Missing Lemonal villager’s body found in shallow grave
August 24, 2014 8:40 PM
Sunday, August 24, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting:Who would want to kill Denvo Banner, 27? And why? Those are questions that the police and family of the deceased are now trying to find answers to. Banner has been missing for just over two weeks, having been seen last on August 9 at a party in Lemonal […]
Queen of the Bay Toledo 2014-2015 chosen
It was a full house at the Punta Gorda Sport Auditorium on Saturday, August 23 as hundreds of Toledo residents came out to witness the selection of the Queen of the Bay 2014-2015. Six beautiful young ladies took part in the pageant, namely Rodleen Sabal; Chelsea Flores; Michelle […]
A Caye Caulker needle in a 64 gig haystack
During the course of my recent reformat, I was faced with backing up 64 gigs of pictures to my external hard drive and second copy on my flash drive collection. While in the process I needed to make room for my 2 2013 picture files to fit on one 16 gig drive, as a result I found myself in sort and delete mode. This eventually led me to my Caye Caulker pictures and a thumbnail of the picture below caught my eye. Sure enough when I opened it there was no mistaking it was our new neighbor Joe smiling back at me – talk about finding an unexpected needle in a haystack :) I clearly remembered taking the shot right before ordering conch fritters.
I messaged the pic to Barb and Joe and we all agreed ‘what are the odds’. I decided to reference my blog to see when it was taken and if I had put that picture up. After finding the post and seeing the picture I chose, I remembered deciding between two and picking the one with Barb in it as there was more people and action . You can see Joe in the background of the picture I posted which is funny because when she saw the first picture (which was actually shot last) Barb commented that she would have not been far away while I was taking it.
A Preview of Rain Restaurant & Roof Top Terrace at Grand Caribe Resort
I wrote yesterday about my two day stay up at Grand Caribe Resort – and it was absolutely lovely. I had an excellent time…extremely comfortable and relaxing…
The newest building on the property is being completed…and it’s almost there. Just the finishing touches being applied.
This new complex is 4 stories high and is going to have quite a few functions…
Victoria and Hugo, the former owners and creators of Aji Restaurant and Tapas Bar, have returned to San Pedro after selling Aji, having a baby and moving to Colorado.
Videos
Video: Caye Caulker Travel Video, 2min.
The 1000 or so residents have traditionally made their living from the sea, specifically from the spiny lobsters and red snapper that inhabit its warm waters. It has also long been a budget travelers mecca, but in recent years, Travelists of all ages and incomes have begun to appreciate the islands unique atmosphere. On Caye Caulker, there are no cars, no fumes and no hassles, just white sandy beaches, balmy breezes, fresh seafood, azure waters and a fantastic barrier reef at its doorstep.
The easygoing attitude is due in part to the thriving Rastafarian culture on the Caye, which pulses to a reggae beat. If its not Bob Marley blaring from a boom box on the beach, its the latest in punta rock. Drumming groups gather on the beach and at local bars to get their Afro-Caribbean groove on. They play for themselves, but anybody is welcome to gather around and soak up the good vibes.
The island is an ideal base for snorkeling and diving adventures at the nearby reef. The northern part of the island -- a tempting destination for kayakers -- is mostly mangroves, which are home to an amazing variety of birdlife. Other than that, all visitors should be sure to schedule in plenty of time for swinging on a hammock and enjoying the breeze (which is indeed a legitimate activity on Caye Caulker).
Video: Belize Dive Trip 2014, 36min.
Rob & Terra Wade diving in Belize (including Blue Hole) in August 2014, just prior to 25th wedding anniversary. Plenty of sharks and turtles.
Show more
Video: National Youth Orchestra of Belize: Lord of the Rings theme, min.
a piece played by Belize's Youth Orchestra on August 23, 2014 at the Bliss Center.
Video: Belize 2014 Short, 9min.
Video: Belize Professor Robert Hill on the history of UNIA in Belize part 5, 14min.
Video: Belize Emerson Guild on Dialysis Treatment in Belize, 3min.
Video: The Belize Guatemala Territory Dispute, 9min.
Video: Belize-A day in the life, 10min.
Video: Prince Harry's Visit to Belize Belize Telemedia Limited rv Video of Xunantunich, 29min.
Video: Belize 2014 Extended 2 of 2, 14min.
This is the extended edition of the AVPC Youth mission trip to Belize, 2014 (2 of 2)
Video: San Pedro, Belize, 2min.
Going through downtown in a golfcart
Video: The Sound of a Jungle at Night (Belize), 1/2min.
August 24, 2014
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, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Letter to the Editor: Wolfgang Wind
Most home owners in my community (including me) also see the urgent need for a Master Plan – Building Zoning Plan and Law.
New buyers are not secure what can or cannot be erected on neighboring properties, leaving this open to possible very nasty surprises. The absence of such a plan is currently discouraging affluent buyers in need of tranquility and open the range for irresponsible developers in business for a quick buck and maximum profits but with disregards for the neighborhood.
Here in the South of San Pedro, we had already several single-family, single-story home owners selling and leaving the island because of new, unreasonable and unsuitable developments right next door.
The current situation is scaring other home owners away, trying to sell quickly before a bad surprise can or will happen to them as well.
Wanted suspect Jason Gillett captured
A wanted suspect has been arrested and is pending charges of “Aggravated Assault” and “Attempt Murder”. On Monday, August 18th at about 9PM, 28-year-old Jermaine Zuniga reported to the San Pedro Police that his life had been threatened by a Jason Gillett. According to Zuniga, he was riding his bicycle towards his home in San Mateo earlier in the night when he was assaulted by a person hiding in the road side. Zuniga stated Gillett, also known as “Skilla”, was stooping down in nearby bushes by the road side. When Zuniga passed on his bicycle, Gillett walked towards him and pointed a 9mm Pistol in his direction, firing four shots. Zuniga quickly jumped off his bicycle and escaped the shots, fleeing the scene to report the incident.
Editorial: Giving (and taking) credit where it’s due
I love a story with a happy ending, especially when all odds are against the hopeless ending and there’s a cast of characters that range from visionary and heroic to dastardly. And so the story of the police barracks unfolded, from the sad beginning of deplorable housing for our local police, to the blatant neglect of the Government of Belize (GOB), to the unbelievable tenacity and determination of the San Pedro business community and donors who joined forces when coming to the rescue and to the undeserving taking credit for doing nothing. As far back as 2001, the story begins, when the San Pedro Police Force went on record condemning the lack of proper living conditions at their barracks. Without proper infrastructure, plumbing and wiring, officers were reduced to living in less than ideal conditions. It was no wonder that some of those entrusted to protect our community struggled with their pride and questioned how much we valued them as public servants. Although the topic was brought to the attention of the government by every Chief of Police since, no assistance was ever offered to improve the living conditions of the officers who served our community.
Misc Belizean Sources
Cornerstone Distributes Footballs
Cornerstone gave out footballs, which were donated by one of their volunteers, to local youths. Thanks, Cornerstone!
"Cornerstone Foundation handing out soccer balls to the children of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the balls were received through one of our volunteers named Mr. Ben Milder and his family who were on a trip here in Belize and had allocated the balls and asked us to distribute them to kids so that they can have a positive tool in an effort to give them more opportunity to be proactive about their future."
Culture of Peace Art Project
The Benque House of Culture was the setting for the Culture of Peace Art Project. Looks like it was a fun experience.
"The Art life, Culture of Peace Art a project, creating and inspiring Belizean Arts."
Miss Belize at Miss Freedom of the World Pageant
Great picture! Best of luck to Jessel Lauriano, who is representing Belize at the Miss Freedom of the World 2014 pageant, which is being held in Kosovo. She took 5th place in the bikini competition. Congratulations, Jessel, and have fun representing Belize.
Birding Course at BBG
The Belize Botanic Gardens were the setting for this month's Bird Identification course, given by Roni Martinez. Looks like it was a great turnout. There are more courses coming in September and October.
In related news, the Belize Botanic Gardens had another great graduating class from their Professional Gardeners class. The Benque Marimba Academy played at the event.
"And today ends another successful Bird Identification/Birding Intro course at Belize Botanic Gardens. We had participants from all over the country and I was really glad to see an equal amount of young ladies very interested in Birding!"
The Reporter
Earthquake hits Chile
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Valparaiso, Chile on Saturday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.
The quake occurred at 7:23 p.m. EDT, and interrupted electricity and telephone service in some areas.
Posts on social media showed grocery store isles littered with fallen merchandise and street cameras shaking as the quake struck.
The Belize Times
Enough Is Enough! – Succotz Takes a Stand
2014 will go into the history books as the day Succotz residents stood up against Police wrongdoing and abuses. The images of tires ablaze, bundled with trees and other debris, blocking the George Price highway were broadcast by all media houses for the entire country to see. Concerned Succotz residents were protesting the reckless killing of one of their fellow residents, 54-year-old Yolanda Consuelo Valencia. Valencia, a mother of 5, was on her way to San Ignacio around 5:30 on Saturday August 16th morning. She was travelling in a taxi cab driven by her cousin 28 year old Yanie Evan Cu. Suddenly, from the opposite direction, came a Nissan Pathfinder driven by Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura which slammed into the taxi cab. Valencia died instantly from brutal impact.
Police make huge crystal meth bust! – Suspects engaged Police in high speed chase through OW Town
Residents of Orange Walk Town have described the scene of tonight’s high speed chase between Police Officers and the occupants of another vehicle as if it were a trailer for an action movie.
About 7:30 on Wednesday August 20th, the Police’s Anti-Drug Unit saw a black Toyota Corolla car with license plate OW-00623 swerving side to side along the street. The ADU officer attempted to stop the vehicle by driving next to it and signalling the occupants to pull to the side. Instead the car sped off in high speed.
The suspects headed down Belize-Corozal Road and attempted to turn into Liberty Avenue, but because of its speed the vehicle flipped over. The occupants of the car didn’t give in. They set off on foot, but could not outrun the Police and were captured. They were identified as 49 year old Ruperto Eulalio Reyes of Sittee River Street address and Cuban national, 52 year old Pascual Terrero Pineda of a Boca Del Rio area resident in San Pedro Town.
COLA Appeals Penner Trial
Following months of delay tactics and sabotage from the UDP Administration, the private prosecution of corrupt UDP Elvin Penner was thrown out of the Magistrate’s Court for lack of evidence on July 24th. But Citizens Organized for Liberty thru Action (COLA) is not giving up. On Wednesday August 13th 2014 their attorney, Kareem Musa, applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal Magistrate Aretha Ford’s decision.
Musa indicated that they are challenging the Magistrate’s decision to throw out the case instead of applying sections of the law which gives her authority to summon key witnesses to Court for testimony.
Deputy ComPol Miguel Segura charged for fatal collision
Under heavy pressure from a protesting crowd of residents at the entrance to Benque Viejo del Carmen, the Police Department levied criminal charges on Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura at the Belmopan Magistrate Court on Tuesday, August 19th.
Segura was taken to court and charged with Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving a Motor Vehicle Without Due Care and Attention, Driving with Alcohol Concentration above the Prescribed Limit, Negligent Grievous Harm and failing to alter direction to give way.
According to the Police, the results of the blood sample taken from Segura on the day of the accident showed his alcohol level at 205/100. The legal limit is 70/100.
The Return of the 7th
Discussions around the issue of dual citizens have once again forced itself onto the front burner and it seems that there are some who just will not give up. In 2009, the current UDP administration proposed an amendment to the Belize Constitution that sought to “remove the Dual citizenship disqualification for membership of the House of Representatives or the Senate”. As it stands, the Constitution prohibits anyone who is a citizen of any other country from running for high office. The 2009 proposal caused a huge public outcry and the government was forced to “wheel and come again”. A Seventh Amendment was passed and it cleared the way for the Caribbean Court of Justice to replace Her Majesty’s Privy Council as our final court of appeal. It also made it possible for government to appoint an attorney general “who may or may not be a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate” but the controversial section four had to be removed. The people of Belize made it clear that a person running for high political office “shall” be one hundred percent Belizean.
Editorial: Lessons from Succotz
Succotz sits on a scenic sight in front of the green rolling, roaring waters of the Belize River. Only a road separates the village of Succotz from this ancient and majestic river. Many indigenous women from Succotz still traditional do their washing in the river, the way their ancestors have done for hundreds and hundreds of years at that same spot.
Across the other side of the life giving waters of the Belize River sit the timeless temple of Xunantunich – an irrefutable testament to the grandeur of our Maya history, replete with proof of geometry, astrology, engineering, agriculture and advanced knowledge.
A small tourist trade involving the sale of hammocks and souvenirs takes place on the road side where a ferry carries curious tourists to visit the ancient Maya temple.
Lord’s Bank Sunrise wins Belize Rural softball championship
Lord’s Bank Sunrise won the 2014 Belize Rural female softball championship finals at the Lord’s Bank field over the weekend.
Veteran pitcher Margaret Hendy punctuated the culmination of her career as she led Sunrise to a 10-7 win over the Burrell Boom Orchid girls in the championship finale on Sunday.
Stacy Smith had led the Sunrise girls to a 9-6 win over the Orchid Girls in game 1 of the finals earlier in the afternoon. Smith had also led the Sunrise girls to an 11-8 win over Willows Bank United when the playoffs began on Saturday. Sunrise’s hitters scored 11 runs off Jacqueline Cassasola’s pitching.
Team Santino’s Warren Coye wins Weekend Warriors cycling time trials
Team Santino’s celebrated the lives of their fallen teammates Ernest “Jawmeighan” Meighan and Ernest “Tangalang” Thurton with a win in the Weekend Warriors individual time trials held on the Burrell Boom bypass road over the weekend. Here are the results:
A Division
1st Warren Coye – Team Santino’s – 28:53
2nd Daniel Cano – Digicel 4G – 29:12
3rd Stephen Bissett – Team BNE – 29:25
4th George Abraham Sr – Team Santino’s – 29:39
5th Robert Mariano – Team Digicel 4G – 29:54.
Belize Bank Bulldogs & Complex Generals face off in basketball finals
The Belize Bank Bulldogs and the Complex Admirals won through to the Belize City firms basketball championship finals both by eliminating their rivals by aggregate score wins in the semifinals at Bird’s Isle on Friday night.
The Bulldogs eliminated BWS by an aggregate score of 106 – 97. In Game 2 of the semifinals on Saturday, BWS won 51-46, led by Lawrence Young with 9 points. Kareem Thompson added 8pts, Ashley Hemsley had 7pts and Akeem “Timmy” Trapp added 6 points while Graham and Barcelona scored 5 points apiece. Bulldogs’ Vince Lamb scored 17 points, Charlie Armstrong added 14 points, and Terrique Gabb scored 8 points. In Game 1, the Bulldogs won 60-46.
Did Godwin Hulse bring back the Kim Won Hong??
Belize City, August 19, 2014
The shameful cover up of Elvin Penner’s criminal wrongdoing by Government agents continues.
Belizeans were cautiously hopeful that Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse would return from his high-level five-day visit to Taiwan with the Kim Won Hong Passport.
The Won Hong passport is a crucial piece of evidence ...
AMAZING GRACE – The Heavy Yoke
Belize is enduring dark and violent times with a rise in shootings and murders. Just recently, an iconic cyclist was murdered in cold blood. And though every act of violence is an arousing degradation of human life, this particular murder carried a much harsher stink of unfairness and wrong. Belizeans ...
HOME ECONOMICS – An Unjust, Unbalanced, Broken Tax System Part 2
I. OBSERVATIONS, ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL REFORM
a. BUSINESS TAX – in 2013, the government reported collecting BZ$135 million from turnover on all businesses with sales over BZ$75,000 per annum at a rate of 1.75% of sales. This suggests that businesses completing returns for business tax reported total turnover of ...
Rhett Fuller, Errol Elrington and Sedi Elrington – What a web Sedi weaves!
July 10th, 2008- Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington meets with US Charge de Affairs and other US officials in Belize and gives them assurances that the extradition request for Rhett Fuller (and Mark and Gary Seawell) will proceed and he will ...
The Question the UDP Chairman was afraid to answer
Cayo District, August 20, 2014
The normally loud-mouth, bombastic UDP Chairman Alberto August has a knack for pretending to know all the answers to every problem. But August went totally silent when his Facebook page was smacked with a post from ...
WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – TERM LIMITS ANYONE??
By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
At the top of the news from the Caribbean last week was the report that the Kamla Persad Bissessar Government in Trinidad and Tobago had successfully steered through Parliament a Constitutional Amendment Bill, which is due to be debated by the Upper House (the Senate) later this ...
BNTU to GOB: Deal With Crime!
August 21, 2014
The Council of Management and general membership of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) wish to express, through this medium, our deepest sorrow and condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of Mrs. Josephine Augustine as well as our hope and prayers for the complete and ...
REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – UDP INCOMPETENCE
By Francis W. Fonseca
Economists generally agree that corruption in a country leads to a 1% to 2% decrease in GDP growth annually.
The corrupt practices of this UDP Government are well established and documented.
This essay is not about corruption. It is about incompetence which also directly negatively impacts GDP growth.
Incompetence leads ...
Godwin & the Penner Passport
Dear Editor,
I saw a picture of Godwin Hulse in Taiwan with his counterpart signing some unknown agreement on Belize’s behalf. I had to think to myself… the Minister of Immigration went to Taiwan - no other than Mr. Perfect Godwin Hulse. Then I asked myself…did he get the passport sold ...
GOB neglects Western Border
Dear Editor,
Government’s lack of concern for the comfort and safety of grassroots Belizeans continues to be displayed at the Benque border in the last month of the summer holiday.
On Sunday (August is a heavy shopping period for back to school items) there was total chaos at the western border in ...
Don’t build your house upon a ROC
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus shares with us the parable about the two builders. In the parable, the foolish man built his house upon the sand whereas the wise man built his house upon the rock. When the rains came the house built upon the sand was washed away but the house built upon the rock stood fast.
On June 5, 2014 several pressure groups came together to form the Rod of Correction (ROC). The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) informed the media that it was the “trade union movement, in an attempt to bring the social partners together” that called for the meeting and implicitly, the formation of the ROC.
Patrick Jones
Galen University inaugurates Toledo campus center
One year after it first began offering degree programs in Toledo, today Galen University inaugurated its own campus centre in Punta Gorda town. During brief ceremonies, the inauguration was done at Galen’s location on Jose Maria Nunez Street in PG, with a group of dignitaries, students and other […]
Tropical Depression forms over Turks and Caicos
The fourth Tropical Depression of the 2014 Hurricane Season has formed. TD-4 formed today over the Turks and Caicos Islands and forecasters expect that by Monday it will be a Hurricane. At 3 pm today, TD-4 was located about 75 miles Northeast of Great Inagua Island and […]
Toledo to choose its Queen of the Bay tonight
Six beautiful young ladies are tonight vying for the coveted Queen of the Bay crown in Punta Gorda town. The PG Sport Auditorium will come alive with the pageant beginning at 7 pm. The contestants are Rholeen Sabal, Chelsea Flores, Michelle Petillo, Jessica Baki, Lea Nunez and […]
Cooperative members get training in seed production management
Members of the Santa Rosa Development Cooperatives in the Stann Creek district have undergone training in seedling and production management in cover structure agriculture production. Ten members successfully underwent the day-long training which was facilitated by the Cooperatives Department with technical support from the Extension Service in the […]
Grand Caribe Resort: Two Nights in Total Comfort in this Gorgeous Location
Grand Caribe Resort, located in the gorgeous Tres Cocos area just north of San Pedro town, is relatively new. Opened in 2010 on a huge piece of land, it is the island largest resort and a departure from many of the original thatched roofed accomodations on Ambergris Caye. Here everything is spacious, clean and new – from the massive, massive swimming pool (not the only one on the property) to the beautifully appointed private unit I was staying in. I just returned from two nights at Grand Caribe and what I can tell you for sure? I loved my time there, the location is close to perfect, the sea front is absolutely gorgeous and I was very, very comfortable. Here are some of my pictures. The end of the dock – a beautiful swimming or lounging area.
SALAD BAR – SUPER KALE SALAD
Whisk sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil together in a bowl until sugar is dissolved; set aside.
2.Toss kale, edamame, red onion, carrot, blueberries, dried cranberries, cashew pieces, and sunflower seeds together in a bowl. Pour about half the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours. Serve remaining dressing on side.
Videos
Video:
Under Sea in Belize, 3min.
Video: Snorkeling Belize Gopro 3, 5min.
snorkeling in Belize, around Caye Caulker island
june 2014
spots: Belize, Caye Caulker
Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Reserve, Shark Ray Alley
Video: Belize Ambergris Caye, 7min.
Scuba diving on Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Video: Portuguese Man O' War, San Pedro, Belize, 1min.
One of the coolest creatures (or rather, colony of creatures) i have ever seen in the ocean. Not quite in the same league as a whale shark, but still very cool!
Show more
Video: Black Jaguar Lucky Boy at Belize Zoo, 4min.
You can pay a fee to "high five" the melanistic jaguar at Belize Zoo. Very interesting and fun activity!
Video: Dung beetle, Xunantich, Belize, 1min.
Short video of a dung beetle rolling her dung ball.
August 23, 2014
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, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Psychology Today: Domestic Violence
Women who are victims of domestic abuse remain in these types of relationship for a number of reasons: (1) Perhaps it’s the only type of love she knows (these types of relationships can be learned); (2) Perhaps it’s because she has nowhere else go (she could be thrown out the door tomorrow, or now, if she doesn’t ‘comply’); (3) Perhaps it’s because she has no-one but the abuser to turn to (e.g., he pays the bills, she has lost her friends due to isolation and his controlling nature); (4) Perhaps it’s for the children’s sake, or, perhaps more importantly, (5) She lacks the self respect or self esteem necessary to gain back the independence she may have once had before the relationship began so many years ago.
Special Envoy of Uruguay visits Belize
Special Envoy of Uruguay H.E. Ambassador Gonzalo Koncke visited Belize on August 15, 2014 on a special mission. He was welcomed in Belize City and met with H.E. Alexis Rosado, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his team. In their meeting they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation between Belize and the Republic of Uruguay.
Among other things, Ambassador Gonzalo Koncke confirmed the Government of Uruguay’s support for Belize’s candidate Ambassador Nestor Mendez for the post of Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). This follows an earlier announcement by Belize to support the candidacy of Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Luis Almagro for the post of Secretary General of the OAS, a decision that was reconfirmed during this visit.
New US Ambassador to Belize Carlos Moreno meets with the local media
The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Belize, His Excellency Carlos Moreno started his tour of duty in Belize in July. Since then, HE Moreno has been meeting with various sectors of the Belizean society. On Thursday August 14th, he met with the media for the first time at the US Embassy in Belmopan City. Even though he had spoken at impromptu occasions to the Belizean press, the Ambassador officially had his first round table discussion with various media personnel from The San Pedro Sun, Great Belize Production (Channel 5), Channel 7, Plus TV, Amandala and Krem Radio. HE Moreno addressed a variety of topics of interests, including Belize’s territorial sovereignty and security, the visa status of former Minister of State Elvin Penner in light of the immigration scandal, the US support to gay groups and gay marriage, the lack of law for protection of media personnel in Belize, as well as the ongoing investigation into the brother of Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ambergris Today
$2Mil US Worth of Crystal Meth Taken Off Belize Streets
The Belize Anti- Drug Unit has made a major drug bust in Orange Walk Town worth $2Mil US dollars. According to the Police Report on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at about 7:20 p.m. the Anti-Drug Unit intercepted a black Toyota Camry car with license plates OW-C-00623 which was seen swaying across the street.
Upon seeing the police, the driver of the car sped off heading onto the Phillip Goldson Highway in the direction of Liberty Avenue where it was stopped. Both occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee on foot, however, police managed to apprehend both of them.
Belize Ranked Second Fastest Growing Caribbean Tourist Destination
At the beginning of 2013 the Belize Tourism Board embarked on a new logo and slogan campaign for the country that enticed visitors to the Belizean experience, to BE-lize (or Be Belize). The campaign has helped boost the country’s tourism industry and catapulted the nation into the international spotlight with magazine spreads, network television highlights, advertising campaigns, celebrity visits and social media spotlights that are all about sharing the Belizean experience.
Increasing numbers of tourists uncover Belize treasures - Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) show that Belize ranked the second fastest growing Caribbean tourist destination (behind only Turks and Caicos Islands) with an increase of 11.6% in tourist numbers in February 14, compared to the previous year. Belize registered 32,712 tourist arrivals in February: Travel and Tourism is expected to contribute an additional 4.1% to Belize’s GDP in 2014.
Misc Belizean Sources
Etymology for Ambergris Caye's name
Anybody expert on Belizean history think the following is plausible account of the history of Ambergris Caye's name?...I think I may have stumbled upon a more accurate etymology for Ambergris Caye. At least, I have a plausible alternative etymology to the current popular speculations.
Apparently there is some confusion as to how Ambergris Caye got its name.
What might be slightly misleading historians is the literal meaning of ‘Ambergris’: it is ‘a wax-like substance that originates as a secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfume manufacture’. (or in [slightly inaccurate] layman’s terms: ‘[sperm]whale vomit’) Why name an island after whale vomit? because it is/was very valuable:
Landlines, DSL interrupt Sun am Indigo to XtanHa
COROZAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Attention all students, classes for the school year 2014-2015 will begin on:
Monday, August 25 for Fourth Form.
Tuesday, August 26 for First Form.
Wednesday, August 27 for Third Form.
Thursday, August 28 for Second Form.
Hope everyone had a wonderful summer and are ready to work hard for the new school year!
The summer holidays will soon be over and time to get down to some serious work at school. Power to the students in the struggle!
Market Vendor Computer Training
Beltraide's senior IT officer, Cayo's very own Keila Mai, came back home to train some of the market vendors about using computers for their businesses. Thanks, SBDC!
"San Ignacio Training for Market Vendors in Computer Basics.... great job by our Senior IT officer at BELTRAIDE!"
Tourism Eco Camp: Xunantunich
The Cayo Tour Guide Association's Eco Tourism Summer Camp went well. Hopefully, it'll be happening every Summer. They have some great pictures from the trip to Xunantunich on their CTGA website.
"The kids received a guided tour from Jorge De Leon 'Lion,' Alba Tut, and yours truly, Cruz Cambranes. The tour went well, just as planned. The questions certainly poured in. Down below you will find pictures of the tour. We later left the site and went to Nabitunich where they camped for one night. The kids and the camp leaders played a few games of volleyball."
Channel 7
Alleged Crystal Meth Smugglers Jailed
Tonight, the men who police caught with 120 pounds of Crystal Meth are in jail, after being arraigned in the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court. They are 49 year-old Belizean Ruperto Reyes from Orange Walk and 52 year-old Cuban Pascual Pineda from san Pedro. Police say that these men had at least 4 million Belize dollars' worth of the highly addictive drug in the back seat of the car they were in.
They have since been charged with 1 count each of trafficking a class B drug, and they were arraigned after 4:00 this evening. Because of the seriousness of the drug they've been accused of trafficking, the case will be treated as indictable, and so no plea was taken. They've been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until September 30.
Brother Not Charged For Shooting His Younger Sibling
Orange Walk police are waiting for further instructions from the DPP in how to proceed with the criminal case, if any, against the man who shot and killed his brother by accident.
As we told you 63 year-old Celso Moreno was out on a hunting trip with his brother 52 year-old Gumercindo Mendoza on Wednesday night at around 11 in the Yo Creek area.
Moreno told police that they split up and around midnight, he thought he saw a deer, and fired his 12 gauge shotgun. It turned out to be his little brother Mendoza, and he died instantly from the injuries to his abdomen and head. But, while it was an accident, one man is still dead - so is it manslaughter? Investigators told us that if Moreno will be charged with any offences, the DPP's Office will direct them to do so.
Tour Guides Form Their Own Organization
The 2014 high season for cruise ships is on the horizon and the Tourism Board is trying to regulate affairs outside the often-chaotic Fort Street Tourism Village. Now, we are sure you've heard this story before since the BTB has been trying to regulate this hot zone for at least 8 years. But, the hustle and flow of the tourism village's economy and ecology seems to confound and defy any system that tries to impose order. So, this year's solution is to make the 60+ tour guides form their own union much like the taxi's - and much to the displeasure of four private master operators - who used to collect dues from the guides.
That's what came out of this afternoon's meeting at the House of Culture where the man who would be president of the new association endorsed the new system:
Efrain Cocom, President - General Tour Guide Assoc.
"What is the reality is that there is one taxi association and 4 operator companies that are running the entire business out there and everybody have to find work under these bodies - pay their dues and the job that comes out does not goes to everybody, it goes for a certain few that have connection the tendering service that goes directly to certain people outside. So the idea that BTB has is a very brilliant idea and I think it would work if its fine tune to the point where the association is form that was once before where there was an association rather than companies and then these group of guys can vote for their own executive, remove their own president if necessary and follow under their guide lines."
Belize And Uruguay Discuss Impending OAS Elections
Ambassador Gonzalo Koncke Pizzorno, the Special Envoy of Uruguay, was in Belize a week ago on a special mission to improve relations between the both countries. A major part of his visit was to discuss how Belize and Uruguay will support each other in the elections for the next OAS Secretary General, to be held next year.
A Month ago, we told you about how a Belizean might become the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of the American States. Belize announced the candidacy of Ambassador Nestor Mendez for the post at the 43rd Summit of SICA, which was held in June in the Dominican Republic.
Belize has decided to back the Uruguayan Candidate for the more Senior post of Secretary General, after the current Sec Gen Jose Miguel Insulza officially leaves office in May of next year. He's Uruguayan Foreign Minister Dr. Luis Almagro, and he's running against a former Guatemalan Vice-President President, Eduardo Stein Barrillas.
DCP Segura Did Check On The Accident Victims
6 days ago, Deputy Police Commissioner Miguel Segura was in an accident outside of Benque Viejo Town in which 54 year-old Yolanda Valencia from Succotz was killed. It has caused major public outrage because firstly, the second-most senior cop in the country was allegedly drinking and driving, and also because he was featured in that vile video which went viral. It shows him he was zipping up his pants and taking a leisurely drag from a cigarette a few feet away from the wreckage of the accident and Valencia's body.
Segura has been harshly criticized for that behaviour, and members of the public say that he seemed to show little regard for the loss of life. Well, 7News has gotten hold of cell phone footage taken moments after the accident happened. Here's what it looks like.
The horns are still blaring from the taxi, and as the civilian taping the scene gets closer, responders are trying to find out if the driver 28 year old taxi driver, Yanie Evan Cu, is okay. He informs them that Yolanda Valencia is dead.
The Winning Mobile App Design
Earlier this week, we told you about the PUC's Mobile Apps workshop - where 45 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 were selected to take part in the first annual innovation competition - an intensive one week course in mobile application design and development.
Well, today the 45 participants of the PUC's Mobile Application workshop presented their apps. They were split into 8 groups and had only 5 days to create their mobile apps. And while today marks the closing of this year's program, Executive Director for Bright Path Foundation Bevil Wooding states that it also marks the beginning of a technological transformation in Belize. While Wooding reflected on the success of the 5 day workshop, the two 1st place winners shared the design of their prized mobile apps:
Bevil Wooding, Executive Director, Bright Path Foundation
"This has been a most incredible week of mobile innovation, creativity, determination - these kids it was said that they'd be running off after 5 o'clock to do other things surrounded by such temptations but every single night from Monday through Tuesday through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, they have put in the hours to present the apps that they will be showing this evening. This has been a fantastic experience and I think it's safe to say that Belize now have new innovators and new innovations that's going to shock the country and I think also express the region and the world."
Why The General Legal Council Is Nonfunctional
Last night we aired the comments from Attorney General Wilfred Elrington when he spoke on the General Legal Council. That's the body which is supposed to hear complaints from the public about attorneys who fail to live up to their professional obligations.
But, there's a tremendous backlog and the body hasn't met since earlier this year - with both the Bar and the AG's office pointing fingers at each other. The Bar says he stopped them form meeting; he says they were conducting their work in a slovenly fashion. And as for the backlog, AG Elrington says the blame can't be laid at his feet because he's been travelling for...years(!):...
Hon. Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington, Attorney General
"While I'm in country I call the meetings, while I'm not in the country they were free to call the meetings and I can tell you that for 6 years I was more out of the country than in, so for 6 years they had a free reign to run the general legal council."
SICA Discuss Climate Change
A list of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in the whole world was recently compiled and it shows Belize at number 12, between Kiribati and Cambodia. Antigua and Barbuda is at the number one position, while St. Kitts is at #3, Bahamas is at 14, while Guyana is at 18, and Jamaica at 20.
It's relevant this week because Central American Countries are meeting in Belize under the SICA Banner to discuss climate change. The Ministry of Fisheries , Forestry and Sustainable Development is chairing those meetings and CEO Adele Catzim Sanchez told us how Belize is positioned:
Jules Vasquez
"Is Belize particularly at risk in this climate change context, when we see that we don't see any other Central American country on this table?"
Adele Catzim, CEO - Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, Sust. Dev.
"We are particularly at risk. It doesn't mean that the other Central American countries are not, it's just that we have been very active in doing the research and presenting that in the international forum. But if you were to listen to the discussions taking place this morning you would find out that in Central America drought right now is a major issue, so they have major economic losses that have come from not having enough rain to have the crops reproduce or to produce the crops and so this is one of the huge/large regional issues that is on the table here today. Even though Belize isn't suffering or doesn't have the loss and damages from climate change in the same way that it might be experience in the other Central American countries, we still see an opportunity for us to come together to support each other."
Dorado Charged With Gang Insignias; Claims Harrassment
34 year-old Angel Dorado, a resident of Mile 8 on the Western Highway is out on bail after police charged him for tattoos they believe to be gang related. Dorado is claiming police harassment and that police are trying to get him tied up in nuisance charges.
Yesterday, police went to his home and searched him for illegal items. When they didn't find anything, they inspected him and found that he had several tattoos on his arm. They took an interest in 2 of them - namely the letters "O" on one arm, and a "G" on the other. That forms "O-G", as in "Original Gangster" - a term that's been in popular parlance, everyday talk and rap music since (at least) the early 90's. Still, police took that to mean that he is a member of one of the local bloods gang, and so they charged him with gang insignias.
He was arraigned today before Magistrate Herbert Panton, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail of $500. He must return to court on October 30.
Citizen Train To Patrol With Police
The relationship between the community and the police is…can we say, "complicated?" The community wants the police to keep the peace, while many, justifiably, accuse the cops of causing war, with brutality and insidious tactics, pitting one rival group against the other.
But, a new initiative called Citizens on Patrol is geared at restoring that relationship while peace and good order in society. Sounds like a dream, right? But, the orientation began today at Maude Williams High School and the coordinators discussed the importance and the expectation of the program.
Rt. Superintendent Rudolph Orio, National Coordinator, Citizens on Patrol Program
"In this 3 days we will be giving them police procedures, a little bit of law, observation technique and methods how to get things done in the easiest fashion and they will be getting training for the next 6 months on the job - in service training. So it isn't only the 3 days training that they will get, it is only an orientation today and tomorrow. The benefit for the participants is to build back morality that we have lost on a whole and them assisting the society. The benefits for them is that they will be satisfied that they have tried to help society at large in their safety and welfare."
Taiwan Will Sponsor September Fireworks
This year, your September fireworks and a whole lot more in the celebrations month is going to be underwritten by the Taiwanese Government. This afternoon the September Celebrations Commission received a donation of forty thousand dollars from the Ambassador of Taiwan.
Co-Chair of the Commission, Diane Haylock said that the Taiwanese have been longtime supporters of the celebrations.
Diane Haylock - Co-Chairperson, September Celebrations Committee
"As everybody knows that Ambassador Benjamin Ho who is relatively new. As the ambassador he has live and work in Belize before but he is back this time as the ambassador and this is our first opportunity to work with him in the support of the work that we do. You know that its celebration time in Belize and as has been the case for quite some time the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize has contributed faithfully to the resources that we make available to do all the various activities that are carried out throughout the country of Belize and we are grateful to once again receive the contribution that they are making to the 2014 calendar of events. As you may know Taiwan is very big on culture and so I think that it is on that basis that they find it within themselves to make that contribution to our celebrations. And we are really grateful to them because you know our government always gives us a handsome amount, but it's never enough for all the things that we want to do and so as the national celebrations commission we go out and we find additional resources and I must say that the embassy of Taiwan has been a faithful supporter."
That MUSAID/Youth Orchestra Concert
As we told you earlier this week, a group of international music instructors has been in Belize over a week now, working along with young musicians at the Bliss.
As a reflection of their work, the National Youth Orchestra of Belize and the musical instructors are putting on a concert tomorrow night. There will be a little for everyone who enjoys great music masterfully played and today they told us why you should come out.
The concerts starts at 7:30pm tomorrow night at the Bliss and tickets are twenty dollars.
Channel 5
Another Video Surfaces Showing Segura’s Immediate Response to Fatal RTA
On Saturday, there was a terrible road traffic accident near Succotz on the George Price Highway. Two vehicles were involved, one a small taxi and the other a Nissan SUV. [...]
BML to Receive Payment From City Hall for Five Weeks of Arrears
It’s been a couple weeks since the clash between the workers of Belize Maintenance Limited and the Belize City Council. Things came to a head after City Hall went into [...]
Orange Walk Resident Robbed at Gunpoint
There was an armed robbery in Orange Walk Town on Thursday afternoon. According to Vicente Bol, a customer service representative of Carmelita Village, shortly after one o’clock, while outside of [...]
Taxi Union Up In Arms About BTB Decision at FSTV
There is an ongoing rift between the Belize Tourism Board and the Fort George Tourism Zone Tour Operators and Taxi Union to report on tonight, following a meeting held today [...]
Union Executives Demand Audience With BTB Director
According to the union’s secretary general Jimmy Robinson, the initial agreement was for them to be involved in the fine-tuning of those decisions. Instead, the matter has been dealt with [...]
A Hundred and Twenty-five Tons of Sugar Lost At Sea
On Sunday, a barge belonging to Belize Sugar Industries capsized off the coast of Corozal. Sinking along with the faulty vessel was almost a hundred and twenty-five tons of sugar [...]
Citizens On Patrol Program Launched by Police Department
The Citizens on Patrol Program, COPS, is an initiative by the Belize Police Department designed to enhance community participation and foster better communities. It’s by no means a novel idea [...]
Douglas Hyde Named PR Coordinator for Eastern Division
The Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department has a new Public Relations Unit. That unit will be staffed by current Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez, newly appointed Public Relations [...]
Angel Dorado Arraigned for Gang Membership
Today, thirty-four-year-old Angel Dorado and nineteen-year-old Shaquille Baeza appeared in the courtroom of Magistrate Herbert Panton. The men, residents of the Mile Eight community, were charged separately for gang offences. [...]
App Competition Brings Out Belize’s Finest Young Designers
Mobile Apps are everywhere…from smart phones to tablets and personal computers; they are made for just about everything including internet chats and Belizean dialect. This afternoon at the Ramada Belize [...]
Taiwanese Ambassador Hands Over Check to September Celebrations Committee
Taiwanese ambassador Benjamin Ho presented the National September Celebrations Committee with a check for twenty thousand U.S. dollars this afternoon to be used in defraying the cost of activities during [...]
CTV3
Reimer's Feed Mill In O/W Robbed In Broad Daylight
Police are looking for two individuals who orchestrated an armed robbery at a local store in town and got away. The incident took place around one this afternoon when two men, one armed with a knife and the other with a gun entered Reimer’s Feed Mill on Lover’s Lane. Police report that the man wielding the gun hit the cahier on the head and demanded money.
The cashier forcefully obliged and handed over an undisclosed amount of money. After receiving the money the men made good their escape on bicycles. Other than the cashier who sustained a hit to the head, no one else was seriously injured in the heist. According to police, the robbery was caught on tape. Orange Walk Police have not detained anyone and are looking for both individuals.
San Andres Chairman Discontent With BWS
The Chairman of San Andres Village in the Corozal District Is up in arms tonight and his vexation has a lot to do with Belize Water Services Limited. We understand that government has awarded BWS a portion of the land where the village’s Community Center lies. The plan is for BWS to build a water reservoir on the land in order to improve its water services in the area and to expand into the Corozal Commercial Free Zone. Now, Chairman of San Andres Village, Glenford Melvin, welcomes the improvement of water services to residents of the area but he is disappointed with the company since they have been unable to tell the Village Council what other upgrades will be carried out by them in the area as agreed on three years ago when negotiations between both parties began.
Problems At Seventh Day Adventist School In Progresso
Late this evening, of group of about 35 residents, mostly parents from Progresso Village, took a stand at the Progresso Seventh Day Adventist School awaiting the arrival of the Union’s Manager. The purpose of the gathering is to protest two teachers that they say is not competent for the job since their children’s grades and educational development is lacking. We spoke via telephone to one of the parents and protestor of today’s event.
Anonymous – Parent/Protestor
“The problem is that teachers are doing things out of the way and doing anything as they are supposed to do as teachers and whilst our kids are not learning anything they are doing, all kind of things and that is the reason why we went to the ministry of education, we have talked to the pastor and we are waiting there for an answer but the answer is that the same teachers are coming back here for September and we don’t want that because it is a lot of problem, a lot of stress we are going through as parent are paying for the education.”
Residents Of San Felipe Without Potable Water
This morning we received calls from residents in San Felipe Village who complained of not having access to potable water since Tuesday of this week. Our news team travelled to the village today to find out more about the situation. According to the Chairlady of the village, Cecilia Quetzal, the power to the pump was disconnected due to nonpayment.
Quetzal says that the difficulties in meeting the electricity bill are due to residents failing to pay their monthly bill. CTV-3 News understands that there are a little over two hundred households connected to the water system and of that amount one hundred and ten are in arrears of three months and more.
Orange Walkeno Found Dead Inside Corozal Prison Cell
Tonight the Corozal Police formation has its hands full as it is conducting an internal and criminal investigation into the death of 47 year old Jesus Tamai. This morning at around 5:45, Tamai’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from his black shirt tied to the window of the cell he was occupying.
Today when reporter Victor Castillo visited the Corozal morgue, he caught up with Leading Detective Fernando Valladarez who expounded on the investigation.
Huge Bust Of Crystal Meth Made In Orange Walk
A Belizean and a Cuban National were arrested last night in Orange Walk Town after members of the Anti-Drug Unit intercepted their vehicle on Liberty Avenue and made a major seize of drugs from off the streets. The commotion on the very busy Liberty Avenue shortly after seven had residents duck for cover since several shots were fired, but contrary to reports of the shots fired at the men, police say they were warning shots made in the air. Still, the Anti-Drug Unit’s quick response yielded a major find and its perpetrators behind bars. Reporter Maria Novelo has full details of the incident in the following report.
Hunting Trip Turns Deadly
One man is detained by Police for shooting and killing his older brother during a hunting trip on Wednesday night. The family of Gumercindo Ernesto Mendoza is still reeling in from the tragedy that unfolded sometime around eleven last night. Reports are that sixty-five year old Gumercindo Ernesto Mendoza and his brother, sixty-three year old Celso Moreno headed to their hunting grounds two miles South West on the Yo Creek Road. Mendoza’s wife Rosa Elena Garcia spoke with us and says her husband left about a quarter to seven yesterday night and indicated that he would be meeting his brother at their hunting area. Moreno told police that he and his brother went in separate directions and stuck to that strategy until around eleven in the night when he sighted a deer with his flashlight. Moreno says he fired a single shot from his licensed 12 gauge single action shotgun which missed his target and hit his brother instead. Moreno also explained what happened to his family.
PlusTV
Accused gang member charged
Being a member of a criminal gang is an offence in Belize. But it is rarely prosecuted despite the sheer number of professed gang groups occupying most of Belize City...
Youth fined for false statement in shooting case
18 year old Troy Augustus agreed to plea guilty to committing a mischievous act in respect of a police investigation, after police found he lied about an aspect of his statement to police.Corin Corey was allegedly shot while leaving Elite Nightclub and the policewoman investigating the case was l...
Reimer’s Feed Mill robbed in Orange Walk
On the afternoon of Thursday August 21, Vicente Bol, of Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District reported that at about 1:00p.m. while outside of Reimers Feed Mill on Lovers Lane, Orange Walk Town , his attention was drawn to two men; one armed with a knife and the other with a firearm...
Lead in A &R robbery thanks to cameras
A couple of men took advantage of the high sales of the back to school season of A&R enterprise in Belize City, and robbed the establishment of over $13,500 in cash and valuable items...
Extensive investigations to be conducted in Corozal prisoner suicide
As we reported yesterday, early Thursday morning, a man behind bars was found dead at Corozal Police station and police are ruling it as suicide.According to police reports at around 5:45 on Thursday morning, PC Eustace Ordonez visited the cell block area at the Corozal Town Police station to bat...
Huge Crystal Meth bust in Orange Walk
It may be one of the largest crystal meth busts in the country of Belize, and it happened Wednesday night in the Orange Walk District...
Huge Crystal Meth bust in Orange Walk
It may be one of the largest crystal meth busts in the country of Belize, and it happened Wednesday night in the Orange Walk District. According to Police, on Wednesday 20th August at around 7:20 pm, while on Anti-Drug operation in Orange Walk Town, members of the Anti-Drug Unit attempted to stop a black Toyota car. ASP Tillett of the Orange Walk Formation filled us in on the details.
A & R Belize City robbed
As the summer ends, stationery stores are filled with costumers doing their back to school shopping. Two robbers took advantage of the season’s high sales and robbed A&R Enterprise in Belize City at Mile 1 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway late on Wednesday evening. According to police, around 6:27 p.m., as workers were locking up for the night, the security guard was followed into the establishment by a tall dark-skinned man whose face was masked by stocking. He was carrying a firearm, which he had pointed in the left side of the security guard. Police Sergeant Edwina Armstrong, who is in charge of Criminal Investigation Branch for Precinct 4 Police based in Belama, narrates what happened next.
Man mistakes his brother for a deer and kills him
On Tuesday August 20, at 11:55 p.m, Orange Walk Police were called to an area 2 miles South West on the Yo Creek Road, where approximately 50 feet from a feeder road, Police saw the body of 65-year-old Gumercindo Ernesto Mendoza of Orange Walk Town, lying on the ground face up, with wounds to the hands, abdomen and the left side of his head. Police also saw a shotgun and a machete about a foot away from the body, and a head lamp on the person’s head. His brother, 63-year-old Celso Moreno was on site, and told police what happened. ASP Tillett of the Orange Walk formation told us more.
Prisoner found dead hanging in Corozal Cell
A man was found dead hanging in a prison cell at the Corozal Police Station...
Vigil held for slain Hopkins teacher
On Thursday residents of Hopkins and the neighbouring communities of Stann Creek held a candle light vigil in memory of slain teacher Josephine Augustine, where they marched around the village calling out for justice. After the vigil residents and sympathizers alike held a small rally in the center ...
Armed Guatemalan men presumed robbers of San Ignacio business
On Wednesday August 20, at 4:00p.m., Police were alerted to a robbery in progress in the El Pilar Area of San Ignacio Town. When police arrived at the scene, 52-year-old Betty Cruz, of Bullet Tree Village, reported that at 1:00p.m...
Jason Williams beats assault charges
Alleged gang boss Jason “Soup” Williams is a free man, after charges of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm in public were dismissed at the end of a trial before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith...
Barge sinks with tons of sugar
A barge transporting raw sugar from the Tower Hill factory in Orange Walk to the Belize City Port sank On Wednesday, losing its entire cargo...
Did stress lead to Deputy Commissioner’s accident?
Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura’s steep fall from grace, in the wake of his traffic mishap on the Benque Viejo Road last Saturday, has resulted in a pause among senior officials of the Government of Belize, who hold to the line that he was properly and timely disciplined.
Amandala
Dangriga and Hopkins mourn Josephine
The peace and tranquility of the serene seaside village of Hopkins were shattered by a violent and deadly home invasion at about 5:30 Monday evening at the home of a nationally well-known couple, Dudley Augustine, 71, and his wife, Josephine, 47, and many people whose lives had been touched by the two well-remembered teachers are in shock and anger at the savage attack on Dudley, and the senseless murder of Josephine.
Police say that two men of Hispanic descent went into the couple’s vacation home and repeatedly stabbed both of them, then escaped in their vehicle. Robbery, police say, does not appear to have been the motive.
Police seize crystal meth worth BZ$4 million
The Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) have taken a bite out of the crystal meth trade in Belize after they intercepted approximately $4 million worth of the drug during an anti-drug operation in Orange Walk Town last night.
As a result, two men were arrested and charged with drug trafficking. They will be taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court tomorrow to be arraigned on the charges.
ADU officers say that at about 7:20 last night, they intercepted a black Toyota Camry car with license plates OW-C-00623, which was seen swaying across the street.
120 to 125 tons of sugar sweeten the sea in Corozal
A Belize Sugar Industry barge carrying about 120 to 125 tons of sugar from Orange Walk Tower Hill Sugar Factory to Belize City sank in the area of Cerros in front of Corozal Town, and its cargo of sugar was lost.
BSI authorities said that the barge carrying the sugar began to leak, which caused a rupture, causing it to go under.
The incident occurred at about 7:00 Sunday evening between Sarteneja and Warrie Bight, but the operators were able to bring it to Cerros, where the barge went down completely, with its cargo of sugar.
2 robbers jack over 12 grand from A&R
Shortly before 6:30 yesterday evening, a pair of brazen robbers walked up to a security guard at A&R Enterprise Limited, located at Mile 1 ½ on the Philip Goldson Highway, and one of them stood at the door while the other put a handgun to the left side of the guard’s abdomen and ordered him inside of the store.
The bandits then held up the terrified employees and made off with exactly $13,509.31 in cash and items.
The store supervisor reported to police that at about 6:27 p.m., a tall, dark-complexioned man with a stocking over his face entered the establishment behind the store’s security guard with a firearm pointed at the security guard’s left side, while his Hispanic accomplice stood at the entrance of the building.
Dengue hemorrhagic cases spike on Southside Belize City
Ministry of Health officials confirmed to Amandala today that the incidences of dengue hemorrhagic fever – a severe and potentially deadly form of dengue – have increased in Belize City, and particularly on the Southside, although the total number of dengue cases appears to be similar to last year’s tally.
Javier Alpuche, Senior Public Health Inspector, told Amandala that there have been a total of 105 dengue cases to date, with a notable spike since July 2014, but thankfully there have been no deaths due to the hemorrhagic cases, which are manifested with nose bleeds and bruise-like spots on the skin.
Case against Gilroy Usher, Jr., struck out for want of prosecution
Gilroy Usher, Jr., the son of People’s United Party (PUP) standard bearer for Port Loyola Gilroy Usher, Sr., who had several charges pending in the Magistrate’s Court from an incident in 2012, was able to [...]
Customs officer charged for manslaughter
A Customs officer was arraigned this morning at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court in connection with the death of Onario Oba, 19, who was fatally shot in the face in Orange Walk five years ago. [...]
Police seek scurvy father and stepfather
Police are on the hunt for the father of a girl, 10, after he fondled her private parts, while the search is also on for the stepfather of a girl, 11, after he touched her breast. [...]
Editorial: The ebbing tide of integrity
There was one point in the New Testament when Jesus Christ was fasting alone in the desert, and Satan came and took Him up on the top of a mountain to show Him the riches and kingdoms of the world. Satan said, all these will be Yours, if, falling down, You will adore me. The story is a classic one, which may actually have more worldly meaning than religious significance.
At the time of Christ, the Jewish people (not to be confused with today’s Israelis) were in a colonial condition, oppressed by the imperial Romans. Leading the Jewish people were various of their upper classes, including a “king,” who were collaborating with the Roman governor in the administration of Judea. According to the prophecies of the Jewish Old Testament, a Messiah from the House of David was supposed to come who would deliver the Jews from subjection.
From the Publisher
The June 1993 general election produced a stunning result in that the hastily-constructed UDP/NABR coalition defeated the heavily financed incumbent PUP by a margin of 16 to 13 in seats, even though the PUP polled 2,000 more votes overall in the 29 electoral constituencies.
When the PUP went on to lose Town Board elections in March of 1994 by huge margins, there was a rebellion against what some PUP constituency bosses thought was the inordinate influence of Ralph Fonseca over party decisions. These dissident area representatives and standard bearers included Deputy PUP Leader Florencio Marin, Sr. of Corozal, Dan Silva of Cayo, Dr. Ted Aranda of Dangriga, and Senator Joe Coye of Belize City. I believe Johnny Briceño of Orange Walk and Vildo Marin of Corozal were involved at some point in what we have called the “May 15 Movement.” Cordel Hyde, who had recently won a constituency convention to become the chairman of PUP Lake Independence, and Senator Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, now the Belize Rural Central area rep, were members of May 15. Jorge Espat was an early visitor thereto, but he did not stay for long. The coordinator of May 15 appeared to be Bill Lindo.
Tennis News: 17-year-old Marco Mendez is Belize’s No. 1 Male Tennis Player!
BELIZE CITY—This past weekend, the Belize Tennis Association hosted the prestigious National Men’s Singles for the “Eric Eusey Trophy” at the Belize Pickwick Club tennis courts. In the first round, No. 1 seed Mike Sosa defeated [...]
Dangriga sports – Wagiya FC preparing for Premier League tournament
DANGRIGA—Boys and Girls U-12 football Here are some game results from the Dangriga Cancer Center Boys and Girls Club U-12 tournament that is being played at the Benguche Football Field. In game 1 last Thursday, August [...]
“Ladies” ready to defend his Masters crown
BELIZE CITY—Dedicated veteran long-distance runner, Anthony “Ladies” Flores stopped by the sports desk this morning to remind fans of the upcoming BDF Day Half-Marathon, which takes place next week Saturday, August 30. The 53-year-old Masters athlete, [...]
Belize submits provisional roster for Central American Cup
BELIZE CITY—We didn’t receive the list this week from the FFB, but the CONCACAF web site, concacaf.com, says that all 7 UNCAF countries had submitted their provisional team rosters on Monday of this week “for the [...]
Paul’s comments on Ambassador Moreno’s statements
Editor Sir: With reference to your article, “New U.S. Ambassador meets the Press,” which appeared in your August 17, 2014, issue and continued on pages 2 and 4. I would like to make a few comments. [...]
Don’t build your house upon a ROC
Dear Editor, In MATTHEW 7:24-27, Jesus shares with us the parable about the two builders. In the parable, the foolish man built his house upon the sand whereas the wise man built his house upon the [...]
A letter from Mr. Linker
Dear Editor, Major Jones raised an important issue in his July 27, 2014 letter “Diaspora, what have you done for me lately.” However, as a US citizen who has resided in this beautiful country since 1992, [...]
Belize faces heat over rights of Maya, LGBTI and migrant workers
BELIZE CITY—In a recent meeting held in Mexico City, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), called out Belize over alleged human rights violations against the Maya [...]
Miracle in Corozal
COROZAL TOWN—Antholyn Vellos, 16, of Corozal Town, has undergone a seemingly miraculous recovery after he was retrieved from the bottom of the sea in an unconscious state near the Corozal Town Wharf about 5:30 Saturday evening. [...]
The National Youth Orchestra assisted to step up
BELIZE CITY—The National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize has received assistance to enhance their performance, to sharpen their skills as musicians, and to improve the overall functioning of the orchestra. The choir and orchestra are [...]
Harold Stansmore Young passes at 79
BELIZE CITY—Today, Monday, at 2:00 p.m., funeral services were held at the Wesley Methodist Church on Albert Street for Harold Stansmore Young, 79. He was known to his close friends as “Fats.” Officiating were Rev. Angus [...]
Canadian family threatens lawsuit against Belize police
SAN IGNACIO—The family of Jeffrey Furgula, a Canadian man who fell into a coma while in a jail cell in San Ignacio and who later died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, says [...]
Customs officer charged for manslaughter
ORANGE WALK—A Customs officer was arraigned this morning at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court in connection with the death of Onario Oba, 19, who was fatally shot in the face in Orange Walk five years ago. [...]
Two Haitians busted at PGIA with fake Belizean visas
BELIZE CITY—Two Haitians who have been living and working in Brazil were busted at the Philip Goldson International Airport when they attempted to enter Belize on Tuesday with fake Belizean visas. Donald Gedeon, 32, a Haitian [...]
Civil unrest in Succotz!
SAN JOSE SUCCOTZ—Acrid billows of thick, black smoke filled the atmosphere since early this morning near Mile 71 on the George Price Highway as an irate mob of almost 300 villagers from San Jose Succotz spontaneously [...]
The Reporter
Barge sinks with 120 tons of sugar
A barge containing 120 tons of sugar worth tens of thousands of dollars sank not far from Sarteneja in Cotozal shortly before midnight on Sunday after it took on water.
The vessel, belonging to Belize Sugar Industries Ltd., was heading to Belize City where the produce was scheduled to be loaded for shipment abroad.
The captain of the barge notified officials of the Belize Sugar Industries around 7:40 p.m. notifying that the the barge was taking on water rapidly. BSI instructed him to turn the vessel around and head for the company’s docking facility in Libertad but it never made it.
Even though the sugar was lost BSI has an insurance policy that absorbs that kind of loss.
Winning Applications decided in PUC mobile App competition
The Public Utilities Commission held the closing ceremony for the first-ever Mobile Application Development Workshop and Competition on Friday.
At the end of the workshop the 45 participants presented the applications they built during the week and voted amongst themselves to decide which two were the best. The app Discover Belize, done by the team Bel-Cay, and Bel-Lingo, done by the team Living Speech, won by popular vote.
The discover Belize app is a tourism sector tool designed to help tourists and locals find tourist attractions in their area, while Bel-Lingo is a language-based application designed to help tourists communicate with locals by teaching common terms in languages such as Kriol, Garifuna and Mopan Maya.
US court finds Argentina’s plan to exit debt default illegal
A US court has ruled that Argentina’s plan to exit its debt default as illegal. Argentina had planned ask investors holding defaulted bonds to swap them for a new locally issued debt.
New York Judge, Thomas Griesa said the plan was “lawless” but he stopped short of finding the country in contempt of court.
Argentina was trying to get around an earlier court ruling banning it from paying interest to investors who had accepted restructured bonds.
Mr Griesa ruled that the country must first pay the hedge funds holding out for full payment on the bonds on which it defaulted in 2001.
The hedge funds, which bought Argentina’s bonds at a big discount after its economic meltdown and previous default in 2001-02, are owed an estimated US $1.3bn.
Protesters disrupt free flow of traffic, tourist travels in Western Belize
Protesters numbering almost 300 during the height of a riot in Succotz Village, Cayo on Tuesday successfully blocked the George Price Highway with tires and tree branches which they set on fire to demand swift action against Deputy Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura following […]
Over $12 thousand stolen from A&R
Thieves made off with over $12,000 after a robbery at A&R Enterprise Limited at mile one-and-a-half on the Phillip Goldson Highway at around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Sergeant Edwina Armstrong, head of CIB for Precinct Four, said the robbery was done by two armed masked-men. […]
Health sector plagued by political appointments, says PNP leader
People’s National Party Leader Will Maheia condemned this week the various incidents of misappropriation of funds in the Ministry of Health, citing political appointments as one of the major causes. “There are too many political appointees in the ministry; this system creates an environment that […]
PG prioritised for multi-million-dollar sporting facility
Priority is being given to Toledo, oftentimes referred to as “the forgotten district,” for a new multi-milliondollar indoor sporting facility. The process of procuring the architectural team has already begun, and according to Christy Mastry, general manager of Belize Infrastructure Limited, the architectural design […]
Lionfish coming to Carnival and plates very soon
Oceana Belize and the Soca Moca Carnival Band have teamed up to raise awareness about the invasive lionfish species and to encourage Belizeans to use it as an alternative food source. According to Oceana Belize Vice President Janelle Chanona, the invasive species is eating […]
Dengue spikes in Belize City
The Central Health Region has intensified efforts to spray and kill mosquitoes in Belize City after recent data has shown a spike in the number of dengue cases, particularly in the Southside of the city. Javier Alpuche, senior public health inspector, said their surveillance […]
Unitedville resident stabbed to death
Victor Vargas, 37, a resident of Unitedville, Cayo, died shortly after he received a stab wound to the throat early Saturday morning. Vargas’ killer fled and remains at large after the incident which took place around 3 a.m. at the corner of Albert Street […]
Sizable amounts of weed seized during GSU raids
A series of anti-drug raids conducted by the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) over last weekend has yielded well over five pounds of marijuana, and in one instance, hand-crafted weapons and stingers. The last search inside a fenced lot near the residence of an alleged […]
DOE addressing oil spill problems in Belize
The Department of the Environment (DOE) is currently in the process of addressing problems of oil spills by updating and revising the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan through meetings with relevant stakeholders. Maxine Monsanto, acting senior environmental officer for DOE, explained to The Reporter […]
EDITORIAL
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights meeting in Mexico City for its 152nd special session has not minced words in expressing its displeasure with the Government of Belize over what it sees as serious human rights violations. Among the perceived violations are: 1. The legislation in place which criminalizes consensual […]
Police confiscate $2 million in crystal meth
Orange Walk police, who were on patron Wednesday night, intercepted a vehicle which they say was loaded with a stash of methamphetamine, popularly known as “crystal meth”, worth around $2 million. They have also detained two men, a Belizean of Orange Walk Town and a […]
Tragic accident claims life Test says Deputy Compol’s blood-alcohol level was above legal limit
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura, 48, faces six criminal charges and is on suspension from duty following a road traffic accident at mile 71 on the George Price Highway that claimed the life of Yolanda Valencia, 54, and left her cousin, taxi driver, […]
Visa Vetting Committee under scrutiny
The one-month old visa vetting committee has already come under fire, as two prominent organizations have taken issue with the fact that one of the committee’s members was named in the leaked Auditor General’s Preliminary report. Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s President Arturo […]
Patrick Jones
Independent tour guides complain over reorganizing of Tourism Zone
While covering the handing over from Taiwan at the House of Culture we came across a sort of mini-protest on Regent Street. A group of independent tour guides had just come out of a meeting with the Belize Tourism Board concerning their continued operation at the Fort George […]
Accused gang member charged in court
Being a member of a criminal gang is an offence in Belize. But it is rarely prosecuted despite the sheer number of professed gang groups occupying most of Belize City. Today 34 year old Angel Dorado of Western Paradise village on the George Price Highway faced a charge […]
PUC presents future of mobile applications
This week young Belizeans from across the country converged on the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel to learn about development of mobile applications. It is part of the Public Utilities Commission’s Young Innovators Program which is intended to provide a forum for young Belizeans to showcase their talents […]
Mostly fair weather and warm temperatures heading into the weekend
Moist and unstable conditions are currently influencing our weather heading into the weekend. The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for partly cloudy skies tonight. On Saturday, skies will be sunny with cloudy periods. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms will occur over southern […]
Youth fined for false statement in shooting case
18 year old Troy Augustus agreed to plead guilty to committing a mischievous act in respect of a police investigation after police found he lied about an aspect of his statement to police. One Corin Corey was allegedly shot while leaving Elite Nightclub and the policewoman investigating the […]
Taiwan donates to September Celebrations
This afternoon the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) made its annual donation to help Belize celebrate the twin holidays of St. George’s Caye Day and Independence Day. Some BZ$40,000 was handed over from Ambassador Benjamin Ho to Co-Chair of the National Celebrations Commission and President of […]
My New (Temporary) Neighborhood: Tres Cocos On North Ambergris Caye, Belize
For the past two nights, I’ve been staying “up north” at the seriously well-appointed resort, Grand Caribe in one of my very favorite areas of the caye – Tres Cocos.
I have always heard that it was named for three prominent coconut palms that used to stand in the area. Palms that marked the diving site and i think, a cut in the reef. Now it is beautiful San Pedro suburbia – the Greenwich, CT or Buckhead, Georgia of San Pedro. (AKA – the weathy ‘burbs.) Large private homes, a very scenic sand drive and some really cool bars & restaurants.
According to this map, the area that I call Tres Cocos is actually three different subdivisions – Tres Cocos, El Tesoro and Buena Vista. Again…who knew?
I’ll continue to call the area around the landmark Palapa Bar, Tres Cocos.
Unexplainable tech issue and San Pedro Help
On the topic of help, I recently had an interesting experience of taking someone to AA that needed a helping hand. While there I participated in reading aloud, met a couple of new people and had the privilege to listen to their stories. It was very rewarding to hear how far they fell and how well they are doing thanks to finding out AA was an available San Pedro. These people were all willing to make a decision that they wanted do better for the next 24h and to take the help available and improve their quality of lives.
I can just imagine how difficult it is on the island, every direction you look you will find someone willing to have a drink with you and you can start your day buying alcohol as early as 6:00am if you know where to go. I have had someone once offer to buy me a drink at a bar and then go onto say he would only buy me that drink provided I chose alcohol not my first choice, a bottled water. I have also experienced a few places that do not sell bottled water – I know that is a plus for recycling but it is sadly one less option for those who do not want an alcoholic beverage.
Corruption in Belize courts
Tonight, there is a great deal of suspicion surrounding the actions of a senior court staffer, which suggest multiple, condoned irregularities within the lower court system.
Gabriel Casey is a bailiff working for the Magistracy department, and his job is to go around collecting payments from defendants who are brought to court for civil suits. It usually involves individuals who prove to be difficult in honouring commitments with different business places like loan institutions or persons who’ve been sued and lost their case, where the court has ordered them to pay fines or compensation.
Acting as an official enforcement arm of the court, Casey goes out and collects from those persons who owe, but the problem is, that persons he has collected from, claim that instead of depositing the money into the public purse or on behalf the finance institutions, he pockets it.
We’re talking about hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars, and from what 7News has been able to unearth through our investigation, there are several persons complaining that he misappropriated money that they gave him to deliver to the court as the collection agent.
Rugby: The First Four
The southern Districts have seemingly stormed ahead in setting up rugby football clubs in Belize, and the first four clubs have appointed organisors and are busy attracting players and volunteers through their social media campaigns.
The Belize Rugby Board (Rugby Belize) has organized the country into two ‘Districts’ for domestic competition purposes; North includes Corozal, Orange Walk and Belize, and South covers Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo.
Hattieville United Rugby Football Union (part of the Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club), organized by Haddan Garbutt, is the headquarters of Rugby Belize.
Rugby Belize plans to have a rugby football union in every major town throughout the country by the end of 2015, with a national team for sevens in place in time to commence training for the first big international sevens competition in 2015 / 16.
Explore Barton Creek Cave in Belize
Barton Creek Cave is about 45 minutes from San Ignacio Town. The tour is an exciting canoe trip into a remote cave formerly used by the ancient Maya as a burial site and for ceremonial purposes.
A visit to Barton Creek Cave involves spending over an hour paddling canoes along an ancient Maya waterway inside the mountain.
Your guide will point out skulls and artifacts as you pass between stalactites. The high ceiling, beautiful rock flows and cathedral chambers makes this cave a beautiful place to photograph.
These Breathtaking Images Will Convince You To Move To Belize
International Sources
How the Jaguar Saved My Life [Excerpt]
A love of the jaguar helped inspire one of the world's leading proponents for saving big cats. My earliest memories are filled with pain, embarrassment, and coming to terms with the reality, reinforced by adults, that I was one of life’s broken creatures. Born with a debilitating stutter and placed in public school classes for “special” children, I found it easiest to live inside my own head and withdraw from the world of people as much as a child can. My place of greatest comfort in those early years was the closet in my room in my parent’s New York City home. In this small, dark world, I felt normal, I wasn’t scared to speak, and I could live out my fantasies. My companions, a little menagerie of chameleons, green turtles, garter snakes, and hamsters, were the only living beings around me that seemed to listen but not judge. They had feelings, but they too had no voice to express themselves. They were me.
Is the Caribbean Tourism Industry Looking Up?
By now, most (but not all) Caribbean countries have submitted their first half 2014 tourism statistics to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). It makes for some interesting reading. Overall, the Caribbean recorded a weighted average growth rate of 5.2 percent in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2014 (some countries reported shorter periods, but all included the bulk of the winter tourist season). This sector performance reads like my old school report cards: Good – but could do better! Cruise ship arrivals also increased, but at a lower rate of 4.6 percent.
Interestingly enough, about the same number of cruise passengers as stay-over tourists visited the Caribbean during first half 2014: 8.5 million versus 8.6 million respectively (not including Cozumel and Cancun). Martinique has shown huge growth in cruise ship arrivals; up 69.8 percent over the first three months of the year. Dominica and Belize, the nature destinations, also showed strong growth.
Lord Ashcroft, the mystery peer who is keeping the Tories guessing
The extraordinary life of Michael Ashcroft, the billionaire Tory peer and owner of the world’s largest collection of VC medals, has gone through many phases. Today, he is a familiar figure in the Westminster village who will appear at social occasions without a tie, with hands in pockets. Although no one would call him an extrovert, he is willing to engage with people who do not share his world view.
His website suggested that he considered the former British colony of Belize, south of Mexico, as home. He actually lived in the United States.
Before he vanished from these shores, Michael Ashcroft was well known in London business circles as a hard-driving entrepreneur who could take over a failing company and make it grow at a speed that alarmed the more conservative elements in the City. An old article in Forbes magazine said that he started moving his business across the Atlantic in 1981, when Margaret Thatcher’s popularity hit an all-time low and he feared the arrival of a left wing Labour government headed by Michael Foot.
Videos
Video: Flight of the Macaw Trailer, 1min.
A preview to my first documentary film: Flight of the Macaw. The finished documentary is to build awareness of the organization Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team in Belize as well as to the issue of illegal poaching of Scarlet Macaws, an endangered species, within the protected Chiquibul National Forest.
Video: Eljai Royal ---Irie Seabreeze---- Mellowvision, 3min.
Eljai is a Belize-born Reggae singer and producer
This video Clip of Eljai Royal was done at the Irie Seabreeze Festival in Long Beach Cal. 2011 by Mellowvision..... ELJAI was born Lloyd Carlton McFarlane Jr. in Belize City, Belize. Soon after, his family moved to the countryside where most of his early years were spent. ELJAI has always been known for his humble and kind ways, joyous laughter and his spiritual enlightening conversations. At the age of five, ELAJI's family moved back to Belize City where he attended the Ebenezer Primary School Here he met new friends and discovered his hidden musical talent. Soon ELJAI was singing at school rallies and contests. His talent developed rapidly and he was encouraged by his friends and family to pursue his career in music.
Video: Belize Vacation, 4min.
GoPro footage from our trip to Belize this summer. Hol Chan snorkeling, Lamanai Mayan ruins, San Pedro
Video: 'THIS IS HOW WE ROLL WITH POLAR PRO FILTERS Diving Belize, 4min.
The Playground at Half Moon Wall, 10 yr old Jr. Open Water Diver celebrates his first shark dive. Thanks to Polar Pro Filters for bringing it all together with their awesome GoPro filter system.
Video: Corozal Town, Belize is luxurious town., 3min.
Cyril Uruwei, publisher of Belize In America interviews Mario Fisher, a Corozal Town resident who immigrated from the United State and settled back in Belize after several years.
Video: Changes in Latitudes Bed & Breakfast Inn San Pedro - San Pedro - Belize, 1min.
Changes in Latitudes Bed and Breakfast is located 150 feet from the Caribbean Sea and approximately a quarter-mile south of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. Guests must fly into Belize City international airport and take a connecting flight or water taxi to Ambergris Caye. Hotel amenities include bicycles, hammocks, an outdoor bamboo shower, a common kitchen, and the daily Belizean Breakfast with fresh fruits, juices, coffee, tea, and a hot entree. Guests have access to the pool, fitness center and Splash Bar at the Belize Yacht Club next door, as well as the use of the pier for swimming, snorkeling, sunning and rentals of Hobie cats, kayaks, sailboats, and snorkel equipment. Golf cart rentals are available and will be delivered to your door. Hosts can arrange fishing, diving, snorkeling, and day trips to local Mayan ruins. All rooms feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, beach towels, beach mats, clock radios, private entrances, and private lockers for snorkel/diving gear. Rates include breakfast, local area coupons and a gallon of drinking water.
August 22, 2014
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Police Report
33-year-old Gergorio Cobb, manager of Captain Morgan’s Retreat reported to the San Pedro Police Station that a man refused to pay for his stay in the establishment. According to Cobb, Simon Castillo checked into the hotel for a period of seven days commencing from Friday, August 8th and ending on Saturday, August 16th. The cost of the room was $200 per night plus 19%, amounting to a total value of $1,905. Castillo gave a credit card in his name. During his stay, Castillo ordered room service which amounted to $3,847.12. Castillo checked out of the resort without informing the front desk or paying the extra charges. Cobb has requested court action. Castillo has been officially arrested and charged.
Belize Institute of Mixology offers Bartending Courses
Belize Institute of Mixology (BIM) is a locally owned Bartending teaching company. It recently held a Flair & Mixology Crash course at Sapphire Beach Resort on Saturday August 9th. Guest instructor was Mixologist Fermin Cho’c of Turtle Inn. Mr Cho’c is the winner of the annual Taste of Belize Bartending competition as well as the Sugar City Rumfest mixology competition. He learned his trade in Florida by the American Bartending School. BIM plans on offering two fully rounded courses: Introduction to Bartending and Advanced Bartending. These courses will include presentations from guest instructors in the field of wine, beer, rum, and of course flair. Each course will be for five days and will also include a doctor as guest instructor on alcohol awareness. Power point presentations and practical hands on training will ensure student participation.
Island Cup Football Tournament finals drawing near
The Island Cup Football Tournament is nearing the finals, and on Sunday, August 17th the fifth round of games were played. The Ambergris Stadium was the place to be as six football teams faced off in three grueling matches. The crowd in attendance was certainly pleased with the display of football talent.
Legends and Dorados set the tone of the day with the first game. The well-seasoned Legends took the win in a 2-0 point match even though the Dorados gave a decent fight. Game two saw, San Pedrito FC face San Pedro High School (SPHS) Football Team. SPHS managed to win their first-ever game in the tournament in a 2-1 point match! The last game of the day was between the Joker FC and Vince’s Warriors. Both teams wanted the win, but Joker FC snatched the victory with 3-1 score.
Ambergris Today
Belize Police Department : Wanted Person
San Pedro Police Station - Wanted Person
Jason Gillette aka "Skilla"
Age: 29 yrs old DOB: December 24, 1985
Belizean Laborer
Wanted in connection with an Attempt Murder in San Pedro Town. This person is considered armed and dangerous if seen please call 911 or the nearest Police Station in your area or Crime Stoppers at 922.
Rugby Belize Has its First Four Clubs
The southern Districts have seemingly stormed ahead in setting up rugby football clubs in Belize, and the first four clubs have appointed organizers and are busy attracting players and volunteers through their social media campaigns.
The Belize Rugby Board (Rugby Belize) has organized the country into two ‘Districts’ for domestic competition purposes; North includes Corozal, Orange Walk and Belize, and South covers Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo
Hattieville United Rugby Football Union (part of the Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club), organized by Haddan Garbutt, is the headquarters of Rugby Belize
Rugby Belize plans to have a rugby football union in every major town throughout the country by the end of 2015, with a national team for sevens in place in time to commence training for the first big international sevens competition in 2015 / 16.
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize at Ireland Oil & Gas 2014 Summit in Dublin
2014 is a pivotal year for Ireland’s oil and gas industry, with exploration of key prospects underway and a new licensing round due to commence in just a few weeks’ time. The mood at the 2nd Ireland Oil & Gas Summit was one of enthusiasm and excitement, and a feeling that perhaps Ireland will soon be firmly placed on the global map of oil and gas.With more than 120 delegates in attendance from more than 80 companies and organisations, the meeting brought together an exceptional cross-section of companies and individuals with a vested interest in realising Ireland’s hydrocarbon potential. IRN gathered an exceptional panel of speakers from Woodside, Providence, Nalcor Oil & Gas, Petrel Resources, Belize Natural Energy, Lansdowne Oil and Gas, Infrastrata, Fastnet Oil & Gas, and Europa Oil & Gas amongst others, who provided attendees with detailed analysis of present state of the oil and gas industry across Ireland.
Belize – Fiscal Paradise with High Level of Confidentiality
ICO Services, the international company specialized in the formation of offshore companies and offshore banking, has recently expanded their services to the American business world by launching their service of setting up a company in Belize, the only fiscal paradise in Central and South America where English is the official language. This business extension means providing access to the multiple advantages of establishing an International Business Company (IBC) which includes a high level of confidentiality, exempt for all local taxes, no capital requirements and no foreign exchange control.An IBC is the most popular type of offshore corporation as it is designed for any international business activity, does not pay any taxes in the jurisdiction where is established, provides confidentiality to its owners and is not subject to reporting requirements.“According to different lists of international organizations, there are dozens of countries that can be considered as tax heavens. But these countries are far from providing the same advantages, and each is specialized in hosting one or more types of the simplest to the most complex financial transactions. In this respect, Belize is the no. 1 option for international investors who need the advantages provided only by an IBC established in Belize, where privacy is a state policy”, said an ICO Services executive/official.
Superintendent Luis Castellanos accepts Freddy Gonzalez Jr's Nomination for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
and now nominates his son Luis Alberto Castellanos, Karim Maroun, Genaro Samos, Hector Blanco and Henry Jemmot.
Mechanical Rides at the the Andres Campos Civic Center Grounds
Where will your good-self lead you this weekend? - In about two weeks from today, most preschools, primary and secondary schools will be open for classes. Here is your last chance to bring out the entire family this weekend and enjoy Mechanical Rides at the the Andres Campos Civic Center Grounds - Carousel - Roller Coaster - Wheel of Fortune - Games - The rides will begin tomorrow Friday Aug 22....Don't miss out. We invite everyone from Corozal's 26 villages and Orange Walk to enjoy this weekend's events before the opening of school classes. Fun! Fun! Fun! Be safe!
Colors of Belize Art Gallery
Colors of Belize, Cayo's new art gallery, is having their grand opening Friday, August 22nd. They are located in the Busman Arnold building, and are open from 9am to 9pm."Colors of Belize is a new art gallery in Cayo. It's located in the Busman Arnold building, and the artist has some fantastic paintings on display."
Calla Creek Bridge Repair Project
4 The World Belize, which does a lot of volunteer work in Calla Creek, fixed up the bridge so the kids can safely cross. Thanks, 4 The World!"Today we replaced the missing boards on the swinging bridge in Calla Creek Village. Now all the kids can safely cross the bridge. Just in time for school to start next week. Many people use the bridge daily ."
Cayo Classifieds - Issue 30
This week's Buy and Sell Weekly."Belize's original Classified ads publication. Private Party Classified ads (people selling personal items) are now FREE. Business ads start at $15 per week with designs included. Deadline to place ads are every Saturday @ 12pm. Don't pawn it!... sell it fast with our Buy and Sell Weekly Classifieds."
NTHU 2014 Belize Visit
The Belize Educational Service Group from the National Tsing Hua University left Belize yesterday. While here, they spent most of their time in Cayo, and did a lot of volunteering at primary schools. Thanks, NTHU!"Seven days in San Antonio, our groups really got lots of things from the villagers, especially the principle Mr. Mai. They are willing to share things with us, they showed us their farm, their family members, their harvest and their smile. Though we did the wall and hold a one day camp for them,yet when a mother told us that she is really appreciate for what we had done, we thought we can do more and better. we will miss and remember this beautiful village, for its glamorous sunshine, kind people and the warm smile. Adios Familia."
Channel 7
Terror Inside A and R
At the end of last night's news, we told you about an armed robbery at A and R Store. Tonight details of that terror- filled event are known. Around 6:27 pm a man with a stocking over his face walked into A&R holding the security guard at gunpoint while his accomplice guarded the door. The man ordered everyone to lie on the floor. The store had already closed, but the employees and many of their young children were inside with them.
Everyone was in a panic, as the gunman went first to the supervisor's office and stole a plastic bag with over nine thousand dollars in cash. He then turned his attention to the workers, and even their children, snatches cell phones, rings and chains from them. Then, he ordered all of them to stand up and matched them up to the second floor and ordered the supervisor to open the safe - where he stole another three thousand in cash.
Record Crystal Meth bust in Orange Walk Worth Millions
Tonight the Anti Drug Unit is proudly claiming the biggest bust of the drug Crystal Meth ever in Belize. "Meth" as it is called is short for methamphetamine - and it is a highly addictive drug widely used in the United States. In many cases, the drug itself or, more often, the chemical precursors used to make it are trafficked through Belize, Guatemala and Mexico to the US.
And last night, a stash with a value of more than 2 million US dollars was found in Orange Walk - and it happened, almost by chance. An unmarked anti drug unit vehicle was in the Louisiana area of Orange Walk Town when police observed a black Toyota Camry car driving erratically on the road, veering from one side to the other.
Brother Kills Brother In OW Hunting Accident
There was a tragic hunting accident last night, which claimed the life of one man from Orange Walk Town.
Around 11:00 pm, brothers Celso Moreno, who is 63 and Gumercindo Mendoza who is 52 went hunting for deer in the Yo Creek area. They split up, and around midnight, Celso thought he saw something move. Thinking it was a deer, he fired one shot form his 12 gauge shotgun. But it turns out that it was his little brother who was shot to the hands, abdomen and side of the head with a shotgun blast. He died instantly, and Police have detained Celso Moreno pending investigation.
Hon. Santino Sympathizes With Succotz Rage
Today, the Ministries of Economic Development and Works held an annual review of their ongoing road safety project. But, in the current climate, it's hard to discuss road safety without talking about the road tragedy that one of the highest ranking law enforcement officials in the country caused last week Saturday. That, of course, is the fatal accident caused by the drunk driving Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mike Segura. Today we asked Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Santino Castillo about how Segura's alleged misdeeds are viewed by the executive. Here's what he had to say about Segura and the wider topic of drinking and driving:..
Hon. Santino Castillo
"Quite honestly in Belize you are innocent until you are proven guilty. However if indeed ten gentleman as it shown so far by the blood test was drinking. It's a very tragic accident. It shows that alcohol and drinking do not mix. It shows that we should not drink and drive, we should have a designated driver if that's what we are going to do and I commend the government and I commend the police for acting decisively and swiftly on the matter. The example should always start at the top quite honestly, bit I was also made to understand, I did my own research on the case, that with the pressures that the police department faces Mr. Segura might not be the only one that drinks. I understand the pressures of the job in the police department has driven a few officers to drink. That doesn't mean however they have to drive."
Dale Tillett's Family Bruise By Not Guilty Verdict
Dale Tillett Was only 19 when he was fatally wounded by a gunshot at the Palm Island nightclub on New Year's Eve 2011. Three and a half years later, the man accused of firing the gun that killed the fourth former, walked out of court a free man. The outcome of the trial without jury has left Tillett's family deeply bruised by what they feel is justice denied. But, in the aftermath of the July verdict, they didn't have any public eruption of outrage - they grieved privately that their son and brother would not get the justice they believe he deserved. Yesterday, though, after weeks of quiet agony, Dale's mother spoke for the first time. Monica Bodden has her story:
Pamela Ferguson - Mother of Dale Tillett
"When I got that call that my son got shot I was at work and I felt frustrated, I didn't know what to do and I just start to pray and cry."Monica Bodden reporting
Pamela Ferguson remembers the early morning phone call that she received on New Year's Eve 2011.She was at work, when they had informed her that her oldest child - 19 year old Dale Tillett- was shot to the head inside the compound of the then popular Palm Island nightclub.
Hon. Elrington says General Legal Council To Be Revived
In the past few weeks on the news, we've been hearing a lot about the General Legal Council, mostly in reference to the attorney Arthur Saldivar, who we are told has more than a few complaints filed against him with that body.
If you don't know what the General Legal Council is, that's not surprising because that body, which should review complaints against attorney's and hand out discipline for it, has a conviction rate very close to zero% and is mostly nonfunctional.Try to find out who's to blame for the woeful state of affairs, and you'd probably end up in court - because both the attorney general and the bar association blame each other. But when those big elephants fight, it's only the grass that gets trampled and, in this case, the grass is represented by those regular folks who pay lawyers money and don't get anything in return - not even a court appearance.
Hopkins Residents March For Slain Teacher
Since Monday evening, the community of Hopkins has been mourning the loss of one of its own after 47 year-old Josephine Augustine was killed, and her husband, 71 year-old Dudley Augustine was badly beaten by 2 men who broke into their home.
Both are career educators, and so the tragedy has upset the quiet community of Hopkins Village. The residents held a demonstration this afternoon to alert the nation to their outrage, and 7News was there.Daniel Ortiz reports:Daniel Ortiz reporting
Families, friends and supporters of the Augustine Couple joined the rest of the Hopkins Community for a small demonstration in their honor. All 230 persons gathered in one location, and then, they moved to the couple's home, where they had been attacked on Monday evening. There, they said a prayer for Dudley, and held vigil for Josephine.
Cayo Holdup
Last night's robbery at A&R in Belize City happened 5 hours after a couple was held up and robbed by armed thieves in San Ignacio.
57 year-old Ruben Diaz and were at their business place at around 1 p.m. when 5 Hispanic men, all armed, barged in and robbed them at gunpoint of $1,000 cash, two power saws, a converter and an assortment of food. For good measure, the men stole 3 of the surveillance cameras a 2 solar panels.Police are investigating, and they believe that the men are Guatemalans.
GSU Gets At SSG
Last night, we showed you the seizures made by the Gang Suppression Unit during operations designed to target known drug peddlers in the City. Well, the GSU reported today, they found drugs near a known associate of the South Side Gangsters, known as SSG.
At around 6 yesterday evening, officers from the GSU searched members from the SSG gang on Fabers Road. The officers then searched the immediate area where these gang members were congregated, and they found a transparent plastic bag which had several smaller parcels of marijuana. It was hidden inside an empty coconut husk.
Reviewing Road Safety
It seems that this year we've reported on an extraordinarily high number of terrible traffic fatalities - but that may be just what would be called the proximity effect: the numbers seem greater because they are happening in the here and now. Actually, the Ministry of Works says the number of traffic fatalities is down. Still, we'd like to see the police figures, but, since those don't come around any more, we'll take the Ministry at its word.
Today they held the annual review of the Road Safety project and Courtney Weatherburne has the story of a measured success:..
The Road Safety Project has a budget of US$8 million.
Soup Gets Off
Jason "Soup" Williams, the boss of the Supal Street Blood, was the main suspect in the gang-related shooting of 27 year old Andrew Tate and 23 year old Kariq Tzul, which happened on February of this year. 23 year-old Tariq Cadle passed away from a separate shooting, and it is believed that both men were targeted in retaliation for his murder. Police investigation was supposed to link Williams to it. He was detained shortly after, and he was accused of shooting at officers who tried to detain him near the scene of the triple shooting. Well, tonight, he's free and clear of all charges related to that incident.
He stood trial before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on 2 counts of aggravated assault, and 1 count of discharging a firearm in public. The officers he supposedly shot at on that night were Constables Jason Augustine and Elvin Nah. They testified in court that the man who shot at them near the crime scene looked like Williams. Because they couldn't give a clear and positive identification of Soup Williams as the gunman who fired at them, the charges couldn't stand up to the scrutiny of the trial. Chief Magistrate Smith dismissed them and set Williams free.
Mexican Capture More Than Form, Go For Feeling
There's a new art show up on the walls at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City. The exhibition features the works of 6 Mexican artists who are using their talents to capture human emotion on canvas:..The exhibition was inaugurated on Thursday August 12th and will remain open until September 19th.
Belize Leads Regional Body In Meetings
Belize has the presidency of SICA until December and a part of that means holding the presidency of C-CAD, the Central American Commission on the Environment, and Opresca - the Central American commission on fisheries.
But, rather than just place holding the Ministry of Fisheries Forestry and Sustainable Development is setting a bold agenda of reform for the institution. We found out more at the ministerial meeting for the C-Cad Secretariat today:..Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, Sust. Dev.
"Specifically look at reforming CCAD, revisiting the governance structure and the decision making framework because CCAD has had many ups and downs and after participating for two and a half years, it is my opinion that it's the government structure that really needs to revisited and strengthened."
Courts Gives 10
Last week we told you about BTL's Annual Scholarship Ceremony. Well, Courts held theirs this morning at the Radisson. Over 50 students applied but only 10 were fortunate to be rewarded the 4 year scholarship. Covenca Rodriguez Jones, senior marketing officer discussed the scholarship program while the recipients expressed how grateful they are for the scholarship.
Covenca Rodriguez James, COURTS Senior Marketing Officer
"Courts has been doing this from the inception, probably two years after 1997, so it's over 200 persons that have been awarded scholarships. However we been doing the ceremony on a larger scale for the past 5-6 years and from then could recall 25 recently is on the scholarship."Chandiana Samuels, scholarship recipient
"I am from Belize and the scholarship will help me make my dreams come true because I want to be lawyer."
Channel 5
Major Drug Bust in Sugar City yields U.S. $2 Million in Crystal Meth
There was a major drug bust in Orange Walk on Wednesday night. Police are reporting that while on an anti-drug operation in the town, the unit intercepted a black Toyota [...]
Armed Robbery at A&R, Thieves Lock Up Employees Inside Office
A duo of armed thieves has made off with a little over thirteen thousand dollars in cash and personal items, following a late-evening heist at A&R Enterprise Limited on Wednesday. [...]
Guatemalan Bandidos Hit Couple at El Pilar
Meanwhile, in the El Pilar area of San Ignacio Town a few hours earlier, a group of five bandits, believed to be Guatemalan nationals, robbed a couple of cash and [...]
Hunting Expedition In Orange Walk District Ends in Fatality
Orange Walk police are also reporting the death of a sixty-five-year-old man. Tagged as an accidental shooting, Inspector Selvyn Tillett says that police visited an area two miles southwest on [...]
Still No Arrests in the Murder of Josephine Augustine
While the community cries out for justice, the Police are doing their best to deliver it. On Wednesday morning, Belmopan Police captured four men whom they believed were definite persons [...]
Dozens of Hopkins Residents Take to the Streets to Protest Augustine’s Murder
On Monday, teacher Josephine Augustine was brutally murdered in her home in the quiet community of Hopkins. She was beaten and stabbed to death. Her husband Dudley Augustine, a retired [...]
Charges on the Way for Former Health Administrator Nasley Somerville
The Southern Regional Hospital and Dangriga Polyclinic are being run by middle managers after two administrators have been accused of misappropriation of funds under their control. Today, News Five was [...]
Jason ‘Soup’ Williams Acquitted of Aggravated Assault
The aggravated assault case of notorious street figure, Jason Williams aka “Soup” began on Monday in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. And today, the charge was dismissed. [...]
Tyrone Smith Sentenced to Seven Years for Chain Snatching
Thirty-year-old Tyrone Smith was today sentenced to seven years in prison after he was found guilty of beating up a pregnant woman before snatching her purse. Smith, an unemployed of [...]
Road Safety Program Revisited One Year Later
This morning, stakeholders across the transportation industry, as well as the public service, converged on the Biltmore to evaluate the National Road Safety Program one year later. While the focus [...]
Government Officials Comment on Segura’s Traffic Mishap
The Road Safety Annual Review, ironically, comes on the heels of one of the most high profile cases involving drunk driving in recent memory. The fatal road traffic accident on [...]
Courts Awards Ten High School Awards
This morning at the Radisson, ten high school students from across the country were awarded four-year scholarships by Courts Belize Limited. The financial assistance comes in time for the start [...]
Mexican Exhibition Showcases Six Painters
The Embassy of Mexico is tonight officially opening a collective art exhibition entitled “AEQUITAS” at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City. The artwork of six Mexican artists: Marisol D’ [...]
Debunking seatbelt myth with Healthy Living
Frequent reports on traffic accidents in our nightly newscasts; and that’s because we don’t even get a chance to report on all traffic mishaps that take place. Road Traffic Accidents [...]
CTV3
Sugar Barge Sinks At Cerros Point In Corozal
Locally referred to as the ‘sugar boat’, and quite a spectacle when it passes the New River Banks, on Sunday night around 11:30, a Belize Sugar Industry barge transporting sugar to Belize City experienced some difficulty and sunk. It’s not a frequent occurrence and so we got curious of the situation when pictures started popping up on social media. We contacted Damian Gough, Manager of Marketing and Export Operations who says that it’s a risk associated with methods of transport to move sugar from factory to ship.Damian Gough – Export Operations Manager“We were made aware sometime seven o’clock that the barge was leaking unfortunately this is one of the risks associated with the method of transportation that we have to move sugar from the factory to Belize City for loading into the ship and in the risks is that it is exposed to this same of sort of incident happening, we still haven’t yet determined the cause of the barge sinking but it is likely that it is as a result due to a puncture or a hole or something but we won’t be able to determine that until get the barge floating and back to the repair dock for it to be dry dock and then we do an inspection of it but it is but you can track it down to the risk of the business associated by moving the sugar by this means but this is for now the only means that we have to move the sugar but I can confirm that yes indeed the barge sank and.”
Weather Continues To Affect Bee Keeping Industry
When we last reported on the bee keeping industry, the news was not very positive. Honey production had fallen dramatically due to unfavorable weather conditions. In a follow up of the situation, today we learned that the weather continues to plague the small industry, but those most affected are bee keepers from the north. Extension Officer with specialty in Bee Keeping, Margarito Leiva, says the department is taking measures in rescuing the situation.Margarito Leiva – Extension Officer“I however mentioned that we were waiting for the month of July and August when it is the actual honey season wet flu so that we can probably yields the increase of honey but that did not happened it started raining in May and then it stopped and then it was totally dry you know I think it is part of the climate change in fact there is a drought watch for the northern part of Belize according to CAMI which is the Caribbean Agro-meteorologist Institute so now what really happened is that the scenario has change most of the bee colonies have stopped laying eggs, the queen ceased to lay eggs because there is no inflow of pollen which is the normal ingredient for the colony to develop brume so what the agriculture department is doing presently is that we are acquiring pollen substitute which is basically the brume, the yeast flower with soya beans milk as well, we mixed it with a little bit of honey and we try to introduce it into all the colonies so that we can increase the egg laying ability of the queen, that is basically what we are doing right now.”
Another Corozaleno Detained For Drug Trafficking
A police raid and search at a residence in Xaibe yielded a drug find says authorities from the Corozal formation. Around 1:45 on yesterday’s date, police conducted a search at the residence of 57-year-old Hilberto Triminius Belizean farmer of Xaibe Village, Corozal District. Upon arrival at the house Triminius was seen fleeing through the back yard leaving behind 27-year-old Hilcia Aydee Lorenzo, Guatemalan domestic of Xaibe Village, Corozal District. A search of the residence revealed nothing incriminating, however, while searching in the back yard police discovered a black plastic bag containing 412 grams of suspected cannabis. As a result, police have detained Hilcia Aydee Lorenzo and Hilberto Triminius pending charges of Drug Trafficking.
PUP Set For Convention In Corozal
Municipal Elections are set for the month of March 2015 and what we can tell you is that voters of the People’s United Party in Corozal Town are soon to select their candidates to run for office.August 5th 2014 marked the opening of applications for candidates interested in entering the race with the closing date for applications set for August 18th.And the news today is that two persons applied to run for Mayoral candidate and 12 applied for councilor candidate.
Thea Garcia – Chairlady“I would like to report to the general public that we have two Mayoral Candidates and we have twelve councilor candidates and the convention will be held on the 5th of October at a venue that we will later announce. We have one slate that is comprised of Mr. Ruben Cruz, Mrs. Canaima Dominguez, Mr. Rigo Vellos, Mr. Edit Palma, Mr. Josue Perez, Mr. Elizardo Vasquez and Mr. Shanon Duncan and there is another slate comprised of Mr. David Vega, Miss Zeny Perdomo, Mr. Esteban Pasos, Mr. Enrique Vargas, Mrs. Miriam Rancharan, Mr Orlando Iglesias and Ms. Yvette Riverol so those are the two slates we have and those will be the people who will run for the convention for October 5th.”
Micro-entrepreneurs Learn How To Handle Their Money
Everybody learns to manage money but not everybody manages it well. Some live hand to mouth focused only on making ends meet on a day-to-day basis. Others look ahead trying to prepare for unforeseen events or irregular demands such as school fees by setting some income aside as savings. Entrepreneurs have to ensure they can purchase inputs and meet other business expenses from their incomes in addition to meeting family demands. So learning to manage money well is an important skill and that was the ultimate goal of a workshop which was held today at the LICU conference room. The topic was finance Management and according to Micro-Finance Field Officer for the LICU, Giovanni Argalles, they are not re-inventing the wheel rather they are giving support to those micro-entrepreneurs, small business owners and workers that participated.
The End Of Another Summer Program
Summer is coming to a close and for most children that means getting out of the holiday mode and back into the grind of studying their books and concentrating on school work. But for a trio of kids all under the age of 11, their summer holidays were stimulating and learning to make beading items and handcrafts using recycled materials. This year, MAMAS founder, Ophelia Novelo hosted its 9th annual summer camp for kids for a total of 6 weeks. Our news team stopped by for a brief closing ceremony at her residence and spoke to the participants and its founder on the event.
CXC Results Area Out, There Is An Improvement In Grades
Results are in and according to the analysis, students performed better in this year’s Caribbean Examination Council, CXC exams. Over three thousand students sat the May-June exams. The report shows that in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, CSEC there was 100% passes in Home Economics, Physical Education and Sports, Clothing and Textile and Music. In the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), sat by tertiary level students, there was 100% passes in 23 subjects. Grades I to III in CSEC and Grades I to V in CAPE constitute satisfactory grades, which are considered passes.The report continues indicating that 473 more high school candidates passed Math this year than last year, but the number of students who passed English was down by 99.
LOVE FM
Proposed Legislation to Affect Belize Bar Association
As we mentioned earlier, Attorney General, Wilfred Elrington spoke of legislative changes coming about regarding the way the General Legal Council carries out their role but that is not the only organisation that will undergo some changes. The way the Belize Bar Association operates is being looked at as well. According to Elrington, an attorney should not be mandated to be a member.
WILFRED ELRINGTON
“We are also going to make provisions for attorneys not having to be members of the Bar Association. That is a position that is obtained in Jamaica. In Jamaica attorneys don’t have to be members of the bar. In Belize you had to under the present law and in Barbados. The reason for that is depending on the nature of the objective of the bar association, the bar association can play a very vital role in a society apart from the discipline of attorneys and making sure that they behave properly. The bar association can take over clients business when an attorney for example dies in the job. Many times here attorneys die and there is nobody left to take over the office and so the clients are left very stranded and the bar association can deal with that kind of thing.
General Legal Council to Be Resuscitated
Due to recent allegations being made against Attorney Arthur Saldivar by some of his former clients, Love News began looking into possible investigations or hearings that can be had as they pertain to the behavior of the Saldivar as an attorney. While the president of the Belize Bar Association was very brief in his statement to our news room, he did indicate that it is the role of the General Legal Council to look into such matters but that the cases are backlogged since the council has not had a meeting since March this year. Today, we sat down with the Attorney General, Wilfred Elrington to find out why there has been a delay in the meetings.
Prisoner Found Hanging in Holding Cell
A man reportedly killed himself while in police custody. Corozal Police say early this morning officers were making checks on the cell when they saw prisoner, 47-year-old Jesus Tamai handing from his shirt which he had tied to the cell window. Tamai had been detained for Police on Wednesday night for disorderly conduct. Tamai’s body was transported to the Corozal Hospital where it awaits a post mortem.
An Armed and Dangerous ‘Skilla’ Wanted by Police
Twenty nine year old Jason, “Skilla” Gillette, is a wanted man tonight. He is wanted by San Pedro Police for an attempted murder charge. According to Police on Monday night, Gillette got into an argument with one German Zuniga in the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town. Zuniga reported to police that Gillett took out his black and chrome nine millimeter pistol and fired four shots in his direction. Luckily for Zuniga, all the bullets missed. Police say that Gillett is considered armed and dangerous if you see him to call 911, your closest police station or crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-8477.
Soup Freed After Being Accused of Shooting at Policemen
Jason “Soup” Williams, who was charged with aggravated with a firearm on two police constables and discharging a firearm in public, was freed of those charges when they were dismissed today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Police constable Elvin Nah and police constable Jason Augustine were the officers who reported that on the night of February 8, 2014, they heard shots being fired in the vicinity of King Street and when they responded they saw the shooter fleeing from the scene. They said that when they pursued the shooter he opened fire on them but they were able to dodge the bullets and they returned fire but they missed. Augustine testified that the shooter was someone that looked like Williams. Nah did not testify.
Armed Robbers Net Over Ten Thousand Dollars
Several employees of A&R Enterprise Limited located at Mile 1 ½ on the Phillip Goldson Highway were left in shock yesterday when two armed mask men entered the store by holding up the security guard. The men then proceed with their plan to rob the store. It happened at about 6 o’clock when employees were closing up. The robbers managed to steal more than ten thousand dollars in both cash and items. We were at the scene minutes after the robbery occurred and reporter Hipolito Novelo spoke to the investigating officer.a and r robbery2
HIPOLITO NOVELO
“A 911 call led Belize City Police to A&R Store yesterday evening at about 6:30 during closing time. Officers were responding to a report of an armed robbery. Inside the store were several shaken up employees who witnessed the robbery. According to Head of the Criminal Investigation Branch for Precinct 4, Sergeant, Edwina Armstrong, the men pounced on the security guard, held a gun to his head and entered the store.”
Man Shoots Brother While Hunting
A hunting incident proved deadly as one brother was killed on Wednesday night by his own brother. However, Orange Walk police have ruled that it was accidental. That’s because 63-year-old Celso Moreno of Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town reported to Police that on Wednesday night he had gone hunting with his brother, 65-year-old Gumercindo Ernesto Mendoza. Celso said they went in separate directions. He said he sighted what he thought was a deer and fired a single shot from his licensed 12 gauge single action shotgun. When he checked he saw his brother lying on the ground apparently dead. Officer Commanding Northern Division, Senior Superintendent Joseph Myvette, held a press briefing this afternoon.
Meth Bust in Northern Belize
The two men, 49 year old Ruperto Reyes, a Belizean national and 52 year old Terrero Pineda, a Cuban National, were caught with the drugs by an Anti-Drug Unit on Wednesday night in Orange Walk Town. The men were in a black Toyota car when it caught the attention of officers on patrol. The patrol unit attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver of the vehicle sped off ensuing into a high speed chase ending on Liberty Avenue. Both men attempted to flee on foot but police manage to apprehend both occupants a short distance away. Officer Commanding Northern Division, Senior Superintendent Joseph Myvette, spoke to Love News.
Canadian Family Prepares to Sue Belize Police Department
According to a story appearing in Metro News in Canada, family members of a Calgary man who died while in the Belize police custody in early 2013 say they have rejected an offered cash settlement from the Government of Belize and plan to proceed to trial over claims of negligence. Thirty five year old Jeffrey Furgala, was on vacation in Belize with his girlfriend when he was detained by San Ignacio police over claims he was heavily intoxicated. But family members, including his mother Fern Tiberio, have insisted that Furgala was injured earlier in the night and was suffering from the after effects when he was apprehended. She said her son was ignored after being put behind bars. Furgala was found unconscious with a bloody nose in his cell the following morning and rushed to hospital. He was pronounced dead a few days later.
Eleven Branches Under Helpage Meet To Look at Care of the Elderly and Its Challenges
With eleven branches countrywide under the umbrella of Helpage Belize, several volunteers and administrators from the various districts gathered today at the headquarters on Wilson Street in Belize City for a Board of Management Workshop. The workshop was a one-day session that looked at several aspects of the institution, its action plan and its current situation as it pertains to dealing with the elderly. Evan Dakers is the Chairman of the Helpage Belize and he gave us an overview of today’s session.
EVAN DAKERS
“What we tried to do was to first of all give our member a sort of situational analysis of older persons in Belize and we draw on the study that was done by the National Council on Aging about four or five years ago which is called A Situational Analysis on Older Persons. We had a short session by a medical professional looking at the aging process and basically it tries to give our members an idea of what are some of the signs and symptoms of aging as one gets older what you are to expect. I presented an overview of Help Age Belize’s policy and procedure manual. This is a manual that was recently updated, actually last year and this is the manual that sets out how Help Age as an organization operates. Following the overview of the Policy and Procedures manual we then looked briefly at Help Age Belize’s strategic plan of action which covers a five year period, 2013-2018 and basically we try to pull out those key programmatic areas that we want all our branches to be focusing on over the next five years.”
Another Operation for Yanie Cu, RTA Victim
Yesterday Deputy Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura, was slapped with six charges after he was involved in a fatal traffic accident on Saturday morning on the George Price Highway. Fifty four year old Yolanda Valencia lost her life as result of the accident and Yanie Cu sustained body and head injuries. Cu is currently at the KHMH receiving treatment. His mother, Asucena Cu, gave Love News an update on his condition.
ASUCENA CU
“Well right now he is in a lot of pain as today was the day of his surgery but while exiting the operating theater the bone from his hip fell out of place so he is still in pain. At the moment they are putting a heavy bag on his foot so that it can sustain his foot in place to do the operation again. My son told me he came out to go look for my cousin Yolanda Valencia at 5:30AM the morning to take her for work at San Ignacio along with her stuff and she is a hard working single parent mother. He also said that when driving on the highway three vehicles passed him with speed and all of a sudden when he noticed the vehicle of Segura was coming on top of him.
Collective Bargaining Agreement: Unions Get 18/23 Points Approved by Government; Membership Wants More
The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Government of Belize and the three unions, namely, the Public Service Union, the Belizean National Teachers Union and the Association of Professional Senior Services Management – it is a document that still has not been renewed as there are outstanding points for negotiation and the two parties remain deadlock on those five outstanding points. It has been over five years since this agreement is being negotiated and it remains to be concluded since of the twenty three proposals that the unions tabled, only eighteen were mutually agreed upon. Considering that the majority of points were met by the Government, one would think, ‘why is it that the unions aren’t compromising’. We spoke to the President of the BNTU, Luke Palacio, who says that the membership of the three unions is not prepared to give up on those five points.
Palacio Says Public Workers Trust Must Be Sustainable
With the Public Sector Workers Trust now active, the trustees are in the process of coordinating consultations to be held in October where all union members will be sensitized on the goals of the trust, how it will be used and what the plans are in making it sustainable. Luke Palacio, President of the Belize National Teachers Union, made it clear that sustainability of the trust is key and that it is critical that the funds are used just for what it is set out for.
LUKE PALACIO
“And so we are saying to our members we have not given up hope, we are going to continue to work for them but they must understand; there is the need for understanding that this trust must be sustainable. They need to also understand that there is nothing called free money that would be given to any individual; we need to stress those points. We believe if properly managed and that’s our intention as long as we are the protectors of the trust because the trust deed speaks to the presidents of the unions and the police association for the time being to be protectors.
Teachers Union President Says Government’s Press Release Was a Smokescreen
While the President of the Public Service Union, Marvin Blades made clarifications on the use and purpose of the trust, the president of the Belize National Teachers Union, Luke Palacio expressed his opinion regarding the Government’s release, saying that he believes the statements were penned intentionally as a smokescreen.
LUKE PALACIO
“Well definitely, we stand by that because of two things; one the correspondences that union had sent to the government at the time and letters from the government was that once the trust deed was registered and handed over to the government there would be no further questions asked.
Union President Says Funds in Public Workers Trust Are For Projects Not For Distribution
On Wednesday, July 23, Love News reported that the Accountant General had given the green light to the Government to transfer just over three million dollars to the Public Sector Workers Trust. It was an announcement from the Ministry of Finance, saying that the monies were taken out of a Government Savings Account and put into the trust, which was set up for public officers and teachers. A release sent out at the time, stated that the monies being transferred represents seven hundred and ninety four thousand, seven hundred and thirty two shares in the Belize Telemedia Limited and serves as compensation to the workers for the period April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1997 when their annual wage increments were frozen by the then administration.
Belmopan Police Gets Minor Suspected of Robbery
Belmopan Police are also boasting the capture of a wanted minor believed to be responsible for a robbery. Officers attached to the Belmopan Police Department, also detained the main suspect for the murder of 37-year-old Victor Vargas. According to reliable sources, the man appeared at the Belmopan Court house to answer separate charges. Belmopan Police had already been notified that the man is wanted in connection with Vargas’s killing.
Police Nab Four Suspects in Hopkins Home Invasion But Were Forced to Release Them
Following the home invasion in Hopkins, police stations countrywide have been put on alert as the surviving victim, Dudley Augustine had described the attackers to be of Hispanic descent bearing certain injuries. Tonight, we can tell you that earlier today, Belmopan police had detained four men in connection with this incident. Love News has been reliably informed that the four men were captured in the Rivera Area in the City of Belmopan as officers were on an operation to seek wanted persons early this morning, when information led them to the four men of Hispanic descent hiding out in a house in the area.
PlusTV
Santa Cruz Villagers take issue with land survey in the village
In the past, PlusNews has highlighted Village council land issues in the Ranchito and Xaibe Villages in the Corozal District, as well as in the village of Cotton Tree in the Cayo District. Today we take you south to the Stann Creek district. Santa Cruz village is located right at the roundabout on the southern highway at the junction with the Placencia road. It is a rapidly developing village due to its location; a stone throw away from the South’s largest farm system at Maya King, and it is only a few miles from the Placencia Peninsula. Several large businesses are going up in the area and land prices are beginning to soar.Last week Sunday, August 10th, surveyors appeared in the Village and, without the knowledge or the support of the village council, began surveying two huge parcels of land in the middle of the community; land community leaders say that is desperately needed for the community’s own development. The lands, according to the cadastral are areas that have been reserved for green spaces and community buildings but the survey is being done to convert the community land into private properties.
Four persons detained in Josephine Augustine murder
In Tuesday’s news cast we told you about the home invasion in Hopkins that led to the murder of 47 year old Josephine Augustine. According to reports, Josephine was inside this White two story building along with her Husband Disndale Augustine when around 6 o clock on Monday evening, a person or persons forcibly entered the house and attacked them.When police arrived at the scene Josephine Augustine was observed lying in a pool of blood, with bruises on her left eye and two apparent stab wounds at the back of her neck. Dudley Augustine was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital and later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to receive further treatment.
The Guardian
Deputy Commissioner Charged for Manslaughter
Deputy Police Commissioner Miguel Segura, the #2 cop in the Belize Police Department, is out on bail after being arraigned on 6 criminal charges for being involved in an accident which killed a woman and left another man hospitalized. The loss of life is a serious matter that he is facing, but another damning accusation he currently faces is that as a senior police officer, he was driving drunk, putting the lives of other motorists at risk. A blood sample test has confirmed that the 48 year-old cop was under the influence of alcohol above the prescribed limit.The accident happened between miles 70 and 71 on the outskirts of Succotz Village in the Cayo District. 54 year-old Succotz Resident Yolanda Consuelo Valencia was in a blue Toyota Corolla taxi, which was being driven by her close relative, 28 year-old Yanie Evan Cu. They were heading to the San Ignacio market like they usually do every Saturday so that Valencia could sell her vegetables and other goods.
Dangriga Endorses municipal candidates
On Sunday the United Democratic Party will officially endorse the mayoral and six councilor candidates that will be contesting the municipal elections on March 4, 2015. The event will take place at the Ecumenical Auditorium starting at 2 p.m. Taking up the position for mayor will be long time Educator Francis Humphreys, he will be joined by teachers Earth Lopez and Cheryl Molina along with businesspersons Yadira Diego and Alexander Joseph. Also on the slate are former cooperative officer Herbert Nicasio and youth activist Gary Francisco. Organizers of the event say the endorsement will also serve as a time for Dangriga to say thank you to the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow for efforts being made by central government to improve the quality of life of residents in that municipality. Like is being done countrywide, significant investments are being made by the government in infrastructure as well as social assistance programs in that municipality.
PG in Financial Distress
In June the Ministry of Local Government had announced that a financial controller would have been appointed to try to sort out the financial distress that the Punta Gorda Town council finds itself in. Since the announcement there have been adverts put out for the position to be filled but so far there has been no actual appointment. And the longer it takes for the appointment to be made, the deeper the council falls into financial distress.We are reliably informed that there is absolutely no accounting system put in place at the council to manage the financial affairs there. The finance section of the town is being run by a clerk and a cashier, that’s it! The situation is so dire that there are no financials available for the town. It has been since April of this year that these were to have been presented but so far there is nothing. Meanwhile the monthly subvention is being consumed by debts. Under the guise of funding a municipal development project in the town, the mayor got a loan from the Toledo Teacher’s Credit Union which was not approved by the ministry of local government. That now is gobbling up 3 thousand out of the 23 thousand dollar monthly subvention from central government. An additional 2 thousand dollars is also being taken out to pay other outstanding bills which include payments which need to be made to Social Security. Compounding matters is that the mayor has a personal loan with the very same credit union as well and that too is taken out before the subvention makes it into the council’s coffers. By the time the finances arrive there are all manner of creditors to pay and no money to pay with.
For The World wants to expand to Belize
A Non-Governmental Organization, now operating in seven countries around the World, wants to expand its operations in Belize. Founder of For the World, Robert Keith Froom, met with his Belizean counterparts at Rumors Resort Hotel at mile two and a half on the Benque Viejo Road on Sunday evening of this past weekend.At this meeting Robert Froom admitted that his organization is highly dependent on volunteerism. A representative from Calla Creek, who was present also shared that For the World has been helpful to his village in the past.Just last week, For the World was able to organize both locals and international visitors to re-paint the bus stop at the entrance of Calla Creek, which is a village near the Belize-Guatemala border.
Silent Crime
All around the world individuals suffer from the terrorism of crime and violence, which has undoubtedly swept into our homes as a strong and unpleasant breeze. People are always complaining about crimes of shooting and murder; however, those crimes that sometimes cause the greatest effects are those silent crimes which remain unseen. These crimes are the worst for most countries around the world and they are not even acknowledged as heinous crimes. Abortion is one of these crimes. Abortion is the only type of murder whereby the perpetrator doesn’t even get tried in court. It is the only crime whereby the life of the victim is not respected and justified. Abortion is a great issue affecting the world, and most importantly teenagers.
Health Hookup
Back to Basics – Germ Communication Warfare.I fear more that which I cannot see than an enemy who is within my sights. If you are eating something and a piece fell on the ground or table, some people may try to quickly salvage and it eat, claiming “fresh drop” or “5 second rule”, indicating there has been limited exposure to germs so it’s suitable to consume. Now what if I were to ask you this question, what if the piece of food fell on a toilet seat would you still consider eating it?” NO! Would be your immediate response, because that is just nasty. What if there was something dirtier than a toilet seat, if your hands came in contact with it, would you wash your hands before eating? YES! Would be your immediate response (I hope). Now what if I told you that most cell phones have more germs on them than a toilet seat? An article published in a medical microbiology journal studied staff phones and found that 94.5% were contaminated with some kind of bacteria.
Phony Mask
I think our young democracy made a significant stride towards maturity on Tuesday 19 August when the Ministry of National Security not only exercised calm restraint, but demonstrated full respect towards the protesters in Benque Viejo. The situation was explosive for most of the day and even became provocative when the protesters turned violent against the authorities by hurling projectiles at them. In all honestly, these Police Officers and Firemen were only doing their jobs and did not deserve to be hurt.The protest, as everyone knows, was staged against the Police Department whom the demonstrators believed was giving preferential treatment to the Deputy Commissioner who was involved in a serious traffic accident the previous Saturday morning, where a lady lost her life and a taxi driver is still in serious condition at the KHMH.
Remain Silent and perish lonely
On Saturday the 9th August, a stalwart Belizean-Ernest “Jawmeigan” Meighan, met his demise at the hands of a callous calculating murderer. A murderer, who cowardly delivered a fatal bullet to the back of the head of a Belizean cycling Icon. Ordinarily the Police have great trouble uncovering the authors of crimes in and around Belize. In this case it is especially difficult given the particular culture of the area in which this crime was committed. It has been eleven days since this heinous crime was committed in broad daylight and the Police have yet to arrest anyone. They have cited the fact that no one is coming forth with information and there are apparently no eye witnesses.Now it can be anyone’s guess why a seemingly productive and law-abiding citizen was gunned down in such an indiscriminate and finite manner. Whatever the reason may be, we have a duty as citizens of this nation and an obligation to our fellow man to denounce these types of crimes.
Rice and Beans in Melchor
When we hear the word Melchor, there are a thousand things that persons can associate with the word- Rice and Beans is simply not one of them. Nonetheless Belize's most accessible Guatemalan municipality gets treated to rice and beans on a yearly basis during, perhaps the least expected occasion. Melchor is arguably the most favorite stop for Belize City residents to visit to do their shopping for clothes in preparation for the school year. After all everything is available in Melchor. There are socks, undergarments, shoes, t-shirts, flashdrives, school uniforms for almost any school and even knock-off tennis shoes for the young ones to don in the coming days of classes.
Youth Talk - Why Do We Need An Education?
They say we can lose everything in this life - which is true. So what’s there that can’t be taken away from us? It is the education accompanied with the knowledge that we acquire over time. No matter who gives us the opportunity to have an education, or those who support us throughout the process, it can never be taken away- and that’s a given. Our role models, friends and family, are all driven by an educational background. Evidently, education is indeed an essential part of our society, and we must strive to attain it; whether it is formal or informal; because education in all forms does count. Education shapes a person into a well rounded individual. No doubt, it gives rise to the formation of critical thinking skills at a very young age without ever noticing the change. Education makes a person become influential effortlessly; therefore we can say that education is the key to success.
Old School wins in Vega Cup Tournament
The 2014 Vega Cup Tournament continued on Sunday August 17, out at the Trial Farm Village Football Field with four games on the schedule.In the first game of the day, Old School defeated San Juan FC quite handily by the score of 4-1. The goals for Old School were scored by Eliazar Itza in the 2nd and 46th minutes of play, Christopher Hendricks in the 5th minute of play and Alfred Jesse in the 50th minute of play. For San Juan FC, its only goal of the game was scored by Eliazar Mendez in the 70th minute of play.
Belize Boxing Federation to hold special meeting
The Belize Boxing Federation in collaboration with the National Sports Council of Belize will be holding a Special Meeting with all the duly elected members of the federation, members of the various boxing gyms in Belize, referees and judges on Saturday August 23, 2014, at 1:30 pm at the National Sports Council Office at Rogers Stadium.The main purpose of the meeting is to chart the way forward for Boxing in Belize and to make sure that the mechanism that was put in place according to the Boxing Constitution works.It is important that all attends and to be on time for this very important meeting.
Complex ‘Admirals’ squares off against Belize Bank/Airport Authority in Firms Basketball Championship
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms competition has now entered its championship rounds with the conclusions of the semi-final round on Saturday August 17, 2014.In the first game played, BWSL defeated the Belize Bank/Airport Authority team by the score of 51-46. The top scorers for the BWSL team were Lawrence Young with 9 points and 3 rebounds, Kareem Thompson with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist and Ashley Hemsley with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.
The Football Federation of Belize President’s Cup
Tournament entered its semi-final round on Saturday August 16, at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town between San Antonio FC and Progresso FC.In the game played, San Antonio FC edged out the host team Progresso FC by the score of 2-1. Progresso FC took an early 1-0 lead in the game when Gabriel Perez scored his team’s only goal of the game in the 10th minute of play. The first half of the game ended 1-0 in favour of the host team Progresso FC.It was not until in the second half of the game that the San Antonio FC was able to penetrate the Progresso’s defence when Darnell Mossiah scored his team’s 1st goal of the game in the 56th minute of play via a penalty kick to tie the score at 1-1.
Beacon drops BTL in softball playoffs
The Belize City Senior Female Competition playoff round continued last Wednesday August 13, at Rogers Stadium between the defending champions BTL and new entrant the Beacon in the best of three series. The series was even up at a game each and so it was a must win situation for both teams. The winner of the series would move on to the championship round and the right to face the Belize Bank Blazers the number one seed in this year’s competition.And so it was to be that the BTL dynasty would come to an end in a most unexplainable situation.
Coroner’s Inquest Closes Case in Incident Which Caused Death of 80-Year-Old Peter Trujeque
When there is an unnatural death in any case a coroner’s inquest is held to determine whether or not someone is to be held responsible for that death.One such cold case came up before Magistrate Herbert Panton last week. 80-year-old Peter Trujeque, also known as Mr. Sosa of #14 Rectory Lane in Belize City, met his untimely death after falling from his bicycle and hitting his head on the pavement of Albert Street on Friday, December 16, 2011. According to reports, Trujeque was heading home on his bicycle when two male persons were double riding another bicycle and accidentally bumped his bicycle handle. It caused Trujeque to fall to the ground and hit his head. He was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he later died on December 21, 2011 from injuries he sustained. According to Doctor Hugh Sanchez who did the Post Mortem Examination, Trujeque died from severe brain injury as a consequence of a fracture skull.
Mark Dwayne Dallas Charged for Murdering a Drunken Man
Police have arrested and charged Jamaican national Mark Dwayne Dallas, 32, with murder for inflicting injuries upon a drunken man which led to his death. On July 30 police provided assistance to Oscar Richard Rubio, 38, and Danri Darum, 57, at the Belize Constitution Park. The men were found in the park heavily intoxicated and both had head and body injuries. Police transported them to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police did not follow up until August 13 when they received a report that Rubio passed away due to his injuries. Quick investigation led them to discover that the men were injured during an altercation near the Conch Shell Bay fish market. In a drunken brawl it is alleged that Dallas struck Rubio across the head with an object.
Leon Garcia in Jail for Saturday Morning Shooting
Police have arrested and charged Leon Garcia, 26, of a Victoria Street address with one count of discharging a firearm in public. Police Constable Frank Neal reported that at about 4 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, he was sleeping at a house on Pickstock Street when he was awoken by the sound of gunshots. Neal says he looked through the window and saw a man he recognized as Leon Garcia with his right hand raised holding what appeared to be a firearm. Neal says he then heard three shots and saw fire coming from the object in Garcia’s hand. Garcia then ran into a yard on Pickstock Street and headed in the direction of Fredrick Alley. It was not until Monday, August 18, that police detained and charged Garcia.
Early morning fight leads to death in Unitedville
Victor Vargas, a 38 year-old father of 7 who was living in Unitedville, Cayo, was stabbed to death early on Saturday, August 16. It is believed at this time that he may have been in an altercation a few hours before his death.Police arrived in Unitedville at around 3 a.m., where they found Vargas’ body on the verandah of one of his neighbour’s house. What they’ve been able to find out so far is that he was socializing with a 19 year-old man, and during the course of Friday night, August 15, they got into an altercation.
Vehicle stolen in Cayo
A resident from Cayo has informed The Guardian that his work truck has been stolen. Anson Bracket reports that his 1986 Isuzu truck valued at $10,000.00 was stolen at about 4:00 am on Monday of this week. Meanwhile; the Mayor of Belmopan Simeon Lopez has informed that his stolen vehicle has yet to be found and he is now awaiting a response from Insurance.
Home invasion turns deadly in Hopkins village
Hopkins Village is known as a quiet vacation spot, but on Monday, at around 5:30 p.m., a couple was assaulted inside their home during an armed robbery. The wife died inside the house, while her husband ended up being hospitalized at the KHMH.Police say that the retired educator, 71 year-old Dudley Augustine and his wife, 47 year-old Josephine Augustine were inside their vacation house when two Hispanic men got inside. The couple was viciously beaten and stabbed, and it is believed that Josephine Augustine died trying to protect her husband.
Erwin Adolphus in Jail for Old Rusty Firearm
Erwin Adolphus, 25, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for allegedly keeping a firearm without a gun license. According to police, while conducting patrol on Bocotora Street in Belize City, officers approached Adolphus to conduct a search. Police Constable Bowman says that as he approached, Adolphus immediately said to him, “Boss, I only have wah lee gun in meh back pocket.” Bowman then searched Adolphus’s pocket and found an old rusty .22 pistol with no ammunition. Adolphus was detained and taken to the police station where he was charged.
Devon Bailey Remanded to Prison for Shooting Two Men
Two men were shot over the weekend and police believe the man responsible is 22-year-old Devon Bailey of Racoon Street, Belize City. According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting on Elston Kerr Street at about 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. One unit visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they found 31-year-old Charles Hinds Jr. suffering from two gunshot wounds to the top of his head (both grazed). A second victim, 41-year-old Eldon Edward Solomon, was seen suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right upper back. Police investigation revealed that at about 11:35p.m. Hinds and Solomon were socializing on the side walk in front of #3817 Elston Kerr Street when they were approached from behind by three male persons. One of them pulled out a firearm and fired several shots causing the injuries to Hinds and Solomon. The three persons then ran up Pelican Street Extension towards Central American Boulevard where they boarded a waiting car. Both Solomon and Hinds Jr. have been treated and released from the hospital.
Worries about Police Record for Petty Offense Resulted in Jail Time for Teenager
Rene Castillo, 19, was busted by police with 2.5 grams of weed on Wednesday morning, August 13. Being concerned about the trouble a drug possession charge on his record would cause the teenager offered PC Manuel Chub $50 to leave him and forget about the charge. Castillo gave Chub a roll of money which contained three $10 bills, three $5 bills and one $2 bill. That is $47, three dollars short. Chub informed Castillo at that time that he would now be charged additionally with attempting to bribe a police officer. It is a mistake Castillo will never forget.Castillo appeared before Magistrate Herbert Panton on Wednesday afternoon, August 13. When the Magistrate heard the story he explained to Castillo that he had made things worse for himself. For a guilty plea to drug possession of 2.5 grams of weed, Magistrate Panton imposed a non-custodial sentence in a fine of $100. However, for bribing a police officer prison time is mandatory. Magistrate Panton still acted lenient in a sentence of six months in prison for a conviction of bribery.
Richard Codd Confesses to Burglarizing Broaster’s Home
Richard Codd, 39, is spending the first nights of a seven year sentence behind bars at the Belize Central Prison after he pleaded guilty to burglary on Monday, August 18. The home of Senior Superintendent of Police Edward Broaster was burglarized on Thursday, August 14, and the entire play was caught on tape. According to Broaster, he received information that his North End Estate house was breached and he went to see what had happened. Upon arrival he saw that the window located on the eastern side of his white two storey concrete house was forcedopen. He went to check inside and noticed that a number of items were missing. Items missing were a DVD player, a maroon Mag light and a pair of Puma slippers. Broaster called police and after reviewing the surveillance tapes PC#1108 S. Ico detained Richard Codd for burglary. The stolen items were recovered and Codd confessed to the crime. Broaster made Codd repair the damaged window he used to gain entry into the house.
Lionfish: the delicious alternative coming to a plate…and street…near you!
This September, the dangerous but delicious Lionfish will be making a dramatic appearance in the always colorful and exciting carnival road march, a key attraction in Belize’s national celebration activities.
Oceana is a proud sponsor of the Soca Moca Carnival Band, who has decided to use this national platform to bring attention to a critical issue for our marine environment: the lionfish. According to organizer Audrey Bradley, “Soca Moca is boldly portraying the Lionfish in splendor but this intruder has taught us that everything that glitters is not gold! Lionfish are not native to Belize; they have a huge appetite for other fish and they reproduce at alarming rates.”
The chef could barely keep up with the demand for the tasty white fish; and from all ages!
Action Taken by Ministry of Health Based on Preliminary Audit Reports
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that the audit of accounts initiated last year by the Ministry in all health regions continues with the help of the Auditor General’s office. As a consequence, we have recently been presented with irregularities that have been identified in preliminary reports for the Primary Care Provider clinics in Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Based on that report, the Administrators of both clinics have been placed on immediate suspension as a precautionary measure pending the completion of the investigations. Administrative arrangements have been put in place to ensure that services are not affected.
Queen of the West Contestants presented
The six contestants for the Queen of the West 2014 were presented at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town this past Saturday. The six beautiful queens, who were dressed in attire fitting for the occasion, were Carmelita Lara, Hamira Awe, Jolinda Ciau, Shantel Augustine, Sharla Flowers and Sofia Aldana. Co-master of ceremonies for the night were William Black and Melanie Usher, who introduced the queens to the public as well as informed about preparations for the upcoming September Celebrations.These contestants, have recently been observed swimming in the refreshing Rio-On Pools in the Pine Ridge thanks to Pacz Tours. The young ladies will now be showing their full skills on the 23rd of August at the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio Town where a Queen of the West will be declared.
READY for the Concrete Road!!! Fabers to Belcan to be Fully Concreted in Time for Carnival
Belize City residents have only good things to say about the Central American Boulevard project; however, we are in the second half of August and there is one grave concern. Will it be ready for the 2014 Carnival Road March?Work started on the C.A. Boulevard in February of this year. It was estimated to take up to 12 months for completion. Seven months have passed since stones began to break; therefore, that would mean the project should be just past the half way point and the Carnival Road March is in jeopardy. Not so, according to CISCO’s Francis Woods.
St. John’s Junior College Drivers Upset with New Parking Fee
St. John’s Junior College students who drive to school are complaining about a new fee that they must pay in order to park their vehicle on the compound. The parking fee is $60 and students have reached out to us claiming that the fee is listed on their sheet even if they do not drive to school. The Guardian spoke to an official at the finance department who says that only students who drive to school and park on the compound are required to pay the fee. Any student who does not drive to school can disregard the fee. When a student pays the fee they receive a vehicle pass that allows them to enter and park in the spaces provided on the compound.
Senator Hulse Signs Cooperation Agreement with Taiwan to Combat Human Trafficking
At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hon. Sen. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management and Immigration and Nationality, has concluded a five day visit to Taiwan from August 11th to 15th, 2014.During his visit, Minister Hulse met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Simon Ko, as well as the Director General of Bureau of Consular Affairs Hon. Kung Chung-chen and the Acting Minister of Labour Dr. Hao Feng-min. In keeping with the friendly and cooperative relations between Belize and Taiwan, Minister Godwin Hulse signed a memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management and Immigration and Nationality of Belize, and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China (Taiwan), relating to cooperation in Immigration Affairs and Human Trafficking Prevention. The MOU seeks to promote cooperation between Immigration Agencies of both countries on the issue of transnational crimes, and in particular human trafficking, through the exchange of information and promotion of capacity building.
PUC hosts App workshop - Next Google Made in Belize?
“There is no reason the next Google can’t be started in Belize.” -Dr. Cardinal Warde, Founder of the Caribbean Science Foundation.Forty-five young students are taking part in the Inaugural Mobile Application Development Workshop and Competition at the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel. They are learning about brainstorming collaboratively and understanding the concepts of viability, practicality, utility, and connectivity. Bevil Wooding, Executive Director of Bright Path Foundation, is the lead facilitator of the workshop. He says, “With this new world order of mobile, you have a new set of generals leading the world…those are the application developers; the people who write the software that drive these mobile devices.” Wooding, like Warde, believes the next great mobile innovation could come from Belize. He says, “By the end of this week, I trust that those participants who have signed up will become part of that growing global army; that not only shape and transform life here in Belize and across the Caribbean, but who can change the world.”
The CONCACAF Champions League pitch in Guyana is laughable
The CONCACAF Champions League is back! And, as is the case with seemingly every CONCACAF competition, that means hilariously awful pitches.The latest is in Guyana, where the Portland Timbers will play Alpha United.To call that grass would be charitable, but then again, that is a cricket stadium. Soccer isn’t a priority there, just an event to full up a few empty dates and maybe make a few bucks. And the players are just going to have to suffer because of it.Did you want to see passes completed on the ground? Good luck.Did you think the match might be beautiful? Welp.
The decision to remove the Belmopan Bandits from the 2014 -15 edition of the CONCACAF Champions League may have been the right one, but it could’ve been handled better.
Editor's Note: CONCACAF hipster Jon Arnold brings Goal readers stories and opinions from around the region in a weekly column.CONCACAF's relatively new administration missed an opportunity to show it's different from the past regime with its handling of the removal of Belize's representative in the CONCACAF Champions League.
The name 'Champions League' explains the concept. Pit various champions against each other...in a league. But in the past five competitions, Belize hasn't been able to put forth a representative, a streak that will continue this year after the Belmopan Bandits were removed from the competition.The confederation announced the decision in a news release sent at 6:10 p.m. ET on Aug. 12 - a week after the tournament started and nine days before the Bandits were set to host their first game of the competition. It would've been the first time in history that Belize - a tiny but growing English-speaking country in Central America just south of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea - hosted a Champions League match. In the first tournament under the current format, the Hankook Verdes played their home match in Guatemala, losing both legs by a 6-0 margin.
Empowering Women in Rural Communities in Belize to Embrace the Future
26 women in the northern rural communities of Belize have been empowered with life-time skills training in sewing, and are now qualified as seamstresses thanks to a 10-month Vocational Garment/Sewing Training project financed by the Government of Belize at a total cost of $51,440.00 through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). This means that the women from the villages of San Jose and Guinea Grass are now equipped with skills to access employment opportunities, generate income, be self-sufficient, and significantly contribute in decision-making roles in pursuit to further develop their communities and by extension the wider society of Belize.The sewing project was implemented by the Social Investment Fund as part of its mandate to work in line with the Government’s poverty alleviation strategy and in this regards, SIF is committed to empowering Belizeans in rural and urban communities across Belize, remarked the Executive Director, Mr. William Lamb Jr.
Amandala
DCP Segura arraigned for manslaughter
In the aftermath of a heated protest some time earlier in San Jose, Succotz, near the Xunantunich archaeological site, in which residents who called for justice for the death of their fellow villager, blocked the roadway with debris and old tires and lit them on fire, Assistant Superintendent Daniel Arzu, the Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo police, escorted Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura to the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned for causing the death of Yolanda Valencia, 54, in a fatal traffic accident that occurred while he was under the influence of alcohol early this past Saturday morning.The angered villagers were waiting to see ACP Segura appear at the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court, where he was scheduled to be criminally charged.
Patrick Jones
Major drug bust in Orange Walk
Police in Orange Walk town have made a major drug bust. Two million US dollars worth of Crystal Meth was hauled in when authorities intercepted a car in Orange Walk town on Wednesday night. Police say that while on an anti-drug operation around 7:20 pm on Wednesday […]
Workers traumatized after A&R Belize City store robbed
Workers of the Belize City branch of A&R Enterprise Limited at Mile 1 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway were for a few minutes held in terror by the sudden visit of armed robbers to the business late on Wednesday evening. According to police, around 6:27 p.m., as […]
Road Safety Project in annual review
The Government of Belize has been aggressively promoting road safety in light of the excessive number of traffic accidents on the nation’s highways. While the number of incidents and persons killed and injured is trending down, Belize continues to have the highest per capita instance of traffic accident […]
Junior Minister says stressed-out police officers may be turning to alcohol
A senior member of the Barrow administration, the Junior Minister of Finance and Economic Development Santino Castillo has gone on record opining that job stress could have pushed Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura to alcohol. Segura was arrested and charged on Tuesday for a list of charges, […]
Mexican artists exhibit in Belize
This evening at the Institute of Mexico, a group of Mexican artists opened an exhibition titled “Aequitas.” It is a mix of styles and perspectives intended to speak to the fundamental truth of equality in our world. Members of the group, Carlos Generoso, Leon Alva, and Marisol D’Estrabeau, […]
Jason Williams freed of police assault charges
Alleged gang boss Jason “Soup” Williams is a free man after charges of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm in public were dismissed at the end of a trial before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith. At the close of the prosecution’s case and before Williams’ attorney Michael Peyrefitte could […]
BDF defends force used to stop fighting campers
Earlier this week we reported that at least one Belize City youth has alleged beating terribly beaten by adult soldiers in charge of the Reform School Camp at Camp Belizario in Cayo. In reply the Belize Defence Force and Police Department invited our press colleagues to visit the […]
Ministry of Education pleased with CXC results
Last week preliminary results in the May-June 2014 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations were released. Results are mixed to say the least, but Belize can be proud of its students increasing the percentage of Grades I-III steadily over […]
Hunting trip turns fatal in Orange Walk
There are reports of a tragic overnight fatal shooting incident in Orange Walk involving two brothers.Details are still being gathered, but preliminary indications are that the two had gone hunting and that during expedition shots were fired by one of the men, hitting the other inadvertently.The man sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head, hands and abdomen.The hunting incident gone wrong reportedly happened in an area about two miles off the San Antonio road sometime last night.
Eastern Caribbean braces for bad weather
A tropical disturbance that is moving in the direction of the Lesser Antilles will bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the Eastern Caribbean heading into the weekend.Hispaniola could also experience bad weather as the system which has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, continues to move west-northwest at between 15 and 20 miles per hour.Forecasters say that when the system reaches Hispaniola and eastern Cuba, the mountainous terrain could slow down development of the disturbance; but conditions will become conducive for development again early next week.By that time it should be in the area of the Bahamas.
International Sources
Which Hurricane Model Should You Trust?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) did a decent job forecasting Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm tracks during 2013, with errors similar to or slightly larger than the previous 5-year means for 12 to 96 hour forecasts, according to the 2013 National Hurricane Center Forecast Verification Report, issued in May 2014. A new record accuracy for 5-day forecasts was set, though forecasts for 12 to 96 hours were slightly worse than in 2012. One possible reason for the increase in track errors in 2013 was the small number of hurricanes we had (just two.) On average, the NHC track errors steadily decrease as the intensity of a tropical cyclone increases. The average track error in an official NHC 1-day forecast in 2013 was 57 miles, and was 118 miles for 2 days, 162 miles for 3 days, 190 miles for 4 days, and 190 miles for 5 days. The official track forecasts tended to have a westward to northwestward bias of 55 - 82 miles for 3 - 5 day forecasts (i.e., the official forecast tended to fall to the west or northwest of the verifying position.)
Angola: Cabinda Governor Works in Belize Municipality
Cabinda — The governor of the northern Cabinda province, Aldina da Lomba Catembo, is paying this Thursday a two-day working visit to Belize municipality, aimed to learn about the socio-economic and political reality of the region.According to her programme that reached Angop, after the arrival, the governor will meet with the municipal administrator of Belize, Alfredo da Silva Gomes, and then leave for Miconje commune so as to check the implementation rate of the social projects underway the locality, with emphasis on the construction works of Alto Sundi Development Programme (PRODAS).
Garifuna People Are Risking Everything to Flee Their Ancestral Honduran Homelands
A horse grazes in the Travesía town cemetery, on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. Some of the tombs shine in the sun with new tiles, while others are marked by little more than rusted crosses. On one such grave — a stark box of bare concrete — lies a white wreath, which is turning brown in the sun. This is Catrín Bernárdez's grave, the final resting place of his American dream.Bernárdez, 43, was Garifuna. This Afro-Caribbean ethnic community, of mixed Amerindian and African descent, is scattered across Central America, but is centered in Honduras, where an estimated 200,000 Garifuna live. With a massive wave of migration to the US currently underway, the Garifuna people are being severely depleted in their ancestral homelands.Over the past year, US government agencies have been overwhelmed by the recent influx of migrants from Central America, many of whom travel on top of a train known as "La Bestia" [The Beast]. Migrants jump the dangerous freight train, often embarking on a grueling 1,500-mile journey from the Mexico-Guatemala border to the US. The trip is marked by extortion, violence, and sexual assault. Human traffickers who control the route charge an impuesto de guerra [a war tax] to ride the train. Migrants who fail to pay are shot or thrown from La Bestia's roof.
Bankrupt Victoria businessman must pay 15% of tax debt, court rules
A Victoria businessman and former financial planner owing more than $900,000 to Canada Revenue Agency will be discharged from bankruptcy if he pays close to 15 per cent of that amount, B.C. Supreme Court has decided.Bruce Foerster will have to pay $136,000 to be discharged from bankruptcy, Master Carolyn Bouck of B.C. Supreme Court said in a decision released this week. Being discharged from bankruptcy means a person no longer has the legal obligation to pay debts that existed when bankruptcy was filed. Foerster, 57, lives most of the year in Victoria. For about the past 10 years, he has been a businessman as owner and operator of Jungle Sea Ventures Ltd. resort in Belize. As of this year, he no longer holds controlling interest but is working on marketing, client development, public relations, reservation tracking and website monitoring for the resort, the court said.
Education News 8.22.14
Dr. Ragupathy Kannan of Fort Smith, professor of biological sciences at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, was selected to write monographs on three neotropical birds for Cornell University Lab of Ornithology’s Neotropical Birds Website due to his field work in Central America and his previous work with Birds of North America, another Cornell University project. Kannan’s studies will cover three Belizean birds — the Montezuma oropendola, the crimson-collared tanager and the royal flycatcher, all of which are studied in Kannan’s annual Maymester course, a weeklong credit class offered in May in which students travel to Belize to study tropical birds.
Videos
Video: Sports Reach vs Hoop Dreams Belize | 2014 @ The Birds Isle, 4min.
Sport Reach is missionary organization that shares the word of god through sports. The team is made up of a collection of college basketball players from around the US. The Group Leaders were Robby Speer and Stan Curry. Coach Was Florida State Assistant Coach Dennis Gates. Players were Troy University Starting Forward Kevin Thomas, Troy University Freshman Aaron Ariri, Western Kentucky University wingman Nigel Snipes, Former Angelo State player Antonio Dye, Incoming freshman at Union College Wilson Smyth, Former Campbellsville University forward Phil Lowery and Last but not least Tedrick Stephens
Video: Belize Scuba Adventures, 6min.
Video: Sweet Pain band, 3min.
Sweet Pain Band is comprised of 5 of Belize's most talented musicians. Sweet Pain Band has two lead vocalists, Jobe and Elroy. On keyboards for Sweet Pain you will find Method who is also a vocalist. On bass guitiar for Sweet Pain you will see Junimar who is Belize's top punta producer for many artist that you hear today. The Sweet Pain Band drummer is John P and the manager for Sweet Pain is Chico Ramos a punta legend in Belize located in Dangriga.
Video: Snorkeling In Belize, 5min.
Students in VMI Biology's Tropical Marine Biology course travel to Belize to experience marine wildlife firsthand.
Video: Belize Vacation, 4min.
GoPro footage from our trip to Belize this summer. Hol Chan snorkeling, Lamanai Mayan ruins, San Pedro & more!
Video: SCUBA diving Belize. Ambergris Cay., 11min.
Diving with Patojo's Dive Shop and Amigos Del Mar.
August 21, 2014
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Incredible Jazz brought to you Belize style!
Produced by James Sanker and Glenn Tillett, and directed by Sanker, the Belize Jazz and Culture Show held on August 16th is the first in a planned series of 36 performances that will be taking over the country by storm. The ensemble includes the following: Horns: Richard Pitts (tenor saxophone), Paul Christopher Bradshaw (tenor saxophone), John Raeburn (trumpet), Lucio “Drops” Enriquez (trombone). Rhythm section: Dane Henry (keyboard), Paul Alvarez (keyboard), Fritzgerald Conserve (bass guitar), James Sanker (rhythm guitar). Drums and percussion: Elsworth Castillo (trap set), Wilford Felix (Djembe drum). Strings: Cindy Burgos (violin), Anthony Coombs (Cello).
Naturally, all I can enthusiastically repeat over and over again is GET THEE TO THE NEXT SHOW!! And to those who can support the arts and believe in nurturing the creativity of our Belizean talents, sponsorship is needed. While NICH, BTB, Karl H. Menzies and the Best Western Biltmore Plaza are on board, much more support is appreciated and will go a long way in bringing Belize’s talent to the ‘nth’ level.
Read more: Incredible Jazz brought to you Belize style! - My Beautiful Belize
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Canadian living on Ambergris Caye found dead
Police on Ambergris Caye do not suspect foul play in the death of man who was found inside his condominium. The person has been identified as 53 year old Barry Lee Makowski, a Canadian national who have been living in San Pedro Town.
Sometime around 5:30PM on August 13th, police received information that the lifeless body of a man was found inside his living room at a resort across the bridge. According to San Pedro Police, when they visited his apartment building at Reef Village Resort, they found the lifeless body of Makowski lying face up. Some substance appearing to be blood was also found inside the building.
#Trending: “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge”: What’s it all about?
Over the last few weeks social media has been blowing up with people all over the world taking on the “ALS Ice bucket Challenge.” Even here in San Pedro Town, Facebook videos have been popping up on newsfeeds with various people taking on the challenge including Town Mayor Daniel Guerrero and The San Pedro Sun’s senior staff reporter Jorge Aldana . But what exactly is ALS? What’s the challenge all about?
First phase of northern Ambergris Caye road begins
According to the Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero, the project is expected to boost tourism activities and improve the tourism fabric of the island, which is in line with the council’s political mandate. It is also expected to increase real estate values. “This is a project that we promised, but more importantly, it is a project that is going to boost the economy on the island…it will be good for guests, for tourists and good for everyone; it is going to benefit everyone. We want to service the majority of our hotels and resorts. When we complete this seven miles project, we will have serviced over 98% of our hotels across the bridge…this will be a legacy for San Pedro Town. It will add something to the island because bicycles, golf carts and the motorcycles driving or riding up north will have to use the road. Residents will have no excuse to ride or drive on the beach front,” said Guerrero. While monies for the first part of the project are coming from the GOB’s coffers, Mayor Guerrero said that the SPTC is hoping that GOB will also undertake the second phase. If GOB cannot, the council will be looking at other options. The project was awarded to RGB Construction, but sub-contracted to AM Construction who is executing the project. According to AM Construction Foreman Samuel Pott, if there are no weather delays, the project should be delivered in a span of three months. “We are using good quality material supplied by Medina’s Construction. The concrete road will be 20 feet across but because we don’t want to stop the flow of traffic, we are doing the first ten feet on one side then once it is hard enough, we will proceed to the second section of the road,” explained Pott.
Belmopan Bandits out of 2014/2015 Champions League: CONCACAF cites lack of football stadium as reason
On Sunday, August 10th CONCACAF inspectors ruled that the pitch at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) stadium is not suited for international matches. Without a sporting stadium meeting confederation standards to host the matches, Belize’s Belmopan Bandits have been eliminated from the 2014/2015 Champions League Tournament. The Bandits were to play their first home match on Thursday, August 21st against Isidro Metapan, but that game will now be hosted by Costa Rica’s Club Sport Herediano. CONCACAF officials stated in a press release that the FFB Stadium’s pitch was not up to par for international play, and as such the Belmopan Bandits did not meet their requirements to participate in the Champions League. “For the second time CONCACAF inspected the playing surface at FFB Stadium on Sunday August 10th, encountering conditions that did not meet Champions League standards as described in the Regulations governing the competition. Articles 2.2.1 f, 3.8 a, 4.2 b, 4.7 a. and section 10.1 of the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League Regulations address the obligations of participating teams to have a home venue that complies with CONCACAF standards. Article 10.1 states that all stadium facilities, including fields, must comply with specific standards to be used for international play,” stated CONCACAF officials.
Ambergris Today
San Pedro Junior Sailing Club Hosts International Regatta Over Weekend
The San Pedro Junior Sailing Club was happy to have sponsored the first ever Friendly Invitational Regatta this past weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, at the Boca Del Rio Park. Twenty four sailors from USA, Mexico and Belize took on to sail the friendly seas for some fun and friendly competition on Saturday, August 16 and 17.
Sailing clubs from Canada and Guatemala were also invited to sail on Ambergris Caye, but unfortunately could not make it to the event. The course was an Olympic Triangle Course in which sailors sailed four races on Saturday and two on Sunday. The best of five races were accumulated for the lowest point system.
San Pedro Mayor, Councilors and Residents Take on Ice Bucket Challenge
We have seen all the viral videos online from around the world in which people have taken up the Ice Bucket Challenge as a way of making awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis —also referred to as motor neurone disease). Well the craze has already reached San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize and there are some prominent people getting dumped with ice water.
In the latest video posts, San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nuñez, Town Forman Freddie Gonzalez have taken up the challenge and posted videos of themselves being dumped on with ice water. They took up the challenge after they were nominated to support the worthy cause. They are amongst the many who have done the ice bucket challenge and donated towards the ALS foundation.
Paving Upgrade of North Ambergris Caye Road has Commenced
In late April of this year the San Pedro Town Council began works on upgrading the roads in North Ambergris Caye with the assistance of the Belize Ministry of Works. The Ministry provided the Town Council with a grader and truck to work on improving the street conditions of the island. A total of 80 linear yards of white mal (dust from crushed rock – clay like texture) was placed from Grand Caribe to Indigo Resort.
Four months after the upgrading of the roads and finalization of paper work, the project which is being funded by Belize’s Ministry of Works and Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Civil Aviation has finally commenced. Pavement will be laid from the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge up to the Belizean Shores Area. Construction is being carried out by RGB Construction and is estimated to be completed in an approximately three to four months.
Misc Belizean Sources
Councilor Severo Guerrero accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
passed on to him by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and now nominates Belinda Guerrero, Councilor Carlos Barrientos and Ricky Verde.
Town Foreman Freddy Gonzalez Jr. accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
passed on to him by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and now nominates Selene Gonzalez, Drew Forman and Superintendent Luis Castellanos.
Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nunez Sr. accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
passed on by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and now nominates Marion Mejia, Richy A Cordova and André Shamir Guerrero.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero does the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by Gary Greif.
He now nominates Freddy Gonzalez Jr., Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nunez Sr., Severo Guerrero and Jorge Aldana (although not mentioned in the video).
Wine de Vine -Sunshine & Wine Rose Tasting
This Saturday, August 23rd from 5pm - 7pm
Cayo Art Collection Launch
The SISE HoC launched the Cayo Art Collection on Friday. There's a lot of wonderful local art on display. Visit the SISE HoC over the next month to see the exhibit.
"Cayo Art Collection 2014 Launch at SISE House of Culture - August 15th."
Queen of the Bay Pageant
Belmopan's Queen of the Bay pageant will be Friday at 7:00pm at Belmopan's newly renovated civic center.
"Get your ticket today for $15.00 Reserve and $10.00 General at the Belmopan City Council Office, Emjays Beaut Salon, Medicare Plus Pharmacy and Puma Garbutt's Service Station. It's all going down at the Newly renovated Civic Center on Friday 22nd August at 7:00 p.m. Come out and see Six beautiful young ladies vying for the title of Queen of the Bay, Belmopan. Come out and support your favorite contestant."
Senior Steps Summer Camp
The were a record number of Summer camps this year. The Senior Steps dance troupe had one, and they held it at the George Price Centre.
"Some highlights from GPC/Senior Steps Summer Camp 2014!!!"
Three Top Belize Resorts Win World Travel Awards
El Secreto, Victoria House and Turtle Inn, three of Belize’s top beach resorts have won accolades at the 21st World Travel Awards.
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry and today it is recognized globally as the hallmark of quality with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
El Secreto Beach Resort opened in 2012 and is located on a sandy strip eleven miles north of the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The luxury resort is comprised of 13 private villas kitted out with Egyptian cotton sheets, outdoor Jacuzzis and private decks with hammocks. A gourmet restaurant, an elegant swimming pool and a spa are also onsite. The resort is only 30 minutes by boat from San Pedro Town.
12 Mysterious Photos of Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize
The famous Actun Tunichil Munkal Cave (ATM Cave) has been making international headlines for the past two weeks so we decided to collect 12 mysterious photos of the ATM Cave to share on www.belizehub.com.
If you have not visited this cave, we recommend that you do so immediately because of the following three reasons: 1.) The ATM cave is the most visited cave in Belize 2.) The ATM Cave has been rated by the prestigious National Geographic as the #1 most sacred cave in the world and 3.) A visit to the ATM Cave will not disappoint.
So without further adieu, here are 12 mysterious photos of Actun Tunichil Muknal:
MMTS (Music, Model and Talent Showcase of the Caribbean) auditions coming to Belize on October 4th, 2014
"Music, Model & Talent Showcase of the Islands (MMTS) is the only event of its kind specifically for Caribbean talent. We are looking for Singers, Songwriters, Music Producers, Models and Actors to attend our annual event in July 2015 where attendees will be seen by a large number of top international agencies, talent scouts, music producers, record labels and casting directors all at once. This is certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity for most! Attendees who will have the opportunity to network, learn and gain contacts that could change your life!
MMTS is a one-of-a-kind event for the islands, and is the only modeling and talent showcase in the world specifically targeting the Caribbean market, and we are taking Caribbean Talent to the World!
Highway in Corozal Town Gets Major Make-over
The Northern Highway that goes through Corozal Town is in the process of getting a major make-over. The highway is being re-done all through town, beginning at the south end of 7th Avenue, and it will continue all the way to the north end of the highway near Santa Rita.
The project will take approximately a year, scheduled to be finished in June of 2015, to the cost of over a million dollars provided by the Central Government of Belize, Ministry of Works, who is responsible for the highways of the country.
There will be four lanes of the highway, with a sidewalk all the way through town. There will be pedestrian walks at major points, which will hopefully discourage "passers through" from maintaining unsafe speeds. Efforts are being made in the design to provide the best flow of traffic for people in town, such as using circles and round-abouts. Also, two types of drainage, boxes and Vs, should prevent any flooding or slippery roads.
The current section being worked on begins at the V of 7th Avenue and 1st Avenue when coming from the south, traffic being detoured from the highway after 9th Street South. It continues to 6th Street South, approximately three blocks.
People of Corozal will have to be patient while this major project takes place, then hopefully we will have a lovely, smooth thoroughfare through our town.
We found the workers and supervisors on duty to be very courteous to both pedestrians and drivers of vehicles. We thank them for their work.
Channel 7
Police Have Suspects For Hopkins Home Invasion
Yesterday, we told you about the Dudley and Josephine Augustine who were attacked inside their vacation home in Hopkins Village on Monday evening. 47 year-old Josephine Augustine was killed in that home invasion while her husband, 71 year-old Dudley remains hospitalised at the KHMH. His son Calvin told us today that he has shown slight improvement. The swelling behind his left ear and in his right eye has subsided and he is in and out of consciousness.
But, the news tonight is that Police have detained the main suspects in that crime, and they are currently in the custody of investigators from Dangriga Police.
Specialised units from the Belmopan formation, went out early this morning, and based on intelligence, captured 4 hispanic men who are the main suspects in the Hopkins home invasion. They have since been transported to the Dangriga Police Station, where they will be questioned about the murder and attempted murder. Reports say they are former employees of the couple.
Taximan Cu Needs Another Surgery
Tonight, the family of 28 year old taxi driver Yanie Evan Cu are worrying about his condition. They tell the media that he has gotten one surgery but needs another on his hip.
Cu was driving to San Ignacio with his cousin Yolanda Valencia on Saturday morning when Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Segura crashed into him.
Cu’s family says that by the time he saw Segura, his Nissan Pathfinder was literally on top of the taxi – and there was nothing he could do to avoid a head on collision.
Re-Visiting Rage In Succotz
And so while Evan Cu is far from out of the woods, medically speaking….it seems that, for the time being at least, the public anger in Succotz village has subsided. That is because police showed the mob that Deputy Commissioner Segura was being charged just like anybody else.
But, even so, the angry mob was reluctant to give up the fight. Last night, due to time constraints, we gave you the broad sketches of the conflict – tonight, we put together the timeline in granular detail. Daniel Ortiz was on the frontline:
Daniel Ortiz Reporting
The protest was supposed to be a peaceful form of civil disobedience, and it started out that way.
The families friends and supporters all gathered on the junction of the Benque Road, and the Succotz Village entrance.
Victor Vargas Murder Suspect Apprehended
As we reported on Monday, 34 year old Victor Vargas was stabbed twice in the neck early on Saturday morning. He was socializing, and got into a fight with a younger man whom he’d had a previous misunderstanding with. The younger man – who is only 19 - stabbed him in the neck; Vargas ran down the road trying to get help, but he collapsed on the veranda of a neighbour’s house.
7News has confirmed that the teenager, who is the main suspect for the murder of 38 year-old Victor Vargas, currently in the custody of the San Ignacio police. We have his identity, but we are unable to reveal it because he hasn’t been formally charged.
Dengue Spikes, Public Health Sprays
There was an increase in Dengue cases in July in the South side of Belize City. The Public Health Department is responding with a series of Ultra Low Volume spraying sessions in the most affected areas in Belize City.
And while the ULV spray is not exactly air-freshener grade, don’t close your windows!!
This afternoon, the public health officers discussed this and more at a public health education event:Javier Alpuche , Senior Public Health Inspector
"We have a total of 6 vehicles, which will be deployed starting this evening to conduct ULV spray in the entire southside Belize City at first then we move on to Northside Belize City.
FFB Pitch Worse Than Guyana?
The CONCACAF 2014 Champion’s League Tournament began 2 weeks ago, and if Belize’s Belmopan Bandits were still in it, they would be getting ready for their first game tomorrow at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. But as we all know, CONCACAF yanked the Bandits from the competition because the football pitch supposedly didn’t meet the organization’s standards.
We say “supposedly” because SB Nation – which is a US based sports website has posted this picture of the Providence Stadium in Guyana. That’s the home field for Guyana’s Alpha United, which is making its first appearance in the Champion’s League, facing the Portland Timbers.
Seen here, Providence was built primarily as a cricket stadium. The article on SB Nation asks, quote, “if CONCACAF deemed the Guyana pitch okay, what did the Belize pitch have to be like to be deemed unacceptable? Clearly, grass isn't a requirement, so was there shards of glass on the pitch? Was there a sinkhole at midfield? Did tigers roam the penalty boxes?”
What's Going Right At BDF Youth Reform Camp
The BDF Boot camp in Cayo Camp Belizario has endured some body blows from the disgruntled families members of the youths enrolled or formerly enrolled at the camp. They alleged that the BDF used excessive force on the youths. But in response to that, the BDF deflected those allegations and stated that disciplinary actions had to be taken to control the youths who had launched into an all out gang war at Camp Belizario.
But while that’s what went wrong at the camp – yesterday when we visited, we also tried to find out what was going right. Courtney Weatherburne has that story:…
Courtney Weatherburne Reporting
The environment at Camp Belizario is not your usually boot camp setting. The serene, spacious setting inspires a sense of relief and relaxation. But while it is a quite inviting environment, it speaks nothing of the regimentation that governs the camp.
Purse Snatcher Caught, Sent To Prison
30 year-old Tyron Smith is spending his first night of a 7-year sentence after he was convicted of robbery in the Magistrate’s Court.
The complaint, 20 year-old Scarlet Zelaya, testified before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith that on October 27, 2013, at around 11 a.m., she got of a bus and was walking on Cemetery Road when Smith hailed her from under a tree. Shortly after that, Smith ambushed her and demanded
that she hand over her purse. Zelaya testified that when she refused, Smith punched her repeatedly in the face until she let go.
Her testimony was strengthened by that of a Police Sergeant attached to the Gang Suppression Unit. He testified that he was on patrol with other officers when they received a report of a robbery in progress. He said that when they responded, he saw Smith running toward the police mobile, so, he subdued and detained him. He found Zelaya’s purse on him.
Midway Village Goes All the Way with US Capital
4 months ago, the Mayan Community of Sunday Wood, located in the Sarstoon Temash National Park Buffer Zone area, openly declared its support for US Capital Energy and its oil drilling explorations. They became the first Mayan community to do so, and tonight, we’ve received reliable reports that another has done the same thing.
Midway and their Alcalde pledged their support for US Capital yesterday in a press conference, which was called right after they met with the District Association for Village Councils (DAVCO).
Midway villagers added that they have always supported the oil company, and that there have been a few members of the community who have been against it. Those few reportedly reached out to SATIIM, and that’s how Midway reportedly ended up on the list of Buffer communities who oppose US Capital.
Haitians Busted With Bogus Belize Visas
Tonight, 2 Haitian nationals are being held by the Immigration Department after they were busted trying to enter the country with bogus Belizean visas.
32 year-old Donald Gedeon and 38 year-old Choubert Senat arrived at the PGIA yesterday on a flight from El Salvador. When they presented their Immigration documents at the Immigration Desk, the officers noticed that the visas were irregular. Further checks revealed that they were fake, and so both men were charged for attempting to use visas that they were not entitled to.
When they were arraigned before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart, both men pleaded guilty and were fined $2,000 to be paid forthwith. After they’ve paid their fine, or they’ve served 1 year in prison, if they default, they will be deported.
Gilroy Gets Off
Gilroy Usher Jr, who you may know as the Secretary of COLA, the owner of First Stop Pawn Shop, or as a supporter of his Politician Father, Gilroy Sr., was able to walk out of court a free man today. That’s after the prosecution withdrew charges against him in which he was accused of assaulting a police officer.
When the case was called up today, after 2 years of repeated adjournments, Magistrate Dale Cayetano struck it out for want of prosecution.
Back in August of 2012, the complainants, Bailiff Gabriel Casey and Police Constable Egar Poot, reported to police that Usher drew a firearm on both them, after he punched Poot on the right side of his face.
GSU Gets Weed
The Gang Suppression Unit has been targeting areas where known drug peddlers operate in Belize City.
At around 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon, GSU officers searched several persons and abandoned lots in the Conch-Shell Bay area. They discovered 137 grams – or 4.83 ounces – of marijuana in an abandoned lot. No one was around, but the officers believe that the drugs belong to one of 3 peddlers in the area.
2 hours later, GSU officers then went to the Kraal Road area, where they found 2 black plastic bags containing a total of 172 grams – or 6.06 ounces – of marijuana. These drugs were found in an abandoned lot next to the Kraal Road Gang Base.
Helping HELPAGE
For many, the inevitability of the ageing process is a disturbing thought, but for the organization HELPAGE, it’s a mission. Today the organization held a one-day workshop with the aim of improving the lives of the elderly by bettering the organization. The facilitators of the workshop discussed how organizational wellness can contribute to healthier advanced years for their clients.Ivorine Bulwer, Executive Director, Helpage
"It is a session to look at issues of governance. Governance issues getting them sensitised to articles of association, the memorandum of association, to look at policy and procedure manual to review our strategic plan and to get an analysis, because clearly governance about what? We are for the older persons and so we need to be sensitised to what our role is all about who we are serving, so we will be sensitizing them about the health issue, the housing issue, the economic issue and issue as it relate to their lack of knowledge of their rights and at the same time to share with them avaliable resources, to share with them the importance of partnership because we can't do it alone."
Musical Fusion
The National Youth Orchestra in collaboration with an organization call MusAid (muse-aid) will hold a concert on Saturday August 23rd at the Bliss Center. It’s an exciting collaboration and the Belize Youth Orchestra’s Courtney Gillet shared her excitement about the event:Courtney Gillet, Youth Orchestra Teacher
"So on the 23rd of August at the bliss we're going to have a concert featuring Belizean musicians who are apart of the national youth orchestra and also musicians from muse-aid which a non profit organisation and they have brought in 8 fellows and they're fantastic, fantastic musicians. Some of them come from top conservatories in the United States and they're working along with our orchestra members with some pieces that we will be performing and also doing pedagogy classes for the teachers here at the orchestra and also encouraging some of the members, the students themselves to start teaching music. This concert will feature works from Pirates of the Caribbean. We'll be doing several pieces from Tchaikovsky there will also be a performance by the muse 8 fellows themselves so that is a special treat and we also have a Belizean composition and I encourage all Belizeans to come out and listen."
The concert starts at 7:30 pm on Saturday and tickets are available at the Bliss for $15 dollars. There are currently about 35 members of the National Youth Orchestra and Choir.
Channel 5
The Fate of Career Police Officer Miguel Segura As Deputy ComPol Uncertain
In the aftermath of Saturday’s fatal road traffic accident involving Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, there has been uproar, particularly by residents of Succotz Village who are either family [...]
4 Men Detained In Hopkins Home Invasion Turned Murder
News Five has confirmed that four men, believed to be involved in a Monday evening home invasion in Hopkins, have been captured in Belmopan. The four men were taken in [...]
Unitedville Murder Suspect Steven Gomez Captured in Belmopan
Early Saturday morning, at around three am, Unitedville resident Victor Vargas was stabbed to the neck and bled to death shortly after. Since then Police have been looking for a [...]
Unitedville Land Dispute Remains Unresolved Several Months Later
There was a land dispute in the western community of Unitedville in March. In a nutshell, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued title to Bernadette Fischer for five acres of [...]
Confusion about Eviction Notice in Unitedville
That seems pretty clear enough, but now we’re confused. Somebody seems to be misinformed in this land equation. On Monday, News Five was in Unitedville and we were given this [...]
Nasley Sommerville appears before Public Services Commission
Former administrator of the Southern Regional Hospital Nasley Sommerville appeared before the Public Services Commission, finally, on August fourteenth, one week ago. Officials from the Ministry of Health have refused [...]
Midway Residents Meet with DAVCO to Discuss Oil Exploration in Toledo
On Tuesday evening, residents of Midway, one of six buffer communities bordering the Sarstoon Temash National Park, met with representatives of the District Association of Village Councils to discuss oil [...]
Residents Support Oil Exploration and Prepared to Negotiate Benefits
While some residents contend that they have been misrepresented in the past, they are prepared to negotiate with government, should oil be discovered, to determine benefits. Midway Resident “We [...]
Dengue On the Rise in Belize City
Dengue is on the rise in Belize City…that’s the news coming out of the Public Health Sector. The Central Health Region is reporting that since July there has been a [...]
Vector Control Unit to Commence Mass Spraying
According to the Health Unit, the spike, in most cases, is due to the lack of maintenance of property in south side Belize City. District Supervisor of the Central Health [...]
Haitian Nationals Busted With False Belizean Visas At P.G.I.A.
Two Haitian nationals carrying passports with fake Belizean visas were busted by Immigration authorities at the Phillip Goldson Airport on Tuesday. The men, thirty-two-year-old Donald Gedeon and thirty-six-year-old Choubert Senat, [...]
Gilroy Usher Jr. Acquitted of Aggravated Assault
Today, Gilroy Usher Junior walked out of court after charges of aggravated assault and harm brought against him were thrown out. Magistrate Dale Cayetano did so because the complainant in [...]
National Youth Orchestra and MusAid Performs at the Bliss
The National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize is collaborating with a team of professional musicians from MusAid to put off a concert this coming weekend at the Bliss Center [...]
Teachers Schooled in Creative Arts
A Theatre Arts Training session concluded today at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Primary, high school and itinerant teachers took part in the three-week program by the Ministry [...]
Finalists for Bring It Revealed
Chanelle Parks, Marlyn Vansen and Clifford Hoare are the finalists for If You Can Sing It, Bring It! after nine weeks of singing in various genres of music, the trio [...]
CTV3
Eating Healthy Means Living Healthy
Healthy eating is not about strict dietary limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and stabilizing your mood. If you feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition and diet advice out there, you’re not alone. It seems that for every expert who tells you a certain food is good for you, you’ll find another saying exactly the opposite.
Today reporter Victor Castillo caught up with northern regional nutritionist Christina Sevallos, who shared some OF her expertise on how to keep a healthy life style.
13 Year Old Puersues Dream Of Going To High School
Around the world there are people that are fortunate and those that are less fortunate, those who can and those that cannot pursue their dreams. Well, the good news tonight is that one 13 year old is on her way to pursue her dreams of attending high school.
Meet Jesusita Peña from San Andres Village in the Corozal District. She comes from a low income family of nine that struggles daily to makes ends meet. But that has not stopped Pena from furthering her education. In fact that’s what motivates her to excel. And with a $1,000 donation from Emily Loague, Pena is looking forward to a secondary education.
Emily Loague – Samaritan
“My daughter’s gran mother who wished that she always wanted to help a family to go to school.”
The Role Of Peer Helpers
A group of about 30 students from the Orange Walk Technical High School are wrapping up a follow up training on peer facilitation skills thanks to the continued support from the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA). It is a known fact, when adolescents seek support for many of the life situations they face; they typically approach their peers rather than seeking adult support systems which may already be in place. Youth of today tend to be energetic, positive and are extremely well positioned to support others in their peer groups. And so today we found out from the schools counsellor, Lisia Castillo that Peer helping or peer counselling programs can serve as an extremely effective support system in their school and community.
Two Corozalenos Charged For Drug Trafficking
A man from the Corozal District has been charged for the offence of drug trafficking after he was caught with cannabis. Yesterday, at about 8:00am, PC Diego Torres and PC J Paiz were traveling from Corozal to Orange Walk and upon reaching the junction of Buena Vista and Caledonia Village, their attention was drawn to a male person sitting on a piece of rock. Upon sighting the officers the individual began acting suspicious. This prompted PC Torres to exit the vehicle he was traveling in. He then conducted a search on the individual but nothing incriminating was found on him. Directly in front of where the individual was sitting though, officers observed a plastic bag.
Hill And Bardalez Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison
A man well known to the law in the Corozal District is tonight serving time at the Belize Central Prison while his partner in crime is considered a wanted person by authorities but was sentenced in absentia. We are talking about 37 year old Roberto Hill and 27 year old Edwin Bardalez who were jointly sentenced to ten years imprisonment this afternoon at the Corozal Magistrates when their case concluded and Magistrate Hurl Hamilton passed sentencing after they were found guilty of robbery.
On the night of July 9th 2013 Gregorio Monteroso a taxi driver from the Corozal District, reported to police that he was robbed at gun point by 36 year old Robert Hill, Belizean mechanic of Alta Mira, Corozal Town and Edwin Caliz Bardalez, 26 year old Belizean construction worker of #17 Banak Street, Belize City.
Man Accused Of Fondling Ten year Old Step-Daughter
The father of the ten year old minor is not the only individual police are looking for at the moment. They are also searching for an individual accused of fondling his 11 year old stepdaughter. In the presence of her mother, the student of San Joaquin Village, Corozal District, reported that on Saturday the 16th of August she was at home locking the kitchen windows when her stepfather grabbed her from her shoulder and started to play with her breast. He then pulled her to his room, laid her on the bed, lifted up her blouse and started to play with her breast. Finally he let her go and that is when she ran to her grandmother's house. A doctor certified the child’s injuries as harm on her breast. Police investigation continues.
BWS Carry Out Remedial Work, Streets Left In Worst State
Since the Belize Water Services initiated their remedial works to upgrade their pipe lines that run under the Belize Corozal Road, the conditions of the streets cannot be any worse. And while they are carrying their works piece by piece, they leave behind a trail of deplorable road conditions for any vehicle or commuter. While many drivers and commuters can only gripe and complain, our efforts to get comment from the officials at BWS have gone on deaf ears. We spoke to a representative of the company this morning who told us that the works have not been completed but there was no indication whether they will go back and repair the roads to its original state; and neither do we know if Central Government will keep its commitment to fully repair the Belize Corozal Road, a road network strictly under the Central Government’s jurisdiction. Meanwhile, residents, commuters and visitors have no choice but to endure the position that we have been thrust into; pothole ridden, unlevelled, dusty streets.
Orange Walk Teen Reported Missing
An Orange Walk teen has been reported missing by her mother. According to police, 39 year old Doris Zelaya of Snapper Street in the Black Water Creek area of Town, reported to police that on Sunday August 17th, her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Deirie Tamay, left her house around 9am without saying anything and took some clothes.
While police could not furnish us with a picture, Tamay is of Hispanic descent, of clear complexion, has straight short black hair, is slim built, about 5' 1" in height, has brown small eyes, long nose and was last seen wearing a black blouse, a pink skirt and a black sandals. Police are investigating her whereabouts.
COMPOL Says "Go Ahead And Video"
The video that went viral on Facebook over the weekend showing Deputy Commissioner Miguel Segura minutes after the accident and seemingly carefree still has the public chattering on the incident. In the conference held with the media yesterday evening, Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie was asked about the public’s freedom on recording police officers while on duty. The Commissioner did not falter and even encouraged the continued use of smart phones.
Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police
"There is no policy from the department that people cannot. We are living in the age of technology where all these smart phones have video. As long as you are outside the area that the police have cordoned off to deal with their scene, if you are outside of that I do not see any issue why the police should be taking away or confiscating anything. I would hope that people would continue to record these things because it will keep my officers consistent and professional and be honest and even if they confiscate one, I don't think they will confiscate 10 and 20 because I am certain there is more than one person. As I say we don't have a policy. If the police obviously have the area cordoned off, if they have barriers up that you should not be climbing to see then that's a different matter. But if it's cordoned and you are behind the cordon I don't have a problem with it. I just wish that sometimes we would exercise better judgment because I don't think anything is gain by showing people gruesomely killed or murdered and those sort of things and so I would just ask that some sensitivity be given to the feelings of whoever is the deceased family because family always remain."
Deputy COMPOL Slapped With Six Charges
Today, the disgraced Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura’s saga continued with much development in the case. After the announcement of his suspension from active duty yesterday, this morning the scene changed in Succotz Village in the West.
The fury and rage of residents from the San Jose, Succotz Village, was felt with a demonstration and blocking of the George Price Highway near the Xunantunich Archaeological site, disrupting the flow of any traffic in that area. This is in response to the residents calling for justice for, Yolando Valencia, the mother of five, who was killed in a road traffic accident early Saturday Morning. As the images depict, residents blocked the roadway with tires and lit them on fire.
Father Accused Of Fondling Ten Year Old Daughter
Tonight there is a disturbing report coming out from the Village of Copper Bank in the Corozal District involving a ten year old minor and her father. The ten year old student, accompanied by her guardian, reported to authorities that on
Friday the 15th of August between 8:00pm and 8:10pm whilst at her house along with her father, she was falling asleep on a hammock in the living room when she felt someone touching her on her private area. This caused her to open her eyes and that’s when she saw her father sitting next to her on a sofa staring at her. According to the child, her father then pulled her out of the hammock.
LOVE FM
Succotz: A Day of Unrest, Burning Tires and Making Demands
Today was a day of unrest in the western part of Belize. With a look at how the day’s events unfolded, we join Ava Diaz Sosa.
AVA DIAZ SOSA
“It was not business as usual for residents of Succotz village in the Cayo district as early this morning they decided to make a statement. Residents have been upset since an early morning traffic accident on Saturday left one of their villagers dead and another seriously injured. The man at the center of the discontent is Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura who was driving the vehicle that collided head on into the taxi driven by Yanie Cu. Villagers blocked the George Price highway by burning tires. Love News spoke to one of the protester Wilson Pat.”
Carnival, Oceana and The Lion Fish
The September celebrations are fast approaching and OCEANA Belize has joined with carnival group to increase awareness of Belize’s Lion fish problem. A release from the environmental group says that this September, the dangerous but delicious Lionfish will be making a dramatic appearance in the always colorful and exciting carnival road march. Oceana has become a proud sponsor of the Soca Moca Carnival Band, who has decided to use this national platform to bring attention to Belize’s Lion Fish problem. The release quotes, the organizer Audrey Bradley as saying that Soca Moca is boldly portraying the Lionfish in splendor but this intruder has taught us that everything that glitters is not gold! Lionfish are not native to Belize; they have a huge appetite for other fish and they reproduce at alarming rates. Oceana’s Vice President for Belize Janelle Chanona applauded Soca Moca for their efforts to increase awareness about the lionfish. Oceana says that the great news is that lionfish, once relieved of its venomous fins, is a delicious, low-cost, healthy alternative to eating juvenile fish and simultaneously helps to eradicate the invasive species. On Sunday August 17th, as part of Oceana’s sponsorship of the band Soca Moca revelers were treated to lionfish samples during their practice session at the Roger’s Stadium in Belize City.
Suspicious Behaviour Gets Him Caught
Thirty one year old Hotoneil Estrada was arrested and charged for the offence of drug trafficking. According to Police reports, On Monday , two police officers were traveling from Corozal Town to Orange walk Town-upon reaching the junction of Buena Vista Village and Caledonia Village their attention was drawn to Estrada who was sitting on a boulder. He was dressed in a blue shirt and green 3/4 pants and acted suspicious when he saw the two police officers in Police uniform. The officers approached Estrada and informed him that he was going to conduct a search on him. Nothing incriminating was found on him, however, directly infront of where he was sitting was a black in color plastic bag where he opened the plastic bag and found inside of it a parcel wrapped in brown plastic tape. Inside the bag was marijuana.
GSU Operates Out West
San Ignacio Town was the latest target for operations this past weekend by the Gang Suppression Unit. Between the hours of 4am and midday this past Saturday, members of the GSU conducted several searches, the first being at the residence of 47-year-old, Mark Francis Peters on Jeronimo Thompson Street. This search resulted in a small find as all the officers found on Peters were 13.9 grams of cannabis in his pants pocket. Nothing incriminating was found on his three companions or inside his home. Peters was charged with possession of a controlled drug. Just a few hours later, GSU officers were on Carmen Street at the home of a well-known drug peddler but they came up empty handed. Not far away from the man’s home, another search was done in an empty lot, where they found a black plastic bag containing two plastic bags; one bad had several parcels of cannabis wrapped in plastic and the other bag contained loose cannabis, weighing a total of 173.4 grams of cannabis.
Minors Report Sexual Advances Made by Their Fathers
Tonight, Love News has gotten reports of two separate incidents involving young girls, whose fathers committed sexual advances on them. While both incidents occurred in the Corozal District, we start with the first incident where a ten year old girl went to the police station in the company of a guardian to report an incident that occurred on Friday, August 15. According to the little girl, it was between eight and eight ten that evening when she was at home with her father, she fell asleep in a hammock in the living room when she was awakened by someone touching her on her private part.
Ten Years for Stealing Taxi
Today, the notorious 36 year old Robert Hill was convicted in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Hurl Hamilton for the crime of robbery. Hill was sentenced to ten years behind bars to take effect July 11, 2013. That’s because Hill has been on remand ever since. The sentencing comes as a result of a report made by 51 year old Gregorio Monteroso who told police that on July 8, Hill and his alleged accomplice, 26 year old Edwin Caliz Bardalez, stole his taxi car. Bardalez who is still on the run, was also convicted en-absentia for the same crime and also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Saldivar Denies Allegations by Serrano Family But Says He Is Done Talking to the Media
In another story involving Attorney Arthur Saldivar, last week we aired the plight of the Serrano family of Saint Vincent Street in Dangriga, that is claiming that they had paid monies to Saldivar for his legal services but that the services were never provided….Hortence Serrano Flores even went as far as showing us documentation for the monies paid out…but today, during a phone call with Saldivar, he informed Love News that he did his job and a settlement was indeed reach with one, Cecelia Serrano, where they were allowed to stay on the property but apparently, the settlement did not sit well with Hortence Serrano Flores.
Arthur Saldivar Says He Did Not Assault Realtor
Today in Love FM’s midday newscast, we told you of an incident on the Placencia peninsula involving Attorney Arthur Saldivar. Our sources had indicated to us that Saldivar was being accused of assaulting one Boris Mansfield…..but further investigations led us to understand that both men are cross complaining, meaning both men are saying they were assaulted by the other. Saldivar and Mansfield spent some hours at the police station in Placencia but no charges were filed. Earlier this afternoon, Saldivar contacted our newsroom to say that the altercation stemmed from a difference of opinion in a meeting at Robert’s Grove where he was representing his client, Jean Marc, who is the major shareholder of the resort. He added that he was physically attacked around the meeting table by Mansfield and the police had to have been called in where Mansfield was taken into the station.
Retired School Teacher Killed in Home Invasion
There was a brutal home invasion in the village of Hopkins, Stann Creek District, yesterday evening. Residents of that village are still shocked at the attack of a couple inside their very own home. Seventy one year old Dudley Augustine was in his home with his wife, 47 year old Josephine Augustine when two men, believe to be of Hispanic descent, forced their way in and attacked the couple. It is believed that Josephine Augustine, a retired school teacher, put up a fight, however, the men over powered her and killed her by stabbing her two times to the back of the neck. Dudley Augustine received serious head and body injuries. He is currently at the KHMH receiving treatment. This latest homicide has left the entire Hopkins community in shock as the attack on the couple has shattered their sense of security and safety. It has also left the looming question of why would anyone would what to hurt the Augustines. Cousin to Dudley Augustine, Conrad Lewis, told Love News, that he doesn’t believe the motive was robbery.
Deputy Commissioner Arraigned on Five Charges
After 80 hours of close observation by residents countrywide, of how the fatal traffic incident that occurred this past Saturday, will be handled by the authorities considering that it involves the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura, tonight we can report progress in the matter. Ava Diaz Sosa traveled west today to bring to you this story.
AVA DIAZ SOSA
“Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was read six charges in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of Yolanda Valencia. Earlier in the day, Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo Police, Superintendent Daniel Arzu, spoke to an angry crowd who had gathered to protest the situation saying Segura was being given preferential treatment.
PlusTV
Police search for man accused of molesting stepdaughter
An 11 year old Belizean female student of San Joaquin Village, Corozal District, in the presence of her mother, reported that on Saturday August 16th at about 6:30 PM while at home locking the kitchen windows, her step father grabbed her from her shoulder and started to fondle her breast...
Businessman released from assault charges
Vice-president of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and businessman Gilroy Usher, Jr., was released on Wednesday from charges of aggravated assault and harm after his main accuser declined to testify against him...
Four persons detained in Josephine Augustine murder
In Tuesday’s news cast we told you about the home invasion in Hopkins that led to the murder of 47 year old Josephine Augustine...
A fire protest erupts in the Village of San Jose Succotz
A fire protest against the Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura erupted in the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo District, where at some 300 angry people waved placards and burned tires on the streets...
Deputy Commissioner of Police charged in Belmopan Magistrate’s Court
After the fiasco in San Jose Succotz, Assistant Superintendent Daniel Arzu escorted the Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura to the Magistrate’s Court in Belmopan, where he was charged with 6 separate counts: 1. Manslaughter by Negligence, 2. Causing Death by Careless conduct, 3...
Man charged for shooting in public
While police are investigating the second of two shooting incidents over the weekend in Belize City, they have made an arrest. 26 year old Leon Garcia of Victoria Street has been charged with discharging a firearm in public...
Customs officer charged for death of teenager
Five years ago in June of 2009, 19 year old Onario Oba of San Victor, Corozal, was shot in the face while part of a group of alleged contrabandists trying to recover $10,000 worth of uncustomed goods from a team of law enforcement officials from the Police, BDF, and Customs and Excise Department, wh...
Repeat offender jailed for burglary at Broaster’s
Deputy officer commanding Eastern Division, Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, suffered the indignity of having his North End Estate home burgled last week...
Theft Of Money From River Walk Residential
On Monday August 18th at around 8:45 am Belizean Manager of River Walk Residential decided to take two white envelopes containing $1,800 US and $2,000 US, all to a total value of $3,800 US both in different denominations, to be deposited in a safe in her other residence in the same area, located abo...
Patrick Jones
Tropical disturbance shows signs of development
A Tropical Disturbance approaching the Windward Islands looks like it’s headed for development into a named storm. Forecast models give the system a 50% chance of development by Saturday. By the start of the next week, the chances of development improve to 70%. At this time, none […]
Robbers target A&R in Belize City
There is an ongoing situation at the Belize City branch of A&R business establishment situated at mile one and a half on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Preliminary information received say that there was a robbery at the establishment earlier in the evening. Members of the Gang Suppression Unit […]
Civilians reportedly exchange gunfire with police in Orange Walk
Police in Orange Walk have detained two men who allegedly tried to rob a business establishment. Details are sketchy and still coming in, but a source in Orange Walk says that there was a shootout between police and two civilians. The incident happened on Liberty Avenue in […]
Helpage Belize plots direction for older persons in Belize
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Helpage Belize provides direct services for and advocates on behalf of Belize’s population of older persons. From health to wealth, Helpage has tasked itself with making the lives of these valuable assets to our country better and safer. Today, representatives of its 11 branches […]
Businessman released from assault charges
Vice-president of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and businessman Gilroy Usher, Jr., was today released from charges of aggravated assault and harm after his main accuser declined to testify against him. This morning Usher appeared in court with attorney Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold and was told […]
Peer helpers undergo training in Orange Walk
Peer helpers from the Orange Walk Technical High School have completed a training session on facilitation. The training is part of a sustained campaign by the Belize Family Life Association intended to help students cope with various issues, among them conflict resolution and decision-making. Counsellor at OW […]
Midway village leaders say they are in favor of oil drilling
Midway village, one of the Maya buffer communities near the Sarstoon Temash National Park, has expressed support for oil drilling by U.S. Capital Energy. At a meeting hosted by the Toledo District Association of Village Councils held on Tuesday afternoon, the leaders of Midway said that they were […]
Elliot...a Wildtracks favourite gets into trouble, a blog from Katharine
Hi!, My name is Katharine and I am a Canadian volunteer who has been at Wildtracks for 3 months. While at Wildtracks, I worked with the teens - a group of 5 young howler monkeys named Elliot, Sam, Pebbles, Peanut, and Polly – the Teens. I also worked with 2 pre-release howlers, Paz and Kofi, who are now happily living in Fireburn as wild monkeys!
During my time at Wildtracks, I was fortunate enough to develop a very close relationship with all of the monkeys that I worked with - however Elliot, a young howler monkey, holds a special place in my heart. I first knew Elliot when I was in charge of feeding him when he was living in the pre-pre-release enclosure, but it was an unfortunate accident that solidified our bond. On July 1st, 2014, Jamie and I were working with the 5 Teens. All of a sudden, Elliot was on the top of the cage and thrashing around. Our first thought was that he was having a seizure. I ran to get Paul and by the time we got back, Jamie had identified the cause, and was trying to free Elliot’s foot from the top of the cage, where he had got it stuck. Usually, when a monkey gets stuck, it is easy to free them. However, with Elliot’s panic, the cage had to be cut to free him.
Why You WANT to Be Here For September, The Full Schedule of Events Plus Shopping for the Red, White & Blue
September is my favorite month of the year. Yes it’s hot and the official heart of the hurricane season but it’s also the month that the country comes alive for September celebrations. The two big independence day holidays are celebrated – September 10th honors the Battle of St. George’s Caye and September 22nd, Belize’s relatively new independence day. This is year the country turns 33.
I have been collecting my red white and blues for a few years now…at least 3 or 4 appropriate outfits are necessary. I did a quick run-through of town yesterday to find out what is available now. It is a bit early but you DO NOT want to miss the boat.
Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave
The Rio On pools are only about fifteen miles off the Western Highway on the Santa Elena side of the Hawksworth Bridge, but the rather rustic road surface and the sightseeing along the way ensure that you’ll take your time. And you won’t mind, because all in all it’s a lovely drive through one of Belize’s most unique environments.
Mountain Pine Ridge is covered in Honduras, or Caribbean Pine, (Pinus caribaea), and while a massive fire in 1949 and outbreaks of disease have taken their toll, the forests are continually regenerating. As an aside, you can see still large stands of Belizean mountain pines growing far across the world in the Fiji Islands, having been introduced by British colonialists in years past.
Coming from the warmer, more humid rain-forested areas of Belize, Mountain Pine Ridge is a breath of fresh air – literally. Cooler, pine infused and generally drier than the rainforests below, the atmosphere is lovely, and the flora and fauna a bit different to the rest of Belize.
So if you get the feeling of having been magically transported to another country, don’t worry, it’s a common reaction.
“Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Grand Caribe is impressive and I hope I’ve whetted your appetite but what about the new stuff you’re thinking. Well I’m convinced it’s going to be equally impressive and can do nothing but materially increase the Grand Caribe experience.
It’s when you get up to the second and third floors that you’ll probably think that use of the fitness center might become a ‘must have’. Why? Well this is going to be the “home” of Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace Bar (the website is currently under construction but will be fully operational very soon – bookmark it, you’ll be glad you did).
It’s when you get up to the second and third floors that you’ll probably think that use of the fitness center might become a ‘must have’. Why? Well this is going to be the “home” of Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace Bar.
This new restaurant is owned and going to be run by the husband and wife team , Victoria and Hugo Meyer, who many of you will affectionately remember from their time running Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant.
Toledo’s Treasures—Discovering Belize’s “Forgotten District”
Rounding a bend in the road, you catch your first glimpse of the bay of Honduras. The stunning silhouette of Guatemala’s mountains to the south provides the perfect backdrop as the light scatters off the sparkling Caribbean water. The skies are a cloudless blue and a series of houses painted different colors, here white, there yellow, another green—and all with neatly-groomed yards—greets you along the coast road into the town of Punta Gorda.
Quickest Simplest Way to Peel a Watermelon
In this video, Joe is going to teach us how to peel a watermelon to make it easier to cube and serve. I also show a little known fact about the box of aluminum foil that will make your life that much easier.
International Sources
NMSU entomology students travel to Belize
In March, through the Faculty-led International Programs, a group of eight students, led by Scott Bundy, associate professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University, traveled to Belize to research and experience its biodiversity.
From venomous spiders, ants, leafhoppers and even marine invertebrates, the students’ non-stop, 10-day trip brought a new perspective of what it’s like to work as an entomologist in the field.
“The idea was to get them out in the ‘wild’ because the insect diversity of tropical areas is so different than what we have around here,” Bundy said. “The purpose of the class was to learn about arthropod biology, to observe how the animals behave in their environment, to learn proper field research techniques, and to just be more hands-on.”
Every activity doubled as a learning experience and included visiting ancient Mayan ruins, caves, reefs and what many students enjoyed, tasting the local cuisine.
“One of the biggest things we got to enjoy was their food, which has a lot of variety,” said Helen Vessel, assistant researcher at Bundy’s lab in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science. “Every meal was a feast.”
Hot Mama Angie Harmon Rocks Bikinis In Belize
Angie Harmon has wrapped up a gorgeous vacation in Belize, and has been sharing the adventure with her fans.
The Rizzoli & Isles star has spent the past week snorkling, swimming with sharks and exploring the jungle in the Central American paradise.
Much of her time was spent in a bikini, which the 42-year-old mother of three absolutely rocked.
“Thank you beautiful Belize! Desperately needed. Hugely appreciated. Always remembered. Be back soon” she posted to her Whosay account Wednesday.
No, thank YOU Angie for sharing your gorgeous pics with us!
Wedding Location with a Difference: A Great Start to Life Together
A Mayan temple would be an amazing spot to start life together, and down in Belize, a wedding planner named Lara Goldman is organizing exactly that and one such wedding is pictured at the top of this article. Goldman can apparently arrange for a real Mayan shaman to perform the wedding ceremony on one of many ancient Mayan sites in the country.
Looking back on the huge scare about the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, the New York Times reported on a couple who almost literally thumbed their noses at fate and were married among the Mayan ruins in Belize back in December 2012. On a more dire note, Ms. Cook and Mr. Klocke, the couple involved, did apparently mention that they couldn’t think of a better person with which to share the end of the world. Naturally this remarkable service is still available in Belize today, as the world most certainly didn’t end.
Small plane has engine problem near Cuba, makes emergency landing in Key West
A small plane with two people aboard had problems with one of its engines Tuesday morning off Cuba, and made an emergency landing 45 minutes later at Key West International Airport. No one was injured.
Monroe County Fire Rescue responded to the airport around 11:20 a.m. The plane was a twin-engine Beechcraft with two people in it who were headed to Belize with missionary supplies, said Capt. Timmy Leonard.
"They were near Cuba waters," Leonard said. "The guys on board were frightened. They were unsure whether that motor would get them to Key West."
Songbird student pilots delay departure and make frequent stopovers during first migration
TORONTO, Aug 20, 2014 – Juvenile songbirds on spring migration travel from overwintering sites in the tropics to breeding destinations thousands of kilometres away with no prior experience to guide them. Now, a new study out of York University has tracked these "student pilots" on their first long-haul flight and found significant differences between the timing of juvenile migration and that of experienced adults.
"Juveniles departed later from their overwinter sites in Belize and Costa Rica relative to adults, and they became progressively later as they moved northwards because they stopped for more days," says York U researcher Emily McKinnon, the study's lead author. "By the time they arrived at breeding sites they were almost 2 weeks behind the adults, and overall their migration took 50 per cent longer in terms of days spent traveling."
The study, published today in PLOS ONE, tracked juvenile wood thrushes from Belize and Costa Rica all the way up into the US and Canada. The birds were fitted with tiny geolocator "backpacks" to track their route, and researchers found that even though the juvenile birds took 50 per cent longer to reach their destination, they travelled a similar migration path as their adult counterparts, including the dangerous open-water crossing of the Gulf of Mexico – a non-stop flight covering 1000km.
Museum of Science Presents Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, 10/12
Visitors to the Museum of Science, Boston will soon experience a civilization renowned for its royal dynasties, jaw-dropping architecture and distinctive art at the New England premiere of Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed.
Beginning on Sunday, October 12 and on exhibit for a limited engagement, Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed investigates questions surrounding the Maya, and offers a glimpse of daily life through the eyes of the powerful rulers and their subjects. The exhibit explores the rise of the Maya people, the evolution of their complex culture and the eventual decline of their remarkable civilization. Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed features more than 250 artifacts, dozens of interactive components, and re-created environments that immerse visitors in Maya culture.
At its peak during its Classic Period (250-900 AD), the Maya civilization - which consisted of a vast network of cities and villages stretching across the Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras and El Salvador - rivaled any European society.
Videos
Video: Belize, 5min.
Belize Trip 2014, Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, Xunantunich.
Video: Expo Belize Market Place 2014, 2min.
Tv commercial for Expo Belize Market Place 2014 live coverage by Channel 7 and Belizean To Da Bone, CBC's Ch 53.
Video: HEFY Belize 2013, 4min.
Video: Water Cay Belize Squid, 1min.
Video: Belize Sharks 2014, 8min.
Videos shot in Belize, June/July 2014.
Video: Gorgonians and Sponges, Belize Scuba Diving, 16min.
Gorgonians (Sea Fans, Sea Whips) are sessile colonial animals belonging to the order Gorgonacea in the class Anthozoa. They might look like plants, but they are actually animals belonging to the same subclass as soft corals, sea anemones and sea pens/ sea pansies (Alcyonaria). A central internal skeleton, composed of a flexible, horny substance called gorgonin, supports all branches of the colony, and the living tissues form a layer over its entire surface. The polyps spread out their tentacles to form a plankton-catching net. In most cases the fan-shaped colonies grow across the current, which increases their ability to ensnare prey. Sponges are the primitive multicellular aquatic animals that constitute the phylum Porifera. They are multicellular organisms that have bodies full of pores and channels allowing water to circulate through them, consisting of jelly-like mesohyl sandwiched between two thin layers of cells. Many sponges have internal skeletons of spongin and/or spicules of calcium carbonate or silica. They can have various shapes, sizes, and colors. Sponges do not have nervous, digestive or circulatory systems. Instead, most rely on maintaining a constant water flow through their bodies to obtain food and oxygen and to remove wastes. Without sponges, many species of fish and aquatic animals would lack food and shelter and reefs would be significantly less diverse.
Video: Isla Marisol Belize 2014 Whale Shark, 1min.
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