July 30, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

John’s Escape Bar and Grill a secluded paradise for GREAT food and drinks
Looking to head off the grid and explore a bit more of what Ambergris Caye has to offer? How about 4.5 miles north to be exact? We’re talking John’s Escape Bar and Grill which provides the right level of relaxation you need, with an excellent touch of customer service and amazing food. A short boat ride on the Coastal Express will get you there within minutes. Or you could be adventurous like we were, and load up some great people on a golf cart and take the scenic route. Even with many pit stops we were on location within a half hour, eager to see what we had escaped to! Owner Brian made us feel at home instantly, and in no time, we were ordering a few menu items: Chicken Nachos, Shrimp Tacos, Pineapple Burger, Mayan Fish and of course Wings. While the food was prepped, Brian got the ball rolling with their signature shot, the Belikini.

Seven out of the eight contestants for the Reina de La Costa Maya® Pageant have arrived in San Pedro
First to arrive was Miss Mexico Samantha Gutíerrez Gónzalez-Rubio accompanied by Riena de La Costa Maya 2014/2015 Elisa Espinoza Gómez. Shortly after Miss Costa Rica Carolin On Porras, Miss El Salvador Genesis Margarita Fuentes Bolaños, Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle, Miss Nicaragua Yuliset Laguna, Miss Panama Maria Saavendra and Miss Guatemala Lisa Hayet Francis touched down on La Isla Bonita. The beauties enjoyed their flight over the Caribbean Sea on Maya Island Air, the official airline of The International Costa Maya Festival®.

Belize and Guatemala talk peace at joint press conference, COLA protests
Ministers of Foreign Affairs from both Belize and Guatemala, along with a representative from the Organization of American States (OAS) held a press conference on Monday, July 27th at the VIP Room of the Radisson Fort George Hotel. The conference served as a forum to provide updated information on the status of the territorial dispute and to clarify recent altercations between Belize and Guatemala. Leading the conference was Belize Minister of Foreign Affairs Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Raul Moralez and Chief of OAS Peace Fund Magdalena Talamás, who served as the mediator. First to speak was Elrington who elaborated on the evolution of the Guatemalan claim over Belizean territory. He also spoke on the relationship between both countries. “The relationship at every level has been very good, cordial, peaceful and very calculated. When we have difficult moments we call each other at the Foreign Ministry level, at the Prime Ministerial/Presidential level and at the technical level to work out the issue. Belize’s military works side by side with the Guatemalan military…Belize Police work with the Guatemalan Police…so we have a harmonious relationship that really is the envy of the world,” said Elrington.

The lovely Miss Mexico Samantha Gutíerrez Gónzalez-Rubio has arrived to La Isla Bonita!
Today will see all the delegates arriving in preparation for Reina de La Costa Maya® Pageant, which opens The International Costa Maya Festival® on Thursday, August 6th. Samantha was accompanied by none other than Riena de La Costa Maya 2014/2015 Elisa Espinoza Gómez.

Flavors of Belize launches 5th anniversary edition
The fifth issue of the much-celebrated Flavors of Belize magazine was launched on Thursday, July 23rd in Belize City. Media, stakeholders, friends and family were all invited to the Rainforest Room at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza to witness the grand unveiling of the newest edition of the magazine. Leading the ceremonies was Clive Myers, who welcomed the attendees to the highly anticipated unveiling. Singing the national anthem was Jackie Castillo, accompanied by Garifuna drumming. Emaun Hyde, Managing Editor of McNab publishing Ltd, gave the opening remarks. Hyde spoke of the growth in the culinary industry of Belize, highlighting the energy and creativity of Belize’s chefs with each passing year.

Belize to face Canada in third round of World Cup Qualifiers
Now in the third round of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ), the Belize National Football Selection will be taking on the National Football Selection of Canada. The preliminary draw for the next round of games leading up to World Cup Russia 2018 was held on Saturday, July 23rd at the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. After eliminating both Cayman Islands and the Dominican Republic in order to continue their WCQ journey, the Jaguars have been hard at work training and honing their skills. The draw was overseen by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and decided the third round pairings as well as the fourth round groups. The 12 advancing teams of the second round of competition were divided into two pots according to their FIFA ranking as of July 2015 and paired against each other. The WCQ third round will see matchups between Curacao versus El Salvador, Grenada versus Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines versus Aruba, Jamaica versus Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda versus Guatemala, and Belize versus Canada. Only the winners of each of the six pairings will advance to the fourth round. Matches will take place between August 31 and September 8.

Ambergris Today

Sunset Cruise with the Costa Maya Delegates on the YOL

Flashbacks: San Pedro Holiday Hotel’s 25ft Anniversary
This month Hotel, the pioneer hotel in tourism in San Pedro celebrated its Golden Anniversary. Fifty years ago this wonderful person, this amazing San Pedrana, passionate woman, and awesome entrepreneur, Celi Nuñez McCorkle, opened up the doors for the commencement of tourism in San Pedro and Belize. The seeds she sowed are still reaping benefits in the millions for thousands of people in this community. Talk about a prominent and iconic personality- it’s Celi McCorkle. This week in Facebook, Celi’s daughter, Lisa McCorkle posted memoirs of the 25th Anniversary of Holiday Hotel when it was celebrated in grand style. Here are those memoirs and comments of many who lived the experience and a historic photo of Celi, the tourism pioneer, and George Price, the Father of the Belizean nation. Enjoy and make it a keepsake.

Overview Of Historic San Pedro Village in 1950’s
This aerial shot of the village of San Pedro came about one hundred years after the Mestizo Indians first settled in village in 1948. This is about 1955 when the village men were doing subsistence fishing and before the founding of the fishing cooperative. My comments will take you through some of the main houses and names of the village at the time. House No. 1 This was the vacation property of Lucilo Ayuso, a businessman from Belize City, His son, Libby Ayuso, was a well known oculist/optician and friends with all of San Pedro. A well kept house and a large yard and pretty fence tells us that this was a well off family. This house was the only one that remained standing on the beach with Hurricane Hattie in 1961. After the hurricane of 1961, The Ayuso’s purchased the lot behind them and became owners of the entire little block. Today that entire property is the site of Spindrift Building. Notice the pile of coconuts in No. 1 b. This tells us that Mr. Adolfo Ayuso, who used to own that property, was a coconut farmer.

Belize to Boost Preparedness for Ebola with Support from Taiwan
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) donated Clinical Care Kits for the care of patients with Ebola Virus Disease to Belize’s Ministry of Health with cooperation from Taiwan. This is part of a larger regional effort prepare for and control a potential outbreak of Ebola. The project is a direct response to a request from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other world leaders for increased international cooperation to better address the potential threat posed by Ebola worldwide and in the Americas. With support from Taiwan, PADF is delivering Clinical Care Kits to Belize and other countries in the region. In the event of an Ebola outbreak, the equipment can be quickly deployed to hospitals and other care facilities to protect medical personnel as they treat patients.

Copa Airlines to Connect Belize with Panama, Flights Start December
Today, a press conference was held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, announcing airline services to Belize via Copa Airlines. Starting December 8th, 2015 Copa airlines will be offering 2 weekly flights to Belize City from Hub de la Americas Panama City, Panama. With this new addition, Copa Airlines will now expand its route to 75 cities and 31 countries in North, Central, South and the Caribbean with Belize being the 7th in Central America. With the addition of Belize, they are now covering all of Central America, strengthening their regional leadership. “For Copa Airlines it is with much joy that we announce this new destination with which we consolidate our leadership in the region, strengthen our existing routes while at the same time allowing us to offer better connectivity and world class service to all of Central America, from Hub de las Americas, in Panama. The connectivity will open enormous opportunities for tourism and commercial development for this interesting Caribbean country, as well as allowing for tourist from the same region to have the opportunity to enjoy all the tourism and commercial strengths Belize has to offer”

Misc Belizean Sources

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES: PROJECT MANAGER Institution: Inter-American Development Bank
Abstract: The CNTMP seeks to promote a Belizean transport sector that contributes to sustainable economic and social development. Developed in close coordination with the relevant public authorities the plan will aim to: (i) promote economic growth, particularly in its headline sectors of agriculture and tourism, by reducing costs to market for the private sector, thus facilitating domestic and international trade; (ii) improve public mobility and access to markets, employment and social, health and leisure facilities; (iii) contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation; and (iv) ensure the financial, environmental and institutional sustainability of transport services.

Miss Costa Maya 2014 and Miss Mexico are headed to Ramon's Village
the Official Hotel and a Grand Sponsor of Costa Maya 2015. The rest of the delegates will be arriving shortly

SELL-A-TON AT LIONS DEN SATURDAY
Aug 1st, 8am-1pm Clothing * Tools * Cell phones * Baked Goods * Books * Household items! SELLERS: $25 for two (2) tables Sell whatever you want! FUND RAISE for your school, medical needs or personal. BUYERS… You never know what you’ll find!!!! CONTACT: Jan Brown, 662-2725 “San Pedro Lions Club – We Serve”

Brainstorm for Freedom - August 1
We planning to start up a reading group or think tank. We having a brainstorm session on Saturday 1 August, 10 am in San Ignacio. Tentative venue is at the downtown library, near the Hawkesworth Bridge. It's emancipation day, so we can make it our tribute to freedom. We can become an active group to promote critical thinking, organize seminars/lectures, debates, publish online articles, increase youth democratic participation... Who can make it? Saturdayat 10:00am - 1:00pm. San Ignacio, Belize

Poets Corner: Screams!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. All the world’s problems Can be attributed to men They come from one source The fatherless curse 89% of fatherless children End up pregnant, on gun charges or in the system Most times in Belize men are perpetrators of this mayhem Domestic violence, socially deviant, some become gangster and thugs When all they really wanted was for their father to give them a hug These men grow up with hate Socially maladaptive and inadequate Unable to think and unable to communicate Men the world over are in a hellish state

Costa Maya Delegates 2015

DFC Smarter Banking Forum
The Development Finance Corporation held a seminar to show the advantages of using them for educational and business loans. Lots of great information was shared to the group of local business owners...and future business owners. Pictures on G+.

SSBA Basketball Tournament
The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Basketball Association is having a basketball tournament starting on August 21st. If you're interested in registering a team, contact Elvis Usher by August 12th. Games will be held at Falcon Field on Friday and Saturday nights.

Channel 7

PUP Preserves Status Quo: Fonseca Puts Down Rebellion
Since last week, we’ve been reporting on the PUP’s Rebel 12 – a dozen standard bearers who are unhappy with the state of affair sin the opposition and are calling for a national convention. They put that in a letter to the party chairman on Monday – and, today, Party Leader Francis Fonseca called for a meeting to deal with their demands. But, the 12 were outnumbered by the 19 standard bearers still in the Fonseca Camp, so rather than be drummed down by a super majority of status quo supporters, they boycotted today’s meeting. Well, 10 of them did; two attended, namely Dr. Francis Smith and Major Lloyd Jones. More about that later, but first to the business of today’s three hour meeting at PUP Party Headquarters. When it was done at 5:00 pm, a very relaxed looking leader Francis Fonseca – flanked up by 20 standard bearers said he called the meeting to deal with the issues raised by the dissenting dozen – but they didn’t appear to argue their points:… Hon. Francis Fonseca - PUP Party Leader "We immediately convened a meeting today of the national executive and standard bearers in order to fully and properly discuss and address the issues raised therein. All standard bearers and executive members were invited to this meeting and in my view there was a particular and special obligation and duty attached to those who had signed the letter, to be present and to be fully and robustly participating in the discussion and decision making. The absence of any of the signatories to this letter without a legitimately documented excuse will only further erode confidence in their good faith intentions in respect to the important issues raised in their letter."

PUP's Pilloried in Postings On Facebook
Indeed the majority does rule, but the PUP will still have to deal with in the rebel 12 – or maybe that should be 10. Among them are two men who have never lost an election – they are John Briceno and Cordel Hyde. And with the national tour going north and coming to Belize city after Cayo – it would be embarrassing if those regional powerhouses also boycotted those events. And surely, the Briceno camp is not happy. We could see that from a facebook post put up this morning by Orange Walk PUP Mayor and die-hard Bricenista Kevin Bernard. Sort of apologizing in advance for the boycott of today’s meeting, he urged the 12 standard bearers to stay away and then asks, quote, “How can we credibly tell them (our supporters) we will lead them to Belmopan if we can’t prove we are a viable party in any single election? The record will show we have not won any national elections since 2003.” He asks, quote, “what gives us the best chance to win the next general elections? That is what we should be concerned about, not about preserving the leader at any cost. Are we satisfied that what we are presenting gives us the best shot at winning? The last three elections scream hell no!” Unquote. He calls for a national convention where the leader would be put up to challenge, and laments, “It’s been almost 5 years since we’ve last had one, and yet some will say now is not the time. My question is, if not now, then when? After Barrow calls the next elections? After we’ve lost the general elections? Are you crazy???” END QUOTE.

Another Woman Killed, Her Husband on The Run
Another woman has been killed – most likely as a result of domestic violence. Tonight, Belize City police are looking for her ex common-law husband. 21 year-old Salvadoran Merlin Elizabeth Herrera Mejia, was found in her apartment on Morning Glory Street this morning, with her throat slashed. Police were called in early this morning, and we found out why they suspect that it is yet another domestic dispute turned homicide. Daniel Ortiz reports: When we arrived, the Eastern End of Morning Glory Street was already cordoned off by police and scenes of crime personnel. Inside the cement house, seen here at the left of your screen, the body of 21 year-old Salvadoran Merlin Elizabeth Herrera Mejia lay in a pool of her own blood in one of the rooms. Her throat had been slashed. Inspector Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Precinct 1 & 2 "At 6:50 a.m. acting upon information received, police visited number 4533, it's a cement structure building. Police went inside of a room where they saw the lifeless body of a female descent person. She was identified as Merlin Elizabeth Herrera Mejia, 21 year old Salvadoran national, cleaner of that same address. Police observed two large cut wounds to the neck and one behind the left ear."

Bucknor Jailed For Child Molestation
He’s been fighting a child molestation charge for 2 years, and tonight, 52 year-old Belize city resident Charles Bucknor is spending the first night of a 3 year sentence after he was convicted before the Chief Magistrate today. The minor, who was only 12 at the time of the incident, testified in a trial that IN July, 2013, her grand aunt hired Buckner to repair the ceiling in the bathroom, and that’s where he began eyeing her. She was watching television on her grand aunt’s bed, when Bucknor sexually assaulted her, and then threatened that if she said anything he will deal with her. As soon as she could escape, she called and reported the incident to her mother. They arrested Bucknor and charged him with burglary and aggravated assault of an indecent nature. That burglary offense was later dismissed due to lack of evidence, and he denied the sexual assault charge in the late stage of his trial. When it concluded today, however, the Chief Magistrate Smith told him that she didn’t believe his defense. She found him guilty and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.

Weed On His Way To Court Earns Man A Year In Jail
22 year-old Kevin Bodden is already an inmate at the Belize Central Prison. But today persons tried to smuggle weed to him when he appeared at the Magistrate’s Court for an adjournment hearing. So tonight, he’s behind bars with the bad news that he will serve one more year because of that failed attempt. That drug supplier shoved it in Bodden’s hand, and the officers who were escorting him, did not see who did it, since normally, the court area is usually crowded. A vigilant officer saw when he made a suspicious move to shove his hand into his pocket. The officer immediately approached him, and retrieve the 40 grams - or 1.4 ounces of marijuana from that pocket. He was immediately charged with possession of a controlled drug, and when he was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, where he pleaded guilty to the offense. She sentenced him to 1 year imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to the 3 years he’s already spending for a conviction of grievous harm. That means he will spend a total of 4 years in jail.

GOB Rejects US Conclusions About Human Trafficking
Last night we told you about Belize’s dismal performance on the US Trafficking in Persons Report. The Americans say that Belize has made no progress in preventing human trafficking cases, prosecuting trafficking offenders and protecting victims. As a result of this evaluation, Belize is now listed as a Tier 3 country – which is the lowest rank. Well according to the CEO of the Human Development sector, Judith Alpuche – this is an utterly unfair assessment of Belize’s efforts. In an extensive interview today, Alpuche told us that the US is only reflecting Belize’s low conviction rate among other shortfalls rather than highlighting the existing programs and services implemented to deal with this issue. Now she admits that Belize is not as advanced in the availability of services and facilities for victims compared to other countries but she also firmly states that Belize IS working towards curbing human trafficking. Judith Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation "What we have found and this year is no different is that what they focus on is convictions. It's abundantly clear in their report and we did not get a conviction and so I think it's not surprising to us. What is disappointing however is that there seems to be a narrative constructed to support this idea of you did not do anything. And I don't know if that is because in the past we have pointed out to say, well how can you downgrade us for this one area when you point out that we have done well in other areas. So the narrative is a bit different."

COPA Is Coming, Means Much For Regional Tourism
A new direct flight that will expand Belize’ tourism channel to South and Central America was launched today. A ceremony was held at the Biltmore Hotel to mark what the Tourism sector is calling a historic occasion. The Belize Tourism Board along with its partners has been working for about 3 years to establish this connection with Copa Airlines and it was finally realized today. We spoke to the Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans and she told us how significant this flight from Belize City to Panama is to the tourism industry. Elisa Brenes - Regional Manager, International Sales Copa Airlines "Today we are announcing, with a lot of joy that after December the 8th, we will be flying twice a week to Belize from our Hub de Americas in Panama." Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism and Culture "We have enjoyed a sustained 8.7% annual increase in the overnight sector. That translates into more than double the projected growth rate expected and more than double the average growth rate of tourism in our region. It is without a doubt that here lays place one of the signal largest contributing factors to the increase of tourism overnight arrivals."

Man Charged For Double Chopping
A man has been charged for a double chopping in Belmopan. 20 year old John Briceno was charged last night with grievous harm and aggravated assault. As we reported 2 men were chopped in Salvapan around 1:00 Monday morning. 24-year-old Jorge Guevara and 25-year-old Clifford Alexander Alvarado were walking on the Road in front of the San Martin Primary School when 5 men attacked them with machetes. Guevara had been chopped to his head, back and face, while Alvarado's wounds were to his left hand, shoulder and left arm. Police believe that drinking may have fueled the incident. Police are still looking for the other 4 men involved.

The Police And Community Trying Truce
Communities rely on the police to protect and serve and the police, in turn, rely on community support and cooperation. But the relationship is not always harmonious. That’s about to change according to Senior Superintendent Chester Williams. This afternoon Williams and two groups of police officers including senior officers took part in a meet and greet on Caesar Ridge Road and Gill Street. He told the media it is in an effort to mitigate the violence and crime in these areas as well as to build trust between the community and the police. Sr. Supt. Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South "As you recall when I took over as the officer commanding eastern division south, one of the message I said was that - the police will be doing more out reach to the community. This is part of our community orienting policing. Where we will go out, meet the public, greet the public, talk to them, see what their concerns are. Take advice from them. If there is anything they believe the police can do better. To police the area, we want those tips from them and when we're through, what ever information we have obtained from these people, we will go through them and we will see what we can get from it to make our policing effort better. We want to be able to give the community the level of policing that they deserve, so that's the main mission here."

La Inmaculada Lambastes Signature Gatherers
On Friday we told you about a signature drive by disgruntled members of the La Inmaculada Credit Union. They are trying to gather a thousand signatures for a petition to force their credit union to hold an annual general meeting and declare a dividend. Well, the management of the Credit Union put out a statement today stressing to its members that it does not endorse the signature drive. The statement says, quote, “Some of our members have indicated that they were deliberately misled through inaccurate information and that their signatures were obtained under deceit.” And even for those who signed, the Credit Union says, quote, “any and all signatures will need to be verified as is required by due process.” The statement says that the Annual General Meeting will be held as soon as an investigative process is finalized, at which time, quote, “your rightfully due dividends will be recommended for approval.” It adds, quote, “Many are being wrongly informed that their dividends are being purposely withheld and will not been given and both allegations are totally false.”

Belize City Mayor Does His Part For Confidence Building
Since Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been on a public education campaign, collaborating with representatives of the OAS, and senior Guatemalan officials. It’s a kind of public confidence building, in an atmosphere rife with misgivings. But, at the official level, they continue to cultivate good relations, and in that spirit, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley today hosted a breakfast for the Mayor of Melchor De Menchos, as well as children living in the western border towns in both countries. 7News stopped by and spoke with the Mayor about this event’s important in the larger discussion of Belize/Guatemala diplomacy: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City "We're working in partnership with the Organisation of American States and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we're of course supporting the discussion in relation to the activities that are going on in Belize over the last 3 days to promote awareness in relation to the Belize-Guatemalan issue. And what this is, is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked us to host a breakfast with young people from Melchor de Mencos, including the mayor of Melchor de Mencos who's in attendance at this programme this morning. And also young people from Benque Viejo Del Carmen. So what we're doing is promoting sort of engagement, especially with our youth who can kind of engage with one another in fellowship, in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. To really kind of highlight the fact that in order for peace to come, we need to have understanding and we need to have a coming together - so it's really like an honour to support the initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in hosting this breakfast this morning and I think it's a wonderful actively."

OAS Holds Bze-Guat Forum
Last night at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, the OAS held a public forum where they outlined the state of the unfounded Guatemalan claim and the repeated attempts at resolving it through negotiation. That information session was broadcast on national television, and right here on Channel 7, but in case you missed it, we pulled a few excerpts to share with you. Here’s the Chief of the OAS Peace Fund explaining why we must go to a referendum to decide whether or not to take the territorial claim to the International Court of Justice: The Foreign Ministers of both countries were also guest speakers at last night’s session, and they took the opportunity to reiterate that friendly relations continue. Elrington also talked about why he has changed from rioting against Guatemala that he did when he was a young man, to the present day conviction that going to the ICJ is the best option Belize has to resolve the territorial claim:

Is The Mayor Coasting?
When it comes to expansionary public works in Belize City, no Mayor in memory comes anywhere close to Darrell Bradley. After his first 3-year term in elected office, his legacy is currently the 142 streets that his administration has cemented, along with renovation of the Battlefield, Memorial and BTL Parks that were done in collaboration with other Government agencies. But, 4 months into his second term, things have seriously slowed down. So, with the speculations that the General Elections are sooner rather than later, we wonder if he’s just coasting - until he runs for Area Rep. of Caribbean Shores. We asked him about that today: So, since there have been projects that the Mayor isn’t alerting the residents to, we asked him to discuss a few of them with us today, and here’s what he had to say:

Inflation Went Down Due To Fuel
The Statistic Institute of Belize has released its latest figures for June 2015, and the assessment is that on average, the cost of goods and services are 0.8 percent lower this year than at the same time last year. The all items Consumer Price Index was at 102.8, down from 103.6 in the same month last year, which indicates a inflation rate of NEGATIVE 0.9 percent. The main contributor to this overall change is the falling fuel prices worldwide. In Belize, the prices of premium and regular gas was about 18 percent lower this year, and diesel went down the lowest by 25% in one year. That fall in fuel prices has a somewhat direct correlation to international airfares, and SIB reports that the cost of those went down by almost 25 percent when compared to June of last year. Food prices are marginally down by 0.1 percent, and the most significant drop recorded was the prices of red kidney beans. Those declined by more than one third when compared to a year ago. But, the drastic decrease in Beans is offset on the CPI measurement by the increase prices in both pork and beef products.

Youth Dancers Donate To Dara
This afternoon a group of children from the Indian Community stopped by the home of Dara Robinson to pay him a special visit. They didn’t come empty handed – instead they brought along a cheque of three hundred dollars to donate to Robinson’s feeding program. The money was well earned by the group of youngsters who were rewarded this morning after performing at the brunch organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Belize City Council. 7news was there for the handing over. If you would like to make any donations towards Robinson’s feeding program, he can be contacted at telephone number 623-3662.

Channel 5

Domestic Violence Claims Another Life
The details of the latest murder in Belize City are all-too-familiar and tragic. The life of a young woman, a mother of a four year old son, was taken in [...]

P.U.P. National Executive Meets – 10 Missing
The People’s United Party today held a National Executive meeting this afternoon to deal with a revolt in the ranks. Twelve standard bearers including John Briceño, Dan Silva and Cordel [...]

No Sanctions for Absent Standard Bearers
The P.U.P.’s National Executive numbers forty-eight, which includes thirty-one standard bearers. Thirty-four were present today which represents a comfortable majority and gives the party some breathing room. And that breathing [...]

Fonseca’s Leadership is Unchallenged
The letter signed by twelve standard-bearers focused prominence on a call for a national convention. While it wasn’t exactly spelled out in so many words, the explicit message being sent [...]

Patrick Faber Says Fonseca is a Dictator
While the P.U.P. breathes a sigh of relief at a clear majority of the National Executive behind Fonseca, the U.D.P. continues to prepare for general elections which many speculate will [...]

Tells P.U.P. to Get Ready for General Elections
You may have heard Minister Faber say that a U.D.P. National Convention is overdue, but they have agreed to wait until after the general elections. That’s another reliable indicator that [...]

Morales Says the Claim Must be Resolved
Since the beginning the week, the Organization of American States along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized a number of activities to draw attention to work of the [...]

Are Belize’s Borders Demarcated?
But Guatemala is claiming fifty percent of the country, and border incidents such as the one involving the Forward Operating Base in the Sarstoon often inflame emotions on this side. [...]

Protesters Demonstrate Outside Peace Forum
The comments made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs inside the Bliss prompted a protest outside. The forum, which aimed to promote peace, did not end quite peacefully for a [...]

COPA Airlines Comes to Belize
Panama’s flagship carrier, Compania Panamena de Aviacion, simply known as Copa Airlines, announced earlier today that as of December eight it will be offering two weekly flights to Belize City.  [...]

New Flight Will Ease Access to the Americas
The flight from Belize to Panama is designed to provide connectivity to principal cities in Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile and a list of others.  According to Minister of Tourism [...]

3 Years for Sexually Assaulting Minor
A Vernon Street man who was accused of performing oral sex on a thirteen year old primary school girl was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment which is the [...]

Faber Wants to Be PM Someday
Earlier U.D.P. Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber spoke on the P.U.P., and on the prospect of coming elections, but he also took the time to speak about his own aspirations. [...]

UB Staffers Request Salary Adjustment
And from politics to Faber’s official position as Minister of Education. News Five has confirmed that following on the heels of a protest by K.H.M.H. employees just over a week [...]

Minister of Educations Speaks on New UB Insurance Plan
There’s another brewing story coming out of the University of Belize, where we understand students have been informed that they must now obtain mandatory insurance. If they don’t apply and [...]

Faber Takes on Deacon Cal
The Ministry of Education continues to be embroiled in a testy relationship with Deacon Cal Cathers, who owns the BRC publishing and printing company. BRC provides some textbooks to the [...]

Ariel Rosado Hosts Scholarship Award Ceremony
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation held its fourth annual scholarship award ceremony at the Lion’s Den in Belize City.  Proudly, it announced that the number of scholarships granted to [...]

CTV3

DOE Access development In Consejo Area
Today as our reporter stationed in Corozal travelled along the Consejo Road he took notice of an ongoing development in the area. Most noticeable was the fact that a huge area had been bulldozed for subdivision of land and that almost every single tree on the property was cleared. Immediately we set to find out if the Department of Environment was aware of such an activity as they are the entity responsible for the issuing of permits known as environmental clearance. Viewers might recall that on the 27th of July the Department of the Environment issued a release in which it stated that Environmental Clearance is required by law, under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and it would only be granted through a letter issued by the DOE. The release also stated that such clearance can only be obtained from the DOE based on an environmental screening process. This process is important for developments in Belize to operate under as it will offer the best environmental safety standards and will minimize potential negative impacts to human health and the environment.

External Figures Shows An Increase In Importation
And while the figures of cost of living reveal a small decline from last year, the external trade bulletin reveals that during the month of June 2015, Belize imported goods valued at $189.2 million which is equivalent to 20.1 percent or 31.7 million increase from last year June. The bulletin also revealed that ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’ had the largest increase of almost $16 million, from $31 million to $47 million, due to purchases of sailboats and airplanes during the month. ‘Manufactured Goods’ grew by more than $6 million, to almost $24 million, the result of growth in the imports of various construction supplies. Additionally, a spike in wheat seed purchases led to a $5 million increase in imports of ‘Food and Live Animals’. In contrast, ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’ fell from $17 million to $14 million, owing both to a decrease in the quantity of fuel imported as well as to lower fuel prices on the world market, compared to last June. Goods destined for the Commercial Free Zone grew by almost $4 million, as importation of cigarettes and clothing continued their upward trend.

San Andres Resident Lodges Complain Against Corozal Police
Last night we told about the two reports of alleged police brutality lodged against the Orange Walk Police Department. Tonight there is another complaint but this time being made against the Corozal Police Formation. According to Fernando Barrios, a resident of San Andres Village, Corozal, on Sunday 26th July while celebrating his father’s birthday a misunderstanding ensued between his family and another member of the community, however, upon the arrival of police, he was the one detained. “Teníamos una fiesta mi papa cumplo 74 años cuando de un de repente se armó un desastre que la vecina que tiene una tienda de frente de nuestra casa con otros hombres de San Andrés mismo cruzaron el camino hasta donde estábamos nosotros y empezó una peleadera y luego se calmó la peleadera pero no se quien llamo la policía y ellos llegaron a buscarme a mí en especial.”

Group Of Member Owners Write To LICU Board Of Directors
With one thousand plus signatures in hand a group of members/owners of La Inmaculada Credit Union sent a letter to the Board of Directors of the institution today. The letter is directed to the chairlady of the Board of Directors Ena Martinez. In it the members/owners are requesting that the Annual General Meeting, which is way over due, to be held on August 15th as per article nine of the credit union by-laws. The letter further states that during the meeting the members/owners are asking for the following pointers to be discussed. One: Delay in 2015 annual general meeting, 2: Report of Audit, 3: Dividends due and four: Termination of Mrs. Yolanda Gomez. Attached to the letter are the more than 1,000 signatures of member/owners gathered by the group. The letter along with the signatures were also sent to Glenford Ysaguirre the Governor of the Central Bank of Belize.

COPA Airlines Offering Two Weekly Flights From Panama City To Belize City
This morning at a press conference in Belize City, an introduction to present Belize’s newest airline carrier was made among officials in Civil Aviation and officials from the Copa Airlines. Starting December 8th, 2015 Copa airlines will be offering 2 weekly flights to Belize City from Hub de la Americas Panama City, Panama. With this new addition, Copa Airlines will now expand its route to 75 cities and 31 countries in North, Central, South and the Caribbean with Belize being the 7th in Central America. With the addition of Belize, they are now covering all of Central America, strengthening their regional leadership. A release from the Airline reveals that all flights are local time and the flight time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Officials say the flight from Belize to Panama was programmed to provide convenient connection to Sao Paulo, Brazil; San Jose, Costa Rica; Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin in Colombia; Santiago de Chile, Chile; Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador; Managua, Nicaragua; Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago; Havana, Cuba; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Lima, Peru.

SIB Releases Consumer Price Index figures
The June figures in respect to the cost of living were released by the Statistical Institute of Belize today and according to the release falling fuel prices and lowered international airfare contributed to a negative 0.8percent in consumer prices as compared to last year’s statistics. The All-Items Consumer Price Index stood at 102.8, down from 103.6 in the same month last year. For the first six months of this year, an inflation rate of negative 0.9 percent was recorded. According to the report, the prices per gallon of all three types of fuel fell considerably in comparison to June 2014. Prices of premium and regular gasoline were both down by about 18 percent, while diesel recorded the most marked decline amongst them, falling by about 25 percent. Similarly, international airfares were down by almost 25 percent compared to June of last year. On average, food prices declined marginally by 0.1 percent when compared to last year June statistics.

C-NET Belize Advocates For People Living With HIV Aids
C-NET Belize, is the Collaborative Network of Persons Living with HIV in Belize, their mission is to improve the quality of life of all persons living with HIV in Belize by promoting positive health, dignity, prevention, Human Rights, effective legislation, monitoring universal access and advocating for the greater and more meaningful involvement of persons with HIV in decision making processes through the establishment of a self sustained and empowerment network of persons with HIV in Belize. The group works hand in hand with REDCA, the Central American Network of Persons Living with HIV. Director of C-NET Belize, Erika Castellanos spoke to us more in detail about the purpose of C-NET.

C-NET Belize Fights Against Stigma And Discrimination
There is no doubt that the fear surrounding the emerging HIV epidemic in the 1980s persists today. It is known as stigma and discrimination. In the 1980’s, very little was known about how HIV was transmitted, which made people scared of those infected due to fear of contagion. To date while time has evolved and there is much more information available about the disease one thing that has not changed is the stigma and discrimination that people suffering with HIV face. And that is where CNET Belize comes in. According to Erika Castellanos, Director of CNET Belize, despite the difficulty in telling a person what to do when it comes to stigma and discrimination, CNET does its best to educate the general public so as to minimize the problem.

Orange Walkena Complains Against Police Brutality
Complaints of the excessive use of force by officers of the Orange Walk Police Department are regularly aired in our newscasts. Tonight, there are two allegations to add to the growing list. In the first instance, Samantha Carlos told us that over the weekend her encounter with the police was not a friendly one as the officers were too aggressive. Carlos alleges that while she and some family members were in the process of getting their vehicle towed from Corozal to Orange Walk, they experienced a small hiccup with the tow chain bursting and one of the occupants getting hurt. With the assistance of villagers from San Jose the chain was reattached, and the journey to Orange Walk resumed. That is when the situation got out of control, says Carlos. “We were coming from Corozal and we have had an engine failure and a kind Samaritan offered assistance and we were being towed and at the bump the rope burst and it gave the pick up a sudden jerk and my little brother who was sitting down had a little accident and we got out to try to assist him as best as we can and I wasn’t driving any vehicle upon inspecting the injures I realize that he needed to seek medical attention at the hospital so insisted that we drive to the hospital...

Belize Not Doing Enough When It Comes To Human Trafficking
Yesterday we told you about Belize being among several countries which were downgraded to Tier 3 in status for not doing much to combat the global endemic of Trafficking in persons. And in a more in-depth look at the situation, the UN Special report reveals that Belizean women and girls were subjected to sex trafficking by family members, but the government has not arrested family members engaged in this form of trafficking. Child sex tourism, involving primarily U. S. citizens, is an emerging trend, concentrated in areas where tourism is important to the local economy. Sex trafficking and forced labor of Belizean and foreign women, girls, and LGBT persons, primarily from Central America, occurs in bars, nightclubs, brothels, and domestic service. Some recommendations made in the report as a country is to proactively implement the anti-trafficking law by vigorously investigating and prosecuting suspected traffickers; publicly acknowledge and condemn instances of official complicity and take steps to hold officials complicit in trafficking accountable.

LOVE FM

3 Years in Jail for Sexually Assaulting Minor
Charles Buckner, charged with sexual assault on a female minor, was sentenced to three years today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after he was found guilty of the charge. The incident occurred around 11:55 a.m. on July 16, 2013. The minor, who was 12 years old at the time, testified that she was […]

Social Media, Micah and Yasmin
While those in the upper echelons of the People’s United Party are having their own internal woes and battles, there seems to be one fight between two junior party members that is making its own waves on the social media. Micah Gooding is no stranger to the news as he had emerged as a dynamic […]

Fonseca Says the G-10’s Absence Further Erodes Confidence
The ten standard bearers made moves that can be described as audacious in the political arena. Daring enough that with Fonseca once again cementing his post as party leader may just lead to a mere tolerance of the G-10 and nothing more. While Fonseca’s statement to the media did not show any hard feelings, he […]

Did the Doctor and the Major Leave G-10 Out in the Cold?
As you heard earlier there were a dozen men who made up the initial group that broke away just last week ….. but today, there are only ten as two of the men who signed the letter of demands, namely, Francis Smith and Major Lloyd Jones seem to have had a change of heart and […]

Where Was The G-10 at Today’s PUP Meeting?
With the resolution passed that Francis Fonseca will not be challenged in the upcoming National Convention for the PUP, it is interesting to see how things will unfold in the coming days with the G-10 who had dared to pose demands on the party. And while that is left to be seen, we focus on […]

PUP Passes Resolution For Fonseca Not To Be Challenged in Upcoming National Convention
And Fonseca did make a statement where he announced with absolutely no reservation that he will be remaining in the seat of the PUP’s Party Leader, a position he has held since the last party convention in 2011. According to Fonseca, the meeting had quorum and with that it was decided that he remains at […]

PUP Meets Again; Ten Standard Bearers A No-Show
Of the forty odd members that make up the National Executive of the People’s united Party there were ten persons notably absent from the Independence Hall in Belize City this afternoon where the blue and white party held a joint National Executive and Standard Bearers meeting. Just last week a letter was sent to the […]

Women’s Commission Condemns Recent Violent Incidents Against Women
The National Women’s Commission issued a release today condemning the recent spate in gender based violence. The release says quote, “The National Women’s Commission (NWC) strongly condemns a vicious series of gender-based violence incidents that have occurred in Belize over the last month, the latest being the vicious slaying this morning of 21- Merlin Elizabeth […]

Young Mother Found Murdered in Her Room
A 21-year-old woman was killed in Belize City this morning. The body of Merlin Elizabeth Herrera Mejia was found in a room at a residence on Morning Glory Street. Inspector Alejandro Cowo, Crimes Investigation Branch told us more. ALEJANDRO COWO “On today’s date at 6:50am acting upon information received, Police visited 4333 it is a […]

PlusTV

More charges levied against Mayans over Myles detention
Last month, charges were laid against villagers of Santa Cruz for unlawful imprisonment of Rupert Myles, who was found squatting on Mayan Communal land and accused of destroying a Sacred Mayan mound at Uxbenca. Today, additional charges were levied against some of the thirteen villagers who detained...

PUP leader addresses signed petition he received
The People’s United Party has been in the news almost every night last week over reports of disunity within the party allegedly evidenced by boycotts of meetings and the organization of secret meetings minus PUP executives. Yesterday, we reported on the petition that was submitted to the Party Leade...

Lawyers not ready for Petrocaribe case
Today was the date set for the trial of the lawsuit filed by member of the House of Representatives for Cayo South, Honorable Julius Espat against Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Honorable Dean Barrow. Over vociferous objections, the Prime Minister has pushed through ...

Young Innovators Program introduces “credit-card” computer to schools
The Raspberry Pi is a relatively inexpensive basic computer invented several years ago by persons interested in reviving creativity in the field of computer science. It is now being introduced to Belize as the centerpiece of the second year of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)’s Young Inno...

Summer School Programme closes in the Twin Towns
A number of children have successfully completed a summer course held for primary school students of the twin towns and received a certificate of completion this week. It is an annual Summer school programme spearheaded by Peter Lacey. He told us more about the programme. Peter Lacey – Summer...

Belize receives low score for combating human trafficking
Belize did not do well in the latest Trafficking in Persons report 2015, also known as TIP report published by the US state Department. In the TIP Report, the Department of State places each country onto one of three tiers based on the extent of their governments’ efforts to comply with the “...

13 year old girl found, parent annoyed with cops
Since last week Tuesday, 13 year old Jacqueline Carmen Calderon was missing after she was sent to a restaurant on Albert Street, Belize City, to purchase phone credits. She did not return home and her family has been worried for almost an entire week. Thankfully, Jacklyn has since been found and wh...

Accident on Highway involves butane truck
There was a minor accident on the George Price Highway this morning, but it could have been major as it involved a butane truck. The image was captured by one of our viewers as the butane truck was spraying butane in the air after the accident. Fire service was on the scene and had to use foam to e...

Breaking Belize News

Belize joins regional organization of municipal bodies
Last week there was a gathering of leaders of municipal bodies in Central America, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It took place in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye and Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley, who heads the Belize Mayors Association, says the meeting was to finalize […]

City Mayor denies neglecting duties
Belize City’s chief executive Darrell Bradley has been out of the news for a while but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy. Today he gave us an update on what has been happening around the City in the last few months. The Council continues to build streets […]

Ariel Rosado Foundation hands out 33 scholarships
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Foundation has grown from strength to strength since its formation following the death of its namesake, a cyclist and promising attorney-at-law, in 2011. It has doubled the number of scholarships it is giving out at all levels of the education system and is on […]

PUP leadership makes concessions to Group of 12
Twenty-one of 31 standard bearers of the People’s United Party (PUP) were present at today’s pivotal meeting of the National Executive and party standard bearers at Independence Hall in Belize City. Earlier this week, 12 standard bearers from across the country wrote PUP leader Francis Fonseca and Chairman […]

June economic statistics released
Average prices continue to fall according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) which reported today that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June of 2015 declined by 0.8%. The Institute says the biggest influence was fuel prices which are much lower this year than last. The half-year […]

Convicted molester given three years
Charles Bucknor will serve three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12 year old girl in July of 2013. He was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith who disbelieved his claims of innocence. Bucknor had been hired by the victim’s grand aunt to repair the ceiling […]

Inmate will serve more time for drugs
The woes of prison inmate 22 year old Kevin Bodden, already serving a three-year prison term for a conviction for grievous harm, increased when he learned he would get an additional year for possession of a controlled drug. Bodden was promptly arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to the […]

BELIZE ~ A POST-ELECTION VIEW FROM UNDER THE BUS, PART II
Today there are change-seeking rumblings inside a troubled People’s United Party. A small core around the leader wants the party as their own…to the exclusion of many who have sacrificed much and given long years of service to the party. Anyone who so much as question the party […]

Rain break interrupts fair weather pattern
Generally fair weather continues to prevail over the country and only a slight increase in moisture will occur tonight. The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with a few cloudy spells, isolated showers or thunderstorms today. Tonight, skies will be cloudy with showers and thunderstorms increasing […]

Children’s breakfast promotes peace between Belize and Guatemala
The Belize City Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Organization of American States (OAS) today hosted children from Belize and Guatemala at the BTL Park in Belize City at a breakfast intended to celebrate the youngest citizens of both countries and promote peace and harmony. In welcoming the […]

Police seek common-law husband in domestic dispute turned apparent murder
Eastern Division (South) police are seeking Honduran Ulises Mayorga to assist them in the investigation into the killing of 21 year old Merlin Elizabeth Herrera Mejia, his former common-law wife. Mejia’s body was discovered this morning around 6:50 at her Morning Glory Street residence with cut wounds to the neck […]

San Pedro Police find Marijuana in Water Taxi
San Pedro Police has labelled more than 400 grams of Cannabis as “Found Property” after an afternoon discovery was made in a water Taxi on Monday, July 27th. Police reports are that around 12:30 p.m on the mentioned date, a green package was found in the cargo area of the […]

Mayor of Orange Walk weighs in on present PUP crisis
As the Mayor of Orange Walk Town, and the only elected PUP Mayor nationwide, I feel I have to weigh in on the present crisis inside our party. If we are to judge from our leader’s comments on Plus TV yesterday, he has opted for strident militancy […]

Murder in Belize City
There has been a murder reported on Morning Glory Street behind the headquarters of Belize Water Services Limited, around 8:00 a.m today. A young woman was found with her throat reportedly slit. More details will be posted as they become available.

“Patriotic Belizeans” ruining peace process?
Minister for Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington has suggested that the actions of some Belizeans are responsible for the main issues Belize has with Guatemala. Appearing with opposite number Carlos Raul Morales on Channel 5’s Open Your Eyes on Tuesday, he stated that there is now no threat to Belize by […]

Human trafficking report overvalues convictions: BATC chair
Chair of the Belize Anti-Trafficking Committee (BATC) and CEO in the Ministry of Human Development Judith Alpuche has hit back at a report released this week by the U.S. State Department which downgraded Belize to Tier 3, which threatens country funding. Alpuche told News 5 that the report does not […]

PUP showdown or boycott: Fonseca vs. G-12
Today, the People’s United Party (PUP) will try again to have a full meeting of the National Executive and party standard bearers at Independence Hall in Belize City. In the wake of public revelations where twelve standard bearers raised concerns about the party’s direction, called for an immediate National Convention; […]

Blogs

Buying a bike in Belize
While bikes are used for transportation worldwide, there are some countries where bikes are a “way of life.” Belize is one of those places and you will see the most interesting uses for bikes. Parents balancing one or more children, a child in a bike basket, or holding a baby and one handedly navigating the cobblestone or potholed dirt roads. Then there is the guy who is able to use his bike as a cargo vehicle and carry all kinds of crazy things like two heavy 5 gallon water jugs, full cases of beer on his handlebars or a weed-wacker and a propane tank. All this takes place on our narrow and often busy busy roads and makes for very interesting people watching when you are out and about. If you have lived here for any amount of time or been a repeat vacationer, you know that Belize shopping can be a total crap shoot to say the least. You never know if you will find what you want and if you do at what price. I briefly considered the mainland but that thought did not last long. I knew what I wanted and I knew the one store in San Pedro that I’d possibly find it again was Harmouche Hardware, and this time I was hoping for candy apple red. Being realistic, I decided unless my color choice was god awful, I was not going to wait to have one sent in if there were none in stock. Handle bars were the real deal breaker for me. I like the high ones that help you sit upright easier while riding. Thankfully they had the right ones and I ended up with a navy bike for my choice. The other bike my size was a boys bike and a flatter red. Cost of my new bike was $295 BZD and basket $40 for a total of $335 BZD. A great price and little to no increase since my past purchase.

Chicken and cashews
Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and chicken in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, broth, oyster sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return chicken mixture to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews.

International Sources

Copa Launching Flights to Belize
Starting this December, Copa Airlines will be offering its first-ever service to Belize. The Panama-based carrier will be operating two weekly direct flights between Panama City and Belize City. With this addition, Copa Airlines is now covering all of Central America, and has reached 71 total cities and 31 countries in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. “The connectivity will open enormous opportunities for tourism and commercial development for this interesting Caribbean country, as well as allowing for tourist from the same region to have the opportunity to enjoy all the tourism and commercial strengths Belize has to offer,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

Hands-on learning in Belize
While most high school students spend their summers by the pool and at the mall with friends, 29 teenagers from Davidson Day School just returned home from Belize as part of one of the only research projects in the world of its kind. Mat Saunders, archeologist and teacher at Davidson Day, created this research program in 2006 when he was teaching at a public school in Florida. Since then, he has been taking high school students to western Belize to study archeology and discover treasures. This summer’s excavations yielded obsidian blades and decorations, ceramic incense burners used for sacred rituals, a cache of ritually terminated ceramic pieces and utilitarian food preparation tools. This was the 10th year that high school students have worked at the ancient Maya site of Cahal Pech. The students, who must be rising 10-12-graders, start the application process in September. After filling out an application, the students get letters of recommendation from their teachers. Based on the applications and recommendation letters, students are then chosen for the research project over the summer with Saunders.

Fishing: Pearland’s O’Day wins tourney in Belize
Connie O’Day of Pearland won the inaugural competition of the The International Women’s Fishing Association’s Bonefish Tournament in Ambergris Cay, Belize. O’Day totaled 5,400 points as the long-time IWFA member earned her first ever IWFA tournament win. Not too far behind in points was Pam Marmin with 5,000 points, finishing ahead of two other anglers who also had the same point totals. They were Denise Freihofer, Stuart, FL and Susan McCarthy, Palm Beach, FL. Fourteen anglers from around the country convened to fish for the elusive grey ghost of the flats, the coveted bonefish. Amidst a tropical paradise, the ladies gathered before the tournament to shop, fish for other species not targeted during the tournament, and some brave girls even went swimming with sharks and stingrays.

Drug traffickers wiping out the jaguar in Central America
The jaguar roams jungles and riverbanks from the Amazon to Mexico, and even into the southwestern United States. It’s a powerful and cunning hunter, and a single cat’s territory can stretch hundreds of miles. The Aztecs called their most fearsome warriors “ocelotl” — jaguar soldiers. But now the jaguar is being defeated by a ruthless, modern-day warrior of a different sort: Powerful drug cartels are carving up its Central American natural habitat. In some areas, particularly in Honduras and Guatemala, the big cats are at risk of disappearing entirely. “Drug dealing in Honduras is definitely affecting jaguar conservation,” said Jorge Guardia, a conservationist with a major international environmental NGO in Honduras (his name has been changed and his employer’s identity concealed for fears of attacks by narco-traffickers). “Habitat destruction is the No. 1 threat, and money from drugs is fueling illegal activities in protected areas — mainly cattle ranching.”

Videos

July 29, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

The Beauty of Belize lives through its People
For so many people, Belize means so many things. For me, this land means love.I spent my fundamental childhood and adolescent years away from Belize, residing in Los Angeles(LA), California, and while I loved it, I always yearned for something more. I longed to climb mango trees, breathe in the fresh mountain air of the Cayo hills, eat Granny’s Sunday dinna, and go take a swim da riva! Many families migrate to the “States” and somehow in the grind of everyday life, lose sight of their heritage, whether Belizean, Mexican, Jamaican, Haitian and the list goes on. But I certainly could not say the same for myself.

Sunset Dinner onboard the YOLO
A leisure sunset cruise over the pristine Caribbean waters of Ambergris Caye is always a treat. But when that cruise also involves having dinner at the picturesque Hol Chan Marine Reserve- well, we’re talking ‘next level’! Onboard Island Dream Tours’ YOLO (You Only Live Once) you are whisked away for some wining and dining at sea. The YOLO is one unique catamaran, custom-built right here in San Pedro Town by the professional builders at Captain Sharks Boat Yard. With a great sound system, every trip on this vessel is sure to be rocking! Its powerful engines ensure a smooth relaxing ride and the tropical breeze just seems to blow all your troubles away.

PADF and Belize to Boost Preparedness for Ebola with Support from Taiwan
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) donated Clinical Care Kits for the care of patients with Ebola Virus Disease to Belize’s Ministry of Health with cooperation from Taiwan. This is part of a larger regional effort prepare for and control a potential outbreak of Ebola. The project is a direct response to a request from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other world leaders for increased international cooperation to better address the potential threat posed by Ebola worldwide and in the Americas. With support from Taiwan, PADF is delivering Clinical Care Kits to Belize and other countries in the region. In the event of an Ebola outbreak, the equipment can be quickly deployed to hospitals and other care facilities to protect medical personnel as they treat patients.

Ambergris Today

Man vs. Sargasso! One Islander’s Idea to Build More Beach
One man’s outreach to the community to find a solution to the Sargasso problem plaguing the island has him organizing a weekly beach cleanup campaign that promises to build the beach while getting rid of the Sargasso (seaweed) that keeps accumulating by the tons. Dimas Guerrero refused to sit back and watch all that seaweed pile up on the shores of the Ambergris Caye, and after doing some extensive research, he found a solution that not only removes the unsightly and smelly, decomposing seaweed but also reclaims the beach area. Instead of collecting and removing seaweed from the beach, which also takes away beach sand along with it, Dimas tested a method that keeps both on site and has the beach growing exponentially. In his first testing of the method he was able to add 17 feet to a beach area. It’s a simple process of collecting the seaweed and evenly laying it out on the beach; various holes are dug where as much seaweed is dumped and compacted, while the white sand from the hole is used to cover the remaining seaweed on the beach.

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker tourism committee chapter meeting
As the Caye Caulker BTIA we are currently a part of the Caye Caulker tourism committee. We will be taking notes tonight at the chapter meeting! Please take the time to give us your input. See you at the community center tonight at 6:45 for sign in and staring at 7pm sharp! Thanks

Destroying mangrove and other protected wildlife habitats
Many developers in Belize have a habit of destroying mangrove and other protected wildlife habitats before ever consulting or obtaining the proper permits from the relevant authorities. Ignorance is no excuse for breaking our Belizean laws. Of recent in Corozal, neighbours and villagers have complained that two foreign investors in the Consejo Village area bulldozed their beachfront tract of land for subdivision, stripping every single tree on the property. Their plan now is to cut a canal from the seaside to their development. This will cut off the 66 foot easement required by law as a buffer zone on all coastal and water front properties.We wonder if the canals proposed to be carved out from the property will be bulk headed to prevent the land from washing away during a hurricane.

Benque Puppetry Workshop
The first Puppetry workship in Cayo is happening this week at the Benque HoC. The SISE HoC will have one starting on August 17th. "Puppetry Art Mode session happening all this week, come create your masterpiece and embrace a scenery into the Arts, create,learn and empower others! All Youths & Adults are invited to join our International Facilitators from Mexico, sessions from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. all materials and sessions are free of cost, 5 spaces are still available. Call 823-2796 or inbox us"

SAGA Presents A Night With the Costa Maya Girls!
Meet and Greet Party with the Costa Maya Girls!. Pig Roast, $20bz. Sandbar Beach Bar, 6pm-9pm Aug. 2. Come enjoy some great food and meet the beautiful delegates of this year's International Costa Maya event. Get a chance to get to learn about the girls, and pose for a professional picture with a $10 donation to Saga. Live music by Valentino, and a chance to win great raffle prizes. Serving starts at 6:30. We will pre-sell tickets at the Saga Clinic and Pampered Paws which includes dinner AND a professional photo with the girls for just $25!

Graduación 2015
Las niñas y niños de la Escuela Primaria La Inmaculada celebraron hoy su graduacion.

Paint N Splash"Moorish Idol Reef Fish"
July 30, Crazy Canucks

Sugar Fest 2015 A HUGE SUCCESS!
Sugar Fest 2015 proved to be a huge success! Here are some pictures of the fun filled event which attracted over 2000 people! All proceeds went to participating charity groups!

Statement on Santa Cruz 13 return to court
pictures courtesy of Ian Morton and MLA

String Instrument Workshop
The String Instrument Workshop is underway at the House of Culture as the final program of Summer Art Wave 2015. About 20 children are taking up the challenge of learning to play violin and guitar over the next two weeks.

Caracol Military Outpost Inauguration
They had the ribbon cutting at the new Caracol Military Outpost. "The Caracol Military outpost, was officially opened at the site of Caracol on the 24th of July 2015. This outpost will add security and provide safety to all visitors to the site and to a larger extent the Chiqubul Forest reserve."

I Sing Barranco Book Launch
The I Sing Barranco Book Launch is Thursday, July 30th, starting at 6:00pm, at the National Heritage Library. Dr. Harriet Arzu Scarborough, the author, will be there, and will read some of her peotry. "3 seasoned poets warm the stage for 1 featured poet who will tame the butterflies in the bellies of newer poets who will share their poetry in an open mic session. The featured poet for this event is Dr. Harriet Arzu Scarborough, she will also launch her book 'I Sing Barranco'"

Hol Chan Research Technician, Javier Bardalez, Receives Training in Mexico
Turtle training at Xcacel

Channel 7

Santa Cruz 13 Back To Court
Viewers may remember that 5 weeks ago, 13 Mayans living in Toledo, now called the "Santa Cruz 13", were charged for unlawful imprisonment, common assault and aggravated assault. Punta Gorda Police slapped on those charges after Creole Belizean Rupert Myles accused them of handcuffing and detaining him with the intention of ejecting him from the village. Well today, they went back before the Punta Gorda Magistrate for an adjournment, and that's when 11 of the defendants were additionally charged with the offence of common assault, which they allegedly committed against Myles. It's a minor offence, and so, they were allowed to leave court after getting someone to sign the bail forms for them. Also, since the case is only just in its beginning stages, the prosecution was allowed to ask for an adjournment, while they prepare their evidence to for trial. They are expected to return to the court on September 29. Shortly after the court hearing, our colleagues from PGTV managed to get an interview with one of the spokespersons for the community. He discussed today's adjournment:

PUP's Rebel 12: What Will They Do?
For the past few days we've been reporting on the PUP's Rebel 12 - the dozen candidates who are demanding changes in the party - mainly a national convention - one which could unseat Leader Francis Fonseca. But Fonseca and his loyalists have been moving in lockstep to close ranks - and in so doing isolate the dissenting dozen - which is led by John Briceno, Cordel Hyde and Dan Silva. It could come to a head tomorrow because Fonseca has called for a meeting of the party's National Executive and Standard Bearers. We don't know the agenda, but we know what's on the table: the Rebel 12 have written to the party chairman asking for a national convention, and Cayo Central Candidate Dan Silva has posted their position on Facebook. He says, quote, "something has to happen. We cannot continue as we have, pretending as if though all is well when we know that something is wrong. That something is that the people are not buying what we are presenting to them..The people...have been very clear every chance they have gotten. They are not impressed with our party…it is absolutely important that we call an urgent National Convention." So, tomorrow's meeting is for the rebel 12 to air it out, but as a minority, outflanked by 19 standard bearers who support Fonseca. The 12 could boycott the meeting, or attend, and face a political firing squad, one which will endorse Fonseca as leader. Of course, those aren't the only options: There's still room in there for mischief making by the rebels - so we'll wait and see what comes out of tomorrow's meeting which starts at 2:00 in the afternoon.

PUP Petrocaribe Case Losing Steam?
And the PUP's internal dispute may be playing out all the way to the Supreme Court. That's because the braintrust of PUP attorneys who were pushing the Petrocaribe case are reportedly pulling back. It's not confirmed, but the question was raised today when neither law firm of record on the case, Courtney Coye LLP or Marine Parade Chambers appeared in court. Instead, it was attorney Magali Marin-Young, whose firm is not on record, but appeared for the Opposition at today's hearing before Justice Courtney Abel. The case was expected to progress today, but instead, Young had to ask for an adjournment in order for the claimants to get the lawsuit in order. The official reason put forward is that the Government has formally amended the Petrocaribe Loans Act, but the new law hasn't been Gazetted. Young submitted to Justice Abel that the Opposition is unable to make proper amendments to their case to reflect the changes in the new law if the official law is not available as yet. The attorneys representing the Government and Alba Petrocaribe Belize Limited were asking the court to consider the sanction of striking the case out if the claimants fail to progress with their case at the next adjournment. As a compromise, Justice Abel ordered that a case management conference will be held a few weeks before the new adjourned date, and if the attorney for the claimant is still not ready to move forward with the case, then he will allow submissions as to why he ought to strike it out.

Police Have A Suspect For Watchman Murder
There is a chilling update in the case of the watchman killed near to the Bacab Eco Park on Sunday night. A relative is reported to be a suspect in the murder of the 48 year old watchman Prudencio Gonzalez. Police received a reliable report stating that this young man may have killed Gonzalez. The suspect is reported to be associated with the MS-13 gang. Police are following up on this major lead and have reportedly detained the relative.

Double Chopping in Salvapan
There was a chopping incident in Belmopan yesterday. At around 1:00 yesterday morning police found two Belmopan men chopped up in Salvapan. It happened on the Road in front of the San Martin Primary School where 24-year-old Jorge Guevara and 25-year-old Clifford Alexander Alvarado were found with multiple chop wounds. Guevara had been chopped to his head, back and face, while Alvarado's wounds were to his left hand, shoulder and left arm. They told police that they were walking when five Hispanic men jumped them and started chopping. Police have one man detained and he will be charged later tonight with wounding among other charges. Police believe that alcohol may have been what fueled the attack.

US Report says Belize Fails On Trafficking in Persons
Belize is doing poorly in addressing human trafficking - or so says the United state. That's what the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons report 2015 concludes. The report outlines the accomplishments and the failures of 188 countries in prosecuting traffickers and protecting victims. But, they say Belize failed to do both - and is now ranked as tier 3 country. Countries that do the most to fight human trafficking are listed in Tier 1, and the least in Tier 3. The report begins by stating, quote, "The Government of Belize does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so". It goes on by saying that not only did the Government of Belize fail to thoroughly investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses over the years but also that Belize neglected to enforce prevention and protection efforts for victims. The report delves into the major gaps and discrepancies in the law - focusing on the lack of oversight of the police during bar and nightclub raids - stating that proper screening of women for trafficking indicators or signs is not done.

PUC Wants Computer Culture Brought Into Education
What if your teenage son or daughter was able to open up your computer at home, and he or she was able to understand and explain to you the use of each parts the intricate circuitry which exists in the central processing unit? Well, that's what the Public Utilities Commission intends to foster, young scholars who are computer savvy, with the hope of one day seeing a Belizean Bill Gates of Steve Jobs, both known in the world's technology industry as computer inventing pioneers who became billionaires. So, they've invested almost a quarter million dollars in acquiring innovative simple computers to train the students about the basics of computer engineering. The commission hosted a press conference to explain how they will go about trying to boost the computer technology classes that your high schooler currently receives. The Chairman explained that the computer system that they've purchased to use as teaching tools is called the Raspberry Pi (Pie). Here's his comments on the topic:

Archaeology in Benque Viejo
We've heard a lot recently from John Morris, the Director of the Institute of Archaeology. And while he's been talking about Uxbenka in the south, he also had much to share about several archaeological sites in Benque Viejo, as well as the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. He explained the Benque site, where physical works have been taking place for 4 months now: Dr. John Morris, Director, Institute of Archaeology "We received a grant from the United States Embassy to help us develop the tourism potential of the Benque site which a residential palace that is related to the site of Xunantunich because its relatively close by and we've been working on it for the last 4 months and in fact it has turned out to be extremely well. The architecture is well preserved. We hope to conclude this project by the end of August and we'll have an opening. It is going to be a boom for the town of Benque and that is what we try do. We try to find sites that are located relatively close to town. For instance we have projections for the Cuello site in Orange Walk which is a couple miles out of Orange Walk. We've started excavations there and so that in a couple of years we will be able to open that site to the public. We also started some work at site of Aventura which is very close to Corozal. It right on the road near the Fruta Bomba factory and we started some work there this year with the hope that in a couple years we get to open that site to the general public."

Camp For Kids With Diabetes
Strict dieting and exercise: certainly not things that kids would normally have to worry about. But today we met a group of kids who have to worry about these things to survive. These kids suffer from Type 1 diabetes and were all diagnosed from a very early age. Today we met them at the 5th annual Youth Diabetes Summer Camp at the ITVET and they told us how these challenging it is to cope with this disease. Barry Cuthbertson, President, Belmopan Rotary Club "As part of our visit to Mr. Marfield from the Belmopan Diabetes Association came to us and give us a presentation on the activities that was going on with diabetes in general in Belize and in that presentation he had ask us to if we could help out with 4 youths that were in Belmopan to get monitoring equipment. So during this event here which coincides with the handing over the Juvenile Diabetes Summer Camp, we got youths from all over the country that have been diagnosed with diabetes. They will be trained in using the blood monitoring equipment and a lot of nutrition and items and stuff like that. So it was just a convenient time to make all the events come together." "Once a child is diagnosed with diabetes, it's a change for the whole family. It's an incredible experience. It causes the family to have to change their lifestyle too. Children have to be trained to monitor their own health and with these children, they will have to pricked themselves up to 6-8 times a day and then use a test strip, put in the meter and read the sugar level in their blood - their insulin level."

Spanish Made Easy
Even though the official language of Belize is English, increasingly, there are more Spanish speakers in Belize than ever before. So, very soon, if you want to get around Belize you'd do better off being bilingual. That's what a group of Belizeans who call themselves Speak Out Belize, has in minds. Two of their members visited us yesterday to explain how you can learn Spanish: For more information, you contact the Speak Out Institute at 650-2580.

Carnival Culture Gets A Boost
When you hear about a carnival workshop - you know that it's not about teaching revelers how to wind their waists - cause they know all about that. But carnival trainer Glendon Morris was in Belize for a 2 week workshop with local carnival bands. It's the Trinidadian's first time in Belize and he met with about 16 carnival bands to enhance their costume design and overall presentation. We met with Morris today and he told us why these workshops are important for Belize and what we can expect to see in this year's Carnival. Morris has organized similar workshops in other parts of the world including the US. He plans on returning to Belize for follow up training sessions.

The ICJ Official Pitch
On last night's news, we had extensive coverage of the press conference held by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both Belize and Guatemala. Both Ministers spent plenty of their speaking time about how friendly the relations are between both countries - but that never made it to air because of all the pressing divisive issues. But here's what they had to say about friendly neighbors: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs - Belize "The Guatemalan government, certainly those that I met have been very respectful of Belize and have been very insistent that they don't want any violence. They don't want any disharmony between us. They want us to live in peace and harmony and they want to go to the ICJ. That is the official position of the Guatemalan government. That is the official position of Belize government. But both of us understand that we don't speak as a government unless we speak with the authority of our people. So, us officials believe that that is the right course to take and we are advocating it and we are educating our people, but we understand that only our people can give us the authority to do that." "In the case of Belize, the decision that we must go to the people was taken deliberately during the early days, because of suspicion on the part of the Belizean electorate, with respect to the motives of the then Belizean government."

Channel 5

Santa Cruz 13 Arraigned on Additional Charges
The Santa Cruz Thirteen reappeared in the Punta Gorda Magistrate Court this morning on their scheduled date. To their surprise, additional charges were placed upon them, including on MLA spokesperson [...]

MLA Says Myles Continues To Destroy Mayan Mound
So while the Santa Cruz Thirteen face new charges, Rupert Myles is yet to be charged. On Friday, Director of Archaeology, Doctor John Morris, confirmed that charges will be brought [...]

Mayans Will Wait for Justice System to Work
While the village, according to Mis, did not plan on taking legal action against Myles, residents are now placing their faith in the justice system.  Still yet, there is also [...]

Uchbenka Executive Weighs in on Myles
The Uchbenka K’in Ajau Association, the management body tasked with overseeing the preservation of the Uxbenka sacred site, has elected a new executive.  The incoming leadership of the association has [...]

Association Plans to Restore Uxbenka Site
Makin says the importance of protecting the hallowed site is to honor the legacy of their ancestors.  As such the Uchbenka K’in Ajau Association has pledged to work closely with [...]

How Will Belizeans Vote on the Referendum to Take Territorial Claim to the ICJ?
And our question for tonight is: how do you think Belizeans will vote on the referendum to take the territorial claim to the ICJ? Send your comments and responses using [...]

P.U.P. Leader Speaks on G12
The People’s United Party is, by all accounts, deeply divided and on Wednesday, all eyes will be on Independence Hall where a meeting of the executive is being called. On [...]

Showdown Set for Tomorrow At P.U.P. HQ
Fonseca says that at a national executive meeting scheduled for Wednesday at Independence Hall, he is prepared to listen because that is his style. But he’ll only listen if he [...]

Belize Downgraded on Human Trafficking Watchlist
Belize has been downgraded to Tier Three on the Human Trafficking watch-list, based on a stinging assessment by the U.S.  The report states that, “The Government of Belize does not [...]

Anti-Trafficking Committee Says Report is Tainted
While the Committee absolutely disagreed with the downgrade, it is what it is. As far as Alpuche is concerned, they can only do what they’ve been doing because in the [...]

Supreme Court Orders Retrial for Alfredo Marin
A Benque Viejo resident appealed his conviction for drug trafficking back in June of this year. Alfredo Marin was fined ten thousand dollars and sentenced to three years in prison. [...]

Petrocaribe Case Back in Court; Neither Side Ready
Petrocaribe – it is the political buzzword of 2015, and depending on who you ask, it is either the best thing to ever happen to Belize or perhaps the worst. [...]

Petrocaribe Case Adjourned to December
For the other side, Senior Counsel Magali Marin-Young held brief for Espat and fellow Senior Counsels Eamon Courtenay, who was busy, and Andrew Marshalleck, who is on holiday. Marin-Young says [...]

Elrington Blames Belizeans for Incidents with Guatemala
Shortly at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Belize and Guatemala will make presentations at a Culture for Peace forum organized by the Organization [...]

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Says “What Incidents?”
But according to O.A.S. information, the incidents along the borders have been reduced by ninety percent. The Guatemalan Foreign Minister says any incidents that occur along the adjacency zone affect [...]

P.U.C. Introduces the Raspberry Pi
In 2014, the Public Utilities Commission launched its Young Innovators Programme by giving students the tools to create mobile apps, and this year it’s all about the raspberry pi.  It [...]

Police Department Focuses on Quality of Life Offences
On Monday night, we told you about an initiative organized by Regional South Commander for the Eastern Division of the Police Department in the Mayflower Street area. That area, which [...]

Diabetes Association Hosts 5th Annual Camp
Did you know that a significant percentage of the population is diabetic? And that another significant number of persons do not even know they have the disease? Well, the Belize [...]

LOVE FM

Duo Protest Against Discrimination in Maya Communities
And while the court proceedings were ongoing, a symbolic protest was held by two members of the Creole community. SANDRA BROWN “I’m here because I am beginning to see a discrimination rear its ugly head in Belize. I grew up in a Belize especially the districts where we boast that we have five or six […]

Santa Cruz Villagers Face Additional Court Charges
Additional charge was levied against those previously charged in connection with the recent Santa Cruz incident in Toledo. Correspondent Paul Mahung was at the Punta Gorda magistrate’s court and has the story. PAUL MAHUNG “Attorney Monica Coc of Maya Leader’s Alliance, Santa Cruz leaders and Villagers who was in Punta Gorda’s Magistrate Court spoke of […]

PlusTV

Belize-Guatemala week promotes peace process
Today the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala met in Belize under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS). It is the start of a “Belize-Guatemala” week, a planned operation of the OAS to bring greater understanding of the countries’ territorial di...

Belize Foreign Affairs Minister confirms FOB will go ahead
And in the spirit of the new partnership and national unity, Guatemala appears to have forgiven Belize for scaring them with the planned forward operating base at Sarstoon Island in the Toledo District. As it turns out, the Guatemalans thought Belize may have been violating the confidence building m...

Murder at Bacab Eco Park
Police in Ladyville are investigating the shooting death of one 47 year old Prudencio Gonzalez, caretaker of the famous Bacab Eco Park on the Burrell Boom road. The incident occurred sometime around 9 pm last night July 26th where eyewitness report hearing a single gunshot go off in the area of Ridg...

Man Knocked off bicycle and Killed
A man was knocked down and killed on Friday night while riding his bicycle on the George Price High at mile 13 near the village of Hattieville. According to reports, 50 year old Miguel Angel Cruz, a resident of Hattieville Village was coming back from setting tilipia traps as part of his fishing hob...

PUP women speak out on national issues
This morning there was a press conference called by the People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize City but it was not about that particular issue. Today’s head table featured only women, albeit women leaders of the PUP: 4 standard bearers, including current representative Dolores Balderamos ...

Protesters heckle diplomats at Press Briefing
Members of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and others opposed to the ICJ process gathered outside of the Radisson Hotel starting just before today’s press briefing hosted by the OAS and featuring Belize’s and Guatemala’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs . While police held th...

Teenager perishes in Road accident
There was another fatal traffic accident over this weekend, this time in San Roman Village in the Corozal District. According to police reports, On Saturday night, July 25, sometime before 11 p.m., Corozal Police responded to a traffic accident in San Roman Village, Corozal District where they saw ...

Amandala

“Santa Cruz 13” appear in court tomorrow
The “Santa Cruz 13—a group of persons charged and arraigned on the claim that they had illegally arrested and detained Belizean Rupert Myles in Santa Cruz, where Myles was accused of desecrating a Maya sacred site, Uxbenka—are scheduled to appear in the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28. A statement from the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) recalls that, “The Maya leaders, including the spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance, Cristina Coc, were arrested by the police special forces on June 24th, 2015. At 4:00 a.m., the police stormed homes in Santa Cruz, dragged unclothed men out of their homes, handcuffed them, and drove them to the Punta Gorda police station. During the arrest a grandmother and four of the villagers were injured.” The statement added that the Maya were charged for the alleged unlawful imprisonment, common assault and aggravated assault of Myles, allegedly detained for misconduct in the village, during a fajina on June 20, 2015 in the Maya village of Santa Cruz. They were released on bail.

Belize and Guatemala announce new protocol for southern waters
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called a press briefing at the Radisson Fort George Hotel this morning, as a preview to Tuesday night’s forum dubbed, “Belize/Guatemala Relations: A Culture of Peace.” The forum, during what the Organization of American States (OAS) interestingly dubs “Belize-Guatemala week,” comes only weeks after armed Guatemala Naval officers ordered a contingent of Belize Coast Guard officers off Sarstoon Island – squarely inside Belizean territory, and against the backdrop of resistance from Guatemala to Belize’s long deferred decision to build a forward operating base (FOB) in the Sarstoon area. That base, which should have been built more than seven years ago, is deemed necessary for national security purposes, and specifically to fight illegal fishing, drug and human trafficking, and illegal logging perpetrated by persons believed to be Guatemalan and Honduran nationals – a situation that has reportedly worsened because of relaxed surveillance in the area.

Cop sentenced to 3 months for theft
A police constable who was found guilty of one count of theft was sentenced to three months in prison this morning after Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith heard a mitigation plea from his attorney and he expressed remorse to the victim and apologized for “embarrassing the Police Department” with his unbecoming conduct. Attorney Leroy Banner, who represented PC Dean Perez, 27, who was found guilty of the theft of a cell phone and $600 when his case concluded last Thursday, expressed the view that a non-custodial sentence would better suit the circumstances of his client, who is the sole breadwinner for his family. Banner told Chief Magistrate Smith that Perez has no previous conviction and has spent the last 9 years serving in the Police Department.

Rebellion in the PUP!
Last week Tuesday, a number of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) National Executive members and standard bearers boycotted a strategy meeting at the Party’s Independence Hall headquarters. When the media questioned party leader Francis Fonseca, he was quite dismissive of the absences and told the media that nothing was unusual about it. In speaking about the absentees, Fonseca said: “That happens at many meetings. At many meetings we don’t have full attendance. There is absolutely nothing to be read into that at all about any boycott.” This morning, the media was again invited to Independence Hall for a press briefing, held by the women leaders of the PUP. While that meeting was going on, however, the PUP Chairman was served with a letter signed by 12 PUP standard bearers who are demanding that the party stop violating its constitution and hold a national convention as soon as possible. The meeting of the women, sources within the PUP have confirmed, was organized by Ralph Fonseca, who, we are told, made the calls to arrange for the meeting to be held at the home of Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia (the PUP’s Belize Rural Central area representative) on Sunday.

Watchman’s killer shot him in the eye
On Sunday, July 26, at about 11:43 p.m., Ladyville police responded to a report of a shooting and they visited a house located off a feeder road about half a mile from Bacab Eco Park, where they found a man lying face-up, dead. He had apparently had been shot in his right eye. This latest Belize District murder victim would later be identified as Prudencio Sican, 47, a Guatemalan national who was employed at Bacab as a handyman and watchman. Apparently, Sican lived alone in the house. Amandala spoke to the investigating officer from the Ladyville Police Station, who told us that a single gunshot was heard in the area and when Sican’s relative visited him during the night, his lifeless body was found. Police have also not recovered any expended shell casing, which adds more challenge to their investigation.

Libel case against Monchi, Fiesta FM faltering
Today marks the second day that attorneys in the libel/slander case that Deputy Prime Minister Gasper “Gapi” Vega filed against Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes, his political opponent, and Fiesta FM, have been slugging it out in the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Outside the court there were more than a hundred supporters of Vega, who were bused in and who waited in the burning heat, oblivious to what was transpiring inside the courtroom, where Vega’s attorney, Rodwell Williams, SC, the Prime Minister’s law partner, was presenting his client’s case. They did not know, in fact, that Williams had run into a legal gridlock. Most of the hearing in the morning was spent with Williams making a submission in an attempt to persuade the Chief Justice that Kelly Guzman, the person who had translated the broadcast telephone conversation (which reportedly contained libelous statements) from Spanish to English, should be called as a witness for the claimant, Vega.

No Petro Caribe “love” for Lilly White Summer Camp
Long time Belize City sports entrepreneur/activist Edward Charles Rubio, a.k.a. Lilly White, visited our sports desk last Wednesday to promote his “Lilly White Kids Summer Camp 2015 for children ages 5-12 years,” which kicked off on June 30 and runs until August 30 at BTL Park. The camp is active daily from Monday to Friday, running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lilly White says he has been sustaining the camp through the meager resources from his car wash project on Barracks Road, but “I am presently in need of funding, as I have not received any assistance from the Government of Belize through the PetroCaribe funds…” He insists that his application forms were all filled out and delivered to the Sports Council office according to the reported guidelines, but so far he has received “no love” from Government’s “Summer Sports” assistance program.

5 Belize City youth to Miami FC Bescola Camp
Leaving the Philip Goldson International Airport yesterday en route to Miami, Florida were five young footballers from the Smart Summer Camp and recently completed Smart 13 & Under Football Tournament 2015. The young players were accompanied on the trip by Smart Summer Camp and Football Tournament coordinators Stanley “Jordan” Reneau and Tyrone “T-Bone” Muschamp. The Bescola Camp will run from today, Monday, July 27 until Friday, July 31. The players are Ajani Vaughn from Face of Belize, D’Jon Canelo from Ladyville Jaguars, Kevaunn Sampson from London Strikers, and Nigel Matus and Jovaunn Ramos from Brown Bombers. Last year, three players from the Smart Summer Camp attended the FC Bescola Camp in Florida.

BDBA Firms Tournament 2015 games update
The Belize District Basketball Association (BDBA) Firms Tournament 2015 continued with games over the weekend on Friday and Saturday nights at Bird’s Isle. In the opener on Friday night, General won, 67-58, over Ready Call. For Generals, Roman Williams had 18 pts, Cassian Flowers 14 pts 19 rebs, and Wilfred Richards 12 pts 7 rebs; while Ready Call was led by Hubert Baptist 18 pts 5 rebs, Septimus Ritchie 14 pts 8 rebs, and David Sutherland 11 pts. And in the nightcap, it was Bulldogs with the 70-62 win over Central Bank. Leading the way for Bulldogs were Tarique Gabb 21 pts 2 rebs, Brian White 12 pts 10 rebs, Roscoe Rhys 11 pts 4 rebs 5 assts, and Marcel Orosco 11 pts 6 rebs 3 assts; while Central Health had Steven Wade with 17 pts 4 rebs 3 assts, Travis Bernardez 14 pts 5 rebs, and Neil Nicholson 11 pts 3 rebs.

Editorial: Danny
The villages that you see along the George Price (Western) Highway when you are reaching Belmopan and going on to San Ignacio/Santa Elena are generally built along the banks of the Belize Old River, or near to it. The most historic of these villages, but one you won’t see along the highway today, is More Tomorrow. It was established in 1793, five years before the Battle of St. George’s Caye. You have to go 6 to 8 miles north from the area between Beaver Dam and Cotton Tree to reach More Tomorrow. The new road in to More Tomorrow was named for Ibrahim Abdullah (formerly Charles X “Justice” Eagan, Belize’s first Muslim in the modern era and a founding officer of UBAD in 1969), and you meet that on your right just after you cross the Beaver Dam bridge going west. The old More Tomorrow road leads from Cotton Tree north to the banks of the Belize Old River. There was also a road you could take through Never Delay. This road to More Tomorrow was longer than the Cotton Tree road, but it was a higher road, and was used when the river was in flood. (Beaver Dam is around Mile 40; Cotton Tree is around Mile 42; and Never Delay is around Mile 44.) There was a time when the Western road (which has become the George Price Highway) actually passed through More Tomorrow. We know this because the older people will tell you that the historic Holy Saturday Crosscountry bicycle race (first ridden in 1928) once went over Tannish Creek in More Tomorrow on its way to Cayo and back to Belize City.

From the Publisher
Belize will be marking Emancipation Day this week in a really significant way for the first time in my memory. Emancipation Day has been a big event all over the British Caribbean for a long time. At least, this is what I have been told. Emancipation Day is a time when mulatto Belizeans should look themselves in the eye. “Mulatto” is not a term used much in Belize. All people who have any kind of African ancestry here have been called, or called themselves, “Creoles.” There have been Belizeans with dark skin and tight hair lumped under this general heading along with light-skinned Belizeans with European features. My late paternal grandmother, Eunice Locke Hyde, used to refer to darker-skinned Creoles as “able Creoles.” Then there was a general reference made in Belizean society to lighter-skinned Creoles as “royal Creoles.” There was still some ambiguity in the “royal” designation, however, because there were some dark-skinned families who had been very British for generations, and I think they fell under the “royal” heading. It is all quite confusing sometimes.

OAS mandate does NOT extend to the Sarstoon
Back in 2003, Belize and Guatemala agreed to a set of confidence-building measures under the regime of the Organization of American States (OAS), under which the adjacency zone, spanning a kilometer on either side of Belize’s western border with Guatemala, was established. Under the agreement, new settlements inside that zone were to be banned and a procedure was outlined for dealing with persons in violation. Also, the area became subject to a regime of joint patrols by soldiers from Belize and Guatemala. Of note, though, is that this OAS-led regime—which has been strictly terrestrial in scope—has not been applied to southern Belize, where the Sarstoon River forms a natural border between Belize and Guatemala, running clearly south of Sarstoon Island. Along this southern riverine expanse, Belize security officers have continued to carry out their surveillance to fight illegal fishing, logging and migration, which are pronounced problems in Southern Belize. It was for this reason that law enforcement authorities attempted in May to locate the best site for a forward operating base (FOB) in the Sarstoon area, and the Coast Guard officers tasked with the mission were supposed to erect that base at that location before returning to base.

Emancipation Day Commemorations in Belize with UEF
Emancipation Day is commemorated every August 1st in recognition of the 1838 abolition of legal slavery in all countries colonized by Britain where chattle slavery, genocide, forced labor, rape, indentured servitude, environmental destruction and other crimes against humanity were, for centuries, legal when committed by Europeans and their descendants against African, East Indian and Mayan peoples. The United Black Association for Development Educational Foundation (UEF) is recognizing the anniversary of Emancipation Day in Belize throughout this week. Every year UEF commemorates this day with more intentionality, and this year UEF has invited Dr. Jahlani Niaah, a farmer, a UWI -Mona Campus lecturer and an author of numerous articles, chapters and books, including Let Us Start with Africa: Foundations of Rastafari Scholarship to walk, share and reason with Belizeans. Dr. Niaah will be on WUB today, Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. On Wednesday he will meet with St. Vincent Block/Serru Garifuna farming community in Peini/Punta Gorda at 11a.m. Then, he will give a presentation from 5-7 p.m. at the Punta Gorda Town Library, an institution that provides space for dynamic discussion, debate and dialogue along with afterschool and other programming. On Friday the 31st Dr. Niaah will, again in Belize City, speak at the Library of African and Indian Studies, at the Kremandala Compound from 7-9 p.m.

Belize hits rock-bottom on TIP scale
Belize has received its worst ranking since 2006 in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report published by the US State Department – a tier 3 classification which could trigger sanctions against the country through withdrawal of funding or opposition to new funding sought from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the July 2015 TIP report signaled. Belize was among 18 countries downgraded this year, including Belarus, Comoros, and the Marshall Islands. Last year, 2014, Belize was placed on the tier 2 watch list, the stage before the final downgrade it received this year. Belize was first ranked in 2003, when it received a tier 3 rating. However, it had since pulled itself to the tier 2 watch list before sinking again to tier 3 in 2006. In 2007, the country was upgraded to tier 2, and for the past 7 years, it has managed to stay out of the tier 3 zone, where it has now been placed with 22 other countries. According to the ranking system, governments of countries on tier 3 may be subject to certain restrictions on bilateral assistance, whereby the US government may withhold or withdraw non-humanitarian, non-trade-related foreign assistance.

Watchman’s killer shot him in the eye
On Sunday, July 26, at about 11:43 p.m., Ladyville police responded to a report of a shooting and they visited a house located off a feeder road about half a mile from Bacab Eco Park, where they found a man lying face-up, dead. He had apparently had been shot in his right eye. This latest Belize District murder victim would later be identified as Prudencio Sican, 47, a Guatemalan national who was employed at Bacab as a handyman and watchman. Apparently, Sican lived alone in the house. Amandala spoke to the investigating officer from the Ladyville Police Station, who told us that a single gunshot was heard in the area and when Sican’s relative visited him during the night, his lifeless body was found.

Breaking Belize News

PG Town Council truck caught illegally dumping garbage
Punta Gorda Town community activist, politician and conservationist Wil Maheia has exposed what he says are long-standing violations of the law on illegal dumping of garbage by the Punta Gorda Town Council (PGTC). On Facebook, Maheia posted a picture of the Council’s truck dumping a large load of […]

Santa Cruz 13 in court
Twelve Maya villagers of Santa Cruz, Toledo, plus Mayan Leaders Alliance member, Cristina Coc, returned today to the Punta Gorda Town Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of unlawful imprisonment, common assault and aggravated assault against Rupert Myles, who accused them of restraining and assaulting him because he refused to leave his […]

Lawyers not ready for Petrocaribe case
Today was the date set for the trial of the lawsuit filed by member of the House of Representatives for Cayo South, Honorable Julius Espat against Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Honorable Dean Barrow. Over vociferous objections, the Prime Minister has pushed through first a motion […]

Corozal HOC holds arts exhibit
The Identity Youth Art Exhibit is an annual event organized by and held at the Corozal House of Culture to promote cultural artists of all ages. Showcasing photography, charcoal drawings, acrylic and water color paintings, the exhibit taps into many genres of art. This year will mark the second annual […]

Belize funding threatened by human trafficking classification from U.S.
The United States may withdraw funding or oppose new funding for Belize from international financial institutions because of a seeming disregard for attending to the problem of trafficking in persons, the State Department reports, via Amandala. Belize was among 18 countries downgraded this year, including Belarus, Comoros, and […]

Bishop Martin top three in Visionaries Challenge
Placing third in this year’s Sagicor Visionaries Challenge was regional champions, Bishop Martin High School of Orange Walk, for their innovative concept involving the shrub native to Mexico; Chaya. The project was entitled “Mayan Power for Modern Times” and is aimed at increasing awareness and usability of Chaya […]

Belmopan men chopped
Belmopan police detained one man and are currently looking for four others in connection with a Monday morning chopping incident that left two men badly injured. 24 year old Salvadoran National, Jorge Guevara, a resident of St. Peter Street, Belmopan, along with Clifford Alexander Alvarado, a resident of St. Mathew’s […]

Drug peddler caught on the Peninsula
A drug peddler well known by police for trafficking cocaine and cannabis into the peninsula, will be spending the rest of his birthday behind bars after he was arrested and charged by Placencia Police Quick Response Team (QRT) this morning, July 28. Police reports are that while in an area […]

EU Ambassador makes visit to Belize
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Paola Amadei, has been in Belize since July 26 and participated in a forum on Belize-Guatemala relations today, which was the main event of her one week visit. The forum is part of an EU funded program that will work to resolve the […]

Young Innovators Program introduces “credit-card” computer to schools
The second year of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)’s Young Innovators Program kicks off with workshops for teachers of information technology (IT) from 47 schools around the country in August. The teachers will be taught how to use a computer that is the size of a credit card […]

Missing teenage girl found
13 year old Jaqueline Calderon was found in Lucky Strike village yesterday, Monday, after being missing for six days. Calderon went missing on Tuesday July 21st around 5:30 after she left her home to go buy a phone card at a restaurant on Albert Street. Police said that their strike […]

Belize given Ebola kits
Even the donor hopes this is one gift Belize never has to use, but it is important nonetheless. The Pan American Development Foundation on Monday handed over 21 kits of personal protective gear necessary to handle patients infected with the deadly Ebola virus, which saw an outbreak in West Africa […]

City teen student drowned on evangelical retreat
A teenage boy gone out to swim with classmates while attending a church retreat near Mile 25 on the George Price Highway lost his life as a result. 14 year old Eric Cruz, according to officer in charge of Eastern Division (Rural) Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, was observed having difficulty […]

Blogs

24 Hours in The Chiquibul: Heroes Saving A Belize National Treasure – The Scarlet Macaw
One of Belize’s, one of the world’s, most beautiful creatures is at risk for local extinction. The gorgeous and almost surreal scarlet macaw – few, even Belizeans, have seen it flying wild. And due to heavy poaching and habitat destruction (one of the birds’ native nesting grounds, the Chalillo Valley was flooded when a dam system was built in the early 2000s), the numbers in Belize are ridiculously low. They are described as endangered in Belize with less than 250 birds. And Mexico and Guatemala are seeing the same problem and similar numbers. POACHERS. In 2011, it was estimated that 89% of nests in the Chiquibul Forest (pronounced Chicky-bull) were poached. Most by Guatemalan poachers locally called Xateros (Sha-tear-os) who can sell the babies for hundreds or even thousands of dollar. Named after a plant that is also poached from Belize’s jungle – the xate (sha-tay). A PLANT used for flower arrangements!

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp 2015 Wrap-Up!
FRIDAY! When arts and crafts were over, the campers lined up to hike to the Lodge for a presentation on the day’s theme, the three R’s of conservation: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The head of Chaa Creek’s Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm, Brion Young, gave a PowerPoint presentation that taught the campers not only about the benefits of being eco-friendly, but the extent to which one can be eco-friendly. For instance, part of Chaa Creek’s commitment to being eco-tourism is its commitment to its surrounding community. Not only donating ten percent of all room revenue to support the surrounding San Ignacio metropolitan community, but also the community of Chaa Creek itself.

Travel in Belize for an Enjoyable Family Holiday
Travel in Belize and you will see the key ingredients needed for a great holiday with the family. Aside from being more affordable compared to the other Caribbean destinations, Travel in Belize is also safer than other Central American destinations. However, the best reason why families should go to this beautiful country is just the same as for everyone else: animal encounters, adventure and action, and lots of fun in the sun. Read on and get to learn more about these Belize attractions, along with some Belize travel tips. The vase network of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Belize offers a safe haven for wildlife that should delight any animal lover of any age. However, the animals are elusive and kids do not mostly have the encountry of belizedurance or patience to find them, unless you know exactly where to look. The Community Baboon Sanctuary or CBS is a grassroots conservation operation that occupies around 20 square miles is spread over several Creole villages in the Belize River Valley. It is a private property but the landowners have pledged to preserve the habitat of endangered black howler monkey. The result in an impressive increase in the local population of the primate, which now freely roam in the area

House update and some pics of critters
Just a quick update on the house we are building, for those interested in what it is like to build here! It has gone remarkably well, surpassed our expectations. We are AHEAD of schedule (has that ever been said on a construction project here????) and it looks gorgeous. The pictures say it all! Although I shouldn't post things like this, I just have to :). We had our first experience with waking up to find a scorpion chilling on our kitchen sink! They often try and seek out water so you are not as likely to find them on your pillow. Please note, I was terrified of critters when I got here having had no experience with these things in Cleveland. However, seriously, after almost a year and a half, I have only run across a few, they are more scared of me, and even if they bite you, nothing is going to REALLY hurt you!! So here is our buddy the scorpion....

International Sources

ADRENALIN JUNKIE? THEN BELIZE’S GREAT BLUE HOLE IS FOR YOU
I know, I know, the name doesn’t do it justice but the Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize is a must if you’re travelling through Central America. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1996, the Great Blue Hole was originally a limestone cave that started to form about 150,000 years ago. Today, it’s one of the greatest places for experienced divers to explore. The deepest point of the Great Blue Hole lies at 124 metres, but if that doesn’t exhilarate you enough, then perhaps spotting nurse sharks, giant groupers, and other reef sharks might! Yup, they’re all here in this stunning part of the world.

Belize Makes Push for Local Tourism
In a bid to increase tourism revenue, Belize is looking close to home. The country has launched a new ad campaign aimed at local travelers, under the theme “Discover How to Be a Belizean Traveler.” The campaign “is centered on getting Belizeans to travel locally and to promote the regional icons,” the country’s tourism board said in a release. The initiative is looking to encourage Belizean residents “to travel locally in order to keep our dollars at home and promote local business,” the board said. “We hope that this campaign will show the Belizeans that there is no need to go anywhere else on vacation, when an unforgettable experience awaits you in your own backyard,” said Noriko Gamero, marketing and public relations manager at the Belize Tourism Board.

Local Rotarians assist needy students in Belize
For the past three years, Seminole Lake Rotarian Dave Buzza has annually donated 50 or more backpacks to children at the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre, an orphanage in Belize City, Belize. Buzza, who obtains the backpacks through his company Leather Medics, delivers them via Belize Hope, a nonprofit that assists needy children in the South American country. He discovered the organization when one of its board members, Beverly Fisher, spoke at a Rotary Club of Seminole Lake meeting three years ago. At that meeting, Fisher, who is also a fellow Rotarian, made an impact on Buzza. For seven years, Fisher has travelled to Belize with a group from the Rotary Club of Dunedin and the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin.

The 7 best places to retire overseas
The concept of moving abroad in retirement is usually associated with adventure, good food and the freedom to explore other parts of the world. But the main factor that motivates people to actually spend their later years abroad is often affordability, says Kathleen Peddicord, publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, a resource for retirees that publishes an annual ranking of the 21 best places to retire overseas. “Outside the United States, you can live for far less,” says Peddicord, who ranks cities based on cost of living, weather, options for residency and other factors. 3. Cayo, Belize: Cost of living: $1,225 a month Described by researchers as “off the grid,” Cayo is about a 20-minute flight or three-hour drive from Belize City. Retirees in the tropical climate would live among the rainforest and would need to clear their own road if they bought property and built a home there. That real estate would be affordable, though, costing an average $1,318 per square meter. Crime rates in Belize City may be a bit high for retirees, but Cayo’s remoteness makes it a quieter place to live that is safe for people who are vigilant. Because of Cayo’s isolation, some people needing advanced medical treatment may need to turn to Mexico or the the United States, researchers wrote, making it less appealing for people with ongoing health conditions.

Ambergris Caye, Belize - Karibisches Paradies
Nach Belize zu fahren war eine ziemlich spontane Entscheidung. Ich saß zu Hause mit einem Atlas und einer Karte der Karibik und dort fand ich dieses Land, von dem ich noch nie etwas gehört hatte. Darauf folgte erst einmal die obligatorische Suche auf Wikipedia und die Entscheidung war getroffen, nach Ambergris Caye, der größten von über 200 Barriere Riffinseln in Belize zu reisen. Ich wollte sowieso nach Playa del Carmen in Mexiko reisen und von dort aus ist es nur eine kurze Fahrt mit dem Bus nach Belize. Ich kaufte mir ein Busticket am Playa del Carmen Busbahnhof nach Chetumal, eine mexikanische Stadt an der Grenze zu Belize, für ca. 20 Euro. Als ich die Tour das erste Mal im Jahr 2012 unternahm, gab es keine direkte Verbindung nach Belize City von Playa del Carmen aus. Heute kann man mit dem Bus direkt von Playa nach Belize City gelangen, man fährt um Mitternacht los und kommt gegen 7 Uhr morgens an. Nachdem ich in Chetumal angekommen war, musste ich ein Taxi von der Bushaltestelle nehmen, um zu einem zentralen Platz zu gelangen, von wo aus die Busse nach Belize City losfuhren. Diese Busse waren etwas Besonderes - Grün angemalte alte, amerikanische Schulbusse. Sobald wir Chetumal verlassen hatten, drehte unser Busfahrer sein nachträglich installiertes Sound-System voll auf und spielte Reggaeton - die ganze Fahrt nach Belize City über. Das muss man einmal erlebt haben, auch wenn einem noch am nächsten Tag die Ohren dröhnen.

Videos

July 28, 2015

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, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Boxing League to host Boxing tournament
Island resident and professional boxer, Geiboord Howard Omier Sandino has teamed up with Simon Herrera from California in the journey to establish a professional boxing league in Belize. The original idea was to have a gym in every district in order to push the project at a fast mode and reach out all corners of the country. Currently the first boxing gym has been completed and is operating in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo while they continue working to open other gyms throughout the country. However, at the moment, the duo is focusing on the kick off of the first formal boxing event in Belize, slated for September 2015. According to Herrera, the league is looking at a 10 – month tournament with a boxing match every four weeks. “There are a lot of professional boxers in the country, like in Punta Gorda, Belize City and in Cayo. So we have planned a kickoff event in at the Novelo’s Convention Centre in Santa Elena Cayo on September 5th where we will showcase the talent of boxers from Belize and other countries, “said Herrera. He mentioned that the league will be shared between Cayo, Belmopan and Belize City and the tournament will be broadcasted live by Central Cable Vision.

Regularization of Provisional Guides
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) held a small ceremony to present certificates to the Provisional Guides who have completed their final training, making them eligible to apply for Belize City Community Site Guide license. Present for the certificate handing over was Mr. Rodolfo Burgos, BTB trainer for tour guides. The BTB, being the organization responsible for the development of the tourism industry, has worked in partnership with stakeholders to ensure their full inclusion in the development of the tourism sector. Since the inception of the Fort George Tourism Zone some 5 years ago, there have been many stakeholders operating in the area without proper licensing. In order to offer an enhanced product to visitors, and raise the quality and standards of the experience fortifying the Belize brand, a training program was developed over the past two years, which would bring the stakeholders to a specific level in order to deliver the Belize City tour product. This was accomplished by offering two training sessions called (1) the Heritage Tour Training and (2) the General Principles of Tour Guiding.

Mexico Rocks to slowly transition into a Marine Reserve
With Mexico Rocks now part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, following the approval of the expansion by Cabinet, several steps are being taken to ensure users respect its protected status. While park fees and regulation will not be immediately implemented, certain measures have taken effect since the signing of the Statutory Instrument (SI) on March 28, 2015. According to Hol Chan Marine Reserve Manager Miguel Alamilla, the area has been marked, which acts as an indicator to fishermen and tour operators that only recreational activities are allowed within the area, and no extraction of any kind of marine resources (alive or dead) is allowed. With the expansion, the area was sectioned off into two zonea. Zone G is the Mexico Rocks General Use Area, while Zone H is the Mexico Rocks No Take Zone. The Mexico Rocks General Use Area is a common snorkeling and dive destination here on Ambergris Caye, and is visited by hundreds every week.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Summertime Leisure Time in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Peeking through a hole in the fence, this curious young boy plays in his yard during the warm summer months in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Interested as to the noises behind his fence, he takes the opportunity to steal a peek, just to discover our cameras catching him in action.

Flavors of Belize Magazine Celebrates 5 Years of Culinary Tourism
The Flavors of Belize brand, created in 2010 by Tanya McNab of McNab Publishing Ltd., is one that has maintained a focus on showing the culinary world of Belize utilizing various mediums and avenues. The brand has, over the past five years, come to include their annual magazine guide, cookbook, a series of cooking shows featuring popular local chefs, and even a mobile app. On July 23, 1015 the brand unveiled its 5-year anniversary edition of the magazine. Now a flagship of culinary culture in Belize, the magazine celebrates restaurants and cooking in Belize; and after five years of everything Belizean food, the magazine notes that a lot has changed in the way food is presented in the tourism industry. Publisher Tanya McNab points out that Belize was not in the culture of worrying about how food looked and how it was presented, but looking through the magazine’s latest publication, you can see amazing creations that are prepared and cooked in local restaurants around the country. “They take pride in platting, food styling, preparing and photographing it,” commented Tanya McNab. “I think worldwide culinary tourism is on the rise and if you read through some of the magazine articles, you will see why Belize is such a great destination for that. Because Belize is a place that you can really immerse yourself in culture and you can cook with the freshest ingredients, it's a farm to table type environment."

Misc Belizean Sources

One VERY lucky Loggerhead!!!!
Thanks to the boat captain coming into Belize City that spotted a distressed loggerhead turtle, who called a friend, who call a friend, who called Hol Chan Marine Reserve, who called ECOMAR. A & R Restaurant at Abel Rodriguez marina sent a text that there was a turtle in a boat that needed help. Indeed Jamal Young knew about the turtle and upon seeing it and a little blood, and missing a flipper but still breathing, new it had been bitten by a shark and lucky to be alive. Jamal and his dad Richard Young helped get the turtle out of the boat into the truck, while several comments were made from onlookers about eating the turtle. Called Dr Jane Crawford at Animal Medical Center and made an appointment. After clearing the waiting room for the traditional patients she and Ben Cawich tended to the injured loggerhead who was a very good patient, a pleasant surprise given loggerhead's normally nasty disposition! After a bit of local anesthesia was administered the stitching began, probably a couple dozen in all to cover the bone and meat projecting from the flipper. These dedicated professionals worked through the lunch hour for more than 2 hours to fix up this lucky loggerhead. Loaded the turtle up and took her to Sea Sports, and again, "there's a lot of meat there" and reminded them that sea turtles have been protected since 2002. At about 6pm she travelled to St George's Caye to convalesce in her kiddie pool while she is kept under observation. Thankful for the archaeology students on site who helped carry her and keeping an eye on her. She has settled down now so fingers crossed she makes it through the night. She's made it this far thanks to many people that participated in her recovery. Thanks everyone!

Legality of Environmental Clearance
The Department of the Environment (DOE), hereby informs the general public of an issue related to Environmental Clearance granted to a project by the DOE. Environmental Clearance is required by law, under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations as amended, and is granted through a letter by the DOE. Environmental Clearance granted to developers /investors is contingent upon the signing of an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP). The ECP is an agreement signed between the DOE and the developer for a specific project. Both the Environmental Clearance letter and the ECP are issued ONLY to a particular developer and as such are NOT transferable to any other developer, entity or company. Therefore the DOE takes this opportunity to advise that owners who have purchased investments/property for which the previous owner was granted Environmental Clearance, be aware that the Environmental Clearance is non-transferable. The new owners are encouraged to apply to the DOE for Environmental Clearance for that investment under their new company or entity.

A turtle nest!
Look how far she went up the beach to the shade of native shrubs Bay Cedar (Suriana maritima) and Fishermen Tobacco (Tournefortia gnaphalodes). These plants will keep then nests cool from the warm summer sun. Native plants are an important part of a healthy turtle beach.

JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH PANTHERA-BELIZE AND THE BELIZE FOREST DEPT.
Panthera’s Belize Jaguar Program and the Forest Dept.’s Wildlife Program are seeking a motivated and energetic individual with a strong interest in wildlife and applied conservation for a position working with the Forest Dept’s Wildlife Program. The successful candidate will work primarily on issues related to the management and conservation of jaguars and their prey.

Power interruption 7:00am to 1:00pm Wednesday, July 29, Orange Walk
Villages of San Lazaro, Trinidad, August Pine Ridge, San Felipe, Blue Creek, Rio Azul, Linda Vista, La Rosita, Tres Leguas and Cuatro Leguas. BEL to modify high voltage lines and replace utility poles, lightning arresters and other equipment on the power distribution system in the area.

Commentary: Pedro Martinez - the opportune stage to make a statement for humanity, that wasn't
Let me be the first to admit that I am not a baseball fan! The game, save for a few elements, holds very little for me along the lines of “excitement”. Yet, in the same breath, I must say that I am one who proactively recognises “excellence”, irrespective of the arena. In that regard, while visiting my 98-year-old grand-aunt today, I spied a look at the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame Ceremony. Among this year’s inductees were four great players including: Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez. Again, this is coming from a non-baseball fan, but then you must realise that substantively speaking, this post has very little to do with baseball. Among the four Hall of Fame inductees, I recall seeing each of them play a game or two, at one point during their careers, yet one immediately stood out. Maybe it’s because I am a proud Caribbean man or maybe it’s because I am one who prides himself on being attuned to all things Caribbean. Or maybe it’s because I am an avowed Caribbeanist… an integrationist of sorts and basically, I love my region and its people.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Monday, July 27, 2015: 75. PICK 3: 1 0 9

A Super Green Smoothie
In a blender, blend the orange, lemon, lime, and cucumber into a liquid. Add the apple, herbs, and greens a bit at a time. Add ice and sweetener. Serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Makes 2 servings.

Launch of the Identity Youth Art Exhibit
The Corozal House of Culture is dedicated to the development and promotion of our cultural artists of all ages. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the launch of the second annual Identity Youth Art Exhibit. This exhibit showcases works of various genres including photography, charcoal drawings, acrylic and water colour paintings. Please join us at 7:00 P.M. Saturday August 1st, 2015 in celebration of our fine young artists of northern Belize.

Bishop Martin High School Visit
Last Friday we had the visit of Bishop Martin High school . We are sure that the students had a great time with us . It was whole new experience from them on learning about the importance of Conservation & Protected Areas.

Emergency power interruption 5:00am to 6:30am, Tuesday, July 28: entire Corozal District
BEL to repair insulator in the area between the San Pedro Substation and Buena Vista.

Belize National Song Competition
The Cayo round of the Belize National Song Competition was last week, and a lot of great talent came out to sing their songs. "Check out these pics from our Cayo Elimination! We're expecting tonight's show in Belize City to be just as entertaining!!!"

BELIZE AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS AT THE LOS ANGELES COLISEUM!
The Los Angeles Belizean community has been present at the 2015 Special Olympics in support of the Belizean contingent that have been performing well so far. The sporting events, though not as popular as the Summer Olympics, has been happening all across California at various sporting events, in particular the famous Los Angeles Coliseum (the site of the 1984 Summer Olympics) in the heart of the Los Angeles Belizean Community. The Belize Consul General Office in conjunction with the Belize government sporting representatives visiting from Belize have invited various Belizeans in the community to come out and cheer on the Belizean special olympics athletes. As these Belizean athletes continue to do their best representing Belize, we here at Belizean Legends cheers them on. Go Team Belize!

Channel 7

The Dozen Dissenters Make Demands Of Francis Fonseca
There's an open rebellion going on in the PUP and it's focused on leader Francis Fonseca. 12 Candidates have signed to a letter asking for a national convention - one that could unseat him as leader of the PUP. That letter was sent to the party chairman Henry Usher today - and it also asks for changes in the composition of the party's executive, and changes in policy-making decisions. But every action has a reaction, and this one has triggered an immediate backlash from the Fonseca faithful within the PUP. They are also making moves to isolate and neutralize the dissenting dozen. We'll tell you all about it, but we start with the letter. It started to take shape last week after Tuesday's boycott of the meeting Fonseca called with members of the national executive and candidates. As we reported, 13 candidates did not attend that meeting - but even with that, Fonseca denied that there had been a boycott. But, there was, and the dissenters, led by John Briceno, Dan Silva, Cordel Hyde and Jose Mai started having meetings in Cayo to discuss the broken state of their party and problems with the leadership. That culminated on Friday when one dozen of them signed the letter asking for a new convention which is long overdue.

Hon. Dolores Dodges On Solidarity Meeting At Her House
But what was that meeting really about? Today at a PUP Women's group press conference, we had a chance to question the host herself - who was none too forthcoming:... Jules Vasquez "Are you able to say what the meeting was about?" Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Area- Rep - Bze. Rural Central "I am able to confirm that we did meet, but I am certainly not going to share with you any details of that meeting. It was something private." Jules Vasquez "Were all the area representatives and or not everyone was invited?" Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia "I will not answer that question." Jules Vasquez "But you know that supporters of the PUP - I mean the PUP is a people's party. Not a private party." Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia "Let me say something to you in particular Mr. Vasquez and other members of the media, we in the People's United Party, especially our women are not here to play any games of being lead down any path by media who are speculating."

PUP Women Standing By Hon. Fonseca
And while Candidate Shoman had a scolding for us - she Held back when it came to her colleagues, the dissenting dozen. That was at a women's group press conference, held ostensibly to talk about national issues but the real agenda was something more like that old Tammy Wynette song, "Stand By Your Man" - the man in this case being their leader Francis Fonseca - who trotted out the ladies first. Jules Vasquez reports: Hon. Lisa Shoman, PUP Senator "So today we have women who have been engaged in the political process for many years and who are here to give you their perspective on what is happening." Jules Vasquez reporting But what is happening? The PUP's top women personalities were at the table but no one really wanted to say - what the event was really about. Instead the press was subjected to a stream of political stump speeches that skirted around the central issue - these good women were here to support their great leader: Yasmin Shoman, PUP Std. Bearer - Collet "My full unconditional and unwavering support for our party leader, my area representative, my friend the Hon, Francis Fonseca."

Guat And Belize Foreign Ministers Hold Joint Press Conference With OAS
For the past 2 weeks, the local news has been dominated by the discussion of the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute, and in particular, the heated discussions about the forward operating base that the Coast Guard wants to put on Sarstoon Island in the south. By now, you probably know about the Foreign Minister's comments on the topic. Instead of quelling the critics OF Belize's foreign policy, his comments inflamed those who have an abiding distrust of all things Guatemalan. So, today, in an attempt to change the current narrative on this issue, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington held a major press conference at the Raddison Hotel to give an update on the territorial claim. He was flanked by senior representatives of the Organization of American States, which is acting as mediator, and senior representatives of the Guatemalan government. Daniel Ortiz reports:

Guat Foreign Minister Dodges With Diplomacy
But before the press conference was finished, the press asked the Guatemalan Foreign Minister about the compensation for the grounding of their navy's gunship on the Barrier Reef, and the status of the investigation into the murder of slain Lawman Danny Conorquie. He basically avoided those issues completely while he was answering: Reporter "About the gunboat grounding, a letter was sent to the Guatemalan officials saying that they request payment for $46,000. This is specifically to the Guatemalan Minister, because I want to understand what's their position. Was that letter received and will that $46,000 damages to the reef be paid to Belize? And then in relation to an investigation into the death of Danny Conorquie, one of our special constables that was killed in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Is that an incident that the Guatemalan government is placing any emphasis on in trying to bring the killer (believe to be a Guatemalan) to justice?"

Ghost Town Comes Together With Cops
2 weeks ago, we told you how the new commander of the Eastern Division South, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, intervened in the raging internal rivalry of the Ghost Town gang, which is based in the Mayflower Street area. He was trying organize a cease fire, and tone down the violence in an area that had seen three murders and countless shootings in just a few weeks. And to follow up on that, the Community Police Unit collaborated with Eastern Division South to put together a positive social gathering, to try to gain the trust of at risk youths living in the Mayflower area. To their surprise, they got overwhelming support. Our news team was there at the Berger Field on Vernon Street, and Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting The officers of Eastern Division South kept the formula of the social event simple: football, music, food, and drinks. They were following up on a promise to hold this event, and they managed to bring out several hundred youths living from warring turfs carved out by the city gangs living around the Berger Field area.

Cop Gets Three Months
29 year-old Police Constable Dean Perez, who was convicted of stealing from a San Pedro man while conducting official police business, will spend 3 months in jail. That's the sentence that the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, handed him. Before she decided on the sentence she heard pleas for mitigation from Perez and his attorney, Leeroy Banner. Perez expressed remorse for what he did and he conveyed his apology to the victim, Jose Hernandez. While announcing the sentence she had arrived at, the Chief Magistrate remarked that she has to send a message to the society that police officers should not use their uniforms to take advantage of people in the public who they serve. With that pronouncement, she handed him 3 months imprisonment. The incident occurred on October 5, 2014 in San Pedro town. According to the evidence, Perez, accompanied by a special constable, went to Hernandez's apartment to detain him on the strength of a commitment warrant for child maintenance. Perez then stole Hernandez's cellular phone and $600 dollars in cash. Perez has been a police officer for 9 years.

Well Known Vendor To Jail
Food vendor 48 year-old Roy Jones Jr., known as "Patties", is in jail tonight after being accused of raping a 17 year-old girl The female, accompanied by her mother, went to the police station in November last year and reported that Jones raped her on November 9, 2014. Apparently, when Jones found out that the matter was reported to the police, he went south. He was found in Punta Gorda by the police last Friday. He was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith who denied him bail and remanded him until November 10.

La Inmaculada GM Gets Walking Papers
The La Inmaculada Credit Union has been under intense pressure from its members for months - and finally tonight the Credit Union has issued a statement - and it's bad news for their long time general manager - Yolanda Gomez who was place don administrative leave at the end of April. The statement says that Gomez was placed on leave - with full pay- after the Board of Directors, quote, "determined…that there were strong indications of non-compliance with proper banking procedures, coupled with improper and questionable decisions taken by Mrs. Gomez during her tenure." End quote. During her leave, the Central Bank of Belize and the Credit Union's External Auditor went through the books. The statement says, quote, "Mrs. Gomez was afforded the opportunity make herself available to assist in the investigations but she did not do so."

Watchman Killed In Rural Bze
A man was found murdered in his home this morning in rural Belize last night. Around 11:00 48-year-old care taker Prudencio Gonzalez was found dead in his home in the Ridge Lagoon Area - which is off the Burrell Boom Road on the road to the Bacab Eco Park. He had been shot once to the head sometime around 9:00. When we spoke to the family today they told us that they have no idea who would want Gonzalez dead but they did reveal something about him that could have factored into the murder. Courtney Weatherbune reports: Courtney Weatherbune reporting Bushy overgrowth and withered coconut trees conceal the home of 48 year old Prudencio Gonzalez. He lived alone in this small house - right up the road from his work place at the Bacab Eco Park. It is usually quiet around here without the steady flow of traffic and people - but that changed last night when Gonzalez was shot and killed inside his home - where his body was found partially nude on the floor. When his family and friends got the news - they were in utter shock.

Cyclist Knocked Down And Killed
A man was knocked down and killed on Friday night around 8. Hattieville resident Miguel Angel Cruz was riding his bicycle at mile 13 on the George Price Highway when he was run over by a car. The driver, 38 year old Marlon Hernandez told police that he was traveling with a low beam and as soon as he passed the Softy toilet paper factory he saw a shadow in the middle of the road. When he turned on his high beam he saw Cruz and tried to avoid hitting him but it was too late. Today police told us that speed may have played a role. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - Commander, Eastern Division Rural "Around 8 Friday night we had a fatal traffic accident of Miguel Cruz, no relation of the earlier young man Mr. Cruz, where he was riding his bicycle. He was wearing dark clothing and apparently the driver of the vehicle who hit him was driving and a vehicle came with high beam, where after he passed the vehicle he saw Mr. Cruz and was unable to avoid him, knocking him down off his bicycle."

Teenager Drowns On Church Trip
A 14 year old boy drowned this weekend at a church summer youth camp. The Evangelical church organized a Spanish youth camp on Friday at the Mountain View Campgrounds on mile 25 on the George Price Highway. The kids were to stay with the group for the orientation but a few kids from the camp decided to sneak off to take a swim at the nearby pond. That's when 14 year old Corozal resident Eric Cruz drowned and the other kids had to pull his body out of the water. Today the police told us what they know. The camp was to run for the entire weekend. When we spoke to a pastor from the church he told us that they were just about to talk to kids about the rules of the camp when they heard that Cruz had drowned.

Missing Girl Is Home
13 year old Jaqueline Calderon has been found. She was found in Lucky Strike village yesterday. Calderon went missing on Tuesday July 21st around 5:30 after she left her home to go buy a phone card at a restaurant on Albert Street. Today the police gave a very brief update on the Calderon's case. Police won't reveal any details as to who she with but when we spoke to the mother this evening she told us that the police told her that she was with her grandmother but she says that Jaqueline hasn't had any relationship with her grandmother so she is a bit confused. But overall she is happy that her daughter has returned safely.

No Ebola But Belize Ready Just In Case
Ebola has never posed a direct threat to Belize but in case it does, the Ministry of Health has 21 Ebola Kits in its inventory. The items were donated today through the Pan American Development Foundation with funding from Taiwan. The representative of that organization explained. The initiative is part of a larger regional effort prepare for and control a potential outbreak of Ebola. Each kit contains personal protective items that meet the rigorous standards of international health organizations, including gowns, goggles, respirators, masks, gloves, biohazard bags, aprons, and other essential gear.

Belize Will Play Canada in World Cup Qualifier
Belize will play Canada in Round Three of the World Cup Qualifiers. That's the outcome of a draw which was held on Saturday in Russia. It puts Belize in Group A - which is very tough with Mexico, Honduras and the winner of El Salvador and Curacao. But right now the focus is on Canada. That team is currently ranked 103rd in the world to Belize's 118th spot. Belize will play in Toronto Canada at the BMO Field on September 4th- and then Canada comes to play in Belize on September 8th.

Uxbenka, the Wider Plan
On Friday's News, we showed you our interview with Dr. John Morris, the Director of NICH's Institute of Archaeology. He told the press that Creole Belizean Rupert Myles destroyed a portion of the Uxbenka Archaeological Site in the Mayan Village of Santa Cruz. Dr. Morris revealed that his Government Department is in the process of sending Myles an official eviction notice, and that criminal charges for destroying a national monument will follow as soon as the damage assessment is completed. Now, the Uxbenka site, which is not excavated or officially protected by law as yet, only showed up on the public's radar because of the outrage of the Maya living in the village after Myles started building his house there. Well, Morris told us that it has been a priority for the Institute of Archaeology for some months now. He said they have done a lot of preparatory work to start excavating it. Unfortunately, the dispute between Santa Cruz and Rupert Myles happened, and the plans have been delayed a bit due to the need for criminal action: Dr. John Morris, Director, Institute of Archaeology "To reprise one of the earliest known Maya site in Southern Belize. In fact it dates to the early occupation dates to about I would say 250 AD which makes it very early because most of sites in Southern Belize are late.

Channel 5

Guatemalan FM in Belize
Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales and Ambassadors of the Group of Friends of Belize are in the country this week to promote a program entitled culture of peace as [...]

…Says ICJ is the Only Option
There were various pointed questions for Foreign Minister Morales today – ranging from the payment for the damage to our reef and the altercation at the Sarstoon to the alleged [...]

Elrington Says NO ICJ Without Referendum
Government’s official position is that the International Court of Justice is the only option left to Belize to solve the territorial dispute. Elrington reiterated that stance this morning, but he [...]

Guatemalan Congress Delaying Referendum
Guatemala’s official position is the same as that of Belize. They want to go to a referendum, and if successful, on to the ICJ. Where that referendum is concerned though, [...]

COLA/VIP Protest Outside Conference
The session, which likely would have gotten much more uncomfortable and intense for the officials of the O.A.S. and Guatemala, was cut short. But outside there was more waiting for [...]

P.U.P. Standard Bearers Call for National Convention
The P.U.P. today released an ad in which John Briceño is heard endorsing Francis Fonseca as party leader. That endorsement took place just before the Dangriga Bye-elections. But things have [...]

P.U.P. Women Support Francis Fonseca
But before the letter was delivered, today the women of the People’s United Party, including four standard bearers, a senator and the head of the women’s group, held a press [...]

Media Gets Advice from P.U.P. Standard Bearers
That letter to the Chairman of the P.U.P. was deliberately not mentioned today, and neither was a meeting of Fonseca supporters held at the home of Dolores Balderamos-Garcia on Sunday. [...]

Burrell Boom Caretaker Gunned Down
The Rural Eastern Division is reporting three deaths in its jurisdiction; the first is a murder. A forty-eight year old caretaker was shot and killed at about nine o’clock on [...]

2 Die in Separate RTAs
The loss of life started on Friday night. Shortly after eight o’clock, Miguel Angel Cruz was killed in a traffic accident just two miles from where he lived in the [...]

Student Drowns on Retreat
The fourth person to lose his life this weekend is a teenager from Belize City. Fourteen year old Eric Cruz was out on an evangelical retreat near mile twenty-five on [...]

Roy Jones on Remand for Rape
Tonight, forty-seven year old Roy Jones Junior also known as “Patties” is on remand at the Belize Central Prison following an allegation of rape made by a seventeen year old [...]

Jaguars Take on Canada in 3rd Round
The Belize Jaguars will be taking on the Canucks in Toronto on September fourth, as both teams advance to the third round of competition in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.  [...]

….Needs Your Help To Compete
The Jaguars, according to Kuylen, have been training intensely, participating in exercises on the beachfront, as well as mountainous terrain in preparation for the match.  Financially, however, there is still [...]

LICU Fires Yolanda Gomez
It was confirmed today that after twenty-four years of service, the Inmaculada credit Union was severing ties with Yolanda Gomez, it former general manager. The Board of Directors had placed [...]

Culture of Peace Exhibit Launches Next Week
Part of the Culture of Peace Program, taking place this week, involves an exhibit with various forms of expression. The exhibit was installed today and will be launched on Tuesday [...]

Mayflower Street Intervention is a Success
For the past couple weeks, the Ghost Town, Mayflower Street area has become a most dangerous area in the south side of Belize City. At least six persons have been [...]

Missing Girl Found in Lucky Strike
Jacqueline Carmen Calderon, a Belize City minor who was reported missing on Thursday has been found. The thirteen year old is now in the custody of the Human Services Department [...]

Sporting Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   The 2015 Belize District Female Softball Championship continues to grab center stage inside the Roger’s Stadium. Every game has [...]

CTV3

Belize To Face Canada In Third Round Of World Qualtifiers
On the 14th of June the Belize National Football Selection, Team Jaguars, captured an impressive victory over the National Football Selection of Dominican Republic in the second round of the (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers. This was with an aggregate score of 5-1 after winning both home and away games. The impressive secured the teams place for the third round of the competition. And tonight we can tell you that, that game will be played in Toronto Canada on the 4th of September 2015. So how is the team preparing for the next big match? According to Marlon Kuylen, Senior Executive of the F.F.B., the Jaguars have been working overtime since they came back from Dominican Republic, thus giving them a good fighting chance for the upcoming game. “Well for the past months we’ve been doing mostly physical work, we were in Placencia for three days on the beach, we were in the mountain pine ridge also for three days and for the rest of this just before the match with Canada we will be doing more technical and tactical work.”

BMHS Takes Third Place In SAGICOR Regional
Viewers may recall that in December of last year, Secondary Schools across Belize were preparing their respective submissions for the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge, a regional competition in which students in schools work in teams and use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math know as (STEM) to solve a problem in their school or community. Of the entries, we showed you Bishop Martin High School’s submission on Mayan Power for Modern Times, aimed to increase awareness and usability of Chaya in the diets of Belizeans by creating a database, blog and instructional videos. We are happy to announce that Bishop Martin High School, who represented Belize as National winners, captured third place from among the eight teams that competed for the title of regional champions. The Belize team also won the People’s Choice Award, where participants voted online for who they thought had the best Sagicor Visionaries Challenge 2014 project.

Board of Directors Terminates Yolanda Gomez Services
July 29th would mark exactly three months since Yolanda Gomez, was placed on Administrative Leave by the Board of Directors of the institution. Since her suspension as General Manager of LICU Gomez has not spoken to the media and there is little that the Board of Directors has said about the situation. Gomez’s suspension and reports of an investigation being carried out by Central Bank prompted a number of questions from the institution’s members/owners. But those questions were never answered to their full extent. And tonight it’s no different. But what we can tell you is that Gomez is no longer the General Manager of the institution she captained for 24 years. In a lengthy release issued by the Board of Directors, members/owners are informed of Gomez’s termination. Here is what the release says. At the end of the release the board states and we quote “The board also wishes to reassure our members-owners that daily operations continue, including the processing and approval of loans.

Traffic Accidents Takes Life Of One Villager For San Victor Village
Over the weekend, the treacherous road networks of Northern Belize claimed another life. According to authorities, late Friday night around 11:00, Corozal Police responded to a traffic accident in San Roman Village, Corozal District, where they saw a maroon single Cab Ford Ranger Pickup on the side of the road extensively damaged and its 4 wheels in the air. So far, investigation revealed that shortly after 10:30p.m, 19 year old Juan Gutierrez of San Victor Village, Corozal District lost control of the vehicle about 1/4 mile away from the junction of the unnamed road to the Phillip Goldson Highway causing the vehicle to overturned and him being flung out. Along with him was a 16 year old male of San Victor Village, Corozal District, who sustained an abrasion to the left arm and complained of pain. Both persons were transported to Corozal Community Hospital where Juan Gutierrez was pronounced dead on arrival. The 16 year old was treated and released. Police say they are unsure whether alcohol was involved but their investigations continue.

Belize Downgraded To Tier 3
According to the latest annual report from the U.S. State Department, Belize is among the worse countries that are failing when it comes to stamping out Trafficking in persons. The Department puts countries that do the most to fight human trafficking in Tier 1, and the least in Tier 3. Tier 2 includes a Watch List for countries in danger of dropping to Tier 3.This year, 18 countries were upgraded and another 18 were downgraded. Those downgraded from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 3 included Belarus, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, the Marshall Islands and South Sudan.Penalties for countries demoted to Tier 3 are at the discretion of the U.S. President, but could include restrictions on non-humanitarian assistance and funding.

Mia Quetzal - On a Mission
In May of this year, the face of the LGBT Community, Caleb Orosco was featured in the New York Time’s under an article titled “The lonely fight against Belize’s antigay laws” which garnered much local and international exposure. Two months later, a local transgender woman from Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District, Mia Quetzal, is being featured in a Florida based Media Corporation called Naples Daily News. Similar as Orosco’s plight for human rights in Belize, where homosexuality is criminalized, Quetzal reveals that facial hair has been one of her biggest insecurities living as a transgender woman. The article reads and we quote, “In the U.S. transgender people have started appearing on magazine covers and in popular television shows, but in Belize — where homosexuality is criminalized — being transgender can be dangerous, even deadly. With help from Belizean advocate Caleb Orozco, who was recently featured in New York Times Magazine for his work, Quetzal wants to build a safer Belize for transgender people”, end quote.

LOVE FM

OAS Peace Fund Promotes Arts Among Belizean and Guatemalan Children
And while relations seem to be going well between the officials and diplomats from Belize and Guatemala, the relationship between the children from both countries is also being worked at through the OAS Peace Fund, through the arts. Magdalena Talamas, the Chief of the OAS Peace Fund spoke of the projects undertaken through the Peace […]

Foreign Minister Says Guatemala Recognizes Belize as Independent Country
Guatemalan’s Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, also made his address where he made it clear that his country had recognized Belize as an independent nation. Morales also spoke of the confidence building measures and how they have revolved between the two countries. CARLOS RAUL MORALES “I would like to say that Guatemala recognizes Belize as […]

OAS Press Conference: Elrington Says A Peaceful Process is the Way to Go
The foreign ministers for both Belize and Guatemala sat at the head table today at a press conference held in the VIP Room at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The presentations made by both officials were aimed at assuring the Belizean people that there is a working relationship between both countries as […]

PUP Women’s Group Emerges with National Concerns
The women of the People’s United Party called a press conference this morning to speak out on several national issues. The head table included, Opposition Senator Lisa Shoman and Magali Marin Young as legal advisor. The four women standard bearers for the PUP were present. Those included Dr. Lesbia Guerra who is running in Cayo […]

After 25 Years of Service, LICU Releases General Manager
Following word that the board of directors of the La Inmaculada Credit Union met and decided to terminate the service of General Manager Yolanda Gomez, today a statement was issued by the institution confirming what we reported over the weekend. Information to LOVE NEWS is that last week Friday in a “meeting of the Board […]

“Group of Friends” Convenes in Belize
In a press conference held this morning, the media was informed that this week is being recognized as Belize/Guatemala Week in which several activities have been planned, aimed at harnessing relations between both countries. Magdalena Talamas, Head of the Peace Fund of the Organization of American States, spoke of the activities and their purpose. MAGDALENA […]

Eastern Division South Takes On A Different Anti-Crime Strategy
Under the leadership of Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, a special event took place in the Mayflower area yesterday. Douglas Hyde of the Police’s Public Relations Department explained. DOUGLAS HYDE “Yesterday the Police Department, specifically Eastern Division South collaborated with the Mayflower community which was a really awesome experience. We had a family sports day. We […]

Police Back on Enforcing Quality of Life Laws
The Police Department has issued an advisory that they will continue to crack down on quality of life offences. Douglas Hyde is the department’s Public Relations Officer. DOUGLAS HYDE “The Officer

PlusTV

Chiquibul Outpost opens
Today 10 months after the senseless killing of Special Constable Danny Conorquie, presumably at the hands of Guatemalan’s, the Ministry of National Security is beefing up security at the Caracol Archaeological site by opening a Conservation post (CP) right near the site which will be inhabited...

Sanctions For Myles For Bulldozing Uxbenca
At a handing over ceremony today, Dr. John Morris, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, said the institute was in constant dialogue and negotiations with the village of Santa Cruz since a large percentage of the village actually sits on the 5 square kilometres of the proposed archaeological res...

Sarstoon Forward Operating Base
There has recently been a lot of controversy surrounding the long overdue Forward Operating Base (FOB) at the Sarstoon Island which was proposed since the PUP days. In May earlier this year the Belize Coast Guard travelled to the Sarstoon Island, Belize’s Southern most territorial point, to pe...

Changes to the Police Formations and Police Strategy
The Ministry of National Security recently held a meeting with senior members of the police department including the Minister, the acting Commissioner of Police and the three Commanders of the Eastern Division which was recently divided into the Eastern North, the Eastern Rural and the Eastern South...

PUP members meet to draft petition for restructure?
Reports are that a number of prominent PUP representatives met at Cahal Pech in San Ignacio today purportedly to review the state of the party. Within the last months , the PUP has lost two bi-elections and the majority of municipalities in municipal elections. The campaign manager , Godfrey Smith, ...

Road Safety Project launches two week training course
The Road Safety Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a two week training today in Belmopan. The training is titled “Basic Life Support training and Medical First Response Programme.” Official Opening ceremonies were held at the Ministry of Works Conference Room in Belmopan ...

21 year old charged for brutal murder of elderly man
Belmopan police have made an arrest in one of its murder cases. On July 16th, the body of 61-year-old Osmar Ramos, Naturalized Belizean of Paraiso area, was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition in a shallow grave several miles outside the Mennonite community of Springfield on the Humming...

Breaking Belize News

Belize Foreign Affairs Minister confirms FOB will go ahead
And in the spirit of the new partnership and national unity, Guatemala appears to have forgiven Belize for scaring them with the planned forward operating base at Sarstoon Island in the Toledo District. As it turns out, the Guatemalans thought Belize may have been violating the confidence building […]

Belize-Guatemala week promotes peace process
Today the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala were together at the Radisson Hotel under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS). It is the start of a “Belize-Guatemala” week, a planned operation of the OAS to bring greater understanding of the countries’ territorial […]

PUP women speak out on national issues
This morning there was a strange press conference called by the People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize City. As the political opposition and a potential Government, the PUP can always command press attention. But today’s head table featured only women, albeit women leaders of the PUP: 4 standard […]

Protesters heckle diplomats at Radisson Hotel
Members of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and others opposed to the ICJ process gathered outside of the Radisson Hotel starting just before today’s press briefing hosted by the OAS. While police held them at bay they loudly proclaimed their message to both countries’ diplomats and those of […]

La Inmaculada Credit Union issues report on investigation of ex-GM
Members of La Inmaculada Credit Union (LICU) of Orange Walk Town have been protesting the lack of response by the Board of Directors of LICU regarding general manager Yolanda Gomez. Today, via Facebook, the organization responded. It said Gomez, who has served as general manager for 24 years, was sent […]

Day 6 and 13 year old Jacqueline Carmen Calderon is still missing
It has been six days since 13 year old teenager Jacqueline Carmen Calderon went missing in Belize City. Calderon was reported missing on July 21 by her cousin, Denilson Alexander Bolanos, who told police that Jacqueline left her home around 5:30 pm to purchase credit for his phone at a nearby […]

Orange Walk BTIA and local library teach kids about environment
The Orange Walk Chapter of the BTIA has joined hands with the Sandy Hunter Library to offer 3 days of summer fun focusing on the environment. Today, twenty five children showed up at the Library where they were engaged in making art using recyclable materials found in […]

Teen driver killed in pileup
A traffic accident in San Roman Village, Corozal District over the weekend is responsible for the death of a teenager and the injuries sustained by another. 19 year old San Victor Village resident, Juan Gutierrez, was flung from the Ford Ranger Pickup he was driving, when he lost control and […]

Restaurant burglarized in Belmopan
An assortment of items valued at more than $6,000 was stolen from Corkers Restaurant on Hibiscus Plaza, Belmopan. The owner, 29 year old Samantha Hembling, reported that sometime after closing on July 23rd and returning at 8:00 a.m on July 24th, her restaurant was burglarized and electronics and jewelry valued […]

Bacab Eco-Park caretaker shot to death at home
47 year old Prudencio Gonzalez, caretaker of Bacab Eco-Park on the Philip Goldson Highway, was apparently shot to death at home in Burrell Boom on Sunday night. Police say a security guard found the dead man in an isolated area of the park three hours after hearing a gunshot fired. Gonzalez […]

PUP women speak up on national issues
At a briefing this morning, women leaders of the People’s United Party (PUP) showed their support for the embattled party leader Francis Fonseca, while also stepping up as equal partners to speak up on various national issues. The party’s standard bearers, House Representative Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Senator Lisa Shoman and Secretary […]

Great weather continues for last week of July
Mainly fair and warm weather conditions are expected to prevail over the country for the next couple of days. The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with little or no rainfall today and partly cloudy skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms tonight. Winds will be blowing […]

Why the Ministry of Education hasn’t published the 2015 PSE Results
I will define non-privileged children as children do not receive sufficient help in learning school work from their family. Children living below the poverty line, children living in a dysfunctional family, children living with non-educated parents and children living with parents who do not speak or understand English […]

Police bust Cayo men for cannabis
San Ignacio police Special Patrol Unit will prosecute two men from Cayo District on drug charges. Police searching a cement house in Santa Familia, Cayo, on July 24 found 37 year old Ronald Valladarez with 286 grams of suspected cannabis hidden in a black parcel in his pants pocket and […]

Murder near Bacab Park in Belize District
There was an apparent murder Sunday night. Ladyville police responded to a call in the area of the Bacab Eco-Park on the Philip Goldson Highway just before midnight. They found one 42 year old Prudencio Gonzalez lying face up in a pool of blood. Police have scheduled a briefing for […]

News anchor injured in traffic accident
News anchor for Love TV, Tarun Butcher, received the fright of her life on Sunday night after she was involved in a traffic mishap. According to information gathered, Butcher was driving her vehicle over a speed bump near Chen’s Supermarket in Santa Elena Town when another vehicle ran into her. […]

Caribbean Tourism Organization reports tourism slowdown in Belize
Lesser numbers of arrivals from North America has led to a slowdown in the tourism industry after years of robust growth, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) reports in the Caribbean Journal. The 129,316 tourist arrivals reported from January to April of 2015 is down 1.2% from the same period in […]

Blogs

Chaa Creek’s Eco-Kids Summer Camp for 24 Very Special Kids and a VERY LUCKY Me
The Lodge at Chaa Creek may be the most beautiful resort in Belize. There are contenders for sure…but the attention to details, the staff, the grounds, the art, the rooms…as they say it’s “Wildly Civilized”. I say it is perfection in the jungle. The annual Eco-Kids camp that gives 24 young Belizeans from all parts of the country to attend (FREE!) this one week camp with amazing scheduling, gear, supervision, housing, food, activities and from what I saw CRAZY FUN. These 24 kids (age 8 to 13) were having the time of their lives. The 24 are divided into four teams. Toucans, Tapirs, Howler Monkeys and Jaguars. There are 10 counselors and jr counselors with the kids. TEN!

Palenque And Pakal The Great
In 612 began the rule of Muwaan Mat – the same name as an ancestral deity of the site. Muwaan Mat’s identity remains enigmatic, but may have been the mother of, and regent for, Palenque’s most famous king, K’inich Janaab’ Pakal l (“Pacal” or “Great Sun Shield”), who assumed power in 615 at age 12 and ruled until 683. Pakal is one of the best known Mesoamerican kings, famed for his mortuary monument. Yet his reign was not easy. His kingship to Palenque’s established dynasty was, at best, tenuous, and his reign was mired in foreign conflict. Yet Palenque’s “greatest artwork and longest texts emerged as reactions to the defeat and breakdown of its royal line, as new dynasts strove to legitimise and consolidate their power” (Martin and Grube 2000: 155). For example, the palace was built on an Early Classic foundation, a platform measuring roughly 58 by 79 meters (190 by 259 feet). Pakal’s rooms and courtyards created an administrative residence that dominated the central part of the site. The palace had facilities for ceremonies and receptions, plus amenities like sweat baths and latrines. The design also included architectural innovations to increase the span encountered by the corbeled vault, and also to reduce the weight displaced to the walls, by the use of mansard-style roofs.

Volleyball and CPR at The Belize Zoo
Who knew there could be so more fun than just getting to see (and touch) the animals at the zoo? The Tropical Education Center (TEC) and the Belize Zoo are one company which allows for overnight stays, with amazing possibilities. See some great pics of the animals and accommodations on Trip to Belize Zoo, Old Belize and Cucumber Beach and Belize Zoo night tour. The setup is wonderful. You can bring along your tents and sleep under the stars or utilize their dorms and/or pond houses with a lovely view of the pond where there are many turtles basking in the sun and the croc lurking somewhere about- they say, but we didn’t see him. There is a library on site with a vast collection of information for research purposes. There are trails to follow which may lead to the discovery of a wide range of wildlife that roam free in the vast forested area that’s been kept naturally undisturbed for the most part, the birds carrying on their grumbles and the tarantula peeking out of his hole for his next meal. A conference room that includes a display of bones of the mammals, reptiles, and amphibians found within the area is ready to be used for indoor activities. A kitchen and dining hall, located beneath the library and conference room, is opened daily for three meals per day, with incredibly talented and tolerant cooks.

International Sources

Missions in a Belizean Paradise
An 11 member team from Broadway United Methodist Church, led by Rebecca O’Brien, returned to Belize for the third time with Thirst Missions. From June 6-14, the team served in Belmopan, at the “Kings Children Home,” which is an orphanage in the Cayo District of western Belize. Many of the people speak Spanish even though English is taught in schools, and many of the people who reside in Belmopan have come from the neighboring areas of Guatemala, El Salvador and other Central American countries. Belmopan has a population of 20,000 hardworking, loving and caring people. Most of the people there are retired, and for the young people, their income comes from working in local stores and government offices. It’s a growing city with many physical and spiritual needs.

Last-Day Permit in Belize
My final day at El Pescador started with some dramatic winds and an overcast sky. Donning our rain gear, my guide, Hilberto, headed up north to Chico National Park. After entering the park, I landed a bonefish on my second cast, so we quickly changed over to hunting permit on the flats. The slow stalking was rewarded when we spotted a school a few hundred feet out. With some expert poling by Hilberto, we were soon in range. Here, the casting instructions earlier in the week with Truel Myers (Orvis’ head fly-fishing instructor) and subsequent days of practice paid off big-time, as I dropped a 75-foot cast on target. I was casting the same Ghost Shrimp pattern I’d used to catch the bonefish, and after three strips, the permit was on. It was a great fight, with the permit making three runs that took me into the backing. Those plus some impressive short runs and the permit slowly wore itself down. Hilberto went into the water and safely secured it. Absolutely addicting!

Videos

July 27, 2015

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, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Sunday Scenery
Lagoon side views…What does your Sunday look like?

Letter to the Island: Island condition damaging tourism
Dear Editor, The island is depending on tourism by 95% or even more. Each business, all employees and nearly all residents are depending with their livelihood on a well functioning and well planned tourism industry. This year, the very first time the island is facing a downwards trend in tourism arrivals, tourism numbers and sales. Hotels are hard hit as well as private accommodations rentals. Many restaurants and tour operators also feel this impact. There are many reasons which can be applied: the seaweed invasion, the crime rate, international economy, international airfares, BTB’s tourism marketing and advertising, loss of charm on the island due to unpleasant and unsafe traffic in town, on roads and in the ocean and more. One item seems to be forgotten as a significant factor for tourism wellbeing: The mix-ins of commercial interests within residential areas and its negative impact for tourism. All tourists visit to get away not only from cold weather but from noisy cities, crowded traffic and to recharge on a relaxing island in quiet and peace. As a matter of fact, our tourism officials never seem to calculate the damage which was and is currently done to businesses in San Pedro town due to the unpleasant and unsafe traffic situation. E.g. Tourists do not like sitting at a restaurant in town where noisy and stinking cars drive by. Neither do they like the unsafe shopping and walking situation in town.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Stew Beans
Sherry and I had a discussion about beans recently. Sherry said, “I don’t cook beans for you because they give you gas. The last time I fixed beans we spent more on Febreze than we did on food.” “You’re exaggerating,” I told her. “No, I’m not. We didn’t even clean the old air conditioning filters. I threw them away and bought new ones. I’ll compromise, though. I’ll make beans for you on special occasions and holidays.” Yesterday as I drove past El Fogón Restaurant I smelled stew beans and could not resist stopping in. “It’s my birthday and I deserve this,” I said to myself as I ate three bowls of those delicious beans. At home Sherry said, “I have a birthday surprise for you.” She sat me down at the table and said, “You’re going to love this.”

Police Report
* On Friday, July 17th at around 7PM, while San Pedro Police was conducting patrols in the Bayside Area, San Pedro Town they stopped and searched 38-year-old Germaine Caliz, which led to the discovery of 1.2 grams of suspected Cannabis and 0.3 grams of suspected Crack Cocaine. Subject was formally arrested and charged for two counts of Possession of Controlled Drugs. *On Sunday, July 19th at around 9:30AM, three American students reported that between the hours of 1AM and 4:30AM, while staying at the Banana Beach Hotel apartment # 26 B, some items were stolen from out of their room. Items stolen were: one wallet containing a ID, along with $400USD, one white and gold Apple Brand Iphone 6 valued at $600USD, and a dark brown leather wallet containing an unknown amount of cash, one USA Debit card, one military ID card, one North Carolina Drivers License, one social security card and one black in color Samsung Galaxy S5 Active valued at $800USD. *On Monday, July 20th at 12:08PM David Flores reported that on Saturday, July 18th at about 7PM while heading home on his bicycle he lost his wallet, which contained an assortment of IDs, somewhere on Angel Coral Street.

Doctor Love: Cheating
ear Doctor Love, I met a woman who moved to Ambergris Caye about a year ago. We live in the same condo and soon we became good friends. I barely know her husband since he works at home for a few weeks and then flies back to the U.S. and works for a few weeks. Yesterday we met for a few drinks and she introduced me to a guy who she says is a friend of hers. It quickly became obvious that they were more than friends. Furthermore, it is a local guy that I already know and he is married, too. He seemed to be a little bit embarrassed when she introduced us but not embarrassed enough to leave. Afterwards, I discussed it with her and asked how her husband would feel if he found out. She said that he probably does the same thing when he’s away from home. How do I handle this situation?

Misc Belizean Sources

Divided they stood, together they fell; if transformed they can rise
By Jerry A. Enriquez. The public airing of a recorded one-hour private conversation that was held in confidence between Orange Walk East representative and former PUP party leader, John Briceño and his close colleagues, in which he detailed numerous corrupt practices of his party while in government, was a damning revelation of a political party steeped in moral and leadership crisis. Coming from a senior longstanding member of the PUP executive, this revelation was a bitter confirmation and a reopening of wounds to what the Belizean public had known: - that there was gross mismanagement of the Belize’s economy, deep and persistent levels of corruption and the reckless spending of hundreds of millions of dollars from the public purse by the last PUP administration. While few benefited from such regime, the national economy became heavily indebted while the masses suffered increased levels of poverty. The social and financial cost of the national debt from corruption will continue to saddle the masses of Belizeans including the children for decades.

LOTTERY DRAWING for Sunday, July 26, 2015: First: 6727 Second: 8319 Third: 3431 Missing: 0, 5

Fire on Caye Caulker
At around 1:30pm today, my mom called for d assistance of d fire station bcaz d school principal n her husband were lighting a huge fire in d yard next to theirs, which is rite beside where my mom lives, beside Bowen. D fire was huge and ashes were flying all inside my mom's house. My dad had gone over to Ms Bea's house n asked them to pls put out d fire caz they cant breathe in d thick smoke. However, instead of putting out d fire, Ms. Bea began throwing more and more garbage on top of it which made it blaze even higher. My mom had called d fire station twice n absolutely no one came to check on d situation. So she called d police station and all d police did was pass in their cart n drive away. This is so very wrong of them to do in so many ways. D main reason being that it's a residential area n they can cause for someone's home to burn down.

Power outage in Belize District
BEL crews have been dispatched to identify and rectify cause of unscheduled power interruption affecting portion of Belize District since 4:50am, Monday, July 27: Freetown Sibun, Gracie Rock, entire Boom Hattieville Rd including Fresh Pond and Castleton and Double Head Cabbage, Willows Bank, St Paul’s Bank, Big Falls, Flowers Bank, Lemonal and Rancho Dolores.

A TEAM THAT BELIZEAN ATHLETIC PRIDE BUILT!
A 1974 Belizean softball team that defeated teams from the Caribbean, Central America and the United States all in one tournament to win gold. These Belizean athletes of steel could not be easily matched by some of the best around the world. World class Belizean female athletes who were developed from high performance adrenaline, unparalleled discipline, and a simple life. This is team Belize!

BELIZE, WHERE RUDY MIGUEL WAS CYCLING KING!
When the Belizean winds cried, "Rudy, Rudy" all the way back from Cayo in the sweltering 90 degrees heat, along rugged roads, over a steep incline called Mount Hope, with no other rider in sight!

IN BLACK & WHITE: BELIZE 1979 SOFTBALL BEST!
A classic black and white photo of the1979 Belizean softball bronze medal team of the Pan American Games on their heroic return from Puerto Rico after their victory over the United States. This was unprecedented in Belizean sports history where a Belizean softball team won the gold medal in the Juvenille softball tournament in Mexico, then went on to win the bronx medal in the 1979 Pan American Games upsetting the greatest softball team on earth at that time the U.S. Orlando Rebels. What a feat. When Belize produced champions!

GEORGE GABB: RAISING THE BAR IN BELIZEAN ART!
In reflection of my visit to Belize's National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) in 2010 to see the George Gabb Art Exhibit. Posing here beside one of the most expressive pieces of George Gabb's work on display.

The Reporter

CDB approves US$400 thousand for University of Belize assessment
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a US $400,000 grant to the government of Belize to facilitate a comprehensive institutional assessment of the University of Belize (UB), which will inform on how to enhance its operations, and become the place of choice for tertiary level education in the country. GOB will also provide counterpart funding of US $88,000 for the institutional assessment. The review will address the adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the corporate systems and operational procedures, and assist the institution to increase enrollment. CDB’s Education Operations Officer Idamay Denny, said the review of the UB is important because opportunities have to be provided for students who are achieving better outcomes to continue their education. “The government of Belize recognizes that there is need to enhance the capacity of the UB to take in the additional output that will arrive out of the enhancement of education at the basic education level. Hence the focus on improving the potential for the university to perform this role”, Denny said.

Jaguars to face Canada in next qualifying round
The Belize Jaguars are set to face Canada’s national team in the third round of the CONCACAF qualifiers. The selection was made during a World Cup drawing ceremony in Russia on Saturday. The first leg will be played on September 4th at the BMO Field in Toronto Canada, with the second leg set for September 8th at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Stadium in Belmopan City. Canada is currently 103rd in the FIFA world rankings. Belize is 118th. “We can say Belize is a team that has made positive and continuous progress. That’s good for us because it won’t be easy to pass this eliminatory round. We need to focus on these first two games with a lot of intensity”, Canada coach Benito Floro said. The Jaguars are fresh off of a recent dismantling of the Dominican Republic in round 2 of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, who they beat 5-1 over two legs.

Ships warned after Kick ‘em Jenny volcano threatens to erupt off Grenada
Kick ‘em Jenny, an active underwater volcano five miles north of Greneda in the Caribbean Sea, has started to give off warning signs of probable eruption, an event that scientists say could sink ships in its vicinity. Officials have raised its threat level to orange – the second highest warning notice which means possible eruption in less than 24 hours. The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies says Kick ‘em Jenny started stirring on July 11, and has produced more than 200 small earthquakes since then. Kick ‘em Jenny poses a hazard to ships and Grenadians, even though it is about 600 feet below the ocean’s surface.

Breaking Belize News

News anchor for Love TV involved in traffic accident in San Ignacio
Information reaching our newsroom is that news anchor for Love TV, Tarun Butcher, has been rushed to the La Loma Luz Hospital after being involved in a traffic mishap. Our reporter, Flora Pereira is currently following up the details and will be updating our readers as more information becomes available. […]

Underwater volcano Kick ‘em Jenny poses imminent threat to Eastern Caribbean
The threat level from the underwater volcano Kick ‘em Jenny, located north of Grenada, has been raised to orange, which is the second highest warning notice, meaning the volcano can erupt in less than 24 hours. Kick ‘em Jenny began showing signs of activity on July 11 and has been […]

Caribbean Development Bank gives grant for UB improvements
The Government has won a $400,000 grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to undertake a comprehensive institutional assessment of the University of Belize (UB), with an eye to making it the place of choice for tertiary level education here. The review will address the adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability […]

What Belize can learn from Ambergris Caye
Years back, when I said the word Ambergris Caye, it felt weird. Actually, any mainland Belizean would poke fun at me for saying the word. “It’s Saan Pedroh, Lorenzo! Not AM-BUR-GRISS KEY! Don’t act like you’re white.” Remembering it is amusing; things have changed a lot. As you […]

More Belize banks lose corresponding relations?
Reports suggest that two local banks had corresponding banking relations recently severed, despite promises that it would not happen again, and that Belize’s offshore financial sector remains under threat. Neither Governor of the Central Bank Glenford Ysaguirre nor Financial Secretary Joseph Waight could confirm reports to the Reporter Press that […]

Bicyclist knocked down and killed on highway
Miguel Angel Cruz was pronounced dead at the KHMH around 11:09 p.m Friday night, July 24, just a few hours after a vehicle collided into him, while he was riding a bicycle on the George Price Highway. Cruz was riding his bike on the highway shortly before 8:00 p.m. when, […]

Blogs

Ways to Achieve Sustainable Communities for Belize
Community livability refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived by residents, employees, customers and visitors. It is the sum of factors that add up to a community’s quality of life – including the built and natural environments. Generally, traditional community development focuses upon strategies to create local economic opportunities that improve quality of life. By using strategies that might have worked someplace else, or employing local resources, community development practitioners capitalize on local opportunities to stimulate economic improvement and employment. The traditional belief is that economic growth alone can “finance” livability. But typically a continuous supply of local resources is insufficient to support that economic growth. Community consultations through the years have assisted stakeholders in defining their vision and needed actions for a livable community that constructively sustains prosperity, expands economic opportunity, and improves quality of life for all people. Community-identified actions to implement livable status have typically included: -revitalizing existing community places; -expanding economic growth; -improving the environment, public health, and quality of life; -providing more transportation alternatives; -protecting farmland and open space; -enhancing economic viability of farming; -improving roads and wastewater services; -improving schools and making them the center of communities; and -growing existing regional assets.

We’ve Been “Ruined”!
Having experienced our new “favorite” zoo, we jumped in the car, cranked the a/c to cool off our sweat soaked bodies and headed to San Ignacio in Cayo. We were anxious to visit Mountain Pine Ridge and the two local Mayan Ruins in the area – Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. The drive to San Ignacio from The Belize Zoo is very easy and the road isn’t half bad. Pleasant surprise! Since we haven’t driven anything but a golf cart for 6 months, we decided to take our time and not worry about the 20 some cars that flew by us at 85mph. Including the Minister of Health! I thought for sure his truck was going to take out the side mirror of our rental car. That’s how close he was! Anywho. Our original plan was to stay in this cute little lodge in between Belmopan and San Ignacio for one night just to check it out. We had reserved their largest room (the one with the indoor plumbing and a/c). However, when we got there, we were ushered up some tiny, stone stairs to a cute cabana on the hillside with no bathroom or a/c. If we needed to use the restroom, we would need to maneuver down several different variations of these tiny stone stairs to the bottom of the hill – in the pouring rain – at night. Now, you must be told that I have taken several “spills” in Belize. Even broke my foot here once. Of course, all spills were alcohol induced. I cringed at the thought. “Me + Tiny Stone Stairs = a harrowing plummet to an almost certain death”.

“The Good Life” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Hi Ziggy here. I’ve managed to take control of John’s iPad while he’s taking a shower. I’m out on the veranda, the western, lagoon facing one, if you’re interested. I’ve been out here since around 04.45 hours when John got up. He had his coffee – instant (he’s so lazy), black and unsweetened – and I had my cool, clear water and an early morning snack of chicken and vegetable flavoured biscuits. It’s been awhile since I last wrote anything but today I just knew that I had to. Why? Well, it’s an important day. It’s one year ago exactly that Rose (she’s really, really and I mean REALLY, nice) and John adopted me. I hadn’t been with them for too long when I overheard one of my ex BATSUB buddies say to Rose and John “That mutt has won the lottery twice”. At the time I didn’t understand what he was on about but it didn’t too long for me to know exactly what he meant.

San Pedro Belize Nightlife: Something to Do Every Night
So you are visiting San Pedro Belize with your family. You are scheduled to do a wide range of mainland tours — the Maya ruins, caves and waterfalls. You have also included some scuba diving and snorkeling. But you are thinking: what can you do on the island that will be more fun and exciting that you cannot do back home? Perhaps go to the best bars in San Pedro Belize? Following is the San Pedro Belize nightlife guide. In San Pedro, you will find something to do every night, things that you can do as individuals or as a group. San Pedro Nightlife: Weekend Nights: During weekends on the island, go to the night clubs. Swing by Pedro’s for Friday Night Jam to listen to all-time favorites. You get to sit along or even get loaned the microphone. San Pedro has 3 night clubs: Club Latino, Daddy Rock and Jaguar’s Night Club. The club scene happens around 11 in the evening and goes up at around 4 or 5 in the morning. Club Latino has DJ music with reasonably priced drinks and no cover charge. Daddy Rock and Jaguar’s charge which depends on whether they are having a special event. Inside, the ambience is friendly, servicers are accommodating and drinks are bountiful. Both clubs give space to either lounge around and a place to dance. If you are not up for the club scene, Wet Willy’s has karaoke and burgers, and Fido’s has live rock music on Fridays.

Escape into Paradise with a Cayo Espanto Wedding
Imagine escaping with your special someone into an island where the isolation of tranquility and romance is all you find. There, you will lie on the sand under the evening sky with the stars the only light illuminating the calm waters of the ocean. It will look like time is standing still, making you feel like you really are on a vacation. This is Caye Espanto in Belize. This heavenly resort will only ask one thing from you: free your mind and let Cayo Espanto do the rest. Experience an exotic island and resort that gives the luxury of feeling that you have actually been to paradise. Cayo Espanto is intimate and unique with its turquoise beach surrounding a 4-acre island with beautiful palm trees and soft sand. If pampered relaxation, service and privacy is what you are after, Caye Espanto would be the perfect fit. The lxurious Cayo Espanto also offers world class snorkleing, scuba diving, attentive staff, catered meals, massages and many more. Dubbed as the ‘Best Private Island in the World,’ Caye Espanto offers the notion of a no-distraction and simple vacation. Immerse yourself in teh beauty of the stunning Caribbean Sea. Casa de Espantos features amenities like personal houseman, complimentary laundry service, housekeeping, premium cotton bedding, fitness equipment, a private sundeck or verandah, and so much more. Enjoy your stay in this astounding private island in ultimate privacy with 5-star world class amenities and service. Below are some Cayo Espanto Belize Overwater Bungalow Resorts accommodation options where you and your loved one can enjoy staying in.

A Vacation Guide on the Best Water Sports in Belize
Water sports in belize offers a great way to enjoy the country’s waters and add adventure and excitement to your vacation. Belize’s coastline is mainly known for its fishing and diving, but it’s also a great backdrop for various watersports. The calm waters and steady winds provided by the barrier reef make for smooth sails off the coast. For those who are looking to doing more than just enjoy the scenery, add adventure on the water with this best things to do in Belize activity. But take note that even when all the islands and coastal beaches offer some kind of sea Belize sports, the availability of equipment can vary.Read on for a short description if the water sports things to do in these different places to help you pick where to go. 1. Ambergris Caye: – Offering the best diveristy of water sports equipment, Ambergris Caye has windsurfing boards, kite boards, wakeboards, kneeboard, jetskis, sailboats, parasails and torpedo rides. The barrier reef is les than a mile offshore with different water conditions from large waves to calm waters. There’s something for every skill level, from advanced to beginner. Several instruction courses are available, and many beachfront resorts carry different watersports equipment as well.

Please Belize: Caye Caulker Calls
Hopkins was a salty playground. San Ignacio was a lush retreat. We certainly could have done Belize justice had our trip ended as we pulled away from the Ka’ana Resort. But we had one more region of this tiny Central American paradise to cover — the Cayes. As teachers, my cousin and sister had over a week off for spring beak, and so we decided to tack one last destination onto our trip. We hemmed and hawed and eventually settled on Caye Caulker, a teeny tiny isle off the coast of Belize City known for being a backpacker’s paradise. We also briefly considered Ambergris Caye, Caulker’s larger, more developed, and more upscale older sister, but decided barefoot was more our speed. With mama headed back stateside, this portion of the trip was just us kids. You know, assuming you consider three independent women in their twenties and thirties to be considered kids! Which we totally do. Hence our cackles of glee as we poked each other without fear of tattle-tailing. No more chaperones! Teachers gone untamed! Come on vacation, leave on probation! (Just kidding mom. We cried every day after you left.)

The Release of Auggy, the translocation howler monkey - Ilke provides her perspective, as Auggy's career
As some of you may know, I recently spent 7 weeks volunteering at a primate and manatee rehabilitation centre in Belize: Wildtracks. I want to share with you an unforgettable and incredibly amazing experience I was lucky enough to be part of, one which helped me reflect on the importance of conservation work - the importance of conserving many unique species on earth which are endangered due to human impacts whether it be through habitat destruction (the major cause of species extinction) or illegal hunting, introduction of non-native species or many other reasons. Not only that but the conservation of our planet, to take care of our environment so as to give not only our species a better future, but every species on earth as well. My story to share is that of the August Pine Ridge Howler Monkey. He is thought to have been chased out of the forest by his troop and was found malnourished and starving in a small village with nowhere to go, since the rest of the area had been deforested. He was brought into Wildtracks to be rehabilitated and then released back into the wild in a protected forest, Fireburn, that would support him. I was very fortunate to be assigned as his carer.

International Sources

Tourism Growth Slows in Belize
After several years of very strong growth, Belize is seeing a slowdown in tourism, according to new data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The Caribbean destination in Central America received 129,316 tourist arrivals in the first four months of 2015, down 1.2 percent compared to the same period in 2014. The reduction came in part due to a slight reduction in arrivals from the US (1.3 percent) and an 11.7 percent reduction in arrivals from Canada. The slowdown comes after Belize posted 9.2 percent year-over-year growth in arrivals in 2014 and 6.1 percent percent growth in 2013, according to CTO data.

Officials meet to review economic outlook for Central America, Panama, and Dominican Republic
Central bank governors, finance ministers, and banking superintendents of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, and senior IMF officials met in El Salvador on July 23-24 to review the economic outlook for the region and strategies to strengthen policy frameworks and raise inclusive growth. The regional conference saw the participation of the president of El Salvador, Salvador Sánchez-Cerén; governor of the Bank of México, Agustín Carstens; director of the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis, Laura van Geest; and former finance minister of Perú, Luis Carranza. At the conclusion of the conference, the following statement was released: “The ongoing economic recovery in the United States and persistence of relatively low oil prices will provide favorable tailwinds to the region. Because of supply constraints, the region is expected to maintain a moderate pace of growth in coming years, which will be insufficient to deliver desired social progress. Low oil prices will offer considerable relief to the external sector in most countries and will help keep inflation low. In light of this economic outlook, participants agreed that the region needs to take advantage of the improved external conditions to lift potential growth, ease inequality gaps, and strengthen the resilience to adverse shocks. These goals will require the adoption of far-reaching structural reforms and stronger policy frameworks.

‘Beautiful Sea’ indeed
Their motto, “Beauty by Belize, Luxury by Design,” is an apt way to describe the Chabil Mar Resort, an awe-inspiring, boutique, luxury villa property in the beautiful country of Belize. And it doesn’t take long to understand why it has been featured in numerous A-list travel publications and television shows, and was awarded the TripAdvisor 2015 Travelers’ Choice award. Nestled at the far southern end of the Placencia Peninsula, Chabil Mar (Mayan for “Beautiful Sea”) encompasses 22 absolutely gorgeous villas built with such great attention to detail throughout that it makes them feel nothing short of being in someone’s home. The kitchens are highlighted by beautiful granite countertops with barstool seating, multicolored tile backsplashes, Belizean hardwood cabinetry with arched glass insets, stainless steel appliances (frig, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher), a blender, mixer and coffee maker, and they are fully stocked with premium dish sets, glassware, silverware, serving plates and utensils, plastic containers, a cheese grater—everything one would have purchased for one’s own home, including a stackable washer and dryer in the hall closet.

Videos

July 26, 2015

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, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Vacation Like a Boss!
It’s one thing to vacation but to do it like a boss- uh; where can I sign up? I’m talking full on immersion in culture, food, travel and fun, BELIZE! I can never grow tired of singing just how amazingly awesome this land is, from North to South, Belize is teeming with what I like to call “Natural Beauty,” meaning no over development, zero skyscrapers, congested freeways- not here, heck- I’m talking unpaved dirt road trails and lush greenery.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detected in Southern Belize
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) hereby informs the public, especially in Southern Belize, that the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (or Medfly) has been detected in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District and in the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. As a result of these detections, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in these areas. These activities are important to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the Medflies are eradicated quickly.

Investigation continues on Tropic Air’s Cessna 182 crash landing
On Monday, July 13th, Tropic Air’s Cessna 182 was removed from its crash landing site within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The vessel, which was en route to Roatan, Honduras experienced malfunctions which caused it to crash approximately one mile south of Half Moon Caye on Tuesday, June 2nd. Since then, the aircraft had been sitting in the shallow area awaiting proper weather conditions for its extraction to be carried out. According to Chief Operations Officer at the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA), Nigel Carter, several inspections were made at the crash site prior to removing the vessel. Due to inclement weather in the past month, the extraction mission was at a standstill. It was not until Monday, July 13th that Tropic Air hired Island Construction Limited to retrieve the vessel from the water and transport it to the Philip Goldson International Airport. “Now that the airplane has been taken out of the water, we are going to conduct a thorough inspection. We are bringing in the manufacturers of the Cessna 182 to check every single aspect of the aircraft and identify what went wrong and caused malfunction. Once we have that report, we will be able to come up with a conclusion to our investigation,” said Carter. BDCA are not disclosing the angle of investigation but have indicated that all aspects of the crash will be scrutinized. “We carry out these investigation to assure all airway travelers safety and dependability,” said Carter.

H.E. Nestor Mendez Takes Office as Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the official inauguration of H.E. Nestor Mendez as the new Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States on Friday, July 17th in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Mendez was elected OAS Assistant Secretary General for the 2015-2020 term on March 18th of this year with a majority vote of 24 of the total 34 votes cast. This is the first time a Belizean has been elected to the post of Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. H.E. Nestor Mendez served as Ambassador of Belize to the OAS and to the Government of the United States since June 2008.

BTIA elects new board members for the San Pedro chapter
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has elected a new board of members for its San Pedro Chapter. The election took place on Tuesday evening, July 21st at their bi-annual general meeting held at the Sunbreeze Hotel in San Pedro. The members of the new San Pedro Chapter are: Melanie Paz, Ovel Leonardo, Ruben Trejo, Alfonso Wiltshire, Javier Williams, Amy Leiva, and Kendall Bermer. Present at the meeting were the BTIA national President Osmany Salas, Executive Director John Burgos, BTIA membership officer Talia Tillet and invited guests of the private sector. Tillet started the meeting by delivering the official welcome address, pointing out a few highlights of the activities BTIA has been doing for the past months. She encouraged everyone to continue being part of this organization, which is looking at San Pedro as the tourism hub, and as such, its membership is really important for the BTIA.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize’s “New Price Tag”
“Without prices being set, nature becomes like an all-you-can-eat buffet – and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t overeat at a buffet.” (Richard Sandor) As someone who loves adventures and the outdoors, I was more than thrilled about the tourism slogan “Belize: Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret” and, as soon as I touched ground at the International Airport in Belize City in 2011, I started to explore this tiny English-speaking country located in the heart of Central America. Roughly the size of Massachusetts or New Hampshire, with a population of only 350,000, I was clueless as to what exactly to expect. According to a tourism advertisement “Belize offers travel experiences unlike anywhere else in the world where visitors have the opportunity to experience a tropical country boasting an abundance of diverse ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to rainforest all in one visit!” I was in fact able to check quite a few activities off from my bucket list: the ancient caves and pristine mountains, the lush rainforest, the tranquil beaches. Yes, I certainly agree: Belize has it ALL – and even more. But the true “Best Kept Secret” of Mother Nature was revealed to me when WRI and WWF published their assessment demonstrating that the value of ecosystem services generated by Belize’s coral reefs and mangroves are worth US$ 395 million to US$ 559 million per year, or 30 to 45% of its GDP. The same authors estimate that reef- and mangrove-associated tourism contribute US$150 million and US$196 million, respectively, to Belize’s economy each year, while reef- and mangrove-dependent fisheries contribute between US$14 million and US$16 million.

BELIZE VS CANADA!
We are in group A and will be playing Canada.

BEL crews have been dispatched to identify and rectify cause of unscheduled power interruption currently affecting a portion of San Pedro Town since 11:11am, Saturday, July 25
The Southern portion of San Pedro from Sunbreeze Hotel onward to Island Cottage Resort.

Amal Assales' Art Exhibit at Soul Project
Amal Assales' art exhibit, entitled...it has a very interesting title, let's just leave it at that...was great. One of Cayo's newest artists, she has some great pieces. Well priced too, so many sold within the first hour. Pictures on fb.

Four Perfectly Healthy Days in Cayo
Cayo's Ka'ana Resort got a great write up on Luxury Latin America in regards to their Four Perfect Days package. Those are some delicious looking panades. Read all about the healthy trip and their adventurous excursions. Well done, Ka'ana. "The Four Perfect Days package at Ka'ana Resort in the Cayo District of Belize is a unique combination of adventure and relaxation, health and indulgence... Horseback Riding to Xunantunich is next, at Hanna’s Stables within 400 acres of lush green farmland with orchids, roses and fruit trees. Surrounded by forested areas, open fields, Mayan temples, and mile upon mile of well-maintained bridle paths, you combine a tour of Xunantunich with a ride on horseback along the banks of the Mopan River. You later cross the river by ferry before riding up to the Maya site."

The Reporter

Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund moves forward
A group of seven media personalities representing five media houses met on Saturday at the Image Factory in Belize City to plot the next steps for the Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund. Melanie Young, Clarke’s sister, was also present at the meeting. She was presented with a $250 contribution from members of the media toward tuition for Clarke’s niece, whose education he had been supporting. Other media members are expected to make contributions in the coming week to help the family with expenses that Clarke would have otherwise taken care of as it relates to the education of his nieces and nephew. The media, with legal advice, moved to formalize the Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund, which has been registered already, by deciding on executive members to serve as chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. Alexis Milan from The Reporter will serve as chair, Hipolito Novelo from Love FM will serve as vice chair, Marisol Amaya from Krem will serve as the treasurer and Daniel Ortiz from Channel 7 will serve as secretary. Since the first meeting several weeks ago, the group has been in contact with the principals of the St. Joseph primary school feeding program, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), and have started the process of organizing a relationship, which will see the fund make contributions to the program in Clarke’s name. Clarke’s family, who is very active in the St. Joseph parish, had requested support for the feeding program in lieu of personal contributions to the family.

Minister of National Security says Sarstoon Island FOB will be built
Minister of National Security John Saldivar said the forward operating base at Sarstoon island will be built, despite Guatemalan objection, even though the government is consulting with the Guatemalan government. According to Saldivar, the government will be proceeding with its decision and will soon decide an appropriate location on the island for construction to begin. He also said that consulting with the Guatemalan government about the base does not mean the government has abandoned its responsibility to maintaining a sovereign state. According to Saldivar, the dialog does not risk Belize’s independent integrity, rather it is a matter of courtesy for our neighbors. He said the government would never risk the country’s territorial integrity. Once the consultations are over, the government will proceed to do what is in Belize’s best interest, Saldivar said. He also responded to crticisms that Belize shouldn’t need to consult with Guatemala to build a base on Belizea territory by saying that we should not ignore concerns from our neighbors and that is why the consultations are important.

New BDF base at Caracol inaugurated
The Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Ministry of Tourism, has inaugurated a new conservation post for the Belize Defense Force (BDF) at the Caracol site where BDF soldier Danny Conorquie was killed last year. Minister of National Security John Saldivar said the building of the base is timely and meant to provide increased security for the tourists and employees who visit and work at the site on a daily basis. Saldivar said the construction of the base was a little too late, considering Conorquie’s death, but added it was a step in the right direction. Saldivar said the base will be a shared partnership between the BDF, police and tourism police. He said he was happy to see the collaborative effort.

New BDF base at Caracol inaugurated
The Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Ministry of Tourism, has inaugurated a new conservation post for the Belize Defense Force (BDF) at the Caracol site where BDF soldier Danny Conorquie was killed last year. Minister of National Security John Saldivar said the building of the base is timely and meant to provide increased security for the tourists and employees who visit and work at the site on a daily basis. Saldivar said the construction of the base was a little too late, considering Conorquie’s death, but added it was a step in the right direction. Saldivar said the base will be a shared partnership between the BDF, police and tourism police. He said he was happy to see the collaborative effort. At least 36 BDF soldiers will be attached to the conservation post, Saldivar said, adding that there will be shifts and shared duty with other officers. Saldivar also said the government will be constructing more posts along the border to ensure greater security for Belizeans along those areas spanning all the way down to the south.

The Belize Times

BEL & KHMH Workers Take a Stand!
The Barrow Administration was caught totally off-guard, as has become normal, when the employees of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the Belize Electricity Limited staged industrial actions in demand for better salaries. The KHMH workers crippled services at the nation’s only referral hospital in Belize City on Thursday after a request from the hospital’s 579 employees for salary increases was rejected by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his Cabinet. Immediately after the news, the employees shut down their services at local clinics, and at the KHMH they refused to carry out elective surgeries. The only cases they responded to were emergency matters. The workers took this drastic measure because while public officers and teachers received a 6% salary increase at the start of this month, the employees of the hospital didn’t.

PUP to launch Power to The People Tour!!!
PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca announced at a well-attended joint National Executive/Standard Bearers meeting held at Independence Hall on Tuesday, July 21st 2015 that the Party will launch a national “Power to the People” tour in the upcoming weeks. The tour will give the leaders of the Party an opportunity to dialogue with supporters and concerned Belizeans and address important issues affecting the country such as the Government’s weak stance in defending our territorial sovereignty and integrity against Guatemala’s aggressions, the economic failures of the Government, the Petrocaribe Loans Act and the illegal borrowing and spending that has taken place, the high level of crime and overall deterioration of citizen safety, as well as the PUP’s progressive ideas of reform and development.

Sedi’s Serious Gaffe! – “…we are on our way to the ICJ”, says UDP Foreign Minister
As a senior attorney and politician, Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington should know the power of spoken words. In fact, Sedi has felt the blows of his “artificial border” comment, which flared up public sentiments and rage against him. This week, Sedi suffered even more political trauma when he declared in an interview on Channel 7 that “…we are on our way to the ICJ”. Sedi’s serious slip of the tongue came about as he was defending his Government’s decision to give into Guatemala’s pressure that before Belize constructs a military base on Sarstoon Island, which is located in the South near Belize’s border with Guatemala, we must consult the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Vega Bavs in Court! – Case for Defamation against Monchi Cervantes goes to trial
The defamation case brought by UDP Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega against PUP Standard Bearer for Orange Walk North Ramon “Monchie” Cervantes, Jr. went to trial before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin this morning. But Vega, the man who doesn’t consider himself a “normal” Belizean, wasn’t exactly disproving his infamous notion, as he hemmed and hawed while on the witness stand under cross examination from the respondents’ attorneys. Vega’s case stems from a recording of a phone conversation between Manuel Castillo, the wanted suspect in the murder case of Ramon Cervantes Sr., and Cervantes Sr.’s widow, Vilma. In the recording, Castillo indicted the UDP politician in the kidnapping and murder of the well-known and much beloved former politician and businessman that occurred in June of 2014. The recording was aired on public radio at a memorial service held by the family on Wednesday, November 5th, 2014.

Bull Is Bull!
Whenever it seems that we are getting somewhere with this ridiculous Guatemalan claim, up jumps the devil and we find ourselves back at square one. The origin of the claim itself is quite interesting and methinks that we might be approaching this problem from the wrong angle. I do NOT believe that going to the ICJ is the solution and that in fact, poses far too great a risk. We have nothing to gain and everything to lose. For the most part, our government seems clueless as to what to do and that is made more evident every time our foreign minister opens his mouth. We have come a long way from the time when all of Belize would tremble at the mere mention of the name Guatemala and I believe that, as small as we are, we have enough stout hearted patriots to mount formidable resistance. Our biggest detriment would be our enemies within. First off, we are totally polarized and divided along a variety of lines. On the surface, we present a pretty picture of this melting pot of diverse cultures coexisting harmoniously. As was exposed by the recent incident in Santa Cruz however, there is deep seated bigotry and racism that simmers just beneath the surface, waiting to be ignited and exploited. This time it was our own Prime Minister, next time it might be external forces.

SHAME ON ALL OF US
She is only 26 years and has already been through a lifetime of terrible experiences. When she was small her home was destroyed by fire, causing the family great loss and hardship. Making it through school and adulthood she joined the Belize Coast Guard where tragedy was waiting for her. She spoke out about being sexually assaulted by male Coast Guards; it was a bold and courageous action on her part. How many women come forward in public to make complaints of rape and forever sully their name? Not surprisingly, nothing came of her complaint. She swallowed her wounded pride and remained a Coast Guard where she had graduated at the top of her class. The worse thing that can be done to a human, whether male or female, is to be raped. It is the tearing of one’s psychology, the very psyche to remain a dignified and whole person. How she must have suffered mentally. Earlier this year while on duty she shot a fellow Coast Guard. It is not known if he was one of her alleged tormentors. The details and motives are unknown to us. But images of a trouble young lady had emerged. Instead of providing any help our authorities charged her for attempted murder. She had to go to jail and fight to regain her freedom.

Weekend Women’s softball results
The Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy women posted 2 wins, while Unitedville Rebels and the Esperanza Wolverines also enjoyed wins in the Cayo Softball Association’s women’s competition at the Joan Garbutt Stadium in Esperanza on Sunday. Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and their pitcher Leyandra Guy won 9-2 against the Esperanza Wolverines and losing pitcher Olivia Miralda by mercy rule in 6 innings. The competition leaders, the Unitedville Rebels United, won 20-0 by mercy rule in 3 innings over the Belmopan Emeralds, as winning pitcher Shandy Orellano struck out 3 batters to shut out the Belmopan girls while they scored 20 runs off losing pitcher Guadalupe Chicas.

Belize Bank Bulldogs lead Firms basketball
The Belize Bank Bulldogs posted their 6th win to lead the Belize City Firms basketball competition, while Heritage Bank and Central Health Region each posted their 5th wins in the games at Bird’s Isle over the weekend. Game results: Central Health Region vs. Complex Generals – 47-43 Top scorer: Neil Nicholson, Wilfred Richards (13pts) Heritage Bank vs. Central Bank – 67-58 Top scorer: Winston Pratt (24pts), Farron Louriano (28pts) BWS Pressure vs. Infotel – 60-51 Top scorer: Ashley Hemsley, Delroy Faber (13pts) Bulldogs vs. Ready Call – 99-41 Top scorer: Rupert Brown (27pts), Winston Reynolds (28pts)

Belize bombs Club Deportivo Suchitepequez 4-2
The Belize Jaguars bombed the visitors, Club Deportivo Suchitepequez of Guatemala, 4-2 in a practice friendly for the World Cup 2018 Russia qualifying 3rd round at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday. Belize’s most prolific international striker Deon McCaulay and Harrison Roches led the Jaguars’ offensive supported by Elroy “Bibs” Kuylen and Danny Jimenez on the wings and Denmark Casey and Andres Makin at midfield, while Dalton Eiley, Ian “Yellowman” Gaynair, Amin “Tacos” August and Khalil Velasquez took care of defense. The Jaguars’ 1st goal came in the 18th minute, when goalie Miguel Bonilla Bran brought down a charging Harrison Roches inside “the 18”, and Suchitepequez defenders Rafael Gonzalez Ruiz and Victor Armas Lopez added insult to injury by also taking down Deon McCaulay when he went after ball near the goalpost, with Bonilla lying on the ground. The referee ruled penalty and McCaulay’s shot went left while Bonilla dived right: 1-0.

How longer can Belize afford UDP’s top-heavy Cabinet? – 22 Ministers cost Belize over $3.4 Million annually!!
On the heels of serious warnings from foreign financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and Moody’s Investors Service about irresponsible spending by the Barrow Administration, the question must be posed: can Belize continue to afford Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s top-heavy Cabinet? Never before has Belize’s Government had so many Government Ministers as it does today. There are 22 Ministers (substantive Ministers and Ministers of State) who form part of the Executive Arm of Government, costing Belizeans approximately a whopping $1,790,800 in salaries alone. Each substantive Minister collects $81,000 as salary annually. Barrow has awarded this title and the perks that come with it to 11 of his elected representatives and 4 special UDPs brought into the Government fold through the Senate. Each Minister of State collects $69,000 as salary annually. Barrow has awarded this title to 7 of the most lame duck politicians in his party, as a form of reward for their political success. Then there is the disgraced passport-hustling UDP elected representative, Elvin Penner, who is still getting paid with tax payers’ money. He collects $37,800 as salary annually.

PUP’s 5 point-steps Agenda
Dear Members of the People’s United Party, Our beloved Belize is heading towards extinction and our party is at a crossroads. Our territorial integrity and sovereignty, and our Belizean identity and way of life are under attack, from both external and internal sources. Many of our people have lost trust and confidence in our democratic institutions and now consider rhetorical any mention of change from political parties. Nearly half of our people are living in poverty and squalor and our environment, our lifeblood, is continuously been degraded. Our people are demanding unity, purpose and direction. It is time for a 2nd Revolution. As members of the People’s United Party our raison d’ etre is Belize, and our motto is ‘to serve the people’. In a meeting held Tuesday July 21st, 2015, the Party Leader, members the National Executive and Parliamentarians endorsed a 5 – Point-Steps Agenda as to the way forward for our Party.

PUP Collet Standard Bearer Yasmin Shoman receives major support from Belize Association of Louisiana
On July 22nd, 2015, Collet Standard Bearer, Yasmin Shoman, received a generous donation from the Belize Association of Louisiana. The donation of 11 boxes of items included toiletries, clothes, footwear, underwear, toys, household supplies, books and other educational materials.’ This donation was facilitated through the continued efforts of former Belize Honorary Consul of New Orleans, Hon. Jean Benard. Benard and Shoman have enjoyed a strong working relationship from 1999 when Shoman was Councillor in charge of Sister-City Relations at the Belize City Council.

KHMH workers abandon the P.S.U. en masse – Almost 600 hospital employees left out of salary increase deal by PSU Leaders
Hundreds of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) workers who were once members of the Public Service Union (PSU) are abandoning that ship and joining a newly formed KHMH Authority Workers Union. The decision was taken after workers discovered that the PSU leaders had negotiated salary increases for members but somehow had excluded them from the deal. It appears the PSU and Government worked in cahoots to exempt the 579 hospital employees from getting a 6% per cent raise which took effect on July 1st. There has been no clarification by PSU President Marvin Blades.

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – THE EAST IS RISING
On May 13th this year after the expiration of Dr. Francis Smith’s tenure as Chairperson of the Eastern Caucus of our party, I assumed the role of Chairperson. Senior Justice of the Peace and party stalwart Adrian ‘Danny’ Madrid is our Vice Chairperson, with Sharole Saldivar as Secretary and Albert Vaughan as our Treasurer. I had originally been reluctant to take on the post of chairing the Eastern/Belize District Caucus, as I have a great deal of work on my hands in Belize Rural Central (BRC). However, after assurances of support and assistance from several key colleagues, I agreed to step forward. The Belize Rural South constituency, which includes mainly Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, has for practical, operating purposes remained part of the Northern Caucus, so we in the East comprise twelve divisions, the ten Belize City areas, and as well Belize Rural North and BRC. We held our meeting on Thursday of last week, and I had asked members to come prepared to discuss issues facing our constituencies and our campaign agendas. Life in politics is unforgiving and gruelling, but I have consistently found it rewarding. Almost on a daily basis I rub shoulders with and reach out to all manner of citizens, and I find myself more than ever speaking my imperfect Spanish in order to communicate effectively with Hispanic/Spanish-speaking voters and residents.

The analysis that matters
As I pen this article I want to remind readers that I am no professional political analyst. I am no Okeke who has experienced great success at the polls and even greater success and fortunes from his books that we have all read. Okeke is a ferocious political bull-mastiff. I believe his books contain the recipes that have fuelled his massive political successes elections after elections. I have never experienced such victories; therefore, Channel 7 will never engage me in any interviews of a political analytical nature. Channel 7 will never engage me because my father does not sit on a government board and because my sister does not head a government department that has been unable to Restore Belize. They will never engage me because my pockets are too shallow to compete with the depths of Mr Pedro Caribe. I am a man of understanding. I understand that we have a government that is not focused on governing. We have a government that does not understand that it is the government. Our government has treated National issues as a priority, as if it is waiting for someone else to address them. It has taken the ostrich approach with its head buried deeply in the sand and other dark places.

Hon. Dolores assists road improvements in Western Paradise and Bainsville
Hon. Dolores continues her outreach work in Western Paradise and Bainsville, Hattieville. Two loads of hardcore material were delivered as promised by Hon. Dolores to the residents to improve the roadways in their respective community.

7 yr. old needs urgent surgery to prevent blindness – Mother says Special Envoy for Women and Children denied assistance
It’s been a struggle for Jovita Tillett, a mother of four from Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District. For the past seven years, she has had to fight to keep her youngest child alive against many odds. 7 year old Zider Alexander Tillett was born a normal child. But at age 3, he was diagnosed with multiple tumours over his body. He received treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital and was prescribed antibiotics, but the medication triggered other health problems. Zider was around the dinner table one day, when he suddenly panicked and cried out that he couldn’t find his plate, shared his mother. He had gone totally blind mysteriously. Tillett returned to the hospital to find out what was wrong with her son, but the hospital administrator told her that the doctor who treated her son was no longer at the hospital, and they could not help. She said that all the hospital did was to give her a letter for her to go around begging for funds for her child to get medical treatment elsewhere.

Delroy’s Cuthkelvin Blasts UDP Leadership!
Here’s what Delroy Cuthkelvin wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 after he learnt Barrow had succeeded to reject his application to contest the UDP Stann Creek West convention “That the last UDP Convention in Stann Creek West was rigged to ensure a victory for Melvin Hulse, blocking out 895 voters (after all three candidates had earlier agreed and signed off on a block-out list of just over 200 voters) is an irrefutable fact. That is why, on principle, as we explained at the time, we boycotted the UDP Convention on March 16, 2014. UDP National Chairman Alberto August was the man who presided over it, and we have every reason to believe that the UDP Cabinet knew of it and approved of it. “That Melvin Hulse would have to resign his position just over a year later because of bad-mouthing the Prime Minister himself, was poetic justice at its best.

Breaking Belize News

Traffic accident in Santa Elena leaves one person injured
Tonight one person is recuperating at the San Ignacio Hospital after being involved in a traffic mishap at the intersection of Carillo Puerto Avenue and Carmen Street in Santa Elena, Cayo. Information reaching our news room is that earlier tonight two pickup trucks were engaged in a collision that landed […]

Police Minister discusses changes to formations
On the heels of a mid-year performance review of the Police Department, Minister of National Security John Saldivar offered his first comments to the press in some time. The Minister claimed that there is a downward trend in major crimes except for murders, which are closing in on […]

BDF given helicopters from Taiwan
The Government of Belize has been trying to acquire helicopters for the Belize Defence Force – but a planned deal to buy used ones in Miami fell through. They have now turned to Taiwan, and the Acting Deputy Commander of the Belize Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Luis Lorenzo, […]

Rupert Myles faces eviction, criminal charges for damage to Uxbenka
The Institute of Archaeology is preparing to evict Santa Cruz, Toledo resident Rupert Myles from his property near the Maya archaeological site of Uxbenka and may charge him with criminal destruction of a Maya site under the laws of Belize. Maya villagers of Santa Cruz led by their […]

Who killed Danny Conorquie?
Minister of National Security John Saldivar says Guatemalan authorities have made no progress in identifying the murderers of Special Constable Danny Conorquie. It was widely believed that Guatemalan bandits attacked Conorquie last October but apart from the initial promise of cooperation by Guatemalan authorities nothing has been forthcoming. […]

Caracol conservation post opened
Almost ten months after the murder of special constable Danny Conorquie killed at the Caracol site while on duty, allegedly by armed Guatemalans, the Government completed a conservation post intended to serve as a base for defense of the surrounding reserve and Chiquibul area by the Belize Defence […]

The PUP’s gathering storm?
More than a dozen standard bearers of the People’s United Party (PUP) are banding together to voice their dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership. According to 7 News, the group has been meeting and is expected to make formal demands of the party leadership next week. This past Tuesday […]

Vendors complain about CitCo harassment
Street vending is a fact of life in Belize City, as many residents buy from their favorites. At this time of year there is a proliferation of parents selling school books. Renalsin Augustine has been selling from the steps on Queen Street in front of the Marelco building […]

Day 2 of Gapi vs Monchi libel trial
The contents of a recording first made public last November are, in one form or another, in evidence; but can that recording be used in court to prove that the man alleged to have been libeled and slandered, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, was in fact so defamed, […]

Belize to play Canada in World Cup qualifying; Mexico, Honduras lie in wait
After fairly easy matchups with the Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic in the first two rounds of FIFA World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018, the road begins to get tough for the Belize Jaguars in the upcoming Rounds 3 and 4. Today’s Round 3 draw in St. Petersburg, Russia, saw […]

Blogs

Berry Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen mixed berries 1 teaspoon flax seed meal 1 Tablespoon agave or a sweetener of your choice)  cup coconut milk 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (optional) 2-3 ice cubes Instructions Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

International Sources

Canada draws Belize in World Cup qualifying
Canada’s path to the semifinal round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will go through Belize. Canada was selected to play against Belize in the third round of the CONCACAF qualifiers during Saturday’s World Cup draw ceremony in Russia. The teams will square off in a two-game playoff, with the first match on Sept. 4 at Toronto’s BMO Field. The return leg is four days later in Belize. Canada is currently 103rd in the FIFA world rankings. Belize is 118th. “We can say Belize is a team that has made positive and continuous progress. That’s good for us because it won’t be easy to pass this eliminatory round. We need to focus on these first two games with a lot of intensity,” Canada coach Benito Floro said. “Of course we’re only going to focus on Belize right now because if we don’t win that, it doesn’t matter to think about the groups. For us it’s very important and we can’t have any doubts about that.” If Canada wins the aggregate series, it moves on to the semifinals of the CONCACAF qualifying zone and will play in Group A alongside Mexico, Honduras, and the winner of a playoff between Curacao and El Salvador. The top two teams in that round robin group advance to “the Hex,” the final round of CONCACAF qualifying.

Backpacking Central America: Everything You Need to Know
COUNTRIES IN CENTRAL AMERICA: Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. “THE GRINGO TRAIL” (ROUTE): 1) Most people start in Mexico, heading to one of the best spots, Tulum, making a quick pit stop in Caye Caulker, Belize and then taking a chicken bus heading down to Guatemala. 2) Guatemala: Semuc Champey > Tikal > Panajachel (day trip to Chichicastenango) > ferry to San Pedro (day trip to Santiago and San Marcus) > back to Panajachel via ferry and to Antigua (day trip to Monterrico). 3) Honduras: Uvita Island (If you plan to get your dive certificate) or Rotan. 4) El Salvador: Everyone heads straight to El Tunco from Honduras or Guatemala and typically skips the rest of the country. Note: If you would like to check out surf beaches here, visit El Zonte, El Zunsal and La Libertad as well. For calm swimming and less tourists, go to El Cuco Beach.

Videos

July 25, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Kent Gabourel wins Weekend Warriors’ cycling time trials
San Pedro’s Kent “Bob” Gabourel of Team Benny’s Megabytes won the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club individual time trials held from Mile 23 at the Rockville junction to mile 32.5 on the George Price highway on Sunday, July 5, in preparation for their national road championships to be held on Sunday, July 12th. Unfortunately Gabourel finished in 5th in the national road championship, nevertheless his performance was excellent. A Division 1st Kent Gabourel – Team Benny’s Megabytes – 26:12 minutes 2nd Robert Mariano – Team DigiCell 4G – 26:26.04 3rd Warren Coye – Team Santino’s 26:26.12 4th George Abraham – Team BelCal – 26:29 5th Daniel Cano – Team Santino’s 26:50 6th Preston Martinez – Team Benny’s Megabytes – 27:09 7th David Pollard – Team BCB/F.T.Williams – 27:22 8th Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph – Team Lampaz – 28:31 9th Derrick Smith – Team BWS – 29:03 10th Kenny Gooding – Team BCB/F.T.Williams – 29:24.

Please, DO go chasin’ (Belize) waterfalls!
One of the first things I was told when planning my trip to Toledo was “Be sure to go to the waterfalls!” Of course, Toledo District is much more than just waterfalls, but that is one of their many attractions. Besides its people and picturesque villages, archaeological sites and mountainous region, Toledo has caves, waterfalls and tons more to explore. Naturally, like an obedient girl, I ensured my trip included a dip or two in the cool clear waters of some falls! San Antonio Falls: A short drive outside of San Antonio Village, my companions and I pulled up to the roadside where we could see a track/trail leading to some shrubbery below. We could hear splashing and a dull rushing sound, which could only mean one thing: waterfalls! Sure enough, we carefully walked down and through the clearing, could see the spray of cold river water spilling over rocks to blue pools below. The water was oh-so-cold! No 85°F salt water there – it was the real deal icy cold water of the rivers that run through forests. Santa Cruz Falls: As Belizeans, we paid $2 each to access the falls, then headed out to the trail. Trees grew tall on either side, still not muffling the roar that grew louder as we drew closer to the falls. Yep, this one would be bigger! A few hundred yards into the mountainside and down some man-made steps, and we were facing the big one indeed! Heck, the water was roaring down so hard to the pools below that it sent back mist.

Fire Department warns residents on the threat of Bush Fires
The dry season is here and with it come bush fires due to the intense heat. The first bush fire of the season happened on Tuesday, July 21st in the San Pablo Area at around 6:15PM. It started in an area where debris, dried leaves and wood had been piled up. The quick response of residents in the area and the San Pedro Fire Department (SPFD) had the fire controlled and extinguished in no time. While the SPFD did not determine the cause of the fire, they are alerting residents that areas like this are prone to randomly catch fire, especially during the month of June to September. Bush fires are typically ignited due to extreme heat and dry condition, and, if not controlled, can have devastating effects and pose serious health threats. Improper garbage disposal also adds to the threat, as paper, fabric and plastics are highly flammable materials. A bush fire can burn quickly and be devastating if not detected and extinguished. They can be caused by lightning, being deliberately lit or started accidentally. A bush fire can destroy homes and buildings, devastate crops, and threaten the lives of people and animals. The smoke associated with these bush fires has the potential to irritate eyes, trigger prolonged coughing spells and cause respiratory distress or breathing problems.

Third Action Twenty 24 camp is in full gear
For the third time in as many years, Action Twenty 24 is back in San Pedro hosting a one week sports summer camp. This year’s camp started on Monday, July 20th and will culminate on Thursday, July 23rd. Held in collaboration with Lighthouse Christian Radio, the camp hosted over 60 children ages 6-13 each day at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. According to camp organizer Chris Burnette, one of the main aims of the camp is to teach children sports skills while promoting leadership and team work. “Throughout the camp, which run daily from 1PM to 4PM, children have fun playing different games as well as bible study to go along with the activities,” said Burnette. The four day camp will give children the opportunity to learn skills in football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. “Our main purpose is to push for community unity and teaching children to understand what leadership is and what it means to be leaders by making different choices.”

Superintendent Sandra Bodden takes over the Coastal Executive Unit
The Coastal Executive Unit has a new Officer in Charge, and she is Superintendent Sandra Bodden. As of Monday, July 13th, Bodden officially took the helm of the San Pedro Police Department and the Caye Caulker Police Department. The senior officer took over the position which was held by Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott, who was the acting OC after the transfer of Assistant Superintendent Luis Castellanos. With the arrival of Bodden, Jemmott has been re-assigned to his previous position as Deputy of the Coastal Executive Unit. the Belize Police Department Headquarters in Belmopan as the Training Director, Bodden has been part of the force since 1997. “Like with any new assignment, San Pedro will bring about its challenges, but we will work on making things better. I have met with the members of the San Pedro Police Department and the OC of the Caye Caulker Police Department, and we have chartered the way forward. The most important part of my plan is working hand in hand with the community and key stakeholders in the fight against crime,” said Bodden. The main focus of the new plan for the Coast Executive Unite is strive for a balance in the welfare of both the community and the police officers. “We know that a lot of time, police officers have their own personal issues at home and they have to leave that behind and deal with other people’s problems. This can lead them to not do their job properly and we don’t want this to happen. I am here to assist the community but we are also here to make sure that police officers are assisted with their welfare.”

Ambergris Today

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize International Film Festival MOVIE SCREENING in San Pedro
Saturday July 25, 7pm, Central Park

Princess Hotel and Casino at the Corozal Free Zone invites you!
Fashion Week "After Bash" Party. Saturday, August 1st starting at 9:00 P.M.

Join the Party at the International Costa Maya Festival in Belize
Even if you don’t like checking out gorgeous women in bathing suits as they compete for beauty pageant crowns and have no desire to hang out with like-minded people eager to cheer them on as neighboring countries compete for that crown, you can still have a fabulous time at this year’s Costa Maya Festival on Ambergris Caye in Belize. Why? Because there are so many other parties and events taking place to keep visitors entertained that the actual contestant judging could take a backseat to the fun.

Cayo BTIA Bi-annual Meeting
Cayo BTIA Bi-annual Meeting

Rotary Paul Harris Awards
Thanks, Rotary! Congratulations to the Paul Harris Fellow awardees! "There are moments in every Rotarian's life that are just extra special. This was the case Saturday night as Aki Fukai received the President's pin presented by past president Tom Wierum for the 2015-2016 year. Moments like when we welcome our newest member Jaime Reyes to our Club and the extra special moments when we award Paul Harris's to Rotarians and Community Leaders. Tonight Franklin Syrowatka received a Paul Harris pin and certificate exemplifying 'Service Above Self' and in a very touching moment past president Bill Butcher pinned his daughter Shalue Butcher with her Paul Harris pin for all the help she has so generously given to the Rotary Club of San Ignacio and the community. Congratulations all"

San Pedro High School Job Opportunity - APPLY NOW!

Belize Archives and Records Services Closed a couple days
Belize Archives and Records Services takes this opportunity to inform its patrons that the department will be closed on Friday, July 31st and Monday, August 3rd, 2015. This is due to the construction of a second floor and the renovation of the first floor of the building. The demolition of walls and ceilings will produce loud noise and hazardous debris. Given its commitment to continually provide service to the public, the Research Room will be temporarily relocated at the rear of the building as of Tuesday, August 4th until September 30th, 2015. Kindly note that services and access will be limited during this period. We regret any inconvenience caused.

Poets Corner: Keyren and Nora
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Keyren kills but police said no murder… Dickie said she ought not to have been charged But instead brought up on a coroner’s inquest What about all the police reports for future reference? She has since been charged for manslaughter Weh happen to the human rights lawyers? This sister ought not to be dragged through the courts in this manner This is the same thing that they have done to Ms Nora For allegedly lighting a police officer afire Some want to deny that she had been an expecting mother Nora Parham was sentenced to execution

Summer Art Wave Charcoal Drawing program
This past weeks' Summer Art Wave Charcoal Drawing program taught students techniques in creating beautiful pieces of art. We give thanks to instructor Benjamin Cal for sharing his knowledge of this art form and instilling the confidence needed for participants to create art. Thank you to our young participants who all outdid themselves each day with their outstanding work. The students will be showcasing their creations as part of the Identity Youth Art Exhibit next Saturday August 1st. Look out for next week's String Instrument Workshop, open to ages 5 and up. If you have access to a guitar or violin you can participate free of charge. The workshop is July 27 to Aug 7th, beginning at 1pm.

DFC Job Opportunity
The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is accepting applications for the following vacant positions: 1. BRANCH MANAGER, NORTH 2. CREDIT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (SOUTH) 3. CREDIT OFFICER (1 YEAR CONTRACT, SOUTH) DEADLINE: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - 5 p.m.

5th Anniversary Edition Flavors of Belize Magazine Launch
Flavors of Belize released their 5th edition yesterday, and Leonardo Melendez was on hand to get some stunning pictures of the event. It's online here and the section about Cayo starts on page 58. Congratulations, Flavors of Belize! "McNab Publishing Ltd. launched it's 5th annual edition of the Flavors of Belize magazine - a complete guide to Belize's finest dining experiences, diverse cultures, and local cuisine. Sincerest thank you's to everyone who has supported this project or been a part of the magazine and to those who were in attendance yesterday on a day that was so very special to us."

Training in bird handling skills and husbandry
Earlier this week we hosted members of the Belize Forest Department for a day's training in bird handling skills and husbandry and to show them examples of enclosures that meet the minimum standards for the licensing programme. This will help ensure that when they are out working with the public that both birds and humans remain safe and that licensed captive birds are being properly housed. Thanks for coming out and and for all the work you guys do! We work closely with the Forest Department, providing advice and logistical support where necessary, as well as providing a facility to care for and rehabilitate confiscated or surrendered birds. If you would like to support our combined efforts, consider donating towards our nursery appeal which will allow us to house the numerous babies brought in by Forest Department Officers in the best facility possible:

Channel 7

The Gathering Storm At The Center of The PUP
There is a gathering storm in the PUP - and it seems headed for party headquarters on Queen Street. On Tuesday, we told you about the apparent boycott of a meeting held for the party's national executive and standard bearers. 13 Area representatives were absent from the meeting - in what we are told was a boycott. Party Leader Francis Fonseca dismissed it, saying that there was nothing remarkable about the absences. Well, 7News has learned that a group of more than a dozen standard bearers who are unhappy with the party's leadership are forming an alliance. Meetings are being held and they include senior party personalities such as John Briceno, Cordel Hyde and Dan Silva. The group of dissenters is expected to make formal demands of the party leadership next week. We'll keep following it closely.

Caracol's Own Conservation Post Opened
When Special Constable Danny Conorquie was killed by Guatemalan border bandits at the Caracol Mayan Site in late 2014 - it left a wound on the national psyche: the first lawman in decades to be killed by Guatemalans while on duty. A few weeks later, Government commenced construction of the Caracol Conservation Post inside the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, a facility where a regiment of BDF Soldiers could be posted as a rapid response to defend the site. And now, today, almost 10 months after Danny's murder, the Government officially opened the frontier conservation post for operations. 7News was there for that ceremony, and we got the chance to see it for the first time. Daniel Ortiz has the story: Daniel Ortiz reporting The Caracol Conservation Post, it's a new facility that now makes up a part of the Caracol National Park. It was built with the intention of increasing the security of the Tourism site, and to address the concerns raised by the Tourism Police Unit about the dangers posed by cross-border bandits.

What's Happening With The Investigation Into Danny's Murder?
And while border security has been beefed up, what about the investigation into who killed lawman Danny Conorquie? As noted earlier, it was suspected but never confirmed that Guatemalan cross-border bandits were his killers. We asked police minister John Saldivar for an update into who did it: Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security "I know that in the immediate aftermath of the killing, we got the Guatemalan authorities to agree that they would do their best to try to assist us in this investigation. But unfortunately, that has not brought any results and because we believe that the perpetrators have fled back into Guatemala and we don't have any jurisdiction there, we basically have to rely on the authorities over there to do the investigation and unfortunately like I said, it has not result in any further information with respect to that." Daniel Ortiz "Is there any sort of like urgency your ministry has detected? What kind of importance are they putting in this case?"

The National Security Minister's Take On The Sarstoon Dispute
Staying on the subject of border security, last week, the Government finally revealed after prodding from the press that the Guatemalan Government is opposed to government building a Coast Guard forward operating base at Sarstoon Island. This was communicated through diplomatic channels following a confrontation between the Belize Coast Guard and the Guatemalan Navy on the island two months ago. Since then, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington has come under fire for his disclosure that government is slowing down on the plans to build the base. He said that the Government will be discussing it with Guatemala at a meeting in the near future with the OAS mediating. So, exactly when is this meeting, and has the National Security Ministry reconsidered the Foreign Minister's position? That's what the press asked the Minister of National Security today:

Dr. Morris Confirms That Myles Damaged Uxbenka
And one more hot button issue is the case of Rupert Myles, the Creole man who was detained by 13 Mayan Villagers in the Village of Santa Cruz, Toledo one month ago. They were trying to eject him from the village because they said that he violated their customary laws. More importantly, they wanted him out because he allegedly destroyed a portion of their sacred Mayan archaeological site. That has led to the Mayans being criminally charged by police for unlawful imprisonment. Since this allegation emerged weeks ago that Myles destroyed a portion of the Uxbenka Mayan Site for road access to his house that he constructed in the village, we've been trying to reach the Director of Archaeology for comment and confirmation. That opportunity finally presented itself today in Cayo where we asked Dr. John Morris about the case. Here's what he had to say: Dr. John Morris, Director, Institute of Archeology "For the last 5-6 years we've been having discussions with the village of Santa Cruz, because the archaeological of Uxbenka encompasses about 5 sq. Kilometers. That means that the village itself actually sits within the proposed archaeological reserve and so over the last couple of years we've been having discussions with the village to demarcate a boundary, so that we can create an archaeological reserve via the statutory instrument that we normally do."

Gapi Vs Monchie Day 2: The Slander Lawsuit
They're political rivals in Orange Walk North - and now Gaspar Vega and Munchie Cervantez are duking it out in the Supreme Court. Vega says Cervantez slandered him by accusing him of setting up the criminal conspiracy to kill his father. He also alleges that FIESTA FM - which is owned by John Briceno's family also broadcast the slander. The case is cut right along political lines: Vega is defended by the Prime Minister's Law partner, Rodwell Williams, while Cervantez is defended by former Prime Minister Said Musa, and the Briceno's are defended by long time political ally Eamon Courtenay. The case started yesterday - and continued today with Rodwell Williams trying to get the actual recording of the allegations put into evidence. But it's complicated - because the recording of the phone call with the alleged killer is in Spanish and the language of the court is English. Williams tried to introduce a translation he got done, but that didn't work. And so at the end of arguments today - with the tape of the allegations still not played in court, attorneys for Cervantez and FIESTA FM were feeling confident. Here's what they told the press:..

The End of 2015 Sugar Crop Is Bittersweet
La Zafra - the 2015 sugar cane crop was a challenging one - but at the end it was also a record breaking one. Today, ASR/BSI invited its partners - the cane farmers to review the year that was. We were there in Orange Walk for the final verdict and Jules Vasquez has the story:.. Jules Vasquez reporting This morning at the Sugar Industry Crop in Review - it wasn't exactly a full house at the Muffles College Auditorium. But all the key players were there, the presidents of what are now three associations, sitting together with ASR/BSI- vested partners in a 7 year commercial agreement. Elvis Canul, President - CSCPA "I can report that our association accomplished a little above 80% of the total production that we had estimated. We can also complement our cane farmers that we were 3rd in quality out of 19 test groups. So we have an association which is working with the quality program and that means more money for our cane farmers." Abisur Loza- president PCPA "We are really glad and happy at the end of this sugar crop. Because we targeted and aimed in quality, in delivery we lost but we are still getting up there."

IDB Will Help The Sugar Industry
And the strategic development plan will be getting a major boost from the IDB. The development bank has agreed to assist this industry when it is most needed. Mac McLachlan explains:... Jules Vasquez "You all have worked out an agreement with the IDB to support this industry?" Mac McLachlan, V.P. Int'l Relations - ASR "I'm delighted this week being that the IDB board approved a technical support project to the industry which is fantastic news. And this is to provide a dedicated extension service for farmers to help provide technical assistance and support for farmers. And that'll be supporting CIRDI's efforts to do that. So we are really pleased about that, it now remains that we need to put all the implementation details in place but it was really excellent news for the industry. It demonstrates not only to us, as industry stakeholders have faith in this industry, but other people too."

CEO Joey Montalvo Resigns Under What Circumstances?
And BSI ends this season without two key staffers. Long time CEO Joey Montalvo has retired after almost two decades in the top spot - and about 4 decades with the company. And, earlier in the year, John Gillett quit after he was placed on administrative leave. And while each departure has its own narrative, we asked if it was part of an ASR purge:.. Mac McLachlan, V.P. Int'l Relations - ASR "Mr. Montalvo, after over 40 years in the industry is taking his retirement and we'll be wishing him very well in that." Jules Vasquez "We see that between him and Mr. Gillet, who left earlier in the year in far less agreeable terms, cumulative institutional knowledge that BSI's lost is almost a century. Is this a part of ASR's plan to populate BSI with foreign executives like yourself or is it a profound loss in terms of the institutional memory?"

The Art of Catching Crocs
We reported on several Croc attacks last year alone including the fatal attack in Lords Bank in April that took the life of 47 year old Carl Diaz. While that 12 foot long Morelet Crocodile was put down, the others that were captured were taken to the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary in Ladyville. But that facility simply can't hold all those crocodiles so today we met up with croc experts as they recaptured the Morelet crocs to transport them to a bigger facility. I found out that it is no easy feat moving a 300 pound croc: Courtney Weatherburne reporting One snap is all it takes for this crocodile to catch its prey. A crocs bite is the strongest in the world and once locked between those powerful jaws - it can rip its prey apart in seconds. This is just one of the fresh water Morlet's Crocodiles found at this facility. They were all captured and brought here where they are monitored and fed. These crocs had to be removed from the wild because of their heightened aggression towards humans. But that is creating a problem for Croc conservationists at the facility.

LICU Member Pressures Management With Petition
For months now, the La Immaculada Credit Union has been under pressure from its membership who are demanding disclosure after their General Manager was suspended in May. Now, a group of members, who are also shareholders want a general meeting to be held and a divided to be declared. To do that, they need the signature of one thousand members. Today they held a signature drive in the Orange Walk Central Park - and Estella Torres told us why they are doing it:.. Estella Torres, MEMBER - LICU "I think the credit union is not answering to the members because every year we have our AGM but this time they cancelled the AGM in June. After that they have not called it again so it should be from the last week of April or the first week of May, but right now it's July going to august and we can't get any answer." Jules Vasquez "Are you concerned about your savings?" Estella Torres, MEMBER - LICU "Well we are concerned of our savings, but we are not concerned in our dividends."

The BDF's Helicopters Soon Come
3 months ago, we showed you our interview with Prime Minister Dean Barrow in which he revealed that the Belize Government has turned to the Taiwanese Government for the BDF'S first ever helicopters. That's after they realized that the vendor from Miami didn't have a very sound business offer to make. Well, we asked the Acting Deputy Commander of the BDF today for an update on the Taiwanese connection for the 2 helicopters that Belize is looking to own. He told us that steps have been taken just last week to finalize the arrangements, and those helicopters should arrive in a few months time: Lt. Col. Luis - Acting Deputy Commander, BDF "Last week we had a delegation from the Taiwanese Government and the Taiwanese army and they did some reconnaissance and I can assure without going into much detail, come end of this year, we will see some physical evidence of the presence of these helicopters."

Discussing The Mid-Year Review For 2015
Police Minister John Saldivar met 3 days ago with 6 of the most senior police officers for a mid-year review of a what has been a very deadly year. The police are changing tactics to deal with the spike in violence, and murders. They are also decentralizing policing in Cayo South and communities around Dangriga. We asked the Minister to discuss that meeting with us: As we also told you on Tuesday, the police command has decided with their minister that Cayo South will become a new police jurisdiction, and it will be separated from the Belmopan Police area of responsibility. Also, the villages of Hopkins, Sittee River, Kendal, and Silk Grass will no longer be policed by the Dangriga Formation.

Caye Caulker Police Complain About Barracks
Turning to other police matters, for some time now, we've been receiving reports that the police officers posted on Caye Caulker are unhappy with their barracks. Our information is that the police barracks are not very hospitable, and that the recently graduated constables are having a hard time adjusting to the living conditions of the decrepit building. Here's what the minister told us: Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "There is a lot of our infrastructure throughout the country that especially as it relates to police stations and residential quarters that need attention. As you may be aware, we are benefitting very shortly from the first disbursement of a 30 million dollar loan from CABEI, that will seek to address a lot of these infrastructure deficiencies that we have."

Have You Seen Jacqueline Calderon?
It's been over 72 hours now since 13 year old Jacqueline Carmen Calderon went missing. According to a cousin of the minor, she was last seen at around 5:30 on Tuesday when she left her home on the Foreshore to purchase a phone card at a restaurant on Albert Street. She hasn't returned home and that's when her family became concerned. They are asking for the public's assistance in locating the young girl. She is of Hispanic decent, slim built and weighs about 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing long blue leggings, a blue strap blouse and a pair of black sandals. If anyone has information on Calderon's whereabouts, you can contact the nearest police station. Reports to the family suggest that she may have been seen where at a water taxi terminal.

The Grand City Summer Camp For Youths
Summer camps are a dime a dozen at this time of year, but the police always try to one-up everyone else with their grand themes. This year, it's a project called Youth and Community Transformation. Over the last two weeks it catered for children between the ages of 8 and 16 from the Yabra community where Lectures, computer classes, sports and expressive arts were conducted. We found out more when we visited today: The department plans on making the camp an annual event.

The New Red Cross App
What should you do when confronted by a first aid emergency? That's a situation that confronts many of us whether at home or in public - and we are often left clueless. Well, no more, because a new app by the Belize Red Cross is designed to guide you through the steps to take in any medical emergency. And they have prepared a video to promote it: We found out how it works from Communication Officer at the Belize Red Cross Rodel Beltran Perera: There are actually two apps: First Aid by Belize Red Cross and Muilti Hazards Belize. The apps are easy to download and you can get more information on the Belize Red Cross Facebook page.

Minister Mena Discusses His New Post
Two weeks ago, newly elected Dangriga Area Rep., Frank "Pawpa" Mena was sworn in as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security. That puts him on the frontline of the ministry which has to deal with crime - certainly not a glamour posting. So how has he been getting up to speed? That's what we asked him today at the opening of the Caracol Conservation Post at the extreme Western Border:

Channel 5

Gapi Versus Monchi and the Infamous Recording, Day 2
Today, all parties in a libel and slander suit brought by Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega were back in Court. Vega is suing Ramon Cervantes Jr. and Fiesta FM because [...]

Minister of National Security Weighs in on Sarstoon F.O.B.
The construction of a forward operating base on the mainland, at the mouth of the Sarstoon River, has been the latest issue on the discussion table between Belize and Guatemala. [...]

P.U.P. Says No to Referendum on Territorial Dispute and ICJ Resolution
In the days leading up to the Dangriga bye-election earlier this month, the People’s United Party held a National Party Council meeting in that municipality.  Coming out of the sit [...]

Charges to be Brought Against Rupert Myles for Desecrating Uxbenka
For the past five or six years, the Institute of Archeology has been having discussions with the village of Santa Cruz because the archeological site of Uxbenka encompasses five square [...]

Director of Archaeology Says Fifty Percent of Mound Destroyed
According to Dr. Morris, fifty percent of the ruin has been damaged as a result of Myles’ action.  Again, Myles will be served a notice of eviction, this time by [...]

Conservation Post Inaugurated at Caracol in Memory of Danny Conorquie
Almost a year after the shooting death of Tourism Police Officer Danny Conorquie at the Caracal Archaeological Site in Western Belize, a conservation post has been erected to thwart illicit [...]

Crime, Crime, Crime! What’s the Ministry’s New Strategy?
Minister of National Security John Saldivar and six senior officers of the Police Department conducted a mid-year review succeeded by a release issued earlier this week. There has been a [...]

Domestic Violence and Personal Conflicts on the Rise
The shift in violent crimes, particularly murder, has changed to domestic instances and personal conflict. So what is the police department’s strategy to address this issue?   John Saldivar, Minister [...]

After Banner Crop Season Caneros and ASR Meet to Discuss Sugar
The Sugar Cane Season started on January twentieth and ended on July twelfth after it was extended to accommodate farmers who still had cane in the fields. But despite the [...]

I.D.B. to Assist Cane Farmers with Technical Support
And in other news from the sugar industry, McLachlan told the media today that the IDB will be funding a project that will assist cane farmers with technical support.   [...]

Resident of Armenia Charged for the Murder of Elderly Farmer in Paraiso
The badly decomposed remains of sixty-one-year-old Osmar Ramos was discovered inside a shallow grave on July fifteenth in a remote area in the Cayo District known as Paraiso.  The elderly [...]

Trio Acquitted of Theft and Handling Stolen Goods, Grandma Refuses to Press Charges
A minor who was charged for taking his grandmother’s jewellery walked out of Court free today when she declined to press charges. The burglary occurred on Monday, when the woman [...]

Timothy Morey Charged for Lying to Police About His Identity
An Orange Walk man isn’t going to be clowning around with the Police again after a mischievous act almost landed him in jail. On Tuesday, Timothy Aaron Morey was on [...]

Lord’s Bank Kids Drawn Together by Sports Camps
For the past two weeks, dozens of children, including a handful of teenagers, have been participating in a sports summer camp in Lord’s Bank.  The initiative, organized by the village [...]

LOVE FM

Municipal Body Seeks to Remove Female Vendors From Queen Street
Two female vendors who can be seen regularly on Queen Street selling newspapers and used school books, were today demanded to pack up their items and desist from vending in that area just before midday today. Love News got on the scene just after the Special Constables of the Belize City Council had left with […]

Vega vs Cervantes Continues in September Before Chief Justice
The case between the Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega and the PUP’s Standard Bearer for Orange Walk North, Ramon Cervantes Jr., has been further delayed after the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin adjourned the matter until September 18, 2015. In today’s hearing there was an application from Vega’s attorney, Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams that sought to […]

National Security Minister Finally Speaks on Crime
Up to date there have been more than seventy murders in the first half of 2015. It has become one of the bloodiest years in recent memory. So what is the government doing about it? Today the media asked Minister of National Securituy, John Saldivar, that question and here is how he responded: JOHN SALDIVAR […]

Danny Conorquie Remembered at Inauguration of Conservation Post at Caracol
The shooting murder of Daniel ‘Danny’ Conorquie made national headlines and infuriated Belizeans last year as it is speculated to have been done at the hands of Guatemalan who were in Belize illegally. Conorquie met his death whilst on duty as a Special Constable at the Caracol Archaeology Reserve. Since then the Government of Belize […]

Faction of the PUP Meets to Draft Petition to the Party Leadership
A number of prominent PUP members reportedly met earlier today at Cahal Pech Resort in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District. We understand the meeting was to review the state of the party. From what was relayed to us, it is expected that a draft petition for reform under the leadership of Francis Fonseca will be […]

PUP Says No to Referendum; No to ICJ and No to the UDP
The People’s United Party has issued a release on its resolution on the unjust Guatemalan claim to Belize. As has been reported, the PUP held its national party council in early July in Dangriga. At that meeting, the party stated its position. The PUP says it is convinced that for the territorial integrity and security […]

125 Children in Orange Walk Benefit from Briceno’s Annually Sponsored Summer Camp
The Orange Walk Central Children’s Summer Camp concluded today after five days of sporting activities. The event has been sponsored for the past 16 years by Central Area representative, John Briceno. Coordinating the camp this year was Alex Palacio. ALEX PALACIO “The children will take part in three disciplines; football, volleyball and basketball and every […]

Brain Based Visual Education – Use of Arts in Education and Business
The Palette House Institute is an organization that focuses on art and culture. The organization has been around for the last eight years. Love News spoke with founder Nehanda Hemker who spoke with us about the work of the organization and an upcoming event. NEHANDA HEMKER “We teach educators how to use art as a […]

PlusTV

BEWU meets with Minister Hulse for mediation with BEL
Executive members of the Belize Electricity Workers Union (BEWU), including president Marvin Mora, arrived at the Labour Department shortly before 2 pm today for a most anticipated meeting with the Minister of Labour Hon. Godwin Hulse. This was after they pulled the plug on the negotiations over ben...

Libel case between Gaspar Vega and Ramon Cervantes, Jr. begins
Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega opened his lawsuit for slander against political opponent Ramon Cervantes, Jr. in the Supreme Court today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The Orange Walk North area representative and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture charges that the younger Cerv...

Awaken Christian Youth Conference Kicks off
Awaken Belize opened its doors this evening in Mango Creek Village at 6:30 pm at the Senter. It is an annual Youth event that caters to the young people of Independence Village in the South and surrounding villages. The event started as the brain child of Liz and Emilio Zabaneh of Mango Creek Villag...

Search operations yield ammunition and cannabis find
Police discovered ammunition but no firearm during a search operation. At about 12:30 PM yesterday, July 22nd, police conducted a search in an empty lot on Bank Street in Belize City. Through their search, authorities found a black plastic bag containing (35) 9 mm live rounds. No one was in the area...

Bus passenger charged with Drug Trafficking
A passenger on a bus in the Cayo District was charged with Drug Trafficking. On July 22nd at about 5:30 AM, police were conducting a vehicle checkpoint in Unitedville. They stopped a passenger bus en route to Belize City and searched 20 year old Justin Trapp of Hillview, Santa Elena. Authorities als...

Another marijuana plantation found near Shipyard
Yet again another marijuana plantation has been found near Shipyard Village. At 10 AM on July 22nd, police visited an area in Shipyard Village where they discovered a marijuana plantation containing 25 marijuana plants ranging from 6 to 8 inches in height. No one was found in the area and the plant...

Football Player Robbed after practice
A resident of Belmopan was coming home from football practice late at night when he was accosted by two men and robbed of his belongings. The incident occurred on the central walk way near Turneff Avenue just after 10 pm on Wednesday July 20th. Quick response from the Belmopan police lead to the imm...

The Guardian

Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib kills her common law husband
Thytis Blancaneaux, a 30 year-old resident of the Spanish Town area of Lord’s Bank Village, was found dead in his home on Saturday, July 18. It is believed that his common-law wife, 24 year-old Keyren Tzib, who is out on bail for attempted murder, on another case, was his attacker, and she is now on remand after being criminally charged for his death. Initial investigations have revealed that the couple was at their home when they somehow got into a fight. The confrontation escalated and became tragic when Tzib pulled a knife and stabbed him in the shoulder. He unfortunately fell to the ground, bled out, and died in a pool of his own blood.

Another murder acquittal - Teenager walks free as Crown’s main witness Change Story
Kadeem Anderson, who was accused of murder at the age of 17 but is now 19, was on remand for more than 2 years for murder. Allegations are that on May 10, 2012, Anderson shot and killed Leopold Palacio Junior at the corner of Pelican Street and Central American Boulevard at around 6:50 p.m. During the trial when the main witness, Dennis Talbert, was called to the stand, he told the court that on the night of the shooting, Bryon Pope who is now deceased, another male and himself were hanging out at the intersection of Pelican Street and Central American Boulevard when he saw a man riding a bicycle come in the area, and passed them, then he rode off looking at them suspiciously. Five minutes later, another male rode by and that’s when the man who was wearing a cap turn towards them and open fire in their direction. Palacio Junior was shot several times to the body and he fell to the ground, said Talbert. Palacio Junior died on the scene. The doctor who examined him had removed 4 slugs from his body during post-mortem examination.

Police Bust Guerra’s Bus Passenger with 125 Grams of Weed
Elton Bowen, a 20 year old construction worker of Mahogany Heights, was charged with drug trafficking, after being found with 125 grams of weed in his pockets. According to police, on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, they conducted a search of a Guerra’s bus that was travelling from Benque Viejo to Belize City. Police saw a man acting suspicious and searched him for illegal drugs and firearm. During the search, police found a black plastic bag inside his left front pants pocket. He was identified as Bowen and immediately detained and taken into police custody.

Second suspect charged for Murder of Michael Welch
Lyson James Cacho, a 21 year old Belize City resident, a second suspect for a slaying in Saint Martin De Pores area back in March 2015, was charged with murder. Allegations are that on Sunday, March 1, 2015, Michael Welch and Kingsley Morrison, two disc jockeys, were socializing at a residence on Periwinkle Street when two gunmen rode up on bicycles and opened fired on them. Welch was shot multiple times and died within minutes, while Morrison was shot once to the upper right shoulder, and was rushed to the KHMH where he was treated for his injuries and later released. The first suspect, 19 year old Tarique Nathaniel Gillett, was picked up by police the day after the shooting incident and was arraigned on March 2, 2015 before Magistrate Herbert Panton and was charged with the same offense. No plea was taken.

Hugh Dyer is charged with murder of 47 year old Steve Munnings in Hattieville Village
Hugh Dyer, a 27 year old resident of Foster Street, Hattieville Village, allegedly murdered another resident of Foster Street, Hattieville Village over what appeared to be a rage of jealousy. This stemmed from his belief that his common-law wife was seeing another man. In a police report, police say that acting upon information received of a stabbing incident on Sunday, July 19, 2015, at about 2:50 p.m., they visited Hattieville Village, where they saw a male person, seen lying on his back, with blood on his face, and inside his mouth, in a yard located on Myvette Street. The male was later identified to them as being 47 year old Steve Munnings, who is also known as “Mullo” At the murder scene, police say they found a piece of 2x4 board believed to be the weapon used to commit the murder. On Monday, July 20, 2015, Dyer appeared unrepresented before Magistrate, Ladonna John, where he was read a single charge of murder of Munnings. No plea was taken but Magistrate Ladonna John asked Dyer if he understood the charge read to him.

Man killed and buried outside of Belmopan
Belmopan Police and residents of the Springfield Community found the decomposing remains of 51 year-old Osmar Ramos just outside of the Garden City. Injuries on the body suggest that he died a very violent death, and so investigators are treating the case as a murder investigation. The discovery was made at around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Police went to an area 5 miles off the main road of the Springfield Community in the Paraiso area. They swept the area and found the body buried in a shallow grave about a foot deep in the ground. There they found Ramos’ remains, and the observations were confirmed with a post-mortem that he had suffered multiple chop wounds to the back of the head shoulders and chin. The suspicion at this time is that Ramos may have been killed some time back in June, and his body is only just now being discovered. That is backed by the fact that he was missing for about a month, but unfortunately, police couldn’t activate to try to locate him because no missing person’s report was filed on Ramos. His family has explained that he sometimes goes off on his own for months, and so it was not unusual to them that they had not spoken to him for 4 weeks.

Petrocaribe Summer of Sports Camps continues across the country
The Government of Belize Petrocaribe Summer of Sports Camps continues across the country with a number of them entering week three and four, while some are winding down. At the Radission Fort George Hotel Villa Wing Swimming Pool, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) swimming camp is one of those camps that are winding down this week. Meanwhile, in Belmopan, the Sports Council along with affiliated associations of national federations are now entering a second phase of the Petrocaribe Summer of Sports Camp with the commencement of the softball camp. In Dangriga, the Dangriga Warriors Basketball Organisation will commence their summer camp next week. In Belize City, a number of the summer camps are beginning the winding down period as some of them have now entered its third and fourth weeks. There are still a couple that will commence next week and two will commence on August 3.

Youth Basketballers won Gold in Copa Cancun Tournament
Hoop Dreams Belize which is a U-19 male Basketball Team captured first place in the 2015 Edition of Copa Cancun. In Belize’s first game played on Thursday 16, 2015, Hoop Dreams defeated Pioneros Q. Roo by the score of 72-22. On Friday 17 July, in Belize’s second game of the tournament, it defeated Hurricanes by the score of 87 to The team played two games on Saturday 18 July against Mexican opponents. In game one, Hoop Dreams Belize defeated Barracudas by the score of 54-30. And in the second game, Hoop Dreams edged out the Mexican U-19 champions Marlins from Veracruz by the score of 65-61. On Sunday 19 July, the team played its last two games where it defeated Pioneros by the score of 64-37. In game two, Hoop Dreams Belize defeated Celaya by the score of 46-30.

Bulldogs lead the Belize District Basketball Association Firms competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms competition continued over the last weekend with five games on the schedule. On Saturday 18 July in the first of three games played, BWS Pressure upended INFOTEL by the score of 60-51. The top scorers for the BWS Pressure team were Ashley Hemsley with 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals; Akeem Trapp with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals; Wordsworth Lucas with 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 4 steals and Lindbergh Graham also with 8 points and 5 rebounds. For the INFOTEL squad, the top scorers were Delroy Faber with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal; Devin Bladden with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal and Stafford Young with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. In the second game of the evening, the league leading Bulldogs won handily over Ready Call by the score of 99-41. The top scorers for the Bulldogs were Rupert Brown with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals; Tarrique Gabb with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals and Marcel Orosco with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

C-Ray Cycling Club Youth Summer Series 2015
The series concluded on Sunday 19th July at 1:00 pm on Princess Margaret Drive (in front of Marion Jones) however the cycling camp continues with 2 one day races on August 9th and 16th. This weekend attracted some 44 children who participated in 9 different categories. The Smart Junior Team was outstanding in the 16-18 years category managing to get all their four riders in the breakaway and lapping the entire field with the exception of the 5th place finisher. These are the kinds of talent the C-Ray Cycling Club nurtures in our yearly series. These same young men go on to repeating moments like these in the CFB races. Team work, race strategy and overall sportsmanship are just some of the lessons we try our very best to instil in the youths enrolled in our program.

Police officer dies in traffic accident
Detective Constable, Carlos Orio, 33, passed away following an accident on the Spanish Lookout Road in the Cayo District on Thursday, July 16, 2015. His passenger, Eddie De La Rosa, is currently hospitalized for injuries that he suffered in the accident. It happened at around 8 p.m. that night, when Orio was driving his Toyota Yaris car in a down-pour of rain. Eddie De La Rosa, the man in the passenger seat, spoke with the press via phone from his hospital bed and explained that they were about 3/4 miles from the Iguana Creek Bridge, near to Coop sheet Metal when Orio lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a lamp-post on the side of the road.

The case for legal weed in Belize
Marijuana, or as it is more often addressed, weed, is an intrinsic and constantly apparent part of life in Belize. It is neither hard to find, hard to ingest discreetly, nor is it hard to find someone who partakes in the substance. Walk down any street in Belize smoking a cigarette and you will, in all likelihood pass upwards of three people who will inform you that “you di smoke the wrong ting” and offer to find for you what they believe is the correct thing to be smoking. Perhaps it’s from our fixation on emulating all things Jamaican, perhaps it’s just the mark of a caribbean nation. Nonetheless, marijuana, and it’s consumption, are, whether we want to accept it or not, as Belizean as rice and beans and stew chicken. As many media outlets have reported, there has been a plan proposed to decriminalize the possession of up ten grams of marijuana. There has, of course, been a fair amount of pushback from conservative and religious groups who believe the substance should remain entirely illegal. My question for these groups and peoples is very simple: why? One can only assume that in light of all the ramifications of the prohibition on marijuana (absurdly high arrest rates, overcrowding of prisons, the disparity between the punishments of those convicted for small scale drug sales versus higher level white color crimes, the list goes on and on), these people must be either willfully ignorant and badly informed, or placing far more value on their own personal morality than on the condition of the Belizean people. Never one to assume the worst in people outright, I’m willing to give these dissenters the benefit of the doubt and assume it’s the former and attempt to change that. After all, one would have to be inherently cruel to, once aware of all the social and health benefits of legalized marijuana, continue to rally for it’s maintained criminalization.

“Never give up: Christ is our hope”
Keynote Address delivered at the opening of the 6th Quinquennial Assembly of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women Participants of the 6th Quinquennial Assembly of the Methodist church, clergy, guests, visitors, ladies and gentlemen, good evening to you all and welcome. As a lifelong Methodist and a member of a staunch Methodist Belizean family, I was indeed pleased and honoured to be asked by the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honourable Dean Barrow, to be here with you this evening on his behalf, to bring you greetings from the government and people of Belize, and to extend to those of you who are visiting us a very warm welcome to our country. I also extend, on behalf of the Prime Minister, his best wishes for a successful and rewarding Assembly. We are indeed pleased that you chose to hold this Assembly in our country. We hope that you will have the opportunity to travel across Belize to see and enjoy its natural beauty and to learn of and experience the diverse history and culture of the various peoples that make up our population. I have been made aware that there are members of the Belizean diaspora from the United States visiting the country of their birth and I want to extend a very special Belizean welcome to you.

Security Minister Reviewing Police Department
The Minister of National Security , Hon. John Saldivar, met today with the Senior leadership of the Police Department including the Acting Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett and five regional commanders, namely Senior Superintendents Ralph Moody (South), Aaron Guzman (Western), Alford Grinage (Acting Eastern North), Edward Broaster (Eastern Rural) and Chester Williams (Eastern South). The purpose of the meeting was to review performance over the first six months of 2015 and agree on strategies for the second half of the year. During the meeting the recently appointed commanders of the three new regions in the Belize District expressed to the Minister their endorsement of the new organizational strategy and their expectation that the new arrangement will produce the desired results.

San Ignacio Police Station successfully connected to Generator
At precisely 10:30 am on Monday of this week, Civil Engineer Omar Tut switched off the electrical power at the San Ignacio Police Station, taking it off the National electrical grid. But fortunately for the teams of police officers, clerks, and members of the public, who were inside the San Ignacio Police Station at the time, a United Kingdom built OLYMPIAN GEP50SP-R located at the back of the Police Station purred into action ten seconds later to provide electrical power. This was followed by a resounding cheer from members of the public who were nearby. The occasion was the handing over of a generator by the People’s Coalition of Cayo PCC to San Ignacio Police. Present to do the handing over of the generator was US Embassy Representative Lesmore Paul, to gladly be received by the Superintendent and New Officer in Charge of the San Ignacio Police Formation, Andrew Ramirez. With the new generator in place and working, it comes as an addition to numerous gestures of good will that has come from the U.S Embassy in Belmopan. The US Embassy has in the past provided San Ignacio Police with an evidence room, finger print data base equipment, safety vests for officers at check points as well as metal detectors capable of detecting hidden fire arms.

Caribbean Youths United by Strings, Wind and Brass
The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra blessed the stage of the Bliss Center for Performing Arts with the National Youth Orchestra of Belize on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, to deliver performances that those in attendance will never forget. The 50 member group from Trinidad and Tobago performed some classical pieces before bringing it home with some sounds of the region. Kenneth Listhrop, Founder and Musical Director of the Orchestra, said the group did its homework on “the musical appetite of the folks in Belize”. He said, “We couldn’t do too much heavy classical music so we went in the way of music from the movies and musicals with a little bit of classicals.” The National Youth Orchestra of Belize also had its turn on the stage and they impressed the visitors with their level of talent. John Waterman, a trombone player in the orchestra, said he was impressed and “extremely pleased to see how skilled the players here are already. I mean us being Caribbean people we have good ears; we have good rhythm and a lot of the good building blocks that the orchestra needs.” He said the group’s motivation in visiting is to “help build the orchestral tradition in Belize” and it makes him happy to know that the goal “isn’t so farfetched”.

Mariachi group performs in Belmopan
Young members of the ‘Mariachi Tierra Maya’ performed at the Belmopan Civic Center in Belmopan on Friday night of last week, in recognition of the Belize City Council’s 45th Anniversary Celebrating the establishment of that city. Speaking to a packed audience, Mayor Khalid Belisle thanked everyone for coming to Belmopan to enjoy the Mexican music. Also, speaking was the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Mario Velasquez Suarez, who expressed his gratitude to the people of Belize. The ‘Mariachi Tierra Maya’ group originated from Calderitas in Chetumal City and performs a rich variety of Mexican music that has been sustained by cultural traditions that span over three centuries. The group also performed for the opening of the annual Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta on Thursday of last week.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detected in Southern Belize
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) hereby informs the public, especially in Southern Belize, that the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (or Medfly) has been detected in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District and in the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. As a result of these detections, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in these areas. These activities are important to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the Medflies are eradicated quickly.

Moron???
Hot on the heels from being forced to admit that HE and the other EXECUTIVES of the NTUCB have never consulted with it's general membership in regards to their position on government's Petrocaribe spending, Marvin Mora is back at it again but this time it's with a new salvo of attack on the government and a government affiliated company. By the way if the NTUCB Executive does not get it's directives from it's general membership , then from whom do they get it? Could it mean that they are getting it from the PUP? Or could it be that they are buffoons who just don't know what they are doing? Starting Monday during their lunch hour some BEL employees lead by Mora took to the streets to mount a protest on BEL's Coorporate Headquarters located on the Philip Godson Highway. That protest we were told will run for 3 days during their lunch break. The Monday protest was followed by an appearance by Mora and another Executive member of the Belize Energy Workers Union . Lets back track to the Monday evening news. Mora in a television interview said that they started this agitation to let the company and by extension the government be aware that they wanted their raise now , and were not prepared to wait any longer.

Belize is largest scholarship beneficiary from Taiwan’s ICDF
Every year the Taiwanese government budgets in the region of U.S. $70 million for use by the International Cooperation and Development Fund, according to the fund's Deputy Secretary General Dr. Pai-Po Lee. Set up in 1996 the fund is specifically designed to assist developing countries who have diplomatic relations with Taiwan in key areas of development. These areas include: Public Health and Medicine, Education Scholarships, Information Communication and Technology development as well as E-Government set ups. It also finances projects in Environmental Sustainability, the efficient use of energy as well as Global Information System applications in development. There is also budgeting for the promotion of Renewable Energy. Another aspect of financing is provided for the promotion of Global integration, cooperation and development. These are but a few areas which the ICDF finances worldwide to Taiwan's partner countries.

Hugo Patt Endorsed!
On Sunday July 19, the football field in the village of Patchakan in the Corozal District was the venue for a massive gathering to celebrate the accomplishments of and to endorse the current area representative, the Honorable Hugo Patt. Over 1500 residents of ten villages plus Alta-Mira which constitute Corozal North gathered to show their unwavering support and to endorse Honorable Hugo Patt as their representative of choice to continue lobbying for goods and services on their behalf. He will continue as the person to represent the people of Corozal North under the United Democratic Party Banner and will deliver Corozal North for the UDP when General Elections are called.

Security Minister Reviewing Police Department
The Minister of National Security , Hon. John Saldivar, met today with the Senior leadership of the Police Department including the Acting Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett and five regional commanders, namely Senior Superintendents Ralph Moody (South), Aaron Guzman (Western), Alford Grinage (Acting Eastern North), Edward Broaster (Eastern Rural) and Chester Williams (Eastern South). The purpose of the meeting was to review performance over the first six months of 2015 and agree on strategies for the second half of the year. During the meeting the recently appointed commanders of the three new regions in the Belize District expressed to the Minister their endorsement of the new organizational strategy and their expectation that the new arrangement will produce the desired results.

San Ignacio Police Station successfully connected to Generator
At precisely 10:30 am on Monday of this week, Civil Engineer Omar Tut switched off the electrical power at the San Ignacio Police Station, taking it off the National electrical grid. But fortunately for the teams of police officers, clerks, and members of the public, who were inside the San Ignacio Police Station at the time, a United Kingdom built OLYMPIAN GEP50SP-R located at the back of the Police Station purred into action ten seconds later to provide electrical power. This was followed by a resounding cheer from members of the public who were nearby. The occasion was the handing over of a generator by the People’s Coalition of Cayo PCC to San Ignacio Police. Present to do the handing over of the generator was US Embassy Representative Lesmore Paul, to gladly be received by the Superintendent and New Officer in Charge of the San Ignacio Police Formation, Andrew Ramirez. With the new generator in place and working, it comes as an addition to numerous gestures of good will that has come from the U.S Embassy in Belmopan. The US Embassy has in the past provided San Ignacio Police with an evidence room, finger print data base equipment, safety vests for officers at check points as well as metal detectors capable of detecting hidden fire arms.

“Askhole”
Since last week Wednesday our local journalists have been trying to get a chance to ask Godfrey Smith about his removal/ resignation from the position of National Campaign Manager of the PUP after the 3-BEAT that the PUP took under his stewardship. Not only did the party lose but those electoral defeats were humiliating because they lost by huge margins and they lost seats that they controlled before those elections. Smith as NCM was not only in charge of the party’s finances but he was in charge of whatever strategy or lack thereof that his party put out there. After his departure the party only sent out a vague release stating that there was some sort of mutual agreement between him and Francis . In the land of the PUP there is nothing known as mutual agreement! Inside the PUP it is all about cut throat, back stabbing, backroom deals , secret clauses leapfrogging and blackmail . It’s about who has more dirt on whom. The journalists way laid Smith outside the court because it appeared that he had been drafted by the Dodgers. A Channel 7 news reporter asked Smith why was he no longer the NCM of the PUP? In uncharacteristic fashion his response was sheepish, muttering , and I quote “I already made a statement to you all that by mutual agreement between the party leader and myself, stemming out of conversations we had, I am not prepared to nor will I comment further on that state of affairs”. I don’t know if he was referring to that aforementioned vague statement from the PUP that said absolutely nothing.

BEL Statement Regarding BEWU Protest
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is aware of a protest by the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) which commenced today, during which BEWU members referred to the details of negotiations for a Revised Partnership Collective Agreement (PCA). Negotiations commenced on November 4, 2014 between BEL’s Management Negotiating Team appointed by BEL’s Board of Directors and BEWU’s Negotiating Committee appointed by the Executive of the BEWU. These negotiations entered into mediation on June 26, 2015 by the Labour Commissioner after the BEL and BEWU negotiating teams were unable to arrive at an agreement on the negotiation of salaries and benefits for the revised PCA. Non-financial matters of the revised PCA were first addressed and successfully negotiated except for the clause on disciplinary action. At the commencement of negotiations, the BEWU’s proposal was for an increase in salaries and benefits amounting to 90% of salary. The Company rejected this proposal for salaries and benefits. In April, the BEWU presented a new proposal for a 62% increase in salaries and benefits. The Company presented a counter proposal for 24%. The BEWU walked away from the negotiating table and led a sickout. BEL deems this incident a strike under the laws of Belize and has reported the matter to the Labor Department.

Belize Bank holds business expo in Belmopan
The Belize Bank Belmopan Branch for the first time ever organized a business exposition at its parking lot on Saturday of this past weekend. Several businesses from Belmopan had their booths to showcase their wide selection of products. It’s all part of an effort by the Belize Bank to boost its Back to School loans programs says Martha Burrows, the Retail Manager at the Belize Bank in Belmopan City. Whilst it is summer time, some kids are already getting ready to go back to school. This can be done, says Martha Burrows, by getting a loan from the Belize Bank to fulfill tuition needs as well as to buy books and supplies.

Officials meet with private sectors to expand the Belize/Guatemala Partial Scope Agreement
As a developing country, Belize strives to establish good relations with neighboring countries through trade. One of the most progressing trade markets is the one established through the Belize/Guatemala Partial Scope Agreement, which has reached its five year review period this year. This agreement was signed on June 26, 2006, but became effective on April 4, 2010. The scope is described as a bilateral trade agreement, where goods are provided by both countries. A total of 150 products are being shared across the two markets. Since export values have gradually increased from the year 2010 to 2014, it is hoped that the agreement expands. When officials from the Ministry of Trade and Agriculture came together and held a forum, it was to no surprise that Belize’s market must offer more produce on the market in order to successfully benefit our economy.

Calm after the Storm
Since July 8 it has been deafeningly calm. One may want to take it for granted that Papa Mena’s win at the poles was what it finally took to let the the haters understand “Don’t mess wid Petrocaribe.” Having lost that war these rebels are looking for a new cause. Matura is trying to stir mud by posting on facebook that the reason so much young people are being killed is because they are dependent on Government’s hand out. This claim is so ridiculous, that she herself had tons of problems phrasing her post. Mora, another Matura foot soldier is trying to mislead his BEL workers. BEL, Mr. Mora is for the people and Government of Belize. While you would love to flex on GOB, do you want to suffer the wrath of the Belizean people who have just benefited their 5 rate reduction? Continue to threaten the people’s utility and see if they will empathize with you and your membership.

Taiwanese embassy hosts journalist in Taiwan
The Republic of China on Taiwan is perhaps Belize’s single greatest benefactor. Currently Belize is the beneficiary through yearly multimillion dollar grants, scholarships in 33 fields of education, assistance in improving Information Technology, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food Processing, Art Education among other programs. And while Taiwan is contributing to Belize’s development in a significant manner, there is little exposure on the source of all the assistance, Taiwan. That is why in an effort to increase awareness on the level of assistance that the Taiwanese government offers to countries with whom it shares diplomatic relations, as well as to give a better understanding of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China on Taiwan regularly organizes visits for media personnel from the benefitting country to Taiwan.

1 Year in Prison for Stealing I-Phone at New Asia
39 year old Marlon Flowers, a laborer of #88 West Street, Belize City, is accused of stealing an Apple I-Phone valued $1,500, property of Chalonie Craig, 39, a businesswoman of corner Seagull and Iguana Streets in Belize City. Allegations are that on Sunday, July 19, 2015, Craig went to buy food inside New Asia Restaurant, located on Vernon Street, at around 9:30 a.m.; whilst waiting for her food to come, she gave her 6 year old daughter her Apple IPhone to play with. When the food came, she noticed that her daughter did not have the cell phone in her hand. Craig said she made checks in the restaurant and could not find the cell phone anywhere but when the Security at the restaurant showed her the surveillance camera she saw that a male person wearing a white shirt with long jeans pants picked up the cell phone off the table, placed it into his pants pocket and walked through the door. The police were called in and they also viewed the surveillance camera and saw the man who was later identified as Flowers.

Victoria Garnett Charged along with Two Minors for Burglary
Eighteen year Victoria Garnett and two male minors, a 13 year old student of Saint Luke Primary school and a 15 year old student of Gwen Lizarraga High school, were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for the offense of burglary. Allegations are that on Thursday, July 16, 2015, the trio were caught red handed by police at a burglary scene. Reports are that they were caught by police, entering as trespassers, the home of Mindy Pratt, located at Mile 2 ½ on the George Price Highway and stole, a 32 inch PCL television set value $1,500, along with $30 cash from a petty cash pan, also property of Mindy Pratt. On Monday, July 20, 2015, the trio appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, to answer to a single charge of burglary. They pleaded not guilty to the charge; however, the court prosecutor, Inspector Egbert Castillo objected to bail. And while initially, the Chief Magistrate had upheld the prosecutor’s objection to bail for the trio, a stunning and shocking sexual assault allegation from Garnett made her chose not to deny any of the trio accused of the burglary, and offered them bail in the sum of $1,000.

Hattieville Murder
Steve Munnings, a 47 year-old Hattieville Village resident, was clubbed to his death right at his own home. It appears at this time, that he was an innocent victim caught in the middle of a domestic dispute between his most recent employer, and her jealous lover. That man, who is believed to have been the killer, has since been arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Hattieville police officers, who were on duty, were called out to Munning’s yard on Myvette Street in Hattieville just before 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. There they found Munnings on the ground where he had fallen and passed away. At the scene, they found a piece of 2X4 lumber and a knife, and 26 year-old Michelle Brakeman.

Murder in Bermudian Landing…
Police from the Eastern Division Rural area have discovered the badly burnt remains of a man that they believe to be a Ladyville resident of mile 9 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Police believe at this time that he may have been killed, and then his body was burnt to conceal evidence. Police say that 18 year-old Daisy Williams, reported to them that her common-law hasband, 28 year-old Kelvin Usher left their home on Thursday, July 16, and since then, he hasn’t been found. On Saturday, July 18, at around 10:43 a.m., Ladyville police visited an area about 400 feet past the bridge heading to Scotland Half-moon Village in the Belize Rural Area. There, they found the charred remains of a man they strongly suspect to be Kelvin Usher, who went missing. He was lying face down in some bushes on the side of the road.

Belize Softball Federation names National Junior Female to El Salvador
The Belize Softball Federation has released the names of the players that will represent Belize at the XI Central American Junior Female Softball Championship scheduled for San Salvador, El Salvador, from July 30-August 3, 2015. The players selected to represent Belize are Shareeni Soberanis, Shanaya Soberanis, Rose Vernon, Renisha Richards, Ronicia Vernon, Shanae Williams and Ashira Harris from the Cayo District. Denika Noralez, Chelsea Young, Kelsy Robinson, Devonie Reyes, Ranisha Rhaburn, Elma Wade, Amber Wade, Shania Pook, Kristy Terry from Belize Rural, while Tyra Moreria and Shantell Longsworth are from Belize City. The Head Coach is Nelberth Flowers while the Assistant Coaches are Floyd Flowers and Ruth Lamb.

2015 Vega Cup Tournament to open on August 2
The 2015 Vega Cup Tournament is scheduled to commence on Sunday August 2 with the Traditional Marathon Competition at the Trial Farm Football Field in Orange Walk North Constituency. The Official Opening Ceremonies is for 9:00 am. The regular season will commence on Sunday August 9, 2015. The deadline for the submission of players’ registration is Thursday July 23, 2015. Interested teams can contact Raul Rosado at 622-2830 or Luis Patt at 666-0979 for further information.

Amandala

Ignore Guatemala – build Sarstoon Forward Operating Base!
The announcement by Foreign Minister Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington and Ministry of National Security CEO Colonel George Lovell (Ret’d), that Guatemala has raised objection to the construction of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Sarstoon Island, the southernmost part of Belize, and that plans to construct the base have been put on hold, was met with severe criticism from the independent political party Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) at a press conference this morning. VIP’s position on the FOB is similar to the position taken by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize earlier this week, that Belize should exercise its sovereignty over its territory and go ahead with the construction of the FOB, notwithstanding Guatemala’s objection. VIP member Patrick Rogers said that Belize is building confidence for a Guatemalan case, if the claim ever makes it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Cop found guilty of theft
A police officer who was stationed in San Pedro and was accused of theft by a San Pedro resident last October was found guilty of the offence today when his case concluded before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. Constable Dean Perez, who was remanded to the Belize Central Prison, will be brought back to court on Monday, when Chief Magistrate Smith will sentence him. In handing down the guilty verdict, Smith told the court that although there were discrepancies in the prosecution’s case, those discrepancies did not affect the crux of the Crown’s case against Perez. The Chief Magistrate said that the virtual complainant was more believable than the accused, Perez. Perez was defended by attorney Leroy Banner, who has indicated that he will appeal the guilty verdict. Perez was accused of stealing a cellular phone and $600 cash from the home of Jose Hernandez, a man on whom he had gone to execute a committal warrant.

“…don’t let Danny die in vain!”
Since Special Constable Danny Conorquie was heartlessly gunned down last September at the prestigious Caracol site in Cayo, Western Belize, the Government of Belize has beefed up security presence in the area—long targeted by Guatemalan looters and illegal loggers who have virtually been having a free-for-all, because there was not enough security presence to stave off the unrelenting incursions. Tomorrow, the Institute of Archaeology (IA), under the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), will unveil a $100,000 conservation post, complete with 12 rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, communication towers, and other facilities, to serve as a permanent base for 12 Belize Defence Force (BDF) officers who have been deployed to the area since Conorquie’s broad daylight murder. The Caracol Conservation Post will be the largest in the area, according to Dr. John Morris, IA’s Director. “We have to ensure we don’t let Danny die in vain. Something positive has come out of it,” Morris told us in an interview today.

Gapi vs Munchie libel/slander case begins
The courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, the largest courtroom in the country, was filled to capacity as supporters of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar “Gapi” Vega, the UDP incumbent for the Orange Walk North constituency, and his political opponent, PUP standard bearer Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes, Jr., waited for the libel case that Vega had brought against Cervantes, to begin, around 9:00 this morning. The hearing opened with Vega’s attorney, Rodwell Williams, S.C., from the law firm of Barrow and Williams (Prime Minister Barrow’s law firm) outlining the grounds of the claim Vega had filed against Cervantes. Vega’s lawsuit originated out of allegations made in an audio recording that was broadcast from a memorial service in November 2014 that the Cervantes family had for Ramon Cervantes, Sr. who was murdered in July 2014. In a telephone conversation between Cervantes’ widow, Vilma Cervantes, and a man claiming to be Manuel Castillo — which was aired on Love FM and on Fiesta FM, an Orange Walk-based radio station — Castillo implicated Vega in the plot to murder the senior Cervantes.

Disputing BEL parties meet Labour Minister
Unionized workers of the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and management of the company met separately with Labour Minister Godwin Hulse in Belmopan today, after the Minister reached out to the union on Wednesday, on the third day of its protest in front of the company’s Belize City headquarters over preconditions which the union claims it cannot accept for a salary increase which they say they unconditionally deserve. The Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU), on the one hand, and the management of BEL, on the other hand, have both provided disparate data on the proposals for the wage increase, as well as what workers have actually gotten in salary increases in previous years. The picketing came after talks, which began last November, broke down. “We can’t have a situation where we are not talking. It’s one company, one of Belize’s stellar companies, and they are all Belizeans at that table; and so we have to talk so we move the process forward,” Hulse said. Minister Hulse confirmed to our newspaper this evening that he has met with both sides, management this morning and the union this afternoon, in an attempt to clearly understand their positions, so that he could determine where they diverge and to try to establish where there is common ground.

4th Annual Ride for Hunger kicks off
Joel “Dara” Robinson will host the 4th Annual Ride for Hunger this year, and as a special tribute to one of his regular patrons—Kareem Clarke, the Amandala reporter whose life was cut short earlier this month when he was callously gunned down on Vernon Street—the organizer has decorated Clarke’s bike, which will be placed on a float, as a memorial of his support for the cause to fight hunger among children. Clarke was riding the bicycle when he was shot dead. Robinson has decorated it with wreaths and a laminated oversized photo of Clarke, as a tribute to a young man they will carry with them in spirit, when the Ride for Hunger makes its way from in front of the Smart headquarters, at 2 ½ Miles on the Philip Goldson Highway, at 6:30 a.m. this Sunday, July 26, 2015. “A lot of people who have not experienced the ride want to try it,” said Dara, adding that more companies are also pledging their support. “I feel that this year, the support will be better than other years, based on calls from the public,” he told us.

Futsal Tournament 2015
The Belmopan Football Association (BFA) El Rancho Restaurant & Bar Futsal Tournament 2015 concluded over the weekend with 3rd place games for females and males taking place on Friday, while the championship games for females and males were on Saturday night, all matches being at the El Rancho Restaurant & Bar. In the Futsal Females third place game on Friday, Lucky Strikers Girls blanked Pink Angels, 5-0, with all 5 goals coming from Kimberly Perez. The Futsal Males third place match between Las Flores and Devils ended 3-3 in regulation, with Wilfredo Barrientos, Arcelito Pastrana and Alberto Ortiz scoring for Las Flores; while Carlos Ramirez, Kendale Palma and Sean Mas tallied for Devils. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Devils prevailed, 4-3, with conversions from Carlos Ramirez, Kendale Palma, Marco Hernandez and James Gonzalez; while Angel Pastrana, Alberto Ortiz and Rudy Galdamez made good for Las Flores. On Saturday in the Futsal Females championship finals, Las Flores Girls got a goal each from Lenny Ortiz and Berta Garcia, to register the 2-0 victory over Real Madrid Girls. Next,was the Futsal Males championship finals where La Juventud won, 4-3, over Turbo Boys. Shaking the net for the victorious La Juventud were David Madrid with a hat trick (3 goals) and Victor Caliz; while, Michael Lewis (2 goals) and Jose Galdamez scored for Turbo Boys.

C-Ray Cycling Club Youth Summer Series 2015
The Series concluded on Sunday, July 19, at 1:00 p.m. on Princess Margaret Drive (in front of Marion Jones Sports Complex). However, the cycling camp continues with 2 one-day races on August 9th and 16th. 44 kids were present this weekend, who participated in 9 different categories. Below are the results: Tiny Mites: (3-5yrs MALE) – 1st Khamani Morrison; 2nd Arren Pope; 3rd Ayomide Kemiki; 4th Nabil Agha. Tiny Mites: (3-5yrs FEMALE) – 1st Kadeidre Lashley; 2nd Jadah Muschamp; 3rd Breanna Banks. Tiny Mites (6-8yrs) – 1st Raymond Singh III; 2nd Devin Major; 3rd Prinston Itza; 4th Leon Pope; 5th Kristoff Rosado. Female (under 10yrs) – 1st Mya Bennett; 2nd Abbie Leslie; 3rd Mya Smith; 4th Tamia Bennett; 5th Kaelie Burgess. Female :(over 10yrs) – 1st Jamie Muschamp; 2nd Amirah Pitts.

Easy Does It takes the first in the semifinals
Thanks to the kind sponsorships of Belikin and Smart, the Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2015, under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, continued over the weekend. Two very exciting games were played. In the beautiful village of Lemonal, Sunrise of Lords Bank traveled there to go up against Easy Does It. This was a best-of-three in the semifinals. Sunrise won the toss and took to bat first. To remind you, if you have forgotten, in last year’s season, these two teams had met in the playoffs, and Easy Does It had beaten them two games straight. So, with that said, I would believe that each knows how the other plays. Two very defensive batsmen were sent in first, Conway Jones and Zaggi. They started to show very excellent batting. But with the strong bowling of captain Kenroy Reynolds and his partner, wickets started falling in this order: 1 for 12; 2 for 12; 3 for 25; 4 for 25; 5 for 59; 6 for 82; 7 for 92; 8 for 92; 9 for 92; 10 for 92.

Football tournaments coming soon to Belize City
Get ready, players/teams, for the first ever Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez Cup 2015 Football Tournament! Beginning in August, 2015, we will be having a football tournament in five (5) different categories, which will be played in Belize City at the MCC Grounds: 1st Division/Senior – 8 teams only; U-16 (14-16 years) Males – 6 teams only; Females Open – 6 teams only; Inter-Office/Firms – 10 teams only; Over 40 years (veterans) – 6 teams only. NOTE: Players will only be allowed to play in one category! All uniforms will be provided. Registration will commence on August 12, 2015. Trophies & cash prizes will be awarded to top three (3) teams in each division! For more information, contact: David Jones at 664-0124.

Editorial: Of men and nations
In October of 1962, the United States of America and the Soviet Union came close to nuclear war because of nuclear missiles the Russians had installed on the island of Cuba, which is only ninety miles away from the American mainland. In April of 1961, the United States had organized and financed an invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles, because the Americans wanted to overthrow the communist administration Fidel Castro had set up in Cuba after he overthrew the corrupt dictator, Fulgencio Batista, in January of 1959. The Ydigoras Fuentes and Anastacio Somoza governments of Guatemala and Nicaragua, respectively, military regimes which were allies of the United States, had allowed their national territories to be used as training bases for the Cuban exile invasion. So that, Fidel Castro knew that Cuba and the revolution were surrounded by enemies, and he solicited the nuclear missiles from Russia because he and the Cuban people were desperate to defend their freedom and sovereignty. When the Americans demanded that the Russians withdraw the missiles from Cuba, Castro insisted that the missiles remain. He knew that the very existence of his nation-state was in jeopardy, because there were people in the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, such as Air Force General Curtis LeMay, who would have liked to bomb Cuba into oblivion. LeMay, in fact, wanted to attack Russia itself with nuclear weapons.

From the Publisher
By now, most of you readers know the story, but I think I should go over it once again. In June of 1993, the People’s United Party (PUP) lost a general election just about everybody expected them to win. A hastily constructed coalition between the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the National Alliance for Belizean Rights (NABR) defeated the PUP, which had called the general election fifteen months before they had to do so, by a 16-13 margin in seats. The UDP/NABR won even though the PUP polled 2,000 more popular votes than they did! Actually, the NABR only had one candidate on the UDP/NABR ticket, and that was the Hon. Philip Goldson in the Albert constituency. The coalition presented two candidates who had originally joined NABR when Mr. Philip led a breakaway from the UDP to form NABR in 1991. These were Hubert Elrington in Lake Independence and Sam Rhaburn in Belize Rural North, but these two had both quickly returned to the ranks of the UDP, then under the leadership of Hon. Manuel Esquivel. As late as January and March of 1993, the NABR was presenting its own candidates in the Freetown bye-election and the Belize City Council election, respectively. In both these elections, the PUP crushed the UDP, with NABR running a weak third.

Carolyn’s National Policy and Plan
Dear Editor, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it” (Albert Einstein 1879 – 1955) There is an urgent need for a National Policy and Plan to ensure the preservation and survival of the nation state of Belize for the next generation. I humbly offer an 8-Point framework to initiate a discussion on it. Belize is confronted by many challenges today, the most significant and pressing being the erosion of our territorial integrity and sovereignty, and our unique Belizean identity and way of life. If this is to continue, Belize and Belizeans are on a path to extinction, for if there is no Belize, there are no Belizeans. Sad to say, our government appears clueless and incapable as how to stop and reverse this trajectory. I wish to refer to a few instructive excerpts from your editorials:

The nexus between art and journalism: Katie pays tribute to Kareem
For the second year in a row, Katie Usher has decided to bring together fellow artists at the Image Factory on North Front Street, Belize City, as a part of what began in 2014 as a 48-hour lab, but this year, her project has taken on a life of its own – expanding now into its second week as she highlights the work of Kareem Clarke, the young Amandala reporter who was callously gunned down shortly after midnight on Monday, July 6. “In my opinion, artists and journalists are the same; we are telling stories to society…” said Katie, whose art project has been capturing a salient story: the state of homicides in Belize in 2015. Kareem would have returned to his workstation here at Amandala that morning, more than likely trying to put together his news reports on the weekend happenings; instead, it was his murder that made the headline of the newspaper’s next edition. Katie changed the headline’s caption from “Kremandala loses Kareem” to “Belize loses Kareem.”

Medflies discovered in Hopkins and on Sapodilla Cayes
The potentially devastating medfly fruit pest, the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, was discovered in southern Belize last week, and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has triggered eradication activities in Hopkins, Stann Creek and on the Sapodilla Cayes, stripping all possible fruit hosts—mostly tropical almonds, craboos and mangoes—from trees within 250 square meters of where the pests were discovered, in an effort to prevent a population explosion which could have dire consequences for the agricultural sector. “All it takes is one infested fruit,” said BAHA’s medfly coordinator, Hernan Zetina, who has visited the area where the medflies were discovered by BAHA staff who monitor traps on a weekly basis. A press release issued by BAHA says that, “Belize is the only country in the region that is free of this pest, and it is only when infested medfly hosts, such as fruits and vegetables, are brought into Belize illegally that this pest is introduced.” Four medflies were trapped on the Sapodilla Cayes, specifically on Franks Caye, Hunting Caye and Lime Caye; while 3 were trapped in the Hopkins area.

New OAS Assistant Secretary General hits the ground running
Ambassador Nestor Mendez, the Belizean who was inaugurated on Friday, July 17, as the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), has hit the ground running as the new co-pilot of Secretary-General Luis Almagro, whom Mendez thanked for welcoming him as co-secretary general to steer the OAS in the direction which Member States have outlined in the strategic vision for the organization. Mendez said, “…we must find ways to overcome our challenges and create the enabling environment for economic and social prosperity by identifying new areas of cooperation, creative financing mechanisms and maximizing the catalytic potential of the OAS.” Under this new OAS administration, the Assistant Secretary General has more autonomy and shares more of the functions of the Secretary General, which demonstrates the level of trust and confidence Almagro is placing in Mendez. Almagro, who congratulated the new Assistant Secretary General, said: “I have nothing short of great expectations for our work together… There are exciting times ahead and our task is one borne of the trust that has been placed in our hands.”

Belize and Mexico ink 8 cooperation instruments
During an official working visit to Mexico on Monday, July 20, 2015, Belize Foreign Affairs Minister, Attorney General Wilfred Elrington, signed 8 instruments of bilateral cooperation with his Mexican counterpart – Canciller José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City. Elrington headed a delegation which also included Minister of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection, Erwin Contreras; Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Herman Longsworth; and Foreign Affairs CEO Lawrence Sylvester. The texts of the bilateral agreements, which Elrington and Meade signed, cover air transport, innocent passage by vessels to facilitate navigation via the territorial waters of the neighboring countries, energy cooperation, social security, intellectual property rights protection and the promotion of registered patents, climate change research, wildlife conservation, as well as consumer protection. The parties also discussed institutional cooperation to expedite the process of certification for livestock export.

Girl raped by stepfather
A 16-year-old girl told police that she was raped by her stepfather in their house in Belize City. The girl said that her mother had gone to church, and she was sleeping in her room, when her stepfather went into her room and raped her. The stepfather then left the house and has since been on the run from police. When the girl’s mother returned home, the girl told her what had happened, and together, they went to the police and made a formal report. Police took the girl to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for examination by a doctor, who certified that she had been carnally known. Police have since been on the hunt for the stepfather.

Second man charged for Michael Welch’s murder
A Belize City man who was remanded to prison last week on firearm and ammunition charges will have to spend a longer time than the mandatory three months for those alleged offenses, because he was brought back to court this afternoon on more serious charges. James Lyson Cacho, 31, appeared before Magistrate Ladonna John, who arraigned him on charges of murder, attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Unlike the firearm and ammunition charges to which Cacho pleaded not guilty, these new charges that Cacho faces are indictable offenses, and so no plea was required of him. Cacho joins Tarique Gillett, 18, whom police have charged with the same offenses for the March 1 murder of Michael Welch, and the attempted murder of Kingsley Morrison, 24.

The Reporter

GOB and Mexico sign bilateral trade agreements
Cattle producers in Belize will soon benefit from increased markets to sell their livestock, through a new bilateral trade agreement between Belize and Mexico. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, signed the agreement on Belize’s behalf this week at a scheduled meeting in Mexico. The […]

PUP leader says absence of 12 party executives from campaign meeting is no cause for concern
People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, Francis Fonseca, says the absence of 12 of his party’s area representatives and standard bearers from a National Executive meeting to discuss general election campaign matters is of no worry to him. The party called its meeting for Tuesday […]

Trinidad & Tobago Youth Orchestra visits Belize
A musical and spiritual upliftment, a joyful noise resulted when 50 young musicians of the Trinidad & Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP) joined 42 Belizeans of the National Youth Orchestra of Belize for two concerts at the Bliss Institute of Performing Arts on Saturday and Sunday, […]

Governor General attends education consortium
Governor General Sir Colville Young, this week participated in the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC) at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. While there, Sir Colville met with UNCW Chancellor Jose Sartarelli and discussed the partnership between Belize and UNCW. They discussed […]

Jealous ex-boyfriend kills workman over girlfriend’s house key
Hugh Dyer, 31, a labourer of Hattieville Village, is remanded to the Hattieville Prison on a charge of murder, for beating a workman to death in a jealous fit over his girlfriend’s house key. The incident happened between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday […]

Tzib remanded for stabbing and killing boyfriend
Keyren Tzib, the 24-year-old Coast Guard officer who shot a fellow officer with a high-powered weapon earlier this year, has been remanded to prison after a domestic dispute in Lord’s Bank on Saturday ended in the stabbing death of her common-law husband. The stabbing […]

NTUCB says GOB weak on stance with Guatemala
In the wake of Guatemala’s objection to a Belizean base being built on Sarstoon island, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) expressed strong criticism, saying the government’s response is a “position of inexcusable weakness.” The NTUCB feels that the position that GOB […]

Mother needs help to bury young daughter who passes of cancer
Michelle Smith Massiah, a teacher at Anglican Cathedral College (ACC), is asking the public’s assistance to bury her only child, Angela Lee Anne Smith, 24, who died on Sunday of cancer. Massiah told reporters this week that Angela was first diagnosed with liver cancer this […]

Kareem Clarke to be remembered during charity ride
Fallen media comrade, Kareem Clarke, the 27 year-old Kremandala journalist and cameraman who was ruthlessly gunned down early on Monday July 6th, will be remembered during the fourth annual “Ride for Hunger”, spearheaded by Joel “Dara” Rob-inson. Robinson, who is putting the final touches on […]

Police identify charred remains as Kelvin Usher
Police, late Thursday evening, confirmed to The Reporter that the charred remains found on Saturday morning on the roadside near the Bermudian Landing bridge in the Belize River Valley belt are those of a mechanic reported missing that same day. Senior Super-intendent of Police, Edward […]

Med-fly detected in Belize. BAHA issues caution
The Mediterranean fruit fly, more commonly known as the Medfly, has been detected in Southern Belize and the Belize Agricultural and Health Authority (BAHA) has sprung into action to eradicate the pest, which can destroy Belize’s citrus export industry. According to BAHA, the medfly […]

Editorial
Sometimes it seems that the harder you work, the more frustrations and criticism you get. This seems to be the case with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. Highly regarded abroad and by his peers in the region as a well-read, level-headed diplomat, he is reviled by critics at home for being […]

Customs raid yeilds big catch
The Customs and Excise Department this week made a large contraband raid in the Orange Walk district. Customs carried out a raid on an abandoned house on Thursday afternoon in San Victor Village, where they found numerous items of a value still to be determined. […]

More Belizean banks cut off?
The Governor of the Central Bank, Glen Ysaguirre told the Reporter he has not received confirmation from either of two local banks reportedly cut off by International banking associates. Unconfirmed reports say that both banks had their corresponding banking relations abroad severed, in a […]

KHMH go-slow ends – GOB steps in for negotiations
A go-slow, staged by disgruntled Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) employees who believe they are entitled to salary increases, has officially ended, following a meeting between worker representatives, hospital management and a ministerial “task-force”. The Cabinet negotiating team, comprised of Minister of Labor Godwin […]

BEWU and Labor Minister work it out
The Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU), after staging a three-day protest to a breakdown in negotiations with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) management, has met with Minister of Labor Godwin Hulse and now awaits a subsequent meeting between Hulse and management to resume negotiations. According […]

Breaking Belize News

Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch invites you to their Back to School Loan Fair
Friday, July 24th, 2015. BMG: School re-opens in a month’s time and it’s never a good idea to procrastinate. San Ignacio’s Atlantic Bank has what you need – attractive interest rates on Back-To-School Loans, or any other financial needs you might have. It’s all at the Back To School Loan Fair on August 1, 2015, […]

Robbery in the old capital
Belize police are currently investigating a midday robbery in the old capital. According to store owner, Sonia Balani, around 11:45 am, two masked men entered her store namely, One Click Super Market located on the corner of Hopkins and 1st Street in the Kings park area. Balani reported that the […]

COLA wants Elrington out immediately
Joining the plea for Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington to resign, is COLA, after recent statements made by the minister in regards to the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute and taking the matter to the ICJ. Geovanni Brackett, the president of COLA, said that they are completely disgusted with the way […]

Fairly Dry Weekend across the country of Belize
Mainly fair and warm weather conditions are expected to prevail over the country for the next few days. The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with cloudy spells for the remainder of today. Tonight will be partly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Winds will be […]

OW Police remove Ammo and Drugs off Trial Farm Streets
Yesterday, based on intelligence, Orange Walk Police descended upon an abandoned lot on Kett’s Lagoon Street in Trial Farm Village where they found illicit drugs and ammunition. Authorities say upon arrival they saw a pink Winnie the pooh bag tucked into some bushes and upon further inspection discovered 9.119 grams of […]

Dara rides for hunger and for Kareem
Philanthropist Joel “Dara” Robinson continues his efforts to raise funds for his feeding program with a pair of events starting this weekend. The 4th annual Ride for Hunger kicks off from Smart Headquarters at Mile 2 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway at 6:30 Saturday morning, riding a circuit through […]

Methodist church women open regional conference
The Sixth Quinquennial Assembly of the women of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas (MCCA) opened in Belize for the first time this week at the Ramada Princess Hotel. Organizers say that in addition to prayer and election of new officers, there will be serious discussion of topical […]

“Flavors of Belize” reaches fifth anniversary
Food is a major part of Belizean culture and lifestyle, and the book “Flavors of Belize” by McNab Publishing Limited has become a staple for those trying to recreate the Jewel at home. The fifth anniversary edition was launched this week, featuring local recipes, restaurants, and travel features. Since 2010, […]

Blogs

Snapshots from this Week – TRAVEL and Gorgeous Chaa Creek in Cayo
My week has been amazing so far. Traveling out from San Pedro to San Ignacio – from sea to jungle in Belize. Checking in to the Lodge at Chaa Creek expecting to be staying with the eco-campers at the camp casitas…and finding out I was staying in Cottage #4…at the LODGE! On the river!

Eco-Kids Camp Day 3: Medicinal Plants and Horseback Riding
Twas an excellent and happy morning for the eco-kids as they received a pancake breakfast after singing their songs during morning muster! Many of the kids were so happy to eat flapjacks that they forgot about some of their fruit. (It’s always okay to indulge at camp!) After breakfast, they played what seemed to be their favorite group game yet! A spinoff of Dodgeball, John Wayne is a game that requires a cowboy (a la the name) and two deputies to ping opponents with balls to send them to jail. The inmates can then only be freed if a free player performs a special handshake with them one by one, without being hit by a ball in the process. Campers and counselors both worked up a sweat before the day’s activities started. For arts and crafts, the eco-kids made beanbags out of bandanas and black beans that would be used for a later team game, and they even learned to sew in the process! (Most of the girls’ bags were a little more neatly sewn than the boys)

Revisiting The Maya End Date 13.0.0.0.0
We have been receiving many questions lately about the calendar round and the types of calendars the Maya produced. Inescapably too, the end of the Maya calendar of 2012. The world didn’t end, to the grand surprise of many people. The dramatic did make its way through the psyche of may and certainly it was organised to believable – that the world would truly end. It didn’t. What a wonderful thing that we are still here. SO lets revisit this time for the record. The return date of the calendar round to 13.0.0.0.0. Whats the significance? First, we should recognise what the numbers represented. The numbers represented groups of days. The days would be organised into 5 distinct grouping which all had a name to represent the amount of days. Reading from right to left, Kin, Uinal, Tun, Katun, Baktun. These were organised as expressed below:

5 Terrific Reasons to Visit Belize in September
In the interest of transparency, we must tell you that there are about 500 reasons to visit Belize in September, but we want to invite you here in a gentle, non-frightening way because the thought of having that many reasons to come could make you feel faint. We’d prefer that your spinning head result from rock-bottom discounts, too much local beer and so many unforgettable memories, you’ll wonder why you never thought to visit here in September before now.

Ambergris Caye Destinations You Must “Sea to Belize”!
Each time we craft a list of things to do in Ambergris Caye, we set a few goals. We want our recommendations to represent places that make the pages of travel magazines plus those you might not have heard about, so we cover many bases. Our other goal is to strive never to bore you, so travel with us as we take you on a rocket ride to places in Ambergris Caye, Belize that offer plenty of variety. Some require you to get up early to explore area natural wonders while one invites you to get your fill of fun after the sun goes down each night.

A short celebration at Casa Picasso and a poolside BBQ
It’s not a bad day when you can say you met some cool new people from around the world, enjoyed a short celebration at Casa Picasso and attended a poolside BBQ, as was the case for me last night. Plans magically came about hours prior which is a common phenomenon of Island Life – short notice fun and too many choices at the same time. Another great thing about living on a tropical island that everyone loves to visit are vacation party invitations. Many repeat visitors will host a party every time they come to town because it is an easy way to get everyone in one place and a more intimate setting than a bar. This time the fiesta was thrown by Leahann and Rick who are staying at Paradise villas. They are long time repeat offenders and often turn up on the island unannounced and surprise “gift bomb” their friends.

Belize Eco Kids Summer Camp Day 4: Land Conservation!
The journey of knowledge continued on Thursday at the Eco-Kids Camp as the campers learned about land conservation. After breakfast and arts and crafts, when the kids constructed their own wallets made of reused cardboard and recycled tape, they were summoned to the Chaa Creek Maya Organic Farm for a tour with big boss himself Mr. Mick! The eco-kids learned how a large-scale ecologically sustainable farm is maintained, and learned the benefits of using entirely organic products, like organic compost and organic fertilizer. They were amazed to learn how the California Red Worms help decompose horse manure by removing bacteria and excreting Humus, which contains lots of useful natural minerals to help plants grow. And if you could only have seen their faces when they stuck their hands into the organic compost, which reaches temperatures between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit!

International Sources

Mangrove Action Day!
July is a very special month, as it is for all of us who work to protect and restore mangroves, because July 26th is Mangrove Action Day! This year, The Mangrove Action Project is holding a global photo exhibition called Mangrove.is. We are asking people from around the world to send us their best photos of mangroves, mangroves communities, and mangrove critters! As you are involved with saving the mangroves, we also ask you to join us on Mangrove Action Day by spreading the word to your community. We’ll be tweeting and posting about Mangrove Action Day throughout the month, and we’d love to highlight what you’re doing to mark the event. Send in your photos, share events and activities that you’ll be holding, and make some noise!

CDB provides grant funds to help University of Belize improve operations
The government of Belize is continuing its focus on expanding access to quality tertiary education by looking at ways to improve operations at the University of Belize (UB). The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of US$400,000 to the government of Belize to facilitate a comprehensive institutional assessment of UB, which will inform on how to enhance its operations, and become the place of choice for tertiary level education in that country. The Belize government, which sees the university as playing a pivotal role in meeting the development needs of the country, will provide counterpart funding of US$88,000 for the institutional assessment. The review will address the adequacy, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the corporate systems and operational procedures, and assist the institution to increase enrolment.

The 21 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2015
Pretty impressive! Two out of 21 is pretty darn good, yea Belize! The world is your oyster as a retiree looking to live the expat life. But with popular retirement destinations dotting six continents, finding the right fit can be a challenge. But not to worry -- we've got you covered. This week, our friends at Live and Invest Overseas, one of the leading online resources for people looking to move abroad, released their annual index of the 21 best places to retire overseas in 2015. Unlike some lists which focus on tropical locales in Central and South America or the Caribbean, it's important to note this list considers places of differing sizes and styles. “There is no one way to determine the best place to retire for every person,” Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas publisher and Huff/Post 50 blogger said in a release. “That’s why our 2015 index rates the top destinations around the world that are each special for their own reasons. Not everyone wants to retire to the beach. Some want the amenities offered in big cities, while others want the tranquility of a mountain retreat.” Cayo, Belize takes the number three spot due to its robust expat community, pristine rain forests -- and the fact you can get by with just speaking English! #13. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Videos

July 24, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Lion’s dignitary Joseph Preston visits San Pedro
The San Pedro Lions Club had the distinction of hosting Lions Intermediate Past International Vice President Joseph Preston along with his wife Joni Preston on Monday, July 20th on a one day visit to the island. The purpose of his visit was to see the projects that the San Pedro Lions are involved in, such as the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) clinics. Upon arrival, a contingent of Lions greeted Vice President Preston at the San Pedro Tropic Air terminal. A lunch reception was then held at the Lions Den where the Vice President had the opportunity to mingle with the local Lions and invited guests. After protocol was established, Deputy Mayor Gary Greif gave his remarks highlighting what the Lions Club has done for the community. He pointed out the progress at the BCVI and the Club’s constant rhythm of service to the community. “I actually met a young kid that loves to play football, but he always had issues playing due to his poor sight. This child was then introduced to the eye clinic program the Lions Club has in San Pedro and now he is one of the best players the island has, thanks to the assistance of the San Pedro Lions Club,” said Greif. He stated that the first line of response to any disaster, either large or small, nationally or internationally, has always been spearheaded by the Lions Club. “I can recall that the largest humanitarian aid from Belize for the flood victims of Tabasco and Chiapas in Mexico was headed by the San Pedro Lions Club. Also, the Haiti relief efforts and help for the 2004 Tsunami victims in Thailand was initiated in Belize by the work of this local Club,” stated Greif. According to Greif, these accomplishments strengthen everyone as club, as a community and as Belizeans. He encourages all local clubs throughout the country to follow the example of San Pedro Lions Club.

10th Belize International Film Festival: La Isla Bonita Telenovela wins Best TV Dramatic Series
The 10th Belize International Film Festival opened on Friday, July 17th and the red carpet was rolled out at Placencia’s Belize Ocean Club. The long awaited festival saw hundreds travel from across Belize and even abroad to attend the main event and enjoy the showcased movies, shorts, documentaries and music videos. The film festival concluded on Sunday, July 19th with the second annual Award Banquet, where the winners of the top films were announced. Taking the top prize in the Best TV Dramatic Series was La Isla Bonita Telenovela, written by The San Pedro Sun’s Dion Vanzen and starring many of our very own islanders! The Opening Gala was a show of glitz and glamour as everyone made their way to The Shore House at Belize Ocean Club in their finery. The nights events included a cocktail party with an opening performance by Jack Star (Jackie Castillo) followed by the screening of episode one of La Isla Bonita Telenovela. After the screening, organizers welcomed those in attendance before the next film, Half of a Yellow Sun, was screened. Also performing at the opening gala was Verge of Umbra, Jenko, Nello Player and Belize’s Calypso King, Lord Rhaburn. At the end of the night, the official after party with Linda Blease had all in attendance dancing till the wee hours of the morning.

Guatemala opposes construction of Coast Guard Forward Operation Base in Belizean territory
Amidst the impending referendum to determine whether the Belize- Guatemala territorial dispute should be settled once and for all by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), turmoil between both nations continues to grow. With several recent issues, including the grounding of a Guatemalan vessel and an altercation between Guatemala’s Navy and Belize Coast Guard (BCG) personnel, both in Belizean waters, Guatemala continues to assert its claim over Belize and threaten the sovereignty of the nation. The most recent issue involves the construction of the BCG’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Sarstoon Island which the Guatemalan Government is now opposing. According to reports, the Guatemalan Government does not want the base to be constructed until the territorial dispute is settled. The construction of the FOB in Sartstoon Island had already been delayed for several years, but the Government of Belize (GOB) had taken steps to start the project this year in order to maintain territorial integrity and security in an area so close to Guatemala. But, Guatemalans do not want this to happen and as such have made several attempts to assert their claim in the area. These attempts include the incident of Thursday, May 28th when Guatemala officials demanded BCG to move from an area they were working on in the Sarstoon Area.

Wayo’s Beach Bar hosts Food Frenzy Monday Madness
On Monday, July 20th, the San Pedro Food Bank (SPFB) and Saga Humane Society joined together for a food drive hosted at Wayo’s Beach Bar. Titled “Food Frenzy Monday Madness”, the aim of the event was to raise funds for both charitable organizations. The fun event included SPFB raffle prizes and silent auctions, as well as great drink specials and much socializing. The turn out was great, and both Saga and the SPFB raised $575 cash, along with a good amount of food for needy families and Saga’s four legged friends. The highlight of the event was the silent auction, which had five entries. Anyone interested was open to bid by just writing inside a folder the amount they wish to bid with. Items up for bid included: “Date night in town” which comprised of a sunset cruise for 2 and $50 gift certificate to Caliente Restaurant, “Explore across the bridge” item which included a $50 certificate from Palapa Bar and Marbucks, plus 24- hour scooter rental from DC Island, “Weekend getaway” including 2 nights stay at AquaVista Beachfront Suites, a $50 gift certificate from Wayo’s and breakfast for 2 at Drita’s Delights, “Date day” comprising of snorkeling trip to Hol Chan for 2 and breakfast or lunch at Island Buzz, and the “Girl’s day” which brought a gift certificate for $55 from Lilikoi, two Belizean Melody paint sessions and a Wild Mango’s gift certificate for $200. The minimum bid for any of the auction items was $10.

Ambergris Today

La Isla Bonita Telenovela Winner At Belize Film Festival
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye residents were excited and proud when they heard of the announcement that La Isla Bonita Telenovela has won Best TV Dramatic Series over the weekend at the 10th Annual Belize International Film Festival that was held in Placencia at the Belize Ocean Club. With all the hard work put on by everybody to bring together one immensely entertaining and professional production, it was great to hear that La Isla Bonita Telenovela was honored at this year’s film festival. With a full cast of local actors, the telenovela was a huge success in San Pedro ‘La Isla Bonita’ during production and post launch of the first episode. Rumors are that production of the telenovela might be picked up, with more film production in the near future; Ambergris Today will keep everybody posted on further developments. Congratulations to Make Belize Films, Mattheiw Klinck and the entire production and staff of La Isla Bonita Telenovela.

Misc Belizean Sources

Reading is FUN!!!
We're a few days away from our summer reading camp! Children ages 6-8 are welcomed 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. next week Monday to Friday! Don't forget to come sign up!

Belize Audubon Society partners with BELTRAIDE to improve community development.
BELTRAIDE through the Small Business Development Center (SBDCBelize), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) at the Belize Training and Employment Center conference room, solidifying a partnership to assist business located in buffer communities around the protected areas. The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) is a non-governmental conservation organization working for over 45 years in Belize, focusing on protected areas management, environmental education, advocacy, biodiversity research and monitoring, and community development. Through the community development and outreach program, communities are engaged in sustainable development initiatives to improve their livelihoods and support conservation. For over 20 years, BAS along with various funders and partners have assisted in building resilient communities through skills training and capacity building in agro-processing, craft making, sustainable fishing, small business development and eco-tourism.

Belize Archives and Records Services
Belize Archives and Records Services takes this opportunity to inform its patrons that the department will be closed on Friday, July 31st and Monday, August 3rd, 2015. This is due to the construction of a second floor and the renovation of the first floor of the building. The demolition of walls and ceilings will produce loud noise and hazardous debris. Given its commitment to continually provide service to the public, the Research Room will be temporarily relocated at the rear of the building as of Tuesday, August 4th until September 30th, 2015. Kindly note that services and access will be limited during this period. We regret any inconvenience caused.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, July 23, 2015: 19. FANTASY 5: 30 33 35 22 19 K

Third round draw is right around the corner! Go Jaguars!

Corozal District in the Village of Xaibe dancing a traditional Yucatec Maya dance.
Thanks to the Tzul Family for the photo.

Thanks to Silas Hobi
Saying a sad farewell to Silas Hobi, and a huge thank you for volunteering with us over the past six months on the reforestation program at Freshwater creek. You have done a very impressive job on assisting our rangers with creating inventories, and doing data collections on the flora and fauna of Freshwater Creek.

July 12th – July 18th, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
Some great fishing this week with a real international crowd from the US, Canada, Italy, Germany. Weather was pretty good and the fishing was great.

Ecology Project International in the Chiquibul
Ecology Project International undertook their first terrestrial ecology course in the Chiquibul Forest. Students were drawn from Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker and E.P Yorke High School. Hope this will encourage others Belizean students to visit this majestic forest. Thanks Jeremy. Thanks students. Contact us at fcd.lcrs@gmail.com for any bookings.

Channel 7

OW Political Opponents Square Off In Court
In November of last year, the Cervantes family released that infamous phone call on national radio - the one accusing the Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega of masterminding the murder of their patriarch, Ramon Cervantez Sr. Deputy Vega has vehemently denied the allegation - and today he took Ramon Jr - who is also his political opponent - to the Supreme Court to sue him for slander. Vega is also suing the the Briceno family's radio station, Fiesta FM, for libel - since they allegedly broadcasted the live press conference where the allegations were made. The full hearing began today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Vega's attorney, Rodwell Williams opened up by reminding the court that Vega is the holder of high public office as the Deputy Prime Minister, and he is currently the acting Prime Minister. Williams outlined in his submissions to the court that on in November of 2014, at Mameyal Farm in the Orange Walk District, the Cervantes family released a voice recording of a conversation where a man claiming to be Manuel Castillo, the wanted fugitive in the murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr, alleged that Vega orchestrated Ramon Sr's death. He said the recording makes the allegation that this was a political assassination and that Ramon Sr. was erroneously killed because the attackers were trying to target Ramon Monchie Cervantes. Finally in his submissions, Williams told the court that the recording makes the accusation that the Deputy Prime Minister is a corrupt person, corrupting the police, and that he is a criminal who is engaged in criminal activities.

BEL and Energy Workers Meet With Labour Minister
Today - for the first time since this week started - the Belize Energy Workers did not picket in front of the Company's corporate headquarters. That's because they were headed to Belmopan to meet with the Minister of Labour Godwin Hulse. Hulse has stepped in on behalf of the Labour Department - not as an official mediator but as a go between with executive power working for a tidy and swift compromise. He met with both sides in Belmopan: management represented by senior executive Sean Fuller in the morning; and the union represented by Marvin Mora in the afternoon. He finished with the unions close to five pm - after a two and a half hour session. Hulse was encouraged and confident a compromise can be reached. He spoke to us via telephone:.. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "To bring those issues together, so that we can have an amicable conclusion and wind in a satisfactory agreement to both parties." Jules Vasquez "Okay, now is there a timeframe for this ministerial intervention?" Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "Yes there is. I have promise the unions that we will get to them by Tuesday. Between now and that time, Tuesday next week, we will be in touch with the management side to discuss the union's position and then we see where it goes from there. But we hope to expedite this process so that this can be resolve in the shortest possible time."

Contraband Bust In San Victor, OW
A Team of Customs personnel, police officers from the Special Patrol Unit, and members of Belize Defense Force, made 2 major contraband busts today at the Belize Mexico Border in the Orange Walk District. It is believed that the illegal items originated from shops and stores in the Mexican community of San Francisco Botes, which is right across the Rio Hondo River. Acting on information received the law enforcement team visited a an abandoned house in San Victor Village where they discovered about 35 cases of beer, 35 cases of soft drinks, several sacks of assorted vegetables, about 300 sheets of zinc roofing among other items. No one was in the area and so the contraband goods were unloaded and then sent to be destroyed. Right as the team was transporting the goods, the received intelligence of another contraband operation being carried out. They then set out and intercepted a boat on the river, which smugglers were trying to transport a large cargo of cabbage. The contrabandists escaped, but the vegetables were confiscated.

Seismic Shakeup In Caribbean, But No Tsunami
There have been a series of tremors and an overall increase in seismic activities in the Caribbean this month. Since July 11th over 200 small earthquakes of varying magnitudes have been recorded in the region and as a result of this the second highest warning level has been raised on the undersea Kick 'em Jenny volcano located 5 miles north of Grenada. According to another news site the "Antillean Media Group" high alerts have also raised for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Now the major concern or scare right now is that if the Kick ' em Jenny erupts it could cause a tsunami. But according to researchers that possibility is very low at this stage. We repeat, "very low." Now, how does Belize fit into this picture? Well according to NEMO, the threat to Belize is low, however there are reports a magnitude 4.9 earthquake that hit east of Great Swan Island, Honduras but it's far off the coast about 301 miles away from Belize. It does not present a major concern right now but NEMO will continue to monitor the seismic activities - and so will we.

Cop Convicted and Jailed For Theft
29 Year-old Police Constable Dean Perez is in jail tonight after he was convicted of stealing a man's phone and cash. It happened around 5:00 a.m. on October 5, 2014 in San Pedro. The complainant, Jose Hernandez, who goes by 2 other names, testified that he was at his apartment when he was awakened by a knock on his door. He said that Perez informed him that he was there to serve a commitment warrant from the court because Hernandez owed arrears for maintenance. Hernandez said that when he opened the door a police officer in uniform entered and went into his bedroom and took his white cellular phone from off a table in his bedroom. The officer then grabbed an identification folder from his common-law wife, Esmeralda Pat, which contained $600 dollars. Both prosecution witnesses say that after Perez stole from them, he then escorted Hernandez to a police mobile, and took him to the station. In his defence, Perez took the witness stand and denied that he committed the offence. He said that he was falsely accused as part of an attempt by a higher ranking officer to punish him in a personal vendetta.

Strong Words Flying Around In PUP
What's going to happen next in the PUP? Well there certainly is widespread discontent with the party and that became obvious from an internal email that came across our newsdesk this morning. It is from Jose Pepe Garcia, the Husband of PUP Deputy Leader Dolores Balderamos Garcia. He gripes very openly about a quote "awful letter" written by a standard bearer. He laments that the party is, quote, "shooting ourselves from within." But Garcia boldly calls for a purge. He says, quote, "The PUP tree is shaky, maybe that's why the hierarchy do not want to shake the tree anymore, but I say we must shake until all the rotten apples fall off the PUP tree. Only then we shall probably stop being in opposition and regain our dignity.." And while Garcia is calling for the rotten apples to be gone, Deputy Leader Julius Espat in a fecebook post today said, quote, "the PUP is poised to form Government with Francis Fonseca as our next Prime Minister." That is a familiar chorus, but certainly not one that everyone in the PUP is singing right about now. And for those who doubt, Espat lays out 5 options for those who oppose what he calls reality. He says they are either: 1. Hard core UDP supporters 2. Agents within the PUP who are financed by the UDP 3. So called leaders who put their self interest above the people they represent 4.Paid political activists in general that oppose any and everything. 5. Those who cannot deal with or refuse to accept Rule of Law, accountability, transparency and Good Governance.

Regional Methodist Women Meet In Belize
Over 350 Methodist women from 20 Caribbean countries traveled to Belize to hold their 6th Quinquennial Assembly under the theme "Bembelela " which means Christ is Our Hope. A service was held in the Kings Room at the Princess Hotel this morning to open this conference. Now while a major part of this assembly is for the women to congregate and worship, there is deeper significance to this meeting. We spoke to the coordinators today and they told us why it is important to fuse prayer into discussions about social issues. Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Belize Honduras, MCCA "What happens when we meet in these assemblies, we set our policies, we have our election of new officers because we elect officers every five years, and we have an inauguration where we make sure that these officers, having been inaugurated are ready for work for the other five years." Courtney Weatherburne "Based on the release, it also said that you guys will be discussing key issues as well, affecting the Caribbean countries." Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Belize Honduras, MCCA "Yes, that is always a big part of the assembly and we try to choose topics that affect the entire Caribbean. For example, one of the topics we have is how our young men, if you've noticed we haven't said young black men, we are saying young men because I think that all our young men, and we want to make sure we say men even though it's a women's organization, are being affected by violence and all the things that are happening to them. So that is one of our issues.

Flavors At Five
Flavors of Belize - in five years since it was first published this book and magazine has become the flagship of culinary culture in Belize. The publication celebrates restaurants and Belziean Cooking, from Rice and Beans to Hudut. Today the publishers celebrated their five year anniversary - noting that a lot has changed in the way food is presented in the tourism industry:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Flavors of Belize 5th edition celebrates the rise of culinary culture in Belize, Emaun Hyde, Managing Director "A polished product that speaks to the totality of the Belizean experience, and project an emerging aesthetic that places the culturally rich in a fitting context." Karen Bevans, BTB Director "We cannot emphasize enough the fact that culinary tourism tells so much about a destination's history, people and culture." And that shift towards fetish eyes food photography is big change from five years ago.

Youth Entrepreneurs Try A Thing
In February of this year, we told you about the youth apprenticeship's entrepreneurship program that gave 16 youths a chance create a business of their own. Well, how have they been doing so far? Well a follow up mentorship meeting was held today at the Biltmore to get feedback from them. When we spoke to some of them today, they told us just how good it has been for them and how much this program has changed their life. UnaMay Gordon, Founder, Institute for sustainable livelihood, leadership and Exchange "When we launched the program in February for looking really at just getting them to be engaged in employment, find or create employment for themselves. And we provided them with the support of Australian aid, Beltraide, Westrac which is a private sector company here, and Habet and Habet. Up to the level of tools for them to start. This session, which is the second session we are having since February, is a mentorship session where we are bringing those aspiring entrepreneurs with established entrepreneurs, which are clients of Beltraide for some cross fertilization.

Hon. Elrington, The Gathering Storm
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington has emerged as one of the most polarizing figures in the national discourse. Whether for his infamous statement about the artificial border or for his recent remarks about automatically going to the ICJ. That latest soundbyte has raised a storm of criticism from activist groups. COLA sent out a release this morning asking of the ICJ, quote, "Has a decision been taken without the knowledge and express will of the Belizean people? Are we going to the ICJ whether we want to or not? COLA insists that the Minister explain very clearly whether this decision has been taken to go to the ICJ without Belizeans' knowledge" end quote. As regards the forward operating base for the Coast Guard on Carstoon Islands, COLA says, quote "His statements have indicated that Belize is unable, unwilling, and incapable to occupy what is ours by default asserting the views of the Guatemalans. If we can't occupy what we own how can we then defend it in court?" Similarly, Wil Maheia's PNP sent out a statement yesterday calling on the Prime Minister to immediately dismiss Elrington from his post as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The statement adds, quote, "Mr Elrington's record as a defender of Belizean territorial rights and the security and freedom of Belizean citizens is abysmal. The people have no confidence that Mr. Elrington is now, if he ever was, capable of representing his country in this important post." End quote.

Dara The Doer Of Good Deeds
Grassroots Philanthropist Joel Dara Robinson is holding his 4th annual Ride for Hunger. As viewers may know, it is an initiative to raise money for his feeding program, in which participants sign up and pay a small fee which goes toward a fund to buy food items for needy school children. This year, however, it is bittersweet for Dara, because slain Amandala Journalist Kareem Clarke will not be there to help promote it or participate in it. He told us today that he has put together some memorabilia in Clarke's honor, which will be a prominent feature of this year's ride. He explained it to us this afternoon: Joel Dara Robinson - Philanthropist "I didn't know how and what to do to feel the spirit of Kareem on the ride. I got a vision of the bicycle and went to ask his mom if I could have use his bicycle to ride it. The plan was to ride it but the feeling I got from her house to ride this bicycle wasn't a nice feeling. So I said I had to come up with another idea, I decorated the bicycle and put a picture of Kareem on it. This bicycle is going on the trailer with the music and trucks, this will be right ahead of the ride as my tribute and respect to Kareem. Because you guys in the media, I know you feel it and there's something special about him because its the country that feels for his death. And if we don't continue to touch on his story and bring it up, just like the others, nothing will come out of it and another life will go like that."

Stamp Keeps Community Kids Active
Keeping youths off the street and safe should be a main concern for any community. That is according to Timmy Stamp, a resident of the George Street neighborhood. Living on the Southside of the city in an area surrounded by rival gangs - Stamp sees it as a need to educate the upcoming generation. He has been doing that for the past 8 years with his afterschool program - where he pays trained teachers a stipend to tutor over a hundred students from three different neighborhoods. It is a costly program that is almost impossible to maintain for this hardworking shopkeeper, but he is determined to make a change in his community. Stamp, who is a primary school dropout himself, was once caught up in the gang world and now hopes he can give children in these crime ridden communities a chance to make a change. We caught with him today at his summer program. If you would like to assist Timmy Stamp's afterschool program, you can find him in his store on Dean Street - exactly between Plues and George Streets.

PROFILE...
The I am Belize Profile took few weeks off, but it is back in the news tonight. Tonight's profile features Shemar Rowland, a first form student of Anglican Cathedral College. He lost his mother at the age of 3, and he has had to battle obstacles in trying to avoid becoming another statistic among the vulnerable at risk youths. He tells the profile how overcame the loss and how he's worked hard to become one of the top performing scholars in his class:

Channel 5

Gapi and Monchi Back In Court Over Libel Claim
The Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega took the stand in court today. A substantive libel case is being brought against two parties by Vega before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Vega [...]

Attorney Said Musa Says Gapi’s Credibility and Reputation Are Damaged
Vega will return to court for the final day of the trial at ten in the morning, when witnesses on his behalf and on the behalf of the first and [...]

BEWU Cautiously Optimistic After Meeting with Labor Minister
The Belize Energy Workers Union remains gingerly upbeat tonight following a meeting with Labor Minister, Godwin Hulse, in an effort to break the deadlock in negotiations with the principals of [...]

All Demonstrations Are On Hold Pending Outcome of Dialogue
Following today’s meeting with Minister Hulse, another sit down has been scheduled with the management of the company before a decision can be met.  When asked if the intercession of [...]

COLA Sets Sedi Elrington in Its Crosshairs Once Again
Firebrand activist Geovanni Brackett, President of Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action, COLA, is taking aim once again at Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington, this time for comments made about [...]

Giovanni Brackett Says, “Why Go to O.A.S. for Permission to Build F.O.B.?”
COLA’s position on the issue of the construction of an F.O.B. in the Sarstoon echoes that of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and Vision Inspired by the People.  [...]

COLA Joins PNP Chorus, “Sedi Must Go”
On the heels of a call from the People’s National Party for Elrington’s immediate resignation as Minister of Foreign Affairs, COLA is following suit, demanding that he vacates the post [...]

Cop Arrested and Charged for Theft
Police Constable Dean Perez Junior was found guilty of theft and is on remand at the Belize Central Prison until next week Monday when the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith [...]

Stepfather Accused of Raping 17-year-old Daughter
Months after she was allegedly raped, a seventeen year old girl has made a report to the police. The teenager from Belize City claims that her stepfather raped her last [...]

Thirteen-Year-Old Minor Missing in Belize City
Also in Belize City, there is a report of a missing thirteen year old girl. The minor, Jacqueline Carmen Calderon, a student who resides in the Southern Foreshore area of [...]

What Do Benquenos Know About the O.A.S. and the Adjacency Zone?
This coming Tuesday, a special forum will be held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts by the Office of the Organization of American States and the Foreign Ministry. [...]

Ride For Hunger Remembers Kareem Clarke
In the early hours of July sixth, journalist Kareem Clarke was gunned down as he rode his bike down Vernon Street. To date, his tragic murder remains unsolved, just one [...]

McNab Publishing Launches Third Edition Flavors of Belize
The Fifth Anniversary Edition of Flavors of Belize was launched today at the Biltmore. The publication which celebrates local cuisine boasts colourful pages of local recipes and restaurants, as well [...]

Building Entrepreneurship through Mentorship
The Institute of Sustainable Livelihood Leadership and Exchange has sixteen at risk youth, twelve from Belize City and four from Cayo, enrolled in a program that seeks to equip them [...]

Sedi on Marcel Cardona
Over a month ago attorney Marcel Cardona was taken before the General Legal Council to answer to an allegation that he had overcharged a client for services – and even [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Speech Therapy
In this segment of Healthy Living we discuss speech therapy. In Belize, the Inspiration Center offers these services to children with speech impediments to help them overcome the frustration of [...]

CTV3

Case Against Ramon Cervantes by DPM Underway
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and Ramon Cervantes Jr., the man who will contest Vega in Orange Walk North, were in court for day one of their trial before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Viewers may recall that the DPM is suing Cervantes for slander, for causing the broadcast of a tape recording of a suspect in the murder of Ramon Cervantes Senior, whose body was found buried on a farm off the Honey Camp Road. Both sides were flanked by their supporters and respective attorneys. The claimant seeks to prove that the allegations were baseless and sought to malign his reputation for political reasons. Cervantes’ defence is to deny that he caused the recording to be published. He denied that the words or meaning alleged were defamatory. Presenting the opening remarks was Vega’s attorney, Rodwell Williams, who told the court why the two defendants should be hit with fines of damages to be paid to Vega. We say the two defendants because Vega is also suing Fiesta F.M radio station which is owned by Jaime and John Briceno. Vega claims that the station carried the broadcast of the telephone conversation which maliciously defamed him. Fiesta FM in defence of this claim for libel, denies that they carried the recording over the airwaves due to technical difficulties.

Orange Walk Very Own Wins Grace Kennedy Competition
Yesterday we told you about how Badhra Coleman was selected as the winner in Grace Kennedy’s Cancer Caregiver Competition. Coleman, who has been the leader and spokesperson of the Orange Walk Cancer Group, has been providing vital selfless assistance to cancer patients and cancer survivors through the group’s efforts. And today, we had the opportunity to speak with Coleman to find out her reaction after hearing the news of her latest achievement…. “I was very honoured but it was a nomination thing and the people that believe in the work that we do and that I do they nominated me at the beginning and then it was by votes and so I had to wait until they called me and said that I was the winner.”

Corozal House Of Culture Engages In Charcoal Painting
The Corozal House of Culture has embarked on its 6 weeks Summer Art Wave Program. Today we visited the house of culture and caught up with participants as they finished off their daily charcoal drawings. And since they were shy to go on camera, coordinator at the Corozal House of Culture, Deborah Wilks spoke to us about the work they were carrying out. “This week we are actually midway through our summer art way program with the charcoal drawing and so what is happening this week is charcoal drawing and we have participants, mostly youths taking this program Monday through Friday this week and it is a basically we have an instructor, Mr. Benjamin Cal who is very well verse in charcoal and he is instilling his knowledge on to the students guiding them through these techniques using charcoal and charcoal to me is a very powerful medium, you don’t get lost in colors , is very much in your face and the students are excelling and turning beautiful pieces of art.”

Sarstoon Island Issue Will Be Brought Up In The Next OAS Meeting Says Minister Of Foreign Affairs
Following GOB’s indication for plans to construct a forward operating base in the vicinity of the Sarstoon Island, the Guatemalan government has responded with much objection pointing to the agreement of May 28-29, stating that nothing should be done in the area until the territorial dispute has been settled by the International Court of Justice. Viewers may recall the encounter with Belizean Coast Guard personnel in the vicinity of Sarstoon Island, where the Belizeans had gone to scout the location for the construction of a forward operating base to help with Belize’s law and order. Today, the area continues to be a source of controversy. And while the construction of the base is currently on hold, Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington told News5 last night that he has “informally” brought the topic up to the Guatemalan officials in casual conversations in the past. Elrington is quoted to saying that he will bring the matter up next week in an OAS symposium that is scheduled in Guatemala.

Consejo Villager Believes Crocodile Is Killing His Sheep
Yesterday just before midday a resident of the Consejo community in Corozal lost her sheep. The villagers found it strange and began searching for the lost animal. But what they found frightened them. Near the seas edge they came across the carcass of a sheep. Based on what they found, villagers told us today they believe there is crocodile in the area. Sandra Arana resident Consejo village. “Unos carneros vienen acá agarrar el aire fresco y vienen a beber agua cada día y ayer desapareció uno de todo la manada que había y el dueño se dio cuenta que ya no había uno que hace falta y el empezó a buscarlo y no lo buscaba y un niño como a las tres y media andaba por acá y lo busco pero el carnero ya estaba comido la mitad de su pierna y su cabeza tenía unas mordidas como de cocodrilo. Del otro lado de Maya Sea Side ya vieron uno de ese lado. Mucha gente viene a nadar por aquí, gente de Corozal hacen sus picnic entre ellos y le quiere avisos a la gente que no manden a los niños solos a bañar que tengan precaución y no los manden solos.”

COLA Demands Answers From Minister Of Foreign Affairs
And from all indications Elrington will continue taking heat. Today COLA fired off a press release in which they express strong concern for the comments made by Elrington concerning the ‘stop order’ issued by Guatemala to prevent the construction of a forward operating base on the Sarstoon Island. Similar to the NTUCB, Cola is dissatisfied with the recent response given by Elrighton on the forward operating base issue and the ICJ. In the release COLA questions if a decision has been taken without the knowledge and express will of the Belizean people? And if Belizeans are going to the ICJ whether they want to or not?

LOVE FM

15-Year-Old Pregnant for Boyfriend; Case Forwarded to DPP
On Tuesday, a 15 year old girl told police that she is three months pregnant for her boyfriend; as a result police have launched an investigation on the matter. SELVYN TILLETT “A Belizean female of 15 years visited the Orange Walk police station with a social worker and her father and reported that she is […]

13-Year-Old Girl Reports Man Who Attempted to Rape Her
A 13 year old female from the community of Shipyard in the Orange Walk district claims that a man from the same village attempted to rape her last Tuesday. Officer Commanding of Orange Walk Police, ASP Selvyn Tillett explains. SELVYN TILLETT “A 13 year old female from Shipyard, Orange Walk District in the presence of […]

Local Government Commits to Settling Water Board Issue in Maya Centre
The issues of the Maya Centre Water Board, its chairmanship and the allegations of mismanagement of funds had gotten the attention of the Ministry of Local Government and with that came several meetings involving the Minister of Local Government, Godwin Hulse. One of the meetings was held as recent as yesterday. We spoke to Hulse […]

Labor Minister Meets with BEL and Union over Failure in Negotiations
Wednesday marked the end of a 3-day protest that some employees of the Belize Electricity Limited had staged after negotiations failed between employees and management. Yesterday Labor Minister, Godwin Hulse reached out to both parties to settle the differences and mediate, meetings were held with both BEL’s management and the union workers. GODWIN HULSE “First […]

BELTRAIDE and Audubon Society Enters into MOU
BELTRAIDE through its Small Business Development Center today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belize Audubon Society. The MOU is to form a partnership to assist businesses located in the buffer communities around protected areas. Communities will be engaged in sustainable development initiatives to improve their livelihood and support conservation. The partnership will allow […]

Teenager Reported Missing in Belize City
The family of 15-year-old Jacquelin Carmen Calderon of Foreshore Area in Belize City is worried after the teenager has not been seen for the last two days. According to a family member, Jacquelin left home about five thirty Tuesday evening to purchase phone credits. Since then the family has not heard from her. They say […]

Cop Found Guilty of Stealing Cell Phone and Cash
Twenty-nine year old, Dean Perez, a police constable charged with the theft of a cellular phone and six hundred dollars cash was found guilty of the charge today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Perez was remanded into custody until Monday, July 27 for sentencing. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on October 5, […]

PlusTV

BAHA launches new lab in Central Farm
BAHA held the inauguration ceremony for the launching of their new polymerase chain reaction lab today in Central Farm. We spoke to CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture, Jose Alpuche who informed us on the benefits of this lab and the importance of it to the agriculture industry. Jose Alpuche, CEO in ...

VIP discusses political strategy ahead of elections
The two major political parties have by and large selected their 31 candidates for the upcoming general elections. There is also a proliferation of third parties or “alternative political movements” such as Vision Inspired by the People (VIP). Party chairman Hubert Enriquez today called ...

PUP holds National Executive Meeting
Yesterday, the PUP held a National Executive and Standard Bearer’s meeting in which they discussed plans for the upcoming General Elections. It was their first official meeting since the Dangriga bi-election in which they suffered yet another defeat. PUP leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca told th...

VIP demands building of Sarstoon forward operating base
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington has seemed to suggest that Belize is going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the unfounded Guatemalan claim to our territory whether we like it or not. But no referendum on the issue has been held by either country. This has not stopp...

Will PUP host National Convention?
The People’s United party has also received some heat from party supporters who accuse the leader of a form of dictatorship since the last convention they had was in early January to elect their Orange Walk East Standard Bearer. As for a National convention, the PUP has not had one of those s...

New OC, New Generator, a New Start at San Ignacio Police Station
The San Ignacio Police Station is getting a fresh new start, with a newly donated generator and a new Commanding officer in the face of Superintendent Ramirez. At a handing over ceremony on Monday July 20th the newly instated Commanding Officer, on his first day in office, received, on behalf of th...

Belizean workers suffering abuse at the hands of Foreign Diplomats?
For years, complaints from employees working at the British High Commission have been made regarding alleged abusive treatment since the recent British High commissioner arrived in 2013. A number of employees, about 10 of them, have since tendered their resignation, citing verbal abuse and overall...

Breaking Belize News

Police sergeant passes after diabetes battle
Sergeant of Police Concepcion Cal, 47, originally from San Antonio, Toledo District and assigned to Punta Gorda Police Station, passed unexpectedly on July 18 from twin complications of diabetes and high blood pressure. This morning at ten following services at San Luis Rey Church in his home village […]

BELTRAIDE, Audubon to assist community businesses near protected areas
A partnership between the Small Business Development Center, an arm of BELTRAIDE, and the Belize Audubon Society is expected to assist businesses located in buffer communities around protected areas. Audubon has a community development and outreach program, in which communities are engaged in sustainable development initiatives to improve their livelihoods and […]

Policeman convicted for theft
Police officer Dean Perez will be sentenced on Monday by Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith after being found guilty of a charge of theft following trial. On October 5, 2014 at San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Perez, 29, was accused of entering the home of Jose Hernandez and […]

Man charged in Orange Walk for attempting to rape minor
Police in Orange Walk Town have charged one man for attempting to rape a minor. According to reports, on Tuesday around 9am, a 13 year old Belizean Mennonite in the presence of her father visited the police station where she reported that on Sunday at 8am, she went to her […]

Police find marijuana and ammunition in an empty lot in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Police conducted a search on an empty lot on Ketz Lagoon Street in Trial Farm where they discovered 20.1lbs of cannabis. Also found in the property were a large amount of ammunition: 40 live rounds of .39, and 50 live rounds of .5 ammunition. We will post more […]

Minister Hulse puts offer on table for Belize Energy Workers Union ( BEWU)
Members of the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) have been protesting since Monday, due to dissatisfaction with their salaries, and yesterday, July 22nd, just before they took to the streets again, the Union’s President, Marvin Mora, was contacted by Minister of Labor, Godwin Hulse, who put an offer on the […]

Police are yet to identify badly burnt body
Today, police are no closer in positively identifying the badly burnt body of a male person found near Bermudian Landing on Saturday. Officials say they are waiting on the postmortem results which could reveal if the body is that of a person and resident of Ladyville who was reported missing […]

13 year old teen missing in Belize City
A 13 year old teenager by the name of Jacqueline Carmen Calderon is missing in Belize City. Calderon is from Southern Foreshore, Belize City, and on Tuesday, July 21st, 2015, her cousin Denilson Alexander Bolanos reported to police that she was missing. Bolanos told police that Jacqueline left her home […]

Libel case between Gaspar Vega and Ramon Cervantes Jr. begins
Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega opened his lawsuit for slander against political opponent Ramon Cervantes, Jr. in the Supreme Court today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The Orange Walk North area representative and Minister of Natural Resources and agriculture charges that the broadcast of a purported conversation between […]

Stepfather rapes his 17 year old daughter
Belize City police are currently looking for the stepfather of a 17 year old female minor who reported to police that her stepdad raped her while her mother was at church. The minor, along with her mother, told police that the incident occurred on November 9th, 2014, when around 7:00 […]

Blogs

San Pedro to San Ignacio, Belize: Some Changes and GREAT Eats, Mr Greedy’s, Guava Limb Cafe & The Ice Cream Shoppe
Belize is a small country…and a trip across it by plane can be done in less than an hour. But I’m on a budget and so the trip from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to San Ignacio, Cayo was done the slow budget way. One that I always enjoy. 90 miles as the crow flies. Or 90 miles as Tropic Air flies. They have a direct flight from San Pedro to San Ignacio. But my first step was the water taxi from San Pedro to Belize City – with a stop in Caye Caulker for people to board and unload. 7:30am departure and we arrived at 9am. I was ensconced in the water taxi seat that I call “the second floor throne”. My favorite seat that is back to back with the captain and look out over the water.

Food Frenzy and Fire in San Pablo area
I just love to see how great relationships are developing among the island charities and also volunteer vacationers and med students. I saw some of the Washington University boys on one of Shirlee’s pics, they are always ready and willing to help. Wayo’s Beernet was the setting for the latest food & fundraiser for the 2 legged and the 4 legged. I was not able to make it but Shirlee offered to take some pictures and write a short blurb for you. I also got a few pics and a short quote from Saga about the event. The other night after dropping Jack at home and heading to drop Dick at his, we smelled smoke in the area of the small white Church. We pulled down the side street, and when we rounded the corner we saw a bunch of people with shovels trying to put out a bunch of small fires along the property line of a vacant lot. At first we wondered if it was a controlled burn, but after asking, found out it wasn’t and immediately offered them a hand.

2015 Belize Eco Kids Camp Day 2: Maya Culture & History
A late start to the morning muster forced the counselors to enforce the exercise law for tardiness on the campers! In their team lines, the kids performed a set of jumping jacks and sit-ups, which got them especially hungry for breakfast! After they sang their morning songs, which were quite louder this day than the past, they sat down for Ham, Beans, Cheese, and Johnnycakes. For arts and crafts time today, the campers focused on the definition of the three R’s of conservation: reduce, reuse, and recycle. With used bed cloth and recycled plastic bottles, they learned that they were reducing the number of bottle huggers and bags that people buy, as they made their own packs to carry water bottles and other small trinkets they may want! More importantly though, they had fun designing their own articles of fashion with their team mates and counselors.

Multiple Collapses In Mesoamerica
Professor Mark Van Stone, believes that the Creation-Destruction Myth Cycle peculiar to Mesoamerica reflects its history. he thinks that Great Civilisations were utterly destroyed, then rebuilt better than before, but again spiralling down to destruction. To Dr. Van Stone, this became the Cycle of the Suns; a kind of ontogeny recapitulating phylogeny. Dr. Van Stone believes that the destruction of civilisations in Mesoamerica were largely self-inflicted. Cultures worldwide suffer rise and fall. But those in Mesoamerica apparently lived in a more fragile environment; when they fell, they fell hard suggests Dr. Van Stone. He continues by suggesting that, “unlike Rome, Baghdad and other Old World Cities who rebuilt after a collapse, most of the great Mesoamerican capitals were completely abandoned after their respective falls. Middle America swarms with lost cities.

8 Interesting Facts About Ambergris Caye and Belize
During the past couple of months, I seem to have acquired a new trend on my travels. I go to a new country that I’ve seen pretty photos of and have head good things about, but don’t actually know much about. I go there without expectations, and because I’ve only done so little research, I just open myself up to whatever happens along the way. And, so far, I’ve found this to be a great approach to traveling. I recently approached a trip to Belize this way. I’ve head rave reviews of this country, but I didn’t really know much about this Central American nation at all. As it turns out, despite its size, Belize is very interesting. Below are 8 interesting facts about ambergris caye that I’ve learned about this country.ambergris caye history

Sorrel Drink
Ingredients 3 cups dried sorrel 1 4-inch cinnamon stick 10 whole cloves ¼ tsp. crushed allspice 2 3-inch pieces peeled fresh ginger Simple Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water METHOD 1. To make Sorrel Drink: Bring all ingredients and 4 cups water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and chill. 2. To make Simple Syrup: Bring sugar and water to a boil in small saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar, and simmer 1 minute. Cool 3. Pour Sorrel Drink over ice. Serve with pitcher of Simple Syrup for guests to sweeten drinks to taste.

International Sources

Project Belize is rich training ground for East Texas nursing students
Fall classes at Panola College are another month away, but Chandler Brooks, 22, of Carthage, Texas, is eager to get back into the classroom to finish up her final year of nursing school. Earlier this summer, she spent a week in the remote villages of Belize delivering basic medical care through the Nacogdoches-based Project Belize. Her group saw almost 1,000 patients. “Getting to see all the kids, I feel a lot more comfortable with my pediatric patients that I’ll see in this semester and forever in my career. I feel so much more confident in the cultures, medically, and getting to see firsthand how it really works in a facility like that,” Brooks said, who learned about Project Belize before entering nursing school. The medical team bathes in a river using biodegradable soap, sleeps in bunks sheltered by mosquito nets, and hikes two to four hours a day to get to villages far off the grid. Brooks doesn’t mince words. “Sweating with our packs, muddy, mosquitoes, trees with spines -- it was just crazy to get there. You finally get there and meet these people and you come to this paradise of a village of grass huts with dirt bottoms and these amazing kids,” Brooks said.

Expert's New Best Places To Retire Abroad List Has Surprising Winners And Omission
3. Cayo, Belize Peddicord’s team calls this Central American community (also a newcomer) a “leave-the-world-behind, embrace-the-simple-life, off-grid” outdoorsman’s paradise with a sizable expat community. Belize tied with Malaysia and Panama for a top A+ score for its taxes. But no place is perfect; Cayo’s described as “a culture vulture’s inferno” and is hot and humid year-round.

Building geographical indications for Caribbean origin-linked products
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) opened the two-day sub-regional workshop on branding and the use of geographical indications in the development of management strategies for origin-linked products in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 21. With the aim of building the capacity of CARIFORUM producers to identify and develop geographical indications and origin linked products, it is hoped that attending businesses will prosper and enhance their competitiveness in the international arena, and as a result build economic growth and sustainability of the Caribbean region. Anthony Hylton, minister of industry, investment and commerce for Jamaica, highlighted in his address to the participants that “Within the Caribbean exist numerous opportunities for GI protection including black pineapple from Antigua, cascarilla from the Bahamas, cahune oil from Belize, nutmeg from Grenada and sarsaparilla from St Kitts just to name a few. Geographical Indications offer us the opportunity to protect these brands and our consumers, even as we continue to guarantee quality and provenance.”

Leonardo DiCaprio raises $40 million at star-studded charity gala
“Tonight’s event is about supporting LDFs efforts to protect key species like the tiger, rhino, shark, and mountain gorilla by working with governments to conserve the jungles, coral reefs and forests they call home”. Items up for auction reportedly included art and luxury items as well as a one-on-one match with tennis star Roger Federer, a seat in David Beckham’s private box at Wembley Stadium, and even a stay at DiCaprio’s private island in Belize. Last year, a walk-on role in one of DiCaprio’s upcoming films sold twice for $2.4 million, while Bono’s personal guitar went for $1 million, following the singer’s live performance at the event. “Focusing on protecting these critically endangered iconic species is nearly like setting up a worldwide network of Noah’s arks”, DiCaprio said.

Videos

July 23, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Authentic Belizean Niceness!
Can’t figure out what to have for lunch? We’re having Obando’s Hot Panades :-)

ICSC’s Five-a-side Football Tournament picks up heat
In the second week of the Island Citizens Sporting Club (ICSC) and San Pedro High School (SPHS) Five-a-side Football Tournament, the action only continues to grow as the teams fight for their wins. On each of the four game days, a large crowd gathered at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium cheering the athletes on. Four senior matches where played on Thursday, July 16th. These well-seasoned footballers gave it their all for their team, but were a winner rises, there also must be a loser. In the first game, Goliath FC defeated Tuff Strikers FC eight goal to two. Kevin Chavez was the star player for Goliath FC, score four out of the eight goals. In the second game, Graniel’s FC suffered a loss against Island Pure FC in a 10-0 point match. Also losing on the first game day of the week was Costa Warriors FC, who fell to FC Green House in a 7-1 point game. FC Green House’s Dihno Noralez was the star player of the match scoring, three goals for his team. In the last match of the night, San Mateo FC defeated Vince Warriors FC in a 7-1 point game.

Officials report on successful BA-1 Project
Last month, on June 5th, 34 single mothers from San Pedro graduated from the BA-1 project on Violence against Women, Trafficking and Femicide. A collaboration between the Women’s Department of Belize and the Central American Integration System (SICA), the training was designed to empower participants with the necessary tools in order to gain personal development. On Wednesday, July 15th, a public meeting was held at the Lion’s Den with the project’s graduates presenting an overview of the program. The meeting also included presentations on human trafficking from a representative of the Anti-Trafficking Person Council (ATIPS) in the Women’s Department, within the Ministry of Human Development. The event started with the welcome address delivered by San Pedro Town Councilor Flora Ancona. “The advancement of the women’s agenda on the island is a key component and an emphasis the San Pedro Town Council is placing on social issues affecting women in San Pedro,” Ancona continued stating that the program was not just for San Pedro but also the sister island of Caye Caulker. “In April of this year, we endorsed the recommendation of the Central American Integration System and the Ministry of Human Development through the Women’s Department to implement the B A 1 project in San Pedro. However, we went ahead to include Caye Caulker as part of the program because as a tourism community, we also need to assist our sister island,” said Ancona. She invited the attendees to share their experiences, to analyze what the organizers of the project are doing and let them know where there is the need for improvement in regards to the prevention of violence against women on the island.

Belizean sailors benefit from Youth Worlds Emerging Nations Program laser clinic
Belizean sailors Blanca Velasquez and Antonio Ricardez, along with Sailing Coach Trenton Miller were in Antigua participating in a seven-day International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Youth Worlds Emerging Nations Program (YW ENP) laser clinic. The Belize Laser Radial Youth Team departed Belize on Sunday, July 12th for the clinic, which took place from Tuesday, July 14th to Tuesday, July 21st. At the event, both the young sailors and coach gained valuable skills and knowledge on laser sailing, and components of the vessel. In addition, all sailors that attended the clinic were awarded with scholarships to attend the 45th Youth Sailing World Championship, which will be held on December 13, 2015 in Langkawi, Malaysia. The clinic is aimed at promoting youth sailing, help develop youth sailing around the world and give the world’s best youth sailors a chance to shine on the world stage. More than 20 sailors and 11 coaches representing 11 countries participated in the YW ENP laser clinic for the Americas and Caribbean Region. Participating countries are Antigua, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Guatemala, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Uruguay, U.S. Virgin Islands and Ecuador. This was the fourth of five regional training clinics that was held to build up youth sailors’ skills for the 2015 Youth Sailing World Championship.

BEL responds to BEWU Protest
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is aware of a protest by the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) which commenced today, during which BEWU members referred to the details of negotiations for a revised a Revised Partnership Collective Agreement (PCA). Negotiations commenced on November 4, 2014 between BEL’s Management Negotiating Team appointed by BEL’s Board of Directors and BEWU’s Negotiating Committee appointed by the Executive of the BEWU. These negotiations entered into mediation on June 26, 2015 by the Labour Commissioner after the BEL and BEWU negotiating teams were unable to arrive at an agreement on the negotiation of salaries and benefits for the revised PCA. Non-financial matters of the revised PCA were first addressed and successfully negotiated except for the clause on disciplinary action. At the commencement of negotiations, the BEWU’s proposal was for an increase in salaries and benefits amounting to 90% of salary. The Company rejected this proposal for salaries and benefits. In April, the BEWU presented a new proposal for a 62% increase in salaries and benefits. The Company presented a counter proposal for 24%. The BEWU walked away from the negotiating table and led a sickout. BEL deems this incident a strike under the laws of Belize and has reported the matter to the Labor Department.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro on Track of Kickstarting BTIA Chapter
Although San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the biggest and most popular tourist destination in the country of Belize, membership for the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has not been so promising over the past few years. After a productive and promising meeting this week, the election of a new board of directors took place and a more positive outlook for the San Pedro chapter of the BTIA was sparked. The newly elected board of directors for the San Pedro Chapter of the BTIA are: Chairman – Melanie Paz Vice Chairman – Javier Williams Secretary – Ovel Leonardo Treasurer – Kendall Beymer Directors – Ruben Trejo, Alfonso Wiltshire, Amy Leiva

Misc Belizean Sources

Building Geographical Indications for the Caribbean’s Origin-Linked Products
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) opened the two-day sub-regional workshop on branding and the use of geographical indications in the development of management strategies for origin-linked products at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingstown, Jamaica on July 21st. With the aim of building the capacity of CARIFORUM producers to identify and develop geographical indications and origin linked products, it is hoped that attending businesses will prosper and enhance their competitiveness in the international arena, and as a result build economic growth and sustainability of the Caribbean region. The Hon. Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce for Jamaica highlighted in his address to the participants that “Within the Caribbean exist numerous opportunities for GI protection including black pineapple from Antigua, cascarilla from the Bahamas, cahune oil from Belize, nutmeg from Grenada and sarsaparilla from St. Kitts just to name a few. Geographical Indications offer us the opportunity to protect these brands and our consumers, even as we continue to guarantee quality and provenance.”

Inauguration of new Caracol Conservation Post
Friday, July 24, 11am

Attention American Citizens in Belize! Passport and CBRA appointments
The U.S. Citizens services section has opened an additional day of Passport and CBRA appointments on Tuesday, July 28. You may make an appointment online at https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp postcode=BLZ&appcode=1 U.S. Citizens with appointments scheduled for a later date are welcome to reschedule to this earlier date.

Boa in the bougainvillea
Apparently the girls were awoken tonight by a commotion in the parrot roost. Parrots were all very upset and running around on the ground. After searching for a while the torchlight picked out a rather large boa dangling it head down towards two of the girls. They managed to wrassle it out of the bougainvillea, having to chop the odd branch as it was wound in so tight and not willing to readily leave his new found fast food joint. Over seven feet long, this is the largest we have had in a while. Now snugly in a feed sack awaiting a trip into the bush to a nice new location tomorrow.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Wednesday, July 22, 2015: 44. PICK 3: 0 9 6

"Cantinflas - No Que No Chato?"
The Embassy of Mexico invites you to the Belize International Film Festival for a Mexican Movie Night showing "Cantinflas - No Que No Chato?" Subtitled in English. Date: Tuesday July 28th, 2015 Time: 7:00 P.M. Place: Institute of Mexico in Belize (Belize City) R.S.V.P. Tel: 223-1408 FREE ENTRANCE!

Power interruption 6:00am to 2:00pm, Saturday, July 25: entire Toledo District
BEL to conduct critical maintenance and testing and of all equipment at the Punta Gorda Substation.

AJAW Chocolate
Have you checked out AJAW Chocolate yet? It's downtown, right next to Rainforest Haven. You learn all about chocolate, and then get to make your own. The best part is getting to eat your creation, which you can spice up the way you like. Pictures on fb.

Kumi Mayagawa Concert
Pianist Kumi Miyagawa will be performing at the George Price Centre this Sunday, July 26th, at 6:00pm. The concert is free, and is in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Japanese and Central American diplomatic relations.

Channel 7

Belize Energy Workers Take Their Case To The Labour Minister
Today members of BEL’s Energy Workers Union ended three days of picketing in front of the utility’s corporate headquarters. So what will they do next? Well, both sides were negotiating a new Collective Agreement since November of last year, but talks broke down in June, and that’s when they entered into mediation with the Labour Commissioner. But the union walked away from mediation and went to the picket line. What’s next? Well, they’ve been called to meet with the Labour minister, Godwin Hulse. Marvin Mora, Belize Energy Workers Union "The employees are still here so they have not managed to convince the employees of what they are saying. And if what they're saying is actually that they don't want to give anything to the employees, all they have to do is just tell us - we don't believe you earned anything, we don't believe that it is fair that we give you anything and we are not going to give you anything and the story done. That's all they have to do, they don't have to make the story long." Daniel Ortiz "Do you believe that is what they're saying at this time?" Marvin Mora, Belize Energy Workers Union "Man, that is exactly they're saying."

Family Believes Charred Remains Are Their Loved Ones
On Monday, we told you about a burnt body which was found on the main road heading to Scotland Half-moon Village in Belize Rural. Well tonight, police are no closer to identifying him, but as we’ve told you, they suspect it to be a Ladyville villager who went missing since last week Thursday. He’s 28 year-old Kelvin Usher, a resident of mile 9 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, and we stress at this time that he is still listed as missing. His common-law wife told us on Monday that she doesn’t believe that the charred remains are Usher’s, but as we’ve shown you, his mother has given police a partial identification using a tattoo that she recognized on his chest. We have seen Facebook posting from relatives also accepting that the burnt body is his. The investigators say that they are waiting for the post-mortem to be 100% sure if indeed the victim is Usher. That examination was to have happened this afternoon, but it has been postponed until tomorrow.

Gun Found On City Streets Was Stolen From PG Police
Police say the minor who was caught with a gun in Belize City yesterday fled the car with the weapon. Cops intercepted a Toyota Camry on Central American Boulevard around 12:15 pm – but when they stopped it, a 16 year old minor dashed out. Police set chase and saw him fling an object over a fence. They searched a yard on Zericote street and found a .38 caliber revolver. Now, the interesting thing about this weapon is that it was stolen – and guess form where? The police station in Punta Gorda! Of course, this wasn’t even reported to the media – and this very important detail still was not included in today’s police report. But 7News has been reliably informed that the theft happened between the 19th and 20th April, 2015. Police searched the car presumably because persons with known gang ties were inside – but only the minor has been charged because the weapon was not found in the car, he fled with it.

PUP, Cabals, But No Conspiracy
Yesterday, 13 PUP candidates were absent from a meeting of the Party’s National Executive and Standard bearers. Absentees included notable party personalities such as Cordel Hyde, Dan Silva, Jose Mai, and Major Lloyd Jones. Our information suggested that while there were a few with legitimate excuses, there was also a boycott by frustrated standard bearers. Why? Well, our information says that there is frustration with the leadership of the party – and the boycott was to send a message to the leadership that there is widespread discontent. But, from all outward indications, no such message was received and Party Leader Francis Fonseca told the press that there was no boycott, just isolated and unremarkable absences. So, that brings us to today where former leader John Briceno who was away dealing with a family illness has returned to the country. We are told that Briceno met today with Cordel Hyde, Dan Silva and others to discuss the general discontent in the party ranks.

Cops: Cacho Killed Welch
Last week, we told you how the James Lyson Cacho, was allegedly caught by the Gang Suppression Unit with a gun and ammunition. He’s on remand for those offences, but tonight, police suspect that he was involved in a recent Belize City murder. Cacho was brought back to court today where he was arraigned before Magistrate Ladonna John on the criminal charges of murder, attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. Due to the nature of the offenses, he wasn’t allowed to declare a plea, and he was further remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August 31. Cacho is accused of the murder of 24 year old Michael Welch, who was gunned down and killed on March 1 while he with his cousin, Kingsley Morrison at Morrison’s house on Periwinkle Street. They were ambushed by two men. Welch died from his injuries about half an hour later, while Morrison who was also injured, survived.

Conservation Post For Caracol
Who can forget the terrible Thursday of September 24, 2015? That’s day when Belizean Special Constable Danny Conorquie was killed on duty at the Caracol Archaeological Park in Western Belize, a few meters from the border. It was suspected - but never confirmed - that his killers were Guatemalan cross-border bandits who may have fled into the Guatemalan village of La Rejoya. His murder shocked the country and forced the National Security Ministry into activating strict security measures for the Caracol Site. This was an urgent situation which was exposed by a Police Internal Memo which identified the clear and present danger to the Special Constables who were forced to guard the site, but it apparently fell on deaf ears. Well, 10 months after that tragic incident, the Government, through NICH, has completed a conservation outpost at the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. It was constructed in close collaboration of the Ministry of National Security, and it will be able to house a number of Belize Defense Force Soldiers, who will provide support and back-up for the Tourism Police Officers.

Caye Caulker Cops Say Man Bit Them
The Caye Caulker police station is making news again – but this time the cops say – they are the victims of abuse, not a detained person. The story starts with almost $2,000 dollars worth of electronics which were stolen from a student’s boat on Caye Caulker. A 24-year-old Israeli student reported that on Monday someone burglarized his fiberglass boat and stole his cell phone valued digital camera and other items. Police found the camera on 18-year-old Belize City resident Shawn Wade. He was taken into custody and yesterday morning while in the station's holding cell Wade was taken to use the bathroom but refused to be taken back to the cell. Police struggled with him, and claim that Wade bit a police officer on the finger. This was certified as “Wounding”. So now apart from the burglary charge, Wade is now detained pending charges of “Wounding and Aggravated Assault.”

VIP Wants Petition Against Sedi
Last week, we showed you our interview with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington in which he revealed months later that the Guatemalans are resisting attempts by the Belizean National Security Ministry to build a Forward Operating Base on Sarstoon Island, the southern-most point in the country’s territory. Well, independent political party, the VIP has come out against his position. The VIP, like the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, say that the Belize Government should exercise the rights of a sovereign state to conduct whatever operations are in its best interest. They are demanding that the Government assert the Independence of the country of Belize and carry out these plans and policies in the absence of Guatemalan influence in the decision making process. They held a press conference today to underscore this point: Patrick Rogers - Member, VIP "The actions of our government, it's actually building confidence for a Guatemalan case if it ever reached to the ICJ. In effect we've seen where the Guatemalans are protecting what they believe to be theirs by sending their navy to go and instruct our coast guard to get off that island. That's an act of exercising sovereignty over that territory. They followed that by instructing our government that, no, you cannot build on that Sarstoon island until the ICJ has made a ruling as to who's territory it is. So again, that is asserting sovereignty that they don't exercise possessions of the land but they are acting as though, yeah we truly believe this was take away from we."

Hon. Elrington's ICJ Fumble
In case you missed our interview with Foreign Minister Elrington from last week, he was discussing this latest disagreement between both sides over the forward operating base. Elrington said that in order to deal with the real problem - which is the territorial dispute - it has to be resolved peacefully at the ICJ. For context, we re-air that portion of the interview which independent parties have seized upon: that going to the ICJ is a done deal: FILE: July 16, 2015 Daniel Ortiz "What was the reaction of the diplomats from Guatemala when you all informed them that you had this intention of building this base on Sarstoon Island?" Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "My own recollection is that they are suggesting that we discussed the matter at the OAS. We certainly have intention of doing it and they are simply seem to be suggesting that we should discuss it at the OAS before we take any further steps with respect to the matter, given the fact that in fact we are on our way to the ICJ." Well, the VIP like the NTUCB, are holding Elrington to task, and they say that he omitted a very key fact that a referendum must be held in Belize for the populace to decide if they want to go to the ICJ.

Can VIP Be More Than a Press Conference Party?
And while the VIP can hold forth for hours at press conferences with the media as their captive audience, you may have noticed that they don’t do so well at the polls. So, are they a political party, or just press conference pundits? Today, we asked them if they are serious about being a political party. Here’s how that conversation went: Daniel Ortiz "You all are behaving more like a advocacy organisation than a political party." Patrick Rogers - Member, VIP "I've been asked that a lot of times that, why doesn't VIP settle back and be king maker because unno no serious bout win an election. The bottom line is brothers and sisters that if you're going to change, you can't change from within.”

More Kids Learning Money Literacy
Another series of summer camps has concluded today. As we reported last week Wednesday, kids were learning all about budgeting and saving at the Financial Literacy Summer Camp. Well, the scholarship section of that initiative concluded today and a short ceremony was held to honour the students who participated. Today at the ITVET we spoke with 3 of the students and they told us how rewarding this experience at the camp has been. Arin Riley - Manager, Corporate Programs for Peace Work "This track we have at ITVET is the special part of an initiative called project Belize. This programme in particular at ITVET is the scholarship track. So it's made up of students from the youth leadership council and we have them divided into two programmes. The have the financial literacy and entrepreneurship track and well as the high school innovation track. This morning we heard from 7 high school innovation challenge teams and they presented on a case study that covered youth unemployment in Belize. So we were able to sit through all of their presentations this morning and hear their ideas and we also have our financial and literacy entrepreneurship track that is covering job skills, resume skills, interview skills as we as budgeting, savings and the regular financial literacy entrepreneurship curriculum." Angie Robateau - Coordinator "Today we saw were these kids are bright. In 3 days they came up with 7 different solutions for unemployment within Belize - that I think could be their achievable ideas."

BAHA Goes Big Time with PCR Lab
BAHA, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, is trying to contain the MEDFLY in southern Belize, but they’ve also gotten a major upgrade at their headquarters. IT’s a very high tech testing lab called a PCR Lab. We found out more from the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture. Jose Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Agriculture "The opening of this PCR lab puts BAHA at a much higher level in terms of the level of testing that can be done locally in Belize. In the past we've had to send out most of our testing to be done outside, either in Mexico or the US. Now a lot of the confirmatory tests can be done in Belize. It's still not a complete lab, we still have to send certain tests outside but the vast majority for primary confirmation can now be done in Belize by BAHA. It's a testing where they basically take a part the plant and test it using polymer rays technology, a chain reaction technology to detect presence of what ever in this case a virus or bacteria they're looking for.” This is part of a 12 million dollar project to improve BAHA.

Taking Tour Guides Seriously
Very regularly on the news, you see struggling tour guides trying to scrape out a living by hustling tours at the Fort Street Tourism Village. It’s a fierce and highly competitive atmosphere, and they’re dealing with potential customers who’ve been warned on the cruise ships that they should avoid the guides on the streets. All that makes it TOUGH to earn a living, and the red tape of getting a tour operator’s license just adds one more expense to that struggle. But the BTB has tried to lessen the force of at least that blow by collaborating with 64 tour operators to regularize their temporary licenses. After 2 years of work, and 4 groups of training cohorts, they are being given a full license to conduct tours in Belize City. We stopped by the certification process of this 64 operators this evening to find out the difference it will make: Valdermar Andrade - Director, Destination Planning and Cruise, BTB "This process started 2 years ago in 2013, when we did the first heritage tour training and from there, 67 guides basically were regularized. Where we train people on different aspects of the Belize City itself, information on the general core of Belize City and also some delivery techniques. I have to say I was very impressed with the 4S cohort. I know many of you suffered through the practicals because you were wondering what we were doing to get you to a certain level but that was exactly the point. The point was to get you to a level of delivery of product that we would be proud of and that will support the Belize brand. So today, we are finishing the third cohort for the general principles for professional tour guiding which gives you the fundamentals of tour guiding, delivery techniques and some additional information on Belize City."

The Harmony of the Prakash Project
PRA-KASH – in English it means light. That is what visiting musicians want listeners to find through music. Argentine guitarist Federico Diaz and Mexican sitarist Leonardo Nieto Joly are in Belize for the first time to perform their mix of Classical Indian music and Latin American folklore music. When we spoke to guitarist Federico Diaz today, he told us that it’s not so much about the music, but really – it’s about where the music takes you. Federico Diaz - Guitarist "Prakash is a…..well the intention of Prakash is to transmit something more than the music itself, it should feel like a space of light, the light of the music, a reflection. "I believe that you can connect Prakash with ...the space, with the profound feelings but overall it’s just the space, the air that people can connect with, not the emptiness – the space. What I want people to take away from this is peace ….silent minds, for people to free the mind – rid the mind of all thoughts."

Nello's Audio Drive
Local musician Kernelle Parks, better known by his stage name “Nello Player”, is looking for a group of youths aged 15 to 25 who are interested in audio engineering. They have to be creative and interested in the basics of producing and editing sound content, which can be used for film, radio, television, and especially music. He’s collaborated with the Department of Youth Services to put together a two week course with interested individuals. Nello told us more: You can sign up at the Department of Youth Services, or you can contact Nello at phone number 650-1411.

Making Sound Engineers
And while the performer Nello Player is recruiting, long time sound man Junie Welch today graduated his trainees in pretty much the same discipline. Over the last 19 weeks, Welch, trained and prepared students for the world of sound engineering. According to Communication Officer at Nich, Shari Williams, Audio technicians are needed in Belize: The ceremony for the 13 trainees will be held at the Bliss tonight at 7pm.

Channel 5

Sedi Says Sarstoon Island Controversy was Discussed Informally at O.A.S. Meeting
Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington arrived back in country today after working visits in both Washington and Mexico. Just before he left last Thursday, in an exclusive interview with News [...]

V.I.P. Joins N.T.U.C.B., “Forward with Coastguard F.O.B. in Sarstoon!”
But with the construction of the F.O.B. on hold, the Vision Inspired by the People is joining the National Trade Union Congress of Belize in demanding that the coast guard [...]

Why Should O.A.S. Intercede in F.O.B. Brouhaha?
The bold move by the N.T.U.C.B., according to Rogers, is an about-face from the trade union’s flip-flop on the Petrocaribe issue.   Patrick Rogers, Vision Inspired by the People “I [...]

Belize Won’t Go to the ICJ Without Referendum – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Those comments by the Vision Inspired by the People have also been expressed, to a large extent and just as vocally, by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and [...]

Belize Isn’t Prepared to Cede a Blade of Grass to Guatemala
And then there has been speculation that there exists a secret document which envisions, in some form or fashion, both countries going to the ICJ without going to a referendum. [...]

Minister of Labor Calls on B.E.W.U. on Day 3 of Protest
Just about an hour before taking to the streets on the final day of a series of protests which began on Monday, BEWU President Marvin Mora received a telephone call [...]

Union Members Say No Twenty Percent Raise Since 2011
In an interview with B.E.L.’s Public Relations Manager on Tuesday, Vonetta Burrell informed that the company ensured that its employees were being paid, despite losing money consistently since 2011.   According [...]

Is B.E.L. Willing to Honor Union’s Salary Demands?
The break in negotiation has left a bitter taste in the mouth of the union.  Mora says if B.E.L. has no intention of adjusting the wages of its employees, it [...]

P.U.P. Standard Bearers Meet Following No-Show at Independence Hall
In political news, at least twelve standard bearers and some executive members of the People’s United Party boycotted on Tuesday a meeting at Independence Hall. We are told the absence [...]

Is Kelvin Usher Really Dead? Autopsy on Unidentified Remains Still Pending
The charred remains of a man were found about four hundred feet from the Bermudian Landing Bridge since last Saturday.  But are the remains that of Kelvin Usher, a Ladyville [...]

Investigation into Fatal Hope Creek Shooting Continues; No Interdiction of Officers
It’s been almost two weeks since Hope Creek resident, Leopold Myvette, was shot and killed in the south by police officers attached to the Dangriga Police Formation. Police say that [...]

Lyson Cacho Arraigned for Murder of Belize City DJ
Back on Sunday, March first, 2015, gunmen ambushed two men on Periwinkle Street in the Saint Martin de Porres area of Belize City. A day after the shooting, one man [...]

V.I.P. Says No to ICJ – Outlines Case Against Going to UN Court…
The longstanding territorial dispute, in the context of a resolution by the International Court of Justice, has remained a contentious matter in the public domain as well as for the [...]

…Parallel Drawn Between Belize/Guatemala Dispute and Bakassi Peninsula
Interestingly, Rogers uses a 2002 judgment in favor of Cameroon as a case study for the crux of his argument.  A territorial dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon, involving the Bakassi [...]

Sedi on Bilateral Agreements Signed with Mexico
During a working visit which culminated in Mexico, Foreign Minister Elrington also signed eight bilateral agreements with that country on issues including energy management, social security, intellectual property protection and [...]

B.T.B. Certifies Tour Operators at FST Zone
A third cohort of provisional tour guides are now fully trained to operate in the Fort George Tourism Zone.  At a brief ceremony, the Belize Tourism Board presented them with [...]

Technicians Complete Training Program in Audio Engineering 101
A mixing board can be overwhelming for its number of knobs, inputs or outputs. And if you are in the industry you would know that there has been a shortage [...]

Prakash Project Arrives in Belize
Prakash Project…it’s a music event, but not the regular concert – that’s being held on the grounds of the Om Shanti Yoga Center on Princess Margaret Drive Belize City. The [...]

Cancer Patient Richard Smith in Dire Need of Public Assistance
A Belize City mother is asking for the public’s assistance to help get her son to Loma Luz Hospital in Cayo. Hilda McKoy says that her twenty seven year old [...]

Grieving Mother of Deceased Cancer Patient is Thankful for Public Support
But Angela Smith has lost her battle to cancer. Back in March, her mother Michelle Smith was at our studios asking for assistance for Angela, who was diagnosed with cancer [...]

LOVE FM

VIP Says Compromis Should Have Been Ratified by the Senate
Patrick Rogers of the VIP went on to state that the Government should have taken the compromis signed between Belize and Guatemala to the Senate for ratification. PATRICK ROGERS “The compromiS needed to be brought to the Senate for ratification because in the laws of Belize the senate has certain powers and functions, they say […]

Third Party Says America Is Behind Guatemala in Getting Belize
As it pertains to the Belize/Guatemala territorial issues, the Vision Inspired by the People heavily criticized the Barrow administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying that their research has led them to believe that Guatemala has grounds to feel that their territory was taken away from them. PATRICK ROGERS “Now our Ministry of Foreign […]

Central Farm Houses New Facility
A new facility was inaugurated earlier today in Central Farm in the Cayo District. Correspondent Elaine Berry reports. ELAINE BERRY “

3-Days Into Protest for BEL Workers
The union members employed at the Belize Electricity Limited were at it again today during their lunch break demanding that the management takes heed to their request of eight point two salary increase among other things. Love News was with those over thirty employees who held up placards asking for a stop to the exaggerated […]

PlusTV

KHMH Go Slow over
One week of go-slow at the KHMH came to an end yesterday after a meeting between a team of eight staff representatives and the KHMH Board of governors as well as four Cabinet ministers. Those Cabinet members are Hon.Patrick Faber, Hon. John Saldivar, Hon. Pablo Marin and Hon. Godwin Hulse . The m...

Mediterranean Fruit Fly detected in Belize
Yesterday, Plusnews broke the story of the detection of the infamous Mediterranean Fruit fly, also known as the Medfly, on the Sapodilla Caye in Southern Belize. Today, BAHA issued an official press release confirming those reports and adding that there was a second outbreak in the Hopkins Village ...

El Chapo not believed to be in Belize
And in more Mexican/Belizean news, last week we reported that rumors had been circulating of notorious Mexican drug Lord, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman possibly being in Belize. El Chapo escaped from a maximum security prison in Mexico on July 11th and has been on the run since. In an inter...

Media visits Port Honduras Marine Reserve
Established 15 years ago as a marine reserve, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve in Southern Belize has gone through its ups and downs, from incursions by Guatemalan and Honduran fishermen to ongoing beach erosion to changes in the fish stock, while hanging over it all is the possibility of petroleum ...

Fatal Traffic Accident in the South
There was a fatal traffic accident reported in the South. According to police reports, the body of 20-year-old Lucas Teul of Independence Village was discovered sometime before 2:00 p.m. yesterday Monday July 20 in an area on the Big Creek Road about half mile away from Independence. Teul’s body w...

14 year old girl found naked and beaten in Cancun may be Belizean
Various news outlets in Mexico are reporting that a 14 year old female minor, purportedly of Belizean Nationality was r found naked, bruised and heavily intoxicated in a forested area in Rehoyada, Cancun. The Mexican Red Cross and police authorities responded to the area on Sunday July 19th when the...

38 year old man impregnates 13 year old girl
38-year-old Guatemalan Selvin Giovanni Castro was arrested and charged for one Count of “Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.” This follows a report made by a 13 year old girl in the presence of a social worker at the Punta Gorda Police Station. The minor told police that Castro had sexual intercourse with ...

Breaking Belize News

Lyson Cacho charged for murder
Lyson Cacho, one of two men who were charged last week with firearm and ammunition offences and were remanded into custody, was brought to court today and was arraigned on a charge of murder for the death of 24 year old Michael Welch earlier this year. Cacho was […]

Belize, Mexico cooperate on consumer protection
Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) and Belize’s Bureau of Standards (BBS) signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to advancing the protection and safety or goods/services used by consumers in both countries. This consumer protection memorandum was signed by the Mexican and Belizean governments on Monday, July 20, 2015, while […]

Belize Camping Experience impacting Orange Walk’s youth
This summer, the Belize camping Experience has moved back to Orange Walk Town for the second consecutive year. The camp seeks to provide a positive outlet and share the word of God with the youths from this municipality. Since Tuesday, twelve camp facilitators had their hands full […]

Ethnic organizations support Maya land rights, reparations
Community members from several ethnic groups including Kriol, East Indian, Garifuna, Maya Leaders and the Belize Commission have held two special meetings in the month of July in Forest Home, Toledo District. The Commission says that it has joined in solidarity with the Maya of Southern Belize in their definitive […]

Sandhill Summer Day Camp underway
The second Annual Sand Hill Summer Day Camp opened on Monday, 20 July 2015 at the Sand Hill Community Center with approximately 60 children, ages five to fifteen from the surrounding villages attending. According to organizer Delfena Mitchell, the week long camp program activities includes learning to use […]

Orange Walk holds youth conference
A two day Youth Conference concluded today in Orange Walk Town with a certificate ceremony at the Banquitas House of Culture compound. Approximately 35 participants were engaged in sessions of Mediation, Identity and Values Clarification. The program was spearheaded by Town Councilor Shantel Casimiro and facilitated by […]

U.S., British diplomats accused of bullying and mistreating employees
British High Commissioner to Belize, H.E. Peter Hughes, has been accused of bullying former employees at the Commission since his arrival in late 2013. The Commission has had no comment, but several former employees have told 7 News that his behavior has resulted in at least 10 resignations. Meanwhile, a […]

Original Peace Corps volunteers reunite in Belize
Nine of the original Peace Corps volunteers who began serving in the former British Honduras in 1962 reunited in Caye Caulker earlier this year. A complement of 22 opened the program which was designed by President John F. Kennedy. On the Peace Corps website the group spoke of being “welcomed […]

Vision Inspired by the People petitions GOB to build Sarstoon Island base
Alternative political movement Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) is petitioning Belizeans to join its call to Government to build the Sarstoon Island Coast Guard forward operating base. Accusing the Barrow administration of acquiescing to Guatemalan authorities and bolstering their case for the unfounded claim at the International […]

PUP meet in Belize City with party’s National Executives to discuss plans for General Elections
The People’s United Party’s National Executive and standard bearers met at Independence Hall on Tuesday. In the wake of the Dangriga by-election defeat and departure of Godfrey Smith as national campaign manager, just 18 of the party’s 31 standard bearers attended, with notable absences including northern caucus and rumored leadership […]

Punta Gorda Police investigate arson in San Marcos
Police continue to investigate an alleged arson in the village of San Marcos. 30 year old Alberto Choc was in Punta Gorda Town on July 16 when around 8:30 in the evening he was told that his village house was on fire. After receiving the news, Choc rushed home […]

Police organize performance review
Minister of National Security John Saldivar has met with his senior Police Department leadership to review performance over the first half of 2015 and plan strategy for the second. The Department has been reorganized into five regions, headed respectively by Senior Superintendents Ralph Moody (South), Aaron Guzman (Western), Alford […]

Blogs

Enjoying Sunday on Monday and the yummiest sweet treat
Because I spent a good portion of Sunday at my desk, I decided to make Monday, funday. First off came sleeping in. It was extremely satisfying taking time to enjoy a blissful morning in bed. I did have one business errand but quickly got back to fun. After a fast stop at the Belize Tourism Board office above the library, I could not resist walking 2 doors over to get my morning iced coffee fix with a chcochino at the Belize Chocolate company. On my way home I decided to stop by and visit my friend Dick, which turned into a spur of the moment decision to drop off a button down shirt to Jack, get Dick a 5 gallon water at the distributor and go grocery shopping. That quickly turned into a joyride around town looking at land and boats. Since we opted for the beach road, I decided to detour us to Ice and Beans at Sandbar beachfront hostel to get another iced coffee and mini doughnuts. They are super delicious, made fresh on the spot and totally worth stopping by for. While there we shared a rum ball too. Also yummy but a bit to rummy for my taste.

Belize Eco Kids Summer Camp: Biodiversity & Conservation!
The campers started the first full day of camp early Monday morning around the campfire singing traditional Belizean songs. But their energy really showed once they had Mr. Docio’s wife fried jacks, huevos rancheros, and sausage in their bellies! After breakfast, the campers rolled the game-wheel and participated in the group game: wizards, gnomes, and trolls. By this time the sun was hot and the air was thick, so everyone really worked up a sweat! After the game, the campers cooled down in the dining area for arts and crafts time. Under the guidance of the resident expert eco-artist Miss Lilly, each camper made their own “jungle journal” from recycled materials, which they will use to take personal notes on each day’s activities. They were immediately put to use when they were told that they would be quizzed on the information they learn throughout the day.

Coconut Popsicles/ Paletas de Coco
Try this refreshing spin on Popsicles. It certainly puts a Belizean flavor into this summer favorite. Ingredients: 2 sachets Coconut Milk Powder 1 ½ cup Warm Water ½ cup Evaporated Milk ½ cup Condensed Milk ½ tsp Vanilla Essence 1 cup Ice Directions: Pour warm water in a mug. Mix in Coconut Milk Powder until dissolved thoroughly. Add Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk and Vanilla Essence. Stir in Ice until melted. Pour into Popsicle mold and freeze for 4 hours or until frozen.

Videos

July 22, 2015

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, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Be a part of the 2nd Annual Camp Starfish
With only a week away till the start of the 2nd Annual Camp Starfish, organizers are ironing out the final details. Scheduled to take place from Monday, July 27th to Friday, August 7th, Camp Starfish is a specially designed summer program that caters to island children living with physical or mental disabilities. This year’s camp will see the participation of 12 special education volunteers from the USA, and together with local volunteers, campers are bound to have a fulfilled summer experience. Leading up to the start of the camp, organizers held a fundraiser to raise monies needed to cover expenses during the two week program. The camp is offered free of charge to all participants and as such, donations are vital to its success. The fundraiser was in the form of a dollar drive held on Wednesday, July 8th. Organizers welcome all special needs children to participate in this year’s camp. Camp Starfish will be held at the San Pedro Lions Club from Monday to Friday from 8AM to noon. Transportation will be provided for those who need pickups and drop-offs. A nurse will be present at all times during the camp and snacks will be provided. Any form of donation is welcomed to offset camp expenses. For more information or to make a donation please contact Dianela Hancock at 668-4819 or Dalia Alamilla at 662-7880.

Welcome to Paradise
And then there were colors, vivid, they made me feel so alive, shades of blue, green and turquoise. I took a deep breath and held in the salty air, exhaling, I smiled. I’ve arrived in paradise.

Making my favorite treat: Rice Shake!
When in need of a delicious treat that reminds you of home, Rice Shake or Dulce de Leche is the way to go! A classic in Belizean cuisine, I have been eating Rice Shake (some call it Ricelab) since I was toddler. My grandmother and my aunt back in Orange Walk Town make the best Rice Shake- just my personal opinion… and now that I live in San Pedro I rarely get to eat this tasty- and sweet- treat.So after making a quick phone call to home base and getting the instructions on how to make it, I set on a short journey to gather ingredients. Making Rice Shake is rather simple and doesn’t require much.

National Replenishment Zone Expansion Endorsed in San Pedro
With data gathered, the second consultation was held on Wednesday, July 8th at the Sunbreeze Conference Room, with aims of having fishermen and tour operators endorse the project. It was facilitated by Fisheries Officer Ramon Carcamo, Seleni Cruz from the Nature Conservancy, and Lewis. “In the first consultation we explained what the National Replenishment Zone Expansion project is about and we allowed those in attendance to give recommendations on how to better it. We took into consideration those recommendation and made a new draft project which we presented in the second consultation. We also shared the results of all the different consultation we have held in different destinations, and what people in the industry think about the project,” said Lewis. She indicated that among the changes made to the project is the area of the replenishment zone. “At that initial meeting, the majority of fishermen and tour guides present agreed that expansion should occur at 12 to 11 nautical miles, as it will assist in maintaining Belize’s territorial integrity. It would also support the work of the Belize Coast Guard and the area could be managed through the use of satellite imagery and other technology, rather than foot patrol. The zone would be a refuge for our marine ecosystem and help the country to adapt to climate change, as well as promote sustainability in the industry,” said Lewis.

Ambergris Today

Boobies and Paradise – Escape to Half Moon Caye Belize
How about escaping to an isolated island for the day where you can disconnect and appreciate the great outdoors? Sounds like a great idea, right!? This little piece of paradise that I am talking about is called Half Moon Caye, located in the lower southeast corner of the reef in Belize; home to a national park and protected bird sanctuary. Half Moon Caye lies within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll offshore Belize and can be reached from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in about a couple hours (faster from Belize City). A visit to the island as part of a diving/snorkeling tour or an all-day beach picnic is a time well spent walking around barefoot with absolutely no cares in the world. On this tiny island you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can do some beachcombing and then find yourself within lush greenery all in a very short walk; without the crowds. The only traffic that you need to worry about is that of Hermit Crabs crossing your path and avoiding crashing into one of the hundreds of coconut trees that fill the island.

Beach Bumming at Lobster Fest – Caye Caulker Belize
What comes to mind when you hear Caye Caulker Lobsterfest – Lobster, Lizard Juice, Beach Parties, Lizard Juice and a heck of a good time! Caye Caulker Lobster Fest is the number one event and biggest celebrated on the “Go Slow” island. This festival attracts hundreds of visitors, both international and local who seek to enjoy the best in beach parties and most definitely dine on some of the yummiest lobster dishes. And as the sun goes down on a Saturday Night, watch the nightlife come alive with hungry revelers hunting for that perfect mouth-watering Lobster dish before heading out to the epic Dance Light Party on the beach.

The Belizean Meat Pie Reinvented with Lobster
Lobster Season in Belize keeps getting better and better every year. There is always that one restaurant or deli that comes up with a big surprise that gets you wide-eyed and all excited. I guess it’s because there is a season for lobster in Belize that we get all excited when it opens and we can’t seem to get enough of it. Heck! It’s not available all year round, so why not celebrate it. We got our hands on some Lobster Meat Pies this week, something unheard of in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, until this new deli on the island introduced it. Boogie’s Belly can’t carry the lobster meat pies long enough to make it past lunch time. Once word got out that the eatery was making meat pies with lobster, islanders started flocking the place even more. A staple of the Belizean breakfast or afternoon snack, the meat pie is as Belizean as it gets. Small cupcake-sized pies filled with ground beef stewed in a delicious sauce. But Boogie’s Belly switched things up a bit when they opened on the island by filling the pies with curry chicken and some veggies. As lobster season kicked off, they spiced things up again with lobster as the main ingredient. How About That!?

Elvi’s Kitchen Serves Up a Mean Breakfast All Day Long
I bet that you did not know that the famous Elvi’s Kitchen of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, served breakfast all day long. YES! They Do!! Breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day and sometimes you wake up a bit late to catch a great breakfast, heck you are on vacation and in San Pedro there are not a lot of restaurants that offer breakfast all day long. The funny thing is that Elvi’s Kitchen is not open during breakfast hours; they open from 11a.m. to 10p.m. every day (except Sundays), but that does not mean you cannot get breakfast at Elvi’s. Chef Jennie Staines has always been hard at work perfecting the menu in her kitchen, bringing bold new flavors together and even creating a side menu that she calls “Jennie’s Creations”. It is in this menu that she has included some excellent breakfast options that are a must.

Riverside Dinning at Maracas Bar & Grill
On the banks of the New River in Orange Walk Town lies Maracas Bar and Grill – a restaurant that has everybody buzzing about their delicious Belizean and Mestizo cuisine. Located just a few minutes from town in a naturally styled outdoor venue, Maracas Bar and Grill is an ideal place to taste the richness of the Maya-Mestizo heritage and international cuisine while overlooking the picturesque river. It doesn’t get any better than this - Dine under a thatched roof while enjoying the cool and gentle breezes that roll off the river. Cooling off is made easy with cold drinks by the riverside after a day of exploring and shopping in Orange Walk. Maracas Bar and Grill has a wide selection of great dishes and drinks on their menu. Here are some of the dishes we sampled including Surf and Turk, Pork Pibil Tacos and Empanadas de Chaya which we highly recommend.

Plunge into the Aquarium at Long Caye, Belize
The Atolls of Belize have some of the best and most pristine diving/snorkeling sites in the country. Their remoteness from the mainland has them pretty much untouched by humans and various spots remain undiscovered. One of these aquatic gems is The Aquarium dive site located just off the western shores of Long Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It’s a very popular dive/snorkel destination in Belize, named for its impressive marine life activity, the Aquarium is a sheer drop-off with a surplus of fish on the reef’s top. The reef at the Aquarium is referred to as the table-top formation. At the shallower part of the dive site, near the mooring line, it is essentially a flat expanse covered with clusters of brain coral, purple fans, and groves of sea plumes. But the coral reef is mostly located in deeper waters, hence the site being more popular for divers.

Belize Electricity Limited in Salary Negotiations with Protesting Worker’s Union
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is aware of a protest by the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) which commenced today, during which BEWU members referred to the details of negotiations for a revised a Revised Partnership Collective Agreement (PCA). Negotiations commenced on November 4, 2014 between BEL’s Management Negotiating Team appointed by BEL’s Board of Directors and BEWU’s Negotiating Committee appointed by the Executive of the BEWU. These negotiations entered into mediation on June 26, 2015 by the Labour Commissioner after the BEL and BEWU negotiating teams were unable to arrive at an agreement on the negotiation of salaries and benefits for the revised PCA. Non-financial matters of the revised PCA were first addressed and successfully negotiated except for the clause on disciplinary action. At the commencement of negotiations, the BEWU’s proposal was for an increase in salaries and benefits amounting to 90% of salary. The Company rejected this proposal for salaries and benefits. In April, the BEWU presented a new proposal for a 62% increase in salaries and benefits. The Company presented a counter proposal for 24%. The BEWU walked away from the negotiating table and led a sickout. BEL deems this incident a strike under the laws of Belize and has reported the matter to the Labor Department.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detected in Southern Belize
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) sent out a press release informing the public, especially in Southern Belize, that the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (or Medfly) has been detected in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District and in the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. As a result of these detections, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in these areas. These activities are important to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the Medflies are eradicated quickly. BAHA reminds the public that Belize is the only country in the region that is free of this pest and it is only when infested Medfly hosts, such as fruits and vegetables, are brought into Belize illegally that this pest is introduced. The Medfly is a very devastating pest and Belize could lose its export markets if the Medlfy becomes established and spreads into areas that are producing fruit for export. In addition, the Medfly also causes loss to small entrepreneurs who are unable to sell their fruits such as mango, craboo or guavas locally when areas are placed under quarantine restrictions. It also deprives the population in infested areas from consuming fresh fruits that is a valuable source of nutrition.

Dine & Meet the Costa Maya Delegates
August 5th at Elvi's Kitchen - Make your reservations now!

First Belizean To Take Post as Assistant Secretary General at OAS
H.E. Nestor Mendez Takes Office as Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of -American States - Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the official inauguration of H.E. Nestor Mendez as the new Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States on Friday, July 17, 2015 in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Mendez was elected OAS Assistant Secretary General for the 2015-2020 term on March 18 of this year with a majority vote of 24 of the total 34 votes cast. This is the first time a Belizean has been elected to the post of Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. H.E. Nestor Mendez served as Ambassador of Belize to the OAS and to the Government of the United States since June 2008. The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, congratulated the new Assistant Secretary General and said “I have nothing short of great expectations for our work together.” The OAS leader added “there are exciting times ahead and our task is one borne of the trust that has been placed in our hands.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Why the People's United Party is declining in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. First, I would like to commend Mr Steven Okeke for his views on why he thinks the People's United Party are in the current state that they are in. It takes people like him with guts to state their views openly and more Belizeans should follow him. As a person who is a born Belizean I have a different view of the situation. These are some of the reasons why I think the People's United Party (PUP) is declining and it will be extremely difficult for this party to remain the same again: 1. Historically, the People's United Party was founded by the people of Belize business and working class as a national movement against the British injustices during the colonial era. 2. Leigh Richardson, John Smith and all their leaders had the people's interest at heart. Most of the workers' unions had a working relationship with the People's United Party and they were the only political party in Belize. 3. When Leigh Richardson and Phillip Goldson went to prison, George Cadle Price emerged as the Leader of the party. Disagreements between him and other PUP members like Goldson, Fuller, Pollard and others led to the formation of new political parties namely; the Honduran Independent Party, the Christian Democratic Party and the National Independence Party which later formed the now United Democratic Party. George Price was accused by Goldson of selling out Belize to Guatemala from the 1950s to the 1970s. This and the fact that George Price could not be trusted were the main issues for NIP and nothing else that I can remember for a long time. The 17 Webster Proposal in the 1960s made a lot of people believe and respect Mr Goldson.

Request for Expression of Interest – Shrimp Branding
Shrimp produced in Belize, certified under the ASC shrimp standard, possess distinct characteristics that demand a high market value. In order to obtain this market advantage, the unique qualities of these shrimp need to be communicated to the consumer. Developing a unified branding and image for the Belize shrimp cluster and the transmitting this image to exporters, will ensure that these shrimp can be differentiated from others within international markets, and that the cluster can obtain the high market value assigned to sustainably certified shrimp. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), have established a co-financing program called “Compete Caribbean” (RG-X1044). The ultimate goal of this Program is to contribute to the increase in the standard of living and quality of life in the Caribbean, the enhancement of the competitiveness of the Caribbean region, and increase the development impact of private sector development projects while emphasizing gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Caye Caulker cleanup
Due to good vibes, we have extended cleanups by one more week on Caye Caulker, please join us for a Saturday morning!

Belmopan Day 2015
Belmopan will be celebrating 45 years on Saturday, August 1st. It's looking to be a huge event, with great music from Panerrifix, the New Sensation Band, Supa G, Richie Galvez, and more, along with scores of activities for kids, and adults. They'll have volleyball, softball, and basketball marathons too. Happy Birthday, Belmopan!

Fruit Fly - eradication (MedFly)
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) hereby informs the public, especially in Southern Belize, that the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (or Medfly) has been detected in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District and in the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. As a result of these detections, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in these areas. These activities are important to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the Medflies are eradicated quickly. BAHA reminds the public that Belize is the only country in the region that is free of this pest and it is only when infested Medfly hosts, such as fruits and vegetables, are brought into Belize illegally that this pest is introduced. The Medfly is a very devastating pest and Belize could lose its export markets if the Medlfy becomes established and spreads into areas that are producing fruit for export. In addition, the Medfly also causes loss to small entrepreneurs who are unable to sell their fruits such as mango, craboo or guavas locally when areas are placed under quarantine restrictions. It also deprives the population in infested areas from consuming fresh fruits that is a valuable source of nutrition.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Tuesday, Juy 21, 2015: 08. FANTASY 5: 33 30 14 28 9 W

Cut- O - Brute
Ingredients 2 medium coconuts grated (on coarse side of grater as shown on the photo below) 3/4 lb brown sugar Water from 2 coconuts 1 tin evaporated or coconut milk ( optional) 1 tbsp. Grated or finely chopped ginger ( optional) Method: 1. Place all ingredients in iron pot and cook for about 30 mins. Or until sticky & brown in color. 2. If desired add evaporated or coconut milk 3. Cook for 5 mins more 4. Grated or finely chopped ginger may be added While cooking 5. Scoop out coconut mixture from pot with tablespoon and mold together in desired sizes and leave to cool on cutting board or baking sheet.

Ocean Messages in Caye Caulker
Please come out! Be a part of the documentation of artist Pam Longobardi delivering Ocean Messages in Caye Caulker~

Music on Caye Caulker
Kenia and Amaurys will be playing tomorrow night at "Il Baretto"

Emergency power interruption 7:00am to 12:00 midday, Thursday, July 23, San Pedro Town
Pescador Drive and North San Pedro, from Boca Del Rio to Tranquillity Bay Resort. BEL to repair hotspots at the San Pedro and Boca Del Rio Substations.

Cayo National Song Competition
Who's ready for this year's National Song Competition? Thursday at the Cayo Welcome Center, at 7:30pm. See you there! "Two days away from our Cayo Elimination!!! Will you be there? "

Channel 7

Did Standard Bearers Stage Boycott of PUP Meeting? Leader Says No
The PUP today held a meeting of the Party's National Executive and Standard bearers. It was the first national meeting since the Dangriga Bye Election two weeks ago, and the first since the abrupt departure of National Campaign Manager Godfrey Smith. So we thought it would be crowded and tense. But, instead it was the opposite of crowded. By our count, 13 of the 31 standard bearers were absent. Very credible reports suggested a boycott by key elements of the party who do not support Francis Fonseca's leadership. But, coming out of the meeting the party chairman and the leader flatly denied that:.. Jules Vasquez "We've been out here since 1:15 and we saw a number of key personalities in the PUP didn't show up. We know that most of the standard bearers from the north didn't show up. We know many from central, including Cordel Hyde didn't show up and we know that a number from the west did not show up. Is there a reason for half of the standard bearers showing up?" Henry Charles Usher, Chairman - PUP "I don't know of any organized reason. I know a few of them gave us apologies why they couldn't be here today." Jules Vasquez "After the strong showing on the ground at the Dangriga bi-election, shouldn't we have expected a good strong showing to continue that momentum?" Henry Charles Usher, Chairman - PUP "We had a majority of them there Jules. Majority of the standard bearers, all the members of the national executive - they were upstairs and we had a good meeting. We went through what is the plan for the next couple of months and that was the basic agenda for today."

When Did PUP Leader Meet With Ashcroft?
So, without a National Campaign Manager to whom will the PUP turn to liaise with Michael Ashcroft, the campaign financier? Because, to compete with the well-financed UDP - the PUP needs a backer with millions, not thousands. Well, the job could fall to the leader himself, Francis Fonseca. 7News has obtained a picture of a meeting between Ashcroft and Fonseca earlier this year - reportedly before the municipal elections. The meeting is in the same corner table overlooking the sea at the Radisson dining room where Ashcroft famously met with Audrey Matura Shepherd. Today, Renee Trujillo from LOVE FM asked Fonseca if he had met Ashcroft:.. Renee Trujillo, reporter - LOVE TV "Was there a meeting held between you and Lord Ashcroft recently?" And while he walked away from the question today - in February on nomination day before the municipal elections, we did ask Fonseca if he had met with Ashcroft:.. FILE: February 11, 2015 Jules Vasquez "We all know that Lord Ashcroft recently." Hon. Francis Fonseca - Opposition Leader - PUP "I didn't know." Jules Vasquez "I did know and it has been reported. A lot of people are speculating that perhaps he was here to inject some money into the PUP campaign machine as he has in the past. He has been a significant contributor to both parties in Belize. Did he give anything?"

City Cops Sharp In Catching Camry, Minor With Weapon
Today, Belize City police were sharp in catching a blue Toyota Camry where one of the occupants had a gun on him. Around 1:00 this afternoon, police stopped the car on Central American Boulevard in front of Public's and conducted a search of three occupants including Ellis Meighan. The area is very crowded and bustling with traffic, so the cops operated between Zericote Street and the Boulevard where they did extensive searches of all occupants. In the end - they only found a .38 pistol on the person of a Hispanic male, who is a minor. All three were taken into custody, but only the minor will be charged. Police have confirmed that because the gun was not found in the car - but on the person of the minor - it was not a joint enterprise, so Meighan and the other man will be released.

Trouble Case Of Teenager Found Drunk In Cancun
A 14 year old girl - who is believed to be a Belizean - was found naked and drunk in Cancun on Sunday. According to the online news site Por Esto Quintana Roo, some neighbors heard shouts coming from the bushes around 3 Sunday morning in an area known as "La Rejoyada" located near the Health Center. When the police searched the area, that's when they found the minor - naked and disoriented lying among empty cans of liquor. The online report states that the minor got into a fight with her partner on Saturday night and after went drinking with some friends at the beach. It seems she had way too much to drink and passed out. When she woke up it was Sunday and she was in the bushes naked. Apparently, the minor was abandoned by her parents and has no family living in Cancun. At this point, the investigation is preliminary but very much active. It is not known if the minor was sexually assaulted but the Consular services in Mexico have notified Belizean authorities and are still trying to verify if the child is Belizean. So for now the child is being held in protective custody in Mexico.

BEL: Management Vs Union, The Gloves Are Off
BEL's union, the Belize Energy Workers has taken to the picket line - to protest what members say is hardball being played at the negotiating table by the management of the power company. The Union says it is asking for an across the board 8% raise for union members, while BEL says that over the past four years, employees have received an increase of over 20% in salaries. That's a vastly different interpretation, and today as the BEL workers used their lunch break for day two of picketing - 7News asked about those discrepancies - and Marvin Mora didn't play to throw it on BEL:... Jules Vasquez "The first allegation made in there is that at the commencement of negotiations, Belize Energy Workers union's proposal was for an increase in salaries and benefits amounting to 90% of salary. That's a lot to ask for Mr. Mora, that's no laughing matter." Marvin Mora, Belize Energy Workers Union "Yes, it's a laughing matter for us because first off, we would really want the media to start to take the union's position rather seriously. Who in their right mind, would ask a 90% salary increase across the board?"

Keyren Tzib's Volatile Relationship With Thytis Blancaneaux
Last night, we told you how police arrested and charged Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib for the crime of manslaughter after witnesses say that she fatally stabbed her common-law husband Thytis Blancaneaux. In our coverage, you heard when his landlord say that their relationship was physically and verbally abusive, and that on the day in question, the deceased was the one who attacked first. That would suggest that Blancaneaux is the aggressor, so what does his family have to say about all of this? Well, our colleagues from Love News spoke with his sister late yesterday evening. In that interview, she recounted the family's observations of the dynamics the couple's relationship which she said is best described as "volatile". She said that Tzib made the worst possible first impression on their family when they had the couple over for their first introduction: Voice of: Minerva Blancaneaux - Sister of the Deceased "We knew nothing about the young lady other than she was in the Coast Guard. It wasn't until after my mom passed in April over Easter. The same weekend we buried my mom, we found out that the young lady got into that incident with her co-worker and she was arrested because my brother contacted us at the time to let us know but we still hadn't met her as yet."

Resignations Continue At British High, Now US Embassy Deputy Under Investigation For Bullying
Another employee of the British High Commission resigned yesterday. As we reported on Thursday about 10 employees have resigned since British High Commissioner Peter Hughes arrived in late 2013. When we spoke to 4 of the former employees on Thursday, they told us that they left because they were repeatedly bullied and verbally abused by Hughes at the workplace. Well, yesterday another employee joined the group and sent in her resignation letter. One of her co-workers told us today that he would see her coming down the stairs from Hughes' office crying on several occasions. We contacted the Deputy High Commissioner Grace Chun today to ask if there is any active investigation into these reports but she had no comment. So while things are at a 'standstill' at the British High, things are stirring up at the private residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission, Bruce Matthews. Turns out there are similar reports of bullying and abuse coming from the private residence. Two Belizeans employed as household staff allege forced labour and employee abuse in the Deputy's household.

The Pepper Spray Trial Concludes
Last week Thursday, we told you about 26 year-old hair braider, Patrice Ramsey, who was remanded for 6 days after she was convicted for harm after pepper spraying a woman simply because others said that the victim looked like her. Well she was brought back to court from prison today, and Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer handed down her sentence. Before the Senior Magistrate sentenced Ramsey, she allowed her attorney, Mayor Darrell Bradley, to make a mitigation plea on her behalf. Bradley said that given the recent circumstances regarding Ramsey's slain boyfriend, Amandala Journalist Kareem Clarke, she was not thinking right when she pepper sprayed Usher. He said that the court should note that Ramsey is a graduate of Ladyville Technical High School, and she has expressed her remorse to him for what she did. After consideration, Frazer gave her a suspended sentence of 3 months, which means that she will not serve any jail time as long as she keeps out of trouble with the law. She must also pay $500 in compensation to the victim, Nikita Usher.

MEDFLY Appears Ominously in Southern Belize
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is reporting that they have detected the Mediterranean Fruit Fly - or Medfly - IN HOPKINS. Belize was the only country in this region that was free of the pest, but that streak is over: BAHA says that they have detected it in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District, and the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. BAHA's immediate response is that it will start fruit stripping, ground spraying, and trapping. They want to ensure that the outbreak is contained and eradicated as quickly as possible. BAHA stresses that the fly is only introduced when fruits and vegetables are illegally brought into the country. The organization is appealing to the public to help by not bringing in fruits form neighboring countries because the Medfly has been devastating to fruit and vegetable export markets of other countries where it is prevalent. In addition, the Medfly also causes losses to small vendors who are unable to sell their fruits such as mango, craboo or guavas locally when areas are placed under quarantine restrictions.

Police Meet To Discuss Second half Of A Deadly Year
According to a police press release, Police Minister John Saldivar met with the 6 of the most senior officers in the Police Department to discuss the past 6 months. In attendance were Acting Police Commissioner Russell Blackett, and the 5 regional commanders, which included Senior Superintendents Ralph Moody of the Southern Police Region; Aaron Guzman of the Western Police Region; Alford Grinage, the Acting Commander of the Eastern Division North, Edward Broaster, the Commander Eastern Division Rural and Chester Williams Eastern Division South. Apart from reviewing the police response to crimes in the last half-a-year, the officers also discussed strategies that they will adopt for the second half of the year. Also, coming out of that meeting, villages in the Cayo South area will get a separate police formation, which will be managed by the Commander of the Western Police Region. The villages of Hopkins, Sittee River, Kendal, and Silk Grass will no longer be policed by the Dangriga Formation. They will also get a new Police station, and a commander who will answer to the Southern Regional Commander.

Remembering Reemo's Work
No matter the motive, artist Katie Usher's has been keeping track of those murders with her art piece "Wall" - reflecting on those who have been murdered this year. Most of the names featured on the wall were taken from newspaper articles - mostly those written by Amandala reporter Kareem Clarke. So Usher decided to go further - she dedicated a wall to Kareem Clarke's work - cutting out and pasting Clarke's articles on the wall at the Image factory. Today we spoke to Usher about her inspiration for this exhibit and about the importance of letting Clarke's memory live on through his stories. Courtney Weatherburne "What was the first thing that struck you about his writing? If you'd like to say." Katie Usher, Artist "Well, that it was very well researched and you couldn't find grammatical errors and he really wanted to share the story. Not statistics but what happened? Why it happened? That was very important." Courtney Weatherburne "Would you say that inspired you to create this wall for him and in his memory?" Katie Usher, Artist "I think so because many of the names that I did for wall, I got those from stories that he had written unfortunately. So when he became a part of the list, that's when I really realize that I had to do something. After I did that piece I was compelled to show his work so that people could see how amazing his writing really was."

Hoop Dreams Made Gold A Reality
The Under 19 Hoop Dreams Basketball team brought home the gold medal from the Copa Cancun tournament. The Belize team played and won all 6 games against Mexico's finest teams like the Mexican National Champs Veracruz Marlins. The games were tough but in the end the teams' hard work and competitive spirit led them to victory. Today a press conference was held at the Quan Volley Ball Gym and the team told us how significant this win is for Belize but also how impacting this entire experience is for the boys. The games were played from the 15th of July to the 20th. The team has been together for 8 years. A U-14 tournament is also coming up next month.

Hon. Fonseca Says Ashcroft Meeting in 2013
At the top of the news - we showed you a picture with Michael Ashcroft and Francis Fonseca meeting at the corner table at the Radisson dining room. Our credible information says the image is from 2015, but Fonseca texted us during the news to say it's an old picture. We asked him when it was taken, and he said most likely in 2013. Our source sticks to their information that it was 2015, during Ashcroft's frequent visits to Belize in the first part of the year.

Foreign Minister in Mexico
Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington, made an official visit to Mexico where he signed 8 agreements to strengthen the bilateral legal framework between Mexico and Belize. The bilateral agreements include formalizing procedure for Air transport, the innocent passage of ships, as well as agreements in the field of energy management, Social Security, Intellectual Property Protection and Promotion of Patens, Climate Change Research, Wildlife Conservation, Guidance, and Consumer Protection. Elrington headed a delegation which included Ministers of Commerce, Erwin Contreras, Education Youth and Sports, Hon. Herman Longsworth and the CEO Lawrence Sylvester. While they were there, they met with Mexican Foreign Minister, Jose Antonio Meade. According to a release from the Mexican Embassy, Elrington's visit was the first time that a Foreign Minister from Belize made an official working visit to that country.

Channel 5

P.U.P. National Executive Discusses Campaign Strategy Ahead of General Elections
The P.U.P. today held a meeting of the National Executive, which also includes standard bearers, to decide a way forward to general elections. But by our count, there were at [...]

Did Cabal Boycott Meeting? Party Leader Says Their Absence is No Big Deal
When P.U.P. leader Francis Fonseca emerged, he said that it was just a regular meeting to discuss the way forward for the Party. And even though he agrees that an [...]

No New National Campaign Manager Named
And what about the post of National Campaign Manager, abruptly vacated by Godfrey Smith? It was believed that when Smith was brought on board in 2014, he would have provided [...]

Day 2 of B.E.W.U. Protest, B.E.L. Addresses Breakdown in Collective Bargaining
Day two of protests took place today during the lunch hour by members of the Belize Energy Workers Union employed at the government controlled Belize Electricity Company. The final round [...]

Energy Workers Union Loses Trust and Confidence in Labor Commissioner
This morning, Marvin Mora, wearing his hat as President of the Belize Energy Workers Union, discussed to issue as he sat on the couch on Open Your Eyes. While disputing [...]

Should G.O.B. Consult Guatemala Over Construction of F.O.B.?
And our question for tonight is: Do you believe the government needs to consult with Guatemala over construction of the Forward Operating Base in Belizean territory? Send your comments and [...]

Belizean Minor Found Nude and Beaten in Cancun
Mexican newspapers are reporting that a Belizean minor was found in the nude and in a drunken stupor in a bushy area of Cancun where she has reportedly been in [...]

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Detected in the South
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly has been detected in two areas southern Belize. That’s the report today via a press release from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, better known as BAHA. [...]

Guatemalan National Charged with Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
Also in the south, a Guatemalan national is in custody tonight for a most disturbing report made last week. He is thirty-eight year old Selvin Giovanni Castro who has been [...]

Motorist Found Dead Near Independence
Police are reporting on a fatal traffic accident in the Stann Creek district. It happened at about two o’clock on Monday afternoon in the outskirts of Independence.  Twenty year old [...]

Are N.T.U.C.B.’s Recommendations to Government Falling on Deaf Ears?
Marvin Mora, the president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize says that government should proceed with the construction of the forward operating base on the mainland at the [...]

Belize City Mayor on Crime in the Old Capital
By our count there are up to seventy-eight murders since the start of 2015. Most of the homicides are in the Belize District with murder count in the city at [...]

Media Expedition to Port of Honduras
Media personnel were ferried out to a little known – at least to the city-centric journalists – protected area in Southern Belize called the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. The trip [...]

Foreign Minister Elrington Signs Bilateral Agreements with Mexico
A delegation from the Belize Foreign Ministry headed by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington was in Mexico City for the signing of eight bilateral agreements between both countries. Signing on behalf [...]

IMF Releases Statement on Belize’s Economic Outlook
Today, when he appeared on Open Your Eyes, Marvin Mora also spoke on the issue of Belize’s spiraling debts. He said that the unions met with the IMF not too [...]

Hoop Dreams Belize Takes Copa Cancun Tournament by Storm
A team of young students won big at a basketball tournament in Cancun, Mexico. Between the fifteenth and the twentieth, the team played and won all six games in the [...]

An Audio Production Summer Camp for the Musically Inclined
A six-week audio tune program for budding artists and musicians will commence next week Monday at the Department of Youth Services on Regent Street. The program is primarily targeting persons [...]

Sailing Delegation Returns from International North American Championship
Sailing, it is not a sport that would normally make it in our weekly Sports Monday report, but the sport is readily becoming an attraction. A delegation consisting of four [...]

CTV3

BAHA Combats Pesky Medfly
Officials at the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA are currently attempting to eradicate the presence of the pesky Mediterranean Fruit Fly or Medfly which has been detected in the village of Hopkins in the Stann Creek District and in the Sapodilla Cayes in the Toledo District. As a result of these detections, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in these areas. These activities are important to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that the Medflies are eradicated quickly. BAHA reminds the public that Belize is the only country in the region that is free of this pest and it is only when infested Medfly hosts, such as fruits and vegetables, are brought into Belize illegally that this pest is introduced.

Is Technology Holding a Grip On Our Children
Technology has become a vital part of our society. Whether you are watching television, making a call or using the internet; we use technology every day, but what effect is it having on us. And more specifically, what effect is it having on our children, could it be making them lazy? We have all probably heard our grandparents and even parents say….."back in my day, things were this way or that way." Today, things are different. Technology is all around us. Some people say, technology is making us less social; it's stifling education and is in fact making our kids lazy. The answer actually varies depending on who you ask. According to a recent study performed by the International Center for Media & the Public Agenda, ICMPA, across the world including Belize, most children and teens spend 75 percent of their waking lives with their eyes fixed on a screen. But while turning on a machine and clicking buttons is the norm for kids nowadays, sports enthusiast Ben Ramos says, technology has gotten a grip on our kids and is not letting go.

Minister Of Foreign Affairs Signs Agreement With Mexico
Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington wrapped up his visit to Mexico with the signing of eight agreements to strengthen bilateral judicial cooperation. According to reports from the Mexican press Elrington met on Monday with Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Jose Antonio Meade, who thanked him for being the first Belizean Foreign Minister to make an official working visit to Mexico. The agreements cover during Elrington’s visit covers air transportation; shipping; energy; social security; intellectual property and patents; climate change; wildlife conservation; and consumer protection. During the visit, Elrington was awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle, while Meade received Belize's Order of Distinction. Elrington also participated in a seminar on Mexico-Belize relations attended by more than 250 students, officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The report ended stating that Mexico is Belize's number1 trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean.

LICU Members Hires The Services Of An Attorney
Viewers may recall that on July 3rd a group of about 30 members of the La Inmaculada Credit Union staged a peaceful demonstration demanding answers about the institution’s affairs. The action came after the suspension of former General Manager, Yolanda Gomez. And while that action prompted a prepared statement from the Board of Directors stating that an internal investigation is on-going and they cannot disclose anything else, members are keeping the pressure on today since no answers have been given. Today, we found out from member Estella Torres that they are moving unto a new approach, by garnering signatures on Friday. ESTELLA TORRES – Member, LICU “Tenemos que reunir mil firmas para mandar la carta a La Inmaculada Credit Union, a según los abogados de nosotros nos dijo que teníamos que tener diez mil peo como tenemos un Credit Union Act dice que tenemos que tener mil que es el 10% y entonces con eso nosotros podemos empezar a trabajar.”

BTIA To offer Tourist guide Training
On Monday, children of all ages will converge at the Sandy Hunter Library for a 3-day summer camp spearheaded by the Belize Tourism and Industry Association (BTIA). Tourism Information Officer, Jazmin Zetina says the children will be engaging in educational, environmental activities. Jazmin Zetina - Tourism Information Officer, BTIA OW “The main focus of this program is keeping the environment clean and healthy which goes with the BTIA civic pride campaign that we started and also recovering the tourism and the environment and the Ocean as well.” Maria Novelo – Reporter “Then is that open to kids ages…?” Jazmin Zetina - Tourism Information Officer, BTIA OW “Well, we started enrolling kids from two months ago but of course we have a limit that the library can hold.” And for persons interested in Tour Guiding as a profession, a first step training will be hosted in Mid-August says Zetina.

New Commandant Of Corozal Police Formation Speaks On How To Combat Crime
Corozal Police Formation has a new commander. He is no other than Superintended Dennis Arnold, who has been at the helms of the department for the past week. Now as every person in charge Arnold has his work cut out for him, after all he will be dealing with crime issues. Today we sat down with Arnold and asked him about his plans to keep crime on the down low in Corozal. “I believe that Mr. Ramirez was doing an excellent job in Corozal and I will just continue on with what Mr. Ramirez had implemented and just built on it, we would have the crime investigating officer out there and myself will be out there and I have just form another team today from members of the different villages, sometimes nothing happening in the villages so I bring them in from time to time to do patrol in town and in the villages also.” And when it comes to police brutality and corrupt cops Arnold says it’s something he has zero tolerance for hence why the open door policy at the department, will remain.

LOVE FM

Belize Wins Basketball Championship in Cancun
Belize made its mark in international basketball over the weekend, as the Hoops Dream Belize under 19 basketball team brought home the championship from the 2015 Copa Cancun Pioneros U19 Basketball tournament. Head Coach Brads Neal, gave us an insight on this tournament and what Hoops Dream Belize is. We spoke to some of the […]

Fonseca Says There Was No Meeting with Ashcroft
Tabled at today’s meeting was a discussion of divisional transfers which undoubtedly will require finances in the party. According to PUP’s leader, Francis Fonseca, they have a strategic plan in place. FRANCIS FONSECA “We have a strategic plan for the transfer period and of course that requires some money and that is something that we […]

Fonseca Says His Leadership Is Not Being Questioned
And while the proverbial blue and white tent is facing financial issues and seems to be having problems winning an election and with reports of party members no longer having faith in his leadership thus the reported boycott of today’s meeting, we asked Fonseca, ‘what if indeed your leadership is being questioned?’ Here was his […]

Eamon for PUP’s National Campaign Manager??
So, there is no individual replacement for Smith, at least not yet …. But according to our inside sources, we were told that Eamon Courtenay was approached by a senior party member and former PUP Minister of Finance, to take on the position. Our understanding is that Courtenay referred to that offer as, quote, ‘dead […]

No Replacement Yet for Godfrey Smith in the PUP
With the People’s United Party preparing for the upcoming elections they believe will be called shortly and with the recent firing of the National Campaign Manager, Godfrey Smith, Party Leader Fonseca was asked if to date he has found a replacement for Smith. FRANCIS FONSECA “We did talk about the whole structure of the campaign […]

Murder Victim’s Family Says Police Lacks Professionalism
While it is indeed not easy coping with such a sudden and unexpected loss, Blancaneaux’s sister, Minerva told Love News yesterday that the Police Department has made it even more difficult for them as they have not been professional or forthcoming with information to the family. MINERVA BLANCANEAUX “We still haven’t heard back from […]

Tzib and Blancaneaux’s Relationship Described as Volatile
The weekend murder of 30-year-old, Thytis James Blancaneaux has triggered varied emotions particularly since it involved, 24-year-old, Keyren Tzib, a Seaman of the Belize Coast Guard who was out on bail after allegedly shooting a co-worker on Easter Monday this year. Tzib was taken back to court yesterday where she was arraigned for manslaughter after […]

Was There A Boycott of Executive Meeting by PUPs? Fonseca Says No
Those are indeed pertinent issues that were tabled today inside the PUP’s Independence Hall … but not pertinent enough, it seems, to have a great attendance. The members trickled in and by two thirty, the meeting had less than twenty of about forty five persons who were to attend. The party however was not fazed […]

PUP Meets to Discuss Election Strategies
The rumor mill is churning in the old capital within the blue and white political camp surrounding the leadership of the People’s United Party. While credible sources are speaking of a dissatisfied number of members within the party as it pertains to the Fonseca leadership, the National Executive with the standard bearers met today in […]

Agricultural Health Authority Responds Quickly to Medfly Presence in Southern Belize
The Mediterranean fruit fly (or Medfly) has been detected in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) says to quickly eradicate the outbreak, actions such as fruit stripping, ground spraying, and delimitation trapping are underway in southern Belize. BAHA reminds the public that the only way possible for this pest […]

PlusTV

State Funeral for PC Orio, Victim of Fatal RTA
On Thursday July 16th the Ministry of National Security hung black bows on their doors in solemn memory of one of their fallen brothers 33 year old PC Carlos Orio, an officer attached to the Special Branch, who died in a fatal traffic accident the night before. According to reports Orio was driving...

Hattieville couple’s dispute turns deadly
A separated couple’s encounter on Sunday afternoon turned fatal for the woman’s employee, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. year old construction worker Steve Munnings was killed in his yard in the village, struck in the head with a piece of 2 by 4 board. The accused killer H...

Salvadoran found dead in Shallow grave
A decomposed body was found in a shallow grave in the early hours of the morning on July 15th. Police conducted a search in an area 5 miles off the main road of Spring Field Community in the Paraiso Area. During their search they discovered a shallow grave measuring about 6 feet by 3 feet. The polic...

Guzman Acquitted of Carnal Knowledge
A jury of 4 men and 5 women found 33 year old Michael Guzman, former Technical Drawing Teacher of Belmopan Comprehensive High school, not guilty for charges of unlawful sexual intercourse and carnal knowledge. In 2014 Guzman was accused of having sexual intercourse with a 14 year old student of the ...

Man burned to death in River Valley
Police are working to establish whether burnt human remains found on Saturday morning near the entrance to the village of Bermudian Landing are those of 28 year old Kelvin Usher, a mechanic of Mile 9, Philip Goldson Highway. We hear more from officer commanding Eastern Rural Police Division Sr. Supt...

Keyren Tzib hit with manslaughter charge
She was accused of attempted murder in April and today faces charges of manslaughter in relation to her partner’s death. Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib, 27, was immediately taken in by police on Saturday afternoon after allegedly stabbing her common-law husband, 30 year old Thytis James Blanc...

Man Dies At Shrimp Farm
Independence police are currently investigating the circumstance surrounding the death of 27 year old watchman Delwin Garcia, a resident of George Town, Stann Creek, who was found dead at the bottom of a drain at BAL Shrimp Farm. According to police reports, on July 16th at about 7 PM, the supervis...

Danger for Belize’s Fruit Industry; Destructive Fruit Fly Spotted in Belize
There is breaking news tonight in the Agriculture sector. PlusNews has been reliably informed that the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, scientific name ceratitis capitata, has been identified in Southern Belize. Belize has enjoyed Med Fly free status for decades, something our Latin American friends have n...

BEL WORKERS PROTEST
Members of the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) protested today in front of Belize Electricity Limited company headquarters calling for better wages and a better pension plan. Members held placards asking for 8% increase in salaries as well as a 10% increase in pension; something they say is curre...

Amandala

Jealousy and rage lead to murder!
–A Hattieville man who was charged by police with a single count of murder was arraigned today in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 20, when he is scheduled to return to court. Hugh Dyer, 31, was arraigned before Magistrate Ladonna John this afternoon. Dyer has been charged with the murder of Steve Munnings, 47, which occurred yesterday, Sunday, in Hattieville, at Munnings’ Myvette Street home. Police reported that when they went to Myvette Street at 2:50 p.m., they found Munnings lying injured inside the yard. “Also found on the scene was a piece of 2 x 4 board believed to be the weapon used on Munnings,” the police report said. From all accounts, it appeared that Dyer was suffering from a fit of jealous rage when he demanded that his ex-common-law wife, Michelle Breakman, 26, hand over her (Breakman’s) house keys to him.

Keyren Tzib, 26, in serious double trouble
Belize Coast Guard seaman Keyren Tzib, 26, appeared emotionless as she walked out of the Crimes Investigation Branch (CIB) double cab pickup which pulled up in front of the Magistrate’s Court Building on Treasury Lane this afternoon around 3:25 p.m. Tzib was escorted by two female police officers who handed her over to the court cell block officers. In less than half an hour after her arrival, Tzib was standing in front of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who read a single charge of manslaughter to her “for causing the death of Thytis James Blancaneauex on July 18, in Lords Bank, in the Belize Judicial District.” No plea was taken from Tzib, because the charge is an indictable offence. Chief Magistrate Smith remanded Tzib to the Belize Central Prison until her next court date on September 8. Tzib, who was charged with the attempted murder of Coast Guard petty officer Kurt Hyde in April, had been released on Supreme Court bail, and the charges in relation to that incident are still before the Magistrate’s Court.

Belizean girl, 14, found naked and “stoned” in Cancun
Several news sources out of Mexico are reporting that a 14-year-old Belizean girl was found naked and severely intoxicated in a forested area in Cancun. Officials who examined the minor found that she had been beaten, and she had bruises and cuts inflicted with a “cutter” on her arms. It has not been confirmed if she had been sexually assaulted. The girl, who has since been placed in state protective custody, reported that she had been drinking with a stranger in Cancun yesterday, and she admitted to being addicted to drugs. Cancun police said that yesterday, Sunday, they received an emergency call that a young girl was sleeping naked in the area. Police found the girl sleeping completely naked in the grassy area, and surrounded by bottles of liquor. She was severely intoxicated, according to a report made by the Mexican newspaper La Verdad, dated today, July 20.

KHMH workers end go-slow as Cabinet ministers meet staff and board reps
During a meeting held at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) this evening with a four-man team from Cabinet, board members of the hospital and staff reps, hospital workers who have been on an indefinite go-slow since Friday, with the cancellation of all outpatient elective services and surgeries over demands for a salary increase, have finally agreed to suspend their protest action. The workers were asked on Friday to stop their protest action in good faith because they were perceived to be taking action before the salary negotiation had even started. After consulting with staff members today, they announced their decision to call off their action. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the meeting today. It was very productive in terms of information and in terms of the issues being vented… There were about 30 people present in the meeting. For that amount of people, I think we made great strides,” said KHMH chair, Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, who also attended the meeting.

Charred human remains found near Bermudian Landing Bridge
Ladyville police have still not yet definitively identified the charred remains of a man’s body that was discovered lying face-down in some bushes, about 400 feet past the Bermudian Landing Bridge on Saturday, just before 11;00 a.m., police confirmed to reporters at a press briefing this morning. Although there has been a missing report of a 28-year old mechanic from Mile 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway, police stressed that the body will be positively identified after a post-mortem exam, which is to be done tomorrow, Tuesday. The day the body was found, on Saturday, July 18, around 1:46 p.m., Daisy Williams, 18, a resident of Mile 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway, reported to police that her common-law husband, Kelvin Usher, had left home on Thursday, July 16, and up to when she made the report to police, he had not returned home.

BEL workers protest for unconditional 8% salary increase
A group of about 30 workers of the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), mostly linesmen from the Magazine Road facility as well as a contingent of office staff from Belize City, sacrificed their lunch hour today to stage a peaceful protest outside the company’s headquarters at Mile 2½ on the Philip Goldson Highway, in a bid to get their first salary adjustment in 5 years. Incidentally, the protest by workers of BEL, a government-owned utility, comes on the heels of the indefinite suspension of elective surgeries and specialty services last Friday at the national referral hospital – the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, whose workers have been demanding to be paid the 6% salary increase that public servants and teachers were awarded last year and the 8% being paid at the end of the month. At its AGM held last month, BEL announced record profits of $36.2 million. We understand from the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) that the salary increase being discussed would amount to a little over $3 million a year, based on preliminary information which BEL’s management has provided to the union.

Verdes, 1-0, and Belize National “A” Team, 4-2, over Guatemala
Football fans were treated to two international games over the weekend, as Verdes FC and the Belize National “A” Team took turns defeating Guatemalan 1st Division club, Suchitepeque FC in international friendlies on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio. Both national champs Verdes FC and the Belize National “A” Team are preparing for tough international competition in the coming weeks. Verdes FC has a Champions League date with Mexico’s Queretaro FC at the FFB Stadium on August 18; and Belize National “A” Team has started training for 4th and 8th September dates in World Cup 2018 Qualifiers against an opponent to be decided in this coming Saturday’s draw in Russia. Belize’s national team goalkeeper Shane Moody Orio is presently on contract with CD Suchi, who are ranked third in Guatemala’s top professional division, in which Shane was recently selected best goalkeeper. Shane accompanied his Guatemalan team, but, due to a knee injury suffered two weeks ago, he did not participate in any of the games.

Belize U-19 basketball team wins Copa Cancun tournament, returns Tuesday
Reports from Mexico are that a Belize U-19 basketball selection, led by coach, Brads Neal, captured the championship of the Copa de Cancun Pioneros 2015 tournament which included the recently crowned Mexican U-19 National Champs, Veracruz Marlins. According to Brads’ report, the 4-day competition, from Thursday, July 16, to Sunday, July 19, “was fierce, but our boys defended the Jewel with pride and honor.” He went on, describing the game against the Mexican national champs, “That game was fierce and competitive, with unbelievable moments of greatness displayed by both teams. In the end, the strong will and determination of our young superstars prevailed.” The Hoops Dreams Belize team is expected to arrive back home tomorrow, Tuesday, after which a press conference will be held at Rogers Stadium.

Editorial: Who speaks for Belize?
Normally, the four major Belizean newspapers hit the streets as follows. The UDP Guardian goes on sale Thursday morning; The Reporter and Amandala are available early Friday morning; and the PUP Belize Times arrives from across the border anytime between Friday and Saturday. But all four weekend newspapers will be dated for the Sunday of that week. This Sunday dating is the handiwork of an extraordinary newspaper vendor by the name of Anthony “Panta” Belgrave (may he rest in peace), who prevailed on all the newspaper business managers to do this in order to make it easier for him to continue selling through the weekend. This past weekend, The Reporter did not become available until around 6 a.m. Saturday morning, July 18. It was dated for the Sunday, July 19, but the headline story, entitled BASE WILL BE BUILT SAYS LOVELL and written by one Benjamin Flowers, did not have a dateline at the top of the article. The first paragraph of that story read as follows: “The Government of Belize (GOB) will establish a forward operating base on the Sarstoon River, despite Guatemalan concerns, declared George Lovell, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, this week.”

From the Publisher
At the time, a little more than six weeks ago, when the Belize Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, asked/instructed the Belize Coast Guard to stand down from Sarstoon Island in the face of Guatemalan aggression, we cited a Bedouin story from a Thomas Friedman book to illustrate how dangerous the implications could be following a stand down like this. Today, the Guatemalans have essentially said to our government leaders that Sarstoon Island is not ours to do with as we will, and that it is best Belize meet them at the Organization of American States (OAS) and wait until the matter is judged by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Sarstoon Island, mind you, was an integral part of Belize’s sovereign territory when Belize became a nation-state accepted into the United Nations and the OAS in September of 1981. Before proceeding, let me say that I speak here as a mere Belizean citizen and as the publisher of Belize’s leading newspaper, for whatever that is worth. This Sarstoon business has become a delicate, critical moment in Belize’s history.

Bus madness in Cayo
Dear Editor, Last Tuesday night—July 14th — I got onto a Westline Bus — no. 2209 — around 7:20 p.m. in San Ignacio. The bus was on its way to Belize City and left San Ignacio around 7:30 p.m. The bus was filled with people— some standing in the aisle. The conductor began collecting money and, evidently, some person could not pay. The conductor was really upset—using foul words and yelling loudly. Some woman and, I believe, another man offered to pay for this person, but the conductor would not let anyone pay for this person. Since people were standing in the aisle, I could not see all that was happening. Finally, the conductor yelled for the bus driver to pull the bus over and stop, which he did. There was more yelling and carrying on. The bus was well into Santa Elena. The conductor told the bus driver to take the bus back to the police station, which he did. Many passengers did not like this. At the top of the hill that goes down to the low bridge, as the driver turned the bus to begin the downward descent, a fight erupted at the front of the bus. The driver stopped the bus. Fists were flying as the fight seemed to proceed to the middle of the bus, and then back to the front. The bus driver got out — people (men) were fighting, and some of us were trying to get off the bus through the front doorway. Someone had his hand holding onto the bus at the doorway, and someone else kept punching the hand.

Former Special Branch officer is now Orange Walk’s new police chief
Elite investigator and former officer of the Special Branch Unit, Inspector Selwyn Tillett, is now the new police chief of the Orange Walk police formation. Inspector Tillett was the deputy commander of the Orange Walk police, and was promoted to the rank of assistant superintendent and now commands the Orange Walk police formation. ASP Tillett took over from Superintendent Dennis “Desho” Arnold, who has been transferred to Corozal, to take over from Superintendent Andrew Ramirez, who has been transferred to be an executive officer at the National Police Headquarters in Belmopan. The announcement was made today at the Orange Walk Police Station. The new police chief, in an interview today with Amandala at the Orange Walk Police Station, said that he would work hard to gain the public’s confidence and trust and will support community policing.

IMF reports on annual Belize consultation
Belize’s public debt could rise significantly, especially if the Caribbean Court of Justice calls for the payment of compensation to the former owners of the recently nationalized companies – the Belize Telemedia Limited and the Belize Electricity Limited. This is according to a press release issued today by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), at the conclusion of its annual Article IV Consultation with Belize. The IMF mission, led by Jacques Bouhga-Hagbe, visited Belize for two weeks, starting on Monday, July 6, and concluding today, Friday, July 17. They held discussions with key Belize officials in the context of the country’s 2015 Article IV Consultation, during which they met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre, other Government and Central Bank officials, as well as representatives of the private sector, labor unions, sugar farmers and the Opposition People’s United Party. The IMF notes that the Government’s fiscal primary balance would remain in deficit, because of expansionary fiscal policies, including wage increases and new projects financed with Petrocaribe resources.

Breaking Belize News

Port Honduras Marine Reserve faces critical issues
Established 15 years ago as a marine reserve, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve in Southern Belize has gone through its ups and downs, from incursions by Guatemalan and Honduran fishermen to ongoing beach erosion to changes in the fish stock, while hanging over it all is the possibility […]

New Belize City mother dies of liver cancer
She was just 24 and had given birth to her second daughter four months ago, but complications from liver cancer claimed the life of Angela Smith of Belize City over the weekend. She had been scheduled to come home from a hospital stay in Los Angeles, California at […]

Hairbraider given suspended sentence for pepper spray attack
26 year old Patrice Ramsey was sent to prison last week because she appeared not to show remorse for pepper spraying a rival last week, after being found guilty in court. But she showed plenty of it today and Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer handed down a sentence of […]

Medfly detected in South; BAHA responds
Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is currently doing fruit stripping, ground spraying and delimitation trapping in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, and the Sapodilla Cayes, Toledo District, where the Mediterranean Fruit Fly has been detected. BAHA is doing its best to ensure that Belize remains the only country in the […]

Trinidadian Orchestra group visit sacred temple at Xunantunich
On Monday, Trinidad’s St. Augustine Chamber Orchestra (SACO) participated in a fully guided tour of the sacred temple of Xunantunich as a part of their itinerary for visiting Belize. As an avid supporter of music and arts in Belize, The Belize Bank invited SACO to participate in two […]

Support Clari Gladys Novelo in dengue fight
Clari Gladys Novelo of San Ignacio is in urgent need of at least six units of O-positive type blood as she fights the deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever. Her family will be holding a barbeque sale on Wednesday beginning at noon at #12 Cayo Street, Trench Town Area, San […]

BTIA waits on Harvest Caye decision
Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel is to decide on the case of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) versus the Department of the Environment (DOE) and National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) following the conclusion of the case on Friday, July 17. BTIA’s suit accuses the Department and the Committee of […]

BEL workers want pay increase too
“No money no deh?” Try, “More money deh” for salary increases. Following the example of the teachers, public officers and KHMH workers, staff of national power provider Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) are trying their hand at obtaining a salary increase – 8% over 4 years. Members of the Belize Energy […]

Foreign Affairs Minister in Mexico on working visit
Today, Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington concluded his working visit to Mexico by signing eight agreements that strengthen the bilateral legal framework between México and Belize. Minister Elrington led the Belizean delegation today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs meetings with his Mexican counterpart, Foreign Secretary José Antonio […]

Belize to learn from South Korea in science and technology
South Korea has become a world leader in science and technological innovation, home to popular brands like Samsung, LG and Hyundai. And that is why, according to Minister of Energy, Science, Technology and Public Utilities Sen. Joy Grant and CEO Colin Young, the East Asian country is a perfect partner […]

Fatal traffic accident near Independence claims 1 life
Lucas Teul, a 20 year old from Independence Village in Southern Belize died in a fatal traffic accident yesterday around 2pm in the afternoon. According to reports, police were called to an area on the Big Creek Road which is approximately half-mile away from Independence Village where they encountered the body of Teul who was lying motionless beside a creek with the front wheel of his motorcycle on top of him. Police observed that both his head and body contained injuries and he was immediately transported to the Independence Village Poly Clinic where he was pronounced dead at 3:10pm.

Blogs

Cheap Eats: Where to Find Good Budget Food on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Let’s start with breakfast. As in most areas of the world, it’s generally the cheapest meal. No different here in Belize…and there are tons of options. Johnny Cakes: They are one of my very favorites. Almost like a biscuit but a bit denser. My favorite is from Celi’s Deli. $3bzd. Johnny Cake with ham & cheese. Here is the most recent picture I have of the menu. As always, the “Belizean Treats” are the best deal. And some mighty fine food. Pupusas – The Holy Grail of Street Food. These delicious hot masa pancakes stuffed with all sorts of goodness from lobster to the typical pork, beans and cheese. I LOVE the vegetarian ones – pumpkin (like zucchini rather than squash) and cheese is my favorite. $2.50bzd on both Middle Street and Back Street in the evening. If you are south of town, try La Divinia Providence Grocery. Delicious too.

2015 Belize Eco-Kids Camp Rule #1 – JUST BE A KID!
Upon arrival at the camp grounds the Eco-Kids were assigned to both their cabins and their teams for the week. The Tapirs, Toucans, Jaguars, and last but not least, the Howler Monkeys. Then they were all assembled in the dining area to design their team flags with paint and markers. Most of the campers were ecstatic when they learned that their hand and footprints were eligible to go on their team flags! After going over the camp rules and the schedule for the rest of the night, the eco-kids were greeted by the manager of the Macal River Camp, Mr. Docio. Mr. Mick Fleming, co-founder of Chaa Creek, paid a surprise visit to greet the eco-kids, which was especially well received when they saw his dogs, Makali and Kaisa tagging along to greet them as well! Just before sitting down for dinner, the campers and counselors participated in a name game to help everyone put names to faces. Most campers enjoyed their nicknames enough to go by them the rest of the night!

Olmec In America
The name Olmec translated refers to “dweller in the land of rubber”. They were an American civilisation that certainly may have had a lot of influence on civilisations on the American mainland, including the Maya. The predominant sites that these “rubber people” dominated and gave to history were found in the centre of the Mexican Gulf Coast. The names of those initial sites were Tes Zapotes, Laguna de los Cerros, San Lorenzo and La Venta which are found in the Mexican provinces of Vera Cruz and Tabasco. These people are credited for some of the influences on other civilisations around them, including the Maya with inventions such as: The ballgame, arithmetic, calendar, monumental art, portable art (crocodilian images), motifs (such as: the flaming eyebrow, The U-element, Saint Andrews cross, and the Kan cross)

International Sources

Mexico and Belize sign 8 agreements
Belizean Foreign Minister Wilfred Peter Elrington wrapped up his visit to Mexico with the signing of eight agreements to strengthen bilateral judicial cooperation, the Mexican Foreign Relations Secretariat said. Elrington met on Monday with Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Jose Antonio Meade, who thanked him for being the first Belizean foreign minister to make an official working visit to Mexico. The agreements cover air transportation; shipping; energy; social security; intellectual property and patents; climate change; wildlife conservation; and consumer protection. Elrington was awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle, while Meade received Belize's Order of Distinction. The foreign minister participated in a seminar on Mexico-Belize relations attended by more than 250 students, academics, officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Ioffredo completes service in Belize
Anthony Ioffredo, of Melrose, a junior at Boston College High School, with 11 classmates and two BC High faculty members, spent their April vacation building a house for “Ms. Dawn” in the central American country of Belize. Ioffredo and the BC High volunteers went to Belize to assist an organization called “Hand in Hand Ministries,” to build a home for a family in need, reflect on their place in the world, and pray together. Hand in Hand provides simple yet stable housing for people in Appalachia and Central America. When they arrived the group received a visit from former mayor of Belize City, Frank Lizama O.B.E., a woodworking artist, from whom students purchased Christian themed wood art such as nativities and crosses.

It beats an autograph: Former Simpsons cartoonist doodles Homer and Marge on vacation in the ultimate guestbook dedication at resort in Belize
Now this is a seriously incredible message to leave in a hotel guestbook. Alex Ruiz, a former assistant director on the television programme The Simpsons, drew an amazing illustration of Homer and Marge enjoying a beach holiday on July 17. 'We love Thatch Caye,' he scrawled under the charming doodle.

50 years later, a memorable reunion in Belize
In September 1964, 22 Peace Corps Volunteers landed in British Honduras (now Belize) to begin their two-year service. On February 27, 2015, nine members of the original BH II group, along with four RPCVs from BH III and IIIb, met to celebrate their 50th anniversary reunion at Caye Caulker. The group enjoyed daily treks of the island on foot, rides in a golf cart, excursions to the nearby reef by boat and swimming in the “Split.” On Friday night, everyone gathered at the Paradise Inn for a dinner of good Belizean food and beverages, and began sharing stories from their lives 50 years ago and catching up on what they have been doing ever since. This was more that just fun in the sun, as you’ll see. On Saturday night, the group of 17, including spouses, met in the village center thanks to village council president Wayne Miller. Mr. Miller offered opening remarks that stirred the hearts of everyone in the room: “Welcome home! On behalf of the people of Caye Caulker and my country, thank you for your service here.” He shared how, as a young boy, he was personally influenced by Volunteer Gene Adams, who provided inspiration and encouragement for him and others like him through baseball and basketball activities for youth that continue today. He thanked the group, and Peace Corps in general, for years of service to the people of Belize: “Offering the room for you to meet is but a small token of my appreciation.”

TEAM BELIZE: THE WOMEN WHO BEAT THE UNITED STATES!
The classical Belizean softball team of the 1979 Pan American Games will go down as the only Belizean national team ever to have defeated the greatest softball team of their time, the United States Orlando Rebels by a score of 2-1. This was a serious blow to the world champions of softball at that time. These Belizean softball greats won the bronze medal in the Pan American Games, but returned to Belize victorious as one of Belize's most achieved national teams ever to have competed as world class athletes in the international sports arena. Truly historic!

WHEN CONSUELO DOUGAL STRUCT THEM OUT!
The legendary Belizean ace pitcher, Consuelo Dougal, has become the most talked about Belizean softball pitcher of the 1960's. Her fearsome pitching style intimidated caribbean softball greats like Jamaica in the CAST games, and won championships for Belize in 1969 against formidable foreign opponents on Belizean soil. She was called Dougal the Panther by the 1969 Jamaican softball coach who had come to fear Dougal's powerful and skillful pitching.

THERE IS ONLY ONE JOHNITO MIGUEL!
The legendary Belizean cyclist has become the most talked about Belizean male athlete of his time and beyond. He conquered the roads where no other had done before of his generation. He won four Belizean Cross Country Cycling Classics, and he is the undisputed King of The Road in Belizean cycling history.

BELIZEAN ATHLETES & LEGENDS UNITED!
The classic photo celebrates some of the greatest Belizean male athletes of all times. They were football players, boxers, basketball players, cyclists, and forces to be reckon with in Belize's national sporting arena. They were the best Belize had ever produced. Though many have left Belize for distant shores, their names still ring out in the doldrums of Belizean sports today, and a call for the times of triumph when Belizean men played sports with a passion never to be seen again for a while. They are appreciated!

The Ecology Project International Alumni Group at Las Cuevas Research Station
During their camp fire. It was our pleasure having all of you at Las Cuevas. Photo by Boris Arevalo.

Videos

July 21, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC details updates on the Sunset Boardwalk Boulevard
Through the Sustainable Tourism Development Program (STDP), the Sunset Boardwalk Boulevard construction finished in 2014, even though it was opposed by many of the island residents. The facility remained underused since it was inaugurated in March of 2014, but the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has announced that the development will soon be fully operational. There are plans of dredging for the allocation of boats and the street adjacent to the boardwalk will be officially opened to alleviate traffic conditions on the island. Furthermore, all the artisan street vendors from the Central Park will be relocated to the Sunset Boardwalk. According to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, everyone who uses the docks at this area will be required to pay a fee, and the artisan street vendors from the Central Park will be provided with booths along the Boardwalk. These booths will be painted with tropical colors. “We will have the Mennonites build the booths and then bring them to the island on the barge, where we will proceed with giving them a touch of beautification before they are distributed. They will have different colors, something similar to what has been done in the Bahamas,” said Guerrero. The relocation is expected to happen within the next three months, as plans for the re-opening of the Sunset Boardwalk are already underway.

San Pedro Town Council Strategies Against Crime in San Pedro
At the beginning of this year, the spike of crime in San Pedro led local authorities to implement several measures to try bringing back peace and stability to the island. Mayor crime has eased down on the island, but the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has come up with several strategies to continue fighting crime. These initiatives include the installation of heavy duty surveillance cameras in strategic points of the island, along with installation of precincts and checkpoints throughout the island. It is expected that these security implementations will make la Isla Bonita as safe as possible for visitors and residents. Mayor Daniel Guerrero strongly believes that these plans will help prevent crime incidents on the island. “One of my goals that I want to reach by the end of my term is to have a total police force of a 100, so in that way we will have more of their presence on the island. At the same time, we need to control access to the island via water, for example, from Cayo Romero, and also control under the Boca del Rio bridge at night where there will be a checkpoint searching everyone who passes, for drugs, weapons and anything illegal,” said Guerrero.

Caye Notes
Caye Notes: San Pedro to develop Under 15 Team: All male and female footballers under the age of 15 are being called to try out for the San Pedro Under 15 team. Councilor Hector “Tito” Alamilla, in collaboration with island football coordinator, Ernildo Jones are spearheading the development of football teams to compete in both the National Male and Female Under 15 Football Tournament.
SSBA Basketball Tournament: The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Basketball Association (SSBA) will be hosting its annual basketball tournament, starting on Friday, August 21st. The tournament will be held at Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town. The five categories are Under 23, Under 19, Seniors, Over 35 and Females.
The Belize Basketball Federation tryouts: The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) is calling all interested male basketball players under the age of 14 from across the country to attend a two-week practice session from Tuesday, July 14th to Friday, July 17th. The practice session is to determine the players that will be forming the Male Under 14 National Team to participate in International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) Central American Basketball Confederation (COCABA) Tournament.
Splash Summer Camp: The San Pedro Sports Committee is inviting all boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 15 to participate in a camp to learn the basic techniques for swimming. Registration is free and waiver forms can be picked up at the San Pedro Town Council. Swimming equipment, water and fruit snacks will be provided. The camp commences on Monday, August 3rd from 8:30AM to 11:30AM at the Boca del Rio Park and will be held every Monday and Thursday in the month of August.

Ambergris Today

HGTV Shuts Down San Pedro Street for Filming
A camera crew of HGTV was here in March and April of this year and now they were back this past week in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, filming for another episode of House Hunters International. On Saturday, July 18, 2015, the film crew closed down the south end of Pescador Drive (Middle Street) for filming purposes. The house hunting couple moving to Ambergris Caye solicited the services of Pampered Paws’ dog trainer Kathy Marin to train their two dogs to ride on a golf cart. During one of the session, the film crew got permission to close down the street in front of the dog grooming/training business as they captured Ruby and Mille getting adjusted to life on the island; riding on a golf cart is an essential part of living on Ambergris Caye.

Misc Belizean Sources

H.E. Nestor Mendez Takes Office as Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the official inauguration of H.E. Nestor Mendez as the new Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States on Friday, July 17th in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Mendez was elected OAS Assistant Secretary General for the 2015-2020 term on March 18th of this year with a majority vote of 24 of the total 34 votes cast. This is the first time a Belizean has been elected to the post of Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. H.E. Nestor Mendez served as Ambassador of Belize to the OAS and to the Government of the United States since June 2008.

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION PROJECT SUMMER WORKSHOPS
The Participating Agencies of the Youth and Community Transformation Project, namely Yabra Community Resource Center, Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence and the Department of Youth Services, are hosting summer workshops for children and youth in their respective communities. The summer workshops will occur over a five week period, which commenced Monday July 13, 2015 and will last through to Friday August 14, 2015. The specific duration for the sessions at each site is as follows: • Yabra Community Resource Center: July 13 – July 30, 2015 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (GREAT SUMMER - Life Skills, Expressive Arts and Sports) • Department of Youth Services: July 20 – July 31, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3pm. (Youth Speak – Poetry) • Youth Cadet – July 20th – July 24th (Inner City Youth Camp) • Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence July 27 – August 14, 2015 from 9am to 3 pm (Sports and Expressive Arts)

BELIZE's New Champs
These youths from Belize who traveled to Mexico to participate in the Copa de Cancun Pioneros 2015. Lead by coach Brads Neal they won gold. The under nineteen Belize Basketball Selection returns today. There will be a press conference later in the day at Rogers Stadium in honor of our champions. The Copa Cancun tournament consisted of 2 days traveling and 4 days of intense basketball. The competition was fears but our boys defended the jewel with pride and honor. Among our competitors was the U19 Mexican National Champs, Veracruz Marlins recently calming their title only a week ago. That game was farce and competitive with unbelievable moments of greatness displayed by both teams. In the the end the strong will and determination of our young superstars prevailed.

Alleged unpaid overtime and emotional abuse at Deputy Chief of Mission’s Home
Update: 9:20 a.m. (THE DCM AND WIFE WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SERVE AS THEY HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE POST) A report was made on the second week of July 2015, that both US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Bruce R. Matthews and his wife were allegedly mistreating two members of their household staff, namely Eva Longsworth and Lourdes Cunningham. Verbal abuse included telling one of the ladies that she was too fat to wear a uniform. Work contracts were with held from employees until late May. The women claim they were intimidated by the Deputy Chief of Mission’s wife to work additional hours while taking a cut in their lunch break, use personal vehicles to carry out errands, being given less than 25 dollars fuel compensation for traveling as far as Central Farm to buy livestock. Though they were required to work on the US Holiday on July 4th, the women did not receive any overtime compensation. The two women reported that they are due approximately 200 hours of overtime pay.

Can't get better than home made
Femi's Home made Mix Fruit Jam...and peanut Fudge..

Rotaract Iron Group 2015
The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio hosted this year's Iron Group Competition. Spoiler alert, Dangriga won. Looks like everyone had a great time coming together. "Today July 18th San Ignacio hosted the Iron Group Competition at the Macal River Park in San Ignacio. Rotaractors from all the District of the country of Belize came together for a day to compete to win the title of Iron Group. Games included Volleyball and Basketball. Congratulations to this Year winners : ROTARACT CLUB DANGRIGA!! who will be hosting the games next year. Thanks to all those who came out!! "

San Pedro Lions Club
The San Pedro Lions Club proudly receives the visit of Lions Intermediate Past International Vice President Joseph and Jodie Preston as they are on their visit to witness the improvement on the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) in Belize and other parts of Central America.

Paint N Splash "The Great Blue Hole"
This week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar "The Great Blue Hole" Come join us to paint one of the natural wonders of the world! Thursdayat 2:00pm. Crazy Canucks Beach Bar.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Monday, July 20, 2015: 39. PICK 3: 4 2 2

Barbecue Caribbean Rum Ribs
Wrap the ribs in double thickness of aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours before you make the marinade. Remove from oven, drain, and place in shallow baking dish. RUM MARINADE Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour over ribs making sure all are soaked. Let ribs marinate for 1 hour, turn at least once during that time. BARBECUE Place on grill over medium heat for 30 minutes while turning and basting with leftover marinade, or you can put back in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes while turning and basting.

So called "missionaries" asking for funds on behalf of The Children's Joy Foundation?
Amidst the joy of seeing the National Selection win, was particularly troubled by 4 so called "missionaries" asking for funds on behalf of The Children's Joy Foundation? When I confronted them saying that I believed it was a scam one of the females started getting aggressive...followed them outside the stadium where they seemed about to panic when I threatened to call the police and immigration officials. At one time they seemed to be sneering at all? Very sketchy to say the least and they boarded what seems to be a rented car. Must say, they collected a good amount of money....

Ky-Mani Marley in Concert
Reggae Summer Fest Chetumal 2015

La Reina de la Costa Maya
Come join us at Ramon's Village Resort for Noche San Pedrana on Friday, July 31st and meet all of the contestants vying for the title of La Reina de la Costa Maya including: Miss Belize Samalia Vernon Miss Costa Rica Carolina On Porras Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle Miss El Salvador Genesis Margarita Fuentes Bolaños Miss Guatemala Lisa Hayet Francis Miss Nicaragua Yuliset de Los Angeles Sotelo Laguna MIss Mexico Samantha Gutíerrez Gónzalez-Rubio Miss Panama María Cristina Saavedra Live entertainment by Rompe Raja Band, National Costume Presentation and a special appetizer menu from Pineapples On The Beach! Don't miss this spectacular event at Ramon's Village Resort!

Young Leaders Facilitating the Sports Camp
This year at the Corozal Civic Center. Volleyball, Basketball and Football. Wonderful working team!

BEL Statement Regarding BEWU Protest
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is aware of a protest by the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) which commenced today, during which BEWU members referred to the details of negotiations for a revised a Revised Partnership Collective Agreement (PCA). Negotiations commenced on November 4, 2014 between BEL’s Management Negotiating Team appointed by BEL’s Board of Directors and BEWU’s Negotiating Committee appointed by the Executive of the BEWU. These negotiations entered into mediation on June 26, 2015 by the Labour Commissioner after the BEL and BEWU negotiating teams were unable to arrive at an agreement on the negotiation of salaries and benefits for the revised PCA. Non-financial matters of the revised PCA were first addressed and successfully negotiated except for the clause on disciplinary action. At the commencement of negotiations, the BEWU’s proposal was for an increase in salaries and benefits amounting to 90% of salary. The Company rejected this proposal for salaries and benefits. In April, the BEWU presented a new proposal for a 62% increase in salaries and benefits. The Company presented a counter proposal for 24%. The BEWU walked away from the negotiating table and led a sickout. BEL deems this incident a strike under the laws of Belize and has reported the matter to the Labor Department.

Garifuna Collective Plays Toronto
The Garifuna Collective represented Belize in Canada, again, when they played with Danny Michel at the Panamania concert in Toronto. Looks like everyone had a great time. "The shows with the Garifuna Collective were a blast. Welcome on board Sheldon!. A great hang with my Belizean brothers again. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Until next time"

Join the Party at the International Costa Maya Festival in Belize
Even if you don’t like checking out gorgeous women in bathing suits as they compete for beauty pageant crowns and have no desire to hang out with like-minded people eager to cheer them on as neighboring countries compete for that crown, you can still have a fabulous time at this year’s Costa Maya Festival on Ambergris Caye in Belize. Why? Because there are so many other parties and events taking place to keep visitors entertained that the actual contestant judging could take a backseat to the fun. Lest you think this party is all about cat calls and bikinis, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The origins of the Costa Maya Festival are deeply rooted in Belize’s heritage: the rich Mayan culture that called this nation home long before bathing suits were ever invented. That’s why you can expect to see and hear music and dance groups representing a full spectrum of performance art, from traditional to modern. There’s something for every taste at this exciting event.

Chiquibul Visitor Center is being improved
Thanks to PACT, the Chiquibul Visitor Center is being improved. Our aim is to get a full time educator to administrate the Center.

Meet Marty McBottfly!
Meet Marty McBottfly! Partially named after his rescuer Martin, who brought him to us after he found Marty had fallen from his nest, and partially from the 20 Bott Fly Larvae we removed from his little body! We believe Marty is a Couch's Kingbird and has been making a smooth recovery while staying at the rescue. Once he learns how to eat on his own he will be released and flying free!

Channel 7

Keyren Kills... but Police Say It's Not Murder
24 year-old Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib made national headlines in April when she was accused of shooting a male officer in the back of the head with her service M4 Carbine. Well tonight, she's back in the news after her common-law husband, 30 year-old Thytis Blancaneaux, was found dead in their home in the Spanish Town area of Lords Bank Village on Saturday afternoon at around 2. The couple had a domestic dispute, which escalated and became tragic. Police say that in the confrontation she pulled a knife and stabbed him in the shoulder. He bled out and died where he fell, in a pool of his own blood. Police found the murder weapon and Ms. Tzib at the scene. She has been charged - but not for murder - Daniel Ortiz put together the narrative to find out why: Daniel Ortiz reporting Ladyville police found 30 year-old Thytis Blancaneaux here in his yard, in Lords Bank. That's where he collapsed, right at the front door of his outside kitchen. He had been stabbed only once to the shoulder by his common-law wife, Keyren Tzib.

Jealous Boyfriend Kills Man
A man was beaten to death in Hattieville yesterday. 48 year old Steve Munnings was at his house in the village when a man attacked him with a "2 by 4" apparently in a jealous rage. Munnings was working on a house project for a woman when he was dragged into this bitter love affair which led to his murder. Today we visited the family in Hattieville to find out how Munnings got caught in the middle - Courtney Weatherburne has more... Courtney Weatherburne reporting Michelle Brakeman lives in this small wooden green house. She had just moved there about a month ago with her daughter. It was a new start for Brakeman who was slowly renovating this new space and making this house into a home. But that peace of mind was crushed yesterday when her abusive boyfriend of 5 years came looking for her. Voice of: Michelle Brakeman, Witness "While I was sitting down at my friend's house my boyfriend came and approached me there and he started to knock me and asked me where the key was. I asked him why is he doing this for and this is my own house key and he said that he doesn't want to hear that, he wants the key."

Who Is Charred Body Found On Roadside
And in the third murder in Belize Rural this weekend, Scotland Halfmoon villagers came across a burnt body just off the main road on Saturday morning. For a tiny village that hasn't seen a murder in years, it's a most unusual discovery - but police believe that it didn't happen in the village - but that the body was burnt elsewhere and then thrown off the road, right at the entrance to the village. Police say that his body was badly burnt, beyond recognition, and they suspect that the killers may have been trying to destroy evidence. So, they are treating this case as a murder investigation. Now, police do have a name of a missing mechanic from Ladyville- and believe it may be him, but because it has not been absolutely confirmed, we are unable to release it at this time. Here's what police told us today: Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - Commander, Eastern Division Rural "Saturday July 18th, we were called out at about 10:43am to an area 400 feet passed the Bermudian Landing Bridge where we discovered charred remains of a person believe to be a male person. At this point investigations are continuing with that. We have initial indication this person was partially identified by a tattoo on his chest by the mother, but we are going to wait for the confirmation from the doctor."

KHMH Go-Slow Over, Staff Reps Meet With Ministerial Task Force
The go-slow at the KHMH is over - that's the bottom line coming out a meeting this evening between a team of eight staff representatives on one side, four Cabinet ministers on the other and the KHMH Board of governors in the middle. The Cabinet negotiating team comprises Ministers Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Pablo Marin and Godwin Hulse - and that array of executive firepower suggests some urgency on Government's part - and right that there should be since the national referral hospital has been on go slow since last week. The meeting started at 2:00 this afternoon in the KHMH conference Room - and we met Labor Minister Hulse going in:.. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "This afternoon's sit down was to try to clarify the points, try to find out exactly where we are and where we go from here. This is a tremendously important facility. The public service needs to be protected, the staff and the management, especially the staff has done an excellent job. Nobody has no major complaints and so government's position is that we have a sympathetic view but we need to sit down and be clear as to what we are talking about and where we go." The meeting finished two and a half hours later - and coming out of it, we got to speak to senior ministers and the Board Chairman:

BEL Workers Picket During Lunchtime
And while KHMH workers are in talks with their board and government to get a 6% raise, members of the BEL Energy Workers union say they want 8% - spread out over four years, meaning 2% per year. They say that their members haven't gotten an across-the-board raise for 5 years - and that talks recently broke down over this point. Now, mediation was supposed to have started at the end of June, but the union says that won't work so they took it to the streets, or, more appropriately, the highway in front of BEL's corporate headquarters this morning. 22 workers staged the protest during their lunch hour where union leader Marvin Mora told us that they were close to coming to an agreement with management - until the issue of the across the board 8% raise came up:.. Marvin Mora, Belize Energy Workers Union "The position: the negotiation in the beginning is that we are negotiating for 2 reasons. 1, because we believe it is the right thing for her company to do, to increase our benefits, to increase our salaries and if you look at the profit and the things that the company has paid out already, shares 87% increase in shares and bringing down customers' bills all the way down to almost 40 something percent over the past 3 years and we have not receive nothing from the past 5 years in terms about across the board increase or across the board benefit. Then the union believes that it is a right company to do. The union now is finding themselves in this position where we are now at the stage where we need the public to understand where we are. So it's our customers. We are worried about our customers. We don't want to shut out our customers or do anything that would affect our customers. So if you notice we are doing our lunch - we are holding this demonstration."

The Problems, The Promise And The Plenitude of Port Honduras
Off shore oil exploration: there have been numerous meetings, debates, draft policies and even a people's referendum in 2012 regarding this issue. But it is still an area of contention between conservation NGO's and the government - specifically over existing oil concessions covering offshore blocks. While that discussion is happening at the official level, what are those communities who will be directly affected by oil exploration saying? Well there is one fishing community that is speaking out on this issue. We traveled along with the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage to Port Honduras Marine Reserve on Friday. We spoke to some of the fishers and rangers stationed out at the Cayes in the reserve and they told us it is a major concern for their livelihood and to the marine environment. But we went even deeper and found out that oil exploration isn't the only threat. Courtney Weatherburne found out what those other threats are and how they are managing. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Port Honduras Marine Reserve: it's about a mile and a half North of Punta Gorda. The entire reserve is 160 square miles and home to a number of fish species, sea turtles, even manatees and dolphins.

PM Travels To West Coast
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country last night to travel to Los Angeles, California. He joins his wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women and Children as they attend the opening ceremony for the Special World Games. After that, the Prime Minister will be on personal leave. He returns next week Wednesday - the 29th, and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega will be acting as Prime Minister in his absence.

TEENAGED TV BURGLARS CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Tonight, 18 year-old Regina Garnett and two under aged boys, ages 13 and 16, are out on bail, after they were allegedly caught burglarizing a house. Police reports are that on, Saturday, July 18, they allegedly broke into the home of Mindy Pratt, located at mile 2 and a half on the Western Highway. They reportedly stole one television set. According to police, when they arrived at the scene they saw the defendants coming out of the house. When they searched the immediate area around the house, they found the TV in the bushes nearby. All 3 teenagers were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, where they pleaded not guilty. But their defense, Garnett told the court quite a different story; she said that she went to the house to search for a relative who had gone missing. She says that when the police arrived one of the officers took her upstairs and sexually assaulted her and wanted to have sex with her. Her allegation is being followed up on.

BACKDOOR PETER CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Police are reporting that they also caught another man this weekend trying to break into a house. He's 27 year-old Peter Portillo, a labourer of Coffin Street, Belize City, and tonight, he's out on bail after being taken to court for the allegation. Police say that a neighbor of Belize City resident Leroy Green called them and reported that a man was trying to break into his house. When they showed up to Green's residence, they allegedly found Portillo at the backdoor, trying to break in, and he had already damaged the lock. He was arrested and charged with attempted burglary, and he was arraigned before Magistrate Ladonna John. He pleaded not guilty, and he was released on bail of $3,000. He must return to court on September 29.

STI=Science Technology And Innovation, Korean Style
and Public Utilities wants to put this action plan into an institutional framework. They held a validation session for their work so far today at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. But, how realistic is it? We found out more from the Minister and the CEO today:.. Colin Young, CEO - Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities of Belize "First of all, it's the first time in the history of Belize that we will have a National Science Technology and Innovation Strategy and Action Plan. No country can advance significantly and quickly without science and technology and innovation. This is providing a framework that we can use as the government in partnership with the private sector and universities to actually undertake real and practical strategies to advance our economic development."

New Minister of State Makes the Rounds At BDF Camp
The newly appointed Minister of State in the National Security Ministry, Frank "Pawpa" Mena was at the August Pine Ridge military facility for the camp held by the Belize Defense Force Volunteer Battalion. It's an event held annually for the volunteers, and today along with their new Minister of State, the unit hosted Governor General Sir Colville Young. The volunteer Battalion showed their readiness to activate for the state by putting on a demonstration on how they would take on a full riot, with a few of the members getting into the part of the civilians conducting the civil unrest. At the end of the demo, their new Minister was pleased with the level of preparedness, as well as their ability as actors putting on a believable performance: The camp continues tomorrow.

Belize Beats Guat Football Team
Two international football games of note were played this weekend at the Norman Broaster Stadium in Cayo. On Saturday, with their newly acquired super striker Deon McAuley, Verdes FC played Guatemala's Sutchitepequez and won 1 - 0. On Sunday, the national team played "Sutchi" and won four to two.

Channel 5

Go-slow at K.H.M.H. Called Off, All Parties Meet to Negotiate Salary Adjustment
The news from the K.H.M.H. tonight is that medical services are back on track. It follows a go slow that started on Friday and continued over the weekend when some [...]

Minister of Health Remains Tightlipped on Details of Discussion
Following the lengthy two and a half hour discussion, Minister of Health Pablo Marin would emerge optimistic, bearing what can only be described cautiously as good news since none of [...]

Chandra Cansino Says Stakeholders Will Continue Meeting on the Way Forward
According to chairperson, Chandra Cansino, the Board of Governors of the K.H.M.H. along with representatives of the hospital staff, will form a task force to provide government with critical information [...]

Chopping Victim In Need of Urgent Surgery Amid Go-slow at K.H.M.H.
But while the K.H.M.H. staff was lobbying for a salary adjustment the hard way, by effecting a go-slow at the hospital, patients, including twenty-seven-year-old Irvin Cantun, were affected.  After being [...]

N.T.U.C.B. President Comments on K.H.M.H. Salary Debacle
While staff at the K.H.M.H. is looking to unionize, N.T.U.C.B. President, Marvin Mora, chimed in on the K.H.M.H. issue, emphasizing a need for employees to organize in order to proceed [...]

Why Did Troubled Coastguard Officer Keyren Tzib Kill Her Common-law Husband?
An idyllic hang-out with friends, drinks and food on Saturday turned into a bloody tragedy when a domestic attack elicited a deadly response. Thytis James Blancaneaux, thirty, was at the [...]

Was Jealousy a Motive in Hattieville Murder?
Aside from the killing of Thytis Blancaneaux, there are two murders to report. Hattieville resident, thirty-one Hugh Dyer, was today charged with murder of forty-seven year old Steve Munnings, a [...]

Charred Remains of Unidentified Man Discovered Near Scotland Half Moon
While the Police have been able to readily identify the deceased in those two deaths, they have not done so in a third, which was actually the first of the [...]

Crime Filled Weekend Across the Country Highlighted in Police Report
In addition to the stabbing death of Thytis Blancaneaux and the two murders, the weekend’s crime blotter is overflowing with more acts of violence. In Orange Walk, police are investigating [...]

Sheldon Grinage Hospitalized After Attempt on His Life in Weekend Shooting
A twenty-three year old Belize City resident is tonight in a critical, but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following a shooting on Sunday morning. Before two a.m., [...]

Trio Charged with Burglary, Accused Thief Accuses Arresting Officer of Sexual Assault
An eighteen year old female, Victoria Garnett and two minors were today arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for the offense of Burglary. One of the minors is a [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Slams Sedi for Guatemala Comments
The N.T.U.C.B. has come out swinging at Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, in response to comments he made during an exclusive interview with News Five late last week. In that interview [...]

B.E.L. Employees Take to the Street in Protest of Salary Adjustment
While the K.H.M.H. staff continued its’ go-slow well into the afternoon, at midday the Belize Energy Workers Union commenced its own industrial action against the principals of B.E.L.   A little [...]

Fire Displaces Several Families on Euphrates Avenue
A fire over the weekend has left several families without a roof over their head. The landlord and her tenants had to evacuate their home immediately when fire and flames [...]

Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Darrel Bradley Hosts Children Summer Camp
Today, Mayor Darrell Bradley concluded a two-week summer camp he hosted for the children of Caribbean Shores. Wearing his Standard Bearer hat, Bradley partnered with City Council and Diamonds International [...]

Verdes and Jaguars Claim Victory in Friendly Games Against the Suchi’s from Guatemala
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   The weekend brought out the National Male Football Selection as it continues preparation for its 3rd round appearance in [...]

CTV3

Domestic Dispute Lead To Death Of Common Law Husband
On April 6th 2015, twenty four year old Coast Guard Seaman Keyren Tzib made headlines when she shot to the head senior Coast Guard Officer, Kurt Hyde, as they returned to base on board a vessel he was captaining. On Tuesday April 7th 2015, following an investigation by Police, Tzib was charged for attempted murder, dangerous harm and the use of deadly means of harm, she was then remanded to Hattieville prison and 8 days after she was granted bail of $10,000 which she met and was allowed to go home. That was a few month ago and tonight Tzib is back on remand this time for murder. Tzib is accused of stabbing her common-law-husband to death on Saturday afternoon in Lord’s Bank Village during a domestic dispute. According to the reports, at around 2:00 p.m. Tzib and her common-law-husband Travis Blancaneaux were embroiled in a domestic dispute which ended deadly. According to Inspector Frederick Gordon, Officer Commanding the Ladyville Police Station, the stabbing happened in the yard and investigations have so far revealed that Blancaneaux attacked Tzib with a stick. He hit her several times and continued doing so even after she begged him to stop.

NTUCB Says GOB Is Weak When It Comes To Guatemala Dispute
On Saturday the General Council of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize held its monthly council meeting. During the meeting a number of issues were discussed including the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute. In a release issued today the NTUCB expressed its utter dismay and disappointed with the manner in which the Government of Belize has been and continues to address the ongoing, unfounded claim by Guatemala to Belize.

IMF Releases Report On Belize's Economy
A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Jacques Bouhga-Hagbe, has concluded a consultation mission to Belize on the state of the economy. The report issued by the IMF says that the economy accelerated to 3.6 percent in 2014 from 1.5 percent in 2013 on the back of a rebound in agriculture, and strong performances in tourism, electricity, construction and services. The fall in international oil and food prices pushed down headline inflation to -0.2 percent as of December 2014. Despite strong tourism receipts, falling exports, particularly of crude petroleum, and relatively strong imports widened the external current account deficit to 7.6 percent of GDP in 2014, up from 4.4 percent of GDP in 2013. The report states that PetroCaribe and other official disbursements continued to finance the current account deficit and help build international reserves equivalent to 5 months of imports at end December 2014. And that although revenue collection remained in line with budget targets, spending continued to grow well above budget targets, driven by Petrocaribe-financed spending.

LOVE FM

Court News: Attempted Burglary …. Aggravated Assault … Domestic Violence
Twenty-seen year old Peter Portillo, a labourer of Coffin Street who allegedly tried to break into the house of Leroy Green, the National Coordinator for Expressive Arts in the Ministry of Education, was charged with attempted burglary when he appeared today before Magistrate Ladonna John. Portillo pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered […]

Health Minister Says Hospital Staff Is Pacified
Last Friday we told you of the action that the staff of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City would be taking after they were brought into the circle of public officers who would be getting a salary raise. Their decision was to go-slow; meaning that specialist clinics would be put on pause and […]

IMF Reports Economic Growth for 2014 in Belize
A ten day visit by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded last Friday in Belize. During that visit, discussions were held regarding the country’s 2015 Article Four Consultation. The IMF team was led by Jacques Bouhga-Hagbe and upon conclusion, he prepared a statement, saying, in part, quote, “Growth accelerated to 3.6 percent in 2014 from […]

Investigators Await Forensics to Confirm ID of Body Found
The rural parts of the Belize District had investigators quite busy over the weekend as the burnt remains of a human body were discovered at around nine thirty on Saturday morning by a police officer in the Belize River Valley area. During a meeting with the press, investigators shared what their preliminary works have revealed. […]

Rocky Relationship Ends in Death
A weekend domestic dispute turned fatal in rural Belize as 30-year-old, Thytis James Blancaneaux, originally from Esperanza Village, Cayo District was fatally wounded. Police investigators briefed the media on the incident. EDWARD BROASTER “From that investigation we received another call at about 2pm of a stabbing incident in the Spanish Town area of Lords Bank […]

The Belize Times

Guatemala Takes Sarstoon Island – Did Barrow secretly give it to them?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington have been complete sell outs to Guatemala and have done the most abominable thing of submitting to their pressures. As revealed yesterday by Elrington’s second-in-command, Chief Executive Officer George Lovell, the Government of Belize has given up sovereignty of our most southern caye, Sarstoon Island to Guatemala. Lovell disclosed that the Government, at Guatemala’s command, has put its plans to construct a Forward Operating Base on the island on pause. He divulged that Guatemala requested that Belize not take any new measures to place permanent military presence on the island until the matter of their baseless claim of Belize’s territory is settled at the International Court of Justice. Lovell explained that Guatemala recently reminded the Government of Belize of this position, via a diplomatic note, after Belize authorities had informed them that Belize was prepared to proceed with plans. In that note, Guatemala stated that “they were of the opinion after the twenty-eighth of May incident that we were not going to do anything in that area until after we reached some definite position through the ICJ,” said Lovell. The May 28th incident referred to by Guatemala is the standoff between Belize’s coast guard officials and Guatemala’s military officers, which ended with Belize’s coast guard backing down at the instructions of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The Coast Guard was conducting an evaluation mission in the area for ten days, but their presence triggered an illegal incursion and aggression by Guatemala’s military.

UDP Disses Delroy – Cuthkelvin denied right to contest Stann Creek West convention
The United Democratic Party truly knows how to use their people like useless floor cloth. Delroy Cuthkelvin, who was once the UDP’s chief propagandist in the campaign to the 2008 general elections campaign, and who rose through his Party’s ranks to become the Prime Minister’s press officer, has been kicked to the bottom of the pit. This week Delroy announced that his Party had rejected his application to run as a candidate in their Stann Creek West convention. The convention was called after standard bearer Melvin Hulse was forced to step down. Hulse ran into problems with UDP Leader Dean Barrow, after he was heard in a leaked recording blasting Barrow’s leadership and describing Barrow as someone who only cares about himself and no one else. Delroy is not happy with the turn of events. Yesterday he posted an angry message on his Facebook page, “The rejection of our application has now been officially confirmed by the Party’s Nomination Committee and Secretariat. Some Democracy indeed.”

UK Guardian: Belize in Debt Danger Zone!
The Business Insider, the UK Guardian newspaper’s popular business publication, has listed Belize as one of the countries which “are spiralling towards government debt crises”. The article starts off reviewing the economic collapse of Greece, triggered by its high debt levels. The information is based on data compiled in a new analysis by the Jubilee Debt Campaign, entitled “The New Debt Trap”. It also discusses how the rise in inequality and the concentration of wealth caused the global financial crisis in 2008. Countries have become too dependent on debt to attract money. This money, however, is invested in ways which does not improve conditions for the poorer groups in society, only exacerbating inequality and resulting in “growth” in numbers and not in “human development”. “Greece’s plight is far from unique: more than 20 other countries are also wrestling with their own debt crises,” notes the Business Insider article. It then goes on to list Belize along with Armenia, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Grenada, and Tunisia as nations who are in debt danger zone. The article focusing on Belize’s debt problems is similar to a report in mid-June by Moody’s Investors Service which warned about Belize’s “unsustainable public debt” and the looming economic crisis as a result.

YOUTH LEADERS TAKE A STAND
It has been over two years since the Ministers of Youth Hon. Patrick Faber and Hon. Herman Longsworth and a representative of UNICEF launched the National Youth Development Policy. Since then, the policy document which Minister of State Herman Longsworth said was indicative of the “commitment by the Government to work with youths” has been ignored and left on a shelf to gather dust. The commitment made before an audience of hundreds of young people on February 27, 2013 has also turned out to be nothing but empty, sweet talk. Today’s high levels of gun violence and murders (78 homicides in 2015), increasing joblessness among young people including graduates, and the growing social breakdown in our neighbourhood leading young people to gangs and guns, in particular in the Southside of Belize City, are the results of a spiralling deterioration of Government’s commitment to work with and for young people. The answers to high crime and social breakdown among our youth DO NOT lie in the work of the Police Department alone. The answers are also neither short-term planning nor spending on initiatives that only meet short-sighted partisan political objectives.

Think About It
Over seven thousand young students sat the primary school leaving examinations recently. The results were not the most encouraging but the fact that parents struggle to see their children attend primary school and complete is an accomplishment. Thereafter it is over for the proud parents of more than half of the seven thousand primary school leavers. They will never know what it is to attend a High School. How could this be? How could our nation, year after year, sit back and allow half of the primary school children to be deprived of a High School education? Is this not one of the root causes of poverty, dependency, teenage pregnancy and social problems? This failure to provide such an important opportunity as a High School education amounts to robbing thousands of our young people of their future.

Chasing a Carrot
The results of last week’s by election in Dangriga, while disappointing, was not the least bit surprising. I was hopeful but at the same time realistic; money was flowing like water. Anthony Sabal, by everyone’s estimation, was a good candidate and is a good person. He did the best that he could; given the short time and the long odds against him. While the conclusion was pretty much foregone, many believe that Sabal was far and away the better of the two candidates. It was my fervent wish that he could have pulled off what would have amounted to an upset because this government is in dire need of some humbling. They are obviously having trouble getting things into a proper perspective and their arrogance, greed and selfishness is running this country into some very serious problems. The UDP victory in Dangriga might well be a blessing in disguise for the PUP and for Belize. Number one it helped to galvanize support for the party and for the first time in a long time, different factions united and stood strong in support of Sabal. Secondly, had the UDP lost in Dangriga, it would have made Mr. Barrow nervous enough to empty the public coffers. It is the history of the UDP, and the Prime Minister has made no secret that the trend will continue, to not leave any money lying around when they demit office. When asked in an interview with Jules Vasquez about early elections, Mr. Barrow balked at the idea suggesting that it would not give him enough time to spend all the Petro Caribe funds. Only in Belize can such disrespectful frankness be put on public display.

BARROW IS PLAYING WITH FIRE
The Prime Minister of Belize has clearly entered into a secret accommodation understanding with Guatemala over the Sarstoon Island. The end result of such an illegal act is the suspension of Belizean sovereignty over Sarstoon Island which we predict will cause Belize to ultimately lose this portion of our territory, and lead to the loss of other sovereign territory and maritime areas. Suspicion was raised in late May of this year when Guatemalan military personnel chased off Belize Coast Guard who was on the island doing preparatory work for a small forward base. Readers will recall the sensational story which left the nation in shock. The official version was that a small party of Belize Coast Guard personnel arrived on Sarstoon Island on Thursday 28th May around mid-morning and was immediately accosted by the Guatemalan navy demanding that they leave. So the first question is why would a regular Guatemalan patrol take such a drastic and provocative act unless it is their understanding that Sarstoon Island is not to be visited or populated by Belizeans? The official Belize narrative continued that the Belize Coast Guard informed the Guatemalan Navy that it was Belize territory and it was the Guatemalans who should move. G.P.S readings were checked and rechecked in the presence of the Guatemalan Navy which remained adamant that the Belize Coast Guard should leave.

Real West & Rising Starz lead women’s football
The Real West Strikers and San Ignacio’s Rising Starz are leading the Adventures Club women’s football competition in which the UB Jaguars also won at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday. The Real West Strikers bombed the Bullet Tree girls 4-0. Bullet Tree’s defender Ady Orellano blundered into give in Real West their 1st goal when she beat her own goalie with an auto-goal in the 46th minute. Jenelle Smith added a 2nd goal in the 74th minute, Vicky Ponce scored a 3rd goal in the 80th minute, and Julie Ponce drove in a 4th goal in the 85th minute. The Rising Starz blasted the Infinites 6-1 with Shantel Robinson scoring the 1st goal in the 2nd minute. Kenya Cho scored a 2nd goal in the 6th minute, and Cassie Jones added a 3rd goal in the 18th minute. Kenya Cho scored a 4th goal in the 39th minute to lead 4-zip at the half. In the 2nd half, Kenya Cho added a 5th goal to complete her hat trick, and Shayama Caliz delivered a 6th goal in the 50th minute. The Infinites’ Heydi Aceituno scored their only consolation goal in the 57th minute.

Mystics, SQ Mega Stars & UB Jaguars win in BDVA volleyball
On Saturday night, the S.Q. Mega Stars’ Shericka Burton and Jahshema Saunders spiked points on plays set by Xiomara Quan, while Emily Evans, Karena Bernard and Nayala Tun received and blocked to tame the Leopards: 25-10 and 25-15. Leopards’ Maurissa Williams, Leyla Hernandez, Lian Herrera and Jessica Heusner scored points on plays set by Tasha and Moesha Shaw, but the Mega Stars prevailed. The S.Q. Ultra Stars’ Mya Musa, Juel Lewis, Morgan Miles and Zazie Mckenzie hammered plays set by Cassandra Fabro and Alexis Burn to win 25-18, 25-22 against the Vista Stars. Vista’s On Saturday, the “Bengay” veterans Joseph “Sonny” Enriquez, Albert Humes, Wallace Tillett and Gillian Smith hammered kills at the net on balls set by Khalid Encalada and Martin Gongora to win 25-21, 25-21 against the S.Q. Yellow Dragons. The Dragons’ Grayson Ewing, Nayeem Mckay and Devaughn Davis scored points on balls set by Miguel Rosado and Francis Hauze, but old school won over young school!

Brown Bombers win SMART Mundialito championship
The Brown Bombers won the 2015 SMART Mundialito football championship finals at the MCC garden on Sunday afternoon. In the championship final, the Brown Bombers won 2-0 over the Young Warriors when MVP Jovaun Ramos scored the 1st winning goal in the 1st half and then converted a penalty in the 2nd half to make it 2-0. Young Warriors tried to equalize but were out-numbered when first Sterling Williams was sent off with a red card, and then Ceron Usher was also sent off with a red card, reducing the Warriros to only 9 men.

The Wall
Artist/writer Katie Usher opened her LAB2, an art installation that welcomes the artistic community to enter the Image Factory space to create a temporary work. Katie started with the WALL, a work of names of Belizeans who have been murdered since January 1, 2015. She wrote in chalk 75 names and their age. Here’s an excerpt of the meaning behind her work from her website: “Using names of murder victims, victims of extreme violence, which were extracted from newspapers, radio and TV news from January to July 2015, cover the black wall with white chalk. This is a list, which I hope will act like a physical representation of ‘the writing on the wall.” In class we are made to sit in front of a blackboard and see and record notes. The time for seeing and writing notes has passed. Crime has gripped us in a chokehold. Class is in session or are we still at recess?

We Must Not Fail Our Generation
Three years ago I was elected to serve as the President of the Student Government at St. John’s Junior College. I was at the time a recent graduate of Sadie Vernon High with one year into my studies at sixth form. At high school I had noted the significant impacts arising from an inequitable and unjust society. I saw the poverty and I felt the pain as I sat in classes with students that had massive potentials but limited opportunities. Society had already condemned us since our first day of high school. We were frowned down upon and treated like the bottom of the bottom of the barrel. However, I was fortunate to escape, in a sense, when I won a full scholarship to college through the Police’s “do di right thing” programme. I vowed to reach a position in which I could speak on the behalf of my high school friends and others who had not experienced my fortune. I felt it was an obligation, a duty to represent my peers especially those at Sadie Vernon. The post of Student Government President at the nation’s leading junior college was in my view the perfect springboard to launch my advocacy. Destiny would have it that I would become a part of an unbendable and unbreakable brotherhood with two important youth leaders; Hope Amadi and Alberto Vellos.

I SAY THAT IT IS WRONG!!
Late in the evening on Friday March 27 this year, at the close of the budget debate, the debate on the infamous Petrocaribe Loans Bill ensued after the first presentation by the Prime Minister. Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca forcefully rejected the Bill in his response, even though members on our side did not have nearly sufficient time to prepare. We had only seen the Bill the day before. All members were tired and wanted to return home. It was after 7 pm, yet the Bill was rammed through. I did not prepare or write down ahead of time what I was going to say. Here is the transcript, almost verbatim, of what I said on that occasion when I rose to make my contribution to the debate. “Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will just say a very few words in support of our absolute opposition to this Bill. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to, in my view, and in my own words, rubbish the argument of the Prime Minister that because you don’t know the exact sums of money that are going to be spent, then that should exempt you from coming to this Honourable House when the amounts are in excess of $10 million. The bypassing of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act is dastardly, it is full of audacity, it is an act of supreme faciness, and it is completely wrong-headed, Mr. Speaker.”

PUP Plans Forward
The Leaders of the People’s United Party have intensified their energies and efforts to pave the way forward to victory. On Thursday evening, the PUP’s Eastern Caucus engaged its leaders at the PUP Headquarters in Belize City. They discussed the state of the campaign machineries in each division and shared strategies to improve the Party’s effectiveness. A meeting was also held by the PUP Western Caucus as they gear up for the general elections. The PUP has excellent and hardworking campaign teams and workers in each of the constituencies in the Western Caucus. The Western Caucus is made up of dynamic PUP leaders Hon. Julius Espat of Cayo South, Senator Patrick Andrews of Belmopan, Dr. Lesbia Guerra of Cayo West, Orlando “Landy” Habet of Cayo North East, Attorney Michel “MIcho” Chebat of Cayo North and former Minister Daniel Silva of Cayo Central.

A Golden Opportunity for National Development
Venezuela uses the revenues from the sale of oil to offer loans on the most favorable terms imaginable to Belize and other developing countries. This is the Alba Petrocaribe programme. There is no endless bureaucracy requiring months and months to access a loan. Once Belize buys a shipment of oil from the South American country, it’s allowed to convert 60% of the hard currency from the sale to a loan which it can access immediately. Unlike loans from private banks or multilateral lending agencies , like the World Bank, that carry interest rates from 2 1/2% to 8% per annum, the interest for Petrocaribe loans is only one percent per year. And while there is no grace period for most multilateral or commercial loans, each Petrocaribe loan comes with a grace period of three years before the first payment is due and 25 years to complete payment of an individual loan. The PUP administration initiated Belize’s participation in the Petrocaribe program but it was at the ending of their 2003-2008 term. Under the UDP, the country obtained millions of dollars in special loans from Venezuela. Up to May of this year the Barrow administration obtained over $300 million in loans from Petrocaribe. Of the amount it has spent approximately $180m. A portion of those funds have been used for very few projects with long term benefits for the country. Such projects include infrastructural development such as the concreting of a number of streets and the building of roundabouts in different municipalities.

Breaking Belize News

Why Petrocaribe is good for P.G.
PetroCaribe funding has been “rolling” in Punta Gorda Town since West Street was cemented early last year by the current Mayor, Fern Guttierez and UDP Standard Bearer Peter Eden Martinez. These controversial monies have continued to be used for infrastructural development as well as ‘cheer’ projects in PG […]

YCT plans youth summer camps
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is working toward reducing the number of children and youth joining gangs in Belize City, through its Youth and Community Transformation project. This project targets specific areas of the city, particularly the Collet, Lake Independence, Pickstock and Port Loyola divisions, […]

Teenager acquitted of murder
Nineteen year old Kadeem Anderson, charged with the murder of 25 year old Leo Palacio Jr, was acquitted of the charge on Friday by Justice Adolph Lucas in a trial without jury. Palacio was shot in his chest on May 10, 2012, while he and two others were […]

Hugh Dyer charged for murder
Thirty-one year old Hugh Dyer, a laborer of Foster Drive, Hattieville, was charged with the murder of Steve Munnings when he appeared today before Magistrate Ladonna John. Dyer was remanded into custody until October 20.

Man charged for common-law knife attack
Manuel Jucob, a resident of Lord’s Bank who allegedly attacked his common-law wife with a knife was denied bail when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault and harm. Jucob was remanded into custody until September 8. […]

Man charged for burglary
27 year old Peter Portillo is accused of attempting to get into the residence of Leroy Green, the Ministry of Education’s National Coordinator for Express Arts. Portillo pleaded not guilty to attempted burglary before Magistrate Ladonna John. Police report that Green’s neighbor saw a man dressed only in […]

Teenagers charged for stolen television set
Three teenagers are accused of breaking and entering a house and stealing a television set; however, one of them accuses police of trying to take advantage of her. 18 year old Regina Garnett and two boys aged 13 and 16 respectively, pleaded not guilty to burglary charges before […]

Keyren Tzib remanded for manslaughter
27 year old Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib, who was recently released on bail after she was charged with attempted murder, was back in court today, charged this time with manslaughter. Tzib was arraigned on the charge before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. She was remanded into […]

BREAKING: Belizean minor badly beaten and injured in Cancun
Uno TV Noticias, a Mexican television station is reporting that a 14 year old girl from Belize was badly beaten and injured in Cancun, Mexico this weekend. According to UN TV Noticias, the minor was found naked with injuries on her arms in an isolated area by Cancun Police. Cancun […]

Annual BDF volunteer camp training commences in Orange Walk
The 2nd Annual BDF Volunteer Camp training commenced today in Rural areas of the Orange Walk District. Approximately 80 men and women will undergo intense training to equip the recruits on handling several scenarios including reconnaissance, traffic check points and how to handle unruly crowds and public disruptions including riots. […]

Steve Kevin Munnings killed in Hattieville
On the 19.07.15 at 2:50 p.m., police visited a yard on Myvette Street in Hattieville where they saw Steve Kevin Munnings killed in Hattieville 47-year-old Steve Munnings lying injured inside the yard. Also found on the scene was a piece of 2 X 4 board believed to be the weapon used on Munnings. 26-year-old Michelle Breakman of Windmill area, Hattieville reported that while at a friend’s house her ex-common law husband 31-year-old Hugh Dyer of Hattieville came to where she was and reportedly assaulted her, placed a knife at her throat and demanded her house keys. She then informed him that Munnings had her keys.

Blogs

Barriers to Solving Climate Change
There are many in denial of a changing global climate. But just ask a polar bear! A prominent indicator of global climate change is the polar bear. In its second warning this month, the U.S. federal government reported that climate change is destroying Arctic sea ice at a rapid rate and threatening polar bears with extinction unless greenhouse gases are dramatically reduced. Around 900 bears were believed to be living in the southern Beaufort Sea in 2010, the most recent estimate available, down from 1,526 in 2006 and 1,800 in 1986. Recent projections put a “relatively high probability (50%) of greatly reduced populations by as soon as 2025, with increasing probabilities of greatly reduced populations through the end of the century. And what will save polar bears? Addressing sea ice loss will require global policy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and likely be years in the making. Because carbon emissions accumulate over time, there will be a lag, likely on the order of several decades, between mitigation of emissions and meaningful stabilization of sea ice loss. How much energy does it take to fill a glass with drinking water? If you take into account the energy to transport the water from its source through the treatment and distribution process and into your faucet, there’s a lot of embedded energy that goes into that glass of water. And that’s not even getting into any energy used in the wastewater treatment process.

The Maya Conquest Notes
If you use your imagination, this piece of writing can truly come to life! Imagine you live in the tropical forest. Everyone you have ever known was brown. You have never seen a horse – actually, you have never heard that word before! Then, behind them a ship the size you have never seen before. Yes, the ancient Maya had huge boats but nothing like the Spanish Galleons that came floating to their front door. The following are dates that represent the movement of the Spanish upon ancient Maya territory during the conquest. 1502: The first contact with Spanish in Bay of Honduras by Columbus on his 4th voyage 1511: Valdivia is hit by a hurricane and 16 people make it to land in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are captured by the Maya but most are sacrificed. Only 2 survive: Francisco de Guerrero and Geronimo Aguilar – they are sold or given to the Maya King Nachan Kan 1514: The small pox epidemic hits Yucatan and thousands of people die, even before the conquest 1515: The epidemic continues. The Maya call it the “mayacimil” (“The easy death”)

Maya Warriors and Croatia by Candlelight
A popular expat hub, the Belizean island of Ambergris Caye is no stranger to visitors. From August 6 to August 8, the island welcomes an influx of a different kind, as performers and artists from across the Maya world descend on Ambergris for the International Costa Maya Festival. This colorful event is a spectacle of music, dance, and food, as the region’s Maya ancestry is celebrated in vivid style.

Dive in the Great Blue Hole or Grab a Piece of Prehistory
Jacques Cousteau once declared the Blue Hole in Belize to be one of the best diving spots in the world—and few would disagree. The Blue Hole, part of the Lighthouse Reef system, is an almost-perfect circular limestone sinkhole that is nearly 1,000 feet wide and more than 400 feet deep. This striking ocean feature sits like a giant blue pupil in a sea of turquoise.

Savor a Laidback Lifestyle on Belize’s Paradise Peninsula
You gaze out from your veranda each morning onto a sea often as smooth as glass, shimmering as sunrays dance upon its surface. As far as the eye can see, north and south, are miles of gorgeous beaches, peppered with inviting, thatched-roof palapas at the end of docks. Red, yellow, and other brightly colored kayaks sit above the surf line, ready for the next joy ride.

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp 2015 Kick-Off!
The fifth annual Eco Kids Summer Educational Adventure Camp is now under way in the lush jungles of Belize at The Lodge at Chaa Creek. This event gives 24 young Belizeans between the ages of 8 and 13 a chance to learn about their natural world through a mix of adventure, social interaction, and fun filled applied education – all aimed at instilling a sense of wonderment in the unique cultures that constitute Belize and the environment that sustains us all. Yesterday July 19, 2015 camp organizer Lea Itzab together with camp counselors, Lily Jones, Sam Euler, and Sofía Paz headed to pick up the 24 young stewards of the environment in Belize City, Belmopan and San Ignacio respectively. Some of the kids were a bit shy while others over excited as they came onboard the Chaa Creek bus. Not withstanding, others immediately made friends and shared their enthusiasm of what they anticipated the camp to be.

International Sources

Belize Foreign Minister Starts Official Visit to Mexico
Wilfred Elrington started an official visit to Mexico, where he was welcomed by Foreign Minister José Antonio Meade. During the visit, both countries will sign agreements on maritime cooperation, transport, energy, intellectual property, consumer protection, health care and environment. Elrington will give the master lecture Mexico-Belize: Outlook of Bilateral Relations.

New World Oil & Gas (NEW)
If "Carry On" made a film about the City, New World Oil & Gas (NEW) would be in it. The struggling Belize oil explorer tried to raise £1.5 million through a share placing in April, but shareholders voted it down. Then it announced an open offer for shareholders at the same prices - 0.055p - a few weeks later. It eventually settled on raising £3.5 million through a placing and open offer at 0.09p. Its shares have been suspended at various points, first ahead of its EGM, then as a result of controversy around settlement of trades. They have been suspended now since mid-May. All this caused confusion for one trader. Chris Williams thought he'd bought 10% of the firm in his mother's name, but he got his sums wrong. He based the purchase on 10% on the post-placing share count, rather than the existing share count. Bed & breakfast-owner Judith Williams ended up buying 49% of the company and would, under normal circumstances, have been forced to launch a full bid for New World. Thankfully common sense prevailed.

Mentors' capacity to support Caribbean fisherfolk strengthened at Anguilla workshop
Over 21 mentors and resource persons from 16 Caribbean countries participated in the final regional training of trainers workshop for fisherfolk mentors, held in Anguilla, from July 6 to 9. The workshop was delivered by resource persons from the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies (UWI-CERMES), the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) This workshop was a follow on from the first regional training of trainers workshop in Saint Lucia in November 2013, in which a group of regional fisherfolk mentors was established to provide support to fisherfolk organisations in the Caribbean islands to enable them to more effectively participate in fisheries governance and management. The key objectives of the workshop were to strengthen the mentors’ capabilities in mentoring and facilitation and project cycle management. It was also aimed at familiarising them with the positions of fisherfolk on key fisheries and related policies for small scale fisheries development in the Caribbean.

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