November 9, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Art Business
“Ronnie, I want to go shopping,” said the good-looking blonde at the next table. The middle-aged, balding man sitting with her reached into his wallet and handed her five $100 U.S. bills. “Take your time shopping, honey,” he said. “Remember, my lawyer is supposed to be on the next flight and I want some time to talk to him.” After the young lady left Ron and I were the only ones on the deck at the Holiday Hotel. He asked if I live here and we got acquainted as we sipped our coffee. “What business are you in?” I asked. “My wife and I have an art business. We buy and sell and I’ve made a lot of money doing it. Right now I’m trying to buy some Mayan art which everybody says is illegal to own. My lawyer is coming to Belize to help me negotiate with the government.”

Blue Water Grill donates to New Horizon Primary School
The monthly donation program sponsored by the Blue Water Grill (BWG) saw the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School as beneficiary for the month of October. Every month, BWG raises funds in order to support different organizations in San Pedro. New Horizon educates 500 children and was the recipient of a contribution of $1,928.50 which will assist the school with fans and much needed repairs. The donation comes from both BWG and The Phoenix Resort who joined the initiative a few months ago. The customers at the BWG donated $555.25 which they matched, while The Phoenix Resort collected $409.00 from their guests, which they also matched. Unfortunately, this time, there is some bad news to report. The swings on the swing set that they donated/constructed at the Central Park back in April have been broken and vandalized. Blue Water Grill has decided that for the month of November their aim will be to raise funds to get new swings for the playground set. Any funds left over from the donation will be used to buy toys for The Phoenix’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive, which is held for underprivileged children on the island.

Doctor Love: Stepsons and Mother-in-laws
Dear Doctor Love, A year ago I met a woman that I fell head over toes for. We decided we are getting married so we moved in together and we get along great but there is a problem. The problem is her son. She has two boys; one is nine years old and the other is thirteen. The nine year-old and I get along well together but the thirteen year-old is a problem. He won’t even talk to me and he always causes problems when the family goes out somewhere. Is this going to be a deal breaker for me? Can I do anything? /s/ Substitute

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize PM sworn-in for third term
Dean Barrow was on Thursday sworn in as the prime minister of Belize by the Governor-General Sir Colville Young at a brief ceremony held at Belize House in Belmopan. This is Barrow’s third consecutive term in office and the third time serving as prime minister, after leading his United Democratic Party (UDP) to a 19-12 victory over the Peoples United Party (PUP) in last Wednesday’s general elections. The other elected members of Barrow’s administration are expected to be appointed and sworn-in this week.

Food Security and Maya Land Rights: Crafting paths of ‘Development with Identity’
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security is generally defined as occurring when everyone has constant access to healthy and safe food to live an active life. Food security occurs when food is: available, easily accessible, the supply is stable, and is properly consumed. The growing concern is that indigenous people’s food security is being increasingly threatened by climate change. Changes in weather patterns, temperature, and precipitation can wreak havoc on production systems consequently causing fluctuations in food supply, availability, accessibility, and utilization. Increased drought for example, can reduce productivity and extreme weather can interrupt the transportation of food hence increasing cost, reducing availability and accessibility. Food insecurity predominantly threatens vulnerable sectors of society— those who in many ways contribute the least to climate change. People who are unemployed or underemployed for example, are particularly affected by food-price increases. Even if nutrient-dense foods are available it might be inaccessible due to high prices resulting in the overconsumption of heavily processed foods.

Musical classes will soon be available for the children of Caye Caulker
Offering violin, recorder, guitar and piano lessons. For more information please contact me at 605-5904. Or you can visit me at Step By Step Tutoring Center corner of Estrella Street and Avenida Mangle."

Entrepreneurship Symposium 2015
Cayo's Entrepreneurship Symposium will be on Tuesday, November 17th, at the University of Belize. Contact helen@belizeinvest.orb.bz for more information about the event. "The SBDCBelize, BELTRAIDE along with University of Belize and partners presents the Entrepreneurship Symposium 2015. You can receive more details at helen@belizeinvest.org.bz or through tel: 223-3195!"

T.R.E.E.S is now ready for the 2015-2016 season
After a well deserved break T.R.E.E.S is now ready for the 2015-2016 season. We are proud to start this season hosting the 2015 NABC bird banding workshop. As we now have received our resident banding permit, we are banding both neotropical migrants and residents this year. We are very excited about this. We are averaging about 60 birds a day, with a few more resident captures than migrants. Migrant highlight so far is Golden Winged Warbler and resident capture would probably be Collared Aracari or Barred forest falcon, tough choice.

Wildtracks Update
We made it to the Sarteneja Flood Relief Fund target of CND$8,000!!! THANK YOU!!! - all of you - those who donated, those who shared...you have made a difference!

The Reporter

US students preserve Belize’s heritage with former Archaeology Director
Northern Arizona University students are credited with helping to preserve archaeological sites in Belize and as a result, supporting the country’s tourism economy, as part of a field study program with former Archaeology Director Jaime Awe. Fifteen undergraduates and four graduate students spent the summer months in Belize doing excavations, which included a structure at Xunantuknich. “This work not only conserves cultural heritage, but it also creates jobs, contributes to national identity and is educational”, said Awe, who currently serves as an assistant professor of archaeology at the university. In addition to the archaeological tenets of excavation, the students learned about preservation. The Maya built with lime plaster, a combination of water and lime, which deteriorates when exposed to rain and algae.

PM to announce official Cabinet list
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is scheduled to make the official Cabinet announcement at a press conference on Monday; however, following his meeting on Saturday with his team, early reports indicate some changes in the former Cabinet’s configuration. Most notable of the unofficial reports is that Barrow has taken the Ministry of Natural Resources portfolio from Gaspar Vega, leaving him with the Ministry of Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Forestry and Fisheries. Dr. Omar Figueroa has reportedly been named his Minister of State. The Ministry of Natural Resources has reportedly been given to Godwin Hulse who also reportedly retains the Ministry of Immigration with Beverly Castillo as his Minister of State. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly still entrusted to Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington. Tracy Taegar has reportedly been given the Ministry of Economic Development.

CDB and European Investment Bank partner for Caribbean climate issues
Officials from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), have formalized their intention to work together to address pressing issues relating to climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Caribbean. The signing took place on Thursday at CDB’s offices in Barbados, and was part of a two-day visit to the island by officials of the EIB, including its Vice President, Pim Van Ballekom. Dr. Warren Smith, President of CDB, said: “The Letter speaks to strengthening support for the sustainable economic development of our region and, more specifically, to supporting climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives in Caribbean countries. It, therefore, represents another phase in the strengthening of a long standing partnership and a deepening of cooperation between our two institutions that has produced four loan operations, to date.” He noted that the Letter of Intent formalizes a relationship between the institutions which began in 2011 when EIB agreed to provide a US$65.3 million Climate Action Line of Credit to CDB to be used to finance public or private sector climate action projects, including energy efficiency; renewable energy; transportation; low-carbon technologies, development and innovation and adaptation.

Backlash in UK over “tax haven” aid to Belize and others
British Prime Minister David Cameron is facing backlash in his country after an investigation found that the United Kingdom (UK) subsidized over 45 million pounds to so-called “tax havens”, including Belize. According to British newspaper the Independent, an investigation conducted by that newspaper revealed that in 2013 the British government made substantial aid contributions to 13 countries included on the European Commission’s (EC) “tax haven” blacklist. “Tax havens including Belize, Anguilla, and Panama have such high poverty levels that they qualify for substantial UK development grants”, the article said. “UK aid funds have been directed to build an airport in Montserrat, and funds have been set aside to pay for roads and ports in Belize, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines,” it further revealed.

SBDC providing Product Branding for Creative Industries training
The Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize), of BELTRAIDE in partnership with Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), is coordinating a five-day Business Lab, focused on Intellectual Properties and Commercialization of Creative Industries. The workshop will be held November 9th to the 13th at the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) Building at the ITVET Compound. The objective of this workshop is to provide skills training to institutions that implement economic development programs. It will also focus on providing participants with hands-on training and helping them acquire tools that will aid them in the development of innovative ideas and their implementation.

Child accident victims in dire need of assistance
Two girls who are sisters, one six years old and the other nine, are in dire need of financial assitance after an accident last week caused severe physical trauma to the two. According to their mother, Marla Encalada, the accident which happened on October 28th, has left the nine year-old with second degree tire burns on her back and the younger girl with medical complications in her pelvic area. Anyone interested in helping can make a donation to Belize Bank account number: 230822. The mother can be reached at 633-0829. Encalada detailed the graphic extent of the six-year-old’s injuries caused by the accident and an alleged botched procedure at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). She said at the time of the accident her children were walking back from a shop in Ladyville when a driver in a Ford F150, driven by 39 year-old Edward Bennet, ran over the nine year-old and when the younger girl ran to her aid the truck reversed over her, crushing her pelvic bone.

Breaking Belize News

Godwin, Carla in new Cabinet; Sedi, Pablo hold position
It appears there is a major replacement at the Ministry of Natural Resources, which had been headed for the past two terms by Deputy UDP leader Gaspar Vega. But on the heels of statements by Prime Minister Barrow that this Ministry has become a hotbed of corruption, Former Senator Godwin Hulse has been appointed Minister there to lead the reform effort. It is not clear where Vega has been placed. Following her narrow defeat in Freetown to PUP leader Francis Fonseca, Dr. Carla Barnett has been named a Senator. She has extensive background in economics and is expected to assist Prime Minister Barrow in that portfolio. Both Wilfred Elrington and Pablo Marin are to hold on to their portfolios in Foreign Affairs and Health, respectively. The full Cabinet will be named on Monday in a press conference to be called by PM Barrow.

Blogs

Experience the Jungle in These 10 Belize Accommodations
After all the touring and exploring the jungles of Belize, cap off your day with a relaxing rest at any of the Belize accommodations. We have a list of recommended Belize jungle lodges. After a long day of exploring the rain forest of Belize – hiking, caving, birding, wildlife-spotting, canoeing, zip-lining, climbing Maya ruins, mountain biking and horseback riding – you deserve a good rest in Belize hotels. At one of the jungle lodges in the country, you can look forward to a tasty meal, good company, internet connection and a comfortable bed. Below are 10 of Belize’s best lodges.

Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all dry ingredients. Line a shallow pan with foil. Melt butter in a shallow dish. Dip each piece in butter then roll in seasoning mixture and place in pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is done.

Top 10 Things to Eat in Placencia- from a Hungry Man's Perspective...
1.) Doyle's Delight from Barefoot Bar. I think it has cheese, bacon, eggs, all that stuff. Not the actual burger, but one of their burgers I could get a picture of from their facebook page...add egg and bacon and then have an antacid. 2.) Cozy Corner's chicken burrito. It is the size of your head. Read this review! Guy thinks it is enough for 2-3 people. 3.) Rumfish's pork chops. The most generous portion on their menu. What a surprise. This guy also made a fuss over the pork chops. 4.) Turtle Inn's 16 course Indonesian dinner. Because who has a flat stomach after 16 courses? 5.) Brenda's (near the pier) coconut macaroons. Don't put them down on your shorts as you are eating. 6.) Lobster grilled cheese from Barefoot bar-even I have to admit this is just bliss. Huge, cheesy, buttery. 7.) Chicken Egg Foo Yung from ENE - Chinese restaurant. Huge portion and this really is good (at least it is low carb?) 8.) Chicken Burritos from the "Mexican Belize Food" stand near the police station. They are like $2 each, so he orders about 5 of them. 9.) Radi's BBQ chicken. It's like 1/2 a chicken. (stock bbq chicken pic, but that's what you get!) 10.) Stewed chicken from Mim's. I can attest he eats this meal about every couple days.

International Sources

As I observed the underwater world of fish and plant life, I was completely dumbfounded by a nearby scuba diver that played with a sea lion pup. He taunted her with his spare snorkel dragging it back and forth in front of her, as though he was playing with a domesticated dog. The pup, frustrated by the game, quickly changed course and gave the man a nip that left him doubled over in the water and my friend and I chuckling through our snorkels. We couldn’t help but think he'd just been given a well-deserved dose of karma. Once, in Belize and Guatemala, we witnessed howler monkeys, with massive razor-sharp teeth, badger tourists for food. The howler monkeys only wanted more of the handouts they’d received—and became aggressive toward the very hands that fed them. Some of the tourists might have considered the monkeys cute or harmless at the time, or part of the tour through the Mayan ruins we explored. But for the rest of us, it was another stark reminder why it’s a bad idea to feed wild animals. It’s natural to want to connect with nature. But there’s also a peace that comes from observing wild animals from a respectful distance. We are left in awe, keenly aware of the elements wild animals must conquer for their continued survival. Exposed to Mother Nature’s every whim, they survive the cruelest conditions, and are often forced to compete with their own species while hunting for their daily sustenance.

Central America Trip
This trip ended up being 343 days and 16,000+ miles through the back-country of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. 11 rigs started the trip, within a week we broke into three smaller groups for ease of traveling. Only myself and one other rig went the full, pre-planned route. All the others dropped out for various reasons. All returned safely to the United States. I’m planning to show these photos, more or less, 10 a day, whenever I’m not doing something else deserving a blog entry. FINALLY, it must be remembered these photos are prior to my switching to digital in 2006. The films were developed during our trip and the lack of quality control sometimes is plainly evident.

Clearing Fog On CCJ
The superficial nature of the debate on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), especially in the Senate - the Page 1 editorial in the Observer of Friday, October 23, 2015, 'CCJ: How dare you appropriate the people's rights unto themselves', and Ronald Mason's column in The Sunday Gleaner, October 25, 2015 - has forced me to reconsider. Mason proceeded to make some outlandish claims. Two examples should suffice. One: "The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ... has its own court. Why is it impractical or impossible for us?" The implication of this statement is that the OECS has its own final appellate court. This is untrue. The OECS, in collaboration, has a single appeal court, equivalent to Jamaica's Court of Appeal or Supreme Court. The individual members still have the Privy Council as final court, with Dominica at an advanced stage of decision to move to the CCJ.

Exercise Mayan Warrior
The British - BATSUB - are back. They are carrying out maneuvers around Belize, and the Chiquibul. The BDF are working with them. Thanks for helping to Protect the Chiquibul! "Approximately 400 foot guards from 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards have swapped their ceremonial duties to test their jungle warfare skills in Belize as they take part in Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR. 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards (1CG) have been working and training together on Ex MAYAN WARRIOR. The exercise is named after the ancient Mayan people and culture that had previously inhabited the region. The Guards have been deployed deep in the heart of Belize’s rainforest, learning how to fight in the jungle, and perhaps, more importantly how to navigate and survive amidst the dangers that lay beneath the canopies. It is the first time that 1CG have exercised in Belize and conducted jungle warfare training."

BSOLT Medical/First Aid Program
The Belize School of Outdoor Leadership Training is teaching first aid skills at many of the Cayo schools during November. They've posted some great pictures that tell their story. Thanks, BSOLT! "Medical/First Aid Program provided to Primary and Secondary Schools around the Cayo District Rural Areas for the entire month of November. This Program will entitle FREE Medical/ First Aid Classes to teachers which covers topics such as Burns, Splint, broken bones, asthma, Patient Assessment etc.. Teachers will learn how to handle a situation and know the steps to control and apply a Solution to the problem. BSOLT would like to thank all the Principals and teachers who participated by taking time off their busy schedules."

Ageing in Belize Documentary
VOICE Belmopan along with the National Council on Ageing will be showing the Ageing in Belize documentary at the George Price Centre on Thursday, November 12, starting at 4:00pm.

Videos

November 8, 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

November celebrates our Garifuna people!
Celebrating November 19th in Belize means celebrating the Garifuna. Garifuna Settlement Day is a national public and bank holiday that pays tribute to a rich Afrocentric culture whose legacy lives on and is today told through dance and drums. As the 19th of November approaches, the sounds of drums bring life to the communities across the nation as the Garinagu gear up to celebrate the day they first arrived on Belizean shores in 1832. Over a hundred years later, re-enactments tell the story of both the survival and flourishment of a resilient people, descendants of Arawak Indians and African slaves. Today, during the early morning of November 19th, Garifuna line the shores in their respective communities across Belize as they usher in water vessels decorated in banana leaves and Garifuna flags, lively singing and drumming as they interpret the first pilgrimage led by Alejo Beni.

Mexican newspaper links former UDP Candidate to Meth Cartel
On Saturday, October 31st, the Mexican newspaper, Diario Respuesta from Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, published an article alleging the link of a United Democratic Party (UDP) representative to organized drug crime along the border. The person in question is Orange Walk South’s UDP Standard Bearer Guadalupe “Lupe” Magaña who is believed, along with her husband, to have connection to Emerlindo “Melin” Vasquez who was arrested for the production of methamphetamine. In their report, Diario Respuesta alleges that Nico Dyck, Magaña’s husband, is part of the same cartel as Vasquez and fueled his wife’s campaign with funds from the illicit activities. Diario Respuesta goes on to allege that Dyck, a Mennonite farmer of Blue Creek Village, has reportedly visited Vasquez several times at the Centro de Reinsercion Social in Chetumal where he was remanded after being arrested. “It is presumed that the election campaign is financed by organized crime, where the husband of the candidate, Nyco Dyck, is the link because he is linked to Ermelindo “Melin” Vasquez, a prisoner at the Centro de Reinsercion Social (CERESO) in Chetumal, in the production of methamphetamines.

The British are back!
On Wednesday, October 28th the highest ranking officer of the British Army Land Forces visited Belize. Lieutenant General James Everard, the highest British officer to ever visit Belize, was on an official visit to meet with the commander of the Belize Defense Force (BDF), Brigadier General David Jones and Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The highlight of the visit was to discuss the reestablishment of the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) in Belize after pulling out of the country in 2011. Since 2013, both PM Barrow and BDF commander Jones had been lobbying for the British Army to return BATSUB to its numbers and capacity as it once was back in the days. The visit of Lieutenant General Everard cemented a commitment for a renewed, full scale, BATSUB facility. The decision to downsize the British forces in Belize in 2011 came after British Prime Minister, David Cameron and the British Military brass decided to cut back on military bases worldwide. During that time, the English were focusing their military resources in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their return to Belize signifies a bright future for the continued development of the BDF and the country as well. The arrival of the rest of the British troops should be immediate. Lieutenant General James Everard has been serving in the British Army for the past 32 years and currently holds the highest office in the UK’s military. The day before Everard’s arrival to Belize, Commander Jones received the visit of the General Officer Commanding London District, Major General Edward Smith-Osbourne. He is directly connected to BATSUB and was also ceremonially welcomed by a Guard of Honor.

Saga promotes Senior Pet Adoption
As part of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Saga Humane Society is encouraging everyone to consider adopting an older pet during the month of November. National Adopt a Senior Pet Month was started for shelters and rescues across the world to heavily advertise the benefits of adopting an older friend. Older dogs or cats often make for better family pets as they are calmer, have more years of human interaction and don’t require as much attention as puppies or kittens. There is a senior pet eagerly awaiting adoption at Fort Dog and Saga’s Cattery. Saga invites everyone to stop on by to their office on Sea Star Street from Tuesdays to Fridays between 9AM and 5PM and on Saturdays between 9PM to 12PM to start their adoption process. To learn more on Saga’s adoption process visit their website sagahumanesociety.org or call 226-3266.

Misc Belizean Sources

This Farmer Is Using Drones to Deal with His Crops
He’s no Colonel Kurtz—or Kurtz at all. In fact, Mark Ellenby couldn’t be farther from the enigmatic fictional characters found in Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness, both of whom go into the jungle bearing the burden of Western civilization. Instead Ellenby, a long-time tropical fruit farmer whose LNB Groves is one of the most progressive farms in the Homestead, Florida area, has gone deep into the jungle—of Belize—to preserve it and to learn its lessons. Ellenby is a scholarly botanist and a long-time practitioner of transcendental meditation who has spent several decades overseeing more than 150 acres of tropical fruits in South Florida. There he grows longans, sapodilla, mamey, sapote, black sapote, jackfruit, dragon fruit, and more along with his wife Kiki and several of their now-grown four children. He also has a 15-acre organic home farm in Homestead. But Ellenby is spending more and more time in the heart of the dark jungle of late, having recently purchased 80 hectacres (around 1,978 acres) of land in central Belize. There he is on a mission that has nothing to do with that of generations of ivory traders, poachers, and colonists who have left the comforts of Western civilization for the wilds of the third world. Instead, in Belize, Ellenby hopes to show that it is possible to create a sustainable jungle—and to live gently there, off the grid. And in the meantime, he’s using drones to map the unchartered territory, developing products using fallen bamboo and medicinal plants, and clearly loving every minute of his Central American adventure. We just had to sit down with him and learn more.

SISE HoC Finados Celebration
They had a very successful Finados altar at the SISE HoC.

Entrepreneurial Training at Blue Hole
The Belize Audubon Society teamed up with the SBDC to bring Entrepreneurial Training to business owners located around the Blue Hole National Park. Thanks, BAS and SBDC! "From October 26th-28th Eco- tourism small business owners and employees of the buffering communities of the St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park participated in a Entrepreneurial Development Training offered by the Belize Audubon Society in Partnership with SBDCBelize. This training was made possible through our partnership with The National Audubon and IDB-MIF to strengthen Bird-based tourism in Belize."

Scarlet Macaw Guardians Needed
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is looking for some Scarlet Macaw Guardians. You could help with the raising of chicks in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. In related news, the BWRC is having their fundraising gala on the 21st. "After this years success (thanks to interns Katie Roehl and Lacey Brown, and of course all other partners and supporters!) we are happy to announce that we are looking for "Macaw Interns" for next year! Contact fjord@wildlife-institute.com for more information."

Belize Fishing Report for Oct. 26th – Nov. 4th, 2015
Orvis’ fall Bonefish bonanza was a great success with many guests fishing outside the bonefish box for permit and tarpon! Many thanks to Sarah and Dan from Orvis travel for putting this trip together and hosting a great bunch of folks. There were lots of brand new Helios 2 rods on hand for all to use.

CTV3

Rodwell Ferguson Wins Recount For Stann Creek West Area Representative
A recount of the votes in the Stann Creek West constituency proved that the actual winner was Rodwell Ferguson and not Walter Garbutt as was widely reported on Election Day. On that decisive day, that constituency had trouble figuring out who was the actual winner even after it had been announced that Garbutt has won by a meagre 8 votes. And now with that discrepancy settled, statistics showed the People’s United Party (PUP) candidate; Rodwell Ferguson senior won that seat with 3,300 votes while Garbutt received 49.32% of the votes or 3,292 votes. So what really happened? We spoke to Rodwell Ferguson senior about that huge “blunder” today…. “From the beginning it was one, one and when the last box was left to be counted, I guess somebody from his camp told him that he was winning by three hundred and that was a total lye and then he went out and gave his victory speech and everything about an hour after I get a call that I was winning by eight votes so they call him back you blunder why did you had to go out there and say you won and so when we went through we won by eight votes and although he asked for a reconciliation of every box and when every box was reconciled we were still up by eight we were there until about three thirty in the morning and we way well we will close off and we asked for a recount of every single ballot and then the returning officer agreed for one o’clock the next day when we went through the reconciliation they recount some ballot that had been rejected and so at the end of the day it came back to eight again and so I was victorious by eight votes.”

David Nanes Schnitzer Captured By INTERPOL In Island Of Belize
An International report reveals that David Nanes Schnitzer was captured by authorities on a resort island in Belize, with assistance from Interpol and the U.S. Marshals Service. Nanes is wanted by authorities in Mexico for allegedly helping defraud thousands of investors while serving as president of Stanford Group Mexico. Investors in Latin America, including in Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses when Stanford's financial empire collapsed. Nanes oversaw Stanford's operations in Mexico, Panama and other parts of the region. Stanford based himself in the Caribbean island of Antigua, and the flamboyant businessman used his firm to bankroll a lavish lifestyle and major international cricket tournaments. Stanford has appealed his conviction.

Breaking Belize News

High-school volleyball champs crowned in PG
A total of eight volleyball teams arrived in Punta Gorda (PG) yesterday afternoon to partake in the annual high school nationals for that sport, four being female and four, male, which were all victorious in their zones to qualify for the national games. Games began from around 3:00 p.m. yesterday and continued all day today, featuring female teams from Muffles College, Saint Catherine’s Academy, Belmopan Comprehensive High School and Ecumenical High School, as well as male teams from Saint John’s, Toledo Community College (TCC), Muffles College and Sacred Heart High School. After some exciting matches, Saint Catherine’s Academy rose to the top, edging out Belmopan Comprehensive for the first place trophy in the female category and Ecumenical High School managed to secure third place. In the male category, Saint John’s Academy took third place while a tight matchup between Toledo Community College and Muffles College ended favorably for the underdogs, which were the TCC Scorpions, after they rallied back from a discouraging loss in the first set.

Blogs

Saturday Snapshots: My Week on Ambergris Caye
Ahhh the past week and a half…Halloween, dog sitting up north, SUN and lots of driving back and forth up and down the island. Here are my snapshots…my life around the island. I remain Insta-obsessed so almost all of them are on there…even this braggy one about my new Insta-milestone. I’m only about 64.13 million behind Kim Kardashian! Halloween at both the SAGA Kids, Pets and Adults event… …and for the Holiday Hotel. For all the pictures, check out the blogs listed below. My dog ward, Elsie. And one of my cats, Papusa, NOT enjoying all the alone time. While we are on an animal kick…one of my favorite signs in town. Art really. Perhaps I should try to categorize…food, restaurants and new businesses around town? Gorgeous fry jacks at Estel’s By the Sea.

Saludable Tortilla de Verdura
Lavar la espinaca perfectamente y retirarle las pencas. Calentar una sartén limpia y sin aceite y colocar las espinacas por 2 minutos, tapar la sartén. Repetir este paso con toda la cantidad de verdura. Al cabo de dos minutos, la espinaca habrá disminuído su tamaño, quedando así. Es importante retirar la espinaca al cabo de dos minutos -o hasta que haya disminuído su volumen- porque de esta forma conservará todos sus nutrientes. Picar la cebolla en pequeños cuadrados, cortando primero tiras y luego rotándolas 90° para cortar los dados. Colocar un poco de aceite en una sartén limpia y volcar la cebolla. Dejar que se cocine hasta que esté dorada en los bordes y más transparente en el centro. Reservar.

Tortilla de Tomate
Cuece el tomate (con o sin cáscara) en una olla con un poco de agua. Después pícalo un poco y sáltalo en una sartén con un poco de aceite junto a la cebolla. Condimenta con sal y pimienta y revuelve bien. Apaga el fuego. Aparte, bate los 3 huevos con otro poco de sal y pimienta. Luego llévalos al fuego en una sartén con un poco de aceite caliente y, cuando estén empezando a cocinarse, échales encima el preparado de tomate y cebolla sin revolver, y dóblale encima uno o los dos extremos de la tortilla para darle forma de omelette o de arrollado. Deja unos minutos más, pero sin dejar que se queme el fondo, y sírvelo.

Ensalada de Tomate con Vinagreta de Perejil
En una licuadora combina el perejíl, el aceite, el vinagre, la mostaza y el ajo, salpimienta a gusto y enciende hasta que se mezcle bien todo. Sirve los tomates ya cortados en un plato y riega con la vinagreta. Un consejo, siempre recuerda que la vinagreta se puede guardar en la heladera por un día, no más.

Tortilla de Espinacas
Para comenzar esta receta, primero necesitas conseguir una sartén que no se pegue. En un recipiente grande, agrega los huevos previamente batidos, medio vaso de aceite de oliva y la pizca de sal. No olvides revolver por unos pocos minutos para unificar todos los ingredientes. A continuación, agrega el zapalltito rallado, el jamón picado, también el queso rallado y la cebolla grande rallada. Vuelve a revolver e incorpora paulatinamente la cantidad de harina necesaria para esta receta.

Tortilla de Papa
1. En una sartén mediana, calienta ¼ el aceite de oliva, luego sofríe la cebolla y la papa. Cocina a temperatura baja por 15 minutos aproximadamente o hasta que la papa este suave, pero no muy cocida. 2. En un tazón bate los huevos, agrega el perejil y el chile morrón. Agrega la fritura de cebolla y papa sazona con sal y pimienta. 3. Calienta nuevamente la sartén, agrega el otro ¼ taza de aceite de oliva. Vierte la mezcla de huevo y papa, tapa la sartén y a temperatura mediana-baja cocina la tortilla por 10 minutos. Dale la vuelta ayudándote con la tapa y cocínala por 5 minutos más. Deja reposar unos minutos, luego córtala en cuadros y colócalos en un plato para servir.

SIMPLE TORTILLA DE CEBOLLA
Pela las cebollas y córtalas en láminas muy finas. Luego pon una sartén con aceite a calentar, a fuego medio. Añade las tiras de cebolla y baja a fuego lento hasta que veas la cebolla transparente. Después escurre todo el aceite de la sartén, dejando la cebolla. Aparte bate los huevos con un poco de sal y los echas a la sartén. Remueve con la cebolla hasta hacer la tortilla.

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
Fill large pan with water and stir in sugar. Bring to boil. Add brussel sprouts. (the sugar takes the bitterness out of the brussel sprouts.) Cook until brussel sprouts are tender when stuck with fork. Drain and put into large casserole dish. (I use one that measures 9 x 13). Dice onion and slice mushrooms. Place in large skillet with butter. Saute until onion and mushrooms are both tender.

Corozal: The Ultimate Belize Retirement Destination
Corozal is situated on a pristine bay that once served as an important stop along the trading routes of Belize’s first settlers, the Mayans. But history doesn’t begin and end with these people. Over time, forts, towns and outposts were established throughout this vicinity by people migrating here from other countries, and they left plenty of historic sites behind with each iteration of migrants. That stated, if the sites you prefer to frequent are strictly 21st Century ones, you can always head for Sam’s Club and Walmart in nearby Chetumal, Mexico! Corozal Town offers the quintessential charm of a picturesque little village loaded with charm and resources. It has become an important and convenient hub frequented by ex-pats seeking shops, banks, a library, churches, schools, stores and even municipal offices. Move here, and whether you require groceries, a good book or legal forms, you won’t have to travel far to get exactly what you need.

Videos

November 7, 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

Reasons to BELIZE
As a visitor, you have all sorts of countries to check out in the world. Your choices are practically unlimited, so why should you consider Belize? No theme parks: Disneyland, Sea world, Six Flags…etc…they all sound really fun and exciting. But you know what? We don’t have any of that. We do have crazy cool REAL Maya temples – move over ‘temple of doom’! We have hiking trails that lead you up peaks and valleys, often landing in the middle of a seemingly magical waterfall, surrounded by the twittering of birds, cascades of butterflies darting to and fro, free in nature, as it should be!

Islanders enjoy spooky Haunted House for Charity
On October 29th and 30th, island residents took part in the 2nd annual Haunted House at Wayo’s Beachside Beernet. Organized by Dee Regis, Brittney O’Daniel and Krista Lee, the event not only celebrated the festive Halloween spirit but also raised funds for a charitable organization. This year, proceeds of the Haunted House benefited the Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) Special Needs Program which aims to offer a quality education to island children living with a physical or mental disability. The event was a huge success with residents and visitors alike coming out to have fun, all while supporting a worthy cause. For a fee of $1 for children and $5 for adults, attendees had the chance to enter the spooky house and be scared by monsters, ghouls and ghosts. Apart from the haunted house, organizers also held raffles with amazing prizes such as a $150 grocery certificate to Mermaid Superstore and a snorkel for two complimentary of Chuck and Robbie’s Dive Shop. Wayos Haunted House for Charity (3)Guests also took part in 50/50 raffles and even a costume contest. “Volunteers worked extremely hard to set up the spooky house, scare all those who attended and clean up after the event! In total, $1,362 was raised. All of this money will go towards guaranteeing a special needs child a scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year,” said Director of Special Education at ACES, Sarah Freudenberg.

Reef along Ambergris Caye Suffers Bleaching
According to Marine Biologist at Hol Chan Marine Reserve Kirah Castillo, on their latest survey of the reef in front of the island, they did find some abnormalities, but it was not necessarily all bleaching. “We have been out there and so far there has been some bleached corals found but it is not a lot, what we have observed is a lot of pale corals. This means that the algae that lives within the coral (which gives it its colors) has left and so the coral becomes pale, but it is not dead. Bleaching is when the coral is completely dead and the few corals that have died so far we believe are due to the rise in temperature and low tides. Fortunately, after looking at some satellite images of the water in front of Ambergris Caye, it has shown that the water temperature has cooled down,” said Castillo. She explained that as temperatures become more favorable, the corals that are pale and at risk of bleaching will eventually have the returns of the algae that pump life into them again. “Usually during the summers, the temperature in the water goes up, but this summer was hotter than other ones. If the temperatures are around 28C-29C they do well, but anything from 30C and above is not good for the reef, that is when they become stressed and the algae ends up leaving and the coral reef is then at risk of bleaching,” stated Castillo.

Key player in Ponzi Scheme captured in Ambergris Caye
A key player in one of the largest fraud schemes in history has been caught on Ambergris Caye. According to official reports, David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer was arrested in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, November 3rd following a special operation conducted by the San Pedro Police Department, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the US Marshals Service. He was part of the Ponzi scheme which was orchestrated by financier Allen Stanford and resulted in a $7US billion fraud. Nanes Schnitzer was the president of Stanford Group Mexico overseeing operations in Mexico, Panama and other parts of Latin America. According to police, Nanes Schnitzer had been living in San Pedro for close to three years and had obtained Belizean documents including a passport, driver’s license, boat captain license and even a Social Security card. While living here Nanes Schnitzer was under a different name, thus eluding authorities. Since his apprehension, he has been processed by the San Pedro Police Department and handed over to INTERPOL. Nanes Schnitzer will be handed over to Mexican authorities to face charges for his crimes.

Ambergris Today

Historic Third Swearing in of Dean Barrow as Belize Prime Minister
It was indeed a historic moment and win for Hon. Dean Barrow and the United Democratic Party (UDP) with 19 confirmed seat and a possible 20th still in dispute in Stann Creek which results are yet to be announced. Nevertheless, the UDP won the majority of 31 constituencies with 19 seats compared to the 11 seats won by the main opposition PUP. The Prime Minister is now tasked with the reorganization of a Cabinet with no less than 12 Ministers; he is expected to appoint 12 ministries with two senators appointed as well. In a press conference with the Belize media PM Barrow recommits to working for the development of Belize. Addressing supporters in Belize City, the 64-year-old Barrow described the win – the first ever third consecutive term – as a “magnificent victory”.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal: CARIBBEAN TIRE presents Customer Appreciation Day
Today, November 7th at the park in front of Hotel Maya. FREE FOOD & DRINKS. Bring out the entire family and take advantage of the many discounts!

Power interruptions scheduled for portions of the Stann Creek District on Monday, November 9
8:30am to 11:30am: Placencia Peninsula from Surfside Development area to Plantation area, including Coco Plum Dev, Maya Beach, Pionciana Dr, Coconut Walk Rd & Forest Lagoon Estate. BEL to repair hotspots, energize underground cable & install equipment on power distribution system in area. 1:30pm to 3:30pm: Placencia Peninsula from Turtle Inn to Robert’s Grove including, Seine Bight & Placencia Lagoon Estate. BEL to energize new high voltage lines in the area. 3:30pm to 5:00pm: entire Placencia Village up to Turtle Inn, Henry Young Island & portions of Noralez Ext and Malacate Areas of Independence Village. BEL to repair hot spots on power distribution system in the area.

Another Saga Humane Society success story...from potlicker to princess!
Finally our silly girl Nena has hit the jackpot! Nena is now resting comfortably in her new home in the states. Thank you Tanya for seeing Nena for what she is- a loving, beautiful girl with a sense of humor. We're all cheering for our girl! A few words from Tanya: Me and my husband came to san pedro for vacation and visit friends...we ended up leaving with two fur babies. They are both so sweet. Nena was in for two years...she is absolutely amazing. So glad we were able to meet her and bring her home!

November - Belize Screen on the Green
Belize Screen on the Green is back for the month of November!!! Please join us at Governor General Field on Thursday, November 12, 2015 for the screening of the film Cindarella Man. Movie starts at dark and free popcorn and drinks while they last! About the movie: The true story of an athlete who achieved his greatest success against the most daunting odds of his life is brought to the screen in this historical drama.

Costing and Pricing Workshop
Cost of Workshop: $40.00 *** First THREE person to register get's $5.00 off *** Workshop Date: November 12th, 2015 Time: 9 am to 12 noon. WORKSHOP LOCATION: BELTRAIDE Office, Belmopan City, Belize Tel: 223-3195 or email: sbdc@belizeinvest.org.bz. The overall objective of this training is to equip our clients with knowledge, skills, and capabilities necessary to determine all costs related to the production of their goods or services and es all the costs and allows them to make a profit while still being feasible for customers. to consequently apply an adequate price that encompass.

Belizean Security Forces, US Army conduct counter-drug operation
Belizean security forces and Joint Task Force-Bravo partnered during Operation CARACOL, a marijuana eradication mission, led by Belizean intelligence forces between Oct. 26-30, 2015, in various sectors of the Central American nation of Belize. The purpose of the operation was to build upon the counter-drug partnership between the U.S. and Belize, and put Belizean security forces in the front seat in terms of establishing potential areas where marijuana farms might exist, determining their impact to the drug trade in the region and then eliminating fields they identified as targets. "I was very impressed to see the different units come together at the tactical and operational level to conduct such a difficult mission," said U.S. Army Maj. Douglas Hoyt, JTF-B planning officer. "The Belize Defense Force, Mobile Interdiction Team, Anti-Narcotics Unit, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Police Department, and 1-228 Aviation Regiment all brought their expertise together to form a strong team that was commanded and controlled under the Belize Joint Intelligence and Operation Center at Price Barracks."

Lion's Club Sellathon in San Pedro Today
One man's sellathon items may be another man's treasure!!!!

Phoenix Weekly cleanup
Today at 8am we will be leading another trash clean up. We will meet in front of the resort (beachside)and head south to Blue Water Grill -. Gloves, bags and water will be provided. We want to give a huge thanks to our volunteers last week who were faced with an abnormal amount of plastic and styrofoam that had washed ashore. It was so much more than we have ever seen before so thanks for all your great efforts. It definitely made a difference. Also thank you to Licks restaurant who provided the water last week. Much appreciated.

Trash in the Can. Toes in the Sand
On Thursday, a number of 10 garbage drums were placed on North, Ambergris Caye as part of maintaining San Pedro clean. We hope everyone makes good use of these containers.

Ocean Ferry Belize Limited opens today
We launch TODAY!!! Please note that there will be NO BOAT 6 am and 8 am from San Pedro due to captains being at our head office for the launch. Join us in this Momentous event or welcome us home at the cayes.

Cayo Art Festival 2015
Happy 5th anniversary, SISE House of Culture! The SISE HoC is celebrating 5 years, and for the ocassion they're having the Cayo Art Festival on Saturday, November 28th. It'll be at the Cayo Welcome Center, starting at 10:00am, and In Bloom will be performing. There will be tons of activities for kids, and local artists will be displaying their works of art. "SISEHOC 5th Anniversary. Come and join us for the Cayo Art Festival 2015 at the Cayo Welcome Center."

This is precisely why parrots are loathed by citrus farmer
A red lored is enjoying his single orange, but a flock can pick off quite a few fruits at a time in their search for seeds. We encourage citrus farmers to grow 'decoy crops' such as bitter orange (pictured) which contain many more seeds than the commercial crop and are preferred by the parrots. Contact us if you would like information on this and other decoys and humane deterrents that may help to keep birds away from your cash crop.

CATA European Roadshow 2015

Taipei International Travel Fair 2015

Channel 7

Who Will Lead After Francis?
Last night you hear PUP Leader Francis Fonseca make the dramatic announcement that he was stepping down and retiring from electoral politics. His announcement has triggered a sort of leadership sweepstakes in the PUP where and now the race has begun to see who will replace him. Today we spoke to three persons who might have an interest in the job. Former leader John Briceno told us that he is taking the weekend off with his family, and he will decide next week after the weekend break. Deputy Leader Julius Espat was not so blas. He told us he is considering it because, quote, "the party must have a leader that can unite, and a leader that is bi-lingual, one that can work and give his all, but," he continued, quote, "we cannot have leadership challenge where we come out fighting." He said he is, quote, "very close to making a decision on that" and consulting his allies countrywide. He says he has received calls of encouragement. As for the prospect of a Briceno bid for leadership, he says, quote, "we can't go backwards." One other dark horse prospect for leader says he has also been getting calls. Kareem Musa, the son of Said Musa, and just elected to his first term says he is considering making a run for the leadership as well.

Why Did Saldivar Call Off Cops on Gun Weilding Supporter?
If you were tuned into our "Covad" elections coverage on Wednesday night, you would have seen our footage of John Saldivar's emotional reaction when he learned that he had been re-elected once again in Belmopan. But, since then, a video has gone viral on social media which captures another angle of the emotional announcement. Someone in the celebrating UDP crowd fired a gunshot as a sort of gun salute. That's called "discharging a firearm in public" - a serious gun offence. But, the video captures Saldivar going to the shooter's rescue, and this caused public outrage because it appears that the former Police Minister is forcing on-duty officers to back off someone who just broke the law because he is a UDP supporter. Tonight, we have a closer look at that video for you, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting The video starts with the loud noise and cheers of supporters. Then at the 3rd Second in, you clearly hear the sound of a gunshot. Wherever that happens, the cell phone footage does not pick it up. There is a bit more celebration between Saldivar and his supporters and at the 12 second into the video, a man rushes over with an urgent message. You can't quite make it out clearly what he is saying. He then proceeds to drag Saldivar over to the police, and the photographer gets caught by the wave of people passing by.

PM Gets Ready To Announce New Cabinet
And so it is left to be seen if Saldivar will get another term as police minister when Prime Minister Dean Barrow announces his cabinet on Monday. Reports say that the Prime Minister expects to meet with his new cabinet tomorrow, after making his decisions today.

Stann Creek West, It's Final
On Yesterday's newscast, we told you about how a recount had been underway to determine who has won the elections in Stann Creek West. The first count showed that the UDP's Walter Garbutt had won the election, but two boxes had been overlooked, and when they were counted, the Returning Officer called the elections for the PUP Incumbent Rodwell Ferguson. That 8 vote win will stand, and the UDP appears to have conceded defeat in that constituency - after first indicating that it would go to court. This evening, the Chief Elections Officer told the press what's next: Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer "We got the official results and I will tell you that for the Stann Creek West electoral division, the official result is as follows: Rodwell Stephen Ferguson Jr. of the People's United Party got a total of 3300 votes; Walter Garbutt of the United Democratic Party got a total of 3292 votes and Milton Palacio from the BPP got a total of 48 votes. 35 votes were rejected. So if you look at the difference between the United Democratic Party and the People's United Party, the difference still remains at 8 even after the recount." Daniel Ortiz "Since that is the final results. Have all parties agreed to turn away from whatever challenges they intended to make in the courts?"

Chief Says Election Went Smoothly
So, apart from that situation in Stann Creek West, what is the Chief Elections Officer's opinion of how the elections were conducted? Here's her review: Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer "From our standpoint the election went fairly well - extremely well I would say. Because we had everything in place before the election. On Election Day everybody was familiar with what they are to do. The process was very smooth. The voter turnout was 72.68%. So we know that persons were also willing and able to come out. We did our ads. So we basically had everything in place. So in my opinion it went exceptionally well."

Redistricting And Re Registration Needed
That's pretty much the same thing that the Observers from the OAS had to say yesterday when they presented their report on their assessment of electoral process. They did recommend a re-registration exercise, something which was also a suggestion from the 2012 report by the OAS Observers who oversaw that General Elections. So, why was it not acted upon by the Elections and Boundaries Department before Wednesday's General Elections? Well, the Chief Elections Officer told us that they follow the strict schedule set out by the Constitution which says that the exercise will be due in 2017. "As the law presently stands, the re-registration exercise is due in July of 2017. So plans are in place to have that exercise. The commission has already made it clear that it is something that needs to get done and they are willing to ensure that it gets done. When we are through with the re-registration exercise, that will good indication in terms of the numbers in each of the electoral division. So again, that will be a good time for us to look at the numbers and see where we need to do the re-districting. But again, yes, that is something that the commission has already indicated that we must do."

From Murder To Manslaughter To 12 Years
21 year-old Jason Reyes, the San Pedro resident who was convicted last week Monday of Manslaughter, as an alternative to murder, will spend 12 years in prison for that crime. That's the sentence that Justice Adolph Lucas handed him today in a mitigation hearing. Reyes managed to call 2 character witnesses to testify on his behalf, one of his primary school teachers, and one of his high school teachers. Both of them spoke well of Reyes, and told the court that, apart from this case, he was a person of good character. After consideration, Justice Lucas sentenced him to 12 years in prison. As we reported, he was convicted in a trial without jury. He had been charged with the fatal stabbing of 29 year-old Lionel Pinelo. The evidence in the trial was that on November 5, 2010, Pinelo drove a golf cart to the Rainbow Star Bar, located in the Boca Del Rio Section of the island. That's when someone threw a pint bottle on the top of the cart, which broke. According to the witnesses in the case, that got Pinelo angry, and he approached a group of young men with the intent to fight Jason Reyes.

Election Day Stabbing Between Room-mates, Not Rivals
It was the only report of serious violence on election day in the city, where 25 year old Brandon Allen, was stabbed in the notorious Taylor's Alley. He survived very serious injury in the afternoon attack, and tonight the man police say is responsible for the act has been identified as his roommate, Emmerson Skyers who is no stranger to the court. Skyers appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was read a count of attempted murder upon Brandon Allen, one count of dangerous harm and one count of use of deadly means of harm with a knife. Police stress that the violence was not political: Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "It is a matter between two friends. They are roommates. They are very close associates and you know as normal customary people who are in the same house living together, you cannot tell what is brewing between them and it so happens that they had an argument on that day and the argument lead quickly to a stabbing. The person who did it is in custody and I believe he has been charged and will be taken to court. But I must say that that incident was no way related to the election process. It is separate and apart from the entire election process."

Police Say Knives Are Now Weapons Of Choice
And those two stories you just heard, are a murder and an attempted murder - both with knives. Police say that's emerging as the weapon of choice on Southside Belize - and today they put out a public advisory reminding the public that it is an offence to carry a large knife. Southside commander Chester Williams explained today:.. Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "The weapon of choice being use is now knives and you would observe that for the past two weeks, almost every day we are sending out reports of someone being stabbed. So the fact that the weapon of choice is now knives, we are just basically telling the members of the public to be aware that you know what the weapon of choice being use in committing crime is now knives and try to refrain from being around persons who have knives and at the same time, to give warning to those who are walking around with knives and let them know, you know there is an offence under the crimes control act or the criminal justice act which prohibits the carrying of knives between 8pm and 5am, where the knife blade is over 3 inches, providing though that you cannot provide a reasonable explanation as to why you are carrying the knife.

Kenroy Remanded
22 year-old Kenroy Willoughby, a resident of Iguana Street Extension in Belize City, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison Tonight. That's because 15 year-old girl has accused him of having sex with her. The minor alleges that in the month of September, Willoughby had intercourse with her, and a doctor confirmed it. The police then arrested and charged Willoughby for the crime of unlawful sexual intercourse. He was arraigned before Magistrate Mendoza where he pleaded not guilty to the offence, but he couldn't be granted bail. The magistrate has remanded him to prison until December 10, 2015. Willoughby has a number of other criminal charges pending before the court.

Election, the Broader View
So, just like that…the 2015 general elections are history. The all consuming event saw millions of dollars spent, thousands of signs plastered all across the country, hundreds of campaign workers brought into harness, dozens of hours of advertising…all for the election of just 29 men and two women. Tonight Jules Vasquez looks at their margins of victory compared to the last election:.. We start off in the North with Corozal Bay: the UDP's Pablo Marin beat out the PUP's Gregorio "Papas" Garcia by 146 votes - almost identical to the 148 votes he beat him by in 2012. In Corozal North UDP Hugo Patt won that seat by 493 votes, better than the 209 he won by in 2012. Moving on to Corozal South East the PUP's Florencio Marin Jr. beat Evan Cowo by 164 votes - a sharp dip in that PUP stronghold, because in 2012, Marin won by 412 votes. In Corozal South West UDP's Dr. Angel Campos unseated the PUP Area representative Ramiro Ramirez by a margin of 219 votes - in the last election Campos ran as an independent and the UDP lost by thirty three votes.

Computer Hardware to Help Justice
The case file - so many times on the news we've heard about it being lost, missing or incomplete, resulting in cases being thrown out of court or dismissed. Well, now there's computer hardware which should bring more order and organization to the judicial system in Belize. Today the Caribbean Network Operators Group handed over a firewall device that will enhance the current database and allow judges and law firms to have direct access to court files and reports. But this is just one component, System Administrator at the Supreme Court of Belize Steven Babb told us more about the benefits. The firewall will be installed before the end of the year. The handing over was part of CARIBNOG's 10th Regional Gathering.

Making Ecology Everyday
20 high school students are back from a 5 day Ecology trip. The students went to Calabash Caye to learn how to dissect a lionfish and how to search for and monitor dolphins among other activities. While for most people these are abstract experiments, the instructor told us today that it's more than just marveling at nature and marine life- it's about learning how and why it's important to protect it. Jaen Nieto, Instructor "The idea is to expose them to the marine environment and through hands on experience, learn about it and raise awareness about it. Because without knowing what surrounding us, the importance of nature, how everything is interconnected, the impact that we have as humans, if we are not aware of that we can't create any change. It's just to raise awareness." Ingrid Acosta, Head of Science Dept. SCA "Our EPI course was as a result of our science fair that we held earlier this year in January. Two of our groups were sponsored by SMART. We had up and down tomato who won the prize. So the rest of the group are made up of 3rd formers who had just finish the ecology unit of the course. So this experience was very rewarding for them and they got to apply what they had learnt in class."

Diabetes Day
Today, the Belize Diabetes Association held a remembrance event for all Belizeans who have died due to the diabetes or any of its complications. It's a non-communicable disease which continues to afflict 50,000 Belizeans right now, and so, the Association took the opportunity to hold an education session at its Belize City office on Central American Boulevard. Our News team stopped by to see how it was going, and here's what the coordinators had to say: The association continues its awareness campaign with it's "Ride Out Diabetes Fundraiser". Participants will go on a riding tour from Corozal to Belize City, where they will finish off at the ITVET Compound. Then, the ride goes west to Santa Elena Town, where participants will ride from that location to Belize City, where they will once again end off at ITVET.

Cops Accountable
Today we met up with the southside police formation in the Jane Usher Boulevard Area. Now, they have been here time and time again - and we wanted to know if it's about profiling, or if it has a real purpose. Southside Commander Senior Superintendent Chester Williams told us they came for a report card:... Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "We are also getting back from them our report card, in terms of whether or not they are satisfied with the work that we have been doing on the Southside Belize City and I must say that the feedback so far is that the residents are saying that comparing to when we first came to now, that they are seeing a downward trend in the criminal activities in this Jane Usher Boulevard area. One of the things that people have been saying is that what police use to do before was to when the crime go out of control, they step in the area, they calm it down and they step out back and then crime come back out of control again.

Marla's Tough Situation
Ladyville mother Marla Encalada is going through a very tough stretch. Her two daughters were knocked down in Ladyville - one of them, a 6 year old broke both sides of her pelvis - and received massive injury to her genitals. The child was operated on at KHMH, but the family claims the operation on the child's genitals was botched, and she was left in a bad way. She was transferred to the Belize Medical Associates - where the media spoke to her yesterday, off camera:... Voice of: Marla Encalada, mother "We rush here to a surgery to do over the same surgery that Karl Heusner Hospital did for her, so that they give her a stool bag. She is a state that she cannot move. She has a steel in her knee to bring back the pelvis together. It's very messed up for me. I don't have any assistance anywhere. Yet the government don't want to see me to know the critical condition that my kids are in. If you go in there to see the pain that my kids are in, not even you can stand to be in the room."

Channel 5

Rodwell Ferguson Declared Winner after Recount
After a hard fought battle for a seat in Stann Creek West, People’s United Party candidate Rodwell Ferguson has been re-elected as its two-term area representative.  That announcement was made [...]

Teacher Wally Gracious in Defeat
Indeed, jumping the gun to declare victory prior to an official confirmation has proven quite embarrassing for the political greenhorn.  But Garbutt maintains full composure, posting on his Facebook page [...]

Defining Mayan Land Rights is one of GOB’s Priorities
Coverage of the 2015 General Election – pre, during and after, has been comprehensive and for the sake of our certainly fatigued viewers, we’re hoping that this is where it [...]

Wilfred Elrington Says Electors Have Green-lighted going to the ICJ
Wilfred Elrington, who finished the term prior to elections as Minister of Foreign Affairs, was one of the winners in the closely contested Pickstock division. Elrington won by seventy-eight votes [...]

Key Player in Multi-Billion $$$ Fraud Scheme Nabbed in San Pedro
On election eve, police in San Pedro made the arrest of a high profile international figure wanted by International Criminal Police Organization who has been residing in the island for [...]

Mother Who Burned Son’s Hand Given Suspended Sentence
A single mother of five children, Odette Lambey, who was accused of placing the hand of her five year old son over a flaming stove causing him to sustain second [...]

Mother Seeks Assistance for Daughters Injured in Ladyville RTA
A single mother is desperately seeking assistance after two of her daughters, one six and one nine, were knocked down last week in Ladyville. Currently the girls, one of them [...]

How Many Voters Came Out for General Elections 2015
For the General Election 2015, from a total of one hundred ninety-six thousand five hundred eighty-seven registered voters a total of one hundred forty-two thousand eight hundred eighty-one went to [...]

A Look at the Most Unexpected Results
There were six seats where results were either close, or not entirely expected. We look at those.  In Caribbean Shores, Kareem Musa garnered one thousand one hundred and seventy-seven votes, [...]

PM Barrow Says He Expected Darrell Bradley to Win
On Thursday night we showed you Mayor Darrell Bradley’s surprise at being unable to gain control of the Caribbean Shores seat. He, and the U.D.P. higher-ups, believed that Bradley’s achievements [...]

Barrow Prepares to Serve His Final Term As Prime Minister
Veteran politicians Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez and Michael Finnegan have both indicated that this term is likely their last. It is also the last in which Dean Barrow will serve as [...]

Fonseca Says He is at Peace
Tonight the People’s United Party is at a crossroad following the resignation of its leader Francis Fonseca. There are two senior members who are said to be considering the top [...]

New PUP Leader Must Unite the Party, Says Fonseca
Fonseca implores his successor, whomever that individual will be, to keep the party united, acknowledging that only the U.D.P. benefits from their discord.   Francis Fonseca, Leader, People’s United Party [...]

Mexico Congratulate the New Government of Belize
The Mexican government has sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the people of Belize for the peaceful elections held on November fourth which were observed by [...]

Wilfred Elrington Says He Won Because Politics is Local
Earlier in our newscast we showed you Wilfred Elrington’s conviction that the election result is a green light to the ICJ. That remains to be seen, but based on the [...]

B.P.D. Meet & Greet Initiative in Northside Belize City
The police were on the beat this afternoon in both the North and South side of the City. Community policing has become a main strategy for the Police Department’s efforts [...]

LOVE FM

Mexico Congratulates Prime Minister Barrow on Elections
An online publication from Reuters News Agency reported that in an interview yesterday with the Prime Minister Dean Barrow, it was mentioned that the recently elected President of Guatemala, Carlos Morales, had not extended any congratulatory note to him on his victory at the polls on Wednesday. Guatemala is one of Belize’s border countries and […]

Belize’s Courts Improve on Data Security via CARIBNOG Donation
Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) has donated a firewall device to Belize’s Judiciary that will enable the courts to have secure access to their database. This firewall will allow judges to safely access files from anywhere either in Belize or abroad. The Supreme Court of Belize, will be able to share data between other courts […]

PlusTV

OAS commends Belize for peaceful elections, has recommendations
The thirteen observers attached to the election observation mission from the Organization of American States (OAS) have preliminarily declared the 2015 general election in Belize “peaceful and successful,” and said that the work of electoral authorities in the lead up to Wednesday resul...

What next for Maya land rights?
A major priority for the new Barrow Administration is the enforcement of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s decision on Maya land rights in the Toledo District. While the Prime Minister believes it had no impact on the elections, it is still important for him to get the matter right before next ...

Did deliberate voter transfers play role in election result
Voter transfers in July and August of each calendar year are an important barometer for the development of a candidate’s electability as it represents an opportunity to connect with voters. In addition, candidates often take advantage of new citizens by promising assistance in return for their...

Friend is accused of stabbing his own roommate
We told you yesterday of an early morning shooting incident on Election Day Wednesday, for which one person was arrested and charged. Later in the day, there was another incident of violence involving two young men well known to authorities. On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 25 year old Brandon Allen,...

Belize City mom avoids jail over harm to child]
A single mother of five children including three teenagers from Belize City will avoid jail on a charge of grievous harm as long as she continues to get counseling for her family and personal problems. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith ordered a suspended sentence of nine months’ imprisonment f...

Jason Reyes given twelve years for manslaughter
21 year old Jason Reyes, found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Lionel Pinelo in 2010, was today sentenced to 12 years in prison for the crime by Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas. Reyes was accused of the November 5, 2010 stabbing murder of Pinelo during an altercation on Ambergris Caye, out...

Benque bus driver freed of sex charges
A jury of 8 women and one man today found 38 year old bus driver and supervisor Felipe Kotch of Benque Viejo Town not guilty of two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge. The jurors returned this evening with the verdict after deliberating since 1:40 this afternoon in the court of Justice Adolph Luca...

Amandala

Red tide: UDP 19, PUP 12!
Following an unprecedented three-peat at the polls on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, the United Democratic Party’s leader, Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, was historically sworn in for a third consecutive term of office by Governor-General Sir Colville Young this afternoon in the nation’s capital of Belmopan. “We are ready to give our all one more time…,” Barrow said a mid-morning press conference held in Belize City. “We will do our absolute best to deliver comprehensively and to serve ALL the people of this country,” he added. After a rare recount of Stann Creek West votes this afternoon, Barrow’s party, the UDP, emerged with 19 seats, while the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) snagged its twelfth seat in the election, called almost two years before its due date. Shortly after that recount started, the PUP publicly announced that former Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca, who won a decisive victory for the PUP in the Freetown division, would be stepping away to make way for a new party leader. Fonseca had held on to the leadership position since 2011, but the party has not won any of the elections under his leadership. The PUP walked away with 14 seats in the 2012 general election, and that figure was down to 12 for these elections – even amid proclamations from inside the PUP camp that their party would win in excess of 20 seats.

Cordel Hyde trounces Mark King with record high votes in Lake I
After a temporary departure from the political scene in 2012, Lake Independence’s three-term area representative, Hon. Cordel Hyde, will be back in Parliament after having delivered a crushing defeat to Mark King of the United Democratic Party, who in August had threatened to “get rid” of Hyde, his father and brother as well as their family business – Kremandala. When voters went to the polls this March for the 2015 municipal elections, Cordel had delivered more blue votes for his party than the red votes which King delivered for his, signaling that Hyde was stronger in Lake I than King. That was proven on Wednesday, November 4, when 4,368 voters (69% of registered electors) went to the polls and Hyde was elected to his fourth term of office with the widest margin ever for a Lake I contender. Hyde said, it’s been a while but he is looking forward to representing the people of Lake I in Parliament. As for the key to his latest victory, Hyde says that it’s as simple as keeping it real.

PUP Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, steps down
In the wake of its crushing defeat at the polls in yesterday’s general elections, the Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), Hon. Francis Fonseca, who successfully defended his Freetown constituency seat with his resounding defeat of the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Dr. Carla Barnett, announced this afternoon that he is stepping down as PUP Leader, and that after serving out his term as area representative in the House of Representatives for the Freetown constituency, he will retire from electoral politics. Fonseca made the announcement at the party’s Independence Hall headquarters, in the presence of several PUP standard bearers who ran in yesterday’s elections. Before making the announcement in the hall, where the mood was somber, Fonseca said that many of the PUP standard bearers have called him to say that “they are of course very tired and very disappointed and apologized for not being here this afternoon.” “[I’m] certainly glad that some of our standard bearers have been able to make it here to join me this afternoon,” he then commented.

Orange Walk awash in a sea of red and blue
The Orange Walk District has four electoral constituencies and today, all the political colors were out in their fullest force, but the predominant colors dominating the landscape were those of the two major political parties, the incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP). Evidence of the newly formed Belize Progressive Party (BPP) could be seen at a few spots. The war for Orange Walk was intense. Supporters of the two parties clashed violently in the days leading up to the general elections, when UDP and PUP supporters wrangled with each other over the messages that were contained on their parties’ signs in San Jose, in the Orange Walk North constituency. Today, about half an hour before the polls closed, there were more clashes between supporters of the UDP and the PUP in the Orange Walk North constituency at the Trial Farm Government School, which was serving as a polling area.

Murder in San Ignacio
Darwin Guerrero, 25, a laborer of San Ignacio, died after he was shot five times by a man he knew who fired the shots from an ATV on a road in San Ignacio. Guerero was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. The shooting occurred at about 8:45 yesterday morning on Bella Vista Street. Police found five expended shells and a pool of blood at the scene. According to police, Guerero was doing construction work on Bella Vista Street when a gunman, who was not wearing a mask and was identified by many of the workers who were present, approached Guerero in an ATV and shot him five times.

What “Confidence-Building Measures,” Belize?
In the wake of the Belize Territorial Volunteers’ expedition to Sarstoon Island on Sunday, August 16, 2015, when unarmed Belizean civilians were aggressed by Guatemalan Navy boats, Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference and told the nation that the BDF has been under constant threat from the Guatemalan military. Indeed, our BDF are routinely challenged by the Guatemalans and frequently told to turn back. Our soldiers never retreat and are never deterred by these standoffs. They always complete their mission, even when under threat. The Prime Minister, however, did not say exactly when these threats had started, nor did he say how long the Guatemalan military has been asserting control over the Sarstoon River. For an extended period, the Government of Belize has been content to play by the rules of the Organization of American States-brokered, so-called “Confidence Building Measures,” and has refused to take the necessary diplomatic offensive to protect and defend Belize’s sovereignty.

Editorial: Belize’s victory
First, of course, this newspaper congratulates the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Prime Minister Dean Barrow for a noteworthy feat unprecedented in the post-independence political era in Belize – a third consecutive term of office. On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, the Belizean people felt they had no choice, and they spoke clearly and decisively. The UDP won 19 seats, and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) won 12. Late Wednesday night, our sources informed that there were recounts taking place in Cayo North East (PUP), Stann Creek West (UDP), and Corozal South East (PUP), where the margins of victory were considered relatively narrow. The recounts, however, could not possibly affect the overall result. Incidentally, there were other narrow margins of victory in Toledo East (PUP), Belize Rural Central (UDP), Port Loyola (UDP), Pickstock (UDP), and Caribbean Shores (PUP). As nationalistic Belizeans, we felt that the five-week-long campaign and the conduct of the election day voting and election night counting of the votes were massive victories for the young nation-state of Belize. The public officers, the police, the army, and the people of Belize must be congratulated. Big time. We have no evidence of any violence having to do with the campaign, the voting, and the counting. In Belize, we began to take our peaceful elections for granted a long time ago, but this one, especially, cannot be taken for granted, because Belize is a more violent society than it has ever been and there are more firearms around, both legal and illegal, than there have ever been.

Election 2015: Stann Creek and Toledo Districts
In the General Elections 2015, in the Stann Creek District division, which includes Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek in the Stann Creek District, the incumbent, Frank “Pawpa” Mena of the UDP, was reelected, after besting Anthony Sabal of the PUP by 336 votes. Frank “Pawpa” Mena won with 52.86% of the votes (2,360), while Anthony Sabal received 45.33% of the votes (2,024) and Anthony Petillo of the BPP received 0.90% of the votes (40). In the Stann Creek West constituency, however, a recount is to be carried out today to determine the winner after controversy erupted over the counting of the last two ballot boxes. The division was contested by Walter Garbutt (UDP), Rodwell Ferguson (PUP), and Milton Palacio (Belize Progressive Party). Reports are that Garbutt had been told that he had won the division and was celebrating when he was informed that in fact, two final boxes had not been counted. When the counting was over, the report is, Garbutt had lost by 8 votes. He demanded a recount, which is to begin at 2 p.m. today, Thursday, and is covered separately in this issue of the newspaper.

In Cayo, UDP 4, PUP 2
Our Belizean flag is blue and red in color, and at its center is the coat of arms that identifies us and brings us together as a nation; however, on November 4, when the general elections were held, we were a country divided by colors and the parties those colors represent. The Cayo District is divided into the following electoral divisions: Belmopan, Cayo North, Cayo Central, Cayo West, Cayo South and Cayo North East. The Cayo North constituency was created around the time of the 1961 general election as a result of a nationwide redistricting, and 6,940 registered voters are in this division. The UDP standard bearer in this constituency for this year’s general election was Omar Figueroa, who had won a bye-election on January 5, 2015 over his opponent, Richard Harrison, and the PUP candidate was Michel Chebat. Figueroa told Amandala he believed that 65% of the registered voters would be voting for him. “The election is about the people, what they want, what their needs are and who can really represent them,” he said. Cayo Central – which consists of Santa Elena, Georgeville, Buena Vista, San Ignacio and Cristo Rey – holds one of 10 seats created for the 1984 general elections. Daniel Silva became the PUP standard bearer for the constituency after winning a PUP convention on April 27, 2014, over Luke Espat.

The Reporter

Elvin Penner mixed up in land-grab scandal?
Three documents from the Lands Department have surfaced showing disgraced former Minister Elvin Penner and his parents being leased and sold acres of land for a fraction of the market value. The documents show land in the Mountain Pine Ridge area and one on […]

PUP vs Elections Chief
A number of exchanges between the People’s United Party (PUP) and the Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai last week, resulted in the Party requesting more time to review the proxy register and a demand that it be made available for scrutiny to all parties. […]

Belizean entrepreneur honored with two regional awards
Belizean entrepreneur, Crystal Samos, founder of the Carpe Diem line of skin care products, was honored this week with two prestigious awards from the Caribbean Center of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL). Samos represented Belize at the 2015 CARICOM sustainable development through entrepreneurship seminar, held […]

UDP using BATSUB to lull the people, says BPP
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has accused the United Democratic Party (UDP) government of misleading Belizeans, offering a false sense of security with the return of British Troops. The BPP, in a press release this week, reacted to the statements made by Guatemala’s President-Elect Jimmy Morales and the timing of […]

5 yr-old boy shot by men wearing halloween masks
Five-year-old Elvis Godoy Jr., along with his father, Elvis Godoy Sr. and his uncle, Jose Godoy are currently interned at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after an armed raid on Halloween night. According to Jose Godoy, his brother and other men were socializing outside […]

Woman loses her sight due to domestic dispute
Kyle Perez, a resident of the Salt Creek Area, in Sand Hill Village is on remand after he was found guilty of maim and damage to property. Perez was unrepresented when he appeared before Magistrate Ladonna John, where he faced two charges, one count of […]

Boyfriend remanded to jail for having sex with teen
A teenager accused of having a sexual relationship with a foster child from a child care centre in the city, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was denied bail for the offense of sexual assault. He is 19 year-old Guillermo Silva, […]

General Overview & Institutional Strengthening for Belize Tax Administration
EDC: Trade and Tax Regime being reviewed As was pointed out in last week’s EDC “Strictly Business”, the need for the tax system to be modified so as to reduce the cost of doing business in Belize and simplify the business process has been raised by the private sector on […]

Where are the women?
Out of 88 candidates who ran for elections on November 4th, only 11 were women. The low number of female representation in goverment is a global trend, which is slow in changing. Yet Belizean women continue to fight for fair representation in government, facing considerable […]

Canefield workers found in possession of 13 fake residency certificates
Two Corozal residents were caught in Belize City on Tuesday in possession of 13 certificates of registration for (Belizean) citizenship. Upon closer scrutiny they turned out to be fake and both men, Marcus Vasco, 40 and Mark Rosalez, 29 of San Pedro Village were […]

Document proves extended Guatemalan aggression
A recently “leaked” document written by a senior officer in the Belize Defense Force to the former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security Colonel George Lovell, shows that aggression and confrontation from Guatemalan military personnel in the Sarstoon River has been going […]

‘Superbond’ sinks; what does it mean for Belize?
Bloomberg Business published an article as Belizeans voted on election day, indicating that Belize’s ‘Superbond’ sank its lowest since 2013, according to JP Morgan Chase and Company’s Emerging Market Bond Index (EMBI). The ‘yield’ on the Superbond rose to 10 percent at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday […]

OAS presents preliminary election findings
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observer Mission (EOM), on Thursday afternoon, presented its preliminary findings of its mission to Belize, highlighting areas of concern and making several recommendations to improve electoral efficiency and transparency. EOM Chief of Mission Jacinth Henry Martin, congratulated […]

Editorial
Election results in Belize this week were unprecedented and impressive, giving the UDP a third 5-year term. But two of the brightest stars in the UDP firmament, Dr. Carla Barnett and City Mayor Darrel Bradley were brought low, Barnett by PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, who won by 428 votes in […]

Triple victory for UDP!
The United Democratic Party (UDP) won a historically unprecedented third consecutive term by securing 19 seats in the General Elections held on Wednesday, November 4. The PUP has asked for a recount in Stann Creek West, where the newcomer UDP candidate Walter Garbutt appeared […]

Deathblow for Francis
Francis Fonseca, Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), announced this week that he will be stepping down as leader of the party. Fonseca made the announcement at the PUP headquarters on Thursday, after the party lost the November 4th General Elections, making it their […]

Breaking Belize News

National Volleyball Championships kick off
This year’s high school volleyball nationals, hosted in the Toledo District, started this afternoon at 3:00 with female matches being played all through the evening up until around 6:00, after which the males got their chance to perform for the hundreds of fans. The games are being hosted […]

Wanted American pleads guilty to forgery charge
A Mexican American living in San Pedro Town who is alleged to be linked to the Allen Stanford Ponzi scheme uncovered several years ago was brought to court today on a charge of uttering a forged document, to wit a Belizean driver’s license SP-2269. 46 year old David Miguel Schnitzer, […]

Benque bus driver freed of sex charges
A jury of 8 women and one man today found 38 year old bus driver and supervisor Felipe Kotch of Benque Viejo Town not guilty of two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge. The jurors returned this evening with the verdict after deliberating since 1:40 this afternoon in the court of Justice […]

Jason Reyes given twelve years for manslaughter
21 year old Jason Reyes, found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Lionel Pinelo in 2010, was today sentenced to 12 years in prison for the crime by Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas. Reyes was accused of the November 5, 2010 stabbing murder of Pinelo during an […]

Attack victim clings to life, police seek attacker
The mother of 24 year old Kevin Salazar, who remains in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), is pleading to the public in locating her son’s attacker. According to Maritza Gonzalez, she flew from the US on Monday to be by her son’s side at the […]

Friend is accused of stabbing his own roommate
We told you yesterday of an early morning shooting incident on Election Day Wednesday, for which one person was arrested and charged. Later in the day there was another incident of violence involving two young men well known to authorities. On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, Brandon Allen, 25, […]

City mom avoids jail over harm to child
A single mother of five children including three teenagers from Belize City will avoid jail on a charge of grievous harm as long as she continues to get counseling for her family and personal problems. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith ordered a suspended sentence of nine months’ imprisonment […]

18 year old shot in the city
Belize City police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) at around 2:35 on Wednesday morning and saw 18 year old Trevor Yard Jr. of Kelly Street, Belize City, with a gunshot wound to the left upper side of the groin area. Yard told police that about 15 minutes earlier, […]

Police bust gun on election day
Two Dangriga men were arrested and charged on Election Day for the offense of “Kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license”, after police recovered a firearm that was in their possession. Around 6:45 on Wednesday evening, officers in a police mobile spotted 20 year old Emmai Krammer Valerio and […]

Ferguson wins in recount
With General Election polls closing at 6:00 on Wednesday evening, by midnight most official results were announced and showed a large margin of victory for the first government to win three consecutive terms in Belizean history, the United Democratic Party (UDP). One constituency though, had trouble figuring out […]

OAS submits election report
The Organization of American States (OAS) Mission that observed the November 4th General Elections have submitted its report. According to an article posted on the Caribbean News website, members from the OAS that observed the electoral process on Wednesday noted, “that the civic spirit of the people shown in a peaceful and […]

Blogs

A Sneak Peak at Ambergris Caye’s “Truck Stop”: Food, Drink and Lots More
The road north has become a main way of transportation. Yes, it was always used by some residents of north Ambergris Caye and as an adventure for tourists headed that way on golf carts…but bring some rains and it turned into a mogulled, muddy slow moving mess. Many took boats or the Coastal Express water taxi to destinations north. Now paved, it’s a thoroughfare…and businesses are starting to pop-up. There is one in particular that I am VERY excited about. The Truck Stop. An amazingly clever use of a gorgeous lagoon side property just west of the new road…but then the owners, Ben and Joanna, owners of Island Films as well, have always been pretty clever people. Here was our first look at the project…with an invite to Troy Aikman to celebrate his birthday, November 21st, at the Grand Opening!

Most Unique New Souvenir in Town, Flowers and Brick oven Pizza at Banana Beach
I recently caught up with Dianne at her office AKA Carlos and Ernies Runway Bar to check out her cool new fingernail tattoo’s by Angel at Artistic Skin Designs. Getting a fingernail tattoo is a great option for someone who does not want permenant ink on their body or the pain that can sometimes come with getting inked. It is also the perfect unique new vacation souvenier. Artistic Skin Designs is located on Buckaneer St in town. Shop Hours are Monday – Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm -8:00pm. Shop observes holiday hours when aplicable so call to make sure they are open 226-4261 El Divino Restaurant at Banana Beach Resort is now doing brick oven pizza’s. Everynight except Monday they get the bricks hot around 4:30 – 5:30. In addition to lobster and meatlovers, they also have Cheese, Supreme, Pepperoni and Hawaiian. To give you an idea on pricing, Our half/half was $37.50 with meatlovers being $35 and the lobster at $40 – pricing in Belize dollars.

Top things to do in Belize City
Don’t let anybody tell you that Belize begins and ends with outlying islands running up and down the mainland coast! Belize City has its charms and there’s plenty to do, so instead of speeding to and from the Belize International Airport, do yourself a favor and make plans to stick around to see this city’s architectural, cultural and zoological treasures. We recommend the following 10 sites since they will introduce you to the very heart of the city by the sea that is so important, it takes its name from the nation! 1. No praying required at St. John’s Cathedral, built around 1812 by slaves brought from Africa by Europeans, but do visit for the history and beauty. 2. Visit the Tourism Village carved out along the Belize City harbor on Fort Street for an overview of what to see, do and experience while exploring Belize City and islands beyond the mainland. 3. If you’ve always wanted to see what a jail looks like, the Museum of Belize (MOB), located at 8 Gabourel Lane within the Central Bank Compound, offers that experience while giving you ample opportunity to admire the work of some of Belize’s most talented artists and artisans. 4. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is iconic. So is New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. Wander over to Belize’s version of these landmarks: the Swing Bridge over Haulover Creek that separates north from south Belize City.

Texas Roadhouse Honey Butter
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, very softened 1 cup powdered sugar... 1 cup honey 2 tsp. cinnamon Add everything in the order listed, whipping well. Oh Yum! We know to use this on rolls and bread but it also tastes great on: oatmeal pancakes French toast hot rice cereal pumpkin bread zucchini bread

Eating Well On Ambergris Caye in Belize
At first glance one might think a tropical island where food stalls line sandy roads, pastries are sold from a man on a bicycle, and a fruit vendor delivers produce via golf cart would not offer experiential upscale dining. Don’t be fooled. Behind the lazy carefree exterior of Ambergris Caye in Belize lies enough fine cuisine to satisfy the taste buds of even the pickiest critic — especially those looking for experiential culinary options. 1. Cook With Volcanic Stone At Pineapples, 2. A Meal For A Cause At Blue Water Grill, 3. Aerial Ocean Views At Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace, 4. Art Meets Themed Meals At Casa Picasso, 5. A Seasonal Chef’s Table at Pirate’s Treasure.

Exploring Firsts in Placencia Belize
I watched her expressions as she dipped a toe in the ocean for the first time in her life. As an aunt I may not get to see their first steps or hear their first words, but this was one first that I was there for – and I soaked in every delicious moment of it. Placencia isn’t exactly off the tourist trail, but it’s the ‘less touristed’ trail for sure. As everyone heads to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Allie and I went south to Placencia, a peninsula where they have 16 miles of sandy beach to relax on. As we turned onto the road to the peninsula Allie’s eyes were focused on the horizon, as this would be the first time she would see the ocean. And strangely, we were both excited about it. We asked locals where to eat and soon we had a big list of places to try. Omar’ s Creole Grub was recommended heavily as great local seafood without frills. It was just a simple little open-air dining area, completely casual; a different feel from some of the more touristy places in the town. You simply pick a seafood from their board of fresh catches and choose a sauce – no menu necessary. I asked for their freshest fish (caught that afternoon) and chose the Creole sauce. After ordering I saw a guy emerge from the kitchen, hop on a bike, and peddle off. Within 5 minutes he was back with a bag from the grocery store and the needed ingredients for our dinner. I love small towns and just-in-time cooking.

International Sources

The Preliminary Report by the OAS Electoral Observation Mission on Belize General Elections, which were held on November 4, 2015
The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (EOM/OAS) deployed to the general elections in Belize congratulates the people of the country on the high degree of civic spirit shown in a peaceful and successful election day. The Mission fielded 13 observers from 11 countries who observed electoral processes in all 6 administrative regions of the country during the November 4 elections. Observers visited a total of 162 of the country’s 225 polling booths in 30 of the 31 constituencies on election day, or 72%. The following preliminary observations are based on the direct observations of the OAS team, as well as on meetings with electoral authorities, a cross- section of government officials, political parties, media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies, among others. The OAS/EOM notes the significant preparations made by Belize’s Electoral Authorities ahead of the election to develop procedures and systems that generated a generally inclusive and clean electoral process. The Mission further notes that this was the fourth electoral process held in Belize in 2015. The OAS Mission was pleased to note the continued high levels of participation by women in most areas of the political process. However, despite an increase in the number of female candidates, there remained, a significantly low ratio of female to male candidates contesting the election – 11 women in a pool of 88 candidates or 12.5%. In a similar vein, the Mission commended the involvement of youth in the campaign, but noted that this trend evidenced itself in large measure in the use of social media, and did not translate into significant levels of participation in the electoral competition.

Dave Graybill: The Fishin' Magician
As many of you know, my wife Eileen and I have traveled to Belize many times and have hosted trips to Ambergris Caye. The people that have come on these trips have enjoyed amazing fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda and other species. Everyone has loved the resort, which will prepare your catch and deliver it to your room, and the family that provides the guide service has been terrific. I just got the schedule for another trip in May. If you have ever wanted to experience the fishing, snorkeling and just plain relaxing fun that Ambergris Caye in Belize offers you will want to come along.

Discover Belize's richness in nature and culture
For Perry Bodden, digital marketing officer of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Belize is a country "where you must go once in your life, but where the experience is so indescribable that you just have to find out for yourself." Speaking passionately with a sparkle in his eye, he described the hospitality of the Belizean people and the magnificent nature that the only English-speaking country in the Central American region has to offer. Speaking on the first day of the Taipei ITF, Bodden, and Deborah Gilharry, senior travel and trade officer of the BTB, described some of the country's highlights: Facing the Caribbean Sea in the east, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, Belize has the advantage of hosting an abundant diversity of terrestrial and marine species in its various ecosystems as it sits in the center of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. "It is a small country, but with great nature and landscapes, which is a very attractive prospect for wildlife lovers who are up for outdoor activities as you can make the trip from the inland to the sea in a day," said Deborah.

SAVE THE FROGS!
Belize is a wonderful little country located east of Guatemala and nestled beneath the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Like many countries in Central America, Belize is a hotspot of biodiversity. Belize is home to at least 37 amphibian species, as well as an array of bats, birds, lizards, corals and other amazing wildlife. The trip will be led by SAVE THE FROGS! Ecologist Michael Starkey, who has participated in, coordinated and led ecotours to Belize and Costa Rica for 5 years! We will also be accompanied by SAVE THE FROGS! Ecologist Kathlyn Franco, and Mayan naturalists and field guides. Group size is between 10 and 20 participants. Our SAVE THE FROGS! 2013 Ecotour, 2014 Ecotour, and 2015 Eco-tour were huge successes and we fully expect 2016 to be just as amazing. Please contact us if you want to join our 2016 SAVE THE FROGS! Eco-tour and have the time of your life!

Videos

November 6, 2015

The San Pedro Sun

Exploring Southern Belize
Belize’s southern districts are on the rise and as of recent have been growing in popularity for both adventurers and tranquility seekers. While the northern cayes have been in the limelight with popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Southern Belize’s charm attracts a host of travelers that can appreciate the modest tranquility of these quaint towns and villages that make up the southern districts. With an expanse of rich jungles, rain forest and rolling Maya Mountains as far as the eye can see in the Toledo district and more mountains with access to the dancing waters of the Caribbean Sea in Staan Creek, there’s dozens of reason to explore the south! Popular villages such as Hopkins and Placencia offer vast opportunities to experience the rich afrocentric Garifuna culture that is predominantly based in the south.Have a go at drumming, dance and local arts at cultural centers based in Hopkins, and nearby communities.

San Pedro celebrates Dia de los Muertos
On Monday, November 2nd, The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) once again brought tradition to San Pedro Town. Residents celebrated their dearly departed in the annual ‘Dia de los Muertos’ celebration (Day of the Dead). The tradition is well celebrated in the Mestizo, Maya and Garifuna cultures and is usually observed over two days, November 1st and 2nd. The event was done under the auspices of the National Institute of Culture and History and included the collaboration of several volunteers. On this occasion, the festivities took place at the SPHC building where a large crowd gathered to start the celebration. After the reading of some rosaries, Director of the SPHC Mito Paz welcomed everyone and explained the importance of the day to those in attendance. “El Dia de los Finados is a tradition of our people. A tradition that our ancestors brought from Mexico when they sought refuge in Northern Belize, during the Caste War. But the tradition is more than what we know of it today. For example, the Aztecs thought their deceased would come every year without fail during this time to celebrate with them, so did the Maya and so do we today,” said Paz. He reiterated that on this special day, everyone should remember their loved ones and pay tribute to their deceased friends and family members.

Breast Cancer awareness fair held in San Pedro
October is usually observed as the month for Breast Cancer Awareness and there were various activities held countrywide. On Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council and the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II held a Breast Cancer Awareness Preventative Day on Saturday, October 31st. In addition, a dollar drive was also organized on Coconut Drive, which generated a whopping $5,000.06 dollars. All proceeds were donated to the San Pedro Cancer Society. The event had a good turnout, with a total of 15 Pap Smears and 19 Breast Examinations conducted. According to the Polyclinic Public Health Nurse, Lezel Cayetano, early detection saves lives and every woman should take advantage of this free service available at the polyclinic.

Islanders run for a worthy cause
Members of the community gathered at SHPS from as early as 6:30AM to register for the race. Each person was given a number and placed in one of four categories. The categories included Junior Male, Junior Female, Senior Male and Senior Female, with the junior category being for persons between the ages of 12 to 16 and the senior category being for persons 17 and older. The race ended at the SPHS auditorium where the winners were announced immediately after. In the junior male category first place went to Jahson Wrigth who won $250 courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village, second place went to Ernest Arzu who won a snorkeling trip for two courtesy of Ramon’s Dive Shop, while third place went to Tyreke Arzu who won a $100 gift certificate to Blue Water Grill. Taking first place in the junior female category was Rebecca Barkhouse who won $250 courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village, while second place went to Britney Chan who won a sailing and snorkeling trip for two courtesy of Ramon’s Dive Shop and third place went to Eleida Coc, who won a $100 gift basket courtesy of Belize Chocolate Company.

Ambergris Today

The Building of the San Pedro Lion’s Clinic
The idea was the brainchild of the club membership under the chairmanship of its first three presidents, Lion Pete Salazar, Lion Wilfrido Alamilla, and Lion Betito Marin. The first clinic built by the government of Belize at the time had just been destroyed in a large fire and San Pedro was without, thus the idea and important need of a clinic. This project took about two years to be completed and it is because the lions Club not only had to raise and identify the money but also because the members did the actual building. Every day after work Lions assembled at the site to chip rocks and literally make gravel, mixed cement, and did all the masonry, carpentry, cabinet work, painting, and electricity with the expertise of the Lions and friends of the community. In the year 1977 on the occasion of the annual convention, the San Pedro Community Clinic was inaugurated. Dr. Otto Rodriguez was hired as the first resident doctor for San Pedro assisted by registered Nurse Norma Burns. It was a proud moment for the community of San Pedro and more so for the Lions Club for completing its very first very large project of service. Lions International made mention of it in its monthly publication, The Lions Magazine. Worthy of mentioning is that the regular services of the clinic have been enhanced throughout the years with the visit of foreign dentists, eye specialists, pediatricians, heart specialists and therapists.

Misc Belizean Sources

CAYE CAULKER CANCER GROUP BAKE SALE
CAYE CAULKER CANCER GROUP ARMS OF LOVE WILL BE HAVING A BAKE SALE ON THE 22ND OF NOVEMBER. WE WILL ALSO BE HAVING A MINI CHRISTMAS FAIR ON THE 13TH OF DECEMBER. WE WILL BE HAVING FOOD PASTRIES AND DIFFERENT GAMES. IF ANYBODY IS WILLING TO DONATE PRIZES FOR OUR FAIR YOU CAN CONTACT Dorla Bernard Sandy Jason Watters MS. NELDY ROSADO Yolanda August OR MYSELF. PLEASE WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT.

Saturday Night is Roots Reggae at the Sports Bar on Caye Caulker
with Julian Melodyman Escobar from 6 - 9 pm Come listen and dance to the beats of Roots reggae -- Belizan Style Check out Melodyman's website for more performance dates and original soundtracks

Belize PM wins record third consecutive term
The ruling party in Belize, the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, won a record third term in general elections held on Wednesday. In preliminary results, the UDP won 21 of the country's 31 constituencies while the main opposition People's United Party (PUP) had won 10. The newly formed Belize Progressive Party also fielded candidates, none of whom were successful at the polls. Barrow called the general elections in late September, more than a year ahead of schedule, amid signs his political opponents were regrouping and fears that generous Venezuelan aid crucial to his budget may be at risk. Elections in Belize are normally held every five years but the prime minister has the constitutional power to dissolve parliament and call early elections. This was the fourth time this had happened in Belize’s history. On first two occasions both the PUP and the UDP lost after calling early elections. In 2012, the UDP escaped by a narrow margin. This is the first time that a political party in Belize has called early elections and won by a large margin.

Invest Belize Vol 4
Beltraide and McNab Publishing had the release party for volume 4 of Invest Belize Magazine. It looks great, and it's already online. Well done, Beltraide, McNab, and Leonardo! "It is with great enthusiasm that Beltraide and McNab Publishing announce the launch of Invest Belize Magazine Vol 4, which took place today at Best Western Biltmore Belize. This issue focuses on Tourism Investment and will soon be available online for anyone to view and download. Printed copies will also be shipped countrywide as well as internationally. Attached are some preview photos by Leonardo Melendez Photography. MORE TO COME SOON!!!"

Invest Belize Volume 4
"It is with great enthusiasm that Beltraide and McNab Publishing announce the launch of Invest Belize Magazine Vol 4, which took place today at Best Western Biltmore Belize. This issue focuses on Tourism Investment and will soon be available online for anyone to view and download. Printed copies will also be shipped countrywide as well as internationally. Attached are some preview photos by Leonardo Melendez Photography. MORE TO COME SOON!!!"

International Archaeology Day - Celebrating
As we near the one year anniversary of the opening of San Pedro's modest House of Culture building, I want to thank Mito and Brenda and the Committee for almost a full year of exhibits and events that truly enrich our community. Congratulations on another well done event. It was so good to see so many school children being able to learn first hand about the amazing Mayan culture. I learned alot too!!!

2nd Annual Caye Caulker BTIA Tourism Training Week
You can sign up with any CCBTIA member: Stacy Badillo, Femellie Reyes, Maria Vega, Akheil Badillo or Shary Trejo.

Specialized Manatee Tour Guide Training
November 10th. Registration is $25. You can sign up with any CCBTIA member: Stacy Badillo, Femellie Reyes, Maria Vega, Akheil Badillo or Shary Trejo.

Hon. Dean Barrow Sworn In as Prime Minister of Belize
The Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was today sworn in as the Prime Minister of Belize by the Governor-General His Excellency Sir Colville Young. The brief ceremony was held at the Belize House in Belmopan. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, children, other relatives and supporters. This is Hon. Barrow’s third consecutive term in office and the third time serving as Prime Minister. The other elected representatives are expected to be appointed and sworn-in next week.

Miss Garifuna Belize Cultural Pageant
The National Garifuna Council Belmopan Branch will be hosting this year's Miss Garifuna Belize Cultural Pageant at the Belmopan Civic Center on November 7th, 2015 at 7pm.

Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was today sworn in as the Prime Minister of Belize
The Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was today sworn in as the Prime Minister of Belize by the Governor-General His Excellency Sir Colville Young. The brief ceremony was held at the Belize House in Belmopan. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, children, other relatives and supporters. This is Hon. Barrow’s third consecutive term in office and the third time serving as Prime Minister. The other elected representatives are expected to be appointed and sworn-in next week.

San Pedro Town Council offices closed Friday
The San Pedro Town Council hereby advises the general public that its offices will be closed on Friday, November 6, 2015 and will resume to regular working hours on Monday, November 9, 2015. We apologize in advance for any inconveniences caused.

DEAN OLIVER BARROW: AN ELECTION SUCCESS STORY!
From 1984 to 2015, it appears that Dean Oliver Barrow was destined to become the leader he had professed to be. An astute lawyer, and brilliant orator, Barrow captured the hearts of many Belizeans of the 1980's with his flamboyant style, and sharp and eloquent rhetoric for the political stage. He was nothing to play with across from the microphone of any journalist who dares to put a challenge to his claim, and became the political guru behind the United Democratic Party (UDP) that catapulted him to stardom in Belize's political arena. A sharp intellect relative to many of his contemporaries in the Caribbean, Dean Barrow has won three consecutive general elections in Belize despite all the odds of carrying on his back, an almost damaged cabinet racked by one scandal after the next throughout his two terms in office as Prime Minister.

Archaeology in the Community: Belize 2015
Dr. Jones and our intern, Solai Sanchez, just returned to D.C. after spending two weeks in sunny Belize. Archaeology in the Community collaborated with the U.S. Embassy of Belize and the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize to bring students throughout the country an interactive archaeology lesson. They traveled to Belmopan, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, and Punta Gorda to bring over 150 students their hands on archaeology class. Not only did they have students participate in a mock dig, but they also had them create their own unique cultural heritage from their own imagination and all the educators were so happy to see how creative they got!

Garifuna Awareness Day
The San Pedro House of Culture kindly invites you to our Garifuna Awareness Day on Friday, November 13, 2015. We invite you to taste authentic Garifuna cuisine, learn about the Garifuna culture and enjoy cultural (Jankunu) presentations beginning at 11 am at the San Pedro House of Culture. Join us in this cultural experience as we celebrate this unique Garifuna cultural heritage.

Channel 7

Prime Minister Barrow Sworn In For History 3rd Term
The UDP won a comfortable 19 to 11 victory in yesterday's general election - with one area, Stann Creek west still being recounted at this hour. That gives THE UDP party a historic third successive term - and it has left the opposition PUP in disarray, again losing ground in the number of seats held, when all political logic dictates, they should be gaining. And so, with that Dean Barrow was sworn in for a third term this afternoon at Belize House in Belmopan. Here's the oath of office as administered by the Governor General:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I Dean Oliver Barrow, do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize and will uphold the constitution and the law and that I will conscientiously, impartially and to the best of my ability discharge my duties as the Prime Minister of Belize and do right to all manner of people without fear, favor affection or ill will so help me God." Barrow becomes the first three-term Prime Minister in Belize's history.

Francis Fonseca Steps Down As PUP Party Leader
But tonight, the real hot news is not about Dean Barrow's third term; it's about PUP Leader Francis Fonseca's abrupt and unexpected announcement that he is stepping down as party leader. Fonseca made the announcement at an understated press briefing this afternoon in Belize City. His stark announcement stunned observers at party headquarters:... Hon. Francis Fonseca, Stepping Down "Ladies and gentlemen it has been my distinct honor and privilege to lead the People's United Party over the past 4 years. I think given the results of yesterday's elections, it is right and appropriate that I stand down as the leader of the People's United Party. I certainly want to thank the wonderful people of Freetown for their unwavering support for 4 consecutive general elections. I had been and continue to be humbled by their love and support. I am a very young man as Jules Vasquez knows, but this has been my last election. I am still in my 40s, but I think I will have to find another way to contribute to the development of Belize, Jules. I will of course serve out term working for the people of Freetown. But I do not intend to seek re-election." And so, just like that, Fonseca who just won the Freetown division by his largest margin yet and for a fourth term - is walking away from PUP leadership 4 years after he took up the post, and electoral politics 12 years after he won his first election. He says that it wasn't a spontaneous decision - he decided much before the election that if the PUP lost he would step aside.

Fonseca Will Try To Oversee An Orderly Transition
And that "difficult time in its history" refers to the PUP's historic losing streak. The party has not won a major election since 2003 - and has lost 9 major national elections in a row since then. After coming close in 2012 when the party came within 61 votes of forming the government, the PUP has lost ground, going from 14 seats in the House of Representatives, to 12, and now to 11. So, Belize's grand old party is at a fragile juncture - and Fonseca's decision to step down unleashes all sorts of volatile energies - as various aspirants will jostle for leadership. It could further fracture an already divided party and Fonseca told the press today that he will try and manage an orderly transition:... Hon. Francis Fonseca "I certainly want to make sure that there is an orderly and smooth transition. So I will advise the chairman of the party to ensure that we put in place a structure to ensure that that smooth transition takes place over the next few weeks. Ultimately that process will end with the holding of a special convention at which there is the election of the new leader of the People's United Party."

PM Barrow Thanks The Electorate
And while the PUP is going through more upheaval - which has been fairly continuous in that party since 2004 - the UDP is at its greatest strength in its 40 year history. Today at a press briefing the Prime Minister spoke expressed his thanks to the electorate who gave the UDP 19 seats, and the majority of the popular vote:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I want to begin by sincerely thanking the people of Belize for re-electing the United Democratic Party. We were combating what we were told was voter fatigue. We were going against the conventional wisdom. We were going against history in trying to win a third consecutive term, so we were all under attack. The assault was perhaps most relentless in the case of Sedi Elrington and I am particularly glad that he prevailed."

What's The Plan For This 3rd Term
And so now, the UDP has to prove itself for a third term, after a very strong, very short second term where the party's political fortunes were bolstered by Petrocaribe spending. The Prime Minister outlined the mission ahead for his party:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "We are ready to give it our all one more time. We are strengthen now I think by this infusion of new blood, by way of the first time candidates that have won. I am satisfied that everybody, every single candidate in the UDP worked tremendously hard, tirelessly, indefatigable and I therefore am content to know that those that won will bring this same level of unflagging energy to their service to the people of this country as members of the cabinet, whether they are full ministers or ministers of state. I say finally, to the people of Belize, we are ecstatic at your vote of confidence. We are also of course very mindful of the tremendous responsibility that comes along with that. We know that the burden of expectations will perhaps be even more crushing this time. But we assure you that we will do our absolute best to deliver comprehensively and to serve all the people of this country."

PUP Concedes Defeat Graciously
And today the Leader of the Opposition did the opposite of what he did in the aftermath of the close election of 2012. That time, he didn't accept the result, as his party took election petitions to court. But today, he was gracious in defeat:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca "We in the People's United Party always respect the will of the people. So the Belizean people have spoken. We congratulate the United Democratic Party. We congratulate Prime Minister Barrow. I have spoken to him personally. He and I had a very cordial conversation this morning and I express to him congratulations on behalf of the People's United Party, both to his party and to him personally, on a very clear and national victory for the United Democratic Party. The elections are over and as I said to Prime Minister Barrow this morning, we must begin the healing process and we must work together in the interest of the Belizean people."

PM Barrow Congratulated Fonseca On His Re-election
And now that Francis Fonseca has been politically defanged, seems the Prime Minister and him are getting along well as text buddies too. Today The PM congratulated the PUP and spoke warmly of Fonseca:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I want to also congratulate the candidates of the People's United Party. We once more had an election that was in the main peaceful, that again showcased to tremendous advantage our Belizean democracy. The People's United Party is one of the two principal partners in this democratic enterprise and certainly they fought a tremendous fight. I single out their leader the Hon. Francis Fonseca, I will tell him, I thought we had him. I though Carla had it and I was willing to give odds, but I did point out to at least one member of the media I am not a betting man and obviously I know why. My point was that we were under our own pressures, so was the leader of the opposition. He had lost two bi-elections and the municipal election. He was under strain. He kept his party together and he won in the Freetown constituency. So I must salute him and offer my congratulations. I will tell you that in the highest tradition he sent me a text message of congratulations this morning and I was very happy to able to reciprocate."

Only 12 Elected UDP Can Become Cabinet Ministers
And while there was room for political pleasantries today, the Prime Minister has got a tough few days ahead of him. He has to appoint a Cabinet and the constitution says that only two thirds of his elected 19 representatives can be in the cabinet. That's 12 ministers - meaning that 7 elected representatives and their supporters will be let down. Today, the Prime Minister explained how he will approach the appointment of his third cabinet: Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "In the circumstances I say from now I will speak with each of our winners individually over the course of the weekend, but it is quite clear that in terms of the current advice on the law, only 12 of the 19 can become full ministers. There are returning ministers. There are people with a huge degree of seniority. All that will have to be taken into account. We do want to encourage and reward the new comers that have done so splendidly, that have done so well - that have won. But only 12 persons can become full ministers. You will need to begin to wrap your head around that from now and to understand what that means, in terms of the practicality of things."

Will PM Change Ministers Of Health and Foreign Affairs?
And as the Prime Minister appoints that new cabinet, will he change his most publicly embattled ministers: Wilfred Elrington in Foreign Affairs and Pablo Marin, in health? That's what we asked him today:... Jules Vasquez "Is there key changes and specifically might these changes involve two of the most publicized and criticized ministries or ministers; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Health?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "They both won their seats, didn't they?" Jules Vasquez "Politics isn't everything." Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "It's the only thing when it comes to choosing a cabinet. No, Jules, I can't get into that. As I told you I will have enough difficulty having to deal with the fact that only 12 persons can become full ministers. If I started to speculate on who the 12 would be, that would be grossly unfair to the wining candidates and would begin my headaches fully 2-3 days before the need to start. Let me try to recover from the post-election fatigue before I tackle that particular issue and as I said in any event, as a matter of respect and courtesy and what is right, I have to sit with my people first before coming to any final decision."

Not Another Early Elections This Time Around
PM Barrow says all 7 elected UDP representatives who cannot be made full minister will be made into Ministers of State. And so, with that, Prime Minister Barrow prepares to embark on his third and final term. That's the term limit in the constitution - and it means that this third term will not be shortened like the others - because there has to be a transition. It's never happened before and the PM told us what will happen as he nears the end of this term:.. Jules Vasquez "Do you feel this is an important transition and are you concern about losing command and control of your party which is really a big part of your success, this maximum leadership?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Well the constitution says that nobody can be prime minister for more than 3 terms. It never said two terms and a half or two terms and three quarters and as long as God gives me health and strength there ain't going to be anymore early elections. We will have to manage the transition and we are really getting way ahead of ourselves. But we will have to manage the transition so that at the last possible moment, that will not disadvantage my successor, I would expect to resign so that in fact whoever the party chooses as my successor can become prime minister at least for a number of months and take the party into the next general elections as prime minister."

Stann Creek West Still Undecided
Right now, the Constituency of Stann Creek West is caught in limbo. They don't know who's their area representative. And, because the race is so close between the UDP's Walter Garbutt, and the PUP's Rodwell Ferguson, this division's election outcome will be decided in court. As we reported during our election coverage last night, the UDP's Walter Garbutt was declared as the winner. Shortly after that, the results were disputed on the premise that the returning officer, Victor Paulino, had omitted the results of 2 boxes from the grand total of votes. When those were factored in, the new declaration was that the PUP incumbent Rodwell Ferguson had won by 8 votes. Garbutt called for a recount which started this afternoon in Dangriga Town under the watch of party officials and attorneys from both mass parties. Since then, the situation has been complicated further by the discovery that votes which passed scrutiny as valid, ended up rejected in this recount, and votes which were rejected, have now been passed. As of half hour ago, the ballots from last 2 of the 19 boxes were being counted, and that result should come out during this newscast.

OAS Observers Impressed; Offers Suggestions For Improvement
And while the outcome in Stann Creek West is still clouded, what does the OAS observers' team think about the way the election was conducted? Was it free and fair? They shared their preliminary findings with the press today. From the opening of the polls until the official results were tabulated, 13 observers visited 162 of the 225 polling stations country wide. They managed to cover 30 of the 31 constituencies, and the Chief of Mission told us that they were impressed by the peaceful and efficient nature of entire process: Jacinth Henry-Martin, Chief of Mission - OAS "What I can say is that the peaceful processes really, these were something that we were commenting on at all times - that the people of Belize appeared to want to want to uphold the longstanding tradition of peaceful elections and their actions and the manner in which they conducted themselves I think that was evidence of that. I also want to say that the work of the electoral and boundaries commission, we interacted with them very often - they seem very well prepared. It is our view that the administrative processes worked well. On the actual day of election everyone seemed to be very okay with the processes and what needed to be done and after the closing of the polls, there was a seamless advance into the counting system that I think should be highly commended as well and so I am not, since I don't have a rating system, I'm not going to rate, but I am going to say that Belizeans ought to be highly commended for the efficiency of the processes and the mechanisms that were in place."

The Pickstock Division Snapshot
On election day Channel 7 and KREM Television had our teams at various hotspot polling locations. Here in Belize City that meant closely monitoring the Pickstock Division which came down to a margin of 78 votes. The 3 candidates Wilfred Elrington for the UDP, Dr. Francis Smith for the PUP and Patrick Rogers for the BPP vied for the support of 3,537 registered voters, and in the end 67% of them cast a vote - more than the 61% who came out in 2012. We have that moment when Patrick Rogers exited the counting area to indicate to the awaiting press that Wilfred Elrington had won his 3rd term. Even though he only got 3.5% of the voters who did show up, he told us that he is not discouraged due to the large number of voters who stayed home. Here's how he explained it: Patrick Rogers, UDP Candidate - Pickstock "I had 94 for myself, 1016 for Dr. Francis Smith and Sedi Elrington with 1234." Daniel Ortiz "Is that the final count?" Patrick Rogers, UDP Candidate - Pickstock "It will be very close to that. It won't change much, because they are still doing some reconciliation, but those numbers will be pretty much to what it is. We are not disappointed. I said we couldn't be disappointed. We won in 5 weeks. Look what we did, we put 25 candidates together and at the end of it we knew that if we didn't get over 75% voter turnout, we wouldn't factor in. But we will factor in the next time around because the candidates that are serious will be working these divisions over the next election cycle."

Bze Rural Central Snapshot; Bev Cas' Moment Of Victory
Belize Rural Central was another very close race. That contest between PUP incumbent Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Beverly Castillo for the UDP was decided by only 58 votes! Last night when her victory was apparent, Castillo told Monica Bodden she was shaken during the counting:... Monica Bodden "Bev tell is about your victory today? How does it feel to be coming out here? I know you been doing your work. You told me today that you got this. Well do have it officially. Tell us how does that make you feel?" Beverly Castillo, BRC "Excited, exhilarating. I was trembling, I tell you the truth Monica, but we did it and thanks to the people of Belize Rural Central." Reporter "What are your plans now Miss Beverly?" Beverly Castillo, BRC "The plans are in the manifesto and Belize Rural Central deserves their fair share. Whatever happens we know that the UDP has won. We form the government and we are here to work for the people."

PM Discusses Election Twists
And while the UDP expected to roll over Balderamos Garcia, and were surprised to see the race come down so close, the real surprise of the night was Caribbean Shores where Mayor Darrell Bradley lost to Kareem Musa. The two term Mayor Bradley was one politician who could run on his record, but the newcomer Musa beat him by 56 votes. Today the PM said that one surprised him:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "We perhaps was more shock by the loss in Caribbean Shores I will tell you that quite frankly. I did not expect that with Darrell Bradley's absolutely outstanding record. I didn't see how that happened. I had been hearing reports that his opponent was gaining ground and various other things. But I simply thought in the end, that sort of record which is unequalled would have carried him through. So that was the biggest shock."

Former PUP Leader's Take On The Election Twists
The PUP Leader Francis Fonseca was also surprised by the storng showing in Caribbean Shores, while being equally surprised at how poorly the PUP performed in the north where they went from holding 5 of 8 seats, to now holding only 3 of 8. It's a quote stunning reversal and the PUP leader commented on it today:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca "Certainly of course surprised that we did not do better in the north. I really though some seats there we were counting on and depending on and all of our reports and analysis indicated that we would have won. We did not win. That is on concern to me. Here in the city, even though I've been getting positive reports about Kareem Musa, I felt it was an uphill struggle. So that was a major accomplishment, a major achievement, a major win. He is an impressive who fought very hard and that was certainly a great victory and of course many of our candidates here I certainly thought would have pulled it off. In Belize Rural Central - Dolores. I knew she was in a battle, because they were pouring millions and millions of dollars in Central. She came very close. But I certainly was a little surprise that she was not able to pull it off. Pickstock the same. I felt that we had Sedi Elrington on the ropes and I thought we would have been able to deliver that seat. I was counting on that seat, depending on that seat."

How Did Mayor Darrell Lose?
And so what's the story with Mayor Darrell Bradley? How did he lose to a newcomer - particularly considering that Santi Castillo won for the UDP in that same division by over almost 700 votes in 2012. It's a major reversal for a man with a proven track record, and when we saw the mayor at the Prime Minister's press conference today, we asked him about his campaign falling apart:... Jules Vasquez "There is obviously something wrong in your camp. Do you think that is partly to blame?" Darrell Bradley, Defeated in Caribbean Shores "Again at the present moment, it's the day after elections. We haven't really had enough rest and enough time to reflect in relation to where we slip down and what needs to be done in terms of any kind of correction if that is the case. I think the overall theme of your question is that yes, in terms of a campaign machinery, that's very critical that there is energy, that there is seamless execution especially in election day and we gain ground for significant parts of the day, but you could see the inching up especially at the close of the day and I think that was where we fell down."

A Recap Of the Cayo Election Battle Grounds
Earlier on, we showed you election day action in Pickstock and Belize Rural Central - two of the tightest seats. But Cayo was also a battleground. Courtney Weatherburne and cameraman Codie Noralez started off in one of the pivotal seats in the country: Cayo Central and also covered the grounds in Cayo North and Cayo Northeast. There was a spirited atmosphere dominating the Cayo divisions yesterday - here's how they looked. In terms of the final figures, In Cayo Central UDP Candidate Rene Montero garnered 3,299 votes while PUP Candidate Dan Silva got 3,036 votes. That is a very comfortable difference of 263 votes for Monetero. In Cayo North UDP candidate Omar Figueroa got 2,674 votes beating his opponent PUP Michel Chebat who got 2,515 votes. And in Cayo Northeast -although the UDP had a stronger presence - PUP candidate Orlando "Landy" Habet came out victorious. Habet got 2,217 votes while his UDP opponent John August got 2,145 votes.

Dr. Smith Discusses His Defeat In Pickstock
Earlier on in the newscast, we told you about the surprises in the election - mainly in Caribbean Shores and the North. But, a real surprise for most of those persons not living in the Pickstock division is that Wilfred Elrington held on as area representative. We asked his opponent - Dr. Francis Smith who has now lost to Elrington in two successive terms by the more or less the same margin - if this will force him into political retirement:...

Sedi Muses On His 2nd Re-election
And Elrington was more circumspect. He say those media personalities and activists who vilified him - they don't vote:... Hon. Wilfred Elrington "Actually the media doesn't vote and critics on the press don't vote. People who vote are the constituents and I minister to them very diligently. Although I am perhaps the minister who is most out of the country, I spent most time with my people, or one of the minister who spends the most time with the constituents and if you see the kind of work that we have done back there and the kind of benefits that we have for the people you'd be amazed." Jules Vasquez "Your opponent say and we have to voice it, your opponent say that you were spending like crazy in the last days and that is why they claimed you won." Hon. Wilfred Elrington "You will know Jules that I am a most frugal person. I don't even like to drive. I prefer to walk. I don't have a cell phone. I don't go to restaurants to eat. No, actually we get some funds through the government program and I spend all of it and then I had about 4 people who gave me contributions for this election."

The New Political Landscape
Earlier on we gave you the precise results for Cayo but how about the entire country? Well, we have the bigger picture for you now. We start off in the North with Corozal Bay: the UDP's Pablo Marin beat out the PUP's Gregorio "Papas" Garcia by 146 votes - almost identical to the 148 votes he beat him by in 2012. In Corozal North UDP Hugo Patt won that seat by 493 votes, better than the 199 he won by in 2012. Moving on to Corozal South East the PUP's Florencio Marin Jr. beat Evan Cowo by 164 votes. In 2012, he won by 412 votes. In Corozal South West UDP's Dr. Angel Campos upset the PUP's Ramiro Ramirez by a margin of 219 votes. In Orange Walk Central the PUP's Johnny Briceno got only 50.5% of the vote, but beat out his UDP opponent by over 600 votes. Notably the BPP had their best showing in this area where former UDP Mayor Phillip De la Fuente got 493 votes. Looking at Orange Walk North UDP power house Gaspar "Gapi" Vega beat Ramon "Munchi" Cerventes by 489 votes. In Orange Walk South PUP incumbent Jose Mai won by only 62 votes. In Orange Walk East, newcomer for the UDP Elodio Aragon won easily by 547 votes.

"Clear The Land" Weathered The Public Battering
And one politician whom we didn't ask about retirement is Edmond Castro. Despite also being battered in the press, he won easily over Major Lloyd Jones. His margin went down from 535 votes in the last election to 400 this time. How does he remain popular in the face of huge negative campaigns against him? He told us today:.. And which ministry would Castro want? We asked him..

Will Sedi Return After This Term In Office
And so now that he has won three terms, we asked Elrington if he has any plans on retiring like some of the elder statesmen of the UDP. Here's what he said:... Jules Vasquez "Will you continue in politics or are you thinking like Mr. Finnegan, Mr. Martinez, and Mr. Dean Barrow?" Hon. Wilfred Elrington "I think it will be good for us to start thinking of a successor. I've been in politics running since 1993. I've finish a good career in private sector and a number of very good young people are coming up and I really think that it is right that they be given a chance. I do not rule out not running for a 4th term." Jules Vasquez "Do you rule it out?" Hon. Micheal Finnegan, Mesopotamia Area Representative "Why you want I retire?" Jules Vasquez "Would you advise Mr. Elrington to retire now while he is a ahead?"

Channel 5

Prime Minister Dean Barrow Sworn In
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has done the unprecedented – led the United Democratic Party to a third consecutive term in office. He was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Colville Young [...]

P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca Steps Down
While the PM was taking the oath in Belmopan, in the city, there was stunning news coming from the Opposition and it is the end of an era for Francis [...]

New Leader Will Be Selected at a National Convention
According to Fonseca, his departure will create a vacuum in the leadership of the party that is expected to be filled via a national convention at a time that is [...]

Fonseca Says He Will Not Influence Choice of New Leader
Fonseca’s decision to step down, according to him, was contingent upon the outcome of the general elections and that choice was made prior to November fourth.  When asked if he [...]

PM Barrow Salutes Fonseca
When he held his press conference this morning, U.D.P. leader Dean Barrow could not have known that just hours after, leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca would announce his resignation, [...]

Barrow Says G.O.B. Spending Influenced Results of Elections
Any analysis of the election results where the U.D.P.’s success is concerned will be for the political pundits, but certainly perception is that the results were assisted generously by the [...]

PM Gives Credit for Queen Square Victory to Sister B
While Prime Minister can boast an unprecedented and historic third term for the United Democratic Party, he also has bragging rights in Queen Square where he has enjoyed tremendous success. [...]

Barrow Will Select His Cabinet This Weekend
Barrow says that all U.D.P. candidates who were not successful at the polls have messaged him claiming that they are not disheartened and will remain as caretakers in their respective [...]

Rodwell Ferguson is Stann Creek West Area Representative
At news time, a recount is ongoing in Stann Creek West. As the U.D.P. was being swept in office for a third term on Wednesday night, Walter Garbutt prematurely declared [...]

P.U.P. Gain 2 Seats in Belize City
In Belize City, where the disparity in the size of constituencies range from three thousand and eighty-four in Fort George to six thousand three hundred and five registered voters in [...]

Pablo Marin is Victorious in Corozal Bay
In Corozal Bay, Pablo Marin retained his seat in a hotly contested battle. Marin, who served as minister of health, has been battered by a number of scandals in that [...]

Hugo Patt Retains Corozal North Seat
Hugo Patt retained his seat in Corozal North by a margin of four hundred and ninety-three votes ahead of first time runner, David Castillo. On Election Day, the machineries were [...]

P.U.P. 2 – U.D.P. 2 in Orange Walk
When the final official results were released at around eleven Wednesday night, The P.U.P. held on to two seats in Orange Walk – Central and South. The U.D.P. wrested away [...]

P.U.P.’s Ramiro Ramirez Loses Corozal Southeast
Corozal South West and South East divisions were the last to bring in their results.  P.U.P.’s Ramiro Ramirez, lost the division to Doctor Angel Campos of the U.D.P. by two [...]

3 Seats for the U.D.P. in Cayo
All eyes were on the Cayo District where in 2012, the P.U.P. came within sixty votes of winning two divisions and general elections. On Wednesday night, Julius Espat easily beat [...]

O.A.S. Praises Belize for Peaceful Elections
An O.A.S. Electoral Observer Mission is wrapping up a visit to Belize. And this afternoon at the Biltmore Plaza, it issued a preliminary report in respect of Wednesday’s elections. According [...]

Boots Wins by Narrow Margin in Port Loyola
Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez help on to Port Loyola, and that area has been a U.D.P. stronghold. But the margin shows that Martinez has lost considerable ground. When the final ballot [...]

Darrell Bradley Reflects on Loss in Caribbean Shores
The Prime Minister has said that in all the results countrywide, he was most surprised by the results in Caribbean Shores, where Darrell Bradley was defeated by Kareem Musa. It’s [...]

CTV3

United Democratic Party Wins General Elections For Third Consecutive Term
The United Democratic Party will go down in the Belize history books as the first political party to win three consecutive terms in office since Independence. The party has won a majority of the seats in the House of Representatives by a margin of 19 to 12. And while that result may seem comfortable, the race was closer than that. In fact, a difference only of 58 votes in Belize Rural central, 76 votes in Port Loyola and 78 votes in Pickstock gave the UDP the majority it needed to form the government. This morning, the UDP held a press conference and the Prime Minister elect gave his impressions of the election outcome, despite all odds with the Media ….. Here's how that went: “I want to begin by sincerely thanking the People of Belize for reelecting the United Democratic Party. We were against tremendous odds in terms of the relentless public relations campaign against us, the relentless media campaign against us and I don’t say this I say this in sorrow not in anger and no doubt that is as it should be but I am very glad that we proved can’t say all of you but certainly the vast majority of you in the media so spectacularly wrong. We are positive that we have both the financial and the mental wear it all to overcome the challenges and to record yet another successful term for the United Democratic Party government.

Honorable Dean Barrow Sworn In As Prime Minister Of Belize
Late this evening, Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Belize by the Governor-General His Excellency Sir Colville Young. The brief ceremony was held at the Belize House in Belmopan. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, children, other relatives and supporters. This is Hon. Barrow’s third consecutive term in office and the third time serving as Prime Minister. The other elected representatives are expected to be appointed and sworn-in next week.

Honorable Francis Fonseca Stands Down As Party Leader For PUP
The People’s United Party leader Francis Fonseca will step down from that position. The announcement was made by Fonseca himself today only hours after winning the Freetown division in Belize City. Even though he won his seat, the PUP’s loss at the polls yesterday marked Fonseca’s fourth consecutive loss at the polls as party leader in just one year. Fonseca spoke with the press today and here is what he had to say about his decision. “Ladies and Gentlemen it has been my distinct, honor and privilege to lead the People’s United Party over the past four years, I think given the result of yesterday’s elections it is right and appropriate that I stand down as the leader of the People’s United Party, I do not intend to do so immediately certainly I want to make sure there is an orderly transition, so I will advise the chairman of the party to ensure what we put in place the structure to ensure that that smooth transition takes place over the next few weeks...

LOVE FM

Francis Fonseca Announces His Resignation as PUP’s Party Leader
And while Dean Barrow was being sworn in as Prime Minister for the third time, Francis Fonseca was announcing he would be stepping down as the leader of the People’s United Party. Reporter Hipolito Novelo was at the party’s headquarters for the announcement. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “On May 5 2015, Francis Fonseca told Love News […]

3-Time Prime Minister Expresses Gratitude to Family, Voters and the Opposition
General Elections were held in the thirty one divisions around the country with the polls being opened at 7am on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. For the first time in Belize’s electoral history there were ninety candidates contesting the 31 seats. In the end, when all votes were cast and ballots counted, the United Democratic Party […]

Elections 2015: 19 Seats for UDP and 11 Seats for PUP
Up to news time this evening, the results for the Stann Creek West constituency are yet to be officially announced by the Elections and Boundaries Department. That is a division that has representation for the PUP via Rodwell Ferguson while the UDP has Walter Garbutt. But notwithstanding that area, there are thirty other divisions to […]

General Elections 2015 Described as Peaceful
Election Watch 2015, organized by Love FM and Love Television, saw at least sixty two correspondents around the country, reporting from every division. Those reports kept the activity on the phone lines and internet channels quite busy since the opening of the polls at 7am. Prior to the elections, the national security forces were already […]

PUP Takes Back Caribbean Shores
For the 2015 General Elections, there were five thousand four hundred and forty voters registered in the Caribbean Shores division and only two candidates vied for the post of Area Representative. At the close of the polls, the amount of voters that turned out to exercise their right, stood at just over sixty five percent […]

Two Areas of Concern Went to the UDP
In yesterday’s election there were several seats that the political enthusiasts were looking at keenly. Two of those areas were the Pickstock and the Belize Rural North divisions. In the Pickstock division, the re-elected representative Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington took a lot of flak surrounding the Belize/Guatemala and there were some concerns that he would not […]

Court News
Twenty-two year old Mark Myers, an air condition unit technician of Freetown Road, was remanded into custody when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza and was arraigned on charges of attempted murder, grievous harm and use of deadly means of harm. The charges are in connection with an incident which occurred around 3 a.m. […]

Boledo Vendor Gets Badly Beaten in Northern Belize
Twenty four year old Kevin Salazar is at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being badly beaten earlier this week in Orange Walk Town. Reports are that Salazar, a boledo vendor, was socializing with some friends in the wee hours of Tuesday morning when one of them attacked him with a blunt object hitting him […]

Police News: Stabbing, Robbery and Drugs
25-year-old Brandon Allen was stabbed multiple times on Wednesday. Allen was reportedly in the vicinity of Taylor’s Alley when the incident occurred. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition. Police have since detained one man pending charges. Police investigation continues. Earlier this week, […]

PlusTV

Belize’s superbond yield rose to 10 percent
Bloomberg has announced that Belize’s superbond yield rose by 56 points to 10 percent yesterday afternoon as voters were deciding who would be the next government of Belize. Bonds had been consistently falling in the last two years and the rally is the highest since the security was offered in...

Mark King has parting words for Lake I
UDP’s Mark King is no longer the area representative forLake Independence after experiencing a sound defeat from PUP’s Cordel Hyde. King, who has been in the public spotlight on numerous occasions for his outlandish comments, has once again managed to make the news, this time with a face...

PlusTV denied access to PM Swearing In
Today, following the United Democratic Party’s third consecutive win, the leader of the party, Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, was sworn in as Prime Minister of the country for the third consecutive term. The swearing in ceremony happened this afternoon at around 3:00 pm at the Governor General’s house in ...

Rodwell Ferguson emerges victor after Stann Creek West recount
Walter Garbut and Rodwell Ferguson were neck and neck in the elections in Stann Creek West. At the end of the counting of the ballots, the returning officer declared UDP Walter Garbutt the victor. However, he had to recant a little later upon the final counts when Ferguson won the final count by 8 votes. UDP’s then demanded a recount which occurred today at Sacred Hearts School in Dangriga. After much deliberation, and arguments over newly rejected ballots, PUP’s Ferguson emerged the winner after Garbutt conceded following that recount.

Small fire at Belmopan Restaurant
There was a small fire at Caladium Restaurant in Belmopan this morning sometime before 9 o’clock. It wasn’t anything major as we understand that one of the stoves caught fire underneath. The proprietors quickly worked at extinguishing the blaze and being as the fire department is just a few yards aw...

Men had false certificates of registration
Mark Rosales and Marcos Basto, two residents of San Pedro, Corozal, who allegedly had false Belizean certificates of registration, were charged with 13 counts of possession of false documents when they appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. They pled not guilty to the charges. Magistrate R...

Police charge man for Election Day shooting in Belize City
More shots were fired on Election Day, this time in Belize City but no Minister instructed those cops to desist from arresting the man. Malcolm Jamal Myers was charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and grievous harm against Yarde. His vicrtim was 22 year old Trevor Yarde, Juni...

The Guardian

UDP 3-Peat
The United Democratic Party is now enjoying a third historic consecutive term in government after the People of Belize elected 20 of its 31 candidates to serve as area representatves across the country. Immediately after it became evident that the victory had been secured, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow made his way to Party Headquarters at the foot of the Belchina Bridge where he delivered a victory address. It was not a formal address but it was one that was delivered straight from the heart. Hon. Barrow firstly expressed that it was a “fantastic privilege to be here as we celebrate this historic achievement .” He went on to thank all the citizens of the country and congratulated all the candidates of the UDP. He explained that the victory could not have been possible had the people not wanted it expressing that the people were hungry for a third term of UDP in office. He singled out Hon. Michael Finnegan, Patrick Faber, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez and he placed special praises on Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington. “They had Sedi under constant and relentless assault but in a cool and unruffled manner he said he knew what he was doing based on work and that he would win bigger than last time,” explained the P.M.

UDP secures 20 of 31 seats
The final count as the counting was completed countrywide is that the UDP has increased its mandate. After 11 hours of polling, the UDP came out victorious with 20 of 31 constituencies now being represented by the party. In the Belize District, Party Leader, Dean Barrow will continue to represent the people of Queen’s Square. Patrick Faber will do the same for the people of Collett. Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez’ will be there for Port Loyola. Michael Finnegan continues to represent Mesopotamia. Tracy Taegar Panton is now the new Area Representative for the Albert Division. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington will represent the people of Pickstock. Edmond Castro returns for a third consecutive term as the area rep for Belize Rural North. Newcomer Beverly Castillo will represent Belize Rural Central. For the fourth term Manuel Heredia returns to the house as the representative for Belize Rural South. In the Cayo district there are now 4 UDP representatives in the name of John Saldivar for Belmopan. Rene Montero in Cayo Central. Omar Figueroa remains as the Area Representative for Cayo North. Still undefeated, Erwin Contreras retains his seat as representative for Cayo West.

Sedi Again!
Wilfred Peter “Sedi” Elrington and the people of the PICKSTOCK DIVISION have done it again. For the last two or three years Sedi has been taking nothing else but bad press. His detractors where relentless. They used every shred of ammunition they had to attack him. Whenever he made a public statement they attacked whatever he said. Sedi you see, is a well read gentleman. He speaks from an informed position and a position of truth. Sure there may be people who don’t understand what he said but he is consistent in the way he speaks on any given issue. He has always maintained that the people OF THE PICKSTOCK DIVISION support him and he works for the community which supported him on election day. Wednesday November 4, proved just that. Sedi has the support of the voters of PICKSTOCK, they have his back and want him to represent them in BELMOPAN. Now that we know who the people of Pickstock wants, will they now Stop attacking him, now that he has won a 3-peat?

CCJ orders reparations for Maya in Belize
The Caribbean Court of Justice has ordered that the Government of Belize, which has settled the final appeal of the Maya Land Rights case out of court, make reparations with Maya living in the Toledo District. The Government of Belize, which has been vilified as a group of ministers without any social conscience toward the Maya people, has once again showed that it respects the wisdom of the High Court judges. For 20 years or so the Maya have been fighting for recognition before international courts, and the courts of Belize. This particular appeal case dates back to 2008 when the late Francis Johnston made an incursion onto farmlands in the Golden Stream Village. The Supreme Court of Belize ruled that Maya do have communal land rights, but the Government decided that it was prudent to appeal that decision at the Court of Appeal. Again Maya Land rights were upheld, but the Appeal Court did not make an order against Government to enforce that. Both sides appealed that decision to the highest court in Belize, the Caribbean Court of Justice. Surprising the nation with its magnanimity, the Government, represented by the Senior Counsel Denys Barrow - who the PUP would have you erroneously believe is being overpaid - announced to the CCJ in its first in-person session in Belize, that an out-of-court settlement had been arrived at. The Government has conceded that their land rights, by virtue of their centuries-old heritage exists, and must be protected. The Government also conceded to consult with the Maya on the best way to protect those rights - enjoyed informally - in a formal system such as a land title system.

Ceremony for the departed held at House of Culture in San Ignacio
A brief ceremony to honor the souls of the departed was held at the San Ignacio House of Culture last Friday. An altar for Merdith Sanz, who was a mid wife and seamstress, was set up as the focal point for the ceremonies last week. A prayer group from the Roman Catholic Church was also present to offer words of praise to the Holy Father. The typical favorite foods for the departed such as Ixpasha, sweet pumpkin and a variety of fudges were distributed to the visitors. A professor from Galen University, Sherry Gibbs, was also present to witness the gathering of worshipers. Merdith Sanz was among the first trained mid wives in Belize, who had decided at an early age to follow the footsteps of her mom as a nurse. Born in 1930, Merdith Sanz assisted over a thousand women at child birth, and on one occasion had to do her work by the steps of her house. As a faithful Catholic, Merdith Sanz was a disciplinarian.

Election watch in the Cayo District
The election watch continues in the Cayo Distict as voters from all contesting parties turned out in sporadic numbers to exercise their democratic right. On the line for these elections are hopefuls such as Julius Espat for the People’s United Party in Cayo South and Ralph Huang for the United Democratic Party, Orlando Habet for the PUP in Cayo North East and John August for the UDP as well as Patrick Andrews for the PUP in Belmopan and John Saldivar for the UDP. Other candidates for the 2015 election are Michel Chebat for the PUP in Cayo North and Dr. Omar Figueroa for the UDP. Numerous voting areas were strategically positioned around Cayo to bring convenience to the voters. Election officers were present in some of these areas to ensure smooth coordination. Returning Officer for Cayo North Marcello Winsor exited today from a short meeting with representatives from both the PUP and UDP at the polling station in Bullet Tree Falls to encourage calmness.

Homeage held in Benque Viejo del Carmen for former teacher
As part of the ‘Finados’ celebrations or ‘All Souls Day’, prayers were held in homage to former teacher Benedicto Ramirez at the House of Culture in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Monday of this week. Students from both the Mopan Technical High School and the Mount Carmel Primary School were present to remember Benedicto Ramirez, who died on April 15, 2014. A female from Mount Carmel Primary School lit one of the four candles at the altar of Benedicto Ramirez. According to Ingrid Can, assistant coordinator at the Benque House of Culture, the four candles at the altar represents the cardinal point to guide the good spirits of our dead relatives who come to feast on what is served at the altar. The tradition being carried forward is a Maya-Mestizo tradition, in which it is believed that the food served at the altar should be the favorite of the persons when they were alive.

Belize Athletics Association to hold National Track and Field Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 14-15 November, 2015. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com) or from our Face Book page (Belize Athletics Association). Registration forms can also be obtained from and returned to the National Sports Council’s offices throughout the country. Please be advised that registration forms should be submitted no later than Wednesday 11 November, 2015; no late registrations will be accepted. Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete. Events will include: 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m 5000m 10,000m 4x100m 4x400m Long Jump Triple Jump High Jump Javelin Shot put Discus

Wesley College boys win basketball opener
The Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball competition for school year 2015-2016 continued over the last week with a number of games on the schedule. On Thursday 29 October, 2015, in the female competition game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated Wesley College by the score of 19-13. The top scorer for Gwen Lizarraga High School was Amber Usher with7 points. For Wesley College, the top scorer was Kristy Terry with 8 points. In the male game, Wesley College defeated Nazarene High School by the score of 66-51. The top scorers for Wesley College were Shaquille Crawford with 22 points and Tevaun Lennan with 15 points. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Nazarene High School were Shaqueem Valerio with 17 points and Jayden Humes with 11 points. The competition continued on Friday 30 October, 2015, with two more games on the schedule. In the female game, Maud Williams High School edged out Ladyville Technical High School by the score of 37-36. The top scorers for Maud Williams High School were Latifa Ferguson with 19 points and Ashley Bailey with 15 points.

Belmopan Bandits maintain lead in Premier League Competition
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Tournament continued over the last week end with three games on the schedule. On Sunday 1 November, 2015, out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the visiting Belize Defence Force edged the defending national football champions, Verdes FC by the score of 2-1. The Belize Defence Force was the first to get onto the scoreboard when James Flores scored the 1st goal of the game in the 32nd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. At the end of the first half of the game, the Belize Defence Force was able to maintain the 1-0 lead. In the second half of the game, the defending national football champions Verdes FC managed to get unto the scoreboard when Gilroy Thurton scored the equalising goal in the 51st minute of play.

Julian Cho Technical High School to host National Volleyball championships
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) National Volleyball championship, which is co-sponsored by Bowen and Bowen Ltd., and SOL Belize will take centre stage on November 6-7, 2015, out in the Toledo District. The National Volleyball championship will feature the champions in the female and male division from the four regions that makes up the National Secondary Schools Sports Association and will be hosted by Julian Cho Technical High School. The games will commence on Friday 6 November, 2015, and will conclude on Saturday 7 November, 2015. The teams that have earned the right to participate in the national championship includes from the Northern Region Muffles College (female and male); from the Central Region St. Catherine Academy (female) and St. John’s College (male); from the Western Region Belmopan Comprehensive High School (female) and Sacred Heart College (male) and from the Southern Region Stann Creek Ecumenical College (female) and Toledo Community College (male).

Save Us From This Political Disorder, Kids
Until individuals demonstrate character and moral literacy, we cannot eliminate the anger and disrespect in political debate. Although some would recommend forming policies that would force candidates to be more respectful, what we need is a more thorough teaching of the character trait, honesty, to this generation. To be honest is to be real, genuine, and authentic. Honest people express respect to themselves and others, while dishonest people do not. Consequently, politics today is based around the backbiting slandering of candidates. The future of politics depends on approaching moral and value-based generations. Kids are taught with more emphasis on their achievements and accomplishments rather than their journey of becoming a person of integrity. And there lies the problem. Although students take many standardized tests per year, they focus solely on students' academic achievements, while the building of moral character is often overlooked. It's no doubt that an academically successful student can benefit the overall development of a country; however, without the surety of developing a code of conduct, students are expected to act with a negative character. Neglecting character development will lead to the instability of a person, meaning that person will fall into the category of a Band-Wagoner. By not being a critical and independent thinker, one can follow a negative wave of action, resulting in a degrading display of one’s character.

Man stabbed in Cayo by Blue Angels Night Club
One male person met his demise and another two were injured during brawls outside the Blue Angels Night Club in San Ignacio Town over the weekend. At about 4:14 am on Sunday of this past weekend, information was received of a fight in front of the Blue Angels Night Club on Hudson Street in San Ignacio. Checks in the immediate area revealed people dispersing and one male person was found with injures, who was taken to the San Ignacio Police Station, then transported to the hospital. Whilst said person was being transported to the hospital, Police received another report of a male person by the steps of Bismillah Furniture Shop. Upon checking, San Ignacio Police was able to determine that the person was motionless and had stab wounds to the chest area. The scene was processed by Police and the body transported to the San Ignacio Town Hospital, where it was pronounced dead on arrival. Further investigation revealed that the body was that of 20 year old Iter Espino, a Guatemalan resident of Buena Vista Village. From information gathered, it was determined that Iter Espino was socializing at the Blue Angels Night Club and after the establishment had closed came in the company of his friend Franklin Garcia, 20 years old also of Buena Vista Village.

Twin brothers shot in Belmopan
A pair of twin brothers, 26 year-old Elvis Godoy Sr., and Josel Godoy, along with Elvis’ 5 year-old son, Elvis Jr., are very fortunate to be alive after a failed execution attempt was made on their lives on Saturday night, October 31. The family reports that the two brothers were sitting on a makeshift bench at their home in the Salvapan area of the City of Belmopan. They were socializing when 5 year-old Elvis Jr. ran out of the house carrying his favorite handheld video game. He intended to go to his father, but that’s when 2 men wearing masks over their face, arrived in front of the house. Immediately as they stopped, the pair pulled out weapons and unloaded about 12 shots at the family. Both Josel and Elvis Godoy Sr. were seriously injured, and so was 5 year-old Elvis Jr. One of the bullets struck him as well.

Ignatius Williams charged for attempted murder
Police have cracked the case of a stabbing incident that occurred last weekend in the Saint Martin’s area. Ignatius Williams, 21, has been charged for a stabbing incident that has left Jerome Locke, 22, in a critical but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Locke’s mother, Melita Flores, spoke to court reporters on Monday, November 2. She said her son was stabbed with a dagger once to the upper left side of his chest on Friday, October 23 and remains hospitalized. She said he collapsed twice and was rushed to the hospital with an object lodged in his chest. He was stabalized after emergency surgery. Doctors told his mother that him being alive is a miracle since the injury was just over his heart. Locke was placed on machine to assist in breathing but his condition has improved and he is now breathing on his own. Locke said her son told her from his hospital bed that Ignatius Williams, who is a friend of his friends, stabbed him because of an incident that ocurred 7 months ago at the BTL Park.

Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School in Benque gets new toilet block
Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School in Benque Viejo del Carmen now has a new toilet block for its 456 students and 25 members staff. The new toilet block was recently opened and comes courtesy of the efforts of the San Ignacio Rotary Club and Rotary International. A majority of the funds for the toilet facilities is also coming from a Rotary partner in Fairbanks, Alaska. Doing the cutting of the ribbon was Patrick Karney from District 4250, Ardulfa Velasquez, Principal of the Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School as well as Michael Pollen from the Rotary Club of Fairbank Alaska. Present to witness the opening of the new facilities was Luis Carballo, the Principal Education Officer in charge of the Cayo District, Raymond Shepphard, Local Manager as well as the Reverend Werner Cano. According to Principal Ardulfa Velasquez, for many years the Howard Smith School was faced with many challenges as it related to bathroom facilities and location. The former bathrooms had been constructed at the entrance of the school and with poor ventilation. This became a hazard to visitors, teachers and students. Fortunately in June of last year, the Principal was approached by Patrick Karney from the Rotary District 4250, who advised that a Rotary group in Alaska was interested in assisting with the school’s bathroom project.

Putting some PUP candidates under the microscope
Dear voters of Belize, as November 4, 2015 draws nearer, it is important for us to get to know for whom we are voting for. Here I have a short list of some PUP candidates that you need to know so that you should BEWARE when you go to the polls on said date. FRANCIS FONSECA (Freetown) HE’S DANGEROUS FOR BELIZE! He’s not about serving people, but about serving himself. For him it’s all about power and greed for money. As Attorney General he was privy to the Secret Accommodation Agreement which Said Musa signed with the Ashcroft Empire that caused tens of millions of dollars in losses in the form of tax exemption. These monies could have been used for Health, to equip all our hospitals and clinics countrywide with dialysis machines for Belizeans with renal problems. He said nothing and did nothing to advise then Prime Minister Musa not to sign said agreement. In fact he along with Musa signed on to the agreement. As leader of the PUP, he can’t even run and manage his party. How can the people of Belize expect him to manage the affairs of state? With Francis Fonseca at the helm of the ship of state, Ralph Fonseca will surely be the chief captain of the ship. FRANCIS IS NOT AN OPTION. Dr. Carla Barnett is the best candidate to lead Freetown to prosperity.

In February 2013 the IMF engaged in a tax reform exercise on Belize ready
In February 2013 the IMF engaged in a tax reform exercise on Belize. Coming out of that report was the IMF’s stern warning that GOB should decrease the Income Tax threshold to 13,000, broaden the GST tax base by converting all ZERO RATED items to rated items. GOB should tax capital gains, interest and dividends, and should consider taxing mobile air time. PM Barrow resisted the IMF and categorically stated that he will refuse to institute any new taxes or any increase in tax. Instead he vowed to let the Superbond lapse thereby forcing the bond holders to renegotiate. The IMF and the Leader of the Opposition barked at this notion. Francis Fonseca in his usual cry baby style warned that the International Organizations will shun Belize and our credit ratings will take a beating. PM Barrow despite serious warnings from the IMF and the IMF’s desire to have Belize on a standby arrangement, went ahead and successfully restructured the BOND. The PM had always maintained that he cannot afford to tax the Belize public with such an albatross. The Superbond was successfully restructured in March 2013, earning Belize around $500 million in savings.

World Food Day celebrated in Belize
A one day celebration of World Food Day was held on Friday of last week at the Mopan Technical High School in Benque Viejo del Carmen. The event should have been held on October 16th, which is recognized around the World as World Food Day, but it had to be postponed due to inclement weather. Some 21 schools from the Primary and Secondary School levels visited the Mopan School and had an opportunity to visit many booths related to food and agriculture. Students were also able to visit a fish pond and broad leaf vegetable plots thanks to the Taiwanese Technical Mission. For this year World Food Day is being celebrated under the Theme, “Social Protection and agriculture: breaking the cycle of rural poverty.” Social protection can be defined as a range of solutions, often combined with each other, such as work opportunities, provision of food, money and services that are designed to support the vulnerable and help them move out of hunger and poverty. In Belize we have the Building Opportunities for Our Social Transformation BOOST Program, which provides a financial incentive to families, who immunize and send their children to school and has been recognized by World Bank experts as a model project for the developing World.

Veola Pook soon to be free
Veola Pook, 57, will be a free woman in less than two years even though she was convicted of murder on July 8, 2011 and sentenced to life imprisonment on July 20, 2011 for killing her common-law-husband, Orlando Vasquez, 49, on December 31, 2008 in Rancho Dolores Village. At the time of the incident Pook was a housewife of Rancho Dolores. Vasquez, who lived with Pook in a common-law-relationship, was set on fire at around 6:00 p.m., just minutes after he stepped into his kitchen to eat his traditional ham that had been prepared. He got no ham; instead, the prosecution claims that Pook set him on fire then stood there and watched him burn to death. Pook’s daughter, Violet Jeffords, testified that on that day she heard a loud scream and ran outside by her kitchen door to see where the screaming was coming from. That’s when she saw the fire. The flame was coming from out of her mother’s kitchen, said Jeffords. Unable to see properly from her kitchen door, Jeffords then ran to where the blaze was coming from and that’s when she saw her brother assisting her stepfather by throwing water on him because he was on fire. During the incident, Jeffords testified that her mother just stood there and did nothing. Another witness for the prosecution was Evan Pook, a cousin to the accused, who testified that after the incident he visited the family yard and called for help.

3 convicted of Salvation Army burglary
Three out of a group of five men have been convicted of burglary and handling stolen goods in relation to the breaking and entering of the Salvation Army Primary School in July of 2011. Charles Middleton, 19, Juan Bardalez, 20, and Elmer Linarez, 23, were found guilty by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Tuesday, November 3. All but one of the accused were minors at the time of the incident. Sometime between June 24 and 28, 2011 people broke into the Salvation Army’s Computer Lab and stole a number of computers and accessories. Police were able to get credible information; including a confession statement from the youth identified as the ring leader, Charles Middleton. On July 28, 2011, Bardalez, Linarez and others were allegedly found in possession of some of the stolen items. Middleton was charged with burglary, while Bardalez, Linarez, Dixon Montero and Cruz Allen were charged with handling stolen goods.

Cop Freed of Gun Assault Charge ready
Police Constable Linsdale Blease, 33, is free from a charge of discharging a firearm in public after Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith told him that he has no case to answer to on Thursday, October 29. Blease was arrested and charged in February of this year after his own step-brother, Cordel Duran, accused him of discharging a firearm in public. Cordel Duran told the court that he was between mile 25 and 26 on the George Price Highway when he was approached by PC Blease who pulled out a gun, fired a shot at his foot then placed the gun at his chest. Two other witnesses, fire fighters, who were in the area testified that they saw when PC Blease came to the area but didn’t see him assault Duran in anyway. They said that PC Blease pointed the firearm at a burning bus and fired a shot in the back but he never pointed it at anyone. It was not until during the trial that it was revealed that PC Blease and the victim were related since Blease’s mother lives with Duran’s father.

SHOOTING MURDER RISE…
Darwin Guerrero, a 26 year-old hardworking father of 2, was brutality gunned down and killed in a broad-daylight shooting on Bella Vista Street in San Ignacio Town. He was working on Tuesday, November 3, on one of the concrete streets being upgraded when his life was taken from him. According to eyewitnesses, Guerrero was on the job taking a slight break at around 8 a.m. when a man drove up on an all-terrain vehicle and pulled out a gun. He allegedly saw the gunman and recognized him, and as soon as he turned away to try to flee, he was shot several times in the back. That gunman sped away, leaving Guerrero to slowly expire on the job site. He was rushed to San Ignacio Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Guillermo Silva, 19, Charged for Carnal Knowledge of Girl, 15
A teenager is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was charged for engaging in sexual activities with his 15-year-old girlfriend, who is a resident of a child care centre. Guillermo Silva, 19, a farmer and resident of #167 Antelope Street Extension was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to answer to a single charge of sexual assault. Silva was unrepresented in court and no plea was taken from him. Due to the nature of the offense, he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 16, 2015.

St. Catherine Academy and St. John’s College repeats as Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball champions
The 2015-2016 Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball competition came to an end on Wednesday 28 October, 2015, with the second and final game in the best of three championship series. In the female championship game, defending champions and the competition’s favourite St. Catherine Academy captured its 20th Consecutive Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball championship when it defeated Belize High School in four sets by the score of 25-26, 23-25, 25-9 and 25-15. In the male championship, it was St. John’s College that captured yet another school title when it defeated Belize High School in four sets by the score of 21-25, 25-18, 25-13 and 25-15. On Monday 26 October, 2015, in the first game of the female championship series, St. Catherine Academy defeated Belize High School quite handily in three sets by the score of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-10.

Breaking Belize News

Two men charged with 13 counts of possession of false documents
Mark Rosales and Marcos Basto, two residents of San Pedro, Corozal, who allegedly had false Belizean certificates of registration, were charged with 13 counts of possession of false documents when they appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. They pled not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Rogers explained to […]

Prime Minister Barrow is sworn in
Re-elected Prime Minister Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was sworn in this afternoon by his Excellency Governor General Sir Colville Young. During a press conference earlier today, Prime Minister Barrow informed that he will begin the process of selecting his third Cabinet. With 19 confirmed seats in the House of Representatives, […]

Police charge man for Election Day shooting in Belize City
22 year old Trevor Yarde, Junior, was one of two victims of violence on election day, after he was shot and injured on Freetown Road. Details are scarce but police have made a quick arrest. Malcolm Jamal Myers is charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and […]

Election results
The Elections and Boundaries Department has released its preliminary results following yesterday’s General Elections, which showed that the United Democratic Party (UDP) secured 19 seats, forming government for the third consecutive term and making history, while the People’s United Party (PUP) secured 11 seats and the Belize Progressive […]

PUP to select new leader as Fonseca steps down
While not doing so right away, leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) Francis Fonseca intends to step aside following a fourth consecutive election loss this year, and second election in his four year tenure. Fonseca told reporters the party would now organize a special convention to elect it’s […]

Relatively moist and unstable conditions supporting showery weather over some areas
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies with sunny breaks today and cloudy skies at times tonight. Some showers or thunderstorms will affect mainly the coast this morning, then mostly northern districts this afternoon, with showers decreasing somewhat tonight. Winds will be blowing from the East-Northeast at 5-15 […]

PM addresses press, recommits to working for Belize
A victorious Dean Barrow will be sworn in this afternoon in Belmopan for his third and likely final term in the post but first he addressed the press and party supporters in Belize City this morning. With 19 confirmed seats and a possible 20th still in dispute, the returning Prime […]

Belize: Post Election View, From Under The Bus
Belize held its 8th general elections after Independence yesterday. For the first time since Independence in 1981, a party and prime minister has won three general elections in a row. Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his United Democratic Party (UDP) has gained ground, winning at least 19 of […]

Blogs

My Election Day in Belize: A Bit of Rain and a UDP Victory
Yesterday, in a drive through town at about 2:30pm, JUST before some rain started to fall…I took some photos of the proceedings. Many were voting, many were gathered but things were rather low key… Here is what I saw. NB: I can not vote. I have been able to apply for citizenship for a few years now and NEED TO GET ON THAT! I was pretty bent out of shape yesterday that I couldn’t…but it’s my own fault. I, instead, congratulated everyone with a purple finger. And I saw lots of them. Even the toll booth at the bridge was closed for elections. Free passage to the polls.

The expate life: Coping with the revolving door of ‘forever friends’
If you are living the expate life, you’ve all been there: Those friends you made for life just announced plans to move to yet another country or back home and, well, it has been terrific. Good bye. Sure, there is always Facebook. But, seriously. That hurts, more than a little. Jerry Jones knows about the little hurts of the comings and goings in Expatland. (I’m not talking about the Jerry Jones of the 2-5 Dallas Cowboys. That is a whole other person and a whole other pain, if you are a Cowboy fan.) Jones lived in China for seven years where he helped bewildered expats navigate the often perplexing culture. Now he does the same from the states. He is a culture transition coach. On his blog, The Culture Blend, Jones has just written about that part of the expat life that you rarely hear about before making your big move — the revolving door of friends and community that can keep you off balance if you don’t quickly ground yourself. “It is a big painful part of the expat experience though,” writes Jones. “Transition that is. Not the expected ones like ‘culture shock,’ bumbling language mistakes and system conversions. We saw those coming from a mile away (1.60934 kilometers). We read books and blogs about those. Some of us even went to seminars and conferences about how to ‘transition well.’ ”

Poppy Appeal Dinner at El Fogon
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is an organization that provides financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependents. They are committed to helping everyone understand the importance of remembrance so that sacrifices are never forgotten. Because of their great commitment, The Poppy Appeal Campaign helps raise money to provide thousands of veterans and their families with vital support. In San Pedro, The Royal British Legion is most greatly represented by the efforts and contributions of Jim and Jamila Janmohamed. They are both outstanding individuals in the community and, fortunately for us, Jamila is a phenomenal cook, as well! Jim and Jamila were holding their annual Poppy Appeal Dinner at El Fogon and we couldn’t be more keen on this event when we heard about it. We called to reserve our tickets, hopped in the golf cart and headed out to retrieve our golden tickets. The $100BZ contribution entitled each ticket holder to a four course Indian meal prepared by Jamila herself! If you don’t like Indian food, I feel sorry for you, but this was very exciting to us. Let me quickly mention that in the 5-6 years we have been coming down to San Pedro, we have never been to El Fogon Restaurant. Not because we haven’t heard wonderful things about it and the fantastic local food represented within it’s walls. It’s because of this one word – gibnut. You can read about the gibnut here. Trust me……..I will eventually give it a shot. I just have to get myself psyched up for that “special” day.

To “Mexico” from San Pedro,Ambergris Caye, Belize.
What to do on National Election Day in Belize? That was the burning question for me as Wednesday 4 November drew ever closer. Well I’d obviously – as a member of the British Commonwealth – be voting. I’m proud to have the priviledge of being able to vote in this wonderful country that has allowed us to call it our home and I was damned sure that I would be exercising it. But that would only take 15 to 20 minutes. What else would I fill the day with? Estel’s Dine By the Sea, with its decision not to open on National Election Day, had deprived me (I forgive you though Charles) of one of my ‘look forward to’ sections of the day. So, after casting my vote I could of course return home, have breakfast and then resume battle with the weeds in our garden. That could easily see me through until the kick-off time of the away leg of Arsenal’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich. Actually it could probably see me through until the end of the football season!

Fried Rice
1. Prepare 4 cups of cooked rice according to package instructions 2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet on medium heat. 3. Add onion, garlic, peas, corn, shallots, and carrots. Stir fry until tender. 4. Crack eggs into pan and scramble, mixing throughout vegetables. 5. Add rice, chicken, prawns & bacon to pan. 6. Stir in soy sauce and remove from heat. Tip: you can also add thinly sliced beef strips Water Chestnuts Bean Shoots Baby Corn Snow Peas

Packed House, Sunset Smiles and tasty Enchiladas
It has been a busy food week so far. First off was the 5th annual re-opening of Casa Picasso; one of the most anticipated food events of the year. I got there a bit later than I wanted to and it was slam packed. Thankfully Lori and Leisa had secured a good spot outside. It felt like there were easily a couple hundred people there and according to their Facebook page, Chef Jeff and his crew sent out over 1200 appetizers throughout the night. It’s no surprise that not a morsel of food was left. The Bar was extremely busy all night long serving up their specialty cocktails. Funny moment of the night – Leisa decided to text Cowboy Doug to go get us a round of drinks. She could hear him and thought he was inside, closer to the bar. Not long after the crowd cleared a bit, she realized he was sitting outside at a table less than a stone’s throw behind us – it was that packed. Lori and I made an executive decision to brave the inside crowd and swim upstream for drinks. She got served first as she and Leisa had regular cocktails. Since I was getting special order, I had to line up for Jason so he could make me a virgin cucumber cocktail – it was very yummy.

Ghosts in the machine (well, it is an iPod)
Did you ever scan through your digital photo library and stop on an image to wonder “How the hell did that get in there?” And I’m not talking about naked selfies. I’m referring to “ghosts.” Images that bear no relationship to the ones before, nor the ones that follow. For example, suppose you just took 12 photos of a snowy egret in a lovely, colorful, natural setting. And there — right there! — in Frame #7 is a strange . . . well . . . what the heck is that anyway? You don’t know, so you hit delete. End of story. I’m speaking hypothetically, of course. With me, it is never the end of the story, but the beginning.

International Sources

Top 10 Holiday Trips To Book Now, According To Kayak
Airfare is cheaper this year than last, and will only continue to drop through January 2016. So why aren't you booking a trip to somewhere right this second? Maybe you're not sure where to visit. Well, according to travel booking site Kayak, there are some key destinations around the world where airfare is especially less expensive right now. To gather the list, Kayak's Holiday Travel Hacker pulled together the destinations with the biggest decrease in median airfare this holiday season vs. last holiday season. Though the escapes featured below might not be considered "budget" locations, savvy travelers will consider this holiday season one of the best times to finally book tickets for that once-in-a-lifetime trip. Belize: Enjoy the beaches and explore Mayan ruins with airfare that's 20 percent less expensive this year.

NAU students dig into history and conserve archaeological sites in Belize
Northern Arizona University students are credited with preserving archaeological sites in Belize and supporting that country’s economy, where one in four jobs is related to tourism. Eight undergraduates and two graduate students spent the summer months in Belize doing excavations, which included a structure at Xunantuknich, an ancient Maya site near the Guatemala border. “This work not only conserves cultural heritage, but it also creates jobs, contributes to national identity and is educational,” said Jaime Awe, an assistant professor of archaeology. In addition to the archaeological tenets of excavation, students learned about preservation. Maya built with lime plaster, a combination of sand, water and lime, which deteriorates when exposed to rain and algae.

OAS mission highlights civic spirit in Belize general elections
The electoral mission of the Organization of American States (EOM/OAS) that observed the general elections in Belize on Wednesday noted the civic spirit of the people of the country shown in a peaceful and successful election day. The mission congratulated the country on the vote, in which 71 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. The EOM/OAS recommended a re-registration of voters, and adjustments to electoral boundaries, among other issues. In a preliminary report, the chief of mission, Jacinth Henry-Martin, on Thursday noted the preparations made by the country’s electoral authorities ahead of the election that led to “a generally inclusive and clean electoral process.”

Man has parasite removed from under his skin after holiday to Belize
Michael Fussell from Baltimore, knew something wasn’t right when he returned home from his holiday with a growing bulge under his skin. What he didn’t know, was that it was caused by a parasite that had made a home in his flesh. A trip to the doctor revealed that it was in fact a botfly, which was causing the swelling. Mr Fussell had to have the a small incision made in his skin so that the slimy little creature could be removed as soon as possible. Warning, the result footage is not for the faint-hearted.

Industry experts 'optimistic' about Caribbean technology development
Regional Internet and technology experts remain upbeat on the future of the industry in the Caribbean. A recent industry report showed that Internet connectivity in the Caribbean is growing at sluggish speeds, with high rates. However, shifting attitudes within the region’s technical community are triggering positive change in its technology landscape. Among the challenges faced by the region in developing its technology sector are outdated legislation, limited access to capital, and an environment not always conducive to the development of indigenous technology businesses and services. But some experts say that the region is well positioned to seize fresh opportunities to improve its Internet access penetration, to reduce Internet service costs and to increase network service quality.

Coldstream Guards Learn How To Stay Alive In The Jungle
Around 400 soldiers from 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards (1CG) have swapped their ceremonial duties to test their jungle warfare skills in Belize. 1CG have been working and training together on Exercise Mayan Warrior, named after the ancient Mayan people and culture that previously inhabited the region. The Guards have been deployed deep in the heart of Belize’s rainforest, learning how to fight in the jungle, and perhaps more importantly, how to navigate and survive amidst the dangers that lay beneath the canopies. They're also learning how to make booby traps, attack or ambush enemy camps and conduct river crossings and operations - with the final phase of training involving live firing.

Marines with the SPMAGTF-SC end successful deployment
The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Southern Command is returning to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune after an approximately six-month deployment to Central America. In Belize, the team focused on conducting military-to-military engagements with the Belizean Defence Force and Belizean Coast Guard which included patrolling, infantry tactics, physical training, martial arts, combat lifesaving and joint planning efforts. “My initial reaction to Belize was first noticing how generous all the people were, they were extremely welcoming and they wanted any and everything to do with our military experience,” said Capt. Steven Dally, the officer-in-charge for the SPMAGTF-SC Security Cooperation Team in Belize. Dally went on to say that some of his best moments were training the host nation in weaponry they weren’t familiar with.

In face of 'tax haven' attack, CARICOM must unite
No member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ranks among the top 20 jurisdictions worldwide for financial secrecy. The United States of America (at number 3), Germany (8), Japan (12) and Britain (15), all rate as bigger tax havens than any CARICOM jurisdiction, according to the Tax Justice Network (TJN), an independent European-based think-tank. Further, the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax purposes rates the US and European Union countries, Britain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Greece and Estonia only in the second grade of jurisdictions that are compliant with international standards. This shows how difficult it is for all countries, even those with huge financial and human resources to put in place the raft of legislative, regulatory and enforcement measures necessary to satisfy the international requirements being set by bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Commission of the European Union (EC) and the Global Forum (GF).

Videos

November 5, 2015

Election Results will be posted as they come in....

Channel 5 is predicting UDP win. They are guessing the UDP will win about 21 seats (of 31), they are seeing whats in so far (UDP 11 PUP 9) and seeing the unofficial totals on the other races and making that guess. They currently have 19 seats. Which means Barrow wins also, a third consecutive term.

In San Pedro, Incumbent Area Representative, Manuel Heredia Jr. of the United Democratic Party has been reelected in Belize Rural South. He garnered 3,244 votes with the People’s United Party’s Jose “Elito” Arceo having 2,254 votes and the Belize Progressive Party’s Robert “Bobby” Lopez having 129 votes as of 10:21PM (currently only on box has not been tallied). This is Heredia’s third term in Central Government.

The San Pedro Sun

Manuel Heredia Jr. wins election in BRS
Manuel Heredia Jr. has been elected as the Belize Rural South (BRS) Area Representative during the 2015 General Election, held on Wednesday, November 4th. Heredia has been elected by the people to serve Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye from 2015 to 2020. The election process in BRS kicked off at 7AM with the winner being announced at 10:30PM. As early as 5AM, the parties’ supporters were on the ground preparing for the day. BRS was divided into two polling areas, with Ambergris Caye residents voting at San Pedro High School, Polling Area 37, and Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye residents voting at Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School, Polling Area 34 and 38. The mass of electorates visiting the polls was observed during the first and last hours of the allotted voting time. Contesting for BRS were Jose “Elito” Arceo for the PUP, Manuel Heredia Jr. UDP and Robert “Bobby” Lopez of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP). The election process for BRS was overseen by Returning Officer Martin Alegria and Election Clerk Leodan Torres. Both the San Pedro Police Department and Caye Caulker Police Department were on hand throughout the election process to ensure law and order was maintained.

2015 General Elections nears the end
Now in the last hour of the 2015 General Elections, candidates are making that last push to get voters to the polls. As of 5PM 60% of registered voters in Belize had already visited one of 393 polling stations across the country. Here in Belize Rural South (BRS) voter’s turnout is at 60% with 5,249 out of 8,749 registered electorates having cast their vote. According to Returning Officer, Martin Alegria, as of 5PM, 4,607 votes had been cast at Polling Area 37 while 642 votes had been cast at Polling Area 34 and 38. With a voter’s turnout of 59% in San Pedro, 3,237 registered voters have still not made it to the polls. As for Caye Calker, their voter’s turnout is at 71% with 263 registered voters still not having cast their votes.

Incumbent Area Representative, Manuel Heredia Jr. of the United Democratic Party has been reelected in Belize Rural South.
He garnered 3,244 votes with the People’s United Party’s Jose “Elito” Arceo having 2,254 votes and the Belize Progressive Party’s Robert “Bobby” Lopez having 129 votes as of 10:21PM (currently only on box has not been tallied). This is Heredia’s third term in Central Government.

Halfway through Belize’s 2015 General Elections
Over seven hours into the 2015 General Elections, electorates continue to make their way to the polls to cast their vote to decide the next government. While in some areas of the country, weather conditions have slowed down the election process, here in Belize Rural South (BRS) voting remains steady. Up to 1PM 2,906 out of 8,749 registered voters had made it to the polls, registering a 33.2% voter turnout. Overall 74,614 out of 196,587 registered voters in entire Belize have exercised their right to vote marking a 38% voter turnout for the country. As for the candidates, Jose “Elito” Arceo of the People’s United Party (PUP), Manuel Heredia Jr. of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Robert “Bobby” Lopez of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP), they continue to ensure their supporters make it out to the polls. According to Arceo everything is going well.

2015 General Elections underway
According to Returning Officer Martin Alegria, the first hours of polling saw a total of 1,451 votes cast in Polling Area 37 at the San Pedro High School while 302 votes had been cast in Polling Area 34 and 38 at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School. The morning has seen a steady flow of voters and Alegria believes that the pace will pick up by midday. The BRS constituency is made up of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye with a total of 8,749 registered voters. A total of 7,844 votes are registered in Ambergris Caye, while 905 are registered for both Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, incumbent Area Representative Heredia indicated that his machinery is working perfectly. “My people are coming out.

Ambergris Today

Three-Peat for UDP Government and Manuel Heredia Jr.
For the third consecutive time the incumbent Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. has once again secured his seat in government by taking Belize Rural South and winning for The United Democratic Party. Belize General Elections 2015 took place on Wednesday, November 4, with the UPD winning the majority of seats in the House of Representatives and making Belize red again. Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow also won a record third term in the snap general elections. In Belize Rural South, which includes ambergris Caye, Caye caulker and St. George’s Caye, a total of 6,074 votes were cast out of 8,749 registered voters; this accounts for 69% turnout. UDP Manuel Heredia - 3,490, PUP Elito Arceo - 2,388, BPP Robert Lopez - 134.

Last Minute Voters in San Pedro
Just minutes before the polls close last voters rush to the polling stations. The lines are longer than any other time throughout the day.

How to Get Rid of Your “Purple Finger” after Elections!
But the BIGGEST issue with Electoral Ink is: HOW TO TAKE IT OFF!! It’s a challenge, problem, issue and hassle every time elections come along. After people vote, they are looking at how quickly they can remove the unsightly purple mark on their finger. This is not necessarily because they want to vote again or commit identification theft. LOL! People just want to remove the ugly mark, although I have seen others intentionally leaving it for days just to show off that they have voted (first-time voter). Try Nail Polish (100% acetone), Rubbing alcohol, or White vinegar & Lime mix with baking soa

Belize Heads to the Polls on Early General Elections
The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow, called election nearly two years ahead of schedule, stating that he was confident of victory and not being impressed after seeing the campaign of his opposition the People’s United Party (PUP). Giving his opposition only two months to cram in their campaigning efforts, the outcome of the General Elections will be an interesting one. Belize's two main political parties concluded their campaign for Wednesday's general elections expressing confidence. The ruling United Democratic Party and the main opposition People's United Party have each nominated candidates for all 31 constituencies, while the newly formed People's Progressive Party is contesting 25 seats.

Local Belize Divers Encounter Pod of Sperm Whales in Migration
Local Belize dive master at Ramon’s Village Dive Shop, Rolando Caceres, shares with Ambergris Today a video about his encounter with a pod of about 15 sperm whales during a diving trip to the Great Blue Hole. Whale encounters in Belize are very rare, but not impossible, as divers have had great opportunities to get up close and personal with various species of whales that, for the most part, are just passing by during their long migratory travels. The most common encounters with large sea creatures are those with the massive Whale Sharks (although not whales/mammals) that stop to feed along the Belize Barrier Reef around the month of April each year.

Misc Belizean Sources

Rotaract Halloween Festivities
The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio had a great house of horror once again at Hode's Place. They also had their annual Halloween Costume Contest. In related news they have pictures from their Charity Poker Tournament. Thanks, Rotaract, for all the great activities, and all the time put into making the community a better place!

FCD’s environmental educator based in Guatemala attended the IUCN – Rivers Without Borders training program in El Salvador
CD is grateful to IUCN staff, Rocio Cordoba and Nazareth Porras for all their support in adding the Chiquibul-Mopan Rivers as part of the BRIDGE Program.

The new Toledo Howler has just been published
In this issue Gerald and Deena Parham reminisce about growing up in an East Indian village in rural Toledo in the fifties and sixties; Arzu Mountain Spirit writes about guifiti ("gift of the plant spirits" in English) a kind of bitters made by the Garifuna healers. Dr Geoff Braswell of University of California, San Diego describes the remarkable finds at his dig at Nim Li Punit this spring including the second largest jade artefact yet found in Belize. Contact our BTIA accommodation members to make your room reservations for Garifuna Settlement Day and Battle of the Drums this month or Stephanie in the BTIA office on Front Street in Punta Gorda (details inside The Howler)

Voter turnout by District as of 5pm

Paradise Theater this WeekendWe Are Your Friends, NO ESCAPE, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation

I agree with the Guatemalan president elect
By Wellington C. Ramos. According to Guatemalan president elect Carlos Morales, Belize is entrenched as part of Guatemala in the constitution and so the country should not give up even a centimeter. I agree with the Guatemalan president elect because he cannot give up what does not belong to him or his country. Centuries before Belize and Guatemala were colonized as new colonies in Central America by the British and the Spanish, the indigenous Maya people had several nation states in the region. When Christopher Columbus landed in this part of the world in 1492 everything changed. The Catholic Pope Alexander in 1493 granted the Caribbean and the Americas to the Spanish, with the exception of Brazil to Portugal in the Treaty of Tordesillas. Guatemala was colonized by the Conquistador Alvarado who was sent there by Cortez from Mexico. At that time Mexico City was the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which was the first and largest claimed by the Spanish crown.

Cancer Walk 2015
Adma's Photots got a ton of great pictures from this year's Cancer Walk.

LOVE FM

Interactive Polling Results

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Gone fishin’
November 3rd was a lovely sunny day and the sea had started to clear after the rains we have had recently. It was a good day! It was a good day to go out and do something. There was a nice little breeze to keep you cool under the midday sun and life, as it usually is on Caye Caulker, was perfect. I was walking the dog I am looking after to the split and Peter from Mojo Fishing Charters stopped by me and called me over. He invited me out for a day on the reels and who could say no to that? I rushed home to get ready and when I say rushed, please take that statement loosely because I do mean that I walked slightly faster than an amble, before making my way to where they moor their boat. Mojo Fishing Charters/Mojo Sport Fishing is located at The Split and where the Lazy Lizard bar is situated. Peter and his assistant, helper, colleague, friend, all of the above, Spencer, were there getting everything ready to weigh anchor and hit the seas. It wasn’t long before we were casting off and a day of fishing was underway. Before we set off to our destination my hosts decided that they should acquire some live bait along with the bait they already had. We pulled up alongside the dock in front of Peter’s house and Spencer jumped up on the dock. There were thousands of tiny sardines darting back and forth in the water and glistening in the sunlight as they rapidly altered course.

Breaking Belize News

Belize General Election Results 2015
TOLEDO DISTRICT 1-Toledo West Juan Coy-United Democratic Party (UDP):______ Oscar Requena-People’s United Party (PUP): Winner Estevan Assi Belize Progressive Party (BPP):_______ 2-Toledo East Eden Martinez-United Democratic Party (UDP): Mike Espat-People’s United Party (PUP): Winner Will Maheia-Belize Progressive Party (BPP):______ STANN CREEK DISTRICT 3-Stann Creek West ( RECOUNT TODAY AT 10AM) Walter Garbutt-United Democratic […]

UDP projected to win historic third term
The United Democratic Party is projected to win a majority of seats, winning a third term in Government. The UDP are leading in or have won the following constituencies: Queen’s Square, Mesopotamia, Pickstock, Albert, Port Loyola, Collet, Belize Rural North, Central and South; Corozal Bay, North and South […]

69% of votes cast; counting ready to begin
More than 130,000 votes were cast in today’s general election in all six districts. Voter turnout stood at 69% according to the official count by the Election and Boundaries Department. Counting officially begins at 8:00 but early indications say that Said Musa has retained his seat in Fort […]

Call Center workers not being allowed to vote
There is an allegation being made that workers from several call centers in San Ignacio are not being allowed the time to go vote, as is their right according to law. The allegations are being made by employees of the call centers. An employee of Preserva Limited says employees have been […]

Stabbing incident reported in Belize City
Police are said to have detained one person pending investigation of a stabbing incident reported in Belize City. 25 year old Brandon Allen was stabbed to the abdomen, shoulder and neck and is now in critical but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Slow voter turnout in PG
A rush of United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters dressed in Eden Martinez shirts were the first to flood the polls this morning at St. Peter Claver R.C School in Punta Gorda (PG) Town. Since then, however, lines have been short and the same can be said for the […]

Voter turnout slow so far in Orange Walk
The first leg of today’s Election has completed its course. In the Orange Walk District, there are 29,368 registered voters. Up to midday today a total of 24 percent have casted their votes, a total of 7,175 voters. When broken down into the different constituencies this is how […]

Belize General Election: Photo blog of Orange Walk East
Here are a few photos of the Orange Walk East division on Election Day: 17% of voters have cast votes in today’s poll
The Election and Boundaries Department reports that as of 10 this morning, 16% of all eligible voters have cast votes countrywide for today’s general election. The closely contested constituencies of Albert, Caribbean Shores and Lake Independence are seeing the highest turnout thus far at 26% each and 22% […]

PUP getting early support in Cayo North East
At 7:30 a.m., Cayo North East Polling area 72 at Sacred Heart College looks very scanty. Voters are coming out slowly. Majority of supporters seem to be coming out to support the People’s United Party (PUP).

Voting begins in Cayo Central
At 7:00 am, the people of Cayo Central are starting to come out to cast their votes. Currently there is a large number of supporters for the United Democratic Party (UDP). Photos below shows former Minister Rene Montero as he made his grand entrance along with his UDP […]

Blogs

How to Describe a Community for Belize Sustainable Development
Understanding a community is crucial to being able to work in it. Taking the time and effort to understand a targeted community well before embarking on a community-wide Sustainable Community Development (SCD) effort will pay off in the long-term. Failing to understand it will hinder credibility and make it difficult to connect with community members as well as to negotiate the twists and turns of starting and implementing a community initiative or intervention. Understanding a community’s description will help the practitioner in becoming a “thread in the fabric” of the community they intend to assist in development towards sustainability. A good way to accomplish this is to create a community description – a record of exploration and findings. It’s a good way to gain a comprehensive overview of the community – what it is now, what it’s been in the past, and what it could be in the future. A community description is simply a written account and analysis that defines a community. It usually includes information about the geography, demographics, and history, as well as the value of its people. It also usually includes an overview of important community issues, interviews with key people, and other information that can help guide community leaders, stakeholders, and others when starting work in a community.

Things I Didn’t Know About Elections in Belize: 6 Interesting Facts
Today is National Election Day – from the Prime Minister on down. And the only elections that I had ever witnesses were those in the US (we are in the midst of the long Presidential process right now) – so Belizean elections are exciting to me each time. And different in many ways what I was used to…more fanfare and rallying. More people on the streets… Here are some interesting things to me about elections in my beloved Belize. You vote by inking your finger and voting with your fingerprint. AMEND: I have been alerted that this is NOT THE CASE AT ALL. Thanks JC. The process is: – enter voting room. give your id card for your name to be called and found on their list that you are to vote in that area. – once verified,, then go to the next person who will ask you to dip your right index finger up to the first joint into the ink – once done, you then get your ballot paper – that paper has the signature of the one supervising the voting.. forgot the technical name of that person. – so you go, then put your “X” with the pencil next to the name. – fold the paper with the signature of the one that provided it showing. – show them that it is folded and the signature is visible, then put in ballot box.

Getting to Know the Interesting Garifuna Belize People
The Garifuna Belize are the recent arrivals to Belize, settling in the country’s southern coast during the early 19th century. The epic store of the Garifuna people started in the early 1600s on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. In 1635, two Spanish ships with Nigerian slaves on board sank off the coast of St. Vincent. The surviving slaves swam ashore and found shelter in the existing Carib Indian settlements. Over the following years, two peoples intermarried, intermixed and eventually fused into one culture, the Garinagu or Black Caribs. By the year 1773, the Black Carib became the dominant population in St. Vincent. However, European politics started to exert its influence throughout the Caribbean. A series of wars between the British and French on St. Vincent and culminated in a final battle on June 1796, where the French and their Carib allies had to surrender and leave the place. This started a journey by the exiled Garifuna Caribs to find a home. The British sent the Caribs on Roatan.

EASY CROCKPOT CHICKEN FAJITAS
Slice peppers and onions then place them on the bottom of the crock pot. Put Chicken on top of peppers and onions. Sprinkle taco seasoning on the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hrs (or high for 3-4). The chicken looks burnt but it's just crispy. Shred everything up and mix in the juice. Serve with tortillas and all the toppings - sour cream, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, etc.

International Sources

Belize PM Barrow wins record third consecutive term
Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow won a record third term in a snap general election in the tiny English-speaking Central American country on Wednesday, after his party gained a clear majority in parliament. Barrow, a 64-year-old lawyer, called the vote in late September more than a year ahead of schedule amid signs his political opponents were regrouping and fears generous Venezuelan aid crucial to his budget may be at risk. With official results announced from 29 of the country's 31 constituencies, Barrow's United Democratic Party (UDP) won 19 while the main opposition People's United Party (PUP) had taken 10, election official Jennevieve Gladden said. "It is a magnificent victory," Barrow said as he addressed party supporters in Belize City, who roared their approval. "The magnitude of this victory still hasn't properly set in." Many voters in the country of about 350,000 people, which faces a push by neighboring Guatemala to absorb a large area of its territory, voiced apathy, seeing little scope for change whichever of the two main parties wins.

Belize PM Dean Barrow Wins Record Third Consecutive Term
Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow won a record third term in a snap general election in the tiny English-speaking Central American country on Wednesday, after his party gained a clear majority in parliament. Barrow, a 64-year-old lawyer, called the vote in late September more than a year ahead of schedule amid signs his political opponents were regrouping and fears generous Venezuelan aid crucial to his budget may be at risk. With official results announced from 29 of the country's 31 constituencies, Barrow's United Democratic Party (UDP) won 19 while the main opposition People's United Party (PUP) had taken 10, election official Jennevieve Gladden said.

Belize leader Dean Barrow wins third term in snap election
Belize's Prime Minister Dean Barrow has won an unprecedented third consecutive term in office in snap elections in the small Central American nation. Mr Barrrow, 64, called the election in September, more than a year ahead of schedule. Belize is heavily dependent on aid from Venezuela, which also offers it oil at discounted prices. Critics of Mr Barrow said he brought the polls forward in case Venezuela cuts its funding. Venezuela is holding legislative elections on 6 December and some polls predict the governing socialist party will lose control of the National Assembly. Many of the recipients of Venezuelan aid fear that with continuing low oil prices Venezuela will soon significantly reduce its contributions to its allies. Mr Barrow has invested much of the $150m (£98m) Belize received from Venezuela in the past years in an ambitious infrastructure programme and road building. With results announced in all but two of the constituencies, Mr Barrow's party won in 19 and the opposition People's United Party in 10. Mr Barrow called it "a magnificent victory".

Stanford Ponzi scheme fugitive captured in Belize
One of the key players in the Ponzi scheme executed by financier Allen Stanford has been apprehended in Belize. Reports indicate that David Nanes Schnitzer, who oversaw Stanford’s operations in Mexico, Panama and other parts of the region, was caught in San Pedro yesterday evening, with the assistance of Interpol and US Marshals. Nanes Schnitzer is wanted by authorities in Mexico for allegedly helping defraud thousands of investors while serving as president of Stanford Group Mexico. Investors in Latin America, including in Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses when Stanford’s financial empire collapsed.

Confederates Rescue the Queen’s West India Regiment from Indians
Jamaicans and Confederate veterans fighting off an Indian massacre — it really happened. In the mid-1800s, British woodcutters and other settlers had become well established in the southeastern Yucatán Peninsula, along the Belize and New Rivers and in the surrounding flat country of mangrove swamps and tropical forests. In 1862, the Bay Settlements became the Crown Colony of British Honduras. As they moved inland and their numbers increased, the British had encountered conflict with the resident Maya people. When the Caste War burst into devastating violence to their north, the problems became a crisis. Thousands of Maya and mestizo refugees fled south. Fighting between Maya groups, pressure from Mexican military forces, and conflicting claims to the area all acted to bring the war into the territory claimed by the British. Far from innocent, the British had been engaging in illegal arms trade with the Maya rebels for years, and they now found the guns turned against themselves.

Belize `Superbond' Sinks Most Since '13 as Election Proceeds
Belize’s bonds fell the most in more than two years as voters in the Central American nation decide Wednesday whether Prime Minister Dean Barrow deserves a third term in office. The yield on Belize’s “superbond” due in 2038 rose 56 basis points to 10 percent at 2:50 p.m. New York time. That’s the highest since the security was offered as part of a $544 million debt restructuring in 2013, following two defaults in six years. Belize’s debt has returned 11.7 percent so far this year, the most in Latin America after Venezuela and Argentina, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s EMBIG index. Barrow has served as prime minister since 2008 and faces opposition leader Francis Fonseca, who has pledged to create 25,000 jobs and cut living costs. About 197,000 people are eligible to vote in the country, which has a population of 341,000 and is known among international tourists for its Mayan ruins and barrier reef. Election results for all 31 seats in parliament are expected Thursday morning.

How Wi-Fi can identify and track people through walls
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have created a system that can identify people through walls using just wi-fi signals. The technology works by detecting "reflections" created by the signals when they touch other objects, such as human bodies. By analysing the different characteristics of the "reflections", such as height and build, it can distinguish between 15 different people with 90% accuracy. Researchers plan to use the device to monitor elderly people, with the intention of detecting and preventing falls and injury in the home.

Videos

Updated Turnout figures

Heredia up 700 and will be reelected says Channel 5

Unofficial reports are that so far, four box have been counted in Belize Rural South with UDP’s Manuel Heredia Jr. in the lead. So far Heredia has 933 votes, PUP’s Jose “Elito” Arceo has 541 votes and BPP’s Robert “Bobby” Lopez has 25 votes.

Voter turnout by District as of 5pm

Last Minute Voters in San Pedro
Just minutes before the polls close last voters rush to the polling stations. The lines are longer than any other time throughout the day.

2015 General Elections nears the end
As of 5PM 60% of registered voters in Belize had already visited one of 393 polling stations across the country. Here in Belize Rural South (BRS) voter’s turnout is at 60% with 5,249 out of 8,749 registered electorates having cast their vote. According to Returning Officer, Martin Alegria, as of 5PM, 4,607 votes had been cast at Polling Area 37 while 642 votes had been cast at Polling Area 34 and 38. With a voter’s turnout of 59% in San Pedro, 3,237 registered voters have still not made it to the polls. As for Caye Calker, their voter’s turnout is at 71% with 263 registered voters still not having cast their votes.

Belize Heads to the Polls on Early General Elections
The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow, called election nearly two years ahead of schedule, stating that he was confident of victory and not being impressed after seeing the campaign of his opposition the People’s United Party (PUP). Giving his opposition only two months to cram in their campaigning efforts, the outcome of the General Elections will be an interesting one. Belize's two main political parties concluded their campaign for Wednesday's general elections expressing confidence. The ruling United Democratic Party and the main opposition People's United Party have each nominated candidates for all 31 constituencies, while the newly formed People's Progressive Party is contesting 25 seats.

2015 General Elections underway
According to Returning Officer Martin Alegria, the first hours of polling saw a total of 1,451 votes cast in Polling Area 37 at the San Pedro High School while 302 votes had been cast in Polling Area 34 and 38 at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School. The morning has seen a steady flow of voters and Alegria believes that the pace will pick up by midday. The BRS constituency is made up of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye with a total of 8,749 registered voters. A total of 7,844 votes are registered in Ambergris Caye, while 905 are registered for both Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, incumbent Area Representative Heredia indicated that his machinery is working perfectly. “My people are coming out. As for Arceo, he is also confident with his machinery and the support he has received from the community. “Today is going to be nice and calm. We will have a high voter turnout. We have made arrangements on how to get our voters to the polls and back home. You have to consider that some people face challenges in transportation so we are here to assist them and ensure everyone exercises their right to vote. We have our machinery both in Caye Caulker and San Pedro to get everyone out,” said Arceo.

Slow voter turnout in PG
A rush of United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters dressed in Eden Martinez shirts were the first to flood the polls this morning at St. Peter Claver R.C School in Punta Gorda (PG) Town. Since then, however, lines have been short and the same can be said for the […]

Voter turnout slow so far in Orange Walk
The first leg of today’s Election has completed its course. In the Orange Walk District, there are 29,368 registered voters. Up to midday today a total of 24 percent have casted their votes, a total of 7,175 voters. When broken down into the different constituencies this is how […]

Belize General Election: Photo blog of Orange Walk East
Here are a few photos of the Orange Walk East division on Election Day: 17% of voters have cast votes in today’s poll
The Election and Boundaries Department reports that as of 10 this morning, 16% of all eligible voters have cast votes countrywide for today’s general election. The closely contested constituencies of Albert, Caribbean Shores and Lake Independence are seeing the highest turnout thus far at 26% each and 22% […]

PUP getting early support in Cayo North East
At 7:30 a.m., Cayo North East Polling area 72 at Sacred Heart College looks very scanty. Voters are coming out slowly. Majority of supporters seem to be coming out to support the People’s United Party (PUP).

Voting begins in Cayo Central
At 7:00 am, the people of Cayo Central are starting to come out to cast their votes. Currently there is a large number of supporters for the United Democratic Party (UDP). Photos below shows former Minister Rene Montero as he made his grand entrance along with his UDP […]

DECISION 2015, Channel 5
Lots of photos, being constantly updated...

Caye Caulker Elections machinery

UDP Supporters in Big Falls, Toledo

Port Loyola camps

BDF Soldiers mobilising from Price Barracks to vote in Toledo West

Freetown machinery

The Albert division standard bearers on the ground in full force

Quiet in Cristo Rey

Downtime in Benque. A very red area

November 4, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize- Natural beauty at its finest!
They say a picture says a thousand words and when it comes to Belize, this is very true! We often tell people about the vast beauty of the Jewel, you hear about it from your friends that have visited, and you read about it in travel magazines but sometimes not even a million words can do a place any justice! Belize is truly Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret, from savannas, to wetlands, lush jungles and beautiful waters the charm of this natural beauty can make absolutely ANYONE fall in love. So this time we’ll use less words, as we let our lens do the talking! Here are 13 shots of Belize that truly capture the beauty of this hidden gem.

Students use art to Make a Noise about Bullying
In an effort to raise awareness on bullying, San Pedro High School (SPHS) observed Anti Bullying Month throughout October. The act of intimidating, mentally abusing or physically assaulting others has become a major issue in today’s society. The “Make a noise about bullying Assembly” held on Thursday, October 29th was one of the main events of Bullying Awareness Month and saw several students using their talents to raise awareness for the cause. Events held throughout the month were organized by SPHS student councilor, Alexis Guerrero. “On behalf of the SPHS, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all persons who assisted us in making our bullying awareness month, under the theme ‘Make a Noise about Bullying’ a success,” said Guerrero. The activities were aimed at getting the students involved in the anti-bullying movement by educating them of the consequences of bullying.

Ambergris Today

Finados Exhibit at San Pedro House of Culture
The Celebration of the Day of the Dead commenced at the dawn of November 2 with a celebration referred to as the “Matam Ppixan”. At five in the morning, villagers gathered at different homes to say a rosary and offered prayers on behalf of dead ancestors. After the prayers, everyone was invited for breakfast that included pan de muerto and chocolate milk. At noon, every family prepared a special meal and it was usually the favorite meal of the deceased. During the afternoon, families would go to the cemetery to decorate relatives’ graves with fresh flowers and other offerings. The cemetery visits were also intended to encourage visits by the souls of the dead so they would hear the prayers and comments of the living directed to them. The last activity of the day was a night procession through the streets of San Pedro with the villagers carrying lighted candles. The procession ended at the cemetery where prayers were said for the deceased. (Many of these traditions and customs are celebrated in the same manner in present day)

The Abandoned Serpon Sugar Mill Takes You Back In Time
It is not one of the most popular, talked-about or photographed attractions in the country of Belize, but a visit to the Serpon Archaeological Park takes you to a very fun and interesting glimpse back in time when the sugar industry was booming in southern Belize. Trees stand tall where factory buildings once stood in 1863 and although there are no remnants of the structures, you are left to use your imagination how each factory building connected to each other as you gaze at the rusty abandoned machinery left behind. Heavy metal withstood the hands of time and you find yourself walking around the premises, in and out of the heavy sugar cane grinders, boilers and even remnants of a railway track/machinery that was used to transport cargo. The elements have carved their way into the metal and mother nature has crept on the machinery leaving this eerie atmosphere under the shade of the giant trees that have canopied the site. There is a small visitor’s center where large posters on the walls give you a brief history of the sugar mill with some light reading and great images to help you get an idea of how the mill looked like.

Misc Belizean Sources

Restrictions of the sale of liquor on election day
All Liquor License Holders please take note!

Belize Fishing Report: October 16th – October 25th, 2015
A family from Germany was here documenting Martins quest for a bonefish, tarpon and permit. What makes this remarkable is that Martin is in a wheelchair with very limited hand movement and no finger movement. With the help of some ingenious glove like devices he is able to grip the rod and strip line El Pescador is the starting point for a documentary with a working title of “30 Reasons” which makes me think Martin is looking at 27 other species after he masters a bonefish, permit and tarpon!

Corozal House of Cultures Hanal Pixan
Images from Corozal House of Culture (NICH)'s Hanal Pixan, traditional Maya ceremony in honoring those departed held October 31st, 2015. A heartfelt thank you to participants and attendees of the 1st Annual Hanal Pixan Presentation this past Saturday. It was an honour to raise awareness and revive the tradition of Hanal Pixan, All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos. All three have become interwoven and define our rich cultural heritage. A gracious thank you to our participants; Corozal ITVET, Department of Youth Services-Corozal, Xaibe Nicte Ha Children's Group, the Corozal Community College - Official -students, Mr. & Mrs. Villamil, Pat King, Efren Guzman and Miss Ayonie Briceno. As well, thank you to Genara Cano and Maria Villamil for preparing the delicious authentic Maya cuisine!

Spashers Painting group
Here is our subject this week. This Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar 2p.m.

Power interruption 6:00am to 2:00pm, Sunday, November 8, San Pedro
Entire Pescador Dr, San Pedrito, Elliot Subdivision, San Pablo & DFC Area & entire Southern portion of San Pedro including entire Coconut Dr & surrounding areas. BEL to repair & perform maintenance & testing of equipment at San Pedro Substation.

BOLEDO DRAWING Tuesday, November 3, 2015: 09

Belmopan Art Fest 2015
The Belmopan Art Fest will be on Saturday, November 28th, at the Belmopan Civic Center. You can register now if you are interested in participating. Contact the Belmopan Active Youths at 822-1545 for more information.

ORIN 'COCO' ORIO: BELIZE'S BEST GOALKEEPER OF ALL TIMES!
Celebrated today as Belize's most accomplished and skillful football goalkeeper of all times, Orin 'Coco' Orio who now lived in California in the United States, was a spectacular sight to watch at the 1970's Belize football tournaments across the Belize, from north to south and east to west, wherever Belizean football was played. Belizean Legends athlete of the month is Orin 'Coco' Orio. We appreciated your skills with the ball big man!

Amanda Margraves at Belize Bird Rescue
We would like to thank Amanda Margraves for all the hard work she did during her recent stay at BBR. Whether she was crawling through a roof, being drenched on a boat or treating a stray dog her passion for saving animal lives is an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to your next visit with us!

Dia de los finados - la comida de las almas
A sneak peek of another spectacular event from San Pedro House of Culture. Thank you to everyone involved. What a wonderful tradition. Those who attended were treated to an assortment of yummy traditional foods which were donated by Leonor Rosado, Jennie Staines, Letty Garcia, Eriberto Vasquez, Brenda Henkis and Socorro Vasquez and wine donated by Eloyia Herrera.

Placencia Breeze November 2015
Pg 3 BTIA news Pg 6 Placencia Humane Society news Pg 9 Secret Garden Day Spa and Youths at Marathon Pg 10 The Wallen’s history/ Miss Louise Wade Pg 11 Fresh Produce/ Goss Chocolate Pg 12 Point of View – Pizza/Southwest Airlines Pg 13 Placencia Village Plaza/SEA events Pg 14 Placencia wins Best Beach award Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA members Pg 16/17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 20 House Hunters in Placencia Pg 23 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 24 Events & National Holiday Calendar/save the date Pg 25 Rotary Ladies Night/ Blood Drive info Pg 26 Cricket/Placencia Tour Guide Listing Pg 27 Classifi eds/Church Information Pg 30/31 Paid Listings

Channel 7

Another Cayo Killing, This Time A Friend Pulled The Trigger
Last night we told you about the murder of a 20-year-old man in front of Blue Angels Night Club in the heart of San Ignacio. Well, there was another murder this morning after 8:00 in that western town. 26 year old Darwin Guerrero was doing construction work on Bella Vista Street when a man - Jimmy Rivas drove up on an ATV and shot Guerrero. Reports are that when Guerrero saw Rivas with the gun he turned to run away but Rivas caught him in the back. This morning police told us that they got information that Rivas was in the Bullet Tree area so they went searching but found nothing. We also spoke to Guerrero's supervisor who was near him when he was shot. Here is what the supervisor Mario Pineda and Guerrero's family had to say: Insp. Reymundo Reyes, Deputy OC, San Ignacio Police "This incident happen this morning. Sometime around 8:40am San Ignacio received a call pf a shooting incident on Bella Vista Street, San Ignacio Town. Police immediately visited the scene where on arrival, all we were able to see were 5 expended shells and a pool of blood.

PUP Alleges Proxy Fraud, But Fails To Prove
Last week Thursday, we told you how the PUP accused UDP Chairman Alberto August of abusing proxy forms in an attempt commit election fraud. They accused the Chief Elections Officer of being complicit in getting August, quote, "hundreds of blank proxy forms". Both the Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, and the UDP Chairman August have flatly denied and condemned those allegations as political mischief. Tamai did write to PUP Secretary General Myrtle Palacio informing her that if she and the PUP would like, they could get a supervised visit to the Elections and Boundaries Office to see the proxy voters list for themselves. They took that opportunity this afternoon, and when they exited about 45 minutes later, Palacio and the PUP's legal advisor were not satisfied. But, neither could they point to any instance of proxy voter fraud waiting to happen tomorrow. Here's what they had to say:

Council Of Churches Doesn't Play Politics
Also, in the few hours left before the General Elections, the Chief Elections Officer and UDP Chairman Alberto August are not the only ones whose integrity has been called into question. The Church has come under fire, and it forced a reaction from them today. Sometime between late yesterday and early this morning, the Breaking Belize News Organization published an article, which brought pressure on the Leaders of the Belize Council of Churches and the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches. Now, we should mention that the content produced by Breaking Belize News is prepared by independent news bloggers who use Facebook as their main marketing tool to reach their followers and readers. The article purports to quote from some mystery press release that the Churches sent out following their meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. Of Course, the PUP sent out their own statement last week to note this meeting. But, in this purported press release, which the Church flatly denies having any connection to, it suggests that the Leaders of the two religious organizations are campaigning for the PUP and suggesting to their Christian followers to vote against the ruling UDP Government.

Pen Road Closet Combusted
There was a fire on Neal Penn Road around 4:00 this afternoon. No one was injured, but neighbors tell us it was a close call because the fire spread quickly. It started from a closet on the lower flat of a two story concrete building and a first responder told us he had to help:.. Ashton Lamb, First Responder "From the time when I and the guy got into the place trying to out the fire, that was when the fire and everything just blaze." Monica Bodden "Now for you to stop and render assistance, that was something very brave of you to do - to help this woman and her kids." Ashton Lamb, First Responder "Yes ma'am. Life is a funny thing. It could have been me or it could be you."

Magazine Road Shooting Story
There was a shooting in the city just before midnight last night. It happened on Magazine Road. According to police, Nigel Augustine was walking on Magazine Road when an individual approached him and opened fire. Augustine was shot in the abdomen, left shoulder and back and was rushed to the KHMH where he is listed in a stable condition. Police say they are looking for one suspect. Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "I don't know if he is a critical condition. I know he is in a stable condition. That incident took place last night sometime after midnight. One Nigel Augustine was walking on Magazine Road in Belize City when he was shot at by an individual unknown to him. He received gunshot wounds to the abdomen and the left shoulder and the back. He was taken to the KHMH where he was admitted in a stable condition." Reporter "What's the investigation showing so far as to the motive behind this shooting?" Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "At this time we do not have a motive, but we are looking for one person who we believe will able to assist in this investigation."

UDP Pulled A Huge Crowd
Last night, we showed you the PUP's pre-election rally for the Belize district. By our estimate, at it's height, the PUP managed to bring out around 3,000 people. Well, political operators from the UDP are boasting that they managed to bring out 3 times that amount last night when their 12 standard bearers spoke with the voters. Footage we've seen indicates that the crowd was massive, and the UDP Candidates made sure to ride the wave of all that energy. Here's what they had to say to those who showed up: Both parties are taking the night off - and greasing their campaign machinery for tomorrow.

UB Staff, Faculty Say
In September and October, you heard about the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association who were asking for a salary adjustment. The Prime Minister brushed them off, saying that their negotiation was going at its own pace and he wouldn't intervene just because the election was approaching. But Minister of Education Patrick Faber did meet with UB Faculty and Staff Representatives last week Friday. But the Association sent out a press release today to say it was not impressed. They say in a press release, quote, "Faber has been misinformed regarding our justification for a salary adjustment." End quote. The release notes that the employees of the University of Belize, have received no salary adjustments since 2005 - while other statutory bodies have received increases in line with public officers and teachers.

PSU Celebrates Voters
Tomorrow close to 200,000 registered voters will have a chance to choose their leaders in the general election. And to make it all happen hundreds of public officers will man the polling and counting stations. They are the gears in the democratic machine - actually administering the election, and today the Public Service Union sent out a press release pep-talking those officers, quote, "entrusted with conducting and supervising the general elections" end quote. It tells public officers, quote, "this is your time to shine…while for some the hours may be long and the fervor is strong, rest assured that we will…ensure that you are...compensated in a timely fashion." End quote.

Stole From Salvation Army?
20 year-old Juan Bardalez, 19 year-old Charles Middleton, and 44 year-old Elmer Linarez have been found guilty in the Magistrate's Court for the theft of $25,000 worth of goods from the Salvation Army Primary School. In the trial, the prosecution had evidence that on Thursday July 28, 2011, they recovered 3 items that were stolen from Salvation army primary school when they searched Linarez's warehouse, located on Euphrates Avenue. The items were a Dell computer and monitor. These were part of a group of items - including 13 computers - which were stolen from the school on July 8, 2011. After all the evidence was presented, Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer found all 3 men guilty. She sentenced Bardalez to 2 years in jail for burglary. Middleton, who is on remand while he awaits trial for murder, was sentenced to 3 years for burglary.

Cayo Politics Contentious
Right now there are tents, banners, posters and flags set up near all the polling and counting areas in the country. For the different political camps, these are the final details in the election preparation process - the day is finally here. Now it's just to bring the voters out tomorrow and wave those red or blue flags until the results come out right ? Well, not necessarily, for a few divisions these same posters and flags are creating serious tensions between the PUP and UDP camp in Cayo. Omar Figueroa's UDP camp took up all the space on both sides of the road in front of CET, leaving no room for the PUP camp to set up their flags. Well, police had to be called out to try and defuse the situation yesterday. Today Inspector Reyes told us more about it. Insp. Reymundo Reyes, Deputy OC, San Ignacio Police "What we are facing at CET is that after the 100 yards, it is the campaign managers of both political parties that should reach an agreement as to which side of the road they would like to use to place their tents, banners and so forth. But what we saw yesterday is that from the beginning of Victor Galvez Stadium up to the side where the 100 yards mark was, the red, blue and white banner was placed on the whole side of the street. On the other side where the Mormon's church is, likewise.

Cayo Central Gunplay?
And while that face off played out today, last week there was a Cayo confrontation after a mundane traffic accident. It seems a vehicle connected to the Rene Montero UDP campaign caught in a fender bender. That's when pup operatives sprang into action and started taking pictures. The UDP crowd started to come up on them - and that's when one of the PUP supporters allegedly pulled a weapon. San Ignacio Police second in command Inspector Reymundo Reyes told us more: Insp. Reymundo Reyes, Deputy OC, San Ignacio Police "Information that we have is that the young man Silva, I believe was the one who was close to where the incident happened and he was taking photographs. When allegedly he was approached by 3 or 4 other individuals and it appears that he claiming that they were going to beat him up because of the snapping of the pictures and that is when it is allege that a firearm was pulled out by the said individual and then he left the area."

Police Won't Play On election Day In City
And the same thing is happening in Belize City - where police are taking all measures to ensure an incident free election day. Today, officer commanding EASTERN DIVISION southside Chester Williams told us what role his police will be playing: Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "I must say first and foremost that in Belize City, we still have it better than those in the north and the West. While we may see some persons in Belize City behaving aggressively as the approach closer to the day of the election. In terms of incidents that are a result of political campaigning or political affiliations - we have not had much of those and in terms of the signs being vandalized and so forth, we are not having much of those either.

The Public Has To Play By The Rules
And while police will be playing by the books, the public also has its job to do: there are rules for the public as well. Williams went through them one by one. Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "For members of the public, the importance of ensuring that when you go to the polling station or polling stations, if you are the holder of a license firearm, firearms are prohibited within the polling station. If anyone goes to the polling station with a firearm, if it is license, you will not be allowed to enter the polling station with the firearm. So, our advice is to ensure that these firearms are left at home in a safe and secure location. Secondly, as it relates to the consumption of alcohol, again the law prohibits the sale of alcohol on Election Day until the close of polling stations. After polling stations are closed, yes the stores can open to sell alcohol. But the intoxicating liquor licensing act still applies. In the sense that public drinking is still an offence and it will be enforced. So anyone who is caught public drinking on that day, again they will be dealt with."

Major Mex Fugitive Caught In Belize
A man wanted for major financial fraud was caught in Belize today. He is David Nanes Schnitzer, the president of Stanford Group Mexico, which defrauded thousands of investors in that country. He was caught in San Pedro this evening, we have confirmed. Nanes Schnitzer - who had been on the run for months - was found with the help of Interpol and US Marshals. We'll have more on his arrest on Thursday.

The Big Political Picture
And so that ends the news - this last newscast before the big day - when for us in Belize, it will seem as if the world stands still while 16 of 31 divisions dominate the nation's attention. Tomorrow we'll team up with KREM TV and Radio to have all day, all night coverage - but to get you warmed up - here's a pre-game teaser. 196 thousand, 587 voters from Corozal North to Toledo West will vote at about 150 polling stations countrywide. Numerically, the largest division is Belmopan, with over nine thousand voters, while Stan Creek West and Belize Rural South are second and third. In terms of area on the map, the largest division is Belize Rural South, followed by Toledo East and Orange Walk South. The smallest in size are Mesopotamia, Pickstock, Queen Square, and Fort George.

Channel 5

PUP Allowed 1 Hour Access to Proxy Register
It is the countdown to the 2015 national elections and within twelve hours, one hundred and ninety-seven thousand voters will head to the polls for the most important elections. On [...]

Secretary-General Dismisses Allegation of Political Hysteria
The back and forth between the P.U.P. Secretariat and the Elections and Boundaries Department has been ongoing, caused by serious allegations made against that department and against Chief Elections officer [...]

Council of Churches Pulls Back from Political Fray
On the eve of the 2015 national elections, the Belize Council of Churches has come out swinging in an attempt to stay above the political fray. Led by Reverend Roosevelt [...]

Group Condemns Irresponsible Reporting by Online News Source
In support of the Council of Churches, Pastor Howell Longsworth, of the Belize Evangelical Association, also calls to question the recklessness by the reporter on the social media site in [...]

A Final Call to the Electorate
By this time on Wednesday the polls will have closed and counting will be taking place to determine who will form the next government. The U.D.P. is asking for an [...]

Police Investigate Brazen Daylight Murder in San Ignacio
The death toll went up by one in San Ignacio where as recent as Sunday morning; a Guatemalan national was stabbed to death as he exited a popular nightclub. That [...]

Party Supporters Square Off Outside Polling Station
Also in San Ignacio, there was a near-rumble on Monday night following a standoff between supporters of both mass parties in front of the Center for Employment Training. Reports are [...]

Police Break Down Citizen Security Guidelines for Election Day
Across the country, final preparations are underway before the opening of polls on Wednesday morning.  Among the many responsibilities the police department is tasked with is citizen security.  Officers from [...]

Belize City Youth Riddled with Bullets
A lso on the crime blotter…just before midnight on Monday, shots rang out on Magazine Road, in proximity to the Raccoon Street Police Station in the city. Another youth had [...]

Belize City man Charged for unlawful sex
Tonight, a Belize City resident is accused of having unlawful sex with a foster child from a child care home in the City. Nineteen year old Guillermo Silva, of Antelope Street [...]

Stevedores Resolve Dispute with PoB Limited
At the Port of Belize, business is back to normal where stevedores had been demonstrating for retirement benefits since Friday night. Late on Monday, a number of benefits were agreed [...]

Police Ramp Up Vigilance on Election Day
There has been escalating tension in the days leading up to the 2015 General Election. There’s the vandalism of signs, aggression by supporters from both parties and then there are [...]

Young Belizean Wins Entrepreneurial Award
Youth entrepreneur Crystal Samos is the recipient of a pair of regional awards, following a recent trip to Grenada where she participated in a competition for young businesspersons.  Samos is [...]

Police Mourn Loss of Sgt. Orlando Cruz
On Sunday morning, police officers attached to Precinct Four of the Belize City Police Department responded to the scene of a fatal traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway, just [...]

Weekend Sports Warp up with James Adderley
Good evening I am James Adderley and this sports Monday. Verdes FC returned to its PBL schedule yesterday inside the Norman Broaster Stadium looking to re-establish its national dominance after [...]

LOVE FM

Love FM and Love Television Gear Up for Election Coverage
Love FM and Love Television are two media entities under the umbrella of RSV Limited. Over the years, the two companies have been known to carry out in-depth coverage of national events ranging from flood situations, hurricanes, elections and the likes. General Elections 2015 is no different as the company prepares for nationwide coverage come […]

Unreported Incident in Ladyville Leaves Two Minors Injured
In mid-last week there was an accident in Ladyville Village, Belize District that went unreported and that had left two minors seriously injured. Yesterday, whilst at the station, Inspector Juanito Cocom spoke of the incident that left two female minors, ages six and nine, seriously injured. The striking thing about this incident, is that the […]

Political Rallies End Election Season
In the days leading up to the General Elections, the two main political parties have been holding rallies across the country, attracting men and women, even children, who cannot vote were seen donned in their party colours. But the two major political events were held on Sunday for the People’s United Party and on Monday […]

Trio Found Guilty of School Burglary
Three of five persons charged in connection with the of burglary of Salvation Army Primary School in which 13 computers were stolen, were found guilty and sentenced today by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are 20-year-old, Juan Bardalez, 19-year-old, Charles Middleton and 44-year-old, Elmer Linarez. Bardalez was sentenced to 2 years. His sentence is to […]

City Shooting Lands Man in the Hospital
Twenty three year old Nigel Augustine is in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being shot last night. It happened at around 11:30 on Magazine Road. Police say that one man lurked up on Augustine and blasted the near fatal shots at him. Today, Officer Commanding Eastern Division South, Senior Superintendent […]

Council of Churches Sets Record Straight with Media House
The Belize Council of Churches and the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches called a press conference to clarify what they say is an erroneous report by a Facebook blog written by Chrisbert Garcia, a correspondent for Belize Breaking News. The article speaks of the meeting that representatives of the churches had with PUP Leader, Francis […]

Investigation Under for Daylight Murder in Western Belize
San Ignacio Police are investigating the murder of 26-year-old, Darwin Guerrero. Guerrero was shot whilst on Bella Vista Street just minutes before nine o’clock this morning. He was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Today, the Commanding Officer for San Ignacio, Superintendent Andrew Ramirez told us that investigators believe […]

Party Workers Get Into Scuffle Over Tents
There was a physical confrontation between supporters of the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party last week in western Belize. Reports are that supporters of the two political parties got into a scuffle over where they should place their flags and tents despite being told where in a meeting where both parties were […]

PlusTV

FCIB workers return to picket line
Time is winding down on the settlement of assets between CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and Heritage Bank of Belize Limited, and the workers of the former are yet to negotiate their exit packages as they will not be retained by the new owners. First Caribbean and the Christian Workers’...

UBFSA, The Way Forward on 14 Percent Increase
The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association after being formally re-registered as a legally recognized body continue negotiations on a 14% salary increase. Earlier this month, executive of the UBFSA wrote to the President of the University requesting that he make contact with Government a...

COLA comments on national issues
The organization COLA also commented on a number of national issues during the course of their time on the street today. First are the Prime Minister’s statements concerning Jimmy Morales’ election as president of Guatemala and his stance on reclaiming Belize as Guatemalan territory. COL...

BPP presents “Progressive Plan” for Belize
Don’t call it a manifesto. That word, especially around election time, is distrusted and often despised. Instead, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has presented a series of progressive plans for Belize, addressing the gamut of key issues. The centerpiece of the social agenda of the BPP, acco...

Our Lady of Guadalupe is Drug Free
As a part of the red ribbon week, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Highschool hosted its second annual anti drug campaign to sensitize students about the hazards of drugs. Evita Palma, head of the business department, is the coordinator of the drug awareness week for the students of OLOG. She gave us more ...

Taxi man stabbed by co-worker
A man is today recovering from multiple stab wounds after he was attacked by an assailant wielding a knife like object. According to authorities, police responded to a scene on Krooman Road in Belize City yesterday sometime around 9:29 pm where they saw a dark complexion male person with what appear...

Interdicted cop freed on assault charges
Police Constable Linsdale Blease, assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit but presently interdicted on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm in public, was set free after it was determined he did not have a case to answer. Court prosecutors had to throw in the towel a...

Amandala

BZ$300,000 towards demarcation of Maya homeland
–In a struggle spanning decades, the Kekchi and Mopan Maya communities of southern Belize continue to push for roughly 800 square miles (or 500,000 acres) to be designated as their homeland—and if the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) goes according to the letter of the consent order of April 2015, they should have that homeland demarcated by December 31, 2017. A landmark CCJ ruling handed down Friday morning has ordered unprecedented reparations to the Toledo Maya for a breach of their constitutional right to protection of the law. That money won’t necessarily be cash-in-hand for the communities, though, as the CCJ has declared that the BZ$300,000 awarded in reparations is for a specified purpose, as set out in section 3 of the consent order which the court handed down 6 months ago, in April. Pablo Mis, spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA), which is one of the 25 claimants in the case, told reporters that the CCJ ruling is “…an affirmation that a historical injustice has happened against the Maya people…

Viola Pook sentenced to 8 years for manslaughter
Today, Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced Viola Pook, 57, to eight years for manslaughter. Pook’s sentence came about after her murder conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal, her life in prison sentence was quashed and a new trial was ordered. Pook, instead of going through with the murder trial, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Since she entered the criminal justice system, Pook has been diagnosed as suffering from battered women’s syndrome, a defense that was effectively raised in the Lavern “Anti-Christ” Longsworth case, which bears many similarities to Pook’s case. Longsworth was convicted of murder and was sentenced to serve a life sentence, but upon appeal, her life sentence was lifted and she was sentenced to serve a shorter time in prison.

Lavender Street man remanded on attempted murder charge
A resident of Lavender Street, located in the Lake Independence area, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison today after he was arraigned on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and grievous harm. The charges are in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on Friday, October 23, 2015, that has left one man hospitalized in a critical but stable condition. Ignatius Williams, 21, a resident and laborer of 4047 Lavender Street, did not have to enter a plea when Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer arraigned him on the three charges, because his case will be heard on indictment at the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry is held at the lower court to determine if there is enough evidence against him.

88 horses at the starting gate!
Almost 200,000 electors have the power to decide on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, whether they will give the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) an unprecedented third term in office or whether they will return the Musa-Fonseca administration, booted out of office in 2008, to another 5-year term on Independence Hill. A rushed political campaign has sparked desperation in some camps, and Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai reported that armed, masked men had gone to her home in an apparent attempt to intimidate her in carrying out her electoral duties and rumors were abuzz that she had been kidnapped—a backward turn of events in post-independent Belize. Tamai has also been under pressure from the Opposition People’s United Party over allegations that she had authorized the signing of blank proxy forms for UDP chairman, Alberto August – allegations which she has vigorously denied.

Father, son and uncle shot in Salvapan
Two men and a child are recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after they were shot by two masked men at about 8:30 Saturday night while socializing in their yard on Suriname Street, in Salvapan, Belmopan, by two masked men. Elvis and Josel Godoy, 27-year- old twin brothers, and Elvis Godoy, Jr., 5, are the victims. Josel was shot in the arm, the stomach, hand, and foot; while the 5-year-old was shot in his hand, upper right arm, right side, and upper leg, and his father was shot in the chest, right thigh and the left side of his pelvis. They were rushed to the Belmopan Western Regional Hospital, after which they were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they have been admitted in a critical condition

What “Confidence-Building Measures,” Belize?
In the wake of the Belize Territorial Volunteers’ expedition to Sarstoon Island on Sunday, August 16, 2015, when unarmed Belizean civilians were aggressed by Guatemalan Navy boats, Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference and told the nation that the BDF has been under constant threat from the Guatemalan military. Indeed, our BDF are routinely challenged by the Guatemalans and frequently told to turn back. Our soldiers never retreat and are never deterred by these standoffs. They always complete their mission, even when under threat. The Prime Minister, however, did not say exactly when these threats had started, nor did he say how long the Guatemalan military has been asserting control over the Sarstoon River. For an extended period, the Government of Belize has been content to play by the rules of the Organization of American States-brokered, so-called “Confidence Building Measures,” and has refused to take the necessary diplomatic offensive to protect and defend Belize’s sovereignty.

Regular season of BECOL Basketball Tournament concluding
The BECOL Basketball Tournament resumed games on Friday night, with Belmopan Shock defeating SHC, via forfeit, in the Female division. With the loss, SHC has been eliminated from playoff contention. In game 2, R.C. Special Effects defeated Eagles, 67-48, in the Over 35 division. R.C. Special Effects was led by Artan Tucker, who had the game high with 33 points, Karon “Civic” Neal had 17 pts, and Eddy Rowland netted 11 pts. The top scorers for Eagles were Lupito Acosta with 20 pts, and Elvis “Tigre” Usher with 13 pts. In the nightcap, Falcon Ballers handily defeated Benque Power, 71-53, in the Senior division. Falcon Ballers’ top scorers were Marlon Andrewin, who had the game high with 22 pts, Jamie Carbajal with 18 pts, and Anfernee Young with 17 pts. Benque Power was led by Brando Flowers, who tallied 18 pts, and Roberto “Mosho” Castellanos with 13 pts. On Saturday night, MicRoe Light and Peace got the win over Spartans, 55-42, in the Under 23 division. MicRoe Light and Peace was led by Deon Roches with 18 pts, Ian Augustine, Jr. with 16 pts, and Jamaal Augustine with 10 pts.

Belize District U-15 Football Tournament Week 1 results
The Interim Committee of the Belize District Football Association kicked off its U-15 football tournament yesterday, Sunday, November 2, at the MCC Grounds. Nine (9) teams are participating in the tournament, and 4 games are scheduled for each week, with 1 team getting a rest. In game 1 yesterday, City Boys dropped Carlston Strikers, 4-1. Akeem Sutherland struck twice for City Boys, with Jalen Babb and Denroy Lopez adding 1 each for the winners; while Cron Augustine got the lone goal for Carlston Strikers. Game 2 saw Collet Strikers edging Ladyville Jaguars, 2-1, with a goal each from Wayne Ford and Tyrel Estrada, while Lyndon Flowers scored for Ladyville Jaguars. In the scheduled game 3, Berger United won by default over Ladyville Rising Stars. And in game 4, Smart Brown Bombers and Hattieville River Side Boys played to a 2-2 tie. Eshak King got both goals for the Bombers, while Jadon McGregor also struck twice for Hattieville.

BDF clips Verdes, 2-1; race to PLB playoffs heats up
The race to the 4-team playoffs in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2015-2016 is heating up. With the end of Week 7 games over the weekend, only 3 weeks of regular season games remain, along with a back match between Placencia Assassins and Verdes FC. And with the BDF defeat of Verdes yesterday, BDF is now very much in contention for a playoff spot. (See standings at bottom.) Two games were played on Saturday night, although one of them, the Police United vs Placencia Assassins match, was previously announced for Sunday afternoon. At the Norman Broaster Stadium on Saturday night, visiting Placencia Assassins got on the scorecard first through Luis “Baaka” Torres at the 1st minute of play; but the Police United squad came back strong with goals from Byron Chavez (15’), Trevor “Burger” Lennen (24’), Darren Myers (29’) and Carlton “Fubu” Thomas (42’), for the 4-1 final score. Meanwhile, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium, a short staffed Wagiya FC team was able to keep the visiting Belmopan Bandits FC scoreless in first half; but in second half, the Wagiya defence wilted under Bandits’ pressure, and goals came from Elroy Smith (61’), Jerome “Jarro” James (74’), Randy Padilla (77’) and Khalil Velasquez (86’), for the 4-0 Belmopan Bandits victory.

Editorial: “ … Belizeans second …”
Despite their visibly well-oiled electoral machinery, it is possible for the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) to lose Wednesday’s general elections. Were the UDP to lose, this newspaper would view the national vote as an expression of the Belizean people’s dissatisfaction after two consecutive terms of UDP rule. Prime Minister and UDP Leader, Hon. Dean Barrow, is calling Wednesday’s elections sixteen months early, which is to say, he could have extended his party’s term of office until March of 2017, and beyond that. The present UDP was elected to a five-year term of office in March of 2012. For the record, the Manuel Esquivel UDP, in a disturbing display of pique and spite, apparently because they believed the Belizean people were itching to vote them out of office, extended their term of office two months beyond five years in 1998. Mr. Barrow was Deputy Prime Minister in that UDP administration. Now, in the quest for a third consecutive term, unprecedented in Belize’s post-independence era, he comes to the voters sixteen months early.

Did you lose this dog?
Dear Editor, During the recent floods a beautiful young female German shepherd, approximately 1 year old, wearing a blue collar, was found frantically running along Princess Margaret Drive, King’s Park, Belize City. She took an exit near Creole Wagons. She was immediately taken to the Animal Medical Center and has been there for almost a week. She has now been released into my care as a Belize Humane Society foster care. She is one of the most gentle, friendly little girls we have ever had and is very eager to find her original owner which we think is somewhere in the King’s Park area. If you have lost your dog, please contact me: Belize Animal Rescue, 6306737, or 6306738. Or private message me on BAR Facebook Page. She desperately wants to return to her home. Thank you.

Election eve discussion by Beryl Young
Dear Editor, It is election eve as you publish this, if indeed you see fit to do so. I’ve been writing this letter since the day of the launching of the UDP manifesto when the Honorable Foreign Minister declared that not the PUP and not even the people are making an issue out of the Guatemala Sarstoon situation. I had been puzzled myself by the how cool Belizeans were – were they under some form of collective hypnosis, magical thinking, even collective unconsciousness? Were the PUP being cowards, afraid of being accused of politicizing a national issue as had already been suggested? Was it even some unspoken collective wisdom along the lines of the saying “discretion is the better part of valor”? Guatemala had made it public and official that it had MILITARILY SEIZED Belize’s portion of the Sarstoon River! There, I’ve said it. MILITARILY SEIZED – the dreaded words everybody has been avoiding! Yes, we’ve been calling it everything but: aggression, violating our territorial integrity, chancing us, etc., etc. Yes, pure and naked MILITARY OCCUPATION of Belizean territory! That couldn’t just be left hanging out there! I kept thinking of 1948 when Guatemala shifted from diplomatic channels and negotiation and displayed force by a troop buildup at the border to which Britain responded with dispatching troops and warships to the area.

Santa Cruz Mayans’ court case adjourned once again
On October 27, the 11 Santa Cruz Mayans accused of being involved in the illegal detention of Rupert Myles in their village re-appeared in the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court for the fourth time only to have their case adjourned once again, to December 16. Their attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, pointed out that the prosecution has failed to grant the defense disclosure, despite four months having passed since the arraignment. The next adjournment will mark six months since the 11 Mayans have been coming to court after being arraigned on June 24 without any progress being made in their case. The Mayan defendants are accused of detaining Rupert Myles, a man of Creole descent who had moved to Santa Cruz Village, on June 20. The villagers claimed the cause for their detention of Myles, who had moved to the village to live with his Mayan wife, a resident of the village, in October 2014, was that he destroyed sacred structures in Uxbenka for the purpose of building his home.

Maya court decision opens way for reparation
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has made a landmark decision ordering that the Government of Belize pay “reparation” for centuries of wrong done to the Mayas of Belize. It has ordered that a special fund amounting to $300,000 be set up to serve the Maya community of the Toledo district. After winning a decision in April where the CCJ ruled in favor of upholding the Maya Land Rights the Mayas additionally sued the Government for damages. The Court last week ruled that instead of “damages” that a special fund be set-up which seeks to address the centuries-old injustice against the Mayas. The claim of the Maya was for compensation for centuries of injustice by successive governments, including those from colonial times. “They did not award damages to the Maya. They awarded what they called ‘reparation’ for the centuries of discrimination that the Maya have suffered”, said attorney for the government, Senior Council Denys Barrow. This is where the decision of the CCJ becomes interesting. While the decision is specifically on the Maya case it also sets a precedent for reparation for other groups in and out of Belize.

FCIB still not yielding to staff demands
Today the latest in a series of protests by the workers of the First Caribbean International Bank was carried out on Albert Street from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and another was held during the employees’ lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Prior to this, the disgruntled employees had staged a protest on October 9. According to a press release dated October 29 that was issued by the Christian Workers Union, to which the workers belong, the reason for these protests remain the same – they are clamoring to ensure they receive “salary increases, severance pay and an exit package given the impending closure of the bank”. The press release in referring to the progress or lack of the negotiations between the employees and the bank, stated, “The Bank’s approach towards the proposals of the workers has been to either make no genuine efforts to counter-offers and remains repetitive in their response, refusing to make any attempt to reach compromise.” Further the release stated that the Bank seems unwilling to address the requests of the workers. Also, the workers have reportedly not yet been informed of the Bank’s exit date, which adds to the uncertainty of their future.

Chinese community assists city residents impacted by floods
The Chinese Community of Belize, led by the Belize Chinese Association chairman Edmund Kwan, assisted city residents impacted by the recent low weather system that passed over the country and caused widespread flooding and storm damages in the city, with over $15,000 worth of food and groceries. Kwan told Amandala that packages containing groceries were taken to four different locations in the city, including the Gungulung area in Lake Independence, the Jane Usher Boulevard area, Antelope Street Extension, and Belama Phrase 4. Kwan said that they (the Chinese) are a part of the community and the food distribution initiative is a way of assisting the people in the areas that were most impacted by the flood. The donations were made on Saturday.

The Reporter

Elvin Penner mixed up in land-grab scandal?
Three documents from the Lands Department have surfaced showing disgraced former Minister Elvin Penner and his parents being leased and sold acres of land for a fraction of the market value cost. The documents show land in the mountain pine ridge area and one on Turneffe island being leased and sold to Penner and his parents, Lena and Edward Penner. According to the document in the former minister’s name, he was leased a 36.17 acre plot of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge area in 2012, valid until June 2019. The annual rent on the 36 acres was set at $108.50. The purchase price for the 36-acre plot was set at just $9,404.20, far below the market value. According to real estate experts, the market value of an acre in the Pine Ridge area can be valued anywhere from $5,000-$10,000. At the very least, such a plot should have sold for $100,000. GOB, of course, reserves the right to subsidize any plot of lan. However, the client in question and undervalued price has caused many to question the transaction.

PUP vs Elections Chief
A number of exchanges between the People’s United Party (PUP) and the Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai last week, resulted in the Party requesting more time to review the proxy register and a demand that it be made available for scrutiny to all parties. The exchange began last week, when the People’s United Party (PUP) requested to view the Proxy Register. Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai agreed, offering them one hour to do so. But the PUP was not happy with the response and made their demands. In the letters to Tamai, the PUP stated that their demands were grounded on reports of irregularities it had received. Those reports claimed that proxy forms were being arbitrarily approved by the Elections and Boundaries Department. This, the PUP argued, proved the need for scrutiny. The opposition party added that anyone contesting the General Elections should be allowed to study the register.

Breaking Belize News

OW lottery vendor clings to life after beating
Tonight a family in Orange Walk town is demanding justice as one of their loved ones is hanging on to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). 24-year-old Kevin Salazar, a well-known lottery vendor, is tonight hospitalized at the KHMH in a very critical condition. Belize Media […]

Eamon Courtenay says PUP will make election close
It’s not quite a promise of victory, but former PUP campaign manager Eamon Courtenay says the People’s United Party will be in play to form the next Government of Belize. In responding to an article written in The Economist magazine, which predicts that Dean Barrow and the United […]

The 2015 General Elections are here!
In approximately 13 hours, as many as 190,000 voters will head to the polls to elect a new Government. This election was largely unexpected – the administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow was expected to last until 2017 and no more than a month before calling the election, the Prime […]

Stevedores reach agreement after strike
The Christian Workers’ Union continues to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement between the stevedores and the Port of Belize Limited. However, events beginning on Friday night both partially overtook that negotiation and sped it up. Members of Gang Six led a strike at the Port compound that was […]

PUP unsatisfied with list of proxy voters
This morning, the People’s United Party (PUP) sent its officials on the invite of the Elections and Boundaries Department to view the proxy register of voters for Wednesday’s general elections under its supervision. There has been a back and forth on the veracity of the proxy list between the PUP’s General […]

Churches say they did not endorse PUP
A now-removed article from this website written on Monday incorrectly quotes statements from what we have found to be spam email attributed to the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches jointly that criticize the outgoing administration and encourage Belizeans to vote for the People’s United Party, whose leader Francis Fonseca […]

Breakup causes broken eye and jail time
Breaking up is hard to do. But when one fed-up woman broke the news to her soon-to-be-ex last week, the resulting fight cost her a cell phone, possibly an eye, and sent him to jail. Kamisha Yorke told police that at around 6:30p.m. Monday, October 26, 2015, she […]

Teen boy charged for sex with girl minor
A 19 year old boy has been accused of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 15 year old girl who resides in a child care center in Belize City. Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith denied bail to Guillermo Silva, a farmer and resident of Antelope Street Extension on […]

Viola Pook on verge of freedom after most of sentence deducted
Having served nearly seven years in the Central Prison on a conviction of murder that was overturned by the Court of Appeal, Rancho Dolores housewife Viola Pook is expected to be out of jail within the next year. She was sentenced to eight years in prison after taking […]

BELTRAIDE presents investment magazine
The fourth edition of the Invest Belize magazine published by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) was launched in Belize City Monday morning. It concentrates on the tourism sector and the wealth of growth that industry has brought to Belize, and according to CEO in the Ministry […]

Murder in San Ignacio Town
A little after 9:00 this morning San Ignacio Police officers were dispatched to an area where gun shots rang out breaking the silence of the morning. Information is yet sketchy but BMG was made to understand that a male person was fatally shot multiple times. Officers are at the scene […]

Updated BMG polls still show close election race
Recently, an on-line poll conducted by BMG indicated that the November 4th general elections will be extremely close as the final results of that poll showed the United Democratic Party (UDP) beating the People’s United Party (PUP) by just one seat. At the time over 1,000 people had participated in […]

Should Belizeans living in the diaspora be entitled to keep their dual nationality just as any other dual nationals in order to hold high office?
By Hubert Pipersburgh Should Belizeans living in the diaspora be entitled to keep their dual nationality just as any other dual nationals in order to hold high office. Should they be denied rights? These are legitimate public policy questions. Section 58 (1) and 63 (1) of Belize’s constitution relates to Belizean […]

Blogs

PUP WILL WIN THE 15TH BELIZE GENERAL ELECTION
With less than 50 hours before the polls close on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015, and the counting of ballots cast in the 15th Belize General Election 2015, the air is thick with tension across the length and breadth of the Jewel. There are predictions galore but most seem to be leaning towards the Peoples United Party forming the next government of Belize. After days of constant analysis and non-stop review I too have come to the conclusion that the PUP will win Wednesday poll 18 seats to 13, with the possibility of perhaps 3 more. My analysis indicates that the PUP will win 6 in the North, 6 in the East, 3 in the West and 3 in the South. I am predicting that Florencio Marin, Abelardo Mai, John Briceno, Said Musa, Julius Espat, and Oscar Requena will be re-elected. I think it is very likely that Francis Fonseca, Dolores Balderamos, Michael Espat, and Rodwell Ferguson will be re-elected. Cordel Hyde, Francis Smith, Daniel Silva and Orlando Habet will be elected. It is likely that Elito Arceo, Josue Carballo, Gregorio Garcia and David Castillo will also be elected for the first time. It is unlikely that Anthony Sylvestre, Dorla Vaughan, Lloyd Jones, Lesbia Guerra, Patrick Andrews, Gilroy Usher and Yasmin Shoman will be elected. Kareem Musa, Paul Thompson, Ramiro Ramirez, Ramon Cervantes, Michel Chebat, and Anthony Sabal are all in races that may go either way.

The promises of a better future …
So I’ve been reading the manifestos for both the PUP and UDP parties and have some items I want to cover, hopefully I can get to it all before election day… From the UDP Manifesto “Completing the Norwegian Cruise Line cruise port in southern Belize” I thought it was Norwegian Cruise Line that was investing in that Island. When did GOB start investing in international companies, private business and tourism? Here are three more: “Adding 1500 new hotel rooms” “Sustaining annual overnight tourist arrivals growth of 8%” “Sustaining annual cruise tourist arrivals of 10%” “Develop a “free range” poultry industry under proper bio-secure condition, but aimed at small-scale farmers.” I like how they actually made sure that free range was in the double quotes.. You know, like when you say something that was not true so you do the quote gesture with your fingers… How do you keep rodents and other potential risk out of free ranges? You can’t…

Under the Sea in Belize
The engines revved as we left the harbor, our bodies got into the rhythm of the boat slicing through the waves and the salty wind and spray covering our faces. Belize is paradise. And when you are in paradise, at the top of the list of things to do in Belize is to get out on the water – preferably, get under the water. We took a Belize snorkeling day trip with Splash Dive Center to the outer reef cayes that lie between Placencia and Belize’s Barrier Reef – second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Marco, our snorkel guide, gave us snorkeling tips as we headed out to the Silk Cayes. The Cayes are a string of tiny (and I mean teeny-tiny!) islands formed by fisherman dumping their conch shells in one shallow are of the reef. Sand eventually built up around the conch piles and slowly Mother Nature turned it into a little island. As we pulled up to anchor I gazed at the tiny slice of paradise with its light blue water, white sand, and 4 little palm trees. I wanted to be stranded here forever. The island was actually a small park with a little grill, restrooms, and a few picnic tables. Dive boats and locals came to the park island for a day in the sun.

Adventure Travel: Caving It In Beautiful Belize
As we made our way through the caves, I imagined that I was inside a giant, wandering through his veins. Everywhere you look there’s another option, another turn, another dark tunnel. Caving is the ultimate maze with no real guarantee of finding a way out except retracing your path in. Luckily, my niece and I weren’t left to wander aimlessly in the Belize Caves, I had a guide. And most importantly the guide had a light and knew his way around these labyrinths. Without him I would’ve been lost in the giant forever. Much of Belize is actually hollow in a way – beneath the surface can be found some of the most extensive cave systems on the planet. Caving in Belize is a way to experience the adventure and the culture of Belize at the same time. Caves were the entrance to the Mayan underworld; the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of gods and spirits. The Maya performed their most sacred rituals in caves. And it seemed that they preferred to not simply go into the mouth of the cave, they went deep inside the cave – sometimes miles and miles inside. Exploring inside the caves is a way to learn about a mysterious ancient Maya civilization and the geological processes that shaped the region. - See more at: http://www.weblogtheworld.com/formats/featured/adventure-travel-caving-it-in-beautiful-belize/#sthash.K7y0pz83.dpuf

Caracol in Belize: The Rise and Fall of the Country’s Biggest
The Caracol in Belize Maya ruins are the biggest you wll find in the country. Know about ths history of El Caracol Belize and the sights that you can expect in this place. The Mayan ruins of Caracol in Belize are the most extensive in all of Belize. Following a victory over Tikal in the 6th century, Caracol flourished, rising to become one of the biggest Mayan cities. Following its decline, the city lay hidden in thick, high-canopy jungle for centuries up until a native logger came across it in 1937. One year later, two archeologists visited the ruins. The named the site Caracol, which is Spanish for ‘snail’ because of the big number of snail shells they found. The ancient Maya name of the city was Oxwitza or ‘three hill water.’ Excavations of the ruins did not start until the 1950s while most of the work took place since 1985. The excavations have uncovered royal tombs, monuments, dwellings and ball courts. The earliest habitation of Caracol happened between 900 BC and 600 BC, while the first Mayan temple called the Temple of the Wooden Lintel, dates from around 70 AD. The Caracol royal dynasty was founded in 331, and the city rose to power over the next two centuries. At first, Caracol was an alley of Tikal witnessed by the appointment of a new lord over Caracol by the king of Tikal, Double Bird, in 553 AD. However, the relationship between the former allies turned hostile when Caracol switched alliancs from Tikal to Calakmul. An angered Double Bird declared war against Caracol and defeated it, although not decisively.

Palapa Bar’s landlord adds nasty signage, has neighbor arrested — hell of a morning
I pulled up to Marbucks coffeehouse here on Ambergris Caye this morning to see one of the owners, Rob Eykelbeysh, being escorted down to the police station. I asked him what was happening and he smiled and said it is all good. But it isn’t. The little man who lives across the street, let’s call him Kyle From Texas, had posted two particularly nasty signs on his property, aimed at his tenants in the iconic Palapa Bar and Grill, Scott and Jodi Harnish. The signs replaced the ones the government of Belize had recently ordered removed. The ones announcing a four-story condo project on the site. Apparently the signs were way ahead of the official approval process. And you can’t do that. People claim that Kyle has been waging an unholy war against Scott and Jodi all year, since he bought the property, to get them to vacate the bar before their lease is up December 31st. I don’t believe it. No one is that stupid.

Belize Vacations: Top 5 Reasons to visit in 2016!
We know many of you are because we have been receiving many emails asking for suggestions on where to go and what to do in Belize this coming year. When you think about it, it does make perfect sense to start planning next year’s vacation since its right around the corner. There are many good reasons to visit Belize in 2016. Here’s a few:

Holiday Halloween Mashup
My night started out with pre party. Kendall had invited Lisa, Ronnie and a few others over. I donned my costume and was going to called my new regular taxi driver when Cowboy Doug texted me to come to Banana Beach and I then I could score a ride to town. The annual Holiday Hotel party is always a chart topper and this year, while the general public did not go as all out as usual, Jurassic park made the night. When Eiden announced a late comer, Jurassic theme music started to play and a 15 foot or so Dinosaur complete with scientists and guards holding ak47’s came through the door it was a jaw dropping show stopper.

Finn Kardashian Takes SE Asia: Episode 7.1, I LOVE YOU VIETNAM
I want to make this blog extra special for that extra special country in Southeast Asia – the beautiful country of Vietnam. Been traveling for over 2 months our flight was from Bangkok to Hanoi just expecting “SAME SAME” but Vietnam is just extra special. We landed at 3pm and got to our HOTEL (ASIA STAR HOTEL) at 5ish, The owner of the hotel Tony Hoang was right there waiting for us and boy, he is just the most hospitable and charming man you could ever meet in this town. Natasha’s friend Scott Hay, the writer of the book –Bleeding Hearts -met us and took us to what was the first best night in HANOI. Food galore in tiny chairs with the never ending flow of beers is just what Finn Kardashian needs after that long ass flight.

International Sources

MEXICO PRESS ALLEGES BELIZE POLITICAL ASPIRANT HAS TIES WITH MEXICO NARCO'S
The Mexican press has linked United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Orange Walk South Guadalupe Magaña and her mennonite husband with organized crime. They further allege that he is financing her campaign with proceeds from organized crime. The Diario Respuesta is alleging that Magaña’s husband, Nyco Dyck is working with Emerlindo “Melin” Vasquez in the production of methamphetamine in a clandestine laboratory in the jungle in the San Carlos/Indian Church Village area. “Melin” Vasquez is currently in prison since his arrest by Mexican authorities in February 2013 for possession of 45 kilos of crystal meth along with six others. Vasquez still runs his illegal business from his cell, claims the Diario Respuesta. The article makes mention of a record dated September 8th from the Belize Police Department that shows the investigation into this operation has been ongoing for a long time. It goes on to make bold allegations of how the entire operation is carried out by Nyco Dyck. Dyck is reported to run a highly guarded operation in a lab in the jungle in the San Carlos/Indian Church Village area, receiving supplies from an alcohol distillery in the area, which is not named. Three miles from that lab is an airstrip from where the drugs are reported to be shipped out to the United States. The money from that operation is being used to finance Magaña’s campaign says the report, and should she win, that she will facilitate the continuation of organized crime. Authorities in Orange Walk are muffled in the alleged investigation of Magaña and say there is no such operation.

Ponzi scheme fugitive arrested in Belize
A key player in the Ponzi scheme orchestrated by disgraced financier Allen Stanford was arrested Tuesday in Central America, according to sources briefed on the matter. David Nanes Schnitzer was captured by authorities on a resort island in Belize, with assistance from Interpol and the U.S. Marshals Service, sources in the U.S. and Belize said. Nanes is wanted by authorities in Mexico for allegedly helping defraud thousands of investors while serving as president of Stanford Group Mexico. Stanford is serving a 110 year sentence for orchestrating the $7 billion fraud, one of the largest in U.S. history. Prosecutors charged that Stanford sold billions of dollars in certificates of deposit administered by Stanford International Bank Ltd., an offshore bank in Antigua, ensnaring thousands of victims.

Alarming Threats on the Eve of Elections in Belize
Belizean chief elections officer Josephine Tamai said Monday that the people threatening her and her family should stop, with her comments coming two days before the national elections. “I actually felt threatened and my family has been threatened,” Tamai told reporters. Tamai has complained of “political mischief” and said police have been providing her with round-the-clock protection. “I won’t get into much details because of security issues and, like I said, issues with my family, but I found it very alarming when I had masked men showing up at my house … one with a ski mask and one with a stocking pulled over his head,” Tamai said.

Videos

November 3, 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

Holiday Hotel’s Halloween Bash 2015 was EPIC!
The Holiday Hotel did it again, with another spooktacular Halloween bash held on Saturday, October 31st. The anticipated event is one of Holiday Hotel’s biggest celebrations, attracting people from all over Belize and even internationally, who bring out their best masterpieces to impress. Ranging from elegant to the super creative, pretty and classic, to the bizarre, there were plenty of costumes, and, again, according to spectators, they surpassed expectations. A large crowd of onlookers gathered around the traditional orange carpet excited to see what this year’s event would bring. Around 9PM, creative participants began sashaying down the carpet to a captive audience that marveled at the unique entrances. The prize for the Craziest, a $50 gift certificate courtesy of El Fogon went to Vic Murphy for his Rum and Coke costume. Best Make up went to Inez the Witch Doctor, and she took home two round trip boat tickets to Belize City (San Pedro Belize Express). The Manager’s Favorite went to ‘Friki Tiki,’ who walked away with $100 gift certificate courtesy of Caprice Bar and Grill and three months membership at Train Station Fitness Club. Most Spectacular was the ‘Las Vegas’ costume, by Leonel Milan, and he won one- night stay for two with breakfast and guided tours at Chaa Creek Lodge. The Maya Warriors were awarded for the Scariest costume, with two round trip tickets to either Merida or Cancun Mexico, courtesy of Tropic Air. The top prize of the evening, Most Creative, was definitely a clear winner: Jurassic World! That grand prize included a $1,000 in cash courtesy of Holiday Hotel and two nights stay at Los Cocos Hotel in Chetumal, Mexico.

Health Agreement Signed with Merida – Cancer Treatment for Children
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan for the treatment of children with cancer from Belize. The agreement will allow children under the age of 18 to access treatment services in Merida once they have been referred by the Belize Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health – with costs being covered through the generous grant recently provided by the Social Security Board for this purpose. Treatments available under this – first of its kind – agreement include: specialist consultations, hospitalization, chemotherapy, biopsy, imaging including CT scans and ultrasound and other treatments for children with cancer.

Revision of NPAS ACT and amendments to PACT
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development informs about two important new laws that will increase environment protection and boost sustainable economic development in Belize. The National Protected Area System (NPAS) Act and amendments to the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) became law on October 22, 2015. Both measures will, for the first time, create a unified management and financial system for Belize’s NPAS which is central to our economic development and already contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy every year in direct uses, such as tourism, fishing and forestry. Equally important for the economy and wellbeing of all Belizeans are the indirect uses of “ecosystem services”, such as the provision of healthy food, clean air, precious water, affordable electricity and respectable jobs. NPAS even protects us from storms and the impacts of climate change.

Countdown to General Elections 2015
On Wednesday, November 4th, registered voters will be heading to the polls to cast their votes in an early General Elections. With only days remaining, The San Pedro Sun has detailed the rules and regulations involved when exercising your right to vote. The Belize Rural South (BRS) electorate will be voting for one of three candidates running for Area Representative, and they are José “Elito” Arceo of the People’s United Party, José Manuel Heredia Jr. of the United Democratic Party and Robert “Bobby” Lopez of the Belize Progressive Party. The election process for BRS will be overseen by Returning Officer Martin Alegria and Election Clerk Leodan Torres. The rules of Election Day remain the same as that of past years. All political parties and candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner while abiding by the rules agreed on. No political booths or political banners will be allowed within the 100-yard polling area. Members of the media will also need to maintain the same distance from the polls and wait for an election officer to feed them with information.

Ambergris Today

Halloween Party Selfies on Fleek at Holiday Hotel Bash
It was that time again for all the witches, mermaids, vampires and many more walk down the orange carpet at the annual Halloween Party inside Holiday Hotel. On Saturday, October 31, 2015, hundreds of spectators outside Holiday Hotel and those inside the party celebrated and enjoyed some of the most oustanding, funny and scary costumes that walked the island during the spookiest night of the year. It was a great halloween party to remember and most definitley full of selfie taking. Gerry Badillo of Ambergris Today (our selfie specialist) was on the scene to capture some of the best moments of the night.

Anti-Bullying Awareness Month a Success, Ends with 5K Marathon
On behalf of the San Pedro High School, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all persons who assisted us in making our bullying awareness month, under the theme “Make a Noise about Bullying” a success. For three of our biggest events, which included a poster competition, a school assembly and our final event, a 5K marathon, we received gracious support from community members. For the poster competition, two judges were tasked with selecting the first, second and third place winners from 20 entries. The judges were distinct community members: Mrs. Melody Wolfe, a local artist, and Mr. Shamir Guerrero, a graphic designer, who also designed the fliers for the 5K marathon. As for the “Make a Noise about Bullying” assembly, we welcomed three other judges from the community; we had two alumni from San Pedro High, Ms. Lisette Graniel, and Mr. Francisco Mendez, and we also had our past principal, Mr. Angel Nunez. The event was successful, and the winners are as follows: First Place: Esther Galeano and Rose Romero Second Place: Camryn Briceno Third Place (tie): Erika Lopez, and Divya Wadwha

Misc Belizean Sources

Trick or Treat at The Island Link Internet Cafe
Love the costumes!! Next year again!

2 job vacancy available at caye caulker rentals
Yard maintenance and house keeping please feel free to call 6301008 or visit the office for more info. thank you!! have a nice day

Fisheries Department closed til Friday
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the general public that its Licensing Section, located on Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, will be closed from Tuesday November 3, 2015 to Thursday November 5, 2015 due to the staff’s engagement with Election 2015. The Fisheries Administrator regrets any inconvenience caused during this period. The issuance of permits and licenses will resume on Friday November 6, 2015. For any further information, kindly contact the Belize Fisheries Department at 224-4552 or 223-2187.

Dental Mission Belize
Another successful dental mission, this time in Armenia Village. Thanks to all the doctors that participated! "Highlights of the Dental Mission Belize held Oct 25-27 in Armenia Village. We thank all the doctors that took time to making smiles beautiful in the village!"

KMI Motivational Seminar
BELTRAIDE is teaming up with KMI to bring a set of motivational speakers to Cayo on Wednesday, November 18th. The seminar theme is 'Getting Motivated for Business and Success,' and will be held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

Beautiful Birds of Belize
Some pictures taken around the grounds of Belize Bird Rescue

Proxy forms disagreement
The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to categorically state that the office of the Chief Elections Officer has approved only proxy forms meeting the stipulations as set out in Rule 19 of the Electoral Rules, Representation of the People’s Act CAP 9, Laws of Belize. Please be advised that the Elections and Boundaries Department has not and will never violate the sanctity of the Electoral laws. The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to place on the record that its paramount mandate is to ensure free and fair elections and secure the integrity of the electoral process. At no time did the Department ever approve or execute any blank proxy forms. In the circumstances, all allegations of that nature that is in the public domain are false, mischievous, and egregious and calculated to cause public discomfort and unease at this critical juncture.

Mini Peach Cobbler
Preheat oven to 350 F. Put 1 tsp of melted butter into each regular size muffin tin. Combine the first 5 ingredients by hand… sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Put 2 tbsp of batter into each regular size muffin tin… on top of the melted butter. Then put 1 tbsp diced peaches on top of the batter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and then cinnamon.

Caye Caulker BTIA Tourism Training Week
Our second annual tourism training week will be held next week. Trainings will be posted this week with sign up and registration fee information.

MCHS 25th Anniversary
They had a big celebration for Mount Carmel High School's 25th anniversary. There were some sports events too. Happy birthday MCHS! "Live from MCHS! Lots of fun and activities commemorating our 25th Anniversary."

Channel 7

Murderous Devils At Blue Angels
A man was stabbed to death in Cayo in front of Blue Angels Night Club this weekend. 20 year old Eteer Munoz Espino went to the club along with his friend Franklin Garcia on Saturday night. But just when all the Halloween fun was ending around 4:00 on Sunday morning, a fight broke out during which Espino was fatally stabbed. San Ignacio police told us more today. It’s on these dusty green cement steps that 20-year-old Eteer Munoz Espino took his last breath. This was the furthest he could go after he was stabbed 4 times right in front of Blue Angels Night Club in San Ignacio. Reports are that Espino left his home in Buena Vista Village on Saturday morning. His stepfather told us he saw him riding around on his motorcycle throughout the day But later on Espino met up with his friend Franklin Garcia and they both went to Blue Angels – that’s where the trouble started.

Five Year Old Shot In Belmopan Drive By
A pair of twin brothers and a 5 year old boy were shot in Salvapan on Saturday night. The brothers 26 year old Elvis Godoy and Josel Godoy were hanging out in their yard on Saturday night when two men pulled up on a motorcycle and shot at them. Elvis’ 5 year old son Elvis Jr. had just come out of the house and was also shot. Luckily they all survived. We spoke with the father of the twin brothers and he told us he has no idea who would want to harm his boys This red Nintendo DS is 5 year old Elvis Godoy Junior’s favourite video game. On Saturday night he rushed out of the house – like many nights - to show his dad how good he was at playing it. His dad Elvis Godoy Sr. and his uncle Josel Godoy were sitting on this makeshift bench under this tree. But as little Elvis ran out to meet them, two men on a motorcycle stopped in front of the house and fired about 12 shots at them.

The Cop Called Cruz Crashed and Died
If you watched the news last week, you saw Sergeant Orlando Cruz talking about the situation with the Hattieville Prison – where persons were trying to smuggle illegal products inside. He did that as the officer commanding in Hattieville. Cruz was a rising star in the police department – but that star got very suddenly snuffed out when he crashed and died on Sunday morning near the Haulover bridge. Today his commanding officer told us about it with a heavy heart:… Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Commander - Eastern Division Rural "Our deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Orlando Cruz, he met his demised early Sunday morning at about little after 2. Apparently he was travelling from Belize City to the Ladyville area on his police issued motorcycle where he collided into the guard rail after crossing the Haulover Bridge. And apparently flipped to the side of the road and met his untimely death. Sergeant Orlando Cruz is a very hard working intelligent officer who I believe would have been going far if not reaching the number 1 spot in the Belize Police Department. We've seen trial marks where it indicated that he came too close to the guard rail and what we've seen on the scene is confirmed to an unfortunate accident."

PUP Says Batsub's Return Not A Defence Guarantee
The biggest headline last week was the announcement by a British General Evrard that BATSUB would be re-establishing a permanent presence in Belize. For the ruling UDP, they used that to suggest a kind of military backative – if not a real defence guarantee. It’s strategic for the ruling party, since the PUP had been criticizing them for being soft on Guatemala. But now the UDP is bolstered by their leader’s hard talk – and by the arrival of the UK’s Commander of Land Forces just in time for elections. Today, the PUP’s Eamon Courtney called the press for an impromptu briefing to stress that BATSUB’s re-emergence is not a defence guarantee:… Eamon Courtenay - Former PUP Foreign Minister "BATSUB has always been here and in fact what they have announced it that there is an increase in their permanent presence and an increase in the frequency with which they are going to visit Belize. As a result approximately 2,000 men will be coming through starting from next year. That is a far cry from suggesting or implying that Belize has the protection of the British where Guatemala to mount any type of military aggression. The British have not announced a defence guarantee, the British have not given any type of comfort to Belize and Belizeans we believe should note that the risk that Belize faces because of the election of President Moralez is a matter that has to dealt with by Belize and we should not depend on the British to come to our aid and defence."

PUP Scoffs At EIU Election Prediction
Courtenay also commented on a report which came out last week from the Economist Intelligence Unit – a product of the UK Based Economist Magazine – one of the most respected weekly magazines in the world. Under the heading “Election Watch”, the EIU predicts that the UDP will win the general election. The report says, quote, “We expect that Mr. Barrow will win a comfortable majority of seats and a third consecutive term.” That comfortable prediction has rankled the PUP and today Courtney says their internal polls show differently than what he calls the EIU’s assumption:… Eamon Courtenay - Former PUP Foreign Minister "When one looks at that article, one has to take it with a grain of salt or perhaps a lump of salt. First of all it was not based on a poll. When you read it you will see that they simply are making certain; in their words, assumptions. I don't think that anyone is going to give much credibility to an article that seeks to predict the outcome of a general election on the basis of an assumption. Our internal polls are showing that the momentum certainly on our side."

Five Ejected From Crashed Vehicle, No Fatal Injury
There was a serious accident at mile 25 on the Western Highway yesterday and fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. It happened at around 1:30 at mile 25 where a GMC Yukon had a blowout and careened off the road. Five adults and a girl were inside, and 4 of the adults and the girl were flung from the vehicle as it tumbled down the embankment. Only the driver – reported to us to be on Earl Pitts managed to stay inside the vehicle. There were multiple injuries, but luckily none fatal. It is presumed that those who were flung out were not wearing seatbelts. The accident caused the road to be closed for 45 minutes.

BDF Team Up With US Southcom to Burn Weed
The Ministry of National Security is reporting tonight that a Law Enforcement team consisting of the BDF, the Coast Guard, police, and the United State Southern Command has destroyed approximately 61 million dollars’ worth of marijuana. The operation was planned by the Joint Intelligence Operation Center. The JIOC, viewers may remember, is a facility on the Price Barracks Compound which pools the resources and intelligence of all law enforcement agencies to make policing easier and more effective. The team of Belizean law enforcement were assisted with helicopter support by the US Southern Command’s Joint Taskforce Bravo. These marijuana fields were located in remote areas of north, west and south of the country, and without the helicopter support, the operation would not have been possible.

Mass Parties Throw Big Rallies
This weekend was the last before the Wednesday’s General Elections, and the two mass parties used the opportunity to hold their biggest political rallies Now, rallies are a heat check to see what kind of support that the mass parties can expect for the elections, and they also double as feel-good events to energize the base. We have coverage of 3 of the 4 rallies held this weekend, but we start with the PUP Rally in Belize City from last night. Here’s what the 12 standard bearers for the Belize District had to say out at the Pound Yard Bridge: Paul Thompson - PUP Candidate, Albert Division "In this campaign the PUP has already won the argument; people over concrete. I'll say that again, people over concrete." Dorla Vaughn- PUP Candidate, Mesopotamia "When I look around I see only pain and suffering of my people. Hearing the cried of mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who have lost their loved ones."

The Battle In Cayo North
Tonight we have previews of the candidate races in two divisions: that’s Cayo Northeast and Lake Independence. We start in Cayo North where the UDP’s Omar Figueroa won a bye-election by a huge margin just 10 months ago. But, now a new PUP opponent, attorney Michel Chebat hopes to unseat Figueroa and overcome a 1300 vote margin. It’s no easy task, but when we saw Chebat on Saturday he seemed confident… The PUP were flexing, and hugging on the streets of San Ignacio on Saturday: Michel Chebat - PUP Candidate Cayo North "It’s been an excellent day, I mean it’s a bit hot but we've been out visiting our voters, trying to get the last message out. I'm getting ready for Wednesday, making sure voters making sure our voters are ready." Flags aloft, Chebat was doing a fast and last tour of this area in the heart of San Ignacio. Michel Chebat - PUP Candidate Cayo North "People are enthusiastic people are waiting for Wednesday. We feel that people are going to come out in their numbers in Wednesday looking forward to that While we found his opponent Omar Figueroa making the rounds with a smaller group at a much more leisurely pace in a UDP stronghold in Bullett Tree.

Protecting Intellectual Property
The World Intellectual Property Rights Organization, is in Belize to help law enforcement and the judiciary learn how to prosecute intellectual property rights violations. Now that may sound arcane, but violating someone’s intellectual property might be as simple as ripping song a from the internet. We found out more today:… Louise Van Gruden - World Intellectual Property Organization "We are confronted globally with escalation of counterfeiting and piracy and these are really challenges which we should address because they also have a negative impact not only economically but on health and safety." Candice Westby Fisher - Deputy Registrar of Intellectual Property "All over the world there is an issue with the enforcement of intellectual property rights and the use of these rights without permission and she gave the example of 8 out of 10 young people downloading music without permission. What happens is that our laws that you can works for your use within certain parameters; so if it’s for educationally purposes, if it’s reporting for the news you can sample a part of that work and you can use that work; otherwise you would have to get a license from the copyright holder.

Expert: Caribbean Has Appetite For Internet
CARIBNOG – it may sound like some strange Caribbean version of eggnog, but actually it’s the Caribbean Network Operators Group. They are holding their tenth regional meeting in Belize – which is also where they held their sixth meeting. Today, the program director told us that they are looking at a changing landscape with the use of internet:.. Steven Lee - Programme Director, CARIBNOG "The whole internet industry and community have developed and moved on since we're here 2 years ago. At that point in time we had just announced plans to establish an internet exchange point in Belize. Since then the agreement to cause that to happen was done earlier this year and just the whole internet landscape has changed significantly, more services becoming available in the Caribbean region. The appetite from users are changing so with the increase changes in the landscape and a deeper relationship with the public utilities commission we thought it would be appropriate to come back; later this week we want to get some feedback and updates from those who were at the first CARIBNOG meeting to see where they are two years down."

"Invest Belize" Celebrates More Flights To Belize
“Invest Belize” – it’s the flagship magazine of BELTRAIDE, The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service Today, they launched volume four of the magazine – which Trade CEO Mike Singh pushed for as an encapsulation of what BELTRAIDE has worked for in the past few years. Mike Singh - CEO, Ministry of Trade "I think today the magazine really is an encapsulation of everything that we have been doing for the past 5 years when I got involved in trade and investment. I was previously involved in tourism so I'm happy that my past colleagues in tourism are here as well. To me this is really a signature culmination of everything that we have been doing and the magazine has been part of the success and I think it's something we need to celebrate and coming to issue number 4 today is really very telling that is something that was worthwhile doing." This fourth edition focuses specifically on all the new flights coming to Belize – or “airlift” as it is called which Singh started out working on when he was CEO in the Ministry of Tourism. THE MAGAZINE IS designed by McNab publishing.

Young And Ingenious Entrepreneur Gets Boost With Regional Award
And one young entrepreneur who may one day grace the front of that magazine is Crystal Samos. The 22 year old is the owner of a line of home-made beauty products called “Carpe Diem” – Latin for “seize the day.” She seized her opportunity when she realized that the coffee-based skin and hair treatment products that she had developed for her own use – were gaining popularity amongst her friends. By word of mouth, her product had gained popularity – and so she branded it, and started producing enough to sell in local supermarkets. But now the Carpe Diem line has gained regional recognition after she attended an entrepreneurship conference in Granada. She won two major prizes – and told us how shocked she was:… Crytal Samos - 22 yr. Old Entrepreneur "Carpe Diem" "And then the emcee says well the 2015 product service of the years to; and everybody is kind of like sitting there waiting wanting to hear. And she says Carpe Diem. Now I'm sitting in front of her and I'm looking at her and I'm still there sitting like. And then she said Ms. Samos come up and I'm still looking at her in awe, can't believe what she is saying.

The Battle For The Lake
In our last segment we showed you the candidates in Cayo North – which was not Cayo northeast – as we had said. But there’s no mistaking the might Lake Independence. With over six thousand voters, it’s the biggest in the city – and this time it’s a battleground. Three time PUP representative Cordel Hyde is going up against the current area rep. Mark King – the first UDP to hold the seat since 1993. King is none too shy about self promotion, but is the work that he has done enough to swing support in his favour against Hyde, who’s never lost an election? On Wednesday we’ll find out. But right now, both candidates are preparing themselves for the showdown. A few weeks ago, King invited us along on the campaign trails, and tonight, we’ve put together that story, comparing and contrasting both candidates. Daniel Ortiz reports: A few weeks ago, Lake-I Incumbent Mark King invited us along on the campaign trails, where he was continuing his walk through the division, greeting the voters asking for their support once again. That’s the first main difference we noticed between him and his political opponent who told us that he prefers to keep campaigning to on personal level. He made a similar point last night, as well as to further distinguishes himself from King.

Ladyville Police Score A New Ride
Belize Rural police are mourning the loss of one of their own, Sergeant Orlando Cruz – but they are also making small progress in their crime fighting with the acquisition of a brand new pickup. Commanding Officer Sr. Superintendent Edward Broaster says the pickup will be used for road safety patrols: The vehicle will also be used as part of the station’s quick response team.

Battered Woman Viola Pook Will Get Early Release
Last week Thursday, we told you how 57 year-old Viola Pook was sentenced to 8 years in jail after she pleaded guilty in her retrial. Well, the court has done the math, and because she has spent extensive time in jail while this case is being dealt with, she will only have to spend approximately 2 more years in jail. That’s because she has spent 2 years on remand while she awaited trail, and an additional 4 years while she waited for her case to be appealed. Justice Lucas, after being given all the information, deducted 6 years and 10 months, so depending on how the authorities at the Prison calculate her time, she will spend no more than 2 years. On New Year’s Eve in 2008, she threw kerosene on her common-law husband, Orlando Vasquez, and set him on fire. She was convicted in 2011, and she was sentenced to life in prison for murder. The Court of Appeal quashed that conviction based on the fact that she was a battered woman who suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her deceased common-law husband.

Halloween In City: Scary In More Ways Than One
While politics is dominating every aspect of public life, this weekend, that didn’t stop kids of all ages from going Trick or Treating on Saturday. Our news team was out in Belize City where the costumed candy lovers were out in swarms. Daniel Ortiz spoke with a few of the kids to see how it was going:

Remembering Finados
And while the Halloween trick or treating is the fun side of the observance of All Saints Day, in western Belize, it is far more serious with the cultural and religious practice known as “Finados”. Today, November second scores of families from Benque Viejo spread their dinner tables with the favourite foods and drinks of their dearly departed loved one. Last year Courtney Weatherburne travelled to Benque Viejo to find out how deep the tradition goes:… Finados is celebrated annually on the 1st and 2nd of November. The 1st is All Saints Day, which is set aside for young children or, while the 2nd is All Souls Day for the souls of adults.

Channel 5

Leaked B.D.F. Report – Escalation in Guatemalan Aggression Towards B.D.F. in the Sarstoon
Confidential documents show that the aggression by the Guatemalan army and navy started years ago, but intensified dangerously and persistently so since 2010, to the point where the Guatemalans were [...]

Former Foreign Minister Says BATSUB Not Here to Defend Belizean Sovereignty…
British Army commander, Lieutenant General James Everard made an official visit to Belize last Wednesday where he met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow on the status of the British Army [...]

…Eamon Courtenay Says It’s A Political Strategy by the U.D.P.
According to Courtenay, the matter is being treated as a political strategy by the United Democratic Party, a blatant attempt to gain mileage from the timely announcement.  Courtenay reiterates that [...]

Is U.D.P. Candidate for Orange Walk South Linked to Narco-Trafficking?
At least three newspapers including Diario Respuesta from neighbouring Quintana Roo published articles on Sunday, October thirty-first, which make very serious allegations against the U.D.P. candidate for Orange Walk South, Guadalupe [...]

Father & Son Fight For Life Following Shooting on Halloween Night
There was violence in Belmopan and San Ignacio over the weekend. In the outskirts of the capital, two men on motorcycles wearing Halloween masks rode up to a home in [...]

Fatal Stabbing of a Guatemalan Youth Outside Nightclub in San Ignacio
Four persons are currently detained at the San Ignacio Police following a brawl on Sunday morning outside of the Blue Angels Night Club. Twenty year old Iter Espino’s body was [...]

Body Found Near Farm in Valley of Peace
Meanwhile, Roaring Creek police are investigating a case of the sudden death of a Salvadoran living in the Valley of Peace. On Saturday afternoon, the body of fifty-eight year old [...]

English Magazine Says U.D.P. Will Win Third Term
The Intelligence Unit of the Economist, an English magazine published in London, produces a number of reports each year focusing on current issues affecting specific countries, regions and industries.  The [...]

A Strike by Stevedores is Called Off
At news time, a strike has been called off at the Port of Belize and an agreement has been reached between the Port and stevedores. The update is that stevedores [...]

How Much Time Will Voila Pook Serve Behind Bars?
Sentencing took place today by Judge Adolph Lucas, of Viola Pook who set her common-law-husband, Orlando Vasquez, on fire on December thirty first, 2008. Pook was sentenced to eight years [...]

Ignatius Williams Arraigned for Attempted Murder of Jerome Locke
Police believe they have cracked the case of a stabbing that occurred over the weekend in the Saint Martin’s area of Belize City which left a man in a critical, [...]

Massive Crowd at Political Rally in the City
Both mass political parties are wrapping up an intensive round of rallies across the country as they head to the polls on November fourth. On Sunday, the P.U.P. held its [...]

The Right to Vote
On the eve of elections, the Elections and Boundaries Department is reminding employers that by law every voter should be provided with a reasonable time to cast their ballot during [...]

Intellectual Property Rights Workshop for Judges and Lawyers
A two-day workshop on the enforcement of intellectual property rights for the judiciary and law enforcement officials is underway in Belize City.  The seminar, organized by the Belize Intellectual Property [...]

CTV3

Another Traffic Accident In Yo Creek Road Claims Life Of Villager
The month of November started off with a fatal road traffic accident as yesterday, a resident from the San Lazaro Village lost his life in a traffic collision. Authorities say the victim who has been identified as Jorge Moguel was riding his motorcycle accompanied by Josue Chan on the Yo Creek road when on the opposite direction and upon reaching a curve, collided into a red Ford F150 pick-up truck. Traffic Officer at the Orange Walk Police Department, Roger Briceno gave us an official account of the incident. “Police visited the area where it was learnt that Rudy Reyes of San Carlos Village was driving a Ford F150 pickup coming towards Orange Walk Town when he collided with a motorcycle that was traveling toward Yo creek Village the driver of the motorcycle was transported to Northern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at the time he was accompanied by Josue Chan who also received body injuries who also was admitted at the hospital.”

Orange Walk East Area Rep. Weighs On Opponent Rally
This Wednesday more than 90 Belizeans will appear on 31 ballots. This is one of the largest fields of candidates in modern day politics in Belize. Here in Orange Walk 12 candidates entered their names into nomination. Of all the candidates countrywide, Josue Carballo the PUP candidate is the youngest. Although young in age, Josue has been involved in 3 successful campaigns in Orange Walk where he is currently serving his third term as a member of the PUP, Orange Walk Town Council. On Wednesday Josue will face off against Elodio Aragon for the UDP and former UDP supporter, Dr. Javier Reyes who is running for the BPP. This is one of the hottest contested elections here in the north and indeed in all of Belize and already signs of tensions are appearing. Last night UDP supporters of Elodio Aragon tore down and destroyed signs, flags and posters of Josue Carballo from Liberty Avenue. This was done during a UDP rally for the entire north that was held in the area last night.

BHOC Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos
The celebration of “Dia de Los Finados” is a long lived tradition in the Maya, Mestizo and the Garifuna cultures. The first and second day of November is traditionally when family members remember and commemorate their deceased loved ones. Over the years, this cultural custom has been forgotten in Belize, and for this reason the Banquitas House of Culture has taken the initiative to revive the tradition. Today’s “Los Finados” celebration merged religion, cultural and authentic traditional cuisine into one area, all remembering the dead …. Coordinator at the BHOC, Cindey Rivero says this year the event is being observed at the Old Piemonte Cemetery. “We have three alter that we have displayed here and we have different dishes and local sweets and different traditional food that we have and we have the candles, this one in particular is what we use for the kids whereby we have more traditional sweets, el Caldo de pollo just to invite the souls as a celebration of an offering for them then we also have on the other side the altar mayor whereby we also have different traditional foods, sweets and in honor of them, we also have another alter for the lonely souls we have that as well and we have today a new altar for the Maya and that is right at the entrance and it is very traditional and everything that is use there is gotten from our natural environment so today we are having a prayer and we invited the entire community to come and celebrate with us dia de finados or as you may know it Dia de Muertos .”

LOVE FM

Top CXC Performers Announced for 2015
The outstanding students who sat the May June 2015 CXC Examinations have been announced. Alisha Anipha Garraway of Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College is the most outstanding candidate for the CAPE examination and is the recipient of the Belize Scholarship. Edward P. Yorke High School captured the top two spots in the CSEC examinations. Nisa […]

60 Million Belize Dollars Worth of Marijuana Goes Up in Smoke
The Belize Defense Soldiers were recently on an operation that saw the destruction of marijuana with a street value of over sixty million Belize dollars. Love News spoke with Lieutenant Colonel James Requena, who told us how the exercise was carried out. JAMES REQUENA “The operation started on the 25th and ended on the 30th […]

Vehicle Blow Out Leaves Group Injured
Police in Hattieville Village responded to a traffic incident just after one o’clock on Sunday afternoon near mile 25 on the George Price Highway. Officer in Charge of Hattieville Police Station, Inspector Rochelle Chan, briefed the media today. ROCHELLE CHAN “Police responded to mile 25 after receiving information that gold Yukon GMC with license plate […]

Minor Gets Knocked Down in Rural Belize
Yesterday morning, Police in Ladyville were called out to an area on the Philip Goldson Highway Sunday at around ten o’clock where they found a 12-year-old boy lying on the side of the road with bodily injuries. Officer in Charge of Ladyville Village, Belize District, Inspector Juanito Cocom, briefed the media on the incident. JUANITO […]

Belize Police Loses One of Its Finest to an RTA
Dozens of police officers gathered at the foot of the Haulover Bridge just after two o’clock on Sunday morning as the news of one of their colleagues being involved in a fatal accident spread across the police precincts. 38-year-old, Orlando Cruz, who was the second in command at the Hattieville Police Station, was found in […]

PUP and Chief Elections Officer Continues Back and Forth over Proxy Register
Yesterday we told you of the letter that the PUP sent to the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, asking for consistent monitoring of the Proxy Register up until Tuesday, November 3. This letter came a day after Tamia had already responded to a previous letter from the PUP, giving them a set schedule as to […]

Veola Pook’s Family Pursues Option of Her Parole
57-year-old Veola Pook who was sentenced to eight years for manslaughter in the killing of her common-law husband, Orlando Vasquez appeared in court today. Justice Adolph Lucas ruled that six years and 10 months will be deducted from her sentence; so within the next two year or less Pook is expected to be a free […]

Dia de Los Muertos Celebrated via Mexican Embassy in Belize
The Mexican Embassy celebrates Dia de los Muertos which means Day of the Dead at the Embassy tonight. It is a day when Mexican’s and other Hispanic cultures celebrate their loved ones who have passed. Consul of Press and Legal affairs, Hugo Juarez Carrillo, spoke about why they celebrate this day and what is the […]

PlusTV

Accused in stabbing of Jerome Locke charged
22 year old Jerome Locke remains in a critical but stable condition after being stabbed in the chest last week, but police say they have caught the man alleged to have done it. 21 year old Ignatius Williams of Belize City appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, charged with at...

Caribbean Network Operators Group returns to Belize
Two years ago, the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CARIBNOG) made its first appearance in Belize at a time when Belize was just starting to break free from the shackles of slow Internet and a lack of awareness of the positives of technology. This week, they have returned, and one might say, thing...

Viola Pook on verge of freedom after most of sentence deducted
Having served nearly seven years in the Central Prison on a conviction of murder that was overturned by the Court of Appeal, Rancho Dolores housewife Viola Pook is expected to be out of jail within the next year. She was sentenced to eight years in prison after taking a plea of manslaughter for the ...

Three persons including 5 year old shot in Belmopan
A 5 year old boy was the victim of a shooting in Belmopan, Salva Pan Area, on Saturday night. The child, Elvis Godoy Jr., was one of three persons shot. Also shot were his father and uncle who are twin brothers. They are Elvis and Josel Godoy, both 27 years old. According to reports, the two men an...

Night at Blue Angels Club turns deadly
A man was stabbed and killed near a San Ignacio club this weekend. It happened around 4:30 in the morning when a fight broke out on Hudson Street, San Ignacio. During that fight, 20-year-old Iter Eliel Espino, a Guatemalan of Buena Vista Village, was stabbed and fell to the street motionless. Po...

Police officer dies in traffic accident
38 year old Orlando Cruz, second in command at Hattieville police station, was killed in a traffic accident on Sunday November 1st sometime around 2 o’clock. Cruz was heading North in the wee hours of the morning, driving a motorcycle when he apparently lost control while crossing the Haulover Cree...

Motorcycle driver knocked down and killed
There was another fatal traffic accident this weekend, this one in the Stann Creek district and the victim was 31 year old Ervin Ramirez. According to police reports, Ramirez was driving a motorcycle on his way to Middlesex village where he lives sometime around 6:30 on Saturday evening. That is wh...

Woman choked by robber for $25.00
A woman was choked by a robber for $25.00. On Thursday October 29, 23 year Shamika Patterson, a Belizean customer representative of a Belize City address ,reported that about 6:30 a.m. while walking on Kelly Street, a dark complexion male person rode up to her and began choking her as he demanded...

Mentally ill murder accused freed
He was accused of killing his own father in the village of Teakettle, Cayo District, nearly a quarter century ago. But 45 year old Leroy Arnold is a free man tonight after appearing today in the Supreme Court. When he was 19 years old according to court and prison sources, Arnold was charged for th...

Kidnapping charges dropped
Businessman 41 year old Amir Reid and construction worker 23 year old Alexander Lopez are free of kidnapping charges tonight after their alleged victim, Abel Lara Jr., told police in an additional statement that he would not pursue further court action against the two. Reid and Lopez, also charged w...

16 year old stabbed in the back
A 16 year old was stabbed to the back in Belize City. On Wednesday October 28, 16 year old Darwin Gamboa, a Belizean student of a Belize City address, was rushed to the KHMH after he received one stab wound to the lower back. Police say that the incident occurred when Gamboa was walking on Antelope ...

PUP demand to inspect Proxy register
Yesterday the People’s United Party came out in full force against the Elections and Boundaries Department for alleged wrongdoing as it relates to the authorization of electoral proxies. The PUP made damning allegations that the Chief Elections Officer instructed the sitting registering office...

CCJ delivers partial damages for Maya in land rights case
On the heels of the historic admission in April by consent order between the Government of Belize and the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) that the Maya system of customary land tenure gives rise to property rights within the meaning of the Constitution of Belize and an order that the Government develop ...

Breaking Belize News

Political tension in Cayo North
Belize Media Group has learned that in San Ignacio Town, standard bearer for Cayo North under the People’s United Party (PUP) banner, Michel Chebat, and his supporters organized a stand-off infront of the CCET institute. On an over the phone interview with Chebat, he explained to our reporter that members […]

Dia de los Muertos observed in OW
Today, November 2nd is being observed as “Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos” in Mexico and in Belize it is no different. In Orange Walk Town, the Banquitas House of Culture (BHOC) organized a traditional observance with three altars of offerings to the dead. According to […]

Man and minor from Succotz busted for weed
20-year-old Jason Cal along with a 16-year-old male, both of Succotz Village were arrested and charged for the offense of “Drug Trafficking”, after officers on an early morning mobile patrol busted them with 252 grams of cannabis. Around 1:00 yesterday morning, officers saw a group of male persons socializing at […]

Mexican press claims UDP candidate is involved in narco-trafficking
The Mexican press has linked United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Orange Walk South Guadalupe Magaña and her husband with organized crime. They further allege that he is financing her campaign with proceeds from organized crime. The Diario Respuesta is alleging that Magaña’s husband, Nyco Dyck is working with Emerlindo […]

Driver charged for fatal Road Traffic Accident in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Police are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of a San Lazaro resident and the first fatality recorded in the north for November. According to police, on Sunday about 1:30 p.m., they responded to a road traffic accident on mile 1 1/2 miles on […]

Elvin Penner got acres for dirt cheap
Just days away from the November 4th general election another scandal involving former Minister Elvin Penner is facing the reigning United Democratic Party (UDP). This time, documents have surfaced that show Penner along with his mom and dad were leased and sold massive plots of land for very low prices from the […]

Missing 15-year-old found safe
The Police Department is happy to inform the public that 15-year-old Holianna Conorquie was found alive and well in San Ignacio Town, then taken home to Belize City. Conorquie was reported missing by Lorna Louise Bardalez on October 27th, 2015.

Accused in stabbing of Jerome Locke charged
22 year old Jerome Locke continues to fight for his life after being stabbed in the chest last week, but police say they have caught the man alleged to have done it. 21 year old Ignatius Williams of Lavender Street in Belize City appeared today before Senior Magistrate […]

PUP-Church meeting causes controversy
A press release from the People’s United Party (PUP) issued last week, announced that its leader, Francis Fonseca, had met with various church leaders who affirmed their support for Wednesday’s general elections. The release states that Fonseca and church leaders discussed issues of concern such as the state […]

Armed robber’s plot foiled in PG
23-year-old Jermaine Sutherland of Maxboro Village in the Belize District, was arrested and charged for several offenses after he attempted to rob Johnson Distributors in Punta Gorda (PG) on Friday, October 30th. Owned by a well-known resident of PG, the distributor is an outlet of Bowen and Bowen […]

Fisheries closed until Friday
A release from the Belize Fisheries Department advises that the issuance of permits and licenses will resume on Friday November 6th, as its licensing section in Belize City will be closed from tomorrow until Thursday, November 5th due to the staff’s participation in Wednesday’s election. The Fisheries Administrator regrets any […]

Mayas observe Hanal Pixán
“Food of Souls” or Hanal Pixán as it is translated in Maya, is the day-of-the-dead celebrations, native to the Yucatan Peninsula Mayans. It is a festive time in which traditional dishes are prepared for the spirits, as it is believed that they return to visit their families on that day. […]

PUP and UDP hold pre-election rallies
As the road to election day has been paved and the polling stations are almost set for the November 4th, general elections, both major political parties in the country hosted respective pre–election rallies over the weekend. In the north of Belize it was no exception. A little after […]

Belize: Blue or Red, The Status Quo Has Already Won
General elections will be held in Belize on November 4, 2015. These elections will determine which political party gets to win and control the purse strings of the nation. However, regardless of which party wins….the status quo has already won! The status quo want the laws and policies of […]

Blogs

Halloween in San Pedro, Belize, 2015: It’s Not to Be Missed, Part Two
So many pictures of one of the biggest holidays in San Pedro and so. little. time. Halloween is historically an American holiday – but a party that allows people to dress up, eat candy, get creative and sexy and party? It’s embraced everywhere. Especially Ambergris Caye.

An Exciting Adventure at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
A very popular snorkeling and diving site in Belize, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-visit. Its four zones offer something unique and exciting for every tourist. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley Travel in Belize are two of the most popular snorkeling/diving sites in Belize. This is all thanks to its close proximity to San Pedro, the large amount of fish life in the Hol Chan cut which is accessible by snorkelers and beginner divers, the diversity of marine life that can be encountered through the park’s four zones, and the novelty and excitement of swimming with big numbers of sting rays and nurse sharks. The Hol Chan Cut is just 15 minutes south of San Pedro and about 30 minutes north of Caye Caulker. Trips from San Pedro last about half a day, while trips from Caye Caulker which includes a visit to San Pedro last a full day. During the boat ride going to the park, make sure that you keep an eye out for flying fish and jumping rays. Because of the protected status of the area, fish populations have exploded. In waters less than 5 feet deep, large a schools of snappers, groupers, barracuda and jacks are abound.

International Sources

Belize Reports Improved Third-Quarter Visitor Arrivals
Belize tourism stakeholders are hopeful the country’s strong September tourist arrivals augur for an improved year-end picture. Belize recorded 14,242 overnight visitors in September, a 19.3 percent increase over the same month in 2013 and part of a 6.9 percent increase in the country’s third quarter arrivals from July to September, Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officials reported recently. In a statement, BTB officials attributed the arrivals surge to a 28.6 percent increase in U.S.-based visitors during that period. American travelers are utilizing improved air links to the country, including direct service from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Miami and Dallas, BTB officials said. U.S. residents remain the country’s largest visitor source, accounting for nearly 65 percent of arrivals, said BTB officials. Belize endured an uncharacteristically flat tourist arrivals performance in the first half of 2015, with 183,210 overnight arrivals from January to June, a 1.5 percent decline from 2014 according to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The BTB officials said the decline narrowed to 0.8 percent within the first seven months of 2015.

Belize exports increase drastically
Belize's exports this September were up by 23.2%, earning the country $36 million, a third of which was from bananas. Earning $36 million in exports was an increase this year as last September the country earned $29.2 million. Banana exports grew steadily from January-September with banana sales rising from $72 million in 2014 to $77 million in 2015 (roughly 7%). Imports for September 2015 were down marginally from $163.6 million last September to $162.1 million this September. Belize's import bill is more than triple the country's export earnings. Merchandise imports for the nine months from January to October 2015 amounted to $1.5 billion.

Belizean elections official denounces security threats prior to elections
Belizean chief elections officer Josephine Tamai said Monday that the people threatening her and her family should stop, with her comments coming two days before the national elections. "I actually felt threatened and my family has been threatened," Tamai told reporters. Tamai has complained of "political mischief" and said police have been providing her with round-the-clock protection. "I won't get into much details because of security issues and, like I said, issues with my family, but I found it very alarming when I had masked men showing up at my house ... one with a ski mask and one with a stocking pulled over his head," Tamai said.

Jungle warfare: How to survive and fight in extreme environments with the Coldstream Guard
In a dispatch from the Central American country of Belize, David Wells, a news editor at the Western Morning News, joins Westcountry soldiers of the Coldstream Guards for jungle warfare training on Exercise Mayan Warrior. In sweltering hot, humid temperatures, surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, the first mission of the men and women of the Coldstream Guards is to survive. It means that in the days before the Coldstreamers steel themselves for an arduous push through what can seem like impenetrable jungle territory, where every step through the thick foliage presents a real risk – where even the flora and fauna of the subtropical forest themselves can be an unwary soldier’s enemy – they must first practise the skills that ordinary civilians take for granted in comfortable lifestyles back home. Even before they put their battle skills to the test in an exercise to develop their jungle warfare tactics, these soldiers, many of whom are from Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, must initially learn how to use the resources around them to find water, keep themselves fed and fighting fit.

D.C. Made A Change To Its Tax Law, And Caribbean Countries Aren't Happy About It
Faced with outrage from over a dozen otherwise placid Caribbean nations, D.C. officials are backtracking on a plan to openly call out countries it says allow big U.S. businesses to skip out on paying local taxes. At issue is a change to existing tax law made through the 2016 D.C. budget that took effect last month. Here's what happened. In 2011, D.C. passed a law requiring combined reporting by large corporations. That means that national corporations with a local presence have to pay D.C. taxes on their combined income, instead of just paying the taxes on the income of the local affiliate alone. Advocates say combined reporting laws make it harder for big businesses to skip out on taxes by moving money around to states and countries with lower tax rates — "tax havens" in populist parlance. When the change was implemented, the D.C. Chief Financial Officer estimated it would bring in $22 million in new tax revenue per year. But what amounts to a few million dollars a year for D.C. has been taken as a significant insult — and threat — by the countries on the list, especially those in the Caribbean. In late September, Eugene Newry, the ambassador of the Bahamas to the U.S., wrote a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of Congress protesting its inclusion on the list. The Bahamas was included, he wrote, on "seemingly arbitrary and spurious grounds." "The Bahamas has an exemplary history of functional cooperation through tax information exchange with the United States since 2003," he wrote in the letter.

Central America Trip #15
2004 Central America trip… This trip ended up being 343 days and 16,000+ miles through the back-country of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. 11 rigs started the trip, within a week we broke into three smaller groups for ease of traveling. Only myself and one other rig went the full, pre-planned route. All the others dropped out for various reasons. All returned safely to the United States. I’m planning to show these photos, more or less, 10 a day, whenever I’m not doing something else deserving a blog entry. FINALLY, it must be remembered these photos are prior to my switching to digital in 2006. The films were developed during our trip and the lack of quality control sometimes is plainly evident.

Scientists launch global shark and ray census
Out of the 100 million sharks caught each year, scientists estimate that up to 73 million have their fins sliced off (often while still alive) to make shark fin soup — a Chinese delicacy eaten as a luxury dish at weddings and other special occasions. A growing appetite for shark fins and meat is considered the leading cause of sharply declining shark populations. An ambitious project to conduct a global survey of sharks aims to find out how much is left of these top marine predators. Launched in July with $4 million in funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Global FinPrint is an international initiative that will assess the health of populations of sharks and rays — aka elasmobranchs — in 400 different locations over a period of three years. The project’s mission is “to produce the first globally standard survey of elasmobranch density and diversity across the world’s continental and insular shelves” in order to improve the understanding of the animals’ status and inform conservation efforts, according to the Global FinPrint website. “Because of a lack of consistent surveys, it is difficult to determine what pristine densities and diversities ‘should’ be to set restoration targets,” the website states.

Caribbean to Seek Measures to Stop Rise in Temperatures
The Caribbean has agreed to ask for measures to limit the temperature increase to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century at the 21st UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP21, set to begin Nov. 30 in Paris, the government of St. Lucia said on Monday. In a statement, the government said this expectation was agreed to in the second meeting of climate change negotiators and ministers held in Saint Lucia last week with representatives from the 15-member Caribbean Community, or CARICOM. “We want to limit the temperature increase to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, because 1.5 degrees Celsius is the threshold for Small Island Developing States,” St. Lucian Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology Minister James Fletcher said. The Caribbean regional group wants to ensure an agreement is reached at COP21 “that will allow the main issues to be addressed under some form of protocol,” Fletcher said.

Videos

November 2, 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

Holiday Hotel Annual Halloween Party
The island really knows how to scare up some fun! Just a small sample of the amazing costumes last night! Well done San Pedro!

Wolfe’s Woofer: Keep Calm
“Hello, Melody,” I said, when my phone rang last week. “What’s up?” “I need a big favor,” she said. “Can you watch Davin and Grayson for a while?” “Of course. That’s what grandfathers are for.” “No, Grayson! Put that down,” were the first words out of her mouth when they came over to our house.” Grayson looked at her. He looked at my phone that he had picked up from the table. He smiled at his mom and threw the phone to the floor. “Oh, my God,” Melody said. “I’m going crazy. No, Davin! You are not going to the park. You’re still on punishment for what happened at school yesterday. Sit on the porch and be quiet.” “You seem to be under a lot of stress,” I said.

Christine Syme to represent Belize in the Miss Earth 2015 Pageant
Miss Earth, is an environmental event founded in 2001 that channels the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool in promoting environment awareness, is celebrating its 15th year in Austria – famous for its Danube River, mountain villages, baroque city architecture, imperial history and rugged alpine terrain.” – Miss Earth 2015 Organization. Miss Earth Belize 2015, Christine Syme, has been asked many questions over the past few weeks and has written a little about herself and what will be happening during the weeks leading up to the pageant.

Doctor Love: Marriage Issues
Dear Doctor Love, I have been with my guy for a year and a half. We got engaged and the wedding will be in about four months. I have a strong sense of moral values so we have never had sex. My plan is to wait until marriage. Then out of the blue he tells me that he is impotent. I think he needs to see a doctor and he does, too but after two months he still has not gone. Impotence will not work for me because I want children and the intimacy of sex. Please help. /s/ Baffled In Belize

Ambergris Today

Belizean Children to Benefit from Free Cancer Treatment in Merida
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan for the treatment of children with cancer from Belize. The agreement will allow children under the age of 18 to access treatment services in Merida once they have been referred by the Belize Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health - with costs being covered through the generous grant recently provided by the Social Security Board for this purpose. Treatments available under this - first of its kind - agreement include: specialist consultations, hospitalization, chemotherapy, biopsy, imaging including CT scans and ultrasound and other treatments for children with cancer.

Misc Belizean Sources

Thirsty Thursdays Halloween
Thirsty Thursdays had a jamming Halloween Party too.

Soul Project Halloween
The Soul Project's Halloween Rave was wild. Lots of creative costumes, and some great music.

CACHE Cultural Costume Contest
CACHE is having their Cultural Costume Contest on Sunday around the CACHE Cafe in Centennial Park. There will be prizes for kids with the best costumes. "Dress up as a cultural folklore character such as la Llorona, Tata Duende, Sirena, Sisimite, la Chatona, la Chepona, or a historical figure such as a Chiclero, a logwood cutter etc. Here's your chance to win cash prizes! (Kids) 1st place $30 2nd place $25 3rd place $20 and a special category for adults- Prize: Autographed Under the Yax'che Tree"

Archaeology in the Community
This week Dr. Jones and Archaeology in the Community concluded their two week educational outreach program in Belize. During the program they traveled to Belmopan, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker and Blue Creek to conduct archeology workshops with over 150 students. Pictured below - Dr. Jones works with students at Tumul Kin in Blue Creek.

The Reporter

Mexican cartels have more operations in Central America, Belize included
Three of Mexico’s biggest drug trafficking organizations have moved 90 percent of their cocaine trafficking operations to Central America, indicates a new UN report. Two of the groups, the Pacific Cartel (an alliance of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Gulf Cartel) and the Zetas, have moved 90 percent of their US-bound cocaine trafficking operations to Central America, because of the aggressive strategy towards organized crime. They have also fought to control plazas to Central America, making Mexican organized crime the main criminal problem in the region. Belize is considered the Zetas’ zone of operation. In El Salvador, the principal drug trafficking organization is the Pacific Cartel, which also operates in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Since the 2009 coup in Honduras, the country has been used by both groups as a port of arrival for drugs from Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.

Policeman dies in traffic mishap
A policeman attached to the Hattieville Police Formation lost his life in a traffic accident a few hours ago. The Reporter has confirmed that Sergeant Orlando Cruz, originally from the Cayo district, was driving a morotcycle on the Philip Goldson Highway sometime Sunday morning when he lost control of the cycle on the approach to the Haulover Bridge and slammed into the protective metal barrier. The cycle reportedly got wedged in the barrier, crushing Cruz and causing him severe injuries. He died moments later. Officer Commanding the Hattieville Police Formation, Inspector Rochel Chan told the Reporter Sunday that Cruz was a promising and reliable police officer, and that his death is a huge loss to the Hattieville Police Formation and the Belize Police Department.

Breaking Belize News

Mainly fair and dry weather prevails
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies today and partly cloudy skies tonight with no rainfall expected, except for a possible isolated thunderstorm developing inland this afternoon. Winds will be blowing from the East-Southeast at 10 to 20 knots and the sea state will be choppy […]

Jamaican-American neonatologist says neonatal baby deaths “heartbreaking”
As Belize this week welcomed a new pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit built out of the tragedy of 13 babies killed in a month at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) two years ago, Jamaica is struggling with a heavier toll, spread across two hospitals. Nineteen babies […]

San Pedro residents concerned over shallow graves
There is disturbing information coming out from San Pedro Town. Several concern residents in the Mosquito Coast area, are concerned for their health since the new cemetery has been used, in an inappropriate way, they claim. According to a resident, a couple months ago members of the police department discovered […]

Accident near Ladyville lands its victim at the KHMH
Information reaching our newsroom is that of a traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway in the vicinity of LadyVille. BMG was made to understand that the victim has been rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) via ambulance. This is a developing story. More will be posted shortly.

Early morning homicide in San Ignacio Town
Information reaching our newsroom is that in the wee hours of Sunday morning, San Ignacio Police have opened a case of homicide in that municipality. Sources say the victim was brutally stabbed. Information is yet sketchy but BMG was made to understand that the incident played out in a popular […]

Blogs

Halloween in San Pedro, Belize, 2015: It’s Not to Be Missed – Part One
Last night was a beauty…warm, rainless and BUSY! The town was hoping with parties everywhere, the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, giving a pre-election speech in Central Park (on Halloween! in San Pedro!), fireworks and everyone out and about celebrating. My friend Steve, owner of Lola’s Pub and co-owner of the new this season Stax Sunset Lounge & Cafe at Hol Chan Resort & Villas took some amazing photos of the goings-on…and shared them with me at 2:03am. I was…fast asleep. THANKS STEVE!

A Tourist’s Guide on the Best Water Sports in Belize
Water sports in Belize offers a great way to enjoy the waters of this beautiful country and add excitement and adventure to your vacation. The coastline of Belize is mainly known for irs diving and fishing, but it is also a great backdrop for differnt water sports. The steady winds and calm waters given the by barrier reef make for smooth sails off the coast. If you are looking to doing more than just enjoy the scenery, add adventure on th ewater with this must-do Belize activity. However, take note that even if all the islands and coastal beaches offer water sports, the availability can vary. Offering the best water sports equipment diversity, Ambergris Cate has torpedo rides, sailboars, windsurfing boards, wakeboards, kneeboards, kite boards, sailboats, parasails and jetskis. The barrier reef is less than a mile offshore with different water conditions from calm waters to large waves. There is something for every skill level, from beginner to advanced.

April's Peanut Butter Microwave Fudge
Place sugar, butter and milk in a large mixing bowl. Cook in the microwave 2 minutes on high. Take out, beat ingredients with hand mixer until combined. Microwave 30 seconds more, then add peanut butter and mix by hand or mixer until combined. Spread in foil lined 8x8 pan. Let cool then cut and ENJOY! Everyone will LOVE this!!!!!!!

Trashing Halloween in San Pedro is a barrel of laughs
We totally trashed Halloween this year. No, I didn’t say we got trashed. I said we trashed Halloween. As in garbage. It is a big topic on the island these days because it is a big problem. As one guy would say, “Trash is huuuge!” So, to bring awareness to the problem, our First Friday Tres Cocos Roadside Trash Pick-up group decided to bring the trash to the people. Rose, Linda, Marie, Sue made beautiful gowns out of trash bags, Belikin beer tops, Crystal water bottles and the like. Thank you, especially, Bowen & Bowen for providing inspiration through all your disposable products which can be found on streets, lagoons, beaches and vacant lots all over Ambergris Caye. Christina dropped in as a very green Fairy Garbage Mother. The rest of the gang — Scott & Susan, Steve, Carmen and Wayne — went as trash cans. Not any trash cans. Reproductions of the ones that the San Pedro Town Council has promised us will be distributed north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge.

International Sources

CCJ grants historic Constitutional relief to Maya people
The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) says the Belize government breached the right of the Maya community to protection of the law by failing to ensure that the existing property regime, inherited from the pre-independence colonial system, recognised and protected Maya land rights. The 25 members of the Maya Leaders Alliance had been fighting for recognition and protection of Maya land rights before international courts and the courts of Belize for more than 20 years. Their appeal before the CCJ arose out of litigation precipitated by an incursion onto farm lands in the Golden Stream village by Francis Johnson, now deceased. While the appeal was being heard by the CCJ in Belize, the appellants and the Belize government entered into a Consent Order on April 22, 2015 which recognised that the Maya system of customary land tenure gives rise to property rights within the meaning of the Constitution of Belize.

Marine Reserves Need Stepping Stones to Help Fish Disperse
A massive field effort on the Belizean Barrier Reef has revealed for the first time that the offspring of at least one coral reef fish, a neon goby, do not disperse far from their parents. The results indicate that if marine protected areas aim to conserve such fishes, and biodiversity more broadly, then they must be spaced closely enough to allow larvae to disperse successfully between them. A growing body of scientific research has demonstrated that marine protected areas, particularly no-take marine reserves that exclude extractive activities like fishing, can increase biodiversity and sustain fisheries within the reserves, often with spillover benefits in surrounding areas. But despite the decline of coral reefs and fisheries worldwide, only 3.5 percent of the ocean is protected and only 1.6 percent of it is fully protected. Moreover, for reserves to conserve marine biodiversity most effectively, they must be embedded in networks that are connected such that marine life from one reserve can repopulate other reserves.

Caribbean employers' and workers' organisations to meet in Grenada
A regional bipartite meeting organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), together with the Caribbean Employers' Confederation and the Caribbean Congress of Labour, will take place from November 3 to 5 at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Point Salines, Grenada. The meeting follows a series of national workshops which were held between July and October 2015 in 14 CARIFORUM member states -- St Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. These national workshops determined joint points of action to formalise and institutionalise national social dialogue, and identified priority areas of concern. At the regional meeting each member state will report back on the actions agreed at the national workshops. Representatives from Caribbean employers' and workers' organisations will also develop positions on social and economic issues to be furthered at the regional level.

Beware monster weed
Sargassum is destroying Mexico’s tourism economy. Could the monster weed do the same thing in the wider Caribbean? The following narrative is an extract from the Washington Post of October 28, 2015, a story titled, “Mexico deploys its navy to face its latest threat: Monster seaweed”. OK. Joshua Partlow and Gabriela Martinez writing in the Washington Post Newspaper describe how, “From Barbados to Belize, and Cancun to Tulum, a brown seaweed known as sargassum, has invaded the Caribbean basin this year.’’ The writers warn that, “Vast floating mats have washed up and buried beaches. The piles of seaweed grew more than four feet high in Antigua and forced some people to abandon their homes.’’

Videos

November 1, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Council of Churches’ statement on the 2015 General Elections
As we approach General Elections 2015, the Belize Council of Churches wishes to call the attention of all Belizeans on the followings: We encourage all the parties involved in this election, the Political Parties, the Elections and Boundaries Commission, and the Voters, to put the interest of the country above and beyond their own self-interest and allow the electoral process to be fair, peaceful and objective. We encourage the institutions responsible for law and order in our land to be vigilant, responsible and fair in the exercise of their duties. We encourage all the voters to say no to any form of political intimidation or enticement, such as receiving money for your vote, which tantamount to participating in the corruption of our democracy. We therefore call on all voters to vote in concert with their conscience and on what is best for Belize, that is, to vote for those who will best represent the interest of all Belizeans.

Two major political parties launch their manifesto
On Wednesday, October 21st the two main political parties in Belize, the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) simultaneously launched their manifestos. The PUP 2015-2019 manifesto called ‘Power to the People’ was launched at the party’s Independence Hall Headquarters, where 30 of the 31 PUP standard bearers contesting the November 4th general elections were present. Meanwhile, the ruling party, the UDP, launched theirs at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel. The 2015-2020 UDP’s manifesto titled ‘The Best is Yet to Come’ is the party’s third agenda in over eight years as it attempts to make history by winning an unprecedented third term. Both agendas bring an array of plans for the well-being of the country and its people. The contract of the Opposition PUP with the people emphasized that their commitments are ‘Urgent Matters.’ Meanwhile the ruling UDP is assuring Belizeans, that better is coming and the country will see more progress in the future.

Pavement of Sandpiper Street is underway
The San Pedro Town Council’s (SPTC) street rehabilitation efforts continue with the cementing of Sandpiper Street. Work on the street commenced on Friday, October 23rd and is expected to be completed by Tuesday, November 3rd in preparation for the 2015 General Elections. Sandpiper Street is located just right of the roundabout connecting Pescador Drive to Boca del Rio Drive. Due to its proximity to both the San Pedro High School and the beach area, Sandpiper Street is a heavily trafficked area, and as such the upgrade of the street will facilitate traffic. Guerrero further explained that once construction on Sandpiper Street is complete, work will commence on beach reclamation efforts. “Beach erosion is a serious problem that we are facing in the stretch of beach from Wet Willy’s Dock to Boca del Rio Park. We already have plans that will be put into place to reclaim that beach area and make it a better beach for residents and visitors,” said Guerrero. As part of the reclamation efforts, SPTC will be installing a 24” underground pipe the length of the beach which will be connected to the drainage system of each house to reduce water runoff on the beach. SPTC will also be constructing a retaining wall along the coast in hopes of lessening erosion effects.

Misc Belizean Sources

Job opening for Tour Guide
***TOUR GUIDE - boat tour company established in San Pedro looking for serious, responsible tour guide for a full-time job (free-lance tour guides are also of interest for extras), with immediate effect. Please call 6077245 for info.

Cancer Protection Drive in San Pedro
Wow! What a turn out! In total 15 PAP SMEARS and 19 BREAST EXAMINATIONS were done at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. The total amount collected at the Dollar Drives was $5000.06! The San Pedro Town Council would like to thank everyone who contributed to the dollar drive and to those who visited the polyclinic and got their exams done. Thank you to Annie's Pastries, Casa Pan Dulce and Sweet Treats for donating cupcakes for the people taking the exams and Thank you to the staff at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez II Polyclinic for assisting us with this cause. Thank you to the Staff of the SPTC for helping out at the Dollar Drive! GREAT JOB EVERYONE! Rembember, EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!

CACHE Cultural Costume Contest
CACHE is having their Cultural Costume Contest on Sunday around the CACHE Cafe in Centennial Park. There will be prizes for kids with the best costumes. "Dress up as a cultural folklore character such as la Llorona, Tata Duende, Sirena, Sisimite, la Chatona, la Chepona, or a historical figure such as a Chiclero, a logwood cutter etc. Here's your chance to win cash prizes! (Kids) 1st place $30 2nd place $25 3rd place $20 and a special category for adults- Prize: Autographed Under the Yax'che Tree"

U.S. Embassy Belize wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!!!
Learn about how the U.S. tradition of Halloween evolved here: http://bit.ly/1yzzH7w

The Reporter

New Guatemalan president insists Belize is theirs; Belize’s PM takes diplomatic approach to comments
Soon after his election as president of Guatemala last Sunday, Jimmy Morales delivered a speech in which he said Belize belongs to Guatemala and that they should not give up any of it. But while Morales has taken a hardline approach to the age-old dispute, Dean Barrow, still carrying out his role as Belize’s Prime Minister, took a more diplomatic approach to those remarks this week. In his speech to Guatemalans, Morales said, “How can we forget Belize? Up until a few years ago, the Constitution of Guatemala said that Belize is Guatemalan territory and still we have a differendum and without wanting to fight with our brothers and neighbors.” But Morales ended his speech on the topic of Belize, expressing his view that Guatemala should aggressively pursue its claim.

Evidence against Venezuelan opposition leader was fabricated, says US
The Venezuelan government fabricated evidence against opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, said a former prosecutor who handled the case against the popular politician. Ex-prosecutor Franklin Nieves, who fled Venezuela last week, told CNN that “100% of the investigation was invented” around false evidence in a sham prosecution allegedly orchestrated by President Nicolas Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, the head of the National Assembly. Lopez was sentenced last month to nearly 14 years in prison and immediately took to social media to say, “This sentence is not only against me, but it attempts to bring down the spirits of everyone who is fighting to have a better country,” according to his verified Twitter account. Jailed since February 2014, Lopez had rallied opposition against what he considered heavy-handed rule by Venezuelan presidents.

Belizean faces traffic charges following serious accident in Chetumal
A Belizean man is facing traffic charges in Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico pending the classification of injuries that the occupants of a taxi suffered in a traffic accident that he is accused of causing. The Belizean was driving a loaded trailer out of a construction supplies factory on the old Santa Elena highway around 7:30 p.m. Monday. He reportedly did not ensure that traffic was clear before he proceeded onto the street and the oncoming taxi had no time to avoid colliding into the trailer, which had 20 tons of cement on board. The taxi driver and a passenger inside suffered serious head, facial and chest injuries when the car slammed into the trailer and got wedged underneath, trapping its occupants inside.

Breaking Belize News

5 year old child shot by masked men in San Martin, Belmopan
Belize Media Group has confirmed that a 5 year old child and two other adults are currently hospitalized and are in critical condition at the KHMH after they were shot. BMG was made to understand that, two men wearing Halloween mask on a motorcycle opened fire while the trio stood in a crowd […]

UDP Candidate defends “unfair” tax exemptions
Candidate for the Orange Walk Central constituency of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in next Wednesday’s general election, Denny Grijalva, denies that he was given more favorable treatment for duty exemptions for a road building project from Yo Creek to San Antonio villages inclusive, Orange Walk District. PUP […]

PUP makes more election rigging allegations
The People’s United Party (PUP) is alleging another election rigging attempt by the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the Cayo district. According to Orlando Habet, PUP Cayo North-East standard bearer he has received several credible reports of UDP operatives deceiving and try to coerce public officers to vote for the […]

Your Vote For Your Future
By Charlie Leslie Jr: The notion and belief that we don’t have a chance of being Balkanized if we go to ICJ is the most dangerous precipice Belize has ever been on in post independent Belize. Belizeans still have this false premise that you vote for a political party. No. You […]

Blogs

Winning Entry : Citizenship – Why I will vote on November 4th, 2015 written by: Jamie A. Burns Jr.
I have never bore witness to a purer, more innate sense of patriotism than that of the collective Belizean people. Belize boasts a national haven of resource, both human and natural. “Mother Nature’s best kept secret” remains only on the fringes of secrecy, because our earthly divinity is rapidly becoming world renowned and internationally beloved. Who then, will be selected as caretakers of our Belize? Furthermore, who will be held accountable for those choices? How do we vet and vie the candidates who seek to subscribe to the guardianship over the “Land Of The Free”? Democracy – the process which harkens our participation and gives content to the speech of the populace; therein lies the engine of our governance. My vote is my voice, and I will vote on November 4th, 2015. In direct opposition to the carefree cliché, ignorance is not bliss, certainly not when it comes to general elections. To abstain from voting when you possess the eligibility to cast a ballot is tantamount to being wilfully mute in the discourse of our national regime. Your voice is inevitably drowned amidst the ones of those who practiced their right and adhered to their responsibility to see the one, true victory present itself on Election Day: democracy. Some vocally defeat the value of their vote, convinced that their say will not sway an election. If I may contravene from a logically-parallel perspective: one vote is resonant in adding to or subtracting from the eventual majority or minority. If there is strength in numbers, then there can certainly be weakness in few.

Haunted and Hot the Halloween Celebrations Continue
It is not uncommon for some local businesses to do an annual event for a particular cause. This is the case with Wayo’s Haunted beach house. Every year they make a big party with a haunted house on the beach to raise money for a charity. This year the party spanned two evenings, although Thursday was pretty much a “dress rehearsal” and final set up. I wanted to go to Wayo’s this year but was unable to get there. I even saw Lara on her way last night and she did a rolling stop to ask if I was going. I told her I had other plans and continued riding south to home. Unfortunately not long after I got home my plans were cancelled to cancelled due to the other persons work issues surrounding a big upcoming wedding. Seciond day of the 2 day affair I could not go as last night was Red Cross Crazy Canucks Trivia night, I was there to represent San Pedro Branch. Thankfully Shirlee and George were planning to attend Wayo’s and she said they would get a few pics for me to help promote it.

Before 10am in San Pedro: There’s A Ton Going on in this Town
I was up early today – I won’t describe why…it just had to do with my dog & some cat poop and…that’s enough said. But it certainly was an early morning Halloween trick. Best to get up, do the laundry and get some distance from the situation. First, while driving south, I ran into a 5k run. I drove to the finish line passing runners and walkers of all ages (very carefully). Liliana, my crossfit coach who JUST HAD A BABY 6 MONTHS AGO, came in 1st place for women. And Jose, my friend from class, came in 9th overall. Nice work guys. Especially for 7am on a Saturday morning. I hightailed it over to the beautiful Phoenix Resort to help with their weekly 8am Saturday beach clean up. I love that they have been doing this for months. Employees, volunteers from the high school, owners at the resort, who ever wants to help…

Orange Chicken (Restaurant Style)
Pour into saucepan water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce; and set over medium-high heat. Stir in orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, red pepper, and chopped onion. In a small bowl Mix 3 Tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of cold water mix well and add it to your sauce. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and let cool 10 to 15 minutes. Place chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve remaining sauce. Seal bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

International Sources

Central America Trip #14
This trip ended up being 343 days and 16,000+ miles through the back-country of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. 11 rigs started the trip, within a week we broke into three smaller groups for ease of traveling. Only myself and one other rig went the full, pre-planned route. All the others dropped out for various reasons. All returned safely to the United States. I’m planning to show these photos, more or less, 10 a day, whenever I’m not doing something else deserving a blog entry. FINALLY, it must be remembered these photos are prior to my switching to digital in 2006. The films were developed during our trip and the lack of quality control sometimes is plainly evident. Today we are headed for the Mayan Laminai Ruins deep in the jungle. It takes one hour by a very speedy boat trip… You can see just how fast we were moving. The boat operator just loved bending through the river’s “S” turns at this high-speed… A walk to another ruin through the jungle was interesting. Here we saw the small black howler monkeys that have a roar as loud as a lion!

Deep thinker: UM oceanographer also a champion free diver
Dr. Claire Paris found that the truest way to study the behavior of fish was to become one. The University of Miami oceanographer has spent countless hours underwater conducting her experiments. She had to be a strong swimmer and capable diver to do her life’s work in makeshift laboratories beneath the surface of the sea, whether she was in the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, French Polynesia, Norway’s fjords or Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. She became so adept at navigating the deep that she decided to apply her skills to competition. Two months ago, the scientist became a champion athlete. Paris set the U.S. women’s free diving record in the dynamic no-fins event by swimming 128 meters (420 feet) in 3 minutes, 7 seconds underwater while holding her breath. Two years ago in Belize, during a study of goby larvae, Paris had to make repetitive dives of 40 to 50 feet to set the fragile baby fish free. Scuba gear could not be used because the bubbles and noise would disturb the movement of the fish. Paris relied on her basic free diving and snorkeling skills, swimming up and down on one breath of air. Paris used her invention, the Drifting In Situ Chamber (DISC) to deploy the larvae. The DISC is like an immersible mobile nursery, with a transparent mesh chamber in which Paris can observe and record the fish remotely with a GoPro camera and microphone. Her studies tracking different species show that even infant fish are excellent navigators. During the expedition in Belize, Paris, 57, became intrigued by the idea of pushing her limits as a diver. She has competed in triathlons and marathons. She figured she would try the sport of free diving — so called because divers are unencumbered by scuba gear and the decompression restrictions of breathing compressed air through a regulator. “Claire is a very athletic, competitive person who qualified for the Boston Marathon on her first try,” said her husband, Ricardo Paris, a Coconut Grove entrepreneur who joined her in free diving classes and has since become an instructor for Grove Scuba and his wife’s coach. “She used to race motorcycles and get into wrecks. She had two bad bike accidents. She injured her knee running. Free diving was a good sport for her because she couldn’t hurt herself.”

RAHN: Tale of two small countries
Belize and Cayman - Two Caribbean destinations with opposite dimensions. One has and the other has not. Cayman is rich, and Belize is poor. Why? Both are small Caribbean countries with the same climate and roughly the same mixed racial heritage, and both were English-speaking British colonies. Belize (the former British Honduras) received its independence in 1981, while Cayman is still not fully independent but is self-governing at the local level, with its own currency, laws and regulations.

Videos