcome you with big smiles and friendly hellos. It’s not difficult to understand why some visitors plan to stay a week and end up staying a lifetime. Getting around the island and finding accommodation is a piece of cake. There are many places of all price ranges to stay on the island. Hostel dorm rooms cost around $12 CAD while a hotel deluxe suite can set you back $200 CAD per night. Wherever you choose to stay or how much you decide to spend, your view will most likely be the same. Since the island is only made up of three streets—Back, Middle, and Front—it is best to explore the island by foot or bike. You can also choose to rent a golf cart for the day or take golf cart taxis around the island as you please.

RFP NOTICE- CONSULTANT: STRATEGIC PLANNER
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), invites proposals from qualified contractors to provide consultancy services for the execution of a Strategic and Sustainability Plan (2014-2018) for CAIPA. Contractors are invited to submit a detailed technical proposal that demonstrates their capacity to undertake the assignment and a financial proposal. The proposed consultancy is being undertaken in the context of the 10th European Development Fund Regional Private Sector Development Programme. Suitable applicants must submit a proposal (including a technical and a financial sub- section) that seeks to achieve the stated objectives.

Standard for Public Comments: Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) wishes to notify the relevant stakeholders and the general public that the standard “Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality” is being developed by the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). The Final Draft CARICOM Standard “Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality” is out for public comments and inputs into its technical contents. Stakeholders are asked to note, on approval of the standard by COTED, the BBS will adopt the same as a national standard. The deadline for submission of comments to the Bureau of Standards is July 31st, 2013. The standard is also available on request from the BBS office and website at http://www.bbs.gov.bz . Comments can also be mailed to the BBS Office or email at bbs@btl.net or stds.officer@bbs.gov.bz.

“I Can See Clearly Now” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Anxious to see if any of our windows had been fitted and unable to control our curiosity Rose and I set off today to visit our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize a lot earlier than is our normal practice (that is aside from the major concrete pouring days which obviously have now finished) and got there around 10.30 am. As we drove in to the lot we could see activity on the southern side of the Second Floor – windows were being installed! No time for us to take our usual bottom to top approach. It was up to the First Floor and then up the scaffolding to the Second Floor where we found Nicholas securing the middle of the three windows that will provide daylight for he stairway between the First and Second Floors. With the three windows installed Nicholas and Angel moved on to start fitting the window above where the toilet in my bathroom will be. Porfelio though was inspecting the work already carried out to ensure that it was correct.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Apple/Cranberry Crisp on t'Barbecue
Thishere is a greet deessert to prepare on t'barbecue. T' wunderful aroma waftyun' frum t'barbecue will make y'all hurry wit t'mane corse jes so y'all a'ken have deessert. It’s a purrfeck deessert to take along campyun'. T' dry ingredyints fer t'oppyun' a'ken be mixet at trayler an' put n' a zippet plastick poke. And t'res a'ken easilee be preparet at t'campsite.

International Sources

Wild Belize, a different scene than Durham
I wrote this while sitting in my room one evening last week in Indian Church, Belize, while I was covering an archeological dig. While I was expecting to see a lot of wild animals on this trip, I wasn't prepared for all the dogs in this small village of just 250 people. Trixie belongs to the owners of the place I'm staying this week. She jumps a lot and has long nails so I have giant scratches along my arms, but it's alright. She has a gentle soul; she was just excited. Then there's the adorable little puppy. I wish I could bring him home for a better life, one where he's not hanging around the local restaurant waiting for scraps. I sneak him food and he laps it up the second it hits the ground.

'PARKER LEWIS' STAR SUES Filmmakers Over Leg-Shattering Boat Crash
Corin Nemec -- star of the '90s sitcom "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" -- is suing the filmmakers he claims are responsible for the boating accident that mangled his leg, insisting it's THEIR fault he suffered permanent injuries ... and now he's out for payback. As we previously reported, the accident occurred in January in Belize -- Nemec was riding on board a boat to the set of B-horror movie "Rise of the Dinosaurs" ... when the vessel slammed violently into a submerged barge. Nemec told us the crash sent him flying into the side of the boat -- and as a result, he broke his femur in 3 places, lost TONS of blood, and needed emergency surgery (including blood transfusions) to keep him alive.

June 12, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

SAGA chicken cook-off
On June 6th, the Saga Humane Society monthly cook-off took place at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill. Eight exquisite dishes featuring chicken were entered, with all donations going towards the SNIP (spay and neuter) program. The ticket line was long and crowded as no one wanted to miss out on the delicious food. The array of savory chicken dishes was grand, and paired with a tasty cocktail from Runaway Bar, it was a treat that just couldn’t miss. For the minimal contribution of $10, lucky attendees got to sample all the treats and cast a vote for their favorite entry. After tasting and voting the count was tallied and winners were chosen. Letty Hernandez’s fruity curry chicken dip took first place for a most delicious and different take on chicken dip. Placing second was the Spanakopita in Tzaziki sauce, a tasty Greek-style pastry made by Fido’s Restaurant and Bar .Feliz Bar and Grill took third place with its Buffalo Chicken Dip; yum!

OCEANA condemns GOB’s outright disrespect for Oil case ruling
Since Supreme Court Judge Justice Oswell Legall handed down his decision on April 16 declaring all offshore oil contracts “unlawful, null and void” and an injunction restraining the government, the servants and agents of the Government of Belize has refused to ensure compliance with the ruling. The most recent outright disregard for the ruling is exhibited by this week’s release of the Belize Petroleum Contract Map dated May 2013 which is after the April 16 court ruling. The map clearly shows Princess Petroleum Ltd and Providence Energy Ltd. with their full offshore oil block in tact as if there was never a ruling even declaring said contracts unlawful, null and void. “This action by the Government’s servants, the Petroleum and Geology Department under the Ministry of the Energy is a flagrant disrespect and disregard for our courts, since Belizeans must keep in mind two principles of law: 1. courts do not make rulings in vain and 2. No court in making a ruling against a Government or the crown needs to take coercive action to force the administrative arm of the state to obey a decision of the judicial arm of the state,” explained Audrey Matura Shepherd, VP Oceana in Belize.

OCEANA Awardees revealed at World Oceans Day Cocktail
“We are extremely proud and gratified to honor Dr. Melanie McField with the Oceana in Belize Ocean Hero Award for 2013! And our Wavemaker Award 2013 goes to the Ottley Family,” announced VP Oceana Audrey Matura-Shepherd during a celebratory cocktail party at the Caracol Room on Saturday, June 8th, 2013. “Truly, Dr. McField, who is not present tonight to accept this award, is a Belizean who has consistently and unselfishly worked toward the protection of Belize’s marine resources. And the Ottleys, whenever we have issued a call for assistance, they have consistently volunteered and assisted Oceana with accomplishing its mission,” Audrey stated. Saturday’s festivities also included the opening of a photographic exhibition in conjunction with the Radisson Fort George Hotel. SEA PEOPLE, the photo exhibit, is mounted in both the Villa Lobby and the Colonial Lobby. The images capture the people, places and fish from the coastal communities of Belize, from Sarteneja Village up north to Barranco down south, and aim to address issues of juvenile fish overfishing to the destruction caused by gillnets. The photos will remain on display until June 14th, 2013. Members of the public are invited to stop in to view the exhibit between 9:00am and 7:00pm.

San Pedro Cancer Society celebrates 3rd year with anniversary banquet
The San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) held its first anniversary banquet celebrating 3 years of existence in San Pedro. The SPCS was founded on June 15, 2010, and has since been working hard to create awareness, raise funds and assist cancer patients on the island. In the three years of existence, 18 cancer patients have been assisted. Unfortunately, four have lost the battle to the disease. As a group, the SPCS has also lent a hand to non-cancer patients who needed support from the community. Throughout all the fundraising efforts, SPCS has donated over $14,792.50. Those accomplishments were highlighted in a small ceremony at Elvi’s Kitchen on Saturday, June 8th. Giving the welcome remarks was Alyssa Muñoz, who reiterated the importance of the SPCS’s contributions, and the need to continue educating and informing the general public of this disease. Guest speaker at the event was Melanie Paz. Melanie spoke of how cancer has touched her life twice. While one beloved family member lost his battle, she mentioned the triumph of her aunt who, for over 20 years, has long outlived the 3 months her doctors had given her. It is stories such as those that keep the society’s members motivated, and certainly gives them the drive to continue to help.

Ambergris Today

Jenessa Sierra of San Pedro Ties Second Place in Countrywide PSE Exams
The Primary School Examination (PSE) results were announced on Friday, June 7, 2013 and amongst the top students countrywide is one student from Ambergris Caye. Over 7,000 students sat the PSE this year and Jennessa Sierra of San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRC) tied in second place with two other students from the Cayo District. The top finisher this year is Siyun Ye, from Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning in Belize City. She topped her peers easily with an overall total of 391 points, six more than the second place finishers. There was a three way tie for second between Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban from St. Andrews Anglican in Cayo along with Jenessa Sierra from San Pedro RC School with a total of 386 points.

San Pedro Cancer Society Celebrates Third Anniversary with Awards Banquet
Coming up on their third year of working for the community, the San Pedro Cancer Society held its first banquet in celebration and appreciation towards all the people who commit to the society and those who assist the group in its endeavors. The event took place on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Elvi’s Kitchen. When the disease started affecting more island residents and there was more need of assistance and education, was when a group of individuals organized the San Pedro Cancer Society. The very founding members had family affected by the terrible disease. This was three years ago and today the Society has been able to donate over $11,092.50 to directly assist 18 cancer patients, four of which are no longer with us (may they rest in peace). Assistance to them included treatment, medication and traveling expense to the Dangriga Cancer Center.

Pic of the Week: At the Tortilla Factory in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
El Patio Tortilla Factory has been one of the long-standing businesses in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, providing fresh corn tortillas to the island on a daily basis. How convenient is it to ride you on your bicycle, like this precious young girl, up to the counter and order fresh and hot corn tortillas by the pound. Tortillas are a staple food in Belize and incorporated into many meals.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Weekly June 7 2013
34 min video....

Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium
The 11th installment of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium (BAAS) is scheduled for July 2nd  July 5th, 2013 in San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize. The primary objective of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium is to disseminate current archaeological and anthropological information to the people of Belize, the tourism industry and the general archaeological and anthropological community. It is envisioned that the conference will provide an interdisciplinary arena that will allow students, staff, faculty and practitioners to discuss and exchange ideas about the latest developments in the field. Edited versions of the papers presented at the Symposium will be included in our annual publication series entitled “Research Reports in Belizean Archaeology”.

New Horizons fixes hospital sterilizers throughout Belize
A member of New Horizons is using a specialized skill set to repair steam sterilizers throughout Belize. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rosalinda Alfaro, biomedical equipment technician from the 59th Medical Wing at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is repairing steam sterilizers with various problems in the towns of Belmopan, Orange Walk and Dangriga. The steam sterilizers are used for sterilizing instruments used for surgery. Previously, the sterilizer in the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan was broken for three months. The heating elements were no longer working and needed to be replaced to get the steam generator running again. Staff members from the hospital spent approximately 15 hours per week driving to sterilize equipment. Alfaro overhauled the steam generator and replaced the heating elements and flange on the machine.

Lots of photos of the repaired Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in San Pedro

VIDEO: Belize City Tourist Guide
I make a short video in Belize City about why I believe it is worth seeing when one visits Belize. It represents a country in the infancy of independence and all that is good and bad in these early stages.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
The Science Museum of Minnesota is preparing for their Mayan exhibit, and they have numerous Belizean artifacts on loan. NICH has some pictures of them setting up the exhibit. Dr. Jaime Awe will be presenting on the 21st and 22nd of June, about cave rituals in Western Belize, and also about figurines from Cahal Pech. The SMM has pictures up too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151477741723292.1073741828.5905048291. There's a behind the scenes video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGY9X1KE80M. And some info about Dr. Awe's lectures: http://sites.hamline.edu/mayasociety/June_2013_Jaime_Awe.htm

Father's Day Friday Dinner
Meluchi's will be having a special this Friday, an early Father's Day dinner and dance. They'll have the Aldana Family Band playing there for the occasion. Tickets are on sale now, and are only $25 per person. What are you doing for your dad for Father's Day? "A great opportunity to invite your Dad out for Father's Day and give him a treat of his lifetime in the Company of great music by the Aldana's Family Band with Golden Oldies and music from the '80's & '90's while dining and bonding with that special one. Show him your love for him and invite him to Meluchi's this Friday night June 14th as from 6:30pm. It will be fun!"

In Bloom Performing 'Your Love'
In Bloom rocked the house at Lucky 5 this past weekend as they were joined by A Cold Day in May's Solangel Moreno. Here's the musical interlude of the day: The Outfield's 'Your Love.' "Another "In Bloom" Video, this one of us Covering "Your Love" Originally By "The Outfields" at Lucky 5 Sports Bar And Grill In San Ignacio Town, In the Beautiful Cayo District of Belize!!!! More Videos Coming Soon, Check Us Out On Facebook!!!!!"

Fuego Opens Today
Fuego Bar and Grill opens today. They released their menu recently, so you can tell they'll have a good selection, and be pretty affordable. "Elevated 'Street Food' - farmer's market to table. Our chefs utilize Belizean ingredients from the farmer's market next door and present it their way in a very comfortable and current setting. Our mixologists tell their own stories with fresh fruit juice concoctments. Choose from our music menu and enjoy downtown San Ignacio - it's people, shops and attractions."

Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show
The Catwalk in the Jungle Fashion Show will be this Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center, starting at 7:00pm. A portion of the proceeds from the event will got to a feeding program to support families with children who are unable to provide nutritious meals for the kids.

CARICOM Song Competition Extended
The deadline to enter a song for the Caricom song competition has been extended until the 28th of June. The song should celebrate the history, culture, and traditions of the Caribbean. The winner will take home $10,000. For more information, call 227-2110. Good luck!

Channel 7

OCEANA Back To Court Against Government
Today, OCEANA Belize, the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, and COLA all got their opportunity to present to Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin why the injunction against the Government of Belize should not be lifted. Viewers may remember that at the last adjournment, GOB’s attorney, Denys Barrow, presented his case as to why the injunction granted by Justice Oswell Legall should be lifted in relation to the 6 PSA’s which were declared null and void for offshore oil drilling. Today, there was another marathon of legal arguments, and we’ll get to that later but first, Oceana released a copy of the oil exploration maps that the Department of Petroleum and Geology currently recognizes as valid. They are outraged to find out that weeks after the contracts for Providence Energy and Princess Petroleum were declared null, their oil blocks remain intact. So, we spoke to them about it, and we got a response from the Government. Here’s how that conversation went. Dr. Colin Young - CEO, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology " Based on our advice from our attorney the judgment from Justice Legal specifically did no squash the PSAs. He declared that the contracts were null and void, however, we are of the opinion, based on the advice from our attorney, that the judge refuse specifically to squash the PSAs. Based on that advice, then the companies are not injuncted and the companies still in fact can proceed with exploration so based on that advice they have not been removed from the contract map"

Belize Gets Guatemala Into A 0-0 Draw
Last week in Antigua Guatemala, Foreign Ministers from throughout the America’s converged for the OAS General Assembly. Today, that same ancient city saw two regional football powers meet for a friendly match when Belize’s National Selection played its Guatemalan counterparts. The match started at 3:00 pm at the Pensativo Stadium. For the first half, with Woodrow West in Goal both sides had multiple opportunities on goal, but neither could convert. In the second half, the Belize side brought in Shane Orio as goalkeeper and though a difficult half – where Guatemala had the majority of possessions, he managed to get the national team to a nil-nil draw. It’s a respectable score and speaking to us minutes ago, Orio told us that it was a good challenge:

The Alliance Strikes Back: Says IBC/Immarbe Nationalisation Will Cost GOB 60 M USD
If you thought the IMMARBE and IBC Registry nationalizations coolly announced by Government yesterday might go down without a great hue and cry, just a few minutes before newstime, Belize International Services Limited – or BISL, the Ashcroft-allied co-owners of the registries sent out a release saying it quote, “expresses its surprise, disappointment and indignation at the Government of Belize’s unilateral decision…” The release asserts that BISL has quote, “a legally enforceable contractual right to operate and manage these two registries until June 2020.” The release also discloses that just before the takeover, Government’s Tax Commissioner sent BISL a tax assessment for over 30 million dollars, even though, BISL argues, it is tax exempt, as are its employees. The statement says it had not been taxed for the 20 years it operated the registries. And so, BISL says government’s takeover is a “flagrant breach of contract” and quote, “exposes the government to yet another round of expensive litigation…(in which it) will be liable for an amount estimated to be in excess of 60 million US dollars in damages.” End quote.

Late Evening Shooting In City
A shooting occurred at 6:00 pm in Belize City. It happened in the Collet area between Antelope Street and Pitta Street. One man was shot in the yard of a family member and he was taken to the KHMH. Monica Bodden just came from the area where she spoke to a resident – who says the victim was a Hispanic male was not familiar to them:… Voice of Neighbor "I saw someone in a white tee riding on a bicycle through the burial ground and that's all I saw. After I heard to shots, I went from where I was and I saw right up into the crime scene and I saw a person in white tee. I can't describe him but that's all I saw and all I can say. The person that was on the ground was the one that got shot. From the crime scene, I heard him drive off to the hospital, we didn't see him after the building and he drove to the hospital and that's all I saw."

Wayne Samuels Facing Multiple Civil Actions In Court
Business facilitator Wayne Samuels was back in THE MUNICPAL Court today – settling some of his debts. 7news has learned that Samuels was arrested on the strength of 4 warrants in relation to a bank and 3 private individuals who he owed $16,153 dollars. He was ordered to make payments on these debts to which he was able to pay $7,500. We understand that since then other civil complaints have come up against him – and those other matters have been adjourned to the 17th. of June. Samuels told us he had promised some business people gun and labour licenses which eh was unable to come through with because of changes in the labour office and special branch department of the police.

Merlene’s Return To A Major Position
Merlene Bailey Martinez had a well publicized downfall as CEO of the Social Security Board – but since then she been steadily regaining her footing as a leading holder of public office. She was named chair of the transport board a year ago and now we have learned that she has been named the Pots Commissioner. She takes over from John Flowers who quite a few months ago. Bailey-Martinez is highly trained but has no known expertise in Ports. We requested an interview form here, but today she was too tied up in what we were told were intense technical meetings to speak with us.

Man Who Killed Mother-In-Law, Drove Around With Her In Car, Pleads guilty
He killed his mother in law and drove around with her in his car, but today 44 year-old Peter Contreras pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Contreras, the owner of Kings Cuisine Restaurant, who was charged with murdering his mother-in-law, 50 year-old Argentina Aravello, is tonight at prison awaiting a sentence after taking his plea in the Supreme Court today. The incident occurred on December 13, 2010 in Ladyville, where Aravello went to his restaurant, located on the airport road, to visit her daughter, Leslie Contreras. Peter Contreras offered her a ride, and while they were on the way, they got into an argument. That argument, led to a physical confrontation, where Peter Contreras punched her twice in the face. She tried to get away, but Contreras used a rope to pull her back in. He later used that rope to strangle her, and he then drove around with the body for hours.

La-La Milk, A Strange Change
Merchants say LA-LA Milk from Mexico is the most popular milk in Belize – and that’s why we took note today when we got two angry calls saying that one store was selling defective milk without the safety seal. We went looking for answers. Jules Vasquez reporting So, we went into K-Park Grocery, hidden camera and all to find this pack of milk – and sure enough, open it and there appears to be no seal – it’s already been punctured. We took it up with the manager who told us that’s how LaLa Milk is now packaged. To prove it, he then took us to see sealed boxes, opened them and it was the same. Pradeep Badalani - K-Park "It's coming like that from Mexico, not from our store - it's selling all over the country just like that."

The Cost Of Looking Grand For A Prom
On Friday, we told you about the student’s lesson in prom economics – where high school finishers and their parents have to find the money – hundreds of dollars to pay for the biggest party of a student’s young life. Years ago – that meant turning all kinds of tricks to get a suit from the states or to have one sewn locally. But one local business has filled that vacuum with a service that has the high schoolers lining up every year. Monica Bodden found out about the economics of renting a top notch prom outfit:… Monica Bodden reporting Belize Dry Cleaners has an inventory of hundreds of suits , every style, color and flavor imaginable. And every year in May and June these suits leave the warehouse and go into the show room where they take on a new life as prom suits giving some young man shining social armor for the biggest night of his life. Malva Palacio - Supervisor "Right now, business has picked up and it's hectic because there is lot of high schools and colleges that are having proms and graduations at this time" Monica Bodden "Can you tell us how far how many outfits have you guys rented?"

Young, Gifted and Restless
In 1972, Nina Simone recorded the song, “To Be Young Gifted and Black,” which is really a celebration of youth and her race. Well, along that line, a new art exhibit called, Young, Gifted and Restless – celebrates youth in art. It features 6 artists and today we got a look at what is described as a provocative and diverse art display. Kim Vasquez - Youth Development Officer, ICA "The exhibits - we have two of them, one of them will open tomorrow night here at the Bliss Center that one is entitles Young, Gifted, Restless and we have a six upcoming professional artists showcasing their exhibit. It is being curated by Gilvano Swasey and their art, I would describe it as very disturbing, provocative, very diverse. Each one of them brings something different and it's worth while coming out to see and then on Monday we will launch the Children and Teenager's portion of the art exhibit on the National Festival of Arts - that's over at the Government House of Culture. Both of these exhibits will run up until July 6th. Both of them are open to the public, you can join us here tomorrow at 7pm for the launch - we will also have some entertainment. One of the artist, Galvez, that is in the exhibit is very multi-talented and will also be showcasing his music as well."

Channel 5

Another Government nationalization: another legal battle for registries
In 2009, the government of Belize nationalized the telephone company, B.T.L. and the electricity company, B.E.L.  Today, government went further and took over control of the Belize International Services Limited [...]

New G.O.B. oil maps include areas for null and void contracts
Finding oil, testing for the grade and quantity are only some of the hurdles that come with the petroleum industry. The ink on the contracts is also soaked in controversy. [...]

Maranco’s Oil Show; what does it hold for Belize?
Since discovering oil in Laguna Seca, an area within the northwest corner of the Orange Walk District, Maranco Energy Belize Ltd. has been trying to determine whether the promising show [...]

Nil: Belize versus Guatemala in football
On the Road to the Gold Cup 2013, Belize played Guatemala this afternoon in Antigua, Guatemala. While the National ‘A’ Selection, the Jaguars, ended its second international friendly game with [...]

Belize to host major teen basketball competition
Turning to basketball, the Belize Basketball Federation (B.B.F.) participated in the annual COCABA meeting on June first in Montelimar, Nicaragua. Following that meeting, it was confirmed that our local ballers [...]

Activists says some south schools have not received P.S.E. results
Seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students sat the 2013 Primary School Examination. There are three moments that define the exam: the nerve wracking day one, and the sighs of [...]

Man pleads guilty to strangling his mother-in-law
Forty-four year old Peter King Contreras was escorted to the court of Justice Adolph Lucas this morning for trial for the murder of his mother-in-law. At the start of the [...]

Cousins at War
A feud between two cousins on Sunday has resulted in charges being brought against the pair.  This morning, twenty-six year old Vivian Martinez and twenty-four year old Lauren Young were [...]

Talking streets with Belize City Mayor
Stories on the street works being done in Belize City are not new, and neither are stories of frustration, congestion, inconvenience and even loss of revenue caused by that work. [...]

Is there anything left in the Municipal Bond offering?
In November 2012, the Belize City Council launched its Municipal Development Bond. It was a novel idea to raise much needed money for infrastructure works and it was greeted with [...]

Cattle Sweep for diseases
A cattle sweep is taking place in rural Belize to detect two diseases that affect livestock and can be harmful to humans if consumed. The process is in three phases [...]

LOVE FM

Young Artists Put Works On Display
The works of six young artists are on display tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibit entitled “Young, Gifted, Restless” seeks to bring to attention the creative imagination of the artist including that of Alex Sanker who has made the creative arts both his pa...

Attorneys Speak Out Following Court Session Against Government of Belize
Earlier in the newscast we told you about the ongoing court case involving OCEANA Belize, the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, COLA and the Government of Belize. Today’s court session concluded after 5 o’clock and Love News manage to speak to Attorney for the Government Denys B...

Eye Care For Residents In Southern Belize Via New Horizons 2013
Over seventeen thousand Belizeans have been aided by the New Horizon Program under the US Military. Now they are offering Ophthalmological services in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU “Free eye care is currently being provided to the residents of th...

Police In Belmopan and San Pedro Investigate Robbery and Shooting
A student of Belmopan has reported that his house was burglarized in his absence. The twenty five year old student reported to police that he left Belmopan on the fifth of June to go to Belize City. When he returned the next day he discovered that his house was burglarized. Stol...

Orange Walk Police Raid Results In Discovery of Drugs and Firearms
Police operations in Orange Walk Town led them to the discovery of drugs and firearms. Around 9:30 yesterday morning, police visited an apartment on Tate Street and a search was conducted. They discovered two bags containing two thousand one hundred and twenty one point three grams of...

Young Man Stabbed In Northern Belize; Police Investigates
An eighteen year old man was stabbed in the Orange Walk District and police are looking for the assailants. Investigations revealed that the man, Misael Valdez was walking on Robin Street in the Village of Trial Farm along with a friend, when three other men suddenly came out of Pelican Str...

Cayo Police Investigates Death of Farmer
A twenty two year old man from the Cayo District lost his life in a road traffic accident yesterday. According to reports, police visited Duck Run three Village, located in the Spanish Lookout Area around seven yesterday morning. When they arrived they saw the body of a Hispanic man l...

Businessman Confesses To Killing Mother-In-Law
Forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King’s Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing until June 18 i...

Belize Petroleum Association Wants Standardized Industry
Last week Tuesday the Belize Petroleum Association sent out a press release encouraging GOB to standardize the petroleum industry that would give investors’ confidence that the industry is unbiased. CEO in the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Dr. Colin Young ...

Mixed Signals For Cruise Tourism In Southern Belize
It is no doubt that tourism is one of the biggest income generators for Belize’s economy. The debate lies in how tourism is brought and what the attraction is and although Belize City has been the hub for cruise ship arrivals, an up-roar has been stirred with the idea of cruise touris...

Maranco Second Phase of Oil Drilling Will Determine Quantity
At the beginning of April of this year, the Government of Belize issued out a press release announcing that Maranco Energy Belize Limited had discovered an encouraging oil show at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well in their concession area in the Orange Walk District on March 30. At that mo...

CTV3

GSU Descends In Orange Walk, Three Persons Detained For Firearm Offences
Two residents from Orange Walk Town including a woman have been charged with several offences after police searched an apartment located on Tate Street Orange Walk Town. The search was conducted yesterday at around 9:30 in the morning. Inside the apartment police found two bags containing a total of 2121.3 grams of suspected cannabis, one .380 caliber pistol without serial number which was found on the floor and 50 rounds of .380 ammunition. Thirty one year old Melvin Gentle, Belizean laborer of Otro Benque and 30 year old Magali Cuellar, Belizean domestic of Savannah Street were inside the apartment at the time and were unable to produce a gun license. As a result they were both arrested and charged for the offence of drug trafficking, and kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. On Saturday night while some Orange Walkenos were attending the Tommy Lee concert, the Gang Suppression Unit was raiding houses in Orange Walk Town searching for drugs, firearm and ammunition. And that is exactly what they found when they searched a residence located on Asuncion Street. Reports are that while several persons were inside the house, police found Sofia Luna in possession of four .410 rounds of Ramington ammunition. As a result of the finding, Luna was arrested and charged for unlicensed ammunition and was remanded to prison until her next court date.

Armed Robbers Hold Up Marchand's Poultry
A brazen daylight armed robbery has left a family from Orange Walk Town in shock after they experienced the horrible ordeal. On Sunday June 9th 2013, at around 10:30 in the morning, two male individuals, one brandishing a gun and the other a knife, barged into Marchand’s Poultry located on Cemetery Street and demanded that all valuables be handed over. Owner of the establishment, Carlos Marchand, his wife and a customer were inside the business at the time of the robbery. Luckily no one was injured but Marchand had to hand over $800.00 in cash to the robbers before they made good their escape. One of the men is described as being of clear complexion, tall, slim built and has braided hair while the second is said to be of dark complexion. Police investigations continue.

Weekend Leaves Two Persons With Stab Wounds, One Person Is Charged
A man from the Village of Trail Farm in Orange Walk is tonight recuperating from multiple stab wounds at the Northern Regional Hospital. On June 8th, at around 11:00pm, 18 year old Miseal Valdez was walking on Robin Street in Trail Farm, along with a friend, when three male persons attacked him. Reports are that the three individuals came out of Pelican Street on to Robin Street and stabbed Valdez multiple times. While the reason for the attack is unknown, police are looking for three suspects who will be facing charges of attempted murder. Valdez is presently admitted at the NRH in a stable condition. And while police hunt for Valdez’s aggressor’s, they have arrested one person for Saturday evening’s stabbing incident in the Village of San Jose Nuevo Palmar. As mentioned last night, the incident went unreported and up to news time the name of the victim had not been released. All we knew was that the victim was stabbed at around 5:15pm on Saturday and that he was in a critical condition at the Northern Regional Hospital. Tonight little has changed except for the fact that police have revealed the name of the victim and his attacker. According to police reports, on Sunday June 9th, Irvin Cantun identified Alejandro Itzab as the person who stabbed him on Saturday June 8th while in the Village of San Jose Nuevo Palmar. As a result, police arrested Alejandro Itzab, a 40 year old Belizean laborer of Palmar Village in Orange Walk for the crime of attempt murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm.

Guatemalan Troops Deployed To Adjacency Zone
On Monday June 3rd a Guatemalan national was shot by Belizean forces patrolling near the Caballo area in the Chiquibul after he was caught approximately two miles inside Belizean territory. The victim, later identified as 27 year old Edgar Alexander Sacasa, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital in a critical condition since he was unable to be transported the same day, due to the terrain and weather conditions. Reports are that a team of patrol officers stumbled upon a plantation and a thatch structure in the Caballo camp area and while they were securing the area, Sacasa came upon them. He was on a horse and he was carrying a firearm. Authorities say they ordered him to stop, but Sacasa ran off into nearby bushes. Patrol officers say they fired two warning shots and Sacasa who fired back at them. The patrol team subsequently returned fire, and Sacasa was hit four times – twice to the upper back and once to the lower back and left elbow. He also sustained a large bruise to the back. It is believed that Edgar Alexander Sacasa was conducting illegal activities within Belizean territory.

Restoration Of Santa Rita Archaeological Site Completed
In Early January 2013, the conservation of one of the most important Maya sites in the Corozal District was launched by the Institute of the National Archaeological Department with funding obtained under the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Through the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Centre, the AFCP assists eligible countries in preserving their cultural heritage. Seeing potential in Belize, the AFCP awarded BZ$100,000 to the National Institute of Culture and History’s Institute of Archaeology for the reconstruction of Santa Rita. Today, after almost 6 months the conservation project has been completed. Reporter Victor Castillo tells us more. Victor Castillo - Reporting The archaeological site known to be the ancient City of Chetumal, Santa Rita, was in much need of reconstruction since the area was under a deplorable condition. At the beginning of this year, a group of experts directed by Dr. Jaime Awe from the Institute of Archaeology and managed by George Can, launched the restoration project of the Maya Site with funding obtained under the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, AFCP.

Belize's National Football Team Holds Its Ground In Guatemala
In preparation for the Gold Cup Tournament which will take place on July 9th of this year, with the first match being between Belize and USA, the Belize Jaguars played a friendly match against Guatemala’s National Selection in the “Estadio Pensativo” in Antigua Guatemala, today. The game proved to be very intense as Guatemala sent out a very offensive team in the first half of the match. The Guatemalan team; however, was unable to pass the defense of the Belize team. Both goalkeepers, Woodrow West and Shane Moody, played for this game; one in the first half and the other for the second half of the game. By the time the whistle was blown, signaling the end of the match, the score was nil, nil representing a big win for the Belize team. Belize and Guatemala remained in the same group in the second round of the CONCACAF world cup qualifiers. Although they ended up as the group winners, Guatemala’s team could not proceed to the third round of the CONCACAF as they lacked two goals to rank third in their group in the third round.

Oceana Tells GOB "You Are Not Above The Law"
On February 5th 2013, Attorney Godfrey Smith, representing Oceana Belize and other organizations such as Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, concluded his oral arguments challenging the validity of six offshore Production Sharing Agreements in the courtroom of Supreme Court Justice Oswell Legall. The PSA’s, were awarded between the years 2005 and 2007 to Island Oil Belize Limited, Tropical Energy Limited, Petro Belize, Princess Petroleum, Providence Energy Belize and Sol Oil Belize. On April 16th 2013, Oceana Belize scored what was considered the biggest victory in the history of modern Belize as Justice Legall ruled in favor of the claimants declaring all offshore oil contracts “unlawful, null, and void”. In his ruling, Justice Legall stated that the minister who signed the contracts exceeded his jurisdiction when he entered into the agreements without first having or considering and environmental impact assessment of oil exploration on the environment.

LOVE TV

Young Artists Display Art Works
The works of six young artists are on display tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibit entitled “Young, Gifted, Restless” seeks to bring to attention the creative imagination of the artist including that of Alex Sanker who has made the creative arts both his passion and career. Sanker has been painting for more than 12 years and during his career he produced many pieces including a painting of his son. ALEX SANKER “I came up with this concept for Caribbean Rum; they had a lizard basically drinking from the bottle and I have a whole story behind it but the concept about getting a painting on a canvas and the story behind is basically like a puzzle, putting on the last piece will make all the difference but on that specific piece there is a story behind it that the viewers and the people that come to the art exhibition could actually read it and could actually see the painting unfold in front of them. The story has a lot of humor behind it; so that’s what I try to do it’s all acrylic, it’s a technique that I do; it takes a long period of time to build up because as you know art critics and also artists know acrylic latex is a very soft medium of paint but with a lot of patience and time I have developed a technique where I could actually build it up off the canvas and for right now that is one of my best works and I think for the next 20 years that will always be my piece that I will put in all my exhibition to open it.” The work of Sanker is more traditional compared to the work of Briheda Haylock who prefers to produce conventional work of arts with the use of mannequins.

Man To Be Sentenced For Murder of Mother-In-Law
Forty-four year old Peter Contreras, the owner of King’s Cuisine Restaurant who was charged with the murder of his mother-in-law, 50 year old Argentina Aravello, pled guilty to manslaughter today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing until June 18 in order to give Contreras’ attorney, Ernest Staine, time to prepare a plea for mitigation. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on December 13, 2010, in Ladyville. The facts of the case disclosed that Aravello went to the restaurant, located on the Phillip Goldson International Airport Road, and Contreras offered her a ride and she accepted the offer. While they were at the junction of Phillip Goldson International Airport Road and Phillip Goldson Highway an argument ensued between them. Contreras then reportedly punched Aravello twice in her face and a struggle ensued between them. Aravello then tried to exit the vehicle and Contreras used a rope to pull her back into the vehicle. Contreras then used the same rope to strangle Aravello.

Is Southern Belize Ready For Cruise Tourism?
It is no doubt that tourism is one of the biggest income generators for Belize’s economy. The debate lies in how tourism is brought and what the attraction is and although Belize City has been the hub for cruise ship arrivals, an up-roar has been stirred with the idea of cruise tourism in the south. Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced in an interview that the Norwegian Cruise Line which was being contemplated as a possible avenue to bring tourists to the south has gotten a big no no. Last week Love News spoke with a member of the Placencia Tour Guide Association who was concerned about some statements allegedly made by Minister Hulse to other media that the Association had agreed for cruise tourism in the south. The Tour Guide told us that the Association has never agreed for large cruise ships to arrive in the south, explaining that they did say they were willing to accept small boats of like two hundred and fifty tourists but that large tourism ships were not acceptable. But it appears that the sentiment isn’t shared by all in the south for today we got a call from Lester Richards, a resident of Independence Village who told us that he along with other community members want cruise tourism in the area as soon as possible.

Government Sets More Profitable Revenue Terms With Maranco
At the beginning of April of this year, the Government of Belize issued out a press release announcing that Maranco Energy Belize Limited had discovered an encouraging oil show at the South Canal Bank #1 exploration well in their concession area in the Orange Walk District on March 30. At that moment, the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities were not releasing the full details of the oil find. According to the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Colin Young, at the moment, Maranco Energy Belize Limited should commence their second phase of drilling operations in order to determine whether or not the quantity of crude oil believed to be present beneath the earth is in commercial quantities. DR. COLIN YOUNG “In terms of the Maranco oil find in the South Canal Bank #1 well, the company has completed its testing. Unfortunately they had some technical difficulties while doing that but they believe that what they have seen is good enough to report to the Department of Geology that they will proceed to drill an appraisal well as allowed under their production sharing agreement that allows them about 18 months to complete it and after that process they will be able to indicate whether or not the field is commercial or not.

PlusTV

OCEANA makes presentation in court on oil PSAs
This morning in the Supreme Court, OCEANA in Belize presented its side of the arguments to keep in place an injunction granted by Justice Oswell Legall as part of his April 16 ruling invalidating six production sharing agreements for exploration of offshore Belize sites for oil. A backdrop to...

Man dies after motor bike crashes
There was a fatal road accident on Sunday. 22 year old Hever Valdez, a Belizean farmer, left his San Ignacio home at around 7:30 pm on Sunday night on his Meilun motor bike. By the next morning, the body of the young man was discovered on Duck Run III...

Peter King Contreras pleads guilty to strangling his mother-in-law to death
41 year old Peter King Contreras pleaded guilty to strangling his 50 year old mother-in-law to death with a rope. The murder happened 12 days before Christmas of 2010. According to police, on that day, 50 year old Argentina Garcia went to a restaurant owned and operated by Contreras. ...

18 year old recovering from stab wounds
An 18 year old is tonight recovering at the Northern Regional Hospital, after he was attacked and stabbed. According to Miseal Valdez, around 11 that night, he and a friend were walking on Robin Street in Trial Farm Village, when three men ambushed him, stabbing him multiple times. He...

Man hospitalized after being shot in San Pedro
Another young man is tonight hospitalized after being shot. The incident happened in San Pedro on Seaweed Street. The victim, a 20 year old laborer of the San Mateo Area, was walking on the street, when a man reportedly approached him and pointed a gun at him. The victim...

Lara Budd seeks answers from KHMH after baby dies
In February, first-time mother Lara Budd gave birth to a full-term son, Clarence Tillett Jr, with no complications other than a slight case of jaundice which caused the hospital to admit him. But shortly thereafter he began to get sick and died after only four days of life. Since...

Police Graduate from Squad Drill Course
A two-week long Squad Drill Course for police officers wrapped up at the Belmopan Training Academy last week. The course saw the participation of close to 20 officers who are non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants, attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the Country. The Squad Drill Course...

Fatal traffic accident claims one life
There was a fatal road traffic accident on Sunday night in the north. It apparently was caused due to two tires being blown out. It happened between miles 73 and 74 on the Phillip Goldson highway where a Red Isuzu Rodeo SUV was being driven with 6 persons inside. ...

Leon Gray charged for attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner
24 year old Leon Gray was charged for the attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner who was shot at and grazed by a bullet last week Tuesday. Late this evening, alleged PIV member, Leon Gray, was arraigned in court. for the June 4, 2013 attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner. Allegations...

GOB taking control of business companies registry and IMMARBE
GOB says it will be taking control of the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE). Management Services Agreement between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited for the management of the two registries comes comes to an end, today, 10...

Belize City Council back in court for BWC debt
The Court of Appeal began its second session for the year today. Among the criminal appeals listed for hearing are Glenford Bermudez for the murder of his common-law wife, Edward Buller for manslaughter of a girl friend and Veola Pook for murder of her common-law husband. Meanwhile….The debt owed...

Police seek Robert Hill for alleged armed robbery
Corozal Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Robert Hill in connection to an armed robbery report. On Wednesday June 5th June, Corozal Police responded to information received of an armed robbery at Chang Li Game Room which is situated on 4th Avenue, Corozal Town. The owner...

Police looking for Austin Sutherland for suspected burglary
Police in the north would also like the public to help them in locating Austin Sutherland. On Tuesday June 4th, the owner of “The Breeze Hotel which is situated on 1st Avenue Corozal Town, reported that on the 1st of June, at about about 3:35 am his room in...

Jamaican Pastor says the LGBT issue is not about rights but acceptance of lifestyle
Last week, Plus TV’s Rise and Shine guest was Jamaican pastor and social activist, Reverend Al Miller. Miller discussed the global homosexual agenda, citing the same methods and tactics being used in Belize as also being used throughout the wider Caribbean community. While UNIBAM has gone on record to...

Janae Matute scores high in PSE
When the first half of the Primary School Examinations was sat back in March, we introduced you to Janae Matute – a vibrant and gifted 12 year old, who was born with Cerebal Palsy – a motor condition that causes physical disability in human development. But being differently-abled does...

Vector Control dealing with mosquitoes
This week Belize City residents have been tormented by mosquitoes, reminding us that we are now in the rainy season. With the resurgence of the pesky insects comes the specter of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, which are spread by the Aedes aegypti and female Anopheles mosquitoes...

Girls Fly program initiated in Belize
American organizer Gail Sylvia Pullen has felt a deep connection to Belize and particularly its girls and women, whom she credits for boundless compassion to her own family and countless others. She has been moved to give back, first working with a project with Special Envoy for Women and...

OCEANA celebrates World Oceans day
World Oceans Day was this past Saturday and the leading Belizean conservation society for marine issues, OCEANA in Belize, took time out to honor those who make their living from the sea. It opened an exhibit photographed by former journalist Alex Ellis titled “Sea People,” 19 photographs taken in...

Amandala

KILLER BEES KILL 5 DOGS
The Africanized bees, in a separate incident, also sent 7 people to the hospital Killer bees were on the attack in the north last week – stinging people at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in Libertad Village, and killing 5 pitbull dogs at about 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in Corozal Town. The individuals who were swarmed and bitten on Thursday were taken to the Corozal Hospital, where 7 of them were admitted to ward. Among those who were stung was a 12-year-old boy who was hospitalized, but none of the cases was critical. The victims have since been treated and released. A witness, 37, said that about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, she was walking in Libertad Village when the bees started to surround and sting her. Two men who saw what was happening rushed to her rescue, and the bees stung them all over their body, as well. Some of the villagers who tried to help those who were being attacked, were themselves also stung by the swarm. All of the victims, however, managed to run to safety. They were eventually taken by a vehicle and later, an ambulance, to the Corozal Hospital.

GLENFORD “BUCKET”BERMUDEZ, CONVICTED MURDERER, GOES BACK TO COURT OF APPEAL
Bermudez is attempting to have his conviction and sentence quashed – for the third time. Ex-Belize Defense Force soldier Glenford “Bucket” Bermudez, 42, appeared today before the Justices of the Court of Appeal, where, for a second time in only three months, a lawyer informed the justices that after perusing the case file, they found no legal grounds that would support an appeal. On April 27, 2011, Bermudez was convicted of shooting and killing his wife, Racquel Requeña Bermudez, 41, after a jury of twelve deliberated for just over four hours and arrived at a guilty verdict. It was alleged that on November 22, 2007, as Requeña was driving her taxicab on the Burrell Boom Road, she was forced off the road by a vehicle being driven by her estranged husband, Bermudez, who then used a shotgun to shoot her in the head, causing her instant death. Reports are that after allegedly killing Requeña, Bermudez then drove further up the Hattieville/Boom Road to the Burrell Boom dump site, where he met some men and asked one of them for a piece of rope or wire because he wanted to catch a cow.

KAIBILES FOR PETÉN-BELIZE BORDER
Guat prez Pérez Molina had said he would use the Kaibiles “in anti-narcotics efforts”. Amandala has confirmed from official sources in Belize that the Guatemalan military plans to beef up its presence inside the Petén, right next to Belize’s Western border, with a deployment of its elite special forces – the Kaibiles. In April we reported that Guatemala’s military is acquiring six state-of-the-art light attack planes: A-29 Super Tucano airplanes, from Brazil. Guatemalan officials have indicated that the planes would be used in anti-narcotics operations, as well as in efforts to combat deforestation caused by illegal logging and other unsustainable activities in the said Petén region. Chief Executive Officer in the Belize Ministry of National Security, Ret’d BDF Col. George Lovell, said that he learned about a month ago of Guatemala’s plans to put a number of battalions in Petén, near the Belize border, and those battalions “could be made up of Kaibiles.” “We are concerned. We look at these things and… make an assessment of what is the implication of the amassing of numbers along the borders,” said Lovell. He added that discussions about such issues take place at a military-to-military level and even in regional meetings. This particular issue was raised with Guatemala at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Guatemala said that they are repositioning troops, but not indicating a posture of aggression towards Belize, the CEO said.

LEON GRAY, 24, CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER
Police say he shot at Malcolm Wagner, 23. Today, Leon Gray, 24, was charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding, all of which were the result of an alleged shooting incident that occurred on June 4, 2013. According to police, at 7:05 a.m. on June 4, they received a report of a shooting incident at the corner of Flamboyant and Vernon Streets. Police responded to the report and went to the scene, where they found Malcolm Wagner, 24, a resident of Flamboyant Street, suffering from an abrasion to his elbow. Wagner reported that he was at the corner of the street when the two men — one of whom was wearing a mask— approached him on a motorcycle. The masked man then pulled out a gun and fired in his direction, causing the injury. Police, after investigating the shooting, determined that Gray, a resident of #17 Fern Lane, was one of the two men who were on the motorcycle that day, and charged him for the crimes.

INTEROFFICE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS UNDER WAY
Four quarterfinal playoff games took place on Friday night (into Saturday morning) at big Bird’s Isle with all 8 participating teams seeing action according to their seed positions in the regular season of the Interoffice Basketball League competition. In the opener it was Tuff E Nuff over Digicell-4G by an 84-66 margin. For Tuff E Nuff, Ashton Edwards had 33 pts 4 rebs 5 stls, Raul Roches 15 pts 12 rebs, and Winston Pratt 15 pts 5 rebs 3 assts; while Digicell had Lennox Cayetano with 14 pts 8 rebs, Devon Lozano 14 pts 5 rebs, Karim Thompson 12 pts 8 rebs, and Eddie Thompson 10 pts 10 rebs. Game 2 saw Oceana “No Limit” prevailing, 89-74, over Dep’t of Youth Services. Leading No Limit were Jacob Leslie 26 pts, Greg Rudon 18 pts 6 rebs, Vince Garbutt 13 pts 6 rebs, and Kurt Burgess 12 pts 14 rebs 3 assts; while for Youth Services, Adeem Trapp had 31 pts 3 assts, Jamir Enriquez 15 pts 6 rebs, and Brian White 11 pts 12 rebs 4 stls.

2013 RF&G 2ND BI-ANNUAL NATIONAL RANKING TOURNAMENT RESULTS
The 2013 RF&G 2nd Bi-Annual NATIONAL RANKING Tournament took place last weekend at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium on Mercy Lane. With four different Divisions, A, B, C & WOMEN, and some 66 players taking part, the event started on Saturday, June 1, with the C-Division Round Robin competition, and continued on Sunday, June 2, with Round Robin competition in all Divisions. Competition format was a Round Robin qualification round, from which the top 2 from each group would advance to the Double Elimination Finals in each Division. In the A-Division, 5 of the top senior players competed, with 4 making it to the Double Elimination Finals. The final results were as follows: A-DIVISION: 1st – Tyrone Tun; 2nd – Zhi Chen; 3rd – Carlos Cui; 4th – Billy Musa, Jr. In the B-Division, 16 players took part, with the top 8 making it to the Double Elimination Finals. The final results were as follows:

QUO VADIS, PUP? Editorial
If we are to judge from their propaganda organs, the leadership of the Opposition PUP is somewhat frustrated by the fact that the workers’ unions of Belize have not entered a militant, marching mode. There are many numbers of issues which have embarrassed the ruling UDP lately. These include teachers’ raise of pay, rosewood, Noh Mul, the Hernandez contracts, the gender policy controversy, the KHMH infant mortalities, repeated immigration scandals, and the list goes on. The level of confusion and corruption in the Barrow government has not been matched by agitation outburst in the trade unions. Some recent history is important here. Early in 2004, the Opposition UDP had marched in Belize City against various abuses, primarily financial, taking place in the second-term PUP Musa government, which was less than a year old at the time. The response from the Belizean people was lukewarm. About five months later, in late July of 2004, however, a serious scandal broke in the Social Security Board, involving the abuse of many millions in social security funds. This was Ralph Fonseca’s Finance Ministry, and the man in the eye of the storm was then the PUP’s highest ranking “crony” – Glenn Godfrey, who had been the PUP Belize Rural South area representative between 1989 and 1998, and a PUP Cabinet Minister from 1989 to 1993. This scandal involving their social security subscriptions caught the eye of Belizean workers. So did the challenge of 7 PUP Cabinet Ministers in early August, a couple weeks later, to the Musa administration’s financial policies. When the UDP decided to march again a couple weeks later, the unions were center stage. The street response of the outraged Belizean people was massive and dramatic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
“Land tenure or land ownership is the basic social problem of Guatemala, and portends to be such until some sort of revolution can completely reverse the present patterns of ownership.” - Thomas and Marjorie Melville, Guatemala, the Politics of Land Ownership (New York: Free Press, 1971), p. XI “The current conditions of distribution of resources in the agricultural sector have accentuated an unjust duality … While great plantations have mechanization, credit, corporate facilities, and, above all, great extensions of land, so that 82 percent of the agricultural land is held by a few exporters, the rest of the people, 90 percent of the population, live a subsistence economy, with only 6 percent of the agricultural capital and no necessary social and economic infrastructures … The violence is in the system, which denies the majority of Guatemalans access to power, wealth and culture.” - Christian Democratic Congressman (and Social Christian labor union leader), Julio Celso de Leon Flores, quoted in Guatemala Report #3 “Guatemala’s land story can be summarized in two simple striking facts: 2.1 percent of landowners own 62 percent of the arable land, and 87 percent of landowners own 19 percent of the arable land. “The 2.1 percent are rich agro-export barons, owning large haciendas, called latifundias or fincas, that grow crops and ship them to the United States, Europe, or Japan. The latifundias generally use the most fertile lands in the country, such as those on the Pacific Coast producing cotton and cattle, and the Pacific mountain slopes yielding Guatemala’s major export crop, coffee.

MISMANAGEMENT? THE UNINVESTIGATED MYSTERY OF NOVA
I am sick of it! It’s been six years plus since Nova shrimp farm closed its doors, and every now and then I bump into someone who remarks, matter-of-factly, that the farm failed “due to mismanagement.” Just this past Saturday, I met an old acquaintance at the cricket game in Lords Bank, and the subject came up again. It hurts each time, because I was a part of that “failed” company, a manager, in fact, and I don’t like failure. But, I am obviously biased, so I have kept my peace, hoping that someday, somebody, some Government, perhaps, would find it within the bounds of their civic duty to find out what went wrong, why hundreds of their citizens had to be put out of work, and what could possibly be done to remedy the situation. The murder rate has escalated during the past few years, and one has to wonder what part the closure of two of the largest employers, Williamson Industries and Nova shrimp farm in 2006-2007, had on the socio-economic conditions, and by extension the crime situation in the Belize District and Belize City in particular. Be that as it may, please allow me to get this “Nova mismanagement” bit off my chest. Perhaps it may spur some young aspiring politician or potential investor to take a second look at a project that embodied the true meaning of sustainability and environmental harmony, while bringing many jobs with dignity to the surrounding area. Below are some thoughts I jotted down in frustration some years ago:

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE KEEPS EYE ON BELIZE
The Government of Belize has said that the US$50 million proposal from Norwegian Cruise Line for a cruise port at Crawl Caye in southern Belize is off the table; however, the company has informed our newspaper that it will keep looking at options in Belize. “Going forward, we will continue to look for development options both in Belize as well as other areas in the Caribbean,” the company said, without providing specific details. The company had been in negotiations with the Government, as they looked at whether they could set up an alternative port for their passengers. “We think that if we can develop a destination that is Belizean, where the workers and the people that they meet are Belizean, and where the atmosphere and the vibe and the culture is Belizean, in a high quality, international standard, destination, we think we will do much better – and introducing them to a part of the country – in a sensitive way – that is gorgeous!” Colin Murphy, NCL’s Vice President, Destination & Strategic Development, told Amandala Monday. “The environmental people, the technical people have concluded that that particular development would unduly disturb the ecology and the environment there, and therefore they do not recommend that location. So the promoters understand that: Crawl Caye is off the table,” Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management and Immigration and Nationality Godwin Hulse, told us.

GOB ASSUMES CONTROL OF IBC AND IMMARBE
The Government of Belize will, as of Tuesday, June 11, 2013, assume operational control of the International Business Companies (IBC) Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE)—operations which were estimated to net the Government $11 million in revenues in this year’s budget. A statement issued by the Government of Belize today said that the Management Services Agreement under which the registries were privatized comes to an end at the close of business today. That contract, an official source tells us, involves a major financial player in Belize – British billionaire Michael Ashcroft, whose interest in the agreement links back to Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited. Waterloo, an IBC in the British Virgin Islands, has indicated in published reports that it holds 50% interest in Belize International Services Limited, a joint venture company which operates the international open shipping and company registry business in Belize. The other major party of the agreement is Morgan & Morgan of Panama. Amandala understands that the Ashcroft group and the Panamanian investor have controlled the operation of the registries since 1990. First, they were engaged under separate 3-year agreements: one for the IBC and the other for the shipping registry. However, in 1993, the then People’s United Party (PUP) administration issued one 10-year agreement to the parties, for both registries, with an option for a renewal for another 10 years.

PSE 2013: ENGLISH AND MATH RESULTS NOT SO GOOD
The results for the 2013 Primary School Examinations (PSE) are out, and the number of overall passes is sufficiently within the average range. However, the English and Math sections of the exams were considerably below expectation. According to the Ministry of Education, 7,359 students sat the PSE this year – a 5.2 percent increase in the number of candidates registered for the 2012 exams. For the Math section, 39 percent of the students made grade C or better and 45 percent made grade E. Only 15 percent made grade A. In English, 47 percent made grade C or better and 28 percent made grade D. Only four percent made grade A, while 15 percent made grade B. The overall performance in Social Studies and Science was quite encouraging, with 70 percent and 79 percent respectively making grade C or better. We spoke to personnel from the Examinations Council today, Monday, and we were told that there will be a press conference on Thursday, June 13, at which the results of the PSE will be discussed.

MARCIANO UH, 61, DIES IN COROZAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
The Uh family of Trial Farm, Orange Walk is mourning the death of their father, Marciano Uh, 61, who died after he was in a road traffic accident while travelling with his family from Corozal Town to Trial Farm Village. The tragedy occurred between Miles 74 and 73 on the Philip Goldson Highway at about 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Police said that six Uh family members were travelling in an Izuzu Rodeo when the driver, Marciano Uh, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to run off the road and overturn. Five of the family members received various degrees of injuries, but Marciano Uh, a cane farmer, died of massive head and body injuries. The other five family members were admitted to ward, where they are receiving medical treatment. Police say that when they arrived on the scenethey saw the red Isuzu Rodeo on the left hand side of the highway extensively damaged, with its two front tires “busted.” They saw two men and three women with various degrees of injuries on the side of the highway, and another man was seen, apparently dead, about three feet from the vehicle.

The June 9th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Three Weed Arrests In Benque:
  records the seizure of over 15 hundred grams of marijuana in three drug operations resulting in the arrest of three male Hispanic persons. In the first incident, acting upon information received, at around 6:00 am on Friday, May 30, Benque Viejo police conducted a search at the residence of Jose Israel Zetina in Arenal Village. The search resulted in the discovery of 60 grams of weed. Zetina was consequently arrested and charged for drug trafficking. He appeared in the Benque Viejo Town courtroom of magistrate Hurl Hamilton where he pled guilty to the drug trafficking charge. He was ordered and paid the imposed one thousand dollar fine.
• Security Guard Shoots San Ignacio Man:
  A man allegedly under the influence of alcohol was shot by the security guard posted at Roses Chinese Store and Restaurant in San Ignacio. The police reports that on Sunday, June 2, 2013, at around 9:15 pm an emergency 911 call was received requesting police assistance at Roses Restaurant located on the George Price Highway on the western outskirts of San Ignacio Town. Upon arrival the police encountered a creole decent male person suffering from three gunshot wounds, one each to both legs just above both knees and the third to the upper arm. The injured man was identified as Rupert Rowland, 24, Belizean laborer of a San Ignacio Town address. Rowland was placed in the police vehicle and rushed to the San Ignacio Community Hospital.
• Step Father Convicted of Assaulting and Wounding Girl:
  Seven months after he was charged and pled not guilty on aggravated assault of an indecent nature and wounding his step daughter, Rosabel Mancia was today found guilty of both charges and sent to jail. The incident stems from an October 31, 2012 report made by the fifteen year old step daughter of the 35 year old Salvadoran convict of a Santa Cruz address in Santa Elena Town. The girl told the police that at around 10:30 one night five days prior to making the report, Mancia entered her room and punched her in the face while she was sitting on her bed. She told the police that since the incident she has been suffering from nose bleed.
• Is It Double Standards, Indiscipline or Just Plain Arrogance?:
  Contributed Article; I am unable to say what happens in other parts of the country but in our community I can, with all authority, say that there certainly exist double standards in terms of law enforcement. Is it actually double standards or is it really a display of indiscipline or maybe even utter contempt for those who supervise them or, heaven forbids, total incompetence on they part of those who supervise them? The matter at hand is the enforcement of the law as it pertains to the wearing of helmet by motorcyclists. The sighting of a traffic warden writing a traffic violation ticket as he stands beside a non-helmet wearing motorcyclist, is regularly seen.
• Suspected Drunk Boy Crash In Front Of Police Station:
  Of all the places to crash, a 17 year boy, suspected to be drunk, drove the vehicle he was driving into the street light pole in front of the police station in San Ignacio. At around 1:30 on the morning of Sunday, June 2, the policeman working the front desk inside the station heard a loud crashing noise and upon stepping out of the station he saw a vehicle crashed into the street light pole at the corner of Buena Vista Street and King Street. Bleeding from an injury to the nose, sitting behind the steering wheel of the extensively damaged blue Toyota Tacoma truck, was a young male person with the strong aroma of alcohol on his breath. Sitting next to the driver was another male person also bleeding from injuries suspected to have been caused by glass particles from the shattered windshield.
• Doctors and Nurses benefit from Advance Training in Gynecology:
  Doctors of the U.S. Military Air Force – New Horizons 2013 and Midwives from Project HOPE also of the U.S. held a two day training session in Advance Life Support In Obstetrics last month in Dangriga Town. The training had the participation of 29 specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics from the Northern, Western and Southern Regions as well as Medical Officers, Nurses Midwives and Front Line workers in Obstetrics. At the opening of the training, an overview presentation was done on theMaternal and Child Health Program. Training on specific subject areas included Post Partum Hemorrhage, Interruption of Delivery, Assisted Delivery – Use of a Vacuum, Monitoring of Labour and Interpretation of Monitoring graph, Maternal Resuscitation and Emergency C-section. Communication techniques between doctors and nurses in times of an emergency was part of the training where alarm codes and courtesies were highlighted. The training also had a practical section where the trainees worked with mannequins and flow charts.
• Dentist rewarded at Annual Dental Workshop:
  The Dental Department, Ministry of Health in partnership with San Cas Group of Companies and Wrigley’s ORBIT brand conducted the Annual Dental Workshop in San Pedro Town from May 16th to 18th, 2013 under the theme: “Brush and Floss Every Day to Keep Cavities Away.” According to Senior Dental Health Surgeon, Dr. Raphael Samos, the objectives of the workshop were to review the action plan of the Department and to discuss future activities.
• Advice on Smoke from Bush Fires:
  The Ministry of Health advises the General Public that due to recent sustained bush fires around the country there is a risk for vulnerable individuals of over exposure to smoke. The smoke associated with these bush fires has the potential to irritate eyes and cause breathing problems. Individuals with chronic lung conditions and asthma are advised to avoid areas with intense smoke. Use a masks or wet rags if you cannot avoid the smoke. Persons with chronic lung conditions in general and asthma in particular are advised to have medication on hand and are also reminded to go to the nearest health facility for respiratory support if needed. Special attention must be given to the elderly and very young.
• MOH Partners with Peace Corps:
  The Ministry of Health will partner with Peace Corp Belize to conduct a workshop on Maternal, Newborn and Child health (MCH) including sessions on non-communicable disease (NCDs) to be held later this month. The main purpose of the workshop will be to ensure technical sessions on MCH and NCDs, to provide agency and country specifics on the work that Peace Corp will do within communties in Belize alongside HECOPAB Community health workers and also to assist Peace Corps Belize to adapt and integrate the language and technical content for Pre-Service training.
• Matron Roberts Polyclinic held successful Annual Health Fair:
  Matron Roberts Polyclinic II in collaboration with the Health Education and Community Participation Bureau (HECOPAB), Central Health Region, and others partners in health organized its Annual Health Fair and Wellness Activities at the Matron Roberts Polyclinic II grounds on May 24th, 2013 under the theme, “Your Health, Your Life, Act Now.” Visitors had the opportunity to learn more and take advantage of Primary Care services at the grounds. These included outpatient services, maternal and child health services, nutrition and wellbeing, dental health services and mental health services.
• Official Result Of The 2 June 2013 Village Council Elections:
• Codd’s Drugstore Allegedly Robbed:
  The sales clerk from Codd’s Drugstore in Santa Elena reported to police that the store was robbed by a barefaced man. Hilda Zometa, the sales clerk, told the police that she was behind the counter inside Codd’s Drugstore located next to A&R Store on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena when at around 7:00 pm on Friday, May 31, 2013, a man entered the store, pointed a gun at her, demanded money and made off with almost 900 dollars. In the statement to the police the clerk reported that the robber, allegedly posing as a customer, entered the drugstore at around 7:00 pm and requested a bottle of antibiotics.
• The Blue Hole - Nominated for the "8th Wonder of the World":
  The Belize Tourism Board is elated to announce the submission of Belize's Great Blue Hole, as the "8th Wonder of the World", a title which can only be achieved with your help!
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

Blogs

An AMAZING time in San Pedro by Brian Swisher
My three friends and I decided to visit San Pedro Belize this year for a guys trip and were certainly not disappointed. We put in a lot of research (which is how we came across Tacogirl blog and met a lot of great people on the island, including Belizeans, Canadians, Americans, and every mix in between. Our favorite spots were Lola’s, Fido’s, and Wet Willy’s to have a few drinks at night. In fact we all signed a “Baltimore Shirt” and donated it to Wet Willy’s because the owner is from our state, right outside of Baltimore. Small world.

I just received an email from Mick Fleming, who with his wife Lucy owns and operates The Lodge at Chaa Creek and whom I‘ve known since even before Chaa Creek was a small family farm the Flemings were trying to support themselves with. Goes to show what hard work and perseverance will do… Anyway, Mick’s a man of few words, so when I get something from him I pay attention. He forwarded an excerpt from an article titled, “Truly Great Companies Add More Than They Extract”, by Tony Schwartz that obviously struck a chord with him. Reading it, I thought, “This is so Chaa Creek” and defines the sort of business model the Flemings have always operated under and goes hand in hand, I believe, with everything else that’s made Chaa Creek such a success on so many different levels. So, at the risk of embarrassing Mick, I thought I’d share it here, as it applies not only to a successful business, but to a worthwhile life.

BTB Village Expo 2013

“A House Is Not Home” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Knowing that the windows, tiles and paint were being delivered to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize yesterday, Rose and I really wanted to make an early morning visit but we controlled ourselves. Daniel Camal, our building contractor, and his guys definitely didn’t need us getting in their way. So I focused on other stuff. Up at 3.45 am (must stop going to sleep in the evening on the couch) and made a cup of instant and straight on to the veranda to read The Times online. Once finished catching up on the news I spent a couple of hours reviewing some schedules for a contract that an ex-colleague in the UK had sent me. After I had sent my comments and suggested amendments to him it was time for a quick shower and shave and then on with the ‘T’ shirt and shorts (it’s so easy choosing what to wear here!) and I set off for the town. First stop was a visit to Atlantic International Bank Limited‘s branch in Pescador Drive to withdraw some money (again). Unusually for a Tuesday it was quite busy and there was a long queue. With the money in my pocket I headed off to the Post Office just up the road to find out if the manager had worked out how I could be given a P.O. Box without being able to provide a utility bill. He had! I just need to take a copy of a bill for our lot that Daniel Camal has received (Daniel is responsible for all electricity and water costs until we take possession of our new home). The fact that it will not be in my name doesn’t appear to matter!

The Union – Marijuana Documentary
Ever wonder what British Columbia’s most profitable industries are? Logging? Fishing? Tourism? Ever think to include marijuana? If you haven’t, think again. No longer a hobby for the stereotypical hippie culture of the ’60s, BC’s illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a seemingly unstoppable business giant, dubbed by those involved as ‘The Union’. Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually, The Union’s roots stretch far and wide, directly and indirectly affecting all areas of our society. With 65% to 85% of all ‘BC Bud’ being exported to the United States, it’s clear that the BC marijuana trade has become an international issue with consequences that extend far beyond our borders. When there are record profits to be made, who are the players, and when do their motives become questionable? Why is marijuana illegal? What health risks do we really face? Does prohabition work? What would happen if we taxed it? Medicine, paper, fuel, textiles, food, etc. Are we missing something here? Follow filmmaker Adam Scorgie as he dives head first into Canada’s most socially acceptable illegal activity. Along the way, Adam demsytifies the underground market and brings to light how such a large industry can function while remaining illegal. By interviewing experts from around the globe, including growers, clippers, police officers, criminalogists, economists, psychologists, medical doctors, politicians and pop culture icons, Scorgie explores the cause and effect nature of the business behind getting high.

International Sources

Belize: The Best of Both Worlds
Where is Belize on a map? Ask this question and many people could probably only point in the general area. This Central American country is frequently overseen or not even considered when thinking of a destination to visit. Here, visitors can discover spider monkeys, snorkel on one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, wander through Mayan ruins and dine on fresh ceviche by the ocean. Belize is a country exploding with nature, diversity, kind people, history, and so many active adventures to be had! My experience in Belize started with a few days in the jungles of the Cayo District. We stayed at the foothills of the Maya Mountains in a thatched roof cabana where I not only enjoyed the company of my husband but also a few scorpions and spiders. Authentic experience? You got it. Our lodge was located on a Mayan site, so not only were you in close proximity to nature but also to history and culture. During these days in the jungle we became accustomed to the sound of howler monkeys, caught sight of toucans, were accompanied by swarms of bats each night, and were always subconsciously prepared to flee at the site of a jaguar! We also had the opportunity to explore Actun Tunichil Muknal, an archaeological site inside of a water-filled cave, in which we saw artifacts and skeletal remains of ancient Mayans. Our journey to nearby Guatemala led us to the mystical Tikal ruins where we learned even more about this people group and their intriguing history. Our guide was of Mayan descent, so we did not just receive information but personal insight into the local culture.

It was a blessing, but not a vacation
The pastor's wife announced to our group, "You know those beautiful white sandy beaches and the lovely blue waters in Belize? Well, you are not going there. This is a missions trip, not a vacation.” And it was. We saw the real Belize, not the touristy places — from the remote jungle areas where the Mayan people live in thatched roof houses to the even more remote area, where Samuel's Sanctuary started in the midst of the tall green mountains covered with palm trees and vines and jungle brush. A place where the howler monkeys growl like large dinosaurs, but only look like ordinary black monkeys, to the cities like San Ignacio where some of the sidewalks are uneven and unclean. The streets smell dirty, but the people are friendly and the market was piled high with fruits and unusual spices. It was better than any farmers market I have ever experienced. We held two children’s crusades. One of them was at the Mayan church. The children were excited about the puppets we used to share the plan of salvation and many prayed to receive Christ.

STICK WITH IT
There aren’t too many parents who would be pleased when their daughter winds up in a sticky situation. But Heather and Dean Davison couldn’t be happier that their 11-year-old daughter, Cami, has found a worthwhile hobby she can really stick to — making all kinds of items from duct tape, then selling them for a good cause. That’s right. The Jonesborough girl has turned one of her favorite pastimes into a philanthropic effort. Her completed projects — notebooks and magnets — are sold to raise money for a Bible quiz mission team in Belize. Cami, along with her parents, her brother, Carter, and sister, Cayden, made the connection with the Belize Bible quiz team through family friends, Chris Carter and his wife, Jordan, who are now missionaries in the country. “It was through them we learned that the quiz team comes to the United States,” Heather Davison said. “They came to the states last year and this year they came to do Bible quiz at my school,” Cami, a student at Providence Academy, said. The Davisons, along with several others from Jonesborough’s Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Sinking Creek Baptist Church, of Elizabethton, visited the country on a mission trip two years ago and decided to try to help. Cami’s penchant for making and selling the duct tape items was perfect as a fundraiser, she said.

CONCACAF announces details of inaugural Under-15 Championship
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) on Tuesday announced the competitors and details of the inaugural CONCACAF Under-15 Championship, to be held in the Cayman Islands from 14-25 August. Twenty-two nations from across the region will participate in the tournament, an initiative of CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb with a view towards strengthening the game at the youth levels among all of the Confederation’s members. “We are proud to host such an impressive number of our member associations for this inaugural under-15 tournament, which will give the Confederation’s younger stars the chance to demonstrate their talents on a larger pan-regional stage,” said Webb. “It is our belief that supporting youth football by every possible means is fundamental to the widespread development of our sport across the region and the world. Through this tournament we hope to take an important further step towards assuring substantial opportunity for all of our Confederation’s youth.”

Belize Free Trade Zone Emerges as Cigarette Smuggling Hub
A free trade zone in Belize's Corozal district has become a hub for the regional contraband cigarette trade, highlighting both Belize's role in regional smuggling and how the lax customs regulations in such zones create criminal opportunities. Black market cigarettes from countries such as India, China, Switzerland, Paraguay, and Panama are sold in Belize's northeast border region, tax free and for a fraction of their normal legal price, according to elPeriodico. An official from tobacco company Phillip Morris International (PMI), who accompanied ElPeriodico's reporters to Corozal, negotiated the purchase of 10.8 million cigarettes -- a quantity that would normally cost a Guatemalan retailer $500,000 -- for $314,000.

Best Explanation Of Religion I Have Ever Heard, And I'm Practically An Atheist
"I might reconsider this whole agnostic thing after seeing this.

53 Quotes That Will Make You Rethink Everything
“I think that we are like stars. Something happens to burst us open; but when we burst open and think we are dying; we’re actually turning into a supernova. And then when we look at ourselves again...

June 11, 2013

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Specials and Events

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 latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!!
A Pause (Running Part III):
In her mind, Lisa felt the slight twinges of a conscience, but the food that was set before her smelled delicious, and had been made for her and her children. She wished this was her life every day. A woman could get used to this. Looking around at her children, she knew that it was for them, but for just one brief moment she decided it was also just for her. Her host sat across from her, also eating the food he had quickly prepared for the family that had chanced upon him in the night. He had an inscrutable face, especially as he attacked the food, but as if sensing her looking at him, he smiled that small smile again.

The San Pedro Sun

2nd Black Tiger Prawn found in Belizean waters
The management of Hol Chan Marine Reserve is reporting that a Black Tiger Prawn originally from Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia was fished outside of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off Ambergris Caye. This is the second prawn that has been found in Belizean waters since May. The first was fished off Toledo’s coast sometime in May. The species of shrimp is considered to be invasive and there is concern about the effects it can have on the environment and shrimp farms in Belize. Speaking to The San Pedro Sun Miguel Alamilla, Marine Biologist and Manager of Hol Chan Marine Reserve shared his concerns relating to the prawn now being found in Belizean waters. “This species is huge in aquaculture, and in 1988, it was released from a research facility in North Carolina and it has been coming downstream since. In 1990 it was reported in South Florida, then the Caribbean and now Belize. It is an invasive species because it is not endemic to this region. Any rare species found in our water is cause for concern. We don’t really know the level of ecological impacts of the prawn to the marine environment. From previous studies and reports, we know that this species is a very aggressive feeder and it preys on many small shrimp and other species that live in our seas. It is also a carrier for 16 different known viruses that can negatively impact native shrimp and even wipe them out. So it is enough reason to be concerned,” outlined Alamilla. According to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, there was a similar finding in the Toledo District and reports from the Fishery Officer are that a prawn was seen for sale at the fish market in Punta Gorda Town.

Graduation for Participants of Squad Drill Course
On Friday, June 7, 2013, Graduation Ceremonies were held for close to Twenty Police Officers who completed a two-week long Squad Drill Course conducted at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The course was for non-commissioned officers, corporals and sergeants, attached to the various formations and sub-formations around the Country. Its purpose was to have the participating officers re-sharpen their drill-skills; something which keynote speaker at the Ceremony, Acting Director of Training Senior Superintendent, Chester Williams, reminded them is an integral part of their discipline as members of one of the Nation’s leading security forces. Also present for the graduation ceremony was Deputy Commissioner of Police, Elodio Aragon, who along with Senior Superintendent Williams, presented certificates to all the officers that completed the course. Master of Ceremonies was Commandant of the National Police Training Academy, Superintendent Linden Flowers. Other senior officers present for the ceremony included Director of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Russell Blackett and Deputy Commandant of the Police Training Academy, A. Richard Rosado. The training was conducted under the direct command of veteran Drill-Instructor at the National Police Training Academy, Inspector Daniel Cacho, who was presented with a Plaque of Appreciation.

One minor injured in shooting
San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred around 4:30PM on June 10th. The incident took place on Sandpiper Street in the San Juan Area of San Pedro Town. The victim is a minor, thus his name cannot be released at this time. According to multiple eyewitnesses, they saw a man dressed in green pants and shirt and wearing a camouflage cap chasing another male person. Suddenly they heard two gunshots and saw a man fall to the ground. According to several students who were coming out from school at the time of the shooting, the man ran onto Cormorant Street with a gun in his hand and made good his escape. “We saw two men running. We saw one of them with a gun and he fired two shots. We jumped over a fence on the side of the road because we were afraid to get shot,” said one of two students that saw the shooting as it unfolded.

Ambergris Today

Break Away into Paradise with the New Wholesaler Agency in Belize!
Break Away Belize Travel is delighted to officially open its doors, providing the ultimate in luxury travel to Belize. Break Away is a wholesale travel company established with the sole purpose of offering highly customized and one-of-a-kind vacation packages at an exclusive portfolio of carefully selected hotels and resorts in Belize. The knowledgeable and talented team at Break Away Belize Travel will handle all logistics for clients traveling to Belize -- everything from a personal meet-and-greet at the airport to coordinating custom-made menus at top restaurants. Every element of your client’s dream holiday can be booked through Break Away Belize Travel, including transfers, accommodations, activities, excursions, and more. Mr. Efren Perez, CEO and Founder of Break Away Travel shared, “Our company’s focus is complete guest satisfaction and quality of service, we will embark not only in offering the ultimate travel experience to the traveler, but we will be working very closely with our travel agent partners preparing them with the necessary tools to capture the sale. Our hotel properties will also enjoy the benefits of training in areas of customer service and quality to ensure our end goal – a unique Belize travel experience.” Currently, there are 10 properties within the Break Away Travel portfolio in four of the most popular destinations within Belize – Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, Placencia, and Cayo.

It’s Mosquito Season in Belize!
It’s official that the rainy season is upon us and along with it comes showers of mosquitoes too! These annoying tiny blood suckers do not discriminate anyone as they bite anyone and everyone! Mosquitoes are everywhere! So how’s the situation here on the island? Well we contacted the Health Inspector Ms. Lisa Tillett who explained to use the situation here on the island is and what measures are being taken. Ms. Tillett explained that during the dry season the mosquito lay eggs on the sand and when the first rains of the season fall the soil absorbs the water and the eggs hatch; that is when we have an outburst of nuisance mosquitoes. She also stated that the normal schedule is to spray three times a day every seven days but they are currently conducting sprays every five days.

Long Before the Compactor Trucks
San Pedro’s Garbage Collection has always taken a priority in the list of duties of the Village Councils and Town Councils of our community. At first the garbage was deposited on the left side of the narrow streets leading from the back street towards the lagoon. When the heap was too high, volunteers would set it on fire and thereafter level it to the ground using some of it as land refill. At one point Village Council Chairman Fido Nuñez decided to modernize and make easier the beach collection of the seaweeds or sea grass. For this they bought as horse and a cart. Did it work? Only temporarily because try as hard as he could, Mr. Priciliano Gomez, who was hired to man the horse and cart, could not get the horse to move forward. The few times that they did get to the dump site, the horse had to be pulled instead of driven.

Vellie Williams crowned Miss St. Catherine's Academy 2013
On May 24, 2013 many gathered at the Princess Hotel in Belize City as seven lovely contestants took the stage to see who would be crowned Miss St. Catherine's Academy. The contestants entertained the crowd with four segments such as cultural costume, sports wear, talent and evening wear. Congratulations to proud Sanpedrana Vellie Williams for her truimphant win in taking home the title of Miss St. Catherine's Academy. Vellie is the daughter of Vellie and Javier Williams.

Misc Belizean Sources

Summer Art Institute
The Benque House of Culture is gearing up for their 2013 Summer Art Institute. They'll have workshops for candle and soap making, marimba lessons, dancing, and much more. Contact them at 823-2697 for more information. Thanks, NICH! "Summer Art Institute 2013, register & sign up .. more details will be posted soon... send your questions to our inbox, call 823-2697 or email us at benquehoc@nichbelize.org"

Xunantunich and the Hand Cranked Ferry
Here's a fan video of Xunantunich and the 'world famous' hand cranked ferry. There's some narration, along with well placed stills from the site. "Xunantunich Ruins are just north of San Ignacio on the northern highway as you approach Guatemala. a very beautiful set of ruins but the day was very hot, we stayed out as long as we could but in the end the sun won. When in the country these are a great set of ruins to visit especially because of the hand crank that is used to across the Mopan river. So pretty along side this lovely little place .. it might be the biggest ruins you will encounter but they are certainly challenging .. lets see you climb to the of El Castillo. more to come stayed for the next video of our adventures in Belize"

Computer Classes at the GPC
Morgan's Computer Services are offering computer classes at the George Price Centre. They'll teach Quickbooks, Excel, MS Project, Access, Powerpoint, and Word. Classes will be over the next month, with one starting tomorrow. "Computer classes are being offered during the course of June/July at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development!!!!!!"

International Leadership Camp
The Department of Youth Services is offering youth leaders an opportunity to attend their International Leadership Camp, which will be from July 21st through the 31st. Here in Cayo, you can contact Jimmy Leslie at 803-3027. "The Department of Youth Services is now accepting applications for its upcoming International Leadership Camp 2013. This is a 10 day residential camp full of fun and activities which caters for 150 youth leaders and will take place in the month of July from the 21st -31st at George Town Technical High School in the Stann Creek District... If you are an executive member in a student council or community based groups...apply today. Applications are available through any of the DYS district offices nation wide. VISIT OUR OFFICES TODAY. Get to know the service we provide and all about the National Youth Development Policy and the National Youth Development Council. In Benque Viejo contact Jimmy Leslie, Youth Empowerment Coordinator at 803-3027 or 633-5050."

Chantae Guy at Caribbean Fashion Week
Joris Hendrik captured Chantae Chanice Guy who is representing Belize in Jamaica, while walking the runway during Caribbean Fashion Week 2013. Looking good! Joris captured a short video too: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=675821592433644 "These photos were taken on my Instagram. Loved seeing Chantae representing Belize. She's in the likes of The international models here at CFW."

The Bare Pantry Show in Belize
This is part 1 of our 8 day whirlwind tour to my home country of Belize. I was received well by the media and family and loved ones. This vlog covers the first 6 days.

Channel 7

GOB Taking Over Ships, IBC Registry
Tonight, the government is on the verge of another pair of nationalizations – and this time, it’s Immarbe and the IBC Registry – both foreign owned entities that control and operate the entire offshore business sector in Belize. Let’s start with Immarbe – that’s the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, which sells the Belizean Flag as a flag of convenience to international vessels. That’s the one that we’ve been reporting on as causing much distress for Belize with the European Union. It’s gotten to the point where Belize was blacklisted by the European Union and our fisheries product could face trade sanctions because of the activities of the international vessels that carry Belize’s flag. And then there’s the IBC Registry, or International Business Companies Registry. That’s the entity that registers so-called offshore companies which are given tax-free status and assured secrecy in their corporate affairs. Both entities are at least partially owned by a company called Belize international Services Limited – which is believed to be part of the Ashcroft Alliance.

Is Mayor Tempting Fate With Contempt Proceedings?
7 weeks ago, attorneys for Belize City Council, and Belize Waste Control went before Justice Michelle Arana, hoping that before the Supreme Court, an amicable resolution could be ironed out so that City Hall can pay BWC 2.3 million dollars. It is an outstanding debt owed to them due to an arbitration award which CitCo hasn’t paid since 2005. Viewers may remember that BWC started court proceedings to have Mayor Darrell Bradley cited for contempt in February, and since then the court has adjourned it twice. Neither side want to proceed with it because Mayor Bradley risks being sent to jail, but BWC has used the committal application to give teeth to their threat that City Hall must pay the money, or else. Well today, the matter was called up again before Justice Arana, and 7News found out that BWC may be giving Mayor Bradley one last chance before they press for committal: Michael Young - Attorney for Belize City Council "There was a report to the judge today, it was by the attorneys for the parties. Essentially the Belize City Council, through a letter which I wrote to their attorney to pass to their clients and to get instructions on it - we indicated what we think is a way forward, to settle the issue.

Wayne Samuels Caught Up In Civil Court
He’s a well-known operator, and a smooth one at that, but Wayne Samuels seems to have run out of schemes to run and strings to pull this weekend when he was arrested on the strength of a committal warrant. It seems Samuels – who is a business facilitator – has incurred fairly substantial debts all over the place. A few of his creditors have been after him for some time for failing to deliver on promised items – and on Friday evening police finally caught up to him. All the cases are civil matters, so he appeared in Belize City Municipal Court this morning – where as we understand it, he was ordered to pay half the debts – amounting to thousands of dollars by the end of the day – as part payment of his outstanding overall debt. We could not get confirmed word from the court and we could not reach Samuels whose number was out of service – but late reports tell us that he was having difficulty making that lump-sum payment up to late this evening. We have received credible reports that others are lining up to make similar claims against him.

Notorious Wanted Man In Corozal
Corozal Police have issued wanted posters for two men. They are, Robert Hill who is wanted for armed robbery and Austin Sutherland who is wanted for burglary. Hill is accused of robbing the Chang Li Game Room in Corozal Town on June 5th. He allegedly strode in and held the owner and his wife at gun point, while snatching up $300.00 dollars from the cash drawer. The businessman said he then rode off one one of the customer’s bicycles. A warrant for his arrest has been issued. Our records show that in 2005 Hill was part of a prison escape. At the time, police said he was serving a combined 27 years for a strong of robbery conviction. Hill was also once convicted of the murder of a young girl, Becky Gilharry, but got off that conviction on appeal.

Only 6 OAS Member Countries Signed Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance.
Last week, one of the big news items coming out of the 43rd OAS General Assembly was the “Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance.” The OAS secretary general explained that it is the first legally binding instrument that condemns discrimination "by reason of nationality, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression”…and many other parameters. But Belize didn’t sign it and it abstained from the vote. Now, CARIFLAGS, which is a LBGT Rights advocacy organization in the Caribbean has criticized a number of Caribbean countries for with-holding support at the last minute. But, it wasn’t only Caribbean Countries holding out. A release from the OAS says that of the 35 member countries, only six. Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uruguay signed unto it. They are described as the “first signatories” as other countries will be encouraged to sign on in coming years.

What Did Cayo Evergreen Do Right To Make Such High PSE Marks?
On Friday we told you about the PSE results and spoke to two of the top finishers in this year's test. And in reviewing that list, we couldn't help but notice that four of the finishers with the highest scores came from St. Andrews Anglican School in Cayo. That's very impressive - and it's usually the kind of performance we hear about coming from private schools like Bernice Yorke, Hummingbird Elementary or Belize Elementary. But St. Andrews is a church - managed public school, so we visited today to find out what they're doing right to get out so many top finishers: The Standard six classes at St. Andrews Anglican in San Ignacio have 59 students. From this pool of students, St. Andrews fielded two of the top three finishers and four of the top fourteen finishers in the PSE. How did they do it? Their teacher and principal explained that there were challenging circumstances.

Five Years After Moving In to Present Digs, BTB Needs New HQ
The Belize Tourism Board will soon be on the move. 7news has confirmed that the BTB is in the final stages of negotiations to buy a new building which will serve as its headquarters. It has outgrown its present location at the corner of South and Regent Streets only five years after it moved there in 2008. Presently, the BTB has been forced to rent space for as many as 20 staffers in an adjoining building on Regent Street. And, now for its new location, best information suggests it will purchase another adjoining structure, the Espat building which is three lots south on Regent Street. We are told negotiations are well underway – and the move is expected shortly. The BTB Board reportedly looked at 9 buildings before choosing the Espat structure.

A Programme To Make Girls Fly
It is called Girls Fly, an organization led by Gael Sylvia, an American businesswoman, media host, speaker, and philanthropist. The program seeks at empowering women worldwide to become better individuals while sharing experiences with each other. This week, Sylvia is in Belize to host sessions with Standard 4, 5 and six girls as well as women of all ages. She hopes to touch at least 10 thousand Belizean girls and women through the one-week program. A short press conference was held this morning and we were there. Gael Sylvia - Prolific Speaker "Girls Fly is a one day - multiple one day experiences for invited girls and women from the local community to have an experience that empowers them to believe in their dream, to understand the power of their dreams and to celebrate them. An example of the activities that these young girls and women will experience will be they will arrive at a local site (Belize Elementary Auditorium) and we'll actually celebrate their accomplishments because a part of believing in ourselves and believing instilling a sense of belief, the power of belief in others is to celebrate each road mark along that journey to accomplishing your dream.

Belize Turns Head At Caribbean Fashion Week
Last week was Caribbean Fashion Week in Kingston Jamaica – and a number of notable Belizean ladies were turning heads. Prominent among them was the Prime Minister’s wife, Kim Barrow seen here on Friday night, wearing and posing with Belizean designer Joris Hendrik. Barrow told the Jamaica Gleaner she was there to foster the fashion industry in Belize and networking for a fashion show in Belize. Also there was singer Jackie Castillo, also seen in a Joris Hendrik design. And while they watched – Belizean model Chante Guy did her thing on the catwalk alongside supermodels from the Caribbean modeling agency, Pulse. She modeled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday wearing outfits form a number of designers. These images are from Glympze Magazine.

Football Team Gets Ready For Synthetic Field
The Belize National “A” Team is tonight in Antigua, Guatemala, where it will compete in a friendly match against the Guatemalan National Team. It’s part of the National Team Committee’s plan to prepare the players for competition at the Gold Cup Level. They left on Saturday, where they’ve been running practices on a synthetic track to simulate the conditions they will experience in Portland, where they will play the first match for the Gold Cup in July. That friendly match takes place tomorrow, and 7News will give you the results of that game in tomorrow’s newscast.

Belize Bested Guatemala In Amateur Boxing
On Friday night, Channel 7 brought you another card of live amateur boxing from the Biltmore Best Western in Belize City. There were a total of seven fights in which Guatemalan boxers, many of them champions faced Belizean Boxers. In the six fights contested by Belizean Boxers, Belize won four and lost two. It wasn’t a bad showing for the homeboys, and after the event we spoke to the winners. Vicente Sansores - 17 year old Boxer (Translated by Jules Vasquez) "From my point of view it was a very good fight, he was a respectable opponent. I believe he beat, that is how the judges saw it and I respect their decision." James Aderley Do you feel that you started to fight a little too late?

OCEANA Celebrates A Passion For Water
Saturday June 8th was World Oceans Day and to celebrate it, OCEANA mounted a photo exhibit at the Radisson and celebrated those who champion the wellbeing of the seas. The exhibit, titled “Sea People” set out to capture fisherfolk – and their life on the water. The image-maker was Alex Ellis – and he told us what he saw through his lens. E. Alex Ellis - Image-maker "It's a collection of photographs, various coastal communities around the country displaying Belizeans and their connection and how they interact with the marine environment. So you have images from Sarteneja, images from Mullins River, Hopkins, you name it, the length of the country" Daniel Ortiz "What is some of the striking stories you can recall?" E. Alex Ellis "One in particular, we went down far south, sarstoon south with Will Maheia and when we got to the community down there, what's shocking there is an image where you see a Guatemalan gillnet fisher, but it was amazing just to see the amount of gill nets"

Channel 5

Government appropriates shipping company
Late this evening, government announced a third round of nationalization. In a short and bare press release, the government announced it is taking over the management services agreement with Belize [...]

Woman claims abuse from lover and the cops
Tonight a twenty-six year old woman in Belize City is claiming abuse at the hands of her cousin, her cousin’s boyfriend and the Belize Police Department. Vivian Martinez says that [...]

Attorney goes after City Hall for years old debt to Waste Control
We last heard the words of Mayor Darrell Bradley and Belize Waste Control in the same sentence on April twenty-second, 2013. On that date, attorney for BWC, Fred Lumor, sought [...]

Kaibiles headed to Adjacency Zone?
In the wake of a recent shooting incident involving a Guatemalan national, who was found encroaching on Belizean soil, it has been reported that measures are being considered to install [...]

Meet the top scorers on the Primary School Examination
Last Friday, the Ministry of Education released the much anticipated results of the 2013 Primary School Examinations. This year’s results in respect of English and Math were dismal falling below [...]

Solicitor General Krusen saying goodbye to Belize
Government is looking for a new solicitor general and that’s because Cheryl Krusen is completing her appointment with the government and is not seeking renewal of her contact which started [...]

Day 1 of Cabana owner and GSU shooting incident in court
Mike Menjivar, the popular owner of La Cabana Bar in Belmopan, appeared in the Belmopan Supreme Court this morning. Two years ago, the full force of the Gang Suppression Unit [...]

Appeals Court hears case of men convicted of murder
The second session of the Court of Appeal for 2013 commenced today with the panel of judges, including President Manuel Sosa, considering the appeals of two convicted murderers.  Forty-one year [...]

Leon Gray charged for Attempted Murder
Twenty-four year old Leon Gray, a known affiliate of the PIV gang, was today arraigned on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding, following a [...]

Wanted man known as Steel Bob is captured
Last week, Belmopan Police were flying high when they arrested four men who they believe are part of a criminal ring operating in the capital. These men, three fourth form [...]

Girls Fly: Highlighting of Achievements of Women and Teens
The Special Envoy for Children, Kim Simplis Barrow has endorsed a program called Girls Fly.  After her first experience in Belize, the organizer of Girls Fly, Gael Sylvia made a [...]

Rowan Garel prepares to dive the Blue Hole
Fifteen year old Rowan Garel may be visually impaired, but his vision and passion more than compensate. He has claimed the heights of the Victoria Peak and has walked across [...]

Meet Forward, Harrison “Kafu” Roches, of the Jaguars
The Road to the Gold Cup: On Friday, we featured the story of Jaguar’s team captain Dalton Eiley, who has been on the football field for fourteen years. Any success [...]

Sports Monday highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I am James Adderly and this is Sports Monday.   The Orange Walk 1st Division season quarter final round was filled with action yesterday as San Estevan F.C. [...]

LOVE FM

Police In Western Belize Investigate Robbery
A brutal aggravated assault has left a man injured. Correspondent Fem Cruz reports. FEM CRUZ “58-year-old, Sidney Reyes, a Belizean farmer Teakettle Village, told Love News that on Saturday night, June 8, sometime around 10:30 he was walking on an unnamed street in the said village....

UWI's Vice Chancellor On Working Visit to Belize
Vice Chancellor of the University of West Indies, Professor E. Nigel Harris is on a working visit to Belize. The visit of the Vice Chancellor, which is being coordinated by the University of Belize, will explore opportunities to improve UB’s academic and institutional development. Lov...

Photograph Exhibition Opens In Conjunction With World Oceans Day
An exhibit entitled “Sea People” is currently on display at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. It’s an exhibit of nineteen photographs put together by Oceana Belize photographer, Alexander Ellis. Throughout his travel across Belize, Ellis captured the daily lives of fishermen from ...

Toddler Hospitalized After Being Ran Over In Southern Belize
Tonight family members of two years old Zeana Flowers are by her side at the Karl Heusnor Memorial Hospital as she is recuperating after being run over by a car over the weekend. The accident occurred on Pollack Street in Dangriga Town at about 6:45pm last night. The driver of the vehicle twenty ...

Police In Western Belize Confiscates Cannabis During Mobile Patrol
27 year old Antonio Espat has been charged for drug trafficking. Police say on Friday at about 2:15am, Police Officers were conducting a mobile patrol in the Santa Cruz Area in Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District when they saw a male person of Hispanic descent dressed in a white t- shirt, walki...

Cayo Police Charges Resident For Cattle Theft
A man in the Cayo district has been charged for the crimes of theft of cattle and handling stolen goods. According to police reports, on Friday at about 4:50am, police were conducting mobile patrol on the George Price Highway, and upon reaching in the area of Snooty Fox Restaurant, they saw a mal...

Government of Belize Assumes Control of Registry of International Business and Companies Registry
Last Friday Love News got wind that the Government of Belize was looking to take control of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize. Our sources were on point because effective tomorrow June 11th, the Government of Belize will assume control of the International Business Companies Re...

Guatemala Newspaper Contradicts Initial Reports On Shooting Incident On Belize's Soil
Last week Love News told you about the Guatemalan that was shot by a Belize Defense Soldier on patrol in the vicinity of the Caballo Area in Chiquibul. The Guatemala National is currently at the Western Regional Hospital recovering from abdominal injuries. The incident happened 2 miles within Bel...

Road Accident Leaves Family Mourning In Northern Belize
One man has died in a road traffic accident while the rest of his family survived with minor injuries. According to Corozal Police, around 6:55 on Saturday evening, they received a call and responded to the scene of an accident between miles 73 and 74 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, in the area o...

PSE Results Show Low Averages on Mandatory Subjects
Marion Ali, Reporting Today was just another ordinary day at the Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning for Siyun Ye, but this shy Asian girl is the top achiever in this year’s Primary School Examinations. It has earned her, the prestigious Jane and Michael Nembhard scholarship award...

Belize's Football Team Qualifies For Gold Cup Tournament But Team Is In Financial Straits
Everyone will remember how well Belize’s National Football Team represented us in the qualifier in Costa Rica in January. Now the team is scheduled to travel again to represent our country in round one of the games in the Gold Cup Tournament in the United States in July. But whi...

Monday, June 10 --------- Young Belizean Girls Empowered To Believe In Their Dreams
Over ten thousand girls in the country are expected to be reached through an initiative endorsed and supported by the Special Envoy for Women and Children and the Ministry of Education. This initiative is called “Girls Fly” and is spearheaded by businesswoman, media host, prolif...

CTV3

One Killed, Several Others Injured As A Result Of Traffic Accident
The family of a senior citizen from the Village of Trail Farm is tonight mourning his death after he lost his life in a terrible traffic accident that occurred between miles 73 and 74 on the Philip Goldson Highway. At approximately 6:55pm yesterday, a family outing turned deadly as the red Isuzu Rodeo SUV the Uh family was travelling in overturned several times landing on the right hand side of the highway. Reports are that the family was travelling back to Orange Walk from Chetumal Quintana Roo when the upon reaching miles 73 and 74 of the Philip Goldson highway, the driver of the vehicle who police identify as 32 year old Josaiah Uh, Belizean watchman of Trial Farm Village, lost control of the vehicle. But while police say that 32 year old Josaiah Uh was driving the vehicle, Lucia Uh says her father, 61 year old Graciano Uh, was the one behind the wheel. According to Lucia, her father lost control of the vehicle after the driver of another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, refused to lower his high beam. According to Lucia, who at the time of the accident was travelling ahead of her family in another vehicle, her father was flung out of the SUV while the other five passengers, three females and two males including a minor, were trapped inside.

UDP Suffers Great Loss As Carmelita Village Turns Blue
Village Council elections are winding down countrywide. So far districts such as Corozal, Stann Creek, and Toledo have concluded their selection of new village councils while Orange Walk, Belize, and Cayo still have one more round to go before village council elections conclude countrywide. This week 8 villages in the north held elections, Paraiso, Patchakan, Libertad, and Caledonia in the district of Corozal and San Jose, San Luis, Carmelita, and August Pine Ridge in the Orange Walk District. So who won the majority of seats? Reporter Irvin Aragon has the results. Irvin Aragon - Reporting Eight villages in the Northern part of the country held elections this past Sunday. This week our coverage began in the Corozal District where the villagers of Paraiso, Patchakan, Caledonia, and Libertad visited the different polling stations and exercised their right to vote. When we arrived in the Village of Patchakan elections were being carried out peacefully and we managed to speak with the Chairman candidates of both major political parties. Amador Tzib, Chairman Candidate UDP, Patchakan “Acá esta pacíficamente y la gente está respondiendo bien y todo está tranquilo y esperemos que la victoria este en los lados.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “Cuáles son sus planes y su visión para esta aldea que lo va a llevar a la victoria?” Amador Tzib, Chairman Candidate UDP, Patchakan “Pues la visión es renovar los parques porque esta todo abandonado.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “Usted está cien por ciento seguro que va a ganar.”

Traffic Accident and Stabbing Incident Goes Unreported
It did not make it on the police sitrep but CTV3 News understands that there was a stabbing incident in the Village of San Jose Nuevo Palmar on Saturday evening at around 5:15. While reports are that the victim was stabbed to the chest, his name is yet to be released by police and so are the particulars of the incident. What we do know is that the individual remains in a critical condition at the Northern Regional Hospital. We will follow this story and bring you some more details in tomorrow’s newscast. A traffic accident that occurred near the Come and Go Gas Station here in Orange Walk on Saturday night also went unmentioned in today’s police sitrep. What we can tell you is that when we arrived at the scene at around 7:00pm, police were in the area gathering information but when we called the Orange Walk Police Station today and inquired about the accident, we were told that there was no one available to answer our questions. At the scene we were informed that the driver of the red pickup, who was apparently under the influence of alcohol, was traveling from Orange Walk to Belize City when he lost control of the vehicle and drove off the highway. As you can observe, the pickup landed with its four wheels in the air and all indications are that it’s left front tire suffered a blowout. We do understand that the driver was taken to the NRH via ambulance.

Astrid Lopez Orange Walk's Top PSE Performer
As mentioned at the top of the story three students from the Northern part of the country were among the list of top 26 performers. Astrid Lopez from Louisiana Government School was the top performer for the Orange Walk District as she scored 378 out of 400 points. In all four proficiencies including Math Lopez scored an A. Today Lopez told CTV3 News she was able to achieve such high grades thanks to the support of her parent’s teachers. Astrid Lopez- Top PSE Performer Orange Walk District “I feel excited and speechless, I really didn’t expect this.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “So, to whom would you say you owe this accomplishment?” Astrid Lopez- Top PSE Performer Orange Walk District “Well, first of all God and then my excellent teachers, my friends, my sister and my family.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “In light that you have been named the top scorer of the PSE and this being indeed a great accomplishment, what do you plan to do when you go to high school?” Astrid Lopez- Top PSE Performer Orange Walk District “Well, I plan to do the same what I did in primary school and I would like to put all my education towards my country so to make it a better place.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “What advice would you give to your classmates or those coming behind you?” Astrid Lopez- Top PSE Performer Orange Walk District “I would tell them to believe in themselves and it is true that if you dream it can come true but stop dream because you have to wake up some day and work for your dream.”

Meeting The Top PSE Performers Of Corozal
Moving to the Corozal District we are proud to note that two students made on the list of top performers. Kristen Medina from Corozal Methodist received a total of 379 points as she scored an A in all four subjects. She received 87% in English, 98% in Science, 96% in Math and 98% in Social Studies. Here is what she told reporter Victor Castillo as she was interviewed on her latest triumph. Kristen Medina- Top PSE Performer Corozal colored girl “Really extremely proud” Victor Castillo – Reporter “To what do you owe your accomplishment?” Kristen Medina- Top PSE Performer Corozal colored girl “To my teacher, Ms. Evelyn and my parents pushed me my brother but mostly my teachers.” Luis Rivas- STD Six Teacher Corozal Methodist “Of course, I feel good that one of our students excel and did well in the PSE, it is a lot of dedication of our part and on the part of the students who used to come during Easter break, Saturday classes so it is a lot of dedication, work and heart and soul in whatever we did throughout the three terms.”

Students Perform Poorly In English And Math Proficiency
Late Friday evening the Ministry of Education released the results of the 2013 Primary School Examination and while the good news for the north was that three students, one from Orange Walk and two from Corozal made it on the list of top 26 performers the overall picture of the results is not good. This year a total of seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students sat the exams representing a five percent increase compared to the number of candidates registered in 2012. The results show that this year students scored poorly in both the English and Math proficiency. In the English paper, four percent of the students scored an A, 15 percent received a B or less, 27% received a C grade putting them in the satisfactory level as they scored from sixty to sixty nine percent while 28% preformed adequately as they scored a D which is anywhere between fifty to fifty nine percent. What is more alarming is that 25% of the students received an E grade or scored even less in their English paper. And when we talk about less, we mean 49 percent or lower. Those grades are only for the English proficiency. If we take a look at the Math paper the performance was poorer as 45% or three thousand three hundred of the students who sat the exam scored an E or even lower. The good news is that 15% of the students scored between eighty to one hundred percent in Math, meaning that they got an A. Fourteen percent scored a C placing them in the satisfactory level, 16% received a D and eleven percent scored between seventy to seventy nine percent. If we take a look at the overall performance in English over a period of ten years, you will notice that student’s performance has remained stable with 2010 seeing an upward trend. Taking a look at math, the chart shows that the mean score has remained more or less constant with an increase in performance recorded in 2004, 2008 and 2010.

Project Matthew 25 Assisting Those In Need
Project Matthew 25 is the name of an organization that was formed back in January by a group of individual’s hailing from Corozal. Inspired by the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 35 and 36 the aim of the group is to lend a helping hand to those in need. On Friday the goodwill of the group touched the life of the Dominquez Family comprised of two brothers and one sister, Mario, Primitivo and Luch who have lived their entire life in deplorable conditions. The structure they lived in, located in the Village of San Andres Corozal, was about to collapse. We say lived in because thanks to MT 25, neighbors and other community members the family of three now has a new place to call home. Mishelli Gilharry- Vice President Project Matthew 25 “MT 25 started with Mr Rafael Cobb and Brother John, those are the ones that who actually started that along with other people that use to be with them and helped them. Around January we had a group from Chicago come to Corozal to help the schools, I don’t think we need a lot of money to help but we need some time and we need organization and a small group to help somebody that is need and Mathew 25 is about helping the people out there. Sometimes they don’t want a lot of material stuff but somebody there to listen to them, to talk to them, to have a Sunday to be with them and enjoy some food or whatever with them and Mathew 25 is about that. In the bible is say it when you were hungry you gave me to eat and when I was thirsty you gave me to drink, when I was in hospital you visited me, when I was in prison you also visited me and this is Mathew 25, is reaching to the people that are out there.”

LOVE TV

International Registries Now Under Government’s Control
Last Friday Love News got wind that the Government of Belize was looking to take control of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize. Our sources were on point because effective tomorrow June 11th, the Government of Belize will assume control of the International Business Companies Registry and Shipping Registry. In a press release issued today, the Ministry of Finance announced that the Management Services Agreement between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited to manage the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, IMMARBE, came to an end today. As a result, GOB will assume control of the two registries as of tomorrow. Love News understands that the owners of IMMARBE were in the country on Friday looking into closing down their offices. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has scheduled a press conference on Wednesday to answer the media’s queries about the matter.

Newspaper In Guatemala Contradicts Belize’s Report On Recent Shooting
Last week Love News told you about the Guatemalan that was shot by a Belize Defense Soldier on patrol in the vicinity of the Caballo Area in Chiquibul. The Guatemala National is currently at the Western Regional Hospital recovering from abdominal injuries. The incident happened 2 miles within Belize’s territory but the Guatemala Government doesn’t believe it to be so. The Prensa Libre is reporting that the shooting incident occurred in Rio Blanco near Tikalito on the Guatemala side in Chiquibul Flores, Dolores, Peten. In addition, the Prensa Libre is reporting that Guatemala’s Ministry of Defense is considering to station a Army Special Forces Team in Peten, Kaibiles, to patrol areas- specifically the areas close to the line adjacency with Belize.

Mobile Patrol In Western Belize Leads To Drug Arrest
27 year old Antonio Espat has been charged for drug trafficking. Police say on Friday at about 2:15am, Police Officers were conducting a mobile patrol in the Santa Cruz Area in Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District when they saw a male person of Hispanic descent dressed in a white t- shirt, walking on Santa Cruz Street. Upon seeing the Police vehicle, the man threw a black plastic bag off the side of the road and continued walking towards the Police vehicle. Espat was then escorted to the area where he threw the plastic bag approximately five feet away from a lighted lamp post where the black plastic bag was retrieved. The bag was opened in Espat’s presence where it contained green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis. He was informed of the offence committed, placed under arrest, cautioned and escorted along with the suspected cannabis to the San Ignacio Police Station. The suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence which amounted to 265 grams and on the same day police charged Espat for drug trafficking.

Over ten thousand girls in the country are expected to be reached through an initiative endorsed and supported by the Special Envoy for Women and Children and the Ministry of Education
This initiative is called “Girls Fly” and is spearheaded by businesswoman, media host, prolific speaker and philanthropist from the USA, Gael (GAYLE) Sylvia. The program will serve to have an experience which will empower them to believe in their dreams. Sylvia today spoke with the media at the office of the Special Envoy and explained more about the program. GAEL SYLVIA, Spearheading “Girls Fly” “We’ll actually celebrate their accomplishments because a part of believing in ourselves and instilling a sense of belief, a power of belief in others is to celebrate each road mark along that journey to accomplishing your dream. So, they will rise to a really high energy celebration of their graduation from 8th grade, for example. We will have opportunities to celebrate with song and dance and we then they will also spend some time with motivational and inspirational speakers. Quite an amazing number of activities will take place during the course of the week and we are doing this to really validate Belize’s greatest treasure and all the beautiful natural resources here but really the greatest treasure here are the people. This is not a onetime experience, this is actually the introduction, this also is my second trip to Belize and the reason I come back is to actually fulfill a commitment I made in my heart to bring to the world all of the best practices that I experience from men and women here in Belize. It is also to fulfill a commitment I made to the First Lady in 2011 because under her leadership she really reflects on every lever, what a girl and a woman can accomplish when they believe in themselves. So, we are going to start this first new cycle of generations of women and girls with 8th graders and that transition year from Junior High or to High School where they are often lost and become confused in terms of their own value and bring before them women of influence and other youth of influence that can reassure them and reaffirm them to keep going and not to give. So, we will start at 8th grade but then we have activities going on throughout the week that will include older women as well.

PlusTV

Fatal traffic accident claims one life
There was a fatal road traffic accident on Sunday night in the north. It apparently was caused due to two tires being blown out. It happened between miles 73 and 74 on the Phillip Goldson highway where a Red Isuzu Rodeo SUV was being driven with 6 persons inside. ...

Leon Gray charged for attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner
24 year old Leon Gray was charged for the attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner who was shot at and grazed by a bullet last week Tuesday. Late this evening, alleged PIV member, Leon Gray, was arraigned in court. for the June 4, 2013 attempted murder of Malcolm Wagner. Allegations... Read More »

GOB taking control of business companies registry and IMMARBE
GOB says it will be taking control of the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE). Management Services Agreement between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited for the management of the two registries comes comes to an end, today, 10...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Jamal Boiton wins essay contest!
Jamal Boiton, Form III student of Ocean Academy, won the Belize Income Tax Department’s national essay contest. Jamal’s essay is entitled “Let’s Be Responsible; Let’s Pay Our Taxes; Let’s Build Belize”. Well done!

If you have old photos of Caye Caulker…
Calling all folks who have old photographs of Caye Caulker … we need them! “Hi everyone, I am posting some of the photos I have for you to enjoy. I will need many others to complete the long version of the film. I need your help in finding more historical photos. Any photo used in the film will be scanned and a high quality retouch done. The original will never have to leave CC because it can be scanned there. I will provide the supplier of the original photo a retouched file and a quality print as thanks for the help. Just respond here and I will arrange for the photo to be scanned. Mike” http://www.facebook.com/RootsInTheSea This is for the Roots in the Sea documentary that is currently being produced. Roots in the Sea chronicles the history of several of the old-timers on the island, and a couple of not-so-old timers as well. It is a historical documentary of the island and its people.

Blogs

What I think is important about recycling and helping the earth!
I am Nia Beane, I like being Eco-friendly and I am sure I will enjoy going to this camp. I am very glad when I hear the word “Eco” or “Recycle” because those are words of two wonderful ideas. I have been recycling for quite a while with bottles, containers, and plastic items and dropping them off at the Radisson Recycling Center in Belize City . Now in my house they call me the ” Recycling Queen”. I like caring for plants, animals, trees, and things in the jungle because they provide us with lots of things and sometimes animals are in danger. When you are Eco-friendly you help the world and make it a better place to live and enjoy for people and animals. It is good when you help the environment because it makes Belize beautiful and helps lots of people. Pollution is another problem in Belize which damages the earth and the environment, so when we see trash on the ground we should pick it up. Lots of people don’t really care about being Eco and helping the earth, but they should care because the world needs our help and we need the world’s help. I try to be very kind to the earth because it provides me with resources and food that I use. I think you should recycle because it saves money and resources that you use every day.

Accreditation: Facilitating World Trade
The global celebration of World Accreditation Day (WAD) on 09 June commenced in 2008. Since then the initiators of WAD, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) have explored relevant and timely themes such as Accreditation: Supporting safe food and clean drinking waterin 2012 and Global Acceptance in 2010. This year the trend continues as the theme focuses on Accreditation: Facilitating World Trade. What exactly is accreditation? Accreditation involves the independent assessment of bodies performing activities such as testing, calibration, inspection and certification against internationally recognised standards to ensure their competence to perform these activities. These bodies are collectively referred to as Conformity Assessment Bodies(CABs). Accreditation bodies are the authoritative bodies that conduct the independent assessment of CABs.

Pro-Business Environment
As the Caribbean gateway to Central America, Belize shares the best of both worlds. With an English speaking, well-educated workforce, stable political economy, investor-friendly tax environment, and a location only two hours from the US, there are many advantages to investing in the beautiful country of Belize. Belize provides the three main elements sought by international investors: Stability: long-standing, democratic tradition; independent judiciary; fixed exchange rate since1978 Profitability: attractive Fiscal Incentives and concessions; Commercial Free Zones; Export Processing Zones; repatriation of profits and dividends. Liveability: subtropical climate, virgin rainforest, un-spoilt beaches, a spectacular barrier reef and friendly people

Expert on municipal markets meets mayors
The Church may be a hallmark of communities but no municipality can survive without a market. That is why the mayors from across the country were attending an important meeting at the El Rancho Bar and Restaurant in the Capital. A European Union (EU) Consultant had travelled the country and spent quality time at each market analyzing how they operate. The EU intends to invest three million Euros in local market development and the Minister of Labor and Local Government, Godwin Hulse says that it is necessary for vendors to have a comfortable place to sell their products.

“The Second Time Around” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Having not finished finished reviewing the draft contract for my ex-colleague in the UK on Sunday as I had planned I resumed the review at 4.30 am yesterday morning and completed the task by 7.30 am when, feeling that I deserved it, I showered, dressed and went to (yes, regular readers have guessed it) Estel’s for breakfast. When I finished at Estel’s I went to see the manager of the Post Office to see if he had come up with a solution so that he could issue me with a P.O Box. I knew as I approached his office that it was not my lucky day. He didn’t look at all pleased to see me. It wasn’t an expression of panic on his face but nor was it a look of welcome! As I approached his desk he shrugged, hunched his shoulders and pointed to the pile (a rather small pile I might add) of paper on his desk. Being the perceptive type I interpreted his reaction to my entrance in to his office as me being not at all welcome. Eventually he uttered the words ‘ I didn’t expect you this morning. I thought you would come here in the afternoon”. I amazed him ( and myself for that matter) when I replied that ” I would come back later. No, I will come back tomorrow”. The look on his face was a picture ( well it would have been had I had my camera with me) of happiness. Hopefully my reaction will be rewarded when I return to see him again. I will let you know the outcome of course.

Infinite’s Sung Yeol, Oh Jong Hyuk, and More Join “The Laws of the Jungle- Belize”
Infinite member Sung Yeol will be joining the “survival” variety show, “The Laws of the Jungle,” along with former Click-B member Oh Jong Hyuk, actors Kim Sung Soo and Joh Yeo Jung, comedian Ryu Dam, and regular cast members Noh Woo Jin and Kim Byung Man. The seven members will head off to the country of Belize for this new season of “The Laws of the Jungle.” The show has previously ventured to New Zealand and the Amazon, among many other places, taking its members into the wild to find their own food and shelter, bringing out survival instincts and never-before-seen aspects of celebrities.

June 2, 2013 - June 8, 2013 Fishing Report
Welcome back to our fishing family that continues to grace us with your return here to El Pescador. It really means a lot to all of us. As you know, there are 45 of us that live and work here. When you come back, it makes us all feel good, it’s that simple. Our relationships grow, and the guides and staff learn more about you. Thank you. We’ve been running 10 to 12 boats a day and at the end of the day I watch as our guests settle in and swap stories. Sometimes it is motivation to get out on the casting platform and practice! We cast and tied, and we came home with stories and lies! But big smiles prevailed. From the newbie landing his or her first bonefish, to those extended casts that filled dreams – we shared some cool stuff this week! Fish On!

53% Fail Public School Examination (PSE) Exams in Belize
But, first, to the good news: the students who excelled. The top finisher this year is Siyun Ye, from Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning in Belize City. She topped her peers easily with a overall total of 391 points, six more than the second place finishers. And that’s right, we said, “finishers”; that’s because there’s a three way tie for second between Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban from St Andrews Anglican in Cayo along with Jenessa Sierra from San Pedro RC. There’s a four way tie for third with Agatha Petkau, from United Evergreen in Cayo, Iani Adolphus from Hummingbird Elementary in Belize city along with Sherry Tan and Alana Rosado from Belize Elementary in Belize City. Miracle Mgeahburke from Solid Rock Christian in Stann Creek is alone in fourth and Alexandra Gibson from Hummingbird elementary is tied with Marlina Eck from Belize Elementary and Gordon Knowles from St, Joseph in Belize City for fifth. Monica Bodden “Tell me during the exam – what was the most challenging part for you?” Iani Adolphus “The story writing – I’m not a very good writer so the story writing was definitely more challenging for me. I was never really a student that studied everyday, I just basically listened in class. I had a really good teacher, Ms. Chavarria so I definitely have to thank her because she was so dedicated to us and she gave us all the information we needed and I went into the PSE room really confident because I had everything I needed so I just want to thank her. I just want to thank my family and all my friends for supporting me and they believed in me – they knew that I would do really well so I have to thank all of them.”

Guatemalan soldiers monitor the adjacency zone
The Ministry of Defense “rethinks” of mobilizing army special forces in Petén – kaibiles-, specifically to areas close to the line of adjacency with Belize, after military bullet injured a Guatemalan, a fact which is attached to a long history of incidents in that area. The Minister of Defense, Ulises Anzueto, explained that the attack took place early just last week, in Río Blanco, “near of Tikalito”, of the Guatemalan side, flowers Chiquibul, Dolores, Petén. “Unfortunately, a Guatemalan citizen who was in the adjacency zone had an incident with Belize Defense Forces, with a patrol, and we are a wounded Guatemalan who was on the Belizean side and evacuated to the hospital of the Cay”, said the official. Anzueto explained that the device of special forces, before June 30, will be “returning” to the Brigade of Poptún, Petén, to help provide security in the sector.

International Sources

Marine Biology Class Takes Students to Belize
Eighteen students at Hendrix explored marine environment in Belize. The trip was part of biology professor Dr. Jenn Dearolf’s Marine Biology (BIOL 335) course. “The only way to teach a marine biology class at Hendrix in Arkansas is to have a trip to the ocean linked to the class,” said Dearolf, adding that the trip was required field research for students in the spring semester class. Belize’s barrier reef is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, offering ample hands-on research opportunities, she added. Prior to the trip, students learned about rocky intertidal zones, estuaries, the epipelagic, the deep ocean, coral reefs, and mangroves. They also learned about some of the organisms that they would see on the coral reefs of Belize and studied to which taxonomic groups the different organisms belonged, their scientific names, and distinctive features of the taxonomic groups.

Caye Caulker Belize: A Slice of Paradise
I had been looking forward to visiting Belize’s cayes for a long time. When I first started researching suitable locations to live overseas, Belize immediately caught my attention. Since I live in Guatemala, making the trek was both a necessity, and an opportunity. After our great stay in San Ignacio, we were ready to hit the beach. Guatemala is not particularly blessed with typical beaches, so I was looking forward to strolling through Belize’s white-sand beaches. Except Belize doesn’t have those either, a fact I learned after I was already in Belize. More on that later. Heading to Caye Caulker The ferry ride to Belize was pleasant and fast, taking only 45 minutes from Belize City to Caye Caulker. The weather was great and the ride afforded great views of Belize City, which admittedly looks way better from the water than the sketchy and rundown atmosphere one senses while driving in to the ferry’s dock.

Travel Update: The Return to Belize
In the early hours of Tuesday morning while most people are still in bed asleep Jessica and I will be boarding a plane with all the possessions we own. We’ve sold or given away our cars, furniture and everything that was unneeded. For the first time in my adult life I now have no debts, no monthly bills to pay and no worries except what I chose on any given day – it’s quite a great feeling! Belize Zoo 2011 The first destination of our new life living and working abroad is Belize! We’ll be staying in both higher end luxury and the least expensive budget accommodations I could find; to give you an accurate idea of how cheap or luxurious a trip here can be. The next 20 days will be spent on Belize’s most popular island Ambergris Caye, sailing South through the beautiful Caribbean coast for a few days of island camping, and finally landing on Placencia for whale shark diving and the very special Lobster Fest.

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