September 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

Belize and Mexico Sign MOU to Foster Business Relations
The MOU sets forth the procedures of co-operation for the expansion of investment and trade relations between Belize and Mexico, including the strengthening of institutional relations and capacity building through mutual cooperation between the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and ProMexico. BELTRAIDE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Trade, which seeks to enhance Belize’s prosperity by fostering investor confidence, entrepreneurship, business growth and innovation. ProMéxico is a public trust considered a public entity, sectorized to the Secretary of Economy, incorporated under the laws of the United Mexican States, being the Mexican federal government entity in charge of promoting exporting activities, internationalization of Mexican companies and activities which tend to attract foreign direct investment.

BA -1 project participants inquire about disbursement of funds
Back in May 18, 2015 the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) hosted a training seminar for women in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. The training, titled “Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking project BA- 1” targeted victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, with the goal of assisting these victims in becoming more self- confident by empowering them with the necessary tools to help them gain personal development. At the end of the training, qualified participants were eligible for a grant in order for them to start or expand their businesses. The program was held in collaboration with the Women’s Department of Belize and the Central American Integration System (SICA) at the San Pedro Town Council conference room, and was held for three weeks. On Friday, June 5th, 34 women graduated from the training. However, since then, the graduates have been waiting to receive the grants from the program so they can start their business ventures. After over three months the group of women are desperate for answers and have had no clear indication of when they will receive the economic assistance. According to the participants of the project, the wait has been too long without any clear explanation as to what will happen and they are eager to know if they will be granted the funds promised in the program. One of the participants indicated that they have been receiving calls from the mainland from different people who inquired about the state of their businesses. This has created confusion between all of them who are seeking information, since participants in other communities might have already been awarded the funds. Apparently not even the project’s former coordinator, Jorge Aldana, has been able to provide them with an answer.

Ambergris Today

Prime Minister Barrow Announces Early General Elections – November 4
When you turned to the United Democratic Party and gave us your confidence in 2008, it was for us to fix all that had gone so horribly wrong in the decade of misrule since 1998. Our country was burdened by the super bond; strait-jacketed by fiscal austerity; unable to operate a bankrupt DFC and a near insolvent social security; suffering from surging levels of poverty and neglect; and shunned by international concessionary lenders disgusted with the last Administration's thievery of public monies. The UDP's overwhelming priority was thus to replenish the state's coffers; restore local and international confidence; rescue citizens desperately in need of relief; and bring back integrity to the Office of the Prime Minister whose outgoing PUP occupant had, in 2005, been presented with a certificate of corruption by Union and Civil Society leaders.

Belize and Mexico Sign MOU to Foster Business Relations
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed recently between Belize and Mexico with the aim to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations between both countries. The MOU was signed on Thursday, September 10th at the Centro de Convenciones Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico on the occasion of the “Foro de Cancun 2015.” The Hon. Erwin Contreras, Minister of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection signed on behalf of Belize while Mr Francisco N. González Díaz, Director General of ProMéxico, signed on behalf of Mexico. The signing was witnessed by Quintana Roo’s Governor, Roberto Borge Angulo. The MOU sets forth the procedures of co-operation for the expansion of investment and trade relations between Belize and Mexico, including the strengthening of institutional relations and capacity building through mutual cooperation between the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and ProMexico.

Misc Belizean Sources

First Friday of October Trash Pickup. Tres Cocos!
Come on out and join the fun!!!! Join us at the Paradise Theatre (just north of the bridge) for our monthly two hour roadside and beach clean up! Locals, expats and tourists are all invited to help out and show some Isla Love! Please be there by 9:00 am :-)

Saving Belize's Scarlet Macaws
Have some time to hear about our efforts? You can come do the Belize Audubon Society's Urban Birdwatch in the morning in Griga, then my talk in the evening. Double for one trip! Sunday October 4th Pelican Beach Resort, Dangriga. An "evening chat' with Belizean Roni Martinez of the Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team!

Changing the Conversation
TEDxBelmopan will be hosted under the theme, Changing the Conversation, in an attempt to prompt discussion on issues affecting Belize and the world at large. As the world advances, and Belize with it, this generation is more aware of the importance of changing the conversation on how we perceive and do things. It is our hope that attendees will be inspired and moved to dig deeper into these issues and continue the discussions long after TEDxBelmopan. October 1, 2015 9:00am - 3:00pm CST

5.1 quake offshore Belize about 30 minutes ago startled some Belize City residents.

SBDC Belize Workshop: UNDERSTANDING TRADEMARKS
Free Workshop Date: October 1st, 2015 9am to 12pm. LOCATION: BELTRAIDE OFFICE, BELMOPAN Time: 9am to 12pm. Trademarks are an extremely valuable asset that not only help sell a business's products or services but also have tangible value. For many, a trademark is the means by which the customer identifies and distinguishes the products or services of one company from those of another. This presentation aims to take the mystery out of trademarks, explains what they are and how to obtain rights in them, and provides a brief overview on how to protect them. The presentation is aimed at business people within a company who seek a basic knowledge of trademarks and why they are important. Presented by: Mrs Candace Westby Fisher, Deputy Registrar, BELIPO

September 10 should have been Belize's Independence Day
By Wellington C. Ramos. Any Belizean who was born in Belize prior to the 1960s attended the Battle of Saint Georges Cay Day Parade, which was held on September 10 every year. During those days, all Belizeans would gather at their schools with the adults and men dressed as Baymen to be a part of this patriotic parade. As time went by the People’s United Party (PUP), under the leadership of George Cadle Price, decided to conduct a different day for the parade. Not only did they conduct a different parade but they also changed the name of the Queen from Queen of The Bay to Miss Independence. This dispute continues up to today because the UDP still support the Queen of the Bay and the September 10 celebrations, while the PUP support Miss Belize and the Independence Day celebrations held on September 21 of each year. We now have two national holidays in one month, which is senseless, costly and inconvenient for most of us, when we could have just decided to make September 10 our Independence Day. This move by the PUP began the separation of the festivities between the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Belize. According to a testimony given by the late Philip Goldson, a man I consider to be our best National Hero, George Price even said that the Battle of Saint Georges Cay that occurred on September 7-10, 1798, was a myth. This is despite the fact that there is overwhelming evidence to support that these battles did in fact happen.

BELTRAIDE participates in the Caribbean Investment Summit in London
The Belize Invest arm of BELTRAIDE, represented by Mr. Brian Lin, Manager of Investment Genegration, BELTRAIDE, participated in the Caribbean Investment Summit in London, United Kingdom on September 10, 2015 hosted by the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). The summit forms part of a larger project developed by CAIPA to promote investment opportunities in the Caribbean to potential investors in Europe. BelizeInvest highlighted a list of upcoming projects that were selected based on a criteria suggested by CAIPA. The projects include: * GSR Energy Ltd. : Bio ethanol plant and co-generation facility * Orchid Bay Belize : Commercial residential and resort development * Mel Ltd. : Development of an international airport in Placencia Following the summit, a survey was conducted to evaluate BelizeInvest’s service during the summit.

INDEPENDENCE JUMP-UP PARADE 2015
Winners of the Independence Jump-Up Parade are as follows: Best Group Category: 1st Place - Mystic Mas Band 2nd Place - ABC Pre-School 3rd Place - Dj Debbie Best Float Category ABC Pre-School

Why another early Belize General Elections?
Now that we know that the 15th Belize General Elections will be called this November 4th, we ask "why the early, sort of scurvy call for the day?" During his tenure, Prime Minister Barrow has been a good doctor at silencing the harshest of his critics. In his September 21st Independence Day speech we noted that he took credit for more right-offs and perks for the electorate. It was just another show of a politician taking down as an entertainer. Most of the promises that he made was to create more debt for the poor and middle class. The Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) saga looming are too significant to have been put to bed this early. This hot bed of a situation no doubt has played into the PM’s calling for early elections.

Plastic..plastic and more plastic, everywhere
his past Saturday, the local Scouts of Belize and Oceana Belize participatedin in an exhausting but productive Clean Up Campaign at Mangrove Park in the Finca Solana area. The weather may have kept some volunteers away but we are grateful to all those made the effort to come out and help with picking up trash and garbage around Mangrove Park. Grateful for some of those who came out: Mayolita Santos, LeAnn Aldana, Karizia Sanchez, Jamil Nicholson, Samantha Moralez, Ryan Chi, Mery Moralez, Hector Loria and Gisellie Hernandez. Yvette Sanker Riverol. The help you rendered Saturday is appreciated by our community.

World Culture Band in Peten
The World Culture Band represented Cayo at the Peten Reggae Festival this weekend. Daniel Velazquez was there to get some fantastic pictures. "San Francisco(Peten) Reggae Festival 2015 Thousands of people took over San Pancho Peten, with a jamming Reggae music festival, our Belize World Culture band was there, good vibes! Photos by Miriam Antoinette and Daniel Velazquez"

Independence Day Parade 2015
It's been a week since Belize had its 34th birthday. The SISE town council got some great pictures. The Cayo Neighborhood Watch Association also got some good pictures. The ceremony at Falcon Field went well.

Remembering Hurricane Keith 15 Years Later
Hurricane Keith slammed into Belize’s northern islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye on October 1, 2000 leaving a swath of destruction in its wake. While always wary of storms that venture nearby, the northern islands had not been hit by a Force 4 storm for close to 40 years. What began as a tropical depression on September 28, 2000. As the storm tracked westward, it continued to intensify and was upgraded to a hurricane on September 30. Shortly thereafter, Keith began to rapidly deepen, and peaked as a Category 4 hurricane less than 24 hours later. While islanders are always keenly aware of storms due to the high vulnerability of living on such a remote and low-lying island, it usually takes days for a storm to intensity. This one caught everyone off guard! The hurricane produced a 4 ft (1.2 m) storm surge from the west. Winds were unofficially estimated to have reached 125 mph (201 km/h) on the island. In the aftermath, downed trees and power lines blocked most roads. Keith damaged the roofs of about 90% of houses. About 50% of the houses in Caye Caulker were destroyed, with reports of only five dwellings still standing after the storm.

THE WEBB: BELIZEAN SOUL MUSIC IN NEW YORK!
The 1970's Belizean band in New York called, The Webb, has passed right under the radar of many Belizean music enthusiast and has been forgotten somewhat along the way as the 1980's and 90's brought American pop music through the airwaves of Radio Belize, and later the private radio stations of Belize. They became a popular R&B; band that was made up of Belizean musicians like band leader and keyboard player, Jeffrey Adolphous, guitar player Eugene Adolphous, Patrick Pinkard on bass guitar, Patrick Flemming on trumpet and flugle horn, Erling Henderson on Saxaphone, Harrington Trapp on trombone and lead vocals, Ivan Domingo on drums, and Anthony Richards on percussions and lead vocals. They rose to American acclaim in Brooklyn, New York among the large Caribbean and American community there, playing for colleges and other popular venues in Brrooklyn New York and Bronx, New York. The Webb was produced by Belizeans Carrie Fairweather and Compton Fairweather who promoted the band among other popular African-American band like Brass Construction and Cameo.

Responsible Tour Guiding Seminars
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve invites all dive shops and free-lance tour guides from San Pedro and Caye Caulker to participate in our 2015 "Responsible Tour Guiding Seminars." Important for this year will be the recently amended Hol Chan Legislation (Statutory Instrument No. 17 of 2015) that includes the expansion of the protected area.

Channel 7

PM Calls Snap Election For Nov 4th
We all knew it was coming - and now, it's here - in 37 days, on Wednesday, November 4th - general elections will be held in Belize. It's a snap election, and a very early announcement for the Barrow administration - which will be only 3 years and eight months into a five-year term when the election is held in 5 weeks. The rumour went out like a wildfire at around 11:0 am, and by 12:30 Prime Minister Dean Barrow made it official with this statement - which was sent out in audio form initially. . The Prime Minister explained why his government wants a new, early mandate:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Having secured this period of restoration, I believe the time has come to ask you for a fresh mandate. The clean-up having been completed, the UDP must focus now exclusively on the positive, on forwarding opportunity and change. A New Belize must burst forth, where progress, prosperity and stability can reign untrammeled." "To fertilize this new bloom of change and advance and inclusion, we must re-inscribe our compact with the people. Accordingly, I have today advised the Governor General to dissolve the National Assembly and to fix Wednesday November 4, 2015 as the date for the next general elections."

PUP Leader Says His Party Ready
And so are the PUP ready? After all, pundits would agree that probably one of the main reasons driving the Barrow Administration to call an early election is the state of the PUP - which is strapped for cash, fractured by disunity and has lost three major elections this years. But today, opposition leader Francis Fonseca told the media that his party is ready, united, and focused on ejecting the UDP from Belmopan:.. Jules Vasquez "Elections was called 3 hours ago. Is the PUP prepared for a general elections in 37 days' time?" Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "We are prepared. We have been getting prepared. We ask why the sudden urgency. Just a few weeks ago the Prime Minister hinted that elections would not be until next year February or March I think he said. So the question is why? Why the sudden urgency and we believe the answer is very clear, there are looming crisis facing the Belizean nation and people. The Petrocaribe monies are drying up. The banking system is in trouble. There are so many serious problems and of course there are other issues facing the government internally that we are aware of that I think will come to the forefront very shortly and all of these things I think have led to this early unexpected call for elections more than a year early than they are due." Jules Vasquez "And then what position is the PUP in terms of: 1) its elections machinery and also that most important lubricant for all elections initiatives, money."

PM Answers The Press On Election Date
And, just in we have our interview with the Prime Minister which was conducted at 6:15 pm in Belmopan. The Prime Minister used his statement to outline the reasons for calling the earliest election in Belize's history. He spoke about a new mandate to embark on a new programme of development. But today the press probed him for the deeper reasons behind the snap election. We caught him at an event to honour Phillip Godson in Belmopan this evening - and here's the lively exchange with the media. Daniel Ortiz "Sir, why call elections early? Its 3 years and 8 months." Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Well I said that the 4 year point is the marker and so since that was my calculus, we are not too early, in terms of that yardstick. This particular juncture though, seems to me to be right. We've had a string of elections already in this current year. Everybody knew that the election was coming sooner rather than later. It struck me that let's get it over and done with, so that whoever wins can then concentrate fully on the business of governance, on the business of development, on the business of improving people's lives. If the longer I had waited, the more difficult it would have been to continue to focus on issues of governance - all important issues of governance. I hate to put it like this, but to some extent, the fact that this was an election season, was a distraction and if we had prolong it, if we had extended it, a great deal beyond today's date, it would have meant that that distraction would have been compounded."

Will Ashcroft Finance PUP?
And, so, 7 weeks of torrid campaigning begins tonight - and the greatest game changer in this election season is Michael Ashcroft. Will he fund the PUP? Or will he stand back - and count the 162 million dollars in BTL compensation that Government paid him last week? Right now that's what is called a known unknown - and today the leader of the opposition:.. Jules Vasquez "Do you expect Mr. Ashcroft to provide campaign financing for the PUP? Will anyone be reaching out to him?" Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "The question is what did the government get in return for that big cheque? That's the question. That's what you should be asking Dean Barrow. What did he bring back with him for that sweet deal that he gave Mr. Ashcroft? We have had no communication. If I do I will let you know." Ashcroft had tweeted that he would be in Belize last week - but best information says that he never arrived.

Hon. Finnegan Gets A Jump On Competition
And so in the next few weeks you can expect to see politicians beating the pavement in your neighborhood or knocking on your door - and there will also be dozens of signs going up on every corner and lamp post. One man who got a jump on the competition today was UDP Mesopotamia incumbent Michael Finnegan. He started putting up street signs this afternoon - one hour after the election was announced. Now, Finnegan had the largest margin of victory of any UDP candidate in the 2012 general election - and his is considered one of the safest UDP seats in the country. But, still, he told us he has to go to work because on an election day, any number can play:.. Jules Vasquez "Why did you feel it important to jump out of the gate, to bolt out of the gate? As the election call, your spring into action. There are signs all over Mesopotamia." Hon. Michael Finnegan, Mesopotamia Area Representative "This is what I always do. This is my modus operandi." Jules Vasquez "You won with over 81% going over 82% in the last election. You are perhaps the person who least needs to prepare."

Paul Jex, Alleged Home Invader
Former accused murderer Paul Jex was caught red handed trying to pull off a home invasion in San Pedro on Friday night. Jex, who got off for the murder of Aubrey Lopez in 2010, allegedly barged into the home of Alden Augustine at 8:30 carrying a .22 revolver with two live rounds. He trailed Augustine into the home and demanded his belongings, but Augustine put up a fight and managed to knock the gun out of Jex's hand. Jex dashed out of the house, and fell which is when Augustine and some neighbors subdued Jex and gave a him a sound beating. The home is in the area of the airstrip and police happened to be nearby. They responded immediately, arrested Jex - and later took him to the island polyclinic for the injuries he sustained when he was caught. 29-year-old Jex of the DFC Area, San Pedro Town, has been charged for Aggravated Burglary, "Kept Firearm without a Gun License" and "Kept Ammunition without a Gun License".

Cement House Drops In Ladyville
We often report on city residents whose wooden houses have collapsed but we've never seen a cement house falling before. But, that's just what we saw in Ladyville today. 64 year old retired Security Guard Vincent Bahadur and his family were inside their home on Friday night when the structure buckled on its 12 foot stilts and crashed to the ground. When we go there today the aftermath looked like an earthquake had hit. Bahadur told us today how he and his family escaped major injury, or death. Courtney Weatherburne reporting These trophies, which are the pride of this Dart playing family, once stood on a pedestal. But now, they lay bent and broken on the living room floor among the rubble. The rubble that was left after their home collapsed with them in it on Friday night. The cement walls that once sheltered and kept them safe are now cracked and crumbling And the verandas where Vincent Bahadur used to take his evening smoke caved in and flattened the rear end of this Plymouth Voyager. Bahadur was left trying to reattach the iron frame that used to be his front door. This family is lucky to be alive - they all could have been crushed inside because the fall happened so sudden.

Former Area Rep Says BWSL Should Seek Solution For Sewage, Swiftly
Since last week Wednesday, we've been telling you about the sewage problem on the Placencia peninsula. There has been a plan for an integrated sewage system in that area for almost 2 decades because the prevailing scientific wisdom is that in coastal communities, septic tanks are inefficient in keeping the nutrients generated from human waste from escaping, and it seeps into the Lagoon. That slowly poisons the marine environment, and for an area of the country which depends heavily on tourism and shrimp farming, that's a very great risk. One person who has been intimately involved in how this integrated sewage system idea solidified is former UDP Minister and three time Area Representative for Stann Creek West, Melvin Hulse. Today he outlined in detail his role in the process that has been protracted and long delayed, much to the frustration of the communities living on the peninsula. Melvin Hulse, Former Area Representative for Stann Creek West "Back in 2008, we started to aggressively pursue, because out of the blue, you would never believe a place could have started to grow and tourism took off. So we brought in Herman Longsworth. He was the chairman of the BWS board then, came into Placencia and we have several meetings with him - Seine Bight Village Council, Placencia Water Board and Seine Bight Water Board - many meetings. We were looking to tender it out so that we could get the best job because it is a big job - from the point to Riversdale. Herman said that the most qualified people really in this country would be BWS.

Two Hundred New Belizeans
213 new Belizean Citizens from 26 countries were sworn in on Friday afternoon at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan. Now, you might say it's right in time for the election, but the registration and transfer period closed on September 10th, so these new citizens won't get to vote this time around. But they did get a lesson in Civics from Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse. Here's what he said:.. Jules Vasquez reporting After an anthem by new citizen Pablo Collado the new Belizeans took the oath of nationality and then received their nationality certificates - a group from varied backgrounds: Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration "Americans, Argentineans, people from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Salvador, Sierra Leone, Trinidad, Bolivia and the United Kingdom." And while they came from all over - he urged them to adopt the official language:

Searching For The Scientific Solution
Last week Friday, we told you about the opening of the Third Annual Sagicor Visionary Challenge. Belizean high school students are being prompted to develop programs to help their country through ideas rooted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Well for the course of today and tomorrow, Chemistry teachers from all over are part of a 2-day Sub-regional Micro-Science Workshop. Its a program that UNESCO and the Belizean Ministry of Education, and the Guyanese Ministry of Education are all collaborating on to see high school and sixth form students in Belize can make use of energy and water efficient chemistry testing sets. The idea is that these students can get an intuitive, hands-on, practical education in chemistry that is cost-effective. The UNESCO representative, who is also from the Ministry of Education in Guyana, explained why this micro-science kit could be very useful:

Mercury Levels In Macal Bay Snook Alarming
Mercury Levels in Bay Snook in the Macal River have tripled - and the Ministry of Health is saying you should not eat it! A public advisory was issued today. It says that 12 types of fish in the Macal River were tested. Of the twelve, 6 had mercury levels above the recommended level - but only three of those types of fishes are normally consumed by persons living in around the Macal River. These fish include the Bay Snook, Baca and Botasi - those three have elevated mercury levels. Levels were highest in the Botasi, second highest in the Bay Snook - both species had approximately three times the recommended levels. The mercury levels in Baca were only slightly elevated. But, the Bay Snook is the most concerning. Mercury levels have increased almost three times since the last test. That means that adults can only safely eat half an ounce per week - but to be safe the Ministry of Health says, you should not eat it at all, until further notice. Consumption of the Botasi and Baca should also be limited.

The Street Sense On Elections
So the date for general elections has been set - Wednesday November 4th - we all knew it would be soon but just not this soon! That was the reaction from several people we spoke with today on Albert Street. Others were more spirited about the announcement and told us they are ready for elections in 37 days. Here is what they had to say.

San Pedro, The Road More Travelled
And while that's the mood in the city - on San Pedro, the UDP Representative is hoping that the continuation of the Northern Ambergris Road will be an incentive to voters. The Prime Minister announced in Independence Day address last week that 4 more miles of that road would be concreted. Last week, our news team got an opportunity to see it for ourselves, and here's what the Area Rep. told us: Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation "From the bridge north is 2/3 of the island. Around the Basil Jones area is the widest area of the island. Practically 5 miles wide. San Pedro itself, the town core is just about 1/2 a mile wide and again if we put everything together development wise, Grand Belizean Estate had surveyed over there and have sold practically over 2,000 lots. Government land that have been given to locals and Belizeans around the nation, there is probably another, with the past administration and this administration - there is practically another 4,000 lots that is available."

Basil Jones International?
And the plan is that road will eventually lead to an international airport on Northern Ambergris. We asked the Mayor and the Tourism Minister about the prospect of San Pedro getting commercial airlines flying directly there, instead of going to the PGIA. Here's what they had to say: Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation "There is 200 acres that is allocated for that airstrip, which I believe is more land than what PGIA have at this moment." Daniel Ortiz "We already have the PGIA. Why one specific tailored for San Pedro?" Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation "San Pedro is 30% of the entire tourism destination of this country. And to my belief it will be very soon more than 40%. And if we have a mega project which we know will happen as it happening in the Mexican territory. Once you have this mega project and the amount of people, why not have something that is readily available close to where this tourism resort will be along - complimenting what we have over here. Our local airlines will be about 15 miles away, so if anyone want to stay in our downtown hotel, they can come either by road, or if they want to make it faster they can come with our local airlines Maya or Tropic."

House For A Hero
3 weeks ago, the National Celebrations Commission held an event in memory of National Hero Philip Goldson, the super patriot who was a founding member of both the PUP and the UDP. As a follow up to that, the Institute of Social and Cultural Research today opened the Goldson House, a museum to honor the Great Man's memory and contribution. In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that this opening was convenient for his official announcement of the next elections. So, we asked him to comment on the memory of the man himself. Here's what he had to say: Daniel Ortiz "It appears that his political opponent Rt. Hon. George Price, has a position that is etched, can't be forgotten, but while Mr. Goldson was right there with him in the echelons, he appears to the younger generation such as myself to be someone forgotten. Whose responsibility for that you would say?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Well I think it's the responsibility of all of us not to forget. Of course there is stuff that authorities can do. We should be sure for example that in our schools the history of both national heroes is taught. Something like this now that we are doing under the auspices of NICH, this will no doubt help again to assist with research, with historical memory, but ultimately Philip Goldson's life was so extraordinary.

Parents At Faith Nazarene Send Their Kids Back
On Friday we showed you the latest on Faith Nazarene Primary school - when a few teachers joined the protest against their own principal. Well, after school on Friday, a group of concerned teachers and parents including PTA members met to discuss the way forward. According to a press release today, they agreed, quote, "that all parents with children at Faith Nazarene Primary School should be encouraged to permit those children, to return to classes on Monday, September 28." The release explains that sending the kids to school does not mean that parents and teachers quote, "have stopped, or will stop advocating or agitating for change at Faith Nazarene Primary - including the demand that Principal Pech cannot continue her tenure", end quote. They say they have gotten legal advice and have clarity as to the next steps forward, including a demand to be heard by the Teaching Services Commission.

Channel 5

Prime Minister Announces Election Date!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow put all speculation to rest today when he announced November fourth as the date for the general elections. Of his two terms in office, he has [...]

General Elections to be held on November Fourth!
We can’t say that the early elections are a surprise because it has been felt for some time that the P.M. would so do taking advantage of a number of [...]

Leader of Opposition, “We’re a Little Surprised”
Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca reacted within hours to the announcement of the date for general elections. Querying why so early, he said the country is in crisis and things are [...]

Francis Fonseca Says PUP is Financially Ready
With only five weeks to prepare for general elections is the P.U.P. financially ready to launch a national campaign?  That’s what we asked Party Leader Francis Fonseca earlier today since [...]

Five Weeks for Parties to Campaign
The rollout of the party’s countrywide vote-seeking activities will see an energetic campaign to shed light on a number of issues, including corruption and misconduct.  The launch of the P.U.P. [...]

How Will Social Issues Affect Election Outcome?
So, where does the P.U.P. stand on the issues of Petrocaribe spending, the nationalization settlements of B.T.L. and B.E.L. as well as the Belize/Guatemala dispute?  Well, according to Fonseca, that’s [...]

UDP Seeks Third Consecutive Term in Office
As the nation prepares for general elections in the wake of this morning’s announcement of early elections, the Prime Minister and his administration is anticipating a place in the political [...]

P.M. Barrow Sure of Victory at Polls
According to the P.M., while he doesn’t want to sound too confident or cocky, anything other than a victory at the polls would come as quite a surprise.   Dean [...]

What’s the Confusion Over Remaining BTL Compensation?
The Opposition has lashed out at one particular aspect of G.O.B.’s settlement with the Ashcroft Group - what they call a blank check issued by government. The reference is to [...]

P.M. Resents BCWU Release
Following the announcement of the settlement over the nationalization of B.T.L., the Belize Communication Workers Union fired off a nasty release aimed directly at the Barrow Administration. They followed it [...]

Francis Fonseca Vs. Carla Barnett for Freetown
Party Leader Francis Fonseca has not lost an election in the Freetown constituency where he will be facing political opponent Doctor Carla Barnett on November fourth. Since offering herself as [...]

Will P.U.P. Campaign be Funded by Lord Ashcroft?
One more issue on the elections, the leader of the opposition was also asked about financial contributions to the P.U.P. from Lord Michael Ashcroft. Fonseca’s response is that the question [...]

Caneros Murdered Execution-style in Corozal
There was a double homicide in the Corozal District last Friday. Two farmers were shot and killed in a cane-field in the outskirts of the village of Paraiso. As they [...]

Weekend Fire Leaves One Man Homeless
Police are investigating a weekend fire in City. A small house belonging to Arturo Pasos went up in flames on Saturday afternoon. Pasos lived alone in his wooden house off [...]

Mek Mi Rich Back in Court
This morning, the final case management session for the claim of Curtis Swasey against Belize Telemedia Limited (B.T.L.) and M.M.R. Belize Productions, creators of the television game show Mek Mi [...]

COLA President Takes Aim at Minister of Labor Over Rat Remark
The Minister of Labour, Godwin Hulse, last Friday, blamed the local media for inciting the international coverage of the story of the rat that bit a baby in the incubator [...]

NTUCB President on Senator Ray Davis
The National Trade Union Congress has plenty on its plate to deal with and among the myriad of issues, is the current situation involving Ray Davis. The President NTUCB, Marvin [...]

Marvin Mora Explains Process for Removing Senator Davis
While the N.T.U.C.B. is made up of ten unions, the Civil Society Steering Committee is made up of two organizations: WIN Belize and APAMO. Mora explains that the process for [...]

The Weekend Sports Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening I’m James Adderly and this is Sports Monday.   It appears the PLB football National Completion had hit a rough spot as none of the advertised match was [...]

CTV3

Businessman Concern About Treatment Receive At Border
There is a concern emerging from an Orange Walk resident concerning regulations at the Northern Border. Prominent businessman Rene Cuello says that he is completely against the system in place at Belize’s borders where Belizeans are requested by law to stamp their passports going out and coming into the country. Cuello says it is inconvenient and unnecessary. “It restrict you, sometimes you have to catch the line for nothing sometimes you only going to the casino going to spend some time you can’t casino is still Belize and what is ridiculous about it is that they want to arrest you and charge you, the law of the stamp is there because according to my understanding is that the law was there because of the Income Tax they use to ask you for when you leave Belize so you can’t go owing taxes that law has change they don’t ask you for that even if that is so you can’t go asking every citizen for income tax release we have no problem going across Mexico.”

Billions Look Out For Red Moon
On Sunday, millions of people around the world enjoyed the sight of a “blood moon”. This was the result of a lunar eclipse combined with a “supermoon” which in turn made our natural satellite appear red in colour. During a full lunar eclipse the moon is behind the shadow of the earth however the moon will actually turn red despite it being behind the earth. The reason is simply because the light of the sun hits the earth’s atmosphere curving around and hitting the moon turning it red. Sundays Blood Moon happened to be the closest supermoon of 2015, it is called a Blood Moon, because it presents the fourth and final eclipse of a lunar tetrad: (four straight total eclipses of the moon, spaced at six lunar months (full moons) apart). The tetrad (Blood Moons) occurred on April 15 2014, October 8 2014, April 4th 2015 and now September 27th 2015.

Councillor Asks For Assistance In Finding Stolen Tent
Anyone who knows Ladrick “Mad Bull” Shepperd knows that the councillor’s priority is the wellbeing of children as it pertains to sports. Over the weekend, Shepperd, who spearheads tournaments to keep the youths active, says he was targeted by thieves as they stole a tent he uses to carry out his events. Today he stopped by our studios to recount the incident and plead to the person to have a kind heart and return the much needed equipment …. “Yesterday we had the female tournament games, the Caribbean Female Tournament that was held at the technical field, so I have a team in the tournament as well so they lives in the villages and when the games are finished and like it is on Sundays I have to take the back to where they live and the tent stay there but it seems to me that someone just took it down so by the time I went back out there the tent was gone quite strange because when I have these activities the tents stays there and so it is funny to see that doing some sporting activities is when they took the tent and it is a white tent with six legs and I had to report it to the police the value of the tent is around seven hundred dollars.”

Family Speaks On Murder Of Their Loved One
Tonight Corozal Police are no way closer to solving the double homicide that occurred in that district on Friday. As previously reported, police found the dead bodies of 42 year old Rogelio Rancharan of Paraiso Village and 58 year old Vincente Cayuno, labourer of San Andres Village lying face up in a cane field in the San Comal Area located some three and a half miles northeast of Corozal Town. The men were seen with gunshot wounds to the right side of their heads. Accompanying the victims on the day of the incident was a 54 year old man who managed to escape and made the report to police. According to him, they were scattering fertilizers in the cane field when they were ambushed.

Prime Minister Calls Early Election; November 4th
We hinted at it in the news several weeks ago, he was asked about it and his response was that General Elections would not be held this year but early next year. However, rumors persisted that the Prime Minister would call elections in November. And today it was confirmed: General elections will be held in exactly 37 days, on Wednesday November 4th, 2015. The action started this morning when the Prime Minister Dean Barrow visited the Governor General’s Office in Belmopan to advise him to dissolve the National Assembly. And so, the race begins – leading to five furious weeks of activity for the political parties and aspirants. In a prepared statement, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made the announcement, just before boasting about the advancements and achievements of his government for the past term….

COLA Lashes Out At Hulse For Blaming Media On Rats Story going International
Citizens Organized for liberty through action, COLA, says it finds the comments of Minister Godwin Hulse last Friday quote, “to be disturbing in the extreme,” unquote. Viewers may recall that last Friday Minister Hulse blamed the media for over sensationalizing the rat incident at the Western regional Hospital that eventually made its way into international news outlets. COLA, in a release issued today, says that this is an unwarranted attack on the right of free press to be relevant and thorough in the coverage of matters within the country. This, COLA adds, should not be allowed by the Belize media. COLA further called the Minister’s position on the matter a representation of how comical government officials are. While the minister contends that the images paints a nasty picture of Belize, particularly the health system, COLA says that it is the way government has covered up numerous scandals that is nasty.

4.9 Earthquake Shakes Honduras
An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale occurred this Monday morning in the island of Roatan Honduras. The quake was felt in cities like La Ceiba and Tocoa, and some parts of Belize. The Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (Copeco) reported that the phenomenon occurred at 7:36am with 50 seconds and had the following coordinates, 17.04 kilometers North and 86.20 West. According to Jose Jorge Escobar from the Department of Physics in the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, the phenomenon was caused due to the activation of a local failure and accumulation of force on the border Cocos and Caribbean plates.

New Surveying Technology Introduced To Farming Industry
Inspection Robotica and Skynet a professional robotics services company and an aerial services company respectively are seeking to introduce some state of the art technology to Belize that they say will greatly improve efficiency in various working sectors. Representatives, Jake Brown, CAO of Inspection Robotica and John Ferguson, CEO at Skynet were in Orange Walk today to provide a demonstration of their joint venture to several representatives of organizations and companies. The team flew on of their drones above a sugar cane field about a mile off the Yo Creek Road. Jake Brown “We can collect information on propel we can do 3d point modeling, contour maps, topography using laser beam to basically penetrate the ocean floor and map the sea floor so it is a very broad scope of what.”

LOVE FM

Prime Minister Announces Date for General Elections
Tonight Belize’s House of Representatives has been dissolved by the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young … and in thirty six days, the country’s electorate will be going to the polls to elect thirty one Area Representatives. A recording of a statement by Prime Minister Dean Barrow was released to the media today in […]

Ministry of Health Warns Fish Consumers
A recent mercury test conducted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the Belize Electric Company has led to the cautioning of fish consumers particularly in the west. The testing was done on 12 types of fish taken from the Macal River. Of those twelve species, fifty percent of […]

Teachers and Parents Tells Authorities They Will Not Stop
Last week we told of the Teachers Services Commission requiring that some concerns be addressed by the Faith Nazarene Primary School following a request for the transfer and the long leave for the school’s Principal, Policarpia Pech. Following that decision, there was an appeal by the school’s General Manager, Raymond Sheppard as well as an […]

Fonseca Asks: Why Now?
The rumor mill began churning some weeks ago where predictions for the elections were leaning more toward early 2016. Just recently and on several occasions, the People’s United Party has challenged the Prime Minister to call the elections now. Well, it seems Barrow has done just that and now the Leader of the Opposition is […]

Barrow Reminds Belize What They Found in 2008
Interestingly, both on the social media and in the streets there have been talks in some corners of the People’s United Party not being a viable alternative since it was under their last administration that secret deals were signed and the Super Bond was established and the key players in those deals remain at the […]

PUP Says the Money Is Coming and They Are Ready for Elections
So, with the elections coming up in about five weeks, leaving very little time for the opposition and third parties to prepare for battle, we asked Opposition Leader, Francis Fonseca just how ready is the People’s United Party; considering how financially strapped they were in the last two bi-elections and the municipals. According to Fonseca, […]

Fonseca Says He Has Freetown Covered
For over four decades Prime Minister Dean Barrow has maintained his seat as the Area Representative for the Queen Square Division – one of the thirty one seats in the House of Representatives. His counterpart in the opposition, Francis Fonseca, however has only been in the Freetown Division for 12 years. It is pale in […]

PlusTV

PUP says they are prepared and ready
The Opposition party, People’s United Party, has been predicting that the elections would be sometime soon, and they have been saying in the House of Representatives, “Call the elections now” but even the leader of the Opposition, Francis Fonseca, had to admit that they were still a bit surpr...

General Elections set for November 4th 2015
It was widely speculated that this political term- 2012 to 2017- would end with an early elections to be called no later than the beginning of the year 2016. Some political observers even went as far as predicting that the elections would be called as early as November 2015; and for good reasons too...

Goldson House officially inaugurated
Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a Belizean National Hero, was laid to rest in 2001. He undoubtedly had a significant impact on the development of the Nation of Belize and has been so honored in 1989, when the Belizean government renamed the country’s international airport the Philip S. W...

Earthquake Tremors Felt in Belize
There have been reports of earthquake tremors felt in the country of Belize. Those tremors would be because there was an earthquake sometime around 1:30 this morning, off the Northern Coast of Honduras. It was recorded as a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. There were no reports of damages....

Don’t eat Bay Snook from the Macal River
The Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory on the mercury levels of fish in the Macal River and have stated how much of the Macal River Fish can be eaten per week in order to remain safe. 12 types of fishes were caught from the Macal River of which 50% had levels of mercury above the recomm...

Mek Mi Rich case to go to trial
This morning, the final case management session for the claim of Curtis Swasey against Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and MMR Belize Productions, creators of the television game show Mek Mi Rich, was held before Justice Courtney Abel in the Supreme Court. Trial in the matter has been set for Decembe...

Cola Lashes out at Hon. Godwin Hulse for “rat” Comments
In an interview with the media on Friday, Hon. Godwin Hulse made comment on the Western Regional Hospital’s rat dilemma and the fact that the story of the rat in the baby’s incubator made international news. The minister in essence said that the story was given too much attention by the ...

Breaking Belize News

Atlantic Bank Semi-Annual Pre-Owned Auto Show is back again!
Visit Atlantic Bank’s Belmopan Branch in Garden City Plaza on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with over 25 pre-owned vehicles on sale from auto dealers in Belize. Take advantage of same day approval, 100 percent financing, quality affordable cars and attractive interest rates. All you need […]

Man to serve jail time for firearm offences
He swore he didn’t know anything about it, but 29 year old Kenroy Gillett of Central American Boulevard will spend at least the next five years in jail for a firearm. Police say they found the firearm at his residence in 2012. Gillett was found guilty by Chief […]

PUP says they are ready for elections
The People’s United Party (PUP) leader Francis Fonseca said the PUP is ready for general elections, following the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier today that elections are set for November 4th. Fonseca said in addition to the party being prepared for elections, he believes his seat in Freetown is secure. He said of […]

Mek Mi Rich case to go to trial
This morning the final case management session for the claim of Curtis Swasey against Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and MMR Belize Productions, creators of the television game show Mek Mi Rich, was held before Justice Courtney Abel in the Supreme Court. Trial in the matter has been set […]

Two detained for firearm theft
Police have detained two persons of Belize City pending investigation after a Ladyville resident reported that his licensed 9mm Glock pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, went missing from inside a car that he was in. 44 year old Fedencio Vasquez made the report on Thursday, September 24 and the […]

Man loses firearm in Corozal
A resident of San Andres Village, 68 year old Francisco Domingo, reported on Friday, September 25, that sometime between September 19 and 24, his licensed Stevens brand 16 gauge shotgun went missing along with 5 cartridges. The gun is valued at $150.00. Police are investigating.

Minor charged for pen gun
While on a mobile patrol in the Salvapan area of Belmopan, around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, September 26th, police officers noticed two male persons walking and one of them dropping an object to the ground. The males were escorted back to the area where the object was dropped and officers […]

Prime Minister calls general elections for November 4
Asking the people of Belize for a “fresh mandate” to “focus now exclusively on the positive, on forwarding opportunity and change,” Prime Minister Dean Barrow has just announced via radio that he has asked the Governor General to dissolve the National Assembly and set general elections for November 4, […]

Overpowered burglar charged for gun offenses
A 29-year-old resident of the DFC Area in San Pedro Town, Paul Jex, has been officially charged for the offenses of “Kept Firearm without a Gun License” and “Kept Ammunition without a Gun License”, after he attempted to commit a burglary with a firearm and was subdued by the owner […]

COLA condemns Hulse for blaming media in rat coverage
In a press release issued by Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) this morning, President Geovanni Brackett condemned the comments made by Minister Godwin Hulse, who suggested that the media should be sensitive when covering certain incidents, such as the incident at the Western Regional Hospital where a rat […]

General elections to be held on November 4th 2015
Multiple sources have confirmed to BMG that Prime Minister Dean Barrow went to Governor General Sir Colville Young asking to dissolve the House of Representatives and Senate in time for general elections to be called on November 4, 2015. The Prime minister had said he would call elections by the fourth […]

Area of low pressure North of Yucatan maintains relatively unstable conditions over our area
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with cloudy spells today and cloudy skies at times tonight. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms will occur mainly over the North and some coastal areas. Winds will be blowing light to variable and the sea state will be […]

Early morning earthquake sends panic waves to the shores of Honduras
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the shores of Honduras this morning as many Belizeans prepared for work. Luckily there are no major reports of destruction in that country. Today’s earthquake was located at 16.61 N ; 86.34 W with a depth of 10 km. Its distance was located at […]

Blogs

Second annual Barts Bash 2015
On Sunday, September 20, 2015, at 9:30 AM prompt, 26 sailing vessels manned and crewed by Belizeans were at the line when the horn sounded the start of the 2015 Bart’s Bash Belize in the waters off Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro. The skies were murky grey, and the skippers tried to find and catch the mere puffs of wind that rose and died from varying directions here and there along the course. The fleet was so becalmed that it took a few frustrated skippers more than 10 minutes just to cross the start line. The windlessness lasted well into the race, but at long last one of the squalls approaching from the northeast arrived, and with it winds up to 25 knots. The course circuit that had taken one Hobie Wave over an hour to complete on its first lap took 14 minutes to complete the 2nd and last time around.

Maybe a Bit Late…San Pedro’s Independence Jump-Up 2015 Parade is One of my Favorites, Part One
San Pedro…for the first time ever…postponed until the following weekend. And added on some additional entertainment. I was a little worried – about the weather…about the turnout…but there was NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! San Pedro rocks. And though insanely HOT, it was so much fun. I took 357 photos, that I whittled down to about 110. I’m just going to show you a whole bunch. Bottom line: SO MUCH EXCITEMENT and SO MUCH ENERGY. The Gilharry bus was parked by Central Park and this man wanted to pose for me. They hail from Corozal, have a full set of horns and are hugely popular.

“The Street Parade” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
We rather fortunately found a parking space in Angel Coral Street (back street) and took the short walk to Pescador Drive (middle street) and positioned ourselves close to Pirate’s Pizza under what I think is the only tree in the street. The sun was beating down and the shade of the tree was a cool haven. We weren’t the only ones to secure shady spots to witness the pageantry. We’d probably been there around thirty minutes ( I can’t be precise because I no longer wear a watch) when the barriers that had been in place to prevent ‘normal’ traffic from entering the street were removed. The cavalcade was on its way. And then it arrived, with as always, the San Pedro Fire Department heading the procession.

Yvette Sanker Riverol and her Environmental Group step up again!!!
I am once again featuring the good environmental work of the youths of Corozal. It is wonderful to know that the youths are being guided by a dedicated leader in keeping Corozal clean and beautiful!!! Yesterday's Coastal Cleanup with Scouts of Belize and Oceana Belize was tiring but productive. To those who made an effort to go out to help in the clean up we are eternally grateful. Mayolita Santos, LeAnn Aldana, Karizia Sanchez, Jamil Nicholson, Samantha Moralez, Ryan Chi, Mery Moralez, Hector Loria, Gisellie Hernandez and Team Coordinator Yvette Sanker Riverol, the help you rendered yesterday is much appreciated. Thank you!

San Pedro is at its best when there is a parade going on, Part 1
I’d say we should have a parade every month but I think we might already be close to that, on average. This parade forms along the sandy waterfront stretch of Boca del Rio before looping through town. As we did last year, the Tres Cocos Gang met up at Wayo’s bar to watch the parade pull together like a long colorfully beaded necklace with the Caribbean blue backdrop. As the last unit passed we quickly made our way down to the Holiday Hotel where we could enjoy an hour’s respite with cold drinks and a cool breeze as marchers gamely made their way through town, down Middle Street. As they made their turn onto Front Street, it was an easy skip for us to the second-floor balcony of the holiday for an aerial view of festivities. In Part 2 I’ll add photos from the happy conclusion in Central Park where the always incredible Gilharry 7, “Belize Number 1 band!” pumped up some major jams. That conclusion also included flying colored chalk, the mayor dropping candy from a helicopter and mad dancing under an incredibly hot sun.

THE 15TH BELIZE GENERAL ELECTIONS
Yesterday and tomorrow, September 27th, and September 29th, the United Democratic Party (42nd) and the Peoples United Party (64th), 50 years after self-government and 34 years after Independence, will have marked the respective anniversaries of their founding. No other parties have governed Belize. Sixty five years ago the months of August, September, October and November were a tumultuous time in the political annals of our beloved nation. The fierce battle for self-determination was fully joined and arguably Belize’s two greatest national heroes, the architects of the modern Belize, were leading the way shoulder to shoulder. I note with some satisfaction that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has now began to pay tribute and salute them, and so too collectively have the nation began to look beyond the lines wreaked by partisanship, to their partnership welded by history. I doubt though, that that is what the PM intended when he concluded his Independence Day speech:

Weekend event crawl
There is no better way to start our annual Independence day parade than on a full stomach. My first choice, Sandbar and Ice n Beans were closed, so close by Melt Cafe was next in line. I usually order a Royal with Cheese there but this time I decided to go for something different and the fried egg is what clinched my decision. I have to say this is the best breakfast sandwich I have had at a sit down restaurant so far – they also do to go. I do wish they did not list meat as extra on the menu but it is possible they are catering to the vegetarians in that decision. Unless you are veg who would not want bacon as a regular option?. (My other favorite breakfast sandwich take out is the bacon and egg Johnny cake from Ruby’s) We finished breakfast just in time to watch the paraders make their way through town. On the way to find a spot we stopped at a side street store and enjoyed a funny non camera moment as 2 paraders dashed away from their group for a beet stop. The crowd on Middle street made for our decision to head to front street to find a less populated space to catch the parade coming in.

San Pedro’s post-parade is pretty in pink in the park — and blue, yellow, orange . . . Part 2
San Pedro’s deputy mayor Gary Greif stepped into the cool shadows of the Holiday Hotel lobby shortly after the end of the Independence Day Jump-up Parade on Sunday. It was hot out there. And it had been a long and exhausting march for all. (See photos and read about the parade here.) But Gary was excited: “We’re on our way to Central Park. There’s going to be a big surprise there in about 10 minutes! Don’t miss it.” By the time we got the the park, it was already packed and every spare chunk of shade had already been staked out. But what the hell, the Gilharry 7, the finest show band in all of Belize had just started turning up the heat from the stage. Fans were squeezed into a five-foot deep swath of shadow in front of the stage. The swath deepened as the sun set but not fast enough to cover the masses drawn out by the driving pumping beats of the band. Suddenly the front of the stage erupted in gauzy clouds of pink, blue, green orange with hardly a breeze to bear them away. Little color packet “bombs” were sending a rainbow of corn starch and baking soda over the fans closest to the stage.

Orange Walk Carnival 2015 by Will Moreno Photography
Take a look at this years Orange Walk Carnival in Belize. Photos by Will Moreno Photography.

Best Entry wins $200.00BZD – Citizenship: Why I will vote on Nov 4th 2015
Election Date has been set for November 4th, 2015. Michelle Obama once said that you should not be cynical about politics – Voting is an important part of democracy and extremely important to forge a nation forward. Additionally, we the people elect our leaders who are accountable to us ….When you don’t participate, you allow someone else to make a choice on your behalf. In commemoration of voting in the upcoming elections- Please write a short 500-1000 word essay or submit a video presentation-5 -10 minutes long Citizenship – Why I will vote on Nov 4th 2015. Win $200.00 BZD Deadline for Essay is 10/23/2015.

Top 5 Reasons to Use Air Travel in Belize
Belize is a beautiful country, where you can travel to wonderful destinations for world-class diving, birding, zip-lining and even dining. But when it comes to transportation, you may be left scratching your head as to what is the best option? The answer is easy – flying of course! Not only does a flight on board Maya Island Air cut your travel time by more than half, but it is also one of the most safe and affordable ways to travel the country. Here are our Top 5 reasons why Air Travel is the best way to Travel in Belize: Cut Travel Time : The journey can be just as thrilling as the destination, but arriving at your destination as early as possible, allows you to enjoy more of the sights and sounds offered. A Wonderful View: Air travel offers breathtaking aerial views of the vast forests and Great Barrier Reef that simply aren’t matched traveling by land or sea.

International Sources

Earthquake monday morning, Mag 5 in French Harbor, Honduras
A moderate earthquake with magnitude 5 (ml/mb) was reported 30 kilometers (19 miles) from French Harbor in Honduras on Monday. All ids that are associated to the event: us20003pnj. Unique identifier: us20003pnj. Exact location, longitude -86.4012° West, latitude 16.6231° North, depth = 15 km. Global time and date of event 28/09/15 / 2015-09-28 13:37:04 / September 28, 2015 @ 1:37 pm UTC/GMT. A tsunami warning has not been issued (Does not indicate if a tsunami actually did or will exist). The temblor was reported at 07:37:04 / 7:37 am (local time epicenter). The epicenter of the earthquake was roughly 15 km (9 miles) below the earth’s surface. The epicenter was 104 km (65 miles) from La Ceiba (c. 130 200 pop), 92 km (57 miles) from Trujillo (c. 9 600 pop), 37 km (23 miles) from Coxen Hole (c. 7 500 pop). Nearest cities/city/villages to epicentrum/hypocenter was La Ceiba, Trujillo, Coxen Hole (min 5000 pop). Nearby country/countries, Honduras (c. 7 989 000 pop) (That might be effected).

Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Belize's Ambergris Caye
When it comes to the Central American country of Belize, there is certainly no lack of places to explore. The country, which borders the Caribbean, boasts more than 200 islands or “cayes” scattered around the world’s second-biggest barrier reef. The largest and most visited of the islands, Ambergris Caye is a haven for nature lovers, food aficionados and party animals. Here’s how to make the most out of this vibrant island. Eat Get a taste of Maya culture at Elvi’s Kitchen, a popular dining spot for tourists and locals that started as a carry out window more than 40 years ago. On Friday evenings, the buffet highlights the best of traditional dishes such as pork pibil wrapped in banana leaves, handmade tortillas and Pollo Tikin Xic — grilled chicken marinated with oranges and Maya spices. For more local taste without the frill, El Fogon serves up a spicy, deep-fried fish of the day that keeps the place packed. A full cocktail menu makes it easy to spend a full evening here. Sleep For groups, Grand Caribe offers condos with views of the Caribbean Sea. Located two miles north of San Pedro, Grand Caribe is a good location for those who prefer to be away from the center of town. And for romance and luxury, Matachica Resort will deliver. Honeymooners revel in the property’s secluded location and hospitable staff. The day can be spent nestled under a palapa on the white sand or at the freshwater infinity pool.

Caribbean Association of Banks endorses SWIFT’s KYC Registry
SWIFT today announced that the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), with regional membership of 45 financial institutions across 16 countries, endorses The Know Your Customer (KYC) Registry, a centralized repository that maintains a standardized set of information on correspondent banks’ requirements for KYC compliance. Joanna Charles, Chairperson of the CAB, says, “In keeping with the CAB’s mandate of advocacy and the strengthening of the regional financial services sector, we strongly support SWIFT’s global initiative to reduce the cost and risk related to know your customer correspondent banking compliance. Our members actively exchange a range of information and documents with their counterparties in order to achieve effective due diligence standards and meet other regulatory requirements. The KYC Registry enables member banks to proactively share information with correspondent banks, increasing efficiency, reducing cost and allowing our region to demonstrate transparency and KYC compliance more effectively.”

Oil Prices and the Future of Petrocaribe
On June 2005, upon the initiative of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Venezuela, agreed on the creation of Petrocaribe, a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen energy security in the Caribbean and Central America. Today 19 countries are part of this regional initiative, as five nations joined Petrocaribe in subsequent years: Haiti (2007), Nicaragua (2007), Honduras (2008), Guatemala (2012) and El Salvador (2014). Since its creation, Petrocaribe has served as an important financing mechanism for oil-importing countries in the region. It introduced a lending scheme for oil purchases from Venezuela where conditionalities adjust to price fluctuations among predetermined thresholds. As a result, if the oil barrel falls below US$40, up to 30 percent of the bill will be financed by a 17-year loan, with a two-year grace period and an interest rate of 2 percent. Similarly, when the barrel exceeds US$40, the term for payment is extended to 25 years, with a two-year grace period and the interest rate falls to 1 percent. Member countries may also offer goods and services to pay off oil shipments.

7 Lawyers on What They Love (and Hate) About Their Jobs
Stewart Patton, attorney and founder, U.S. Tax Services Business News Daily: What do you do? Stewart Patton: I am a U.S. attorney — admitted in Illinois — who lives in Belize. I have my own practice [where] I do tax planning and compliance for Americans who live or invest abroad, with a special focus on the digital nomad community. BND: What do you love most about your job, and why? Patton: Helping people solve their problems. Many of the issues I deal with are very emotional in nature; my clients often come to me afraid for their futures — e.g., those who haven't filed in a while — or completely confused about what they should do — e.g., expat entrepreneurs trying to figure out how to structure their business. I like to take people from scared and/or confused to happy and productive. BND: What do you hate most about your job, and why? Patton: Dealing with mistrustful or untrustworthy people. Sometimes a person will think I have ulterior motives or bad intentions; other people won't actually open up to me and tell me the truth of their situation. Both of these things make it impossible to actually help someone.

Videos

September 28, 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

Letter to the Editor: La Isla Basura
To the Editor: We came 10 years ago for our honeymoon to La Isla Bonita and had returned for our 10 year anniversary on La Isla Basura. This visit had turned out to be a mistake. For some years your island had been a secret tip for travelers. Nowadays there is nothing left to brag about except the myth of some “secret beach”. This time we stayed North as we thought the new road would bring what seemed to have been missing for some years. From the beginning we had noticed sewage on the lagoon side leaving infested waters, stinking smell with a possible health risk for everyone. Rebar, piles of concrete and other construction material were just thrown into nature. Styrofoam, plastic and other trash items are carelessly lining the sides of the road on this La Isla De Plastico. Occasionally placed “No Trash” signs are surrounded with large trash piles. Quite annoying for tourists is the endless number of advertising signs lining both sides of the road North. It gave us tourists the feeling and looks of a trashy Mexican highway rather than an island flair through nature.

Wolfe’s Woofer: New Bicycle
At the little outdoor restaurant I told the lady, “I’ll have three panades and three tacos.” While I was sitting at the big picnic table my friend Jorge came in. He ordered and took a seat at the table with me. “Where have you been, Jorge?” I asked. “I haven’t seen you lately.” “I been on the mainland,” he said. “I work in San Ignacio five days and I come home on weekends. You ain’t seen my old lady have you?” “Not in the last week or two.” “I just got home an hour ago and she and the boy both gone. I know they around ‘cause there’s clothes on the line and the house is unlocked.” “She’s probably out visiting her friends,” I told him. “Hey, Papa!” It was Jorge Junior, who came riding up on a brand new bicycle.

Police Report
Possession of Controlled Drugs:On Tuesday, September 22nd at 4:10AM, acting on Special Branch (SB) information, a team of Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and SB personnel headed by Police Constable # 772 Roy Ek conducted a house search at the apartment room of 19-year-old Luis Castellanos in the San Mateo Area, San Pedro Town. Also present at the time were 19-year-old Amaru Barreto and 20-year-old Juan Carlos Villatoro. The search led to the discovery of a transparent plastic bag containing 50.2 grams of suspected Cannabis.
Wanted suspect found: Ernesto Bernardez, who was wanted by the San Pedro Police Department regarding shooting and robbery investigations, has been found. Acting on San Pedro SP intelligence, a team of SP and CIB conducted an operation on Ladyville Village on Wednesday, September 17th where Bernardez was detained. He has since been brought back to the San Pedro Police Station to face charges.

Doctor Love: Friendships and Cheating
Dear Doctor Love, On my daughter’s fifteenth birthday we are planning to have a quinceaños party for her. It is not an elaborate party compared to some that we have seen on this island but my daughter is well known and has a lot of friends. Her friends will be invited along with their parents. Three months ago she had a fight with her best friend. This is one of those fights where both say they will never speak again and spend a lot of time pretending to ignore each other. These girls have been close since primary school and always went everywhere and did everything together. In my heart I know that eventually they will make up. This brings me to my problem. My daughter says that she does not want her ex-best friend to be invited. I talked to the friend’s mom and she said that her daughter says that if she is invited she won’t go. The mother and I had a good talk and we can’t figure out what to do. Please help.

Misc Belizean Sources

In far corner in blue shirt, hand on chin, Tux Vasquez (FIRED) Gee!! it must be the BLUE Shirt.

Fashion Show
So thankful for a sun kissed turn out- yesterday's Fashion Show. Thank you to resort owners and Tiki fashion designer Kirsten Miglio and her partner- Dale Milio, vibes by Warren Riker Alvaro & Gabby, Jewelry by Lindsey Hackston , photographer Kim Welsh press/bloggers tacogirl.com, models, friends, and staff ( Ak'bol yoga retreat and Eco-resort ) for making the MOLLiKULTRA Launch a success! Special thanks to Micki Denney Peevy & Keith Peevy 16 different looks on 8 Belizean beauties. Great job ladies!

Let the fun begin!
San Pedro Independence Parade photos

Poets Corner: Value for money
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Politicians are employees We transform them to rats guarding cheese Is there any requirements? Canvassing for endorsement Is just another way of seeking employment? Electioneering is an application For the electorate to consent to them running the nation They are nothing but managers of the nation’s wealth Boy! It's pure mediocre deals we are being dealt They should get annual appraisals Then increment approval The prime minister and the governor general share executive powers But Sir Colville has become a rubber stamp governor A former NIP member Has somehow become a follower Once the PM used to have to negotiate For any bill that passed through the senate Making sure it was in the people’s interest Dame Minita did not just acquiesce We need a new governor general be my guess

The Reporter

Caribbean coming together to discuss future of financial sector
Key figures in respective banking, financial and offshore sectors from across the Caribbean and Central America are scheduled to meet this week in Curacao for the first of two gatherings to discuss the obstacles facing the financial sectors in the region and solutions to reduce vulnerabilities. The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) in conjunction with Caribbean-Central American Action (CCAA) will host a workshop on Caribbean Banking and the Caribbean International Financial Services Sector in Curacao, from September 30th to October 1st. The workshop will discuss in detail, the challenges facing the Caribbean Basin and acts as a precursor to the Global Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), scheduled to take place in Bridgetown, Barbados, late in October 2015. Heavyweights in the region’s institutions, including central bank governors and private sector financial institutions to will be in attendance to discuss three key topics: correspondent banking, remittances and the offshore industry. Many countries in the region, including Belize have already started feeling the effects of increased regulations in regards to correspondent banking and the offshore financial industry.

Rare Super Blood Moon to be visible Sunday night
A rare Super Blood Moon will be visible in most parts of the world, including Belize, on Sunday night as a lunar eclipse, coupled with a “super-moon”, a full moon at perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth, take place creating the effect. The Earth’s shadow will start making its way across the moon at 6:11 p.m. Belize time. The total eclipse begins at 8:11 p.m. and will peak at 8:47 p.m. ET. The total eclipse will last about 72 minutes. The moon will become the ‘star’ of the night sky as it turns red in color during the unusual phenomenon, which involves it appearing 14 percent bigger. The strange coloration will come as the light from the sun shines onto the moon after being refracted and scattered through the dust in Earth’s atmosphere as the planet passes in between the two, casting a shadow and causing the eclipse.

Breaking Belize News

Remembering Danny Conorquie in Georgeville
This weekend saw a series of events organized in memory of Special Constable Danny Conorquie of Georgeville, Cayo District. While on duty a year ago at the Caracol Archaeological Site in the Chiquibul Forest, without support from the Belize Defence Force, he was ambushed by a group of […]

PUP host Southside Football Marathon
The People’s United Party today hosted a Southside Football Marathon at Berger Field in Belize City featuring participation from ten teams across the City, including a few from Northside. PUP Albert Standard Bearer, Paul Thompson told us the event was meant to showcase the PUP’s commitment to greater […]

Why did Arturo Pasos’ house burn down?
A Belize City homeowner is left puzzled and homeless after fire destroyed his residence behind the CET Site in Lake Independence on Saturday. According to Arturo Pasos, he was out at work from seven in the morning and got the bad news just before noon. He says the […]

Ministry of Agriculture and DFC to assist drought-hit farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture and Development Finance Corporation (DFC) have announced an assistance package for farmers affected by drought in the Orange Walk District. On Friday 70 farmers met in San Carlos village with Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega; CEO in the […]

Young entrepreneurs in PG get assistance
Plenty Belize is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Toledo District that works to promote the health and well-being of the district’s people, communities and environment. The organization helps local community based groups to create and maintain sustainable means of generating income. Plenty also works closely with schools […]

Super Blood Moon eclipse underway
A full moon at perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth, takes place creating the blood red effect. The Earth’s shadow started making its way across the moon at 6:11 p.m. Belize time. The total eclipse begins at 8:11 p.m. and will peak at 8:47 p.m. The total eclipse will last about 72 minutes. As the […]

Belizean-American has problems getting passport
Belizean-American, Sharon Lamb, is a mother of two children and a nursing assistant who currently resides in the state of Illinois in the United States (US). She recently took her problem to the Amandala Newspaper after she applied for her passport several years ago in 2011 while in Belize for […]

Double homicide victims identified
The murder victims found in a cane field in the San Roman area of Corozal have been identified as 58-year-old Vicente Cayuno of San Andres Village and 42-year-old Rogelio Rancharan of Paraiso Village, both in the Corozal District. Both men were found with gunshot wounds to the head on Friday […]

San Pedro police find weed on plane
A large amount of cannabis was found inside the air cargo section of a local airline on Sea Star Street in San Pedro Town on Friday, September 25th. The discovery was made around 11:45 a.m. inside a DVD Player box, which contained 2.2 pounds of marijuana. The find was taken […]

Would-be burglar taken down by home owner
A resident of the DFC area in San Pedro Town was arrested by police on Friday night, September 25th, and will be charged for the offenses of “Aggravated Burglary” and “Kept Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition without a Gun License”. Police was called to a house on Lion Street where they […]

Blogs

Just One Recipe for Three Perfect Days on Ambergris Caye!
I met Laura and her husband in Placencia last November…they were just opening up Caribbean Beach Cabanas – a super cute (I MEAN CUTE) resort they bought on a gorgeous stretch of beach in Placencia Village. She also writes an amazing blog about her Ohio to Placencia experience. Pure Placencia. And now she is guest posting for me about the Placencia to Ambergris Caye experience. Eeek! I hope she likes it. Oh yes…everyone does. Thanks Laura! I live in Placencia, where I am told people come from other parts of Belize to vacation, because it is on par with Caye Caulker for laid-back slowness. Sometimes, I just crave a little action and busy-ness, and crowds! It was time to come up to Ambergris for a fun filled weekend :) We took Tropic Air from Placencia to Belize City, which if you get Taco Girl’s code, you can get 10% off–it is under $100us. We decided to save some money and take the water taxi from Belize City, and we learned that you should fly into the Municipal airport as it saves money and time.

International Sources

10 Ultimate international adventures to tick off your Bucket List before you're 40
Travel operator Contiki rounded up the Top 10 Bucket List spots around the world to get the adrenaline pumping whilst satisfying your sense of wanderlust. 7. Diving in Belize: When it comes to underwater adventures there is nowhere quite like Belize. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, this Central American gem is a diver’s paradise and its rich waters are home to various species of sharks, stingrays, turtles and barracudas. Travellers visiting in springtime might be lucky enough to encounter those infamous friendly underwater giants; whale sharks.

A financial guide to retiring abroad
Is it your goal to spend your golden years living in a hut on the beach of a Caribbean island? Or do you dream of a second act running a vineyard in Tuscany? Retiring overseas can be both more enticing and more affordable -- depending on the locale -- than retiring in the United States. But a smooth transition requires careful planning. "When you just begin thinking about it at a superficial infatuation level, it's a very exotic, romantic, sexy idea," says Kathleen Peddicord, publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, which publishes an annual ranking of the best places to retire overseas. "But the truth is that once you get into it, it's not easy." Not all of the lifestyle changes that come with moving overseas will be ideal. Retirees will want to research how the move could affect their cost of living, tax bill and health. Here are some of factors to think about before you sell your belongings and buy a one-way plane ticket:

Videos

September 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

Letter to the Editor: What are the plans for the upcoming tourism season?
Dear Editor: Well, Belize it or not, another tourist season just around the corner. I know that to many it certainly doesn’t feel like it but September is almost gone and October will fly by and it will be back to business as usual here on the island. We are all excited that Southwest Airlines will be starting flights to Belize as early as Oct. 15th! The question that remains is what changes will we see based on last season’s tourist complaints? Anything? Or are we living like the turtles, burying our heads in the sand in hopes the issues will be gone and no-one will bring them up again. Talking about it NOW makes it a PRO-active situation and not a RE-active one that is often too late. 1) The Sargasso is everywhere, have we learned anything from our neighboring countries and how to contain it? We all drive around with bandannas over our faces or holding our noses but what in reality can be done? Mexico is working very hard to keep their beaches clean AND building new beaches or extending existing ones by using sand to fill over the nasty smelly stuff. Are we?

Belize participates in 2nd Annual Bart’s Bash International Regatta
After an excellent performance in the 2014 Annual Bart’s Bash International Regatta, Belize had its sailing reputation to defend! And on Sunday, September 20th at 9:30AM, 26 sailing vessels manned and crewed by Belizeans were at the line when the horn sounded the start of 2015 Bart’s Bash Belize in the waters off Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro. The day saw superb sailing action, even in the unfavorable weather conditions. First launched in 2014, Bart’s Bash Regatta is a legitimate international sailing race for sailors from all over the world and in every kind of sailboat. On a designated date, sailors take to their home waters and sail courses that have been designed via computer program at the hands of the Bart’s Bash Committee. The Guinness Book of World Records recorded last year’s inaugural Bart’s Bash as the largest sailboat race in history. Created to commemorate a champion sailor and philanthropist, Andrew “Bart” Simpson and to support the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, Bart’s Bash is a unique sailing regatta that unites sailors from all over the world. Bart lost his life at age 37, practicing aboard Sweden’s 72-foot America’s Cup catamaran that cartwheeled in preliminaries on San Francisco Bay, California on May 8, 2013.

Letter to the Editor: Ambergris Caye to into a living nightmare
Dear Editor: Fulfilling a five year goal of living the dream on Ambergris Caye, turned into living a nightmare! Your tourist numbers are declining and will continue to decline. Assuming you arrive at your San Pedro destination safely in any of your disgustingly dirty unsafe taxies will no doubt suffer upper respiratory sickness from the unbearable Sargasso on your already minimal beaches. I am leaving San Pedro and will not recommend this as a vacation destination to any of my travel friends. Your taxi drivers have run me off the road several times during my stay here. I have also been physically injured by a four inch protruding broken arm rest while entering a taxi at night.

Project Director Mastry explains why Sunset Boardwalk is not functional yet
Since the completion of the project, the facility has been underused, with no indication when it will be fully operational as originally intended. However, the reasons as to why the infrastructure has not been put to proper use for almost two years now may finally give people a better understanding of what is really happening. According to Christy Mastry, Projector Director at Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) the issue is more of an operational management and legislative one, especially when it comes to the relocation of the boats from the east side of the island. “In this project, all of the piers were allocated through the pier owners. It is up to the municipal authorities to start setting up plans to start collecting revenues. The issue with the terminal is mainly legislation, whether they move the boats from the front of the island or not. However, the boat owners do not want to move their boats again, like I said that is a legislative issue. They claim that they need more depth in the water around the Sunset Boardwalk area, however, at the place where they dock in Belize City is far shallower than the Sunset Boardwalk. So it’s all about coming together and having the will to relocate them; the municipality and the ministerial level have to make a decision. But the project is completed and ready to operate,” stated Mastry. She remarked that the installations are very spacious, in great condition and with all the necessary facilities to be fully operational. In the future there will be additional investments to make the terminal better accessible by taxis, but before this is done, the legislative issue with the boat owners needs to be solved.

Misc Belizean Sources

SAN PEDRO HOME INVASION: INVADER CAUGHT
On 25.09.15 around 7:50p.m., police responded to an Aggravated Burglary at a house located on Lion Street, San Pedro Town. 29-year-old Paul Jex of the DFC area was found sitting on the ground. Alden Augustine of same address reported that around 7:30p.m. he arrived at home and a Jex entered his apartment and pointed a firearm at him and demanded his belongings. He stated that a struggle ensued and he managed to take away the firearm from Jex and with help of some friends he subdued him. Paul Jex was detained pending charges of “Aggravated Burglary” and “Kept Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition without a Gun License.”

DOUBLE MURDER IN COROZAL DISTRICT
On 25.09.15 at around 10:45 a.m. police responded to a report of a double murder in a cane field in the San Roman area where they saw the bodies of two male persons with gunshot wounds to the head. They were later identified as 58-year-old Vicente Cayuno of San Andres Village, Corozal District and 42-year-old Rogelio Rancharan of Paraiso Village, Corozal District. The Initial investigation revealed that while Cayuno, Rancharan and another male person were fertilizing the cane field; someone came out of the bushes and fired shots at them causing the fatal injuries while a third male person fled uninjured. Both bodies were transported to the Northern Regional Hospital.

Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development. The River & Coastal Clean-up 2015 in Sarteneja Village
Thumbs up to the Sartenja Baptist High School students that showed up this morning to take part in this countrywide activity. It is always a pleasure to see our youth taking action in such event that benefits Mother Nature and all of us! Keep the good work students from SBHS and keep the interest and motivation of making a change in our community. A special thank you to Claudia Matzdorf, Marc Fruitema, and Annalisa Sevaly!

Sept. 13th - Sept. 19th, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
Some of the best fishing of the year is in the summer nd fall here at El Pescador. It is just more likely that a person from the northern half of the US is going to visit us during the winter rather than now. So even though the fishing is at its peak we only had a few boats going out daily. Wow, three international travelers brought their A-Game this week! We get to award a rare Super Grand Slam today (9/18/15) to Ari, Martin (from the UK) got a Grand Slam on Monday and Andy (from the UK) got s Grand Slam on Thursday.

National Garifuna Council election
I will not say I am disappointed with the National Garifuna Council election that was held today in Dangriga, and the shady way the Council conducted the election, because everything they did was expected. Especially with the “family”, the top Garifuna family it seems, and their puppets decided that the lady elected in the August election was not going to operate in a way beneficial to them, so being that they seem to be all powerful they decided to have a secret elections, unknown to the Garifuna people whom name they enrich themselves on, I found out about the elections while going to the store this is because the NGC centre is one street away from my house. The “family” selected their representative today, they will continue to their self-enrichment and control of the Garifuna Council. While this organization was built to develop and unite the Garifuna people, all the “family” is doing is dividing the community. With all this said Garifuna Settlement Day is only a month away and we are more divided now than yesterday.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Belize Country Director Wildlife Conservation Society
Summary of Position Position: Country Program Director, WCS Belize Division: Global Conservation Location: Belize City, Belize, with travel to WCS work sites Position Objectives • Provide conservation and management leadership to WCS conservation activities in Belize; • Elevate and promote WCS’ work across Mesoamerica; • Lead on the establishment of program priorities, strategy, and approaches for conservation initiatives in Belize; initiate projects and provide technical guidance and management oversight to project development and implementation;

CTV3

Mark Villanueva Speaks On The Night Of His Attack
Fifteen days after he was brutally beaten and alleged tortured by his employer and cousin, 42 year old Mark Villanueva was able to relate his story. Today he spoke to us from his home and tried to remember as much as he could of what he describes as his worst nightmare. According to him, the last thing he remembers is being dragged for about quarter of a mile from his farm while tied behind a vehicle. “I was with this guy Beto Hall and I work with him and it look like he got high that night and he accused me of a weed eater and money and I left him at his camp and I went to my camp and I went to sleep and when I got up I just felt that somebody just club me on my head with something hard and from there I don’t remember nothing else until I felt he grab me again and drag me behind a car and tied me up on my hands and took me by the camp and put some weed eater beside of me and told me that I stole his weed eater and then he knocked me out completely this time and when I recall again I am at Belize hospital and all my hands are scarped up all over on my head and back and forth and I did take nothing from him God knows I no take nothing from him, the guy probably was drunk or sniffed up something.”

UDP Village Council In Paraiso Village Denies The Use Of Park
The 29th of September will mark the 65th anniversary of Belize’s oldest political party, the People’s United Party. And while it is an occasion for much celebration, there is dark cloud hanging over the activities scheduled to take place in the Village of Paraiso which falls under the Corozal North division. According to the former Chairman of the Paraiso Village Council, Reinor Castillo, the current UDP Village Council are not in agreement that the activity in commemoration of the P.U.P’s 64th anniversary take place at the Baltazar Vasquez Park. Castillo says that a letter requesting the use of the venue was sent to the Village Council but the response was unfavourable. But even so he remains optimistic and hopes that at the end the P.U.P Committee of the village will be allowed to use the park.

Corozal Police Investigates Double Murder
Two more murders have been registered in Corozal and police have launched an intensive investigation into the recent homicides. Corozal police report that they received information around ten forty five this morning from a fifty four year old man who went to the station to make the report. Police say the man said shots were fired in the San Comal Area located some three and a half miles northeast of Corozal Town. Police investigated and when they arrived at the area they found two men lying face up in a cane field, each with a gunshot wound to the right side of their heads. Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold, says the person who informed them of the shooting was reportedly with the men when they were ambushed. "At about 10:45am this morning, a 54 year old male person came to the police station and made a report of shots being fired in the San Roman area. That's 3 and a half miles north east of Corozal town. Police visited the area and upon arrival saw two male person lying face up in a cane field with what appears to be a gunshot wound to the right side of the head. Whilst the person came to make the complaint on the two deceased were scattering fertilizer in the cane field. Apparently someone came out of the bushes and fired shots at them. The two persons stayed there and the other person got away and he was the one who came to make the complaint."

US Sex Offender Charged For Sex Assault
Yesterday we told you about police in Belize City preparing a file to lay charges upon a registered US sex offender who was living in the Lake Independence Area of Belize City. And today around 1:45pm, Kenrick Bowman of a Police Street Address was read a single charge of sexual assault. The charge says authorities stems from mid-January of this year where Bowman "Engaged in a Sexual act in the presence of a 15 year-old child".

Amandala

Young boy paid “2 noodles” for sex act?
A forty-two-year-old man who has allegedly been targeting young boys on Police Street in the Lake Independence area is in police custody tonight, and it is expected that he will be charged with a sex-related offense tomorrow, Friday. Amandala has learned that the man is a convicted and registered sex offender in the US, and has been living in Belize for the past two years. Late this evening, Amandala spoke to Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, the Commander of Eastern Division Southside, who told us that he will brief the media tomorrow. Williams refused to release any information about the suspect’s identity, only confirming that he is in police custody and that the police are conducting an investigation into the matter. Even though the matter had been brought to the attention of the police since Saturday, the police had not made any report about the incident in their sitrep (situation report) as of press time tonight, Thursday.

FOB will be built on the northern bank of Sarstoon River, says PM Barrow
The Sarstoon River and the island in its midst (Sarstoon Island) have become a dangerous flashpoint in the territorial dispute between Belize and the Republic of Guatemala, which is now saying that the entire Sarstoon River, including the island, belongs to them. As a result, the Guatemalan navy has been maintaining a constant presence in Belizean waters, and has been insisting on enforcing its claim. This was demonstrated forcefully on August 16, when the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) led an expedition to Sarstoon Island and faced a blockade of Guatemalan navy boats. The resulting Guatemalan aggression against the unarmed BTV catapulted the Sarstoon Island incident into the national spotlight and led the Government of Belize to issue, in the words of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow, “a strongly worded protest note” to the Guatemalan government. Guatemala responded with a diplomatic note of its own, saying that they do not recognize Belize’s borders and that they “escort” Belize Defence Force (BDF) patrols to and from their base at Cadenas “as a matter of courtesy for which Belize should be grateful.”

“Gapi” and “Monchie” slander case continues
The slander lawsuit brought by Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar “Gapi” Vega against his political opponent, Ramon “Monchie” Cervantes, Jr., continued in the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin today. Vega brought the lawsuit against Cervantes and Fiesta FM, claiming that a broadcast from that station, which the Cervantes family aired, slandered his reputation. The allegation is that in the broadcast, Vega’s name was mentioned by Manuel Castillo, who is wanted by police for allegedly masterminding the murder of the senior Cervantes, in a phone conversation with Cervantes, Sr.’s widow about the murder of her husband, Ramon Cervantes, Sr. From the beginning, Vega has denied all involvement in the matter. At the trial today, Cervantes took the witness stand and told the court that it was his family who decided to air the broadcast, and that they did so without telling him, since they did not want him to relive the memory of his father’s decomposing body.

Girl, 8, dies in George Price Highway accident
Kaylene Luceli Mai, 8, a student of Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town in the Cayo District, died after suffering massive head and body injuries during a road accident when her mother lost control of the vehicle in which they were travelling and the vehicle overturned. Mai was taken to the San Ignacio Town Hospital, where she was declared dead shortly after her arrival. Her body was transferred to the morgue, where it will undergo a post-mortem exam to certify the cause of her death. The incident occurred at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, between Miles 68 and 69 on the George Price Highway, in front of Rumors Resort. Police reported that Evelyn Kuylen, 31, a clerk of Churchill Street, Benque Viejo Town, was travelling in her Mazda Tribute SUV from San Ignacio Town towards Benque Viejo del Carmen, along with her three children, when she lost control of the vehicle and it flipped over.

Con-artist posing as a car dealer scams victim of $10,300
A man posing as a car dealer scammed his victim out of $10,300, and has since disappeared. The man was paid $10,300 for a car in February, and has since disappeared. Dalila Osorio, 50, told police that on February 2, she contacted a car dealer to buy a vehicle for her in the United States, and gave him BZ$7,000 cash to carry out the purchase. She said that the man told her that the vehicle would be delivered in two weeks. Osorio told police that the man contacted her again and told her that he needed more money to ship the vehicle to Belize and to pay a broker. Osorio reported that she paid him an additional $3,300, thus giving him a total of $10,300.

Where is Sharon Lamb’s Belizean passport?
Sharon Lamb, a 50-year-old nursing assistant and mother of two who lives in Parks City, Illinois, USA, visited Amandala to tell us of the challenges she has faced in her efforts to collect her renewed Belizean passport from the Belize Immigration Department. Lamb said that she had applied for the renewal of her Belizean passport in 2011 while in Belize for her mother’s funeral. Unfortunately, she had to leave before getting it, and she had not returned until her arrival on September 2 of this year, for the September Celebrations. Upon her return, she visited the Immigration offices both in Belmopan and Belize City in the hopes of getting her passport, but she has been given the runaround, said Lamb.

2015 Bart’s Bash Regatta in San Pedro
On Sunday, September 20, at 9:30 a.m. prompt, 26 sailing vessels manned and crewed by Belizeans were at the line when the horn sounded the start of 2015 Bart’s Bash Belize in the waters off Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro. The skies were murky grey, and the skippers tried to find and catch the mere puffs of wind that rose and died from varying directions here and there along the course. The fleet was so becalmed that it took a few frustrated skippers more than 10 minutes just to cross the start line. The windlessness lasted well into the race, but at long last one of the squalls approaching from the northeast arrived, and with it winds up to 25 knots. The course circuit that had taken one Hobie Wave over an hour to complete on its first lap took 14 minutes to complete the 2nd and last time around.

Parents showcase Deon McCaulay souvenir pictures
A few days before the Belize World Cup Qualifiers against Canada, David “Manu” McCaulay and Muriel Neal, the proud parents of Belize’s number one striker, Deon McCaulay, dropped by our sports desk to show off souvenir pictures they had prepared for sale to fans of Deon. The framed pictures are in two sizes, with the larger (8"x10") going for $30.00, and the smaller (6"x8") selling for $15.00. And key holders are also available at $5.00 each. Interested fans can contact them at 600-7164 or 637-0948.

Redemption! Respect Verdes, respect Belize!!
After their 8-0 loss to Queretaro at high altitude in Queretaro, Mexico (over 7,000 feet above sea level) last week Thursday, September 17, Belize’s national champions Verdes FC was for all intents and purposes out of contention for a spot in the quarterfinal round of the 2015 CONCACAF Champions League tournament. But, as Verdes manager Ian Jones has said, this team is built with a 5-year plan, and there is no room for despair, despite the terrible setback. And last night at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, the Verdes club took Belize across another hurdle on the international football stage, when they posted their and our first ever Champions League win, 2-1, over San Francisco FC of Panama, which also included our first ever goal scored in Champions League play. Back in 2008, Verdes had lost a pair of Champions League matches by identical 6-0 scores to Cruz Azul of Mexico. And in the recent series against Queretaro, although Verdes had held them to a 0-0 draw at the FFB Stadium, they failed to score again in the return match in Queretaro, Mexico, where they lost, 8-0. So, the 2-1 victory over San Francisco FC was a big step forward for Verdes and for Belize football.

PLB clash of undefeateds, Verdes hosts Police United
Fresh off their impressive 2-1 victory over Panama’s San Francisco FC in the first leg of their Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League series, Verdes FC will be tested on the home front by joint league leader Police United FC this Sunday in San Ignacio. Both teams are presently undefeated after 4 games in their 10-game Opening Season schedule. (See standings below.) Only 1 PLB match was played over the weekend, a back match between Police United FC and Placencia/Texmar Assassins down at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village on Saturday night, and it was the visiting Police United coming away with the 1-nil win, courtesy of a 15th minute strike by Devon Makin. Devon was also the lone scorer in Police’s 1-0 win against BDF the previous weekend, so the budding striker will be closely watched this weekend.

Editorial: PUDP
Around this time in late September each year, both of Belize’s major political parties, the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) celebrate the anniversaries of their foundation. The PUP was established in September of 1950, while the UDP was established in September of 1973. The origins of the UDP do go back to 1951, when the National Party (NP) was organized to oppose the young PUP. In 1958, the National Party and the Honduran Independence Party (NIP) came together to form the National Independence Party (NIP). It was that National Independence Party which combined with the People’s Development Movement (PDM), founded in 1969, and the Liberal Party, organized in 1972, to establish the UDP. The surpassing relevance of the two major political parties derives from the fact that they are national organizations which are completely indigenous, completely Belizean. Belize’s is a population of multiple ethnicities and different religious beliefs. The major political parties represent the most important permanent organizations which absolutely emphasize Belizean nationality above all else, such as ethnicity and religion, the reason being that it is Belizean nationality which decides an individual’s eligibility to vote. And it is that vote in which the political parties are interested. A majority of such votes on general election day will enable the political party garnering same to form a government.

From the Publisher
Usually one of my daughters reads our editorial aloud to my dad, who can’t see well enough to read any more. For some reason, however, last Friday afternoon it was I who did the honors. When I’d finished reading, my dad said he was glad that I was courageous enough to say the things that I’d said. No, dad, I said, actually there are important things I need to say for which I don’t have enough courage. Belize is a small place, and there are sacred cows here. If you touch these sacred cows in print, even if you believe that you personally are strong enough to withstand them and their worshippers’ retaliations, you will endanger your children, your grandchildren, and your generations yet unborn. Your innocent ones will feel pain. Serious! If you look at the republics around Belize, republics which gained their independence from Spain in 1821, such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Salvador, it is for sure that you can identify oligarchical eras in these nation-states. I think Honduras and Guatemala are still very much oligarchical, but it is said that there have been some changes in Salvador.

Recommendations from Rosales
Dear Editor, 1. Congratulations are in order to our Prime Minister, the Hon. Dean O. Barrow, for explaining in detail, at our country’s 34th Independence ceremonies, his Government’s very “transparent and accountable” programme for infrastructure development, salary increases, the advancement of employment as well as the elimination of debt by our unfortunate and poor to our government hospitals. I also through this medium offer my congratulations to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Francis Fonseca for advocating “unity” of purpose by the Belizean public. Let’s hope that we as a people can discard our pettiness in politics and carry that message to fruition. 2. I ask the Prime Minister to continue his good work by reviewing the areas of medicine and foodstuff that currently carry 12.5% in sales tax and endeavor to eliminate most if not all of those taxes. 3. There are retirees and seniors who are receiving funds from Social Security, but who are at the very minimum scale or, as we say locally, “at the bottom of the barrel”. I ask for the Prime Minister’s indulgence in recognizing the need to increase the amount to those people. After all, Social Security has millions of dollars invested in its coffers that should not warrant an increase of the contributions currently paid by workers and employers.

Independence Day message of Opposition Leader highlights governance reform
The Opposition People’s United Party leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, in his brief Independence Day address, spoke about national unity, sovereignty, and the challenge of independence, as defined by the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, Belize’s Father of Independence. “Belize has claimed its place in the global community as a proud, sovereign nation deeply committed to justice and equality for all people,” Hon. Fonseca said. Hon. Fonseca, whose party has lost all elections since 2008, and is faced with early general elections, used the national platform his Independence Day address afforded him, to highlight governance reform. Before making the call for governance reform, however, the Leader of the Opposition said, “Nation- building is not about wishful thinking; it is about hard work, commitment and participation. Each of us, as citizens of our beloved Belize, has a duty and obligation to be engaged in its growth and development. This, after all, is the central message of independence. One nation, one people, united to build a strong society in which hope and opportunity abound.”

PM Barrow’s Independence Day address
On Monday, September 21, 2015, our nation took time out to celebrate thirty-four years of Independence and to honor our forefathers whose struggle and determination brought about the freedom we celebrate today. In attendance at the official ceremony of the Independence of Belize, which got underway in the nation’s capital, Belmopan, on Monday were the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow; Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Francis Fonseca; the Governor General, Sir Colville Young; the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin; the Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belisle; members of the clergy, and many other government officials, dignitaries and ambassadors who came from near and far to celebrate this festive occasion with us. In his address, Prime Minister Barrow said, “September 21, this year, arrives to the accompaniment of an even greater than usual celebratory course, and the multiple positive developments occurring during the first three quarters of 2015 have appeared to reach a flood just in time for Independence Day …” One of the main issues the PM addressed was that of the wind-up of negotiations for the settlement of the acquisition of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Belize Telecommunications Ltd. (BTL). He said that the settlements for the two utilities are “vindication of our nation’s patrimony” and that these utilities “are ours to have and hold forevermore.” He also added that small shareholders will get seats on the boards of both BTL and BEL, and that 10 percent of the shareholdings of both companies will be offered to the Belizean public

Union pickets over BTL settlement
Five days after Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow announced that he had personally negotiated a settlement with the Ashcroft alliance over government’s nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited, the Belize Communications Workers Union staged a protest of the settlement in the downtown area of Belize City today. This afternoon’s protest comes one day after the BCWU (Belize Communication Workers Union), which represents Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) workers, lashed out at the Barrow administration in a fiery press release for the Prime Minister’s unilateral settlement of the BTL issue. About 70 BTL workers carrying placards walked in an orderly fashion from the company’s Church and Regent Streets offices through Albert Street, making a circle around Regent Street between Brodies and Battlefield Park, as they picketed the Barrow BTL settlement agreement. The BTL workers, who reportedly have been banging on their desks at the company offices as a sign of their discontent for a few days now, are upset about being left out of the settlement negotiations.

Woman, 65, needs 5 pints of O-negative blood
Maria Dolores Castro, 65, was knocked down by a motorcycle as she was walking home from work at Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway, and she suffered massive bodily injuries, including fractures to two of her arms, and one of her legs. Castro was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), but doctors there said that they must perform surgery on Castro to repair her fractures, and 5 pints of O-negative blood must be obtained before they can proceed with the surgery. Castro has since been released from the KHMH, and she is at home awaiting the blood so she can proceed with the surgery. The family is now appealing to friends and the public to donate the blood.

CWU and FirstCaribbean agree to negotiate exit package
The National Assembly passed the FirstCaribbean International Bank Vesting Bill into law, allowing for FirstCaribbean to sell its assets to Heritage Bank, at a date to be announced. This transaction, however, will leave 60 employees of FirstCaribbean Bank without their jobs and now, for their sakes, it is urgent that the bank and the Christian Workers Union (CWU), which represents the bank’s employees, iron out an employees’ exit package. Representatives of the CWU and FirstCaribbean Bank held a three-hour long meeting this afternoon at the Labour Department, where Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams acted as a mediator in brokering a scheduled negotiation between the parties. Following the meeting, CWU president Audrey Matura Shepherd told reporters, “We had a very productive three-hour meeting and the Labour Commissioner served as mediator, I would say. We ironed out certain details and the good news is that now we are preparing to actually start negotiations. We won’t go into discussion on details what our difference is, but rather that we actually plotted a way forward and that we are looking forward to genuine good faith negotiations, especially since our employees are still adamant about knowing where they stand.”

The Reporter

BEL, BEWU may settle Monday, Labor Minister hopes
Negotiations between the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) over an eight percent salary raise may be settled as early as Monday, Labor Minister Godwin Hulse said he hoped for. BEL management and the BEWU are set to meet on Monday and Hulse said he expects that they can settle the negotiations then. He said the two parties are not that far apart and he doesn’t believe any industrial action will happen, as the Union had threatened to strike. According to Hulse, the negotiating teams were unable to meet this week due to a death in the family of one yof the union negotiators. BEWU Vice President Marvin Mora told The Reporter on Thursday, however, that the Union is of the opinion that BEL has repackaged the original proposal and presented it differently.

Oceana stages coastal clean-up
Oceana Belize, in conjunction with the Belize Scouts Association (BSA), held a coastal clean-up effort on Saturday morning in observation of Oceana Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean-up. According to Celeshia Guy, Oceana Belize district field representative, there were over 100 volunteers who had signed up to clean the Marine Parade stretch. The rains, however, kept some people from participating, but a little more than half of the expected number showed up to still volunteer. She added that there were also other groups and clubs scattered throughout Belize City participating in the event. Guy said this year, for the first time, the group started cataloguing the types of garbage collected so they could later analyze and determine which types of garbage are the most commonly discarded items and most problematic. The event went up until 12:00 p.m. and a final tally in regards to the total amount of garbage collected will be available later in the week. Last year over 1,700 volunteers participated in the event and collected over 11,000 pounds of trash along coastal areas. The objective is to rid those areas of garbage which would eventually end up in the seas and rivers and pollute marine life.

Will heads roll at WRH?
After learning of a rat biting a newborn inside the incubator at the Western Regional Hospital, the Ministry of Health has begun the search for who will be held accountable. Chief Executive Officer in the MOH, Dr. Peter Allen explained this week, that the ministry has started the process by writing letters to both the Regional Manager, and the Hospital Administrator, requiring them to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. The letters, Allen added, have been copied to the Ministry of Public Service in accordance with the ministry’s regulations. “We’re trying to make sure that while we do hold people responsible and accountable, we also have regard all the time for due process”, Allen said. Pending the response of those letters other members of staff may also need to explain themselves to the ministry. After a very detailed process, outlined within the public service regulations, the officer or officers deemed to be responsible, should the investigation reveal any, will face disciplinary action.

The Belize Times

Unions Awaken! – “You have taken us for fools Mr PM and we are disgusted” – Belize Communication Workers Union statement
Late last week, a series of press releases issued by three powerful unions and a civil society partner, shook the ground beneath Prime Minister’s Dean Barrow weakening legs. The statements were issued by the Belize Communications Workers Union, the Belize Energy Workers Union, the Belize Christian Worker’s Union and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Collectively, these groups represent some of the most vocal sections of non-government. In the release, the four groups revealed their serious discontent with the Barrow Administration and increasing rancorous relationship with the Government. But it was the BCWU’s release that came like an 8.0 earthquake, shaking up the UDP Government and possibly forcing Prime Minister Barrow to defer his announcement of elections, reportedly already scheduled for Wednesday October 21, 2015. Barrow’s Independence Day speech was all about politicking – with sweets and treats here and there – but his plans were derailed. What the BCWU has exposed is that the Barrow Administration is on a deadly collision course with the Unions. After years of keeping silent, Union leaders are now stepping out speaking about the disrespect showed to them by the Government. In the case of the Belize Energy Workers Union, the disrespect to their members/the Belize Electricity Limited workers has come from the Government-appointed Board led by the Chairman who is the law-partner of Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

U.S. Sex Offender under Police investigation
42 year old Kenrick Bowman, a Belizean-American national convicted of sexual offences in the United States, is under Police custody and investigation following allegations that he lured young boys into his home. Bowman was detained on Wednesday night by Belize City Police. Neighbors allege that Bowman lured young boys to his home on Reid Street by promising to give them food including Ramen noodles in exchange. Poverty and hunger are rampant among many families in Southside Belize City. Neighbors say that dozens of young boys were known to “hang out” at his home.

Rat scandal draws international shame
The shocking discovery of a large disease-ridden rat biting on a newborn baby while inside an incubator at the Western Regional Hospital has gone from a national scandal to international disgrace as news agencies from all over the world have focused their attention on the substandard state of Belize’s health system. Over the past week, no less than four major news outlets on television and print/internet have reported on the disturbing incident that occurred on Friday September 4th 2015 at the main referral hospital in western Belize. “Rat caught on camera inside incubator after biting premature baby fighting to stay alive”, read the news heading printed in The Irish Mirror newspaper. This story, which was also published on the web, has sparked major interest on social networks and was shared on Facebook by 1,938 users in just a matter of hours. The Daily Mail UK, which attracts millions of readers in the United Kingdom alone, also reported: “A parent’s worst nightmare: The horrifying moment a RAT is found in a hospital incubator – after it had already bitten a newborn baby”.

National Service Day 2015
Friday, September 19th, 2015 was observed as National Service Day in Belize – a day which the People’s United Party has declared extraordinarily special, in memory of the life and service of the Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George C. Price. In the morning, the Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, supporters and members of the Price family paid tribute to Mr. Price at a wreath laying ceremony at the site of his burial at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. The event was attended by primary school children who listened intently as the Price family remembered their loved one, followed by comments by PUP leaders who recognised Mr. Price’s selfless leadership and his undaunted commitment to Belize throughout his life. Following the wreath-laying, the Party, through its leaders and members, carried out various acts of service to commemorate the day.

Think About It
BELIZE IS IN TROUBLE: The 34TH anniversary of our independence has come and gone. We learnt no lessons. We shared no vision. We have no plans to move forward. We did not recount how we reached this destination following a long, hard journey to where we are. While there is much about our people and our country to be thankful for; there is much cause for concern concerning those things that are going wrong in our land. The Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech was just another mini budget presentation with the usual “I will spend millions on this and millions on that”. There is an absence of strategic thinking and a failure to tackle the real issues at the core of our national existence and our national well-being. For eight Septembers now we have been subjected to these Independence Day speeches while our country continues to worsen and our future becomes bleaker instead of beckoning. To be critical and blunt, the Prime Minister was helping us to hide our heads in the sand and coaxing us to deceive ourselves. It was also his poorest independence day address and his energy level was low.

Back to Reality!
I listened intently to the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech because I figured that I would base this week’s article on the content thereof. I was sure that there would be enough in there to warrant critique but alas, I was wrong. After listening to the entire speech, I was reminded of an old commercial done for the American fast food chain Wendy’s. Therein, a little old lady bought a hamburger and asked a question that has since become a catchphrase for anything lacking substance. That phrase aptly fit the moment for the only thing that came to mind was, “where’s the beef?” Not only was the speech lacking in substance, but this year’s presentation by the leader maximus was unwontedly civil and lacked the usual venomous responses to comments by the Leader of the Opposition. For his part, the Leader of the Opposition was mostly reflective and his remarks were confined primarily to the issues of governmental reforms, oversight and forward thinking. The Prime Minister is evidently at his best when provoked to quarreling and the progressive address by Mr. Fonseca seemed to have caught him off guard and threw him completely off his game. Many people were expecting an announcement of the date for general elections but there again, we were left disappointed in the end. The PM did confirm that this would be the “last Independence Day address” before those elections, but stopped short of giving us a date. It is still widely believed that elections will be held this year and even as early as November. With the PUP now finally united and in full fighting spirit, one can be sure that the man might be having serious second thoughts. I still think that it is high time that we eliminate this whole guessing game and have a fixed date for our general elections.

Francis, the better leader
The mighty blue machine has started to become its real self again. From proud Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon; from Benque Viejo to Half Moon the people are coming home to the People’s United Party. The timing is auspicious, even portentous. The people of Belize are calling out for a new direction, new Government and new leadership. About eight years of Dean Barrow and his corrupt, incompetent government have brought the country to its knees. There will be no going forward under Barrow. There is no future under his Government. The shameful legacy being left behind is that of a tiny country buried under a mountain of dent with nothing of substance to show for the billions that have already been squandered. That legacy is underscored by the Petrocaribe loan law which trampled upon the Constitution and the Finance and Audit Act. These laws were/are in place to safeguard public monies, and to require governments to account to Belizeans in an open and transparent manner. Dean Barrow is a huge let down. He is the ultimate con artist, politically speaking. Ask the Unions, ask the public officers, ask the ordinary citizen in the streets. Ask the student what they think of him. Ask the thousands of innocent Belizeans who have been victimized out of jobs, scholarship and land.

Belize, Young School & Vibes Alive win in O.W. U-12 football
In the Under-12 8-a-side football tournament, Belize, Young School and Vibes Alive teams posted wins. Blackwater conceded to the Belize team by forfeit. Meanwhile, Young School enjoyed a 3-1 win over Juventus in the second game of the afternoon. Calvin Reid struck the first goal for Young School, but Zidane Escalante soon equalized 1-1 for Juventus. Esmir Vasquez scored a second goal to give young School a 2-1 lead at intermission. After the break, Allen Castillo put the game on ice with a third goal for the 3-1 win. Vibes Alive enjoyed a 2-0 victory over the Centaur Minions in the third game of the afternoon. Carlos Canelo and Luis Sosa Jr led Vibes’ attacks, supported by Jose Ico, Keeshan Sheppard, and Dyene Smith at midfield. Sosa Jr. succeeded in blasting home the first winning goal past goalkeeper Justin Lopez to the left corner of the net, for a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Guinea Grass, Yo Creek & Chan Pine Ridge win in penalties
Guinea Grass, Yo Creek and the Chan Pine Ridge All Stars had to go to penalties to post wins in the 2nd Round of the Orange Walk Town Sports Committee’s 8-a-side women’s football competition at the Orange Walk Technical High School (O.W.T.H.S.) field on Sunday. The defending champs, the Chan Pine Ridge All Stars, out-gunned the Orange Walk Strikers 1-0 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation period. Shamili Cal had scored for Chan Pine Ridge while the Strikers equalized 1-1. In penalties, only Chan Pine Ridge goalie Arelli Torres scored: 1-0. The Yo Creek Gladiators won 3-2 against the Atlantic Bank girls, after a nil-zip draw in regulation. In penalties, Miriam Villamil, Myra Miranda and Noemi Magana scored for Yo Creek, while only Aaliyah Leiva and Eloisa Moreno scored for Atlantic Bank.

FC Verdes shocks Panama’s San Francisco FC 2-1 – Belize to play CONCACAF Champions league rematch in October
Belize’s top striker Deon McCaulay added 2 more international goals to his tally; as he and Verdes FC of Benque Viejo stunned Panama’s champions, San Francisco FC from Balboa 2-1 in their first encounter of the CONCACAF Champions’ League at the FFB stadium in Belmopan on Tuesday night. McCaulay and Brazilian import Alcides Thomas led the Verdes’ attack, with the help of another Brazilian import Yoras Silva and Nahjib Guerra on the wings, while Mexican import Jesus “Chui” Patino and San Leobardo Mendez supported their attacks at midfield. The Panama squad had watched the Gallos Blancos steam-roller Verdes 8-0 at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro last Thursday, September 17. San Francisco FC came to town expecting to do likewise, as they had stomped the Queretaro squad 2-1 at the Maracana Stadium in Panama City on August 26. They already had 3pts from that win, and the game plan was to advance to the next round with 9pts, over Querataro who has no more games to play and only 7pts from 2 wins and a draw with Verdes in Belmopan.

10 things that derailed Barrow’s election plans
Key sources within the UDP have indicated that Prime Minister Dean Barrow diverted from his plans to announce the date of elections in his Independence Day speech on Monday. Three weeks ago, during a special Cabinet/UDP caucus the area reps voted on a preferred date but were ultimately warned by their political boss that the decision is his to make and they should prepare for October. Interestingly, during that episode Corozal Bay’s Pablo Marin pleaded to his Party leader and colleagues that he felt totally ill-prepared. This is the same Marin who is currently the source of major political embarrassment for the UDP. Barrow apparently pulled out his crystal ball or tarot cards on Monday morning and saw a sign that made him uneasy about sticking to the script and calling elections in October. There is a lot of uneasiness in the UDP today, despite being in full-fledged campaign mode as a Government for the past seven years. Things are not going well for them. Here are ten reasons why Barrow’s election plans were derailed: Worse health care system ever. The recent discovery of a rat biting a newborn inside a baby incubator at the Western Regional Hospital is indeed causing political headaches for the UDP Government, but this is only the start of the failings of a poorly managed health care system.

Independence Day Message by Orange Walk Town Mayor His Worship Kevin Bernard
Thirty-four years ago Father of the Nation George Price led Belize to independence on September 21, 1981. Google defines political independence as freedom from control by another government. From the start of the British settlement in 1638 up to a few months before independence, Belize was controlled by mother England, which exploited our land and its people mercilessly. Pre-independence Premier Price told the people that independence would mean more development for all Belizeans because for the first time we would fully control our destiny as a nation. “With independence we would have the power to use the many resources of the country for our advantage,” said Price. With nationhood our people rightly looked forward to good paying jobs for every person whose is willing to work. Today with over 12% of the employable population facing unemployment, thousands of people can’t find jobs to provide the needs of their families. And getting a job with the government, which is the largest employer in the country, is becoming more and more dependent on political connections rather than qualification.

Reality Check!
Thirty-four years ago Father of the Nation George Price led Belize to independence on September 21, 1981. Google defines political independence as freedom from control by another government. From the start of the British settlement in 1638 up to a few months before independence, Belize was controlled by mother England, which exploited our land and its people mercilessly. Pre-independence Premier Price told the people that independence would mean more development for all Belizeans because for the first time we would fully control our destiny as a nation. “With independence we would have the power to use the many resources of the country for our advantage,” said Price. With nationhood our people rightly looked forward to good paying jobs for every person whose is willing to work. Today with over 12% of the employable population facing unemployment, thousands of people can’t find jobs to provide the needs of their families. And getting a job with the government, which is the largest employer in the country, is becoming more and more dependent on political connections rather than qualification.

PUP leader calls for firing of Health Minister
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca, has brought pressure on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to fire Corozal politician Pablo Marin as Minister of Health. Under Marin’s watch, the Ministry of Health has been dragged through all sorts of scandals throughout the entire term of the Barrow Administration. There have been scandals involving pharmaceutical hustling, missing equipment, infection outbreaks due to poor maintenance, and stealing of hundreds of thousands of dollars. There have also been tragedies including the death of 13 babies at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, about a dozen maternal deaths due to improper care at other hospitals, all causing pain for Belizean families. The most recent fiascos, the discovery of a rat biting a baby in an incubator and the sudden death of a mother shortly after giving birth, have hit new lows.

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – SCAPEGOAT
The dictionary defines a scapegoat as a person or group that is made to bear the blame for others. According to the Old Testament, on the day of Atonement a priest would confess all the sins of the Israelites over the head of a goat and then drive it into the wilderness, symbolically bearing their sins away. Another definition is a person who is used to lay blame on for all that goes wrong, regardless of the contributions of others. Interestingly, in Spanish the term for scapegoat is “victima propiciatoria.” To propitiate is to appease. There is a great short story in modern literature by Anatole France named “Putois.” In French putois means skunk, but in this short narrative Putois is a mythical person to whom the townspeople ascribe everything unexplainable or evil. The author in a humorous way is able to make sharp commentary on the human propensity to find a scapegoat to explain away the experience of evil. For instance, in the story a confirmed spinster suddenly became pregnant. No one ever saw her with a man, yet she was definitely with child. Of course the people whispered that it was Putois who impregnated her. Putois was conveniently blamed for everything, with one intelligent character ironically informing the people that they must think twice before concluding that Putois did not exist, as this would have deprived them of an important article of faith.

Joe & Fonso turn rat experts
It is most times comical to see how the two UDP mascots, Joe and Fonso, bend in all directions to defend the corruption and gross incompetence of their government ministers. This week, they spent a lot of time fuming on the Belizean public and denouncing “attacks” on their dear Pablo Marin for the scandalous rat attack at the Western Regional Hospital. Right on cue from lead UDP mascot, dutty mouth Michael Finnegan, Joe and Fonso claim that Pablo couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the rat. “I cyant see how dem blame di Minista,” bawled Joe. The Wave dirty duo spends their day coming up with ways to launch smear campaigns on Belizeans especially strong women like Audrey Matura Shepherd, Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Lisa Shoman. This week, they turned on the nurses at the Western Regional hospital.

Independence Day Address by Francis W. Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party
The Governor General His Excellency Sir Colville Young and Lady Young Prime Minister Honorable Dean Barrow and Mrs. Barrow My Lord Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Mrs. Benjamin Our Most Reverend Bishops and Members of the Clergy Members of the National assembly His Worship the Mayor of Belmopan City Mr. Khalid Belisle Members of the Diplomatic Corp Our Public Officers and Members of our Security Forces Invited Guests, Friends My Fellow Belizeans, Today we celebrate our 34th anniversary of Independence.

An Alternative to the ICJ
What is the single most important change Independence brought to a small nation like Belize? Under colonialism as British subjects, we were obligated to them. As Belizeans, we are now responsible for ourselves. This I.C.J. Proposal in its intent and purpose should be as important as the very soul of our independence because that is what is being questioned. Yes sir, Belize IS an independent nation and has been so for 34 years! This is no time for misinformation, half-truths, or deception. The smallest mistakes can and will change what the past 33 years have been known as. For those of you who say you were against the “Heads of Agreement” but yet you embrace the “Compromis”, you stand on double standards. So what concessions did Guatemala make for us in the Compromis? What concessions are we asking from them now? And do you realise that going to the ICJ means we are willing to give up something, if it comes to it? There is no difference with this and its predecessor in its intention “to remove us from our homes”. When will somebody who goes abroad as a representative of this nation stare, not return like a puppet, to parrot what has been said, what they were told, and what they are to say to us. Do any of you even know what we deserve?

Belize Chamber of Commerce calls for transparency of the BTL “Settlement”
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) stands by its position made six years ago that it was not necessary for the Government of Belize to expropriate BEL and BTL. Despite our reservations regarding nationalization, BCCI recognizes the efforts made by Fortis and the Government to arrive at a common agreement for the settlement of BEL. The ownership of BEL is no longer in question and the final cost of the settlement was made public to the Belizean People in clear and transparent language. The BCCI is most concerned at the method of Prime Ministerial Governance displayed with regard to the BTL settlement. The Prime Minister unilaterally negotiated and bound our country to make a $162.7 MM payment with the possibility of yet further payments due at the conclusion of the still outstanding Dunkeld arbitration case.

Breaking Belize News

GSU bust Cayo resident for weed
A second male person was arrested and charged for the offence of “Possession of a Controlled Drug” in the Cayo District yesterday morning around 7:30 a.m. While on special operations in Esperanza Village, members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) on the strength of a search warrant, visited a house […]

San Ignacio man charged for drug possession
Alexander Rios, a 29-year-old resident of the Santiago Juan Layout in San Ignacio Town, was arrested and charged for “Possession of a Controlled Drug” on Friday, September 25th, after police on an anti-drug operation searched his home on the strength of a warrant and made the discovery of 38 grams […]

Motorists avoid death in PG accident
Several people are lucky to have escaped serious injury after a Toyota 4-Runner they were traveling in flipped in the New City Area of Punta Gorda (PG) Town a short while ago. Reports are that about 5 persons were inside the vehicle driven by a Belize Defense Force […]

Three avoid serious injury in accident
Three persons are lucky to have escaped with only minor injuries after being involved in a traffic accident on the Stann Creek Valley Road yesterday evening, September 25th. The accident occurred at mile 21 around 4:15 p.m., when Keith Emmanuel, a resident of Belmopan City, was travelling from […]

San Ignacio police celebrates officers of the month
The San Ignacio Police formation held its monthly general meeting and inspection yesterday, September 26th, where four officers of the month were awarded as opposed to the standard two and another two officers were awarded by the selected inspector, Mayor Earl Trapp, for being immaculate during the inspection. The four […]

Moist and unstable conditions prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies with some showers, thunderstorms and periods of rain, mainly in the North and over the sea today. Showers and thunderstorms will continue tonight, mainly along coastal areas. Winds will be blowing from the Southwest this morning, then from the South-Southeast […]

Blogs

Sargassum is gone! Rain is here, but slow season still has a lot of fun going on!
The big news at Caribbean Beach Cabanas recently is that Sue and Carlos are officially our new managers!! They have moved in on site and we have been very busy finishing up the main house. Dave and I will be renting out the 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment upstairs, and it turned out absolutely amazing. After a few more touches pictures will be up. We will live in it part of the year and rent it part of the year, and I KNOW the guests that stay there are going to be amazed!!! Sue and Carlos are SO GOOD that recent guests have written me personal emails to tell me what a wonderful job they did. We are thrilled to have them! Although the rain has picked up, especially at night, it has been spectacular here. The Sargassum is gone!! It was so pretty today that Victor and Jacobo, and Carlos took a break from working today to throw a line in the water.....they have been hard at work getting the new house done, we are 90-some% of the way there! Pictures to come soon. But check out this water!!! The rain has finally come in after a mini dry season in August. It has been raining off and on during the days, but mostly at night. There is still plenty of sunshine and breaks from rain to totally enjoy your vacation, and although a lot of places close in low season, there is plenty open. We had a great time last night at Rick's Cafe, and then found a lively group at Tipsy Tuna. There was a huge party at Yoli's last night, and plenty of other activities to keep you as busy as you want to be!

International Sources

US congratulates St. Kitts, Belize on independence anniversaries
The United States has congratulated St. Kitts and Nevis and Belize on their respective independence anniversaries, saying that their partnership and bilateral work in the region “can only serve to strengthen our relationsh­ip.” “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Belize as you celebrate the 34th anniversary of your nation’s independence on Sept. 21,” said Secretary of State John Kerry. “When he spoke at midnight on the day of your independence, the Rt. Hon. George Price committed Belize to preserve and promote the peace, stability and prosperity in the region of the Caribbean and Central America,” he added. “The United States is proud to work alongside you in these noble endeavors,” he continued. “Our partnership and bilateral work in the region can only serve to strengthen our relationship – a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.”

Don Bohning, who spent 3 decades as a Latin America correspondent, editor for the Herald, dies
Don Bohning, who spent three decades building up the Miami Herald’s Latin American coverage, died early Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 82. From the mid-1960s to the turn of the century, there was scarcely a war, coup, revolution, massacre, assassination, volcanic eruption, hurricane or other act of political or environmental mayhem that Bohning didn’t cover. And when he couldn’t get there himself, he was editing copy from an all-star cast of reporters he assembled that won two Pulitzer Prizes under his command. “In the early 1980s, when the country suddenly woke up to the importance of Latin America, the Herald’s Latin Desk was a Murderer’s Row of great correspondents: Guy Gugliotta. William Montalbano. Juan Tamayo. Bill Long. Sam Dillon,” said Tim Golden, a Herald foreign correspondent of that era, ticking off a list of reporters who were the elite of American foreign correspondents. Gugliotta discovered just how highly esteemed Bohning was in the eyes of Caribbean politicians one morning when George Price, the eccentric but charming prime minister of Belize, popped in without warning at the old Herald building on Biscayne Boulevard, having flown to Miami and then taking a bus to see Bohning for an impromptu chat. Minutes later, two harried Secret Service agents burst into the Herald lobby, frantic that their charge had wandered away. Bohning was nonplussed neither by the arrival of Price nor that of the distraught agents. His patience and tranquility in the face of maddog dictators and penurious publishers were legendary. He stayed calm even in the face of the serial catastrophes that marked his attempt to cover the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983.

The enduring class panto behind the Cameron biography
ike any self-respecting avenger, Lord Ashcroft believes that to settle a grudge with an act more grievous than the initial affront constitutes entirely natural and defensible behaviour. Perhaps, to judge by his bold advertisement of grievance, Ashcroft even hopes his implacability will raise him in national esteem, while his enemy, David Cameron, comes crashing down. In his preface to Ashcroft’s Revenge, as the sarkily entitled Call Me Dave should, for accuracy’s sake, be subtitled, our embittered citizen of Belize chronicles the slights that – according to Senecan convention – now justify the sacrifice of his dignity to character assassination. To sum up: Ashcroft gave the Tories tons of money; Cameron didn’t offer him a decent job in return. For those who elect to live and die by the honour code of the non-dom, this appears to be pretty much up there with the abduction and ravishing of a chaste and beloved daughter. But if his colossal load of resentment is ever to bear fruit, Ashcroft must persuade readers that the prime minister’s offences go far beyond this private betrayal of a man not many people care about. Hence – for all that it rests on evidence so non-existent as to threaten the entire enterprise – the sensational pig story that opened newspaper extracts. Of Cameron’s numerous crimes the one that dominated last week’s charge sheet, perhaps because it exercises Ashcroft most, is that of insufferable, spoiled privilege. And for any readers who, prior to Call Me Dave, believed Cameron to be a comprehensive-educated meritocrat, endowed equally with modesty and the common touch, the news must have come as quite a revelation.

Five Best Songs From Shyne’s Self-Titled Debut Album
Former Bad Boy Records rapper Shyne is the the poster child of infamy and rap. Born Jamal Barrow in Belize on Nov. 8, 1978, Shyne’s mother would move to the U.S. when he was three years old, sending for him to come live with her in Brooklyn, N.Y., at the age of eight. A product of a single family home as his father, Dean Barrow, a successful attorney who is now the current Prime Minister of Belize, was barely a presence in his life, leaving Shyne and his mother to fend for themselves in East Flatbush’s notorious Vanderveer Estates apartment complex. Taking an interest in rap, Shyne began to hone his craft by rhyming and battling until a fateful meeting with DJ Clark Kent in a Brooklyn barbershop. Impressed by the young spitter’s talent and vocal similarity to the late Notorious B.I.G., Kent took Shyne under his wing and introduced him to key players in the music industry, who were also enamored with Shyne’s potential, resulting in one of the more infamous bidding wars in rap history. Among the suitors were included Elektra, Def Jam and Interscope, but Shyne would ultimately sign with Bad Boy Records and began recording his debut album.

Cuba is getting ready for mainstream American tourism
According to travelagentcentral.com, Cuba has been a tourism giant in the Caribbean for years, catering to mostly Europeans and Canadians, but now is emerging as a leisure destination for Americans as well. Cuba offers the best of the both worlds, the hustle and bustle of Havana, the country’s vibrant capital rich with nightlife and incredible cuisine, and Varadero, a region stocked with some of the most undeveloped beaches in the world. For Latin America specialists, think Ambergris Caye in Belize. Many agents and operators have seen the writing on the wall and have also been legally selling Cuba already through the People-to-People Initiative, which requires Americans to take part in various cultural experiences in Cuba, essentially, as the name implies, putting them in direct contact with the people of Cuba with hopes of learning about the way of life in the country.

Videos

September 26, 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

30 Day Belizean Treats Challenge: Day 19 to 24
We are almost there! Only six more days to complete the Belizean Treats Challenge! Let the count down begin…

Letter to the Editor: The Catholic Church and Homosexuality
Dear Editor, My husband and I were deeply offended by the article “the church, homosexuality and the community,” written by Mr. Jorge Aldana, that was in The San Pedro Sun newspaper on September 11, 2015. It was disrespectful to everyone. You not only attacked Father Scott’s character, the parishioners of the San Pedro Catholic Church, Pope Francis, but also the foundation on which the Catholic Church was built. Even though I was brought up in the Catholic faith, I feel it is important to be respectful of everyone’s religion. We all worship God in our own way. My husband and I both had catholic education in the United States. I was born in Belize City and attended St. Catherine’s Academy until I was nine years old and moved to the United States. We have uttermost respect for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or religion. We’re all God’s children. He doesn’t discriminate. The “Bible” is the teaching of God and his apostles. It doesn’t drive people away from God, but establishes a relation with God. Mother Theresa is an example of what God teaches us to be “A servant of God.” She fed the poor and cared for the sick throughout her life. Wouldn’t it be great if each of us could follow in Mother Theresa’s footsteps?

Joel Nagel appointed as Belize’s Ambassador to Austria
Island businessman and investor, Joel Nagel has been appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria. Nagel officially took the role during a ceremony at Hofburg Palace in Vienna, where he was received by Austrian President Heinz Fischer. Apart for being appointed as Belize’s Ambassador to Austria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also appointed Nagel as the Permanent Representative to its United Nations offices in Vienna. While in office, Nagel will work to strengthen and improve the relationship between Belize and Austria. Nagel is the founder and managing partner of the international law firm of Nagel & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The firm is Pittsburgh’s first law boutique focusing exclusively on international commercial transactions and immigration. Nagel is also the Chairman of Caye International Bank, an investor of Exotic Caye Beach Resort and legal counsel and Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer for Grand Baymen Belize.

Therapist needed for burn victim
Burn Victim Mercy Fund is seeking a Physical Therapist in San Pedro Town who would be willing to contribute his/her skills to improve the life of a very special girl. The services of a physical therapist are needed to facilitate the releases of nine-year-old Katerin Michel Perez from Shriners Hospital for Children (Burns Center), to return to Belize. Her return home can only be determined by whether or not her therapy can be continued here. It is essential to finding a therapist able and willing to contribute to the ongoing care of the burn patient who has limited resources.

Verdes FC still hoping to advance Champions League Quarterfinals
Belize’s Verdes FC continue their journey in the Scotiabank Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League (SCCL). With three matches down and only one more to go in the first round, the Green Machine are giving it their all in hopes of making their country proud. Currently in the second position in their group, Verdes must achieve one more win in order to advance as only the winners of each group move on to the knockout stage. In their two most recent matches, Verdes FC experienced both a loss and victory. Their second match was an away game against Mexico’s Queretaro FC on Thursday, September 17th. The match was played at the Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro, Mexico. After experiencing a draw in their first match against Verdes FC during the first game on Tuesday, August 18th at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Stadium, Queretaro FC was determined to win.

Misc Belizean Sources

Supermoon Sunday evening
This weekend's full Moon is a "supermoon," as much as 50,000 km closer to Earth than other full Moons of the year. Rising in the east at sunset, the swollen disk will look extremely beautiful... because it is going to be eclipsed. On Sunday evening, Sept. 27th, the supermoon will pass through the shadow of Earth, turning the lunar disk a cosmic shade of red. What makes the eclipsed Moon turn red? A quick trip to the Moon provides the answer: Imagine yourself standing on a dusty lunar plain looking up at the sky. Overhead hangs Earth, nightside down, completely hiding the sun behind it. The eclipse is underway. You might expect Earth seen in this way to be utterly dark, but it's not. The rim of the planet looks like it is on fire. As you scan your eye around Earth's circumference, you're seeing every sunrise and every sunset in the world, all of them, all at once. This incredible light beams into the heart of Earth's shadow, filling it with a coppery glow and transforming the Moon into a great red orb. For Belize, the Eclipse of the Moon by Earth will be happening between about 8pm to 9:30pm Sunday Evening. http://shadowandsubstance.com/

Women's U-17 training rescheduled
Island athletes selected for training please take note. The Football Federation of Belize informs that training for the Women's U-17 scheduled for September 25 – 27, 2015 has been canceled due to weather conditions. Training will resume next week Friday, October 2, 2015.

RAYMOND 'SIXTEEN' THOMPSON!
The memories of this awesome Belizean boxer continues to haunt me whenever Belizeans speak about boxing. We know that Lugwig Lightburn was the greatest, and David Dakers was back to back national boxing champ of Belize, and others rose to high acclaim in the Belizean boxing world, but Sixteen, as he is called by most Belizeans, dazzled the Belizean boxing world, and perhaps sent shock waves to the Mexican fighters all the way down to Campeche, Mexico. My close up view of him at Havana Gym under the training brilliance of Eustace Vernon, and why he was so feared by many boxers in Belize, was because of how good he was, and the skill and hard work he put into his training. But Thompson was fearless, and would step away from no challenge. He was second to none, and though he fought at a lighter weight than many of the other big boxing champions in Belize in the 1970's, Sixteen flew high like he was Belize's only national boxing champion. His style, speed, and punching power was parallel to many boxers across the world and the in the United States. He was a combination of everything you can think about in the boxing world at that time. He was a fighting machine.

Statement by Hon. Wilfred Elrington
At the United Nations Summit to Adopt the Post 2015 Development Agenda

Belize Statement Interactive Dialogue
Ending Poverty and Hunger - Post 2015 Summit

INDEPENDENCE EVE 2015
57 new photos

Final Line-Up for Sunday's Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Boca del Rio Park
Thank you for registering your group/float!

Horticulture Classes Fall 2015
If you want to learn more about a wide range of horticulture subjects, there are a lot of classes coming up at the Belize Botanic Gardens Garden Shop. "If you have any question feel free to contact us at 834 - 4800, 824 - 3101, 671 - 3322 or stop by at our garden shop in San Ignacio for more information."

Channel 7

Alleged Child Predator Bowman Charged, In Jail
42 year old alleged child predator Kenrick Alston Bowman is in jail tonight. The Lake Independence man who has been in the news for most of this week - was charged for the little used offence of, quote, "obtaining gratification why he engaged in activity of a sexual nature in front of a child." End quote. He was taken to court for arraignment this afternoon - and pleaded not guilty. It brings to an end a week of intense pressure on police. But, there's a twist in every tale - and the twist in this one is that Bowman was not charged for molesting the child whose story has been on the news - the one who was allegedly involved in oral sex for two packs of Ramen noodles. The allegation is for an incident with another child - dating back to sometime in January of 2015 - a child who was only made to witness and act - not one who engaged in it. The formal charge read in court was that Bowman, for the purpose of obtaining gratification, engaged in activity of a sexual nature in front of a 15 year old child, knowing or believing that he was being observed or with the intention of being observed by the said child. Today, the southside commander Chester Williams wouldn't say much about that case, but explained why they have not brought charges for the more recent case:...

Teachers Take To Picket Line Against Their Own Principal At Faith Nazarene
The standoff at Faith Nazarene Primary School in san Ignacio is entering its fourth week - and still children are being kept at home by angry parents who want the principal gone. Today 249 of the 403 registered students showed up for school - which is not even three quarter of the total enrollment. Today parents got a permit to stage their second protest - and they got support on the picket line from teachers who stepped out during the morning break to protest against their own principal. Crazy…and we were there to witness it... Jules Vasquez reporting While children looked on in bemusement the chants were resounding: "Pech Must Go "and what made the difference today was that teachers were on the picket line - chanting and carrying signs against their own principal. At break time - it was more than idle distraction for these kids caught in the middle of a war between adults. Police not teachers had to tell the kids to get back to class - a chaotic atmosphere - hardly conducive to learning. How can school go on with all this noise outside - being generated by persons with vested interests - parents and teachers.

Trouble In Paraiso: Daylight Double Murder
There was a daytime double murder north of Corozal Town today. Around 10:30 am Two men were killed as they were working in a cane field. 42 year old Rogelio Rancharan and his worker 58 year old Vincente Cayuno were shot in the head by an unknown gunman. Police told CTV-3 they got the report from one man who survived:... Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal Police "At about 10:45am this morning, a 54 year old male person came to the police station and made a report of shots being fired in the San Roman area. That's 3 and a half miles north east of Corozal town. Police visited the area and upon arrival saw two male person lying face up in a cane field with what appears to be a gunshot wound to the right side of the head. Whilst the person came to make the complaint on the two deceased were scattering fertilizer in the cane field. Apparently someone came out of the bushes and fired shots at them. The two persons stayed there and the other person got away and he was the one who came to make the complaint." Reporter "Sir from what you found on the scene, police some sort execution style maybe?" Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal Police "Well the investigation is in the preliminary stage and I really don't want to speculate, but the two expended shells were found near both bodies."

Still No Bail For Keyren Tzib
Keyren Tzib, the Coast Guard Officer who has been charged with manslaughter for allegedly stabbing her common-law husband to death, went back to the Supreme Court today. She was hoping that Justice Troadio Gonzalez would allow her to go home until her trial starts, but the judge was not convinced that he had all the information to make an appropriate decision. In today's hearing, Justice Gonzalez commented, quote, "I am inclined to grant her bail, but my biggest concern is her mental status." End Quote. He was hoping to get a report from a medical professional which would convince him that the state was fully aware of her mental health. However, when Ingrid Bonilla Claire, a Psychiatric Nurse, took the stand and was prepared to answer his question, Justice Gonzalez was not convinced that her assessment alone was sufficient. That's when the court found out that there was no Psychiatrist currently posted in Belize City.

Are KHMH Staffers Going to Get 14%?
In the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech, he announced that the Government of Belize was going to forgive the 9 million dollar debt that the public owes the KHMH. That was the total in unpaid medical bills left uncollected. With the government assuming those impaired debts, the Board of KHMH would be able to pay for the raise that the employees of the hospital had been asking, somewhere in line with the 18% that the teachers and public officers were given. The Guardian Newspaper recently reported that this final figure that this raise will amount to is 14%. When we had an opportunity to speak with Labour Minister Godwin Hulse at an event today, we asked him if that figure is accurate: Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "The KHMH employees are not public officers, so they were not subject to that grand bonanza that the public officers were subjected to of 6 and 8 percent. However the government has to put a serious subsidy into the KHMH because it's not a self-sustaining institution and of course health is a priority. So what we have done is we have asked the board to redo their budget and as he rightly said, it's not just a hand out.

Hon. Hulse: Electricity Workers Agreement Soon
Labour Minister Hulse was also able to discuss was the status of the negotiation between the Belize Energy Workers Union and the Management of BEL on an across-the-board salary increase. The union has been threatening industrial action - but Hulse told us that, from his perspective, a resolution could be worked out as soon as next week: Daniel Ortiz "It appears that the discussions are falling away and industrial action seems to be imminent. Is that the position, since you are at a more informed position than we are in the press?" Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "No it's not at all, the discussions are definitely not falling away and we are not close to industrial action. I personally spent 10 meetings and by labour commissioner and CEO took it from there to discuss with both parties. This has gone on now more than a month almost two. There were some structural issues that we wanted to clear on both sides first. We've been at a point where we have a better clarity for management and we were hoping to meet with the unions this week but we understand from them that they had some issues concerning a death in the family of some one of their persons in their negotiating team. So as a consequence we were not able to meet yesterday, we have a plan to meet on this coming Monday. It is my hope to be able to square this away when we do meet on Monday because there has now been tremendous clarity on both sides. Both what the unions really want and what the management really wants and we are fairly confident that we can bring this together."

Contending With Coastal Sewage
If you live or work in a coastal community, the ugly truth is that every time you flush your toilet, you are polluting the seas and lagoons in your area - even if at a very slow rate. Don't get too worried because pollution is measured in parts per million. That might seem a bit too abstract, but it basically means that the higher the concentration of a hazardous substance is, the more harm it is doing. The bottom line, however, is that as you've been hearing for the past few days, communities like Placencia are more at risk. That's because the sewage system being used on the peninsula are mainly septic tanks, and those are inefficient at keeping the chemicals released from human waste from eventually seeping into waterways. Yesterday, the people from Belize Weste Control told us, an integrated sewage system, which would effectively lower this rate of pollution significantly, is prohibitively expensive - in the millions of dollars. That's money that the company does not have, and if they can't afford it for Placencia, they certainly can't do so for other coastal communities. The resident consultant engineer outlined to us what would have to happen for the company to afford these integrated systems:

Mangroves Matter
So, while the country's water and sewage services provider is waiting for a grant, the environment has a ready-made defence against such pollution. We're referring to mangrove forests, which act as a natural filtration. So, that's one more reason to keep these plants around, apart from preventing soil erosion. But, the problem, as we've shown you, is that developers cut down large tracts of mangroves to make way for their development, which is something that the conservationists are very concerned about. They discussed this with us on Wednesday: "As you fly into any one of these tourism destinations, San Pedro, Placencia, Caye Caulker, you begin to see the changes in mangrove cover and similar to shrimp farms. These mangroves help to remediate and remove some of the nutrients that's coming off from the various uses and so here we have industries that depend on high water quality. But at the same time those same industries are removing ecosystems that provide a service and help to remove a nutrient out of the system. It's not the solution for all, but it is one of those elements that add to the solution and it's not only on the mainland. We are starting to see that on very small cayes much like harvest Caye. We're starting to see dredging out at Turneff and that completely removes the cover of mangroves. We anticipate that we will see the same problems that we are seeing, in Placencia and San Pedro where you are starting to see the leachate from the septic tanks reaching out to the water and then reduction in water quality."

Is Reserving The Key To Preserving Placencia Lagoon?
So, as you've seen the Placencia lagoon is under sustained pressure, either from rapid development expansion, or from the slow pollution of the community's inefficient sewage system. That and other reasons are why the Southern Environment Association is hoping that the Government will declare the Placencia Lagoon a protected area. The Executive Director told us more: Nicole Auil Gomez, Executive Director, SEA "The Placencia peninsula is within an ecological hotspot. It's within very close range of the reef. There are patch reefs off of the lagoon itself and westward of the peninsula is the Placencia lagoon which is a critical fish nursery habitat. It's an important mangrove habitat, it has high importance value for manatees, and it would be classified as the most important sites for manatees in Belize. The Placencia lagoon has been a gap in the protected area system nationally. It has been identified by several individuals in publications and the national rationalization report that comprehensively looked at the protected area system and identified it as a gap. So the environmental association is working with the friends of Placencia lagoon through the support of the world wildlife fund. To get Placencia lagoon declared a wildlife sanctuary under the new national protected area systems bill or act that will be finalized shortly. We hope to see the process move forward that we can get that site declared a protected area."

Caught With A Single Round
Santos Lopez was arrested yesterday in Los Lagos - police searched him and say they found one round of unlicensed 9 millimeter ammunition in his pocket. Police say the resident of Trinidad farm ran when he saw them. Today in Court, Lopez told the judge that police planted the ammunition in his pocket. A please of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Still, he was remanded. We are reliably informed that LADYVILLE police are investigating him in connection with a murder.

US Ambassador Gives to Fire
Yesterday, we showed you how the US Military Liaison Office handed over an 800 thousand dollar emergency, disaster, and community center in Hattieville. Well today, that office along with the US Embassy in Belmopan were in Belize City where they handed over about 1.1 million dollars in state-of-the-art equipment to the Fire Department. We spoke with the Ambassador about this donation. The donation includes 200 personal protective gear kits, 80 breathing apparatus replacement cylinders, 12 heavy duty rescue saws, 14 combustible gas detectors, 6 vehicle stabilization kits, 4 transportable pumps, and 40 handheld radios specifically designed for firefighters. But, with all this new equipment, has the government considered replacing those ancient fire engines that the Fire Department still uses? That's what we asked Hulse today: The US Ambassador told us that there are about 5 or 6 other programs that the US Government is working on as donations to the Belize Government.

The Sanguinary And The Sacred Intersect
Usually praise and worship sessions are done in a church, at bible study or privately and those include either praying or singing hymns. But not all religions have these orthodox practices. Yesterday the Bangladeshi Muslim Community in Belize City held its own form of worship in the yard behind Red House on Vernon Street. It is known as Eidal - Adha and we went to see what it was all about. We warn you though these images that we are about to show may be too graphic for the squeamish or younger audiences…so if you don't like the sight of blood, or have kids around, you might want to take a break for about 3 minutes. Here is what we saw at the ceremony: Muslims all over the world celebrate this day every year and it is done at other locations around the country. The Muslim Community sent out a press release describing what the day signifies for Muslims. It states " Eid ul Adha is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice and commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God. This festival, is celebrated each year by Muslims all over the world."

Inside The Incubator
The Ministry of Health is spearheading a major clean up at the Western Regional Hospital. The idea is, if course, to chase out the vermin which resides in the 40 year old building. But, it was a media event tailored for only media house: LOVE TV. When we found out about it - we were told we weren't invited. So, we ended up just kinda crashing the love party - right when the infection control nurse was displaying the inside of the incubator where the rat was found:... The incubator is climate controlled - so an alarm sound anytime one of the ports is open for too long.

Hon. Hulse To Media: Let The Rat Go
And so while the infection control nurse told the media that the nursery had been cleaned just before the rat incident, Labour Minister Godwin Hulse called the media out, basically saying, "to let it go". Here's his rational: Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labour "I was a little disturbed at the massive coverage that the rat in the incubator had. Because really rats and bats are everywhere and yes it should not be there, it should have never been in the incubator etc. it's very unfortunate. Thank God nothing happened to the child but that we covered it to the extent that it got all this international coverage doesn't speak well for our country and I think sometimes we have to be sensitive on how we cover things. The nurses, we can't put that on everybody's shoulder. Rats are creative little creatures I think they've been around from the dinosaur days just like roaches you can't get rid of them and houseflies, it doesn't matter what you do, and you can only do your best.

The Vision Thing
2 months ago, we told you about how the Bishop Martin High school in Orange Walk brought home third place in the regionals of the Regional portion of the Sagicor Visionary Challenge. They developed a research program on Chaya, and that took them to the finals of the competition 2 years in a row. Today, Sagicor Life Inc. started the 3rd Annual competition by holding a workshop for the teachers in Belize. This session took place at the Biltmore Plaza hotel, and it gave us a chance to meet the winners from Bishop Martin. We took the opportunity to speak with the winners about the high-level science tour they got in the US as an award for their innovative science project. Here's what they told us: So, what are the principals of Sagicor hoping for this time around from the brilliant visionaries who will compete? That's what we asked one of the representatives today:

Channel 5

Registered Sex Offender Kenrick Bowman Arraigned and Granted Bail
C onvicted Belizean/American sex offender, Kenrick Bowman has been in the news since Tuesday for allegations that he sodomized a number of minors at his house on Police Street, Belize [...]

Why Wasn’t Bowman Charged For Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor?
Despite Bowman’s arraignment on a separate matter this afternoon, there are a myriad of questions that need answers. Those questions were posed to Senior Superintendent Chester Williams during a press [...]

Williams Says Investigation on Bowman Still Ongoing
Does the request for statements from alleged victims of Kenrick Bowman taint the partiality of the police investigation into the reported sexual offence?  That’s what the media asked the Regional [...]

Two Farmers Executed in Paraiso
Two farmers from the Corozal District were gunned down this morning in a cane-field near Paraiso, just three and a half miles out of town. The bodies of Rogelio Rancharan [...]

Keyren Tzib’s Bail Petition Postponed Pending Psychiatric Evaluation
Keyren Tzib, on remand for manslaughter, was in Supreme Court this morning for a second appearance in her petition for bail. Last week Friday Justice Troadio Gonzalez had adjourned the [...]

Sister of Thytis Blancaneaux Says Tzib Showed No Remorse
Tzib’s mother says that she is doing okay on remand because she is away from the things that terrorize her. She’s confident that everything will work out for her daughter [...]

Minerva Blancaneaux Says Tzib Needs Real Help…Not Incarceration
Blancaneaux says that her family is seeking closure for the death of their brother and son. But they also want Tzib to get the help she needs. According to Minerva [...]

Coast Guard Personnel Allegedly Detained for More Than 48 Hours
As we told you on Thursday, the Police Department is denying that there is any update in the case of the three fishermen missing for one month. The Department also [...]

Persons Detained and Released Without Charges May Sue Police
Bradley says that his client and another Coast Guard officer who was similarly detained are considering legal action against the Police. That’s because they were allegedly held long past the [...]

Minister Hulse Blames Local Media for Bad International Press on WRH Rat
A rat in the incubator!  Not only have the jarring images gone viral but the story has made headlines across the world.  Undoubtedly, the recent incident involving a rodent biting [...]

Says KHMH Needs More Rigid Bill Collecting Procedure
Minister of Labor Godwin Hulse also touched on the proposed raise for employees of the K.H.M.H.  He rationalizes the salary increase in much the same way as the Prime Minister [...]

Fire Departments Received Critical Equipment Donation
The National Fire Service is the recipient of a generous donation of equipment from the United States Government.  This morning, U.S. Ambassador Carlos Moreno was on hand for the delegation [...]

Swiss Authorities Commence Legal Proceedings Against FIFA President
Swiss authorities began criminal proceedings today against FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, the two most powerful figures in world football. The Swiss are investigating whether Blatter made an [...]

Garifuna Women in New York Sing for Pope Francis
And on a more positive note, hundreds of thousands have been turning out to greet beloved Pope Francis who is in the US on a hectic schedule.  The pontiff arrived [...]

LOVE FM

Health Regional Manager Speaks on Rodent Inside Incubator
Regional Manager Melinda Guerra spoke of the most recent incident; that of the rat found inside an incubator. Something she said she has never seen in all her years working in the health field. MELINDA GUERRA “We actually went into the room with a flashlight; we have to light all the sides of the […]

The Start of the Rat Saga Inside The Western Regional Hospital
The Western Regional Hospital has been in the news over the last few weeks after it was revealed that a rat was found in an incubator in the nursery, after having bitten a baby. The video has gone viral, garnering headlines at home and abroad. While criticisms and allegations have been flying over the airwaves […]

Hulse Says It Was Disturbing that Footage of Rat Went Viral
As it pertains to the recent video of a rodent in an incubator at the Western Regional Hospital, Minister Hulse told the media that he found the exposure that the video was given, very disturbing. GODWIN HULSE “I was a little disturbed at the massive coverage that the rat in the incubator had because really […]

Minister Hulse Speaks on The Role of Administrators and Staff at Health Facilities
And while Hulse indicates that there is not much he can say on the matter, we went further to ask him if he would lobby for more monies to be invested into the health sector and diverted from other areas considering the recent negative light being shed on Belize’s health sector. While Minister Hulse agreed […]

Hospital Staff Agrees to Aid in Curbing Wastage and Expenses
With the issues in the healthcare sector being primarily finances coupled with human resources and with the staff at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital recently lobbying for a raise in salaries, the Government of Belize and the negotiators came up with what would seem a win/win situation. Minister Godwin Hulse explains. GODWIN HULSE ” […]

Pastor Says He Was Jilted and Mocked
There is another complaint being made tonight to Love News and this time it is by a Pastor. Pastor Llewellyn Lucas also known as Pastor Lue is making two complaints; one against the Police Department for abuse whilst in their custody and another against Wil Maheia for not paying his accommodations in Punta Gorda which […]

Belizean American Says Immigration Lost Her Passport
Tonight there is a complaint being made against the Belize Passport Office. Sharon Lamb, a Belizean-American has told Love News that the last time she visited Belize, her Belizean passport was about to expire so she decided to renew it before returning to the US. Lamb was to pick up her renewed passport the same […]

Seventeen More Peace Corps Volunteers in Belize
Yesterday, seventeen new Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in at a special ceremony held at the San Ignacio Hotel in the Cayo District. These new volunteers will work over the next two years in communities across the country to provide capacity building and community development support for the Rural Family Health Project. In concert with […]

PlusTV

200 new Belizeans with elections around the bend
It is looking like election time is pretty close. We say that because of the large number of persons who became Belizean Citizens today at a Swearing in ceremony late this afternoon. Unfortunately, just before general elections are called every four to five years, there is a rush by politicians to g...

Accused pedophile arrested and charged
The 42 year old US registered Sex offender who has been accused of molesting a minor in his home on Police Street in Belize City has been arrested. His name is Kenrick Bowman, and Belize City police officially arrested and charged Bowman this afternoon sometime after one o’clock. The charge is fo...

Fire Service given U.S. donation
The U.S. Military Liaison Office (USMLO) of the U.S. Embassy in Belize has made a donation of equipment to the National Fire Service as part of its humanitarian assistance program, following yesterday’s dedication of a new community center in Hattieville. We hear more from U.S. Ambassador to B...

Senator Hulse discusses BEL agreement
The Ministry of Labour has had to intervene in two separate labour disputes in recent weeks – staff of First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) and the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) with FCIB management, and the Belize Energy Workers’ Union (BEWU) with Belize Electricity Limited ...

New Training equipment for Georgetown Technical H.S.
The Head of Delegation for the European Union to Belize, Ambassador Paola handed over training equipment valued at over 1 million dollars to Georgetown Technical High School (GTHS), located in the Stann Creek District on Wednesday 23 September, 2015. The modern state of the art equipment is for prac...

Keyren Tzib still not granted bail through the Supreme Court
Keyren Tzib has still not been granted bail by the Supreme Court. Justice Troadio Gonzalez said today in court, “I am inclined to grant her bail, but my biggest concern is her mental status.,” and with that her case was adjourned again for next week Friday, October 2, 2015. Last week at the first...

Special Needs girl Carnally known
A special needs female was reportedly taken advantage of sexually. An 18 year old Female of Esperanza Village, Cayo District along with her aunt, reported that on the 14th of September she was carnally known. The female was called over to a house in the village by seven male persons known to her on...

The Reporter

Help Age Belize salutes “Golden” citizens
HelpAge Belize is encouraging Belizeans to honor the elderly during the upcoming celebration of Senior’s Week. The week will be celebrated from September 26 to October 3 with the theme “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment.” HelpAge branches countrywide will hold events throughout […]

Fire Department gets $1.2 million donation from US
The Belize National Fire Service received a donation of BZ $1.178 million worth of new equipment from the United States Military Liaison Office (USMLO) at a handing over ceremony on Friday morning aimed at improving the department’s services, efficiency and providing greater safety for firefighters. US […]

Credit Unions hold financial literacy competition
The Belize Credit Unions League held its Belize district school quiz competition at the Holy Redeemer parish hall on Friday morning as part of its effort to advocate financial literacy awareness in schools to help youths understand the importance of financial wisdom. Coreen Robinson […]

Sagicor visionaries challenge prepares for another round
High school science teachers from around the country gathered at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Saturday morning for a sensitization workshop on the upcoming Sagicor Visionaries Challenge. Over 30 teachers, coming from as far as Stann Creek and San Pedro, gathered to learn the […]

Mom safe, but daughter 8, dies in road trauma
A routine trip between San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Town turned tragic for a mother and her three children on Independence Day, when their vehicle overturned, killing one of the children, eight year oldKeylin. Head of the San Ignacio police formation, Superintendent Andrew Ramirez […]

New study points to link between education and early sexual activity
Data gathered from the 2014 Country Report on Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes (KAP) toward persons living with HIV/AIDS, suggest that education can curb early sexual activity among Belizean youth. The survey was commissioned by the National AIDS Commission and carried out by the Statistical Institute […]

BEWU, BEL negotiations stalled again
Negotiations between the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) and the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) management over a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including a raise of pay for employees, have stalled again and indications are that the union may soon give a directive to go […]

Verdes FC shocks Panama’s San Francisco FC 2-1 in CONCACAF Champions league
Barely a thousand fans filled a quarter of the seats at the FIFA Goal Project Stadium in Belmopan on Tuesday night, September 22, but they saw history made, as Belize’s top striker, Deon McCaulay led Verdes FC of Benque Viejo to a 2-1 upset of […]

Labour commissioner mediates meeting between FCIB and CWU
First Caribbean International Bank and the Christian Workers Union (CWU) are closer to settling matters over an exit package for workers, after a meeting this week facilitated by the Labour Department. Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams, explained on Tuesday that executives from the bank and the […]

Caribbean Villas postpones Gay Pride event
The Caribbean Villas resort in San Pedro, which offered a tourist package marketed internationally as the the biggest Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans-gender (LGBT) pride event in Belize’s history, has postponed the even. Caribbean Villas owner, Peter Lawrence told The Reporter that the event, […]

A New Party?
By Neri Briceno Why do men aspire for political leadership in Belize? The answer for this can be broken down into three distinct categories; those who do it for love of country, those who genuinely do it for love of people and those who do it for greed. Belize has […]

Parents losing faith at Faith Nazarene Primary
The student enrollment at Faith Nazarene Primary School has gone from 420 to 390 in a matter of months, with many parents still not sending their children to school amid the conflict between principal and teachers. The school’s principal, Policarpia Pech indicated to The Reporter […]

Fonseca calls for governance reform
The Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca has called for governance reform in order to combat poverty, corruption and inequality. In his Independence Day address in Belmopan, Fonseca said: “True development calls for profound qualitative change, not only of the economy but also of the […]

GOB reaches settlement over BTL!But CWU is not impressed
The Government of Belize has reached a benchmark settlement with Ashcroft’s business interests over the 2009 nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). But the Belize Communication Workers Union (BCWU) whose members have shares in the company have condemned the settlement and expressed the view that Prime Minister Dean Barrow is […]

Editorial
A major stumbling block to the settlement of the BTL dispute has always been the bizarre terms of the 2008 Loan Agreement between the Ashcroft-led Directors of BTL and British Caribbean Bank. The loan agreement was for Bz. $45 million, structured in such a way that any default by the […]

PM writes off $9M in KHMH debt
The government has written off the debt that citizens owe the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) as their “Independence Day gift” - an amount that totalled $9 million. The announcement came during Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s Independence Day address on Monday in Belmopan. It is […]

Did registered sex offender operate underage sex ring in Belize?
On Wednesday night police detained registered sex offender Kenrick Alston Bowman, for the second time. Officials say it is likely that he will be charged on Friday for an incident involving an underage boy on Saturday night. Bowman was convicted in California for oral sex with a 14 year-boy, and […]

Police commander apologizes for ‘home invasion’
Regional Commander of Eastern Division South, Senior. Supt. Chester Williams on Tuesday issued a personal apology to a Belize City resident after police ran through her home in search of some unspecified person. It is likely that this is the first time that any such action has been taken, despite […]

Breaking Belize News

Senator Hulse discusses BEL agreement
The Ministry of Labour has had to intervene in two separate labour disputes in recent weeks – staff of First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) and the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) with FCIB management, and the Belize Energy Workers’ Union (BEWU) with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) management. As we […]

Fire Service given U.S. donation
The U.S. Military Liaison Office (USMLO) of the U.S. Embassy in Belize has made a donation of equipment worth about $1.2 million to the National Fire Service as part of its humanitarian assistance program, following yesterday’s dedication of a new community center in Hattieville. U.S. Ambassador to Belize, […]

Senator Hulse predicts smooth sugar crop opening
At this time of the year, for at least the past few years, it has not been unusual to hear of rumblings of discontent in the sugar industry. With the takeover of Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) by American Sugar Refining, Inc. (ASR) and their moves toward making […]

Minister Hulse blames media for international rat coverage
Minister of Labor, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management Organization, and Immigration and Nationality Godwin Hulse said he was disturbed at the massive coverage that the rat in the incubator at the Western Regional Hospital got and suggested that the media over-sensationalized the incident, which led to negative international […]

Police investigate statutory rape case
San Ignacio police are investigating a case of statutory rape between a 13-year-old female of Buena Vista Village in the Cayo District and a 17-year-old Guatemalan male who she refers to as her boyfriend. Yesterday, September 24th, the minor along with her mother, reported that her and the Guatemalan male […]

Special-needs female claims rape
A disturbing incident in Esperanza Village, Cayo District, happened September 14th and involves an 18-year-old female with special needs. The victim reported to police that on that date, she was called to a house by several male persons whom she only knows by face. Inside the house, a female told […]

Double homicide in the Corozal District
There is disturbing news coming from Corozal Town. According to information reaching BMG, the dead bodies of two men were found in a cane field located behind the village of Paraiso in the Corozal District. Sources also indicate that one of the men was shot once to the head and […]

Police to charge U.S. sex offender after report
Belize City police are preparing to charge Kenrick Alston Bowman, a registered sex offender in the state of California who has been living in the Lake Independence Area of the City for at least two years. Reports are that on Saturday night, an alert neighbor told police he heard distressed screams […]

Man charged for single bullet and magazine
A man is pending ammunition related charges after a live 9-millimeter round and an empty gun magazine was found on him during a search yesterday. Santos Lopez reportedly ran from a police patrol that was passing through the Los Lagos area, before being apprehended and searched. He was detained after […]

Mayor: Taxes in Belize City have not gone up
Businesses, particularly in Caribbean Shores where incumbent Mayor of Belize City Darrell Bradley faces a challenge from Kareem Musa, are complaining that they pay an unfair share of the city’s property and trade license taxes without getting the requisite service. They also say taxes have gone up since he took […]

Shyne seeks legal help for return to US tour
Shyne Barrow, the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow who is also the Music Ambassador of Belize, is a widely popular Grammy nominated hip hop artist that sold millions of records in the United States until he was deported in 2009. Although Shyne hasn’t been releasing new music in the […]

Who tampered with the George Price Monument in Orange Walk?
Yesterday, a picture of the George Price Monument located on the George Price Avenue and Stadium Street in Orange Walk Town was posted on Social Media and triggered a barrage of opinions from supporters of both political parties. The Facebook user noted that the monument needed to be fixed since […]

The reason general elections haven’t been called yet
Belize is ripened with the political circus that normally accompanies the Socafest and the parades this time of the year. All these things serve as perfect distractions for our political leaders to mask their accomplishments to a drunken citizenry. So while you try to decipher what was really […]

Blogs

Exciting New Bars & Restaurants on Ambergris Caye: Nook Restaurant & Cocktail Bartique
One clever business woman, Erin, is taking a popular business that she started in Placencia, Belize and opening a “sister business” or a Part Deux on Ambergris Caye. Placencia’s popular Mojo Lounge is now in San Pedro – on the beach and called Nook Restaurant & Cocktail Bartique – and has the same funky feel as its partner biz down south. Here is Nook on Facebook. I stopped by Wednesday night for a taste, a tour and to meet the crew…I think you are going to like this spot. Every day HAPPY & A HALF 5-6:30 half price starters and half off all cocktails on the first page! $4 beer, lighthouse and stout. NOW THAT’S A HAPPY HOUR! 15% off for anyone who calls San Pedro their full time home. The bar – large enough so that they could make the sitting areas more intimate in this HUGE space. Erin assures me the many many cushions are on their way…stuck in customs wouldn’t you know?

West Bay fundraiser, San Pedro fashion show and Full Moon concert
Ak’bol Yoga retreat and Eco Resort is hosting a Saturday afternoon fashion show. Featuring Tiki designs and Mollikultra swimwear with Jewelry by Belizean Arts. The event is from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm and will have free appetizers and cheap drink specials in the early afternoon with show starting at 4:00 pm. Bean Restaurant will have entree specials for those that would like to enjoy dinner after the show. Kirsten Miglio (Tiki) owner of Ak’boL Yoga Retreat Center & Resort Belize 7 years, yoga instructor for 19 years, Mom for 18 years. Her clothing line was inspired by her nickname Tiki that she has had since being a baby growing up in St. Lucia. Kirsten has always had a little hippy dippy, edgy bohemian look to her designs and her past clientele spanned from Rock and Roll bands to Drag Queens and Club Kids.

Sometimes, ‘Belize’ isn’t the answer to all of life’s questions
If the answer to all of life’s difficult questions is “Belize,” then why don’t some expats succeed here, while others do? It is not unusual to say goodbye to someone on whom we were about to bestow with Belize-friend-for-life status. More and more, it becomes clear that if you want to be here for the long-haul you have to behave more like a Rolling Stone than a Beatle. Ok, you can insert your own pop or rock bands in there, but the point is, the Stones are still around making music and filling stadiums while the Beatles are but a fond memory. And there are reasons for that that transcend living a crazy rock-n-roll lifestyle. Sigh. Never mind. Instead of belaboring this analogy I’d like to give you some specific reasons why people don’t make the cut as ex-pats in Belize. Since I have only been here for a year and a half, I won’t pretend to speak authoritatively on this subject.

Besties
After weeks, no, months of almost no rain, the weather gods have decided we are due for precipitation. Of course, with rain and occasional bouts of thunder and lightening, it means our outside dogs spend time on the porch, in the house, and generally being underfoot. And while they frequently spend their days sleeping, no matter where they are, sometimes the monotony becomes too much and some wrasslin' needs to happen. There has been a slew, a bevy, a veritable plethora of culinary experiments going on for The Wright Table. Check them out, whenever you have a moment. Vinegar Braised Chicken, Pasta with Shrimp and Chorizo, Ricotta Stuffed Pork Chops, Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, & Homemade Pici Pasta.

International Sources

Belize Government Planning New International Airport
Belize’s government will seek to build a new international airport on Ambergis Caye, one of the country’s top offshore island destinations, said Prime Minister Dean Barrow in a public address this week. Barrow said that following the completion of an 11-mile North Ambergris Caye road project that will enhance access to regional resorts, the Belize government will “redevelop, redesign and expand” the Basil Jones airstrip at the road’s end into a new international airport. “I am also happy to announce that Basil Jones will be renamed the Efrain Guerrero International Airport in honor of the recently deceased San Pedro patriot,” said Barrow in a speech during the country’s Independence Day celebrations reported by the San Pedro Sun website. “With this, we expect a veritable tourism explosion in Ambergris Caye, which is of course already our market leader,” he added. The airport will provide easier access to the international tourism market, said Barrow. The prime minister did not outline a timeframe for development of the new facility. Belize’s Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport, located in Belize City, is currently the country’s main airport. Barrow said the government hopes “both the paved road and the airport will greatly benefit tourism and business development on Northern Ambergris Caye.”

PETROCARIBE: A Great Success of ALBA
PETROCARIBE is one of ALBA''s greatest success in these ten years, seeking to ensure a significant amount of fuel demands in the Caribbean, said today a specialist of the Center for the Study of Cuban Economy (CIEM). CIEM economist Jose Angel Perez presented a review on the development of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) 10 years after its foundation, in which he pointed out that the bloc has fostered cooperation as a way to strengthen energy security and bring prosperity to its country members. "Despite the positive impact of PETROCARIBE on the region, the current crisis of the oil value represents a challenge for the Venezuelan Government, which is the cornerstone of these mechanisms of integration", said Perez. PETROCARIBE has provided 301 million oil barrels to country members, which means 40 percent of the demand in the region, and revenues valued at $28 billion USD, of which Venezuela has already received $16 billion USD, according to data issued by the Telesur television station.

Climate change, the Pope and the Caribbean
In a little over a month’s time negotiators from around the world will gather in Paris to try to reach a final and globally binding agreement on a new treaty on climate change. It is no exaggeration to say that achieving this is of existential importance to the Caribbean. The meeting, from November 30 to December 11, will be the largest since 2009 when a similar attempt in Copenhagen failed, only to be followed by recriminations between the developed world, advanced developing nations, and those countries most at risk, over who was to blame. Since then the process has moved on and the positions of many nations, most notably the United States and China, have become closer. One general reason for this is that the two countries among many others have since the Copenhagen summit agreed to regulations, policies or laws that now enable them to make specific pledges on how they are going to cut greenhouse gas emissions, rather than the non-specific approach taken in 2009.

Videos

September 25, 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

Island triathletes star in Punta Gorda races
San Pedro star triathletes once again shone in national competitions, with Jordan Santos being part of the winning team for the Olympic Distance Triathlon and Kent “Bob” Gabourel winning the 2015 Annual National Beach Cruiser Cycling Race. Both races were held in Punta Gorda Town during the Independence Day weekend. Island athletes Jordan Santos, Brandon Santos, Kent Gabourel, Eric Donis, and Kian Ancona all made San Pedro exceptionally proud as they continue to perfect their skills in local races across the country. First to take place was the Olympic Distance Triathlon, which was held on Saturday, September 19th. 11 relay teams lined up for this event that had the participants swim 1,500 meters, followed by a 40 kilometer ride and a 10k run. A very difficult feat for any professional athlete, this race tested the participants’ utmost endurance and stamina. As the race kicked off, athletes took first to the water for the swimming discipline of the triathlon. First out of the water was 20-year-old Brandon Santos of team C-Ray Deadly, with a time 0:24:44 (hours:minutes:seconds), followed closely by his brother, 17-year-old Jordan Santos of team San Pedro Tri with a time of 0:28:26. The Santos brothers had veered off course on the return leg of the swim which allowed Deon Cus of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) team to make up time, ending his swimming segment in 0:28:56.

Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition deliver Independence Day Address; Barrow hints at early General Elections
The official ceremonies commemorating Belize’s 34th Independence anniversary took place on Monday, September 21st at Independence Hill in Belmopan City. The event sees the attendance of foreign dignitaries as well as members of the Belize Diplomatic Corp among other invited guests. Per tradition, both the Prime Minister of Belize and the Leader of the Opposition addressed the Belizean public during this ceremony, highlighting main issues and future plans for the country. After establishing protocol, Leader of the Peoples United Party (PUP), Francis Fonseca was first to take to the podium to deliver his address. In his speech, Fonseca emphasized the importance of unity and coming together in patriotism for a better Belize. “Indeed there are important lessons to be drawn from the past 34 years, but today for me, the more important question is what will we make of the next 34 years? What is our national vision for this next chapter of our young nation’s life? And are we, each of us, prepared to work, and sacrifice to achieve that vision and create the society we say we aspire to?” asked Fonseca.

Pepitos
Have you tried these? They’re actually pumpkin seeds that have been roasted and salted. Quite a treat, if you ask us! You can find them almost anywhere in the country for either $1-2 a bag. Be sure to try them on your next visit and tell us what you think Here in Belize we call them pepitos! What do you call them in your country?

Two Island footballers selected for the Belize National Male Under-16 Football Team
Ian Pou and Wilson Cruz have been selected to play in the Belize National Male Under-16 Football Team. The two island footballers were drafted for the national team after their participation in the 2015 Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Male U-15 Football Championship. Pou and Cruz of the San Pedro Male U-15, who were among the ten participating teams in the championship, will be joining young footballers from across the country to represent Belize at the Central American Football Union (UNCAF) Male U-16 Tournament. Scheduled to take place in Nicaragua from November 23 to the 29, 2015, the UNCAF tournament will feature selections from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize. Training for the Belize National Male Under-16 Football Team will commence on Friday, October 2nd at the FFB Headquarters in Belmopan. Training will be held from Friday to Sunday. Selected players are to be at FFB at 8:30AM and must bring along their passport.

San Pedro enjoys Independence Eve Celebrations
A series of activities to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Belize’s Independence took place on the Sunday evening, September 20th. This year’s September Celebrations were held under the theme “Belize Renewed, Confident, Competitive, Committed.”It all began with the official Independence Eve ceremony followed by the midnight flag raising ceremony, a grand fireworks show, and concluding with an international soca concert by Ricardo Drue at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting complex. The ceremony kicked off with the introduction and arrival of the various dignitaries. After all the invited guests were seated, the island’s beauty ambassador Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero was escorted by Deputy Mayor Gary Greif and the San Pedro High School Marching Band. There was a series of Independence Day speeches delivered that night by the town’s various leaders. Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero was first to make his speech, highlighting the advancement and transformation the country is going through under the present government. He indicated the infrastructural development that is taken place around the country, including Ambergris Caye. He also mentioned the collaboration between the central government and the municipality of San Pedro. “We are currently undergoing road works on Northern Ambergris Caye. Equally, we are making advancements in the area of sports and education with the construction of a new Ambergris Stadium and a government school. On this occasion, my wish is for all residents to join the ranks of good citizens and only then will Belize feel renewed. Until we do this, we will feel confident to face the global and social challenges that we are facing today. When we have good Belizean citizens, Belize will be competitive and strong to stand before any country in our region.

Ambergris Today

Mardi Gras Party Bus Ignites Carnival Celebrations in Corozal Town
Corozal Town has always been a sleepy town, mostly concentrated in commerce and a gateway to the Mexican neighbors in Chetumal City. But lately business entrepreneurs have been working in promoting the small town by the bay as a tourist destination with fun events and interesting things to do. Now that Corozal is also promoting a Carnival Parade during the Independence Day celebrations of Belize, for the second consecutive year D Spot Lounge has been adding a Mardi Gras Party Bus to the parade. There are two double-decker buses, in fact, that are suited up for one purpose only – to PARTY!!! These party buses bring a unique experience that takes Carnival to a whole new level. They are like no other floats in the parade and bring new and higher spirits to the Carnival Road March. The buses are equipped with drinks, music, party favors and of course the party people.

$5Mil Investment Project for Sports Infrastructure on Ambergris Caye
Groundbreaking ceremony of the Ambergris Stadium Renovation Project took place on Friday, September 18, 2015, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. It marked the commencement of construction of a new sporting facility that will replace the old complex that had deteriorated with time and lack of maintenance. When completed, the stadium will meet the requirements for hosting various sporting events on the island as it will also be equipped with FIFA international standards in order to host international games. “With the building of this new facility, it will address some of our sporting shortfalls on the island,” stated San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero in his address. “Nonetheless, I will be the first to acknowledge that much more needs to be invested in the area of sports on the island. Yes we need a basketball court, a track and field arena and we can go on and on, but small steps like this one we are taking today that gives us the hope that in the future we can look into investing more in the area of sports. The new facility that will be built is a collaborative effort of our local municipality working along with the central government.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Beware of predators...
This is a photo of Kenrick Alston Bowman a Belizean-American living in Reid street just off Police street, Belize city. The events surrounding how for over a year he got to sodomized and have oral sex with the little boys in the neighborhood is disgusting especially since many unsuspecting parents allowed their boys to go and hang out by his house but also because a few found out about what he did to their sons and instead hushed it. One child I spoke with explain he gave them food and that was a major attraction for them. Reliable reports are that he is now in police custody... I pray there is sufficient evidence to levy charges against him. Today he tried to move out if the house but he was captured before he could abscond. That's a picture of his home where many boys were entertained. Reports are that some of the little boys even slept over and some because their mothers went out partying and used him as a babysitter and he was all too willing. Sad story being uncovered. Let's not judge these kids but help them process this trauma.

Fashion Show at Ak'bol on Saturday
TIKI re inspired wear, MolliKultra Swimwear, Jewelry by Belizean Arts. Saturday, Sept. 26th at Ak'bol Yoga Retreat and Eco-Resort. Preshow 3pm, Show at 4pm. Free Admission

Video of San Pedro Parade route for Saturday
This is the Parade Route for Sunday, September 26, 2015!

Leader of the Opposition Independence Day Speech 2015
By Hon. Francis Fonseca. As always, we do so with a deep sense of national pride. And, as always, we recognize and acknowledge with deep gratitude the sacrifice and courage of the leaders of Belize’s Nationalist Movement who, over many years, worked tirelessly to free Belize from the oppressive chains of Colonialism. In these 34 years we have faced challenge and adversity as a nation and people but our spirit has remained strong and resilient. Belize has claimed its rightful place in the global community as a proud, sovereign nation deeply committed to justice and equality for all peoples. Indeed there are important lessons to be drawn from the past 34 years but today, for me, the more important question is: what will we make of the next 34 years? What is our national vision for this next chapter of our young nation’s history? , and are we, each of us, prepared to work and sacrifice to achieve that vision and create the society we say we aspire to?

The Nation's Youngest Sailors Best Their Eiders in Belize's Segment of the 2nd Annual Bart's Bash International Regatta
On Sunday, September 20, 2015, at 9:30 AM prompt, 26 sailing vessels manned and crewed by Belizeans were at the line when the horn sounded the start of 2015 Bart's Bash Belize in the waters off Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro. The skies were murky grey, and the skippers tried to find and catch the mere puffs of wind that rose and died from varying directions here and there along the course. The fleet was so becalmed that it took a few frustrated skippers more than 10 minutes just to cross the start line. The windlessness lasted well into the race, but at long last one of the squalls approaching from the northeast arrived, and with it winds up to 25 knots. The course circuit that had taken one Hobie Wave over an hour to complete on its first lap took 14 minutes to complete the 2nd and last time around. Jorge Sanchez skippering the Hobie 18, Shalom, came screaming across the finish ahead of all others, a minute 45 seconds ahead of Jorge Olivarez' Laser Radial and 2 minutes ahead of Antonio Ricardez' Laser Radial. However, after the handicaps are applied to these and the other boats, seven of the children sailing Optimists swept the top 7 places. Kevin Velasquez of San Pedro was the first of them and won First Place overall. Second was Nashira Ricardez of Belize City.

The reserve that's not a reserve.
The Mexico Rocks Reserve still has no rangers and fishing continues. The night security on that boat permanently anchored in the reserve takes fish out of the reserve. (Sea Trek site at Mexico Rocks) It seems no one cares.

SAN PEDRO INDEPENDENCE EVE 2015
Lots of photos!

PM Flirting with early elections
Leader of United Democratic Party (UDP) and Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow seems to be making preparations for general elections, credible sources say. UDP standard bearers were called to Belize City on Wednesday, reportedly to pose for campaign photographs in preparation for the launch of the UDP’s manifesto. Our sources also say that a meeting of their Central Party council is scheduled for this weekend. With options running out for PM Barrow where Belize’s ailing economy is concerned and members of his cabinet mired in major scandals, observers say that Barrow has no choice but to seek a new mandate.

Cane farmers to benefit from IDB Grant
Over five thousand cane farmers will benefit from technical assistance to improve productivity, reduce costs, and remove bottlenecks to competitiveness in the sugar cane industry, through a grant of $2.6 million from the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank). This is part of a Strategic Development Plan that people in the industry will engage in to upgrade the quantity and quality of their product, stated (SIRDI) the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, which is implementing the project. “The proposed technical assistance will centre on building a sustainable farming model that strengthens capabilities at the farm level and increases coordination with key stakeholders. The intervention model is based on two keys elements: strengthening the technical and managerial capacities of farmers through a dedicated extension service, and integrating technology and information systems to enhance decision making and coordination”, a

The Perspectives of our Past
The Corozal House of Culture is dedicated in preserving the history of Belize's north. The Perspectives of our Past is an annual lecture series which offers a venue for students and the general public to learn about Corozal and northern Belize's history through the words of our elders. This year we are delighted to be partnering with the Corozal Junior College by presenting the series at their campus. You are kindly invited to join us Tuesday September 29th for the first lecture commemorating the 60th anniversary of Hurricane Janet at the Corozal Junior College's Education Building, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

A Night of Marimba
If you love marimba music, A Night of Marimba is for you. It's happening on Saturday, October 3rd, at the Octavia Waight Centre. It's a fundraiser for the center, and the Benque Marimba Youth Academy will be playing. Leonard Mangar will be there with his witty humor too. "Support the University of Belize Small Business Students!"

A BLESSED EID & HAJJ TO ALL MUSLIMS GLOBALLY!
When we reflect on the song, The World Is A Ghetto, by the band called War, there comes a time when we as human beings on this earth must make sacrifices in some way or the other to make others live peacefully, happily, and safely. This is what today is for Muslims like those like yours truly. To make a symbol, or a gesture of sacrifice for something worth sacrificing for in your life, and the most important thing in ones life is to make sacrifices for others less fortunate than ourselves. Today hundreds of Muslims lost their lives in Saudi Arabia making that ultimate pilgrimage of sacrifice to leave their native homes as a sacrifice of their love for the Most High. And as we think about all the starving people in this world, the refugees among the people of the world regardless of their race, and just the plain human suffering of people we may not even know, we have to at least reflect on the fact that there is at least something that we can do to make this life better for someone. Be good to somebody today people, it could the ultimate sacrifice that would save your life. Have a blessed day, and appreciate your life. It's a gift. Peace!

Channel 7

Police Will Charge Alleged Predator
Last night police detained the alleged sexual predator who's been preying on young boys in the Lake Independence Area. He remains in police lockdown tonight, and police expect to charge him tomorrow for as yet unspecified offences. But, based on that solid expectation, we are tonight releasing the name of Kenrick Alston Bowman, a convicted sex offender in the state of California. According to public records, three years ago, he was convicted of "oral copulation with a minor under 14 years of age or by force or fear" in San Diego, California. The 42 year old has been living alone in the area of Police Street for at least two years, where - according to neighbors - a steady stream of boys regularly visit his house. On Saturday night, an alert neighbor says he heard distressed screams from the house and later saw a disoriented young boy walking from the house. He claims the boy told him he had performed oral sex for two packs of Ramen noodles.

Ministry Searching For Western Regional Solution
On Tuesday we told you about the Western Regional hospital vendors who were removed from the compound by police and forced to sell food outside the hospital gate - as a part of the rat eradication campaign. Well, that's where they are today but that's not where they want to stay. When they spoke to us on Tuesday they told us they want answers because their livelihoods and safety are at risk. Today we asked Health CEO Peter Allen what they are doing to accommodate these vendors. Courtney Weatherburne "Looking at the vendors first of all, we are aware that you said in an interview before with CTV3, that removing the vendors from the hospital is a part of the entire system or approach to dealing with the rat population at the hospital. But the vendors are saying that it's unfair to them because they believe they are not a part pf the problem and that it will affect their livelihood. How do you respond to that?"

CEO Rejects Minister's Suggestion That Rat Was Planted In Incubator
Now this issue with the vendors happened as a result of the rat that was found in the incubator. Since that appalling incident the hospital management and the Ministry have been on a full court press to get rats out of the hospital and its environs. But while the management is handling the situation with the vendors - it is still baffling how the rat got in the incubator in the first place. One week ago, when our colleagues at CTV3 interviewed Health Minister Pablo Marin - he made the very unsettling suggestion that someone might have put the rat in the incubator. Today we asked CEO Peter Allen about this, and he told us that's just unthinkable. Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health "I certainly have heard the rumors of sabotage. I certainly have heard the rumors that there is some kind of campaign. From my perspective, let me say that we will focus on the issues. We will focus on the issues of the development of plans within the 30 million dollar grant. We will focus on the issues of correcting challenges that address the institution right now, because honestly I cannot comprehend that there is any patriotic Belizean who would so, shall we say bitter and twisted, as to possibly engaged in such slander and activities against the public hospital and against other care providers who do their best under difficult circumstances to provide care and treatment for our people."

New Western Hospital Coming, But When?
And focusing on what needs to be done to provide better health care for patients, CEO Allen told us about the EU grant that will be used to build a new energy efficient hospital for the Western Region. Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health "The budget is never enough I would suggest and so our role has been principally to support the initial efforts. I know that there have been ongoing with all of these different efforts, but I am not sure exactly what the current is in terms of what they spent. But I know is that the recommendations from the technical body and the recommendations from the administration and management of the facility is that really the building is old and dilapidated. I'm sure it's older than you, but perhaps not as old as me. But certainly it's been there a for a long time and it needs replacing and that's why we have been working so hard with the European Union and you know we have to thank the Minister and the Prime Minister for pushing so hard for us to win that grant of 30 million dollars from the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund, to construct what will be an essentially a new hospital."

Who Will Be Held To Account At Western Regional
And while the management and the Ministry are already working on trying to solve the rodent problem at the hospital, what about disciplinary action? Will any one be held responsible? As we have shown you, the blame has been loosely thrown around from the Health Minister to the Administrator, to the vendors, but no punitive measures have been taken against anyone. It is extremely embarrassing since now the rat story has been featured in international news including The UK Daily Mail, Irish Mirror, Fox News, Primer Impacto, Fox News and even CNN International. We asked CEO Allen how he and the Ministry are handling all this bad publicity and if anyone will be held to account. He told us it's all part of a process. Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health "It's outrageous and there is a process and we follow that process. The first step of the process is to write what we called in the public service "show cause" letters. Those have already been written and delivered, where people in administrative responsibility are ask to give us reasons why disciplinary actions should not be taken and what is their explanation for the events as they untold."

Health Ministry Braces For Wrongful Death Suit
And the rat found in the incubator after biting a newborn's toe is only one of a series of mishaps that have plagued the Western Regional Hospital. 29 year old Big Falls resident Nolberta Sanchez died after giving birth to her 4th child on the 10th of September. She was transferred from the Southern Regional Hospital to the Western Regional Hospital where she got a C-section and also had to get her womb removed because of complications. Sanchez's husband John Romero told us that the doctors did not ask for his consent before they started the 2nd operation - removing her womb. After that operation Sanchez was still not feeling well and complained of stomach pain. So from there she had to be transferred to the KHMH where another operation was done to remove 3 pints of blood from her stomach. But Sanchez didn't make it and died in the ICU at the KHMH. We asked CEO Allen for an update on this case but he couldn't provide much details because of a pending lawsuit.

35 Year Old crushed In Early Morning Traffic Accident
There was a fatal traffic accident at mile 2 on the Phillip Goldson Highway - around 4:30 this morning. A Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV was travelling towards Belize City when the driver lost control and rammed into the cement fence at Jose Shoman's residence. Trapped inside the extensively damaged vehicle was the driver 35 year old John Gordon - who appeared to have died on impact - and his passenger Jamilia Arnold - who was trapped in her seatbelt and screaming for help. It took the help of neighbors, police officers and the fire department to rescue Arnold in just a matter of minutes. Her injuries are classified as minor. Gordon sustained severe head and body injuries and died on the spot when the SUV was actually enfolded unto itself.

Placencia Lagoon, Under Sustained Sewage Pressure
Last night, we showed you small excerpt into our coverage of a developing situation on the Placencia Peninsula. It involves what happens when residents and visitors flush their toilets. The conservationists say that there is strong evidence to suggest that the human waste is slowly polluting the lagoon. We went down to Placencia with our friends in the conservation community to examine the situation for ourselves. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting The Placencia Peninsula... It's one of those areas in the country which is experiencing rapid expansion in the number of residents, and new developments. For Placencia Village itself, this community, like the other tourism destinations, is also expanding its tourism business to try to attract as many visitors as possible. But, with all that expansion, come corresponding growing pains, one of them being the concern of just too many houses, hotels, resorts, restaurants and businesses, all clamoring for limited space on the peninsula. The peninsula also has the gift and curse of being surrounded by a lagoon.

Sewage Solution Not That Simple
So, what happened with that integrated sewer system that the Belize Water Services and the Government of Belize announced in 2011? Has it been stalled, or has it been scrapped? Well, the company's representative met with us for an intensive sit-down interview, where they explained that the project is going to happen, it's just a matter of when. For context, they told us about what has been happening since 2011: Sanjay Keshwani - Technical Services Manager, BWSL "2011, the government of Belize and I think we had signed the contract for this project. 2011, after that the feasibility study was done. The Halcrow was hired as a consultant following the IDB policy and procedures. Feasibility study was done July 2012 and then again following the IDB policy and procedures, we hired HILCO as a detailed design consultant. In 2013, HILCO was hired by September 2013. The procedures have taken long. It takes about 6 months' time to hire an international consultant. The first effort was failure. So that's why from 2012 to 2013. After HILCO came on board in 2014, they did preliminary studies, preliminary design, estimate and so forth. They were designing for the location across Seine Bight. The first meeting with the Shrimp Farm Growers Association where they...they were polite but they were very forceful and objecting the location. Since then the project is in this mode. So we were trying to work with them, how we can agree on something. Finally it was decided that we need to do this study to scientifically prove that this particular location is better for every single industry in that region. So that's where we are today."

Putting Propriety In Property Tax Assessments
One month ago - the PUP Candidate in Caribbean Shores, Kareem Musa challenged his UDP opponent, Mayor Darrell Bradley by saying that Caribbean Shores residents were disproportionately burdened by paying an unfair share of the city's property tax. Mayor Darrell Bradley chose not to engage at the time, but when we caught him today - he said that those property taxes are going down:.. Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City "I have always maintained that the trade license regime is something that has been broken. This is something that we really raised since I became mayor and we have been working with the chamber of commerce on a task force that meets on average every 2 weeks to try to see if we could put in place a better regime. During the period when we have this task force in place 2 years, we have issued a moratorium on the increase of property taxes and trade license, so that we have not made any adjustment for the last 2 years and we do not anticipate making any adjustment unless we reach agreement with the chamber of commerce but there is nothing afoot in relation to increasing anybody's trade license and have documentation in the form of a letter that we issued to the chamber of commerce every year to indicate that for the period in which we are negotiating with this task force there will be no increases and we have held good for that for 2 years."

Dean Street Drain's Deficiency
And, in a much lower tax bracket on the southside in the Mesopotamia division, we remain concerned about our neighbors on lower Dean Street where it just has to drizzle - and the streets get flooded for days. The chronic and acute drainage problem is a nuisance to residents, and a serious inconvenience to the many pedestrians and school children who have to wade through the waters to get to work and school. It's a problem that's been going on for years, and it only got worse when they cemented the street. Today we asked the mayor what can be done for the denizens of Dean Street and he gave us a lesson in hydraulics:.. Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City "Well in relation to one of things that we are seeing not only on Dean Street is that our perennial problem and this is kind of a city council issue is one that we have not and this is over the years, put sufficient focus on effective drainage works.

Calling All Crooks
And from Dean Street Drains, to Corozal Cops and Robbers. We also asked CEO Allen about the brand new electrosurgical machine that was stolen from the newly opened surgical unit at the Corozal Polyclinic. The equipment is valued at $22,000 and the Ministry is asking for your assistance in locating this pricey and very important piece of equipment. Today CEO Allen urged the public to report if they see this equipment or if anyone is trying to sell it to them. Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health "It's really a shame, we would say that such a thing can happen. This is an electro surgical unit so essentially it's something like an electric scuffle and has a value of 26 thousand dollars and clearly the number of people who have use for a surgical scalpel is extremely limited. So our hope there is very few people who may be interested in procuring a surgical scalpel that has been stolen from a public hospital would be interested enough and patriotic enough to report that matter to the authorities."

BIL's Building
For months, we've been reporting on contract signings by Belize Infrastructure Limited for sports facilities in various districts. But what's happening with the actual work on the ground? Yesterday, we asked BIL's General Manager Christy Mastry about these projects, and she explained them in detail: Christy Mastry - GM, Belize Infrastructure Ltd. "Where we are now is basically, we have just about signed all of the contracts that we initially set out for the west the down south, which includes Dangriga and Punta Gorda and for the island of san Pedro. I am down south today doing visits on the football facilities for both the Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Both of those are coming along very well. They are getting concrete bleacher blocks, lockers, restrooms and the construction is moving along quite well, for most of the projects now at this point. so I think we only have maybe one other small project to sign in the San Pedro which is a semi-enclosed basketball facility, a roof facility that we are looking at right now and then of course we are in the middle of negotiations for the big project of the Belize City Center." Daniel Ortiz "What is the cost of the facilities in Dangriga and Punta Gorda? What is the cost of the football field in San Pedro?"

A Poor Farmer's Plea For Consumer Conscience
Last week we told you about the deepening drought in the grain producing areas of Orange Walk South. Well, since then, rain has fallen on the Orange Walk District, just like everywhere else. It's come too late to save thousands of acres of corn - which are planted in May, June and July, but hopefully it can moisten the soil for the vegetables and beans that will be planted in the cooler months. Still, the drought has been a major and costly set back - and it could result in higher vegetable prices later this year, when the corps are harvested. That's bad news for local farmers who have to face contraband and consumers who could care less. San Carlos Farmer Max Hernandez asked consumers to work with them:.. Max Hernandez - Farmer "The big problem for us is that we want to sell our product. They need to control the contraband or stopping the permit or special paper when we have our local produce. We need to stop the special permit to import vegetables. We have the same vegetables in Belize. When we harvest the corn, we go to the local market, we need to encourage the consumer that our vegetables in Belize is fresh and healthy." Drought conditions are expected to ease by the end of November.

Health Fair For The People
Earlier in the newscast you heard Health CEO Peter Allen address the series of incidents at the Western Regional Hospital - but in light of all that negative news, there are several positive and uplifting initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry. One is the Caribbean Health and Wellness Fair which was held at the Battlefield Park today. Health coordinators told us why this kind of public information interface is important to the lives of city residents. And while it is citizens responsibility to lead a healthy lifestyle, Mayor Bradley says it is also the responsibility of the Government to keep them healthy.

US Military Builds In Hattieivlle
This morning the Military Liaison Office at the US Embassy hosted the opening of an emergency operation and community center in Hattieville. It is a part of the 2013 project that will offer villagers shelter in times of disaster. 7news was present at the ribbon cutting and we spoke to US Ambassador Carlos Moreno. The project was funded through the US department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance Program and totaled 820,000 Belize dollars.

Prison Staff Workshop
No visitation was allowed today at the Belize Central Prison. That is because over 20 control officers were attending a public relations and professionalism workshop on the prison compound. The training focused on topics such as communication, telephone ethics, and search and count procedures -the areas mostly complained about by the public. There will be a continuation of the training.

The End Of The Taheera Era?
And while we were at the prison we confirmed what was first reported to us last week that Superintendent Taheera Ahmad who has been a veritable institution at the prison UNDER KOLBE MANAGEMENT -is no longer at the facility. There are all kinds of stories about an acrimonious departure, but the CEO told us that she simply resigned:.. Virgilio Murillo, CEO, KOLBE Foundation "Miss Taheera sent in her resignation I think it was last Tuesday. She pretty much sent in a very short letter saying that she is resigning and it actually takes effect on the 10th October, because she is currently on sick leave. She did not say much in that letter other than to say that she resigns and that she thanks the foundation for the years that she has been with us and we accepted the resignation. Certainly, I know she is pursuing her own career, because she does have a career as far as I am aware in social work. Because that seems to be where her passion is." Taheera Ahmad's resignation becomes effective on October 10th. We were told she is currently on sick leave. We tried getting a comment from Ahmad today but we were told to ask the prison.

Getting Down At Georgetown
Head of Delegation for the European Union to Belize, Ambassador Paola Amadei yesterday handed over more than one million dollars' worth of technical and vocational training equipment to Georgetown Technical High School in the Stann Creek District. It's a part of a fund known as the Banana Accompanying Measures Programme, which is designed to reduce poverty in the banana belt - and has already put 8 million dollars into the school's development. Technocrats underscored the importance of the investment:.. There are approximately 600 students enrolled at Georgetown Technical. Surrounding communities encompassing 21 villages will benefit from this project.

Belize Boxers Get Help
Last night we told you about the visiting international heavyweight who's going to box this weekend in San Ignacio. But, what about Belize;s boxers? Well, they got a boost today from the National Olympic Committee which made a donation of equipment. 7News was there:.. That was Vice-President of the N-O-C, Owen "Sonny" Meighan and President of the Boxing Federation Moses Sulph..

Channel 5

Did Child Predator Offer Noodles for Sex With Underage Boys?
Kenrick Bowman, who is a sex offender registered in San Diego, U.S.A. is in police detention tonight and it is expected that he will charged for allegations of sexually abusing [...]

Police Deny Any Development in Case of Missing Fishermen
One month ago three Belize City fishermen – Donovan Usher, Giovanni Murillo and Jerome Bowen - went out to Turneffe for a day. They never returned and are presumed dead. [...]

Health CEO Speaks on Eviction of Food Vendors
The recent eviction of vendors from the Western Regional Hospital, as part of an effort to rid the facility of a grave rodent infestation, has raised the ire of sellers [...]

No Timeline Given for Return of Vendors
While there is no timeline for the re-positioning of the vendors, Doctor Allen told the media earlier today that while the Belmopan City Council empathizes with them, the mayor and his councilors also [...]

One Man Dies in Early Morning RTA on Phillip Goldson Highway
There was a fatal collision early this morning at Mile Two on the Philip Goldson Highway. One of two persons travelling in a S.U.V. was killed instantly in the crash [...]

MoH Will Not Comment on Nolberta Sanchez Investigation
Nolberta Sanchez died at the K.H.M.H. on September tenth after undergoing surgery several hours earlier in Belmopan, where she gave birth to a child via caesarian section.  When doctors at [...]

Fate of Lucia Cal Investigation Mired in Bureaucracy
The proverbial buck, the outcome of all the scandals that have besieged the Western Regional Hospital since the beginning of the year, stops at the Minister of Health.  He, in [...]

Boxing Match Scheduled for Friday Already Creating Controversy
An international heavyweight bout featuring Mexican boxers Fres Oquendo and Pablo Gibran is scheduled for Friday night in San Ignacio.  The much advertised event is being coordinated by the Belize [...]

Belize Boxing Federation Receives Donation from the Olympic Association
The Belize Boxing Federation is the recipient of a major donation from the Belize Olympic Association.  Today, the organization received several thousand dollars in equipment, including gloves and title belts.  [...]

Police Say Violent Crimes in the City Have Decreased
There was another shooting in the city on Wednesday night, and with it come concerns that violence in the old capital is flaring up. It’s a valid concern because it [...]

Efforts Continue to Crack Down on Belize City Gangs
Most of the violence in the city has been linked to gang rivalries. Strictly speaking gang affiliation is illegal, but gang members apparently haven’t gotten the memo. Williams told us [...]

Southside Gets $37M for Poverty Alleviation
During his Independence address on Monday, the Prime Minister touched on various issues, but few as important as citizen security crime. Where that critical component is concerned, the news is [...]

Triston Popper Shot on Pickstock Street
Back to the shooting on Wednesday night, eighteen-year-old Triston Popper remains in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, following an attempt on his life in the wee [...]

Six Months for Yohannah Lourdes Quixote for Harm
A Salvadoran woman, who is the mother of two young boys, is serving her first night of a six-month sentence imposed upon her by Magistrate Ladonna John this morning. On [...]

Uncle and Nephew Arraigned on Aggravated Assault Charges
Today, a pair of relatives was arraigned for a shooting at the house of Brian Davis, a Sand hill resident, on Monday, September fourteenth, 2015.  A youth, who turns eighteen [...]

Healthy Living looks at Caribbean Wellness Week
Caribbean Wellness Week is being celebrated under the theme: Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Aging. Several activities have been scheduled for this week to encourage Belizeans to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Today, [...]

CTV3

BAHA Remains Tight Lip About Poultry Situation In Fire Burn
In last night’s newscast we told you about the Belize Agriculture and Health Authority quarantining a farm located between Shipyard and Fireburn Village in the Orange Walk District. Villagers we spoke with said that BAHA officials met with them, around midday on Tuesday of this week and said that they performed tests on poultry on the farm and found traces of a virus. Villagers were informed that their chickens would be removed from the village that very night. The officials followed through with that and removed one final brood of chickens by midday on Wednesday. The situation, said the villagers, caught them unprepared and some we found were still distraught about having their chickens taken away. We have yet to verify where they were taken. Many villagers received a reported eight dollars per head of chicken by a Mennonite from Shipyard but others claim that they did not get any payment. We attempted to get official comment from BAHA officials in Belmopan but were once again unable to reach anyone who could give an official comment. We will keep following this story.

Who Tampared With George Price Monument?
There is more political bicker to report tonight as another Facebook post triggered another flurry of comments from both PUP and UDP supporters. A Facebook user posted a picture of the George Price monument located at the George Price Avenue and Stadium Street with the caption, “A monument dedicated to the Rt. HON GEORGE PRICE. It’s a shame that this has been there for such a long time and no one has bothered to fix it. CAN ANYONE PLEASE FIND ALL THE MISTAKES? This monument is found at the entrance of the Boulevard that is in front of San Francisco school. Whoever the person in charge of this atrocious doing, what a shame. Hope someone fixes it up soon,” unquote. The post soon caught the attention of several, including Mayor Kevin Bernard who is of the firm belief that this is yet another attempt of the UDP and its supporters trying to cause mischief. We spoke with him over the phone today to find out what happened to the monument and to clarify if it was indeed a mistake by the artist or a photo shopped picture. This is what he said happened.

Carmelita Resident Says Her Land Is Been Taken Away
A single mother is fighting for her rights over a parcel of land she says she has been living on for four years in Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District. According to the woman, Amalia Flowers, a man she did not name applied for the land about a year ago. Flowers says he knew she has been living there for some years and the only reason she had not applied for her papers was because she was preoccupied with her son who had suffered an accident. “I clean it up for four years right now and I planted up and follow it up and I paid his own brother the follow it down and then he passed one day by my house and he asked me what is my number for my land and I told him it is 171 and then went behind me and applied for the land a