Recent Belize News, 12/11/2015 to 12/20/2015, BelizeNews.com

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

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: Undesirable Land Conditions in Ambergris Caye
To the editor of the San Pedro Sun: While talking to resort management we learned that tourist complains are up and we can write a letter for the better of the island. Unfortunately Ambergris Caye is not blessed with top quality wide beaches and easy ocean access from beaches, an unfortunate fact given by nature. That’s already difficult by itself for tourism. Luckily we found a strip at a neighboring resort where we could walk into the ocean safely without sinking in ocean swamp as present in most beaches on the island. But more importantly we thought, that an island that disadvantaged would see it as a priority to offer best on-land conditions in order to stay competitive. But no, on land it was clearly worse. The island’s vehicle traffic is beyond what we as tourists are willing to endure. We encountered caravans of heavy trucks with stinking exhaust, too many dilapidated cars and unsafe traffic. Several times we got nauseous from black smoke and stinking car exhaust. There was a nearly permanent dust development from speeding and too many cars on roads even in town. San Pedro town was not any special or worthwhile to visit either. As stated, if an island can’t compete with top beach and ocean conditions, the more important it would be to offer top quality conditions on land, town and roads. “Unfortunately Ambergris Caye offers neither”.

Projects Abroad holds first Christmas camp
Projects Abroad, a new organization in San Pedro Town, is holding their first ever Christmas Camp. Being held from December 14th to the 23rd at the Lions Den, the camp is designed for under privileged children of the island to be able to play and socialize with other children. During the camp, they have the opportunity to learn team work, personal development and self-confidence. The main purpose of the activity is to encourage children to interact with others and build friendships that last a lifetime. The camp operates daily from 9AM to noon with lots of fun activities. According to Acting Country Director Kaitlin McWhorter, each day consists of a different activity to keep everyone’s interest and at the same time offers learning experiences. “We introduce them to fair play competitions and get them together to make team posters. Each day they are shuffled to work and play with different children. At the end of the day, they come up with theme posters which reflect the particular topic of the day,” said McWhorter. She mentioned that during an upcoming program, a speaker will be visiting the children at the camp to talk to them about trash and recycling. After the presentation, they will be tasked in creating a recycled toy.

2015 Christmas season safety tips
holiday_safetyIn the season of joy and sharing, to ensure your Christmas is safe and accident free, the Community Policing Unit would like to share some tips everyone can practice: • Know your limits. The more you drink, the more likely you are to have an accident; assign a designated driver who will ensure that everyone gets home safety. • Secrecy of cash movement is essential. Do not make cash deposits at banks a routine. Vary your timing and route to banks. Where possible, change the courier of the deposits. Remember many persons may use their cell phone to commit criminal activities. • Ladies be careful if you are at a party. Always observe when your drinks are being mixed. When going home, ensure that you are in the company of another friend, and if escorted by a male ensure he is someone you know well and can trust. “Prevent Sexual Abuse”. • Do not leave large amounts of cash in registers or cash drawers or with gas attendants; remove at intervals during business hours and secure in a safe place. • Large sums of cash should not be publicly displayed, i.e. gas attendants pulling out large sums of cash to give change.

San Pedro Police and Camp Starfish aid Belize Special Olympics
Since 2014, the San Pedro Police formation through the Community Policing Unit has been assisting the Special Olympics Belize in raising funds. Help comes in various ways, such as asking for donations, holding drives and food sales. This year, two of the main fundraisers were barbeque sales, which were organized with assistance from members of Camp Starfish. The first sale took place on the 27th of November, followed by the second one on the 11th of December. According to PC Juan Chuc from the Community Policing Unit, the funds raised at the bar-b-que’s sales went directly to Special Olympics Belize, and he’s proud to say that the amount of money raised was higher than those of last year. “Every year coming to December, my unit assists Special Olympics of Belize prior to its annual games in every way we can. This year we held two successful bar-b-que sales which yielded a satisfactory amount of funds. We raised a total of $1,264 at the first sale, and $1,071 at the second,” said Chuc. He expressed his satisfaction at being able to assist the cause which he feels needs more attention from the rest of the community.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize hoping for reduction in murders in 2015
National Security Minister John Saldivar says the authorities have “gotten a grip” on the crime situation and is hoping to end the year with a decline in the number of people murdered in Belize. Saldivar said that government says crime comparative statistic report as of November shows that all major crimes with the exception of murder are below last year’s figures. In 2014, the total major crimes were 2, 287 as at the end of November with the National Security Minister indicating that the comparable figure for this year stood at 2, 027. “When you study the statistics on major crimes since 2008, you would observe a steady decline in major crimes from 3,126 in 2008 to 3,118 in 2009 to 2,447 in 2010; 2, 320 in 2011, 2,259 in 2012 and 2,227 in 2013. “I can also report to you that as of today, our murder count for 2015 stands at a 116. With two weeks remaining in this year, we are confident that we will be below last year’s figures and may very well turn out to be the second best year for us as a department since 2008.

San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade delayed until Monday
Due to the unpredictable weather conditions, and for the safety of all participants, the boat parade committee has made the decision to postpone the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade to Monday, December 21. The event times, raffles, awards ceremonies, and viewing stations will not change. We apologize for the inconvenience, but safety is of our main concerns and priorities. Would you please help us in spreading the word to ensure that everyone has a chance to spectate this wonderful parade on Monday evening? Thank you so much, and enjoy your weekend. We'll see you Monday evening!

End of year class class with Belize's yoga master
Don't miss this end of year master class with Belize's own yoga master! All levels welcome December 27th 8-10am at the princess room at Ramada Belize Princess Hotel

Miss World competition today
The International Costa Maya Festival Committee wishes Miss Costa Maya 2015, Gabriela Salazar, all the best representing Honduras at the Miss World competition today.

Amandala

$60 mil lost due to illegal logging by Guats over 174 square miles of Belize
Over the last two years, Belize’s beleaguered Chiquibul Forest has finally seen a reprieve from an onslaught of illegal incursions by Guatemalans; and while that is great news for the country, the travesty is the staggering economic cost of these incursions, with losses to the tune of $60 million reported since Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) began monitoring the area in 2007. On Wednesday, December 16, an FCD team held a press conference at the Marine Parade Chambers in Belize City to report on where the Chiquibul is two years after its last major report. Since then the FCD was able to fundraise over $320,000 via a national telethon, which was held a month after Belize lost one of its young law enforcement officers whose life was cut short in a brazen murder believed to have been perpetrated by illegal Guatemalan loggers. Everyone remembers the tragic September 2014 murder of Danny Conorquie, the special constable who was fatally shot at the age of 20 at Caracol, where tourists were visiting at the time.

Paraiso “bad man” remanded to jail on murder charge
Paraiso resident, Adan Meza, 29, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison today on a charge of murder for the stabbing death of Alberto Briceño, 22, also of Paraiso. Meza was taken to the Corozal Magistrate’s Court today, where he was arraigned for the offence. Police charge that at about 9:30 Saturday night, Briceno was socializing at a fair that was being held in the village, when he was attacked and stabbed by Meza. Superintendent Dennis Arnold, Commander of Corozal police, reported that Meza stabbed Briceño six times: in the center of the chest, the left side of chest and the center of the abdomen, and three times in the back. Briceño also was cut twice on the left wrist. Briceño was taken to the Corozal Town Hospital, where he died about 25 minutes later, as doctors were trying to help him.

From champion ice cream vendor to drug courier and pimp
Emmerth Jefferson Michaels Solis may not be known by the younger generation of Belizeans today, but in his heyday, Solis was one of the best homemade ice cream makers and sellers in Belize City. (Emmerth Solis’ ice cream business was not connected to Solis Ice Cream, which was a shop that was located on Cemetery Road, where Belizean Chinese Fry Chicken is now located.) Today, the 59-year-old Solis shared his story of how he went from selling ice cream in the streets of colonial Belize City to how he got involved in the drug trade and became a courier for an Orange Walk-based drug dealer, a job which landed him in a Mexican federal prison. After years of a tragic life in and out of different prisons in Mexico, the United States and Belize, all that Solis wants more than anything now is to return to the streets of Belize City with his homemade ice cream, but he is desperately in need of a manually-operated 10-quart ice cream tub to make that dream a reality.

3 containers of rice sit at Big Creek port
Gustavo Carrillo of Port of Big Creek told Amandala that three 24-foot containers of rice arrived in the country today, but these containers are still sitting at the port in Big Creek. Sergio Garcia, the consultant for businessman Jitendra Chawla (also known as Jack Charles), who has embarked on a commercial effort to import rice into Belize from Guyana, which he intends to sell at much lower prices than locally produced rice, told Amandala that they went to collect the rice, but were told by Port of Big Creek authorities that the port’s management had been given instructions not to release the rice. For some time now, Chawla has been promoting his rice on the radio, frustrating local producers who fear that they will lose business due to the presence of this cheaper rice from Guyana on the local market. “The matter is more than just about the price of rice,” the Belize Chamber of Commerce stated in a press release dated December 16, 2015. The Chamber of Commerce release continued by stating that the measure the importer is taking will cause at least 20% of our local farmers to lose business. The release also cautioned that the importer must ensure that he follows proper procedures in order to protect the consumer.

7 more persons charged in home invasion case
Ladyville police have leveled more charges in connection with the invasion of the home of Lebanese diplomat Sarkis Abou Nehra, whose home was invaded by eight men, some of whom were armed with handguns. Seven more persons were brought to court on a single charge of handling stolen goods. Initially, nine persons were remanded to prison on various charges in connection with the incident, which occurred between Thursday, December 3, and the early morning hours of Friday, December 4. Then last Friday, police charged three more persons with handling stolen goods. A total of nineteen persons are now facing charges ranging from handling stolen goods to aggravated burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. Yesterday, Monday, five adults and two minors appeared in the Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of handling stolen goods.

6.6 M Chiapas quake shakes Belize
–Early afternoon tremors were felt across Belize today, when a 6.6 magnitude earthquake shook an area near Tres Picos, Chiapas in southern Mexico, almost 300 miles west of Belize. According to international media reports, computer models from the US Geological Service (USGS) estimated that 22.1 million people may have felt the earthquake, including 232,000 people who may have observed “moderate” shaking. There were no reports of injuries or destruction from the earthquake, which reportedly occurred at a depth of 93.7 km at 1:49 p.m. Belize time. Hours earlier, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake was reported in Costa Rica.

Verdes survives the Bandits
After completing game 1 of their semifinals series a week earlier, where Placencia Assassins shocked Police United, 2-1, in Independence; and Verdes FC dropped Belmopan Bandits, 2-0, in San Ignacio; the top 4 teams in this Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2015-2016 Opening Season took the field again this past weekend; and when it was all over, 2 teams emerged aggregate winners of their series, and are now set to clash in the best-of-2 games PLB championship series. Those two teams are Verdes FC and Police United FC. For the many fans that couldn’t make the journey to witness the “do or die” semifinals game 2, we take a look back at these two big semifinal encounters this past weekend. Football fans, you missed a couple good ones, indeed! The finals should be good too. Both regular season games between Police United and Verdes ended in draws; it was 0-0 on Sunday, October 4, in San Ignacio, and 1-1 on Sunday, November 29, again in San Ignacio. One of these two will become the PLB 2015-2016 Opening Season Champion.

2015 National High School Basketball Champions
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) National Basketball Championship, co-sponsored by Bowen & Bowen (Crystal Brand) and SOL Belize Ltd., and hosted by Escuela Secundaria Tecnica High School, was held last Friday and Saturday, December 11-12, at the Andres Campos Civic Center in Corozal Town. Representing female (F) and male (M) high schools as champions of their respective country zones were: NORTH: (F) San Pedro High School (SPHS); (M) Muffles College (MC). CENTRAL: (F) St. Catherine Academy (SCA); (M) Gwen Lizarraga High School (GLH). WEST: (F) Sacred Heart College (SHC); (M) Sacred Heart College (SHC). SOUTH: (F) Delille Academy (DA); (M) Julian Cho Technical High School (JCTHS). The tournament followed a simple knockout format, with losers on Friday playing for third place on Saturday, while Friday’s winners moved on to the championship finals on Saturday.

BDFA Interim Committee U-15 football results
With four more weeks of regular season games now remaining in the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Interim Committee U-15 Football Tournament, coordinated by Stanley “Jordan” Reneau, 4 more games were played on Sunday, December 13, at the MCC Grounds. In game 1, City Boys dropped Collet Strikers, 3-1, with a goal each from Denroy Lopez, Jalen Babb and Kenroy Linares; while Wayne Ford got the only goal for Collet. Game 2 saw Ladyville Rising Stars getting the 2-1 win over Carlston Strikers. Glendale Nunez struck twice for Rising Stars, while Alex Estelle scored for Carlston. In game 3, it was Hattieville Riverside Boys, 4-2, over Ladyville Jaguars. Mario Rivera and Jadon McGregor scored 2 goals each for Riverside Boys, while Allen Anderson and Lyndon Flowers netted a goal apiece for the Jaguars.

Editorial: Money, rice, and politics
For argument’s sake, let us say there are two kinds of people in the world, and in Belize. There are those who are always in need of money, and let’s call these the base. Then, there are those who are always in possession of money, and these are the bankers. You and I know, the bankers rule. In colonial days in Belize, there was a dominant culture amongst the black majority which discouraged obsession with money. Rich people were almost considered quaint in Belize. The base revered teachers, nurses and midwives, the clergy, athletes, stage performers, musicians, merchant seamen, and so on. The dominant colonial culture was urban, so farmers were only accepted: they were not esteemed. There was a history going way back to the Spanish hegemony and invasion days in this region which involved (Treaty of Paris, 1763) the Spanish insisting that there should be no farming in Belize, only woodcutting. Remember now, it is internationally accepted that food production is a foundation aspect of nation building. But British Honduras was a colony. It was not until World War II that opportunities for self-rule agitation were created in the Third World.

From the Publisher
I was much closer to my maternal grandfather, who died in 1957 at the age of 62 when I was just ten years old, than to my paternal grandfather, who lived into his nineties. But in the present case, there’s a theme in my column which links my two grandfathers. It has to do with how life was like for sea folk and fisher folk in Belize sixty, seventy years ago at some of the cayes along our coast. Things were slow, relatively lazy, in those days. Most of the boats were sailboats. Those few boats with engines used inboard, diesel engines. They were not fast boats. Outboard engines using gasoline on the backs of speedy skiffs did not enter the picture here until the middle 1960s. Just my personal sense. Outboard engines speeded up caye life a lot. If you were a fisherman or a lighthouse keeper who lived on a remote caye with your family in those days, you could go for weeks, even months, without seeing any strangers, especially in seasons like the Christmas season when the blustery, cold north winds often overpowered the warm easters and southeasters. North weather reduced sea traffic.

An admirer from St. Kitts
Editor, Amandala Sir, I just visited your lovely country (via cruise ship), and I thoroughly adore it. I would be delighted to learn more, and probably visit Belize, and in this connection, desire to be in contact with locals to facilitate this objective. Please, therefore, be so kind as to publish my particulars in your esteemed newspaper, and I hope someone or ones choose to write to me as a new friend. Thank you very much for your assistance.

CRFM and partners to unlock the full potential of Caribbean fisheries
Some fear that climate change and global economic pressures will create a toxic mix that would cripple the potential of the Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture sector, but a new initiative being implemented by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is looking for that “golden key” that would, instead, unlock the industry’s hidden potential for all concerned; thus improving the contribution of fisheries to the region’s economic development. This should ensure that both suppliers and buyers have more money in their pockets, as they keep the resource base on a healthy and sustainable footing. A newly launched project will over the next year bring together key public and private actors in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, to optimize the benefits across the value chain – from the fishers who set their traps to reap the ocean’s bounty to the buyers who search for the most economical catch to serve up an impressive meal. Towards this end, the CRFM led a planning meeting in Grenada from 7-9 December 2015 to jumpstart the organization of a regional training and capacity building workshop on the Value Chain Approach in Caribbean Fisheries. The workshop will take place in July 2016.

3 accept nominations for PUP Leader
After four years of rule by Hon. Francis Fonseca and his national executive, during which the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) had disregarded its constitution and undermined its own internal democratic principles, the PUP closed nominations for leadership and other posts today at 5:00 p.m. Three persons had been nominated for the post of Party Leader and a slew of others were nominated to fill the 11-member PUP executive, elections for which will be held on Sunday, January 31. The venue has not yet been announced. Since its November 4 general election defeat, and the subsequent resignation of Mr. Fonseca as PUP leader, the question preoccupying the minds of political pundits was who would emerge to lead the defeated, divided PUP, which had only agreed to hold a national convention after 12 standard bearers rebelled against the status quo. Initially, those who went on record that they would consider running for PUP Party Leader were John Briceño and Cordel Hyde. Names like Julius Espat and Kareem Musa entered the narrative, but eventually faded into the background; Senator Lisa Shoman, however, subsequently announced that she too had her eyes on the leader position.

Retired public officers say they want money that rightfully belongs to them
An ad hoc committee representing approximately 600 public servants, most of whom are retired, has filed a claim in court in a bid to get their share of money that had been allotted by the Belize Telecommunications Limited to the Public Sector Workers Trust. The trust was designated as the entity to receive those dividends after 794,732 shares in the telecommunications company were issued to the Public Service Union and the Belize National Teachers Union as an effort to compensate for a freeze in annual increments for public servants. The increments (an annual pay raise granted after an appraisal) had been frozen during the period 1995-1997 by the Government of Belize under then Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel. Those public servants who were affected by the freeze are now trying to access their portion of a total sum of $3.6 million dollars, which had been held in a government savings account, but which was transferred to the trustees of the Public Sector Workers’ Trust following an announcement in July of 2014 that the government would be compensating public servants who did not receive their increments as a result of the freeze.

Student, 20, remanded for unlawful sex with minor, 14
A 20-year-old student of ITVET will have to come up with an attorney’s fee to file a Supreme Court bail application if he wants to spend Christmas with his family, since he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison on an allegation that he had unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Kristoff Myvett appeared along with his attorney, Tricia Pitts-Anderson, before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser for arraignment on one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl over 14 years old, but under the consent age of 16-years-old. Police are alleging that Myvett engaged in the act of unlawful sexual intercourse on September 28, 2015, with a minor who is 14 years and 9 months old. Magistrate Fraser explained to him that the matter is an indictable one; therefore, she would not take a plea from him because his case will be heard in the Supreme Court if a preliminary inquiry at the Magistrate’s Court determines that there is sufficient evident to send his case to the higher court.

Police detained minor for 5 days before taking her to court
A minor was detained by Ladyville police on Thursday, December 10, and it appears that she was denied her constitutional right to make a phone call to inform a relative or a friend that she had been arrested, and the right to appear before a magistrate within 48 hours. Beverly Flowers, 53, a housewife of Belize City, believes that the situation could have been handled differently. Flowers told Amandala that she was distraught when her 15-year-old daughter did not come home from school Thursday evening. On Friday, a police officer who knew the minor’s father told him that his daughter was being held by Ladyville police, and that was how Flowers learned of her daughter’s whereabouts. It was not until Friday night that her daughter was charged by police with handling stolen goods, Flowers said.

The Reporter

Coast guard member and businessman busted with almost 6 pounds of weed in vehicle speakers
Three persons, including a Coast Guard member, face drug trafficking charges after they were nabbed with almost six pounds of marijuana on Friday. Police say that members of their Orange Walk formation’s Quick Response Team executed a police check point at the Toll bridge and intercepted a Ford Escalade SUV coming from Chetumal towards Ladyville. A search of the car netted 2669.7 grams (close 6 lbs) of cannabis in one of the speakers. Driving the vehicle was Alrick Smith, a mechanic of Ladyville village; and accompanying him was Norely Cruz, a Coast Guard of Ladyville village and Ming Pei Chuy, business man of Lords Bank Village. Police searched of one of the vehicle’s speakers and discovered three large parcels wrapped in plastic that contained the cannabis. The parcels were weighed at the Orange Walk Police Station. All three occupants of the vehicle have since been arrested and charged for Drug Trafficking and are presently being held at the Orange Walk Police Station.

Labour Act amendment states stevedores cannot strike without notice
An amendment to the Labor Act makes it illegal for stevedores or any worker in the petroleum industry to engage in strive without a notice of 21 days. The amendment that was made to section two (a) of the Act is entitled: “Settlement in disputes of Essential Services Act Chapter 298 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2011", making the stevedores work an essential service. The amendment prevents any industrial acts to be taken without giving the government enough time to intervene and prevent any strikes or lockouts. The stevedores’ strike started over a pension scheme which the workers believed was retroactive and which the management claims never was. Strikes at the Port of Belize have been threatening multiple times and have caused financial hazards to businesses. Notably, on December 8, the Caribe Navigator sailed back, unloaded, to Miami following a seven hour strike at the Port Authority compound.

Breaking Belize News

Orange Walk Police heighten presence for the Christmas Holidays
Orange Walk Police have increased police presence and vigilance throughout the town for the Christmas holidays. Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Formation Selvyn Tillett says the formation will be deploying more mobile, bicycle and foot patrols. “Expect to see more police on the streets […]

Hand in Hand & Belize Bank Handover New Home on Jane Usher Boulevard
A single mother and her three children will spend the Christmas in a more comfortable fashion. Earlier today the folks at Belize Bank along with Hand in Hand Ministries handed over keys to a new home to the Martinez family on Jane Usher Boulevard. […]

Will Jack Charles vs. Belize Agricultural Health Authority land in court?
On Thursday, businessman Jack Charles went to the Port of Big Creek to clear 3 containers of rice which he had imported from Guyana. The BAHA personnel at the port refused to clear the containers, and seized them. They did not provide him any written reasons […]

Orange Walk Police trying to identity decomposed man found hanging from tree
Authorities are performing an autopsy on the decomposed body of a male person who was found yesterday afternoon in Orange Walk Town. Orange Walk Police say they received information about the gruesome discovery from a passerby. At around 3:45 Friday afternoon along the right side of the San […]

Blogs

The Beautiful House Lights Of Ambergris Caye, Belize
I love to take a ride (or a walk) around San Pedro just before Christmas. Houses and businesses, big and small, decorate for the holidays. And the town and the Bowen & Bowen Christmas tree in Central Park are a great place to start. Last night was a gorgeous evening to do it. Flip flops and shorts, we started with an ice cream cone at the Truck Stop and one stunning sunset.

Shrimp Ceviche
Rinse your shrimp under cool water. In Belize we rarely eat raw meats of any kind. Ceviche is an exception. You may cook your shrimp, if you do we recommend a flash boiling technique. Boil some water, and dump in the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, the second they turn pink pour out the water in strainer. After the shrimp is cooked chop it up into small pieces. Once the shrimp is prepared you will essentially make a salsa with the other ingredients. Chop the tomatoes and onions into nice quarter inch chunks. Add pepper, lime juice and salt to taste. Chop up cilantro very fine. Add the shrimp! If you opted for raw shrimp let it soak in the lime juice for 20-30 minutes so that is can “cook” in the acidity of the lime juice.

Belize Whale Shark Diving
If you’ve heard enough jokes referring to bottom-feeding lawyers nicknamed sharks, it’s time to give these magnificent ocean creatures the respect they deserve by preparing yourself to undertake the challenge of a lifetime in 2016. How? By going whale shark diving in Belize. Scared? A little bit of fear is a healthy reaction, but keep this in mind: Belize is home to a thriving aqua-tourism industry offering snorkeling and diving experiences to visitors from around the globe. Would these ventures be as popular, heavily booked and safe if divers didn’t return home with all body parts intact? How can you be part of the great whale shark swim adventure? By grabbing your calendar right now and checking to see when you can get away during Belize’s shark season: during full moon spans of spring and early summer that, in 2016, run from March 23rd to April 3rd; April 22nd to May 3rd; May 21st to June 1st and from June 20th to July 1st.

International Sources

Top 2016 Budget Travel Destinations
So you want to start your new year with a bang — and what better way to do this than throwing out the old mundane routine, and living life on your terms by traveling the globe. For those who dream of globetrotting, and want to make it happen in 2016, below are the upcoming year’s top budget travel destinations, with the target traveler type indicated. Head to Belize for cave tubing, immerse yourself in the Caribbean vibes of Caye Caulker, Guatemala to trek active volcanoes and cook marshmallows over lava. Partake in a homestay with Spanish lessons for $180 a week in San Pedro and open new doors to a beautiful, new culture.

Videos

Belize, 6min.

GUATEMALA/BELIZE 2015, 10min.

Katy & Mike Wedding!!!, 3.5min. Pictures from the wedding in Belize, to a song her dad wrote for her.....

Belize- tendern zwischen Schiff und Hafen, 8min. Tendern zwischen schiff der Carnival legend und dem Hafen von Belize.

Blue marlin with Blue reef adventures, Belize, 2.5min. Catch, measure, revive and release!

Cave Tubing in Central America Belize, 6.5min.

Belize zip line, 3min.

Walking down into cave at Belize for tubing, 2min. Awesome cave adventure in Belize.

Welcome to Belize, 6min.

LES BRETONS VOYAGEURS À CAYE CAULKER AU BELIZE., 4.5min.

Ramon's Village Divers~Blue Hole Adventure Day-, 9min. Special Thanks to Marlene Urrea for sponsoring this dive film episode. Here's a look at our day with three dives and a visit to Half Moon Caye World Heritage Site home of the nesting Red Footed Boobies.

December 19, 2015

Belize Black Team Top Winners at Team Challenge competition in Merida

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

12 Days of Christmas – San Pedro Red Cross Remix
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a building with a palm tree?! Yes, this is indeed 12 days of Christmas, San Pedro Red Cross style of course! As part of the on-going holiday fun, members of the group got together to record their very own version of the Christmas classic 12 days of Christmas with the most appropriate Red Cross spin on the lyrics (we’re talking three pairs of crutches, four pints of blood and the list goes on). The lyrics were put together by photographer Karen Brodie, and sung by members Jane West, Shirlee Arnould, Melodie Wolfe, Sean Connors, and Brittany O’Daniel and recorded by Ralf West at Reef Radio.

NEBL to host opening marathon Belmopan
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will commence its third annual Basketball Tournament on Saturday, January 16th. The season will tip-off with an opening marathon scheduled for Saturday, December 19th in Belmopan City. All eight registered teams will be participating in the marathon. The teams are Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize City No Limit, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz, Dangriga Warriors and new franchise Independence Thunderbolts. The marathon will start at 9AM at the University of Belize Gymnasium. In round one of the tournament each team plays one game, after which the marathon will use a knock-out format, where only winning teams advancing further into the competition. Opening game in the regular season will feature the new team, Independence Thunderbolt verses the back-to-back defending champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, with the game to be held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, January 16th.

Island residents hold fundraiser for Katerin Perez
On Sunday, December 13th, a group of concerned residents held a fundraising event in support of 10-year-old Katerin Perez who sustained third degree burns earlier this year. The fundraiser took place at the Lions Den with the aim to raise needed funds for Perez and her family to travel to the United States where she is undergoing treatment for her injuries. At the activity, there was a bar-b-que, rice and beans, games, clown performances and even a yard sale, with all proceeds going towards the worthy cause. Letty Hernandez, one of the event organizers, thanks the community for their unconditional and continued support to the Perez’ family. “Katerin will soon be traveling to the United States to continue undergoing her treatments. We understand that it will take time for her burn injuries to be taken care of. This can be a process of many years, given the state in which she is. We hope to raise as much funds as possible in this activity. Everything has been donated to us so we can have 100% profit and contribute towards Katerin’s upcoming trip treatment,” said Hernandez. She indicated that the outcome of the event was very successful as they managed to sell all the food and items that were on sale.

Belize Black Team Top Winners at Team Challenge competition in Merida
Over the weekend of December 12th -13th, a 4-person delegation of athletes from Ambergris Caye travelled to Merida, Yucatan, Mexico where they competed in the ‘ Team Challenge Merida ’ competition. The competitive event saw a total of 27 teams, which included the ‘Belize Black Team’ which comprised of two athletes from Crossfit San Pedro and two from WOD Zone on Ambergris Caye. The event had three categories: beginners, intermediate and RX-advance. At the end of the competitions, Belize Black Team came in first in the intermediate division, making Belizeans at home and abroad very proud and happy! Belize Black Team comprised of Rene Reyes Jr, Liliana Nuñez, Ricky Luna and Lucien Pollard. The two-day event included five workouts in total, three on the first day and two on the last day and saw the Belizean team competing in the intermediate division. The first sporting events took place indoors and featured weight lifting and gymnastics. The team pushed hard to finish at the top of each event in order to advance in the competition, and at the end of the first day, Team Belize dominated the competition by staying on top of the other teams.

Second edition of 5-a-side Football Tournament kicks off
Island Citizens Sporting Club (ICSC) and the San Pedro High School (SPHS) are back at it with their second ever 5-a-side Football Tournament. After a fun marathon that showcased the skills of the participating teams, the tournament officially started on Sunday, December 13th, with nine thrilling matches. As in the previous edition, the 5-a-side Football Tournament is divided into three categories to better accommodate all levels of athletes: little leagues, females and male seniors. Matches were held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium from 11AM to 8PM. The second round of games will be played on Saturday, December 19th starting at 5PM, schedule is as follows: Green Hornets FC versus Real Jr. FC, Island Boys versus SPHS Boys, United FC versus Haramouch FC, Mata Chica FC versus Los Dorados, Victoria’s House FC versus We Them Boys and Pro Divers FC versus Los Catrachos FC. For more information on the tournament, contact head organizer Alex Noralez directly at 631-0711.

Misc Belizean Sources

Adopt a Bear
Congratulations San Pedro, all 176 bears have been adopted! I am absolutely amazed at how our community came together to make sure Santa didn't forget a single kid this year! I can't wait to see all of the presents! Friendly reminder to bring them back by the 22nd!

Rainbow Town area no trash pickup
Dec 18 - Residents of Rainbow Town area sent these photos with a note that their garbage is not being picked up by the Corozal Town Council, so here is the heads up for those in authority. Keep Corozal Safe & Clean!

Visitor Center for Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize
On your next trip to Chiquibul/Caracol make sure you arrange with us a tour of our Visitor Center. You cannot possibly understand the marvels of Chiquibul without a park ranger explaining the uniqueness.

U.S. Embassy Belize equipment handover ceremony
Yesterday Ambassador Moreno joined other Embassy staff in an equipment handover ceremony with the Belize Coast Guard. This donation was part of an ongoing Embassy program to provide equipment, infrastructure and training support to build Belize’s capacity to counter national and trans-national organized criminal activities. The equipment donated yesterday included -US$ 49,819 in Zodiac boats, engines and related equipment. An additional $33,447 in additional supporting equipment e.g., life jackets, marine inflatable boats, medium range surveillance camera, chameleon synthetic ghille suit, hydra floatation module, etc. totaling $83,266.

Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) is joining the 2015 San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade!
If you don’t have plans to be on a boat yet, this is a great opportunity to support another great cause. All funds raised will benefit the school. Music, Ice Water and Snacks will be available. Please wear white or red shirts and Santa hats. Feel free to bring other snacks on board. If you’d like to join the fun please comment bellow and someone from the school will contact you. Limited seats available!!! Tickets: $30 Boarding time: 4:30-5:00pm (Belize Diving Adventures, behind Belize Yacht Club)

Christmas Raffle at Elvi's Kitchen
Tickets are free with meal purchase up to Dec. 24th. Can't beat that...Where something Good is Always Cooking.

Poets Corner: Fun
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. How did teaching become a marathon? Teachers hustling to finish a curriculum Not testing for previous knowledge 'cause student have none Students being passed because they have a Student trained to be well behaved So that their teachers can pass on ministry assessment day Student are disinterested, they go to school to play Some nonchalant 'cause the information is not relevant to their day to day Math can be learnt through nursery rhymes Jingles, stamps at times Remember when teachers had us memorizing our tables in the morning times Remember ten green bottles standing on the wall? Remember run over run over, the boy noh want no ugly gail Social games we learnt when we were small

Roots Reggae with Julian Melodyman Escobar
Saturday Night is Roots Reggae at the Sports Bar with Julian Melodyman Escobar from 6 - 9 pm! Come listen and dance to the beats of Roots reggae -- Belizan… Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, Front Stree. December 19, 2015, Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Cayo Christmas Expo
It was a great Cayo Christmas Expo at the Macal River Park on Saturday, December 12th. Many local businesses came out with their wares, and there was even a little concert too.

Channel 7

Guyanese Rice Importer Readying To Take BAHA To Court
Last night, we took you to Independence Village to show you what happened when businessman Jack Charles went to the Port of Big Creek to clear 3 containers of rice which he had imported from Guyana. The BAHA personnel at the port refused clear the containers, and seized them. They did not provide him any written reasons for doing so, and that's where things are tonight. Charles, his lawyer, and his technical advisors are all waiting for BAHA to produce its position in writing, which they intended to use to appeal this decision. Charles maintains that BAHA overstepped its authority yesterday, and took an unlawful decision. His experts say that BAHA can only choose to seize the cargo if it is a threat to human and agricultural health, which is not an issue in this instance. So, the way situation is unfolding, this dispute looks to be on its way to the Supreme Court. Late yesterday evening, at an impromptu press conference, Charles told the press in Independence Village that litigation is the very last option:

Why Was Walter Shot?
A man was shot on Magazine Road this morning - and no one knows why. 24 year old Walter Juarez was standing near the Matron Roberts Polyclinic when he was shot. An eyewitness told us that after he heard about 3 to 4 gunshots ring out, he saw 3 men running from the behind the clinic. When we spoke to Juarez's friend today she told us she has no idea who would want to harm Walter who was just waiting for a bus to go visit his dad. Voice of: Eyewitness "This happened at approximately about 8-9 I think. I was standing here and I look I saw the young boys going across the street right by the parking lot. I don't know what transpired, but something went bad." Reporter "How many shots you heard?" Voice of: Eyewitness "I think about 3-4, then the boys ran away." Voice of: Neighbor "I just heard that they just came and say that they shot the guy. We don't know anything. So I don't know."

Ellis Meighan Says GSU Taking It Personal
Two nights ago, we told you about the GSU making Christmas for senior citizens; well tonight the GSU is back in the news - but this time, the controversial unit is accused of playing Scrooge at Ellis Meighan's house on Banak Street. Meighan called us today to say that the GSU did a rough and brutal search of his home this morning. We spoke to a relative who was in the home at that time - and to Meighan himself. Here's what they said:.. Friend of Meighan, Claims Brutality "Police came here and saying that they are looking for drugs and that men are drug kingpin around here. They broke up stick on us for no reason. They didnt find anything, so they just got ignorant and started to beat us. Then he have us kneeling down and start to watch us and tell that we have on new clothes and jewelry and this and that and that we are thiefs, rapist and robbers and killers and all kind of things. They are chancing men."

PUP, Who's Running The Ship?
Who's in charge of the PUP? It matters right now because there's a three way race for leader of the party, and whichever faction controls the party machinery - has a distinct tactical advantage. On Tuesday, Chairman Henry Usher told the media that he currently holds the reigns; here's what he said:.. Reporter "Who is the leader of the People's United Party at this point?" Henry Charles Usher, PUP Chairman "Currently we have a leader of the opposition in the house. There is no leader per say. The leader stepped down after the election. The national executive is overseeing the governance of the party for now." Reporter "I just ask because in the 6 weeks leading up to convention, who controls the secretariat? Who controls Positive Vibes, who controls the Belize Times?" Henry Charles Usher, PUP Chairman "The secretariat and those organs are being managed by the national executive which is chaired by myself."

Decomposed Body Found Hanging Near San Estevan Bridge
The body of a man was found this afternoon off the San Estevan Road in the Orange Walk District. Around 3:30 pm Orange Walk police responded to reports of a body found by the San Estevan Bridge. What awaited authorities at the site was an uncharacteristic scene. Inspector Nicholas Paloma Deputy officer in command of the Orange Walk Police gave more details. Insp.Nicholas Paloma Deputy - Orange Walk Police "On the right hand side walking into the bushes about 10 yards into the bushes, police observed the body of a male person hanging from a tree from a yellow rope. The body was wearing a light blue long sleeve shirt and due to the advance stage of decomposition we have not identified who the person is. However we found that half of the torso had come off of the body. One of the hands of the person has a yellow watch, we do not know the brand yet. There on the scene we found white bag that contained a piece of machete - contained a cell phone and a black shirt and a red rag."

GOB Changes Labour Law To Stick It To Stevedores; Chamber Applauds
The shutdown at the Port of Belize last week cost importers tens of thousands of dollars in time, inventory and business lost. Well now, government has acted to make sure it doesn't happen again. The Minister of Labour today signed a statutory instrument amending the section of the law that deals with settlement of disputes in Essential Services. The amended law will now deal with Port Services specifically. A release from the government says that the effect of this is to make it so that Port Services would be required to give 21 days notice before any industrial action can be taken. According to the release, this would, quote, "allow for early intervention by government into trade disputes and reduce the likelihood of lockout or strike." President of the Christian Workers Union Audrey Matura Shepherd told us, quote, "sadly we learnt about the news this afternoon and so stevedores are being consulted for a response this Monday."

Post Office Investigating Another Case Of Embezzlement
In May of this year, we told you about over twenty thousand dollars that was embezzled from the Post Office. The misappropriation was allegedly perpetrated by a clerk in the Express Mail Service. Well, now, another staffer, this one a cashier is under scrutiny. 7News has received credible reports which tell us that over ten thousand dollars has gone missing from the EMS Service. We called the postmaster general who would only say that an internal investigation is underway - and if it finds anything, they will make a report to the police next week. In the last, confirmed case of theft in May, nothing was recovered and the suspect skipped the country.

More Than 2k Police
Three years ago, there were little more than a thousand police officers - and tonight the news is that with the passing out of intake number 92, there are now over two thousand. The 167 new recruits officially joined the ranks of the Police Department today, bringing the total number of on duty police officers to some 2,067. The ceremony was held in Belmopan at the Police Training Academy this morning and Emanuel Pech reports: 172 recruits reports for training and 167 passed out today. Out of the 167 49 are female.

Saldivar Positioning For UDP Leadership?
Every night on the news, there's some story or the other about the three way race for the leadership of the PUP. And while the PUP has a fierce 6 weeks ahead until their convention is held on January 31st., the UDP's time is coming as well. Dean Barrow - who has led the UDP since 1998 - has reached his three term limit as Prime Minister, and he has made it clear that he will be retiring from electoral politics. So, who will lead the UDP? The battle is a few years away, but the positioning ahs already started, Most within the party seem to agree that the contenders are John Saldivar, Patrick Faber and Gaspar Vega. Apart from controlling one of the most influential Ministries Saldivar has built up a strong - but clearly not invincible - UDP base in the capital as a 4 term representative. Today we asked point blank, will he vie for party leader? Hon. John Saldivar "I don't know that one can vie for a position. It's a position where someone gets chosen and so it's a matter of what the party decides whenever that time come who they decide to choose."

Big Business At Big Creek Port
Since last night, it been all over the evening news that businessman Jack Charles cannot get his 3 containers of Guyanese rice cleared. They're held at the Big Creek Port - a place that doesn't get into the headlines much. But, make no mistake, Big Creek is big business, and very quietly, they are on a rapid plan for expansion. While our news team had the opportunity, we tried to learn a bit more about the country's second major Port. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting The Port of Big Creek...It's been in operation since 1990, and currently, it's the only port in Belize where cargo vessels can pull right up to the mainland of Independence and Mango Creek. Here on the edge of the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, the port's compound is sprawling, and always bustling. Yesterday, the employees gave us a tour of the facility to see some of its more prominent features. As you would expect, there were rows and rows of containers upon containers, each stacked and organized through a meticulous system to ensure inventory reliability and the best use of the facility's area. There is also a trove of heavy-duty equipment, all of which represent major investments.

Family's Christmas Hopes Dashed When House Falls
City resident Travis Myvette will have to spend Christmas crammed in his brother's house after his own collapsed early yesterday morning. Myvette told us he was at work when his girlfriend called him and told him the house had fallen. It's devastating for him and his family after they had just repaired and decorated their house for Christmas. Today Myvette told us how his only comfort is now lost. If you would like to help Myvette and his family you can contact him at 634 5428. He had been living at that house for 5 years.

Mayas Complain About Land Rights
When will the Government start to implement the judgment from the Caribbean Court of Justice on Maya Land Rights? That's what the Maya Leaders Alliance wants to know. They've now been waiting for 8 months, and the Maya want to see measurable steps being taken. On Wednesday, when we asked Cristina Coc about it, she told us that Joseph Estephan, has being going around to the 39 Mayan communities and telling Villagers that he's acting on behalf of the Government. She told us that they are seeking a clarification from GOB if indeed this is true. Here's what she had to say on the topic: "The court gave them up until January 21 to give a full report of what steps they have taken in terms of the implementation of that decision. We have not seen anything and nothing has been communicated to us on the part of the government. We have seen a lot of movement in the communities however, where we continue to see the likes of Joseph Estephan and his team go out to the communities and tell the communities that the government has hired them as the commission to deal with the Maya land rights case that they are going to actually embark on a land registration - a leasing registration using the funds that the court ordered the government to set aside and that that is what they are going to pursue in the coming month beginning January. We would like to see in the government is willing to either align themselves and identify themselves with Joseph Estephan, if he is in fact working for the government or to distance themselves from him, if he is fact not an agent of the state."

Rural Weed Torched
The Police Rural Rapid Response Team found and destroyed a marijuana plantation today. 800 plants were burnt and a camp was destroyed. No one was in the area, so no arrests were made.

Cops For The Kids
Police in Belmopan are exercising the spirit of giving, just in time for the Christmas season. Today at a small event in the Community of Maya Mopan, members of the community policing unit in Belmopan joined forces with Miracle of Life to host a Christmas party for over 80 underprivileged children. According Police Corporal Florentino Rash it is the least their department can do for these kids, many of whom have no gifts or Christmas parties to look forward to. Event organizers hope to make this an annual event for underprivileged children in Maya Mopan and the other surrounding communities of Belmopan.

Vehicles Flip On Both Highways
Last night we didn't get to show you our footage of a serious, but luckily not fatal accident on the northern highway. It happened at around 2:00 at mile 34, when a white Ford Ranger pickup truck heading towards Orange Walk lost control and flipped. The driver of the vehicle, Fernando Chan, from Ranchito Village, Corozal, said he suffered a blowout and lost control of the vehicle. Now, there were as many as ten passengers in the vehicle including children. But, no one was seriously hurt, although passengers had serious face and body injuries. They were transported in tow ambulanced to the Northern Regional Hospital and the KHMH. And today, there was another accident today in Rural Belize district, but this one on the Western Highway - and it also involved a Ford Ranger that flipped. This one happened at mile 26. Police say that Franz Schmitt was marking the highway with no road safety equipment and caused Lloyd Monroe to flip off the road unto the embankment. No one was injured.

"The Force Awakens" In Belize
If you're a science fiction fan, you'll know all about the worldwide premier of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It's the first film in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, and the 7th in the main film series. Now, for years, the Star Wars media has been a commercial success world wide where fanatics have created a their own sub-culture in honor of the story behind it. The latest film, the Force Awakens, was released today, and it is on the the way to becoming the most successful film of 2015. Well, the Princess Ramada Hotel's Cinema in Belize City is announcing that you can see your favorite Jedi locked in a lightsaber battle right here in country. The company's Marketing Manager told us this evening that tonight's first showing is already sold out:

Channel 5

Agriculture C.E.O. Jose Alpuche on Detainment of Guyanese Rice
The stalemate over the importation of rice from Guyana continues to play out and tonight importer Jack Charles is no closer to resolution. Three containers of Guyanese rice arrived on [...]

Is Guyana Dumping Rice Into Belizean Market?
C.E.O. Alpuche notes that the fairly low prices of the rice from Guyana are because subsidies to the industry there and likely because there may be a surplus since Guyana [...]

Former C.E.O. Sergio Garcia Says G.O.B. is Deliberately Blocking Rice Importation
The deadlock between importer Jack Charles and the Belize Agro-productive Sector Group, as well as the Government of Belize, has resulted in what is being called a technical barrier to [...]

Regional Trade Expert Says Surinam’s Rice is Cheaper, Guyana isn’t Dumping
While the issue, at its core, involves regulations governing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, provisions are made in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas for the use of appropriate mechanisms [...]

7 More Containers of Rice Bound for Belize Says Jack Charles
Even as there is no resolution to the three containers of rice at the Big Creek Port, according to Jack Charles, a total of seven more containers are expected into [...]

Fate of Longest-serving Inmate on Death Row Hangs in the Balance
He is Belize’s longest-serving inmate on death row at the Belize Central Prison. And after thirteen years behind bars, Glenford Baptist, appeared in court this morning, but still does not [...]

Statutory Instrument Includes Stevedoring as Essential Services
A new piece of legislation is coming into force prohibiting stevedores and other dockhands at the Port of Belize from effecting industrial action on a whim. Earlier today, the Ministry [...]

Port C.E.O. Says New Law is Reciprocal
According to Vasquez, the effect of the amended law is reciprocal. While stevedores cannot just up and strike without due notice, port management can’t simply lock them out from work [...]

Trio Acquitted of Firearm Offences after Foiled Kidnapping Attempt
Three men were acquitted by Justice Adolph Lucas of three counts of firearm offenses in relation to an alleged would be kidnapping back in 2010. But two of them will [...]

3 More Suspects in Burrell Boom Home Invasion Get Bail
Also in the courts, three more men charged in connection with the home invasion of the Lebanese Honrary Consul in Burrell Boom Village were granted Supreme Court bail but with [...]

167 New Police Officers Hit the Streets Running
After months of intense training, one hundred and sixty-seven new officers joined the police force today. Their graduation took place at the National Police Training Academy in the Capital. Family [...]

Minister of National Security Comments on Crime Situation
While crime has been prevalent throughout 2015, the murder count is slightly less than 2014 so far. There were one hundred and twenty murders last year and that number this [...]

House Collapses on Neal’s Pen Road, Man and His Girlfriend Need Your Help
A Belize City resident and his girlfriend are in dire straits tonight after their home on Neal’s Pen Road collapsed on Thursday morning. Travis Myvette was at work when he [...]

Bel Caribe Donates Christmas Hampers
Bel Caribe Communications Services stepped up the plate this year again to make the Christmas far more enjoyable to a hundred families. With the support of a number of corporate [...]

LOVE FM

Word at Work Brings 10,000 Toys for Belizean Children
The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God’s call to minister to those in need. The organization is here in Belize to donate over ten thousand toys to children all over Belize that are in need. To head the operation is an elderly couple Bob and Sharon Herdon […]

Big Creek Port Has Back Up Plan
While we were at the Port of Big Creek yesterday we managed to speak to the Shipping Manager, Gustavo Carrillo. Unlike what happens at the Port of the Belize Limited, with stevedores going on strike, nothing of that sort, or at least to our knowledge, happens at the Port of Big Creek in Independence Village. […]

Port Services Now Under Essential Services Act
A Statutory Instrument making the Port Services in Belize an essential service in Belize has been signed by Minister of Labor, Hugo Patt and published in today’s edition of the Government Gazette. The signing of this SI now signals that the workers at the Port of Belize will be prohibited from taking part in strikes […]

Court News: Aggravated Burglary … Firearm Offences
Three men who were charged in connection with the aggravated burglary at the home of Lebanon Honorary Consul Sarkis Abou Nehra and were remanded into custody released on bail offered to them today by Justice Herbert Lord. They are 22 year old Tyrone Meighan, 20 year old Brandon Baptist and 20 year old Jeffrey Buller. […]

Rural Police Destroys Marijuana Plantation
The Belize Rural Rapid Response team was in Biscayne Village on the Northern Highway this morning in the Belize District, conducting a search when they came across an eight hundred plant marijuana field. No one was in the area when the drugs were found therefore there were no arrests in this incident. The plants, however, […]

Road Safety Project Employee Not Practicing Road Safety
An accident occurred on the George Price Highway this afternoon sometime after midday. The accident happened around mile twenty six where thirty year old Franz Schmitt of Burrell Boom was working on the highway for the Road Safety Project and was, at the time of the incident, engaged in marking the highway. When the police […]

Graduation for Police Recruits
Police recruits graduate with official ceremony held in Belmopan, Fem Cruz reports.

Candidates for the PUP’s Party Leader Seat Won’t Speak to Media
The National Executive of the People’s United Party met this afternoon at Independence Hall in Belize City for a session that would determine the details of the upcoming Special National Convention. The media camped outside the headquarters on Queen Street for over two hours in the hopes of getting interviews primarily from the three men […]

PlusTV

Jack Charles denied importation of Guyanese rice
75 tonnes of Jack Charles’ controversial cheap Guyanese rice arrived by barge to the Big Creek Port in Independence Village Stann Creek early this morning. Our colleagues at KREM News were down south and spoke with Gustavo Carrillo, Manager of the Port, who told us when the shipment of three 20-fee...

Coast Guard receives equipment from military partners
Belize’s military partners in the United States have donated more than one million Belize dollars in equipment for maritime law enforcement to the Belize National Coast Guard, which was officially handed over today at their George Price Highway headquarters. With more on the donation here is Command...

Honduran Farmer caught with Cannabis
A Valley of Peace resident was arrested and charged with the offence of possession of a controlled drug. On Wednesday the 16th of December, a Special Operation was conducted in the Valley of Peace Village, where 47 year old Honduran Farmer Pablo Mancia Barahona’s house was searched. During the...

3 arrested for drug trafficking
Two residents of the Santa Rosa Village were arrested and charged with Drug Trafficking. On Wednesday the 16th of December, a search was conducted at the residence of 38-year-old Ramona Ack in the Santa Rosa Village. While doing the search, a discovery was made of a small rice sack containing a bott...

Man detained pending investigation
A man has been detained after allegedly having sex with a minor. On Wednesday, the 16th of December, a 12-year-old female accompanied by her mother reported that on Wednesday the 11th of November, she was taken to a house on Fairweather Street in Belize City by a male person where they had sexual in...

Ammunition found
A police search led to the discovery of ten 9mm live rounds. On Saturday, the 12th of December, police conducted a search in the Banak Street area, which led to the discovery of a black plastic bag which contained the Aguila Brand live rounds. No one was in the area at the time, so the ammunitions w...

Man escaped police leaving behind Cannabis
Five and a half pounds of Cannabis were found by police by the Mopan River. On Monday the 14th of December around 6:30 p.m., S.P.U personnel were conducting foot patrol on the banks of the Mopan River in Arenal Village when their attention was drawn to a male Hispanic person walking with a garbage b...

PUP moves toward national convention
The People’s United Party’s national executive met today in Belize City. It was decided that all positions will be contested on January 31, 2016. All the positions which are open, including leader and deputies, will be contested, but not all the positions of the national executive are cu...

The Reporter

Shooting leaves man critically wounded
A man lies critically wounded after he was shot in Belize City at around 10:25 a.m. on Friday. Police membere from Precinct 1 responded to the shooting in an alley between Magazine Road and Johnson Street, a short distance away from the Pound Yard bridge. […]

Man shot in Belize City
A man was shot about an hour ago in Belize City. The incident happened on Magazine Road and the victim was shot in the back of the head. The Reporter will have details of this incident as they become available.

Traffic accident on Phillip Goldson highway leaves 11 people injured
Eleven persons were injured, five of them critically, when the vehicle they were travelling on the Phillip Goldson highway on Thursday turned over. The white pick up truck, driven by Fernando Chan, a resident of Ranchito village, Corozal, had a right rear wheel blow-out between […]

COP21′s Paris Agreement signals beginning of the end for fossil fuel emissions
World leaders participating in the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (UNCCC) have declared that the world will be free of fossil fuel emissions within the century. After two weeks of negotiations hosted in France, the leaders of […]

Belize City and Chetumal sign sister-city agreement
The signing of sister-city relations between Belize City and the City of Othón P. Blanco (Chetumal) on Tuesday, formalizes the already close ties that Belizean shoppers and the business community of Quintana Roo have shared over the last three decades. Through this new agreement, […]

GOB partners with OAS and Caribbean nations for energy project
The Government of Belize this week held a three-day consultation in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), to improve Belize’s energy sector. The Ministry of Energy and the Public Service hosted the consultation at the Belize Training and Employment Center (BTEC) on the […]

Mexico approves dengue vaccine
The Government of Mexico has approved the use of the first-ever vaccine for dengue fever. Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) approved the vaccine, Dengvaxia for use in people from 9 to 45, living in areas where dengue is endemic. Sanofi, […]

Women better educated than men in Belize, Insider Magazine states
Belize was ranked 12th of 19 countries with the highest ratio of women to men in higher education in an article by international publication, Business Insider Magazine. Belize is “another nation with a small population where women are far better educated than men. Women outnumber […]

US Coast Guard officer stabbed in San Pedro
San Pedro police are investigating an assault on a US Coast Guard officer who was stabbed twice in San Pedro last week Friday morning while on vacation. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Henry Jemmott, who heads the Police Department’s Coastal Executive Unit, Jennifer […]

ECLAC proposes debt relief for the Caribbean
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has proposed debt relief and the creation of a sub regional fund to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) deal with the effects of climate change. ECLAC presented the strategy during a side event at […]

Grocers increase sugar prices early; Consumer Protection Unit steps in
The Belize Bureau of Standards’ (BBS) Consumer Protection Unit has started to conduct inspection of grocery stores across the country that have been reported for selling sugar at the higher price of 75 cent a pound even before the January 1st date for the […]

Popular PG taxi driver stabbed to death
Punta Gorda police haven’t made any arrests but are following several leads into the stabbing murder of Elridgeville Village taxi driver, Antonio Rodriguez, 64, whose mutilated body was discovered around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday on a remote feeder road in Punta Gorda. The Reporter […]

Ex-cop remanded to prison for drug trafficking
A former police officer, convicted of wounding his ex-girlfriend in 2014, has been nabbed by police again – this time for drug trafficking. Ronald Ragan Sutherland, 30, was dismissed from the police force after a conviction for wounding in 2014. He was under surveillance by […]

Three charged with stealing a cop’s ATM card walk free
Two sisters and a boyfriend, who claim they found a cop’s ATM card on the street and then engaged in a shopping spree are free, after spending almost $1,000 from the cop’s account. All three were picked up by police after viewing the surveillance camera […]

A look at movable assets and secured transaction reforms (Pt. 1)
It is certainly no secret that one of the most talked about constraint to small business growth in Belize, as well as in several other countries, is the limited access to credit. This limitation is often linked to the nature of collateral requirements, which is more often than not based […]

Maya Leaders Alliance receives Equator Prize 2015 in Paris
For the resilience they have shown in protecting their lands and managing the natural resources they inhabit, the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) was awarded the Equator Prize 2015 in Paris France, last week. The MLA was selected from among 1461 nominated groups for the Equator […]

Editorial
Christmas 2015 has arrived to a world full of dissension and heartbreak, hard times and the impending threat of global warming. The Christmas spirit of Peace on Earth has been shattered by religous venom between Sunni Moslems and Shiite which has exploded to engulf the whole world. The gifts of […]

Red flags spotted in Central Bank report
The Belize Central Bank, this week, released its 2015 second-quarter report, detailing figures regarding the country’s national external debt, labor force statistics, trade imbalance and the contraction of the credit sector. Business Senator Mark Lizarraga told the Reporter on Thursday, that the report makes it clear that GOB continues to rely on borrowing. Most borrowed money is sourced from the PetroCaribe Fund. However, Belize needs to start looking for ways to sustain the economy, as that program’s future is now questionable. […]

Who will lead the PUP?
The deadline for submissions for Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) expired at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and three persons are in the race for that position, while six are contending for the post of deputy party leader. The three vying for leader are: […]

Guyanese rice – it’s what’s for dinner – or not
A shipment of three containers with 75 tons of “Grade A” rice, imported from Guyana by businessman Jack Charles (Jitendra Chawla), to retail cheaper than local rice, arrived at the Big Creek port, Stann Creek on Thursday morning, but will remain there, at least for […]

Charge against 13 Mayas dropped
Thirteen Maya persons from Santa Cruz, Toledo, including Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) spokesperson Cristina Coc, had the charge of “Unlawful Imprisonment” dropped after the prosecution withdrew the charge against them Wednesday. The group is happy they have one less charge to face when their case […]

Breaking Belize News

Why do Christmas turkeys cost so much?
This afternoon, we spoke with general manager of Quality Poultry Products Limited, Raymond Barkman, concerning the high prices of Christmas turkeys in this holiday season. The company was forced to import some 200,000 pounds of turkey from the United States after local turkey producers […]

Traffic accidents reported on major highways
A pair of traffic accidents were reported on both major highways in the Belize District on Thursday afternoon and earlier today. Around 1:30 in the afternoon on Thursday, the white Ford Ranger pickup being driven by Ranchito, Corozal resident Fernando Chan and carrying ten […]

Chamber approves change to essential service law for Port
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued a release congratulating Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his administration on the recent signing of the Statutory Instrument (SI) amending section 2 (a): Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act Chapter 298 of the […]

Battle over Baby Nina continues
Analiz Perez Gutierrez must wait until the New Year to learn if she will have custody of her baby daughter, 2 year old Nina Charlotte Perez. You may recall that in mid-November personnel from the Human Service Department forcibly removed baby Nina from her […]

Glenford Baptist still awaits fate
A sentencing hearing was scheduled today for Glenford Baptist, who earlier this year was removed from death row but still does not know how much longer he will remain behind bars if at all. Baptist has been incarcerated since 2001, convicted and sentenced to […]

Trio on bail for Abou-Nehra incident
Tonight, 3 men charged in connection with the home invasion of Consul to Lebanon Sarkis Abou-Nehra in Burrell Boom Village are out on Supreme Court bail with stringent conditions and of various amounts. Tyrone Meighan, to whom the DPP first had heavy objections to receiving […]

Police graduate 172
This morning some 172 new police officers “passed out” at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. Addressing them was Minister of National Security John Saldivar, who said it was a priority of his Government to grow the police force, whose number now reaches 2,000 […]

Jury acquits trio of “going equipped” for kidnapping and firearm charges
A jury of nine this afternoon acquitted Tevin Abraham, Jamaal Tablada and Jarrett Usher of preparing to commit a crime, specifically kidnapping, as well as separate charges of keeping prohibited firearms and ammunition in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas. This morning, Justice Lucas directed the jury […]

Government of Belize makes amendments to prevent abrupt stevedore strikes
A release from the Government Press Office earlier today, stated that Minister responsible for labour matters, Hugo Patt, signed a statutory instrument amending section 2 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2011. The amendment deals with settlements of disputes in essential services and […]

One more arrested for burglary of Lebanese Consul’s home
A man known to the law for burglary has been added to the long list of culprits that are expected to serve jail time in connection with the break in and theft of thousands of dollars worth of cash and assorted items, including a […]

Belize Defense Force names soldiers of the year
On Wednesday, the Belize Defence Force hosted its annual Christmas Luncheon, a tradition in the national army where junior soldiers are served lunch by their superiors in honor of their commitment to the defense of Belize. A few of these good men and women […]

Jack Charles denied on Guyanese rice
75 tonnes of Jack Charles’ controversial cheap Guyanese rice arrived by barge to the Big Creek Port in Independence Village Stann Creek early this morning. Gustavo Carrillo, Manager of the Port told us the shipment of three 20-feet containers docked early Thursday morning and […]

New analysis machine for Forensics
At the headquarters of the National Forensic Science Service in Ladyville on Thursday afternoon, Ambassador Carlos Moreno handed over a machine known as the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer, GCMS for short, which is the latest model and a big boost to the substance analysis capability […]

Coast Guard’s new equipment from United States
Belize’s military partners in the United States have donated more than one million Belize dollars in equipment for maritime law enforcement to the Belize National Coast Guard, which was officially handed over today at their George Price Highway headquarters. Commandant of the Coast Guard, […]

Tremors from Mexican quake causes excitement in Belize
Around 1:50 p.m. yesterday, tremors of an earthquake that struck in Tonala, Chiapas, in southern Mexico were felt in many parts of Belize and Guatemala. The earthquake was registered at a 6.6 on the Richter scale, and it is estimated that 22.1 million people may […]

11 injured but no fatalities in Thursday afternoon accident
Yesterday afternoon around 1:30 there was a traffic accident around mile 34 and 35 of the Phillip Goldson highway near the old Intelco tower, which caused varying degrees of injuries to 11 people. According to reports, a white pickup being driven by Corozal resident Fernando […]

Blogs

Caving in Belize – Venturing into the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
Only discovered in 1989, it was open to the public eleven years later. The length of the cave is about three miles deep, with a river running through it. Mayans believed caves were the entrance to the underworld and they performed ceremonies and sacrifices within the depths of the caves. Throughout the years, they moved further into the cave to get even closer to their gods. Upon entering the main chamber, visitors have the chance to see pottery remains (some are still perfect, some are calcified), sculpted stalagmites, and the skeletons of human sacrifices. It’s a short and easy hike, with three strong river crossings to contend with. Naturally, our guide floated through the water like it was nothing. It was a little more work for the rest of us, pulling against the rope to help get to the other side. At the entrance of the cave, it was time to use the “facilitrees” and leave our water bottles behind. We donned our helmets and headlamps and started our swim at the mouth of the cave.

A Preview of A New Business On The West Side of Ambergris Caye – or ELSIE’S FIRST BOAT RIDE!
Found in Dangriga and nursed by the Hopkins Humane Society, Elsie made her trip to Ambergris Caye just over a year ago – THAT was technically her very first boat ride. At the time, she had four legs…one badly infected (though we didn’t know how bad). Yesterday, we took her on a boat ride north and west on Ambergris Caye. On a boat named after her – her Yiddish name – Ester Gittel. (She also has a native American name: Lone Running Leg, a San Pedrana name: Elsa Paws and a Spanish name: El Cee.) Her “breed” has even been identified! She is a three legged teacup Great Dane. We were visiting Jeff’s new venture – Cayo Frances Fish and Farm – about 10 miles up on the West Side of Ambergris Caye and things are coming along beautifully at this remote spot. Here’s a map of where it is…a beautiful piece of artwork done by Bill Specht. (Here is my post about the artist.)

Belizean Light Cake
cake tins. Preheat oven to 350 F/180 C. Sift flour, salt, nutmeg and baking powder (set aside). Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat eggs one at a time until very frothy. Add to margarine and sugar. Mix well after each addition. If an electric mixer is used, mix at medium speed. Add essence. Mix well. Before adding flour, decrease speed of mixer to low. Bake for 40 minutes at 350F/180C or until a tester is inserted in cake comes out dry. Cool before moving from cake tin.

Belizean Christmas Ham Recipe
Mix all ingredients Ham preparation: Place ham fat side up in roasting pan. Spread Grace Yellow Mustard over surface of ham. Roast (covered with foil) approximately 13-17 minutes per pound. Remove ham 20 minutes before finishing. Remove any skin. Cut ham's fat surface in uniform diamond shapes and insert cloves in each diamond. Brush on glaze. Bake 10 minutes (uncovered). Reapply glaze and cook for another 10-20 minutes or until glaze brown. Ham should be 135 degrees in center to ensure that cooking is complete.

Black Fruit Cake CHRISTMAS RECIPE
Stew all the fruit with 1 lb. brown sugar and rum. Cook the mixture until the liquid becomes thick syrup. Let the fruits cool overnight. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter along with 2 lbs. brown sugar and add in eggs one at time. Then add flour, baking powder, all spice, stout and caramel coloring one at a time to the mixture. Lastly, fold the stewed fruit to the mixture. To avoid having the stewed fruit sink to the bottom of the mixture, drain them, mix with 1 beaten egg and dredge in flour before adding it to the batter.

International Sources

Change of name for BCB Holdings Limited
BCB Holdings Limited (London - AIM: BCB; Bermuda - BBHL) (the "Company" or "BCBHL") The Company announces that it intends to change its name to Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited. The Company will notify the market in due course once the new name, ticker symbol and ISIN are effective. The Board believes that the new name is better suited to the Company's strategic focus and aspirations. BCB Holdings Limited (BCBHL) is a parent holding company with no independent business operations or assets other than its investments in its subsidiaries, intercompany balances and holdings of cash and cash equivalents. BCBHL's businesses are conducted through its subsidiaries. The Belize Bank Limited (BBL) is incorporated and based in Belize and focuses on the provision of financial services and lending to domestic clients. Belize Bank International Limited is incorporated and based in Belize and focuses on the provision of financial services and lending to international clients.

BCB Holdings to change its name
Bermuda-based BCB Holdings is to change its name. The firm is to become Caribbean Investment Holdings. A spokesman said the board believed “the new name is better suited to the company’s strategic focus and aspirations.” BCB Holdings is a holding company with no independent business operations or assets other than investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances and holdings of cash or cash equivalents. The firm owns the Belize Bank Ltd, which provides financial services and lending to domestic clients, as well as Belize Bank International Ltd, which provides the same services to international clients. Both are incorporated and based in Belize.

8 Jaw-Dropping Tax Havens of the Filthy Rich
There are roughly 80 countries that are considered tax havens. These are secrecy jurisdictions with incredibly low to no taxes. Billionaires and millionaires flock to these places to take advantage of tax loopholes that allow them to establish offshore bank accounts and shell corporations, and pay virtually nothing. By doing so, they avoid the otherwise high tax rates they would pay in their home countries, without renouncing their citizenship. Recently, the IRS announced plans to go after U.S. citizens holding offshore accounts. Still, that hasn't been a deterrent for a lot of wealthy individuals seeking to escape steep tax implications. Done correctly, offshore banking is completely legal. And you don't have to have tons of cash in order to seek out the reprieve tax havens offer. Because, in addition to the lenient tax laws, many of these nations are exotic travel destinations that offer outside investors simplified pathways to citizenship. Take a closer look. Best known for the scuba diving and its astonishing Barrier Reef, Belize is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean Sea and just the place for anyone seeking discretion. English is the country's native language, though many habitants also speak Spanish. There are two pathways to citizenship: Permanent Residence and the Qualified Retired Person (QRP) program. Permanent Residence status is applicable if you intend to earn income as an employee. Otherwise, you would be considered a QRP and all you have to do is spend four weeks of the year in Belize, while meeting a minimum yearly retirement income threshold. As a QRP, foreign income is tax-exempt and there's no tax on capital gains or inheritances.

Videos

Fly Fishing Belize, 4.5min. Fly Fishing in Belize. The footage was never intended to make a video with but hey.... here it is!

Snorkeling in San Pedro Belize, 11min. These shots were taken in Dec 2015 with my SJ 4000. The day was partly cloudy so some of the shots were under cloud cover. Lots of rays and sharks in the shots. Enjoy the waters of Belize

Welcome at Lower Dover Belize, 2min.

Drone over Hatchet Caye, 15sec.

Tropic Air Blue Hole Tour, 1min. Book your tour with Tropic Air today and see the Blue Hole of Belize the way it was meant to be seen, from the air.

A day in the life of Tropic Air, 3.5min. Time lapse of Tropic Air traffic at our main station in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

SCOROCO BELIZE 2015, 3.5min. Short video of my trip to Belize.

Belize Adventure x GoPro, 4min. Belize 2015 I Cocoa Beach Resort I Ambergris Caye

My Secret Deli, San Pedro, Belize, 1/2min. Our favourite dish was the stewed chucked. It came with potatoes, rice and beans and a fried plantain.

Living in Rural Belize, 10min.

December 18, 2015

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

Palapa Bar and Grill is coming to San Pedro Town!
The popular Palapa Bar and Grill in Northern Ambergris Caye is undergoing its final preparations to move to their new location. Yes, it’s official: the popular over-the-water bar and grill is moving to San Pedro Town. Their new venue is at the Wet Willy’s Dock, and it promises to be just fabulous. The iconic San Pedro landmark has been operating for over 20 years and is a favorite watering hole for locals and visitors alike. Add a friendly staff, signature dishes and drinks, special events and a carefree crowd and Palapa is a party! They promise the same vibe, and yes, the inner tubes are coming with them! Scott and Jodie Harnish, who have been operating Palapa Bar and Grill for the past nine years, attribute the hard work and good staff to their success today. Their relocation comes as a result of the new ownership of the Palapa Bar and Grill. The property was purchased in January of 2015, by the ‘Palapa Palms Resort’ which is taking over the bar with no intentions of renewing Harnish’s lease.

Oceana Symposium focuses on Belize’s water systems and offshore oil drilling
On Wednesday, December 9th, Oceana Belize held a symposium at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on the topic of offshore oil exploration in Belize. The theme for the discussion was, ‘The energy of Nature versus the Nature of Energy’, with focus on the state of Belize’s waters and the management and sustainable usage of natural resources while increasing economic development. Just over a decade ago, Belize struck its first commercial oil find in the Cayo district. However, a campaign sparked by the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 has encouraged an initiative by Oceana to entirely ban offshore drilling in Belize. In a press release issued on December 1st by the Government of Belize (GOB), the government declared that Cabinet announced a legal ban to be instituted to cover selected protected areas that are World Heritage Sites. The areas include: the natural monuments at Lighthouse Reef (the great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye), Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve. The Cabinet also agreed to ban offshore exploration within one kilometer of either side of the barrier reef system.

Green Turtle Fatally Injured at Mexico Rocks
We all know it is illegal to feed the wildlife, be it terrestrial or marine, but it sure is a great way to get a good look at the critters you want to see. Time and again we are cautioned by authorities that this practice is not only unhealthy of the animals but also conditions them to associate man with food, causing them to lose their natural instinct to flee when man is around. For these conditioned animals the sights and sounds of man are nothing more than a dinner bell; and they come running as soon as man arrives. Such is the story for one juvenile Green turtle at the Mexico Rocks snorkeling site, who became so accustomed to being fed by tour operators that he abandoned his natural behavior as a bottom feeder to taking to free water swimming with the fish and sharks. Sadly this surface swimming behavior put the little beggar at risk, and he was fatally ran over by a boat on Wednesday, December 16th.

Dr. Hall out on bail; claims he was wrongfully accused of deviant past
According to Deputy Coastal Executive Officer, Superintendent Henry Jemmott, Dr. Hall was granted bail under the condition that he turns over all travel documents into police custody. Dr. Hall obliged in this request and will also have to check into the San Pedro Police Station twice a week until his first court hearing on Tuesday, February 12th. Hall was charged due to the fact that the license he had obtained on June 23, 2015 was under the name “Robert Bob Hall” which is not his legal name, therefore making the license illegal. The error was made within the Belize Medical Council Board and while the Ministry of Health (MOH) has indicated that they have launched a full investigation into the matter, neither entity has released an official statement. One Monday, December 14th Hall disseminated a statement via email to all of the media houses in the country declaring his innocence of the criminal charges that were placed against him while he was a dentist in North Carolina, USA. In 2005 the doctor was charged with seven counts of injecting semen into his patients’ mouths. His license to practice medicine was revoked, and Hall served four months in jail. Hall’s 1,400 word diatribe ranges from quoting biblical scripture to details on the side effects of a hair growth medication called Propecia in relation to the decrease in seminal ejaculation fluid.

San Pedro High School Girls take silver at the NSSSA Basketball regionals
After claiming the victory at the National Secondary School Sports Association (NSSSA) Basketball Northern Regionals, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) female basketball team traveled to Corozal Town to participate in the national tournament. The NSSSA Basketball Nationals was held at the Corozal Complex in Corozal Town on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th. Four male and four female teams converged at the venue in hopes of taking the championship: North, Central, West and South. In the end it was the defending champions Saint Catherine’s Academy’s girls and Julian Cho Technical boys who claimed the top prize. But, the SPHS girls still managed to make an impressive mark, claiming the second place for the female championship. In order to advance to the championship games, competing teams had only one chance to earn a spot in the finals, as only the two winning teams in the first day of the competition would advance to the championship matches. In the first game, the SCA girls took the first victory of the tournament over the Delille Academy girls, while in the second game the Julian Cho boys defeated the Gwen Lizarraga male team. In the last set of games for the first day SHC boys lost to Muffles, and SPHS girls easily outscored the SHC girls in a 22-8 point game.

Government of Belize breaks ground on BDF and BCG joint Forward Operating Base
On Wednesday, December 19th the controversial ground breaking of the joint Belize Defense Force (BDF) and Belize Coast Guard (BCG) Forward Operating Base (FOB) was held at an area of land on the northern bank of the of the Sarstoon River in southern Belize. The area where the FOB is to be built had long been claimed by Guatemala as part of their territory, with the country even displaying military hostility towards Belizean armed forces that visit the area. With the ground breaking ceremony over, construction has commenced and the building is to be ready for use within three months. The FOB will bring much needed law enforcement presence to an area that is known for illegal activities.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Vacation in Belize is Awesome
Blake Cummins vacations in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize and posts this cool picture on his Instagram account stating: “Solid day diving Esmerleda in Belize. We saw a bunch of nurse sharks and it was AWESOME. We agree with him. Below are a couple more pictures he posted while he enjoyed his stay on Ambergris Caye.

Tropic Air Receives ISSA Award for Standard Safety Assessment
In a press release issued this week, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, on behalf of the Government of Belize, congratulated the team at Tropic Air for having been awarded the International Airport Transport Association’s (IATA) Standard Safety Assessment Certificate at the Latin America and Caribbean Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting, held in November of 2015. “This is the first such acknowledgement to be awarded to an Americas-based airline, and it gives us great pleasure to have a Belizean-owned carrier pioneer the way forward in our region.” stated the press release. Tropic Air boasted being the first airline to obtain IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) certification in Latin America. Tony Tyler, ALTA President said.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of December 6th – December 12th, 2015
It was a pleasure to host the wedding of Adam and Ashley. A great couple from Colorado who lit up the fishing on their combination wedding and honeymoon trip. The more we got out of the North wind the better the fishing got.

Scotty's Crocodile Cove Christmas Party
Scotty's Crocodile Cove Bar & Grill in Corozal invites you for our Christmas Party with live music and Christmas jingles on Wednesday December 23rd. Come celebrate with us. Friendly and lively atmosphere ~~~ Don't miss out~~~

The Farm House Deli
The Farm House Deli offers a fresh take on the neighborhood cafe. Offering fresh from the oven pastries, artisans cheeses, and full array of smoke meats. Corner Rio Grande Ave and Nim Li Punit St., Belmopan, Belize. The Farmhouse Deli- Featured Smoked Meats: Smoked Chicken Breasts, Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Pork Ribs, Boneless Ham, Turkey Ham Smoked and Cured Pork Loin, Ham Pancetta, Roll Chicken, Roll Turkey, Sweet Cured Bacon Ham Roll, Gingered Chicken Sausage, Smoked Chicken Sausage, Smoked Polish Sausage, Tuscan Sausage, Pepperoni, The Farmhouse Sausage.

Caroling for a Cause
Thank You Vic Murphy for organizing and hosting this Wonderful fundraiser for Liberty Children's Home. On behalf of Liberty we are so Greatful.

Wine de Vine's Annual Clearance Sale
Wine de Vine's Annual Clearance Sale and other special going on now. Check it out.

Cayo Posadas Start
Posadas have begun around Cayo. The Benque House of Culture started theirs with the Benque Marimba Youths, and the SISE House of Culture with live marimba from the 'Alma De Las Americas' marimba band. "Day 1 Posadas 2015..the journey from Our Lady of Mount Carmel to the Benque House of Culture by the pilgrims with live marimba music,chants & prayers in the streets of Benque Viejo and reaching its destination enriches and uplifts out cultural heritage that is our true spirit and celebration of the season."

Rageology at Thirsty Thursdays
The Rageology Rave is set for January 9th, at Thirsty Thursdays. Limbo shots and CO2 blasters are just a few of the cool things they'll feature at the rave. The Raging Masters. "Kicking off the new year with the first project xyz promotions event Rageology - DJ Mesmerize birthday Celebration Kicking off at 9 pm to 4am. Reach out and party in the new era! The aim is to rave"

The 7th edition of Baffu is out
And it's free to download. Not only are many Cayo artists in there, but they have an article about the new Cayo Mural, entitled 'A Painted Conversation.' The dual poem, 'America,' is worth a read.

FREE SAT prep right at your finger tips!!
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Channel 7

Jack Charles Showed Up To Clear His Rice; BAHA Didn't Budge
Three containers of Rice from Guyana arrived at the Big Creek in Belize this morning, and was offloaded into the Port's Compound in Independence Village. Now, as you've been seeing all this week the local rice producers are pressing the government to send it back. The Government agencies, namely, the Belize Agricultural and Health Authority (BAHA), the Ministry of Agriculture, say that Importer Jack Charles does not have the proper permits to clear the rice for sale in Belize. Still, he showed up today and made his attempts to get the BAHA personnel to budge. Our news team was Independence all day today, and Daniel Ortiz has the full story: Daniel Ortiz reporting These 3 containers are currently housing the Guyanese Rice that businessman Jack Charles imported into Belize. It's been temporarily offloaded from the barge which brought it from Santo Tomas, Guatemala.

Baby Nina Still In The Care Of The State; Custody Battle Drags On
Baby Nina will be spending Christmas away from her mother. That is the unfortunate reality that faces 2 year old Nina Charlotte Perez and her embattled mother Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez. In mid-November personnel from the Human Service Department forcibly removed baby Nina from her mother's custody under a provision called the emergency protective care on behalf of the Guatemalan father who claimed the child was essential abducted. The matter ended before the Belize family court and Baby Nina was placed in foster care. Today Nina's mother accompanied by attorney Marcel Cardona appeared at the Belize Family Court in Belize City where they hoped see the matter through. However the father did not appear and the case was adjourned until January 7th 2016, much to the disappointment of the young mother. Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez- Mother "I would have like it to be a little faster, sooner. Because of course every time that my daughter is away from me it affects her. But at this point I can only have faith that in January it wont be delayed any longer and that things would be settled at that point."

PUP's National Convention Date Set; Hon. Fonseca Is Still Leader
The heads of the People's United Party met today for a National Executive Meeting at the PUP office on Queen's Street where they discussed matter pertaining to the national party convention to be held in January 31st which is to decide the new party leader. Now in an interview with the media on Tuesday Henry Charles, Chairman of the Party, said there is no party leader per say. He said and we quote, "The leader stepped down after the election. The national executive is overseeing the governance of the party for now." But it appears the PUP is flip flopping again. Today after the meeting of the executives the secretary general of the Party gave us a different story. Myrtle Palacio, Secretary General - PUP "We have a party leader right now until a new party leader is elected. He is Francis Fonseca. He is also the leader of the opposition." This means that the Party leader, technical still has control of the party's organs, an advantage he has over the other two candidates Cordel Hyde and Johnny Birceño. The only party leader candidate who was present at the executive meeting today was Briceño, but even before the members of the party came out of the meeting, a representative of the executive told us that the candidates will not be speaking to us at this time.

Suspect #19 Charged For The Home Invasion Of the Diplomat's Estate
So far, 18 persons have been charged in connection with the aggravated burglary at Diplomat Sarkis Bou Nahra's residence in Burrell Boom - the majority of them for handling items stolen from the mansion. And, 25 year old Lane Grinage joins the crew who will now be charged. He was caught by police in Seine Byte village last night. He had been wanted since the date of the burglary because police saw him in Burrell Boom in a black car that was used as the main means of transport for the eight man crew that broke into the house. He is expected to be charged for Aggravated Burglary, Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Burglary, Conspiracy to commit Rape, Handling stolen goods and Theft. Notably, Lane Grinage appears in our archives before. Back n 2009 he was charged for burglarizing a resort in Burrell Boom to the tune of thirty three thousand dollars.

GSMS Donated to the Forensics Department
The "Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer," GCMS for short, is a big name for a machine with just as big a role in law enforcement. It could often mean the success or failure in the prosecution of a drug case. How this machine works is that the gas chromatography portion separates the chemical mixture into pulses of pure chemicals and the mass spectrometer identifies and quantifies the chemicals. We know… It sounds very arcane, but at the National Forensics' Department, the professionals use these types of machines to test for drugs and other illicit substances. Today the Department received this machine as another generous donation from the United States Embassy. Ambassador Carlos Moreno was on hand to official hand over the machine and Director Director of the National Forensic Department was on hand to receive the equipment. Henderson told us how this equipment will assist them in their criminal investigation efforts. David Henderson, Director - National Forensic Science Service "As you may be aware that in the past we only use to have cannabis and cocaine. But now there are several type of new drugs coming into the system, so then we must be prepared to deal with whatever substance come into the system."

2015-2016 Sugar Crop Start Marred By Muddy Cane
Ten days ago, we showed you the opening of the sugar crop at the Tower Hill factory in Orange Walk. As we reported at the time, the sugar that was coming in was wet and muddy - because of the late rains which had inundated the cane fields. Well ASR/BSI says the muddy cane is causing under production. The review of the first week of the season shows that "compared to the 2015 crop, sugar in cane is low…which has decreased sugar recovery leading to an unfavorable Tonnes of Cane to Tonnes of Sugar ratio." The problem - according to the millers - is that "Mud in cane has exceeded the required maximum of 4.5%, thereby "increasing the fiber content in cane and affecting milling and efficient steam generation." That's bad news for all industry stakeholders, and it could translate into lost days of operation - meaning diminished production and earnings. In response, the Sugar Cane Production Committee has sent a flier to farmers asking them to do their best to reduce the mud levels of cane going into the factory. The SCPC has also asked the test group leaders to speak to the farmers to implement the right methods to pick up cane. There are specific loading and stacking techniques which farmers can use to minimize mud levels.

Coast Guard Got New Toys For Safety And Preparedness
Last night, we showed you how the Belize Defense Force got a donation of 2 Land Rovers to assist with patrols. Well, today it was the Belize Coast Guard who received several pieces of equipment. These include inflatable boats, and other tactical and safety equipment. The Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard Admiral John Borland told us how all this gear will enhance safety and preparedness. Admiral John Borland, Commandant - Belize Coast Guard "The equipment you see here laid out is part of the enduring friendship program, the partnership that we have with the United States Government Southern Command and State Department INL under which most of the equipment you see displayed today came from. There are a variety of equipment raging from zodiac tactical boats that are mainly going to be employed by the seals for tactical operations. There are life jackets. There is 200 of them on display. They are going to be issued to the fleet. The fleet are the people who do the work on a daily basis, they go to sea every day, so they need the best equipment that we have. The foul weather gear is also going to be issued to the fleet. There are 200 sets and they are going to be use whenever the fleets on operations in foul weather. Foul weather means inclement weather or bad weather. The better you take care of a man under inclement conditions, the better he will operate."

Mother Ships On The Way For The Coast Guard
So with all this state of the art equipment, the Coast Guard also need new patrol vessels to better protect Belize's waters. As you heard, CEO Lovell spoke about a mothership approach and he is referring to 2 patrol ships that will be built for the Belize Coast Guard. The government has already approved the funds for these ships but CEO Lovell told us they are in the planning stage - meeting with their American and Mexican partners on the construction and delivery of these 2 ships. "Well we are hoping to partner with any of our friendly nations. As you note I already made an appeal to not just the US Southern Command, we are been talking to Mexican friends and things are looking good for us. But it's not just the acquisition of these assets, we must look at the sustenance and maintenance of these vessels as we get them. That is where I would want to see them partnering with us. Because this is not just for Belize, this is as far as I see for the safety of the region and to a large extent those countries which transshipment of narcotics, or weapons, even human smuggling and by the way we have seen a trend in terrorism. Countries that will more than likely be targets for these types of illicit activities will certainly benefit from Belize having the kind of capacity for our Coast Guard and our maritime people here in Belize to be able to do their part in the whole bigger regional security efforts." The cost of getting these vessels is over $13 million US dollars. The 1st ship is expected to arrive early 2017. There will also be training for officers on how to operate and maintain these ships.

The US Embassy Continues To Donate To Local Law Enforcement
And there are also other projects that the Belize Coast Guard and the US Embassy are working on. US Ambassador Carlos Moreno told us about the ongoing construction of a maintenance facility at the Coast Guard Headquarters and the upcoming initiatives that will further enhance the efficiency of the force. Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador "In terms of security overall, it's something yes. CARSI funds really involve not only the BDF but also the Belize Police Department through the provision of similar types of equipment equipping their mobile interdiction team. Here you see the construction of a maintenance facility. I would like to see construction of a maintenance facility for the motor vehicles we provide to the Belize Police Department and I believe in 2016, we will be providing a couple of dozens motor vehicles for the police department. But my concern is what about sustainability, maintenance - this equipment is all nice to have, it's also very expensive, but this equipment can and should last and be maintained for years." As you heard, more vehicles will be donated to the police department next year.

Guatemalan Illegal Farmer Arrest Was Important
In yesterday's news, you heard the latest on the Chiquibul Forest from the Friends for Conservation and Development. One part of the 75 minute press conference we didn't air - has to do with the arrest of a single farmer back on November 26th. It was a minor news item - but according to the Executive Director of FCD, it had a major impact on environmental enforcement. Here's how he explained it:.. Raphael Manzanero - Executive Director, FCD "Just a couple of weeks ago there was one of the persons that were detained and that guy for the very first time it was a milpa farmer. If you look at the historical context in Chiquibul, there has never been an arrest on a Guatemalan farmer. This time this person was caught and this person was charged $6,000 which was really something historical in our aspect of looking at the environmental enforcement." In lieu of paying the fine, the farmer will have to spend three years in prison.

BEL Caribe Gave Away Another Hundred Xmas Hampers
100 needy families received Christmas hampers today. The hampers were for those families with kids suffering from Cancer, HIV and diabetes. These families struggle every day to provide basic needs for their kids and those regular doctor visits and medications don't make it any easier. Today the Founder of the '1000 Smiles for Cleyon' Foundation Michelle Rudon told us how significant these hampers are especially during this time of year. While these hampers surely brighten the christmas season for these families, the sordid reality remains - these families need financial assistance for cancer treatment. One little boy who is in need of assistance is Baby Izac. Baby Issac needs $2,000 to get his surgery in January. You can call the foundation at 223 2448 to find out more about how you can help. The Christmas hampers will be distributed to these families today and tomorrow. Bel- Caribe partnered with Smart, PUMA and Travelers to make these donations possible.

Scotia Cut A Cheque For Outreach Organizations
And the donations keep on coming - this time from Scotia Bank. Today at their Albert Street Office they handed over 2 cheques - one to Hand in Hand Ministries and one to the Belize Red Cross. Representatives from both organizations told us that the money will used to assist those affected by the recent floods. Hand in Hand Ministries got $30,000 and the Belize Red Cross got $10,000. In terms of the houses that will be built for the flood victims - construction should start in February. The construction will be a joint project between Scotia bank and Hand in Hand Ministries.

MLA/TAA Got The Equator Prize
The Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Association, these are the leaders of the 39 Mayan Communities in the South, and very often, they make the local news. Well, a week ago, these indigenous leaders made major news outside of Belize when they were awarded the 2015 Equator Prize. What is the Equator Prize? Well, it's given to 20 outstanding organizations who advocate indigenous rights either to advance sustainable development solutions for people, nature, or resilient communities who are under pressure to protect the forests, their homes, or their cultural heritage. This year, the Maya Leaders Alliance was among the 20 awardees, coming from a pool of hundreds of nominations worldwide. They were recognized among their peers from other countries for the landmark victory in getting Maya Land Rights recognized in Belize. Cristina Coc, the Spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance and Alfonso Cal, the President of the Toledo Alcaldes Association went to Paris, France to accept this award on Last week Thursday. Yesterday, while we had to opportunity, we got a reaction from Coc about the prestigious award and it's implications.

Channel 5

Guyana Rice Blocked at Big Creek Port
A shipment of milled rice from Guyana arrived at the Big Creek Port in southern Belize overnight where it remains at present. At the port, all was quiet and calm [...]

P.U.P. National Convention Will Be Held in Belmopan
Following the official announcement of three aspiring leaders for the P.U.P. on December fifteenth, the party held a National Executive meeting at Independence Hall this afternoon to determine details of [...]

International Abduction Case of Baby Nina Barrera Perez Adjourned
Baby Nina Charlotte Barrera Perez will remain in a foster home through the Christmas holidays, as the matter was adjourned in Family Court today. The two year old was removed [...]

Mother Analiz Gutierrez Remains Hopeful That She Will Retain Custody
Analiz Gutierrez was in court and clearly distraught that the matter could not have been resolved in today’s hearing. She told News Five that she is disappointed that her daughter [...]

Gutierrez Says She is Afraid to Return to Guatemala
If the court rules that baby Nina was indeed removed from the country illegally, then the child will be ordered to be returned to Guatemala. Gutierrez would then need to [...]

US Embassy donates Boats and Gear to Belize Coast Guard
Two significant donations were made today by the US Government. We start with the Belize Coast Guard which received a variety of equipment to bolster operations of national security in [...]

Forensic Science Service Receives Cutting Edge Equipment
Another donation by the U.S. Embassy was granted to the National Forensic Science Service in Ladyville in the form of cutting edge equipment. A gas chromatograph mass spectrometer machine, also [...]

US Embassy Will Provide Training
Training for use of the equipment will be provided by the US Embassy, and Director Henderson says that in January, a staff member returns with a master’s degree in forensic [...]

11 Injured in Afternoon Accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway
There was an accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway this afternoon at around one-thirty. According to reports, a white pickup being driven by Corozal resident Fernando Chan was between mile [...]

Mexican Earthquake Rocks Belize
At about one-fifty this afternoon, the tremors of an earthquake were felt in many parts of Belize and Guatemala. The earthquake rumbled in Tonala, Chiapas, in southern Mexico and registered [...]

Santa Cruz 13 Vindicated
The Santa Cruz Thirteen appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner on Wednesday to an unexpected retraction of the charge of unlawful imprisonment. That is after the group of villagers was trooped [...]

Former B.S.I. Employee’s Wrongful Termination Suit Dismissed
A B.S.I. employee was terminated after thirty-one years on the job as an Electrical and Instrumental Technician. He took his case to court in hope of being re-instated or in [...]

Construction Worker on Bail for Drug Trafficking Charge
Belize City Construction Worker, thirty year old Sherlock Herrera, who was busted at his home allegedly in possession of one hundred and eight grams of cannabis, is out on bail [...]

800 Families Celebrate Christmas Thanks to the Salvation Army
Eight hundred needy families will be celebrating Christmas with goodies courtesy of the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas hamper drive. The first group of families received their grocery packages at three [...]

Healthy Living – Yoga, the Natural Remedy for Overindulgence
Let’s be honest, in exactly one week, the inundation of food and drinks will be upon us. For some of us, it really doesn’t matter how many times we tell [...]

CTV3

Corozal Police To Increase Security Measures During Christmas Season
During this festive season the community is sure to be occupied with festive activities and last minute shopping. And while shoppers hit the stores criminals are hitting the streets and neighborhoods waiting for their next prey. Time has shown that during the Christmas season the country experiences and increase in crime especially when it comes to burglaries and robberies. In an effort to minimize criminal activity within the Corozal District, the community police unit have boost up police surveillance within Town. With extra patrol comes a number of advices for shop owners who are asked to be cautious when handling money and to ensure that surveillance cameras are on at all times.

Case Of Baby Nina Adjourned To January 7th 2016
A couple of weeks ago, we informed you about the case of baby Nina who was removed from the custody of her mother by the Department of Human Services. Nina’s mother, Analiz Gutierrez, is a Belizean while the father is a Guatemalan citizen. The parents were battling the custody of the child in Guatemalan territory just before Gutierrez left with her child and returned to Belize. When Nina was taken away from her mother, she was placed in the custody of a foster family and then placed under the care of close relative’s allowing the mother visitation rights until the date of the court hearing initially set for next year in the month of January. The Belize Family Court however, decided to expedite the case of baby Nina and it was heard this morning in Belize City. But the father was a no-show so the case was adjourned to January 7th 2016 giving the child’s father another opportunity to appear for the hearing.

Phillip Goldson Highway Records Major Traffic Accident
Just before two this afternoon, traffic was backed up at the Phillip Godson Highway after a white Ford Ranger pickup truck heading towards Orange Walk lost control and turned over. According to a police officer at the scene, the driver of the vehicle, Fernando Chan, from Ranchito Village, Corozal, was making his way back from Belmopan when his pickup truck suffered a blowout and he lost control of the vehicle which turned over on mile 33 on the Phillip Goldson highway. According to the officer, there were approximately ten other persons in the vehicle at the time of the accident, including minors. While there were no fatalities, all passengers seemed to be suffering from serious face and body injuries and were transported to the Northern Regional Hospital and the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. We will have more information on this story tomorrow.

Tremors Of Strong Earthquake Also Felt In Northern Part Of Belize
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 struck southern Mexico, close to the town of Tres Picos in the state of Chiapas with tremors felt as far as Guatemala and Belize, located about 320 miles from the state of Chiapas. The earthquake, which struck at 1:49 p.m., was centered about 5 miles southeast of Tres Picos, or 19 miles northwest of Pijijiapan. It struck about 72 miles deep, making it a relatively deep earthquake. Mexico's National Seismological Service initially measured the strength of the earthquake at 6.4 but later upgraded it to a significantly stronger 6.6. The United States Geological Survey however, puts the preliminary magnitude of 6.4. Computer models from the USGS estimated that some 22.1 million people may have felt the earthquake, including 232,000 people who may have observed "moderate" shaking.

PlusTV

Tour guide chopped to the head on Goff’s Caye
A tour guide was chopped to the head while on Goff’s Caye. On Tuesday December 15, 52-year-old Glenford Gill, a Belizean tour guide, reported that at about 4:00 p.m. that afternoon, after the tourists had left Goff’s Caye, a man whom he knows as Henry , who appeared to be under the influence of alc...

Coast Guard find floating sack of weed
The Belize Coast Guard discovered a “wet drop” on Tuesday December 15. The term “wet drop” is used to describe packages of drugs found floating in the sea, dropped off by drug planes for local drug dealers to pick up and distribute. Sometimes, drug dealers miss the packages and those packages someti...

San Pedro man arrested for drug trafficking
A San Pedro man was arrested and charged for drug trafficking. The arrest came on Tuesday 15th December after police conducted a search at the residence of 37-year-old Deon Faber located on Laguna Drive, Boca Del Rio area San Pedro Town. Police say that during that raid, they found several plastic b...

Police hunt for masked, armed man in Camalote area
A 43 year old Honduran Domestic of Camalote Village reported that on Tuesday December 15 while at the Belize River in the company of her son, she noticed a male person dressed in full black clothing wearing a mask covering his entire face except for his eyes. The woman told police that the masked ma...

Ex-BWS workers demand compensation as company decides against appeal
On November 25, Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana issued a judgment in favour of six terminated workers from Belize Water Services Limited who sued for wrongful dismissal. They received three months’ salary and vacation pay for that dismissal, which came as a result of salacious letters circulate...

Bangladeshis in Belize mark national day
This morning in Belize City, the newly formed Bangladesh Association of Belize hosted a small flag raising ceremony in downtown at the Battlefield Park to mark their homeland’s national day. Bangladesh, formerly East Bengal, broke away from neighboring India and Pakistan following intense civil war ...

Phillip Goldson Highway Renovation
Today, December 16, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Works & Transport, signed a construction contract with CISCO Construction , in the amount of BZ$13,620,000.00, to carry out road works on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Government has secured a Loan from the Caribbean Developmen...

Breaking Belize News

Accident near mile 34 on Phillip Goldson highway
Reports reaching BMG’s newsroom are of a traffic accident around mile 34 and 35 of the Philip Goldson Highway near the old Intelco Tower. Pictures sent to us show that paramedics and police officers are in the area. This is a developing story and […]

U.S. donates to Belize Coast Guard
The U.S. government made separate donations to Belizean services today. The Coast Guard this morning received more than a million dollars Belize in equipment including eight Zodiac patrol boats to be used by the elite SEAL unit. And this afternoon, the National Forensic Science Service […]

Showdown at Big Creek over imported rice delayed
Three 20 foot containers containing the controversial imported rice from Guyana arrived at the Big Creek Port in Independence Village at 5 this morning and as of now are still awaiting clearance. Reports from the scene say importer Jack Charles has yet to arrive. The […]

Charges reduced for Santa Cruz 13
The charges against the Santa Cruz 13 have been reduced. The announcement was made yesterday when the 12 villagers and Cristina Coc appeared once again in court for the charge of unlawful imprisonment. The group had been arrested on June 24th after an incident in Santa Cruz […]

Earthquake in Mexico felt in Belize
Just before 2:00 p.m. an earthquake with a 6.4 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred near Pijijiapan, Chiapas, Mexico. Tremors from the earthquake were felt in Northern Belize and as far as Belize City.

Cayo Police find Marijuana in Arenal village
Cayo Police have found more weed in the Arenal village. The discovery was made during a foot patrol along the bank of the Mopan River in that village. Police reported that they noticed a Hispanic male walking with a garbage bag over his shoulder […]

Police find ammunition on Banak street
Police recovered ammunition during a search on Banak Street on Saturday December 12th, 2015. Authorities say that the discovery was made around 6:00 in the evening and found 9 millimetre Aguila brand live rounds. No arrests were made as no one was in the area at the […]

Belize City man charged for less than 4 ounces of weed
Belize City police made more arrests for drug related offenses this week. The Police Department reports that on Wednesday December 16th they searched a room in a building on #2426 Saint Jude Street around6:10 in the evening. There they discovered a bag containing 10 single […]

33-year-old charged for rape
One man is under investigation for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old. Belize City police said the minor, along with her mother, reported on Wednesday that on November 11th, 2015 at about 4:30 p.m. a man took her to a house on Fairweather Street in Belize City where […]

Two Santa Rosa residents charged for drug trafficking
Two people, including an 18-year-old, have been arrested and charged for drugs. Police report that on December 16th a search of a residence in the Santa Rosa Village in Stann Creek, belonging to 39-year-old Ramona Ack, led to the discovery of a small rice […]

Blogs

The Barbershops of San Pedro, Belize
For a town of about 13,000 permanent residents, we have an amazing amount of barbershops. Vacationing visitors do not get their hairs cut – but guys on the island like to keep their ‘dos high and tight and their shaves close and clean. One barber told me some guys like to get a touch up every 4-5 days! So I thought I’d take a walk to town and see how many shops I could photograph. And it was easy to start with the one right across the street from me. Technically not a barbershop but they have one of the grooviest radio theme songs you will ever hear.

Why Spend Christmas and New Year’s anywhere but Belize?
If the end of the year triggers the lyrics from the iconic Christmas song made famous by Frank Sinatra—“Oh, the weather outside is frightening…let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”—but you’re not looking forward to that snow and ice one bit–we’d like to remind you that life is short and you should think seriously about taking yourself out of that dreary mess. Where to go? Belize, of course. And specifically Ambergris Caye. This popular island getaway has been known to lift the dreariest mood in a matter of minutes, so see if it doesn’t make more sense to come here where the weather is always perfect. Need convincing? A variety of international travel authorities and rating websites including Travel + Leisure magazine have proclaimed Belize the best destination in Central America, so why would you want to spend Christmas and New Year’s anywhere else? Establish your own tradition by devoting Christmas Day to doing what you love: scuba diving, deep-sea diving, fishing, touring ancient Mayan ruins and caves or just staring out at the tranquil turquoise waters of the sea from the best vantage point of all: A cozy hammock hung on a private veranda that’s big enough for two.

Exploring the Ruins of Caracol – Photo Essay
In Belize, we finally decided to give Mayan ruins another shot, and Caracol was the perfect spot to do it. We found ourselves with a personal guide, on a day when barely anyone was visiting the ruins. During the height of Caracol, over 100,000 Mayans called this land home. Rediscovered in 1937, it’s been visited by many archeologists over the years. Today, many of the buildings remain buried beneath the ground. Archeologists excavate, then bury the buildings to protect their delicacy. Caana, the sky palace, is to this day the tallest building in Belize. This was once the administrative building of the king. The climb is steep, and the descent is perilous.

International Sources

Loan recovery management featured in CDB training programme for the first time
Caribbean Development Bank’s 2015 training programme for development finance institutions, which was held in collaboration with the Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis, closed on Friday in St Kitts. The four-week, four-module, training programme opened on November 16, with the last module being ‘Loan Recovery Management with Focus on Legal Issues’ which, according to the module’s organiser Tyrone Jones, is the first time it had been offered, based on the demand and the feedback from CDB’s borrowing institutions.

Strong mag. 6.5 earthquake - Near Coast of Chiapas, Mexico on Thursday, 17 December 2015
Includes lots of "I felt it" reports from Belize.

Students performing service in Belize over winter break
A group of 14 Cornell College students will travel to San Pedro, Belize, from Jan. 2-9, 2016, to perform service at an elementary school visited in the past by Cornell education students. This is the second Alternative Winter Break sponsored by the college’s Career and Civic Engagement Center. In March Cornell students will participate in a 12th year of Alternative Spring Break trips. Cornell currently ranks 3rd among Breakaway Spring Break Chapters nationally for percentage of students participating, with more than 100 students on spring break service trips in 2015. Students organize and lead the trips. The Belize group will be working with Ambergris Caye Elementary School, which is one of the schools students visit during education professor Jill Heinrich’s courses on comparative education in Belize. “We will be teaching lessons in science, goal-setting, theater, and computer science, as well as aiding teachers in their classrooms,” she said. “We will be running our own after-school program and putting on family nights as well.”

The Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre
It sounds like a quest straight out of Indiana Jones. Lost in the jungle of Belize is a mysterious cave that contains several sets of human remains, including the crystalised bones of the “Crystal Maiden.” The site is called Actun Tunichil Muknal, literally “Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre”. Locals sometimes call it Xibalba, the Mayan name for the underworld. It’s an apt sobriquet, as the cave is home to more than a dozen skeletons — some of them children. The reason for the presence of the skeletons is uncertain, though many believe that they were human sacrifices, possibly made to appease the rain god Chac or the gods of the underworld. Other theories suggest the remains are of those accused of witchcraft, whose bodies were left unburied in the cave so that their spirits would remain trapped inside. The youngest skeleton is of a one-year-old infant. The other infants are interred in the cave, ranging in ages from one to three years old. Some of them are entombed in crevices in the walls or in narrow adjoining chambers. Additional children skeletons include a child of about seven and a teenager who seems to have been bound before being killed.

El Salvador Ready to Host Summit of Central American Integration System
The foreign ministers of the Central American Integration System (SICA, in Spanish) continue preparations for the summit of the organization to be held tomorrow in San Salvador. The first activities of the event took place yesterday with the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of SICA in order to follow the progress of projects of regional nature, reported Prensa Latina sources of the organization. During the meeting, the ministers talked, among other aspects, about the reports resulting from the analysis on the future of the Central American Regional Integration and the strengthening of the criminal investigation, it was added. They also followed up today the programs to be developed, in meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Edgardo Riveros, and the observer countries in the System.

Videos

Road Trip through Mexico Guatemala and Belize, 4min.

Ep 156 - Belize and back again, 3min. A couple more things to do in the city before returning to the lodge to re-group myself. After which back to the city for a couple meetings which might just help put gas in the tank. Also, I learnt one does not have to go back to the border to renew passport stamps and Bike permits! Great news!

BEL Assists St. Mary's Feeding Program, 1min. After learning of recent challenges faced by St. Mary's Feeding Program, BEL committed its support by making a donation to ensure that 170 children receive a daily nutritious meal in a comfortable setting.

Exploring the Ruins of Caracol, 9min.

Belize and Guatemala, 4min. We started out our trip renting a car in Belize City and driving over the border (which was a huge process) to Tikal National Park in Guatemala. We made a pit stop in San Ignacio, Belize and visited the Mayan ruins Cahel Pech. We started out our Tikal trip with a guided tour at 4 A.M. and hiked to the top of the tallest temple to watch the sunrise. The best part was hearing the jungle wake up. We spent the entire day climbing and exploring all of the Tikal temples and wishing that there were more uncovered already. Then we made our way back to Belize and took a water taxi to San Pedro, which is part of Ambergris Island. We rode bikes to Secret Beach, ate lobster burritos, slid down the best waterslide over and over and best of all....we went scuba diving! I loved it so much and Belize happens to be a scuba diving mecca. We also swam with sharks, which was pretty cool. This trip was un-BELIZE-able!

Belize Audubon Society Bird Guide Training Draft, 9min.

Belize: Diving Mini Elbow, 14min. Throw Back Thursday!! Rewind to our first dive in Belize at Mini Elbow. Enjoy!

Sergio Garcia and Leeroy Banner Continue the Conversation on Importing Rice from Guyana to Belize, 35min.

Belize Trip, 13min. Hanging out with friends in Caye Caulker, Belize

Travel to Belize - Western Belize, 1min. Travel to Belize and discover the magic of the beautiful Central American country. In Western Belize, you can find warm local people, incredible biodiversity, ancient cultures, and astounding Mayan Ruins. Discover Belize. Discover how to be!

Travel to Belize - Southeast Belize, 1min. Travel to Belize and discover a worldly paradise of white sand beaches, welcoming local people, and one of the world's best coral reefs. In Southeast Belize, you can take life slowly and discover just why its people are considered some of the friendliest on Earth.

Travel to Belize - Northern Islands, 1min. Travel to Belize's Northern Islands and discover the true essence of the Caribbean: amazing beaches, beautiful coral reefs, friendly locals, and unforgettable cuisine. Discover Belize. Discover how to be.

December 17, 2015

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

Who will be the next PUP Party Leader?
Three members of the People’s United Party (PUP) have been nominated to contest the position of party leader in the upcoming convention on January 31, 2016. Nominations ended at 5PM on Tuesday, December 15th, with Honorable Cordel Hyde and former party leaders Honorable John Briceño and Honorable Francis Fonseca officially up for contention. But party supporters will not only select their next leader at the 2016 convention, as nominations were also held for the position of deputy party leader, national communication manager, national campaign manager, legal advisor, treasurer and chairman of the PUP. The shocker at nomination came with the announcement of Fonseca running for party leader after recently announcing his resignation after the November 2015 General Elections. Fonseca has indicated his actions are attributed by request from party members and an overwhelming encouragement from supporters who wish him to continue as party leader.

Keeping Belize Wild
Belize is a melting pot of magnificent and unique creatures. From the graceful swimming manatees, to the beautiful aeronautical macaws to the majestic and powerful jaguar, Belize is home to some of the world’s most prized wildlife. Yet, the rarity and beauty of Belize’s animals can cause us to forget our manners, disrespecting the animals and their environment…and sometimes the livelihoods of the local community. How so you may ask??? Well, here is a little story for example… You are on vacation and absolutely excited to see some real wildlife! You ask people where you can see some animals, and some locals point you into the direction of a place where you can see various bird species and crocodiles. You are totally thrilled to see crocodiles; and you know from TV they love chicken! You and your family head to the spot. You see Warning Signs and Private Property signs, but figure it has to be ok to go on the property since this is a known spot for birds and crocodiles. As you head to the waters edge, the crocodiles seem curious. You are excited to get close and personal with these apex predators, and the crocs are getting closer, and closer, and THEN…

Top Shatta takes the lead of the Christmas 8-ball Pool Tournament
The first ever Christmas 8-ball Pool tournament has brought much sporting fun to the island. With the second round of games over, only one more round is left in the tournament with the championship match being set for Sunday, December 20th. The eight registered teams are giving it their all in every single match in hopes of winning the grand cash prize of $1,000. Currently in the lead is team Top Shatta with 48 points, but anything can happen during this coming weekend’s games. After the last round of matches on Sunday, December 13th, team Top Shatta took the lead from last week’s leaders AJ’s Shootaz. Still in second place is team Un-expected with 41 points with AJ’s Shootaz close behind with only one point less. AJ’s Youths follows in fourth place with 38 points, Sand Bar Ballers are in fifth place with 36 points, Iguanas in sixth place with 26 points, Under Ground in seventh place with 24 point while Maldonado’s is in eight place with one point.

Islanders enjoy the festive Love FM Christmas Parade
Love FM hosted their fifth annual Christmas Parade in San Pedro on Saturday, December 12th. The festive parade brings color, music and much Christmas cheer to the main streets of the island with brightly lit floats and participants in themed costumes. This year’s parade was a spectacular show of creativity with elaborate floats from the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), Love FM, Top Notch, Isla Bonita Elementary School, Belize National Library Service and Information System, the Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch, Wings and the San Pedro Lions Club. The parade started shortly after 7PM from the Boca del Rio Park. Residents and island visitors flocked to the streets along the parade route to get a prime viewing spot. The sounds of Christmas carols announced the parade was near. Leading this year’s parade was the San Pedro Town Mayor, Councilors and staff who were happily handing out sweet treats to all the children. Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero then followed on a decked out Christmas sleigh float. Also in the parade was Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr.

Island tour guides participate in Manatee Conservation Workshop
The importance of protecting the endangered Antillean manatee cannot be stressed enough by Belize’s environmentalists, and as such, a workshop on their conservation was held in San Pedro on Thursday, December 10th for tour guides and boat captains. Representatives from the many tour companies in San Pedro gathered at the Lion’s Den at 1PM to participate in the event which provided valuable information for tourism industry partners on manatees. The workshop was a collaborative effort of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Sea to Shore Alliance (C2S), Belize Forest Department, Belize Port Authority and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Opening the workshop was Maria Vega of Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, who welcomed everyone to the event, and explained what would be covered during the workshop. The first presentation was given by Jamal Galves of C2S. Galves, a self-made manatee expert who has dedicated much of his life towards the protection of these animals, spoke on the basic details of these gentle giants, including their habitats, importance to society, population dynamics, reproduction, eating habits, as well as the threats they face in Belize.

Big renovations to come to the Air Traffic Control Sector in 2016
The New Year will see some major improvements to Belize’s Air Traffic Control Sector with the signing of a $9 million renovation project contract. The project is scheduled to commence in early 2016, and will see the upgrade of air traffic controls, radar systems and meteorological devices. This much needed upgrade comes after a long petition from Air Traffic Control workers and the Public Service Union who claimed the facilities at The Philip Goldson International Airport are not up to par with today’s demanding aviation industry. The project contract was signed on Wednesday, December 2nd as part International Civil Aviation Day and is expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Indra Systems will be providing all the equipment necessary for the renovation will CONCESNA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be jointly overseeing the that the project is completed in a satisfactory manner. Heredia remarked on the great benefits the upgrade will bring for Belize’s Aviation Industry and even the Tourism Industry. “This is a very important milestone for civil aviation in Belize; the si

Ambergris Today

Black Team Belize Sweeps Regional WOD Competition in Mexico
Ricky Luna, Rene Reyes, Liliana Nunez and Lucian Pollard Black Team Belize place first place at intermediate level. After a two-day competition that saw Belize’s Black Team competing against 26 other intermediate teams in the WOD Challenge Merida 2015, Mexico, and surpassing rigorous exercise challenges, Belize claimed the top spot on the podium. Coaches Liliana Nunez and Rene Reyes of Crossfit San Pedro teamed up with Coaches Lucien Pollard and Ricky Luna of WOD Zone to represent Belize in a team competition that took place in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The Belize Black Team was the only non-Mexican team in the competition as they faced teams from Crossfit boxes from all over Mexico including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Merida, Campeche, among others. The first day of competition had the team battling in three heat events taking place indoors at the Universidad Model. The next day competition moved to the beaches of Progresso, where things got more challenging, but fun, according to Coach Liliana Nunez. “We definitely made a good team,” commented Liliana Nunez of Crossfit San Pedro. “No misunderstanding, no stress, no confusion, no fight; we worked so good together it was smooth, that was the best part of it. And everyone did there part and work hard for that first place.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Hon. Gaspar Vega meets with Alexandra Costeau
Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment & Sustainable Development met with Alexandra Costeau, National Geographic filmmaker, ocean explorer, Oceana Senior Advisor and granddaughter of the legendary Jacques Costeau. Jacques Costeau explored Belize's marine environment in the 1970's, becoming the first person to document and reveal the mysteries of our Great Blue Hole. Her week-long trip included a visit with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss sustainability in management and greater protection for Belize's marine resources. Costeau said of Belize, “My husband and I fell in love in Belize and with Belize. This is where he and I took our first trip together. This is also where I taught him how to dive. Later, our daughter touched the ocean for the first time in Belize. Now, we’re looking forward to bringing our newborn son to Belize. Belize is one of those places that just feels so much like home to me.”

Fifth Road (Phillip Goldson Highway Upgrading) Project – Section A – Airport Road Junction to Haulover Bridge
The Government of Belize secured Loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Fifth Road (Phillip S.W. Goldson Highway Upgrading) Project. This project, located in Belize City and Ladyville is divided into several components, two of which directly address road infrastructure: Section A (Airport Road Junction to Haulover Bridge) and Section B (Haulover Bridge to Buttonwood Bay Boulevard Roundabout). Section A of this project involves the upgrading of Phillip Goldson Highway from its intersection with the Airport Road to the northern approach of the Haulover Bridge. Included in the scope of works is the construction of retaining walls in areas where there is the threat of erosion on the road foundation, the installation of erosion protection baskets and rock rip-rap, widening of the road cross section to include paved road shoulders, pavement restoration and re-surfacing. The project also includes installation of road lighting and safety features, such as signs, reflectors, road marking and improved visibility through the clearing of the road reserve.

The passing of Ms. Balbina Sanchez
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Sanchez family & friends on the passing of Ms. Balbina Sanchez. Ms. Balbina lost her battle to cancer, but she sure gave it a good fight. May her soul rest in peace.

Inauguration of the Sarteneja Community Library
The official inauguration of the Sarteneja Community Library was made by Minister Hon. Patrick Faber. The building, housing the new library, was converted from and old water reservoir to a beautiful library. Special salutation and thanks to Ms. Julia Kern, friend of the Sarteneja community for her contribution and everyone that made this library possible.

Belize Tourism Pioneer Mick Fleming Honoured by BTIA
Congratulations are in order for Chaa Creek's Mick Fleming. The award was 'to honor outstanding members, pioneers and sponsors who were actively involved in the growth and development of the BTIA and the tourism industry of Belize.' That about nails it. "Belizean eco-resort The Lodge at Chaa Creek reports that it is ending the year on a high note after co-owner Mick Fleming was honoured with a special award as part of the Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (BTIA) December 2015 annual general meeting and 30th anniversary celebration."

The U.S. Embassy is selling a satellite dish!
No minimum bid!

FREE Christmas Camp for kids in San Pedro!
The San Pedro House of Culture in collaboration with Projects Abroad invite all kids to a FREE Christmas Camp on December 28th to 30th from 9 am to 12 noon. If your child in interested in attending the Christmas Camp, please contact the House of Culture at 226-5100 or Kaitlin McWhorter at 607-1765.

Leap Year-Leap Forward Meet & Greet
Get acquainted and learn about the progress being made with creative agriculture, vocations, skills, co-operative, and more. Monday, February 29, 2016at 1 PM - 4 PM, #12 Hunters Lane, Belize City, Belize. Created for The Humaniterrium Project Friends

Power interruptions 8:00am to 8:30am & 12:30pm to 1:00pm, Thursday, December 17, Placencia Peninsula
Portion between Surfside Dev & Plantation including Coco Plum Dev, Maya Beach, Poinciana Dr, Coconut Walk Rd, Forest Lagoon Estate & Maya Lagoon area. BEL to conduct upgrade works in the area.

Allegro Choir Christmas Sing-along Concert
The Allegro School of Music had a great Christmas Sing-along Concert. Merry Christmas! "Allegro Music School was so very proud to present the Allegro Choir for our first ever public performance last night in Belmopan! We had an audience full with friends, family, and music lovers. The audience did pretty well joining in with the sing-along songs although we’ll get them going more next year! Our choir songs sounded great - and we will get better and better each performance."

Groundbreaking ceremony for the new U.S. Marine Security Guard Residence
Last Friday, Ambassador Moreno assisted in taking the first step to getting the Embassy ready for the addition of U.S. Marine Security Guards at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new U.S. Marine Security Guard Residence on the U.S. Embassy compound. Construction for the new building started in November 2015 and is expected to be completed in June 2017

San Pedro Dance Academy Annual Christmas show
Sunday December 20th @ 7pm

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Visit, The Ghost Dimension, The Walk, Pan

Channel 7

Will GOB Block Guyanese Rice?
Tomorrow morning all eyes turn to the Port in Big Creek where a shipment of three containers, containing 75 tonnes of Premium Rice from Guyana is expected to arrive. It’s the property of merchant Jack Charles who is determined to get the rice to market so he can offer consumers “Grade A” rice at 69 cents a pound, while the government-controlled price for “Grade C” is 90 cents per pound. So will the government allow him to introduce the imported rice to the market? Today, speaking to us from El Salvador, the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture said Charles hasn’t applied for the necessary BAHA Permit: Jules Vasquez "Rice is scheduled to arrive at Big Creek port from Santo Thomas tomorrow. What is the plan for the government of Belize; will the rice be allowed into the country?" Jose Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Agriculture "Prior to importation of plant and animal material, importation permit should be requested from BAHA. The last time I checked, no permit request had been made to BAHA, this is yesterday. If the rice lands, BAHA has laws by which that guides them and they will apply the law." Jules Vasquez "Okay, now all this is heading for a sort of showdown. We know Mr. Charles has been advertising that the rice will be 21 cents cheaper than the new control price and certain charitable organisations will get it for even less than that. Explain to me, is this adding pressure unto the Ministry of Agriculture?"

Cabbie Killed In The South
Last night, we told you about the murder of 64 year-old Antonio Rodriguez, better known as “Sapote”. The well-known taxi man from Eldridgeville, Toledo was found murdered in a remote location just outside of Punta Gorda town. He is known as a hard worker, but sometime on Tuesday before midday, a customer, someone he most likely knew, lured him to that location and stabbed him multiple times while he was driving the taxi. He had his licensed handgun beside him, but investigators believe that because the attacker surprised him from behind in the backseat, he did not have any opportunity to draw it. So, why would anyone want to kill the older man? That’s what our news team went to PG to find out today. Daniel Ortiz reports: Just after midday yesterday, taxi driver Antonio “Sapote” Rodriguez, was found here on this feeder road just outside of Punta Gorda Town. He had been stabbed multiple times and left for dead, an uncharacteristic and violent end for this productive community member. One of his fellow taxi drivers, the last person to speak with Rodriguez while he was alive, recounted their conversation before he left on a taxi run.

Charges Reduced For Santa Cruz 13; Is GOB Case Crumbling
6 months ago, on June 24, it made headline news when Cristina Coc, and 12 villagers of Santa Cruz, collectively known as the Santa Cruz 13, were arrested and charged for unlawful imprisonment. That’s after they handcuffed and tried to kick Creole Belizean Rupert Myles out of the village. He reported them to police, and investigators took swift action against the Santa Cruz 13, marching them before the Punta Gorda Magistrates Court. Well today, after a flurry of adjournments, the 13 Mayan defendants reported to court only to find out that the prosecution withdrew the charge of unlawful imprisonment. It’s an important vindication for the Maya who maintained that they did not break any law when they detained Myles for allegedly damaging their Uxbenka Mayan monument. We had publicly speculated that the criminal case was losing strength, and today’s outcome is being interpreted by the defendants as a step toward complete vindication. Cristina Coc, one of the accused, told us how the Santa Cruz 13 is preparing to beat the prosecution at the next adjournment:

Former Cop, Now Parolee Sent Back To Jail
30 year old Ronald Sutherland is a former police officer who was sent to jail for beating up his girlfriend. He was released on parole but is back in jail tonight, accused this time of smuggling weed. Surveillance by Special Branch led to a search of his home yesterday at 5 Adam’s Lane which turned up four ounces of marijuana. Sutherland told the court that his brother left behind a bag and he didn’t know what was in it. Still, Sutherland took took a guilty plea for drug trafficking and begged the court for leniency. But, he is a parolee, so, after considering the fact that Sutherland will no doubt be taken back before a parole board for violating the conditions of his parole, Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser did not accept the guilty plea and instead denied him bail.

Will Sugar Sellers Pay For Premature Price Hike?
Last week Friday, we showed you proof that although the increase in price of sugar takes effect on New Year’s Day, grocers are already trying to gouge the consumer by hiking up the price prematurely. That’s illegal, and punishable by a fine of $1,000 or an imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both, but even though there is stiff penalties for this crime, retailers are still taking the risk. That’s because they know that the Bureau of Standards, which is responsible for consumer protection, is infamously lacking in enforcement capabilities. Yesterday we caught up with the Director of the Bureau, and we asked him about what his department is doing to dissuade those crooked retailers from breaking the law and chancing you the customer. Here’s how that conversation went: "Last 2 weeks we have been conducting inspections across the country, mainly Belize City; not across the country because soon we will have to cover certain areas but the areas we have touches so far is Belize City, San Ignacio and Belmopan. We have inspected roughly about 35 stores across these municipalities and what we have been trying to do is ensure 1.) The supply is there for sugar..."

BDF Goes Old School With New Land Rovers
Today the Belize Defence Force received two new 2013 Land Rovers. Both vehicles will be used primarily for patrols near the Caracol Archaeological site and in the Chiquibul. Now, normally the police receive Great Wall Wingles, while the BDF get Mahindra’s, but Brigadier General David Jones told us those Asian-made pickups simply won’t do in the remote reaches Belize’s dense forest terrain. "These two Land Rovers cost about little over 55 thousand dollars, Belize dollars. They are going to be used in the Caracol Area where tourist will be escorted from Camp De Silva to the Caracol ruins. So the troops that will be escorting the tourists will be using one of these Land Rovers. One of them will always be on stand-by in case one goes down; we'll have the other one to use. Actually both of them use for that actual patrol in the Chiquibul Area."

Remember Danny, Keep Caracol Safe
Now, as you heard, these Land Rovers will be used to transport tourists to the Caracol Archaeological site and also for patrols in that area – this will add to the already heightened safety and security measures that were implemented following the murder of Danny Conorquie in September of 2014. He was shot and killed while on duty. Today General Jones told us that increased security presence at Caracol has dramatically reduced illegal incursions. "Well the main buffer to Caracol was the area of Velanetin, where we had concern with incursions from our neighbouring countries coming over. We have seen a significant drop but there are still a few incursions, mainly for agrarian reasons. We have people coming over doing planting, lumber has reduced dramatically, we haven't been having cases of illegal lumber being cut as we did in the past because we had that conversation post there. So the soldiers that are working diligently there, things have reduced there but the patrols continue. It's even more effective now because we have the CP that was constructed there and we also have the base of Caracol where we have soldiers stationed there now as well. So we have increased level of security to the effect that we don't expect to see any incidents in regards to what occurred with Danny Conorquie occurred there."

BDF Ready To Start Work At Forward Operating Base
On the topic of increased security – the Joint Forward Operating Base will provide just that at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. As we told you, there was a ground breaking ceremony a week ago and construction is expected to begin as early as next week. While it’s a historic event for Belize, what are the Guatemalans saying about it and will there be any contention between Belize’s military forces and theirs? Today General Jones told us there shouldn't be any issues because both countries will work together to maintain peace and order at the Sarstoon. "We intend for construction to start as soon as possible. We've identified a contractor. It hasn't been finalized yet who is going to do the construction that will be finally decided by the government. But we expect construction to start very soon, probably by next week if possible. When start, it should be within 3 months, so probably by the end of February, we should have that base maned. The base is for the Belize Defence Force and we will also invite the coast guard to jointly work there with us but it's a BDF initiative and we intend to do our patrolling in that area; hopefully working jointly with the Guatemalan base which is just on the other side of the river. That protocol needs to be established and agreed upon by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Ministry of National Security. So we're hoping that dialogue could start so that we could have a similar protocol we have with the Western Border, to have a similar protocol with the Sarstoon river, jointly with the Guatemalan armed forces."

An Absence Doesn't Mean an Absence Of Interest
So now if there is no animosity between Belizean and Guatemalan soldiers then why wasn't there any Guatemalan official at the ground breaking ceremony last week Wednesday? Is this a sign that they aren't on the same page as it relates to this base? General Jones told us that although they weren't present for the ceremony, they expressed their willingness to cooperate and work together to safeguard the river. "No, I don't see it as a protest and even though and even though the ground breaking was there, I did go over to the median line between Belize and Guatemala on that same day and the Colonial that was there, who is in charge of the marines there is one of the same officers that I have met before in previous discussions in regards to a protocol in the Sarstoon. We met at the middle of the river and we exchange pleasantries and we expressed, that yes it's the ground breaking today and we intend to start working together with them."

General Jones And President Jimmy
So while both countries seem to have a cordial relationship right now– that could change under the new leadership of President Elect Jimmy Moralez. As was widely reported Jimmy Moralez made some provocative remarks during his campaign about his plans regarding the Belize – Guatemala territorial dispute. His tone has changed since taking office, but is Belize prepared for any shift in relations under Moralez? That’s what we asked General Jones today. "I don't except any changes to occur with our military counterparts. We've had a long standing relationship with our military counterparts but political directives can change; if politicians decide otherwise then the military will have to follow because the military work under the directives of their politicians. But the long standing relationship that we've had with the Guatemalan armed forces, I don't expect things to change. If it is going to change, we're going to discuss what the best way is forward for both forces to work together because we're both professionals and we only execute our political directives but we try to work together in a professional manner."

FCD: Your Dollars Helped The Chiquibul
And a big part of Belize – Guatemala relations is the Chiqubul forest. There are dozens of small and impoverished Guatemalan communities in the south-eastern Peten which are pushing up against the verdant and resource – rich Chiquibul. The job of keeping them out falls principally to the co-manager of the Chiquibul National Park – which is the Friends For Conservation and Development. They work with the BDF and Police to preserve the reserve – and this year with the help of government and the public, they’ve had measurable success. They reported this to the press in a press conference held in Belize City at the marine parade law chambers… Raphael Manzanero - Executive Director, FCD "Whenever we talk about not losing a single blade of grass or not losing a single inch of land; in Chiquibl we see this thing on a daily basis and we really believe about maintaining our territory with all the inches of land then it basically means we do need a presence out there." And in 2015, they got a big boost with public financing for additional park rangers – it made a difference: Derrick Chan - Manager, Chiquibul National Park "So prior to the telethon so we had only 7 rangers. We have hired now 18 rangers since the year started of 2015."

One Heck Of A Highway!
The northern highway between the Haulover Bridge and the airport junction is one of the most trafficked and most dangerous stretches of road in Belize. And now, it’s going to get a 13.6 million dollar upgrade. The contract was signed today between Cisco Construction and the Ministry of Works in Belmopan. First, the road will be widened to include paved shoulders. The pavement will also be restored and re-surfaced, and retaining walls will be constructed in areas where the Belize river threatens to erode the highway. Road lighting, signs, and reflectors, will also be installed. The project will be supervised by an international consultant, IMC Worldwide of the United Kingdom. Work should begin immediately on this, the first phase of a two phase project. At the signing today in Belmopan, Works Minister Rene Montero said that it will provide road safety and create jobs: The second phase will be from Buttonwood Bay to the Haulover bridge.

Just A Snack For Soldiers
Today over 500 BDF soldiers took a break from their duties and enjoyed their Christmas luncheon at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. It’s an annual luncheon where these soldiers get to unwind, spent time with family and interact with their colleagues in a calm and relaxed environment. General Jones told us what the luncheon means for these soldiers. Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF "The Christmas luncheon is a once a year event. It is an event we use to say thank you to our soldiers who have been serving the BDF for their career here. And we do that by having the senior officers, which ever minister of CEO turns up to serve the troops their lunch during this time. We serve their food, we serve their drinks and we say a big thank you to them for the hard efforts, the sacrifices they have been providing for the country; putting their lives on the line, maintaining the territorial integrity and patrolling along the borders 24 hours a day. So we take this opportunity once a year to say thank you to our soldiers and we personally as officers and leaders, we serve them their meal for that day, which is today."

Woodrow West Takes Winning Ways To Progreso, Honduras
Woodrow West is one of the best known athletes in Belize, and now he’s making a name for himself in Honduras where he’s taken his winning ways to the Progreso team in Honduras. That’s a top team playing in the top league of Honduras, and now they are only one game from the very top as they prepare to play the final game on their home field this weekend. Today, our football expert Freddy Cantialiano spoke to Woodrow West in Honduras where he’s preparing for the game:.. West says his father and his uncle as well as a few friends will travel to Honduras for the game on Saturday. His team was recently shaken up by the murder of one of its players, Jaun Delgado. It’s the kind of crime too common in Honduras which ahs the highest murder rate in the world. West spoke about how he stays safe:

Shooter Charged
25 year-old Jeffrey McDougal, a labourer of 40 King Street, is spending the second night on remand after he was taken to court for shooting another Belize City resident. The victim, Brandon Allen, reported to police that on Sunday December 13, he was walking on East Canal Street. When he reached the Water Lane Junction, someone fired a barrage of shots at him, injuring him in the buttocks. Police arrested and charged McDougal with the offences of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. He was remanded into custody until February 15, 2016.

Charged For Norman's Manslaughter
On Monday, we told you about how Norman Castillo died as a result of that crazy accident on the Western Highway Last month. That’s the one where the truck tried to squeeze past a Mennonite trailer carrying a house, but it ended up hitting the bus, loaded with passengers, which had pulled over to allow the trailer to pass. Well, 59 year-old Arthur Cadle, the driver of the truck, who was criminally charged for that accident, was taken back to court and his charge was upgraded to manslaughter by negligence. He was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza, and he was offered bail of $5,000. He must return to court on February 12, 2016.

Channel 5

Why Are Toledo Rice Farmers Paid Less Than Northern Rice Producers?
The proposed importation of rice from a CARICOM country by businessman Jack Charles of Xtra House remains unresolved tonight, even though a shipment of prepackaged Guyanese rice to be retailed [...]

Chamber of Commerce Weighs In on Rice Issue
With less than twenty-four hours before the shipment of rice arrives, the showdown between producers and importer is heating up. Earlier today, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued [...]

What Are Belizean Consumers Saying About Rice?
On Tuesday, we asked our online viewers whether they would support or not the importation of Guyanese rice into Belize? With a shipment of rice nearing Belize, today, we took [...]

No Small Turkeys Available in Belize
If you were thinking of getting a small turkey this Christmas, you may want to try a chicken instead. That’s because currently there are none to be had in the [...]

Revisiting the Chiquibul 2 Years after Launch of Awareness Campaign
What is the state of Belize’s largest national park two years after launching an active campaign to raise awareness on the value of the Chiquibul? Today was report card day [...]

Punta Gorda Police Investigate Murder of Taxi-man
Punta Gorda Police are trying to determine who may have lured a taxi-man to his death on a remote feeder road on the outskirts of that community. A we reported [...]

Ex-Police Officer Remanded for Weed
An ex-police officer, who was out on parole, is back behind bars tonight. Ronald Ragan Sutherland was convicted of wounding his ex-girlfriend back in 2014 and sentenced to two years, [...]

Belize City Resident Charged for Handling Stolen Goods
But John Burke, a Belize City resident, will not be spending Christmas behind bars. He was accused of burglary and handling stolen goods after the home of a Belizean/American couple [...]

Belize City Man Remanded For Shooting
Tonight, twenty-eight-year-old Jeffery McDougal is behind bars after being accused of a shooting incident which occurred on Sunday, December thirteenth, 2015 in which Brandon Allen was shot and injured in [...]

Police Officers Adopt an Elderly Woman in Community Rehabilitation Initiative
This afternoon, ninety-three year old Wilmenia Santos, a resident of number thirty Caesar Ridge Road since Independence, was given an early and very meaningful Christmas gift from the Community Policing [...]

Mayors from Belize City and Chetumal Sign Sister City Agreement
Belizeans in the thousands flock across the northern border to shop, but trade is about to go up even higher. On Tuesday, the mayors from Belize City and the City [...]

Belize City Looks to Tap Into Tourism Potential from Chetumal
With established relations between the municipalities of Belize City, San Pedro and Chetumal, Bradley says that the idea is for Belize to tap into the tourist population across the northern [...]

Contract Signed for Phase I of Phillip Goldson Highway Rehabilitation
If you’ve driven on the Phillip Goldson Highway anytime in the last couple months you’ve probably complained bitterly about the condition of the road. The section from the Boom junction [...]

Bangladeshi Nationals in Belize Commemorate Victory Day
A flag raising ceremony was held today at the Battlefield Park in Belize City. At seven o’clock this morning, Bangladesh nationals living in Belize hoisted their country’s flag in commemoration [...]

Belize City Council Acknowledges Contributions of Bangladeshi Community
While the Bangladeshi community is small in Belize, they contribute significantly to the commercial private sector of downtown Belize City. They’ve been working closing with the City Council of Belize [...]

CTV3

Belize Chamber Of Commerce Weighs On Importation Of Rice Issue
As the problem persists today the Belize Chamber of Commerce weighed in on the issue. In a release issued today the chamber notes the current impasse between the Government of Belize and a local importer regarding the importation of rice from Guyana. At the same time the chamber advises the public that all importation into Belize is guided by rules and regulations specific to the goods or commodities being imported. In the case of the rice scheduled to arrive in Belize, says the chamber consideration must be given to whether it is of the required standard and quality to meet or exceed that which is available locally, and what effect, if any, the importation will have on local producers and the rice industry in Belize. This should have been done prior to importation.

Elroy Bastarachea, Still Not A Free Man
Elroy Bastarachea, a resident of Patchakan Village, Corozal, has been in the spotlight of the media not because of his outstanding performance, but because of how he scammed many persons posing as a lands official; and collected monies with the promise that he could get their land titles. One of those persons that was targeted by Batarchea was Grisel Botes, cosmetologist of Libertad Village, Corozal District. Between the months of April and June, 2014, Botes gave Bastrachea $23,875.00 in exchange for pieces of lands on San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize District and in the Cayo District. She never received the documents for those parcels and reported the matter to police. Today that case ended in court with Bastarachea being found not guilty of the 13 charges of obtaining property by deception.

Baby Nina To Spend Christmas With Her Mother Says MOHD
It looks like baby Nina will get to spend Christmas with her mother and the rest of her family, or at least that is what most Belizeans are tonight hoping for. This is after a post on the Social Media indicated that the family court in Belize decided to expedite the case of baby Nina and it will be heard in court tomorrow December 17th, 2015. Some weeks ago we told you about baby Nina who was removed from the custody of her mother by the Department of Human Services acting on a request from the Guatemalan central authority. The claim is that Analiz Gutierrez, the child’s mother, and the child’s father, a Guatemalan were before a court in that country to determine custody when Gutierrez improperly removed her daughter from the country.

GOB Decreases The Cost Of Grade C Rice Locally Produced
And amidst the battle in the rice industry the Bureau of Standards issued a press release informing the general public that the government has decided on a decrease in the cost of ‘Grade C’ rice. This grade is generally known as ‘loose’ rice which is seventy percent whole and thirty percent broken and is established at a maximum wholesale and retail price of eighty cents and ninety cents per pound countrywide. The adjustment to the new controlled price comes into effect on December 23rd, 2015 to allow the industry to ensure that packaged rice is in full compliance at the factory level.

LOVE FM

Shipment of Guyanese Rice Due In-Country
Jack Charles’ first shipment of Guyanese rice is on its way to Belize and is expected to arrive at the Big Creek Port tomorrow morning. We are told that several small rice farmers are planning to prohibit, at all cost, the rice from being off loaded from the container. However, the Belize Chamber of Commerce […]

Another Victory for BWS Former Employees
Last month Justice Michelle Arana handed down a ruling in favor of six former employees of Belize Water Services. Those employees were terminated more than two years ago and they claimed that they were wrongfully fired. So they hired attorneys and took the matter to court. Justice Arana ruled that they were indeed wrongfully terminated […]

Cab Driver Killed in Southern Belize
A murder was reported yesterday in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story. PAUL MAHUNG “

Relations with Guatemalan Military Expected to Go Unchanged under Jimmy Morales
President-Elect for Guatemala, Jimmy Morales is expected to be officially sworn in come January 2016. During Morales’ campaign prior to the election in Guatemala, he was harshly criticized and shunned by Belizeans for his campaign on acquiring the portion of Belize that his predecessors have claimed is for Guatemala. Prime Minister Dean Barrow was not […]

BDF Commander Speaks on Guatemalan’s Absence at Ground Breaking
Just last week ground was broken for the Forward Operating Base on the Sarstoon in southern Belize. It is a project that is fully supported by Belizeans and one that many say took too long to happen. With ground broken on Wednesday, December 9, Brigadier General of the Belize Defense Force, David Jones, spoke of […]

Caracol, Fewer Incursions … Better Security
September 2014 saw the slaying of Special Constable, Danny Conorquie in the Caracol area, Cayo District, whilst he was on patrol duty. The incident brought on outrage by the public and Belizeans, in general as it is believed that the murder was committed by a Guatemalan who was trespassing on Belizean territory. Subsequent to the […]

Past and Current CEO Speak on Price of Rice
Yesterday, Sergio Garcia, the personal advisor for Jack Charles, the importer who has caused a major controversy in the rice industry, spoke to Love News and explained why Charles is importing Guyanese rice in the country. Garcia explained that Charles only wants to import twenty percent of Guyanese rice and sell it at a cheaper […]

Land Rovers for the Chiquibul
Just before an official ceremony held for the Belize Defense Force’s annual Christmas luncheon this morning at Price Barracks in Ladyville Village, Belize District, there was the official handing over of two Land Rover vehicles bought by the Government of Belize for the BDF. It was a brief ceremony where BDF Commander, David Jones accepted […]

PlusTV

PUP announce nominations for leadership and executive
Nominations for leader of the People’s United Party and other executive posts were closed this evening at 5:00, and shortly thereafter party chairman Henry Charles Usher confirmed in a press briefing the names of the nominees. Here are those names as read out by Usher. Henry Charles, Chairma...

TOLEDO RICE FARMER WEIGHS IN ON RICE PRODUCTION DIFFICULTIES
Meet Benancio Romero, he is a Rice farmer from the Toledo district who has been planting rice for the past 44 years. he has worked with the government in the industry from the age of 22 and he says that rice farming in the Toledo district is almost becoming a lost art form; they have the land and ar...

30 businesses targeted for gouging sugar prices
The Belize Bureau of Standards has been inspecting business establishments countrywide after receiving official complaints of price gouging for sugar. You will recall that on December 4th, the Government announced that the price of plantation white sugar would go up by 25 cents to 75 cents only unti...

RICE PRICES TO OPEN TO NEW MARKET DEMANDS
And while the Bureau of Standards has been desperately trying to keep the retail price of sugar at the control price of 50 cents per pound until 1st January when the price is to jump by 50% to 75 cents per pound, the bureau has also been observing the controversy in the rice industry. The controvers...

Belmopan police investigate thefts of vehicles
Belmopan police are investigating several thefts of motor vehicles. Carlton Petillo, a 36 year old Belizean Welder of Santander, reported that on Monday 14th December about 8:30 a.m., he parked his brand new motorcycle at a friend’s house in the Picinni Area with the key in the ignition and w...

Benque resident charged with drug trafficking (3lbs)
A resident of Benque Viejo was arrested and charged for Drug Trafficking. On Monday the 14th of December, The Special Patrol Unit was conducting foot patrols along the banks of the Mopan River in Arenal Village when their attention was drawn to two male persons coming from the village. When they tri...

20 year old is accused of having sex with 14 year old student!
Tonight an ITVET student is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of having sex with a 14 year old girl. 20 year old Kristoff Myvett, son of a police officer, is alleged to have had, on September 28, 2015 whilst in Belize City, sexual intercourse with a female child above the ag...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Autumn Finally Arrives In Winter
Another week has passed and the Caye has an air of calm about it yet still harbours the feeling of “It’s gonna hit the fan at any moment.” It’s high season, 9 days before Christmas and yet the island still has a stillness to it that is unprecedented for this time of year. Walking down the streets I’m starting to see the old faces arriving on an almost daily basis. Jill and Dennis Mitchell arrived back a couple of days ago and I’m pretty sure Dennis will be joining the resident band in the Sports Bar for the Friday Jam this week, alongside recent returnees, Gary and Lou Bob. I know that’s gonna be a packed house. Then yesterday, the lovely Autumn returned home to Caye Caulker. I can’t believe it’s been a year since she was last here and she can’t believe it either. Autumn finally arrives in winter. It is a fleeting visit but a small stepping stone towards an extended stay. Yesterday Kim Banks, Chris, Charlene, Michele, Sandra, Rik, Jules and Don ventured out on the 1st Annual Christmas Stroll around the island at night to see all the festive lights and decorations that were adorning numerous properties on the island. I’m pretty sure they took in a bar or two on the walk and the lights started to blur by the end of it, but it does seem like a great idea and genuinely think that what they have started should be continued every year. I for one am sorry I missed it but there is always next year. They all look like they had a great time and I’m sure they laughed all evening.

Breaking Belize News

One arrested for Caye Caulker brawl
35-year-old David Pollard of Caye Caulker Village was arrested and charged yesterday for the crimes of “Attempted Murder”, “Grievous Harm” and “Use of Deadly Means of Harm”, in connection to a Sunday evening stabbing incident which left 27-year-old Eldon Evans in the Karl Heusner […]

Eastern Division North honors officers of the month
At the Belize Eastern Police Division North Side’s officer of the month ceremony yesterday morning, Joan Grinnage of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) and Constable Ignacio Aguilar of the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) were honored for their performance, hard work, professionalism, commitment and dedication […]

Tour guide chopped to the head for not lending money
A Tour Guide operating on Goff’s Caye, 52-year-old Glenford Gill, reported to police yesterday evening that around 4:00 p.m., after some tourists had left the Caye, a man he knows only as Henry approached him and demanded money. Gill stated that after he refused […]

San Pedro resident arrested for 208 grams of weed
37-year-old Deon Faber of Boca Del Rio in San Pedro, was arrested and charged for the offense of “Drug Trafficking” yesterday after police conducted a search at his Laguna Drive residence and found cannabis. Around 11:30 a.m. officers searched Faber’s home and found several […]

Coast Guards recover over 24 pounds of weed floating at sea
A Senior Chief of the Belize Coast Guard visited San Pedro’s Police Station yesterday around 3:00 p.m. and handed over a sack containing 12 kilograms or just over 24 pounds of cannabis which he found while on maritime patrol. The Coast Guard officer told […]

Murder of popular Punta Gorda taxi man not yielding many clues
The body of 64-year-old taxi driver, Antonio Mendia Rodriguez, was pronounced dead at the Punta Gorda (PG) Hospital at exactly 2:15 p.m. yesterday after it was found with multiple stab wounds in the Joe Taylor Creek area, also called 360 exile, earlier in the […]

Government of Belize signs contract to upgrade highway
A release from the Government Press Office issued earlier today, stated that the Ministry of Works and the Barrow administration signed a contract with CISCO Construction this morning, in the amount of $13,620,965.60, for the Fifth Road Project which will be the upgrading of […]

Arenal man busted for over three pounds of weed
While on foot patrol Monday evening around 6:15 on the banks of the Mopan River in Arenal Village, a Special Patrol Unit noticed two suspicious men walking and shined flashlights in their direction, informing them that they were police officers. Upon hearing that, one […]

Tropic Air congratulated for prestigious honor
A press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation yesterday, served to congratulate the Tropic Air team for receiving the coveted International Airport Transport Association’s (IATA) Standard Safety Assessment Certificate at the Latin America and Caribbean Air Transport Association Annual General […]

Blogs

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Savvy Traveler
We asked some of our guests, who are frequent travelers, what would make ideal holiday gifts — or what would make their travels smoother and enjoyable. Here is the list that we compiled from their recommendations. Now getting a gift for that special traveler in your life will be much easier!

Tony Rath’s ‘Images of Belize’; a breath-taking view of Belizean culture
Images of Belize, the latest effort from acclaimed nature photographer Tony Rath is nothing short of stunning. The book, published by Cubola Productions, was released on December 1st and offers a look at Belize from a distinctly unique perspective, bringing all the country’s wonderfully colorful aspects to life. This exquisite gift-book of 100 images exhibits masterful portraits of mountains, forests, rivers, sea, islands, wildlife, marine life, people and cultures, opening a window into the diversity that is Belize. Each image is a stunning revelation of photographic artistry and a visual journey that unveils the special relationship between people and their environment. It is the perfect keepsake for Belizeans, visitors, and nature lovers everywhere. The book is a combination of informational text about the scenes being displayed and immensely vivid images that put the viewer in a first-person vantage point.

Fitting Within the Capacity of One Planet
Sustainable development, as that term is commonly used and understood, means making continued economic and social development more resource efficient and less detrimental to the environment. But making development more sustainable, while highly desirable, is not the same thing as actually achieving sustainability. As we plan and carry out human development programs we must ensure that our aggregated demands upon the planet’s resources do not exceed the Earth’s capacity to supply them. The first step in achieving true sustainability is recognition of the total scale of human activity. The Global Footprint Network estimates that we are already using 150 percent of the Earth’s capacity to regenerate resources, and that does not take into account non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels. By that measure, we are already operating unsustainably. The next step in achieving true sustainability is acknowledging the interconnectedness of all the various subsets of sustainability. Climate change, energy, food, water, population, and the environment are all inter-related, and efforts to address one challenge often exacerbate other global challenges. We cannot solve problems in isolation. We must be mindful of the inevitable trade-offs.

International Sources

Saraba, L.A.’s First Garifuna Food Truck, Rolls Out a Rare Cuisine
Winston Brandon Miranda is serving up Caribbean-influenced dishes that this city hasn’t seen in a long time. Saraba—which means "wake up" in the Arawakan based Garifuna language— offers traditional Belizean dishes as well as uniquely Garifuna items like hudutu. The owner, Winston Brandon Miranda, the son of a Honduran and Belizean Garifuna parents, will be ready to hit the Hollywood club scene after the new year; until then, he's catering events. On Sunday night I caught him at the Savoy Entertainment Center in Inglewood for a weekly Belizean club night complete with Belizean hip-hop, Cîroc bottle service delivered by hostesses holding up sparklers, and Belizean comfort food. Rice and beans cooked in coconut milk with a side of potato salad is the national dish of Belize, which is finished off with stew chicken or fish with plenty of sauce to wet down and season the starches. Winston also unwrapped Belizean-style jerk chicken and oxtails braised in a wine and Worcestershire sauce from foil packets, mixing smells of Caribbean spice with reggaeton beats to summon hungry club goers. The menu isn't set yet but Winston will be serving various Garifuna dishes, Belizean kriol classics, and Mayan snacks like panades (paprika seasoned tortillas filled with tuna), garnaches (bean and cheese tostadas) and salbutes (shredded chicken on a fried tortilla). I waited for over an hour, until after midnight for Winston to set up, because after four years of patient regret, I can finally announce that L.A. has Garifuna cuisine.

Mexico: Sharp increase seen in butterfly numbers
Monarch butterflies have arrived in the Michoacán and Estado de México sanctuaries by the millions, numbers that far exceed those recorded in 2014-2015, according to estimates by federal authorities and universities. Monarch butterflies have arrived in the Michoacán and Estado de México sanctuaries by the millions, numbers that far exceed those recorded in 2014-2015, according to estimates by federal authorities and universities. With the monarchs come the tourists, an important source of income for residents of El Rosario. So far this season, which runs from November through March, they’ve recorded 12,000, according to ejido commissioner Homero Gómez González, who anticipates 115,000 in total, a record.

Belize Bans Offshore Seismic, Sends Message to the U.S. Atlantic
Earlier this month Belize declared an official ban on oil exploration and drilling in areas along the Belize Barrier Reef System and in seven World Heritage Sites. Hooray! If you do a google search for 25 things you don't know about Belize, like I did, you'll learn that the country's national motto is "Under the shade we flourish." The saying is a shortened version of "Under the shade of the mahogany tree we flourish," and it dates back to when the mahogany trade was the backbone of the country's economy. You'll also learn that tourism is Belize's primary source of revenue, and that according to Belize mythology a small dwarf with no thumbs named Tata Duende lives in the rainforest and challenges those who try to harm wildlife.

Belize Electricity Limited – SWOT Analysis, 2015 Update
The report contains a detailed description of the power generation company’s business operations, history, corporate strategy, and business structure. This report contains a detailed SWOT analysis, information on key employees (executives), and major products and services.

Videos

Morning Matters in Placencia, 63min.

Scuba diving Caye Caulker, Belize, 4min.

Sandy Slope Dive Site BELIZE, 6min. Belize December 2015 Sundancer II/Aggressor IV Belize Reefs

Morning Matters of the Day Fishing in San Pedro, 58min. Shot on location in the Caribbean sea with Rob, David and Alley

Scuba Diving in Belize, Dec. 2015, 1.5min.

Megan Under Sea, 6min.

Mary with Sharks Belize, 1min. Off Ambergris Belize 2014.

Belize Audobon Society, 3min.

Diving Ambergris Caye in Belize 2015, 8.5min. Highlights from 7 dives and a little snorkeling off of San Pedro, Belize

Old Belize 2015, 6.5min.

Diving Belize, 16min. 11/23/2015 - 11/27/2015 - Diving the Belize Barrier Reefs. Rebecca earns her PADI certification. Splash.

Inner tubes on the river in Belize, 15min.

December 16, 2015

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

ABC Christmas Extravaganza brings joy and cheer to San Pedro
Island children were treated to a spectacular show on Saturday, December 12th with the annual ABC Preschool Christmas Extravaganza. The beloved children’s show brings much joy and laughter to the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, as all the favorite animated characters of 2015 take the stage to entertain those in attendance. Artists from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico took on the role of characters from Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club House, Frozen and even Cinderella to put on a truly spectacular show. With lots to eat and drinks on sale, both parents and children enjoyed a great family night out. Many of the children sang along to their favorite musical presentations. Some lucky children even got the opportunity to meet and get a hug or a picture taken with their favorite character.

Illegal Salvadoran immigrant charged for assaulting two women
An 18-year-old Salvadoran illegal immigrant has been arrested and charged for assaulting two women. The culprit is Fabio Hernandez Cuellar, who attacked a 70-year-old woman on Monday, November 16th and a 21-year-old woman on Thursday, December 10th, injuring both of them in attempts to rape them. Hernandez Cuellar was captured during the second attempt and after a positive identification from both victims, he was charged by San Pedro Police for Attempted Rape, Grievous Harm, Aggravated Assault and Wounding.

Ambergris Today

Winter in Belize - No Snow, No Problem!
Belize only has two seaons - The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. It's sunny and hot throughout most of the year, except for when the cold fronts start coming down from the northern hemispher. That's when it can get down to a BLISTERING 75°F! Yes! It is that cold, well for us Belizeans who are not used to the chilly climate and pull out our sweaters at the first sight that the thermometer drops below 80°F. We try to emulate winter with icicle lights decorating our front porches, frosting our windows, baking Christmas cookies and builing 'snowmen' out of sand on the beaches. But as you travel inland, Belizeans get more creative with the resources at hand. Case in point, if you are traveling to the countryside of the Cayo District, keep a eye out for this COOL Winter Art made out of hay. Running W Brand Meats gets creative and brings in the holiday sesaon with hay figures that are different every year. Take a memorable picture of your travels in Belize at The San Ignacio Resort Hotel's family ranch located by Mile 63 on the George Price Highway. We will never get snow in Belize, but

Dentist Shut Down in San Pedro Attempts to Clear His Name
American dentist John Hall who was accused of falsifying documents to obtain medical credentials to practice dentistry in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize at Oceanside Dental under the false name of Dr. Robert Bob Hall was arrested and charged by police with ‘making false representation’. On Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 54-year-old Hall was taken to the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court where he ordered to surrender all his travel documents, his medical credentials were revoked and was forbidden to practice dentistry in Belize. He was then offered and met bail of $7,000, having to return to and court on February 12, 2016. But what caught everybody’s attention and caused uproar in the community was Dr. Hall’s weird legal case in the U.S. back in 2004 where he pleaded guilty and was arrested for injecting his semen into several patients’ mouth in North Carolina.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ladies Holiday Charity Lunch in San Pedro
Have you made your reservations yet? Deadline is tomorrow...support a worthy cause!!

Decrease in the Controlled Price for Grade C Rice
Government of Belize Press Office

Festival Del Peublo, San Lazaro
It was a pleasure and great honor to be part of this beautiful activity at San Lazaro Village. It takes passion, dedication and love to your culture and traditions to be able to do such initiative. We extend our gratitude to individuals and families like the Carrillos' to do this event where the traditions is transmitted orally to the community. It is the duty of the people of a community to take ownership of their culture so that it is preserved. Its continuity will only be possible with each and everyone present. Banquitas House of Culture will always assist along with our sister institutions so that the culture is not lost. Special thanks to Hugo Carrillo for a job well done. It felt like home and the love shared will forever be cherished.

Power interruption 8:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday, December 23, Cayo District
Entire Succotz Village, Benque Viejo Town, including Western Border & Free Zone & Arenal Village. BEL to install structures in Succotz & Benque Viejo Free Zone & conduct line clearing in the area.

Power interruptions 6:00am to 6:20am & 5:40pm to 6:00pm, Sunday, December 20: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
EL to conduct climbing inspections of transmission system in area.

BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION AT CHILE-COPA ROADSHOW
The BHA, represented by Marketing Director, Tessie Tonaco, and several other Private sector partners, traveled to Chile last week December 8-11, 2015 to participate in the Chile -COPA Roadshow that was organized by our Tourism Partner, Tropic Air. With the introduction of the new twice weekly COPA airlines direct flight from Panama to Belize, this was an excellent marketing oportunity for our members and the Belize Tourism Industry. The BTB, in conjunction with the BHA and the private sector have been actively promoting Belize as a new destination to the South American market. Several Roadshows have been organized in the past years to include Brazil, Colombia and now Chile and also Participation in tradeshows in Argentina The Chilean Travel agents were enthusiastic about Belize as a new destination and with the addition of the uncomplicated and inexpensive flight connections, they feel confident about selling Belize. The BHA offered the agents the Spanish digital version of the 2016 Hotel Guide on our BHA flashdrives. The travel agents were pleasantly surprised and grateful to receive the entire listing of hotels, contacts and information about Belize, in Spanish, making it easier to promote our product to their clients. A list of the travel agent contacts will be made available on our website www.belizehotels.orgfor our BHA members to access with their login and password

Katrina Samuels Ancona Art Exhibition
The San Pedro House of Culture and Katrina Samuels Ancona invite you to join us for the opening of her Art Exhibition on Tuesday, December 22nd at 7:00 pm.

Trivia Night!
Come join the fun every Sunday and Wednesday! Test your knowledge of useless facts, have a laugh, and win money towards your bar bill! Always a great time - Fun, …Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill Start Date: December 16, 2015 End Date: December 16, 2015 Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Channel 7

The Rice Showdown Is Coming
Guyanese rice is arriving in Belize on Thursday - and it seems that has spurred the Government into action to fulfill a commitment it made over eight months ago. April first, that's when government promised a new controlled price for rice, and a new grading system for rice. It should have been ready by May, but it was just announced today - two days before importer Jack Charles lands three containers of Guyanese rice in Belize. Here's how the new price regime works. It establishes four grades for rice: Extra A Premium, "A", "B" and "C". Now, the one that most folks will end up buying is grade "C" - that's the only one that will have a controlled retail price of ninety cents per pound. That's the lowest grade of raise, with 30% broken grains - but right now it's what most people are paying a dollar and twenty cents for. That's the effect of price gouging by the retailers - and, you might be asking how will they prevent that from happening all over again. Well, that's where another aspect of the new rice regime comes in: all rice will have to be packaged and labeled with the retail price on it. And so while that is intended to ensure that the controlled price holds true for Grade C rice - there are also the other grades. From now on, those will have no controlled price. According to a press release from the bureau of standards that will be, quote, "determined by market forces." So, producers can sell those grades of rice at any price that the market will support and according to the Bureau of standards, this is so that, quote, "the producers can recover their investments in mandatory packaging and extra transportation costs."

Three Names In for PUP Leader
Today at 5:00 pm was the deadline for nominations to the PUP executive. After weeks of speculation over who would put their names in for leader - tonight we can confirm that there are three candidates: Cordel Hyde, Francis Fonseca and John Briceno. Briceno is nominated by the seven of the eight constituency chairmen in the northern caucus, Francis Fonseca by a combination of Western and Southern seats - and Cordel Hyde's camp was the only one to actually send us his letter of nomination and acceptance. He is nominated by the chairmen of the Lake I, Pickstock, Albert, Port Loyola and Cayo Central Committees - many of the same constituencies involved in the G-11 movement. Today at 5:15 PM when nominations were closed, Chairman of the PUP Henry Usher gave the media an overview:.. Henry Charles Usher, PUP Chairman "For the post of party leader, we received 3 nominations; the Hon. John Briceno, Hon. Cordel Hyde and Hon. Francis Fonseca. For the post deputy party leaders we received 6 nominations; Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Hon. Jose Mai, Hon. Julius Espat, Hon. Mike Espat, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson and Hon. Kareem Musa. For the post of national communication director we've received 3 nominations; Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Anthony and Emilio Zabaneh. For the post of national campaign manager we received one nomination; Victor Espat. For the post of legal advisor we received one nomination Anthony Sylvestre Jr. For the post of treasurer we received one nomination Ramon Cervantez and for the post of chairman we received two nominations Henry Charles Usher and Hon. Oscar Requena. Those are the nominations that we've received and they've been accepted."

Man Charged For Northern Murder
Last night, we told you about 22 year-old Alberto Briceno, the young man from Paraiso Village in Corozal who was stabbed to death on Saturday Night. Well, the man who police believe was his assailant is 29 year-old Adan Meza, a resident of Corozal Town, and he's behind bars tonight. He was charged with one count of murder, reports to our newsroom are that he has since been arraigned and remanded. As we told you, the incident happened in front of a park which is across the street from Alberto Briceno's house. In last night's newscast, we showed you his aunt, who saw the incident unfold. She told us that he had gone out to a nearby shop, and while he was returning home, he met Adan Meza's younger brother, with whom he was friendly. According to his Aunt, he gave Meza's brother a friendly push, but he was reportedly under the influence and fell. That's when the accused, Adan Meza, reportedly ran up to Briceno and assaulted him. Adan Meza reportedly stabbed Briceno multiple times to the chest and abdomen, injuries which killed him last than an hour later.

Turkey Sticker and Size Shock
Aside from the black fruit cake and rumpopo, a good turkey dinner is of course the highlight of the Christmas celebrations, but, it seems like some people might not be getting any this year. That's because the only ones in stores right now are the Butterball turkeys which are too expensive and just too big for many consumers. We're talking all turkeys over 20 pounds, selling for between 150 and 180 dollars. It's a Christmas crisis if ever there was one, and one businesses are trying urgently to address. Today we spoke with the manager of Quality Poultry Products in Belize City and he explained why there is this shortage in smaller turkeys and when you all can expect to find them in stores. Albert Hoy, Manager - Quality Poultry "What happened is that we recently got in 4 container loads of turkeys. But the majority of the turkeys that came are large sized turkeys - Butterball Turkeys from the United States. The United States doesn't have very many small turkeys right now because they also had problems with Avian Flu. So they sent us just a few small turkeys which is finish. We got some today and everything got sold out. Now there is another ship that came in today that should bring a little bit turkeys of smaller sizes. However that container is going to Spanish Lookout first, then they will distribute it countrywide and I should have some small turkeys within the next day or two. What size I can't say because the container is on its way to Spanish Lookout right now."

Training in Marketable Skills
Today, the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) graduated 27 persons who they've been training in waitressing and home health care. 14 of the graduates have are now skilled in customer service and satisfaction in waitressing, While the other 13 have been taught how to provide health care to elderly persons living at home or assisted living facilities. We stopped by to see the new service providers and discuss how they will be able to put these new skills to use in their jobs: Vanessa Johnston, Training Officer - BTEC "BTEC's mission is to provide demand industry based training. This time around we actually conducted two simultaneous trainings in very distinct areas; one of them was for our 5 star wait staff training and the other one was for the basics of home healthcare training. The wait staff training was a 3 week period, the home healthcare training was an intensive 6 weeks with an internship period and today we are proud to graduate 27 remarkable individuals. With all our trainings we have both soft skills aspects and technical skill aspects.

Belize and Chetumal: Sister Cities
Belizeans already spend millions of dollars in Chetumal every year, and now the city of Belize and the city of Chetumal have formed sister city relations. On Tuesday, Mayor Darrell Bradley travelled to Chetumal to sign a document with the mayor of that city, Eduardo Espinosa making it official. According to a release, the agreement establishes "a mechanism to strengthen ties between the two cities and programs of cultural, economic, tourist and academic exchange." They signed the document at the Fort of the Fishermen.

Taximan Murdered PG
In the south, Punta Gorda Police, are commencing their investigation in to the murder of 61 year-old Antonio Rodriguez, a well known taxi driver of Eldridge Village. We have confirmed that PG police found him this afternoon in his vehicle in a secluded area just outside of PG Town. He had suffered multiple stab wounds, and reports are that his licensed weapon was found in the vehicle beside him. It is believed that he may have been killed late last night or early this morning. We'll have more details for you on this homicide in tomorrow's newscast.

Making Appliances More Efficient
The Ministry of Energy and the Government of Belize are trying to make sure that you start to make efficient use of the electricity running through your homes and business. That means getting rid of old incandescent lights and appliances which use electricity inefficiently. But, a part of the problem is to make sure that appliance merchants move the stock of outdated equipment that currently have in their stores to make sure only energy efficient appliances are available to the consumer. So, how will this program roll out to make sure that energy efficiency is the highest priority in your homes and businesses? Well, the technocrats from the Ministry of Finance, Energy, Public Service and Public Utilities have been working with the Organization of American States, who have brought in international experts. Today, we stopped by to discuss this new energy efficient regime and how it will work: Carolina Pena, Manager - Sustainable Energy Capacity Initiative "We can to recognize the leadership that the ministry and the government are pursuing in order to have affordable and reliable energy. We are just making a contribution to that effort. But we recognize that there is a challenge also for the utility and the government to make it affordable.

Rice, How Do Consumers Feel?
We have been reporting extensively on the price of rice for the past few weeks. As we told you on Friday, the Guyanese rice shipment comes through the Big Creek Port on Thursday and it looks like there will be a showdown between the government and the Guyanese rice importer Jack Charles. That's because the government believes that this imported rice will deal a deathblow local price producers - while the importer says he's only bringing in 20% of the local consumption, and all it will mean is a much lower price for you. So how do consumers feel about it? We went to Brodie's and K-Park supermarket to find out. Fernando Galvez, Brodie's Customer "I been following it and coincidentally I came around here to see if I could see what's on the market. But I think they are bringing it from somewhere in Guyana." Courtney Weatherburne "Would you support the local or continue supporting the local rice producers or do you prefer the Guyanese rice? Bear in mind the Guyanese rice is cheaper would sell for about over 60 cents cheaper than the local rice. What do you think about that?" Fernando Galvez, Brodie's Customer "I will still continue supporting the Belizean market. I think that sometimes like this - last time they had a drought somewhere in the north which did affect us and economically it employs a lot of Belizeans. It might be kind of expensive yes, but I still don't know the Guyanese price. But definitely I wouldn't care of buying the Belizean product."

OW South Rep Stands Up For Blue Creek, Even If They Voted Red
But, one man who isn't moved by that in the least is Jose Mai. He is the area representative for Orange Walk South where many of the biggest rice farms and production operations are based. That's Blue Creek where he said even though the farmers of that area voted for the UDP he's standing with them against Guyanese rice: Hon. Jose Mai, Area Rep. - OW South "Every country has a right to protect its farmers. Some do it legally by putting in the trade agreements and the law that must be respected. Others do it technically. When there is not a problem legally. When we find out that we cannot fight it legally, there is what you call the technical aspect, the technical barriers to trade. In the House of Representatives, I have raised this. I raised it clearly at length and I explained to the national assembly the effects, the negative effects it would have on importing rice from Guyana. It will displace our producers, it will create mass unemployment, it will bring poverty, and it will just cause millions of dollars to be loss. I challenge the government of Belize to do everything in their capacity to stop the importation of Guyanese rice into this country. Although Blue Creek being the mass producer of rice voted for this government, my rights, my responsibility as their area representative is to defend them at all cost."

In Toledo Rice Was King
And while Blue Creek is now the epicenter of rice production - it wasn't always that way. Not very long ago - Belize's rice production was based in the Toledo District. But the Mennonites in the north surged ahead in production through the use of mechanized farming techniques. The Toledo farmers never had the capital to keep up with them - and depended on a government combine. Benancio Romero, who's been farming rice in Toledo for decades told PGTV that the demise of the combine also meant the end for Toledo rice:... Reporter "In the last few years, how many acres of rice did you grow, how many pounds of rice you harvest just you and your family?" Benancio Romero "For the past years I can't give us a sketch because my rice spoiled." Reporter "Why did your rice spoiled?" Benancio Romero "Because we don't have a combine to cut it." Reporter "Who did the combine belonged to?" Benancio Romero "Government - agriculture."

GSU, Granny Supporting Unit
When the GSU is on the news, it's usually bad news about some act of brutality. But tonight the story is about how they volunteered at HelpAge. It's definitely NOT something you hear about everyday BUT when we spoke to 2 officers today they told us it's just a part of giving back and connecting with the elderly. Bernard Adulphos, Chairperson - Board "The ladies and the supervisors have planned a 12 days activity and they ask me to be here with them and as a result it is important that we do this so that at least our seniors are not forgotten and at least show our public what other can do for them because it is important. Yes they are here but they are not forgotten. So we get them involved in this Christmas Cheer which is an important aspect of this activity for us. The churches are coming and we got some from Wesley coming here. We understand other members from the police section is coming here. An invitation was sent out to other uniform service, but we haven't got anything yet. Other people are coming in and will do something. I have a time when I am coming in to show Christmas movies. We have a steel band coming in here."

Channel 5

Fonseca, Briceño and Hyde Vie for Pup Leadership
The names are in and the battle for leader of the People’s United Party is officially on. Past P.U.P. leader John Briceño got in his nomination first, on Monday, along [...]

Convention Will Be held on January 31st
Two thousand seven hundred and ninety-three delegates will vote at the National convention – one for every twenty-five P.U.P. votes cast in the November fourth general election. As we told [...]

Rice War Imminent
For days, we have been reporting on the attempts by businessman Jack Charles of Xtra House and RC Imports to import rice from Guyana into the local market. The rice, [...]

Should Guyanese Rice Be Imported?
And tonight’s question is: Should the importation of rice from Guyana be allowed into the country? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post your [...]

PG Taxi-Man Stabbed to Death
Details are sketchy at this point, but News Five has been able to confirm that the body of a very well known P.G. resident was found in his vehicle on [...]

G.O.B. Announced Decrease in Price of Grade C Rice
While consumers and industry stakeholders anxiously await the outcome of an ongoing scenario involving the proposed importation of Guyanese rice, the Government of Belize earlier today announced a decrease in [...]

Rice Growers Say Decrease is the Result of discussions With G.O.B.
According to Stanley Rempel, C.E.O. of Circle R Products, the decrease in the cost of Grade C rice is the result of lengthy discussions with government on the issue. Grade [...]

Rice Growers in Toledo Paid Substantially Less than Northern Producers
Coming out of the ongoing controversy is the fact that grain growers in the south are being paid considerably less per pound of rice than their colleagues in the Orange [...]

Bureau of Standards Investigates Complaints of Sugar Price Gouging
While there is controversy over rice, consumers are up in arms over the price of sugar, which is also locally produced. The Bureau of Standards has been hard at work [...]

Family Who Lost Everything in Fire Asks for Assistance
The Christmas holidays are upon us, but for the Sanchez family of Belize City, there is little to look forward to. Last Friday, their belongings were destroyed when a fire [...]

2 Men Charged For San Cas Heist
There were two arrests in the armed robbery of Santiago Castillo Limited which took place last Friday in Belmopan. Twenty-one year Edvik Guerra of Santa Elena, Cayo, and twenty-three year [...]

Student Remanded for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor
Tonight, an ITVET student is on remand at the Belize Central Prison accused of sexual abuse of a fourteen year old girl. He is twenty-year old Kristoff Myvett. It is [...]

Cop Drops Charges After ATM Card Was Stolen
Two sisters who claim they found a cop’s ATM card on the street are home free from a charge of theft. Twenty-two year old Chelsea and twenty-one year old Monique [...]

Enjoying the Christmas Season at the Sister Cecilia Home
Mercy Care Centre, HelpAge Belize, Salvation Army, HOPE Toledo, Belize Red Cross Society are among several organizations that provide care for elderly persons in Belize. This morning in the City, [...]

BTEC Hosts Joint Certificate Ceremony
Twenty-seven persons have completed courses in home care giving and wait staff and are ready to enter the workforce. Their training was held at the ITVET and was organized by [...]

CTV3

Three Candidates Vying For Post Of PUP Leadership
When the clock stroke 5:00pm today it marked the deadline for the submission of names for executive posts in the People’s United Party including the Leadership. Up to yesterday evening the only sure name in the race was that of John Briceno who was nominated by eight of the nine constituencies forming the Northern Caucus. Notably though was the fact that Florencio Marin Junior did not endorse Briceno. But we’ll get to that story later. What we want to tell you first is that on January 31st when the P.U.P holds its National convention, three persons will be contending the Leadership post. They are Orange Walk Central Area Representative and former Leader John Briceno, Lake I Area Representative Cordel Hyde and outgoing Leader of the Party Francis Fonseca. Hyde was nominated by the Chairmen of the Lake I, Pickstock, Port Loyola and Albert Committees and the Chairlady of the Cayo Central Committee. According to the Chairmen and chairlady, Hyde is eminently qualified for the position and possesses the right values and principles that will put the party back on a pathway of success.

A&R Store In Corozal Town Robbed At Gun Point
Corozal Police have one person in custody for the late evening robbery of A&R Store in Corozal Town.The robbery occurred yesterday between the hours of 6:00p.m and 6:30p.m when 2 men entered the establishment, one of them armed with a firearm, and held up the employees and customers. Victim A&R: “Yes, it was two of them, one had a mask and the other used a black sheet and had a shot gun and this happened between six to six thirty and came in and hold us, I was in my office balancing my cashier and when I came out we had some customers in the store and that is when the two persons came in with the shot gun, I was the one who called the police, the criminals send everybody upstairs and they hold my cashier at gun point and they asked for the keys to close the shutters and I only hand them the keys and after a while they said that the police is coming.”

Dr. Hall Pleaded Guilty To Seven Charges
He was accused in the United States for violating dentistry’s standard of care, engaging in immoral conduct and committing sexual assault and on July 1st, 2005, Dr. John Hall pleaded guilty to seven counts of injecting semen into his patients’ mouths and chose to serve time in jail, rather than to spend five years of intense probation. After living that ordeal, Dr. Hall had planned to open a clinic in San Pedro Ambergris Caye but was immediately shut down by the San Pedro Police Department after they received information about his past charges in the US. Other investigations revealed that Hall obtained a Social Security Card and a work permit under the name John Roberts Hall on the same date that his temporary registration to practice Advanced Medical Care was granted, under the name Robert Bob Hall. As a result, Hall was arrested and charged for making false representation and was offered bail under the condition that he hands over his travel documents.

COLCHA Closes 2015 With Abraxus Concert
The Corozal Organization Leading Culture Heritage and Arts, (COLCHA), is an organization that encompasses and promotes music, fashion, crafts, designs, artwork, film and video and the performing arts. But COLCHA is not only about promoting culture. The group also looks into different projects that can assist the community one of them being providing free medical assistance. As the year 2015 comes to a close so does the activities for the group and according to Chairman for COLCHA, David Akierman, the organization plans to close off 2015 with a bang by hosting a night filled with 80’s and 90’s music with Orange Walk’s very own, Abraxas.

Meza Charged For Murder Of Alberto Briceno
Twenty nine year old Adan Meza, a resident of Paraiso Village in Corozal, has been charged for the murder of 22 year old Alberto Briceno. Briceno was at a dance in the village of Paraiso on Saturday night when he wasallegedly stabbed by Meza several times after they became engaged in an altercation. Briceno died while receiving treatment at the Corozal Community Hospital. As for Meza’s brother, 20 year old Raul Meza, who it is alleged also attacked the victim, we understand he was released with no charges.

LOVE FM

Destabilization of the Local Rice Industry?
Importer Jack Charles of Xtra House is determined to import Guyanese rice into the country to sell on the local market at a cheaper price. While a cheaper price is good news for consumers, the idea of having rice imported in the country and sold on the local market is terrifying for local producers. The […]

Retailers Hike Sugar Price Prematurely
It was agreed last month that the price of sugar in Belize would increase from fifty cents a pound to seventy five cents a pound. That increase is to take effect on January 1, 2016 but several stores have already hiked up their prices. That is illegal and the owners can be jailed, fined or […]

Regular Fuel Goes Up at the Pumps
There was a change at the gas pumps on Friday at midnight as regular fuel increased by seventeen cents per gallon countrywide. Premium fuel, however, remains at eight dollars and fifty eight cents with diesel staying at six dollars and forty one cents per gallon and kerosene at five dollars and thirty three cents.

Hyde, Briceno and Fonseca Want the PUP Leadership Seat
It is almost eight years ago when Said Musa stepped out of the spotlight as the leader for the People’s United Party, leaving the vacant post up for the taking. Subsequent to that, on March 30, 2008, the People’s United Party went to a national convention where Francis Fonseca and John Briceno went toe to […]

Government Vehicle Stolen from Capital City
Police in Belmopan are looking into three separate incidents of motor vehicle theft in that municipality. The first occurred between the hours of 7pm on Saturday, December 12 and 1:30pm on Sunday, December 13. Stolen was a red Meilun motorcycle valued at three thousand six hundred dollars. The motorcycle was parked on the veranda of […]

Corozal Police Makes Arrest in Briceno’s Murder
Corozal Police have charged one man for murder. He is twenty nine year old Adan Meza and he stands accused of killing twenty two year old Alberto Briceno on Saturday night in Paraiso Village. Meza is accused of stabbing Briceno six times while they were at the village’s park socializing. Initially, police had two men […]

Man on the Run Following Domestic Dispute
Belmopan police needs your help to capture Sherman Thomas who is also known as “Pest” or Pescado”. He is from Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District and is wanted for the crime of harm. He is accused of assaulting his former girl friend in a domestic dispute that occurred last month. Police say that since the […]

Trustees of Public Sector Workers Monies Taken to Court
Around the end of July last year, there was over five million dollars in the Public Sector Workers Trust account. That amount was the compensation amassed over a two year period due to frozen increments by Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel back in the nineties. Esquivel had given public officers some shares in Belize Telemedia Limited […]

PlusTV

Corozal man dies after being stabbed
On December 12, 22-year-old Alberto Briceño of Paraiso Village, Corozal District received stab wounds to his wrist, stomach, chest and back. That night, Briceño was socializing at the park in Paraiso Village when he reportedly got into a misunderstanding with two brothers. During that altercation, ...

Another Rape in San Pedro
A 34-year-old housewife of San Pedro Town visited the San Pedro Police Station on Saturday the 12th day of December, 2015 and reported that at around 9:00 a.m. on Friday December 11th, 2015 while seeking employment, she was taken on a red motorcycle by a Hispanic male person to a remote area where h...

Seven more in court for Abou-Nehra home invasion
Seven persons, among them two 15 year old girls, were charged with handling stolen goods for one flat screen television that was stolen during the burglary of the residence of Honorary Consul to Lebanon, Sarkis Abou Nehra, when they appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. The adults are 42 ...

Friends shot at in vehicle
A group of friends were shot at while sitting in their vehicle. On Friday the 11th of December around 5:10 p.m., 24 year old Kyle Chaplin and 2 of his friends from Belize City were sitting in a vehicle on Cran Street when a male person came out of a parked van and fired shots at them. When the shoo...

Belize City resident shot in his bed
A Belize City resident is listed in a critical condition after being shot at through his bedroom window. On Sunday the 13th of December, 47 year old David Lamb, a Belizean Fisherman was shot to his chest and arm. According to police, at about 3:45 a.m, Lamb was sleeping in his bedroom when shots wer...

Man shot in buttocks after altercation at bar
A Belize City man was shot in his buttocks after getting involved in an altercation at a bar. On Sunday, the 13th of December at 11:55 p.m., 25-year-old Brandon Allen of Cemetery Road, was socializing at Mike’s in Belize City when he got involved in an altercation with one ...

Jack Charles challenges rice producers over prices
Despite official disapproval from the Government of Belize and rice producers in the North and South, importer Jitendra Chawla, better known as Jack Charles, will persist in obtaining Guyanese rice and importing it into Belize in time for Christmas. In a press release issued this morning, Charles pr...

Amandala

BEL wants 11% increase in electricity rates in 2016
The Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) announced today that it has filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for an 11% increase in electricity rates, which the company said would reflect the actual cost of power from 2012-2016, the full tariff review period. Under the existing regime, the company can request rate adjustments during the course of the year as a part of regular tariff review proceedings, or at the end of the longer tariff period, based on the actual price paid for power. BEL contends that its submission is based on an underestimation of the cost of power (COP) impact of its gas turbine and an overestimation of the cost of power impact for the company’s purchase of power, primarily due to lower rates from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico. BEL said that in order to recover those costs, it needs a rate increase of 11%, from 35 cents per kilowatt-hour to 38.85 cents per kilowatt-hour.

A sodomite in their midst!
Three mothers of three young boys of a village in the Stann Creek District are devastated after their sons were sexually assaulted by one of their own relatives, a 17-year-old young man. Two of the boys are 12, and the other is 11. The 17-year-old minor has since been arrested and charged with aggravated assault of an indecent nature and committing an unnatural act, and will be taken to the Family Court in Dangriga to be arraigned on the charges. The incidents allegedly occurred on November 11, November 13, and November 16, 2015. The three boys, accompanied by their mothers, told police that the trusted relative visited the separate homes of the young boys in the village, and took sexual advantage of them when they were left alone with him in the homes.

PUP “old guard” wants Francis Fonseca to remain as Leader
Tomorrow, Tuesday, is the deadline for the submission of applications for those Opposition People’s United Party members, supporters and parliamentarians who want to fill the various executive positions in the party, including that of party leader, at the upcoming PUP National Convention scheduled for 28 January, 2016. The surprise coming out of the PUP on Friday, December 11, however, is that former Party Leader Francis Fonseca reportedly has been asked by some parliamentarians to consider running for party leader in the convention. Two days after the PUP’s general election defeat, on November 6, Fonseca resigned as PUP leader, saying, “I am a very young man. I am still in my forties, but I think that I will have to find another way to contribute to the development of Belize. I will of course serve out my term working for the people of Freetown, but I do not intend to seek re-election.” A member of the PUP’s Order of Distinguished Service (ODS), Silky Stuart, told Amandala this evening that he does not see the logic of a Francis Fonseca run for party leader at this time.

Life imprisonment for the stabbing death of fellow villager
Jose Montes, 42, of Bladden, Stann Creek District, who was on trial at the Southern Session of the Supreme Court in Dangriga for the murder of Marlon Martinez, 21, of Bella Vista, was found guilty today of the crime and was handed down a sentence of life imprisonment by Justice Denis Hanomansingh. Martinez was stabbed to death in Bella Vista in July, 2013. Montes, was taken back to his cell at the Belize Central Prison to begin his life sentence. On July, 12, 2013, Amandala reported that Marlon Anthony Martinez, 21, of Bella Vista, was stabbed in his heart during an altercation at about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, July, 7, 2013, while walking home after a party in Bella Vista.

Government will pass legislation to make stevedores an essential service provider
Last Monday, the stevedores employed by the Port of Belize Limited went on a three-day strike after they and their union, the Christian Workers Union (CWU), failed to reach an agreement with the Port on a retroactive retirement plan. Tonight, one week later, things have returned to normal at the Port, through which the bulk of goods that are imported into the country must pass. Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, the receiver and CEO of the Port of Belize Limited, told Amandala tonight that everything is back to normal at the port during this busy holiday season. Vasquez said that the next scheduled round of negotiations between the management of the Port and the CWU will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m.

New Public Accounts Committee constituted
Official information received by the Amandala newspaper indicates that three new members have been named to the Public Accounts Committee, one of thirteen standing committees of the House of Representatives, while Opposition People’s United Party member for Cayo South, Hon. Julius Espat, has again been named as chairman. The PAC is the only House committee chaired by an Opposition member. Whereas Espat was named to serve as chairman during the previous term of office, he refused to preside over meetings held to review reports filed by the Auditor General which went back to the administration of his party, insisting that they should only be required to deal with current reports. Those meetings were held despite the absence of Opposition members, by Belmopan area representative Hon. John Saldivar, UDP member, who has again been named as a PAC member, along with Collet area representative Hon. Patrick Faber, also of the UDP.

2015 National Primary Schools Volleyball Champions
The National Primary Schools Volleyball Championship was held last Friday, December 4, at the Belize Elementary Gym and Star’s Volleyball Gym in Belize City; and both Stann Creek girls and boys teams emerged as national champions. There were six teams each participating in the male and female divisions, being the champion teams from the six districts. These were: MALES (M): Belize Elementary (Belize); Howard Smith Nazarene (Cayo); Louisiana Gov’t (Orange Walk); Mary Hill RC (Corozal); St. Matthews Anglican (Stann Creek); and San Vicente RC (Toledo). FEMALES (F): Belize Elementary (Belize); Our Lady of Guadalupe RC (Cayo); Chan Pine Ridge Gov’t (Orange Walk); Church of Christ Primary (Corozal); Holy Angels RC (Stann Creek); and Toledo Christian Academy (Toledo). In the first round, both the female and male teams were separated into groups of three, which then played a round robin, and the top two from each female group, and likewise the top two from each male group, went on to the knockout semifinals.

New Year’s Competition kicks off in P.G.
The Concerned Committee for Football kicked-off its seven-a-side New Year’s Competition on Sunday, December 13, with two exciting games. The six teams in the competition are Galaxy Boys, Jah Love, Jah Roots/Estrellas, Jah Youths, Southern Stars and Ray FC. In the first game, Southern Stars trampled over Galaxy Boys, 12 to nil. Anselmo Choc and Joaquin Ico scored 4 apiece, while Rustico Coc scored 3 and Ramon Coc scored1goal. In game two, Jah Roots/Estrellas and Jah Youths played to a 7 to 7 draw. Michael Ricketts scored 4 goals, while Matthew Ricketts, Darol Lambey and Ray “Chucuru” Arzu scored 1 goal apiece for Jah Youths. Zidane Hines, Aduan Usher and Tyrell Flores scored 2 goals apiece, while Percival Audinett scored1 goal for Jah Roots/Estrellas. Sheldon Lambey was ejected after getting a second caution. The third game will be a back match.

The U.S., Cuba, and the Caribbean
We can say this for Said Musa’s People’s United Party (PUP) administrations (1998-2008) in their early years, that there were attempts made to enlighten the Belizean people, most notably through the African and Indigenous history project, but also through initiatives at the University of Belize (UB) level. We can’t say the same thing for the Dean Barrow United Democratic Party (UDP) administrations since 2008. The University of Belize no longer does anything creative, has not done anything creative for years, when it comes to education and community participation. And at graduation time in the various secondary and tertiary institutions of learning, almost all the guest speakers are UDP political leaders and affiliates: the fare they offer is bland and self-congratulatory. Cutting edge issues are not addressed by Belize’s academics. With 5,000 Cubans stranded in Costa Rica, trying to reach the United States, and the matter becoming somewhat of a Central American humanitarian crisis (see Adele Ramos’ story on page 2 of last weekend’s issue of Amandala), Belize’s national university could have contributed substantially to educating the Belizean people about the background and nature of this matter.

From the Publisher
Several times in the recent past, con permiso, I have used this column to feature subject matter which I suspect many readers would ordinarily be tempted to skip. The fact that such matter is included in this column makes it more likely to be perused, I believe. Last week while leafing through old material, I found a copy of BELIZEAN STUDIES, Vol. 15, No. 3, of 1987. BELIZEAN STUDIES used to be published by St. John’s College. The editors were Lita Krohn and David Price (deceased), and the advisory board was comprised of Leo Bradley (deceased), Homero Escalante, Charles Gibson, Fr. Charles Hunter, S. J. (deceased), Fr. Lloyd Lopez (deceased), and Larry Vernon. One of the papers in that specific issue of BELIZEAN STUDIES was entitled “The Kekchi and the settlement of Toledo District.” It was written by Richard Wilk, who was described as “an anthropologist, presently an assistant professor at New Mexico State University.” I intend to reproduce Professor Wilk’s paper in three parts. I am hoping that the two parts which will follow this one in weekend issues of Amandala, will not have to be included in the columns scheduled for this weekend’s issue and next week’s Christmas issue. I am hoping to pique your interest enough for you to look forward to the next two parts. The subject is a very, very important one.

Guatemala’s and Belize’s Dispute
Dear Editor, I was intrigued by Adele Ramos’s “Belize and Guatemala Sign ICJ Protocol.” In the article, Ramos says that there is a possibility that the territorial dispute between the countries will be taken to the international Court of Justice, but I don’t think this will solve the problem. The article says that the ICJ will have full power over the final decision. Guatemala’s claim has violated the Treaty of 1859 between that country and Britain which set borders between Belize and Guatemala that the countries agreed on. This is Belize’s main argument against the claim but the opposing country has always found a way to justify the claim. Guatemala says that the treaty was signed when Belize was a colony of Britain so it does not count, and that the treaty was voided because there was never a highway built to connect the two countries. Guatemala also claims that Belize hinders its economy because it covers the coastline. It seems like the decades-old dispute won’t end until a decision is made in Guatemala’s favor.

Copa Airlines is the new game-changer for Belize, says Tourism Minister
Copa Airlines, flight 281, which originated from Panama City, touched down today for the first time in Belize, at the Philip Goldson International Airport. Copa Airlines is the national airline of Panama, and was founded in 1947. Online sources indicate that Copa Airlines is considered to be one of the most profitable airlines, with rapid growth throughout the Americas. At the inauguration ceremony which commenced at approximately 1:15 p.m., the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Manuel Heredia, Jr; Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism; Jorge Espat, Managing Director of the Airport Concession Company; Ambassador of Panama, Marta Irene Boza; and Adolfo Sen, Director of Sales for Copa Airlines, invited guests and waiting passengers were on hand to welcome this new carrier. Hon. Heredia, in his address, said that this can “undoubtedly be a game changer for both parties.” Heredia continued by saying that for years their strongest market has been North America, but the government realized the need to diversify, with tourism being our number one industry.

BISL claims damages of US$45 mil—GOB says zilch!
In yet another multi-million-dollar litigation between the Barrow administration and the Ashcroft Alliance, the Government of Belize continues to be at loggerheads with Belize Investment Services Limited (BISL) over the Government’s 2013 decision to rescind its 20-year-old arrangement with the company, which had been handling the registration of international business corporations (IBCs) and merchant marine ships under Belize’s jurisdiction. The matter is expected to go to full hearing in the Supreme Court in early 2016. For its part, BISL is claiming that the Government should pay US$45 million in damages—the Government, on the other hand, says it owes BISL zilch! Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana is expecting to receive written submissions to be filed by this Friday, December 18, 2015, in preparation for the hearing. Last week, Arana received pretrial submissions from the parties and she heard from expert witnesses for both the claimant and the respondent, as attorneys for both sides argued over the validity of a contract dating back to the days of the Rt. Hon. George Price, now deceased.

Boy, 9, killed in traffic accident
Gerardo Lopez, 9, a student of Orange Walk Town, died after suffering head injuries when he was knocked down by a motorcycle while crossing the road at about noon Thursday. The boy was walking home for lunch with his mother at about 11:30 Thursday morning and was crossing the road to buy corn tortillas when he was knocked down and dragged by the motorcycle. Lopez was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was admitted in a stable condition; however, he died on Saturday morning due to the injuries. Assistant Superintendent Selwyn Tillett, Commander of Orange Walk police, reported that the boy was hit by a motorcycle driven by Sixto Martinez, a welder of Guinea Grass, and that Martinez took full responsibility for the accident.

San Pedro women’s attacker remanded to jail
A pervert who attacked and beat a senior citizen, 77, has been arrested and charged by the San Pedro police with two counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature, wounding, and attempted rape, after he attacked and beat yet another woman and attempted to drag her into the bushes to rape her. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison today, until February 15, 2016, when he is to be returned to court. He appeared before San Pedro Town Magistrate Sherigne Rodriguez. Police said that an identification parade was conducted and Pablo Hernandez, 18, was positively identified by the senior citizen and the other female victim. Police reported that Hernandez, a Salvadoran construction worker of San Pedro, at about 11:00 on the night of November 22, attacked a 77-year-old woman who was walking home alone in the Escalante area of San Pedro, dragging her into the bushes and beating her until she was unconscious, after which he stole her panties and escaped.

$1.15 down to $0.69 per pound for rice?
There is an ad on the radio announcing that very soon consumers will be able to get rice for 69 cents per pound. This is due to Jitendra Chawla, more popularly known as “Jack Charles,” a local merchant, importing rice from Guyana, and this has our local rice producers in a state of panic, fearing that they may be pushed out of the market. Jose Alpuche, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, told Amandala this morning that Jack Charles has not been given a permit to import rice from Guyana, however. Also, it has been reported that Guyana is seeking markets for its rice due to the fact that the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement between Guyana and Venezuela was squashed as a result of a territorial disagreement between the two countries. Stanley Rempel, a local rice producer, told Amandala that this is not about getting rice at a more affordable rate; instead, it is about “food security”. Rempel added that rice is already one of the cheapest commodities, since at “$1.15 per pound, it can feed 10 people.”

3 released on bail for Lebanese Consul’s home invasion
Three out of nine persons who were remanded to prison on Monday, December 7, for their alleged role in a vicious home invasion of Lebanese diplomat, Abou Nahra’s Burrell Boom home, were granted bail in the Supreme Court of Justice Herbert Lord this morning. This afternoon, three additional persons, charged in connection with the same incident, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser remanded two of them to prison, while the third, on the advice of his attorney, Dickie Bradley, will be arraigned on Monday, before the Chief Magistrate. Randolph Coleman, 23, a Coast Guard officer and resident of Police Street, was offered bail of $10,000 plus one surety. The conditions of Coleman’s bail is that he surrender all of his travel documents to the Supreme Court, prior to receiving his bail, and that he report to the Queen Street Police Station every Friday, beginning on December 18.

ASR/BSI increases the first payment to cane farmers
According to American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industries Limited (ASR/BSI), cane farmers will be receiving $1.32 increase on their first payment as a result of Government’s decision to increase the cost of white sugar by 25 cents, bringing the cost for 1 pound of sugar to 75 cents. ASR/BSI issued a press release which showed an increase in the first payment to cane farmers from $35.33 to $36.65 for the 2015/2016 sugar crop season. Now with the new price increase, things are certainly looking a little better for the cane farmers. Also, the ASR/BSI now has a new truck dumper, which will increase the efficiency of processing the cane, said Shawn Chavarria, ASR/BSI’s financial controller. Chavarria explained that, “The original truck dumper, which handles roughly 60% of the cane, which used the method of hooking trucks from the trailers using the cranes to unload, was quite inefficient and time consuming.” The new truck dumper will improve the turnaround time for cane trucks to be off-loaded, completing the process in approximately 1 minute, Chavarria said.

Breaking Belize News

People’s United Party names nominees for executive and leadership posts
Following the close of nominations this evening at 5 o’clock, party chairman Henry Charles Usher confirmed in a press briefing the names of the nominees for the leadership and executive posts in the party shortly thereafter. Former leaders John Briceno and Francis Fonseca (who […]

Jeffrey McDougal charged for shooting
Twenty-five year old Jeffrey McDougal, a labourer of 40 King Street who allegedly shot another man, was charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. She explained to him that she will […]

Sisters freed of theft charge
22 year old Chelsea Martinez and 21 year old Monique Martinez, along with 29 year old Ervin Zelaya, had charges of theft against them dropped after the police officer whose ATM card was stolen decided to settle the matter out of court. The charges […]

20 year old is accused of having sex with 14 year old student
Kristoff Myvett, 20, son of a police officer and student of the ITVET, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse. Myvett is alleged to have had, on September 28, 2015 whilst in Belize City, sexual intercourse […]

Arthur Cadle faces graver charges in traffic accident
Truck driver Arthur Cadle’s white International truck reportedly hit Norman Alexander Castillo as he was on the highway, having alighted from a bus, and a house was being moved when he was run over by the truck in a freak accident. Now the 59 […]

Fonseca, Hyde, Briceno nominated for PUP leader
Former leaders John Briceno and Francis Fonseca and representative Cordel Hyde are the three confirmed candidates for leader of the Peoples United Party after close of nominations today. Nominations were also taken for deputy leader, national communications manager among others. The national party council will […]

Smart gets ready for 4G
Today, December 15, was expected to be the start date for SMARTs 4G LTE internet service, which it has touted as revolutionizing Belize’s telecom industry. But it’s not quite ready yet. This evening Linette Canto, SMART’s marketing manager, told us via text message that […]

Popular taxi man found murdered in Punta Gorda
The body of a well-known taxi driver and Justice of the Peace from Eldridge Village, located a few miles outside of Punta Gorda (PG) town, was discovered lifeless inside his Isuzu Trooper in a secluded area called ‘360 Exile’ of that municipality earlier today. […]

Two arrested for $12,000 robbery
A 21-year-old Clerk of Santa Elena, Edvik Guerra and a 23-year-old carpenter of the same municipality, Leroy Myvette, were both charged in connection with an armed robbery which took place last week Friday as Lester Wagner, invoicing clerk for Santiago Castillo Limited, was counting […]

Government vehicle stolen from Magistrate Court compound
A government vehicle valued at $61,000 was stolen from the Magistrate Court’s compound in Belize City yesterday, between the hours of 9:20 and 11:50 a.m. Registrar for the Department of Co-operatives, 47-year-old Gareth Murillo, reported to police that a white D-Max four door pickup, was parked […]

House Committees named
Following its first business session of the new administration, the House of Representatives has distributed memberships of committees reviewing legislation. Tuesday’s issue of the Amandala reports that the Public Accounts Committee, which is the only House Committee chaired by a member of the Opposition, features […]

PUP D-Day for nominations
Today December 15th is the deadline for nominations for the post of People’s United Party leader. The nomination process is not elaborate, consisting only of a nomination letter forwarded to the Party Chairman, Henry Charles Usher, and the subsequent acceptance by the nominee. Yesterday, the […]

18-year-old arrested in Orange Walk hit and run
Orange Walk Police have made an arrest following investigations into a hit and run incident that happened on Monday, December 7th. 52-year-old Belito Moreno was riding his bicycle on the Belize-Corozal Road around 10:45 that morning when he was knocked down by someone on […]

Orange Walk group spreads Christmas
Three Christmases ago a group of friends and relatives in Orange Walk town made a pact. Instead of exchanging gifts for Christmas they all agreed to join the money and make good use of it to give back to the community. With that in mind […]

Blogs

Why I LOVE December on Ambergris Caye, Belize
I am no Scrooge – I’m a pretty big fan of Christmas no matter where I am. I have now lived in Belize for over 8 years – and have spent each Christmas here on Ambergris Caye. I also spent the 33 previous Christmas seasons in the US…New Jersey to be exact. And while I do miss some things from the states, like iced cold egg nog that you can buy in the supermarket, the smell of a real Christmas tree and gaining 10 holiday pounds eating pigs-in-a-blanket and cookies, I love LOVE Christmas in Belize…and the whole month of December. And here are a few reasons why I do.

12 days of Christmas Red Cross Remix and an Xmas Miracle
As part of our Holiday fun, and preparations for the upcoming boat parade, the San Pedro Belize Red Cross decided to record a song. Well known photographer Karen Brodie jumped at the chance to be our jungle writer and she quickly came up with an excellent remix of the 12 days of Christmas. We immediately rounded up a few singers to help the cause and it turned out great. Since yesterday I started asking for a miracle in hopes that the universe would hear my pleas and send us lights we needed to do our our boat for the parade. At the same time I was crunching numbers and trying to make it work. At the rehearsal I mentioned to everyone to put their thinking caps on for our lighting dilemma and Brittney (always a star) said “I can help you there”. Within 24 hours she had arranged for Dustin Bowen to sponsor the Red Cross Christmas lights. Thank you both so much. Also thanks goes out to Travelers rum for sponsoring some Christmas cheer for our boat :)

Belize Guatemala Dispute Settlement Boundary Claim
FM AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA -TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6715. 1. SUMMARY: GOG CONTINUES TO CATEGORIZE WASHINGTON TALKS AS SUCCESSFUL. PRESIDENT LAUGERUD TOLD PRESS THAT HE IS "PLEASED" AND "OPTIMISTIC." BOTH PRESIDENT AND FOREIGN MINISTER ARE PUBLICLY TRYING TO PORTRAY JOINT COMMUNIQUE AS BRITISH "AGREEMENT" NOT TO MAKE ANY UNILATERAL GRANT OF INDEPENDENCE TO BELIZE. MOLINA HAS DENIED THAT ROWLANDS VISIT TO GUATEMALA HAD ANY CONDITIONS ATTACHED. A TRIAL BALLOON RE POSSIBILITYOF COMPROMISE TERRITORIAL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE MAY BE AIRBORNE. MEANWHILE A HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION REITERATED HONDURAN SUPPORT. 2. PRESIDENT LAUGERUD TOLD DAILY PRENSA LIBRE JULY 8, "THE RESULT OF THE TALKS WITH THE BRITISH PLEASES ME BECAUSE THE COUNTRY WILL NOT HAVE TO BLEED MORE AFTER THE FEBRUARY 4 EARTHQUAKE. FORTUNATELY THE ENGLISH UNDERSTOOD THAT WE ARE AT THE POINT WHERE WE COULD NOT TAKE A SINGLE STEP BACK EVEN IF ALL GUATEMALANS HAD TO DIE. WITH THIS RESULT THE TALKS CAN BE RENEWED IN A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER. MINISTER CALLAGHAN INDICATES TO ME IN HIS LETTER THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS DISPOSED TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE IN PEACE AND WITH HONOR FOR BOTH GREAT BRITAIN AND GUATEMALA. HOWEVER, THE ARMY WILL REMAIN ALERT TO ASSURE ALL GUATEMALANS THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL TERRITORY AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE HONOR OF THE NATION."

Belize Guatemala Boundary Dispute II
SECRET PAGE 01 STATE 269577. FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY PANAMA IMMEDIATE INFO AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA PRIORITY. 1. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE BRITISH AND GUATEMALANS MAY BE NEAR A SETTLEMENT ON THE HUNDRED YEAR-OLD BELIZE DISPUTE. THE SETTLEMENT WOULD INVOLVE A MINOR CESSION OF TERRITORY TO GUATEMALA. THE BRITISH TOLD US THAT PRICE INFORMED THEM THAT ON NOVEMBER 7 TORRIJOS SAID PRICE COULD GET A MORE FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT FROM THE NEXT GUATEMALAN ADMINISTRATION. OUR OWN ASSESSMENT IS DIFFERENT. WE BELIEVE THE CHANCES OF REACHING A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT ARE BEST NOW. GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT LAUGERUD IS A MODERATE AND IS PERSONALLY COMMITTED TO RESOLVING THE BELIZE ISSUE BEFORE HE LEAVES OFFICE JULY 1. TWO-OF THE THREE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, LUCAS AND PERALTA AZURDIA, ARE HARD-LINERS. THE THIRD, PERALTA MENDEZ, IS DISTRUSTED BY THE MILITARY AND, EVEN IF THE ARMY PERMITTED HIM TO ASSUME OFFICE, IT IS UNLIKELY HE WOULD BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THE MILITARY TO GO ALONG WITH A LESS THAN FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT ON BELIZE. IF TORRIJOS COULD BE BROUGHT AROUND TO ACCEPTING THAT ASSESSMENT AND PASSING IT ON TO PRICE IT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL TO THE EFFORTS TO FIND A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT.

International Sources

Professor’s NEA Award to Bring Women’s Group from Belize
The ancient Mayas’ rich ceramics tradition tells a unique story translated in the work of SUNY Cortland Art and Art History Professor Jeremiah Donovan. The proof can be found in the highly competitive National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding that he recently was awarded. Donovan, who is widely recognized for his work with international cultures, will receive an “Art Works” award from the NEA worth $15,000 for a project showcasing the ceramic traditions of Belize — more specifically the contemporary pottery from the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative (SAWC), a small community of Maya descendants inspired by its cultural past. Some of the funding will pay for a group of women from San Antonio, a completely rural village centrally located on the western border of Belize, to visit SUNY Cortland and share their unique stories in October 2016. “This award deals with a multidimensional idea that received support from many different groups — not only the Art and Art History Department, but also the Research and Sponsored Programs Office,” said Donovan, who began taking students to Belize in 2013 after building a similarly successful program in China. “The NEA is the gold standard in the art field, so it’s special for SUNY Cortland to be recognized in this way.

Greg Norman’s firm hired to design new course in Belize
Greg Norman Golf Course Design has been hired to create a new 18-hole golf course in the Central American nation of Belize. The course will form part of a new luxury destination on Caye Chapel Island, which lies 18 kilometres from Belize City in the Caribbean. “Caye Chapel is an extraordinary destination and I am thrilled to be part of the resort’s long-term vision and development,” says Norman. “I take serious the sensitivity of designing a golf course and its effect on the eco-system. I will work in concert with the development team to create a course that is environmentally sound while providing a playable and memorable experience for all golfers.” The new course will form part of a new resort being developed by two prominent Mexican developers – Thor Urbana Capital and Inmobilia. The resort will also be home to a luxury hotel, a private landing strip, marina, and a commercial shopping centre.

Videos

Tarpon Cave Dive Site BELIZE Dec 8-Reef Sharks, 3min.

East Cut Dive Site BELIZE- Dec 8-Reef Sharks, Grouper, 3min.

Belize Day 2 & The Blue Hole with music, 5min.

Baptisms at Crique Troso Belize, 7.5min. Vision Ministries partnering with Crique Troso Baptist Church in Belize. Baptisms on November 2015.

Belize Snorkel Day with music, 2min.

The History of St. John's Cathedral, 3.5min. Step inside the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - a building rich in 200 years of history and fellowship. Located in Belize City, Belize (Central America), the building is open to the public for worship and tours.

BTIA CONCERNED ABOUT TRENCHING TAKING PLACE ON THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE OF THE LAMANAI LAGOON, 8min. In the month of September during his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that Government will be constructing a new road to Lamanai via Bermuda Landing in order to boost the tourism sector in the area. While this might have come as good news for many, for tour guides, tour operators and hotel and restaurant owners of the north, this came as bad news. The constructing to of the road automatically means that tourist will no longer need to travel all the way into Orange Walk to access Lamanai Ruin either by road or by boat. But that’s not all the bad news. Reports are that currently trenching is taking place on the southern part of the Lamanai Lagoon that will allow the passage of boats to take tours to Lamanai. And this is what has Belize Tourism Industry Association upset since they were not informed about the project.

12 days of Christmas Red Cross Remix, 4min. As part of our Holiday fun, and preparations for the upcoming boat parade, the San Pedro Belize Red Cross decided to record a song. Well known photographer Karen Brodie jumped at the chance to be our jungle writer and she quickly came up with an excellent remix of the 12 days of Christmas. We immediately rounded up a few singers to help the cause and it turned out great.

Belize, 4min. Trip to Belize November 2015, locations visited include Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Belize City, Hopkins, and Tikal(Guatemala)

Belize fine cut, 21min. UC Santa Barbara presents Preserving the Maya

Clear Water Belize, 3.5min.

MT, KT, ZK - Scuba Belize Thanksgiving 2015, 4.5min. Thanksgiving 2015 trip to Ambergris Caye, Belize. Scuba Diving Adventures with Michael, Kelsey, and Zivi. We dove with Eco-Divers (Day Dives) and Ambergris Divers (Night Dive). The dive sites are Esmerelda Canyons, High School, Tackle Box, and Hol Chan Cut.

Half Moon Caye Dive Site BELIZE Dec 9-Reef Sharks, 3min. Belize December 2015 Sundancer II/Aggressor IV Belize Reefs

Silver Cave and Long Caye Wall Dive Site BELIZE Dec 9-Sea Horse, Reef Sharks, Eagle Ray, 3min. Belize December 2015 Sundancer II/Aggressor IV Belize Reefs

December 15, 2015

Love Fm and many business organizations spread the Christmas Spirit in the annual Love Fm Christmas Parade that took place Sunday Dec 13th

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

Police seek public’s assistance in recapturing fugitive Juan Carlos Martinez
The San Pedro Police Formation is seeking the assistance of all island residents in the recapture of 24-year-old Juan Carlos Martinez who on Sunday, December 13th at around 3PM, escaped from the police station while an identification parade was taking place. Martinez, along with another prisoner, Florencio Velasquez, had been serving time at the Belize Central Prison for aggravated burglary and brought in to San Pedro’s Magistrate Court for sentencing. But before being sentenced, Martinez made his way to escape and remains at large. He is considered armed and dangerous and the general public is advised to be extremely cautious if approaching. According to San Pedro Police, Martinez had been convicted and given ten years at the Central Prison for firearm offenses earlier this year. If sentenced in San Pedro on Sunday, he would have received another 10 years or more. The police statement says that while the identification parade was in process; Martinez saw the chance to escape and jumped from the second floor balcony inside the station. He quickly made his way out and his whereabouts are still unknown. Even though police believe Martinez is still somewhere on the island, he is yet to be found.

Saga closes 2015 with a delicious Top Chef Cook-off
On Tuesday, December 8th The Saga Humane Society celebrated the final cook-off of the year at Island Time Beach Bar. The charity event included award winning chef dishes and saw Saga 2015 Cook-off winners along with some new restaurants joining the worthy cause. Once again, the different dishes of each cook’s choice were judged by a large crowd that showed up for the fundraiser. At the end of the night, only one chef could walk away with the title of 2015’s Saga Top Chef. For a small fee, guests had the opportunity to sample the different meals available. Most of the competitors were return cook-off winners, and they presented their meals with much enthusiasm, with a different dish in every food station. The delicious signature food choices included: Twisted Tuna Pasta Extraordinaire, Pizzaghetti, Pecan Pie Gooey Bars, Curry Tropical Salad, Meatball Veneziano, Shrimp Bacon Wrap with coconut and ginger sauce, Piña Colada Shrimp Curry with white mole coconut rice cracker, Baked Ziti and Key Lime Cheesecake.

SPTC and CARILED hold Local Economic Development consultation
On Tuesday, December 8th The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) through the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) hosted a session dubbed ‘Local Economic Development Consultation’ at the SPTC conference room. The workshop was aimed at bringing island residents together (mainly members of the business community) to discuss local economic development and how they can continue to leverage some of the strength that already exists in the community in order to develop their ideas. The consultation yielded many ideas that were shared among the attendees, and were then put into an open discussion in order to expand them. One of the group activities that were highlighted was a ‘Soar’ analysis which concentrated in exploring any additional ideas that were brought up by the group. “In this analysis, we want to extract more cool ideas from everyone that have strength, business opportunities, aspirations and ultimate results. If we come together and use all these ideas in the right way, we can get the community and ourselves moving forward smoothly,” ended Koch. He mentioned that these gatherings are a great way to learn from each other and come up with solid plans that will benefit the entire community. Koch encouraged everyone to come together when is necessary, put suggestions on paper and get them to the next level for the growth of San Pedro Town.Local Economic Development Forum-2

Water taxi Companies to relocate to Sunset Boardwalk in 2016
The year 2016 will come with a lot of changes in San Pedro, and one of those will be the relocation of the water taxi and tour operator boats to the Sunset Boardwalk. At the completion of the Boardwalk in 2014, all boats that operate on the leeward side of the island were expected to move to the new boat terminal at the Sunset Boardwalk in order to alleviate the congestion on the windward shores of the island. However, that did not happen as boat owners complained that the area near the Sunset Boardwalk is not suitable for large vessels. It is expected that by having the manifest operating with the new boat terminal at the Sunset Boardwalk, there will be better organization and a better impression to those arriving on the island. It will also help with the proper screening of who all come to the island and increase the safety of the town. At the same time it will benefit the artisans who will already be in the area after being relocated from the Central Park area. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) believes that this move will benefit everyone in the short and long run.

San Pedro AIDS Commission reports a successful 2015
After almost 15 years of operating in Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro AIDS Commission continues its mission to better the community and provide HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome) assistance. 2015 marked another exceptional year for the non-profit organization, which provided both medical and moral support to persons afflicted by the virus, as well as helping to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS in the community. In light of the end of 2015 and the beginning of the New Year, the San Pedro AIDS Commission takes the opportunity to both disclose their expense report, as well as thank all those who assisted and participated in the groups various activities. “As the year ends, I would like to extend the most sincere gratitude to the community who has assisted us so greatly. Again I just want to say that we depend on the generosity of the people and business community of San Pedro to continue our work. I am also very happy for the hard work and determination displayed by my group members this year. Without them, nothing would have been,” said president of the San Pedro AIDS Commission, Felix Ayuso.

Ambulances donated to San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town will soon be equipped with two ambulances that have been donated to the local medical facility. One ambulance was acquired in Houston, Texas USA and the other one was donated by the New York Volunteer Fire Company in the USA. The contribution of the ambulances is part of an effort to start an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system established in San Pedro. Both ambulances are expected to be on the island in early 2016. The 1992 Ford E450, type III ambulance from New York will be one of the first ambulances on the island that will immensely benefit the town. Efforts to obtain the ambulances began when Dominick Walenczak, a procurement officer helping to connect San Pedro with medical supplies was linked with potential organizations in the United States that could assist with an ambulance. Walenczak began visiting Belize after his parents were living in the country part-time and he became involved with the health system in San Pedro. Now that he is back in New York, he continues to help in the town’s EMS’s program growth.

Ambergris Today

25 Years Ago - Remembering When WE USED TO… in San Pedro Village No. 9
There are so many things that USED TO be different in the village of San Pedro back in the 1950’s and 60’s especially revolving around Christmas and when we remember them we even become nostalgic. Oh how do we wish we could go back in time to re-live those wonderful holiday experiences! This is how I recall the following. CHRISTMAS TREES - Oh yes we USED TO decorate our Christmas trees but it was a totally different experience. Our Christmas trees consisted of a small branch of the pine or cypress trees which grow wildly and huge here on the island. The small branch was inserted into a bucket of white sand which was the stand and which provided some moisture so that the tree would remain green a bit longer from the 16th to 31st. THE CHRISTMAS HAM - It was called the Christmas ham because it was not available throughout the year except at Christmas time. These hams were not refrigerated but came in cloth bags and were very salty and smoked. They were hung in the stores for the public to notice them and villagers purchased them and hung them from the ceiling of either the living room or the kitchen which was also the dining room. CHILDREN’S WISH LIST - Whereas today children’s wish list for Santa Claus include expensive and sophisticated electronic equipment the wish list of children of the past was simple. A doll was a must for all girls age four to twelve. A pair of pop shot revolvers a rifle that fires a cork were a must in all boys’ list for Santa.

Flashbacks - Village Life Vs City Life in San Pedro
Village life is happy life - that is happy in a different sense. It is simple, yet it is beautiful. There is less, yet there is more. In village life there is life indoors but plenty of life outdoors. Let us take a look at how it used to be different. You hardly see small residential homes in downtown San Pedro anymore; you now see a business spaces almost everywhere in the town core. But there is more… The patches of grass along the streets where villagers used to sit down and chat have now been replaced by sidewalks. The fences that demarcated the private properties have today been removed to allow easy access into the business premises that line the streets of San Pedro. Note the simplicity and beauty of village life. The kids are free to play in the middle of streets without any risk of being knocked down by a vehicle. There is no need of a traffic warden to tell the children when to cross a street.

Will the Unsightly Sargasso Come Back? BTIA and BTB Prepare
It is gone for now, but who is to say that the unsightly and smelly Sargasso will not be back on our shores once the weather changes? This is the question the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) are asking themselves. Most importantly, they are looking into ways to address the issue before it becomes a problem again. As part of its 30th Anniversary observance, the BTIA held a Sargassum Practical Solutions Forum on December 3, 2015. Sub-director of the Technical Unit of the Conservation and Management of Protected Natural Reserves in the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexican Caribbean, CONANP, Biol. Nallely Hernandes Palacios, General Secretary and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Hugh Riley, Oceana Field Representative for North Islands, Roxanne Perez-Gentle and Build-a-Beach volunteer Amber Edwards, sat on a panel of discussion along with tourism stakeholders from around the country to discuss regional initiatives and solutions to the Sargasso problem.

Celebrity Spotting: Alexandra Cousteau Talks Oil in Belize
Granddaughter of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Alexandra Cousteau, was spotted having dinner at Elvi’s Kitchen last week and our curious cameras were on site to snap this picture of the famous marine activist along with Chef Jennie Staines. Alexandra was in Belize as guest speaker of the one-day conference on The Energy of Nature vs. The Nature of Energy, held by Oceana at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. Oceana’s Vice President in Belize, Janelle Chanona, said the day’s presentations were intended to start a conversation as the conference brought together Belizean leaders in tourism, fisheries, investment and the scientific arena to provide academically informative and objectively provocative information about this nationally important issue.

Misc Belizean Sources

Saga Humane Society 12 Days of Christmas
Happy Holidays to our generous supporters! For all your generous giving throughout the year, your countless hours of animal care, and your continued pledges that ensure our future; the Saga Humane Society staff, and board members wish you, our volunteers and donors, a joyous holiday season. You are the reason the animals of San Pedro are cared for, the sick are looked after, and the once homeless and forgotten are living a safe and happy life. It is because of you that we have survived sixteen years and will exist forever. And at this time of year, as we give thanks and gather with family, we thank you. You are the Saga Humane Society family.

Paint Party at Crazy Canucks
Come join us to paint "Navidad Light House" this Thursday at Crazy Canucks. Everything you need is provided step by step direction, paint, brushes, smocks, canvas and maybe even a stencilled canvas if you need it (shhhh). $25u.s for first time artists and visitors. $20u.s for our members. Starts On:December 17, 2015 2:00 PM Ends On:December 17, 2015 4:00 PM

"Don" Jesus Ken
Meet "Don" Jesus Ken, a Belizean cañero/revolutionary and descendant of the Cruzoob Maya General Berdardino Ken(Maya General during the caste war). Former Clerk of the National Assembly, Jesus Ken, is the subject of this week’s Personality of the Week column (AMANDALA). This story will have to be told in at least two parts, as we will trace Mr. Ken’s life from his origins in Xaibe, Corozal, to his party political career in the early to mid 1960’s, the period during which he rose to prominence as a revolutionary among the cañeros of the North. Xaibe means “crossroads” in Yucatec, Mr. Ken informs. During his boyhood days, the village was very small, having about 50 houses, but today it has grown. While some of their Mayan cultural traditions—brought down to Belize by their ancestors who fled the Caste War of the 1840’s—have been lost, some have still remained etched in their social fabric. Everybody in the village was related, but over the more recent years, people have migrated into Xaibe from other parts of Belize, adding to its diversity.

Early Christmas at the Octavia Waight Centre
The residents of the Octavia Waight Centre got an early Christmas when a group of SHJC students stopped by and cooked for them. Thanks, SHJC students! Very appreciated. "Residents of the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio were today visited by a group of students from the Sacred Heart College Junior College. The young people served a pre-Christmas dinner which they prepared themselves and provided entertainment for the 30 men and women who live at the elderly care facility."

Belize Tourism Board Chile Sales Presentation
This is the very first presentation carried out in Santiago which was very well received.

Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is celebrated each year to encourage entrepreneurs, and to celebrate innovators and job creators. For the last three years, the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan has supported GEW through collaboration with local counterparts including the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and the University of Belize. As part of the 2015 GEW, Mr. Nathan Bland the Chief of the Political, Economic and International Narcotics & Law Enforcement sections made a presentation at the first National Entrepreneurship Convention which hosted by the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC Belize) at BELTRAIDE, on November 20, 2015 at the Belize Training and Employment Centre on the ITVET compound. During the presentation, Mr. Bland took informed Conference participants on grant opportunities available to local entrepreneurs or NGOs helping to build capacity among entrepreneurs.

Chaa Creek’s Mick Fleming Honoured By Belize's Tourism Industry
Belizean eco-resort The Lodge at Chaa Creek reports that it is ending the year on a high note after co-owner Mick Fleming was honoured with a special award at the Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (BTIA) December 2015 annual general meeting and 30th anniversary celebration. “We’ve been receiving congratulations from not just within Belize, but from friends around the world since the awards were announced,” Chaa Creek marketing officer Lea Itzab said, “I think the response has been almost as gratifying as the award itself,” she added. The award, presented at a cocktail celebration prior to the December 2 2015 annual general meeting, was given “to honor outstanding members, pioneers and sponsors who were actively involved in the growth and development of the BTIA and the tourism industry of Belize,” according to the association. Mr Fleming, who with his wife Lucy founded The Lodge at Chaa Creek in the 1981, is recognised as one of Belize’s early eco-tourism pioneers. Also known as a dedicated environmentalist and organic farmer, he has been credited with introducing a range of innovative practices within the industry, including incorporating educational attractions into Belizean eco tourism, Ms Itzab said.

Power Interruption, COROZAL & ORANGE WALK
BEL announces Power Interruptions from 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this SUNDAY, December 20th, 2015 for the entire COROZAL & ORANGE WALK Districts. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of transmission system in area.

Cooking rice and beans?
ry this rice and beans recipe for Christmas. this recipe is really made easy. you could soften your own beans if you want to.

Channel 7

Murder in "Paradise"
It's called Paraiso - Spanish for "Paradise" - but tonight, this quiet village just North of Corozal Town is back in the news after 22 year old Alberto Briceno was killed there in what looks like a drunken street fight. Right now, police aren't ruling out his possible involvement in the incident which ended his life, but his family members, who are eyewitnesses, swear that he was killed for nothing more than a friendly gesture. So, how do they explain what happened? Well, that's what our news team found out today when they went north. Daniel Ortiz reports: Voice of: Mother of Deceased "I got the hospital. I knew when I saw him with all those stab wound in his back and one in his chest, I knew he wouldn't make it. With his facial expression, I knew my son wouldn't make it." Daniel Ortiz reporting That's any parent's worst nightmare, but, it was the reality that the mother of 22 year-old Alberto Briceno was face with after he had been viciously stabbed in a drunken fight in Paraiso Village. He was assaulted, then stabbed multiple times, right here at this park, a stone's throw away from his house on Saturday night at around 9:30.

The PUP: And Then There Were Three
Who will lead the PUP? Well by this time tomorrow we should have a better idea - of at least who is interested in the job. Tomorrow December 15th at 5:00 pm is the deadline for the submission of names for executive posts and tonight it looks like three main contenders are going ahead. They are Cordel Hyde, Francis Fonseca and John Briceno. Fonseca is the wild card whose sudden re-emergence has caught everyone off guard. On Friday he told us that he was considering an offer to accept a nomination from a block of constituencies led by Julius Espat's Cayo South. Today we tried to tried to find out whether he had made a decision either way, but he did not answer our requests for a comment. But, the de facto organizer of his campaign Julius Espat told us that Fonseca will accept the nomination. Next is Cordel Hyde. He today confirmed that he will be nominated as leader tomorrow. Same for the John Briceno camp. Today he received an endorsement from the Northern Caucus. The release says, quote, "The Executive and members of the Caucus are…pleased to give full support to the candidacy of … John Briceño."

7 More For Handling In Burrell Boom Invasion
Another 7 persons have been charged in connection with the Burrell Boom Home Invasion - so that makes 19 people so far who have been charged and police say they are still looking for more suspects. As we told you on Friday, police got a major break in the case when they found the Digital Video Recorder with surveillance footage of the thieves committing the crime. It has proven extremely useful in identifying these men and women. Today Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster told us about this recent arrest and that they are still looking for the weapons stolen from Sarkis Abou Nehra's mansion to close this case. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "As it relates to the update on the aggravated burglary in Burrell Boom, we have additionally arrested and charged 5 other individuals over the weekend. Those being Paul Jex Sr., 42 years old, Anthony Smith, 24 years, Paula Gentle, 20 years and 2 other minors for the crime of handling stolen goods. We've been getting information as it pertains to these firearms and we are actively doing searches.

Belmopan Police: Deceptive Deliveryman Only Claimed He Got Jacked
Last week it was Belize City police who recovered over nine thousand dollars out of eleven thousand plus that was stolen from a deliveryman in a cargo truck on West Canal. And tonight the news is that Belmopan police have done the same - except they did it one better: they also tripped up one of the delivery man who set up the whole robbery. On the surface of it, The story sounded believable enough: an employee of San Cas said that at 9:15 pm - they were in a San Cas delivery truck in a bank parking lot in Belmopan. They were counting money and that's when a dark skinned man wearing a hood robbed them at gunpoint. They handed over the money and no one was hurt. The narrative sounded familiar, but, police knew something was shady about the report - and today the Officer Commanding Belmopan told us more: Supt. Howell Gillett, OC - Belmopan "From the onset we believe that there were collusion of the part of employees. That belief was solidified as the investigation progressed, so much so that one of the employees will be charged for conspiracy to commit robbery and the suspected gunman will be charged with robbery, possession on an unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition. I am very pleased to announce that to date we have recovered over $8,000 in cash, a 9mm pistol and a magazine containing 5 live rounds of ammunition while the investigation continues."

Duplicitous Dentist Or A Man Who Got A Bad Rap?
It raised an uproar last week when news went out that an allegedly deviant dentist, American John Robert Hall was given a license to practice in Belize - this after he pleaded guilty in 2004 to injecting semen into 7 of his patients mouths in the US. He got his Belize license using the name Robert "Bob" Hall - a nickname that would make sure no one found out his spotty history by searching the internet. But, the residents of San Pedro did find out and they told the San Pedro Sun who worked with Island police to close down his Ocean Dental Clinic on the day it was opened. His Belizean license was revoked thereafter. Well, Hall defended himself today in a lengthy, three page press release. It says, quote, "I never thought I would be ridiculed, cussed at, and made fun of with harmful threats to me and my dog based on assumptions instead of facts." He goes unto detail what he calls his side of the story starting in November of 2003, quote, "when I was accused of a disgusting and absurd action of placing semen in patient's mouths. I did not do what I was accused of doing!" End quote.

Accident Victim On Life Support
Tonight, the family of 54 year-old Jesus Belito Moreno is preparing for the worst as they consider the tough decision to take him off life support and end his life. That's after doctors at the KHMH have say that there it is likely that he will not wake up from the coma that he is in. Last week Monday, he was knocked down in a hit and run in Orange Walk Town. The driver, according to police was a teenager on a scooter who did not have a valid driver's license. Today, the officer commanding Orange Walk Police told us that they have arrested and charged the young man for the incident: "Orange Walk police visited the Northern Regional Hospital where they saw one Belito Moreno, with scrape to his right arm, swell on the right eye and bleeding from the nose. Belito Moreno was taken to the Karl Heusner Momorial Hospital for treatment with a fracture skull and swelling of the brain. He has since been placed on life support. Initial investigations revealed that on 7th December, about 10:45am, Moreno was riding a bicycle on the Belize/Corozal Road when he was knocked down by a male person on a scooter. The person fled the scene. Police investigations started and as a result of the investigation police detained and charged one Alberto Vargas, 18 years of Orange Walk Town for fail to stop and render aid, fail to report an accident, drove motor vehicle without being the holder of a valid driver's license and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention."

Port of Belize Back To Normal
The stevedores are back to work and port operations have returned to normal. As we have reported, the stevedores were on strike last week - they were demanding that Port CEO Arturo Vasquez grant them their retirement/pension benefits retroactive to 2004 but Vasquez clearly stated that there is no way that can happen. So that led to a week long back and forth, failed meetings and proposals…Until both sides finally agreed to compromise and get back to negotiations. Today we spoke to CEO Vasquez and he assured us that everything has normalized at the port and that he hopes it stays that way. "As you know everything came back to normal on Friday and we have been able to work in harmony for all the ships that have come in so far. As you know the port and the CWU were having some sort of negotiations, we are trying to get this thing going and at the end of the day I think we decided to proceed without signing anything in the document at all. So, the only agreement that we had is that we continue to negotiate on the 15th which is tomorrow - which is a day that was scheduled before and I would assume based on the previous conversation we had that the meeting would about the pension. We had a boat waiting outside English Caye..."

Two Caught With Gun, One Takes A Plea
2 men have been charged with firearm offenses after the Rural Rapid Response Team caught them with a gun. Yesterday the team was heading to Ladyville from Sandhill when they saw someone throw an object out of a Black Infinity car near miles 12 and 13 on the Northern Highway. When they searched the area they found a .22 revolver. They also arrested and charged 34 year old Kingsley Cadle and Anthony Garbutt with Kept firearm without a gun license and kept ammunition without a gun license. Senior Superintendent Broaster told us more about this operation. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "Yesterday our rural rapid response team intercepted a black Infinity QX4 with license place BZC-46386, at the time occupied by Kingsley Cadle, age 34 and Anthony Garbutt, age 42. When intercepted our officers observed a firearm being thrown from the vehicle which was recovered and found to be a .22 revolver with serial number 529891, containing 5 live rounds of ammunition and one expended shell. The two individuals has since been charged for kept firearm without a gun license and kept ammunition without a gun license and the vehicle is impounded."

Rice Situation Coming To A Showdown?
Earlier we told you about the turkey shipment that came in last week to sighs of relief, but the one that's coming from Santo Thomas this week is expected to produce nothing but stress and confrontation - and somewhere in there, consumers may end up with a lower price of rice. We're talking about the three containers of Guyanese Rice bring brought in by importer Jack Charles. On Friday a release from the Belize Agro productive Sector questioned Charles's motives - accusing him of undermining local producers just to make a profit. Today, Charles answered in his own press release. He says he's not trying to wipe out the local producers. Charles's release says quote, "My objective is to import only 20% of the total rice consumed in the country, and (I) certainly don't have any interest in creating an import monopoly…. This will…serve as a check and balance on price of Rice in the local market." Charles also notes the failings of the Agroproductive sector and the Ministry of Agriculture, who in April had committed to come up with a formula for cheaper rice within 1 month.

Man Dies After Bizarre Highway Accident
When a truck tried to squeeze between the wide load and the bus, the conductor was flung outside and pinned by his legs. Well, now, the conductor, Norman Castillo has died as a result of the injuries he sustained from the accident. Today, in sharing the news of his passing with the media, Superintendent Boaster gave his condolences to the family: Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "We have the unfortunate passing of Norman Castillo, 46 years old. Who died from injuries which resulted from the RTA that occurred on the 27th November. He died in the evening of the 12th December and we would like to give our condolences to his family and friends. This accident occurred on the 27th November where the bus and a truck - I believe the truck was overtaking and ran the bus off the road and pinned Mr. Castillo's feet."

Warden Takes A Plea To Weed Possession
A prison officer and a cook from the Belize Central Prison have been charged with drug trafficking. This weekend 29 year prison Officer Juan Perez and cook Fabian Chen tried to smuggle about a pound of weed into the prison on 2 separate occasions. Perez was caught with 1 pound of weed while Chen was caught with less than a pound. Broaster told us more about these incidents. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "On Saturday night at 8pm prison officer Juan Perez attempted to smuggle 483 grams of cannabis into the KOLBE Foundation. He has been since charged with drug trafficking. We also have the cook from KOLBE Foundation detained and being charged for drug trafficking for attempting to smuggle 28 grams of cannabis into the KOLBE Foundation. His name is Fabian Chen, 28 years." Both were charged with drug trafficking. Perez pleaded guilty to drug trafficking. Because it was his first offence and he expressed remorse, Magistrate Carlon Mendoza used his discretion and imposed a fine of $10,000 dollars. Perez said that it was an inmate who asked him to bring the cannabis.

Cops Congratulate Community
As you've been seeing, Eastern Division Rural has been all over the news tonight - with a gun and drug bust and the additional 7 who were charged in the Ahbou-Nahra home invasion, and police say it's all because of the community's help. Broaster told us how important and community assistance has been to solving crime. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "We appreciate very much the public contribution in our success and we want to encourage them to continue to "see something, say something and stop something." It's been working very effectively and that will no doubt create that kind of safety in their community and in other communities. So we just want to congratulate them on that."

Leonora: The Wisdom Of Her Years
102: That's how old Belize City resident Leonora Patnett turned yesterday. Every year we visit this remarkable woman to find out how her special birthday celebration was and this year she was as vibrant and eager to speak with us as usual. Pattnett lives on Wagner's Lane.

Kim For The Kids
There were several Christmas parties for city kids last week - so why not have a Christmas concert? Today at the Bliss Center, over 500 kids from Children's homes all over the country went to be a part of the Christmas Show. Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow told us it's all about making their Christmas brighter.

Channel 5

Paraiso Man Killed By Friends
There have been four murders in the Corozal District this year, but that count went up to five as a result of a stabbing on Saturday night when a village [...]

San Pedro Deliveryman Charged for Rape
There were other serious crimes committed over the weekend. In San Pedro Ambergris Caye, police have arrested a deliveryman after he allegedly took a woman to a remote area of [...]

Illegal Immigrant Charged for Two Brutal Assaults
And from rape to attempted rape, also on San Pedro, Police have arrested and arraigned a teenage male after he was positively identified by two of his victims. Salvadoran Fabio [...]

Minor Charged for Sexual Assault of Three Young Boys
There is also a report of sexual abuse from the south. The incidents happened back in November, but are only being reported in the police blotter. Three young boys, two [...]

Briceño Nominated for P.U.P. Leader Position
Turning to politics….At news time, there is only one confirmed name in the leadership race for P.U.P. Party Leader. The deadline is Tuesday, December fifteenth, but John Briceño was officially [...]

Dentist Convicted for ‘Semen-Injections’ Says He Was Innocent
On December eighth, an American dentist was detained in San Pedro after his name came up in the most bizarre story. Doctor John Hall had already been granted a license [...]

Guyana Rice Arrives in Belize Thursday…Without a Permit
A shipment of rice is sitting at a Guatemalan port and is scheduled to be unloaded at the Big Creek port this Thursday. At least that is the plan of [...]

Local Rice Producers Stand Against Importation
The Mennonite community of Blue Creek, in Orange Walk District, is the largest producer of rice in the country. Considering significant investments that have been made in the industry to [...]

Woman in Court for Failing to Report to Police
A Belizean woman who was convicted in the U.S.A. for human trafficking and later deported to Belize appeared in court on Friday to answer to a charge of Failure to [...]

More Arrests in Brutal Home Invasion in Burrell Boom
The investigation into the home invasion at the house of the Lebanese Honorary Consul continues to unfold. Today police say they made seven more arrests over the weekend, five directly [...]

2 Kolbe Employees Charged for Drug Trafficking
And while the Police hunt up lawbreakers on the outside, two who were already on the inside at the Belize Central Prison are looking at possible jail time. Routine Police [...]

San Cas Heist Was An Inside Job
There was a significant heist last Friday in the capital city, and it happened in the parking lot of the Belize Bank. According to reports, two Santiago Castillo deliverymen in [...]

3 Men Wounded in Separate City Shootings
There was also a string of shootings in the Old Capital over the weekend. The unrelated incidents began on Friday evening shortly after five o’clock when twenty-four-year-old Kyle Chaplin came [...]

Prisoner Escapes from Custody in San Pedro
Twenty-four year old Juan Carlos Martinez is on the lam tonight after escaping from the San Pedro Police station on Sunday afternoon and police on the island are seeking the [...]

Cayo Police Go to Church on Sunday
The Cayo Police formation spent some quality time on Sunday – not in training and not on operation, but in Church. According to Deputy Commander Reymundo Reyes, he felt that [...]

Annual Spirit of Christmas Concert Held in the City
‘Tis the season to be jolly and across the country, Christmas concerts and parties for children are being organized by numerous organizations as well as personalities. On Saturday, the Governor [...]

Football, Basketball and Cycling Stats with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. The 2 finalists for the 2015 PLB Football Tournament emerged over the weekend so we take you to the [...]

LOVE FM

Alpuche: Guyanese Rice – An Opportunistic Importaion
Last Friday we told you of the rice issue where businessman, Jack Charles is in the process of importing the grain from Guyana, saying it would cost consumers less money than the locally produced rice. COLA had issued their statement, agreeing to the move, saying that it is about what the consumers can afford while […]

Briceno Garners Support for PUP Leadership
Tomorrow is the deadline for interested parties to submit their application for the leadership position for the People’s United Party. It has been a quiet campaign by the interested parties over the last few weeks but on Friday we got some news to report when we were informed by the Deputy Party Leader, Julius Espat […]

Police Cracks Diplomat’s Home Invasion Case Wide Open
Over the weekend Police has made several more arrests in connection with the aggravated burglary that occurred in Burrell Boom. This is the second time in ten years the home of the Honorary Consul General for Lebanon to Belize, 77-year-old, Sarkis Abou- Nehra, was invaded last week and the caretaker’s wife was said to have […]

Prison Employees Attempt to Smuggle Drugs Into Facility
Police have charged two employees of the Kolbe Prison Foundation for drug trafficking. Two males, a cook and a prison officer were caught this weekend trying to smuggle cannabis into the prison. Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster gave more details at a press briefing this morning. EDWARD BROASTER “Over the weekend as well we arrested and […]

Changes in Lamanai Route Bring Concerns
A number of stakeholders in the tourism industry are concerned about a proposed route to Lamanai Archaeological Site in the Orange Walk District. Reporter Judy Turton has the story.

Trio Charged for Drug Trafficking
Over the weekend, Orange Walk Police carried out several anti-drug operations in the rural areas. Juan Luis Alberto Montero, in Guinea Grass Village was searched after Police say they saw him trying to run away. At the same time, police came across two other men who were searched and found to be in possession of […]

Senior Citizen Gets Knocked Off His Bicycle
52-year-old, Benito Moreno is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City after he was knocked off his bicycle by a motorist in Orange Walk Town. 18-year-old, Albert Vargas has been charged with four traffic offences in connection with this incident. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Selvin Tillett, who commands the […]

Murder in the Village Park
A man was murdered in the Corozal District this past weekend. Reporter Hipolito Novelo has the story. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “Two men are in police custody in Corozal where they are expected to be charged for the murder of 22-year-old, Alberto Briceno which occurred on Saturday night at around 10 o’clock. It happened in Paraiso […]

Three Minors Sexually Assaulted by Teenage Student
There is a disturbing report coming out of Hope Creek Village in Southern Belize. Police there have arrested and charged a 17 year old student of sexually assaulting three boys. Police say that on November 11, 12 and 16, three angry mothers of Hope Creek reported that their sons, two of whom are 12 years […]

Police Makes Arrest in Rape Case on Ambergris Caye
A thirty four year old woman was raped on Friday on Ambergris Caye. According to police reports, the 34 year old who is a resident of the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro Town reported that on Friday morning while she was job hunting she was taken to a remote area on the island […]

PlusTV

BEL requests 11% electricity rate hike
An Unannounced electrical blackout caught much of Belmopan residents offguard today. Interestingly, it was a scheduled blackout by Belize electricity Limited to do maintenance in the Mountainview area of the city. It seems, somehow that only very few residents were aware, and only for the Blackout t...

Unannounced Black Out
An Unannounced electrical blackout caught much of Belmopan residents offguard today. Interestingly, it was a scheduled blackout by Belize electricity Limited to do maintenance in the Mountainview area of the city. It seems, somehow that only very few residents were aware, and only for the Blackout t...

Ex-registry owners demand millions in compensation
Arguments concluded late Thursday in the Supreme Court between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited (BISL), the parent company of the International Business Companies and Merchant Marine Registries. Following the Government’s takeover of the organizations in June of 201...

Price of Rice Rises?
Currently the Belize rice industry supports almost 100 local rice farmers, 5 milling companies, and more than 2000 permanent and seasonal workers. But today, Rice producers say they are worried about the viability of Rice Industry in Belize because of the threat of Guyanese rice entering the Belize ...

Pregnant Young woman raped at Dangriga Junction
A 19-year-old Belizean woman of the Stann Creek District has reported to police that sometime after 3:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon, thursday December 10th, she was raped. The woman, who is currently 6 months pregnant, told police that she was at the Mile 6 junction bus stop waiting for a bus when a m...

Will Francis Fonseca enter his name for PUP Party Leader?
PlusNews has been reliably informed that Area representative for the Freetown division, and former PUP party leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, was asked earlier today to re-enter the race for the party Leadership! The request was made to Hon Fonseca at a meeting attended by 6 PUP representatives and 5 s...

More arrests in Abou-Nehra home invasion; three accused get bail
We have been reporting on the police investigation into the home invasion in Burrell Boom, which involved Belize’s honorary consul to Lebanon, 77 year old Sarkis Abou Nehra. The caretaker of the residence told police that between 8:00 pm last Thursday night and 3:00 a.m. Friday morning he and his sp...

Canada’s biggest Fraud, banners brokers, linked to Belize
Two men, both 45 years old, who allegedly ran a Toronto-based pyramid scheme that netted more than $126 million Canadian Dollars… that’s $93 Million USD… from people around the world were arrested on Tuesday morning, 8 December and now face fraud charges. The men, Christopher Geo...

Breaking Belize News

Alexandra Cousteau visits Belize for marine conservation
Oceana’s Senior Advisor, Alexandra Cousteau, who is also an Ocean Explorer and National Geographic filmmaker, arrived in Belize on December 6th and departed today after meeting with several stakeholders in marine conservation. During her stay, Cousteau met with Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega to […]

22-year-old stabbed to death in Paraiso
The Briceño family from Paraiso Village in the Corozal District is pleading for justice after 22-year-old Alberto Briceño was stabbed and killed by one of two brothers on Saturday night. The incident played out at the Paraiso Park located just across the street from Briceño’s house. There […]

Jack Chover for OKCarles challenges rice producers over prices
Despite official disapproval from the Government of Belize and rice producers in the North and South, importer Jitendra Chawla, better known as Jack Charles, will persist in obtaining Guyanese rice and importing it into Belize in time for Christmas. In a press release issued this […]

Seven more in court for Abou-Nehra
Seven persons, among them two 15 year old girls, were charged with handling stolen goods for one flat screen television that was stolen during the burglary of the residence of Honorary Consul to Lebanon, Sarkis Abou Nehra, when they appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. […]

Belize Defense Force volunteer jailed over gun
Volunteer in the Belize Defence Force 34 year old Kingsley Cadle will spend five years in prison after pleading guilty today to keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Magistrate Deborah Rogers had down concurrent sentences of five years on each charge after […]

Prison officer fined for smuggling weed to inmate
29 year old Juan Perez, a former prison officer who was busted attempting to smuggle 1 pound of weed into Belize Central Prison, was spared a custodial sentence when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza and pleaded guilty to drug trafficking. Because it was […]

Motorcycle stolen from Belmopan resident
Resident of Mamieapple Street in Belmopan, 51-year-old Dean Flowers, reported to police that sometime between 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. yesterday, one or more persons stole his red Meilun motorcycle from his house veranda. The motorcycle is valued at $3,600 and police […]

17-year-old boy charged for sexually assaulting relatives
Dangriga Police have arrested and charged a 17-year-old male student for the offense of “Sexual Assault” after three mothers reported to police that he sexually assaulted their sons at a residence in Hope Creek. The mothers along with their sons, also told police that […]

Cayo Police find weed and gun in Roaring Creek
Police in the Cayo District conducted searches at an abandoned lot within Roaring Creek Village on Friday afternoon, which resulted in the discovery of 86 grams of cannabis and a .25 auto pistol without a magazine. The gun and drugs were labelled as “Found […]

Police recover items from $5000 burglary in San Pedro
San Pedro Police managed to recover a tile cutter valued at $2,000 after a burglary between 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday and 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, resulted in the theft of tools and accessories valued at more than $5,000. 43-year-old Efrain Bardalez, a foreman of […]

34-year-old house wife raped in San Pedro
On Saturday December 12th, a 34-year-old house wife of the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro town reported to police that the previous day (Friday), while she was seeking employment, a Hispanic male person took her on a motorcycle to a remote location […]

San Pedro resident has boat engine stolen
35-year-old Kenny Brakeman of San Pedro town, reported to police on Saturday that earlier in the day, he went to check on his Yamaha four stroke boat engine which he had previously left inside his bodega in the DFC area of the island. Upon […]

Caye Caulker police nab weed destined for island
Caye Caulker police yesterday intercepted a package from Belize City to that municipality, which resulted in the discovery of 365 grams of cannabis wrapped in black plastic. The drugs, found at around 11:30 a.m., were later labelled and deposited as “Found Property” since no […]

Majestic Alley bust yields police almost three and a half pounds of weed
An operation conducted30 p.m., officers searched a lot in Pinks Alley, where they found five plastic bags containing […]

Argument at Mike’s Club turns deadly; one left critical after being shot
In one of the many shooting incidents that occurred in the old capital this weekend, 25-year-old Brandon Allen was left in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after being shot to the buttocks during an altercation at Mike’s Club. Investigations […]

One critical after being shot while sleeping in apartment
David Lamb, a 47-year-old resident of Ebony Street in Belize City, is currently listed in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after being shot to the right side of the chest and right arm yesterday morning, while he slept inside his […]

24-year-old lucky to be alive after being shot once
Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) on Friday around 5:10 p.m. and saw 24-year-old Belize City resident, Kyle Chaplin, with a single gunshot wound to his left knee. Chaplin told officers that he and two friends were in a vehicle on Cran […]

Blogs

Photographer Heals His Invisible Disability in Belize
If you ask anyone what their opinion on Belize healthcare is, most would likely start talking about doctors and various medical facilities in the country or lack of. There is a different aspect to consider, I have heard many say that the climate of Belize took away their pain and lessened symptoms in chronic ailments. I have also seen people reduce the amount of medication they take after living here for a while. Today’s guest post and pictures by Ric Hornsby tells his story not only of the healing powers of Belize, but how the country and it’s people captured his heart on his 4 month sojourn. Well tacogirl, it is time to take you up on your kind offer of posting a bit more of my photography. Yesterday, I reviewed a tiny portion of what I shot in Belize, during my tour of the country, last winter. I truly love Belize. But, finances aren’t great, so I’ll have to forego a return trip for this year. Still, I have over 14K shots from the months I spent rambling around, and I do get to enjoy the images that I captured. I’ll make do with that ability.

The 5th Annual LoveFM Christmas Parade Brings Out All Of San Pedro’s Families
The countdown to Christmas is here…and LoveFM National Radio & TV organizes beautiful parades around the country. Last night at sundown, families and KIDS assembled and lined the streets to watch our only land based Christmas parade here on Ambergris Caye. (The Lighted Boat Parade is December 19th!). Here are squillions of pictures of the event. Fantastic…and a little bit dangerous. Hard candies are showering down most of the time.

A Snapshot of Daily Life in Sunny, Snow-Free Belize
Life here is busy, but it’s a good kind of busy. We have less driving and commuting than when we lived in Ohio…and we don’t miss traffic jams, shoveling snow, and de-icing the car in the morning, which used to take up so much time. Here, grocery shopping or paying bills involves a bike ride or a walk in sunny weather, where you can hear birds and see the beach. We’ve just returned from a fun weekend of showing our family the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where we snorkeled with turtles, ate a mountain of lobster, swam in the ocean, lounged in hammocks on the beach, and kayaked in the Caribbean. I also got the chance to show my family the unbelievable number of things to do in our little, thriving village. We went tubing on a lazy river through the tropical forest and saw crocodiles and monkeys at Monkey River. Another day we hiked up a small mountain with 360-degree views of mountains and the Caribbean, and swam in a waterfall. We also visited Mayan ruins, hung out for an afternoon with a Maya family and learned how to make Maya chocolate.

27 Reasons Belize Is Fast Becoming the Ecotourism Capital of the World
Long before other Caribbean nations decided to take a stand on the subject of sustainability and ecotourism, Belize did just that. From government initiatives and laws to tourism professionals and, importantly, the people of Belize, the nation has become so committed to the cause, the world’s press is taking note and writing about this phenomenon. How eco-friendly is Belize? The following 27 facts may impress you. 1. In 1980, Belize adopted sustainability practices long before other Caribbean communities. 2. Belize landowners founded a sanctuary for Belize’s indigenous howler monkey populace who were becoming endangered. 3. Seven villages made up of 200 local landowners joined those efforts to save howler monkeys from extinction. 4. Over 1/3 of Belize’s landmass is protected by government laws and oversight practices. 5. Belize’s Barrier Reef system is consistently monitored for conservation abuses. 6. Thirteen percent of all Belize waters have been declared off limits to help spur fish population growth.

Videos

Belize 2015, 7min. In March, a hundred college students travelled to Belize to partner with International Servants.

Black Beauty Dive Dec 6-Toadfish and Green Moray, 1.5min.

Tilapia farming in Belize - "Open Your Eyes" morning show, 13min. On November 23, 2015, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) appeared on "Open Your Eyes" morning show in Belize. PADF's Minerva Pinelo, along with partners Mr. Miguel Sosa, Aquaculture Coordinator from the Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Pablo Hung –Taiwan Technical Mission Marketing Specialist from the International Cooperation Development Fund. It was a great opportunity to promote PADFs objective of alternative livelihoods through alternate species. Later, Belizean Celebrity Chef Chef Sean Kuylen gave a tilapia cooking demonstration.

Peace Corps Belize PST 2015, 6min.

Morning Matters at N.B. Crane, 12min.

Eco Kids Summer Camp Video, 2.5min.

Diving in Belize, 2min. A short video about some incredible dives in Belize!

Grand Bogue Dive Site Dec 7-Eagle rays, juvenile spotted drums, 4min.

The Belize Challenge, Episode 5, 14min. The Belize Challenge er en fiskeserie fra HookedTV, filmet med utgangspunkt i Reefs End Lodge i Belize. Medvirkende er Vilhelm Skilhagen, Endre Hopland, Hannes Ribbner og Joel Ribbner. The Belize Challenge is a fishing show by HookedTV, shot from Reef´s End Lodge in Belize.

Crystal Cave Zipline in Belize City, 6.5min. Along with the zipline excursion, we also went tubing in crystal cave.

Crystal Cave Tubing in Belize City, 15min. After a nice cool float, we were given the opinion to either swim or float across the last part of the cave. we also did some ziplines during this excursion

Paradise Baptist Church Belize Missionary Ministry, 10min.

Diving Belize, 3.5min. Diving from Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Scuba Diving Belize Day 1, 5min.

Scuba Diving Belize Day 3, 5.5min.

December 14, 2015

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: Trivia
“Where is Glenn tonight?” I asked Melody. “I left him at home while I took Grayson and Davin out for ice cream.” “Hey, why don’t you get Glenn to watch the kids for awhile and you and I can go play Trivia at the bar? We haven’t done that in a while. Halfway through the first round of Trivia I said, “I’m hungry. I’m ordering a burger. Do you want one?” “No. I’m still full of ice cream,” she said. The burger was brought to me and I put mustard on it. “What is the highest lake in the world?” the Trivia master asked. “Lake Titicaca,” I told Melody. “Are you sure? That sounds like a name you would make up.” “Of course I’m sure. It’s a lake in Bolivia.” “Lake Titicaca!” Melody sang out.

Increase in the Control Price for Plantation White Sugar
The Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, hereby informs the general public that effective January 1, 2016, Plantation White Sugar will retail at a maximum price of 75 cents per pound countrywide. A Statutory Instrument has been signed by the Minister responsible for Supplies Control dated December 4th, 2015 to give effect to this increase. While the GOB has maintained the controlled prices for sugar for more than a decade, this increase of 25 cents per pound is to allow the industry to earn a fair price in comparison to other producers in the region.

Mayor Guerrero speaks on plans for artisans’ relocation
At the end of November, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) informed the artisans who had been doing business at the Central Park for years that they needed to relocate. Their new location, the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex (HLSSC), was declared unfit by the artisans. They refused to relocate, and on Tuesday, December 1st, after a compromise with the SPTC, it was arranged for them to move to the beach, right in front of the park. However, in an interview with Mayor Daniel Guerrero, he stated that the artisans must move from the beach before the end of 2015. The community was informed through a press release from the SPTC that the vendors/artisans were to be relocated to the HLSSC on the first working day of 2016, but that date has now been changed. “The vendors on the beach will be there for a month, they can stay there until the 30th of December. On the 31st they can be there but to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the only ones that will be there will be the food vendors, but no artisans. They need to move to the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex area as previously planned, however, it will be temporary as we are speeding up on the plans we had envisioned for them regarding the facilities,” said Guerrero. At the moment temporary booths are being built for the artisans adjacent to the House of Culture.

San Pedro Police begin Anti-drugs operation
On Thursday, December 3rd between 5AM and 6:30AM, acting on Special Branch Intelligence, a joint team of San Pedro Criminal Investigation Branch, Special Branch and Quick Response Team personnel conducted a joint anti-drugs operation within San Pedro Town. The operation yielded the following results: *A search was conducted at the apartment of 53-year-old Anthony Montes and 43-year-old Clarina August both residents of the Bayside Area, San Pedro Town. A thorough search led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing three small transparent plastic bags with a combined 67 grams of suspected Cannabis. An officer who was posted near the bedroom window prior to gaining entrance, observed that a small black pouch was thrown outside. The pouch was retrieved and was observed to contain 12 small wrapped transparent parcels containing a combined 45.4 grams of suspected Cannabis. Both accused were jointly arrested and charged for “Drug Trafficking” and “Possession of a Controlled Drug”.

Doctor Love: Dating and Insecurities
Dear Doctor Love, I am dating a man who is a very well paid professional. He has a great lifestyle and makes a lot of money. I’m not sure how much money he makes but whatever it is it is a lot more than I make. I am in my last year at college and I live on money from my parents and what I earn from a part-time job. My boyfriend likes to take me to expensive places and he always pays the bill. I have never offered to pay because I usually don’t have enough to pay it. I know that he would turn down an offer anyway and this makes it feel silly to ask him. Knowing all of this what should I do to make myself (and maybe him) feel more comfortable? /s/ Great Date

Misc Belizean Sources

BPP signs symbolic Anti-Corruption Act in front of PM’s office
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP), on International Anti-Corruption Day December 9th, fulfilling a mandate of its campaign manifesto to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), made a symbolic signing of the Act in front of the Prime Minister’s Coney Drive office. The event took place on the 12th commemoration of the UNCAC, which has been ratified by 177 countries, with Belize and Suriname being the only two in the Western hemisphere who haven’t done so. BPP Campaign Manager Robert Lopez, Party Chairman Paco Smith and BPP Leader Patrick Rogers staged the symbolic signing in front of the Prime Minister’s office. Although it was only symbolic, Lopez said , it shows how easy, “with the stroke of a pen”, Belize could show locally and internationally that the government is serious about fighting corruption.

Buffalo Wing Monday
Buffalo Monday... $1 wings at the Lazy Lizard, all day, every Monday. Chef Rey says come and get messy at the Split!!!Location : Lazy Lizard at the Split. Start Date: December 14, 2015 End Date: December 14, 2015 Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

BELIZE'S JAZZ LEGEND PETE MATTEWS!
Only a few Belizeans appeared to have been playing some serious jazz music in the 1960's, 70's and 80's in Belize, and it can be said that the legendary Pete Mattews was one of them. We hear the names like Checka, the late Bill Belisle, Melvin 'Mageli' McGregor, and Dickie Straughan, but none was mentioned as much a Pete Mattews with credible respect for the African-American musical art form. When Belizean Legends asked the legendary Melvin 'Majeli' McGregor at a recent Caribbean Gospel show at the Hollywood Park & Casino about whether Belizean musicians like Pete Mattews and others were playing jazz, he replied, "Absolutely!" Belizean Legends honors the life and memory of the late Belizean musician and jazz saxophonist, the late Pete Mattews. May his style and passion for the art form resurface in future Belizean musicians.

The Belize Times

Pervert dentist given license in Belize – Dr. John Hall was convicted of injected semen into patients’ mouths in the U.S.
The Belize Medical Council led by Chairman George Gough is under heavy pressure to come clear after the board easily granted a license to practice to an American dentist who was criminally prosecuted for the highly unethical practice of injecting semen into his patients’ mouths. Dr. John Hall has been residing in Belize for an indefinite period under the alias Dr. John Roberts Hall. He was issued a Work Permit and Social Security Card under that name. It appears that no one conducted checks on his background, but an easy and quick internet search reveals Dr. John Hall’s truly twisted medical history in the United States. In June 2005, Dr. Hall pleaded guilty to the criminal charges that he injected semen into his patients’ mouths while operating a dental clinic in Cornelius, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Dr. Hall had been under investigation since late 2004 after his employees became suspicious of his activities in the clinic and discovered five syringes containing semen in his room. They reported the matter to the Police. Court testimonies from seven patients confirmed that he misled them to believe that he was injecting cleansing liquid into their mouths, when it was actually his semen.

Beware of Sugar Price Gouging!! – Bureau of Standards sleeping at the wheels
The Ministries of Commerce and Agriculture have passed new legislation which has approved a 50% percent increase in the price of locally-produced sugar to take effect on January 1, 2016, but consumers ought to watch out for attempts by greedy businessmen who have already illegally hiked sugar prices. The price of sugar on store shelves should be not more than 50 cents per pound, at least for the next 20 days. The Government released a press release in which it issued a warning to merchants to “desist from adjusting retail prices” before the announced commencement date. But this warning has not been heard far and wide. There are already reports that at several stores countrywide, store owners are already adding the additional 25 cents, and selling sugar at 75 cents per pound. This is done so that they could make a few extra dollars in these hard business times.

House of Rep. & Senate question spending of $44M weeks before Nov 4th elections
The Barrow Administration has exposed some of its dirty election deeds. The UDP Government spent $44 million dollars from the dwindling Petro-Caribe loan funds in the weeks leading to the November 4th general elections. The revelation came via a supplementary budget which Prime Minister Dean Barrow took to the House of Representatives on Friday, December 4th for approval. Only in Belize does a leader of a country spend millions loosely, then seeks official permission for the spending. There could not be a proper debate on the spending because the non-transparent Government did its best to provide the least of details on how the millions were actually spent. It offered a general account that would not even pass the most basic of accounting tests, only indicating that some millions went towards infrastructure works, more millions to BIL operations, and some millions more towards flooding alleviation.

GOB refuses to hoist flag near Sarstoon River
The Minister of National Security John Saldivar is trying his best to gain political mileage from an “official ground breaking” of a Coast Guard/Police outpost at the south-end of mainland Belize on Wednesday, December 9th, claiming that it is an act asserting Belize’s territorial sovereignty. But reports from several persons who attended the ceremony are that Saldivar and other senior Government officials in attendance kept looking above their shoulders, towards the sea nervously, as if to check if a Guatemalan military fleet led by Captain Tomas was heading their way. The Ministry broke ground on the mainland, far away from Sarstoon Island and the southern channel of the Sarstoon River, which are the actual areas which the Guatemalan military has effectively occupied with a permanent military vessel led by the arrogant Colonel Tomas. Colonel Tomas was the military officer who blocked and threatened over 150 Belizeans who travelled to Sarstoon Island as part of a Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) on August 16th. Colonel Tomas told the BTV expedition that they were encroaching on Guatemalan territory.

Think About It
Government lied to Belizeans by saying it will build the Forward Operating Base on the Sarstoon. They tried to give the impression that a base would be built on the Sarstoon Island. We were later told there were too many mosquitoes. The Government held a ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday 9th December for the base. The site chosen is not Sarstoon Island, but on the mainland of Toledo, at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. We are surprised, but should not be, by the coverage of Channel 7, which has allowed itself to be duped. They should have left that kind of propaganda to Love FM. Guatemala has made it abundantly clear, and in writing as well, that the Sarstoon Island is part of Guatemala and they will enforce Guatemala’s rights and laws regarding it. They have also, by words written and by their deeds, taken full control of the whole of the Sarstoon River. They told the Belize Government in writing they will enforce their laws and that they only allow BDF to use the river as a matter of courtesy.

The Petro Caribe Party is Over!
Sometime in 2012, the United Democratic Party was able to revive the Petro Caribe Program that had become dormant just a couple of years after it first began. The initial agreement which provided cheaper fuel to Belize was signed back in June of 2005 but there were problems from the very outset. The first fuel shipment, which arrived in November of that same year, remained offshore for some time before a few businessmen were able to construct storage facilities down south to accommodate the precious cargo. Esso, which at the time was the chief importer of our fuel, had refused to cooperate and give any ground since they were beholden to their suppliers up north. Sometime in 2011, Puma Energy bought out Esso’s interest in Belize and most of Central America and this paved the way for Venezuelan oil to enter Belize. The socialist regime of Venezuela has long been in the black books of the United States and our decision to turn our backs on the US in favour of Venezuelan oil might yet come back to haunt us. We shall see what we shall see. Petro Caribe was the brainchild of Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez whose motives were not altogether altruistic. Chavez was determined to forge a formidable alliance with other Latin American countries in order to provide a counterweight to traditional American influence in the region. Chavez’s leftist socialist policies put him at odds with the US and their plans for Latin America. Petro Caribe proved a way of avoiding international isolation.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
It was a revelation when Prime Minister Barrow confiscated BTL and there was not a protest coming from the British Government. Confiscation of private property is considered a no, no in today’s modern democracy, in particular for small, developing country and especially when it involves the profits and property of American and British businesses. Prime Minister Barrow’s draconian move against the Belize Telecommunication Company was accompanied by personal, malicious attacks against the purported owner, one Lord Michael Ashcroft. Lord Ashcroft, it must be mentioned, is considered a highly-connected business magnate in Britain. He has close ties to the conservative government and extensive business holdings. Indeed, he played a major part in ensuring victory in the last general elections that saw his party become the government in the UK. Lord Ashcroft did not, apparently, seek the British government’s intervention in his little spot with PM Barrow in tiny Belize. Nor did the then British government summon, as they are obliged to do, the PM to assure him he had overstepped his tiny little power against the might of the British. There exists between Belize and the British government a signed treaty which protects British investment against the type of action Barrow had instituted.

MicRoe Light & Peace wins U-23 basketball champs
MicRoe Light & Peace of Belize City won the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association Under-23 championship sponsored by BECOL, by a 52-42 win in Game 2 at the Falcon Field court in San Ignacio Town over the weekend. Ian Rene Augustine Jr. led with 21 pts, Luis Barcelona added 13pts and Jay Palacio added 8pts, while Sherwin Garcia had 6pts. Spartans’ Khalil Bennett led with 15pts, Kevin Brown scored 13pts and Bryton Young added 6pts. Luis Barcelona won the MVP award for the regular season; and Ian Augustine Jr. was MVP for the finals.

Panthers win Cayo senior basketball champs
The San Ignacio Panthers won the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association senior basketball championships sponsored by BECOL 56-38 against Benque Power in Game 3 of the finals at the Falcon Field court on Saturday night. MVP Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto led with 13pts, Johann “Cutto” Bermudez added 9pts, while Gareth Bermudez had 8pts and Vandel Fuller hit 2 long treys to add 6pts. Benque Power’s Brandon Flowers topscored with 11pts for his team. Daniel Nolberto won the MVP award for the regular season and finals.

National Champs crowned at Sr. Table Tennis Championships
The Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) held its annual Belize Natural Energy Senior table tennis championships at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Sunday, with Zhi Chen, Samira Pott, Latrell Solis and Tyrone Tun, and Tyola Casimiro and Arturo “Tux” Vasquez coming out as national champs. Zhi Chen won the Men’s championship 3-2 against SJC’s Latrell Solis who took 2nd place, while Yasser Musa and Tyrone Tun won 3rd place. Samira Pott won the Women’s championship 3-2 against Belize Elementary’s Kelly Liu, who took 2nd place, while Tyola Casimiro and Kayla Arnold each won 3rd place.

Barrow leaves on 6-day vacation
Prime Minister Dean Barrow once again departed the country today to attend a medical appointment and to go on personal leave with his family, according to a release from the Belize Press Office. The release did not say where the Prime Minister went, but our best guess is that is one of his favourite vacation spots, Miami or Savannah, Georgia. No Prime Minister has taken as many vacations as Prime Minister Barrow has. No Prime Minister has been to Miami and other glitz and glamour destinations on personal vacation as Prime Minister Barrow. No Prime Minister has ever dared to leave the country behind in times of hardship and economic crises as we are currently facing. Only Barrow.

Youth hostel deaths were avoidable tragedies
On Saturday November 28, 2015 three teenage girls: Elizabeth McKoy, 14, Ana Carlos, 16, Shadisha Arnold, 16, met a horrible death when they were trapped in a raging inferno at the Youth Hostel at Mile 21 ½ on the George Price Highway. The Youth Hostel was built to provide rehabilitation service for young persons, especially teenagers who have problems with discipline or are the victims of emotional, social, physical, or sexual abuse in their homes. This requires that those at the helm of the Ministry of Human Development, starting with the Minister Anthony Boots Martinez and the employees at the hostel who enjoy working with teenagers and who realize that they must put the best interest of the persons under their care first 24 hours per day throughout the year. Achieving that goal has been severely undermined with the hiring of a number of persons due to their political connection rather than qualification. One of the buildings was burnt down seven months earlier by a teenager to protest treatment at the facility. The incident should have made it obvious to the management of the hostel that the institution needed a fire extinguisher; nevertheless, like many other needs such important equipment was never obtained.

Maya Leaders Alliance Receive Prestigious UN Award
In September of this year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced that the Maya Leaders Alliance of Belize had been selected to receive the prestigious Equator Award, in recognition of their community and sustainable development efforts to protect nature and strengthen the planet’s resilience in the face of climate change. Last week, leaders of the MLA Cristina Coc and Alfonso Caal joined 20 other winners from around the world in a special trip to Paris, France where the United Nations Climate Change Conference was taking place. The conference called for the involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities to assist the world reach its collective climate goals. On December December 7th, the Maya leaders stepped onto the stage at the Mogador Theatre to receive their award and applauses for their work in Belize.

Do black lives really matter, Belize?
In the last fourteen days more than fourteen men have been dragged before the courts and incarcerated. Of these fourteen men, all of them look like me, young and black. Interestingly there has been no outcry from society and not a single modicum of discussion on this phenomenon. Today I hope that my concern will spark relevant discussions in homes, offices and schools. I do not know who is to be held responsible. It is not my objective to place the blame on anyone. I am simply trying to understand what is happening in our communities and within the Belizean Criminal Justice System. I am simply trying to understand what is exactly happening to the men that look like me. The charges laid on these men range from the possession of drugs to the possession of unlicensed firearms, murder and rape. I am in no way sympathetic to anyone that has violated the laws of our land. Though I will agree that the structure of our Juvenile Justice System and by extension our Criminal Justice System is in need of urgent attention. There are many innocent men in prison and even more guilty men roaming our streets. However, I am not naïve to presume that each and every single person in prison is a saint.

MY PERSPECTIVE – The Women’s Agenda
I am now not a Woman in the House, and so I am renaming my jottings “My Perspective.” Several friends and family members have encouraged me to continue writing. I am very happy to do so. Congratulations are in order to the two women in the House, Tracy Taeger Panton and Beverly Castillo, and as well to the women in the Senate and to Vanessa Retreage, the Attorney General. I do think that they all have their work cut out for them. And of course my commitment and efforts for women and children, as well as for persons living with HIV/AIDS and other vital social issues will not cease. Even in the mighty United States of America the work for equal opportunity and gender equality is far from over. I read recently that women in the USA are still being paid less for work of equal value to that of their male counterparts. Women are still last hired and first fired. Women get less for pay raises than men. Women still bear a disproportionate share of family and social responsibilities, while men get the majority of positions of power and influence. This is glaringly so in our Belize.

Bark but no Bite! – GOB’s press release warning
The Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, hereby informs the general public that effective January 1, 2016, Plantation White Sugar will retail at a maximum price of 75 cents per pound countrywide. A Statutory Instrument has been signed by the Minister responsible for Supplies Control dated December 4th, 2015 to give effect to this increase. The Ministry reiterates that this price change becomes effective on January 1, 2016 and merchants are hereby warned to desist from adjusting retail prices before the above mentioned date. Furthermore, Sections 15 and 16 of the Supplies Control Regulations requires every retailer of any priced controlled goods to display for public viewing a list of approved maximum retail prices as well as clearly mark the retail price on the packaging of such price controlled goods offered for sale. The public is also advised that there is sufficient sugar in stock and all parties along the distribution chain are warned not to hoard sugar in an attempt to earn a price windfall from consumers.

UDP Senators derail Immigration corruption investigation
The David Nanes Schnitzer scandal has caused a major international black-eye for Belize, as another case of immigration fraud and corruption involving an international criminal has reared its ugly head under the Barrow Administration. Unlike the first case involving South Korean national Kim Won Hong, much less is known about the Schnitzer case because there has been an apparent blockage of information from authorities on the investigations. Schnitzer, an American wanted in Mexico for defrauding investors of millions of dollars, was hiding in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. He had obtained every type of Belizean documentation including nationality, passport, social security card, driver’s license, and even a voter’s I.D. under the false name “David Banes”. The incident points to serious corruption in the Government system, and once more places the microscope over the Ministry of Immigration and Nationality, where it is becoming clear that there are many major hidden skeletons. One of the critical questions in relation to the Schnitzer case is who signed his nationality certificate dated November 2012 that allowed him to obtain a passport and other identification documents. Was it Elvin Penner, who was a Minister of State illegally signing Immigration documents?

The Government gets what it pays for
Dear Editor, You must understand that what your government pays for it gets. If you are paid to do something for the government, they will extract from you exactly what they have paid for. They have ordered 5 more years of absolute power. They have paid handsomely for that power by paying you for your votes. They have gotten what they paid for on November 4th, 2015 When we understand that, then we look at our education system, our health system, government financed institutions. Let us focus on our education system and see the kind of education that is being turned out. Logic will tell you that if what is being turned out in those schools was not in accord with what the government wanted, then it would change it. The bottom line is, the government is getting what they have ordered, they are getting what they paid for. They do not want your children to be educated. They do not want you to think too much. That is why our country has become so proliferated with drugs, alcohol, entertainment, and all other types of amusement that you can think of, to keep you entertained, so that you don’t get in the way of important people by doing too much thinking.

A letter to the Shyne Barrow from the Bronx
Dear Editor, As a Belizean-American living in the Bronx Borough of New York City for almost three decades now, I am a part of one of the three largest Belizean emigrant populations here in the United States of America. The other two Belizean emigrant populations reside in the cities of Chicago on the East Coast and Los Angeles on the West Coast. Unlike some of my Belizean compatriots, I pay very keen and regular attention to and interest in what goes on back home in my beloved Belize. I am an avid reader of the newspapers and viewer of the television news. Admittedly, there are times when I want to just turn my eyes and ears away from the news because, by and large, the sounds and images are sad and depressing. This is perhaps the reason why some of the Belizeans here in New York and elsewhere don’t care much to tune in to the happenings back home. I, however, go back home to Belize frequently and must stay abreast of what’s going on, especially given the fact that most of my family members live there. And so it was that, as I do religiously every night before I retire to bed, I pulled up the web transcript of 7NEWS and happened upon a news story that featured the washed up/wannabe rapper and pseudo-Jew Shyne Barrow, who now calls himself “Moses Levi Barrow”.

Breaking Belize News

Breaking: Murder in Paraiso Village, Corozal
Reports reaching our newsroom are that there was a murder last night in the village of Paraiso in the Corozal District. The incident happened at a village dance around mid-night and details are still sketchy. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Blogs

Snapshot Sunday: The Week ALL Over Belize
Instead of losing interesting in Instagram, I become more and more enamored. Despite the fact that of the 400 million users, 90% are estimated to be below 35 years old. I…miss that demographic by a few years. But it’s such an easy, fun, fast way to share your pictures and follow what others are doing around…say…Belize. Here are some pictures of my week – and others’ around the country. In case you wanted to catch up with what the reef sharks are up to in the Blue Hole. WOW. Isn’t it gorgeous? Or if somehow you escaped my campaign to go to India on a blogging trip. INDIA! Please vote for me. It takes a facebook account and about 4 seconds.

Placencia Belize: Best Place to Travel in 2016
Placencia, a small peninsula on Belize’s south-east coast best known for its white sandy beaches and proximity to pristine rain forests and the world’s second largest barrier reef, was recently named as one of Travel and Leisure’s top destinations for the upcoming year. The recognition, though it comes as no surprise since the destination has been known for its award winning luxury resorts and premium guest satisfaction for many years, still holds significant weight. Travel and Leisure is an award winning magazine owned by Time Inc. and to be chosen as a destination of the year is a very distinguished honor. Destinations must live up to high standards and must be among the most elite spots, not only in natural beauty, but also in terms of tourism infrastructure, accommodation availability, guest satisfaction and every aspect that goes into creating an unforgettable travel experience.

Videos

Belize 2001 Family Photo Album, 10min.

Belize 1999 part 1, 45min.

Belize 1999 part 2, 36min.

Belize 2015, 4min.

Crystal Cave Zipline in Belize City, 6.5min.

Bermudian landing in Belize 2, 2.5min.

Belize Christmas Parade 2015, 8min.

Zip line in Belize, 3min. Zip line fun in Belize.

Honeymoon, Belize 2015, 5min. "Livin' life like Dewey" Our honeymoon at Thatch Caye, Belize, December 2015.

DEEL 1 : MEXICO - BELIZE - GUATEMALA, 18min. In het spoor van de Maya's : Cancún – Tulum – Chetumal (ca. 396 km). Chetumal – Xunantunich (Belize) – Flores (Guatemala) (ca. 390 km). Volgende aflevering: Flores – Tikal – Flores (ca. 130 km). Enz...

Voices From The Diaspora (PT 3): Belize's Minister Patrick Faber On Sarstoon Island Crisis!, 4min. So far this year 2015, the Honorable Patrick Faber, Belize MInister elect of Education & Sports has been the only Belizean Minister to have visited the Belizean Diaspora in the Los Angeles Belizean Community and have voiced his government's position on the Belize / Guatemalan Dispute in regards to the Sarstoon Island Crisis that continues to unfold one month after the Belize general elections where his government, the United Democratic Party (UDP) won a third consecutive term on November 5, 2015.

December 13, 2015

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

BTB to help BTIA solve sargassum problem
The Belize Tourist Board (BTB) and the government of Belize will work with tourism industry stakeholders to solve the problem of cleaning up sargassum off the beaches; as Cabinet has already been briefed on the situation. This was the good news BTB director Herbert Haylock communicated to members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) when the stakeholders met to seek practical solutions to the sargassum problem at a forum hosted by the BTIA at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City last Thursday, December 3rd. Haylock told the constituency that a joint task force from the Ministries of Tourism and Aviation, Forestry and Fisheries, and Natural Resources were presently considering a policy for the best way forward. He added that he could not offer a precise timetable for when government would produce its national policy on the issue, but he optimistically opined that it could be within a month, as Cabinet had been briefed on the issue from before the elections.

The SPTC addressing deplorable road conditions
Residents of Ambergris Caye continue registering their displeasure over the condition of the roads around the island, particularly in the southern areas. In recent weeks, the inclement weather has added to the deplorable conditions of the roads, with residents complaining about inundated potholes, and flooded, muddy roads. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) states that it has acknowledged the situation and is already addressing the issue as the rains have ceased for the time being. In northern Ambergris Caye, hoteliers were concerned about a crater like pothole blocking access to the rest of the island, while in the south and outskirts of San Pedro Town, likewise residents and businesses were being affected by completely flooded, impassable streets. The SPTC states that although the conditions can be attributed to Mother Nature, they are doing their best to alleviate the problem as it is one of their prime responsibilities.

Team Catrachos are Football Marathon Champions
The San Pedro Sports Committee hosted a fun filled football marathon on Sunday, December 6th at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. The marathon came as a result of the anticipated football tournament which is set to start shortly. Despite the gloomy weather, a total of nine teams showed up, and football fans of all ages came to support and cheer for their favorite teams. The different teams that participated were Catrachos, Vince, PSG, San Mateo, Peace Makers, Belize Pro Divers, Juniors, Progresso Boys and United. The following round of the competition was the semi-finals and the first match was between Catrachos against United. After an intense game, Catrachos managed to win the match with a solid 2-0 qualifying for the finals against Progresso Boys who was the team with the most goals. The crowd became more excited while members of each time made their final preparations for the final game. After an interlude of 15 minutes, the final match kicked off.

International Water taxi Terminal inaugurated in Chetumal, Mexico
On Tuesday, December 1st, the governor of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo Roberto Borge Angulo, along with the coordinator of ports and maritime markets Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, inaugurated the new, modern, and international boat terminal dubbed “Filiberto Sabido Padilla” in the city of Chetumal. The terminal, which is located at the border city’s municipal dock “Nachi-Cocom,” has been a key player for decades in the maritime transportation between Chetumal and Belize, especially to and from Ambergris Caye. It is expected that this new boat terminal will not just strengthen the communication with Belize, but also be a bridge to reach out to other countries in the Caribbean and Central America.

Project BA -1 participants to receive promised grants
After several months of waiting, 34 women from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, will finally receive their grants to start or expand their businesses. In May 2015, the Belize Training and Employment Centre, a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, hosted a three week training seminar for women in San Pedro Town. Titled ‘Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking project BA 1’, the training was designed for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, with the aim to assist victims in becoming more self-confident by empowering them with the necessary tools to help them gain personal development. At the end of the program, qualified participants were selected for a grant in order to develop their business ideas, but after the women completed the training, the funds were not immediately forthcoming. However, their constant inquiries yielded results, and on Saturday, December 5th, they were given the good news at a private gathering at the San Pedro High School.

Misc Belizean Sources

Trivia Night!
Come join the fun every Sunday and Wednesday! Test your knowledge of useless facts, have a laugh, and win money towards your bar bill! Always a great time - Fun,…Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & GrillStart Date: December 13, 2015 End Date: December 13, 2015 Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

11th Annual Permaculture Design Course
This is the 11th Annual Permaculture Design Course being held at Maya Mountain Research Farm. Using a mix of classroom time and hands on exercises, students will learn about permaculture in a venue that is 27 years in the making.

Amandala

Belizean authorities yank American dentist’s license
An American dentist who was accused of falsifying documents to get medical credentials to practice dentistry in San Pedro at the Oceanside Dental Center, under the false name of Dr. Robert Bob Hall, when he was in fact John Robert Hall, was arrested and charged by San Pedro police with “making false representation.” Hall, 54, was taken to the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court where he was read the charge. In court, he was ordered to surrender all his travel documents, and his medical credentials were revoked and he was forbidden to practice dentistry in Belize. He was then offered and met bail of $7,000 and ordered to return to court on February 12, 2016. Oceanside Dental Clinic is located on the second floor of Four Sisters Plaza on Pescador Drive. While in custody in San Pedro, Hall was visited by attorney Ellis Arnold, but yesterday in court, he appeared before Magistrate Sherigne Rodriguez unrepresented. Arnold told Amandala he is representing Dr. Hall, but as far as he was concerned, he has been released. Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott, Commander of San Pedro police, reported that Hall was set to begin to work as a dentist at the new Oceanside Dental Center, which was to begin operation on Monday morning, but police intervened and ensured that the center did not open, and that Hall was prevented from working, after which he was arrested.

PetroCaribe halcyon days are gone!
With Venezuela’s Opposition gaining a supermajority of seats in that country’s legislature following Sunday’s election, it is believed that the political outcome also marks an end to socialist rule in that country and possibly drastic alterations in the PetroCaribe program under which countries such as Belize have accessed long-term concessionary financing while buying fuel from Venezuela on credit. Speaking with journalists on Friday, Finance Minister and Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow said that whether the program continues or not, future inflows would be primarily earmarked to settle compensation due from the Government for shares it appropriated when it nationalized the two utility companies: Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). Barrow said that “…we will continue to get far less than in the halcyon days – in the glory days.”

Christmas in jail for $11,639 jacking!
wo men who allegedly stole a bag of money amounting to about $11,639, which they believed would have been their Christmas loot, were busted with a 9mm S&W gun and 40 rounds of ammunition when police went to their house to search for the money. Besides the gun and the rounds found in the house, the money bag was also found, but of the $11,639 that was in it, only $9,639 was found. The two men, Malieck Michael Humes, 19, and Macory Alexander Neal, 22, were arrested and taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today. They appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza, who arraigned them on four charges: one count of keeping a prohibited firearm; one count of keeping a firearm without a license and another count for keeping ammunition without a gun license for forty-two rounds of 9mm rounds; and one count of handling stolen goods, for being in possession of a small black plastic bag which contained $9,639.00 and a tablet valued at $2,000, the property of Zane Allen Robinson.

Stevedores end 3-day strike
Negotiations between the Christian Workers Union (CWU) and the management of Port of Belize Ltd. went on all night last night and continued until late this afternoon, when the parties were able to broker an agreement that more than one hundred stevedores who have been on strike since Monday found acceptable as a condition to return to work at 5:00 p.m. this evening to begin unloading the cargo ship Pagola, which was anchored off English Caye waiting for the stevedores’ industrial action to end before it headed into Belize City harbor with its cargo this afternoon. On Monday, when the strike began, catching Port of Belize Ltd. management off-guard, a ship that had brought a cargo of turkeys, hams, and construction materials left Belize and headed back to Miami, Florida. Tensions were high last night at the Port of Belize Limited, Caesar Ridge Road headquarters, as striking stevedores gathered inside the compound for updates on the negotiations between CWU and Port of Belize Limited management.

Immigration scam perpetrated on at least 22, Immigration Minister denies involvement of officials
A major immigration scam, allegedly perpetrated on at least 22 persons who were seeking genuine Belizean citizenship, was kept under the radar until the matter was disclosed by Opposition member for Toledo West, Hon. Michael Espat, in the House of Representatives on Friday, December 4, 2015. Although Espat seemed to have been partially right, that an immigration scam did take place, he apparently misreported some of the facts, and now Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse is demanding an “immediate and public apology” from Espat for alleging that certain government officials, including Immigration Director Maria Marin, had a hand in it. On Friday, December 4, 2015, Espat suggested that high-ranking immigration officials had been involved in a citizenship scam perpetrated against his constituents in Bella Vista and Trio, who, he said, were pressured into paying $1,000 per nationality in a “clandestine” manner.

BPP calls on GOB to sign UN convention on corruption
Today is the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day, a day which is recognized in the 178 countries which are signatories to the United Nations Convention on Corruption that countries began signing onto twelve years ago. Belize, however, is not a signatory to the convention, although corruption in Belize’s governance structure is so obvious at times that it is noticeable internationally – with clear examples of this being the Elvin Penner passport scandal and the latest incident in which an international fugitive escaped extradition. Belize’s third political party, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP), had campaigned in the November 4 general elections on a promise of corruption-free governance, and had pledged that if elected they would sign the UN convention on corruption. Since it lost badly at the polls, however, the BPP observed International Anti-Corruption Day by protesting in front of the National Assembly building and then paying a visit to the Integrity Commission’s office in Belmopan. They then came down to Belize City, where party officials staged a symbolic signing of the UN Convention on Corruption on Coney Drive in front of the Prime Minister’s Belize City office.

The Bandits’ nightmare
With their backs against the wall going into game 2 of the semifinals down 2-0 to defending champions Verdes FC, the Belmopan Bandits have a tall task indeed, facing elimination from the PLB Opening Season playoffs, unless they can win on Saturday night by at least a 2 goal margin in regulation to force overtime, and then get another goal for the victory, or win outright by a 3 goal margin in regulation. Neither task is less than daunting, especially with reports that veteran Bandits striker Elroy Kuylen will not be available due to an injury in last weekend’s game. The seeds of the Bandits’ nightmare were certainly planted when their former lead striker, national team decorated Deon McCaulay left then national champions Bandits in early 2014 to “seek his fortune” with the Atlanta Silverbacks in the U.S.; because it was under difficult circumstances that left some “bad blood” between him and Bandits owner John Saldivar, who was reluctant to sign the release papers. Things did not work out with the Silverbacks, and when some Belizean sports activists became agitated with our national team’s struggles in World Cup Qualifiers against Cayman earlier this year, they decided to launch a fund raising campaign to bring back Deon to the national team.

Sailing is back in Gales Point Manatee
The newly formed Malanti Blak Bud Sailing Club (MBBSC) of Gales Point Manatee was introduced to the Optimist dinghies last weekend of December 5th and 6th. This was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Tammy Lemus, BzSA Board Member and owner of the San Pedro Sailing Club. Mrs. Myrna Manzanarez, President of the MBBSC, made a call for assistance with boats, and Mrs. Tammy Lemus wasted no time in providing four (4) Optimist dinghies on loan to Gales Point Manatee. Some twenty (20) youths, ranging in ages from 6-15 years, braved the cold and rainy days with the, enthusiasm matched only by their elders. The village of Gales Point Manatee has in the past produced some of the best sailboat racers in the country. With a strong tradition for the 16ft wooden racing dories like Janice Y, Samantha, Elma B, Goldfinch, Martin L, Sylvia, Gilda J, just to name a few.

CYDP Peace Cup weekend scores and standings
The CYDP 2015 Peace Cup football tournament is nearing the end of regular season, and 4 more games were scheduled to be played this past Saturday, December 5, at the MCC Grounds. In game 1, Kingspark Strikers defeated Tut Bay United, 3-1, with goals from Shamar Thompson, Ladrelle Middleton and Jonathan Perrera; while Tut Bay’s only goal was by Brian Martinez. Game 2 saw Ebony Lake with the 2-1 win over Kelly Street. Jerome Archer and Trivion Martinez shook the net for Ebony Lake, while Francis Andrews tallied for Kelly Street. In game 3, Uprising Stars ran over Majestic Alley FC, 7-1, with goals from Harold Thompson (2), Francisco Briceno (2), and Darrel Myvett (3); while Ralph Lopez got the only goal for Majestic Alley. In the scheduled game 4, Survivor United FC won by default over Jerusalem FC.

2015 National Hopes Week & Challenge a success!!!
The National Hopes Week & Challenge concluded this past Monday, December 1, with over 23 Junior players receiving certificates of participation in the closing ceremonies of the program at the Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) training facility located at Body 2000 gym on Coney Drive, Belize City. 23 Junior players had the opportunity to work with International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) High Performance Coach Aleksey Yefremov of Belarus for one week leading up to the National Hopes Challenge Tournament staged at the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Saturday, November 26. The National Hopes Challenge is a part of a wider ITTF initiative which seeks to identify the world’s top Under 12 cadet players, as well as to work with local coaches to improve their skill level. Each participating country is responsible to set up a National Hopes Week to identify their best Under 12 cadet players. These players then go on to a Continental Hopes Challenge Week, and the winners at that event move on to the World Hopes Challenge Week.

Editorial: “Discomfort” at the Sarstoon
If we are to judge from the Wednesday evening television newscasts in our nation-state, there were at least three moments of varying degrees of discomfort when Belizean political and military officials went to the Sarstoon River mouth on Wednesday morning to break ground for a forward operating base on the northern, Belizean bank of the Sarstoon. The Belizean delegation, reportedly accompanied by two representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS), included Minister of National Security, John Saldivar; Minister of Education, Patrick Faber; Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Frank Mena; Commandant of the Belize Defence Force, Brigadier-General David Jones; Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Admiral John Borland; and the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, Col. (Ret’d) George Lovell. In response to an invitation to view the ground breaking ceremony, Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Raul Morales, a carryover Minister from the previous Otto Perez Molina presidency, had sent a diplomatic note, an excerpt from which Belize’s Minister of National Security read. That excerpt, translated into English from the Spanish by translators unknown, quoted from Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, and appeared to seek fishing rights for Guatemalans in Belizean waters. No doubt we will be hearing more of this diplomatic note, to which Belize has reportedly responded, but suffice to say on this Thursday morning, December 10, 2015, that the diplomatic note episode appeared to an episode of discomfort for the delegation. If it was not, it should have been.

From the Publisher
The big political news in the United States of America over the last few days is that the leading candidate for the Republican Party nomination for next year’s Presidential election, a business mogul by the name of Donald Trump, has called for a ban on Muslims being allowed into the United States. The mainstream Republican Party candidates and personalities have, by and large, denounced Trump’s bigoted call. He has even been referred to as a “fascist demagogue.” But, Trump’s lead in the polls derives from the fact that the things he has been saying, no matter how distasteful to more enlightened Americans, appeal to the Republican base. It may be said that what we now know as the United States began almost four hundred years ago with the arrival from Plymouth, England, of a sailing ship called the Mayflower north of Virginia on the northeastern coast of America. This was 1620 Anno Domini, and the passengers were English men and women who felt they were experiencing a religious persecution in England which they considered unbearable. They were called “Pilgrims,” also “Puritans.” They were Christians being persecuted by Christians. The majority population of what we now know as the continental United States at the time when the Pilgrims landed was, of course, Native American tribes. But, in 1565 the Spanish had established St. Augustine in what we now call Florida, St. Augustine being considered the oldest city in the United States.

Before “di cow done gaan”
Editor AMANDALA: Dear Sir, If you will, count me among the grumblers, skeptics and conspiracy theorists, if that’s what it takes to bring more clarity and assurance that we are not going down a well-known path to heartbreak and disappointment with our Belize Civic Center. Remember when semipro basketball was at its zenith in the early 1990’s, and the crowd too much to fit in the old Civic Center; and the government of the day gave one of its cronies the contract to remodel and expand the Civic Center; and what we got was an oven, that punished stubborn diehard fans who still dared to come out to support the fledgling semipro basketball industry? May we be going down that road again? How can we be sure, when we have not been privy to the details of the plan in any public exposé; and now we’re hearing about “fully air conditioned”? Do you remember the many large insulated conduits that adorned the ceiling in the “remodeled” Civic Center, that were never activated for the supposed air-conditioning? 33 million dollars is a lot of money for our tax dollars to repay. A select group of contractors seem to be benefitting from the windfall of this government’s Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), a private company handling government contracts, with no oversight from the inactive Public Accounts Committee. Could this be another version of the so-called “retirement plan for the boys (and girls)”?

Belize ends open access to marine fisheries
Roughly 40 fishermen met today at the Fisheries Department compound in Belize City for a one-day workshop as fisheries authorities here in Belize prepare to embark on the full rollout of the managed access program—an initiative first piloted two years ago at Glovers Reef and Port Honduras which will put an imminent end to open access by licensed commercial fishermen to resources across Belize’s marine space. Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade told Amandala that Cabinet had previously fixed June 2016 for the full rollout of the managed access program, but they have now green-lighted a soft rollout for next month, January 2016. She said that this would allow them to do a test-run and put in place institutional requirements for proper implementation. Wade explained that the soft rollout means that fisheries authorities will not be bringing down the force of the law, and they won’t necessarily be taking people to court for violating the new managed access rules. The first six months would, however, provide an opportunity for further public education and for building understanding of new requirements. It would also give fishers a greater opportunity to take on, their role and provide more valuable feedback to the Department.

Toledo Maya snag 2015 Equator Prize in land rights
The Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) today received recognition in Paris, France, as the 2015 recipients of the prestigious Equator Prize in land rights, as part of the Climate Change Conference. The award was received by MLA spokesperson, Cristina Coc, and MLA chair, Alfonso Cal. The Equator Initiative has received hundreds of nominations for the Equator Prize 2015 as part of an extensive partnership effort underway to strengthen and highlight the role of indigenous peoples and local communities at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP21), the organizers explained. They said that following a global call for nominations, the Equator Initiative received a record-setting 1,461 nominations from 126 countries around the world. “A Technical Advisory Committee comprised of international experts guided a rigorous, months-long peer-review process to select the 21 winning initiatives,” the organizers revealed.

The Energy of Nature vs. The Nature of Energy
Belize struck its first commercial oil find in Spanish Lookout, Cayo, just over a decade ago, and while there have been offshore exploratory wells drilled since the 50’s, a campaign sparked by the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 has fueled an initiative to entirely ban offshore drilling in Belize. Today, John Burgos, Executive Director of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), said that the BTIA stands ready to join stakeholders to ensure that the ban is extended to all offshore areas. He was speaking at a one-day conference on The Energy of Nature vs. The Nature of Energy, convened today by Oceana at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. Last week, Cabinet announced that a legal ban would be instituted to cover select protected areas that have World Heritage Site status: Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park, the natural monuments at Lighthouse Reef (The great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Natural Monuments included), the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, the Glovers Reef Marine Reserve, and the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve. Of note is that the Caye Caulker reserve, although listed among the banned sites, is not listed by UNESCO among the protected areas in the Belize World Heritage Sites. Drilling will also be banned within a kilometer of the Belize Barrier Reef system.

Parliamentarians decry Schnitzer Immigration fiasco
Whereas the supplementary appropriation bill for $44.7 million in PetroCaribe spending dominated the discussion in the National Assembly today, Friday, another headliner was the scandal surrounding the escape of international fugitive, David Nanes Schnitzer, who was also known in Belize as David Banes, and whose Belizean citizenship was recently revoked on the premise of fraud. Hon. Kareem Musa, People’s United Party member for Caribbean Shores, who claimed “bragging rights” for being the area rep of United Democratic Party leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow, raised the issue of the latest Immigration debacle involving Schnitzer. Musa said Schnitzer was reportedly wanted for money crimes overseas but ran for cover to the beautiful tropical paradise called Belize, where, Musa alleged, officials and ministers “welcomed and sheltered him,” and provided him with residency, passport and even a voter’s ID. “This latest immigration foul-up only served to open up a very fresh national wound left behind by Elvin Penner and Won Hong Kim,” Musa said.

Belize turns down request for passage of 5,000 Cuban migrants
Belize today denied a request from Costa Rica to allow thousands of Cuban migrants who are stuck at the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border passage through Belize, on their way to Mexico and eventually to the USA. Last week, Guatemala said no to the proposal to allow the migrants to pass through that country, and Nicaragua, which had previously allowed their passage, deployed its military to stop new migrants from passing through their territory last month. Latest reports carried by international media indicate that the number of Cuban migrants wanting to use Central America as a corridor to enter the USA—to take advantage of that country’s wet-foot, dry-foot policy, which allows Cubans who set foot on US soil to stay despite their irregular status—has swelled from 3,000 to 5,000, and the Government of Costa Rica has asked Cubans to refrain from traveling through that country, because they don’t have adequate facilities for them. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, Belize said that Cabinet had met today to discuss the proposal but Cabinet had decided that Belize cannot make any commitments outside of a regional, arrangement.

The Reporter

BEL seeks to increase electricity rates
Electricty rates are likely going to be increased, less than a year after it was reduced, following a request by the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for an amendment to the rates. The Public Utilities Commission, the regulatory body for utilities, informed via press release on Friday that BEL had made a submission to them the day before, requesting an amendment to electricity rates. “BEL’s submission is based on an underestimation of the Cost of Power (COP) impact of BEL’s Gas Turbine and an overestimation of the COP impact, primarily due to lower rates from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)”, stated the PUC release. The PUC says that in order to recover the variances in cost of power by the end of the 2012 – 2016 Full Tariff Review Period, BEL is requesting an 11percent increase in the Mean Electricity Rate (MER) from 35 cents per kilowatt hour to 38.85 cents per kilowatt hour. The PUC indicates that BEL’s request aims to ensure that all updates are made to the systems used to calculate electricity rates during the current full tariff period in order to avoid a carryover of these variances into the next Full Tariff Review.

Active foot patrols in Chiquibul yields two more Guatemalan pilferers
A joint foot patrol, comprising Belize Defense Force (BDF), Police and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) rangers last week Wednesday in the Chiquibul National Park resulted in the apprehension of two Guatemalans. FCD, in a press release, stated that the men were nabbed 250 meters inside Belize, in an area of the reserve known as Sapote II. They are Ever Melkesivex Lopez Zuchitte, and Juan Antonio Cabrera Saldivar, both 25 from San Jose, Las Flores Peten, Guatemala. Zuchitte was also armed with a black nine millimeter pistol with several live rounds ammunition. The men are from a village in San Jose Las Flores, whose 33 families or 200 residents frequently plant corn and pumpkin inside the Chiquibul. The village has no health services or electricity, and its residents rely on wells to get clean water. The men told authorities upon their capture that they did not know they were in Belize because there is no clear indication where the lines are dividing our two countries. They reported that they rent the land to plant their crops, but did not indicate from whom.

Historic climate-change deal unveiled in Paris
After months of preparation and weeks of negotiation, world leaders have reached a climate-change deal at this year’s Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris. It is the most ambitious international agreement ever to face up to the threat of global warming, as the final text of the deal makes clear. Here are the main points: An aim to keep global mean temperature within 1.5°C of that which existed before the industrial era. This is a more ambitious goal that the 2°C goal that nearly 200 governments agreed upon six years ago.A check-in every five years, to take stock of how countries are doing on their individual climate plans, which will come into effect in 2020. The first check-in will happen in 2023.A “loss and damage” clause that will allow vulnerable countries to claim compensation for financial losses due to climate change. The deal also calls for balancing out carbon emissions caused by humans with those that can be absorbed back in by sinks (such as trees and oceans). This could be significant as a long-term goal, despite the much-criticized absence of a specific timeline. The resolution was unveiled on December 12, and has been called “unprecedented.” It wins on many political points, including the fact that the negotiations have seen the widest participation of parties in COP history.

More arrests made and evidence recovered following home invasion at diplomat’s residence
Intensive police investigations into thr December third home invasion at the Burrell Boom residence of Lebanese General Consulate, Sarkis Abou Nehra has led to three more arrests. According to Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, who commands Eastern Division Rural, a series of searches at four houses in Belize City have yielded the most important piece of evidence – the recording apparatus which captured the intrusion. “The burglars thought that they disconnected the DVR and realized it was not the DVR they had in their possession, and then they went and they disconnected the DVR and they stole it. Nevertheless we recovered it. It is in good shape. We have already retrieved the footage off it.” Investigators also retrieved more of the items stolen during the incident and have added three more names to the first list of six defendants. “We have charged Jerry Buller, 28 years [old], for Abetment to Commit Aggravated Burglary; we have also charged Mark Pitts, 18 years [old], for Handling Stolen Goods and we’ve also charged Paul Jex for Handling Stolen Goods. … We have recovered an assortment of liquor, we recovered two rings that were identified by the Consul’s wife, a necklace…”, Broaster added.

Belize Agro-productive Sector Group discourages importation of cheaper rice
A series of radio advertisements by businessman Jack Charles (Jitendra Chawla), offering an alternative on the local market to sell Guyanese rice at significantly cheaper prices, have spawned prompt reaction from the Belize Agro-productive Sector Group, who countered with a press release on Friday. The organization says Belizeans ought to ask hard questions about what they suggest are hidden agendas. “While rice at 69 cents per pound sounds like good news to consumers, Belizeans need to ask the hard questions. How many Belizean farms, farmers, farmhands, millers and distribution workers will join the unemployment line as another agricultural product, Belizean rice, is removed from the products we produce here in Belize?” the release challenged. It goes on to state that there are almost 100 local rice farmers, five milling companies, and more than 2000 field workers, employees, distributors, and their families who are bound to suffer some level of loss if Charles is allowed to import cheaper rice for sale.

Breaking Belize News

Government warns against price gouging on sugar
Despite the Government’s insistence that plantation white sugar will be priced at seventy-five cents beginning only on January 1, 2016 and not before, some stores are already selling at the new price. The Bureau of Standards under the Ministry of Trade and Consumer Protection saw it […]

Climate change deal agreed in Paris
A deal to attempt to limit the rise in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius has been agreed at the climate change summit in Paris after two weeks of intense negotiations. The pact is the first to commit all countries to cut […]

Fire leaves five persons homeless
A fire reported just after four Friday morning on Hopkins Street in the King’s Park area of Belize City has left five persons homeless. A 2-storey building, property of a Belizean woman living in the U.S., went up in flames and by the time the Fire Service […]

Francis Fonseca considering staying on as PUP leader
PUP leader Francis Fonseca may decide to continue in that post, following a meeting Friday in Belmopan. At that meeting he received the support of 11 PUP standard bearers to contest the party’s national convention for leadership to be held in January. It is reported that Fonseca is […]

Non-fatal shooting on Cran Street
There was a shooting incident reported Friday evening on Cran Street at its corner with Douglas Jones Street. It happened around 5:00 in the evening and we understand that a man was walking past a white van that was parking. After walking past, he started firing at the van. […]

Blogs

A Beach Walk To Town on A Gorgeous Day in San Pedro, Belize & Picking Up My Bear
I always love a walk on the beach – but over the past few months, it’s been summer and HOT. Arriving at my destination looking like I’ve been for a swim in my clothes is…not ideal. But yesterday, there was a nice breeze from the east, the sun was out and the temperature was in the low 80s. Time to strap on my walking shoes. Which are strangely similar to my lounge shoes and my going-out shoes and my beach shoes. Flip flops. LAST STOP! Sandbar Bar, Restaurant and Hostel for my bear. The wish for a child for Christmas. Written on the back. I buy the gift, I wrap it up and my 6 year old cuties gets what he wants for Christmas. Can’t wait to put his package together…

Baked Jam Rolls

Photo Essay: Snorkeling Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark and Stingray Alley, and Coral Garden
We didn’t really have any expectations or even a real idea of what we would see, all we knew was that we were not going to miss out on snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world … AGAIN! Last year, Ben and I only stayed in Caye Caulker for two nights, underestimating how great snorkeling the barrier reef is, we opted to skip it and do the ATM cave on the mainland instead. Insider Tip: If you are debating about which one to do, do both, they are equally impressive and totally worth the money. However, after hearing so many backpackers rave about the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, we regretted not going snorkeling. So when we somehow found ourselves back in Caye Caulker last week, we knew what we had to do! We booked a tour with the well liked tour company, Raggamuffin Tours as it has 5 stars on TripAdvisor which is a rare occurrence. But now we definitely know why it is so popular. From the sarcastic captains, delicious seafood lunch to the beautiful sail back to Caye Caulker we had an unforgettable experience.

International Sources

Upper Mountain Fire Department gives the people of San Pedro, Belize, their first ambulance
Those who donated to the Upper Mountain Fire Department to help them purchase a brand new $160,000 ambulance this year will see their donation go even farther – about 3,000 miles farther. A 1992 E450 Ford ambulance, which is being taken out of commission to make room for the new ambulance, will be donated to the people of San Pedro, Belize. San Pedro, with about the same population as the Town of Lewiston, is a coastal tourist community in Central America on the Western end of the Caribbean. The English-speaking former British colony, once known as British Honduras, is known for its great beauty – rainforests, Mayan ruins and sandy beaches on the blue sea. There are tourist areas, but about half the residents live in poverty and don’t have access to proper medical care, said Alex Parmelee. Parmelee, 48, a medical school graduate who was a Colorado emergency medical technician for 25 years and operations manager for San Pedro Emergency Services, was in Lewiston recently to pick up the donation. He will drive the old ambulance to Miami, where it will be loaded onto a barge for the final leg of its trip to San Pedro.

Videos

Trying to describe his friends dilemma...... wait for the details!!!, 3.5min. Student tries to explain his friend's dilemma, when the friend comes in and tells it like it is! (Morning Matters)

Belize Trip Final, 10min. Laura and Stephens Belize Trip.

Belize Trip 2015, 8min.

Kennesaw State: Belize '15, 3.5min. Belize study abroad: 2015

Wild Dolphin Encounter Belize 2015, 5min.

Fishing in san Pedro, Belize, 6min. in the beautiful Caribbean Sea with Rob, Alley, David, Rhonda and Drew.

December 12, 2015

Get Ready for Wings Store's Final Blowout Sale! December 19th-20th

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

American Coast Guard gravely injured while vacationing on Ambergris Caye
A 26-year-old American Coast Guard was gravely injured while vacationing in Ambergris Caye. The victim of the incident was Jennifer Smith who was stabbed while walking the beach back to her hotel on Thursday, December 10th shortly before midnight. Since her the attack, Smith has been transported to the United States of America for further medical attention as her injures are considered life threatening. San Pedro Police have launched a full investigation and are seeking a Hispanic male in connection to the assault. On Friday, December 11th, Deputy Coastal Executive Officer, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott indicated to The San Pedro Sun that the incident was a robbery assault. He further stated that upon hearing of the incident, police visited the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where they found Smith suffering from two stab wounds; one to the back of the head and another to her back close to her spinal cord. After receiving immediate medical treatment, the victim was airlifted to Belize City for intense medical care at Belize Medical Partners Clinic. It was not until Friday after 2PM that Smith was responsive enough to give a detailed account of the attack to the police.

Woman injured in attempted rape
On Monday, November 30th at around 11PM, San Pedro Police visited the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where they observed 35-year-old Abigail Lopez suffering from several cut wounds. When questioned by the police, Lopez reported that she had been attacked while sitting on a dock in the Boca del Rio Area. As a result, she sustained cut wounds to the right side of the face, neck and chest. Initial investigations revealed that while sitting on the dock earlier that night, Lopez was approached by a Hispanic male who came to sit beside her. The man proceeded to fondle her, requesting sexual intercourse. Lopez refused the advance, resulting in the man to allegedly become violent. According to Lopez he grabbed her by the hair, held her down and stabbed her with a pint bottle he had broken. The man then escaped the scene. After the attack, Lopez went to the Polyclinic to seek medical attention, where her injuries were classified as Grievous Harm. Since then police have detained 24-year-old William Javier Rivero from San Mateo Area pending charges for the incident.

Tourism Industry partners briefed on environmental issues
On Wednesday, December 2nd the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) hosted a general meeting for tourism industry partners. The meeting was held at the Lions Den at 7PM and was a collaborative effort with the many island environmental awareness stakeholders. The well attended meeting shed light on issues regarding to conservation of Ambergris Caye’s marine ecosystem. Opening the meeting and welcoming those in attendance was president of the SPTGA, Philip “Billy” Leslie. He spoke on the importance of the association and healthy tour guide practices in San Pedro. Leslie also served as moderator for the meeting addressing questions brought up by the attendees and offering further information on the topics discussed by the several presenters. Presenters at the meeting included Rachel Graham of MarAlliance, who shared results and updates on past and upcoming projects they have held throughout Belize and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Also presenting from MarAlliance were Ivy Baremore who shared results and updates on the Deep Sea Fisheries Project, and Cecilia Guerrero who shared results from their Education and Outreach program and plans for 2016.

Copa Airline’s Inaugurates Flights to Belize
On Tuesday December 8th as announced earlier this year, Copa Airlines officially made their inaugural flight to Belize! Now that the Panamanian airline is officially operational in Belize, passengers will have direct flight access to 75 cities and 31 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Copa is offering two direct flights per week from Hub de las Americas (Panama City) to Belize! Just imagine the possibilities!

Foreva Fancy showcases season’s hottest trends at Christmas Fashion Show
On Saturday December 5th, Foreva Fancy Boutique held its annual Fall/Winter Fashion Show. The show was held at the Angel Nunez Auditorium and kicked off at 10PM. Held under the theme “Believe in the Magic of Christmas,” this year’s fashion show event benefitted the special needs youth of the island as proceeds went to San Pedro’s very own Camp Starfish Christmas present drive. Host and songstress Julianne Ferguson welcomed all present to the glamorous show that kicked off with a dance number by The San Pedro Dance group. The young dancers set the mood for the night with a choreographed dance to Justin Beiber’s hit single “Sorry.” Following the number was the first segment of the night which saw the beautiful models strutting in dazzling costumes and beautiful lingerie pieces. The bedazzled garments surely lit up the runway. This was followed by a song performance by host of the night Julianne, who captivated the crowd with her dynamic vocals.

Christmas 8-Ball Pool Tournament kicks off!
The Christmas 8-Ball Pool Tournament has started with the participation of eight teams. Organized by Macadonio Sanches, the tournament’s first games were played on Friday, December 4th. Competing for a grand cash prize of $1,000 are teams AJ’s Shootaz, Un-expected, Iguanas, Sand Bar Ballers, Top Shatta, AJ’s Youth, Under Ground and Maldonado’s. Currently team AJ’s Shootaz are in the lead with 24 points, but team Un-expected is right at their tail with 20 points. The next round of games are scheduled to take place from Friday, December 11th to Sunday, December 13th. The scheduled games are as follows: Friday December 11th at Cholo’s Sports Bar starting at 6PM – Top Shotta versus Un-expected, AJ’s youth versus Under Ground, Maldonado’s versus Iguanas and AJ’s Shootaz against Sand Bar Ballers. On Saturday December 12th, games are at AJ’s Bar and Grill starting at 6PM – Top Shotta versus Sand Bar Ballers, Un-expected versus Maldonado’s, Under Ground versus Iguanas, AJ’s Youths versus AJ’s Shoootaz. Then on Sunday December 13th, it’s Iguanas Bar at 1:30PM – Iguanas versus Un-expected, Under Ground versus AJ’s Shootaz, Sand Bar Ballers versus Maldonado’s, Top Shotta versus AJ’s Youth.

San Pedro Red Cross members receive awards during International Volunteer’s Day
International Volunteer’s Day was celebrated on Saturday, December 5th to honor persons who have taken the time to contribute to the development of the country throughout the year. The award ceremony for the Belize Red Cross was held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina in Belize City. Members of the Belize Red Cross from across the country including those of the San Pedro Branch, were in attendance. In fact three members of the San Pedro Red Cross where among the awardees of the evening, receiving recognition for their performance within the community. The first island recipient to be awarded was Ashty Dennison, who received the Health Leadership Award. She was nominated by branch Chairman Eiden Salazar. “A massage therapist by trade, Ashty became very active as volunteer with Belize Red Cross – San Pedro Branch since she first attended a meeting in November 2014. She immediately became certified in First Aid/CPR. She attended the Volunteer Encounter in 2014 and Youth Camp in July 2015. Ashty successfully completed the First Aid/CPR Instructor’s training in May 2015 and has held several very well received trainings since then. On November 5, 2015 Ashty conducted training at Washington University Health and Science (WUHS) located in San Pedro. The President of the school was so impressed with her work that they have requested the Basic First Aid/CPR training be given at the beginning of every semester. Ashty impressed more than WUHS President, and earned of this year’s Health Leadership Award,” said branch media coordinator, Laurie Norton.

Ambergris Today

Holiday Season Cheer at Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES)
The student body held its annual Christmas Show last night with some great dance performances, songs and skits. Here are some highlights of the show.

Miss World Belize 2015 Appointed Image Ambassador
Miss World Belize Ltd. Chairman and National Director, Michael Arnold, would like to congratulate Miss Jasmin Jael Rhamdas, 19 years old of Belmopan City who was given a “letter of appointment” nominating her as an “Image Ambassador” by the Pingtan Comprehensive and Experimental Area Management Committee after all the credentials of Miss World’s 113 Contestants was reviewed. The ceremony was held in the presence of Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss, invited guests and the news media. Miss Rhamdas was appointed on December 3rd to represent and promote Pingtan International Tourism Island which is a major tourist destination in the Fijian Province. This is a county comprised of 126 islands. Pingtan Island is promoted by Miss World Organization as, “a place of incredible beauty, a haven for photographers and Miss World Contestants visiting various nature sites including its pristine beaches!”

Exceptional Young Belizeans Receive Belize Youth Awards 2015
The Department of Youth Services held its 2015 Belize Youth Awards on Friday December 4, 2015 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The event which marked the culmination of National Youth Week, celebrated under the theme “Youth, Let’s Make the Dream Work with Team Work”, is held annually to recognize and reward young people from all over Belize for their contribution to Belize’s development. The special guest speaker for the occasion was Mr. Mike Duggan, Executive Director of Domus Kids, a U.S. based NGO which provides a home and after-school programs for with at-risk boys. Mr. Duggan is also involved in the “No Youth Left Behind Initiative” which provides guidance and mentorship for young people. In addressing the awardees and guests at Friday’s event, Mr. Duggan said, “See young people as resources and not as recipients of services that you give. Actively get their input, have the trust and confidence in them that they know what they are talking about, that they know what they need, and they know what their communities need and they have the solutions.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Island Academy Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00 pm. The holiday season is upon us. "A Party in a Pear Tree", our pageant, should be a ton of fun along with delicious food, prepared by Celi's Deli in conjunction with Holiday Hotel. All dinner proceeds will be donated to assist an Island Academy Alumnus with medical bills. Tickets should be purchased in advance (before Wednesday noon) from your child's teacher and tell friends that tickets are available at the office from 8:30-12:00 with Chefy. An added attraction will be the children's artwork and calendars for purchase that evening as well. The 2016 calendar has self portraits of all of the current TIA students represented in at least one month of the year. Thanks to Pam and Tom Ostermann, my sister and brother in law, for putting the calendar together, sponsoring the printing and then bringing them all to Belize (150 of them). They will be selling them on the night of the pageant for $20. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do. Consider a calendar as a possibility for a gift to a relative also.

BEL apologizes to customers for an extended outage affecting portions of Belmopan and surrounding communities
From 5:30am to 2:00pm on Friday, December 11. BEL is conducting repairs and replacement of infrastructure and equipment on the transmission and distribution system.

Buyer Beware!
The new controlled price for plantation white sugar takes effect on January 1, 2016. Failure to comply can result in a fine and/or imprisonment. Please report unscrupulous grocers to the Belize Bureau of Standards.

Roots Reggae with Julian Melodyman Escobar
Saturday Night is Roots Reggae at the Sports Bar with Julian Melodyman Escobar from 6 - 9 pm! Come listen and dance to the beats of Roots reggae -- Belizan…Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, Front StreetStart Date: December 12, 2015End Date: December 12, 2015Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Donalee Burns suffers fire
This morning at 4am, a University of Belize student (Belize City campus) and UB softball player, Donalee Burns lost her home and all her belongings in a fire. This includes clothing, furniture, and all appliances and items for her 13 year old daughter. Although her daughter is 13, she is bigger than the mom, wearing a size large women's. If you can help out in anyway, I am going to be collecting items at my office in Belize City and of course financial contributions will help her to relocate. She has only one semester left to finish UB. You can text me at 630-5571.

The Chiquibul Champion Award
This year three persons were awarded “The Chiquibul Champion Award” during FCD’s AGM. FCD congratulates the British High Commissioner Mr. Peter Hughes, Ambassador Stuart Leslie and Immigration Officer, Mr. Sheldon Hudson. We are extremely grateful for their unwavering support.

Channel 7

Call It A Comeback? Francis For Leader
Next week Tuesday, December 15th is the deadline for nominations for the new PUP Leader. But, the new leader may also be the old leader - and that's because the heads of 11 constituencies have come forward to say they don't want John Briceno or Cordel Hyde; they want Francis Fonseca back as leader of the PUP. Sure, he stepped down and all but walked away five weeks ago, but now some key power brokers in the PUP want him back. The group of constituencies who support a Fonseca comeback met today in Belmopan under the auspices of deputy leader Julius Espat - and we spoke to Espat via telephone shortly after. Here's how he explained what may seem to be a retrograde move:.. Jules Vasquez "There are those in the party who wish to preserve the status quo and stay the course with Mr. Francis Fonseca. Is this taking shape?" Hon. Julius Espat, Deputy Leader - PUP "I don't agree on conserving the status quo statement, but yes we believe that Francis Fonseca is the best person at this time to lead us forward."

Police Crack Mansion Heist Wide Open
Tonight, 3 more men have been criminally charged in connection with the armed home invasion and rape at Lebanese Diplomat Sarkis Abou Nahra's mansion, which happened last week Thursday. They are now in jail on remand, and 3 of the 9 accused who had been in jail since Monday, are out tonight on Supreme Court bail. We'll have all the details for you, but first, we start with the latest developments which have led to charges against 3 new suspects. Investigators from Eastern Division Rural have been on overdrive since last Friday, teaming up with the Gang Suppression Unit, the Mobile Interdiction Team, the Anti-Drug Unit, and the K9 Unit to conduct sustained raids. And it worked. Today, the Commander of the Eastern Division Rural updated the press on the success they've had with the recovery of stolen items: Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "We executed searches on #88 Cemetery Road; we executed search warrants on the premises at #119 Police Street in Belize City; we also executed searches on #8272 Jones Street; we executed searches on #8089 Miller Street as well as #8279 Miller Street; we executed a search at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Jane Usher and we also executed search at #391 Mayflower Crescent Lake Garden area in the Ladyville area. As a result of those searches, we have charged Jerry Bulwer, 20 years old, for abetment to commit aggravated burglary. We also charged Mark Pitts, 18 years old, for handling stolen goods and we've also charge Paul Jex for handling stolen goods."

Rice Rivalry Heats Up
Tonight, there are three containers of Guyanese Rice waiting at the Santo Tomas port in Guatemala to be imported into Belize. It's coming before Christmas and importer Jack Charles says he will make sure it retails for 69 cents a pound - that's 50 cents less than the local rice currently sells for. But, some say that 69 cents rice may never even reach your corner store - because government won't allow it. The Belize Agro-productive sector is calling on the public and the government to reject the rice. In a release sent today, they ask, quote: "How many Belizean farms, farmers, farmhands, millers and distribution workers will join the unemployment line as another agricultural product, Belizean rice, is removed from the products we produce here in Belize?" They argue that there are 100 local rice farmers, and more than 2000 field workers, employees, and distributors, whereas Guyanese rice - they say - "will support ONE importer and a handful of distribution workers." They challenge importer Jack Charles to invest in the local rice industry and, quote "put hundreds of Belizeans to work, instead of just a few people to distribute his Guyanese rice." End quote. And while that's what they are saying publicly, privately we know the agro-productive sector is lobbying government very hard not to allow the rice into the country. One senior government official we spoke to told us that Charles has not applied for a BAHA Permit - and that could be a problem.

BEL Asks For 11% Increase in Electricity Rate
In May of this year, we told you about the then newly reduced average light rate of 35 cents per kilowatt hour. It was the lowest in decades - and we should have known it couldn't last too long. Well, it may be over soon, because BEL is asking for an increase. The company is asking for the average rate to be increased from 35 cents to 38 cents per kilowatt hour - an increase of 11%. BEL says that this is to cope with what it calls the "actual cost of power for the 2012 - 2016 Full Tariff Review Period." BEL says the cost of power had been underestimated due to lower rates from CFE in Mexico. The PUC has yet to respond and until it makes a formal decision, the average rate of 35 cents per kilowatt hour stands.

City Shooting Late In The Evening
There was a shooting just after 5:00 today in Belize City. It happened on Cran Street near Douglas Jones. An area resident told us that a man was walking past a white van that was parking. After walking past, he started firing at the van. The van sped off toward Mapp Street, with the shooter running behind. Six shots were heard but no one was hurt.

Pregnant Woman Raped In The South
There is a disturbing rape case to report on in the south. A woman in her sixth month of pregnancy was raped in Stann Creek yesterday afternoon at 3:00. The 19 year old was waiting at the bus stop at mile 6 when a black man with a grey shirt tied over his nose and mouth grabbed her, forced her into a nearby orchard, put a knife to her throat and raped her. Police have no suspects at this time but they are following leads.

City Fire Leaves Five Homeless
There was a fire at just after 4 o'clock this morning in the Kings Park area of Belize City. It completely destroyed a 2 storey building, and left 5 persons living at #6 Hopkins Street homeless. At this time, there is not much known about the fire, but we were provided with amateur footage of the blaze while it was in full swing. Today, the Station Manager at the National Fire Service told us that despite their rapid response, the house was beyond saving: Orin Smith, Station Manager - NFS: "On Friday 11th December, 2015 at 4:05am the National Fire Service received and have responded to call of a structural fire at #9 Hopkins Street Belize City. Upon arrival the upper flat of a 2 storey structure was seen engulfed in flames. Following a preliminary size-up, the National Fire Service made into operation extinguishing the fire. The fire was later brought under control and extinguished. As a result of the fire the two storey structure was destroyed. It is understood that the upper flat is occupied by 3 individuals of whom weren't home at the time of the fire. The owner of the structure is said to be residing in the USA."

Vacationing US Coast Guard Officer Stabbed
An off duty female US Coast Guard officer was stabbed on San Pedro last night. 25 year old Jennifer Smith was on vacation in Belize and spend her time on the island. Last night she was walking near Ramon's Village Resort when a Hispanic man approached her and asked for $20. When she refused the man stabbed her in the back of her neck. Smith was rushed to the KHMH where she got an MRI. She has been flown back to the US. Today, at another event we asked US Ambassador Carlos Moreno about what they are doing to assist Smith. Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador "I just learnt about that this morning when you probably learnt about it. My understanding is that the off-duty tourist who is a female signed to the United States Coast Guard on vacation I presumed was stabbed sometime early this morning or last night in San Pedro. I just been aware of it. My consular section is attending to the matter as well as our MLO office to check on her condition."

US Ambassador Calls For Humanitarian Solution To Cuban Refugee Crisis
Where do we go? What do we do? These are the questions that the over 4,000 Cubans stuck at the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua are desperately seeking the answers to. As we told you, the President of Costa Rica has asked Belize to assist with these Cubans. His proposal was for the migrants to be flown to Belize then to Mexico. But the Government of Belize refused and proposed a vague "regional discussion to come up with a solution." Well, while the Government waits for that regional arrangement to take shape - the stateless Cubans are suffering. They want to go to the US which has a policy of welcoming Cubans. When we asked US Ambassador Carlos Moreno about this, some humanitarian effort must be made. Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador "This is something initially really concerns the entire region and I'm hopeful, I would encourage a regional solution particularly of the involved countries. The United States is obviously concerned about more unauthorized migrants coming to the northern border of Mexico and coming into the United States. But I think that the nest approach right now is to look immediately at the situation on the Costa Rican/Nicaraguan border and also on the Panama/Costa Rican border and provide some kind of humanitarian assistance to those migrants. That may involve tightening the flow from Ecuador in cooperation with Cuba. But it something certainly that needs to be address."

Belize Not Benghazi, But Marines Here Just In Case
The Marines are one of the elite armed services in the US Military. We usually read about their stealth operations on international news and see them in documentaries and action movies. Well, in real life, about 7 of those US Marine Officers will now be living in Belmopan. Now they are not here to carry out any top-secret mission - they are here to provide more security to the US Embassy in Belmopan. But security is only one part of the package, today the Embassy held a short ceremony to commemorate the start of 2 major projects that the US Ambassador says will generate more jobs for residents in the area. "We are about to embarked on two large construction projects that will significantly alter the landscape that you currently see before you on our embassy grounds and they will significantly reduce our environmental impact. I also want to just mention the economic impact that these two construction projects will have on the local economy.

Did US Snub FOB?
As we told you yesterday, the Joint Forces Forward Operating Base will be built at the mouth of the Sarstoon. A number of high ranking officials, government ministers and representatives from friendly countries were there for the ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday. All except officials from the US - who were invited but didn't appear. Well we asked the US Ambassador about their absence today and he said the invitation came at a very short notice. Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador "I think Minister Saldivar would confirm this that the notice that we got was quite short and without any invitation from the Ministry of National Security as well as from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this week with all the events happening before the holidays, its simply was impossible for us to attend that ceremony some 4 hours away. It was a bad day and the notice was very short." Guatemala was also invited but they were a no show.

Real Time Communication For Rural Police
At the top of the news, we told you how Eastern Division Rural police cracked the case of the home invasion and rape at the Abou-Nehra Estate just outside of Burrell Boom. That was owing to a relentless investigation, but also because of updated information relayed in real time back to the leaders of the operations. They were using what are known as whatsapp groups, a feature of the popular mobile app that allows chatting between up to 100 of persons at one time. Each of the field teams were updating their bosses on every single detail of their movements to allow for coordination and analysis of the operational variables. The bosses of Eastern Division Rural see its communication potential. So now, they now want to harness its usage and popularity allow the communities in their jurisdiction to have an open link with police. Senior Superintendent Broaster told us why residents should strongly consider utilizing it:

Price Gouging On Sugar
Price gouging on sugar - we kinda knew it had to happen - and it is, all over. As we told you last Friday, the controlled price of white sugar is going up from 50 to 75 cents per pound - but that's not until January first. But, try telling that to those stores where they've already jacked up the price, and you can see it there in black and white. That's why today Government sent out a release stressing, quote, "effective January 1, 2016, Plantation White Sugar will retail at a maximum price of 75 cents per pound countrywide." It adds, quote, "Failure to comply with the Supplies Control Price Regulations will result in imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1000.00), or to both such term of imprisonment and such fine." Of course, your average advantage - taking, price - gouging grocer knows that the Belize Bureau of Standards has zero enforcement and zero convictions, so most of them just persist in their illegality. Of course its up to you, the consumer to reject the illegal price of 75 cents per pound and calls the supplies control unit at 822-2665.

House For A Needy Family
2 months ago, we showed you 28 year-old Kayla Stevens, just one of the Belize City residents how was negatively affected by the freak thunderstorms which dumped torrential rains over Northern and Central Belize. The home of this single mother was already falling apart, but, it finally collapsed during the height of the rain, leaving her and her 3 daughters homeless. After we featured her story on the news, a group of good samaritans were touched by the difficulties she was facing and they banded together to build her a new house. Today we caught up with them to how this unexpected gift is coming along. Daniel Ortiz reports: Oasis Ministries, based in Unitedville, has built 91 other houses for poor Belizeans in need. They also run a program to keep marginalized children in school.

Two Guats The Hard Way In Chiquibul
Two more Guatemalans were caught in the Chiquibul - and these ones had a firearm. 25 year olds Ever Lopez Zuchitte, and Juan Antonio Cabrera Saldivar from San Jose Las Flores Peten were detained on Wednesday. Lopez Zuchitte was found with a black 9 millimeter with six live rounds. Both men were 250 meters inside the Chiquibul National Park but said they did not know they were in Belize since the line dividing the two countries is not visible. They apparently they rent the land to plant their crops. According to the Friends for Conservation and Development, persons from their village are known to plant corn and pumpkin inside the Chiquibul National Park. Some 33 families live in the village and they have no health services or electricity. Both were charged for "Illegal Entry", while Suchitte was additionally charged with "Kept Firearm without a Gun License and Kept Ammunition without a Gun License".

Police In Placencia
We're used to seeing the southside commander of Eastern Division talk about crime statistics, but what about the southern regional commander? Senior Superintendent Ralph Moody did just that in Placencia last night. He reported to Peninsula residents that there only two murders reported for 2015 on the peninsula. A total of 45 people attended and 30 police officers were present.

Channel 5

Francis Fonseca: Is He Back in the P.U.P.’s Leadership Race?
Last Friday in the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister bid farewell to Francis Fonseca as the Leader of the Opposition in the House. Well tonight, the outgoing P.U.P. Leader [...]

Female U.S. Coast Guard Brutally Attacked in San Pedro
A US Coast Guard Officer is reportedly in critical condition after she was stabbed three times on the beach in San Pedro. Twenty-six year old Jennifer Smith, reportedly on vacation [...]

Military Liaison Office of U.S. Embassy Investigates Stabbing Incident
The United States Embassy in Belize is reaching out to the injured naval officer. While details of the near-fatal attack were sparse this morning, Ambassador Carlos Moreno told the media [...]

An Expecting Mother is Raped in Dangriga
Dangriga police, meanwhile, are reporting tonight a disturbing case of the alleged rape of a pregnant woman. The victim is a nineteen year old resident of Stann Creek District. She [...]

3 More Arrested and Charged in Burrell Boom Home Invasion Saga
There have been more arrests and charges laid in the high-profile and very brutal home invasion on December third in Burrell Boom. At around seven that night, eight men stormed [...]

Bail is Granted for 2 Women Connected to Home Invasion
Jeffery Buller was arraigned this afternoon for abetment to commit aggravated burglary and was denied bail. Mark Pitts and Paul Jex were arraigned for handling stolen good and both pleaded [...]

U.S. Ambassador Says Humanitarian Aid Necessary to Assist Cuban Migrants
The fate of approximately four thousand Cuban migrants marooned in Costa Rica continues to hang in the balance as countries along their intended route to the United States decide on [...]

What Involvement Did Uncle Sam Have in Capturing Fugitive Mexican Businessman?
David Nanes Schnitzer, the Houdini of international fugitives, remains at large since absconding from Belize after receiving bail on November twentieth. But the story won’t go away and in fact [...]

Former U.S. Supreme Court Judge Would Have Done Things Differently in Nanes Case
Ambassador Moreno, who sat on the U.S. Supreme Court bench for almost a quarter century, acknowledges the personal interpretation of Justice Hanomansingh while presiding over the Nanes matter. His disappointment [...]

3 Containers of Rice Awaiting Importation into Belize, Farmers Lash Out
At news time tonight, we can confirm that a total of three shipping containers en route to Belize from Guyana are presently in port at San Tomas, Guatemala. The consignment [...]

B.E.L. Wants to Increase Electricity Rates
Five months after a rate decrease, it is likely that electricity rates will go up. The last decrease in July, afforded consumers a thirty-five cents cut per kilo watt hour. [...]

Normalcy is Finally Resumed at Port of Belize
The Pagola cargo ship from Jamaica has been offloaded and operations are back in full swing at the Port of Belize where days of industrial action taken by the stevedores [...]

Port C.E.O. Says Stevedores’ Pension Can’t be Retroactive
The point of contention that led to the strike by the stevedores was a pension plan. The stevedores want an increase to six percent retroactive to 2004. While the Port [...]

Stevedores Agree to Return to Work Amid Negotiations with Port Management
Now, there are three options that were being explored as solutions to the strike at the Port of Belize. The first option for cargo vessels to call to port at [...]

Why Was U.S. Ambassador Absent from F.O.B. Groundbreaking?
On Wednesday, ground was ceremoniously broken for the construction of a joint forward operating base near the mouth of the Sarstoon River. Present for the brief formality were a number [...]

Multimillion Dollar Projects Launched at U.S. Embassy
But the ambassador was present for a groundbreaking ceremony to commence a pair of multimillion dollar projects on the U.S. Embassy compound held this morning in Belmopan. Over the next [...]

Flood Victim Kayla Stevens Receives New Home from Good Samaritans
In October when Belize City was inundated by floodwaters impoverished zones in the south-side took the hardest hit. In some cases homes held together by little more than faith collapsed. [...]

Fire Destroys Kings Park Residence
Tonight, at least three persons are left homeless and three others are staying with relatives after the two storey house they were living in was gutted by flames. Just before [...]

Broaster in Witness Protection
Notorious street figure Tyrone Meighan was charged for rape in that home invasion, following an identification parade. That brings up an issue which has plagued the prosecution in serious crimes [...]

GST Department to Raffle 2016 Rav-4
On Tuesday, the General Sales Tax Department will be drawing the first of a series of winning tickets in a raffle. Shoppers will have the opportunity to win five thousand [...]

Christmas Tips from Ladyville Top Cop
The home invasion in Rural Belize has also brought into stark focus the reality of vulnerability in rural areas. Christmas is a time for celebration and giving, but it is [...]

LOVE FM

PUP Party Leader: Francis Fonseca vs John Briceno
The silence in the People’s United Party has been broken today surrounding the upcoming leadership convention. When we last spoke to several PUP Parliamentarians, namely, Cordel Hyde and John Briceno, we were told that they were in discussions with their families and friends and that there was a strong possibility that they would be submitting […]

BEL Wants PUC to Approve Raise in Electricity
The Public Utilities Commission will be reviewing a request made yesterday by the Belize Electricity Limited as it surrounds the current rate for electricity. BEL is asking for an eleven percent increase on their rates which would take it from thirty five cents per kilowatt hour to just under thirty nine cents. According to BEL, […]

GOB Says NO to Imported Rice; COLA Says Why Not?
Citizen Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, is known for advocating on several national issues and now COLA is taking up the rice issue in Belize. This comes after President of COLA, Geovanni Brackett saw a commercial advertising cheap rice that will be imported from Guyana by Xtra House. That shipment is scheduled to come […]

King’s Park Home Goes Up in Flames
There was a fire early this morning that destroyed a two storey house in Belize City. It happened at around four o’clock this morning on Hopkins Street. Operation Manager at the National Fire Service, Orin Smith, gave us the details. ORIN SMITH “On Friday, December 11, 2015 at 5am the National Fire Service received and […]

More Arrests in Honorary Consul’s Home Invasion
Three more persons have been arrested in connection with the aggravated burglary that occurred at the home of Honorary Consul General for Lebanon to Belize, 77-year-old, SarkisAbou- Nehra on Thursday December 3. It happened just outside of Burrell Boom Village on the Bermudian landing road. Ladyville Police launched an intensive investigation which led to the […]

American attached to US Coast Guard Assaulted on Ambergris Caye
An American national attached to the US Coast Guard was airlifted out of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye just after one o’clock this morning after she received stab wounds following an incident of attempted robbery. Reports are that 26-year-old, Jennifer Smith was walking towards her hotel along the beachside alone when she was approached by a […]

The Reporter

King’s Park fire guts two-story building; cause under investigation
A fire at around 4:00 a.m. Friday at #9 Hopkins Street, near its junction with Third Street, King’s Park area, gutted a two-story wooden and concrete house and has left a family homeless. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but fire officials […]

The Orange Walk Police Department fights drug prevalence
Orange Walk police this past Wednesday afternoon searched a lot and found a black plastic bag containing 74 grams of marijuana. In the last six months, Orange Walk police, through its Quick Response Team (QRT) and Special Branch (SP) Personnel have conducted searches at more […]

CARICOM negotiators await penultimate climate change draft agreement
CARICOM negotiators at the UN Climate Change conference (COP 21) are awaiting the penultimate draft of the Paris outcome agreement to assess the extent to which their key issues and concerns are represented. Conference organizers on Wednesday released a preliminary draft which formed the basis for all night deliberations. The […]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns against impersonation of Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrignton
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) cautions the public that it has been brought to their attention that persons claiming to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington or acting on his behalf, have been going around scamming several businesses, soliciting donations. MOFA […]

Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund gives to charitable cause
Earlier this week, two non-profit, charitable institutions benefitted from donations from the Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund (KCMF). The Fund’s executive, who comprise members of the media industry, presented cheques on Tuesday to the St. Joseph Primary School Feeding Program and the Dara Feeding Program. In […]

Pregnant woman raped near bus stop
A 19 year-old woman, who is six months pregnant, was raped near a bus stop in the Stann Creek District on Thursday evening. The incident happened sometime after 3:00 p.m. while the young woman was at the bus stop at mile six, waiting for a […]

Brazen home invasion at diplomat’s residence! Nine persons charged.
Nine persons, including three women , who ironically are residents of Police Street, face a range of criminal charges for the home invasion of Sarkis Abou Nehra, Lebanon’s Honourary Consulate in Belize. The incident took place between last Thursday night and Friday morning, at […]

New sugar price – 75 cents per pound, effective New Year’s Day
The price of white sugar will increase from 50 cents to 75 cents on new Year’s Day. A Statutory Instrument has been signed, making the new price legal in Belize. The increase follows a cane farmers’ request and Government’s approval in lieu of reduced […]

The Military Response
I have always admired the state of Israel. And while I do not agree with all its policies and the way the state has handled a lot of situations internationally, one thing I can say is that you can always trust and count on the Israelis to do what is […]

A home for the holidays!
Two women of humble means, both employees of Cisco Construction, became first-time home owners on Wednesday, when they received the keys to their new homes in the Antelope Street Extension area of Belize City, just in time for the Christmas holidays. Prior to receiving […]

The inspirational story of Gerard Placide: from the streets to the stage
Trinidadian contemporary gospel artist, Gerard Placide, visited Belize to share his music and inspiring story of how his drive, talent and determination took him from homelessness to the White House, among other great achievements. Born in the area of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, Placide […]

Some US$27 million in loans tabled at House Meeting
The Government of Belize, at the last session of the House of Representatives, motioned for the approval of two loans totalling US $27 million for development projects all over the country. The first was for a project in collaboration with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting […]

WWF praises Belize’s decision to ban offshore oil exploration
The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), this week commended Belize on its decision to ban offshore oil exploration, which it believes is an important step in the right direction to protecting the reef and aquatic environment. The WWF called for a complete ban on offshore oil […]

Nanes motion rejected in first official Senate session
There were several significant issues on the Senate table Wednesday, the first substantive sitting of that body post-election. The Revenue Appropriation Bill, seeking approval for the spending of $44.7M from October to December 2015, was the source of contentious and passionate debate, and so was a motion brought by Opposition […]

Dentist convicted of injecting semen into patients’ mouths. Belize Medical Council gave him a license to practice!
American dentist John Roberts Hall was arrested on Monday in San Pedro as he was about to open the Oceanside Dental Clinic, a new player in an industry called dental tourism. On Tuesday he was charged with false representation and on Wednesday he was formally arraigned in the San Pedro […]

Miss World Belize honored as Image Ambassador
Miss World Belize, Jasmin Rhamdas, who has been in Sanya, China for more than a month representing the country received an honorary recognition as the Image Ambassador for the island of Pingtan in the Fijian Province this week. Pingtan Island is promoted by the Miss […]

Editorial
This is riduculous! A few hundred stevedores of the Christian Workers Union who control the waterfront, have gone on an unannounced, unofficial strike which has caused two ships with Christmas and other freight for Belize to be diverted. We need a court order to send these men back to work, […]

No interference – Guats say Diplomatic note says leave fishermen alone!
The Government of Guatemala, this week, sent a diplomatic note to the Government of Belize, which among other things, stated that they expect Guatemalan fishermen found inside Belizean waters illegally to be left alone. At the ground-breaking ceremony for the Coast Guard forward Operating Base […]

GOB breaks ground on Sarstoon Base
A ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a forward operating base was held on Wednesday morning at the northern channel on the mainland along the mouth of the Sarstoon River. Three government ministers namely, National Security Minister, John Saldivar; Education Minister, Patrick Faber; and Minister of State responsible for […]

Stevedores’ strike shatters businesses
The stevedores working at the Port of Belize Limited, frustrated with negotiations, staged a strike this week, which cost Belize’s economy millions of dollars in terms of business sales and tax-generated revenue losses. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) reported that because ships […]

Breaking Belize News

Electricity going up?
Earlier this year the mean electricity rate for Belize was at its lowest point in recent memory at just 35 cents per kilowatt-hour. But rates could be on their way back up if Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is successful with a submission to the Public […]

Belize International Services Limited demand compensation for takeover of Government registries
Arguments concluded late Thursday in the Supreme Court between the Government of Belize and Belize International Services Limited (BISL), the parent company of the International Business Companies and Merchant Marine Registries. Following the Government’s takeover of the organizations in June of 2013, it has […]

More arrests for Abou-Nehra invasion
Police have announced more arrests for the home invasion in Burrell Boom, which involved Belize’s honorary consul to Lebanon, 77 year old Sarkis Abou Nehra. 20 year old Jeffrey Buller, 18 year old Malik Pitts and 20 year old Paul Jex Jr. appeared today before […]

Francis for PUP leader again?
Reliable information reaching BMG’s newsroom is indicating that Hon. Francis Fonseca will contest the PUP convention for party leadership. A source told BMG that there are at least 11 PUP standard bearers that are encouraging Fonseca to contest the convention and that Fonseca is […]

Rice farmers concerned over Guyanese rice soon to be on Belizean shelves
The Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group (BASG), a private business whose main goal is to facilitate the development of the sugar, citrus, banana, shrimp agro-productive sectors, issued a statement Friday afternoon expressing grave concern over Guyanese rice soon expected to be retailed in Belizean grocery stores for less […]

Four arrested in Valley of Peace for 58 grams of weed
A special regional operation conducted in Valley of Peace Village yesterday morning, resulted in the arrests and charging of 23-year-old Victor Garcia, 22-year-old Steven Garcia, 19-year-old James Garcia and a 15-year-old minor for “Possession of Controlled Drugs”. Around 7:30 a.m., police visited and searched […]

Reported accident near mile 33 on George Price Highway
Information reaching our newsroom is of a traffic accident on the George Price Highway between miles 33 and 34. This is a developing story and more will be posted shortly as the details emerge.

Pregnant 19-year-old viciously raped
Reports of a disturbing incident were made to Dangriga Police yesterday, involving a woman who is currently six months pregnant and was raped by a masked man while she waited for a bus. The 19-year-old female told police that she was at the mile […]

Cayo police find 77 grams in Valley of Peace
Acting on information received, Cayo police conducted a search in some bushes by the road side in Valley of Peace Village, yesterday morning around 8:30. The search resulted in the discovery of a plastic bag containing 77 grams of cannabis which was deposited as […]

Roaring Creek couple arrested for weed
43-year-old Ronald Gill and 25-year-old Maria Tush, both of Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District, were arrested and charged for the offenses of “Drug Trafficking” and “Possession of Controlled Drugs” after a search at a residence they occupied, resulted in the discovery of […]

Friends for Conservation and Development found Guatemalans illegally entering Belize
A joint patrol between members of the Belize Police Department and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) conducted on Wednesday, resulted in another discovery of Guatemalan Nationals who had entered the country illegally. Around 1:22 p.m., while on foot patrol in the Sapote 2 […]

Belize City police find weed on North Front Street
Yesterday afternoon around 1:51, Belize City Police conducted a search on North Front Street, where in an empty lot, they made the discovery of a black plastic bag containing 523 grams of cannabis. The find was taken to the police station and deposited as […]

Belize’s rampant corruption is eating away at the very fabric of democracy
On December 9th, 2015 the world recognized the 12th Annual Anti-Corruption Day. The 2015 joint international campaign focused on how corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and […]

Belizean to be honored at Queen’s Young Leaders Awards
27-year-old Deidra Smith is the only Belizean among 59 other persons who have been selected from across the Commonwealth to receive Queen Elizabeth’s prestigious ‘Young Leaders Award’ in London next year. This year’s awards catered for persons between the ages of 18-29 who have been […]

Blogs

Belize Recipe – Black Fruit Cake
With only thirteen days away from Christmas we are pretty sure that most Belizean kitchens have already started preparing and baking black fruit cake, which is the season’s tradition here in the jewel. So, our Foodie Friday segment brings you the famous black fruit cake recipe which is a must have during Christmas time in all Belize homes. But first a little history: This tradition which spreads throughout the Caribbean dates back to the middle of the 17th century when English settlers brought over a tradition of the ‘English pudding.’ Over time that was radically modified by African slaves and their descendants who evolved it into a rich rum cake, a potent mix of finely ground raisins, cherries and nuts which were soaked for months in over proof rum.

They were Ironically Whimsical, kissed by elegance and clearly inspired
BAHIA fest recently took place at Caribbean Villas Hotel. This chic evening fashion show was organized by Magazine Mujer Total Chetumal; with assistance from Zuzana Marosova and Barbara Brown. Original designs were showcased by Mexico Designers: Maria Del Pilar Lopez, Guillermo Perez Alayon and Martin Lopez. Part of the proceeds from the event went to benefit Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish who also provided entertainment and help on raffles. Sponsors for the event were many: San Pedro Town Council, Minister Manuel Heredia, Tropic Air, Ocean Ferry, Caribbean Villas, Blue Tang Inn, Sandy Point Resorts, Melt Cafe, Boaz , Island Adventure, Polos, The Candle Garden, Barrier Reef, Spindrift Hotel, VIP Transfers, Reef Management, Coconut Cafe and Mmm Taste This. The show was broken down into 3 segments where each designer’s collection was featured by Mexican and Belizean models.

Mexican Baked Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Preheat the oven to 300F with a rack in the middle. Season the short ribs all over with 1 Tbl Fajita seasoning, then arrange in a 13 by 9-inch baking dish (it will be a tight squeeze). Combine the enchilada sauce, remaining fajita seasoning, lime juice, cayenne and 1/2 cup of the cilantro in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the short ribs. Using tongs, flip the ribs over and spoon another 1/3 of the sauce over top. Reserve the remaining sauce to spoon over the cooked ribs. Pour the green chilis over top of the ribs dispersing evenly. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast for 2-1/2 hours. Remove the foil and, if the cooking liquid is covering the meat, use a large spoon or ladle to remove some of the liquid so that the tops are exposed. (Note: the meat will look unappetizing at this stage; don't worry, it will look much better once it's done!)

Videos

A few scenes from the trip to Belize 2015, 4min.

Belize Beaches: Caribbean’s best kept secrets, 4min. Belize is a not-so-well kept Caribbean secret perfect for those that want a serious, private beach vacation. Here are ten beaches that fit the bill.

The Guadalupana, 2min.

Introduction to "The Birds of Belize" DVD - Version 11 - 315 Species, 2min.

Cristina Coc and the Maya Leaders Alliance win the prestigious Equator Prize, 16min.

Belize 2014, 4min.

Galen University Students Discuss Belize Politics, 50min. Students from Galen University discuss their opinions on Belize Politics and the involvement of the youth.

Boat trip to Belize, 2.5min.

December 11, 2015