Recent Belize News, 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016, BelizeNews.com

Cultural Presentation by the Reina de la Costa Maya 2016 Pageant Contestants

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

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC Clean-up Campaign continues
Early in June of this year, an aggressive clean-up campaign was launched in San Pedro Town in an attempt to eliminated excess garbage from the different island sub-divisions. The initiative targeted key areas of the island that are prone to flooding during the rainy season which in return can become breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying vector diseases. San Pedrito subdivision was the first to benefit from the program and on Monday, July 25th, the clean-up campaign moved to the Elliot/Airstrip Subdivision. According to Deputy Major Gary Greif, Councillor in charge of garbage collection, the campaign saw great success in San Pedrito. With efforts from the community and the different agencies involved in the project, San Pedrito is cleaner and healthier than before. “The collection of garbage in San Pedrito came from everywhere. Households and empty lots where massive amounts of garbage were got picked up,” said Greif. He commended the enormous support of the community, who welcomed the initiative.

Belize can have Energy without Oil
A bottom up approach driven by consumer demand and supplied by private sector cost efficiency is the best way to meet Belize’s need for renewable, clean energy and to reduce Belize’s dependency on fossil fuels. This would eliminate any need for offshore oil exploration which would endanger the Belize’s pristine marine environment and the $650 Million annual value it provides to the tourism, fisheries and disaster management sectors. This was the finding of a panel of scientists and many other youthful participants at a one-day symposium on “The Nature of Energy vs the Energy of Nature” hosted by Oceana Belize at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, July 27th. Belize’s climate change focal point Mr. Carlos Fuller from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (otherwise known as 5C’s) admitted Al Gore is a tough act to follow; as he outlined the seven areas in which Belize is preparing a national policy and implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change: first and foremost – water! The other six areas are all related to water and equally important to the national economy: agriculture and food production, health, energy, coastal and marine areas including fisheries, tourism and forestry.Oceana Belize Renewable Energy Offshore Oil-7

Dwayne Hyde succumbs to gunshot injuries
After he was injured in a shooting incident two weeks ago, Dwayne Hyde succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday, July 27th. The 30-year-old mechanic from the Escalante Subdivision of San Pedro Town had been recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City, but in recent days, his health deteriorated, leading to his death. The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday July 13th at his home. According to the police, they responded to reports of a shooting in the Escalante Subdivison. When they arrived, they did not only find Hyde suffering from a gunshot injury, but also discovered a second person suffering from stab wounds. The report further stated that at about 12:30AM, 22-year-old Kimberly Humes reported that while at home, she heard a knock at her door. When she opened it, it was her common-law husband, Hyde, who stated that someone wanted to kill him. Shortly after, two male persons reportedly entered the yard of their home; one of them was identified as 23-year-old Luis Manuel Carter, A.K.A ‘Wizz’ from the San Pablo Area.

More questions arise after gruesome death of Pastor Lucas
According to police, they had been tracking Mason for quite some time after learning about a number of criminal acts he was allegedly involved in. However, they could not act, due to lack of reports being filed by his victims. However, on that Friday, acting on information from their investigation, police conducted a search on Mason’s vehicle, discovering the severed head along with other incriminating evidence. The four men arraigned were with him at the time of the search. In the days after, it became public knowledge that Mason had been scamming several businesspeople in Belize and other countries. It was also revealed that he had close connections with certain high government officials, one of those being Belmopan Area Representative and Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar. Saldivar has been staunchly defending himself against any accusations of an illicit relationship with Mason. He also added that his contact with Mason was minimal and strictly business. In an interview with the local media, Saldivar explained that after hearing shady stories about Mason, he discontinued any further affiliations with him. Mason had apparently been contributing financially to Saldivar’s football club, ‘The Belmopan Bandits.’ According to Saldivar, the contribution summed up to around $50,000 over time. However, he made it clear that there were no strings attached following such sponsorship by Mason and there was no close association either. “I have not had any contact with Mason since last year September.

Misc Belizean Sources

From Fish Waste to Fish Wealth: Caribbean takes first step to maximize value of fisheries and aquaculture sector
At a time when countries across the Caribbean region are faced with economic challenges, innovation in one of its prime sectors—the fisheries and aquaculture sector—can spur the kind of growth needed to help buttress the regional economy. However, this kind of change won’t come overnight. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is working with Member States from around the region, as they prepare to take the first steps in converting fish waste to fish wealth—a change which could multiply earnings from the sector. “Going forward, we need to make the point that proper utilization of fishery resources is not about increasing production or increasing catches, it is more about maximizing value of what we are now taking and realizing the significant benefits that is possible by focusing on value addition,” said Milton Haughton, Executive Director of the CRFM. Chief Fisheries Officers, Senior Fisheries Officers and private sector representatives from 17 CRFM Member States learned about the application of the value chain approach to the fisheries and aquaculture sector when they attended a weeklong workshop held in Suriname last week.

It's a night full of beauty and fashion at Acquafino Resort
The International Costa Maya Festival pageant delegates are getting ready to put on a fabulous fashion show.

Costa Maya Festival: Day 3

Costa Maya Snuba Adventure on Seaquarious

Hopkins Day 2016- a successful event

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) policies on ID cards and payments at customer's premises
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises customers that all BEL employees and contractors carry on authorized BEL identification card. Customers should always ask any individual who claims to be conducting business on behalf of the Company to present their valid BEL identification card or contact BEL directly, if in doubt. BEL's employees and contractors are not authorized to, and will NEVER request direct payment for services conducted at customer's premises.

Basketball and Volleyball Workshops
The Cayo District Youth Council is having basketball and volleyball workshops at Galvez Stadium next week. They run from August 1st through the 5th. Thanks, CDYC! "Calling all youth in the Cayo District Seven Years and older to come out and join in a Basketball and Volleyball workshop August 1st - 5th (Monday to Friday) at the Victor Galvez Staduim in San Ignacio Town from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Come out as Word of life and the Cayo District Youth Council amaze you in a week full with sporting activities."

NICH brought Cellula to the Cayo Welcome Center, where they jammed out their rocking reggae beats. The music was energetic, and the crowd had a great time. Thanks, Cellula and NICH! A little bit of the concert: VIDEO. "The Panamanian Reggae group Cellula played a free concert at the CAYO Welcome Center on Saturday. They knew their reggae, playing many oldies, and some of their own creations. Having a trupet section, and a funky keyboardist set them aside. The rain didn't stop them from having a great concert. Thanks, Cellula! The after party was at Bamboo Bar, where the shots flowed like water."

September Celebration Calendar Launch
The Queen of the West candidates will be presented next Saturday, August 6th, at the September Celebrations Calendar Launch at the Cayo Welcome Center. The fun starts at 7:00pm.

Anti Corruption and Resignation Rally
August 6th at 10am, Marion Jones Stadium

The Reporter

Safer City Project prepares to launch SafetiPin App
The Safer City Pilot Project for Belmopan is preparing to launch its new SafetiPin Application, to help increase citizen security in the nation’s capital. The Ministry of National Security spearheads the project, with funding from the Evidence-based Information Management on Citizen Security in Central America and the Dominican Republic (InfoSegura) Project. Project Liaison Officer, Cuffa Ramirez, explained today Saturday that the project will launch the app on Monday August 1, at which time it will be free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store, for the residents of Belmopan. Ramirez explained that through the app’s global positioning system, when residents encounter something in their neighborhoods which can be viewed as unsafe, they will be able to pinpoint that location. She said that with this type of information being reported, it can be passed on to the relevant authorities to have the issues addressed.

SUV crushes woman’s leg near Michael Finnegan market
A woman has lost a leg after a vehicle careened onto the sidewalk where she was walking, crushing the leg. The incident happened at around 6:30 Saturday morning on East Canal near its junction with King Street, during the peak of the busiest day in that area near the Michael Finnegan market. Eyewitnesses told the Reporter at the scene that the driver, whose particulars police have not yet released, drove straight onto the sidewalk and rammed into the woman, before coming to a stop. Police cordoned off the area and took their measurents in the presence of the driver, who appeared to have been under the influence of something. They have also impounded thr blaxk SUV vehicle as part of evidence for the case, and have taken urine samples from the man to determine if he was indeed driving under the infuence.

Belmopan Day fair 2016 underway
The Belmopan City Council teamed up with several public and private sector entities today Saturday, to host the Belmopan Day Festival 2016. To accommodate the increasing size of the attendees, the Council held the fair at the Mae Gordon Park. The event is held annually, on the weekend before the actual celebration of Belmopan Day, observed on August 1. It includes live entertainment, including Garifuna drums, cultural dances, and booths selling products, giving information or promoting services. Businesses at the fair included banks, restaurants, credit unions, and auto dealers, along with entities like the United States Embassy, and the Ministry of Health. Belmopan Mayor, Khalid Belisle, explained that the initiative was coined to give residents a peaceful, family oriented event where they could express their pride in their city. The event is also a way to give the private sector a chance to engage the community and show what it is they are doing in the city.

Breaking Belize News

Women avoid death from traffic accident as driver tested for substances
A traffic mishap this morning across from the bus terminal in Belize City nearly proved fatal for two women coming from the City market. Police have confirmed that a black SUV reportedly crushed a woman against a lamp post causing her leg to be […]

Belize observes Emancipation Day
August 1, 1834, marked the formal end of African slavery in British colonies around the world, including what was then the settlement of Belize. But unlike its fellow Caribbean nations, Belize does not formally observe August 1 or the first Monday in August as […]

36 scholarships from Ariel Rosado Education Foundation
As September draws nearer, 36 students will not have to worry about where the money will come from for school fees and books for the coming school year. They will benefit from scholarships provided by the Ariel Rosado Education Foundation and its corporate and […]

Accident severely injures woman
Police have confirmed that an early morning traffic accident in the vicinity of the Novelos’ Bus Terminal on West Collet Canal in Belize City caused severe injury. Police say a woman was crushed between a vehicle and a fence which left one of her […]

International Sources

Top 7 Dive Sites In Belize
If you’re looking for a picturesque diving location, then Belize is the place for you. Located between Guatemala and Mexico, Belize is the second smallest and least populated nation found throughout Central America. Packed with adventure, exploration, relaxation and romance both on land and under the surface, this location has definitely earned its place within this ‘top diving sites’ series. Comprised of over 400 islands and home to the longest, unbroken barrier reef within the western hemisphere, you definitely wont fall short of things to do and things to see. Belize has a staggering 185-mile coastline of white sandy beaches, so there are plenty of places to relax, when not diving. When you’re not diving at world-renowned dive sites, or relaxing, you can visit the numerous historical Mayan ruins or explore the rainforests, hike and even go cave tubing. Belize is for divers and non-divers alike, so if you’re planning a holiday this year, make sure Belize is on your list. With all the incredible diving locations found throughout Belize, Ambergris Caye is known for its location. The largest out of the 200 cayes that are spotted around the coastline, Ambergris Caye is just a short plane journey away from Belize City. It is also the closest you can get to the Belize Barrier Reef. If you choose to dive with any of the many dive centers located around the dock, it will take you only a few minutes to reach this Caye taking you to an amazing dive on the deep spur-and-groove coral formations, which shelter the island or the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which we will talk about next.

Women's Fly Fishing Trip To Belize With Leading Outfitter Orvis
Vermont-based Orvis is America’s oldest mail order retailer, specializing in fishing and outdoor gear since 1856. It is also a premiere operator of fishing schools, clinics, and trips. This year Orvis is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their fly fishing schools, where their experts have taught over 50,000 people the sport. In September, they’re offering a women-only trip to Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. The four night trip offers three days of guided fly fishing and is appropriate for new and experienced anglers. The hosts are Jackie Jordan and Chrissy Atkins, two avid saltwater fly anglers and experienced coaches and instructors on the Orvis team. There are local expert guides as well, born and raised on Ambergris Caye, and they will share their fishing secrets with participants.

Sex ban recommended for British tourists in Florida after Zika outbreak
Approximately 50,000 British holidaymakers currently in Florida should avoid unprotected sex for the rest of the summer holidays because of the risk from Zika virus, according to government advice. An outbreak of four mosquito-transmitted cases yesterday prompted Public Health England (PHE) to advise pregnant women to consider postponing non-essential travel to the southern US state. But for the large numbers of British tourists already there, the presence of the virus means that they should refrain from sex without a condom for eight weeks, even if neither partner has symptoms of the disease and there is no prospect of a pregnancy.

Suffolk heptathlete Katy Sealy heading to Rio 2016 Olympics to hurdle for Belize
KATY SEALY is just one of three athletes who will represent the Central American state of Belize at the Olympics – despite living in Suffolk. The 25-year-old, who lives in the tiny village of Bawdsley, will compete in the 100m hurdles after qualifying through her dad who was born in Belize. Sealey is already a three-time Central American heptathlon champion but failed to get the qualifying mark to line-up against Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill in Rio and instead has been given a wildcard for the individual hurdles. Her personal best is almost three seconds off the world record set by American Keni Harrison in London last weekend. She said: “I never dreamt of going to the Olympics. I do the sport because I love it so this is a complete bonus.

Shake Your Booty to Brukdown and Punta Rock in Belize
Chances are you’ve seen the oft-played TV commercial about gorgeous places to settle down in Belize on the Caribbean coast of Central America. In the ad, we learn about the laid-back style of living there on idyllic, palm-dotted islands and along the mainland’s sugary white beaches - but for some reason, all to a rather dreary mood set by elevator music. Actually, visitors to Belize (formerly British Honduras) will hear several peppy brands of homegrown music. One is called “brukdown,” said to mean something like “broken down calypso.” Whatever it means, you can’t help shaking your body line to lively, accordion-backed tunes like “Good Mawnin’ Belize,” played there each morning on a number of radio stations to help get their listeners’ juices flowing for the day. A particularly spunky brukdown ditty is “Run, Mr. Peters, Run” recorded by the father of the genre, Wilfred Peters. Tagged “the King of Brukdown,” Peters and his Boom and Chime band entertained brukdown lovers all over the world before he died a few years ago at 79.

Jones to compete in Rio for Belize men's track team
Ties to the 757: A graduate of Salem High in Virginia Beach, Jones was on the track and field team at Hampton University in the late 2000s. He hold school records in the triple jump (15.57 meters). As a senior in 2009, he made second-team All-MEAC in the distance medley and third team in the triple jump. Career highlights: Belize does not have qualifiers for the Olympics, but Jones (along with Katy Sealy) was chosen based on recent performances. In last month's Central American Championships, Jones set a meet record in the triple jump at 16.22, which broke his previous mark of 15.93. He also won gold in the 400 relay. In Rio, he will compete in the 200 meters.

Rapper reclaiming his ‘Shyne’
THE recently concluded Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay focused on promoting local talent and music. This was achieved to a major extent until singer Barrington Levy introduced former Bad Boy Records rapper, Shyne to the stage. Back in the late 1990s, Levy and the Belizean-born Shyne collaborated on Bad Boy. However, Shyne’s ascent was halted in 1999 when a shooting incident in a New York nightclub saw him being charged and sentenced for nearly nine years. Son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Shyne (real name is Jamal Barrow), would spend close to nine years incarcerated in a US prison. Since his 2009 release, he has been very low-keyed, but the rapper says he is ready to return to the spotlight. “I took my time approaching making another album, ‘cause it’s all about inspiration... I’ve got to be inspired. I believe that I’ve done such great work that I can’t just come back and do anything mediocre, anything sub par. Reggae music, dancehall music inspires me. I started with Barrington Levy. Now I see Drake and Rihanna doing their thing and I love it, Justin Bieber. But I just want to get back where I started. So I am ready to do an album — reggae and dancehall. I am looking at the best 10 artistes. People like Popcaan and we are trying to make a link with Kartel,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Videos

Messaage from Marlon Kuylen, 2.5min. The new way forward for the revitalized Football Federation of Belize; fueled by passion and Belizean pride!! Youths, youths, youths...

Fun and Adventure Travel with Kendrick Kaufman in the Caribbean Waters of Belize, 7min. Please enjoy my video of diving and snorkeling that you can do from Caye Caulker. You'll see that I used several operators - and they were all good. If you haven’t been yet, hopefully it will inspire you to check out the world famous Blue Hole and beyond.

Gorgeous cultural presentation by Costa Maya Contestants!, 1min.

International Costa Maya Festival delegates modeling Top Notch clothing, 14min.

Aquafino Poolside Party with Costa Maya Delegates, 22min.

Cellula at Cayo Welcome Center, 2.5min. Cellula really rocked the house.

Scuba Belize 2k16, 3min. Turneffe Atoll, Belize

Belize Dive Video, 6min. A 45 minute dive video condensed into 6 minutes

Belize June 10-16, 2016, 15min.

Belize National Anthem sung in Yucatec Maya, 1min. The Belize National Anthem sung by a young Yucatec Maya girl from the village of Yo Creek in the Orange Walk.

July 30, 2016

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

San Pedro Library highlights literacy during summer camp
The San Pedro Town Library (SPTL) started its free Literacy Camp on Monday, July 25th for children ages 7 to 13. With 29 registered children, the camp aims at getting the island’s youth to become more creative, while creating better readers and spellers for tomorrow. The primary focus is on grammar, vocabulary, character building, basic anatomy, functions of the brain, and sharing useful information. The camp will culminate on Friday, August 5th, where prizes will be given out to the campers based on their achievements. Coral also mentioned that the library has extended their pilot tutoring program. Level II (over 11), can meet at the library on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30AM to 11:30 AM, and Level I (under 11) meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at the same time and location.

Former leader of GSU, Mark Flowers charged for unlawful sexual conduct
Former head of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent Mark Flowers has been replaced after being arrested and charged for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. According to police investigation, Flowers has been accused of allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl as recently as May of this year. On Tuesday, July 26th, after appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith, Flowers was read his charges, being two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, then remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to re-appear in court on September 26th when disclosure is to be given. A case management has also been scheduled for October 6th to take place in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. Flowers admitted having met the minor in the summer of 2015, but he strongly denies ever having any physical contact with her. He also pointed out that the report against him was done shortly after he let go of the minor’s stepfather from duties at his farmland in Blackman Eddy Village.

Finn + Martini organizes first ever Reina Del La Costa Maya parade
The Mundo Maya region was represented with vibrant color and sounds on Thursday, July 28th as Finn + Martini hosted the first-ever Reina De La Costa Maya parade through San Pedro Town. To the sound of drumming and cheers of the crowd gathered to watch, elaborately decorated golf carts carried the beauty representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama from Finn + Martini on Laguna Drive down Pescador Drive to the ultimate destination: Fido’s Courtyard and Pier.

Experience Ballet on Ice on Ambergris Caye!
For the very first time, Belizeans will be treated to a never-before-seen performance by the Russian Ballet on Ice. The world class ice skating show is scheduled to take place in both Belize City and San Pedro Town, and even though Belize does not have a skating rink, the show will be possible through the use of an Ice Equipment Complex (IPC). Everyone is invited to attend the once-in-a-life time show and experience a magical night. The IPC is a portable artificial ice skating rink that can be installed on any solid surface and provides the similar conditions of a natural rink. The performances will be taking place on Saturday, July 30th at 8PM and Sunday, July 31st at 4PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City and on Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:30PM at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town. For an admission fee of $65 per adult, $75 reserved and $35 for children (2 to 12 years), you can attend the show, which will feature performances such as “Swan Lake” and “Cinderella on Ice”.

Venice Basketball League to host tournament in San Pedro Town
Basketball fanatics on the island will, for the first time ever, experience a one of a kind tournament organized by The Venice Basketball League (VBL). The sporting event is slated for Saturday, July 30th at the Boca Del Rio basketball court and aims to unite all basketball players on the island while teaching new skills in the sport. The all- day event will see music and lots to eat. At the end of the tournament, winning teams will be awarded with trophies. Founder of VBL Nick Ansom told The San Pedro Sun that he began the league ten years ago at Las Angeles’ Venice Beach in California, USA. According to him, the beginnings of the organization were very humble, giving everyone who loves the sport the opportunity to be part of a loving community. “It began like an organized pick- up game of basketball, and we would play on the outdoors, exposing all that talent that people don’t get the chance to show,” said Ansom. Venice Basketball League-4He is currently on vacation on Ambergris Caye and brought 30 basketballs with the intention to give them away to players who love the sport. However, he never thought he would be spearheading a competition on the island. “Since we created this league, we have done tours all over the world. In addition we also have basketballs for sale and for every one we sell, we give one away. In the last month we sold 30, so I brought back 30 with me to give away,” said Ansom. He stated that the organization follows a structured team agenda and has evolved from its humble starts to be a reputable roster compiled with the highest of standards in ethics and talent.

Ambergris Today

Costa Maya Festival Kicks Off with Parade Organized by Finn + Martini
"Last Night Finn and Martini became the cultural capital of The Americas!" boasted Findley Halliday while he took time to rest after the Costa Maya Festival Parade to the Sashing event that took place last night, July 28, 2016. Finn + Martini sponsored and hosted, along with the Costa Maya Festival, a parade that officially kicked off the Festival celebrations on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Each of the eight Costa Maya Pageant contestants had her private golf cart adorned with their national colors, flags and emblems as the beauty delegates were the highlight of the parade that lead its way to Fido's from Finn + Martini. The crowds gathered streetside as the parade came to life with music, dance and the charima of the eight lovely delegates. Joining the parade were Miss San Pedro Iris Salgero, Miss America Latina Belize Michelle Nuñez, Miss Costa Maya 2015/Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle, the Miss San Pedro 2016 contestants, the Garifuna Charikanari Group and the San Pedro Roman Catholic Marching Band.

Three Belize Athletes to Participate in Rio 2016 Olympic Games
With just over a week to go for the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, The Belize National Olympic Committee says that Belize’s contingent is ready to represent in two sporting disciplines (Judo and Athletics) made up of 3 athletes, 3 delegates/coaches and the Chief of Mission, Mr. Giovanni Alamilla. Athlete Renick James will compete in the Judo - 90kg category, Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will compete in the 100m Hurdles and 200m respectively. Accompanying the athletes are Judo and Athletics delegates Franz Menzies and Deon Sutherland along with Athletics coach Denis Costello. Brandon Jones has been selected as the flag bearer for Belize at the Games of the 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016I Olympiad.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights ddd
Presented by: Mrs. Koreen Flowers, Sr. Assistant Registrar of Intellectual Property, BELIPO. Location: Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan Workshop Date: August 4th, 2016. Time: 9am to 12noon. This course is designed for entrepreneurs, managers and business owners who are interested in learning more about Copyright, Patent, Trademark and Industrial Design.

Splashers
Attention North side Splashers. We will be having a paint party at Captain Morgan's every Friday at 1p.m. Today we will be painting a turtle.

Stann Creek House of Culture
We are ready. Come on out and learn more about the Stann Creek House of Culture!!!!!

IDENTITY Youth Art Exhibit
Corozal House of Culture, Aug 5 at 7pm.

Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop
The Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop ended today with preparations for tomorrow nights performance as part of the Cultural Explosion event beginning at 7pm at the Corozal Town Central Park. We must give a most gracious thank you to a kind soul, Maestra Libertad Cal, who has instilled our intangible cultural heritage into the minds, hearts and souls of our young performers. Congratulations to our performers who were able to learn three Mestizo Dances within ten hours of study. We also want to thank our sponsors Atlantic Bank - Corozal Branch for nutritious snacks and to Bowen & Bowen - Corozal for keeping everyone hydrated!

We "dig" archaeologists!
On this Day of Archaeology, check out these photos of Antonio Beardall of Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize & other young excavators of the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance at Cahal Pech.

Chiquibul Forests Investment Initiative
August 4, Caracol Room, Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina Beize City. 1:30pm. Our Ministry and partners have been working very hard to make this happen! The investments will be unprecedented in scale and will definitely assist the many efforts to curb the illegal farming, hunting, gold mining, looting of Mayan artifacts, poaching of scarlet macaw, xate harvesting etc., occurring in the Chiquibul forests (from Vaca in the north to Columbia Forest Reserve in the South). Do join us to learn about and participate in this event!

White-Crowned Parrots
These adorable White-Crowned Parrots were confiscated a little over one year ago; they arrived at BBR as babies with clipped wings and worms. As you can see they are quite photogenic, as well as healthy and happy. We look forward to their release back where they belong, in the wild.

U.S. Embassy Belize OUT AND ABOUT
Earlier this week, Ambassador Moreno attended the Belmopan City Council’s Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Independence Park Rehabilitation Project. The City Council plans to revitalize this once popular park into a business and entertainment hub for all residents and visitors of Belmopan.

Boat for sale on Caye Caulker
Hey you guys looking to sell this 12feet yellow and black boat. Asking price is $3,000 bze. Price is negotiable. It goes as it is. Serious inquiries only inbox me for more info.

Poets Corner: John dah no Penner!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. John dah no Penner Is John dah wah fighter? John dah the “Big Deal” Did Deeno support Faber to get the steal? Dah murder the paper wrote Deh naah go tek back no chat Shuffle the deck Deeno ah the King a di pact Look how him bold and got bad back He have quell the people or deh vote deh gwen teck back A vote no confidence gwen bring elections jack A cabinet shuffle Has now become inevitable But Byner is in lots of trouble How please all his people Without forcing bi elections people Is this how the cookie will crumble Di pot di bubble

Costa Maya Festival Parade kicks off celebrations in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
A Parade of Mundo Maya Nations - International Costa Maya Festival kicks off with Parade featuring the eight pageant delegates of Miss Costa Maya Pageant.

Power interruption 7:00am to 10:00am, Sunday, July 31, Orange Walk
San Antonio Road, Price Avenue, San Francisco Street, Asuncion Street, portion Pasture Street, Dunn Street, Progress Street, Bakers Street, Muffles Street, Mahogany Street, Sapodilla Street, Ziricote Stree, Louisiana Road, Pineapple Street, Mayflower Street, Naranjal Street, Baytias Lane, Lover’s Lane, portion Main Street, portion Riverside Street, Queen Victoria Avenue, Bautista Avenue, Otro Benque Road, Petville, San Estevan Road and San Estevan Village. BEL to replace pressure device on 2 transformers at Buena Vista Substation.

Belmopan Roundabout Landscaping
The Belmopan Roundabout is getting landscaped. Thanks, BNE! "Belmopan Roundabout landscaping underway with the support of BNE and Pandora. Drivers, be on the alert to stop when the team moving plants to the inner circle. Appreciate your patience and cooperation as we stride towards a comprehensive road safety system."

Costa Maya Delegates Have All Arrived
It's been a busy day. We started the day meeting Miss Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador at Maya Island Air. From there everyone headed to Ramon's Village to Check In and then it was time to board a boat with Seaquarious Adventures for a Snuba Adventure. Let me just say, I can't edit fast enough!!! Next it is off to Finn & Martinis for a parade over to Fido's for sashing. (Please Mother Nature, don't rain just now. Thank you for listening.)

Moments aboard YOLO with Island Dream Tours
A quick edit of some moments from last evening. Thanks to Kevin, Heather and all the crew for a wonderful evening. Now, it's almost time to meet the rest of the delegates.

Channel 7

PM Barrow: National Security Minister Saldivar Will Stay Put
The Prime Minister returned from Miami today - and instead of standing to face the press at the airport - which his back can hardly bear - he opted instead for a press briefing at the Biltmore. Of course most of the questions were about his Minister of National security John Saldivar and his relationship with William Danny Mason. Jules Vasquez led off the questioning by asking whether Saldivar would be stripped of his ministry:... Jules Vasquez "Are you able to say anything about the standing of Minister John Saldivar as the Minister of National Security when it appears that there was a very significant relationship which was a beneficial relationship for at least Mr. Saldivar's sports team? Is he in good standing in your cabinet right now as the Minister of National Security?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Let me be absolutely clear, I accept that the optics of this situation is bad. Moving beyond optics though, I have not been provided with any material to suggest that any minister did anything that could be considered improper from the point of view from the bar of impropriety that would oblige the sort of action you asked about."

Supt. Mark Flowers Got Bail; Keeps Quiet
So, he won't hear anything from Mason, but would the PM listen to evidence brought to him by his old friend Superintendent Mark Flowers? He has that option now because Flowers is out on bail tonight. He was arraigned on 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse against a 14 year-old minor on Wednesday. Before he handed himself into police, he made the media rounds to rant against National Security Minister, accusing him of inducing the family of minor to make a malicious complaint against him. He also suggested that Saldivar meddled in Police business and got him removed as the head of the GSU, all out of personal malice. Saldivar has categorically denied all allegations, dismissing Flowers as a desperate man who will do and say anything to try to shift blame from himself. It had been rumoured all of yesterday that while he was at the Belize Central Prison, Flowers made contact with William "Danny" Mason, who supposedly gave him certain information, which he would be disclosing, specifically pointing to Mason's relationship with John Saldivar.

PM Says He'd Consider Meeting With Supt. Flowers
And now back to our original question, now that Flowers is out on bail - would the PM be willing to listen to him? The PM today agreed that he has a long relationship with Flowers going back to his days in the Esquivel Administration - and under very limited circumstances, he would consider speaking to him about supposed evidence of corruption and wrongdoing that Flowers claims to have:... Reporter: "One of the things that he said was that he had documented proof via emails and receipts and several other documents that there were cabinet officials as well as other government officials who received a lump sum of money that would parallel would constitute money laundering and he has that documented evidence." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Has he shown you the documentary evidence?" Reporter: "No he hasn't, because after that he was remanded to prison." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Well he is out now, isn't he?" Reporter: "Yes he was granted bail today."

Gapi Socialized With Mason Also
And getting back to Mason now, after some digging, the press has found out that Former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega was also a guest of William Mason. The media went north to go ask Vega about it, and after some back and forth, he admitted that he too had socialized with Mason. Here's how he put it: Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture: "I don't know where they came up with that, that I introduce Mr. Mason to the Mennonite business person. I am not even aware that anyone in the ministry took part on it. I spoke to my CEO and he said that the only thing he knows is that Mason had visited the ministry once, but not even he took part in introducing Mason to the Mennonite community." Reporter: "What about Manuel Trujillo sir?" Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture: "I didn't ask him, to be sincere, when they said the minister, I figured it's me and the closest to me is the CEO and that's how far I went. I don't know if Manuel Trujillo had any dealings. It's the first time that I even got anyone to mention such thing."

Ischelle Got Bail
8 days ago, we told you about the 5 persons from the Cayo District who were arraigned and remanded for the brazen robbery at the Income Tax Department in which almost 30 thousand dollars of taxpayer dollars were stolen. Well, one of those accused is Ishchelle Tablada, who is accused of being the driver of the getaway car, and tonight she is out on bail. The other persons she is charged with is 19 year-old Devon Brooks Jr. Seen here in white, 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., seen here in Green, and 33 year-old Richard Hyde, who is the other older man in white. David Cruz's mother is charged along with him and Devon Brooks for the gun that the robbers stole from the cop who was performing guard duty at the Income Tax Department.

Alleged Cayo Extortionist Jailed
10 Days ago we told you about the bomb threat that ABC store in San Ignacio received. Now bomb threats do not usually make news, but when the cops searched the store, they found a cordial note written in Spanish pleading for $2,000 dollars. Well it turns out a similar one was delivered to a store in Succotz Village earlier this week. Now, police have charged A 61 YEAR OLD SALVADORAN OF CALLA CREEK VILLAGE. He is CARLOS ROMAN DIAZ and he has been charged FOR THE CRIME OF BLACKMAIL. HE APPEARED IN SAN IGNACIO MAGISTRATE'S COURT and was REMANDED UNTILAUGUST 18, 2016. HE IS ALSO UNDER INVESTIGATION for the LETTER DROPPED AT ABC STORE in San Ignacio.

CWU and City Hall Sign Historic CBA
As we told you last night, the Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council hammered out a collective bargaining agreement which was signed today. It's a monumental accomplishment since it was first started in 1993 by then Mayor Stephen Latchman. And today, both sides were glad that a work in progress for 23 years was finally finished:… Audrey Matura-Shepherd, President, CWU: "Today is an historic day. Of Course it was not an easy battle but it was a battle nonetheless and we are seeing the fruits of it. It's not the most perfect CBA but it's a massive step forward and of course the Mayor and I have has our toss and tassels over things but I'm glad that we can sit down today and sign this CBA."

PM Discusses US Currency Fight With Ashcroft Alliance
Today's press conference by the Prime Minister was dominated by talk of William Danny Mason and John Saldivar, but the press also got to ask about the situation with BTL. Government and the Ashcroft Alliance are back in court arguing over what portion of the judgment should be paid in US dollars and what portion in Belize dollars. The Prime Minister says it is clear enough to government:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "The Central Bank is saying to government you cannot be giving 70 million dollars more in foreign currency to pay Ashcroft. The Central Bank knows why it is saying that. In any event government does not want 70 million dollars more in US currency to pay Ashcroft, because government is absolutely convinced that Ashcroft does not deserve 70 million dollars more in US currency. I need to be careful because the application is before the Caribbean Court of Justice with respect to the settlement agreement, but Ashcroft knows as I know and as God above knows that our agreement was for that award to be split, that is what we asked the tribunal, so that it would be clear how much of it was for the shares and how much of it was for the accomodation agreement and that the entirety of the accomodation agreement minus of course claims for expenses. The entirety of the accomodation agreement was to be spent on the people of Belize. That is the only way I would have agreed to any settlement. For him to come now with an interpretation that would see him not only get this additional amount in US currency, but in consequence short change the 60% of the award that is for the accomodation agreement and so shaft the people of people of this country is absolutely intolerable."

Marion Jones: Taste of Belize
The first thing that comes to mind when the Marion Jones Stadium is mentioned is sports, but how about food? And we aren't talking about the snacks and fast foods that are sold at a tournament. Nope, we are talking about Belizean cuisine. From now on, It won't be only sporting events that are held at the stadium, that is because a section of the Stadium is being transformed into a mini tourist destination in the city, where tourists can drop by on a tour and sample Belizean dishes. Today at the City Tastes of Belize tour launch we found out how this idea came about and what it means for tourism and sports in Belize. Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "We are looking for great things to come out of Marion Jones. it has been sitting here for a couple of years locked up but this is time that we can change it and change it for good in using it as a museum to generate funds for our needed sporting in Belize."

NSC Director Says MCC Parking Lot Is An Asset
While the Marion Jones Stadium is being upgraded and transformed what about the other sporting complex, the MCC Grounds? Well if you drive past Marine Parade or are a regular at the Princess Hotel and Casino, you would know that a portion of the MCC Grounds is being used to a parking lot. While it might seem like a downgrade, Director of National Sports Council Ritchell Dominguez says not at all, the parking business is actually helping to upkeep the facility. Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "The season is out, football is not playing, FFB is just getting ready, and we are working on it in getting up the lights. I think at the end of the month the minister is saying that we'll do the inauguration there because it has become dormant whereby nothing has been said about it or where it is or what we have been doing with it. We behind the scenes have been working, back and forth with the electricity board to get the lights up. There are several teams that have come forth and said they would like to use it for their home games and different stuff, but we're working at it and we keep that same money that you talk about the parking lot to be used on the field and get the facility up to where we want. Each facility has to maintain itself."

BTL Paid Curtis Swasey
And while the Prime Minister and the Government is working to pay compensation to the Ashcroft Alliance over BTL, we've learnt that BTL has paid Curtis Swasey the 25 thousand dollar award that the Supreme Court ordered them to. As viewers will remember, Justice Courtney Abel has ruled that BTL Shared the Corozal businessman's idea of lottery texting with the owners of the Mek Mi Rich Game Show, Sanjay Hotchandani and Minister Gaspar Vega's Son, Andre Vega. Justice Abel has ruled that Mek Mi Rich and Swasey's game, Super Slam Sunday, are basically the same. BTL is refusing to accept the ruling of the court because they insist that the did not breach a non-disclosure agreement to share Swasey's idea with the owners of Mek Mi Rich. There is an appeal lodged at the Court of Appeal, which hasn't been heard as yet, but Swasey and his attorney had to force BTL's hand by getting the Supreme Court to crowfoot their assets. Today, Swasey'S attorney, Kareem Musa, explained to us the extreme action that they had to resort to:

Cane Farmers Protest BSI Again; Not Happy About Bagasse Loss
Today cane farmers launched another protest against BSI. The last time they only had eight, but this they had well over 100. And the difference in numbers is probably because farmers got their second payment on Wednesday and it was less than expected because the revenue from the lost molasses had to be written off. Today Fred Ortega said the message has been sent:.. Alfredo Ortega: "We would want to see a huge number of farmers but what is most important into this is the message that is going out that we are not happy. These farmers that are here is a message that is being given that we are not happy and we are not acceptant to bare any loss because of the negligence of BSI." Reporter: "How do we see a reimbursement for this loss that has already been charged to the cane farmers in the second payment?" Alfredo Ortega: "What we are seeking right now is we want to see what will be the response of the SICB (the Sugar Industry Control Board). A letter has been sent to them for their intervention, I spoke to the chairman and he said that he has not received any response as yet..."

Belize Bank Funds Classically Trained Musicians
3 National Youth Orchestra members are heading to Trinidad next week Friday. It is the first time these kids will be visiting Trinidad, but they aren't going for sightseeing or tourism, they are going to work and train for one month. Today we spoke to the 3 talented musicians about their expectations of this trip and also to the Belize Bank's Executive Chairman about why this initiative was important to fund. The team leaves on August 5th and return on August 30th.

Shyne's $1000 Rap Contest
And Musical Ambassador Shyne Barrow is sponsoring another kind of musical expression. He hosts monthly open mic nights at BTL park to encourage lyricism and gives a nice thousand dollar prize to the crowd favourite. He told us about it last night. As you heard, the first prize is a thousand dollars, and the second prize is a cellular phone from BTL.

Shyne Touched The Stage With Barrington Levy
Shyne just returned to Belize from Jamaica where he performed with Barrington Levy at SUMFEST - which is Jamaica's premier reggae festival. He touched the main stage with the headline act and told us it is the start of what he hopes is a new stage of his career:...

Shyne Says Jamaican Newspaper Misquoted Him On Elected Office Aspirations
And while in Jamaica Shyne made many media appearances, including one in which he was asked, if he is thinking about following in his father's footsteps and running for office. He is quoted as saying, quote, "I'm going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I'm going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have. My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he's retiring and I'm succeeding him and my uncle." So Shyne's going to be leading? And succeeding his father? Did Patrick Faber get that memo? Shyne told us last night that it was a misquote:..

Gapi's Grand Summer Camp Draws Hundreds
And while Shyne is just getting into politics, Gaspar Vega says he's getting out of it. And if he's serious about his retirement, he'll surely be missed in the Orange Walk summer. That's because every year he has close to a thousand primary school kids in his summer camp. He's been doing it for ten years, and today, we got to see the closing of the camp. Here's what Vega had to say to those in Trial Farm Village who kept busy and made use of the opportunity:

Ladyville Jackers Were Caught On Camera
Last night we told you about the Santiago Castillo salesman jacked in Ladyville. Mark Lisbey was making sales in Ladyville when he was robbed of his knapsack with 3,843 dollars in cash and 4808 in cheques. Well, tonight police have surveillance images of their main suspects in the robbery. Anyone seeing these persons is asked to call police…

Channel 5

Prime Minister Admits to Corruption in Government
So no clear evidence means no repercussions for Saldivar, or any other cabinet minister, just yet. The PM admits that there is corruption in government and will always be corruption [...]

Will Barrow Meet with William Mason?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize today, and by this afternoon was seated in the hot seat facing a barrage of questions on a variety of very pressing issues. [...]

Will John Saldivar Face Political Repercussions?
It is believed that much of what Mason purports to have would involve Minister of National Security John Saldivar. Saldivar, by his own admission, was very close to Mason – [...]

PM Says No Evidence on Saldivar Yet
The Prime Minister pointed out that realistically speaking, many people from every walk of life – including politicians, police officers, pastors, businesspersons and common folk – were taken in by [...]

Barrow Says He Will Act if Evidence Surfaces
The PM also maintains that if evidence surfaces which contradicts what Saldivar has said – that he cut ties with Mason in September 2015 – then all bets are off [...]

Is Police Investigation Being Conducted Properly?
Where the investigation into the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas is concerned, there have been more questions than answers. Because the public is well aware of the accused murderer’s connections [...]

Mark Flowers Gets Bail in Supreme Court
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, is out on bail tonight after posting a bond of seven thousand, five hundred dollars, plus one surety of the [...]

PM Claims Flowers’ Fall From Grace is Regrettable
In the sensational interview prior to his arrest for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse, Flowers alleged that he had been set up by the Minister of National Security. Whether he was set [...]

So Will Flowers Get Meeting With Barrow?
The Prime Minister has stated that he will absolutely not meet with accused murderer William Mason, who says he has evidence to provide. Mark Flowers has basically made the same [...]

B.T.L. Settlement Back in Court
Following incessant and expensive litigation over B.T.L. since 2009, the PM declared the half a billion plus final payment for the utility company a vindication and a victory for the [...]

PM Barrow Explains Letter from Central Bank
That seventy U.S. million dollars in litigation has caused Central Bank to issue a dire warning to the Government of Belize, claiming that such a payout would destroy what is [...]

Barrow Says There’s No Reason to Panic
The letter from the Central Bank seemed a dire forecast, even with the Ashcroft-request payment aside. There is talk of the economy contracting two percent in the first quarter of [...]

Did Gaspar Vega Know William Mason?
There’s one more minister who today admitted that he had trekked up Intelco Hill to visit with William Mason. In Orange Walk Town today, we drilled the former Deputy Prime [...]

Vega Says He Did Not Receive Money from Mason
The former DPM could not say when exactly he met Mason, but was emphatic that he did not receive any monies from the accused murderer for campaign financing or other [...]

Vega Cagey When Asked about Saldivar’s Relationship with Mason
But is it fair game to remove John Saldivar from cabinet because of his connections and business dealings with Mason? Saldivar’s integrity is being called into question and by extension [...]

Blackmail Attempt in Calla Creek Village
There is a report tonight about a blackmail attempt in the Cayo District. Police received a report on Monday, that a Benque resident who works as a manager of three [...]

Cane Farmers Protest at B.S.I. Again
Earlier this year, a small group of caneros protested against ASR/B.S.I.; today in a second demonstration, the numbers had swollen somewhat. The bone of contention is that the miller is [...]

CWU and CitCo Sign Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Belize City Council and the Christian Workers Union have entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement on behalf of employees at City Hall. The contract of employment, negotiated between management [...]

Mayor Bradley Says Council Needs to Adopt New Standards
Mayor Darrell Bradley, who signed on behalf of the Belize City Council, acknowledges the need for City Hall to adapt similar standards as that of the public service, where employees [...]

Belizean Musicians Participate in Regional Workshop
Come next week, three young Belizean musicians will partake in a regional orchestra workshop in Trinidad and perform in two sold out concerts along with musical professionals in classic, pop [...]

The Biggest Summer Camp Concludes in Orange Walk
By any account, one of the biggest summer camp is held in Orange Walk. One thousand seven hundred students to be precise attended the event in the Orange Walk North [...]

Growing the Future Summer Camp Concludes
And in Belize City, another summer camp held its certificate ceremonies for the more than four hundred and fifty participants. The camp is the brainchild of Growing the Future Projects [...]

LOVE FM

Vega Seeks Intervention on Molasses Issue
As we reported, cane farmers staged their second protest for this week in Tower Hill in the Orange Walk District. The farmers are upset that they have incurred financial loss after a batch of molasses went bad at the BSI Factory. Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega was asked to weigh in on the issue. He […]

City Council Signs Collective Agreement
The Christians Workers Union and the Belize City Council signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement today. Present at the signing was the president of the CWU Audrey Matura- Shephard who spoke about the agreement and the negotiation journey towards signing it. Matura-Shephard stated that the union had to compromise some of the expectations that they initially […]

Senior Citizen Charged with Blackmail
A villager from Calla Creek Village in the Cayo District has been charged with blackmail. Love News spoke with the Acting Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo Police, Inspector Stanley Bodden. Inspector Bodden says while it appears that Diaz may have been acting alone, their investigation continue.

GSU Ops Yield Significant Quantity of Marijuana
With gang members and drug dealers having spending power to purchase firearms and ammunition via the sale of their products, law enforcement officers particularly of the Gang Suppression Unit carried out several operations over the last few days that yielded a significant output. The operations began on Friday, July 22 in various known gang territories […]

Amandala

American Bradley Paumen for Supreme Court
American national Bradley Paumen and his co-accused, his mechanic Lizburn Anderson, Belmopan businessman Jahan Abadi and Korean-American Hyang Choing Park, all appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith in her Belize City courtroom on Tuesday afternoon, along with their attorney Herbert Panton for a preliminary inquiry into charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to pervert justice. After reviewing the paper evidence and statements police had gathered, the Chief Magistrate concluded that there is enough evidence for a prima facie case against the accused persons, so she committed them to stand trial in the October session of the Supreme Court.

Alfonso Castillo, 30, succumbs to stabbing injuries
Alfonso Castillo, 30, a resident of Victoria Street who was scheduled to be released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, after recovering from being stabbed, died at about 7:00 this morning. On Thursday, Castillo became involved in an altercation with his lifelong friend, Raheem Marsden, who allegedly stabbed him. Castillo’s grieving family told us this afternoon that Alfonso, also known as” Fonso,” was scheduled to be taken home today to continue his recovery. His grieving aunt told us that he walked alone into the bathroom, from his bed in the ward, but a man who saw him go in noticed that he did not come out. He immediately alerted a nurse, who went into the bathroom to see what was happening, and discovered Fonso slumped over on the toilet seat. Immediate attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he was unresponsive.

16-year-old Tyrese “Tydie” Carcamo succumbs
Tyrese “Tydie” Carcamo, 16, was pronounced dead by medical officers at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) at around 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday. Carcamo had suffered severe head injuries after a taxi heading in the direction of Belize City on the George Price Highway knocked him off his bicycle on Monday evening. The taxi reportedly was attempting to overtake the cyclist, but its front bumper hit the rear end of the bicycle. The minor was thrown several feet up into the air and landed on the windshield of the taxi being driven at the time by Edward Kennedy Castellanos, 41.

Perilous times!
A demand from British billionaire Michael Ashcroft to have the Government of Belize pay US$70 million more to him in foreign currency, rather than the $134.9 million paid to him in Belize currency a couple of weeks ago, could push Belize to the brink of devaluation if the Central Bank of Belize accedes to a request from the Government of Belize to obtain the foreign currency. The dispute between the parties is going before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), for a decision, but Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre wrote Financial Secretary Joseph Waight last Friday, January 22, warning of the “catastrophic” outcome that would be visited upon the country. On Monday, July 25, Waight told Amandala that the Government of Belize paid US$29.5 million and BZD$134.9 million in compensation, plus 827,000 British pounds in legal fees and 33,000 Euros in arbitration costs. However, the Ashcroft group wants the funds that were paid in BZ dollars to be paid instead in US dollars.

Ashcroft alliance seeks enforcement of Settlement Agreement at the CCJ
After several years of litigation between the Government of Belize and a group of companies collectively referred to as the Ashcroft alliance, a Settlement Agreement was worked out last September in Miami between Lord Michael Ashcroft and Prime Minister Dean Barrow over the government payment for the nationalization of the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). This morning, however, a panel of three Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judges convened a teleconference hearing between Trinidad and Belize and for almost one hour, the case management particulars of an application brought by the Ashcroft alliance, which is seeking enforcement of the Settlement Agreement, was hammered out and dates for submissions and a substantive hearing were agreed upon between the parties.

Cane farmers protest against ASR/BSI for loss of revenue from spoiled molasses
Orange Walk police were frantically called for security purposes after a group of cañeros, about a dozen, descended upon the entrance to the Belize Sugar Industry’s (BSI) compound at Tower Hill on Tuesday in protest. The cañeros are up in arms after BSI, owned by American Sugar Refining (ASR), proposed that cane farmers cover 65% or almost three hundred thousand dollars’ worth of the value of damaged molasses which were to be exported. Earlier this month, Amandala had reported that several tons of molasses had been spoilt in a tank at the factory because of a phenomenon known as the Maillard Reaction, which occurs when hot molasses are pumped into storage tanks without first being cooled.

Football updates from Orange Walk
The semifinals in the Andrew Chavarria Football Tournament took place on Sunday, July 24, at the Technical Field in Orange Walk Town. In the first semifinal, Sinbad came from behind to drop Crystal, 3-1, with goals from Irvin Cardenas, Raheen Eagan and Osmar Duran, after Freddy Popper had given Crystal the 1-nil lead. And in the other semifinal, it was Heart N Soul with late second-half goals by Nelson Estrada and Albert Cassanova to clip Grumpy Strikers, 2-0, and secure a spot in the championship game. The finals will be a part of Fiesta Rama Weekend at People’s Stadium this Sunday.

Bus from Punta Gorda for BAA Nationals this weekend
The Belize Athletic Association (BAA) would like to announce, that for the BAA Nationals on Saturday and Sunday July 30-31, there will be a James bus coming from Punta Gorda to Belize City on Saturday, July 30; returning the same day. The bus will make a stop in Dangriga and Belmopan to pick up athletes from those areas and Cayo. The bus will leave from Punta Gorda at 4:30 in the morning.

Belize Junior Cycling Team to St. Lucia for Caribbean Championships
The Belize National Junior Cycling Team leaves Belize today en route to Saint Lucia to compete in the 2016 Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships. The Team comprises of 3 Juniors, 3 Youths and 3 Officials. We leave Belize on Thursday, arrive in St. Lucia on Friday, and depart on Tuesday, August 2. The team will participate in a 40 mile road race for Youth and a 60 mile road race for Juniors, both to be held on Sunday. Apart from that, Kaydine Pinello and Patrick Williams will take part in the Individual Time Trial on Saturday. Updates, pictures and videos for the races will be posted to the Cycling Federation’s Facebook page (cycling federation of BELIZE).

Emancipation or Centenary
In West Africa, the ancestors of Belize’s African population grew crops in the earth to feed themselves. They fished in the creeks, the lagoons, the rivers and the ocean to feed themselves. And they hunted birds and animals in the jungle to feed themselves. Where food was concerned, our pre-slavery ancestors were self-sufficient. Things changed dramatically when our people were brought here chained in slave ships to work in the woodcutting industry of Belize’s forests. The slavemasters controlled most of the food, which was imported in the same sailing ships which, on their outward journey, carried the logs and lumber to England, and afterwards America. There was a chronic labor shortage in Belize’s woodcutting industry, and slavemasters prevented black people from owning and developing land. The settlement of Belize was about forests, not farming. In fact, the situation was more complicated than that. The Spanish in the Yucatan who claimed the territory of Belize in the name of the King of Spain, signed treaties with the British Baymen which allowed the Baymen to cut down trees as long as they did not grow food crops.

From the Publisher
At what specific point Ralph Fonseca became G. Michael Reid’s employer, guru, mentor, or whatever, I can’t say for sure, except that it was probably sometime during the first Said Musa People’s United Party (PUP) government, which lasted from August of 1998 until March of 2003. As my friends know, I have been one of G. Mike’s favorite subjects, or targets. I pay attention to him, because G. Mike is an intelligent guy who is a very talented writer. I usually restrain myself when it comes to answering him, though, one reason being that he and I are perhaps too much alike in personality, and things could get rough. Sometimes when I see G. Mike and Marshall Nunez on the PUP television station, I am tempted to call in and initiate a discourse about semi-pro basketball. I can’t see how G. Mike would have been in the Ralph Fonseca camp in the early part of 1998, because John Saldivar, in the promotion and exaltation of the doomed Manuel Esquivel United Democratic Party (UDP) government, was selling G. Mike a dream. Reid bought the CARICOM basketball tournament hype – hook, line, and sinker.

Letter to the Editor: Even the Vatican…
Dear Editor, Belizeans must be among the most charitable and patient people on earth for putting up with the charade that describes politics in Belize. While it’s always a good idea to live in the present and not be encumbered with the past — which is gone and cannot be changed or influenced in any way — in reading the Editorial in this paper dated July 27 with its recitation of some of the more recent examples of overt GOB malfeasance, I found it impossible to ignore reaching one of two miserable conclusions, neither of which bodes well for the future of Belize. First of all, one can conclude that the Government—despite their own opinion of their individual merits — is simply incompetent and not up to the task of governing, in which case the “Honorable” members should find another profession where they would do less harm; running a lemonade stand comes to mind, can’t do too much harm there, I suppose.

Belize: Nation Of God Or Nation Of Laws
We find ourselves in a dilemma in Belize today: are we a nation of God or a nation of laws? The answer is not as easy as some would believe. Belize is in a transitional time warp that can be better understood if we saw our collective consciousness in two parts: pre-independence and post-independence. If the same question was posed fifty years ago, the answer would be a resounding: we are a nation of God! While we were never a theocracy by any means, the Christian religious values which underpinned our collective value system made it no question that the majority of us acknowledge the supremacy of God in our personal and collective lives and thus it is not surprising that that God consciousness forms a part of the first principle in the preamble of our constitution. During those days none would have dared challenge the constitutionality of that fundamental principle, out of reverence, or out of fear of being ostracized by this powerful collective consciousness. Questioning God was evidence of blasphemy.

New HIV infections in Belize rank high on regional scale
Whereas the Caribbean has seen a 9% rise in the number of new HIV cases, the incidences have increased far more in Belize—by more than 20% from 2010 to 2015, according to the Prevention GAP Report (2016) recently published by UNAIDS. The report noted that Belize is in fact among the countries with the highest rate of increase, ranking 4th among 27 and well above the regional average. “Among adults in Latin America, the annual number of new HIV infections has slowly risen since 2000, reaching about 91,000 [76,000–109 000] in 2015. Increases were greatest, above 20%, between 2010 and 2015 in select countries in Central America, including Belize, Nicaragua, and Guatemala,” the Prevention Gap Report said.

UEF celebrates 3rd annual observation of Emancipation Day
The UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) is organizing its third annual observation of Emancipation Day in a thought-provoking fashion. In 2014 the UEF through its treasurer, Virginia Echols, collaborated with Belizean Egbert Hignijo to host an eighteen-member delegation of students from the San Jose Community College and San Jose Evergreen Community College in California. Those students majored in areas of African studies, ethnic studies and anthropology. The theme that year was “Understanding Enslavement in Belize 2014.” In 2015 the UEF organized a lecture featuring Myrtle Palacio and Dr. Jahlani Niah.

Exports and imports down, prices up
Exports dipped by 30 percent for the month of June 2016, while imports were down by 11%, according to information just released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). Meanwhile, consumer prices continued on their overall increase, with June inflation reported at 0.9%. Citrus was Belize’s top export for the month, netting BZ$12.4 million, up by 400% from $2.8 million last June. The SIB said that, “Despite the overall contraction in export earnings for June 2016, citrus sales got a welcome boost during the month. Revenues for this industry more than tripled, from under $3 million in June 2015 to $12 million in the same month of this year, due to a surge in orange concentrate sales.” Meanwhile, crude petroleum, which recorded no exports during June of last year, earned Belize over $5 million in June of this year, the SIB added. “The total value of Belize’s domestic exports for the month of June 2016 was $36.8 million, down 30.2 percent or $15.9 million from the $52.7 million recorded in June 2015,” the SIB reported.

Louis Wade launches “I want my country back” protest during Cabinet meeting
“I want my country back,” chanted scores of Belizeans, joined by Pastor Louis Wade as they marched through Belmopan and converged on Independence Hill during the Government’s regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting. The protest, which took place hours after a candlelight vigil organized in memory of the beheaded Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, began at around 9 a.m. and concluded peacefully at around midday. Protesters marched in front of several governmental buildings, including those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Security and the Curl Thompson building as Belizeans took to the podium to voice their discontent with the status quo. According to Pastor Wade, the vigil held on Monday night was organized to allow Belizeans an opportunity to sympathize with the family of Pastor Lue, as he was popularly known.

Dangriga sports stats
As the Wagiya Football Club prepares for this upcoming PLB season, which will be starting on the weekend of August 13-14, Wagiya Football Club will be playing a pre-season friendly match this Saturday, July 30, at 3:00 p.m. at the Benguche Football Field against the Belize Defence Force FC. All Wagiya fans are invited to come on Saturday and see how your team is getting ready for the new PLB season. The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA), along with its Technical Director, Dennis Serano, set up its coaching staff for the Stann Creek District U-17 tryouts and selection. Our coaching staff is led by Harrison Cafu Roches, Kareem Haylock, Kenrick Nunez, Egemeri Flores and Nelson Flores, all experienced players. We want to thank these gentlemen for coming on board with us. Our coaching staff is presently going over players list, and as soon as they are completed, the selection list will be released. Our training continues today and throughout the week at the Ecumenical football field, starting at 4:00 p.m.

The Reporter

Barrow holds press conference
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize today Friday, and immediately engaged the media in a discussion on national issues. Barrow held a press conference at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel, where he spoke on the implications the ongoing case of William Mason […]

Former GSU boss out on bail
Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) of the Belize Police Department, is out on bail having been charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. Flowers appeared before Justice Adolf Lucas today Friday, who granted bail in the sum of $7,500 […]

CitCo and CWU sign CBA
Today Friday, the Belize City Council and the Christian Workers Union (CWU) signed a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), marking the end of some 23 years of negotiations and attempts. The parties gathered at the office of the Labour Department for the formal signing activity. Under […]

Growing a Bright Future Program wraps up summer classes
Today Friday, the Growing a Bright Future summer program, held its closing exercise for its Belize City cohort. Director of the program, Peter Lacey, explained that the closing, held at the Radisson fort George Hotel and Marina, was one of several being conducted at various […]

Zika expected to get worse before it subsides
The Zika virus is expected to spread aggressively and get worse before it begins to subside, a new research suggests. While a recent study has predicted that Zika will be around for about three more years, the new research suggests that the situation could get […]

Largest Mayan tomb discovered at Xunantunich
Archaeologists came a step closer to unravelling the secrets of the ancient Mayas as one of the largest tomb to ever be discovered in Belize was found at the Xunantunich Maya site last Tuesday. History was made as archaeologist, Dr. Jaime Awe, excavated the first tomb to […]

CDB launches poverty assessment program
To assist borrowing member countries (BMC)s in assessing the non-economic factors associated with poverty, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched a new poverty assessment programme this week. The CDB launched the programme on Tuesday in Castries, St. Lucia. The initiative, valued at US $4.1 million, will run […]

Oceana and WWF fights against climate change
By Julia Arzu. Oceana, in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), presented part two of “The Energy of Nature vs. the Nature of Energy” workshop on Wednesday morning at the Radison Fort George Hotel and Marina. Belizean environmental experts, members of the Oceana school clubs and several other stakeholders congregated […]

Calypso Rose to receive WOMEX Artist Award
Calypso Rose, Trinidad and Tobago’s first female Calypso Monarch, will receive the 2016 WOMEX Artist Award in recognition for her outstanding contribution to the music and calypso industry. The award ceremony will be hosted in Spain on October 23. Rose first performed at WOMEX in 2006, where […]

GOB and Ashcroft Alliance headed to CCJ
The Government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance are preparing for another round in their extensive legal battle, this time, at the Caribbean Court of Justice. The alliance applied to the CCJ this month for an interpretation of the arbitration award granted by the Permanent Court of […]

BTL donates $10,000 to San Pedro fire victims
Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL), in collaboration with the Belize Red Cross and Angelus Press Limited, presented a cheque of $10,000 last week to assist families whose homes were destroyed in the San Pedro fire several weeks ago. Among the 27 families affected, many of them were children […]

Taiwan extends scholarships to 25 Belizeans
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is offering scholarships to 25 Belizeans to study at universities in Taiwan in a wide range of studies, through the Taiwan-International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship Program and the Taiwan Scholarship Program. Since 2015, some 281 students from Belize […]

Verdict delayed! Nation waits for section 53 decision
The Supreme Court, this week, rescheduled the date for the decision of the controversial challenge to Belize’s sodomy laws. On Tuesday, the day before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was to give his decision in the constitutional challenge of section 53 of the Criminal Code, the CJ had […]

Lake-I fire leaves six persons homeless
A family of six, two adults and four children, is left homeless after thier home on Olivera Street was completely destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning. Around 10:31 a.m. the Fire Department received a call from the police informing them of a fire in front Western Dairies […]

Mother murdered in Garden City
A woman was found dead lying face down on a landing in front of her home in Las Flores community, Belmopan at around 7:00 a.m., Monday after she had gone partying the previous night at La Cabana night spot on the outskirts of Belmopan on […]

Minor charged for musician’s murder
Police investigations have led them to charge a 16 year-old boy with the shooting murder of musician, John Rodriquez, widely known as “John Jay”, who was gunned down while in an entertainment spot last month. The youth’s age protects his identity, and police could only […]

Businessman shot dead at his bar
Nathan Underwood, owner of Nate’s Cool Spot at mile 21 on the Philip Goldson highway, was shot dead as he went about his work alone inside the kitchen of his bar on Friday night. Police say the 38-year-old father of three was shot three times […]

Editorial
The cane farmers of Corozal and Orange Walk are fully justified in expecting the Belize Sugar Industries to bear the full loss, amounting to some $432,000, for molasses which became degraded due to super hot conditions inside a storage tank. The molasses became frothy on top and then began to […]

Ashcroft wants US dollars – Belize can’t pay Could face devaluation
The Ashcroft Alliance and the government of Belize are once again tangled in a legal battle over a US $70 million payment that GOB maintains would bring the country’s economy crashing down if the Carribean Court of Justice (CCJ) rules in Ashcroft’s favor. Attorneys for […]

The Curious Tale of William Danny Mason
“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).” – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland New Revelations On Tuesday, July 26th, just hours before he would turn himself over to the police for processing and arraignment on two […]

Breaking Belize News

Cane Farmers stage second protest on Molasses issue
At least 200 cane farmers staged a second protest today at the entrance of the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) compound, refusing to incur any of the financial loss of molasses that went bad at the mill earlier this month. Since their first protest, Alfredo […]

Gaspar Vega says he had no affiliation with Mason
“I don’t know where they came up with that, that I introduced Mr. Mason to the Mennonite business person. I am not even aware that anyone in the ministry took part in it. I spoke to my CEO and he said the only thing […]

Returning P.M. maintains confidence in Cabinet ministers
Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow, returned today from medical consultations in the U.S., hosted in Belize City members of the press. Asked whether Minister of National Security John Saldivar remains in good standing with the Cabinet and Government, the Prime Minister stated that […]

Job Preparedness Training for 18
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with RESTORE Belize and the Department of Youth services, today held a certificate ceremony for a recent training program for 18 graduates. The objective of the five week training was to […]

Mark Flowers meets bail on sex charges
Police Superintendent Mark Flowers, head of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, has been offered and met bail of 7 thousand 500 dollars. According to attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, he has been ordered to stay away from […]

Belmopan police warns of imposters
Belmopan police are warning residents to be vigilant as there is information to suggest that there is a group of 3 to 4 men going around pretending to be staff members of BWS and BEL. According to police, the men claim that they are […]

Fiestarama 2016 in Suga City Orange Walk
Looking for somewhere to spend the weekend with the family? Orange Walk Town is the destination for this year’s Fiestarama. The annual event promises to be bigger and better. In an interview today with Mayor Kevin Bernard, he told BBN reporters that this […]

Central Bank Governor says giving Ashcroft more US currency could crumble Belize’s economy
Attorneys for the government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance were back in court yesterday over a dispute cause by the first half of the payment toward the BTL nationalization settlement. That payment was to be made by July 13 but attorney for the […]

Blogs

Costa Maya Pageant Explosion at the Fabulous Finn & Martini on Ambergris Caye
The International Costa Maya Festival, perhaps San Pedro’s busiest weekend, kicked off officially last night. It’s a weekend that starts with a Thursday night pageant – with ladies from each country in Central America and Mexico and continues with parties, carnival rides, music, comedy and more. Beautiful Michelle Nunez, last year’s Miss San Pedro, is about to head to Mexico for the Miss America Latina competition. Thursday night’s pageant is a big deal. Many of the ladies go on to Miss Universe or World and Finn, of Finn & Martini had an idea. Why not have an official sashing parade? And who doesn’t love a parade? Or the hustle and bustle to get ready for one. I stopped by Finn’s restaurant last night to take photos of the pageant mayhem…everyone looked gorgeous. This year is going to be a tough one. Here some of my pictures (and I am typing fast! we have a scheduled maintenance power outage right now in San Pedro for another hour or two.) The marching band getting ready… The carts were ready…

Jungle Play – 4 Amazing Tours Plus 2 Unofficial Ones
Not only did we feel welcome by Caves Branch and their staff, we felt welcome by our environment. Everywhere we turned we saw something unique and interesting. Sometimes it was hard to see the same thing twice because we had a multitude of choice before us and so many different lush jungle pathways to explore. Aside from eating and lounging, Aimee and I had already decided to do some tours while there. and we were both very happy that 3 of them were onsite. The others (including our flight) were all closer than many peoples workday commute. While it is not a deal breaker for me, nearby tours is a big draw on vacation, especially if I am not going to be somewhere for long. In this case 3 days went fairly fast. When our tour consultant was signing us up, he was all smiles at my indecision between which tours to take and wanting to just relax and enjoy the jungle without going any further than the walk to the dining hall, then back to our room. Every-time we did that walk however, we took our own tour time and studied the gorgeous botanical and wildlife around us. That few minute distance could take an hour if you wanted. There is so much to see and so many cool pathways to get distracted by along the way.

Belize Animals: 6 Must See Safari Contenders (2016 Update)
Belize is famous for wildlife adventures. You can walk through the vast jungles and intense habitat that boast of an incredible variety of fauna. Belize is graced with miles of coastal forest and Maya ruins. Explore one of the most extensive barrier reef systems in its Caribbean waters. You will simply love those exploring mangrove islands and white-sand beaches or snorkeling in the aqua waters with an incredible diversity of marine life. Belize may be one of the smallest countries, but when it comes to nature, flora and fauna, it certainly is one of the richest. Read on to learn about the must see animals while you are in Belize. This is truly one of the most diverse nature travel destinations that are virtually untouched by tourism. Do not forget to carry your binoculars and camera to capture some fascinating moments of wildlife.

2 gorgeous beach weddings, and more eye candy pics from Placencia!
Caribbean Beach Cabanas was THRILLED to host TWO beach weddings in the last couple weeks...one of them being a last minute decision on the part of 2 repeat guests!!! Our managers Sue and Carlos had a blast assisting with the wedding planning, and CONGRATULATIONS to the 2 awesome couples, we hope you come back to Placencia to celebrate your future anniversaries!!! Tonya and John...they wanted to do a very simple beach wedding, just the two of them, and our awesome go-to minister Barbara! What a sweet couple :)

International Sources

A Paradoxical Position on Youths Fleeing Violence
USA citizens can make themselves available to take in "refugees" in order to give full-time effective support. US Citizens can play a more active role. When the Obama administration announced an expanded immigration initiative this week to address an escalating humanitarian crisis in Central America, it seemed almost paradoxical. On one hand, the government was broadening a program for children fleeing three violence-racked countries there, allowing for more applicants to enter the United States as refugees. At the same time, the government continued to deport young people from Central America who crossed the border and asked for protection, sending some of them back to those same countries.

Is Zika In Belize? It Reported Its First Case In April
The Zika virus outbreak in South America had international repercussions, even jeopardizing the Olympic Games in Rio. Though the number of cases in the United States is still relatively small, threat of infection impacts daily life for many. One of Zika's biggest influences for Americans is on vacation plans. Travel advisories released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give guidance on when and how to plan trips to countries with significant Zika outbreaks, but it's difficult to keep track of every area that poses a risk to travelers. Is Zika in Belize? The country reported its first case in April. Between 2007 and April 2016, "64 countries and territories" reported Zika infections, according to the World Health Organization. Belize confirmed its first case in the same week as St. Lucia. In response, the CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Belize, asking people spending time in the country to "Practice Enhanced Precautions." The outbreak in the country isn't overwhelmingly large, but it's still a major concern: in June, the Ministry of Health in Belize confirmed three new cases of Zika. The CDC's warning doesn't necessarily mean that prospective vacationers should cancel their trip to Belize, but it does suggest that they need to be careful to avoid infection. Since area mosquitos carry the virus, the CDC says it's particularly critical to avoid bites by utilizing insect repellant and protective clothing, using window screens and, if necessary, bed nets, and ensuring that the hotel they've chosen is equipped with working air conditioning.

Maya Tomb Discovered in Belize
Archaeologist Jaime Awe of Northern Arizona University has excavated a tomb at the Maya site of Xunantunich. According to The Reporter Newspaper, the tomb contained skeletal remains thought to have belonged to a male ruler, based upon the size and appearance of the femurs, skull, and teeth. The remains of an animal—perhaps a deer or a jaguar—were also found in the chamber, along with ceramics and pieces of jade. “What’s amazing about the discovery of this tomb is that, we know that archaeologists have been working at Xunantunich since the 1890s," says Awe. "That’s more than a century of continuous archaeological work at the site. And, never before have we found a tomb. Well, this tomb is also remarkable in other ways, it is one of the largest burial chambers we have ever found.”

Videos

Camp Starfish celebrates end of summer camp with parade through downtown San Pedro, 2min.

Mentors in Science BELIZE Ocean First Institute Documentary Trailer, 2min.

Growing up in Belize: Horseback Riding with Dad, 1.5min. We live on a remote, off-grid, jungle lodge in Belize, specializing in Horseback Riding and adventure tours. Here are a few clips

Belize Society of Composers Aauthors Publisher ad, 1min.

On my trip to Placencia Belize Central America, 7min.

Life Inna Belize, 2.5min. Specifically speaking out against crimes and violence that is plaguing our country as artist we are the voice of the people..

Quest to Belize 2016, 5min.

Belize Yucatec Maya children singing kolonte jaranero, 1.5min. Maya children from the Village of Yo Creek (Orange Walk District) singing in Yucatec Maya for a closing event in the village.

Reef Guardians Belize, 5.5min. TIDE's Reef Guardians Belize project wraps up. Final thoughts from some of those involved.

Belize Friendcation ("Better When I'm Dancin'), 3min. Our scrapbook of Belize in all its hammock swinging, zip lining, jungle hiking, cliff jumping, fist pumping, ocean swimming, excavation venturing, rain dancing, shimmying and twirling, memory making glory.

July 29, 2016

50 Kids on the Police Department "Get to Know your Country " program tour parts of Belize

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

Caye Notes: Fundraisers
adio-based fundraiser being held for Robert Perez: People on La Isla Bonita may remember when in September 2015 8 year-old, Katerin Michelle Perez, suffered from third degree burns. Through the kind efforts of the community, Perez was able to undergo treatment at Shriner’s Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, USA. Unfortunately, the family has been hit with more bad news, as her father Robert Perez was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. On Friday, July 29th, a radio-based fundraiser will begin at 7:30AM via Reef Radio 92.3 FM to help raise funds to assist his medical needs.

Major discovery at Xunantunich tells an unknown story
Nestled within the jungle of the Cayo District lies Xunantunich (Stone Woman), one of Belize’s most popular Maya archaeological sites. Not only does it attract hundreds of curious visitors each day, but it also draws archaeologists from around the world who hope to unearth new findings. During a recent excavation, the first Maya burial tomb to be discovered at Xunantunich was located some five to eight metres deep, and according to archaeologists, it is one of the largest in Belize. According to the Department of Archaeology (DOA), the discovery sheds new light into the history of the important ceremonial centre, which became one of the most powerful in the region. The discovery at Xunantunich located just across the Mopan River in San Jose Succotz and a mere kilometre away from the Guatemalan border, was made by excavators within its department and from Northern Arizona University USA. The exploration just recently began, and the team already have already discovered two important Stelae and a tomb.

Interoffice Football Tournament intensifies
Five more weeks remain in the 6-a-side Interoffice Football Tournament, and all 26 registered teams continue their efforts to earn a spot to play in the upcoming finals. Held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas), the games see football fanatics cheering on their favorite team. The next set of matches is scheduled from Thursday, July 28th through Sunday, July 31st at Saca Chispas starting at 7PM. The community is encouraged to show support of their favorite team. The following are the current standings of the different teams competing in the tournament:

San Pedro Lions and Leo’s Install New Board of Directors and Members
Lion Abel Guerrero led the invocation, and San Pedro Lions Queen Solani Graniel issued the welcome address. President Fatima Graniel also accepted a $1000US check for the recent fire victims from David and Debbie Reynaud on behalf of the Lutcher Gramercy Lions Club in Louisiana USA. It was then time to install the new San Pedro Lions Board of Directors and Belize Lions Zone 59 Chairman Raul Castillo had the honor of doing so. Each new member was called upon to pledge their commitment to the club, with Nigel Belisle accepting the position of President. Other positions filled were Vice President – Brittney O’Daniel, 2nd Vice President – Everette Anderson, Treasurer – Abel Guerrero, Secretary – Pamela Zetina, Membership – Fatima Graniel, Lion Tamer – Laura Arnold, 1st Year Director – Rosario Tun, 2nd Year Director – Flora Ancona, Tail Twister – Angel Nuñez and Bar Manager – Nigel Belisle. Incoming President Nigel Belisle then took to the podium to accept the position and address the audience with his vision for the future of Lionism in San Pedro.

Contestants for the International Costa Maya have arrived!
Miss Mexico was first to arrive, and she is thrilled to be in San Pedro. “I really look forward for a great show, meeting lots of people and experience the local culture. I will definitely do all my best during the pageant,” Said Solis. Next to arrive were Miss Honduras and Miss Guatemala accompanied by the lovely and none other Reina de La Costa Maya 2015/2016 Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle of Honduras. All the girls shared their excitement to be representing their countries in such a fun international pageant. Miss Guatemala feels very confident that with her experience she can charm everyone, while Miss Honduras is committed to follow the footsteps of her compatriot. Shortly after, Miss Belize arrived, happily embracing everyone awaiting her. Her excitement was infectious. “I am so excited. I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent Belize,” Argueta said. After a short photo session, the delegates were whisked away to Ramon’s Village Resort, where they will be staying while in San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

Shyne Barrow Wants to Be Belize’s Next Prime Minister, Working on New Album
Former Bad Boy Entertainment rapper Shyne Barrow, son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has been living in Belize since his release from prison in the US in October 2009. He’s kept a low profile internationally until last May when he performed via video satellite at the Bad Boy Family Reunion show in New York. It seems that Shyne not only has aspirations of becoming a famous rapper, but now wants to become the next Prime Minister of Belize. This he revealed in an interview with Bossip.com: “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have,” he said. “My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Free online SME courses available for entrepreneurs
El BID, a través de su Academia ConnectAmericas, pone a tu disposición una amplia oferta de cursos en línea gratuitos y webinars sobre comercio exterior, estrategia empresarial y marketing digital para ayudar a las empresas y emprendedores de América Latina y el Caribe a mejorar la gestión de sus negocios. Esta oferta formativa es totalmente gratuita para los usuarios de ConnectAmericas.com. Esta plataforma virtual fue creada por el BID con el apoyo de Google, Visa, DHL y Alibaba, para ayudar a las PYMEs a vencer las barreras de la internacionalización.

Costa Maya Festival 2016: Day 1Lots of great photos! Also, The Program is out!

Power interruption 10:00am to 2:00pm, Friday July 29, Belize District
Maxboro, Sandhill, Crooked Tree, Double Run, Salt Creek, Grace Bank, Gardenia, Biscayne, Rhaburn Ridge, and all villages along Old Northern Highway including Santana, St. Anne’s, Boston, Corozalito & Maskall. BEL to replace insulators on the power distribution system in the area.

Belizean violinist Courtney GillettRepresenting us so well as a member of the YOA Orchestra of the Americas on its European tour!

Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend!
A Hologram for the King, Daylight's End, The Nice Guys, Angry Birds.

Departure Fee Increase
The Border Management Agency hereby informs all tour guides, tourist crossing any border point that the NEW departure tax will be $40BZ per person. This is effective August 1. Departure Processing Fee: $30.00 PACT Fee: $7.50 Border Development Fee: $2.50 EMail: bordermanagementagency@yahoo. Phone: 823-3039

Reina de la Costa Maya parade!

National Climate Change Youth Video Competition
The National Climate Change Office (NCCO) wishes to inform the general public that due to the low number of applications and ineligibility of submission, the NCCO has terminated the National Climate Change Youth Video Competition, 2016. The NCCO hopes to continue this annual event in an effort to actively engage youths in Climate Change activities within the country. The NCCO envisions that the number of submissions for the subsequent years, in which the annual event will take place, will increase. The NCCO also takes this opportunity to thank all applicants for the time and effort invested in creating videos that depicted their positive climate actions in Belize.

San Pedro Town Council opens 9am today
We would like to inform the general public that our offices will be opening at 9:00 a.m. due to a scheduled power interruption by Belize Electricity Limited. We apologize for any inconveniences caused.

Belizean violinist is part of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas 2016 Nordic-Baltic tour
As the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA) makes its way across Europe, there is a young Belizean on board for the first time. Courtney Gillett is a violinist with the 80-member orchestra, which includes musicians from 25 countries in the Americas. The current tour includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. “YOA is the best, it tells you that you can make a change, and you can do it through music,” said Gillett in a YouTube video recorded before the start of the tour. Gillett’s achievement in joining YOA is no small feat. More than 1,300 musicians auditioned, meaning Gillett is one of only six percent who made the cut. “Being a part of the YOA tour has given me a great sense of fulfillment,” Gillett said while in Sweden. “And I get to represent Belize, a country which doesn’t usually come up on the international radar for many events.”

BCC & CWU sign first Collective Agreement
“Our Members at the Belize City Council, like us, have long looked forward to this date. We did not get all we wanted for our Members but on balance I believe we have a good first Collective Agreement on which we can build in future rounds of negotiations,” commented Christian Workers Union (CWU) President Audrey Matura-Shepherd this afternoon. The CWU President was speaking of the first-ever Collective Agreement between the Belize City Council (BCC) and CWU. The agreement is set for signing Friday at 2:00pm at the Belize City Labour Department Conference Room. The process leading up to the signing goes all the way back to 1993. All these years later, some 194 CWU Members employed at the BCC will enjoy a range of benefits, key among them better security of tenure. Henceforth, BCC Employees need not fear losing their jobs when there is a change in administration at City Hall.

"Cultural Explosion" in Corozal
Corozal's hallmark is our East Indian heritage and we are all proud of it and wish to preserve it. Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) in conjunction with COLCHA, NICH and NCIC will be sponsoring "Cultural Explosion" featuring Indian dances and Star attraction by winner of several awards and International Indian dancer Brian Mangaroo. It is all happening at the Corozal Central Park this Saturday July 30th, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. This is a family affair for everyone in Corozal. A night of enjoyable cultural presentations. A night to remember. Let us all support COEICH.

Emergency power interruption 5:00am to 9:00am, Friday, July 29: entire San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye
BEL to conduct urgent repairs to hotspots on the transmission system that supplies the island.

Music & Art in Nature Camp
The Belize Audubon Society had their Music and Art in Nature Camp at the Blue Hole and Guanacaste parks, and the kid's loved it. Thanks, BAS, PACT, and Giselle! "Children from the Buffer Communities of St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and Guanacaste National Park connect with Nature through Music and Art. They participate in Scavenger Hunts, nature walks, hikes, painting, and singing. We thank Music Instructor Ms. Giselle E. O'Brien for her fun session!! This activity was made possible through the support of Protected Areas Conservation Trust!

Pot of Proteus Vol 1
The first issue of Pot of Proteus, the new Belizean magazine, is online. It's aim is to highlight fresh, Belizean talent. It's worth checking out. https://issuu.com/michael-kalefuller/docs/pop . "It's HERE! Our first Issue "Under 30!" Click the link below to discover some of the fresh, young entrepreneurs and business ventures Belize is offering today. Exquisite design, inspirational stories, fashion and hidden talents worth discovering!"

Intermagia Returning to Cayo
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio is bringing back Intermagia, the magic tour that thrilled everyone last year. There will be 3 performances over the October 15th weekend. "ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF THE INTERMAGIA MAGIC SHOW TO SAN IGNACIO! The Rotary Club of San Ignacio will again present the Magic Show .....'INTERMAGIA' .....which was brought to San Ignacio....last year in October at the Octavia Waight Center... There are eight new International Magicians for the show this year! Coming from as far away as Chili for this around the world tour, some of these entertainers have performed in Las Vegas. It is an truly entertaining and thrilling show! There will be three (3) Family Shows with Matinees on Saturday and Sunday October 15th and 16th. It's a full two hours of laughter and amazingly fun family entertainment! "

Channel 7

Will Flowers/Mason Tandem Take On Hon. Saldivar
Superintendent of Police Mark Flowers may have called William "Danny" Mason a con man who he was investigating under cover - but multiple reports say that Mason and Flowers have linked up behind bars at the Hattieville Prison to compare notes. There are reports, which say that if Flowers gets Supreme Court bail - as he is expected to tomorrow - he will be making certain disclosures coming from Danny Mason - specifically pointing to Mason's relationship with John Saldivar. We'll be at court tomorrow to see what comes out of that, but the Prime Minister's Wife Kim Barrow isn't waiting until then to challenge a narrative put out there by Danny Mason! According to reports, Mason is saying that his company, "i-Cloud" got the contract to perform works at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, which is a project spearheaded by the office of the Special Envoy.

Broke Bank Benque: Mount Carmel Folds, Members Will Lose Deposits
The Mount Carmel Credit Union in Benque Viejo Town has been in financial trouble for more than 15 years now - and last night members were told that their Credit Union would be closing down. Why? Well, Mount Carmel is bankrupt, and the credit union is about to lose its headquarters to the DFC, to which it owes 454 thousand dollars -and cannot pay. And the bottom line for the hundreds of members? It's really bad news….they will lose all their savings just like that (poof) gone! The few dozen members who showed up to a meeting with the Credit Union League were given the bad news last night. Today in Benque Viejo, long time member David Ruiz told us it was like a sudden death:

The Storm After The Settlement
6 days ago, we told you about the new quarrel between the Ashcroft Alliance and the Government of Belize over BTL. They're arguing over US dollars, and they can't agree about how exactly the Arbitration Award should be paid. The Government paid the first half of the nearly half a billion dollar judgment debt, with 40% in US dollars and 60% in Belize dollars. The Ashcroft Alliance is complaining that this wasn't what was agreed to - they want the whole thing in US dollars. So, the Alliance immediately filed suit at the Caribbean Court of Justice asking the court to interpret the decision once and for all, and to make binding orders that the Government will have to abide by.

Central Bank Warns Of Dire Position With Reserves
And this just in, we've received a copy of that letter which the Denys Barrow says Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre wrote to Joseph Waight, the Financial Secretary. He does warn that Belize's economy cannot handle the strain of diverting anymore of the Central Bank's US Currency Reserves. He notes in his 3 page letter that quote, "…It is necessary to advise all concerned that it would be destructive for the economy of Belize if the Central Bank were to even attempt to facilitate any such requests to facilitate for an additional amount of foreign currency, given the currently level of official foreign reserves and other external demands facing the bank…the Central Bank…must…exercise careful management of the international reserves by balancing the foreign exchange needs of the Government against those of the domestic banking system, and the wider private sector. " End Quote.

Man Dies From Stab Wounds On Day He Should've been Release From Hospital
A 30 year old resident of Victoria Street, Alfonso Castillo was stabbed last Thursday and despite having an initially positive prognosis, he died this morning while undergoing treatment at the KHMH. Police had arrested Raheem Marsden for the stabbing but his charge will be upgraded to murder. Still medics have yet to determine what actually caused Castillo's death in the first place because, as it turns out, he was scheduled to be released from the hospital today. Emanuel Pech visited the family this morning and has this report. They say death comes like thief in the night and this morning the family of 30 year old Alfonso Castillo learnt that painful truth. It all started with a stabbing last week here inside an ally a couple blocks away from his home on Victoria Street.

Teenaged Accident Victim Succumbs
Yesterday we told you about 16 year old Tyrese Carcamo, who was knocked down from his bicycle on Tuesday evening. Well has died last night, around 6:35. Carcamo was riding his bicycle between miles 8 and 9 on the George Price Highway, heading in the direction of Belize City, when he was knocked down by a taxi driver travelling in the same direction. The driver, EDWARD CASTELLANOS said that Carcamo suddenly cut in front of him and though he attempted to swerve to avoid hitting him, - he crashed into the teenager. Carcamo sustained severe head injuries as his head smashed against the front windshield of the vehicle. Police have served CASTELLANOS with a notice of intended prosecution but are still waiting on forensics test to confirm whether or not he was driving with an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit.

Keron Caught A Spray Of Bullets
27 year old Keron Moss was greeted at his doorsteps by a spray of bullets. According to reports a couple of unwelcomed visitors knocked on the door of Moss's house on Farmers site area in Hattieville Village around 9:40 last night. Moss opened the door, but as he did so one of the men shot at him. Fortunately Moss was only shot to the leg. He is currently receiving treatment at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital but nothing appears to be life threatening. Still police and the family members of Moss are still trying to figure out just what motivated such a daring move which could have easily claimed another young life. William Moss, Father of Shooting Victim: "We were watching the American convention, my wife and I was in bed, when I thought a heard a noise at the door so my son came out and said 'what's going on with you guys?' and after that we heard gun shots. When I ran out here I didn't see anyone there. I had on my veranda light and everything but when I came out here I didn't see anyone, so I don't know if it was Tom, Dick, or Harry. When I came out, the door was wide open and I saw him on the floor in the parlor, he said 'dad I just got shot'. When I ran out here and my wife came behind me I said 'what? who shot you?' he said 'I don't know dad I juts got shot'."

Deliveryman Jacked In Ladyville
This afternoon in Ladyville a Santiago Castillo salesman was jacked in Ladyville. At 12:20 Mark Lisbey was making sales in Ladyville where he collected 2,743 dollars. When he stepped out of the store, he saw a man who had been following him from the previous stop. Lisbey turned away but the man then pulled out a 12 inch long ice pick and, a next man grabbed him by the neck. Lisbey fell to the ground and they took away his black bag which had the day's proceeds. The men drove off with 3,843 dollars in cash and 4808 in cheques.

Taken From USA, Brought To Belize
Thirty-one year old Luvia Castelain, was deported from the US in August of last year, and is in jail tonight, serving a 6 months sentence. She pled guilty to failure to comply with the deportee requirement specified by the Commissioner of Police, which is that she reports to the Queen Street Policed Station every Friday for 1 year. Magistrate Anderson was going to give her a fine but when CASTELAIN said that she was only born in Belize but never lived here and has to be with her children who are in the US, Magistrate Emerita Anderson told her that she has to make sure that she stays in Belize. Castelain had not reported to the Queen Street Police Station from January 8, 2016 to July 22, 2016, a period of 29 weeks. She said she was in Mexico during that time.

Peace Between Citco and CWU
Things got harsh between The Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council back in early 2014 when the security guards were put under private management. But, today the CWU announced that it will sign its first Collective Agreement with the City Council tomorrow. We'll show you that breakthrough agreement in tomorrow night's news.

Courtney Gillett Takes It To The World
We've featured the talented violinist Courtney Gillett many times on this newscast, and tonight she's sharing her talents with the world as Gillett becomes the first Belizean to join the YOA Orchestra of the Americas not once, but twice. She is The YOA is going on their 2016 Nordic-Baltic Tour, which will take them to countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Gillett is known in Belize as a violin teacher at the Pallotti School of Music, She has a Diploma in Music Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and a minor in Music from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She's also an active member of the of the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize. She becomes the first Belizean to make the cut for 2 tours. She was first drafted back in 2013.

BCVI At 35
The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired held its annual general meeting this morning and used the opportunity to celebrate 35 years of existence. BCVI has grown by leaps and bounds since it was founded in the early 80's and today they provide several essential services to the visually impaired, including everything from free eye tests to counseling and life training for the blind. And for the sighted, it's also a great place to get affordable eye glasses. Today we learned more about the role they play in the society as a non-profit organization that advocates for the visually impaired. Carla Musa, Executive Director, BCVI: "Today we were releasing our 2015 annual report and so in addition to that, we're celebrating our 35 years of service to the people of Belize. We were very excited to share not only what we did last year but our various programs and how everything connects and why this service is so important."

The Plan For Cayo
Last night, we showed you the Ministry of Tourism's Launch of the Corozal Tourism Destination Development Plan. It's part of an IDB funded called the Sustainable Tourism Project II (2), in which the Ministry is trying to boost traffic to emerging destinations like Corozal, Caye Caulker, and Toledo, which have attractions, but aren't as well-known as the blue chip tourism destinations like San Pedro, Placencia, and the Cayo District. Well, the Ministry says that though Cayo's Rainforest Lodges and rivers may be a mainstay for visitors, the district's lesser known attractions need more attention. That's why today, they launched the Destination Development Plan for that District. It focuses on the sites such as Chiquibul, Caracol, and the Mountain Pine Ridge area, and today our News Team went to San Ignacio to find out what they intend to do improve these areas. Here's what the experts told us today:

Off to The Olympics
The Belize National Olympic Committee has announced that Belize is sending three athletes and four officials to represent Belize in two disciplines at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Renick James will compete in the Judo - 90 kilogram while Katy Sealy will compete in the 100m Hurdles and Brandon Jones in the 200meters. Accompanying the athletes are Judo and Athletics delegates Franz Menzies and Deon Sutherland along with Athletics coach Denis Costello. Team Belize will travel to Rio on Monday, August 1st, 2016. Renick competes on August 10th while Katy and Brandon compete on the 16th. Brandon Jones will be the flag bearer for Belize at the Games of the 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016I Olympiad.

Dara Ride's For Hunger
If you watch the news with any regularity, you know grassroots philanthropist Joel Dara Robinson. He runs a feeding program for needy primary school students all across Belize City. He usually depends on generous donations, but to get additional funding, he's come up with his annual Bob Marley and Lucky Dube Reggae Tribute Concerts, and his Ride For Hunger. That ride takes place Sunday for the 5th year now, and spokesperson Kwame Scott stopped by to tell us why they want you to come out and ride with them: The proceeds of the 10 dollar registration fee will go toward funding Dara's Feeding Program.

Channel 5

G.O.B. and Ashcroft Group Back in Court Arguing B.T.L. Settlement
Attorneys for the Government of Belize and Dean Boyce, B.T.L. Employees Trust and Dunkeld International appeared before the Caribbean Court of Justice via teleconference this morning, for a case management [...]

Denys Barrow Says the Conflict is in the Split
According to Senior Counsel Denys Barrow, the objective of the settlement agreement was to bring finality to the question of recompense. He says that while the Ashcroft Group may have [...]

G.O.B. Says Regardless of CCJ Decision It Cannot Pay
Government has indicated to the CCJ that irrespective of the outcome, it is unable to make the payment in U.S. dollars. The Central Bank of Belize, in a four-page letter [...]

Central Bank Will Not Provide U.S. to G.O.B.
Government has put forward that it cannot meet a seventy million U.S. dollar payment should the CCJ rule in favor of the previous owners of B.T.L. While Central Bank has [...]

Central Bank Says Payment Would Destroy Belize’s Economy
An official letter which was filed by the Government in the CCJ proceeding comes as close as we’ve ever seen to G.O.B. acknowledging that the sky is falling. It’s dated [...]

John Saldivar Will Not Resign
Accused kidnapper and murderer William ‘Danny’ Mason is preparing to spend his second full week as an involuntary guest at the Belize Central Prison, but the bizarre circumstances of his [...]

Kim Simplis-Barrow Refutes Allegations by William Mason
The man with many names remains an enigma to the general public. We know where he is right now – that one’s easy – but we don’t even know if [...]

SanCas Salesman Jacked
Just before three this afternoon, there was a brazen robbery. Belizean salesman Mark Lisbey of Santiago Castillo Limited reported that after midday, he was conducting business at a supermarket at [...]

Keron Moss Shot in Hattieville
On Wednesday night, the quiet of the usually peaceful Farmer’s Site in Hattieville was shattered by the sound of gunshots. When police responded, they found that twenty-seven-year-old Keron Devon Moss [...]

Teenage RTA Victim Dies
Sixteen year old Tyrese Carcamo succumbed to injuries he sustained following a traffic accident on Tuesday between miles eight and nine on the George Price Highway. Carcamo was riding home [...]

BCVI Turns 35
Three decades plus five…that’s the length of time the BCVI has been around in Belize. To mark that milestone, the N.G.O. held an anniversary celebration this morning. The Executive Director, [...]

Rowan’s Story Will Be Told in Taiwan
Recently, the Image Factory in collaboration with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired, BCVI, published a book about the adventures of Rowan Garel. But tonight, with assistance from Taiwanese [...]

Renick James is Going to the Olympics
It has been announced that track and field athletes Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will represent Belize at the Olympics 2016 in Rio. While the Sealy selection has stirred controversy [...]

Participants Successfully Complete CASSA Program
Creating a Safe Space Agenda is an initiative that was being implemented by the YWCA and involved children and young adults from Belize City and Belmopan participating in various programs. [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Diabetic Dieting
Any person who has been diagnosed with diabetes knows that what they eat is one of the most critical steps in managing their condition. The diabetes diet may seem very [...]

CTV3

Stevedore Goes Missing
Thirty-four year old stevedore, Tylon Gladden, has been missing for over a month now and his wife Lourdes Gladden is today making a public plea for information on his whereabouts. Gladden was last seen on Friday June 24th as he left his home on Cemetery Road, in Belize City, to a nearby grocery store. But he has not been seen or heard from since. According to Lourdes, her husband suffers from bipolar disorder and his family is worried about his condition. Lourdes Gladden- Wife of missing person “He has been missing for one month now and he has a sickness named bipolar disease and when he gets in that state he doesn’t know anybody he just go leaves the family and he just go but he needs helps wherever he is.”

Officer Awarded For Job Well Done
A short ceremony was held in front of the Orange Walk Police Station this afternoon with the aim of acknowledging and awarding a hardworking police officer for the month of July. Today Police Constable Akeem Augustine was publicly recognized in the presence of his superiors and colleagues as he marched proudly to receive his certificate. Akeem Augustine – Police Officer of the month: “I feel great about it, I probably deserve it and I am excited for being police of the month for today. My fellow colleagues I would like to encourage them to work hard, to come to work on time, don’t be late.”

Kim Simplis Barrow Disassociates Herself From Mason
Accused murderer and kidnapper William Danny Mason has been behind bars since July nineteenth, accused of the murder of Dangriga Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Even though he is behind bars reports are that Mason is talking, making several revelations including, that he has a total of six gun licenses for nine millimeter pistols, a point thirty-eight caliber revolver and a shotgun and claims that a Minister of Government facilitated the process for him. According to News Five, Mason also allegedly made claims that he owns thirty percent of the Belmopan Bandits and has continued to finance the team. Mason is also alleging that a company he owns got the contract for works to the new Pediatric Ward at the K.H.M.H. What we can tell you today is that the Special Envoy for women and children, who executed the project for the new Pediatric Ward, issued a release today denying any involvement by Danny Mason in the realization of the project.

Ashcroft And GOB Back In Court
The Ashcroft Alliance is once again taking the government of Belize to court, this time to order them to pay 70 million dollars or half of the outstanding Arbitration settlement award, for the nationalization of BTL in US currency. The first payment which was made to the Ashcroft alliance on July 13th, was made with forty million dollars, or 60% in Belize currency and 40% or thirty-eight million dollars was paid in U.S. currency. But the problem arose when the Ashcroft Alliance contended that half of the total award, and not just the 40%, should be paid in US currency. The application was lodged at the Caribbean Court of Justice and in a case management session this morning via teleconference, the substantive hearing was set for August 19th. According to Ashcroft’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, the government of Belize agreed to pay 50% of the total award in US dollars and now that the time has come to pay they are claiming not to have the amount needed in US currency so the matter must be taken to the CCJ for final settlement.

Cane Farmers Plan Another Protest At Tower Hill Junction
Cane farmers from both Orange Walk and Corozal received the second payment for the 2016 sugar cane crop season yesterday but for many the amount was far less than what was expected. This year the cane farmers received almost fifteen dollars less than what was received for the second payment last season. This can be attributed to the general low price of the sugar and most recently the shared loss of the molasses damaged by the recent Maillard reaction suffered at the sugar mill. As you might already know, BSI’s decision to share the loss between the cane farmers and the sugar mill in a ratio of 65% to 35% resulted in a .22 cents reduction in the payment to the cane farmers. But cane farmers are not backing down and are willing to do whatever it takes to recuperate the financial loss even if it means standing in the hot sun to protest once more.

Chinese Join Hands With O/W Police To Fight Crime
With the continuous growth of criminal activity here in the community of Orange Walk, there is definitely the need for authorities to increase their level of patrol in designated areas throughout the town. In an effort to assist the police in their duty to combat crime on a daily basis, the Chinese community has donated a total of three bicycles to the department and of course, authorities are more than grateful for the assistance as it will be used in the most effective and efficient manner. Selvin Tillett – Superintendent of Police, Orange Walk Town: “We have three new bicycles her which were donated to the Orange Walk Police by the Chinese Association this will greatly help the police to do patrols within the town, we are short of mobility and with a bicycle we can get around much more easier and move more quicker to other areas we appreciate the assistance of all business community in Orange Walk because the entire business community had been helping the police and without the assistance we will not be able to police this district properly.”

PlusTV

Mark Flowers saddened at prosecution
Former Gang Suppression Unit boss, Superintendent Mark Flowers is tonight behind bars. It is a position he likely never imagined he would be in. He stands accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl. He has called it a malicious move on the part of a minister of gove...

Home invasion in Belize City
There was a home invasion in Belize City on Monday July 25. According to 75-year old Maria Sylvestre, sometime after 2:30 p.m., while at her home on Princess Margaret Drive with her daughter and her son-in-law, two male persons rushed inside the living room. Sylvestre reported to police that one of ...

One man arrested and charged for the Murder of Belmopan Woman
Belmopan police have formally arrested and charged 19 year old Josue Ortiz, a Salvadoran Laborer of Lirio St. Las Flores Area, Belmopan City, for the crime of Murder. This is for the murder of Bella Regina Williams who was found dead by her daughter on on Monday July 25th in their Belmopan home. Wil...

Section 53 decision wait continues
The decision on the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has been put off to August 10th, as confirmed when we visited the Supreme Court this morning. But PLUS News has learned that the main parties in the case did not receive notices from the court ...

High-risk prisoners are isolated from general prison population
Though by agreement with authorities they will not be mentioned by name in this story, a senior police officer accused of unlawful sexual assault on a teenager and an international con artist believed to have masterminded the murder by beheading of a prominent pastor are the two latest high-profile ...

Murder victims see charges dismissed
26 year old Rene “Fat Cat” Chavarria of Ladyville and 21 year old Kieran Morrison of Belize City were murdered earlier this year in separate incidents. But at the time of their deaths, both men were accused of trying to take other lives, and today those cases came to the Supreme Court. Prosecutor Cr...

SECOND CHANCES
Late South African statesman Nelson Mandela, famous for having served nearly 3 decades in jail before becoming president of his nation, was quoted today as saying, “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its hig...

The Guardian

Lloyd Freisen the man who alleges that he was kidnapped by William Mason came into the country where he gave police statements as to the ordeal he says he suffered. No sooner had he finished doing so than had he began to wrap up some of his business in Belize and left the country on Tuesday afternoon. Friesen a Mennonite farmer from Spanish Lookout left all his property in Belize and is now back in Canada but before leaving he spoke to many a person as to his involvement with Mason. He says he was introduced to Mason by Henry Canton. This is the same Henry Canton whom Frank Papa Mena says introduced him to Mason as well. From that introduction Friesen and Mason got into a business arrangement where Mason was to have assisted with the purchase of corn from Argentina which would then be shipped to Guatemala.

Courtenay Scares the media with law suits
Last week the Guardian exposed that Eamon Courtenay through his law firm Courtenay Coye LLP had collected in excess of 134 million dollars on behalf of Michael Ashcroft as part of the payment for BTL. One of the payments is dated July 13, 2016 where BZD $33,039,412.03 was transferred to account number 311204 in the Belize Bank "For further credit to Courtenay Coye LLP A/C No. 69512" held with the Belize Bank for "50% Compensation and Interest due to BTL Employees Trust." The second also dated July 13, 2016 transferred BZD $101,908,041.63 to the same Belize Bank account and further to the same Courtenay Coye LLP account.

Former GSU boss on remand for carnal knowledge charge
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former head of the Gang Suppression Unit, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. Allegations against Flowers are that he engaged in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on January 1 and March 15 of this year. The complainant is now four months pregnant. Flowers appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Tuesday, July 26, where he was read two charges of unlawful sexual intercourse. In the presence of his attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Flowers pleaded not guilty to the charges. Due to the nature of the offenses, bail could not be granted at the Magistrate Court. Chief Magistrate ordered that Flowers be remanded to the Belize Central Prison. His next scheduled court appearance is on September 26, 2016 when disclosure is expected to be provided. Flowers is expected to apply for bail at the Supreme Court with the assistance of his attorney. That hearing is likely to be held on Friday, July 29, and bail is simply a procedural issue. It is almost always granted without objection.

Hypocritical Wade
It must be the heights of hypocrisy for anybody to be behaving in the manner in which Louis Wade is behaving. He has taken up the mantle of being some kind of crusader on behalf of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas who was brutally killed on Friday July 15. What is hypocritical about Wade’s actions is that he is trying to somehow raise public sentiment against the government over the killing of Lucas. But what Wade is failing to tell Belizeans is that he turned his back on Pastor Lucas on the very day he was killed. By his own admission, Lucas had come to him for an audience but Wade categorically stated that, “he was on our list of people who had to go through a special kind of screening or vetting process.” Lucas had reached out to Wade and instead of receiving him as a friend even as a fellow pastor, Wade closed the door on him and chased him away. On Friday July 15, Wade wanted nothing to do with Pastor Lucas. Giving him the cold shoulder must now be eating up Wade, in fact on his appearances on his morning show following Lucas’ death he is looking more and more disheveled. He seems to not be getting much sleep and apparently is not even grooming himself.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presents 10 million dollar grant to Government of Belize
On Thursday July 21, His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of Five Million US Dollars to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Belize. The cheque is the grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize for the year 2016 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to help the overall development of Belize, particularly in the development of transportation infrastructure. The Government of Belize will use the funds to cover a part of the expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway – Golden Stream, Jalacte to the Guatemalan Border in the Toledo District, and for the Santa Elena/San Ignacio Downtown Bypass Road Project.

Two ambulances for the south and north
The ministry of health improved the mobility for patients in two health posts in the country on Tuesday July 26. Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin along with his minister of State Hon. Angel Campos officially handed over two new Ambulances to the northern and southern regional health managers. One of the ambulances will be deployed to the San Antonio Polyclinic in the Toledo district while the second will be used at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town. Also handed over was a pickup truck which will be used for Vector Control activities in San Ignacio.

Youth Empowerment Camp 2016 being held in Cayo
A Youth Empowerment Camp 2016, which began at the Saint Ignatius High School on Monday of last week, is ongoing for a second week with the involvement of youths from around the Cayo District. A total of 75 youths, ages 10 to 18 are engaging in useful activities that will be serving them for a lifetime. Now running for the 10th time, the idea for a Youth Empowerment Camp was first envisaged by retired Police Officer David Henderson, which has evolved over the years to now bring the best from inter-agency cooperation. From Wednesday of last week, members of the Election and Boundaries, the National Drug Abuse Control Council and the Department of Youth have been included in facilitating with the lessons. Both Cornerstone and the Belize Family Life Association were also involved during the two weeks program.

Belize City youths bonding at CYDP sports camp
The Hurricanes pledged to boost pride in Belize City at the start of the 2016 Elite Basketball League season. They did this through their play which led them to the city’s first championship in the country’s current top league. The Hurricanes made Belize City proud and residents returned the love by packing their gym during every game. The next season does not start until December of this year or January 2017. However, the Belize City Hurricanes are busy at work. They are not working to improve their individual games or strengthen their team; instead, the Hurricanes are working with at risk youths to improve their life skills and build relationships with individuals from different neighbourhoods. Almost 100 young men are participating in the Under-19 Life Skills through Sports Camp at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. The camp is one of the major activities through which the Conscious Youth Development Programme (CYDP) reaches out to young people in Belize City. Participants from Yabra, Queen Charlotte, Faber’s Road, Kraal Road, Lake Independence, Iguana Street, Jungle, Pickstock, Hattieville and Mahogany Heights will socialize and compete against each other over the course of two weeks.

Guilty by association?
It is being alleged by a Mennonite farmer that he and his wife were kidnapped after he was duped out of $300,000 by Mason or which ever name he goes by. The farmer has also reported to the police, that the Late Pastor Lucas was introduced to him by Mason the alleged conman as his financial consultant/accountant . Lucas he reported sat in on meetings between him and Mason in regards to business transactions between him and Mason, in the capacity as some sort of financial consultant/accountant. It has also been alleged that it was Lucas who was the person who ferried the money from him to Mason. In other words Pastor Lucas was a BAG-MAN or MONEY-MULE Since those allegations have been made, does that mean that every Pastor including Pastor Louis Wade, who knew and associated with Lucas were guilty of whatever crime Lucas may have been a part of? It is not farfetched to believe that Pastor Lucas was indeed in the employ of Mason in some sort of capacity having to do with finances, because prior to Lucas migrating to the United States of America he worked at the Social Security Board in some sort of financial capacity.

How much does Louis Wade know about what caused Lucas’ death!
Last week at the Ministry of National Security Press Conference, BIG MOUTH Pastor Louis Wade got up and spoke . He made the revelation that the Late Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, appeared to have been trying to reach out for help in regards to some trouble that he was in and had gone to see him on the day of his death. The way Wade made it sound at first was as if though he had spoken to Lucas on that fatal day. Now we are hearing from him that he did not speak to Lucas. Apparently Wade came to the conclusion that Lucas was reaching out because he was told that Lucas had made an early morning stop at PlusTV. He wanted to get permission to go on the early portion of the Rise and Shine Morning show to discuss a pressing issue. Apparently a staff member who spoke to Lucas informed him that he would not be able to go on that morning because Wade who hosts the show was not available to speak to him right then.

Deputy Commanding Officer of San Ignacio Police meets and greets
San Ignacio Police two weeks ago met with another Community in the Cayo District to forge community links. Deputy Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police Formation Assistant Superintendent Daniel Iche along with members of San Ignacio Community Oriented Policing Program COPP Team conducted a Meet and Greet on Wednesday 13th July 2016, between the hours of 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm , focusing on the Santiago Juan Layout Area in San Ignacio Town. A total of 18 families were visited by Officers where a total of 18 Meet and Greet forms were filled out. Some members of the Santiago Juan Layout community complained of bushy lots, poor lighting conditions on the backstreet and drainage problems during heavy rains. In order for San Ignacio Police to improve the service to the community, Santiago Juan layout Community members recommended more foot and mobile patrol in the Area, and for Police officers to respond quickly when called to check on reports.

Sexual Abuse of Minors Must Stop!
One of Belize’s obligations to its children is to protect them from all forms of exploitation, abuse and neglect; particularly that of sexual abuse. This very statement became alive and profoundly explicit when Belize became the fifth country to ratify the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in May of 1990. That initiative was a bold testament to our country’s recognition of the importance of caring for our children and nurturing them to be responsible and productive citizens. In this light, Article 19 and 34 of the CRC states that, “Children should be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind and to be free from all forms of sexual abuse”. Keeping this in mind, the recent numerous reports of sexual offenses against children and even infants by the media is more than heart breaking and severely troubling to the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC). Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children and should be given the opportunity to grow and flourish and therefore, NCFC reiterates that sexual abuse of any sort against our children must STOP. Regardless of the status of perpetrators, no one is above the law and that the only consideration is to seek to do what is in the best interest of the child.

Businessman killed at his business place
Family man and business owner Nathan Underwood was shot and killed inside his bar, Nate’s Cool Spot in Gardenia Village. It is believed that the gunman waited in the bushes for some time to ensure that majority of his customers had already left. On Friday, July 22, at around 10:30 p.m., The 38 year-old Hattieville resident was inside his bar, which is located at Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway. He was getting ready to wind business down for the day, and he was at the back in the kitchen area preparing food for one of his customers. That’s when an unknown assailant snuck up on him. This gunman is believed to have been lurking in the bushes for some time at the back of the bar. The shooter took aim at Underwood through an open back window, and opened fire on him.

Five years imprisonment for hungry homeless man
Codrington Carter, a 60-year-old homeless man, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment after he broke into the Mercy Kitchen facility on Wednesday, July 21, in search of food. Allegations against Carter are that he entered the building as a trespasser and caused damages to a door lock, surveillance camera, a sofa, a mesh screen and other items. Alexandriana Perdomo, Manager of Mercy Kitchen, reported to police on Thursday, July 21, that she properly secured the building at 4 p.m. on July 21 and set the alarm. At 2 a.m. on July 21, she got a call from KBH security firm who alerted her that someone was breaking into the building. Perdomo rushed over to the facility and there she met the police already at the scene. They had detained a man later identified as Codrington Carter, someone who frequented the Mercy Kitchen for over a year.

Bail for cop accused of shooting Nigel Castillo
After four nights on remand at the Belize Central Prison for the attempted murder of Nigel Castillo, 29, Police Constable Wallace Meighan, 19, and his friend, Travaun Chee, 21, are out on Supreme Court bail of $15,000 each. PC Meighan and Travaun Chee were charged on Monday, July 18, with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm with a firearm upon Nigel Castillo for an incident that occurred on Thursday, July 14. Castillo reported to police that he was at the basketball court located behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building at around 9 p.m. on Thursday when he was targeted by gunmen. Castillo was shot once to the lower abdomen. When police responded to the scene of the shooting, they found Castillo bleeding from his injury and immediately rushed him to the KHMH for treatment. Police investigation later led to the recovery of a pair of firearms and the arrest of PC Meighan and Chee. The shooting is believed to have been triggered by an altercation that took place on the basketball court earlier that night. They were additionally charged for one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Gilbert Arana who they allegedly intimidated with a firearm.

Drug seized in Cayo
Police have made a sizeable drug discovery in Cayo. On 20th July 2016 about 8:30 pm members of the Police’s M.I.T were conducting Vehicle checks at mile 54 on the George Price highway when they came across a grey dodge caravan van with license plate BC 44985 that had stopped at the check point. Police were able to observe that there were two male persons inside this vehicle. The driver was of Creole descent and his companion on the right passenger seat was of Hispanic descent. The driver then told the Police, “Officer we can work out something ok, caz I have a lee 30 pounds of weed in the back.” He was immediately cautioned. Both persons were asked to come out of the vehicle and a search was conducted on their persons; however nothing incriminating was found on them. A search of the vehicle in their presence resulted in the discovery of a red crocus sack in the back seat, which also had attached to it a white medium sack. Both sacks were opened in their presence, which revealed vegetable substances consistent to cannabis. They were informed of the offence committed and cautioned.

Gina Conorquie scamming again!
Convicted con artist, Gina Kelly Conorquie, 32, is in trouble with the law again after she was slapped with six counts of her familiar charge, obtaining property by deception. Former Special Constable Goldburn Seguro, 56, reported to police that Conorquie made off with about $9,000 of his money in a housing scam. Seguro said that Conorquie, going by her married name Gina Cherington, claimed that she was an agent of Minister Boots Martinez’s Housing for the Poor Project when he met her. She convinced him that she could get him one of the houses in that project if he paid her a sum of money. Seguro claims he gave her $1,732 on June 7, 2016; $2,497 on June 8, $1,777 on June 18, $2,100 on June 20, $150 on June 24 and $1,214 on June 27. Seguro said that after making these payments he realized that he had been scammed; therefore, he reported Cherrington to police. She was arrested and charged for six counts of obtaining property by deception.

Belize Athletics Association to hold National Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 30th -31st July, 2016. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete.

Belize City Council Dragons win in Firms Basketball Competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms’ competition continued over the weekend with a number of games played at the Bird’s Isle. On Saturday 23rd July, 2016, in game one of three games on the schedule, Belize City Council Dragons won over the BTL squad by the score of 91-71. The top scorers for the Belize City Council Dragons were Akeem Watters with 20 points, Andrew Vasquez with 17 points, and Kenroy Usher with 12 points. For the Belize Telemedia Ltd team, the top scorers were Mark Swift with 22 points, and Jason Vasquez with 10 points. In game two, Belize Water Services won over Central Health by the score of 98-94. The top scorers for Belize Water Services were Akeem Trapp with 28 points, Luis Barcelona with 20 points, and Lawrence Young with 16 points.

Belmopan Lightning Strikers won WestLine Female Football Competition
The 2016 WestLine Female Football Competition came to an end on Sunday 24th July, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town. In the championship game, Belmopan Lightning Strikers defeated the Belize Coast Guard by the score of 2-1. The goals for Belmopan Lightning Strikers were scored by Iris Centeno in the 50th and 56th minutes of play to lead her team to the title. For the Belize Coast Guard, Kursha Pollard scored the only goal in the 70th minute of play. In the third place game, Real West Strikers defeated Belmopan Lucky Strikers by the score of 3-0. The goals for Real West Strikers were scored by Vicky Ponce in the 54th and 66th minute of play and Kerianne Landero in the 64th minute of play.

Belize Softball Federation to hold Umpires Training
The Belize Softball Federation has announced that it will be holding an Umpires Training for intermediate and advance umpires from August 4-8, 2016. The Training will be conducted by the Chief Umpire of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Softball Division Robert Stanton and will include both theoretical and practical work. The federation envisions that this will be the spring board for umpires who have been involved in the game at the advance level for the past five years to move towards the International Certification for Umpires. The Federation is making an appeal to holders of a high school diploma, Associate Degree, or any higher degrees or teachers to make use of this opportunity to becoming a certified umpire.

Charles Solis Memorial Softball Tournament set for August 7
The VII Charles Solis Memorial Softball Tournament is set for Sunday 7th August, 2016, at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City. The Double Elimination Tournament will feature the defending Charles Solis Memorial Champions (Unitedville Rebels United), Camalote as a special invitation as issued by Charles Solis, the top team from each of the Affiliated Associations of the Federation. The championship will commence at 9:00 am on Sunday 7th August, 2016.

The band Cellula performs in San Ignacio
As a mark of the cordial friendship between Belize and Panama, the band Cellula performed at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town on Friday night and at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Orange Walk on Sunday night of last week. The six member team of Cellula played a combination of pop and roots reggae, which included some well know Caribbean sounds. Singer for the group Cellula, TJ Amboglia shared with us that the forms of music are made as popular as possible so that the commercial radio stations throughout Latin America can play it. Cellula’s main signer says he loves Belize, its people and climate and shared that the climate in Panama is almost similar to that of Belize. Cellula’s visit is made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture in partnership with the Embassy of Panama in Belize. Both the Hon. Elodio Aragon Junior from the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Culture and History also facilitated Cellula’s visit to Belize.

Belize City Center going up
The frame for the Belize City Center is starting to take shape and excitement rises with every beam that is erected next to the BelCan Bridge. Belize City basketball players have been homeless since September of 2013 when the old Belize City Center was torn down. The only “reliable” venues for hosting basketball competitions since have been the Birds Isle and Belize Elementary Auditorium. Without trying to be ungrateful to a welcoming host, Birds Isle would not qualify to host any mid-level league anywhere else in the world. At any time now, someone may fall through that court. It does have sentimental appeal so maybe the National Institute of Culture and History should look into establishing it as a landmark. The Elementary Auditorium is basically a hot box trapped inside a microwave oven. One of the three point line is further than the other and most ballers swear that one of the rims is higher than the next. Apart from that, the facility provides a decent playing experience. However, Belize City ballers are ready to go back home.

City Councilors provide school bags to campers
The Belize City Council is once again hosting two summer camps in an effort to engage Belize City youths in positive activities during the summer vacation. Councilors Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar and Jason Edwards are hosting children at St. Luke’s Methodist School, while Councilor Alain Gonzalez coordinated a camp for children at the Skills Training Center on Magazine Road. The Lake Independence Camp at St. Luke’s Methodist started on Monday, July 25, and has 100 participants from that area. In the mornings, the children have activities such as literacy sessions, graphic design and arts and craft courses and first aid training. In the evenings they play games and are divided into teams for friendly sporting activities. On Wednesday, July 27, the campers visited the Belize Zoo. The camp ends on Friday and each participant will leave with school bags and supplies for the upcoming school year.

Challenges of and plans to mitigate climate change
Climate Change is an existential threat to the world and small countries like Belize are the most vulnerable to its effects. In order for Belize to effectively mitigate the effects of Climate Change every citizen and organization must do their part. Oceana Belize is doing its part by partnering with the World Wildlife Fund to keep the conversation open in Belize. On Wednesday, July 27, a panel of experts sat down with lovers of the environment at the Radisson for a conference themed “The Energy of Nature vs. the Nature of Energy”. Belize’s top Climate Change authority, Carlos Fuller, made a presentation on the threats posed to Belize by Climate Change and the efforts being made by the region to cope. Special Guest Speaker was Peruvian marine scientist Dr. Patricia Majluf. She made a presentation on the anchoveta fishery in Peru and its overall importance to the ecosystem. She demonstrated how effective harvesting of a marine product can improve sustainability of the entire marine system. Anchovetas were being used primarily as fish feed but when this is done it limits the amount available for species that depend on them for food. By focusing on anchovetas more as a food source and not a source for fish feed, the population of anchovetas has increased which benefits the entire eco system.

Crazy house fence broke down and crazy people are everywhere
On Wednesday of this week it appeared that either the gate at aCrazy house had fallen off its hinges or someone cut a hole in the fence. From early as Tuesday morning some mental patients were calling talk shows and staging protest. However it got out of hand on Wednesday when some how a Crazy man Rivers got a hold on a telephone and called Wave Radio and started to spew obscenities at the two talk show host . He even went as far to threaten the two hosts with threats of death. We don’t know if it was because they had mentioned, that he could not spell too well. When the host said that he couldn’t spell too good , they were not being dishonest or telling lies on Rivers. One only need to visit his Facebook page or check on posts that he had commented on and his BIRDBRAIN CHARACTER would pop right out at you.

Twenty Five Belizeans accepted for scholarships in Taiwan for 2016
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that on Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at 09:00AM at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel, this embassy and Belize-Taiwan ICDF Alumni Society in Belize will co-host an Orientation meeting for this year’s 25 scholarship recipients, who have been awarded scholarships respectively through the Taiwan-ICDF(International Cooperation and Development Fund) Scholarship Program 2016 and the Taiwan Scholarship Program 2016. As of 2015, a total of 281students from Belize have been accepted for scholarships to study in Taiwan. More than 130 of them have completed their degree programs and have returned to Belize. Most of these graduates currently hold positions in government and public institutions such as Government agencies, hospitals and schools, as well as in the private sector. Currently there are still around 140 Belizean students pursuing their degree programs in Taiwan in various fields such as public health, agriculture, business administration, engineering and information and communication technology.

Young Belizean architect to receive trainings on Enterprises Development in Taiwan
A Belizean Architect, Mr Kristian Chanona, will attend a workshop in Taipei, Taiwan on the topic of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development for Latin-America in the first two weeks of August of this year. It is one of the two dozen workshops Taiwan offers every year as a means to help countries develop and contribute to the international community. Kristian is proud to be representing Belize at the workshop, and will share Belize’s perspectives and experiences in this area. Kristian was born on Christmas Eve in 1976. In the midst of holiday celebrations during a family visit to northern Belize, his parents, Al and Candy Chanona, unexpectedly had to cross the Corozal border into Chetumal, Mexico for the nearest hospital to welcome Kristian’s arrival. After growing up as a kid in Ladyville and San Pedro, and as a teenager in Belize City, Kristian finally completed paperwork to become a naturalized Belizean at age 17, and is a patriotic Belizean who respects its natural beauty and lifestyle it offers.

A woman murdered near Las Flores
A female domestic has been murdered after a night out with friends. On Monday 25th July 2016 about 7:50am, upon information received, Belmopan Police visited Zultana Street, in the Las Flores Area, Belmopan City where they observed the motionless body of a female. She was of clear complexion, dressed in a white in colour strap blouse, with her blue in colour jeans pants and blue in colour underwear pulled down to her knees, lying face down in a pool of blood. She was learnt to be Belle Regina Williams, a 34 year old Belizean Domestic of Zultana Street.

Erwin Adolphus sentenced to 5 years for firearm
An ex-parte trial for 26-year-old Erwin Adolphus of #15 Tigris Street, Belize City concluded with a guilty verdict on Thursday, July 21, after the accused failed to appear before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to face his charge. On August 17, 2014, Adolphus was busted by police with a .22 revolver with no serial number on it. The firearm was empty so police charged him only for keeping an unlicensed firearm. The trial commenced on Thursday but Adolphus failed to show up. Since he was not present at his own trial, Adolphus did not get the chance to challenge the prosecution’s evidence they presented against him. Within two hours the case concluded with a guilty verdict. Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced Adolphus to five years imprisonment. He was picked up in the afternoon by police and transported to the Belize Central Prison to begin serving his sentence.

Belmopan teacher killed in Orange Walk
The body of Marcelo Azueta, a Teacher at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School, was found on Sunday morning, July 24. It appears that someone cut his throat, and left his body near to his house. At this time, however, police don’t know why he was killed. According to Police, their investigation has since revealed that at around 3 a.m. that Sunday, someone passing by on Saint Peters Street in Orange Walk Town heard a man cry out loudly. Shortly thereafter, 2 men were seen speeding away from the area on bicycles. The persons who heard the man cry out did not realize that it was Azueta, and that he had been hurt. It was not until just over 2 hours later, that the teacher’s body was discovered. He was very near to his home when his attacker or attackers came upon him.

5 charged for Income Tax heist
Belmopan Police have arrested and charged 5 persons in connection with the robbery at the Belmopan Income Tax Department Office in which almost 30 thousand dollars of government funds were stolen. The principal accused culprits are 19 year-old Devin Brooks Jr., 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., and 33 year-old Richard Hyde. The cops say that these 3 men pulled off the daring armed heist of the Income Tax employees and the police officer who was providing security. These 3 Cayo residents allegedly walked out the door with the stolen loot, and the cop’s service firearm, and they got into a getaway car, which, according to police, was being driven by Ishchelle Tablada, and all 4 escaped. After an intensive investigation, the police recovered some of the stolen cash, the stolen weapon, and some of the items that these accused persons are suspected of purchasing with the stolen money.

Charges fail against Ryan Rhaburn
After about 96 hours in the detention of Belmopan Police, Ryan Rhaburn, who is an employee of the now infamous William Mason, was released without charges at his arraignment for kidnapping. Rhaburn was to be charged in connection with the abduction a Menonnite couple, Lloyd Freisen and his wife. That was the incident which placed William Mason on the police watch list 2 months before the beheading murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, for which the cops think he (Mason) was the mastermind. Freisen had been hiding in Canada for some two months allegedly in fear of his life. That’s because accused murderer and con-man William Mason, who is known as Ted Oulette, or Guyanese Rajesh Ouellet, had allegedly kidnapped him and threatened his family, and extorted him.

Shawn Cook charged for stabbing Sylvester Coc
Police have arrested and charged 25-year-old Shawn Cook for a stabbing incident that took place on Friday, July 8, at Ruba’s Bar in Lords Bank Village. 28-year-old Sylvester Ack reported to police that he was at Ruba’s Bar when he and Charles Coc got into an altercation with Cook who took out a sharp instrument and stabbed him once to the left hand. Based on this report, Shawn Cook was arrested and charged with wounding and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Weapons and ammunition stolen and recovered in Cayo
Two persons from the Cayo District are the victims of burglaries in which both their weapons and ammunition were stolen. In the first case, William Grimshaw, a 25 year old Belizean Businessman presently residing in Camalote Village, reported that between the hours of 11:30 am and 8:00 pm on July 24, 2016, his residence was burglarized. Stolen from his house were one silver and black in color 9 mm Ruger P95 pistol with serial number 318-33023 and 17 live 9 mm Ruger Brand rounds valued at $2,500.00 Belize currency. Also stolen from Grimshaw was a blue and black HP laptop valued at $2,000.00, a white and black Samsung Tablet valued $1,200.00 and a Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet with keyboard valued $1,500.00. But the thief was not satisfied as the unknown person also took a silver necklace valued at $2,500.00, bringing the loss to a total of $9,700.00 Belize currency.

National U-23 male volleyballers in Panama for Central American Championship
The National U-23 male volleyball team is currently in Panama City, Republic of Panama participating in the Central American U-23 Volleyball Championship. The tournament is a round-robin with the top teams qualifying to the Continental Championship. The team left the country last week and played its first game of the competition on Monday 25th July, against Honduras with Team Belize winning set 1 25-19. In the second set, teams traded points but an early run by Honduras at 13-10 was the difference with Honduras winning the second set 21-25. Belize rebounded in the third set 25-23. Like points, sets were traded and Belize lost the 4th set 20-25 and so it came down to the deciding set. After an early 8-5 Belize lead, Honduras managed to recover to 10-10 but Belize pulled away and won the set 15-11 and the match 3-2. Bryton Codd the captain of the Team Belize had 25 points of which 22 were kills (spikes). He was supported by Raluni Bernardez who had 16 points.

Breaking Belize News

Sugar Cane farmers to protest BSI once more
Sugar cane farmers have planned a more organized demonstration at the BSI entrance on Friday July 29th. Alfredo Ortega, Chairman of the Orange Walk Branch of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association says they are asking all farmers, from all branches and all associations to […]

Home invaders shoot Corozal Town Councillor
BBN has received information indicating Corozal police have detained two men in relation to a home invasion on Tuesday night. Reports are that in the Altamira Area in Corozal Town, two masked men approached the home of Guillermo Arana, a member of the Corozal Town […]

Teenager fights off attacker at home
A man who entered the home of a teenager and attacked her in an attempt to cause bodily harm after the girl was home alone is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison and will also have to serve 5 months for an old bill […]

U.S. deportee lands in jail again
31 year old Luvia Castelain wants to get back to the United States to see her children, but she has been deported twice in a year, the second time trying to cross into the U.S. from Mexico. Today, because she failed to report to […]

CCJ hears currency dispute matter over arbitration award
The Ashcroft Alliance wants half of the outstanding arbitration settlement award for the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) in U.S. dollars, but the Government of Belize, which is also challenging some aspects of the award, says that even if they are ordered to […]

Hattieville police investigate shooting incident
Hattieville police are currently investigating a shooting incident that landed 27-year-old Keron Devon Moss at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Initial investigations have revealed that Moss was at his home when he heard a knock on his door and upon opening it, he saw […]

Teen motorcyclists dead in truck collision
Two families are mourning the untimely death of 18 year old Edwardo Chacon and 15 year old Henry Monrroy both from mile 10 on the Stann Creek Valley Road. According to police on Tuesday July 26th, around 10:30 p.m. police responded to a fatal […]

Predators pounce on Belize’s flawed and corrupted system
This entire saga involving William Mason and the murder/beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas has left Belize with far more questions than answers. It does, however, provide obvious and blatant evidence of why Belize is in desperate need of increased transparency and proper oversight. There […]

Blogs

Packing for Deep Jungle Camping in Belize And A Bit of Birdwatching
This weekend I head into the Chiquibul Nature Reserve to join volunteers that are camping at the bottoms of huge trees to protect Belize’s Scarlet Macaws from poaching. Last year, I did one night…this year, I will do four. BABY STEPS! Most volunteers head into the jungle for 14 nights. No internet. No electricity. No phone. Most people who visit Belize, or live here, have never been to the Chiquibul – it is unpopulated and beyond remote and takes up a surprisingly big chunk of the country. It’s where jaguars are ACTUALLY spotted (the Scarlet Six team and the volunteers have spotted 3 so far this year.) When I asked Ali Wunderman, writer from The Naturalist and recently Chiquibul-survivor , if she saw one…SHE DID! Early in the morning, along the side of the river…pooping. Nature in all her glory. I will absolutely die if I see a jaguar or a tapir – and THIS is the place to see them in Belize. Other than the Zoo. Sadly, it is much easier to get to Belize’s Chiquibul from Guatemala than it is from Belize. And that is the problem. Illegal logging, gold digging, artifact looting and plant & animal poaching has been and continues to be a huge problem.

The show of a life time: Russian Ballet on Ice
As part of the tropic, winter is the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about Belize. There is not snow and ice skating is a sport we can imagine. So what would you say if I told you there will be an ice skating show here in Ambergris Caye?? Yes! For the very first time, Belizeans will be treated to a never-before-seen performance by the Russian Ballet on Ice. The world class ice skating show is scheduled to take place in both Belize City and San Pedro Town, and even though Belize does not have a skating rink, the show will be possible through the use of an Ice Equipment Complex (IPC). Everyone is invited to attend the once-in-a-life time show and experience a magical night. The IPC is a portable artificial ice skating rink that can be installed on any solid surface and provides the similar conditions of a natural rink.

Thousand Foot Falls: A Majestic Waterfall to visit in Belize
Located deep within a nature reserve in western Belize, Thousand Foot Falls is the highest waterfall in all of Central America. A swift river descends over a granite cliff to descend more than 1,600 feet into a thickly forested natural wonderland. As you wind your way through the verdant hillsides of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, you’ll come across a special viewing area equipped with a public restroom and some benches. From there, you can see the majesty of the largest waterfall in all of Central America. Although its waters descend more than 1,600 feet into a thickly forested gorge, the waterfall is known in Belize as Thousand Foot Falls. Thousand Foot Falls is located inside of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District of western Belize. As such, it has no official address but the closest major town is San Ignacio. Once inside the park, follow well-marked signs to arrive at the falls. The nearest town to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is San Ignacio in Belize’s western Cayo District. From there, several official entrances to the enormous reserve (over 100,000 acres or 430 square kilometers) exist. Follow well-marked trails and signs to arrive at the official viewing site for Thousand Foot Falls.

International Sources

Rider student's path to new career includes awe-inspiring trip to Belize
Robyn-Cherry Seigler '16 hiked through miles of lush, tropical jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve of Belize. She swam through a crystal-blue natural moat protecting Actun Tunichil Muknal — also known as the ATM Cave. As she stood at the entrance of the cave, knee deep in flowing water, Seigler paused in awe of the stalactite and stalagmite formations surrounding her and was overwhelmed with the ancient Mayan history that echoed deep within the cave system. “We saw broken pottery used in rituals to release spirits, posed skeletal remains that had been embedded in the rock for centuries and deformed skulls with jade teeth to show wealth or status,” Seigler says. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure was made possible by Rider University’s Nature’s Business course. Seigler joined other students and distinguished faculty to learn about the culture, history, ecotourism and sustainable development in Belize. The independent research trip to Belize was the perfect opportunity for Seigler to apply what she’s learned, outside the classroom. “I’ve never been to a developing nation so to see firsthand the human impact on their ecosystems was revealing," she says. "Something as simple as using frozen shrimp instead of fresh fish as bait can disrupt a natural habitat."

How This 66-Year-Old Florida Man Opened A Successful Restaurant In The Caribbean
“I had no experience in the restaurant business,” he says of his decision to open the Blue Iguana, the popular restaurant he now operates with his Belizean partner, Shantel, in Corozal, in northern Belize near the Mexican border. “But that has not been a problem. Business principles are the same in any business.” Initially, Steve lived in Belize as a retiree. But he became restless and began looking for a way to occupy his time... “I’ve worked since I was 11 years old. I go stir crazy if I’m not working!” he says. Luckily, when he moved to Corozal, he found an opportunity he couldn’t resist. Now Steve spends the better part of his waking hours at the Blue Iguana, overlooking the Bay of Corozal. Here he enjoys a million-dollar view over the glistening green bay and a soothing Caribbean breeze: not the worst lifestyle to wake up to every day.

10 Caribbean Nations With The Most U.S. Direct Investments
The U.S. State Department this week released the annual Investment Climate Statements for 2016, which also shows the US’ direct foreign investments in nations globally, including the Caribbean region. Here are the 10 Caribbean nations – ranked from most to least investments – which benefited from the most US investments as of last year based on NAN’s analysis: 10: Belize. Rounding out the 10 ten is Belize, which saw U.S. direct investment in 2015 of US $34 million, an increase of 3 percent from 2014.

CCCCC Participates in an Energy of Nature vs Nature of Energy Conference
Carlos Fuller, International and Regional Liaison Officer of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivered a presentation on Belize and the International Response to Climate Change at the Second Part of the Energy of nature vs the Nature of Energy Conference Series which was held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City, Belize on 27 July 2016. Fuller’s presentation focused on Belize’s vulnerability to climate change, the international response to climate change and Belize’s contribution to the Paris Agreement. Carolyn-Trench Sandiford spoke about the importance of planning to adapt to climate change. Roberto Pott delivered a presentation on the impacts of climate change on Belize’s coastal and marine resources while Ansel Dubon spoke about Belize’s efforts to transition to renewable energy. The guest speaker was Dr. Patricia Majluf, Vice President of Oceana Peru, who provided reflections on the impacts of climate change on Peru’s fishing industry.

Videos

Blue Ventures Expeditions Belize, 3min. Scuba diving adventures!

We Love Nurse Sharks in Belize, 1min.

Backpacking through Belize & Guatemala, 34min.

Belize Diving, 7min.

Costa Maya Parade to sashing ceremony, 3min. Mundo Maya celebrated through the streets of San Pedro, Belize.

Belize 2014-2015, 7min. This is some footage from my long stay in belize from the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015

Travel Belize 2016, 9min. This was an amazing trip to Belize, Central America for us and many more to come.

July 28, 2016

International Costa Maya Delegates began arriving today.

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

BTL donates $10,000 to help children affected by fire
With many families being displaced after the June 27th fire, many organizations and kind-hearted people have rendered assistance to the victims. On Thursday, July 21st, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), in collaboration with the Belize Red Cross and The Angelus Press Limited, made a monetary donation of $10,000 to facilitate school supplies to help the school children affected by the fire. BTL’s Chairman of the Executive Committee, Anwar Barrow, presented the check in a handing-over ceremony accompanied by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Director General of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman, and John Gillet of The Angelus Press Limited.

Season 2 of Five–A–Side Football Tournament comes to an end!
The San Pedro High School and Island Citizen Sporting Club crowned six champions during the finals of the Five –A-Side Football Tournament on Sunday, July 24th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. It was a busy day as large crowds came out in full force to support their favourite teams. The teams that rose as champions in their respective divisions were Bayern Munich A Under 11, Inter de Milan, Under 13, Real F.C Jrs Under 15, San Pedro High School Blazers Under 17, Spice Girls, and Scorpions F.C in the senior category. The last game, and most anticipated, saw the two top senior teams facing off. This was a grueling match between Belize Pro Divers and Martha’s Ice Scorpions F.C. Both teams wanted the win but it was Scorpions F.C who out edged their competition, taking the game in a 3-1 point game. Pro Divers had to settle for the second place trophy and prizes, while Scorpions F.C walked away with the grand first place trophy and prizes.

Basil Jones Summer Camp brings fun and education to youngsters
Camp Basil Jones is in its third week of their youth education summer program at the Basil Jones Educational Centre in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. A group of 22 children enjoyed a long week of activities that included a balance of both fun and learning. The annual program which started on Monday, July 4th and will end on Friday July 29th is divided into four individual camps and spread over four weeks of unique educational summer experiences for children. On Thursday, July 21st, the children were visited by members of the Blackadore Caye Management Staff. Biologist Valentine Rosado provided the campers with a lecture about the formation of the island, and the importance of preserving the natural environment. He even spoke to them about the turtle nesting that happens on the area. The educational lesson included a walk by the beach, where the group of children were shown examples of erosion on the shoreline. “We need to take care of the environment, specially the mangroves, which are plants that hold sediments and sand in place. If we don’t have these elements on the shoreline, then the sea just washes the sand away and thus, the beaches begin to disappear,” said Rosado.

Two AC units donated to police department
The San Pedro Police station is currently undergoing a series of transformations that seeks to enhance its functionality and appearance. On Friday, July 22nd, in the presence of Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Gabriel Nunez, Estevan Perera, along with Cindy Staines, donated two new air conditioner (AC) units to the police department. On hand to receive the donation was Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Sub-Formation, Superintendent Sandra Bowden. According to Staines, who partners with Caye Supplies, Super Buy, and Bachi Engineering Corporation, the donation was part of her company’s social responsibility to contribute to the community. “Since we have a new brand named “Daikin”, we decided to donate these units to help the police department improve their conditions. These AC units are Japanese state of the art innovative technology designed to withstand the climate of this island,” said Staines. The two unit models are a Daikin 900BTU and a Daikin 12000BTU, both equipped with inverter systems. Another benefit to having inverter systems is that these units are energy efficient, saving up to 30% in energy consumption.

Misc Belizean Sources

Acquafino Pool Side Party
clock Saturday, July 30 at 4 PM - 11pm. Pool Side Party with Costa Maya Beauty Contestants. Swimsuit photo shoot - bikinis provided by Char Tolentino, Fashion show with clothing provided by Top Notch, live entertainment with Julianie J Ferguson, and music all night with DJ. Tomas Dzl Gongora, Raffles, silent auctions, etc. Tickets $150bz includes transport to Acquafino Island Resort & Spa from the Boat Yard launch (behind Maya, same place that Cayo Espanto boat leaves from) with boats running back and forth from 4:00 pm forward and dinner with food being catered by: Las Terrazas, El Fogon, Caroline's, Pirate's Treasure & Hidden Treasure.

CYDP Life Skills through Sports and Adventure Camps
The third in a series of annual summer camps is well underway at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. The Under-19 Life Skills through Sports Camp is one of the major activities through which the Conscious Youth Development Programme (CYDP), under the Community Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, continues to positively engage inner-city youth of Belize City. Over the years, the CYDP summer camps have become highly anticipated among young people in the at-risk communities of Belize City and surrounding municipalities. During the summer break it is very important for young people to be positively engaged in activities that stimulate their growth and development. These camps provide participants with the opportunity to develop life skills, such as conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, teamwork and healthy decision making, while utilizing sports as the main method through which to teach these skills. But more than positively engaging participants, these camps help to break the barriers and stigma created by labeling of gang communities and on-going rivalry. The camps provide a safe space for its young participants to have positive interactions and build relationships with each other, while having fun playing their favorite sports.

CALLING ALL MUSIC LOVERS!!!
OPEN MIC NIGHT Thursday night at the BTL Park in Belize City... Here's a chance to win $1000 for showcasing your talent! Bring out that voice for a night of fun with family and friends. Competition begins at 7:00 p.m.

Cayo Creative Nonfiction Workshop
Only 6 spaces remain. Will you be there? This workshop is for any Belizean writer planning to write a work of nonfiction, especially a memoir, biography or autobiography. Send an email to the address provided to receive a registration form. Registered participants will receive confirmation by email before the workshop.

Art from Quintana Roo in Belize
You are kindly invited to view artwork by five artists from Quintana Roo currently on display at the House of Culture.

Job Opportunities US Embassy
We're Hiring! Checkout the job opportunities in the link! Available jobs include - U.S. Embassy Janitor, U.S. Embassy Mechanical Engineer, and U.S. Peace Corps - Backup Medical Provider. Please follow the instructions in the link provided and submit all job inquires or questions to BelmopanJobs@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy Belize Facebook page CANNOT answer job related questions. Thanks.

June 2016 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
During the month of June 2016, prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households were an average of 0.9 percent higher than they were in June 2015. According to the latest statistics on consumer prices released by the Statistical Institute of Belize, the All-Items Consumer Price Index stood at 103.7, up from 102.8 in last June. For the first half of this year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 0.5 percent was recorded. During the month of June 2016, Belize’s imported goods were valued at almost $168 million, down by 11.2 percent or $21.2 million from the $189.2 million imported in June of 2015.

Climate Prediction Center’s Central America Hazards Outlook July 28 – August 3, 2016
Over the last 7 days, areas of eastern Nicaragua, El Salvador, and parts of Guatemala saw above-average rainfall, while most other areas saw suppression of rainfall. The easternmost departments of Nicaragua observed 100-200mm of rain, and similar totals were also observed in parts of Guatemala and El Salvador. While moderate rains were observed in eastern Guatemala, they were still well below normal totals. Some of the driest parts of the region included western Nicaragua and central Honduras; less than 10mm of rain was observed locally. As a result of this and several preceding weeks of poor rainfall performance, monthly rainfall deficits are on the increase in western Nicaragua and the Gulf of Fonseca region of Honduras. Less than 25% of normal rain has fallen in the driest areas of western Nicaragua and southern Honduras over the 30-day period. Vegetation indices look poorest through eastern Guatemala, western Honduras and the Gulf of Fonseca region but don’t yet reflect poor conditions for other dry regions. In addition, soil moisture is reported to be very low in many central departments of Guatemala.

Miss Mexico, Miss Honduras and Miss Belize are loving their first day on Ambergris Caye!
oday, the ladies enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Island Dream Tours YOLO, followed by a meet and greet at Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill

SELL - A - THON at the Lions Den July 30th
8am - Noon

John Saldivar not resigning
I understand that Love FM has erroneously or maliciously reported that I have or am planning to resign. Let me state categorically that I have absolutely no intention to resign from political life. On the contrary, I am even more determined to carry on with my dedicated service to the people of Belmopan and the country of Belize. The last two weeks I have been the victim of malicious fabrications, absurd conjectures, wild speculations and insinuations and character assassination undoubtedly aimed at destroying me politically. I have taken all that has been thrown at me in stride because I have done nothing wrong and am not guilty of any act of corruption or subversion of justice as is being suggested in certain quarters. I have done nothing that I am ashamed of and nothing that would warrant my resignation.

The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival August 4th - 6th
The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival August 4th - 6th,click the link for some photos. Only four contestants were able to arrive today. Miss Belize Yadira Yvette Argueta, Miss Mexico Ingrid Elizabeth Luna Solís, Miss Honduras Corina Canales and Miss Guatemala Maria Jose Larrañaga Retolaza were accompanied today by reigning Miss Costa Maya 2015 Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle. Miss Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua are expected to arrive tomorrow, after their flight via Avianca was cancelled today. Belize's Ambassador to El Salvador, Ms. Celi Paz Marin is hosting the four ladies during their short overnight stay in El Salvador.

Missing youth
Family asks for the community's help in locating 16 year old Ethan Jacobs. Last seen on Monday (July 25) going fishing and diving with a Leslie Wade. Neither of them answering phone calls. Please be on the lookout in the San Pedro and Caye Caulker areas and contact Angie Berg at 632-6101 with any information regarding their whereabouts.

Deadliest Hurricane to Hit Belize
As many as 2,500 lives lost in Belize City. Take a look at this feature story created using a Geo App. "The storm, which lasted about an hour and a half, left some houses roofless and blew down some fences and trees. St. John's College was situated by the seaside up at Loyola Park over Yarborough Bridge. The building was a large, three storey, wooden structure, and went down in the first storm, as also did St. Andrew's Hall, which was situated corner of Prince and Albert Streets. After the storm passed, people came out to view the wreckage. Then something strange and unusual happened. The storm swung right back, but with more force, bringing a tidal wave about 10 feet high, which swept over the city of Belize, leaving 2,000 dead and thousands more homeless. The most devastated area was the Yarborough area. " The 1931 hurricane also coincided with The Great Depression, setting the residents of Belize City back decades as they struggled to rebuild their lives. The era was marked by an intense struggle to uplift the working class and unemployment.

Miss Nicaragua, Miss Costa Rica and Miss Panama with Ambassador Celi Paz in El Salvador.

Calypso Rose Wins WOMEX Award
Congratulations, Calypso Rose! She has won the 2016 WOMEX award for being outstanding in the music industry. That picture was taken here in Cayo at the Soul Project. Her video for Calypso Queen tells her story, and it's a great song too. "In a style known equally for its outspoken messages and its party vibe, it truly takes a great Calypso artist to stand apart for their mastery and relevance, as Calypso Rose has done, for over six decades. In her long career, Rose has transformed calypso in many ways. Her most obvious achievement involve making the calypso scene more open to women: the scale of her talent and success made her impossible to ignore, leading to unprecedented prize wins, including the Trinidad Road March and, the highest of all, the title of Calypso King – renamed the Calypso Monarch in her honour. Rose is also a musical innovator of her style. She pioneered changes such as shortening her songs to three verses and writing fewer songs every season – both of which became the norm – and in her personal repertoire, she also explores styles such as soca, punta, reggae and ska. As a living legend and someone who has done so much to revolutionise her field, we are extremely pleased to be able to present Calypso Rose with the WOMEX 16 Artist Award."

2016 Belize International Jazz Festival
Here's the Belize International Jazz Festival calendar. So many events--some are FREE!

A Call for Artists
Calling all artists of music and dancing!

CAYE CAULKER EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART AMBULANCE
Minister of Touristic Affairs, Manwell Ereba, confirmed to Rastaman News this morning that Caye Caulker has been equipped with a state-of-the-art ambulance, befitting its importance as one of Belize’s major tourism destinations. “San Pedro cannot have it all,” Ereba stated. “After La Isla Bonita procured their ultra-modern firefighting buckets, I had to make sure that La Isla Cariñosa did not stay too far behind.” Hailed as an emerging tourism destination, Caye Caulker is the second most popular destination for overnight visitors in the country after San Pedro. That is why, according to Ereba, the island must have modern health facilities. “This ambulance is not only remarkably embarrassing in its design, it is also environmentally friendly,” boasted Ereba. “In one stroke, we have beefed up the island’s health services AND we have done our own little bit to combat climate change.”

Channel 7

The Flowers File, the Saldivar Retort
Superintendent Mark Flowers, he may be in jail tonight – but his name is ringing all over the country – and not because he's accused of molesting a 14 year old girl – but because of the allegations he's hurled at police minister John Saldivar. Though he never mentioned Saldivar by name, Flowers sat down with us for just under 40 minutes and ranted and railed at his Minister, and his police superiors who he says are doing the Minister's bidding to railroad his career and smear his reputation. To be able to draw the inference that it is Saldivar he is pointing fingers at, we'd have to take you back to the beginning of the episode, which he says started a few weeks ago. Here he is in the interview sharing his reasons for suspecting that his Minister meddled in Police business to get him removed as the head of GSU. We also have Saldivar responding and completely denying that allegation, calling Flowers just a desperate man trying to deflect blame from himself:

Supt. Flowers, The Undercover Operator
And as we told you, according to Mark Flowers, the only reason he was able to have that conversation with William Danny Mason was because he was trying to gain the trust of this alleged con-man. He said yesterday that after discussing it with Acting Commissioner Russell Blackett, he decided to approach Mason, not as a policeman, but as a commercial farmer who was trying to make connections to grow his business. Its quite a story, and tonight, we have a little more from our interview with Flowers in which he claims to have been able to get evidence of one of Mason's fake Belizean documents. Here are those comments: Daniel Ortiz: "This is the first time we're hearing that you were an undercover police officer for the investigators of Danny Mason. They seem to have buried this information."

Bradley Says Cops Conspired Against Flowers
We backtrack now to yesterday's arraignment. All of yesterday, we'd been hearing from multiple reliable sources that Flowers was going to be charged with 2 counts of rape. That's what, according to our information, the police initially served on him, but they later changed it to unlawful sexual assault. Yesterday, before his client was arraigned, attorney Dickie Bradley told us that they both suspect that the reason the police changed the charge was to ensure that he couldn't get bail right after his arraignment in the Magistrate's Court: Dickie Bradley - Attorney for Mark Flowers "Normally when it is a minor the charge is usually unlawful sexual intercourse which would be the equivalent of the old carnal knowledge. There has been an amendment, confusion as usual but he is in fact on the charge sheet charged with rape. Now interestingly enough the client control act has been amended that you cannot get bail for carnal knowledge but in fact rape is a bail able offence in the magistrate court."

Flowers Faced An Allegation of Sexual Assault in 1999
And while Flowers is facing this very serious charge against him for molesting a child who , to hear him and his attorney tell it, he has an above average chance to get off. And, it wouldn't be the first time Flowers has eluded an allegation of sexual assault. We've been doing our digging and found that in 1999, Flowers, then an Assistant Inspector in charge of the Dragon Unit Belmopan was accused of the sexual assault of a female police recruit. The recruit alleged that Flowers went to pick her up at the Police Training Academy at night and she left voluntarily – though against Academy regulations which prohibits recruits from leaving the compound. She returned an hour later crying, alleging that Flowers had sexually assaulted her. No criminal charges were brought, but Flowers did face internal pressures, and left the Department. The female recruit also ended up being forced out of the Training Academy. He turned up the following year working at Belize Central Prison. When the prison was privatized, he was absorbed into the scenes of crime unit as a civilian staffer, and later rejoined the police as a Sergeant. From there he quickly regained ranks and ascended with lightning speed to Superintendent under the UDP. Last year we asked him how he got promoted so quickly:…

No Judgment, CJ Re-schedules
About a month and a half ago, Gay Rights Activist Caleb Orozco, and his organization United Belize Action Movement, or UNIBAM, called out the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin for delaying judgement more than 3 years now. He wants the Chief Justice to deliver the judgment on his challenge to Belize's Sodomy Laws. A few days later, notice went out that the judgement would be handed down on July 27. Everyone waited until this morning, only to learn once again that the Chief Justice had postponed the delivery. He's now scheduled it for August 10. Reports say the CJ was ill in mid-July.

Teenager Charged For Murder of Mother of Three in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan have charged an alleged teenage murderer. Two nights ago we told you about 34 year old Regina Williams who was viciously killed in front her home in Las Flores area Belmopan. She had been socializing with some individuals at La Cabana night club the night before. But sometime after 1:30 am, she left in the company of those same individuals. It was between then and 8 am the following morning that she was murdered in front of her house and left there half naked and with severe injury to her head. Police are still trying to determine whether or not she was raped before she was killed. However police today proceeded with the information they do have at the moment and arrested and charged 19 year old Salvadoran Josue Ortiz for murder. They told us more:

Chester Norales, Again!
The name Chester Noralez has been making crime news since the mid 90's when he was a teenager, and tonight he's back in the news. The 36 year old resident of Fern Lane is accused of snatching a gold chain from Franz Usher's neck. Yesterday Usher was at the corner of Jasmine and Oleander Streets when Noralez rode up, ripped his gold chain from around his neck and rode off. Police who were in the area pursued Noralez and apprehended him on Oleander street with the stolen chain. When he appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Noralez pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Noralez has a charge of burglary for which trial is pending and he also knows the victim and there is the strong possibility that he will interfere with him if granted bail. Magistrate Rogers upheld the objection and denied Noralez bail. She remanded him into custody until August 31.

Paumen Will Stand Trial
Accused Child Molester Mark Flowers is this week's headline story; last week's was accused murderer, conman, kidnapper and extortionist William Danny Mason. But, a few months ago, the big story was the large scale American tour operator Bradley Paumen. He's already committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court for allegedly orchestrating a murder plot on his neighbour, Michael Modiri and 3 other persons, and now, he has been committed to stand Supreme Court trial once again. This time it's because of those charges of attempting the pervert the course of justice, and conspiracy to pervert justice. As viewers will remember, it dates back to an attempt to plant an unlicensed rifle in Michael Modiri's vehicle. Modiri was eventually cleared of that legal mess, but Paumen ended up being charged along with his Mechanic, Lisburn Anderson, Belmopan Businessman Jahan Abadi, and Korean American Hyang Chong Park.

Climate Change the Struggle Is Real
OCEANA and the World Wildlife Fund today held their second annual seminar called The Nature of Energy vs. the Energy of Nature. Now, it may sound like just another dreary talk shop in a hotel room with bad pastries and cold coffee, but the organizers hoped to wake up participants and the wider community with the dire message that climate change and its consequences are real and it requires everyone, form government to the grocery shopper to pay attention and act. Here's how they put it:… Nadia Bood - Climate Change Advisor, WWF: "It's extremely important given the threat posed by climate change. It's a forum where we can get together and dialogue about issues related to climate change and how best we can try and adopt our actions and our efforts to promote a greener development pathway that will help to minimize or at least buffer against some of the threats that will be coming from climate change events."

Minor Charged For Killing John Jay
Dangriga Police have arrested and charged a 16 year old minor from Belize City for the murder of popular singer/songwriter John Jay Rodriguez. The 34 year old husband and father of one was gunned down in early June inside the Havana Club and Entertainment Center in the Heart of Dangriga Town. Initial police investigations revealed that three men armed with a pistol entered the establishment to commit a robbery. But when that backfired, they turned right back and bolted through the front door, but not before firing a single indiscriminate shot at the crowd which caught John Jay. He died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Two days ago, they arrested and charged a resident of Belize City for that fatal shooting. He is only 16 years old and so we cannot reveal his identity.

Cops Bust Island Weed
San Pedro police have taken a few pounds of weed out of circulation on the Island. Yesterday at midday – acting on Special Branch intelligence – island police searched a San Pedrito apartment room occupied by 27 year old painter Kurt Jason Cruz. They found 4.144 pounds of weed and he was charged for drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, plus a fine of ten thousand dollars. And then, today, San Pedro Special Branch and CIB found another parcel of marijuana at the Tropic Air Cargo section. This one contained one pound of weed and was labelled as found property

Belmopan Pastor Almost Accompanied Lu
He almost went with Pastor Llewellyn Lucas…that's the story Belmopan Pastor Job Lopez told us yesterday. He says that Lucas called him on the morning of the 15th – and he was with the two other pastors – who would later accompany him to Mason's house – only to be kidnapped together with Lu. When their blindfolds were removed, Lucas had disappeared, and this is when it is believed he was beheaded. Well Job Lopez almost accompanied them – and he told us that it started with a call early that Friday morning from a desperate sounding Pastor Lu:… Job Lopez - Almost Went With Pastor Lu: "I heard my phone ring and it was Pastor Lucas calling me and I said what can I help you with he said well I need you to come. I said where he said well I am at TV station, Plus TV. He says okay what we are doing and he said we need to go live, I said what for, he said come here I will explain to you. So when I heard that I heard that I heard like it was a desperate call. So I went there and he said we need to go live and we talk to pastor Wade and he said we can't go live right now because I don't know what you going to say so you need to anticipate what you are going to say then we go live so we could put it for next week. So pastor Lu say let's put it for next week; so I went out with them and he said you don't want to come along with us I said no I have groups to do, I have my work to do."

Police United Get Ready For CONCACAF Champions League
The Police United FC play their first game of the CONCACAF Champions League in less than three weeks. On drawing day two months ago, the team drew a tough card when they landed in group E- effectively matching them up with Mexican powerhouse Pachuca and Hondura's top club Olimpia for the first round of the tournament. So how will Belize's Police United fare off against these top league teams? It is their first time ever representing Belize at the Champions League tournament. But as green as they are, the team is hopeful. They are currently in their 7th week of intense training and the executive has been recruiting both local and international talent to reinforce their squad. Today we spoke to the head coach and even got a chance to meet some of the players on the roster as they prepare for the upcoming game against Olimpia, which is to be held in Tegucigalpa Honduras on the 16th of August.

Police United Say Not Involved With Mason Megabucks
And keeping in line with football financing, when the matter of accused murderer William Mason first came into public view, one of the most widely reported masks he wore, was that of a football financier. That is actually how Hon. John Saldivar said he came to know Mason in the first place. Mason, as has been widely reported, donated several thousands of dollars to Saldviar's football club- the Belmopan Bandits. But there were also reports of Mason contributing to other football clubs in Belize. So was the Police United FC ever on Mason's payroll? After all he did appear to be rather friendly with senior members of the Government, particularly within the police department. Today the media asked Club Manager Superintendent Andres Makin Sr. just that. Duane Moody: "In terms of accused murderer Williams Mason that several football clubs have received donation sponsorship from him; is the Police United one of those clubs?" Supt. Andres Makin Sr. - Manager, Police United FC: "I would prefer that this question be given or be asked to the president who is Mr. Grinage he is the one that would be in a better position to say."

BTB's Big Plan For Corozal
San Pedro, Placencia, and the Cayo District are tourism powerhouses with tens of thousands of visitors passing through annually. But, what happens to the lesser-known tourist spots around the country? Well, now the BTB and the Ministry of Tourism want to boost the traffic in destinations like Corozal, Caye Caulker, and the southern parts of the country. 11 days ago, the Tourism officials launched their fix for the Corozal District, and Daniel Ortiz took a closer look at it today. Here's that story: The tourism upgrades are being done in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank. The Government officials have another destination launch planned tomorrow for the Mountain Pine Ridge, Chiquibul, & the Caracol Complex. We'll be there and we'll have that story for you in tomorrow's newscast.

Corozal Cops Looking For Shooter
And Corozal also has to deal with the other side of keeping tourism prospects up – and that is managing appearances when it comes to crime. The town saw a shooting and home invasion yesterday. Corozal police told us more:… The suspects demanded money and wore shirts over their faces, so getting a positive identification has proved difficult.

Channel 5

Accused Murderer Speaks From Behind Bars
William Danny Mason has been behind bars since July nineteenth, in a special facility at the Belize Central Prison reserved for high-risk prisoners. He is alone – or as alone [...]

Family of Minor Denies Manipulation by John Saldivar
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, spent his first night on remand at the Belize Central Prison on Tuesday. The pretrial detention succeeds an arraignment at [...]

Flowers Maintains Saldivar Is Plotting Against Him
Flowers maintains that the charges brought against him are all part of a plot to make him the fall guy, to shift attention away from the ongoing investigation involving alleged [...]

GSU Boss Claims Mason Offered to Buy His Land
The former GSU boss Mark Flowers has gone on record to say that he gained access to the posh home of William Mason in Belmopan as part of a covert [...]

Mark Flowers Says He Will Get PM Involved in Plot against Him
Prior to handing himself in at the Queen Street Precinct on Tuesday, the embattled Mark Flowers had a few choice words for those whom he believes are behind the conspiracy [...]

Flowers Says His Removal Was Invalid
Flowers fall from grace was not foreseen. The former head of the GSU once provided security for the former Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel and was seen at many political events [...]

Belize Central Prison Has Special Protocols for High-Risk Prisoners
Today, News Five was at the Belize Central Prison and got an opportunity to enquire about the status of the new, high-profile additions to the facility. As we told you [...]

Teenager Arraigned for Belmopan Murder
A teenager of Salvadoran nationality was this morning arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s court for Monday’s murder of Bella Regina Williams. The mother of three was found dead by her [...]

Female Population at Kolbe Gets New Classroom
It’s not often that News Five is invited within the compound of the Belize Central Prison, currently home to about one thousand four hundred and twenty inmates. But today we [...]

Prison Finances are Stretched Thin
Just one look at the Belize Central Prison would reveal that it is operating on a shoestring budget. The facilities are adequate, but not more than that. Before the construction [...]

Prison C.E.O. Says Society Should Accept Prisoners Rehabilitated and Released
Yes, you heard right. While the Kolbe group is committed to rehabilitation and turning inmates into productive citizens, the less inmates they have, the less money they get from government [...]

Repeat Offender Chester Noralez on Remand
Tonight alleged repeat offender, Chester Noralez, is on remand for snatching a chain from a friend in Belize City. Noralez is the Belize City resident who is accused of beating [...]

What’s the Latest at the Sarstoon?
With so many things happening on the news front, the situation at the Sarstoon has been pushed somewhat on the backburner. But from official indications, while public attention has been [...]

Have Illegal Guatemalan Fishers Gone Away?
Access to the Sarstoon was one major concern for Belizeans – another was the flagrant, brazen, unhindered illegal fishing not only on our side of the Sarstoon but all the [...]

Meet the Footballers of Police United
This morning at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the capital, we caught up with Police United Football Club as the players trained to take on a Honduran team in a [...]

Manager Says Club Received No Money from William Mason
Now, to get Police United to the Scotia Bank’s CONCACAF Champions League is an expensive venture. Approximately two hundred thousand dollars is required for the team and delegation to travel [...]

Stakeholders Discuss Impact of Climate Change
A cross-section of participants from various organizations, government and N.G.O.s gathered at the Radisson for a daylong conference where they discussed the impacts of climate change. A panel of presenters [...]

CTV3

UDP Councillor Shot At His Home In Corozal
The peace and tranquillity of the Altamira area located in the Corozal District was disrupted last night after two masked men forcibly entered the home of well-known Corozaleño and current UDP councillor, Guillermo Arana, in an attempt to rob money from him. Our news team visited the Arana family in Corozal earlier this morning where we were informed that at the time of the incident, Arana was at home in the company of his wife and four minors who were all witnesses to the horrific scene. Reports indicate that a struggle ensued between Arana and one of his attackers, however, both men were armed and as a result, Arana received two gunshot wounds, one to the right hand and the other to the abdomen. Roger Arana – Brother: “Last night around nine o’clock my mother received a call from my little brother that they had shot my older brother, I went to his house and we found out that there were two persons with masks that came to his house and apparently there were only my niece and my nephew and two other kids that were visiting them and they heard the gun men that were armed approaching the door and they pointed the gun at my nephew...”

Did The Now Head Of GSU Served As Mason Personal Body Guard?
Since the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas on Friday and the detention of well-connected conman William Mason and four others, numerous reports have surfaced of who wine and dined with him and who all his acquaintances allegedly are. And amongst that list, according to former Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, Superintendent Mark Flowers, is Inspector Glenn Caliz the same man who has replaced Flowers as head of the Gang Suppression Unit. Flowers, among other things, revealed yesterday that Caliz used to serve as personal security for Mason. But, says Flowers, while one man may have shot a few rounds at Mason’s shooting range at Outback Ranch, the body of the GSU did not.

Police Says Seventeen Year Old Minor Rode Into Their Vehicle
On yesterday’s newscast we told you about a seventeen year old minor from the Corozal District who is alleging that he was deliberately knocked down by police officers while riding his bicycle to work on Monday afternoon. But while the family is accusing the officers of being at fault, tonight we can inform you that authorities are saying just the opposite as they are claiming that the minor was the one who accidentally rode into the police mobile after failure to stop while the vehicle was traveling across the road. Dennis Arnold – Officer in Command, Corozal Police Station: “On Monday, whilst the police vehicle was travelling from north to south direction on the Olga Marin Drive, at the corner of Olga Marin Drive I think its Hidden Hill Street, a minor was riding a bicycle but that junction is a “T”, this vehicle on the straight have the right of way...”

Prices Continue On The Rise According To SIB
The Statistical Institute of Belize today published its latest statistics on prices and external trade for the country of Belize. First we take a look at the consumer price index for which the report shows that prices increased, on average by 0.9 percent for the month of June 2016 as it stood 103.7, compared to 102.8 in June 2015. For the first half of this year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 0.5 percent was recorded. Despite higher prices for both regular gasoline and diesel fuel during the month, the ‘Transport’ category saw an overall decline of 0.7 percent. The effect of these price increases was overshadowed by premium gasoline prices and international airfares, which remained lower than they were one year ago

Imports And Exports Continue To Decline
Belize’s total imports for the month of June 2016 were valued at $168 million, decreasing 11.2 percent or $21.2 million from imports for June 2015, which totaled $189.2 million, this is according to the latest figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize today. The report shows that Imports destined for the ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’, which accounts for more than one fifth of all the country’s imports, was a major factor in the decline for June 2016. This category, which spiked to $47 million in June of last year due to a major purchase of equipment, saw a drop of $11.5 million to $35 million in June 2016. ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’, on the other hand, saw its first monthly increase for this year, rising by $6 million from $13.6 million in June of last year to $20 million for June 2016. This was primarily due to the fact that diesel imports doubled when compared to last June. A shipment of premium gasoline was also received in June 2016, while none was imported during June of 2015.

Is Shyne Barrow Aspiring To Become Leader Of The Nation?
Will Shyne Barrow, the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and a former inmate and rapper who was named music Ambassador of Belize, become a candidate for the next Prime Minister of Belize? We know that Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, has decided to be a politician and wants to run in the Mesopotamia constituency in the next general elections but in a report on Jamaican news…“Bossip” speaks of Shyne’s intention to run for Prime Minister of Belize. Shyne was in Montego Bay for a Reggae Summer Fest, when he told the Jamaican news outlet Quote, “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have. My father is the right honorable prime minster, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.” End quote. Prime Minister Dean Barrow will complete his last term as leader of the UDP in 2020 after which a convention will be held to elect a new party leader, a position which has more than one has contender, including Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber.

Rotaract Orange Walk Promotes Reading
The Rotaract Club here in Orange Walk Town is well-known for engaging in numerous activities which seeks to benefit the entire community in some way or the other. And since a new board has recently been elected to take charge of the club’s affairs, a new agenda has been finalized in order to ensure that the work within the community continues. This time around, the members have embarked in a new project. It is a book drive that has the intent of promoting literacy and reading as a hobby. The books will be distributed to children from the different villages. Grisel Carballo – President, Rotaract Club, Orange Walk Town: “We want to have a book drive and I think that it reading and sparking a hobby, it’s a new initiative that we will be doing and showcasing and our target is to collect over a thousand books whether you have it at home just sitting there collecting dust you can bring it over to sky pure, A&R or Landy’s and Sons there will be boxes and you can donate it if you know of someone that like to read books; story books or any type of books that people can use we will gladly appreciate it so we will be starting this as of next week.”

Former GSU Boss Expresses Mix Emotions
Former commander of the gang suppression unit, Superintendent Mark Flowers is tonight sitting in a cell at the Hativille Prison. He stands accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl but Flowers maintains his innocence and calls the allegations made against him a malicious move on the part of a high government minister. During an extensive and very revealing interview made yesterday, Flowers admitted that he is saddened by it all. Mark Flowers – Former Commander GSU: “I am dishearten, I am angry, I am frustrated, I am feeling betrayed, I am starting to have a hate but I don’t know if I am disappointed at all, I don’t think they can disappoint me because I somehow understand the silly games and knowing that is going nowhere and I want to be specially optimistic about everything, and I am thinking that this might be the cause for financing my retirement because one malicious prosecution goes on and you know that it is malicious what else can I even think.”

LOVE FM

No Resignation for John Saldivar
The rumour mill in Belize has been working in overdrive over the last few weeks especially since the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas in Belmopan, Cayo District. The most recent one is that the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar is looking to resign. We have been trying to reach Saldivar yesterday but our messages […]

The Lives of William Mason and Mark Flowers Behind Bars
Now that we know that at least for tonight, John Saldivar remains the Minister of National Security, we can move on to William Alexander Mason. The 47-year-old Guyanese national is spending his ninth night on remand at the Belize Central Prison. He has just been joined by one of the men who used to visit […]

Video Footage Was the Trigger to Seek Melissa Ferguson
There is some difficulty understanding the rationale behind the police’s delayed move to issue an arrest warrant for William Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson. Five days after the head of Pastor Lucas was found, a picture went out asking for help in locating Ferguson as she is wanted for questioning. Some speculations are that the police […]

Mark Flowers Claims Innocence
Yesterday we told you of the recording with former GSU Commander, Mark Flowers. In that recording there were two aspects to the conversation; the first being the allegation against him of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a young girl who is now reportedly pregnant and the second being allegations against Government officials. While the rumour […]

Traffic Incident Proves Fatal in Southern Belize
Two teenagers were killed in a road traffic accident in the Stann Creek District. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the story.

Arrest Made in the Murder of Regina Williams
Belmopan Police have made an arrest in the murder of a woman that occurred earlier this week in the Las Flores area. Correspondent Fem Cruz spoke with the officer in charge of Belmopan Police.

Ten Belizeans Deported from the US
Ten Belizeans were brought in this morning via the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The US agency is currently escorting dozens of Central American citizens back to their respective countries including Belize. The plane landed just before nine o’clock this morning at the Philip Goldson International Airport and the nine men and one […]

Data Shows an Upward Trend in Consumer Prices
Consumer prices saw an increase of point nine percent in June as compared to the same period last year. According to the latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the all items consumer price index for June of this year was one hundred and three point seven compared to one hundred and two point […]

Heavy Rains Result in Flooding in Southern Belize
Heavy rainfall during the night contributed to another inconvenient flooded situation in sections of Punta Gorda and the biggest flood in town so far for this year. We hear more in this report from correspondent Paul Mahung.

House Speaker Talks Integrity … Recall Mechanism … Standing Orders
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word integrity as being that of having a firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values; it is also defined as being honest and fair. With all that has been unfolding we asked the Speaker of the House on the matter of the integrity of elected officials and of it […]

Breaking Belize News

Women prisoners get multi-purpose building; can society change attitudes to ex-cons?
The Belize Central Prison at Hattieville, managed a multi-purpose building intended to be the base for their continued rehabilitation, in anticipation […]

Teen arrested for murder of Las Flores mother
Wanted fugitive, Josue Ortiz, 19, was arraigned this morning in Belmopan’s Magistrate court where he was slapped with one count of murder and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Ortiz, is the main suspect in the death of Regina Williams who was discovered […]

San Pedro police find weed in cargo section
At 9:15 this morning members of the Special Branch and CIB police department in San Pedro Town, intercepted a parcel of suspected cannabis at the Tropic Air Cargo Section. According to the reports, the officials conducted a special operation that led them to the discovery of […]

Caleb Orozco decision adjourned for August
The decision on the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code has been put off to August 10th, as confirmed by the Supreme Court. Belize’s church organizations had anticipated the decision with prayer rallies country wide including a major one last night in Battlefield […]

Blogs

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Final Farewells Day 8
There’s always a feeling – of release, of relief, of ending, of starting over. Suddenly, going home doesn’t seem so fun after all. Suddenly, you wish the camp lasted two weeks instead of one – or even better, a month! A year! Let it go on forever!!! At Chaa Creek, that feeling multiplied a hundredfold. After only eight days of magic, the spell ended and we were looking ahead at boring old home again. Yes, Chaa Creek was physically hard and demanding – climbing up mountains, horseback riding through the jungle, trekking through the bush, playing dodge ball, Maya Ball, having water-balloon fights, swimming and canoeing through the river and splashing around in the pools…

Amid the palms and cool sea breezes, a rare ‘cri de coeur’ is spotted
I was sitting on the deck this morning, cup of coffee in hand, bright sun on my face, a steady breeze rustling the palm trees and the waves lapping against the dock when I encountered a cri de coeur. I hadn’t encountered one of those, face to face, in years. Although, with election season in high dudgeon back in the States, cri de coeurs are flying back and forth like bullets on a battlefield. No, I wasn’t bird watching. The cri de coeur that I encountered was on Page 9 of the Sunday New York Times Arts & Entertainment section. It was a reference to an article in The Atlantic magazine passionately titled “Stop Making Film Adaptations of Philip Roth Novels.” The larger story from which this was extracted is about producer/director James Schamus (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain”) who, of course, recently has made a film adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel “Indignation.”

Returning to the Nursery at Wildtracks
When I first came to Wildtracks, in September 2015, I had no idea what I was in for: how amazing, challenging, and educational it would be. I had just graduated from law school, and thought that I would be a tangential character, feeding and cleaning and generally rehabbing with little interaction with the animals. I didn't have a zoology or veterinary background, and I wasn't sure I would be able to learn how to care for the animals in a meaningful way. I was sorely mistaken. Little Cas the spider monkey made it clear that he needed me - if only for milk, warmth, and rest. During every walk, play session, and snoozefest he barged his way into my routine, with his big eyes and even bigger personality. His nips and hugs, stronger with every day, brought us closer. But it was the string of night shifts that really cemented our bond. He met my initial anxiety and concern with playful squeaks, wriggly hugs, and peaceful sleepy-eyed milk munching. Walking around a sleepy baby spider monkey is inexplicable, and even more so when you catch a pink sunrise over a mirror-calm lagoon--even at 4:50 in the morning. At the end of my month, I'm not sure who needed who more. Holding him was second nature, and it was strange to walk around without him resting on my chest. I didn't realize that when I left, I would have an intimate knowledge of the animals with whom I worked

International Sources

So many people release balloons without realising the environmental impact
Did you ever wonder where your balloons go when they are released? Birds, turtles and other animals commonly mistake balloons for food, which can harm or even kill them. Here's a photo of more than 100 balloons collected at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in NJ (Credit: USFWS), and then another of a bird strangled by a balloon string (Credit Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program).

Belcampo Belize Offers Fantastic Fare from Its Own Farm
Belize has it all. There’s the beautiful blue sea with reefs to snorkel and fish, there are rainforest jungles filled with birds and howler monkeys, and there are miles and miles of white sand beaches. And then there is Belcampo Belize. Belcampo is a luxury agrotourism and ecotourism boutique lodge located in southern Belize. Over 90 percent of the food served at Belcampo is sourced right from its own farm, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, chicken, pork, and lamb. You even have the opportunity to go snorkeling with the chef to dive for your lunch. Belcampo Belize is the place we don't visit just once, but return multiple times during the year.

Shyne Wants to Be the Prime Minister of Belize, Working on New Album
Former Bad Boy Entertainment rapper Shyne has been living in his home country Belize since his release from prison in October 2009. He’s kept a low profile until last May where he performed via video satellite at the Bad Boy Family Reunion show in New York. But the 36-year-old rapper is plotting big moves. In an interview with Bossip, Shyne revealed that he’s in line to be the Prime Minister of Belize. “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have,” he said. “My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.” “I love Belize. I love what I do for Belize. Everyday I change somebody’s life,” he added. “My father is the right honorable prime minister of Belize for the last three, consecutive terms, and that gives me access to resources, to power and influence to help poor people, to help people with limited income, people that are struggling and suffering the way I used to as a child.”

Tomball family hosts baby boy from Belize receiving medical care
Houston is known worldwide for being the premiere location to receive top medical care due to the Texas Medical Center. With the help of an amazing group, HeartGift, one blessed baby boy from Belize was able to receive care and be comforted by a great family in Tomball. Edwin is a 10-month old from Belmopan City, Belize who was born with three holes in his heart due to Congenital Heart Disease. His mother Anita says since finding out about her son’s condition, she has been doing her best to have him helped and healed. “I found out when he was two weeks old. The pediatrician that tends to him, she told me there was no one in Belize that helps babies heart problems and we would have to go out of the country .We were admitted that day, and she took us from the hospital by ambulance to Belize City where the cardiologist was. They did an ultrasound on him and they told me he needed operation. If not, he wouldn’t live that much longer.”

Belize’s top court expected to rule in sodomy law case
The Belize Supreme Court this week is expected to announce a ruling in a case that is challenging the country’s sodomy law. The case focuses on Section 53, a statute in the Belize criminal code that criminalizes anyone convicted of “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment. Section 53 is an artifact of Belize’s colonial past that dates back to the 1880s. The Belize Supreme Court heard the case in May 2013, but is still awaiting ruling from Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Caleb Orozco is a Belizean gay activist and executive director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement or UniBAM, a public health advocacy group in Belize for the LGBT community. Orozco became an outspoken gay rights activist at the age of 31 after attending a workshop for gay men and people living with HIV/AIDS at a public conference in Belize City.

Ancient canal network found under Mayan temple in Mexico
Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered an ancient canal network under the 13-hundred-year-old Temple of the Inscriptions in the Mayan ruins. Researchers at Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History say the canal system was uncovered using sonar technology. The tunnel network has different levels and still has running water. Scientists believe the canal may be a symbolic gateway to the Underworld for one of the world's most mysterious lost civilizations.

The Best Tropical Cocktails To Sip This Summer
I've been fortunate enough over the last few years to travel to many tropical locations; and summer in Toronto, with its soaring temperatures makes me long for beaches and island drinks. Here are some of my favourites: Coconut Mojito- I've been to Belize several times and love it. One of my favourite spots is the Victoria House, an absolute gem of an island resort on San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. This is an award winning property, a great place to relax, and where I was introduced to a 'Coconut Mojito'. I found a recipe that is very close to their coconut mojito: 6 fresh mint leaves muddled with 3 lime wedges and 1 tsp of brown sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 ¼ oz white rum, ½ oz Malibu coconut rum and 1 oz cream of coconut. Fill the shaker with ice, stir vigorously and strain into a tall glass, top with club soda and a mint sprig.

Mexican village uses fireflies to halt deforestation by local logging industry
In the village of Nanacamilpa, tiny fireflies are helping save the towering pine and fir trees on the outskirts of the megalopolis of Mexico City. Thousands of them light up a magical spectacle at dusk in the old-growth forests on reserves such as the Piedra Canteada park, about 45 miles (75km) east of Mexico’s sprawling capital city. Piedra Canteada in Tlaxcala state isn’t a government-run park, but a rural cooperative that has managed to emerge from poverty and dependence on logging with the help of the fireflies. Five years later, the park’s cabins and camp spaces are sold out weeks in advance, with the attraction especially popular among families with young children and couples seeking a romantic setting. “The amount of fireflies you see is impressive,” said Carlos Landa, a Mexico City native who visited Piedra Canteada this week. “Something that I also find quite impressive is their synchronicity: to turn off and turn on, that is something really spectacular. It’s like Christmas in the forest.”

A New Private-Island Resort Rises Off the Coast of Belize
Located 8 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize, Coral Caye is the newest addition to the Family Coppola Resorts portfolio. The rustic 2-acre island is located only 20 minutes by boat from the hospitality firm’s other Belizean property, the beachfront retreat Turtle Inn. An intimate retreat, the island accommodates up to 12 guests in its two seaside cottages, which are attended to by on-call caretakers who prepare all meals. Optional à la carte amenities include a private butler, a private chef, spa services, guided off-island fishing tours, and diving and snorkeling boat trips. Prices range from $895 per night during off-peak season to $1,495 per night for a three-night minimum stay during the holidays. (coral-caye.com)

Exploring Belize with Moon Guides and Lebawit Lily Girma: The Essence of Belizean Culture and Its People
Belize - gorgeous waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling; ancient ruins; rainforests and caves; the tallest waterfall in Central America; wildlife and marinelife; and a deep culture that entices you to explore more deeply. Affectionately called "The Jewel" by locals, this is a destination worth exploring. I recently read Moon Guides Belize, by Lebawit Lily Girma, and let me tell you - I'm impressed. Moon Guides are some of my favorite guidebooks, for the deep look into local culture, in addition to interesting things to see, do, taste, explore. I've long followed Girma online, for her intriguing travels, her extraordinary writing and photography, and her deep look at culture. A former lawyer, she's the expert on the Caribbean region - I'm constantly referring travelers to her sites and books for advice. So when this book came out, I knew I'd love to share it with our Wandering Educators. It's that good.

Videos

Costa Maya delegates live on board the Yolo., 14min.

Spanglishiol in Northern Belize, 5min. Spanglishiol, an important aspect of native Northern Belizean bi/multicultural identity (see Balam 2013, 2015, 2016a, 2016b; Balam & Prada Perez 2016, in press). El skillful arte de hace mix languages en Northern Belize. For (socio)linguistic research on phonological/grammatical aspects of Northern Belizean Spanish and Northern Belize bi/multilingual code-switching, see https://florida.academia.edu/OsmerBalam "Not only is language mixing a natural outcome of the bilingual mind/brain, it is also reflective of an underlying ‘optimization’ strategy at work" (Bhatia & Ritchie 2008:14).

Belize June 2016, 4min.

July 27, 2016

Costa Maya Festival year 2001

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

The San Pedro Sun

The race for Miss San Pedro has begun!
Six beautiful island ladies have embarked on a journey for a chance to be the next Miss San Pedro 2016-2017. The first step of the fascinating experience was the official sashing ceremony which took place on Monday, July 25th at El Patio Restaurant. At this ceremony the candidates were presented to their sponsors; vying for the title this year are: Marisha Thompson sponsored by Jaguars Temple and Night Club, Beverly Rodriguez sponsored by Captain Shark’s, Karina Requena sponsored by Castillo’s Hardware, Lisandra Novelo sponsored by Ramon’s Village Resort, Marleni Diaz sponsored by Fidos Courtyard and Pier, and Heidi Sorto sponsored by La Sirene Resort Spa and Marina. The pageant is set for Saturday, September 3rd at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Miss San Pedro Pageant Committee cordially invite everyone to the pageant for an evening of beauty and elegance where a new queen of the island will be crowned.

Ambergris Today

Nigel Belisle Leads San Pedro Lions Club
The San Pedro Lions Club installed its new board of directors to lead the club for the year 2016-2917. The post of Presidency now lies on the shoulders of Nigel Belisle, a well known community activist in this community. President Belisle took the lead in the aftermath of the recent fire in assisting the victims - a test he passed with flying colors. Nigel is graduate of San Pedro High School, a soft spoken and very friendly person. Secretary of the Club is Pamela Zetina and Vice President is Brittney O'Daniel. The ceremony held on Saturday, July 23, 2016, last was well attended by Lions, community invited guests and visiting Lions. The Caribbean Kings provided music for a lively party following the ceremony.

Six Beautiful Ladies Ready for Miss San Pedro Pageant
The momentum and enthusiasm for pageant night has been kicked up a notch for the Miss San Pedro Pageant as six contestants vying for this year’s title were officially announced and presented with their official sponsor’s sash. Pageant night has been set for Saturday, September 3, 2016, with Marleni Diaz, Heidi Sorto, Beverly Rodriguez, Karina Requena, Marisha Thompson and Lisandro Novelo already in high gear preparing for the show. The San Pedro Town Council says it has increased its budget for the pageant as it has become evident that the pageant is a huge success and that it is a great platform for the winner to take on more positive activities as a role model to her peers.

Reports of Jaguar Sighting in North Ambergris Caye
A resident of North Ambergris Caye, reported having spotted a jaguar in the Mata Grande area, 4.5 miles of the Boca del Rio Bridge around 2a.m. on July 26, 2016, while he was driving home. The resident said that he almost ran over the 4-5 foot animal, slamming on the breaks to avoid it. Many people are not aware that Ambergris Caye has a 12,000 acre wildlife reserve on the northern tip, which is part of Bacalar Chico. There is a lot of wildlife there including jaguar, puma and other wild cats. As development on the north of the island spreads, sightings will become more common and large wildlife may appear in residential areas more often, so it is important that the community works hand in hand with BWCN and the Forest Department to and to keep everyone safe, while preserving our precious wildlife for generations to come.

Moscow Ballet On Ice Brings Olympians and Cool Moves to Belize
Recent news reports about an ice skating show coming to Belize may have some people scratching their heads. Ice skating in the tropics? Yes! Believe it! Thanks a mobile ice surface called the Ice Equipment Complex (IPC), a public entertainment area can be transformed into a skating rink within hours. This is what will take place in Belize at two venues which include Belize City and San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. First the show will set up at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts ahead for two shows: July 30 and July 31. The following week, the Moscow Ballet on Ice will set up its IPC in San Pedro at the R. Angel Nunez Auditorium.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Day 2016
The Belmopan City Council is having their annual Belmopan Day this Saturday, July 30th, starting at 10:00am, at Mae Gordon Park. There will be fun and games, food, and great music from the New Sensation Band and Supa G.

Ms. Elisa Castellanos is our Belize Wonder Woman!
Elisa Castellanos wears many hats but is for sure a Leader. She is most passionate about her human rights advocacy work as the founding Executive Director of Tikkun Olam Belize - a non-profit organization that defends the rights of women sex workers and works toward the decriminalization of sex work through social and political activism, community building, and civil engagement.

BHA Scholarships ... Applications welcome !!
The Belize Hotel Association Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 with the purpose to provide educational funding for children of employees working with the BHA member hotels and businesses, who are unable to meet financial obligations for their child's high school or tertiary level education. To date, the BHA has financed, one year of tertiary level education for a student in Belize City, four years of high school to completion for one student in Caye Caulker, and is presently funding a student in Belize City for the past two years, who is now heading into the third year of her high school program. In addition, the BHA scholarship fund has assisted in subsidizing a member hotel's Children's Summer Camp Program in the Cayo District. Thanks to the immeasurable generosity of our Members and the local business community who offered gift certificates, cash, and gift packages for our raffles/auctions and through their purchases of our BHA umbrellas, the Belize Hotel Association is pleased to say that we are able to assist more students this year. If you wish to apply for this benefit, kindly send your applications to : The Belize Hotel Association, P.O. Box 248013 Cork Street, Belize City, Belize.

Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a press release today encouraging Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures on behalf of the Government of Belize. In Pillar II of our Business Sustainability Agenda presented to all political leaders just before the 2015 general elections, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“the BCCI”) called for measures to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. Those measures are more important than ever today, if we are to rebuild Belize’s economy and her reputation as a safe and stable country. Anti-corruption laws, including campaign finance reform, must be implemented and applied visibly, impartially and indiscriminately from the top down and across the board. Belize has to adopt international conventions and implement laws that instill transparency in all facets of the government. It is imperative that Government take charge of Belize’s current security crisis by aggressively implementing changes that will restore citizens’ sense of safety and change the international perception of engraved corruption and the lack of rule of law in Belize.

Heroes don't wear capes
Volunteers of the Shipstern Conservation & Management Area say that forest rehabilitation is very hard work. It involves long and countless hours of planting every individual tree to replenish our forest stocks under merciless conditions. If you love nature then become a hero and join the many volunteers and movement to preserve and replenish our Belizean forest.

Rianne Gutierrez is Flor de la Feria
Congratulations, Rianne Gutierrez, on being crowned the 2016 Flor de la Feria pageant queen! It was the 50th pageant, and they had many of the previous queens stop by. The costumes they made based on the Maya site they represented were amazing, and Joanna Guerra won that hands down. There are 100's of pictures from the pageant on the Flor de la Feria page.

Channel 7

GSU Commander, Supt, Mark Flowers, Charged For Molesting Girl, Remanded To Prison
Tonight, Superintendent Mark Flowers, who was the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit up until last week, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand. He was charged and arraigned this evening on the offense of unlawful sexual intercourse. This is after a 14 year-old girl reported to police that Flowers had sexual intercourse with her on 2 different occasions in January and March of this year. The girl is now four months pregnant. We have all the details for you tonight, including an extended sit down interview with the now accused and disgraced cop. He took all questions on the child molestation allegation - plus made some broad allegations against his boss, police minister John Saldivar, and we'll have all that for you. But, we start first with our story of how he finally handed himself in to police after eluding arrest since Monday. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Flowers Rejects Sex Abuse Allegation
And so Flowers is on remand tonight - but he says he is falsely accused. The incident is alleged to have happened near his farm in Blackman Eddy where the child alleges that Flowers twice had sex with her against her will. It's a very disturbing allegation and today in the presence of his attorney Flowers told us it is completely false:.. Daniel Ortiz: "I have to be frank and ask you straight up, did you have any sexual relations with this young lady?" Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "Absolutely and unequivocally under any circumstances it's a no! It's a no!"

Flowers Bombshell: A Minister Made Them Do It
And, Flowers says that not only did the family set him up - they did so based on an inducement from a government minister. He doesn't call that Minister's name, but by inference it can be deducted who he is referring to. Here's how he put it:... Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "About 5 weeks or a little more ago, I posted up a picture with the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister on my Facebook page and I understand that and this is a mutual friend of the minister, the host and myself who is saying that it was said to the minister 'he say how could Mark Flowers be so disrespectful and posting up a picture with the Deputy Prime Minister, who as you defeated in the bid for the office of deputy party leader a couple weeks ago, which is nothing to do with being professional, nothing to do with policing."

Hon. Saldivar completely Rejects Flowers' Account
And so while Superintendent Flowers, who was with his attorney was careful not to name names, his rage is clearly directed against National security Minister John Saldivar. So, today we spoke to Saldivar by phone and we asked him how he responds to the allegations. Daniel Ortiz "The allegations that Mr. Mark Flowers has made is that you are the moving hand behind his being charged, that you supposedly paid the family $8,000 so that they would make a malicious complaint against him because you have a personal vendetta against him. Can you give us a response sir?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "That has to absolutely ridiculous. I certainly don't even know the victims nor the parent or mother. I've never met them, don't even know their names and so any assertions that I may have been involved with the family is a complete fabrication from Mr. Flowers."

When It All Falls Down: From PM's Escort To A Jail Cell For Mark Flowers
And so it has come to this for Mark Flowers - a man who was the favourite of the UDP government - the man who provided the escort for the Prime Minister on the night of his re-election in November 2015. He was as publicly chummy with the UDP as a policeman can be - and tonight he is in jail. Today he discussed that trajectory:... Daniel Ortiz: "It seem as though you've been at the mountain top, at the highest heights in this administration - this UDP administration, being associated with the Prime Minister and it seems as though you have taken a very steep fall all the way to the bottom. How could this have happened? Everyone thinks you enjoy some sort of, not even comradery, some sort of protection because of your connections to the UDP administration and now you are saying that elements of that same administration is the one that orchestrating not only your exit, but you're criminal charging."

Luis Wade Leads Protest Saying "I Want My Country Back"
Tonight the headlines may be all about Superintendent Mark Flowers - but he too is part of the William "Danny" Mason story - and that's what took center stage in Belmopan this morning. That's when Plus Tv's Luis Wade led a protest under the banner: "I Want My Country Back". Wade is alluding to the forces which he believe colluded to kill his brother pastor Llewellyn Wade, and are now conspiring to bury the investigation. That's his take on this crime of the decade and today he proved that he's not alone in this belief. We went to Belmopan for his spirited protest:... "We want our country back, we'll take our country back" - that was the emphatic chant hollered out by the firebrands leading today's peaceful protest through Belmopan. They led a far more laid back crowd through Belmopan and took the message right up to the Prime Minister's Office - where plainclothes police blocked the door. But they couldn't block Raymond Rivers and Geovannie Brackett's outbursts:

Mason Complainant Lloyd Freissen Leaves Country
Well today the Mennonite at the center of the investigation has again left the country. 7News has confirmed that Lloyd Freissen flew out this afternoon - reportedly because he is still afraid for his and his family's safety. As we have reported, Freissen is the centerpiece in the entire case of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. He is the one who alleges that Mason conned him out of three hundred thousand dollars - and then kidnapped him and his wife when he went to collect the money. In a 12 page statement, he told police that Mason introduced Pastor Lu as Mason's advisor and accountant - and the pastor was involved as a middleman in the transaction where Friessen paid Mason three hundred thousand dollars for a shipment of corn from Argentina which never arrived.

Mark Flowers and Mason? Ex GSU Commander Says He was Undercover!
So where does Mark Flowers fit into all this? He was the one seen on Mason's verandah in a very friendly embrace. He was known to have close ties with the reputed conman. So today we asked him what he was up to - and he told us a quite incredible tale. He says he was undercover!: Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander "I had reasons to go there, but I also had all of the communication that was sent to me and having spoken to Russell Blackett, because the information was first passed to him. I went to his office and he showed me the communication and a link on his computer that spoke to. I did not know him before then and I said that I will get in there." Daniel Ortiz: "So you were uncover?" Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "Yes, I told him, I promise him that I will get in there and I went in and I having been armed with all the information, I still have them and for some strange reason I delete a lot of the messages, but I didn't delete those ones."

Teenager Critical After Being Run Over By Cab
16 year old Tyrese Carcamo is tonight in a critical condition at the KHMH following a traffic accident on the George Price Highway. It happened sometime after 6 yesterday evening. Caracamo was riding his bicycle somewhere near mile 8 and a half on the George Price Highway, and was heading in the direction of Belize City when a taxi driver heading in the same direction collided into him. The head of the 16 year old minor crashed into the windshield of the vehicle which caused him severe head injuries. Police along with BERT personnel were at the scene shortly thereafter to attend to the victim and process the scene. Station Manager at Hattieville Police station Sergeant Keith Clarke told us what the investigations are revealing so far.

Scary City Fire
An entire family on Olivera Street in the Lake Independence area lost their home and all their belongings when their house was devoured by fire this morning. By the time the fire fighters arrived at the scene, it was already too late. The two story wooden structure was completely destroyed. However they did manage to contain it before it caused further damage. But not before another home owner lost her belongings when the same fire, scorched her apartment. She spoke to us about the damage today. Daniel Ortiz: "Do you all know how the fire started? How it spread? What happened?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "I don't know I wasn't here, I went out." Daniel Ortiz: "The room that was destroyed, how does it affect your family? Is it a bedroom? A hall?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "Bedroom." Daniel Ortiz: "Have you been around to see if they have any kind of water damage inside your home?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "Water damage, my mattress and clothing got burnt."

Armed Home Invasion In Affluent Neighborhood Nets Major Cash Heist
Yesterday afternoon there was an armed home invasion and big money robbery at a home in the King's Park area of Belize City. It happened in broad daylight, around 2:30 when two men strode into the Sylvester home at the corner of "A" Street and Princess Margaret drive. The doors were apparently opened because there was some construction work ongoing at the house. Once inside the men - one Hispanic and one dark skinned - accosted homeowner, 75-year-old Maria "Maude" Sylvestre and her daughter and son in law, who were visiting from the US. They pointed a gun at them and ordered them to lie down on the floor where they were robbed of jewelry, an iphone and a camera. The gunman then reportedly told the homeowner 75 year old Maria Maude Sylvestre to show him the safe and open it. Police say he helped himself to assorted jewelries valuing $50,000.00, and $20,000.00 US dollars in cash. They stole a few more items and then assaulted the care taker as they went down the stairs. Both men then ran down Princess Margaret Drive. It's a major heist and a very disturbing one because of the location and the time of day. Today police held a press conference to say they are working hard to make arrests. They said they are beginning with those who had some inside knowledge of the house:..

The Volunteer Treatment
Yesterday we told you about the Volunteer Battalion Camp which is currently in its second week of training. They are joined at the camp by members of the Louisiana National Guard from the US, who are overseeing the two-week training program. We accompanied the Minister of National Security to Mountain Pine Ridge yesterday as he paid a courtesy visit to the troops. Emanuel Pech reports The Volunteer Battalion is currently 384 men and women strong. These volunteers are often recruited by the BDF, the Coast Guard and the Police for full time jobs.

Eight Men Against Molasses Management By BSI
As we showed you in our last segment, there was a protest in Belmopan today - and there was also one in Orange Walk. That's where cane farmers are trying to bring pressure against ASR/BSI to get them to absorb the loss for almost four thousand tonnes of molasses which went bad. All those molasses would have fetched nearly half a million dollars in sales revenue - and now that it's not going to be realized, the farmers say BSI should pay for the loss. BSI has resisted that completely, but the farmers today started putting on the public pressure with a protest. Now, when you hear of a protest in cane country, it often spells trouble, but todays quickly called protest did not measure up to that. IT was small with only 11 protestors and didn't cause any alarms to sound. But the message was clear. We have this courtesy CTV-3. Because of the history of violence in sugar related protests, Police did mobilize as did ASR's internal security teams - fortunately, none were needed since the crowd peaked at 8.

The War Of the Press Releases Continues
And so while today's protest sputtered - the issue of liability for the molasses remains on the front burner. The PUP made sure of that yesterday when they fired off a release blasting and blaming ASR/BSI for the bad molasses and insisting that that company should absorb the loss. Well the back and forth in press releases continued today with BSI firing back at the PUP saying, the release, quote, "can only be construed to confuse cane farmers and encourage divisiveness in the industry." It adds, quote, "The PUP's assertion of negligence or failure to follow standard procedures is strongly rejected by BSI. This is completely untrue and viewed as a grossly irresponsible statement." It concludes, quote, "BSI was not culpable for the Maillard reaction which occurred. This was a phenomenon resulting from a range of factors. As such any loss of revenue is a shared industry loss as there is no revenue to share."

Channel 5

Former GSU Head Arraigned for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
Oh how the mighty have fallen. At five-thirty this evening, former Gang Suppression Unit Commander Mark Flowers was formally arraigned for two counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and has been [...]

Flowers Remanded to Belize Central Prison
Flowers was brought to court just before four this afternoon, and there was the usual Police confusion which seems to surround all major cases. After about forty-five minutes of waiting [...]

Flowers Claims He Offered to take DNA Test
Flowers is not going down quietly. Today he provided a one-on-one interview on a number of explosive issues such as his relations with suspected murderer William “Danny” Mason; what he [...]

Former GSU Head Says He Had No Contact with Minor
While Flowers admits to meeting the minor in the summer of 2015, he maintains that he never had any physical contact with her. As we mentioned, the report against him [...]

Is Minister of National Security John Saldivar Targeting Flowers?
According to Flowers, there is a move afoot to tarnish his reputation. He believes that he is being politically railroaded because of a picture he posted on Facebook. That image [...]

Flowers Says He Was Working Undercover at Mason Home
Following the sensational murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, who was decapitated on July fifteenth, friends and acquaintances of alleged murderer, businessman William Mason have all disassociated themselves from him. One [...]

Was New GSU Head Mason’s First Bodyguard?
Flowers, in his account of meeting Mason, told News Five that the accused murderer bragged about having GSU protection when he first arrived in Belize a few years ago. That [...]

Saldivar Confirms Quantum of Mason Contribution to Bandits
Minister Frank Papa Mena, has admitted he received ten thousand dollars for his bye-election campaign in 2015 from William Mason. While everybody is keeping their distance with a pole a [...]

Flowers Says It Was Much More than $50,000
But Flowers tells an entirely different story than that of the minister. According to Flowers, Mason made it known to him that he was part owner of the football club [...]

How Close Were Saldivar and Mason?
Central to what has been unfolding over the past week and a half is Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar, whose name is repeatedly being called in the current saga. Flowers [...]

Brazen Home Invasion Nets $100,000
A pair of thieves netted over ninety thousand dollars during a home invasion in Belize City on Monday afternoon. Seventy-five-year-old Maria Sylvester, the Patroness of HelpAge Belize, reported to police [...]

Is The Neighborhood in Danger?
With the home of an affluent Belize City family robbed in broad daylight, does the aggravated burglary pose a threat to other well-off residents in that neighborhood? Reporter “Should [...]

Cane Farmers Protest at B.S.I.
There was an impromptu protest this morning against ASR/B.S.I. Notwithstanding, the company set up barricades and the police showed up just in case. The protest was not advertised so only [...]

B.S.I. Responds to P.U.P. Release
On Monday, the People’s United Party chastised ASR/B.S.I. for the suggestion that the farmers will need to pick-up the bill for sixty-five percent of the losses incurred by the affected [...]

Belize City Fire Leaves Eight Persons Homeless
A total of persons comprising two families are victims of a fire this morning in Belize City. A family of eight lost everything when the blaze swept through her house [...]

Chamber Calls for Measures to Combat Corruption
The ongoing saga involving the relations between murder suspect, William Mason, and Cabinet Ministers as well as the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas won’t go away any time soon. The [...]

Protesters in Belmopan Want their Country Back
There was a candlelight vigil held in Belmopan on Monday night, a first step in what organizers say is a move to take the country back. We’ll have that for [...]

A Candlelight Vigil to Remember Pastor Llewellyn Lucas
Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, a common man who died the most gruesome of deaths in bizarre circumstances, was memorialized by friends and family at a candlelight vigil held in Belmopan on [...]

LOVE FM

Mark Flowers Says, “I Saw … I was There … I Know”
Earlier in our newscast we told you of some serious statements and allegations being made by Superintendent of Police, Mark Flowers. He made these statements today in a lengthy interview which is still being reviewed. His attorney, Richard Dickie Bradley, however spoke on the gravity of the allegations being made by Flowers. DICKIE FLOWERS “Listen […]

Dickie Bradley Says There Is Evidence of Corruption of Government Ministers
Richard Dickie Bradley has been retained by Mark Flowers as we have told you earlier. With that attorney/client privilege now in play, Bradley has become privy to the information that his client claims to have against several Government officials. This entire Mason saga is unprecedented in Belize and the extent of money laundering and corruption […]

No Money for the Belize Coast Guard
On May 17, the Belize Coast Guard issued an invite on social media for persons interested in joining their ranks. The deadline for applications was June 3, 2016 with the intention of having the applicants sit an examination followed by recruit training. On July 15, however, a notice went out informing applicants that the recruitment […]

Amandala

Decision on Orozco’s sodomy challenge due Wednesday
A landmark challenge to a clause in Belize’s Criminal Code which includes sodomy and bestiality as crimes punishable by 10 years in prison, met its first legal challenge some years ago, when Caleb Orozco, president of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), an organization representing roughly 70 people from the LGBT community, launched a constitutional challenge, calling on the court to use its “legislative pen” to strike out any reference to sodomy as an unnatural crime. Orozco is asking the Supreme Court to declare that Section 53 is null and void and of no effect in relation to sex between consenting adult males. He is seeking an order to amend Section 53 to only retain the criminalization of bestiality (human sexual relations with animals). After a preliminary challenge which saw UNIBAM removed as claimant in 2012—after the churches successfully argued that UNIBAM has no legal standing to bring such a challenge alleging breach of fundamental constitutional rights—the matter went to full hearing from May 7 to May 10, 2013.

William Mason in hot, hot water!
Belizeans are still struggling to come to terms with the kidnapping and shocking beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, popularly known as “Pastor Lue,” which came to light last Friday night when Lucas’ head was discovered in the pan of a pickup belonging to, and driven by William Donny Mason, 46, who was born in Guyana but who, unaccountably, has a Belize birthpaper. In connection with Lucas’ horrible death, police today released a picture of a woman, Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson, 56, whom they are seeking for an interview. Police believe that she may still in the country. The gruesome discovery and Mason’s arrest and exposure have been causing all kinds of problems for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, because information has come to light that Mason, who was reportedly deported from Canada to Guyana sometime between 2007 and 2010 for a firearm offence, had been wanted by police reportedly in connection with the “attempted kidnapping” of a Canadian man and his wife in Belize.

Bella Regina Williams, 34, stabbed to death
Hours before she was murdered, Bella Regina Williams, 34, may have danced with her suspected killer at the La Cabana Restaurant and Discotheque in Belmopan, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett told Amandala today. Neighbors told police that around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, a commotion and screams were heard coming from Williams’ yard at #2 Zultana Street in Las Flores, in Belmopan. According to Williams’ sister-in-law, about four hours later, Williams’ 12-year-old daughter discovered the body of her mother lying face down, and apparently dead. Williams, who was stabbed multiple times during the attack, was found soaked in blood at the entrance to her home.

Shot in the back while making panades
Nathan Underwood, 38, was gunned down as he was making panades in his kitchen at Nate’s Cool Spot located in Gardenia, at Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The businessman was alone in his kitchen at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday when a gunman emerged from behind the establishment. Armed with a .9mm gun, the killer fired several shots into Underwood’s back through an open window. According to police, patrons at Nate’s Cool Spot saw a man fleeing the area after the shooting. Ladyville police said that they did in fact have information that may lead to the swift detention of the shooter. In reference to what they might know about the gunman, Assistant Superintendent Juanito Cocom said, “We have some leads we are working on, but we cannot divulge any information as yet; the investigation is very, very young.”

In the Mek Mi Rich case, BTL to pay cost of court of almost $59,000
In February, the Supreme Court found that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) had pirated the concept of the SMS lottery texting game Mek Mi Rich from a proposal made to the company by Corozal businessman Curtis Swasey and the court awarded Swasey $25,000 in damages, but what was left was for the court to determine the cost of court that BTL must pay Swasey’s attorneys, Kareem Musa and Wayne Piper. BTL eventually paid Swasey last month after a Supreme Court marshall went to the company’s St. Thomas Street headquarters to crowfoot its assets to secure payment of the court judgment. Last Wednesday, the court arrived at a figure for the cost of the litigation, and Swasey’s attorneys were awarded cost of court of $58,790.10.

Ashcroft Alliance wants $70 mil more in US dollars
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is being asked to settle a dispute between the Government of Belize and the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), most notably the Ashcroft-affiliated company, Dunkeld International Investments Limited, over payments made earlier this month towards an arbitration award handed down in favor of the company last month. Amandala has been reliably informed that the Ashcroft group is demanding US$70 million more than what it had received in US currency. Under the settlement agreement of September 11, 2015, a “restricted portion” would be paid in Belize dollars and spent on projects in Belize, but the “unrestricted portion” would be paid in US dollars entirely for the enjoyment of the Michael Ashcroft group. The Government says that the Ashcroft group is now demanding more for the “unrestricted portion,” than had been agreed. “Apart from the foreign exchange implications, such a position would also short the Belize dollar portion reserved for the people of Belize,” the Government of Belize (GOB) said today via press release.

National Track & Field Championships this weekend
The Belize Athletics Association (BAA) invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email (belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete. Events will include: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m, 4x400m, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Javelin, Shot put, Discus.

Male Volleyball team at U23 championships in Panama
Team Belize departed yesterday to compete at the U23 Central American Male Volleyball Championship in Panama. Team members are: Bryton Codd (captain), Zachary Garbutt, Alwyn Mahung, Ernan Caliz, Raluni Bernardez, Edgar Martinez, Anfernee Archer, Jiovanny Gonzalez, Raheem Flowers, Daril Avila, Yserri Palacio, Francis Haulze, Albert Humes (head coach), Delio Arruebarrena (Cuban coach), and Ben Ramos (manager)… Unfortunately, livestream information has not yet been available. Keep up with information posted on BelizeVolleyball facebook profile and group pages…

Another setback for Onan McClean Insurance Brokers U-17 Tournament
Uncertainty surrounds the football schedule of the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) under Chairman Billy Moguel. After a splendid 1st Division semifinal, though not stellar officiating, on Sunday, July 17; and fans eagerly anticipating the championship finals the following weekend; a BDFA release on Thursday, July 21, stated simply that “we will not be having any games this weekend” because “Association members will be travelling and others have work obligations.” Both 1st Division finals on Sunday and 4 scheduled U-17 games for last Saturday were cancelled. If that was not bad enough, considering the urgency of preparations for the U-17 Nationals next weekend, August 5-7, the BDFA had scheduled U-17 mid-week games, on Tuesday and Thursday of this week, in addition to the scheduled Saturday games. But this evening, even those mid-week games were apparently in jeopardy.

Winty J (Vincent Johnson) – my life, Final
A: Yo mek ahn.. W: a get visa… so mi gaan… Part 9 A: ’74… when yo next trip back.. W: As a get de, a play fi Braves… as a get de mi join Braves team… A: Fahn L.A. or New York?.. W: New York. Braves mi de ya lately, and a no get fi see him, yo no… A: Mmhmm? W: Yeah, Braves mi de ya… dehn bwai mi gat a pahn Krem… when i mi de da caye… i mi de out a caye when Krem mi di do da ting da caye… A: Weh yo call… weh hihn name.?.. W: Braves name Kenneth Meighan… Hihn da di original Braves, yo no… Braves mek right da Yabra round di Milo time, yo no… dehn mi da di lead… dehn win wahn season, yo no… wahn wicked season, when dehn knock off Plaza…

Editorial: Worse than Penner
We keep saying to you, Belize has a pretty good democracy. Belize has been able to change governments from time to time in free and fair elections. There is no violence in our electoral campaigning. Because the constitutional possibility of political change exists, Belize, unlike the countries in Central America around us, has succeeded in avoiding revolutionary violence. The major flaw in Belize’s parliamentary democracy is the nature of our campaign financing, which is wide open for anyone who can write a big check to acquire influence in the two major political parties, and at the same time secretive in that the political parties are not mandated to reveal the identities of their campaign financiers or the amounts they donate. The nature of Belize’s campaign financing makes a mockery of the universal adult suffrage we welcomed with such pride in 1954. The concept of “one man, one vote,” becomes a kind of joke when one man can write a check for one million dollars to one of the two major parties, as was famously revealed in the general election campaign of 1998. Such a check writer, in a real sense, has more than one vote.

From the Publisher
The Belize Cabinet’s recent decision to renew and upgrade its commitment to the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), putting more boots on the ground, as it is said, is a case of now choosing the stick instead of the carrot. Where both the 2014 and the 2015 September celebrations were concerned, the Government of Belize chose the carrot approach in Belize City, which involved pumping some money into the Southside. But now the general elections are over, the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has a brand new five-year term, and there is no political pressure or incentive to use the velvet glove with the desperate youth. Hence, the iron fist of the GSU. There is always the need to control crime and violence in order to protect the financial bonanza for Belize City businesses, and increasingly the tourist industry, which the Centenary celebrations represent. But this year’s September celebrations are even more critical for the ruling party, because their administration has been much maligned of late.

Belize’s border areas targeted by illegal wildlife traffickers
Chief Forest Officer Wilber Sabido told Amandala today that the greatest problem with illegal wildlife trafficking in Belize, which also includes trafficking in timber and marine species, is seen along the country’s western and southern borders, which evidently serve as entry points for Guatemalans and Hondurans. Sabido delivered the opening address this morning at a three-day workshop on illegal wildlife trafficking being held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, and which was organized by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which represents a key enforcement and regulatory agency in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking in Belize.

He Ain’t Heavy; He’s My Brother!
It has been one of the most troubling times for me as a Belizean in the diaspora to have been observing the touching moments of suffering among the Belizean people at home as black-on-black crime rocks the Belizean nation, and heinous crimes of brutality are being inflicted upon its citizens by forces almost strange and bizarre to the Belizean way of life. Belizeans were once, but still are a very peaceful and kind race of humanity that people all over the world continue to talk about in a positive light despite these horrors, trials, and tribulations that we as a people continue to face. We have to win this fight to secure our humanity that God Most High has blessed us with as a humble and kind people to the world.

32 Guatemalan canoes went to Sarstoon, National Security confirms
The Ministry of National Security has alerted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of reports that 32 Guatemalan canoes were counted in the Sarstoon River area two weekends ago, when as many as 100 fishers were reported by Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) to have been illegally fishing inside Belize. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, Ret’d Colonel George Lovell, told us that he was unaware of the occurrence. He subsequently investigated the report which we shared with him from Maheia, as well as pictures Maheia took of the Guatemalans. Those photos, Lovell said, clearly demonstrated that there was illegal fishing in Belizean waters. In one photo, a Guatemalan man was shown fishing with a gill net right in front of the Forward Operating Base manned by Belize Defence Force officers in the area. Fishing with gill nets near a river mouth contravenes Belize law.

Breaking Belize News

Shawn Cook, 25, is charged for stabbing incident at Ruba’s Bar in Lord’s Bank
Ruba’s bar, a popular bar and hang out spot in Lord’s Bank area, Ladyville is no stranger to violent crimes and on July 8, 2016, there was yet another incident where a man was stab during an altercation inside the bar. 28 year […]

Bradley Paumen and company to be tried for businessman hit
Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith today said she had sufficient evidence before her to order businessman Bradley Paumen and fellow accused to be tried for various charges related to the attempt on the life of Michael Modiri. Linsburn Anderson and Bradley Paumen were charged […]

BSI: molasses loss is a joint industry loss; farmers say “NO!”
Sugar Cane farmers refuse to share the loss of costs after BSI lost close to 4,000 tons of molasses earlier this month. A handful of cane farmers held a peaceful protest at the junction of the Philip Goldson highway and the entrance to BSI, […]

Accused GSU boss hits back
Mark Flowers, former head of the GSU, was charged with 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith. Flowers was remanded into custody until September 26 when disclosure is to be given. A case management has been […]

Cayo police investigating series of burglaries
Errie Anthony Manzanero, 33, from a Bullet Tree Falls address reported to police that on Sunday between midnight and 5:00 a.m. someone broke into his home and stole one black and brown single action shotgun valued $300; one single action 20 gauge ROSSI shotgun valued at $998 and […]

San Pedro police seize four pounds of weed
At around midday today, officials attached to the Special Branch and CIB San Pedro police department, acting on special intelligence, raided the apartment of Belizean painter, 37-year-old Kirt Jason Cruz in the San Pedrito area of town where they discovered 4 pounds of suspected cannabis. […]

Belize City Police investigating $96,000 mid-afternoon robbery
On Monday July 25, 75-year old Maria Sylvestre reported to police that sometime after 2:30 p.m., while at home located on‘A’ Street and Princess Margaret Drive with her daughter and her son-in-law, two male persons rushed inside the living room. Sylvestre reported to police that one of […]

Belize junior volleyballers taken to brink in opening match of C.A. championship
The Belize U-23 male junior volleyball team needed 5 of the last 6 points available to defeat Honduras in the opening match of the Central American championship in Panama. Belize won a tight encounter 25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11 and is level on 3 […]

BCCI calls on government to address corruption
The decapitation of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas and the revelation that his accused killer William Mason was very well connected to political figures and likely facilitated by some of them has caused concern about corruption and now the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) […]

Belize has reached a new low?
Belize’s socio-economy has been on a steady downward path since Independence in 1981…..but it has reached a new low, with the beheading of a pastor last week. This kind of gruesome apparent contract killing among white collar criminals is a first for Belize. “The […]

Cane farmers stage protest over molasses loss
Cane farmers in the Orange Walk district are currently staging a protest in front of the BSI/ASR compound over the ongoing dispute regarding the sharing of losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars in spoiled molasses. The farmers are reportedly protesting without a license […]

#IWantMyCountryBack vigil held in Belmopan
Last night in Belmopan approximately 400 residents of the Belmopan area took to the streets as part of the #IWantMyCountryBack candle-light vigil organized by religious leaders. The movement came to life on Facebook, started by outspoken Pastor Louis Wade, who also owns Plus TV. The vigil started […]

Mother of 3 viciously killed in Belmopan
Regina Williams, 34, a mother of three, was found dead, partially nude in front of her home in the Las Flores area of Belmopan yesterday morning00 […]

Sugar Cane Farmers in Orange Walk stage protest
Breaking Belize News has been reliably informed that police officers and BSI/ASR security guards have assembled at the entrance of the sugar cane factory compound in Orange Walk with barricades to prevent cane farmers from entering the area to conduct a protest. BBN was […]

Blogs

San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize: The Changes, The Restaurants and My Guesthouse
San Ignacio is a central hub for travelers crossing Belize – from the Cayes, from Tikal Maya Site in Guatemala. It’s THE central kick-off spot for “jungle activities” – caving, cave tubing, zip lining, hiking, and more. I haven’t walked through the town that slopes down a steep hill to the Macal River in almost exactly a year – and again, there have been quite a few changes. I’m going to start with all the new murals in town. They are absolutely gorgeous. What a great way to give a fresh new look to the whole town. These are SO gorgeous and WOULD make fantastic t-shirts.

International Sources

Belize family harassed in Bacalar in taxi dispute
On Thursday July 21 a family from Corozal, Belize was harassed and provoked at Bacalar by members of the local taxi union in Bacalar. The Belizean family visited Bacalar in a green car for pleasure and were intercepted by members of the union, which is affiliated with the PRI party of Gov. Roberto Borge Angulo. The family of five was reportedly forced to get out of the vehicle as they were accused of stealing customers. Local media reports add that residents in the area as well as tourists witnessed the family being verbally and physically harassed. The union members are reported to have also provoked the family into a full-fledged physical fight but after fifteen minutes the union members were able to verify that the Belizean taxi driver was indeed there as a tourist with his family. They were allowed to leave, the media adds, but no authorities arrived at the scene to assist the family.

CDB unveils new programme to assess poverty in the Caribbean
Across the Caribbean, policymakers rely heavily on the availability of timely, accurate and reliable poverty data to support national and regional development initiatives. Despite making considerable progress on how they measure poverty, many countries in the Region do not frequently update or report on key poverty indicators, and are not able to assess the non-income dimensions of poverty and human development. On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched a programme designed to address these challenges, and improve the way its 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) assess poverty and gain access to data from these assessments. “The Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Programme launched today responds to the pressing need for high-quality data on poverty. Understanding the causes of poverty, who it affects and how it affects them is at the core of making informed, evidence-based policy decisions and helping Caribbean countries make meaningful, measurable progress in reducing and ending poverty,” said Deidre Clarendon, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB.

Splashers!
Join us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks! 2p.m come early if you haven't signed up.

Videos

Belize// winter break 2015, 3.5min.

FroYo, Airport, and Belize Haul!, 12min.

Tourism in Belize, 1.5min. Check out our newest video Promoting Tourism in Belize!

Wildtracks, Belize 2015, 3.5min.

Young Toucan who is almost ready to be released!, 15sec. Here is our young Toucan who is almost ready to be released! He was rescued by TREES a little over a week ago. Here he is on his first day out in a large enclosure where within a minute he was tearing up the foliage and loving it! We all look forward to releasing him back where he was found to be reunited with his lovely wild Toucan community.

July 26, 2016

Shyne Barrow repping Belize at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica!

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

Ambergris Today

$10,000 Towards School Supplies for Fire Victims by BTL
On July 21st, 2016, BTL’s Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Anwar Barrow, presented a handsome check of $10,000 to assist the affected families of the infamous fire that occurred in San Pedro just weeks before. Among the 27 families affected, many of them were children registered for the coming school year. In that light, BTL has collaborated with Belize Red Cross and Angelus Press Limited to facilitate school supplies at the value of $10,000 to all the affected children.

Misc Belizean Sources

Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson
"The time to save your country is before you lose it." - Today we remember Belizean writer, journalist, activist, politician, a national hero Philip S. W. Goldson (July 25, 1923 - October 3, 2001)

Don't miss out on this year's International Costa Maya Festival!
Thursday - August 4th is Pageant Night with eight beautiful contestants from Central America & Mexico vying for the title of Miss Costa Maya 2016! Friday - August 5th is Caribbean Night with International Soca Queen Alison Hinds performing her soca classics to get you dancing and prepared for this year's September Celebrations! Saturday - August 6th is International Night with Mexican Super Stars Super Lamas Band playing their catchy tunes like "Yo Quiero Chupar"! Get your tickets now!

Poets Corner: Krucus
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez. Lewelyn Lucas is talking to us We’re bussing their krucus Faber throw Saldivar under the bus Barrow throw Papa Mena under the bus We need to follow the money fuss These investigators need to stop playing with us Mason supported campaign and sports Which media house will give Mason’s report with guarded escort? Or will they wait till he gets to the court? Everyone di play shaggy Distancing themselves from the bally They all know the reason They should all be charged for treason Now the commander of GSU is being investigated for an underage girl He allegedly screw This is turning into an interesting brew

Police Department shows love to kids
The Eastern Police Division launched a crime prevention educational initiative with 50 kids in Belize City called, "Getting to know your country". Many of the children will travel the country to get to know the country.

Miss Belize -Universe Contestants
Who will be the next Ms. Belize? The Journey has kicked off @Maruba Belize, All the Best to the delegates.

Pueblo Nuevo ferry closed Tuesday July 26th, 2016
The Pueblo Nuevo ferry on Ferry Road will be closed for repairs on Tuesday July 26th, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Chief Engineer, Ministry of Works, Corozal Town.

Camp GLOW Belize 2016
"10 days, 68 girls, and countless smiles later: Camp GLOW Belize 2016 was a success! So thankful for PCVs, work partners, guest speakers, and donors who all contributed to make this camp such a positive experience for the girls (and the adults too!) Without a doubt, this was one of my proudest moments as a Peace Corps Volunteer."

Miss San Pedro 2016
Here you have them! The six beautiful contestants for Miss San Pedro officially sashed by their sponsors. Marisha Thompson, Beverly Rodriguez, Karina Requena, Lisandra Novelo, Marleni Diaz, and Heidi Sorto. Don't miss out the grand night of the pageant on Saturday, September 3rd.

Roving Caregivers Programme
Graduation ceremonies were held on 23rd and 24th July, 2016 in 7 villages in the Toledo District for 80 children who completed the Roving Caregivers Programme. Ceremonies were held in the villages of Blue Creek, Midway, San Felipe, San Jose, San Miguel, San Marcos and Santa Anna and parents, village leaders and officials from the Ministries of Human Development and Education were in attendance to celebrate this event with the children. Earlier this month, on July 5th, similar ceremonies were held at the Port Loyola Library in Belize City for 44 children from South Side Belize City who also graduated from the programme. Along with their certificates, the young graduates received a child stimulation package comprising of a play dough set, a coloring book and a pack of jumbo crayons. Certificates of recognition were also given to parents who actively participated in the programme.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
OAS Scholarships 2016 - Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition, University of Technology, Jamaica. The scholarships are available to citizens or permanent residents of OAS member states other than Jamaica.

Congratulations to the newly appointed president of the San Pedro Lion's Club, Mr. Nigel Belisle!
He is always working hand in hand with the community especially when the need arises. We want to wish him the best on his term as president as we are more than sure he will succeed! Congratulations to the other members of the board: Vice Presidents: Brittney O'Daniel and Everette Anderson, Secretary: Ms. Pamela Zetina, Treasurer: Mr. Abel Guerrero Sr. an Membership Chair: Ms. Fatima Graniel. Keep up the great work!

Caye Caulker Carnival Workshop
July 31, 9am-3pm

Moscow Ballet On Ice brings Olympians and cool moves to Belize
Recent news reports about an ice skating show coming to Belize may have some people scratching their heads. But, thanks a mobile ice surface called the Ice Equipment Complex (IPC), a public entertainment area can be transformed into a skating rink within hours. This is what will take place at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts ahead of two shows: July 30 and July 31. The following week, the Moscow Ballet on Ice will set up its IPC in San Pedro at the R. Angel Nunez Auditorium. The IPC technology will allow Belizeans to enjoy scenes from “Swan Lake” and “Cinderella on Ice.” “This is truly unique,” said Karen Vernon of the Institute of Creative Arts. “Even if you’re not an ice dancing fan, you can’t miss the opportunity to take in such a unique production.”

EMANCIPATION DAY 2016 ACTIVITIES
Belize will join other Caribbean nations for August 1 commemorations. NICH Belize is partnering with the Kremandala media houses, the United Black Association for Development Educational Foundation (UEF), and Queen Street Baptist Church to provide opportunities and venues for reflection on Belize’s history of slavery and emancipation. Emancipation Day is celebrated in many former British colonies in the Caribbean in observance of the emancipation of slaves of African descent. Belize events Include: Sunday, July 31: 11 p.m. to midnight service at Queen Street Baptist Church Monday, August 1: At 6:00 a.m. brightly colored paper boats will be launched into the sea at Belize City House of Culture (Government House) Monday, August 1: At 10 a.m. the Museum of Belize will open the special exhibit “enSLAVEd: The RISE and FALL of Slavery in Belize” Monday, August 1: At 7 p.m. there will be lectures by Omitade Adediran and Dr. Kurt B. Young at the University of the West Indies Auditorium

Emergency power interruption, portion Belize City, 5:00am to 8:00am Tuesday, July 26
To replace load break switch damaged by motor vehicle impact on Monday. Affected areas: portion Orange St, West Canal from King St to Regent St West, Church St, Bishop St, Albert St, Regent St West, Regent St , King St, Dean St and South St.

FCD’s Environmental Educator presented on the Beauty of Chiquibul at the Chaa Creek Eco Kids Summer Camp 2016

Baby White-Fronted Amazons are hungry, hungry little babies
From before they could even think of flying until this day where they fly to their hearts desire they have been eating quicker than we can make food for them! Closer to adulthood they are eating more and more of their fruits and seeds each day, though they all still enjoy their baby moosh. They started coming in batches June 9th adding up now to a count of 25! They are doing very, very well and we expect a great release when they are ready. Keep your eyes and ears open for updates on these cuties.

Channel 7

A Most Murderous Weekend Started in Gardenia
Over the weekend, There were 3 murders: a bar owner was gunned down in Gardenia Village; a teacher was stabbed to death in Orange Walk; and a woman was bludgeoned to death in Belmopan. That leaves 3 separate families grieving for lost loved ones, but we start tonight with the killing of Hattieville Resident Nathan Underwood. He was the owner of Nates Cool Spot, a well-known bar which he moved from Hattieville Village to his home village of Gardenia 2 years ago. His family says that he was a hardworking businessman who was very friendly and likeable. So, they were stunned when they heard that a gunman shot and killed him in the ruthless fashion usually reserved for the notorious street figures of the criminal underworld. Our news team went looking for answers today, and Daniel Ortiz reports:

Maskall Shooting Followed Closely Behind Gardenia Murder
Around the same time that Ladyville Police were responding to the murder scene at Nate's Cool Spot in Gardenia, another team had to be dispatched to Maskall on the Old Northern Highway. Rosalind Milligan, whose family is from the Long Barracks in the St. Martin's area of Belize City, was shot while she was asleep in her bed. It is not certain at this time if the two incidents are connected, but Someone shot up Milligan's home, and police believe that they were targetting her husband. Today, we visited the house, and we founded it riddled with bullet holes. Apparently, the shooter or shooters aimed low, hoping to hit their target at the height of the bed. When the gunfire subsided, Milligan realized that she had been shot in the buttocks.

Mother Of Three Bludgeoned To Death In Belmopan
And turning now from Belize Rural to the west, a mother of 3 was viciously killed in Belmopan. Reports are that early this morning after 3:00, 34 year old Regina Williams' body was found thrown in front of her Las Flores home. Her skull had been crushed and reports say that it's her 13 year old daughter who found her body. When we spoke to Williams' mother today over the phone, she told us that Williams went to La Cabana Night Club last night and probably hooked up with the wrong crowd. The mother recounts the gruesome discovery of her daughter's body and describes the depths of her loss and anguish.

Teacher Killed in Orange Walk
And tonight the Capital City is also mourning the loss of a school teacher from Belmopan Comprehensive. Early on Sunday morning 39 year old Marcelo Azueta was killed close to his home in Orange Walk Town. Police received the call at dawn but said he was probably knifed to death sometime before that:... ASP Selvyn Tillett, OC, Orange Walk Police: "On Sunday the 24th of July 2016 at 5:15am, acting upon information received, Orange walk police visited an area on Saint Peters Street next to the football field where they saw the motionless body of a male person in an open area with a single visible cut wound on the right side of his neck. Investigations revealed that sometime around 3am that date, someone who was passing by heard a loud cry from the area where the body was found. Shortly thereafter they saw 2 male persons riding off on bicycles. Motive for this is unknown at this moment. The only leads which we are following is of these 2 persons who were seen fleeing the area. We have gotten descriptions of the person and the bicycles which they were riding, so hopefully we can trace down these individuals."

Man Left Near Death In Lord's Bank
Ladyville police got a strange call early this morning that a man was slowly bleeding out on the side of the Road in Lords Bank Village. He had been stabbed in the neck, and when they showed up they found the victim, later identified as Samuel Flowers, on Edwin Parks Avenue, right near to the basketball court. Police say that they had to rush Flowers to the hospital because he was slipping in and out of consciousness. They are hoping tonight that the Lords Bank residents can help them to find out who inflicted the life-threatening stab wounds on him. Here's what Ladyville Police know so far: ASP Juanito Cocom, OC - Ladyville Police: "This morning about 5:30am, police responded to a call that a person was seen laying on Edwin Parks Avenue. Upon the arrival, police discovered a dark male person on the ground bleeding profusely from his neck. We did not get much information on the person. We just know his name is Samuel Flowers and he is presently undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Hospital. He has stab injuries to his throat."

Mason Gave 50K To The Belmopan Bandits
William Danny Mason and four others are charged for the savage murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, but the mystery of William Mason and his deep connections go much further - in fact, the more you dig, the dirtier it gets. Consider for example this fact: on the night was arrested, the first police unit sent to assist the arresting officer at a Bar in the Industrial site area of Belmopan? They actually turned back and left the arresting officer to fend for himself! And why? Well because they couldn't arrest a man who had done so much for them. Eventually, a second unit had to be sent to make the arrest. That's a fact which clearly illustrates how deep Mason's tentacles went into the corridors of policing and politics. His friendship with senior members of the UDP has been well publicized, and his area representative John Saldivar is the name that has been called most often. The Minister also admitted to receiving donations from Mason to fund his football club - the Belmopan Bandits. Today he confirmed to the media how much Mason gave - fifty thousand dollars. But in all the Minister's dealings with the now accused murderer, what did he truly know about the nature of Mason's enterprise? Today we asked him just that.

Hon. Saldivar Regrets Ever Meeting Mason
And from all that has been disclosed, we know that Saldivar introduced Mason to two of his Cabinet colleagues: Deputy PM Patrick Faber and Minister of State Frank Pawpa Mena. Saldivar, though, maintains that his dealings with Mason were strictly professional and kept to a bare minimum. But in hindsight, he says he would have never associated himself with a man of such questionable integrity and regrets ever meeting him. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "In hindsight I am sure that all of us are regretting that we met this gentleman and had any dealings at all to do with him. the question that has come up in my mind, if you want to ask, is what more could we have done in terms of finding more about the background of this gentleman? I personally had googled him name and saw nothing negative about it and if somebody had not seen it fit to alert us, somebody who either found it on the internet or knew of him before, to tip off somebody and said 'hey you need to look further into this', if somebody hadn't done that, I'd probably still be his friend today."

Where Is Mason's Wife?
And so while William DANNY Mason is spending his first few days of jail time on remand for the beheading of Pastor Lucas, his common law wife Melissa Ferguson is at large. Today police say they are looking for her as a person of interest in their investigation. But why now? We pressed National Security Minister Saldivar for an answer. Reporter "As the head of national security, didn't it raise any red flags for you when the police just started looking for his spouse/business partner girlfriend 5 days after this entire incident began unfolding?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "I guess the police would have their reasons and I'll have to depend on their expertise in that area why 5 days after that they decided. They know what they are doing and I trust in what they are doing."

Saldivar Hasn't Seen Video
The murder case of Pastor Lucas does not go back before the courts until September. When disclosure does come the prosecution will use surveillance video to try and establish their guilt. As we told you, cameras as Mason's home allegedly captured the five of them taking away Pastor Lu and two others. We're told that there's additional surveillance video from Mason's ranch where men are seen carting away the headless body to be burnt. Today we asked Security Minister Saldivar - who was familiar with Mason and his home - if he has seen the video - or any other security video of interest emerging from the home: Reporter: "How do we ensure that that surveillance footage does not go missing?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "I am sure that it will not go missing." Emanuel Pech: "Have you been made privy to that footage?

New GSU Commander Coincidence Not Scandal says Minister
We first reported it last week Thursday, but tonight, it's official: Superintendent Mark Flowers, has been replaced by Inspector Glenn Caliz as the commander of the GSU. Williams has recently been implicated in a carnal knowledge complaint. The mother of a 14 year old girl reported that Flowers had sexual relations with her underage daughter earlier this year. The girl is now pregnant. Flowers was also known to be friendly to suspected murderer William Mason. But according to the Minister of National Security none of these are factors that played into the decision to replacing him as the head of the GSU and the timing is mainly coincidental. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "Both of those things. He was the acting commander I should say, because the commander at the time had been on vacation. I believe that commander has now returned, but the decision was made two weeks ago to replace the commander upon his return and that is what has also happened."

PUP Says ASR/BSI To Blame And should Pay For Tonnes Of Bad Molasses
The PUP has joined in the back and forth over who is to blame for the molasses debacle at BSI's Tower Hill Factory. And, not surprisingly, the opposition has come down squarely on the side of the farmers. They say ASR/BSI is to blame for the molasses going bad, and it is quote, "unjust, unreasonable and outrageous" to, quote, "charge the sugar cane farmers two hundred and eighty one thousand, two hundred and thirty three dollars ($281,233.00)." The release goes unto say, quote, "based on consultations…the PUP has confirmed that the Maillard Reaction was as a direct result of ASR's negligence and failure to follow standard procedures during the liquefying stage of the boiling process." End quote. We stress that ASR/BSI has at all points rejected such a characterization. But the PUP says it's all part of a bigger plan, to, quote, "undermine the sugar cane farmers by creating an unfavorable and frustrating environment with the final objective being the elimination of thousands of hardworking Belizeans." End quote.

PM Travels For Bad Back Treatment
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is out of the country until Friday. He left on Saturday to go and see Doctor's about his persistent back problem. Deputy PM Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister until Barrow returns on Friday July 29th.

Court: Gina Conned Man
32 year-old Gina Conorquie Cherrington, a Belize City resident, is out on bail tonight after a former police officer said that she conned him out of 9 thousand dollars. Former Special Constable Goldburn Seguro reported to police that when he first met Cherrington, she claimed that she was working as part of the Boots Housing Project. She convinced him that she could get him one of the houses in that project, and so he paid her 9 thousand dollars in 6 different installments. Later on, the former cop realized that he had been scammed, and so he reported Cherrington to the police. She was arrested and charged with 6 counts of obtaining property by deception, and she was arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. She pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was released on bail of $1,000. She must return to court on September 8.

A Camp To Expand Horizons
We've reported on all kinds of summer camps - but today the Eastern Division police launched one that offers an experience unlike any other. They're taking city kids out of their usual environment to other parts of the country. IT's a little acknowledged fact, but inner city children are often trapped in their neighborhoods because the adults in their lives can only move in certain areas due to turf wars. Today Chester Williams explained the vision for this program:.. ACP Chester Williams - O. C. Eastern South: "We believe that there are a number of young people in Belize City who have not had the joy of leaving Belize City and see how the different parts of the country look. Those children are those who would normally be under privileged and are at risk. This program is basically geared as a form of diversion for them to be able to let them see and appreciate what Belize is all about."

Goldson, The Nationalist G.O.A.T.
National Hero Phillip Goldson would have been 93 today. The ultra-nationalist, one time opposition leader, perennial Albert representative and Minister of Government, was born on July 25th. 1923 in Belize City. Those wishing to learn more about him can visit his former residence which has been transformed into the Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism, on Orange Street, in Belmopan.

Shyne At Sumfest, Mi Seh!
Belize's Musical Ambassador has his critics - but you can't argue with results and this weekend he took one of the premier reggae music stages in the world alongside a legend. Shyne did a guest performance of his mega hit Bad Boys alongside headliner Barrington Levy on Reggae Night in Montego Bay. Shyne has been making the media rounds in Jamaica and according to news reports from there has expressed an interest doing a track with Vybz Cartel.

Toledo Kids Get To Know The Environment
Earlier in this segment we told you about the police summer camp which is trying to get city kids out into the districts. Well our next story is about out district kids to think about the environment. Here's more in a video form the Yaxche conservation trust:..

The Few, The Proud, The Reserves
Today our news team travelled to Mountain Pine Ridge to witness the camp of the Volunteer Battallions. They are the BDF reserves, made up of many retired military men but there are also a great number of men and women from diverse backgrounds including teachers and military hopefuls. This year the squad is increasing their numbers by 127 as recruit intake 37 takes on the final days of a two week battle training course held every year. Our team arrived late this evening and so we will have the full story for you tomorrow. But here is a summary of a brief ceremony that saw 78 volunteers who, after serving for four years, qualified for an incentive that keeps the numbers of the battalion healthy.

Channel 5

GSU Commander Mark Flowers, A Fugitive from Justice
Mark Flowers, head of the infamous Gang Suppression Unit, is tonight a fugitive from justice, according to a police source. Over the weekend, an arrest warrant was issued for Flowers, [...]

Dickie Bradley Says Flowers is Still Commander of the GSU
According to Bradley, Flowers remains commander of the Gang Suppression Unit despite recent announcements that he has since been replaced by Inspector Glenn Caliz. Bradley says his client is a [...]

Belmopan Compre Teacher Slain in Orange Walk
There were three murders over the weekend, in Gardenia, Belize District where a bar owner was executed; in Belmopan where a woman was likely raped and murdered and up north [...]

Nathan Underwood is Executed Inside His Bar in Gardenia
The life of thirty-eight year old Nathan Underwood was also cut short. The Hattieville resident was at his bar, Nates Cool Spot, when he shot dead. The establishment is located [...]

Mother of 3 Killed in Belmopan; Her Body is Discovered by Her Daughter
The most recent murder took place this morning and in the nation’s capital. A mother of three, Regina Williams was found partially nude in front of her house in the [...]

American National Shot While in Bed in Sand Hill
Heading back to the Belize District….just minutes after the murder of Nathan Underwood at mile twenty-one on the Phillip Goldson Highway, there was a shooting on the Old Northern Highway [...]

Bradley Paumen Back in Court for Preliminary Inquiry
American businessman Bradley Paumen, owner of Dark Knight Cave Tours, was back in court today. Paumen is another person with high connections in government circles; so much so that he [...]

A Pen Gun is Discovered in Carmelita
We don’t normally hear of the use of a pen gun in the committal of crimes in Belize, but around eleven o’clock today, Orange Walk police were called out to [...]

16 Year Old Arraigned for Murder of John Jay Rodriguez
The well-known and loved artist John Rodriquez aka “John Jay” was killed in Dangriga in June of this year. His murder stunned the community; it occurred at the Harlem Square [...]

Richard Smith Guilty of Aggravated Assault of His Stepson
After more than a month in the hospital, police have charged twenty-three year old Richard Smith with four criminal offenses. Smith was chopped by his fourteen year old stepson for allegedly [...]

A Vigil in Belmopan to Highlight the Beheading of Pastor Lucas
A candlelight vigil is underway in Belmopan and was organized by a group of religious leaders and concerned citizens, following the decapitation of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas a week ago. Tonight’s [...]

NCFC Says Sexual Abuse of Children Must Stop
The recent allegations of sexual abuse against children prompted a reaction by the National Committee of Families which is citing Belize’s ascension to the United Nations convention on the Rights [...]

Everything Quiet on South Side
Interestingly, Eastern Division South did not see any major criminal activity over the weekend. In fact, it’s been three weeks since there has been any murder or violence triggered by [...]

Chester Williams Says GSU Not Best Option to Curb Crime
Earlier today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that he is of the view that putting back the GSU in the streets to curb crime may not be the [...]

Getting to Know Belize – A New Policing Effort of Eastern Division
Eastern Division South has embarked on another community policing program for the summer. It targets underprivileged families and youths who are at risk of being recruited by gangs. Fifty participants [...]

P.U.P. Sides with Farmers on the Issue of the Spoilt Molasses
There is unease in the always volatile sugar industry tonight as millers and producers argue over who should pay, after hundreds of thousands of dollars- worth of molasses was destroyed [...]

Basketball, Softball & Cycling in Sports Monday
Good evening I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Certainly was a biggie at Birds Isle Friday night in Interoffice Basketball play as Heritage Bank Heatz challenged the [...]

CTV3

Pen gun Confiscated By Orange Walk Police
As a result of the good relationship shared between the Orange Walk police and members of the community, today authorities were able to remove yet another firearm from the streets, this time a point twenty-two caliber pen gun. Superintendent Selvin Tillett- OC Orange Walk Police: “Due to the good relation with the police that we are trying to build here in Orange Walk a person found at Carmelita inform us about such situation and as a result police visited an open lot in the Carmelita Village where they found this pen gun, the informant told us that he suspected that something was being hidden in that yard and as a result we found a pen gun.”

PUP Side With Cane Farmers
Tonight problems continue in sugar land as the estimated price for the second payment to cane farmers is still under dispute. The contention between the miller and the producer arose after BSI/ASR announced that the loss in revenue resulting from 3,900 tons of damaged molasses due to Maillards Reaction will be shared between cane farmers and the sugar mill. As a result cane farmers will pay $281,233.00 equivalent to 65% or $0.22 per ton cane of the cost of molasses lost which amounts to $432,666. As previously mentioned the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is in total disagreement with having to share the loss and have outlined a number of reasons why cane farmers should not bear the brunt of the cost.

How Did John Saldivar Meet Mason?
A week has gone by since the gruesome discovery of the decapitated head of well-known pastor Llewellyn Lucas, which sent a shockwave throughout the country of Belize. Since then a number of high ranking officials have been in the hot seat about their involvement with the person believed to be responsible for Pastor Luca’s death, including Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar, who has had to answer a lot of questions in relation to Guyanese born Rajesh Oullet also known as William Mason. Despite all the questioning, Saldivar had not shared the story of how he met the con-man or who introduced him and when he was asked today, he didn’t seem to remember much details:

Mason's Wife Not Under Police Surviellance
Last week we told you about the Belize Police who is on the lookout for 48 year-old Melissa Ferguson, the female companion of accused murderer William “Danny” Mason. She was last seen Tuesday July 19th, leaving Mason’s Outback Ranch along the George Price Highway with suitcases. But the question surrounding this situation is why a person with possible vital information to share was able to get from under the noses of the police and go on the lam? Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar responded to that question today. Honorable John Saldivar – Minister of National Security: “I guess the police will have their reasons and I have to depend on their expertise in that areas why five days after that is when they decided then they know what they are doing and I trust in what they are doing.”

San Pablo's Bus Stop Vandalized
On Saturday the peaceful sleep of the residents from the village of San Pablo here in Orange Walk Town was disturbed sometime after midnight by loud noises which came from an area near the Douglas junction. After residents living in the vicinity sprang out of their beds with the intention of finding out what the commotion was all about, it was brought to their attention that three individuals, allegedly UDP supporters, were destroying the bus stop building located within the area and managed to rip off the entire roof made of zinc material. According to the chairman of the village, Javier Sabido, the bus stop was built over two decades ago on a portion of land which is currently privately owned, but with permission from the owner. Sabido is alleging that this mischievous act was undeniably politically influenced.

Belizeans Detained By ICE In Los Angeles
Two Belizeans were arrested this past week in Los Angeles, California as part of an operation carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting criminal foreigners. According to a report on US news “Los Angeles Time” a total of 112 foreign immigrants were arrested in the operation of which 100 were men and 12 women with criminal histories ranging from violent crimes such as child sex crimes and assault to significant or multiple misdemeanors. The largest number of those taken into custody were from Mexico with a total of 89, but nationals from a total of 11 countries were detained, including seven from El Salvador; five Guatemalans ; two Belizeans, two from Honduras, two from Vietnam ; one from Egypt; one from the Philippines ; one from Tonga, one from the United Kingdom; and one from Azerbaijan.

Teacher Murdered In Orange Walk
Sunday morning welcomed Orange Walk residents with the sad news of a murder this time the victim resulted to be a 39 year old high school teacher who was stabbed to death. Tonight police are still seeking the motive behind the murder which played out in the early hours of Sunday Morning. Just before five o’clock, police were called out to St. Peter’s Street, In Orange Walk Town, where they discovered the body of a man in a pool of blood on the sidewalk in front of the Barracks football field. Marcelo Azueta, a high school teacher was found with one large cut wound to the right side of the neck believed to be inflicted by a shard object.

LOVE FM

BDF’s Battle Camp 2016 Sees 127 Added to Volunteer Element
One hundred and twenty seven men and women have recently joined the Belize Defense Force Volunteer element. With the group divided into seven units, they have survived the first week of the annual battle camp at the Valencia Camp in the Cayo District. Today, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar along with the BDF […]

Bounty for BDF Volunteer Element Reinstated
Seventy eight members of the Volunteer element of the Belize Defense Force were presented with an envelope, each containing nothing less than six hundred dollars. The money they received today is referred to as a bounty. The bounty program was halted eight years ago and after much lobbying for the finances, it has been reinstated. […]

Young Girl Finds Mom Murdered in Western Belize
The murder count increased by three since our last news report on Friday. The latest was reported in Belmopan where the body of a woman was discovered this morning. We get the details from correspondent Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ ‘”Belmopan police are investigating the brutal murder 31-year-old, Bella Regina Williams whose body was found this […]

Teacher Slain in Northern Belize
Meanwhile Orange Walk Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of a teacher in that municipality. The body of 39-year-old Marcelo Azueta was found yesterday morning. Officer in Charge of Orange Walk Police, Senior Superintendent Selvin Tillett shared what their initial investigations have revealed. SELVIN TILLETT “On Sunday July 24th at 5:15am acting upon […]

Murder, Shooting and Stabbing in Rural Belize
The first murder of the weekend was reported in the Belize District. 38-year-old Nathan Underwood, the proprietor of Nate’s Cool Spot in Gardenia Village was shot multiple times. Police say they have not established a motive for the shooting. Inspector Juanito Cocom shares the details. JUANITO COCOM “I have two unfortunate incidents to report this […]

Freetown Stabbing Under Investigation
A resident of Freetown Road, Belize City was stabbed on his right hand during an argument Friday night. The incident happened just after eleven o’clock when 30-year-old, Gilroy Smith engaged in an argument with Steve Logan and Janelle Gentle. The source of their argument is unknown but Love News understands that both Logan and Gentle […]

Duo Nabbed in San Ignacio Robbery
Two residents of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District have been detained following a robbery. Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Iche shared the details. DANIEL ICHE “Today the 25th of July 2016 at 8:30am Mr.Erie Manzanero of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo district reported to the San Ignacio police that sometime between 5 am and […]

NCFC Calls for Sexual Offences Against Children to Cease and Desist
The National Committee for Families and Children have issued a statement condemning the increase in reports of sexual offenses against children. The NCFC says quote “Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children […]

PUP Representative Says ASR Should Take Full Ownership of the Spoilt Molasses
The cane farmers and the Belize Sugar Industries have been in disagreement over the past week over tons of spoilt molasses that resulted from a Maillard Reaction. BSI’s stance was to incorporate shared responsibility for the losses and intends to charge the cane farmers sixty five percent which would amount to more than two hundred […]

Minister Saldivar Speaks Business, Mason and the Bandits
The Mason saga continues as investigators continue to gather their evidence, the prosecutors are building their case, citizens are speculating on what really led to all these events and the media continues to try and find answers to many more questions. While William Mason sits in Tango Ten at the Belize Central Prison along with […]

The Reporter

Shyne rocks Jamaica Reggae Sumfest
Rapper Shyne returned home to Belize on Sunday after rocking the stage with Barrington Levy at Jamaica’s Sumfest 2016. Shyne and Levy performed their hit song “Bad Boys” as part of Levy’s set, which also featured performances of “Living Dangerously”, “Murderer” and “Prison Oval Rock” from Levy. Beenie Man was also featured on the set. Shyne was in Jamaica to perform at Sumfest but he also reached out to Vybz Kartel, who is currently serving 35 years in prison, for a collaboration on his new project. The “Bonnie and Shyne” rapper is working on his new album along with Jamaican producer Supa Hype. While in Jamaica Shyne did interviews with The Star and OnStage, where he revealed his latest album is a rap/dancehall mix. Shyne has also reached out to Popcaan for work on a new single. As for the Kartel collaboration, Shyne has already recorded his part and is waiting for a response from Kartel’s team to find a suitable verse from his unreleased material prior to incarceration.

Breaking Belize News

Belize celebrates Philip Goldson’s 93rd birthday
Today, July 25th is the 93rd birthday of national hero Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Goldson House For Democracy and Patriotism are celebrating the occasion. The Goldson House, located on 82 Orange Street […]

Father jailed for attack on stepson
23 year old Richard Smith will serve time of 2 of 4 criminal charges after his teenage stepson intervened to defend his common-law wife from abuse. On May 31, 2016, Smith and his partner, whose name we will not reveal to avoid any reference […]

Attempted murder charge for stabbing
Alfonso Castillo was stabbed twice last week on July 21, 2016 through Rhaburn’s Alley near Victoria Street, Belize City. Police have charged 24 year old Raheem Marsden with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. In court, Marsden claimed he […]

Accused swindler charged again
32 year old Gina Cherrington, formerly Conorquie, has previously been convicted of running cons and has now been accused of going back to her old ways – and using a popular Minister’s name to attempt to cover her tracks. Cherrington has been charged with […]

No charges yet for Mark Flowers
Rumors flew hot and heavy beginning this morning that boss of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent of Police Mark Flowers, was to be formally charged today for sexual assault offences in connection with a report by a 13 year old minor. But as […]

Belizeans arrested in US Immigration sting
Two Belizeans were arrested in California, USA as part of an operation carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting “criminal foreigners”. The Belizeans, who were not named, were among 100 men and 12 women with criminal histories who were […]

Teacher slain in Orange Walk; police still have no motive
Orange Walk Police are still trying to find out why a teacher was killed in Orange Walk on Sunday morning. Police report that officers were called out to Sylvester Street in Orange Walk Town around 5:00 that morning. There, officers found the lifeless body of a man […]

Belizean family harassed and provoked in Bacalar Mexico
On Thursday a family from Corozal was harassed and provoked at Bacalar in Mexico by members of the Roberto Borge Angulo taxi union in Bacalar, according to Mexican media. The Belizean family visited Bacalar in a green car for pleasure and were intercepted by the […]

Police respond to shooting on Maskall Road
Rosalind Milligan, 26, of Sand Hill village was shot at her home this weekend. According to police reports, officers received information that someone had been shot at their house on Maskall Road in Sand Hill village and when they arrived on the scene they […]

Nathan Underwood murdered in Biscayne Village
Nathan Underwood, 38, a resident of Biscayne Village was murdered on Friday at around 10:30 at his place of business. According to police, officers visited Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway, Biscayne Village at Nate’s Cool Spot where they saw Underwood on the […]

Body found in Belmopan
Belmopan police are currently at the scene where a body was found. BBN has been reliably informed that the victim is suspected to have been murdered. We will keep following this story and will post an update as more details become available. © 2016, […]

Learned Helplessness Is Inhibiting The Second Belizean Revolution
By Charles Leslie Is this psychological disorder the factor that is inhibiting Belizeans from standing up and triggering the second Belizean revolution? Learned helplessness is behavior typical of an organism (human or animal) that has endured repeated painful or otherwise aversive stimuli which it was unable to […]

Blogs

The Sound of the Caribbean: Steel Pans!
The steel pan music spot light in Belize is shared by five main groups: The Pantempters Steel Orchestra; Panerrifix Steel Band; Pandemonium Steel Band; The Allstars Steel Band, and the Dynamix Steel Band. In addition, several schools have their own bands as part of their music program. The ‘Pan Yaad Concert’ has been delighting Belizeans since 2009, as part of our September Celebrations (yes, Belizeans we celebrate our independence for an entire month!). The concert is held at the House of Culture in Belize City, and it is full of color, movement and patriotic spirit. Oh! How I love the Pan Yaad Concert! This year’s Pan Yaad Concert is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 18th. Mark your calendars, because this is an event you don’t want to miss! And wherever in the Caribbean you may be, and you hear those tinny sounds starting up, dancing is encouraged!

The Chaa Creek Eco-Campers Have the Times of Their Lives
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an absolute gem in Belize in the midst of the most beautiful forest. And this year, I was lucky enough to be invited back for two nights of Eco-Kids Summer Camp. For 7 years now, 24 kids from every corner of Belize have been chosen based on an essay for Chaa Creek’s summer camp. They are not judged on spelling or grammar but on their heartfelt descriptions of why they are “Belize eco-kids”. How they respect the environment – the plants, the water and the sea and the animals, the importance of protecting mother nature in their backyards and Belize and how they can spread the word…I can think of few things as important. And few back drops as beautiful to convey the message. Their essays were chosen and they were invited to one week of amazing summer camp. So well organized, so jam packed with learning and fun – these 24 will go back to their villages and towns and, hopefully, become ambassadors at home and at school.

Rent in Belize From $350 a Month
Belize is a charming little country with one foot planted in the Caribbean, the other in Central America. In addition to an abundance of natural beauty, the offshore World Heritage Mesoamerican barrier reef, and a multitude of Maya ruins, Belize offers expats an outstanding residence program for retirees. Another plus, English is the country’s primary language. For these reasons—and others—an increasing number of expats are moving to this laidback, democratic country. Belize is comparable in size to Massachusetts. It’s easy to travel between its districts by bus, car, plane, or water taxi. You can drive from the northern border, across from Mexico, to the southernmost district of Toledo within a day. Take local flights and you can reach any region within an hour or two. In less than two hours you can travel by water taxi between the mainland and the primary cayes – Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. If you’re seriously considering a move to Belize, be sure to take an initial trip to explore the entire country. After you’ve narrowed down your geographic options, spend several months renting—it’s the best way to explore Belize’s diverse districts and lifestyles in depth.

Trading NYC for Caribbean Sunrises in Corozal
"I used to watch the sunset on the Empire State Building. Now I watch the sunrise over the Caribbean, on the bay of Corozal,” says Nancy Naftchi-Medoro, 46. For Nancy and her husband Tony, 68, the move has changed their lives for the better.

Swapping “Traditional” Retirement For Overseas Adventures
My wife, Suzan, and I have been living and working abroad for 15 years now, and we can count the number of “traditional” retirees we’ve met on the fingers of one hand. That probably has a lot to do with the kind of people who decide to retire abroad in the first place. These are not traditional thinkers, so there is really no reason to expect them to have traditional retirements. You can certainly find what we think of as “traditional” retirees if you look hard enough…the folks who, after a lifetime of hard work, simply want an easy chair, a good book or some knitting, and a shady porch. But as I say, not many of those folks go abroad to find that porch. And the ones who do often discover that the attraction of the rocking chair wears pretty thin after a month or two. That’s when their traditional retirement ends and their new lives abroad begin.

Helpful tips and issues with ATM use at Belize Banks
You may or may not know that there is an an issue happening with foreign bank cards and ATM service in the Belize Banks right now. If you are an expat or traveler this applies to you. This information could save you from a few heart palpitations and stress. Not to long ago, I had my Canadian card swallowed at the Heritage Bank ATM and just figured I was having an off day. When I went to the bank I found out that it was a standard thing for now (not sure for how long) that any foreign cards that are unfortunate enough to make their way to the ATM will get snacked on by the plastic hungry Heritage machine. As I understand it, their official procedure is to send it back to the bank where the card is from. Thankfully I got there fast and was able to get my card back without involving Canada.

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Waste Management & Sustainability Day 6
The morning started off cold and fresh, and as the campers awoke they pulled on sweaters and made their way up to the campfire. After singing some camp songs to warm up, we had a delicious breakfast and moved straight to work – after picking up smooth round rocks and jagged square stones from the river, we cleaned them, dried them and then splattered them with paint and stuck googly eyes on them until they resembled something out of a Tim Burton movie! We cleaned the tables and laid the ‘interesting’ stones out in the clean sun to dry. As the day warmed up, we grabbed our backpacks and hiked through the sweating jungle to the lodge, where we were taken to the Ixchel Conference room so that Ms. Lucy Fleming, one of the founders of Chaa Creek, could give us a presentation about one of the greatest growing industries in the world – tourism!

Ancient Foods – Pacaya
Many times when we think about the ancient foods of the Maya, the first thing that comes to mind is corn, and rightfully so, corn was a major part of the ancient Maya diet, but they did not live on that alone. In fact, their diet was very wide and included a vast variety of plants and animals found in the surrounding forests. This brings us to the following question: Did the Maya clear forests completely? That may be true in the corn fields, but what about closer to their homes? If we visit a house of a present day Maya, we will find a variety of fruit trees, plants used in cooking such as spices or even those used for medicine. I believe that the ancient Maya were no different than what we are today and would have kept some plants around their huts or nearby.

International Sources

10 Top Places To Retire Overseas
Do your clients dream of living a life of leisure in retirement on a beach or in the mountains outside the United States? “Today, retiring overseas is about launching a new life in a new country, starting over someplace sunny and exotic with white-sand beaches or Old World culture,” says Kathleen Peddicord, author and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas. “But there is no one way to determine the best place to retire for every person. That’s why our 2016 index rates the top destinations around the world that are each special for their own reasons.” The categories considered in the Live and Invest Overseas index represent the most important criteria that retirees consider when shopping the globe for the best place to live, including climate, cost of living, whether English is spoken, entertainment, environmental conditions, existing expat community, health care, infrastructure, real estate, residency options, safety and taxes. No. 10: Ambergris Caye, Belize. The largest island of the group, Ambergris Caye has the second largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia, and is a ring of white sandy beaches sitting in azure water.

Videos

Illegal Wildlife Trade Belize, 4min.

Belize Honeymoon, 30min. Fletcher and Caitlin go to Belize.

Ambergris Stadium Sports Complex in HD - Project Update - San Pedro - Belize, 3min.

Eco-Kids Camp Day 7 Recap, 1min. Saturday! The kids played camp jeopardy, sat in on a presentation by Jamal from the Belize Zoo and Sarah from the Belize Raptor Center and had their final pool party together!

Driving in Belize .. Dangriga to San Ignacio, 20min. We love driving in Belize, the highways are great to drive. Well sign posted and laid out. The country is so picturesque that everywhere you look is a image of beauty. The people always ready to help out if needed and good food can be food along all of the roads in small road side vendors along with fresh juices and fresh veg at every little hamlet.. Do not over look the simple pleasure of driving in this country and finding a river to sit beside and have a picnic .. it will recharge your batteries .. strange animals and incredible birds everywhere ..

It's Belize (My Vacation Vlog), 21min.

Live at the Miss San Pedro Sashing Ceremony, 30min.

We Went to Belize!, 3.5min. Belize 2016

The Aversionist - The Strain Live at Belize 2015, 4min. The Aversionist Playing "The Strain" at 4th annual Metalhaven Bash, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize Nov 2015.

Belize diving Maxi, 11min.

Eddy kenzo-Jambole Dance Belize, 3min.

GoPro: Snorkeling - Lime Caye, Belize, 2min.

Molly Lee- Belize 2016 Digital Story, 6min. This is my digital story for Mercer on Mission: Belize 2016.

July 25, 2016

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

Kids 4 Clean Water program returns to San Mateo
It will be the fifth consecutive year that the “Kids 4 Clean Water” program has made its way to the San Mateo community in Ambergris Caye. From Monday, August 15th to Friday, August 19th, the week-long adventure will aim to teach children residing in San Mateo about water safety, environmental conservation, and health issues. Hosting the program is Belize Community Conservation (BBC) in partnership with Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance (SEA) and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN). In San Mateo, the alarming issue of contaminated water has been a concern for many years. During the program, sanitation and hygiene has been the main focus, and is taught to the children and their families. They also learn about coral reefs, mangroves, and wildlife, as well as the importance of protecting these areas and animals.

Police Report
Found Drugs: On Wednesday, July 20th at noon, acting on Special Branch (SB) information, a joint team of SB and Criminal Investigation Branch personnel retrieved from San Pedro Town Tropic Air Cargo a small brown cartoon box containing a yellow plastic bag with two wrapped transparent parcel containing suspected Cannabis.
$13,000 stolen from Mennonite: On Friday, July 15th at about 3:10PM, 46-year-old Heinrich Knelsen, Belizean Mennonite salesman of Shipyard Camp, Orange Walk District, visited the San Pedro Police Station to report that he was robbed. Knelsen stated that at about 1:10PM on the same date, while riding his bicycle out of the San Mateo Area heading to the bridge after collecting moneys owed by a local company for the sales of chicken, eggs, beans, and rice, he was intercepted by an assailant.

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Recruiter
“Hola, Don Dennis,” Rafael said. “How are you this morning?” “It’s a beautiful day, Rafa,” I said. “When I met you last night you weren’t wearing a uniform. I didn’t know you are a soldier.” “Ah, even us military kinds got to have days off. This week I am off work the whole week.” Since I retired from playing music, Sherry and I have been doing some traveling. We were in Merida, Mexico when we met Rafa in a bar. “What do you do in the military?” I asked. “I am a recruiter,” Rafael answered. “I am the best recruiter in the whole Mexican army. That’s why they give me a whole week’s vacation.” “What makes you so good?” I asked.

With community support, fire victims prevail
While some lost their homes, others lost their jobs at the businesses that were affected. One of the fire victims, Hermela Rodriguez, was formally working at a business that was affected by the fire. After weeks of unemployment, Rodriguez has been hired at the TikiTurtle Trading Company Gift Shop at Ramon’s Village Resort. El Dorado Store was also affected, but they have reopened their business on Black Coral Street across from the new Artisan’s location. Baltazar Vanegas, who owned Cortez Upholstery, was offered an apartment rent-free by a kind landlord, and has re-opened his upholstery shop on Black Coral Street across El Patio Restaurant. Romel Bardales had been operating a fruit and vegetable shop in the immediate area where the fire took place. He has now re-opened his shop named “Guayabano” downstairs of Martha’s Hotel on Ambergris Street. The San Pedro Lions Club is still continuing their relief efforts. On Wednesday, July 21st, they distributed 20 school bags (donated by Miss San Pedro High School Faith Noel) filled with school supplies, and donated them to the fire victims with school-aged children. Since their month-long food program ended on the 21st, they issued out Lino’s Meat Shop Gift Certificates, and oats. Social Services advises that if any family is still in need of food to come to the San Pedro Food Bank on Tuesday’s at the Lions Den.

Doctor Love: Shocked
Dear Doctor Love, For the last year of our six-year marriage I have noticed my wife has gotten distant from me. I tried to talk to her about it but she got in a bad mood and told me that I would not understand anyway. I asked if she was seeing someone else and she got so angry that I thought she would hit me. She told me she was not seeing anyone but she should be. She said if she did see someone it would not be someone who went fishing nearly every weekend without her. It would also be someone who would start a family before she is old enough to be a grandmother. And by the way they would take her out to dinner sometimes and maybe watch a movie with her. I work a fifty hour week to support us and because I don’t want her working. My fishing on the weekend is the most relaxing thing I do. It does not seem fair that I should give it up. I have offered to take her with me but she does not like fishing. She knows I don’t sit and watch romance movies like she likes and I prefer her cooking to any restaurant in town. And as far as children goes we are in our late twenties and we can wait a few more years. I came home yesterday and found a note from her saying she is gone and don’t try to find her. She will send her divorce papers through her lawyer. I know things have not been great between us but I certainly was not expecting this, Is it too late to save things? What should I do? /s/ Shocked

Misc Belizean Sources

Winner of Five -A-Side Football tournament
Congratulations to Team Scorpions F.C! Champions of the 2016 Five -A-Side Football tournament!

BTL HELPS SAN PEDRO FIRE VICTIMS
On July 21st, 2016, BTL’s Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Anwar Barrow, presented a handsome check of $10,000 to assist the affected families of the infamous fire that occurred in San Pedro just weeks before. Among the 27 families affected, many of them were children registered for the coming school year. In that light, BTL has collaborated with Belize Red Cross and Angelus Press Limited to facilitate school supplies at the value of $10,000 to all the affected children. Present at the Handing Over ceremony was the Director General of the Belize Red Cross Mrs. Lily Bowman, Mayor of San Pedro Town, Mr. Danny Guerrero, and representing The Angelus Press Ltd. was Mr. John Gillet.

John Paul II JC 2016 Graduation
Congratulations, JP 2 graduates! JP 2 JC had their 2nd graduating class. They have lots of great pictures from the graduation, which was held at their new building, which is coming along nicely.

We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!
Comedy Hunger Theater is coming to Cayo! The Wildfire Art studio is teaming up with the Soul Project to bring the play 'We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!' to town for 3 showings next weekend. It'll be Friday and Saturday at 7:15pm, and Sunday at 4:15pm, on the Soul Project stage.

The Reporter

Businessman shot dead at his bar
A businessman was shot dead at his bar on Friday night. The incident haopened at mile 21 on the Philip Goldson highway. Police have released preliminary information stating that Nathan Underwood was shot at Nate’s Cool Spot. In a separate incident, Rosaline Milligan was also shot on the Maskall Road. Her condition and other details are not yet known.

Medical experts predict Zika virus will be around for a few more years
Experts from the Medical Research Council Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling at Imperial College in London say the Zika virus isn’t going to subside for a few years. The scientists say the epidemic is likely to spread for two to three more years, and in a worst-case scenario, could become endemic in Latin America. They believe the epidemic will end only when the population reaches a stage of “herd immunity,” when there are no longer enough uninfected people for transmission of the virus. The researchers said in the journal Science that once this stage is reached, there would be a long period with few new cases until the emergence of a new generation who had not been exposed to Zika. The scientists used data modelling to predict that the next outbreak would take place in around 10 years’ time.

Meteorologist says dust clouds in Sahara preventing storm formation
A meteorologist with AccuWeather says dust from the Sahara is the reason why there has been inactivity in the Atlantic since Hurricane Danielle formed on June 20. Dust from the Sahara are being spun up in huge clouds by an unusually strong high-pressure system in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. This, according to Ed Vallee, is the reason for the current inactivity. “The water temperatures are plenty warm, but the dry, dusty air is really inhibiting development,” Vallee said, adding that heavy wind shear, another tropical cyclone killer, is also occurring with the Saharan dust. But the busiest part of the season is still ahead, meteorologist John Gerard says. “Since we got off to a quick start, many assumed it was going to be an extremely busy season – and it still might be.

Dispute leads to stabbing; two detained
Belize City police have detained two persons in connection with a stabbing on Friday night. Police say that at around 11:15 p.m., Gilroy Smith, 30, a resident of Freetown Road, suffered a stab wound to the back of the right hand during an argument with another man and a woman. Police have detained Steve Logan and Janelle Gentle pending investigations.

Police find body with stab wounds in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police are investigating the circumstances of a body found this morning. Preliminary information is that the body had what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. The victim has not yet been identified and police investigations continue.

Breaking Belize News

William Mason’s wife being sought by police
Partner to murder accused William Mason, Melissa Ferguson is being sought by Belmopan police for questioning in the Llewellyn Lucas beheading murder and kidnapping. She is said to live in Los Lagos outside Ladyville and has a recently renewed work permit and Social Security card from Belize. She was not at the Mason home on Intelco Hill in Belmopan when police searched it earlier this week. Among William “Danny” Mason’s many aliases is William Ferguson.

Blogs

Traveling from San Pedro to San Ignacio, Belize: So Different, Both So Beautiful
From the reef to the jungle in Belize – easy peasy. Even taking the slowest, budget method (barring bike riding or walking), I was on the 7:30am San Pedro Belize Express water taxi ($46bzd RT) and I arrived in San Ignacio on the bus ($8bzd) before noon. Not bad. Not bad at all. I was headed to FABULOUS Chaa Creek Lodge just outside of San Ignacio to scoop their annual kids’ camp. Chaa Creek is truly one of my favorite spots on earth. It is rustically elegant, total lodge chic, perfect down to the smallest detail. Every Belizean should visit. If just for lunch. I deboarded in Belize City at about 8:45am and grabbed a taxi (there are about 25 drivers vying for your attention) to the bus station. $7bzd. I’d had coffee at home but my stomach was grumbling. Shockingly and reliably tasty – bus station pizza.

Seasons of Friendship
Sometimes I think...most times I don't...but sometimes I do. Lately I've been contemplating the cycles of friendship. I'm guessing the vast majority of people can identify with the situation of leaving your family or friends, or a part of them, for a new adventure in life. We've gone to college, prison, maybe moved for a job, chased a girl across the country...or a dream around the world. You think you can't wait to go home, to see your friends again and get back into that life; however as you've heard; "you can't go home again." It doesn't exist. Your spot with your friends doesn't exist. That life has past, and a new future is the only option. Like all things in this world, friendship is a cycle. We have so many hours a day, and so many minutes to spend in communication with people. Lives change, circles move, and I've seen the struggle to keep connections with people in circles that at the moment just aren't touching - and the cost is that the loss of connection with the circles they are touching. I'm just grateful to have loving friends that I know would welcome me back into their hearts like years hadn't passed. no matter how the dynamic needs to shift.

International Sources

How I Left A 12-Year Career In Silicon Valley To Work On A Beach In Belize
Three months ago, I worked in San Francisco as a marketing leader for a unicorn startup. I earned a salary that let me do, eat, and buy whatever I wanted. Now, I live and work from a beach in Belize, earn half of what I used to, and couldn't be happier. After spending 12 years on a career path that just wasn’t the dream I'd imagined it would be when I started out on it, I knew it was time to try something else. I also knew that just making small changes probably wouldn't cut it—and that felt liberating. It opened up possibilities I hadn't considered. Here in Belize, I’ve traded oatmeal-colored walls in a Silicon Valley office building for a table under a palapa overlooking the Caribbean Sea—with water more cerulean than any paint color could possibly capture. (If I'm waxing a little rhapsodic here, well, I'm betting you would too!) I decided I'd stop snoozing an alarm clock five days a week and instead wake up naturally to sunlight and birds at 6 a.m.

10 days in the USA: 12 Belizeans visit Fond du Lac, serve community
On July 14, a group of Jaguar Scouts, from Belize’s twin cities Santa Elena and San Ignacio, arrived in Fond du Lac, ready to spend 10 days learning, sharing and helping. Ten years ago, Julie Boelter, a sixth-grade teacher in Mayville, was in Belize when she met Ces Flowers, the troop leader and adviser to a group of Jaguar Scouts, a co-ed scouting organization. Boelter, who was then a volunteer with Ascension Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, initiated a partnership and the two organizations began working together. "It was a connection that God wanted," said Flowers. "We shared the same likes and motivations for molding youths, and that’s what drew us closer together." “It was a series of God-incidences,” Boelter said, laughing, “Like coincidences, but better.” Though Boelter isn’t a full-time volunteer with the church anymore, she still remains connected to this program.

Videos

Eagle Ray, 2min. This is the complete footage of the eagle ray at painted wall, Belize. I was the last person to go across the reef to get down the wall. As I descended from 35' to 45', I looked up and saw the eagle ray coming over the reef to the edge of the wall. I immediately came back up to the reef, and followed the ray for 2 minutes. I didn't move too quickly, so as not to spook the ray. I was also exhaling slowly so the bubbles would not disturb the ray.

BELIZE 2016, 3min.

Lets go to Belize!, 1.5min.

Belize, blue hole/ nigalloo reef/Great barrier reef/ Cozumal island Mexico/ Tanja Ma ha cenote Mexico, 4min.

Belize Missions Trip 2016, 32min.

Belize, 5min. how u enjoy i had and amzing time and it was so much fun.

Belize Digital Story, 5.5min.

Macey and Elliott - Belize 2016, 10min.

Belize Sharks, 4min.

RIo On Pools Belize, 3min. Rio On Pools located in the Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize.

1000 Feet Fall Belize, Central America, 4min. View of the magnificent 1000 ft fall in Mountain Pine Ridge. The total drop is actually 1600 ft. The second falls continues the 600 ft.

Belize sugar cane industry, 5.5min.

Belize Mission Trip 2016, 9min.

Belize 2K16 #NGSE, 3min. NatGeo Student Expadition 2K16.

Project San Martin Belize 2016, 5min.

Dancing with sharks in Belize, 7.5min.

Caribbean Queen Angelfish in Belize, 1/2min. The Caribbean Queen Angelfish in Ho Chan Marine Reserver, San Pedro, Belize.

Diving the Aquarium, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, 7min. Diving the Aquarium,Lighthouse Reef Atoll with Aqua Scuba Center in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Saturday July 16, 2016, with favorite dive buddy Bobbi Stevens

Diving Half Moon Wall, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, 12min. This video shows the best dive of the day at Half Moon Wall, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, diving with Aqua Scuba Center in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Saturday July 16, 2016

Belize, 5.5min.

July 24, 2016

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

Action Twenty 24 ministry holds annual sports camp
Action Twenty 24 is back in San Pedro hosting their 5th annual Sports Ministry Summer Camp. The one week camp started on Monday, July 18th and culminated on Friday, July 22nd. Campers had the opportunity to learn skills in football, volleyball, basketball and baseball. Held in collaboration with Lighthouse Christian Radio, the camp hosted over 40 children ages 6-13 each morning at the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School, and in the afternoon at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. According to camp organizer Chris Bonnett, one focus of the camp is to teach children great sportsmanship. “Our emphasis is on sports, as well as leadership skills. We teach the campers how to come together as a team, and work together effectively. We just want to show them how to love someone they don’t know and be respectful. I think with the word of God and leadership skills, they will make better decisions as they get older,” said Bonnet.

San Pedro FC wins 3-0 vs Carlston FC in McClean Insurance U-17 football tournament
The San Pedro FC scored three goals in six minutes to celebrate a 3-0 victory over Carlston FC of Belize City when the McLean Insurance Brokers Under-17 football tournament organized by the Belize District Football Association kicked off at the M.C.C. grounds in Belize City on Saturday, July 16. Jhoan Alvarez and Dixon Paguada led the San Pedro offensive supported by Arnold Flowers and Ian Pou on the wings, and Christian Medina and David James at midfield. The Carlston defenders Jamil Awayo, Shawn Norberto and Jonathan Casimiro held off their attacks for the first 15 minutes of play. The Carlston boys could not get the ball past midfield, as the San Pedro defence Eduardo Ack, Jorge Castillo and Wilson Cruz were there to break up the plays and share the ball out to their wingers. Arnold Flowers drove the ball solo up the left flank, and the Carlston’s goalie seeing his defenders outplayed, came out of his goal to meet Flowers’ charge. The wily Arnold, seeing the goalie was off his line, took advantage of the space to nimbly lob over the goalie’s head to bounce into the empty net: 1-0 in the 15th minute.

SPTC hosts summer camp activities for island children
Summer in La Isla Bonita usually means any number of camps set up to keep children active during the school break. Sports are a top choice of activity, and this year is packed with adrenaline, team work, and most of all, fun! On behalf of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), the San Pedro Sports Committee introduced a sporting summer camp that started on Monday, July 18th and will run until Friday, August 12th. Sports Coordinator Kent Bob Gabourel, along with Councilor in charge of Sports, Hector Alamilla, is hosting the camp. In its first week, around 30 children joined them at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Complex to practice the basics of football. The campers were taught how to line up on a field, control a ball, shoot, pass, and the general rules of the game. The camp is split in two sessions, one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. Gabourel has indicated that the kids are very enthusiastic and willing to learn basic skills, while having fun. Since the camp runs for a month, different sporting activities will take place each week.

Party with Costa Maya Beauty Contestants at Aquafino Island Resort & Spa!
On Saturday, July 30th Aquafino Island Resort & Spa, on the western coast of Ambergris Caye, will be hosting this year’s Costa Maya Beauty Contestants for a swimsuit shoot and fashion show. Bikinis provided by Char Tolentino, and clothing provided by Top Notch will be modelled by the eight lovely delegates. The evening will include a poolside VIP cocktail party and catered dinner, with all proceeds benefiting The Inspiration Centre and the Ambergris Caye Rotary Club. Everyone is invited to attend this beauty show for a worthy cause. William Narod, presidents of Aquafino Resort & Spa extends a warm invitation to join in the party. “This party in paradise will feature a DJ playing your favourite music, as well as live entertainment provided by Julianie J. Ferguson. Some of San Pedro’s top restaurants, including Las Terrazas, El Fogon, Caroline’s, Pirate’s Treasure and Hidden Treasure will be catering the meal. We hope that this becomes an annual event, so please come enjoy an amazing evening with the Costa Maya Beauty contestants and distinguished guests from all over Belize, while helping local charities.”

BTL Compensation Award Update
The Government of Belize (GOB) informs that a dispute has arisen between the Government and the Ashcroft Alliance over the recent BTL compensation award handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. GOB, after the most careful examination by a number of its experts, argues that the wrong rate of exchange was applied by the Arbitral Tribunal in arriving at its ultimate compensation figure. GOB also submits that the Tribunal’s calculation of interest was mathematically incorrect. Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified. GOB has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and its overseas lawyers have now prepared and are filing the relevant application. For its part, the Ashcroft Alliance questions the currency split used by GOB last week in making the first half payment of the award. It will be recalled that the award was divided into two by the Tribunal, with 40% of the total representing the non-Accommodation Agreement portion and 60% representing the Accommodation Agreement portion. The latter, according to the Settlement Agreement, is payable in Belize dollars and can only be spent to fund projects in Belize for the benefit of the people of Belize. The 40% is payable in United States currency and belongs entirely to the Ashcroft Alliance as compensation for the acquisition of their BTL shares.

Camp Starfish: Special fun for Special kids!
School is officially over, and an array of camps have been sprouting across La Isla Bonita. Among them is the Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish, a free two-week camp focused on children with mental and physical disabilities. Camp Coordinator Dalia Alamilla is more than excited to be hosting the camp at the Lions Den on July 18th, 20th, 22nd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. Thanks to the $3,252 donation from the Blue Water Grill and The Phoenix, Camp Starfish offers activities that include story time, music & movement, arts and crafts, sensory activities and more! In addition, children from different districts will be attending the camp. A total of 28 campers have registered, but more are expected to participate throughout the week. This year, three special education teachers from Massachusetts and North Carolina, USA have offered their assistance to help out. Volunteers also include students from San Pedro High School and their Peer Group, six volunteers from Projects Abroad, and other community members who have expressed interest in wanting to help. If anyone else would like to volunteer, they are welcome to go to the Lions Den to join in.

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs the general public that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departs the country today, Saturday, 23rd July, 2016 for a scheduled medical consultative appointment relating to his back ailment. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports will act as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will return on Friday, 29th July, 2016.

Miss Hopkins 2016
Introducing Miss Hopkins 2016 Winner - Johnisha Ariola- Join me in welcoming her to the ranks of Village leadership - Hopkins will keep empowering its women - Congratulations

Muscle Hut Fitness Club
Everyone is pumped up about Cayo's new gym. Yes, the Muscle Hut Fitness Center is open, and they have a great selection of equipment to work every major muscle group. They're right downtown too, and have a good view of the area from the 3rd of the Manzanero building. "San Ignacio has a new gym: Muscle Hut Fitness Club. It's right downtown, in the top floor of the Manzanero building. They have some great equipment there, and you can work out just about every body part. Membership is $75 a month, and you can also go to the Muscle Hut gym in Belmopan."

The Reporter

Citizenship programs in the Caribbean attractive to investors
The economist points out that if the UK pursues an exit from the EU in keeping with the Brexit referendum results, there may be what she terms “implications” for travel and visa requirements for Citizenship-by-Investment passport holders, to the Schengen zone in particular. In general, she notes, opponents to Caribbean passport programmes believe that nationality is not something that can be sold; and the granting of rights and freedoms to persons without any historic or cultural affinity with the country is deemed by some to be unacceptable.

Miss Belize franchise names 16 delegates for upcoming pageant
After almost 10 years of dormancy, the Miss Belize franchise has named 16 delegates for the upcoming pageant in September. The young women will compete on September 10, to become Belize’s fairest lady to represent us at the most covetted beauty pageant in the world – the Miss Universe pageant. These young ladies represent every district. The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). They were selected through an open casting call process in July. Opal Enriquez, the national director of Miss Belize Universe has expressed pleasure with the line-up, saying: “These young women are accomplished, intelligent and beautiful. “Belizeans can be proud to have such a strong group contestants – any of whom would represent us well on an international stage.” The Miss Belize pageant is set for September 10, starting at 7:00 p.m., at|the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts.

Breaking Belize News

Violent start to weekend in Belize District
Police have confirmed two shooting incidents, one fatal, in the Rural section of Eastern Division. One Nathan Underwood, proprietor of Nate’s Cool Spot at Mile 21 Philip Goldson Highway, was apparently shot dead there, while one Rosaline Milligan was shot on Maskall Road. And, […]

DPM Faber, acting PM til Barrow’s return
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today for a scheduled medical consultative appointment relating to his back ailment. During Barrow’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, also the Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports will act as Prime Minister. […]

3rd Annual Sugar Fest held in Orange Walk
The 3rd annual Sugar Fest is currently underway at the BSI field in Orange Walk. The event is organized as a fun day after the closing of the sugar crop for BSI employees, sugar cane farmers and their families along with the general public. […]

Blogs

A memorial bike ride through San Pedro warmly remembers Marcie
Miles for Marcie Memorial/Cancer Awareness Bike ride this morning in San Pedro Town, Belize went from from the W.O.D. Cross-Fit Zone fitness box to the northern end of the concrete road and back again. A first-ever bike ride for a cause on the island and a promising start to an annual event. Marcie and Gerry Neumann moved to San Pedro two years ago and 15 months later Marcie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Gerry, a really nice guy, is back on the island to stay. Friends of theirs from all over the US also rode today in memory of Marcie. Here are some more photos from the start of the ride:

Videos

San Pedro Lions Club installs new members and Leo's, now it's time to dance!, 1min.

ISP Belize 2016, 12min. This video is about The University of Scranton's service trip to Belize.

Belize Scuba Diving July 2016, 3min.

BELIZE 2016, 10min. From Belize city to Corozal / Orange Walk, then Cayo District, with 2 Maya ruins visited and finally at Caye Caulker.

Leaving the island Virginia Caye to Hopkins with Easy Fishing in Belize, 2.5min.

Belize, 3.5min.

my trip to Belize, 5min.

Arsenio Belize Team Birthday, 12min.

Diving the famous Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, 2.5min. This is one diver's impression on a particular day in Belize. I'm sure Blue Hole is better on other days.

Diving Cypress Canyons and D and B, Ambergris Caye, Belize, 7min. Here, we're diving With Belize Pro Dive Center, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Tuesday July 19, 2016. Vance is on GoPro with favorite dive buddy Bobbi Stevens. There are just a few shots from Cypress Canyons, where a cowboy diver grabbed the nurse sharks, dove too deep, and ruined everyone's dive by letting his 10 year old son go into deco. Video segments after that are from D and B Canyons.

Belize Stingray, 1min. Stingray swimming/gliding along some soft corals. Filmed while diving the reef near Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Belize Grouper, 1/2min. Grouper filmed while SCUBA diving near Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Last dive at Ambergris Caye, Belize: Eagle ray, lone barracuda, and touching nurse shark farewell, 3.5min. This was our 3rd trip to Victoria Canyons, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Tuesday July 19, 2016 - where again the dive went deep, Bobbi and I skimmed the reef tops, and we saw the eagle ray there up close. Then I chased a lone baraccuda through an amusement park ride swim-thru, and experienced a touching nurse shark farewell (bye nurse sharks, sniff sniff - see you next time)

Belize Honeymoon, 4min.

Diving Tackle Box, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Monday July 18, 2016, 4min. This dive began with Luiz leading into the canyons but Bobbi and I went up to the reef top to see what the nurse sharks were up to.

July 23, 2016

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

Inter-office Football Tournament heating up
The 6-a-side Interoffice Football League continues drawing football fanatics to the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex weekly. Now halfway before its scheduled championship game, the tournament teams have been fighting for a chance to get to the finals. The next set of matches are scheduled from Thursday, July 21st through Sunday, July 24th at the Sporting Complex starting at 7PM. Fans are encouraged to come cheer for their favourite team.

2016 Healthy Reefs Report Card: Belize Barrier Reef ‘endangered’
On Thursday, July 7th, various entities dedicated to the important work of preserving and protecting Belize’s natural heritage presented the Belize Barrier Reef scorecard for 2016. The purpose of the evaluation is to get Belize’s Reef System off the World Heritage Site’s endangered category. The reef system has been on that list since 2009, and according to the results this year much more needs to be done before its removal from the vulnerable category. The Belize Barrier Reef runs parallel to the coast of Belize for about 185 miles and is responsible for 15% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this great valuable natural resource is in danger. According to Valentino Shal from the World Wildlife Fund they are looking at all that needs to be done in order to get the Barrier Reef off the endangered list, while at the same time ensuring that it is a healthy and functioning resource. “The indicators of this score card are based on the exact same indicators that are included in the desired state of conservation report that we the World Heritage Committee and The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gave to the government,” said Shal. He added that unless the government addresses the issues highlighted in the indicators, the reef will continue to be considered vulnerable.

San Pedro Police Youth Cadets attend 19th Annual Summer Camp
San Pedro Police Youth Cadet Corp members have returned to the island after attending the 19th National Youth Cadet Corp Summer Camp held in Trial Farm, Orange Walk District. The annual camp took place from July 9th to the 16th, under the theme ‘Be bold, be Strong, Survival, We are together, We can.’ Five local San Pedro cadets, accompanied by Police Constable Juan Choc from the Community Policing Unit and Woman Police Constable Arillee Young, joined cadets from around the country for some fun. According to Choc, the annual camp takes place in different parts of the country and serves as a good opportunity for the youngsters to interact with youth from around the country. “It also serves as a platform for our youth to get to know other cultures, while learning to appreciate and respect them,” said Choc. The five cadets from San Pedro Town were happy to participate in the activity and look forward for another camp next year. Zennon Anderson, Joey Everette, Ashley Garnett, Meberly Jimenez, and Lalvani Dominguez attended lectures on decision making and peer pressure as well as exercises in team building.

GOB makes first payment towards BTL acquisition
On Wednesday, July 13th, the Government of Belize (GOB) made the first payment of over $190 million dollars to the Ashcroft Alliance as part of the arbitration award for the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). While the entire award was for $458.4 million, the GOB had already paid off $65 million in September 2015, decreasing the amount required for the first installment. After the GOB’s acquisition of some 45,199,996 of BTL’s shares in a span of eight years, the Permanent Court of Arbitration awarded the Ashcroft Alliance BZ $5.6547 per share, at an 8.34% interest per annum, along with a $4.4 million arbitration fee. Managing Director of Legacy Fund, Ervin Perez told the Amandala Newspaper that as of June 15, 2016, the amount of excess liquidity (in terms of hard cash) in the system is $451,802,000, up about $81 million from the same time last year. The GOB is currently making use of the increased liquidity of Belize’s financial system, and reports indicate that GOB was able to finance the payment by Treasury Notes sold to the Central Bank. Since the payment was made through domestic borrowing, the debt burden has increased to about 86%.29. Financial Secretary Joseph Waight shared that the Central Bank, the GOB’s fiscal agent, will purchase the Government’s notes and bills and then sell them to institutional investors such as commercial banks and insurance companies via a bid process.

Leos work to improve San Pedro Catholic Church
The San Pedro Leo’s Club has taken on a community rehabilitation project at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church. With hopes of improving the church compound, the Leos got to work, painting the walls surrounding the church yard as well as renovating the main entrance door. Under the supervision of Leo’s advisors, Marina Kay and Pamela Zetina, as well as current San Pedro Lions Presidents, Fatima Graniel, 18 island youth took part in this project. From 8AM to 4PM on Sunday July 17th, the young community activists worked hard to improve the religious landmark of San Pedro. By the end of the work day, the Priest in charge of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church expressed his gratitude for their contribution, pleased with the improvements made.

New emerging destinations launch as tourism continues to rise
As a part of tourism development, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), with support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with other stakeholders will be launching new Destination Plans in four areas of Belize: Toledo, Caye Caulker, Corozal and the Mountain Pine Ridge/Caracol/Chiquibul. The plans identify key tourism organization projects and priorities that are considered crucial for further sustainable development of tourism in each respective destination. The Destination Plans are a part of an ongoing process that was initiated in 2015, with the intention to bring together private and public stakeholders, and the community to develop an integrated approach to tourism development. This approach follows the recommendations of the National Sustainable Tourism Masterplan 2030 (NSTMP). It also highlights the need for greater involvement of multiple stakeholders in destination coordination and management, and encourages local stakeholder leadership within all aspects of tourism development including planning, branding and promotion, and quality management.

Misc Belizean Sources

PRESS RELEASE from the Forest Department
The Forest Department is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Adriana Moody of Maypen village, who was fatally attacked by a crocodile while she was swimming in the Belize River around 3pm on the afternoon of Sunday July 17th. Although the specific reasons are uncertain for what we suspect is a morelet's crocodile attack, the Forest Department reports that this unprovoked incident may have been the result of one or a combination of five reasons: (a) hunting for food and limited natural food source; (b) defense of nesting sites; (c) the male Morelet’s heightened testosterone levels; (d) loss of fear towards humans, and (e) direct or indirect feeding of crocodiles. The Morelet's crocodile is the smaller of the two crocodile species found in Belize and can span over 8 feet in length (adult size range from 6 to 14 feet) and normally inhabits freshwater environments such as swamps, ponds, lakes and rivers. These crocodiles naturally prey on aquatic species, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. A recent decline of their food source has forced crocodiles to seek alternatives, such as dogs and small mammals, whereby children may be at much greater risk than adults.

Caye Caulker Carnival Group Workshop/ Registration
clock Sunday, July 31 at 9 AM - 3 PM, Community Center. Come join our Carnival Group and learn to prepare your costumes and obtain materials for free towards making your costumes! Come and register and join in the fun for September! Hosted by Ms. Sandra Mahler - President of the Belize Carnival Association! Want to be in our September 19th Carnival Queen Competion? Show of your beautiful and creative costume while dancing to carnival music!! This is just our first workshop! Cant make it? Let us know and we can still register you! Call 630 - 3652 for more information or PM any CCVC member!

Garifuna Summer Workshop
Garifuna Summer workshop comes to a end. N.G.C in collaboration with the Stann Creek House of Culture- NICH

Ancient World Week
An incredible final day of the Ancient World Week event. A site visit to the the ancient Maya city of Aventura, located just outside San Joaquin Village, with Northwestern University's Dr. Cynthia Robin and students along with the University of Arizona's Dr. Laura Kosakowsky. We want to thank the Institute of Archaeology's(NICH) Sylvia Batty, Josue Ramos as well as Dr. Robin, Dr. Kosakowsky and Jorge De Leon for an enlightening experience over the past four days. A great thank you to each of our attendees. Also thanks to our sponsors getransfers Executive Services and the Corozal Junior College. We will continue to develop this annual event and look forward to presenting Ancient World Week 2017!!

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Huntsman: Winter's War, Mother's Day, Meet the Blacks, The Angry Birds Movie.

The brutal murder and beheading of a beloved pastor in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. On Saturday, July 16, 2016, I received a text from a family member that the police in Belmopan, Belize, had found the head of her relative Llewellyn Lucas, better known as “Pastor Lue” in a bucket in a vehicle belonging to a Canadian man. When I heard this I was shocked, amazed, angry, disgusted and in disbelief because I knew Pastor Leu when he was living here in New York City as a pastor and a real estate agent. I called her immediately to reconfirm if what she had texted me was in fact true and she said yes. I then said to myself what did Pastor Leu do to this man or other individuals to be killed so brutally? Then I also said to myself even if he did something to this man or other individuals, no human being has the right to take the life of another human being unless he or she is defending his, her or other peoples’ lives. I was so perplexed by this story that I even wondered why he was carrying Pastor Leu’s head in his vehicle.

Blue suitcase found at Carlo and Ernie's
The nice guys at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar found a small blue suitcase and are holding it at the bar for whoever may be missing some vital clothing items! If you know someone who lost their items (a guest, a visiting pal, etc), let them know!

BTL Compensation Award Update
The Government of Belize (GOB) informs that a dispute has arisen between the Government and the Ashcroft Alliance over the recent BTL compensation award handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. GOB, after the most careful examination by a number of its experts, argues that the wrong rate of exchange was applied by the Arbitral Tribunal in arriving at its ultimate compensation figure. GOB also submits that the Tribunal's calculation of interest was mathematically incorrect. Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified. GOB has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and its overseas lawyers have now prepared and are filing the relevant application. For its part, the Ashcroft Alliance questions the currency split used by GOB last week in making the first half payment of the award. It will be recalled that the award was divided into two by the Tribunal, with 40% of the total representing the non-Accommodation Agreement portion and 60% representing the Accommodation Agreement portion.

Turneffe Atoll Trust US Executive Director
Great op to work in two amazing locations: Montana (Bozeman no less) and Belize. Job Title: Turneffe Atoll Trust US Executive Director. Location: Bozeman, Montana. Deadline: August 15, 2016. Background The Turneffe Atoll Trust (TAT) was founded in 2002 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating in Belize and the United States. Our mission is to drive conservation efforts at Turneffe Atoll in Belize leading to sustainable social and economic benefits for Turneffe and serving as a model for similar coastal marine environments elsewhere. TAT is guided by a dynamic and dedicated board with backgrounds in marketing, law, finance, tourism, philanthropy, wildlife conservation, business and communications, and operated by a small staff in the U.S. and Belize.

San Pedro Town Council Soccer Camp
San Pedro Town Council Soccer Camp was a week of fun it ended with a visit to The Ambergris Stadium where the kids got a little feel of the pitch. Special mention goes to Alex Sansores & Gerri Trejo for thier assistance. As the first camp comes to and end, the boys got a special treat by visiting and playing on the new Ambergris Stadium! Kudos Councilor Hector Tito Alamilla Jr. and Kent Bob Gabourel on organizing such an exciting camp!

Caye Caulker: BBQ Sale for a worthy cause
Our family friend is very ill and we are raising funds to help pay his medical expenses. All orders will be sent on the water taxi. Please comment or inbox your orders. Thanks.

International Costa Maya Festival
Bring the Kids to the festival! FUN FUN FUN.

The Farm House Deli in Belmopan
There is a creation called "rum and raisin cheesecake" at the Farm House Deli. I pinched it. I yelled for my creator in vain. For some reason I said "oh my." "Ate some more. The flavors melted with the knowledge that it was all made from scratch. The staff was expectedly friendly because Ella Baron and Ian Anderson are awesome employers and I must say if you truly want great food and cheese you should visit this place in the capital. One simply does not go in without trying the desserts or the cheese that they make.

Miss Belize Universe Pageant Contestants -2016
The wait is over: Delegates for the Miss Belize Universe Pageant are selected! It has been nearly 10 years since a delegate from Belize graced the Miss Universe Pageant stage. September 10 will mark a turning point, when a panel of judges will select a young woman to represent Belize in the world’s premiere beauty pageant. Sixteen Miss Belize Pageant contestants, representing every district, were selected through an open casting call process in July: Misty Swazo, Corozal Theotisha Hall, Corozal Lianne Chi, Orange Walk Caroline Fox, Orange Walk Krystalane Wolfe, Spanish Lookout Marcia Moody, San Ignacio Kimberly Price, Santa Elena Shamra Palacio, Esperanza Lyanne Reid, Belmopan Moriah Lino, Belmopan

Cellula Playing Cayo Welcome Center
The Panamanian reggae band, Cellula, will be playing at the Cayo Welcome Center Saturday, July 23rd, starting at 7:30pm. Another great free concert. Thanks, NICH! "Coming to the Welcome Center through Nich, a Band from Panama that will be performing at 7pm. All are invited!"

World Culture Band Rock CWC
The World Culture Band was amazing! They rocked the Cayo Welcome Center. They played one really long, incredible set that got everyone moving to the beat. "The World Culture Band really rocked the CAYO Welcome Center on Saturday night."

"enSLAVEd - The RISE and FALL of SLAVERY in BELIZE" at Museum of Belize
We are excited to present the newest exhibition at the Museum of Belize - "enSLAVEd - The RISE and FALL of SLAVERY in BELIZE". To be launched on Emancipation Day, at the Museum of Belize.

OUT AND ABOUT! U.S. Embassy Belize
Ambassador Moreno recently traveled South to meet with some organizations helping youth in Belize. Here are some highlights.

Channel 7

Hulse Went Up The Hill, to Fetch A Lighthouse?
Since the story of accused murderer, kidnapper, and conman William "Danny" Mason broke on Monday, we've been trying to find out just how connected he is to the Barrow Administration. So far, we've found out that he was well known to Police Minister John Saldivar, whose football club he contributed to. Prime Minister Dean Barrow disclosed that Minister of State Frank "Pawpa" Mena received a ten thousand dollar campaign contribution form Mason, which he now wants to give back. Then, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber went to Mason's Intelco Hill Mansion for "congratulatory drinks" after his swearing in ceremony in early June. And, today, when we asked, Immigration and Natural Resources Minister Godwin Hulse confirmed reports we'd been receiving that he also went up the Hill along with DPM Faber. Now, this would seem to conflict directly with what Hulse told the media on Monday when he said that he'd never seen Mason before – and now we learn that he's been to visit his house? How does Hulse square that away? Today he explained:

Taeger-Panton Bristles At Mason Question
And while we had the opportunity, today, we asked Hulse's cabinet colleague, Tracy Taegar-Panton, if she ever came into contact with William Mason. We had been questioning all of her colleagues who granted press encounters this week. Though she answered when we asked, she made it plain that she didn't appreciate the topic being brought up: Daniel Ortiz: "Did you by any chance come into contact with Mr. Mason?" Hon. Tracy Panton - Minister of State - Investment, Trade & Commerce: "I can say categorically I have never had any interaction with Mr. Mason or any of his associates."

Mason's Attorney Unfazed By Police Video of Abduction
And while Tracy Taegar-Panton says that she has never met William Mason, her husband, Herbert Panton has to do so, and that's because he is Mason's attorney – and he seems to have a very big defence to mount. That's because on Wednesday, police revealed that they are in possession of surveillance footage confiscated from Mason's Intelco Hill Mansion in Belmopan. According to investigators, the video shows clearly how Mason and his other 5 defendants kidnapped Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, David Dodd, and another man while they were inside Mason's hilltop home on Friday, February 15. A few hours later, the cops found Pastor Lue's decapitated head inside Mason's truck. With the evidence seemingly piling up against Mason and the other 5, we asked Herbert Panton yesterday evening about the apparently tough cause he'll have to defend his clients against when they get their day in court. But, Panton was still confident that the men could be acquitted:

A Crooked Birth Certificate For a Crooked Con
So, as the William "Danny" Mason saga continues to unravel, there a number of unanswered questions. We've managed to unearth several aliases of his. His Guyanese passport says that he is Rajesh Oulette, and that would make the name "William Mason", just one of the assumed identities. He's known also as Canadian "Ted Oulette", as "Raj Ouellet" - a variation on the spelling on the Guyanese passport, and there are reports suggesting that he has also identified himself as Belizean "William Ferguson", and we know that police are seeking his wife, Mellissa Ferguson. Today, we asked Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse if he or the other Government Department heads have managed to find out just how he got hold of the fake birth certificate which says that he is from Crooked Tree. Hulse told us that the Attorney General's Ministry is still investigating that, but he knows for certain that Mason did not manage to get hold of a Belizean passport:

Ashcroft Alliance Wants settlement in USD - Goes to CCJ
The Barrow Administration and the Ashcroft Alliance are back in court tonight – and this time the argument is over US dollars. As we told you government paid the first half of the settlement last week Wednesday, 40% in US dollars, and 60% in Belize dollars. And, just as we told you at the time, the Ashcroft Alliance didn't like that breakdown one bit. They wanted the whole sum in US dollars, so the news tonight is that the Alliance has applied to the Caribbean Court of Justice to ask the court the interpret the settlement agreement with Government. But that's just one issue. Government is now saying that the Permanent Court of Arbitration made mathematical errors in its judgment, namely with the rate of exchange used and the calculation of interest. According to a release, quote, "Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified." End quote. Government now has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and applications are being filed.

BSI Scolds Caneros: "No Finger Pointing"
Two nights ago we told you about the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association – they are saying that ASR/BSI should absorb all the losses – which is about half a million dollars - for the 3,900 tonnes of molasses that went bad in tanks at the Tower Hill factory. The farmers stand to lose 22 cents per tonne in their second payment as a result of this loss – and they aren't too happy about that. Well today ASR/BSI sent out its own release telling the famers that it's not a deduction from the price, but, quote, "rather a lost opportunity to realize proceeds from its sale." A release from ASR/BSI adds, quote, "The fundamental principle underlying the cane price calculation is a sharing of the value…from the sale of sugar and molasses…this extends to a sharing of both gains and losses." The release points out that BSI alone has to deal with the losses of handling and disposal of the molasses. The release closes, scolding, "It is…unhelpful to point fingers… it must be viewed as an opportunity to…work together…with a sense of shared responsibility."

A Policy For Trade Optimization
For the past five years, Belize's trade imbalance has been growing – that means that the country consistently imports more goods than it exports. The disparity is cause for concern, and though it is an issue that confronts many small nations, the Directorate of Foreign Trade wants to ensure that they are doing all they can to maximize access to export markets. To get the job done, the Ministry of Economy Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce has put together a new trade strategy called the "National Trade Policy Framework". It's a 40 page document which takes an honest, hard look at all aspects of trade. After months of deliberation within the Ministry and Cabinet, it was finally unveiled this morning. 7News was there, and we spoke with the Director of Foreign Trade, and the Minister of State about it:

Hulse On Campaign Finance Reform
Earlier in the news, you saw our interview with Minister of Natural Resources Godwin Hulse about his trip up to the Mason Mansion on Intelco Hill. Though Hulse says that he has never met the man, we know that at least 5 of his cabinet colleagues were friendly to, or acquainted with Mason: so far three of them have publicly admitted to this. And while public perception is one thing, the fact of the matter is that politicians cultivate wealthy friends, because politics is a money game, and those who don't have it, can't play, or maybe, we should say, they can't win! Yesterday we asked the PUP leader about committing to campaign finance reform and accountability, and he gave us a feeble "wait and see" answer. But today we asked Godwin Hulse about it. Ever the reformer, how does he feel about limiting the influence that private business persons can exert on the political matrix?: Mike Rudon: "I want to ask you about the importance of that if you are a supporter of campaign finance reform. And also the integrity commission; there has been a call for the integrity commission."

Grasping the Meaning of Prehistoric Graffiti at Xunantunich
You might have thought you knew everything about the maya site of Xunantunich in San Jose Succotz, but for the past two nights, we've been showing you exciting new finds that have been made at that ancient city. Well, The final part of the Xunantunich feature series focuses on the discovery of a scribal room at the El Castillo structure. Archeologists were finally able to decode the graffiti on the walls of this room last week. Here's what we saw: The El Castillo structure stands 30 meters, or a hundred feet high at the south-eastern side of the central plaza. It is the second tallest building in Belize and it was once a palace that housed the royal Maya rulers of Xunantunich. While you can take in its grandeur on the ground level. As you mount the steps, you truly appreciate its towering magnificence.

How Methodist Kids Spent Summer
And while that’s how the archaeologists are spending their summer, kids from Methodist schools were doing it today learning about art and Spanish, and taking music lessons. They’re doing it right beside our studio where Emanuel Pech was pulled in by the sound of drums:…

New Bookbags For Summer Campers
And while those students are keeping their brains active during the summer break, 75 five school kids from Belize City will start the upcoming school year with some brand new school bags, thanks to the Belize City Council and Diamonds international. This small but meaningful donation was done to mark the culmination of the 2016 City Council Summer Camp Program. We spoke to the coordinators who told us what the kids learned this week. The program has been held annually for the past four years.

Pastor Lu, They Reminisce Over You
For the entire week, you've been hearing about the different parts of the William "Danny" Mason saga, including the most horrifying element that he is the mastermind behind the beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. Separate from the fine-tooth comb with which the media has been investigating Mason and his life in Belize, are the family and friends of Pastor Lue who are still trying to come to terms with his gruesome murder. Today, Plus TV Station Owner Louis Wade and Sharon Palacio, who is one of Pastor Lue's relatives discussed a candlelight vigil that they are putting together on Monday night in his honour. They told us why they want people from all over the country to join them: Sharon Palacio - Pastor Lue's Family Member: "As we know grieving is never easy. Losing a loved is naturally rough and the news we received and the way it happened it is beyond our comprehension so there's no way I can say that; it's something we can't describe, it is horrible. You can imagine that even people who are not directly related, the entire country is mourning, everybody is mourning so you can image the immediate loved ones. You can imagine the atmosphere. Words cannot describe nor cannot express."

Classical Music Mastery At Pallotti
The classically trained musicians who work at the Pallotti Music School are preparing for a grand concert. It's an event called the Piano and Violin Concert which happens on Sunday evening. This evening, the organizers gave us a preview of the musical spectacle they have in store: Alobi Young - Piano Teacher, Pallotti: "This weekend what we have planned is a piano and violin concert. We say piano and violin because it's basically just solo performances. We have a couple students who will also be on stage but for the most parts it solo performances. The thing is what I found in Belize is we have a lot of orchestral concerts; either the national youth orchestra Belize or Coral Society. All these guys they come out and they do group work but we never really had solo performances in Belize. And I find the only time we really have it is either when Franky Reneau, you know the great Franky he comes and he does his thing on the piano or he foreign musicians who come in on the violin or other instruments and they do their solo performances. And in Belize especially at Palotti we're one of the leading music schools, we have a lot of talented musicians here; talented teachers. We have Ms. Chelsea Thompson who will be playing with us. Ms. Cindy Burgos, they are both going to be doing violin solos. They are extremely talented and I think it's about time we started show casing Belizean talent, Belizean musicians. Not in cortex or orchestra but doing solo performances."

Panama Reggae To Belize
A popular Spanish-reggae band from Panama is here in Belize to perform for FREE this weekend. The band called “Cellula,” arrived in the City late this evening the bad leader stopped by our studio, and told this is his second time and he plans to make it memorable for his fans: The band performs on Saturday at the Welcome Center in Cayo at 7:30 pm and on Sunday at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Orange Walk at 6 pm. Again both concerts are being organized by the NICH and are absolutely free.

Channel 5

Godwin Hulse Gives His Account of DPM’s Reception at Mason Manor
There has been a full week of solid coverage of the bizarre murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Five persons including the man alleged to be the murder mastermind, William Mason, [...]

How Did Guyanese Born/Canadian National William Mason Become a Native Belizean?
Before coming to Belize William Danny Mason, using multiple names, was known to be a grifter, a con man, and a scam artist without scruples. In Belize he was a [...]

Frustration Over Rank Corruption at Vital Statistics Unit
The birth certificate in question, obviously fraudulent, was actually issued by the Vital Stats Department which comes under the Attorney-General’s Ministry. That occurrence, we can tell you with certainty, is [...]

Tracy Panton is Grilled About William Mason
News Five also got the opportunity to speak to Minister of State in Economic Development Tracy Taegar-Panton. It seems that just about every other U.D.P. Minister hung out with William [...]

Government is Headed to CCJ for Interpretation of B.T.L. Arbitration Award
Just when you thought that the B.T.L. acquisition fiasco had been settled, the Ashcroft Group and the Government of Belize are headed back to the courts for an interpretation of [...]

Godwin Hulse Weighs in on Campaign Financing
Frank ‘Papa’ Mena received ten thousand dollars from Mason toward his by-election campaign. At least he says it was only ten thousand. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, no other [...]

Government Vehicles Collide on Busy Highway
After nine this morning, there was a traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway in front of Enrique Martinez and Sons Limited. It involved two government vehicles, a Ford Ranger [...]

Mobile Patrol Along Seven-mile Stretch to Haulover Bridge
Now the last time we spoke with Senior Superintendent Flowers, traffic accidents were a perennial problem in the precinct four area. Today it still remains the most prevalent issue officers [...]

B.S.C.F.A. Says Farmers Shouldn’t Absorb Cost of Spoiled Molasses
Up north, there is trouble in the sugar belt. Will sugar cane farmers in the north bear the brunt of financial losses from spoiled molasses? Caneros are tonight incensed over [...]

Homeless, Hungry Man is Sentenced to 5 Years for Burglary
An elderly homeless man is spending his first night of a five-year prison term in jail tonight for causing damages of four hundred dollars during a break-in. Sixty-year old Codrington [...]

Overnight Shootings in Belize City and San Pedro Leaves Teenager Injured
Two persons were injured in separate shootings on Thursday night in Belize City and San Pedro. In the Old Capital shortly after nine o’clock, gunshots rang out in the vicinity [...]

CitCo Wraps Up Annual Summer Camp
Summer camps have been providing an outlet for those energetic kids who are on holidays. In the city, students from numerous schools participated in a free summer program that entertained [...]

2016 Expressive Arts Summer Program is Hosted by ICA
Another summer camp dedicated to the expressive arts concluded today in Belize City. Hosted by the Institute of Creative Arts, the participants enjoyed sessions in arts, drama, dance and music. [...]

Creative Arts Curriculum to be Piloted in Primary Schools
Green also told News Five that after four years in the making, in the next school year, the creative arts curriculum will be piloted in primary schools. Leroy Green, [...]

Calypso Rose to be Honored at WOMEX
Calypso Rose will be bestowed with the WOMEX 16 Artist Award in October of this year in Santiago De Compostela, Berlin. At age seventy-six, the legendary singer and composer from [...]

Banda Cellula Visits from Panama
The Cellula Band of Panama is in the country; the band arrived late this evening and will be performing two free concerts in Orange Walk and San Ignacio. Established in [...]

PlusTV

Farmers not accepting loss for Molasses problem
On Wednesday, we told you about the press release issued by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association , which in essence rejects BSI’s allegation that it is the quality of the sugar cane brought in by the farmers that caused thee molasses problem at the factory. The sugar cane farmers said that the...

Four accused arraigned for Income Tax Robbery
Four person were arrested , charged and arraigned in the Belmopan court today in connection to the robbery of the Belmopan Income Tax office on Trinity Boulevard last Friday. They are Ichelle Tablada, David Cruz , Richard Hyde, and Devon Brooks. It wasn’t a smooth process at court this evening, wi...

William Mason’s girlfriend being sought by police
In the meantime, Melissa Ferguson is wanted by Belize police. Who is she? The girlfriend of William Mason who lived with him at this Belmopan home and also helped with the horses on the Ranch. It is unclear if she is still in the country as the murder happened on Friday and Mason was found with the ...

Lawyer of accused murderers of Pastor Lu says police need to get their ducks in a row
Herbert Panton is also the legal representative for the five men accused of the murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. It would seem like almost an open and shut case based on the evidence that the police appears to have; the head in Mason’s vehicle, and the surveillance footage of Lucas being bound and ...

Confusion at Court, charges couldn’t stick on accused kidnapper
That police statement has assisted police in further investigations and has also led to the arrest of another person,one Ryan Rhaburn. Rhaburn was taken to the Belmopan court this evening where he was to be arraigned arraigned for two counts of Kidnapping of Mennonite Lloyd Friesen and his wife. Ho...

Call to Prayer for Chief Justice historical court decision
Pastor Lance Lewis, the President of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, says that Belizean Christians need to pray more. This is in agreement to the call made by Senator for the Churches, Ashley Rocke, to have Christians gather at various locations across the country this Saturday for c...

GSU Commander Replaced Following Investigation for Alleged Sexual Assault
It’s unclear if allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor had anything to do with the removal of GSU Commander Mark Flowers from the Head of the Gang Supression Unit. However, as of Wednesday, Flowers was removed from that post. We know that on Wednesday morning, Acting Commissioner Russell Bla...

Papa Mena says he will return William Mason’s money
The saga of the Llewelyn Lucas’ murder continues as his murderer’s character and connection to high ranking individuals continue to be place under scrutiny. On Wednesday, we told you that Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that Dangriga Area Representative and Minister of State Frank “Pawpa” Mena admi...

Shooting on Stann Creek Valley Road
A 34-year-old man of Hope Creek Village reported that on Thursday 14th July 2016 around 8:30 p.m., he was driving alone in his car on the Stann Creek Valley Road heading from the direction of Dangriga to Hope Creek. When he reached the first bump after White Swan around mile 7 ½, a male person wear...

Spanish Lookout Farmers give statement
Lloyd Theissen and his wife told Plusnews the day after Llewelyn Lucas was killed, that Lucas had called him on Friday morning and told Thiessen that he, Lucas, would try to get back Thiesen’s money from William Mason who did not deliver on a shipment of corn that he had been paid some $300,000 to ...

Amandala

Mason and 4 cohorts remanded for Pastor Lue’s beheading
Five men accused of a bizarre homicide appeared this morning in Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith’s courtroom for a second attempt at charging them in court for the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, whose decapitated head was found in their possession when police searched a vehicle in Belmopan last Friday, July 15. The accused men — William Donny Mason, 46, aka “Ted Aoellett”, said to be the mastermind; and his co-conspirators Ernest Castillo, 20; Keron Fernandez, 29; Ashton Vanegas, 29; and Terence Fernandez, 30 — are all being represented by attorney Herbert Panton from the law firm of Lindo and Company. The men were arraigned on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. They were all remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Income Tax office armed robbers remanded
Five days after three impostor policemen held up and robbed the Belmopan Income Tax Office located on Trinity Boulevard and got away with about $29,000, along with the gun of the policeman who was on duty in the office and personal belongings of the clerks, Superintendent Howell Gillett, Commander of Belmopan Police, and his investigators, have wrapped up the case. Three men and a woman, who was accused of being the get-away driver, were arrested, charged and taken to the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court this afternoon. They were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until Friday, September 16. The accused are Devon Brooks, 23, of Cotton Tree; David Cruz, 21, of Roaring Creek; and Richard Hyde, 32, also of Roaring Creek; and Ishelle Tablada of Belmopan. They were all charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, 2 counts of keeping ammunition without a license, and handling stolen goods.

“We need a Poverty Suppression Unit (PSU), not a GSU.” — Hon. Cordel Hyde
“We don’t need a Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), we need a Poverty Suppression Unit (PSU),” said Lake Independence’s area representative, Cordel Hyde, who slammed the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, at a PUP press conference on Wednesday, for his drastic crime-fighting techniques. At a press conference held on Monday at the Biltmore Plaza, Saldivar announced that his Cabinet would expand and immediately strengthen the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) in response to the spike of crime that was experienced in the past few weeks. Critics viewed Saldivar’s approach as a state attack on people of low socioeconomic status, as the GSU is focused squarely on blue collar crimes as opposed to white collar crimes committed by those of higher social standing.

Maya and GOB back before the CCJ
The Toledo Maya and the Government of Belize were back before the Caribbean Court of Justice via teleconference from Belize City on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, as the court continues to play an important role in helping the parties resolve a land rights dispute that has been ongoing for decades. In January 2016, the Government of Belize, under the Attorney General’s ministry, appointed the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission, headed by former Minister for indigenous affairs, Lisel Alamilla. Denys Barrow, SC, attorney for the Government of Belize, told us that in January 2017, the parties will make a further report to the CCJ, detailing how far they have reached in the process. Although he told us that he is not sure whether the Commission will have concluded its work by then, he told us that he expects that at the least, consultations will have been finished.

Guatemalan fishers descend on the Sarstoon
With the nation’s attention fully gripped by the case of the murder and beheading of Belizean pastor/political aspirant Llewellyn Lucas, it appears that the Guatemalans have seized the opportunity to enter Belizean waters to “rape and scrape” the fisheries resources at the Sarstoon, as Wil Maheia, founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), has put it. Maheia said that he visited the area yesterday with three Belizean-Americans, who were shocked when they saw roughly 100 Guatemalans fishing on the Belize side of the Sarstoon, some of them throwing their gill nets right in front of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), inaugurated by Belize earlier this year—supposedly to stem illegal activities in the area.

Football updates from Orange Walk
The quarterfinals of the Andrew Chavarria Tournament were held at the Technical Field on Sunday, July 17. In game 1, Grumpy Strikers dropped Black Wata, 1-0, on a goal by Erwin Guerra. Game 2 saw Crystal with the 1-nil victory over San Fran, courtesy of a goal by Freddy Grijalva. In game 3, it was the same score, as Sinbad clipped Young Stars, 1-0, with a goal from Marlon Garcia. And game 4 was 0-0 in regulation between Heart N Soul and Cholos, before Heart N Soul prevailed 3-1 in the penalty shootout. Semifinals for both Interoffice and Open are scheduled for this Sunday at People’s Stadium.

FFB’s Road to the U-17 World Cup
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is hosting nationwide U-17 football tournaments this week in anticipation of Belize’s participation in the U-17 World Cup Qualifiers to be hosted in Panama, November 2016. These tournaments, which are equivalent to tryouts, are being led by respective District Football Associations across the country, in an effort to expand the opportunities to all U-17 males to become members of Belize’s U-17 National Team. Following the culmination of the tournaments across the country a Grand National U-17 inter-district tournament will consequently be held in Belmopan from Friday, August 5, to Sunday, August 7, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. A National U-17 selection will be formed thereafter to represent Belize at the U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.

Cricket Corner – Easy Does It moves on to the semifinals by winning over Sunrise
Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the cricket games continued over the weekend. On Saturday at Rancho Dolores, Excellence went up against home team Western Eagles. This is the first of a best-of-three in the semifinals. I must mention that these two always meet, and Excellence has always come out victorious. For this series, let’s see who will win. To put all in a nut shell, this first game Excellence won, but the Eagles put up a very good fight. Excellence batted first and made 132 runs. However, if the bowling was a bit better, the score would have been smaller. When 6 stumps fell, Excellence had a mere 52 runs. When the last man was in, the score stood at 99. Still, the Eagles allowed so many runs to be added. Well, that is cricket. When you make a mistake, you stand the consequences. In that inning, Brandon Broaster top scored with 55 runs; while Rasheed Broaster of Western Eagles took 3 of Excellence stumps.

Editorial: The man in the mirror
Our old people used to say, when you sleep with dogs you wake up with fleas. If our elected politicians are going to be running around with any foreigner who flashes money and offers drinks, then our elected politicians run the risk of ending up with egg on their faces, from time to time. There were several Government of Belize officials, including Cabinet Ministers, who were scrambling this week to distance themselves from their entanglements with the one “William Danny Mason,” who stands accused of orchestrating the beheading murder of Llewellyn “Pastor Lou” Lucas sometime on Friday afternoon/evening July 15, 2016. There are other crimes of which Mr. Mason is accused and will be accused, including kidnapping, extortion, embezzlement, and so on. He had documents for several aliases, including a Belize birth certificate for the village of Crooked Tree, even though he is basically Guyanese and Canadian. By now, had there been resources available for a media system like Kremandala, we would have had to send people to Guyana and Canada to build a lifetime dossier on William Danny Mason. He has become that big in Belize.

From the Publisher
Christian pastors played a major role in the modern black American civil rights struggle which began with the Rosa Parks incident in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist preacher who later won the Nobel Peace Prize, emerged as the voice and conscience of the civil rights struggle, and this was etched in stone after his “I have a dream” speech in August of 1963 at the historic “March on Washington” event. The civil rights struggle under Dr. King’s leadership featured Gandhian, non-violent activism, and, as Dr. Ivan van Sertima once pointed out, there was really no other kind of black activism possible at the time in the Deep South of the United States, those states which had formed the Confederacy and seceded from the Union in 1861. In the South, the white power structure represented the majority white population: that power structure and that white population were dedicated to violent repression of all forms of black protest.

Letter to the Editor: Fix Moho Street, says handicapped California Dangrigan
Dear Mayor Francis Humphreys, Dangriga Town Council, I left Dangriga, Belize on August 10th, 1960, and the streets were not paved. Then after 56 years and returning to my beautiful country on 3/16, I see that all looks the same. 56 years ago I was able to walk the streets easier, unlike now. I am handicapped and it has become harder to do so. I visited for two weeks and it was hard for me to commute and visit friends and family. I have paid taxes on time and am currently up to date, as some of my fellow neighbors. I believe that our streets should be better taken care of. I will not be returning, as it is difficult for me, until my street, 18 Moho Street, has been paved and rid of potholes and any other hazardous, unsafe parts on our street. I’m writing this letter on behalf of all fellow handicapped persons. It seems to me that our Belize Government is not fully prepared to accommodate handicapped people.

Letter to the Editor: Belize and the global hegemonic dance
Dear Editor, We live in a time of global change. The dominance of European over global affairs is waning. Islamic terroism, racial inequities, world trade, financial markets and military prowess are supporting historic geopolitical shifts. Islamic terrorism is a direct challenge to European dominance. If you look at the two recent terrorist attacks, the one in Orlando, Florida, and the one in Nice, France, there are making US and European defence useless. When they spent billions on airport security, terrorists attack urban centers. If they protect those, they will attack somewhere else, making the populace lose faith in their leaders. The United States, Canada, Europe and other European associates are spending trillions on their war on terrorism, which is a protracted war that will weaken their economy.

“US support to UK in Falklands War was decisive!”
Is an association of 35 American countries. The OAS seeks to provide for collective self-defense, regional cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of controversies. The OAS charter sets forth the group’s guiding principles. These principles include a belief in the value of international law, social justice, economic cooperation, and the equality of all people. In addition, the OAS charter states that an act of aggression against an American nation is regarded as an act of aggression against all the nations in the OAS… According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, it says that the OAS was established on 30 April, 1948. In that case, it has been proven that after 68 years of existence it has not been able to comply with one of its principles which is equality of all people. That alone is a strong reason for the dismantlement of its membership, which did not take place because of the control the neoliberal Mafia could have imposed over these Third World countries with military dictatorship and aids for its supposed development which was invested in genocide actions and the establishment of huge corporations, drug-trafficking, organized crimes, trafficking of persons, tourism, prostitution, and all the rest that goes along with it. Cuba is the only free country of the Americas.

The Special Agreement and the ICJ: Part 2
The general consensus at this time is that the public education campaign by the government to get a YES vote at the proposed national referendum to take the Guatemala/Belize border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will fail in achieving its objective. The main reason for this will be the wording of the Special Agreement (SA) and in particular Article 2 and Article 7(3), which is the question to be voted on at the referendum and reads: “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?” In layman’s language, said diplomatically couched question is: Do you agree that any or all of Belize’s mainland territory, its cayes and maritime areas can be given away to Guatemala by the ICJ to finally settle the Guatemalan Claim? No patriotic Belizean will vote YES to said question and as a consequence the referendum will result in a NO vote to go and settle said dispute at the ICJ.

Fish on the plate getting smaller
Fish is an important source of animal protein and contains nutrients that are essential for adult health and child development, and is not readily available in other food products. While, seafood consumption is not very high, in Belize compared to other countries, lobster and conch is an important export commodity for the growing tourist industry in Belize. Finfish, such as grouper and snapper, are important sources of protein for Belizeans. Overfishing, however, pressures fishermen to harvest less desirable species such as parrotfish and creates a burden on fishermen who depend on a constant supply of fish. While efforts are underway to improve fisheries management and improve seafood supply to tourism outlets, researchers from Columbia University in collaboration with Healthy Reefs for Healthy People, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), the Belize Fisheries Department and Harvard University are continuing work to answer important questions.

Property crimes increase 4-fold in Orange Walk
Whereas much has been said about the high rates of violent crimes, not much has been said about the rate of property crimes in Belize—crimes which, in fact, make up nearly 90% of major crimes reported to police. However, there are rare cases in which property crimes turn deadly, as was the case some weeks ago, when a mentally challenged man launched an assault on a family in Yo Creek Village. The mid-year comparative crime statistics released by Belize police indicate that property crimes in Orange Walk, which make up more than 90% of major crimes in that district, have increased four-fold: from 23 cases reported in January to June 2016 to 98 cases reported from January to June 2016. These include 49 cases of theft, 35 cases of burglary and 14 cases of robbery.

GSU Commander Mark Flowers under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct
The Belize Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit exploded on the streets of Belize City in their paramilitary uniforms, emblazoned with the letters “GSU”, in bold white letters on their olive green battledress, hiding their faces behind masks as they unleashed a new, American-style aggressive form of policing, quickly earning them mostly fear from the public because of their “Gestapo-like” tactics in their operations against citizens who are mostly poor and don’t have “strings” to the politicians and top police brass. After having three leaders since it became operational in April 2010, the GSU has had some successes, but it has likewise suffered some defeats, especially in the Supreme Court in several civil lawsuits in which judges have found that they had violated citizens’ constitutional rights. Presently, the GSU is about to enter another phase: on Monday, government announced that the unit will be beefed-up, as if they needed more “beef.”

The Reporter

Chester trying to solve south side crime with digital cams; asks US embassy and IDB to assist
The streets of Belize City’s south side, plagued by gun violence and other crimes for the better part of 20 years, should see some improvement with the installation of new surveillance cameras in the coming months. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chester Williams sent proposals […]

Brads applies for change of venue for Boledo and Lottery draw
The Administrator of Brads Gaming, Kim Chee, has applied to the Lotteries Committee to change the venue of the live drawings of the nightly Boledo and the Sunday Lottery draw from the Public Building to Brads offices at the foot of the Belcan Bridge. This […]

Hamanasi selected as Finalist for Eco-Excellence Awards
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, located in Hopkins, was selected as a finalist in the Travel Category for the NCW Magazine’s 2016 Eco-Excellence Award. The Eco-Excellence Awards, now in its sixth edition, is the only of its kind award to recognize excellence in social and environmental sustainability […]

UN Youth Report targets economic engagement
The United Nations (UN), last week, released its World Youth Report on Youth Civic Engagement and discussed many issues today’s youth face in economical, political and community engagement areas. The UN World Youth Report gave unfortunate statistics of approximately 73 million young people being unemployed around the world, and in […]

CitCo hosting public consultations on new seafront business proposal
The Belize City Council is calling on members of the general public to participate in a public consultation regarding the construction of Mayan Cable Tubing, a proposed water park project along the seawall of Sandlighter’s Promenade. CitCo has been considering the proposal for months but now Mayor […]

Taiwan assists Belize with $10 million towards overall development
Belize has received a sizable sum of money from the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) towards the overall development of our country. In a handing over ceremony on Wednesday, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Benjamin Ho presented a cheque of US $5 […]

Five men remanded for beheading Dangriga pastor
Five men were remanded to the Belize Central Prison this week for the grotesque decapitation of Dangriga pastor, Llewellyn Lucas. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Williams remanded Belmopan businessman William Mason, along with Ernest Castillo, Keron Fernandez, Ashton Vanegas, and Terence Fernandez, until September 7, on charges of: […]

Crocodile kills child in Maypen Village
Residents of the Maypen community are grieving after a crocodile attacked and killed an eight-year-old girl over the weekend. On Sunday July 17 at 3:25 p.m., Adriana Moody, was swimming in the Belize River along with her aunt, Indira Rhaburn, and three of her cousins, when the […]

Labourer murdered in Cayo
A fight between two groups of men in San Ignacio Town, Cayo on Monday night ended in one man being fatally stabbed and another seriously injured. Police say that shortly before 7:00 Monday night, they were summoned to Floyd Moro Street in the Santiago Juan […]

Man accused of sexually assaulting an infant
A thirty-one-year-old man, Jose Rivas, was arraigned in court on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting an infant boy on Monday. A police report filed against Rivas accused him of penetrating the buttocks of a two-year-old boy. Police investigated the report and charged Rivas with sexual assault. He […]

Wildlife Conservation Society celebrates fishers and secures fisheries
Being a fisher is not an easy profession; it is one that requires love for the sea and all the uncertainties that come along with it. The recent passing of Sarteneja fisher, Mr. Eugenio Santos Sr. while doing what he loved at Turneffe Atoll reminds us of the dangers fishermen […]

ROC position on the South China Sea Arbitration
The award rendered by the tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the South China Sea arbitration is completely unacceptable to the government of the Republic of China. The tribunal’s decisions have no legally binding force on the ROC, for the following reasons: 1. In the text of the […]

Editorial
People of Southside Belize have welcomed the idea of Assistant Police Commissioner Chester Williams to install night vision cameras in strategic locations of high crime activity in southside Belize City to put a lid on street crime and gangland activity. We applaud this new initiative, and we thank the American […]

GSU boss accused of child rape
By Marion Ali Assistant Editor Superintendent Mark Flowers has been replaced as the Gang Suppression Unit’s (GSU) boss, while police investigate an allegation that he had sexual relations with a 13¬-year-¬old girl earlier this year. The report surfaced and was confirmed this week, while Flowers – ¬ a controversial figure […]

Political connections cause more intrigue in Mason case
Since the Belize Police Department and the media began investigating William Mason on charges of kidnapping and murder, several details have emerged, including Mason’s financing of political campaigns for government officials, and a new suspect in the case. Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media this week that Mason had […]

Hoop Dreams wins gold
Belize’s Hoop Dreams basketball team won gold at the IV Copa Pioneros Under¬ 20 basketball tournament held at the 15,000 seat Poliforum and the Kuchil Bashal sports complex in Cancun from Thursday to Saturday, July 14¬17. It was the second year of participation for their […]

Your loss not our loss
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has cried foul and said the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) Ltd. should bear the full cost of the $432,666 loss from the 3,900 tons of molasses destroyed by a chemical reaction in one of the molasses tanks at […]

Breaking Belize News

GOB, Ashcroft Alliance challenging BTL compensation in separate cases
According to the Government of Belize, it has found errors with the rate of exchange applied by the tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration applied for the final figure of compensation due on Belize Telemedia Limited as well as incorrect calculation of interest, […]

Questions for Gaspar Vega
It seems everyone in the Government service this week has a “William Mason” story – did they know him? Were they at his house? Was he ever introduced to them, and did they discuss anything in relation to Government activity? One of the senior […]

Accused kidnapper free, police must try again
Belmopan Magistrate Ladonna John was not convinced that manager of William Mason’s Outback Ranch, Ryan Rhaburn, should be charged with the kidnapping of Mennonite businessman Lloyd Friesen and his wife, and so he was set free yesterday. Police are left to try again to […]

San Pedro Police find gun in abandoned lot
A joint team of Special Branch and CIB personnel conducted a search in an abandoned lot in the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town this morning around 10:00 which led to the discovery of a 9-millimeter Smith and Wesson Pistol. According to police, […]

A better way to protect the world from the next pandemic
The growing concern over the Zika virus highlights a frightening reality. The world remains ill-prepared for a fast-moving virus. Over the past decade, Ebola, avian flu, swine flu and other pandemics have shown how vulnerable the world can be when major outbreaks […]

Mexico bans gillnets, Oceana encourages Belize to do the same
Mexico’s national fisheries commission permanently banned the use of night fishing and gillnets in the protected area of the gulf known as the Sea of Cortez. The ban has become necessary to protect the endangered vaquita marina porpoise, the smallest porpoise, in the upper […]

Police nab suspects wanted for Income Tax robbery
On Friday the department of Income tax was robbed just before closing time. New information reaching our news room is that all suspects are in police custody. According to police reports, a joint team of uniform officers and MIT visited an area behind Another World […]

Blogs

Sweet Business for Sale
The ever loved DandE’s (named for Dan and Eileen) Frozen Custard & Sorbet Shop is now up for sale. It was established in 2005 and has gained a huge following of both locals (like myself) and visitors. Most people who go there have a favorite flavor or in my case several. I alternate between coconut, double rich chocolate, java Joe and chocolate mint for custard. Black cherry and raspberry for sorbet. I get everything with a fudge bulls eye (hollowed out hole filled with hot fudge) and sometimes add chopped nuts. The one I sampled and need to try more is sour-sop because it tastes like candy.

Plan a Visit to Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve
The Bacalar Chico Marine and Wildlife Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on the northern part of the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize. Measuring more than 12,600 acres (51 square kilometers) in size, the Bacalar Chico Marine and Wildlife Reserve covers an area that is part dry land and part the waters around the island. While the southern part of Ambergris Caye is one of the top tourist attractions in Belize, the northern part of the island forms the Bacalar Chico Marine and Wildlife Reserve and is largely a wild and undeveloped area, encompassing diverse habitats that include: beaches, forests, grasslands, and swamps. Because it is a protected habitat, there are no roads that lead to Bacalar Chico so visitors can only access it via the sea. Currently, overnight trips are restricted so visiting the reserve is only possible by day trips from San Pedro or other nearby areas when accompanied by a licensed tour operator. Fishing is restricted but diving and snorkeling is a popular activity.

Who is your favorite Costa Maya Pageant Contestant?
The International Costa Maya Festival® committee has been working hard behind the scenes in preparation for the annual festival. The dates are set: Thursday August 4th through Sunday August 7th, and entertainment for each night has been confirmed. As is tradition, the festival will take place at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Stadium in San Pedro Town. The event will open with the highly anticilate Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. Who do you think will be the winner?

Snapchat Pen Lens Revealed
Wow wow wow! Can I just say I’ve been waiting for Snapchat to do this? I’m so excited about their new lens! I mean, I love the fact that we can make emoji’s move in video, but I always said it would be cool if our drawings could move too, and now they can!!! Yay!!! Think of the possibilities of this! My family and I have already started creating story boards of all the cool ideas to snap for you. In the meantime, I will leave you with this quick video of me playing with the new pen lens. As always, remember I can’t snap with strangers, but please please please leave me a comment below and if you like my silliness share this post on Facebook. Your comments make my day! Happy Snapping!

A Long Walk to Town, Changes on the Beach and The Palapa Bar
JUST south of the Belize Yacht Club, White Sands Villas is under new management. This project, started about 7 years ago, was only completed for one or two beach front units. The rest is being gutted by new management. A bit of town. The former restaurant Lick’s is now Dock’s. MUCH BETTER NAME! The Tacklebox, now closed for almost 2 years now, is still under legal dispute…or so I hear. And a quick peek inside the Palapa Bar with her completed second deck.

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Maya Traditional Healing Day 4
The sky was grey and swollen as the campers rose, and light droplets occasionally fell to blot the campers’ T-shirts. As we trudged up to the kitchen, carefully planting our feet on the stepping-stones amidst the sea of mud, freezing cold and with damp clothes, we all decided it wasn’t going to be a fun day. And yet we couldn’t have been more wrong! We started off early with some campfire songs to get the blood pumping, then had a steaming hot breakfast that warmed up our bones. Now feeling warm and comfortable, we cleaned up the dining hall and proceeded straight to arts and crafts – using old rags, we created bean bags to use for tomorrow’s games. Most of the campers created pretty good bags, considering everybody had to sow their own sacks – the few that had trouble were helped by the councilors, and by the end of the hour-long class, everybody had a pretty decent bean bag that they happily threw around.

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Organic Farming Day 5
The sun was breaking out over the golden clouds as the camp stirred to life, and as the camper rose and trudged up to the dining hall, clean white rays fell on our faces and warmed our skin. By the time everyone had gathered around the campfire, we were all wide awake and the campers sang along loudly. By the time breakfast came, we were all ravenous and the sausage-and-eggs filled us up nicely. Then we grabbed our bean bags – the ones we’d created the day before – and used them in a basket-ball-like game, where we threw them into hoops. The winners got extra snacks, and then we started on Arts and Crafts!

International Sources

National Trade Policy Framework is Launched in Belize
Today the Ministry of Economic Development and stakeholders launched the National Trade Police Framework. That structure signifies approval by Cabinet to implement a comprehensive review to find common and fertile ground between multi-lateral and regional trade rules and the development needs of domestic producers, exporters and stakeholders. News Five’s Mike Rudon was at the launch this morning and has the story. Mike Rudon, Reporting This periodic review is designed to look at the new rules governing trade between Belize and its trading partners – rules which speak specifically to the economic development of all member states. Trade environment is a critical factor in economic growth. Leroy Almendarez, Director-General, Foreign Trade “This framework now looks at – what it does it provides a frame, an environment, in terms of how we would want to address the challenges. This framework is diagnostic, and prescriptive, because it has certain prescriptions on how we can address some of the challenges that we have. It’s not only looking at the challenges, but how we address the challenges.”

Cracking the Mighty Coconut
People come back from Belize with strange mementos. Christina and Lucas Martell came back with a laptop full of sand, an animated short, and the beginnings of an animation company. Austin-based 3-D VFX and animation studio Mighty Coconut is only a couple of years old. "We're definitely the newest guys on the block," said Lucas. Yet it's already making an impact: the studio has already outgrown its first offices on South Lamar, moved up Burnet, taken over a converted house, and added additional space in a nearby office complex, with more staff joining. Next Wednesday, the team presents a night of locally produced animation with the Austin Film Society (see more about the event here). That may seem a long way from Belize's beaches, but it's really a short step. Lucas had spent six years working on his first short, 2009's spy spoof "Pigeon Impossible," when he and Christina started developing his follow-up, "The Oceanmaker." But rather than simply sit in a studio stewing over a laptop for months, the couple had a simple idea: Gather the best talent they could find, head down to the Caribbean, and engage in some oceanside animation.

Videos

Diving in Belize, Ambergris Caye - Paradise Canyons, July 17, 2016, 15min. This dive seems to have had a preponderance of nurse sharks, yielding interesting videography, like watching carp in a Japanese garden pool. We ended with a remora joining us on our safety stop.

Bahamian Youth Choir Tours Belize with Carnival Cruise Lines, 3min. The Bahamian National Youth Choir annually partners with the Carnival Cruise Line for a tour of the region; from the Bahamas the group would board a ship and travel to the Cayman Island, Honduras and Cozumel. For the first time, the group included Belize in its tour and put off a one-hour musical showcase on Wednesday, featuring its singers and band. Folkloric songs, a disco medley, as well as spiritual and Caribbean-rooted music were all on display by the Bahamian Youth Choir ensemble.

Belize: Through the eyes of a GoPro, 3min. A video compiling clips from my two week vacation to Belize. Shot using the GoPro Hero 4 Black.

Diving in Belize, Ambergris Caye - Esmeralda Canyons, July 19, 2016, 13min. Bobbi and I did this as an afternoon 3rd dive of the day and were accompanied by among others a father and his young son.

BTV, 21min.

Kevin & Juliette Belize Wedding Film, from Jose Luis Zapata, 44min.

New Municipal Airstrip Belize, 4min.

Waterfall in Belize, 3.5min. One of my many adventures in Belize. I was too scared to go under the waterfall, but I had so much fun that day with my cousin and friend.

Diving Victoria Canyons, Ambergris Caye, Belize, 2016, 5min. This dive was mostly full of nurse sharks throughout except for an eagle ray at the beginning that did acrobatics for me, duly recorded

Diving Ramon's Canyons, Ambergris Caye, Belize, 2016, 4min. Diving Ramon's Canyons, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Nice way to spend the Sunday morning, July 17, 2016, with Pro Diving Belize taking us to see plenty of nurse sharks

Eagle Ray, Loggerhead, and Nurse Sharks at Tuffy Canyon, Belize 2016, 5.5min. Diving Tuffy Canyons, Ambergris Caye, Belize, on Monday July 18, 2016, we happened on an eagle ray that teased me into almost catching up with him, a loggerhead turtle that did let me catch up but became bored easily and wandered off, and a few nurse sharks, as usual.

Join the scrum in the chum - Feeding sharks and rays at Hol Chan, Belize, 8.5min. This time we were snorkeling off south Ambergris Caye, where our guide Santiago tossed bits of chum overboard so we could don our snorkels and join in the shark feeding in Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone D Belize, Sunday July 17, 2016

Betting on chicken poop on Belize, 2min.

Diving Ambergris Caye - shallow, lazy diving in Hol Chan Marine Reserve Belize, July 17, 2016, 16min. One of the set 'tours' on Ambergris Caye is the 'combo' dive in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is mainly a snorkel trip for non-scuba day trippers, combined with a shark feed experience. As a dive Hol Chan is restrictive and subdued compared to deeper dives on the barrier reef, but it still presents some mellow fish tableaux and the occasional turtle (here a loggerhead and a hawksbill). I tried to capture the flavor in these videos, including the snorkelers hovering overhead.

July 22, 2016

Costa Maya Festival year 2000!

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

Pro Divers and Scorpions FC in the lead to Five-a-Side finals
The Island Citizen Sporting Club (ICSC) and San Pedro High School (SPHS) Five-a-side Football Tournament is coming to a close with the finals taking place on Sunday, July 24th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The semi- final results determined which teams will be heading for the championship game and this time Scorpions FC and Pro Divers will be up for the challenge in hopes of capturing the coveted first place of the competition. With the semi-finals over, organizers tallied the points announcing the teams that would be competing in finals. Heading to the finals in the little league division are El Pescador, Bayern Munich B, Bayern Munich A, PSG, LIiverpool, FC America, Scorpion, Inter de Milan and Green Hornets. The senior teams will be playing for third place, followed by second and first place. The four senior teams are: Los Catrachos FC, Scorpions FC, Pro Divers and Boca Bombers.

Human Rights Seminar held in San Pedro Town
For the first time ever, a seminar on human rights was held in San Pedro Town on Friday, July 8th and Saturday July 9th at the Lions Den. The event was spearheaded by the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB), and addressed many aspects pertaining to human rights, its functions as an organization, and informing attendees on their rights and where to seek assistance when these are violated. Although there was a low turnout, key members of the community from organizations such as the San Pedro Lions Club, Projects Abroad and the San Pedro Town Council attended the seminar. It is expected that members of these entities will spread the message to their relevant associates.

Intoxicated BWS employee wrecks company vehicle
30-year-old Nolan Garbutt Jr, Belize Water Services (BWS) Assistant Supervisor, has reported to The San Pedro Police that on Wednesday, July 20th at around 10:30PM he suffered a car crash. He stated that he left Pedro’s Inn in a work issued white Toyota Hilux 4 door truck (Lp/# 32797, Model KUN25L-HRMDH Frame MROFR220800648564) heading home driving in a southerly direction. Garbutt went on to state that when reaching Sea Grape drive, he heard a loud bursting sound, and as a result, he lost control of the vehicle and flipped over. When he got out of the vehicle, he observed that the front and the back bumpers were broken, both left front and back wheels were punctured, the top was bent and the four doors were bent in.

San Pedro Cancer society holds successful blood drive
During a blood drive organized by the San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) in collaboration with the Belize Blood Donor Service, a total of 38 pints of vital blood were collected. The drive took place on Saturday, July 9th at the San Carlos Medical Clinic on Pescador Drive with many community members turning out to donate blood; the drive was a grand success. The healthy turnout by willing donors from 9:30AM to 4PM kept the clinic busy all day. The blood collected will go towards the San Pedro Town blood reserve to be held at the Belize Blood Bank in Belize City. The fact that one pint of blood can save up to three lives is another reason to applaud such a great turn out.

Tertiary Level Education issues addressed during ATLIB retreat
Representatives from 11 of the 13 institutions that are members of the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB) convened on Ambergris Caye at the Bayan Bay Resort for a two day retreat. The retreat took place on Thursday, July 14 and Friday, July 15th and focused on quality assurance, and issues dealing with accreditation among the tertiary level educational institutions in Belize. Facilitating the presentations at the meeting was Dr. Pamela Dottin from the University of the West Indies, Barbados, who is closely aligned with the tertiary level accreditation program. Dr. Dottin held a series of discussion exercises that pointed out where educational institutions stand today since the 2015 ATLIB Professional Development exercise. According to the discussions there has been improvement, but it is an on-going process and through the different professional development training, there is the hope that a structured education system can be achieved.

Louis Carter officially charged for shooting Dwayne Hyde
23-year-old Louis Manuel Carter was officially arrested and charged on Thursday, July 14th in relation to a shooting incident which 30-year-old Dwayne Hyde was injured. According to San Pedro Police, Carter was positively identified by the victim leading to his swift detention. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 13th saw two male persons reportedly entering the yard of 22-year-old Kimberly Humes; one of them was identified as Carter, and getting involved in an altercation with Hyde. The altercation resulted in Hyde being shot in his abdomen.

Miss SPHS continues giving back to the community
While school is closed and many students are enjoying the holidays away from the classroom, one student from San Pedro High School (SPHS) has been busy contributing to her community. Faith Noel, Miss San Pedro High School 2016-2017, has embarked on a series of projects aimed at benefiting her school and the community in general. After her first successful project collecting backpacks for the less fortunate students at her school, Noel tackled an ambitious project to raise funds for the building of five lunch palapas at SPHS. After approaching the community with this brilliant idea, the help was swift as donors were more than happy to assist. On Saturday, July 16th Noel handed over a cheque for the construction of the palapas at her school. Receiving the generous donation was Dean of Discipline Alex Nuñez, who thanked her and encouraged her to continue her good work. According to him, she is setting the bar high in community service and creating an excellent example for her future successor.

Misc Belizean Sources

Step By Step Tutoring Center Would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for this year’s 2nd Summer Musical Camp
Your commitment to our events are surely appreciated and we hope to continue providing you all with well-rounded family events. This year a total of 16 children were sponsored. To these sponsors Caye Caulker Children Fun Drive Sophie's Guest Rooms Step By Step Tutoring Center Carlos Perrote Wendy Auxillou-Othman Maria Price Fiona Coughenour thank you. These children are truly grateful for this experience. To our other sponsors Mr. Wayne Miller and the Caye Caulker Village Council Omolewa Osain Project Melanie Choj and M&N Hotel Fantasy Dining "wine n' dine on island time" Amor Y Cafe, Caye Caulker, Belize Almy Canto and Caye Caulker Condos Bambooze Beach Bar & Grill thank you for always supporting us. It means the world to us. Many more blessings to you all.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents a Grant of US$5.0 Million to Government of Belize
Today in Belmopan, His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of Five Million US Dollars to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Belize. The cheque is the grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize for the year 2016 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to help the overall development of Belize, particularly in the development of transportation infrastructure.

Launch of the National Trade Policy Framework
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade is pleased to announce the launch of the National Trade Policy Framework, which was approved by Cabinet in August, 2015. Belize has enacted numerous laws and regulations governing diverse aspects of trade and engaged in regional economic integration processes without having a formal trade policy. As a member of both CARICOM and the World Trade Organization (WTO), Belize is often tasked with implementing policies that are both conducive to national development and compliant with international trade obligations. For Belize to effectively participate in these international systems, a comprehensive National Trade Policy must be developed to complement other domestic policies such as the National Export Strategy, Horizon 2030 and the National Agricultural Policy. The National Trade Policy Framework provides the conduit for the development of the National Trade Policy.

Bahamas National Youth Choir
If you were there, you know what a great show we had! If you missed it, here's a glimpse Bahamas National Youth Choir in Belize. The Bahamas National Youth Choir gave a free performance at Bliss Center for Performing Arts on July 20, as part of its annual tour. The packed house loved the show!

ECLAC team trains Belize public finance managers
Twenty government officials from Belize benefitted from a one week workshop to build capacity in conducting public expenditure reviews (PERs), focusing on applications for education, health, agriculture and social protection. PERs are intended to align expenditures with government’s priorities. They are also intended to provide savings, either from expenditure reallocation or by reducing unproductive expenditures. In addition they improve fiscal management and can provide fiscal space especially when a country is experiencing high debt levels. This project complements the recently launched ECLAC proposal for debt for climate adaptation swaps since it is designed to promote fiscal responsibility and build the fiscal resilience of the Caribbean; conditions that are integral to the success of the debt swap proposal.

Miss Hopkins 2016
Friday, July 22. Hopkins Basketball Court

Coconut Recycling Interior Decoration Workshop
After the coconut is well scraped with sand paper and steel brush you do the same with the drift wood. Then, you need to drill the coconut to the drift wood and varnish, wow awesome piece of art! What we do enjoy here at your BHOC is that not only our people come to learn a new skill but also it's that friendly conversation and those stories that takes us back to history and culture, uyyyy "they heard la llorona last night"

Panamanian reggae band Cellula is giving a free concert!
No need to look any further for something to do on Sunday! Your Sunday plan is right here: The Panamanian reggae band Cellula is giving a free concert! Sunday, July 24th at 6 p.m. | Queen Elizabeth Park.

Garifuna Drum Making workshop
Aug 1 - Aug. 4. Summer is winding down nonetheless, we have more summer programs to offer. Coming soon is the Garifuna Drum Making Workshop commencing the first week in August. We are looking for interested and committed individuals because the drums made will be used by the Garifuna Dance group we will form here in Orange Walk Town. Space is limited... sign up NOW!

Dance lessons at Banquitas House of Culture
Were well attended by males n females of all ages. Everyone is enjoying new steps and dances. Thanks to our instructors for having patience.

Staff training at the EducationUSA Advising Center in Mexico City
Our colleagues at the EducationUSA Reference Center in Belize City just returned from a staff training at the EducationUSA Advising Center in Mexico City! During the training, staff got insight into the day-to-day activities of a Reference Center. The Belizean public can now expect greater services such as one-on-one advising, pre-departure orientations, and much more at our EdcuationUSA Reference Center! Appointments can be arranged by calling the center @223-4248/9 or by simply visiting us @ The Leo Bradley Library ,Princess Margaret Drive. Come and let us help you reach your educational goals in the U.S.

Channel 7

Police Foul Up: Theissen's Kidnapper Gets Charged, Gets Free
Last night, we told you about the Mennonite Businessman, Lloyd Thiessen, who returned back to Belize to make a formal complaint against the now infamous William Danny Mason. Now that Mason is in jail, the couple felt secure enough to report to police exactly what they endured, allegedly at the hands of Mason and his associates. As we told you the businessman says that Mason swindled him out of 300 thousand dollars, and when he tried to get him money back, Mason and his associates kidnapped him, threatened him and extorted him. Well, police charged Mason's Ranch Manager, Ryan Rhaburn, and after hours of uncertainty of whether or not they would or wouldn't arraign him they took him to before Magistrate Ladonna John in Belmopan. That arraignment failed twice today, and this afternoon during the second attempt, our newsteam was there to watch it fall apart:

Cops Want To Talk To Mason's Wife
And now Belmopan police are saying that William “Danny” Mason’s wife Melissa Ferguson is also wanted for questioning. Police have circulated this ID picture of her and say that she is a person of interest for Belmopan police. Now, her story is also interesting. Ferguson is a Canadian who has also been accused of shady business dealings in her home country – though the website with those allegations has been taken down. Ferguson has a Belizean work permit - which was recently renewed - and a social security card. Her ID says she is 56 and lives at Los Lagos. She was not at the Mason home on Intelco Hill in Belmopan when police searched it earlier this week. William “Danny” Mason who has many aliases also identified himself as William Ferguson.

The Income Tax Five Go To Court
Tonight, 19 year-old Devon Brooks Jr. Seen here in white, 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., seen here in Green, and 33 year-old Richard Hyde, who is the other older man in white, are at the Belize Central Prison after the were arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court the heist at the Income Tax Department on last week Friday evening, They have been charged with 3 counts of robbery for the almost 30 thousand dollars stolen at gunpoint. Cruz his mother, Stephanie Cruz, and Brooks have been charged with keeping unlicensed ammunition, and keeping an unlicensed firearm for a cop's gun found at their home. Brooks and Cruz are also charged with aggravated assault

MIT Makes Major Weed Bust
2 men were busted with weed after they tried to bribe MIT officers. Last night at around 8:30, Belize City resident Matthew Jason Ruiz stopped at a mile 54 checkpoint on the George Price Highway. Ruiz told the officers that he would “hook them up” if they let him pass through with his weed. These officers didn’t fall for it and ordered Ruiz and his passenger Juan Lagos to get out of the car. The officers searched the vehicle and found 55 pounds of weed distributed in 2 sacks. Both Ruiz and Lagos were charged with drug trafficking.

San Pedro Police Get Over A Pound Of Weed At Tropic Air
And San Pedro police also made a weed bust – their one was one and a half pounds, or just under a kilo. Yesterday at noon, special branch and CIB personnel retrieved a suspicious parcel from the Tropic Air Cargo section in San Pedro town. No one was observed going to pick it up, and the parcel was labeled as found property.

Nine Year Old Subjected To Cruel act Of Molestation
Last night we told you about the sickening case of a man who penetrated a 2 year old boy with his finger. Tonight there is another disturbing child abuse case to report where a man forced a 9 year old girl to perform oral sex on him. 28 year old Rashad Arnold was charged with rape today when he appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. No plea was taken because the offense is indictable. He was denied bail and remanded to custody until October 3rd. The incident occurred yesterday and the mother reported that she only became suspicious after she saw both Arnold and her daughter coming out of the bathroom.

Xunantunich, The Mystery Unfolds Part Two
From a sacred burial site to a stone panel; what is the connection between these finds at Xunantunich? Well this part 2 story will unravel that link. The panel was found a week ago in two halves. It is only until the archaeologists shifted the halves in a readable position where they able to decipher the message. Courtney Weatherburne has the story: Hidden beneath the earth, at the foot of the burial site, was the second panel. The first panel was found last month. While that one was intact. This recent stone tablet was found in 2 halves. The first half was found last Monday and a date is inscribed on it, which tells us that this panel and the hieroglyphic stairway that it was once a part of, was built in 642 AD. The other 3 glyphs on this half reflect the 3 deities that oversaw the construction of the stairway.

PUP Says Mark Flowers Must Be Arrested
GSU Commander Superintendent Mark Flowers is under scrutiny tonight, and there had been speculation that he might have been charged today – but, as it turns out the case is not that straightforward. First, the 14 year old girl who has accused him of having sexual relations with her twice in the early part of this year, is pregnant. Sources tell us that Flowers is urging police and the human services department to subject him to a paternity test to prove that he is not the father of the child. Second, sources tell us that there was a prior complaint made by the child saying that he stepfather had fondled her, but that was made in Belmopan, while this complaint was made in the city. Now, both cases are being looked at together. Both incidents are alleged to have occurred at a village in the Cayo district. These factors explain why police are proceeding with caution.

Are PUP Ready To Bell The Campaign Finance Cat?
And while superintendent Flowers is under fire for the complaint of unlawful carnal knowledge that's presently against him, he's also being blazed up on Facebook for being one of the many police and politicians who went on top of Intelco Hill to visit Danny Mason. For sure, Mason was a friendly guy – he loved especially friends in high places in the police department and in Cabinet. As afar as the politicians go the issue is money. Mason seemed to have lost of it, and Frank Pawpa Mena accepted that he got a campaign contribution, while John Saldivar said he got one for his football team. The truth is – that the dirty little secret of modern politics is that campaign financing is a cash business, lots of cash for lots of politicians both red and blue. Yesterday we asked the PUP is they were willing to cut off the hands that also feed them:.. Jules Vasquez: "Very rich criminals launder money through financing. It's a great way to launder money and campaign financing is something that works in cash. Is the PUP prepared to take an ardent and hard line stand on campaign financing? Number one and on two integrity in public life through leading by example and saying here are out published financials; the government won't do it because they are X,Y and Z but we will do it because we are not those things. Thanks"

The Very Few and Very Proud Coast Guard Seals
21 men signed up for the Belize Coast Guard Seals training program this year, but only one made it through the grueling four month course. Today that single seals graduate joins a platoon of coast guard seals- an elite squad of military men who operate as the special forces of the Belize Coast Guard. This year's graduate whose name cannot be revealed for security reasons now joins the squad of elites- whose paramilitary training is enough to measure up to the US Navy Seals. The graduation ceremony this afternoon kicked off in the usual military style as the graduate was joined by members of the B-Sag and the US Navy in simulating a military combat scenario. CDR Elton Bennett - Assistant Commandant, Belize Coast Guard: "What you saw here today is culminations of 4 a month's exercise involving the Belize Coast Guard Seal and we started back in April with 21 potential candidates. During that 4 month period majority of the candidate class dropped out and we are down to one coast guard man who's graduating and be pinned with a coast guard seal trident today. The exercise was very difficult going through different phases of leadership and tactics; land, sea and air operations as you witnessed today so we're very proud of that one individual and it's a programme that we consider to be very important for the coast guard in conducting special operations."

Hoop Dreams Cancun Hat Trick
The Under 20 Hoop Dreams Belize captured the basketball dream this year again for the second consecutive time making it a total of three wins at the annual Copa Cancun basketball tournament. The Belize team faced a lot of formidable competition as it faced off against 6 of the finest under 20 basketball teams in Mexico. But the team pulled off another remarkable victory, bringing home the first place trophy. They were recognized and applauded today by the National Sports Council at brief ceremony inside Rogers's stadium in Belize City. Brads Neal - Coach, Hoop Dreams Belize: "The COPA Cancun tournament is a very fierce tournament. In our category we play which is U-20 none of our players are 18 years old so we are playing like 2 years ahead of our age category but the players basketball IQ their willingness to win, their drive and determination to excel and exceed at that level is innate it's something you see inside of them. We started the tournament very slow we lost our first game and we saw every game progressively the players got better the team got better. Everything that we did we got better at."

BTL Gives To Island Schoolchildren Who Got Burnt Out
About 34 families and more than a hundred people were affected in the fire that gutted nearly a dozen houses in San Pedro town last month. Among those affected were several school children. They lost everything in the fire and were going into the school year empty handed if it weren't for a generous donation from BTL. This morning the company handed over a check for $10 thousand dollars to the Belize Red Cross. These monies will directly assist school children of San Pedro whose belongings were destroyed in the fire. Anwar Barrow - Chairman, BTL Executive Committee: "BTL does a lot of support for the community and different initiatives different organisations throughout the year and when we saw what happened in San Pedro we wanted to be a part of it, we wanted to make a meaningful contribution and so we requested from the board a figure of 10 thousand Belize dollars and we are donating that specifically to help the school children of the victims going back to school in August and September."

Calling All Tunesmiths and Songsters
The annual National Song Competition is just around the corner, but those who want to enter have to do so within the next 24 hours. Yesterday NICH made an appeal to all the tunesmiths and songsters, to please send in their submissions… For the senior category this year, the first place prize is $10,000 dollars, and for the juniors, first place prize is $4,500.

Channel 5

An All Points Bulletin is Issued for Melissa Ferguson, Who is She?
Police have tonight put out an all-points bulletin on Melissa Ferguson, said to be the longtime companion of conman turned alleged kidnapper and murderer William Danny Mason. According to various [...]

Mason’s Attorney Questioned on Surveillance Video
News Five learned about that surveillance video on Tuesday, but there was no mention of Melissa Ferguson, just the five men who are now arraigned and behind bars until a [...]

William Mason’s Farm Manager also Faces Kidnapping Charges
Canadian Lloyd Friesen, the Mennonite businessman who resided in Cayo until he and his wife were allegedly kidnapped by William Mason at gunpoint, is back in the country and has [...]

Charge Against Ryan Rhaburn is Dismissed
Today, Panton’s client, Ryan Rhaburn, literally ran to Panton’s vehicle when he was told that he was free to go. Panton says he could have foretold the freedom, though he [...]

Income Tax Robbers are Arraigned for Belmopan Heist
On Friday, at around five-thirty, the Income Tax Department in Belmopan was robbed in quite sensational fashion. According to the facts of the case three men entered the building, two [...]

Campaign Financing, Is it Time to Enact Much Needed Legislation?
William Mason wined, dined and made monetary contributions to U.D.P. ministers. The name of the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, is popping up everywhere in the saga involving Mason; [...]

Minister of National Security on Anonymous Video
An internet video released on Monday went viral before it was removed on Wednesday. It’s from a Facebook user called Anonymous Belize, and it blasts ministers of government over the [...]

P.U.P. Calls for an Investigation of Former GSU Commander
Following an allegation of sexual assault against a minor, Superintendent Mark Flowers has been replaced by Inspector Glenn Caliz as head of the GSU. It all happened while Flowers is [...]

Cordel Hyde Criticizes Decision to Deploy GSU into City Streets
It was made known on Monday by the Minister of National Security that the Gang Suppression Unit has been given a new set of directives to tackle criminal elements in [...]

Additional Police Presence Doesn’t Address Root of Crime Situation
In the aftermath of the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, Minister Saldivar announced that more police officers are being deployed into the streets of Belize City, in light of the [...]

Taiwanese Ambassador Hands Over $5 Million Check to G.O.B.
Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed off Villa Fiore, which will serve as the Belize City offices of the Ministry as well as the offices of the Prime [...]

Belize City Men Indicted on Separate Sexual Assault Charges
There are two reports tonight involving the sexual abuse of minors. The first is a despicable allegation of sexual abuse against a two year old child. The alleged perpetrator is [...]

2 Men are Busted with Fifty-five Pounds of Weed in Roaring Creek
The area of Roaring Creek on the George Price Highway has become a hotbed for crime and illegal activities. On Thursday night, members of M.I.T. were conducting a checkpoint at [...]

Gillnet Fishing Unabated on the Sarstoon River
Despite the presence of Belize Defense Force personnel at the forward operating base near the mouth of the Sarstoon River, enforcement of fisheries regulations does not fall within their purview. [...]

Coast Guard Graduates One More SEAL Recruit
The training program for the SEALs of the Belize Coast Guard is one of the most intensive and rigorous. Many begin but only the fittest see the program to completion. [...]

Yadira Argueta to Compete in 2016 Costa Maya Pageant
The 2016 La Reina De La Costa Maya Pageant will be held on August fourth on La Isla Bonita San Pedro. Seven delegates from all Central American countries and Mexico [...]

Miss Belize Pageant to be Held on Tenth of September
Meanwhile Belizeans across the Jewel are anxiously anticipating the Miss Belize pageant which will be held on September tenth. The pageant takes place at the Bliss Center for the Performing [...]

A House Collapses with an Elderly Couple
An elderly couple in Belize City is facing challenging times. They are both unemployed and one is disabled making their life even more difficult. Adela Tablada and Wilfred Hamilton have [...]

A Mother of Seven Needs Your Help to Cover Cost of Heart Surgery
Thirty-nine year old Deborah Frazer is also asking for assistance. In April of this year, the mother of seven children was diagnosed with a heart condition and is in need [...]

Bahamian Youth Choir Tours Belize with Carnival Cruise Lines
The Bahamian National Youth Choir annually partners with the Carnival Cruise Line for a tour of the region; from the Bahamas the group would board a ship and travel to [...]

CTV3

BSCFA Demands Revision Of Estimated Second Payment To Cane Farmers
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is in disagreement with BSI/ASR when it comes to the sharing of loss in revenues as a consequence of the first Maillards Reaction experienced by the Sugar Mill damaging some 3,900 tons of molasses. Three thousand nine hundred tons of damaged molasses translates to a financial loss of $432,666 which BSI has included in its estimated cane price for the second payment resulting in farmers paying 65% of the loss and BSI 35%, according to the BSCFA. This means that instead of receiving $48.30…..the initial estimated second payment….cane farmers will get $48.08 a difference of 22 cents per ton of cane. And for the BSCFA, this is unacceptable says the CEO of the association Oscar Alonso since cane farmers are the ones who will feel the brunt of the loss and the commercial agreement does not provide for the inclusion of such loss of molasses in the calculation of the cane price to be paid to cane farmers.

Cane Belongs To BSI...They Should Absorb Revenue Loss From Damaged Molasses, Says Mai
While it is left to be seen if BSCFA’s demands will be met, primarily the one made for the estimated average price for the second payment to be revised, there are those who are already siding with the association. According to Orange Walk South’s Area Representative, Jose Abelardo Mai, who is also a cane farmer, says farmers should not absorb not one cent of the loss revenue since the commercial agreement stipulates that the moment the cane is weighed and ticketed at the factory scales it belongs to BSI. Honorable Jose Abelardo Mai – Area Representative Orange Walk South: “I don’t agree with that, first and foremost the molasses had already been processed in tanks it is there responsibility, we signed an agreement with them that once that sugar cane reaches the scale it belongs to BSI, it is their responsibility, they have to pay me for it.”

O/W Cops Remove Firearm Off The Streets
Orange Walk police have removed another unlicensed firearm from the streets of our town. The .357 Special Revolver with serial number 09972D with marking GUA was recovered on Wednesday around 1:00 in the afternoon during a search operation on Trinidad Street in Orange Walk. Since no one was in the area at the time of the discovery, the firearm was labelled and deposited as found property.

Intensive Manhunt Launched For Mason's Girlfriend
The Belize Police Department has launched an intensive manhunt for 48 year old, Melissa Ferguson, the female companion of accused murderer and kidnapper William Danny Masson. According to reports, Ferguson was last seen leaving Mason’s Outback Ranch at Mile 31 on Tuesday but police believe that she is still in Belize. Reports are that the interest of police in Ferguson arouse after she was seen in surveillance video playing a vital role in the death of Pastor Lucas. An international warrant for Ferguson’s arrest is expected to be issued.

PUP Says GOB's Tactics To Combat Crime Has Failed Chat Conversation End
Following the increase of violent crimes in our country for the first half of 2016 with the most recent being the brutal murder and decapitation of Dangriga Pastor Llewellyn Lucas over the weekend, national security minister John Saldivar unveiled a new plan to fight gang related crime in Belize, during a press conference held on Monday in Belize city. The new strategy proposed by Minister Saldivar includes putting even more boots on the ground, and giving the much-criticized GSU the go ahead to crack down on gangs within the city. During yesterday’s press conference held by the PUP in Belize City, the party’s Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde criticized the Minister’s new approach stating that, that is not the way to go.

San Felipe Village Council Sworn In
On Sunday July 10th, 2016, the residents of San Felipe Village here in the Orange Walk District elected a split village council to undertake the responsibilities of the entire community. The newly elected PUP chairman along with four PUP and two UDP councillors were officially sworn in today at the village in the presence of the Rural Development Officer along with a Justice of the Peace. And of course, a new council means that there are definitely new plans on the agenda. Margarito Andrades – Chairman, San Felipe: “El plan es para trabajar unidos con el pueblo para hacer proyectos para que tengamos a los jóvenes activos en el deporte y para ver de la limpieza de las esquinas de la comunidad porque estamos viendo que está muy sucio el aldea y tenemos el plan de qué y vamos a trabajar y buscar formas para conseguir un dump site apropiado para la aldea y hacer fajinas de vez en cuando para que tengamos una aldea más limpio de que lo estamos viendo ahorita y otra cosa es el cementerio porque el domingo pasado nos unimos juntamente con unos jóvenes de la iglesia católica, unidos con el concilio aldeano nos fuimos a limpiar e hicimos bastantes y eso son los proyectos que tenemos en plan y quisiera que con la ayuda de la gente.”

More Grants From Taiwan
The Government of Belize today received a total of 5 million US dollars from the republic of China, Taiwan under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between both countries. The cheque handed over to PM Barrow by His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Taiwan is to be used in the overall development of Belize, particularly in the development of transportation infrastructure. The Government of Belize will use the funds to cover a part of the expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway – Golden Stream, Jalacte to the Guatemalan Border in the Toledo District, and for the Santa Elena/San Ignacio Downtown Bypass Road Project.

Calling all Orange Walkenos...District Team Needs Your Help
On Monday we told you about the selection process for the under seventeen football tournament that is being carried out by the Orange Walk football federation in collaboration with the Orange Walk national football team. The Orange Walk selection is being trained to play in a national tournament where football teams from across the country will face off in hope of being drafted by the FFB to represent the country in a football match that will take place in November in Costa Rica. Today we visited the training camp where Alvaro Marin, member of the new Orange Walk football federation spoke to us about the progress of the players since the beginning of their training.

LOVE FM

PM Barrow speaks on allege government corruption
Corruption in the Government is being cited as the reason for William Mason to be in possession of a Belizean birth certificate as was uncovered earlier this week. Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on the issue of the vital statistics document and the way forward. “On the basis of a false birth certificate Immigration has […]

Belize Coast Guard Conducts Passing Out Ceremony
The Navy Seals of the Belize Coast Guard has one new member today after he turned out to be the sole survivor in the seals training. Initially twenty one candidates were recruited but after the four month training period, only one recruit made it. Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Elton Bennett spoke about […]

Cane Farmers should Not Bear Loss For Spoil Molasses Says BSCFA
Yesterday BSI/ASSR held a meeting at the conference room of Belize Sugar Industries Ltd in Orange Walk Town to present to stakeholders the results of the investigation on the loss of molasses due to what is referred to as the Millaird Reaction. BSI/ASSR estimates that as a result of the Millaird reaction and due to […]

There’s No Interference For Belizeans To Navigate The Sarstoon River
With other burning issues at the forefront the Belize Guatemala matter had been placed on the back burner. With the Prime Minister appearing as a guest on The Morning Show, we asked him to update us on the current status of the matter. “Well as far as I know our people are now going up […]

One Person Arraigned For Kidnapping of Businessman Lloyd Theissen
Ryan Rhaburn was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s court today for reportedly being involved in the kidnapping of Lloyd Thiessen and his wife. The kidnapping occurred about two months ago and is suspected to be spearheaded by William Mason after a business deal between them went south. Herbert Panton who is the attorney for Mason […]

Four Persons, Including One Woman, Charged For Belmopan Income Tax Robbery
Four persons were arraigned this afternoon in the Belmopan’s Magistrates Court in connection with the armed robbery of the Income Tax Department in Belmopan on Friday, July 15. In that robbery just under thirty thousand dollars were taken. Leeroy Banner is the attorney for one of the alleged culprits, Ixchel Tablada. Banner spoke to the […]

PlusTV

PUP calls for removal of Minister of National security
The People’s united party today hosted a press conference in Belize City where they discussed the sensational and gruesome murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, allegedly at the hands of a high rolling friend of several high ranking individuals. The Minister of National Security and Belmopan Area represe...

MENA GOT CAMPAIGN FINANCING FROM MASON
The allegations of area representatives and ministers being wined and dined by Mason makes for some very bad optics , according the Prime Minister, and he says they will have to deal with that. The Prime Minister almost bristled at the allegation made by the PUP at a press conference today that it w...

Income Tax robbers caught and to be charged
Belmopan Police are in the process of putting together charge sheets for several persons involved in the Income Tax robbery that happened in the capital city last Friday evening. As we reported, three male persons entered the building, two of whom were dressed in camouflage clothing. The security g...

Prime Minister says cabinet ministers had no suspicious involvement with William Mason
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a rare media visit, was guest on Love FM’s morning show on Wednesday morning and spoke about several issues, pressing among them is the murder of Llewelyn Lucas at the hands of William Mason who seemed to have developed relationships with several members of cabinet. Pr...

Police recover video evidence in Llewleyn Lucas’ decapitation murder case
The investigation into the murder of Llewelyn Lucas continues and police today revealed that they have gathered video evidence. As the country knows by now, Lucas’ head was found in the back of a pickup truck belonging to Mason Williams, a Guyanese born Canadian national who mysteriously owns a Be...

Luis Kerr charged for attempted murder of Clifford Anderson
12 days after his being shot and still clinging to life, police have charged the man they believe shot Clifford Anderson, 26, on July 8. 24 year old Luis Kerr a labourer of Fabers Road, Belize City, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith on charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and u...

BSCFA held a meeting due to the loss of Molasses
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association , at a meeting held on Wednesday, was presented with BSI’s results of its investigations on the loss of molasses due to Maillard Reactionand the cane price estimate for the second payment to cane farmers. In its press release, BSI had said that “the Maillard...

National Garifuna Council demands justice for Llewelyn Lucas
The National Garifuna Council has also spoken on the issue saying that it extends condolences to the family and friends of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas in this time of bereavement. NGC says it is saddened by “..this gruesome act, not just to one of our very own, but to one of God’s creation. This i...

H. E. Benjamin Ho, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents a Grant of US$ 5.0 million to Government of Belize
On Wednesday July 20, His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of Five Million US Dollars to the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Belize . The cheque is the grant from the Republic of Ch...

The Guardian

William Mason and 4 others in prison for the murder of Llewellyn Lucas
After 2 arraignments, done on 2 separate days, accused murderers/kidnappers William Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo are all at the Belize Central Prison. These men are charged with the kidnapping of 3 persons, including, Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, and they've also been charged with Lucas' beheading murder. Police say that they have quite an arsenal of evidence against all 5 men to prove that they are the ones who committed this heinous crime. Those evidence include the head of the victim, found in William Mason's vehicle on Friday night, July 15; the burnt remains believed to be Lucas' body on Mason's farm property near La Democracia, found a few hours later; the knife the cops believe to be the murder weapon found on the farm, found in less than 2 days; video evidence showing the moment when the three men were taken and duck-taped and blind folded and a written statement from an alleged kidnap victim who explained in detail that he, Pastor Lucas, and another man went to Mason's home in Belmopan on Friday, and that's where they were kidnapped.

Who is collecting on behalf of Ashcroft in Belize?
When we saw Eamon Courtenay on July 6 complaining bitterly that the Prime Minister took too long to settle the BTL matter, we noticed that he was so irate that it appeared to us that he was about to cry... and we almost felt his pain. And we say almost because his pain was one that was fake. You see, Courtenay was one of Ashcroft's attorneys and one who has been handsomely compensated. For him the settlement arrived at was not a good thing. The longer the case dragged on, the longer he would have been collecting legal fees. The Prime Minister, settling meant the end of his legal run. Or so we thought. The gravy train apparently continues for him. The Guardian has received copies of two transfers made by the Central Bank to the Belize Bank. The first dated July 13, 2016 transferred of BZD $33,039,412.03 to account number 311204 in the Belize Bank "For further credit to Courtenay Coye LLP A/C No. 69512" held with the Belize Bank for "50% Compensation and Interest due to BTL Employees Trust."

Llewellyn Lucas’ final moments caught on tape
Acting commissioner of Police, Russell Blackett has confirmed to the media that the police have in their possession surveillance video footage which shows the pastor Llewellyn Lucas’ final hours alive. He would not go into detail as to what exactly the video shows but the Guardian Newspaper understands that the video actually shows the exact moment when Lucas was taken by his killers. The video which was taken from William Mason, AKA Ted Ouellette’s home on Intelco Hill in Belmopan reportedly shows Lucas and two other men, presumably Mennonites arriving at the house at around 1p.m on Friday July 15. Thereafter the two Mennonites were taken into a room outside of surveillance range in the lower portion of the house. There is no video of what took place inside but the men were kept there for about half an hour.

Olive branch withdrawn: Gang Suppression Unit Unleashed in Belize City
The Gang Suppression Unit is now like that infamous bat vigilante from Gotham. They are not the heroes we want right now, but after all the good intention initiatives of ACP Chester Williams have failed to soften the hearts of the Belize City criminal minds, the GSU may be the heroes this city deserves. There have been 17 murders in Belize City since April and 17 non-fatal shooting incidents over that same span. The city is hot! The Ministry of National Security has been left with no choice. On Monday, July 18, the underground holding facility was opened and Belize’s most highly trained, highly paid and highly feared crime fighting unit was unleashed on the blood thirsty gangsters of Belize City. “The mandate of the Gang Suppression Unit has been renewed,” says Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, “to deal firmly and swiftly with gang leaders and members to bring them to justice, remove them from our neighbourhoods and communities and place them in jail and from being able to influence an entice our youth into a life of crime.”

Upgrade to Hattieville barracks
After almost 2 years of planning and budgeting, Hattieville Police have a brand new police barracks to house the officers attached to that station. The building was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, July 20, by Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security; Acting Police Commissioner Russell Blackett; and Assistant Police Commissioner Edward Broaster, and the officers from the station who will make use of it. The new barracks is part of a strategy by the National Security Ministry to improve the housing that officers use while being stationed far away from their homes and families. Readers may remember that since last year, the Government had been working to secure a loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The National Security Ministry intends to use a portion of that loan to make much needed upgrades to police barracks all over the country.

Economic advice from an economic dunce!
On Sunday last we had the unfortunate experience of reading an article that had been posted on the Breaking Belize News Facebook blog . What caught our attention was that the author of the article appearing on the blog was not written by a regular journalist. It was written by one Richard Harrison. We know of only one person with that name in Belize. That person is a failed businessman/politician who was beaten so badly that his party perhaps dumped him the day after the election. He was not even given a chance to go back and say thanks to those persons. Had he gone to do so he would have met up on the streets with the new candidate who had replaced him.

Main points of the BTL Accommodation Agreement Signed between Belize Telecommunications Limited and Said Musa on September 19th 2005
• The Musa administration sold properties to the tune of 19.2 million dollars to BTL. These properties formed part of the Intelco Company and included properties at the Burrell Boom Junction with the Northern Highway and properties in San Ignacio. • Under that agreement no persons other than BTL and Speednet Communications Limited would have or be granted any authority, permit or license in Belize to legally participate in the telecommunications business. • No one other than BTL had the right to operate any kind of telecommunication services in Belize. • BTL was given right to charge customers rates which would enable BTL to make its minimum rate of return of 15% per year • BTL was given the right to make payments for management services in a foreign currency without restrictions, and taxes. • BTL was given right to make foreign currency payments on dividends and interest on debt without incurring taxes. • GOB was to have the Belize Social Security Board withdraw Case No. 557/2002 against BTL (it is not yet clear which case this is).

Clean your house before you worry about others’
Why is it that the zinc fence feels that they have a monopoly on intelligence so much so that they are the only ones capable of addressing the country’s short comings? They can see all the problems but have no solutions. They are the constant noise makers in the market. This is why Sagis took them to court, cause they were busy making noise in the market instead of checking their change. Now they can’t run a newspaper and want to be the voice of the country. Instead of 89 paying attention to who the eat what, maybe he needs to be reminded of the trail of mismanagement he left before being fired as Chairman of UB. The loans from Atlantic Bank squandered on computers that never saw the inside of UB. He should be reminded of an article in the PULSE news paper of the past to which he responded on the mismanagement and misspending of UB funds.

PRESS RELEASE
Yesterday I informed my cabinet colleagues that over one year ago, in the last bye election season, I received a campaign contribution from a businessman I knew as Danny Mason. In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to inform the public at large that about a year and a half ago I met Mr. Danny Mason through Dr. Henry Canton when he visited Dangriga expressing interest in the Commerce Bight Port. I was later taken to his residence prior to the bye-election by Minister John Saldivar. Mr. Danny Mason, who was presented to me as a businessman, contributed $10,000 to my campaign. At no time did I promise to offer any special services or access by virtue of my position to Mr. Mason.

Sick and Cold blooded for posting Lucas’ head on Facebook
On Saturday last week most of us got up to the news that the head of a man was found in the possession of a Canadian man . We later found out that the murdered person was Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Now it is not the first time that a head or any other body part of a murdered persons has been found in Belize, so for many of us the original shock soon wore off. We may have reacted in the manner in which we reacted to two murders out west where dismembered bodies were found in Roaring Creek village. Persons perhaps said, hopefully the police will solve this one so that justice is served and the family has closure, so let me leave that and get on with my Saturday chores.

Nothing sweet about molasses this year
The stakeholders in the Sugar Cane Industry lost a total of 3,900 tonnes of molasses last week which went bad, and that’s a total value of almost 433 thousand dollars. The farmers which make up the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) say that the millers, Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI), and its majority shareholder, American Sugar Refineries (ASR), should bear the costs of the losses, not the farmers. A press release from the BSCFA says that on Wednesday, their representatives, along with members of the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association, and the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association sat down for a meeting with BSI officials, the Sugar Cane Production Committee, the Sugar Industry Control Board, and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute.

Ronlee Petillo back to prison on murder charge
Ronlee Petillo, 28, hit the streets on June 17, 2016, after being on remand for murder at the Belize Central Prison since 2011. Now he is back in jail after police charged him for yet another murder. According to police, Petillo was only able to be out of prison for 22 days this time before he killed again. Roger Banner, a 29-year-old resident of Roaring Creek, was murdered on Saturday, July 9, at around 9:15 p.m. as he was socializing with his girlfriend on West Canal. Three men walked up to Banner; one of them pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at him. Banner was hit several times with one of the bullets entering his head. He died on the spot. It is believed that he was executed as a result of him owing for drugs.

Presidente beer heist in Cayo
Bunty Mulchandani, a 25 year old Indian Sales Manager for RC Imports of Belize City reported that on May 6, 2016 he had sent an order of 50 cases of Presidente Beers to Wing Sing Chinese Store situated on Buena Vista Street, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District with the company delivery truck. On July 4, 2016 he visited Wing Sing Chinese store to collect for the 50 cases of Presidente Beers, but was only paid for 30 and was informed by the proprietor that the company (RC Imports) merchandiser Mr. Elton Clifton Martinez of Esperanza Village, Cayo district, had arrived and taken 20 cases of Presidente Beers when it arrived at the store; leaving the 30 cases which he was being paid for. Complainant has stated that he had not given Martinez any permission to remove the 20 cases of beer from the Wing Sing store. The value of the missing beers is $1,080.00 Belize currency. San Ignacio Police are seeking Elton Martinez for the crime of theft.

When you learn the true identity of a con-man
William Mason has never committed a crime before, neither has Danny Mason. The records of these men are spotless. They are polite, engaging and very welcoming. Danny is always ready to support a worthy cause and William is always ready to volunteer his time for community service. Once you get to meet William or Danny, you can’t wait to introduce your friends to them because they make you feel like family and their home becomes your home. Better friends do not exist. They are brilliant and successful businessmen who are quick to share their secrets so you too can profit from an emerging market. They can link you with opportunities in the medical field. They can make real estate arrangements. They have farm lands available for sale. They are even experts at international trading. You begin to think “I am glad I met this man”.

Dirty then... Dirty now...
In 1985 the late Elijio Briceño was arrested and charged for drug trafficking in Florida. He was later found guilty and served time in a US Prison. The late Briceño at the time of carrying on his drug enterprise was a Minister of Government in Belize. He utilized his ministerial powers to commandeer air strips in Belize to conduct his illegal business. The late Briceño went on to amass serious wealth in Belize. How much of it can be attributed to drug activity versus legal activity is difficult to differentiate. In the United States, once a person mixes dirty money with clean money, everything becomes dirty. That individual’s banking privileges would be revoked and all funds seized. If the funds are dirty at the source, no amount of washing can make it legitimate. If it’s dirty at the beginning, it remains dirty at the end. The late Briceño on release from US prison came home to a hero’s welcome. Should not this man have been arrested and charged for abuse of his office and drug trafficking locally also? Instead he was allowed to keep the benefits of his ill gotten financial gains and material wealth. Today, whatever moneys he may have left in our banking system is still dirty.

GST and the IMF Pressure
Some quarters of the media have been touting the IMF’s recommendation that GST be increased from 12.5% to 15%. This may have been done with the intention to create alarm within the public. It is general knowledge that this recommendation is not one that sits well with the political directorate. The Prime Minister has always bucked the IMF when it comes to the suggestion of any increase, or introduction of new taxes. He has remained true to his promise to, in whatever way possible, lessen the cost of living for the Belizean public. To demonstrate his commitment, he has increased the quantity of zero rated items. That is, he has removed the 12.5% GST from those basic items that impacts the quality of life. Such items as washing machines and refrigerators that were taxable under the PUP administration are now zero rated. He has taken heat from the IMF for this. The IMF would like for there to be no zero rated items.

Mexican expert for independent report on events in the Belize - Guatemala Adjacency Zone
The Embassy of México to Belize informs that at the request of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), undertook to deploy a team of experts with the purpose of integrating an independent report on the incident of April 20th, 2016, in which a Guatemalan minor Julio René Alvarado Ruano died, and his father and brother were injured. The independent commission will consist of specialists in the fields of criminal investigation, legal (criminal law) and forensic affairs, with knowledge of the mandates of the OAS and fluency in English and Spanish, will have duration of approximately two weeks. However, depending on the circumstances, it might be considered to have a complementary mission of two additional weeks.

From leading newspaper to tabloid
A tabloid is a newspaper, typically popular in style and dominated by headlines, photographs, and sensational stories. It now seems like the Amandala has joined the ranks of publications such as the Enquirer, Sun, Daily Mirror, News of the World, Globe and Daily Star. The Amandala surely is the most widely circulated Newspaper in the country and claims to be an INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER’ so as such they owe it to their readers/customers/BOSSES to be fair, truthful and precise in it's reporting of all stories. There should be no room for gossip, innuendos, lies, one-sided stories and POLITICAL MISCHIEF, in it's reporting. People spend their hard earned money to buy the Amandala newspaper and expect that the information contained in the newspaper is credible. Before it is said that we should not be criticizing, because we are a POLITICAL ORGAN let us say that we don't spread lies and half truths. Last weekend's issue of the Amandala carried a story entitled "Village Council results - UDP on top. The story was written by a POLITICAL REJECT one Micah Gooding. The fact that Micah had written the article was already an indication that the article could lack veracity. That was exactly what it turned out to be in the end. One huge pack of outright lies mixed with some half truth and a few dashes of the truth.

Bulgarians say they don’t understand why they are being taken to court after being convicted
In May of this year, two Bulgarian nationals who were caught stealing from the Belize Bank ATM through a fraudulent scheme continue to be brought before the court after an application was made to confiscate their personal belongings. These include cash, a car and other items which were taken from them by police during their investigation. The two appeared again on Tuesday before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser where they questioned the purpose of their having to constantly visit the court even after being convicted on May 20 when they were sentence to 12 months for 18 counts of theft from the bank. 28 year old Jeorji Petrov, and 25 year old Halid Yuksel Aptula were brought down from prison on Tuesday, the second time since last week for an application of forfeiting of their personal belongings that remain in police custody since the conclusion of their criminal case for theft.

Luis Carter arraigned for San Pedro shooting
San Padro resident Luis Carter, 23, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand after he was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser for one count of attempted murder, one count of use of deadly means of harm and one count of dangerous harm with a deadly weapon upon Dwayne Hyde, 30. He was additionally charged with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Hyde’s common-law wife, Kimberly Humes. According to reports, just after midnight on Wednesday morning, July 13, Hyde was followed by three men to his house in the Escalante Division of the D.F.C. area on the island. He made it home and his common-law-wife, Humes, opened the door for him. At this time, one of the men he identified as “Wizz”, or Luis Carter, entered the yard and the two got into a tussle. During the exchange, Wizz was stabbed three times: once to the neck, mouth and abdomen. During the struggle he shot Hyde once to the abdomen and threatened Humes with the gun.

Ladyville’s “Celina’s” family arrested for crack cocaine
Four members of the Celina’s family of the Ladyville area were dragged to court along with five friends on Monday, July 18, after the Gang Suppression Unit found 6 grams of crack cocaine in their yard during a search on Sunday, July 17. Elcelena Tulcey, 39, her brother, Amilcar Tulcey, 36, and two minor daughters, 14 and 17, were charged along with Messalina Garcia, 39, Danielle Gabourel, 26, Tanisha Gabourel, 30, James Lozano, 18, and Ceylon Foreman. According to GSU officers, at around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, a team visited the home of Elcelena Tulcey based on intelligence that they were in possession of guns and ammunitions. When the officers entered the house, the owner of the house ran towards a room. It was the bathroom and she told the police officers that her minor daughter was inside using the facility. After the child exited the bathroom with her mother, the GSU officers began to search inside the bathroom.

Elroy Hemmans Jr accused of robbing bus conductor
Elroy Goldburn Hemmans Jr, 35, is in trouble after he was arraigned for allegedly robbing a bus conductor, Samir Martinez, of $300 inside the Belize City bus terminal on Tuesday, July 12. Hemmans appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Thursday, July 14, and pleaded not guilty to a single charge of robbery. He told the Senior Magistrate that he is innocent of the allegations and that he can explain what happened. According to Hemmans, while riding the bus with his girlfriend they met a young man who began to insult them when he was short by one dollar for the trip. He said the man called the driver and they came at him with a broom stick so he started to run. That was when officers of the Strike Team detained him outside the terminal, said Hemmans.

Three robbers storm into Tax Building in Belmopan
Belize’s police are now seeking one main suspect in the robbery of the Income Tax Department in Belmopan, which occurred at about 5:50 pm last Friday. Police are also now analyzing video from surveillance cameras taken while the crime was committed. About three gun men, dressed in what appeared to be imported tactical uniforms as those used by the MIT and GSU, stormed into the tax building. The criminals then proceeded to steal $29,000.00 from the tax office. Police responded to the call for help on Friday and found a police officer tied up along with other members of the office. Police are exploring all angles to find out the identity of the robbers.

Luis Kerr arraigned for Pen Road shooting
Police have finally made an arrest for a shooting that occurred on the night of Friday, July 8, near the Pen Road basketball court. In a report to police, Clifford Anderson, 26, said that at around 10:30 p.m. he was walking through an alley near the basketball court when he was approached by a lone gunman who fired several shots at him. He was hit in the lower back and the bullet caused damages to his internal organs. Anderson had to undergo life saving surgery and was in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for days. He has still not recovered but is doing better. The man police say was the trigger man that night is 24-year-old Luis Kerr. He was detained by police and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, July 20. Kerr was unrepresented when he appeared in court and was read three indictable offenses of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm with a firearm upon Clifford Anderson. Due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken and bail could not be granted to Kerr.

Mentally challenge man gets 8 years for manslaughter
A mentally challenged resident of Punta Gorda Town, David Ortiz, 25, is spending the first nights of an 8 year sentence behind bars after he accepted a plea deal for killing his stepfather in March of 2014. Ortiz was initially charged with the murder of his stepfather, David Benguche, 69. Allegations are that on March 27, 2014, without being provoked, Ortiz grabbed a knife and stabbed his stepfather twice to the upper part of the left shoulder which led to his death. Ortiz has been on remand since the incident occurred. On Tuesday, July 19, Ortiz appeared before Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh in the Dangriga Supreme Court to be tried by Judge without jury. Ortiz was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner and the prosecutor in the case, Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez, offered a plea deal for the lesser charge to murder, being manslaughter. This was accepted by the defense and Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter.

Pregnant woman remanded for stabbing boyfriend
An expecting mother is at the Belize Central Prison on remand after she was arraigned for stabbing her common-law-husband in the chest. Double Head Cabbage Village resident Jordan Jones, 26, reported to Ladyville Police that on May 29 of this year, his girlfriend, Ernestine Noralez, 21, stabbed him once to the left side of the chest. The blade went near the heart and almost killed him. He was admitted to ward for a whole week of medical treatment. As a result of the report, Noralez was arrested and charged with three indictable offenses: attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm.

Police officer charged for shooting Nigel Castillo
Police Constable Wallace Meighan, 19, has been charged along with Travaun Chee, 21, for attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm with a firearm upon Nigel Castillo, 29, for an incident that occurred on Thursday, July 14. Castillo reported to police that he was at the basketball court located behind the Charles Barlett Hyde Building at around 9 p.m. on Thursday when he was targeted by gunmen. Castillo was shot once to the lower abdomen. When police responded to the scene of the shooting, they found Castillo bleeding from his injury and immediately rushed him to the KHMH for treatment. Police investigations later led to the recovery of a pair of firearms and the arrest of PC Meighan and Chee. The shooting is believed to have been triggered by an altercation that took place on the basketball court earlier that night.

Roland Rivers walks from drug charges
Roland Raheem Rivers, 34, is free from drug charges after the prosecution failed to present him with disclosure in time for trial on Thursday, July 14. Rivers was arrested and charged with drug trafficking after he escaped a potentially fatal traffic accident on February 5. He crashed a Ford Escape into a tree near mile 16 on the Phillip Goldson Highway just after noon on Friday, February 5. The vehicle was extensively damaged and Rivers suffered from minor injuries. He has since been treated and released from the Karl Heusner Memorial but that was only the start of the trouble for Rivers.

Belize Coast Guard to play Belmopan Lightning Strikers for WestLine Female Football title
The WestLine Female Football competition will come to an end on Sunday 24th July, 2016, out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town with the third place and championship games. In the third place game scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Real West Strikers will be going up against the Belmopan Lucky Strikers and this will be followed at 3:00 p.m. with the championship game that will feature the Belize Coast Guard against the Belmopan Lightning Strikers. On Sunday 17th July in the semi-final round, in game one, Belize Coast Guard defeated Real West Strikers by the score of 3-1 to advance to the championship round. The goals for the Belize Coast Guard were scored by Nataki Alvarez in the 9th and 35th minutes of play and Ingrid Campos in the 29th minute of play. Meanwhile, the only goal of the game for Real West Strikers was scored by Tiffany Gonzalez in the 63rd minute of play.

Belize City Council Dragons stop Infotel in Firms Basketball Competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms’ Competition continued over the last week with a number of games on the schedule. On Friday 15th July, in the first of two games played, the Belize City Council stopped the high flying Infotel by the score of 80-74 to improve to a 4-2 record. The top scorers for the Belize City Council Dragons were Andrew Vasquez who scored 21 points, he also grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 2 assists and had 3 steals; Sydney Bradley who contributed 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals and Gabriel Taylor who scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and a steal towards the win. For the Infotel squad, the top scorers were Elvis Olivera with 38 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and Earl Johnson who contributed 14 points, while grabbing 9 rebounds, along with 4 assists and a steal in a losing effort.

Sittee River Lucky Stars and Silk Grass Royale Girls wins in Stann Creek Softball
The Stann Creek Softball Association 2016 Senior Female competition continued over the weekend with games in Independence. In the first game played, Sittee River Lucky Stars defeated Hopkins Beach Girls by the score of 21-10. The winning pitcher was Pinky Andrews and the losing pitcher was Delane Aranda. And in the second game of the day, Silk Grass Royale Girls defeated Seine Bight Flames by the score of 19-4. The winning pitcher was Sandy Depaz and the losing pitcher was Shannon Augustine. The competition will continue this Sunday 24th July at 3:30 pm in Seine Bight village between Independence United and Seine Bight Flames.

Belize Softball Federation to hold Umpires Training
The Belize Softball Federation has announced that it will be holding an Umpires Training for intermediate and advance umpires from August 4-8, 2016. The Training will be conducted by the Chief Umpire of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Softball Division Robert Stanton and will include both theoretical and practical work. The federation envision that this will be the spring board for umpires who have been involved in the game at the advance level for the past five years to move towards the International Certification for Umpires. The Federation is making an appeal to holders of a high school diploma, Associate Degree, or any higher degrees or teachers to make use of this opportunity to becoming a certified umpire.

Leandra Guy spun shut out over Esperanza Wolverines
The Cayo Softball Association 2016 Senior Female Competition continued on Sunday 17th July with three games on the schedule out at the Raymond Garbutt Sr. Softball pitch in Roaring Creek Village. In the first game played, the defending Cayo champions the Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy team behind the steady pitching of its ace pitcher Leandra Guy who spun a shut out win over the Esperanza Wolverines by the score of 7-0. The losing pitcher was Olivia Miralda. In the second game of the day, Camalote won over the Belmopan Capital City Emeralds by the score of 6-4. The winning pitcher was Tiara Bradley and the losing pitcher was Dominga Tut.

Murder in San Ignacio
A 33 year old construction worker in San Ignacio has died after an argument. On Monday July 18th 2016 about 6:50 pm upon information received, San Ignacio Police visited Floyd Moro Street, on the Santiago Juan Layout, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, where they saw the lifeless body of a male Hispanic dressed in a blue shirt and blue dickies 3/4 short pants lying face up in a pool of blood on the dirt road. Initial investigation reveals that the deceased Edilberto Morales, a Belizean construction worker of Kontiki Extension, San Ignacio Town, was in the company of one of his friends walking along the street when they were involved in an argument with another male person from the same area. This male person then inflicted stab wounds to the deceased. During the confrontation between the suspect and the deceased, the deceased’s friend was also injured to the head and forehead as he tried to assist his friend.

Young girl in Cayo missing over Facebook
Rosa Mendez, a 43 year old Belizean domestic of Branch Mouth Road San Ignacio Town reported that on July 18, 2016 about 5:00 pm she was home along with her three daughters when an argument started between her and her daughter, Tishany Bradley. The 14 year old Belizean is a student at Mopan Technical High and the argument was over the social media phenomenon, known as facebook. Tishany Bradley got upset and walked out of the house and has not returned. She was wearing a short jeans pants, pink sleeveless blouse and blue sandals at the time. She is of fair complexion, has curly hair is about 5 feet 5 inches in height and weighs about 120 pounds. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Tishany Bradley is asked to contact the nearest Police Station.

WORDS OF LIFE with Barry Fraser
As the media draws our attention to the confrontations at our southern border, let us reflect on what God’s Word has to offer us. In Proverbs 22:28 we are warned, “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.” God the Creator was here when the boundaries of Belize were set out. He is still here today, protecting our boundaries. In Acts 17:26 the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declares, “From one man He (God) made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” God our Heavenly Father was involved in the establishment of Belize. We acknowledge our creator in our Constitution, and we have a National Prayer. As long as we keep Belize under the authority of God, He will protect our land.

The Belize Times

BELMOPAN BANDITS
Everything that can go wrong continues to go wrong under the worst Prime Minister this country has had. Of the previous three Prime Ministers, Dean Barrow is in a class by himself. Corruption has become endemic in the sheer inability to manage the nation manifests itself in an ongoing series of the most disturbing events ever witnessed in Belize. The news over the weekend has shocked Belizeans at home and abroad to their bones. Persons driving around with the head of a public known Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. Never in the history of Belize has such an atrocity been committed before. Pastor Lu as he is popularly known had his head chopped off and placed in a sack in a five-gallon bucket. His body is suspected of being burnt on a farm. The alleged perpetrators are sitting at a bar casually relaxing, while the decapitated head is inside their vehicle, outside the bar.

Who is Accused Murder Mastermind William Mason?
The man accused, along with four others, of the grisly murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, is allegedly a con artist and extortionist who has perpetrated schemes and milked persons out of money in the US, Canada, Africa, Guyana and now Belize. While he was known as William Mason in Belize, he has also been known by names such as William Ferguson, Danny Ouellett, Ted Ouellett, Raj Ouellett and Ramesh Ouellett. The BELIZE TIMES has been able to confirm that Mason was also a very close affiliate of Minister of National Security John Saldivar, who admitted in a press conference on Monday that he has been to Mason’s hilltop home on various occasions. According to Saldivar, “In terms of my direct involvement with him at some point last year he had made some contributions to my football club the Bandits, but that is the extent of it. I have not heard from or seen Mr. Mason since September last year. We do not at this time have any friendship”.

The Story Behind Barrow’s Worthless Deal With Ashcroft
In 2009, Dean Barrow and the UDP took BTL under the illusion of “nationalisation”. Barrow and the UDP refused to pay the owners knowing well that it would lead to many years of expensive legal battles. Still, Barrow chose to create a legal mess that lasted for almost 7 years, like an ugly sore. Now the Belizean People, not Barrow, not the UDP, have to pay $550M for BTL. BTL is only worth a little over $100M but Barrow agreed to pay Lord Ashcroft $550m for it. Sounds like “Puss Inna Bag”, right?

GSU Boss Mark Flowers Accused of Carnal Knowledge
Head of the Gang Suppression Unit, Mark Flowers, is currently under investigation after the Domestic Violence Unit of the Police Department received a report that he sexually assaulted an underage girl, said to be 14. The report was made by the child’s mother who told Police that it happened earlier this year. Acting Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett today confirmed those reports, claiming that they are dealing with the matter expeditiously but comprehensively.

Killing Fields
Belizeans are still reeling from the news of a man’s head being neatly cut off and found in a plastic bucket. What made the news more shocking is the fact that the decapitated person was a well known individual. Llewellyn Lucas was originally from Dangriga but grew up in Belmopan. He returned to his roots in the south long enough to present himself for political office in a constituency in that area. He contested the 2015 General Elections on a ticket for the newly formed Belize Progressive Party (BPP) but unfortunately, he did not meet with much success. On November 6th, after all the votes had been tallied, he posted these comments on his facebook page: “I want to take this opportunity to thank the five people in Toledo East who voted for me. I know the rest of the constituent don’t want me but that’s OK. They have the right to want whoever they want. As a man of GOD I have learnt to LOVE even my enemies muchless folks who don’t want me. My Dad didn’t want me, my ex-wife don’t want me, a lot of people don’t like or want me but JESUS CHRIST do and that’s all that matters to me!!!”

Big Trouble!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was singing off a familiar song sheet today when he went on the airwaves to answer questions about possible relations between members of his Cabinet and conman/ international criminal “William Mason/Raj Oulett/Danny Mason”, whose extent of shady and criminal behaviour in Belize we are only learning about as the days go by. This is the same song sheet from which Barrow crowed when the Penner scandal broke in September 2014, followed by the visa scandal involving Cabinet members getting rich facilitating unethical “Government services”. “For God sake’s stop it”, Barrow said then and today, in a sorrowful tone, he hoped his Ministers were not too involved with the frightening character. Barrow admitted that the debacle is yet another political embarrassment for his administration. We believe his was a calculated understatement. The Prime Minister might best brace himself for much more that will be coming out in the William Mason/UDP affairs saga. John Saldivar was the first to confess that a healthy business relationship existed with “Mason”, followed by Patrick Faber who said he had drinks and a victory party at the man’s house.

Eiley FC & Lake I Bombers clash in finals
The Lake I Bombers and Eiley FC will clash in the Belize District Football Association’s First Division championship finals. Eiley FC eliminated FC Elite 3-2 in what has become a controversial playoff match-up over the weekend. Marlon Gutierrez had given FC Elite a 2-0 lead with goals in the 22nd and 50th minutes. Orlando Velasquez scored one for Eiley FC when he scored a penalty in the 55th minute and Kareem Flowers’ execution of a corner kick found Dalton Caytano, who headed in a 2nd goal in the 60th minute. Orlando Velasquez delivered the coup de grace with a world class goal to the far post that Elite FC’s keeper Carlos Castro could not get a glove on.

BTL & Belize Bank Bulldogs win softball games
Telemedia and Belize Bank Bulldogs both posted 2 wins in the 2016 Belize City female women’s softball competition at the Roger’s Stadium last Tuesday to Friday evening, July 12-15. On Tuesday, July 12, the Bulldogs outlasted the Beacon girls 9-8 in a tie-breaker 9th inning last Tuesday, July 12. On Wednesday, BTL shut down the Bulldogs 2-0 as Mary Flowers struck out 5 batters and the Bulldogs left 5 runners on base. BTL got 6 hits off Ashley Lucas’ pitching and Earline Belisle and Mary Flowers scored for BTL’s 2-0 win. On Thursday July 14, the Bulldogs outlasted BTL 10-9.

Eduardo José Mayo Poot repeats as Mr. Spartan 2016
The 3rd Annual Spartan Fitness Club (SFC) Bodybuilding Classic held at the Andres Campos Civic Center in Corozal Town on Sunday, August 16, 2015 was another successful presentation of bodybuilding and fitness in Belize.

The Wonderer and Belizean Garbage
I had the opportunity to wander around the sanitary landfill around mile 23, George Price Highway some months ago. So I decided to investigate the history of landfills in Belize. In 1999 an EIA was submitted for a landfill to be developed around Mile 27 but because the head of the Zoo was not comfortable with the closeness to her pets, she lobbied hard and tough with the government and finally the GOB decided to relocate the site. The Canadian company found another site west of Mile 22 on the same Highway. Another EIA was submitted in 2001 and it took some 14 years to finally complete a sanitary landfill (see photographs) plus transfer stations at San Ignacio, Belize City, Ambergris Caye and Burrel Boom. The waste is first separated at the transfer stations and what is not usable is transported to the landfill. I must say that I was impressed with what I saw. A clean operation!

TIME WARP SEDI
By Dolores Balderamos Garcia. I had told myself that I have written quite a lot about Hon. Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington and that I will try to avoid expending more ink on him. But, you know, I just cannot help it. I feel impelled once more to comment on our esteemed Foreign Minister, and clearly it once again cannot be in a good light. He makes himself a lightening rod for further and further criticism. And with each new set of utterances from him we are left shaking our heads in disbelief and disappointment, incredulous as we must be. His boss, the Prime Minister, has obviously thumbed his nose at all Belizeans in forcing us to accept that Minister Elrington will remain as Minister for Guatemalan affairs (as well as all affairs foreign).

Education & Nationhood, let’s get back on track
By Hilairé A. Bennett. Voice of the common man. Amidst the recent Guatemalan fiasco there has been much criticism regarding the lack therefor within the education curriculum the teaching that would foster national cohesion and nation-hood. Political rhetoric continues regarding the need to form the educational system so that education for national development could be fully realized. A Belizeanization of education in respect of the Jewel. However, the conversation and criticism concerning the deficiencies in the educational system is nothing new within the process of decolonization the focus has always been in the structuring of the education in Belize towards national development.

Ronlee Petillo, who has beaten two murder raps, remanded on new murder charge
A Belize City man who has already beaten two murder cases, the last one as recently as one month ago, is back behind bars and accused of yet another murder. Ronleee Petillo, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this afternoon, where Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser read a charge of murder to him in connection with the shooting death of Roger William Banner, which occurred in Belize City on the night of July 9. When Magistrate Fraser told him that as soon as he comes out, he is right back in prison, Petillo replied, “da so the Police dem work mommy.” He added, “I guess I just saal.”

Cop and Construction Worker charged for attempted murder of neighbor
Around 9:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 14, gunshots rang out in the area of the Lake Independence basketball court, located just behind the complex building (the Charles Bartlett Hyde building) from where a resident was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital suffering from a gunshot injury to the stomach. The shooting victim, Nigel Castillo, 29, told police that he was shot by one of his neighbors who happened to be a police officer. Following their investigation, Police charged one of their own for the shooting, and recovered two guns, one of which is a police-issued weapon that was issued to the mother of the policeman, who is also employed at the Belize Police Department.

San Pedro resident facing attempted murder charge
A construction worker and resident of San Pedro was remanded to prison this morning, after charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm were read to him when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Luis Carter was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. No plea was required from him because the charges that San Pedro Police brought against him are indictable and will be sent to the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry is held. The charges that the Police brought against Carter are in relation to a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, July 13, when Dwayne Hyde, 30, was shot.

High Court Drama for Beheading/Murder Suspects
The murder of Dangriga pastor Llewellyn Lucas, 47, has sent shockwaves throughout Belize, and has sent a number of UDP politicians scrambling to disassociate themselves from the primary suspect, who is their own flimflam man, Williams Mason, a Guyanese native, whose Belmopan mansion and farm on the George Price Highway were frequently visited by senior UDP leaders. Yesterday, Monday, the police attempted to have Manson and four others who were along with him when police found the decapitated head of Lucas in his pickup truck on Friday, charged in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. Those charges were not read, however. In fact, the Magistrate ordered the accused men to be released after their attorney Herbert Panton submitted that the prosecutor had failed to give the men their disclosure, which is in keeping with the new guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court that recently came into effect.

The BCCI’s Perspective on the BTL Arbitration Award
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), having reviewed the details of the BTL arbitration award, maintains the position it has held since 2009 that any nationalization should be an act of last resort since it undermines investor confidence. Further we reiterate our view that the BTL accommodation agreement was an egregious document and that no government should make such a commitment ever again. While the decision to negotiate the settlement of the acquisition of Belize Telemedia Ltd. is applauded, the BCCI cannot support the manner in which the negotiations were conducted.

GOB’s Costly Mispriorities
By Kevin Bernard, Mayor of Orange Walk Town. My heart felt good when I looked at the proud faces of all these young Belizean athletes ready to go represent our country against athletes from all across the region. But my heart felt bad when I realized that our government and our Ministry of Sports could not finance one of the most important regional sporting events to be hosted in Belize. My heart felt good for my country when I realized that we would be hosting this prestigious event in which hundreds of people would be coming here, to our little jewel. But my heart felt bad when I think that we had to shuffle them all over the country because we have no proper sporting facilities anywhere in this country. I felt ashamed that we had to host the opening at the Marion Jones, which should have been a premier sporting facility but after years and years and millions and millions is still nowhere near adequate.

Questions to Ministers!
Who are the UDP Ministers who have visited the home of William Mason, aka Danny Mason, aka Rajesh Oullet? What was the GSU boss Mark Flowers doing at William Mason’s house when the Police informed the media that it was difficult to reach Mason’s property to carry out an arrest? Will the Ministry of Immigration carry out a thorough investigation to find out who was behind processing a false birth certificate for William Mason? Does former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega know William Mason and did he have anything to do with Mason’s corn importation scams?

Hard Knocks
The Perfect Storm.... We told you it was coming. We warned you. The UDP is a ticking time bomb about to implode in a million tiny pieces. I swear…just too many egos, too few brains, very little competence and a freaking heaping helping of corruption. It’s a recipe for disaster. So said so done. Check what’s going on with this head-case William Mason. You watch what’s going to happen with that. It ain’t going to be nothing nice. You see whose names are going to be called when that canary starts singing its evil heart out. But it’s more than that. This is some scary stuff. Stuff we’re not used to. You just watch.

PUP Leader calls for removal of John Saldivar’s as Minister of National Security
The People’s United Party is appalled and seriously concerned regarding the information surrounding alleged criminal, conman and heavily politically-connected William Mason. The gruesome discovery of the head of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas in the possession of the said William Mason and three others has exposed major weaknesses in several critical government departments and an incestuous relationship between Mr. Mason, Minister of National Security John Saldivar, other Ministers of Government, UDP politicians, and several members of the Belize Police Department. The PUP is calling for the removal of Minister of National Security John Saldivar who admitted to having a business relationship with Mason, and also for a thorough investigation as to how this foreign-born individual with a shady past could have obtained a Belizean birth certificate, and multiple gun licenses, and why an investigation was never initiated when two Mennonite persons were allegedly kidnapped and extorted hundreds of thousand dollars by Mason two months ago. If the Police had investigated and arrested Mr. Mason then, Pastor Lucas would probably have been alive today.

Kent Brooks Jr. Dies 11 Days after Shooting
Kent Brooks Jr., 18, was shot on June 29th as he hung out with his friend Kieran Morrison in front of Morrison’s home on LaCroix Boulevard, behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde Complex Building. Morrison was hit multiple times and died shortly after before he could be rushed to the hospital. Brooks was hit to the lower back and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Eleven days after, he passed away at the KHMH Sunday. Brooks’ family had been optimistic that he would pull through even though doctors only gave him a 20% chance of survival. The bullet which penetrated his lower back damaged several of his organs and he underwent several surgeries in an attempt to save his life.

Murder Capital
Belize continues to be one of the murder capitals in the world with high murder and violent crime rates. The number of murders in the country has increased in the first half of the year when compared to last year. This is according to the Police Department who released their statistics on crime last week. Tragically, the total number of murders from January to June 2016 is already at a whopping 74. Last year, for the same period, the total was 73. This total is one too many lives lost in our small, developing country. With a population of just 330,000 our society seems spiralling down into murderous chaos, with high crime and contagious social decay.

Crisis en Corozal Norte!
Saludos a la linda gente de Corozal Norte Mi Nombre es David Jesús Castillo, represento la Constituencia de Corozal Norte bajo el Partido Unido del Pueblo. Este mensaje es para hacer saber mi coraje sobre la situación actual de la empacadora y compañía de papaya. Este coraje no se extiende a su administración empresaria sino a nuestros líderes gubernamentales que fueron incapaces de buscar solución a este gran mal. En la temporada anterior previo a las elecciones generales del 4 de noviembre 2015 el Hon. Hugo Patt fue Ministro de Estado en el Ministerio de Recursos Naturales y Agricultura. Ahora presente Ministro de Gobierno Local, Empleo y Desarrollo Rural. A este honorable señor, líder y representante del área de Corozal Norte bajo este presente Gobierno UDP.

Breaking Belize News

Belmopan Will Become The Next Murder Capital Of Belize: Here Is Why and What Needs to be Done
Belmopan has now experienced two beheadings and body dismemberment in just over a year. Last year leading up to November 4th, 2015 general elections I warned that Belmopan will be the next murder capital of Belize if something is not done. Here’s Why […]

VIP: GOB “has full responsibility for Pastor Lucas’ death”
Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) in a press release demands that Government take “full responsibility” for the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, and further demands that it makes proper compensation to his family. According to the minor party, even after the Government, specifically […]

GSU boss accused of sex crime
Head of the Gang Suppression Unit Superintendent Mark Flowers is currently on vacation; but his fellow officers are busy investigating allegations of child molestation and possible carnal knowledge against him, by a 13 year old minor. Acting Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett and Minister of […]

Correction: DJ Busch did not have firearm during confrontation
In the story ‘ “DJ Busch” in trouble over fight’ published on July 1st, in the third paragraph it states, quote, “Busch was allegedly carrying a firearm and the two men began to fight.” We have been informed by attorneys for Mr. Busch that […]

Employee of William Mason arraigned for kidnapping Mennonite businessman
Ryan Rhaburn, an employee of William Mason is currently being arraigned at the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court for two counts of Kidnapping of Mennonite businessman Lloyd Friesen and his wife. Friesen and his wife were kidnapped two months ago by William Mason and his employees […]

“Pawpa” Mena to offer Mason money “for charitable purposes”
Dangriga area representative and Minister of State for the Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities Honorable Frank Papa Mena has announced that he will place the 10 thousand dollars he received as a political campaign contribution from now-accused murderer William “Danny” Mason into an […]

Panamanian band to perform in Belize
The Embassy of Panama and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture are bringing another cultural experience to Belizeans. Both offices have arranged to bring the band Cellula, a pop and roots reggae band from Panama. The band is scheduled to play on […]

Police launch hunt for Melissa Ferguson, companion of William Mason
The Belize Police Department has launched an aggressive hunt for Melissa Ferguson, 48, the female companion of accused murderer William Masson. According to reports, Ferguson was seen leaving the Outback Ranch at Mile 31 on Tuesday and police believe that she is still residing […]

Stann Creek burglars make off with shotgun
Burglars made off with $1,235 worth of valuables from 56-year-old Ewart Murillo’s two-story wooden home located in Mullins River Village, Stann Creek District. Murillo reported to police that his residence was broken into between June 30 and July 15. Items that were stolen include: a […]

Man escapes death after being ambushed
A 34-year-old resident of Hope Creek in the Stann Creek district is lucky to be alive after he was ambushed30 p.m. According to the victim, he was driving alone in his car on the Stann Creek […]

Dangriga police look for stolen motorcycle
Dangriga police are currently investigating a stolen motorcycle report. According to 43-year-old Teodocio Vega, a Guatemalan nationalist from Hope Creek Village in the Stann Creek District, he had parked his red Honlei 200 GY5 motorcycle with license plate number DGA-M0659 valued at $4,000 in […]

Orange Walk Cops nab revolver off the streets
A .38 special revolver has been labeled as found property by the Orange Walk Police Department. Yesterday around 1 P.M., police conducted a search on Trinidad Street in Orange Walk Town and discovered the fire arm with serial number 09972D with marking GUA. No one […]

Blogs

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Maya Hike Day 3
The campers awoke early, eager for a new day at Chaa Creek’s Belize Eco Kids Summer Camp. At six-thirty everyone was up and about, and by seven we were gathered around the campfire, where all the councilors tried to start a sing-along. Unfortunately, our voices were terrible and we ended up doing about thirty jumping jacks before they were satisfied and we were allowed to have breakfast, which was a delicious blend of eggs, tomatoes, beans and Johnnie cakes. After the food we played a game – John Wayne, Chaa Creek’s version of dodgeball. We weaved and dodged and got soaked in sweat as we powered up for the day, and by the end, everybody’s blood was pumping and they were raring to go.

The Belize Zoo: THE Best Little Zoo in the World. Really.
Yesterday we did a day trip for San Pedro to the Belize Zoo. It’s a long day – for sure…and can be facilitated by a wide array of tour groups but we were a group of 7 and only two of us would be returning. Five were headed back to California after a great week on the island…BYE GUYS! Let me interrupt for one moment – I LOVE THE BELIZE ZOO! After a night a rain, we were up early…so early I actually saw the sun rise. A minor miracle since the current sunrise time is 5:25am. We hopped on the water taxi to Belize City and had pre-arranged a van to pick us up, wait at the zoo, drop off family at the International airport and return us to the water taxi. Pick up at 9am and we were dropped off at about 2pm for the taxi to San Pedro. The Belize Zoo is located 29 miles outside of Belize City right on the Western Highway. A little bug spray, some comfortable shoes and you are ready to go. The zoo is solely populated with the animals of Belize – and all are either rescues or zoo births. The natural, jungle-like surroundings and how close you can get to the animals makes it absolutely amazing.

International Sources

Mexico bans night fishing and gillnets to save Vaquita Porpoise
Mexican authorities are banning night fishing and gill nets in an area inhabited by the endangered vaquita marina porpoise in the upper Gulf of California. The national fisheries commission said fishermen in the protected area of the gulf, which is also known as the Sea of Cortez, will also have to leave and return from specially designated docks, to help enforce the measures. It said that gillnets, the use of which was already suspended in the area, are now prohibited permanently. The vaquita is the world’s smallest porpoise, and only around 60 remain in the Gulf, the only place in the world they live. The vaquitas are threatened primarily by gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, another endangered species in the area that is hunted for its swim bladder, which is considered a delicacy in China. Environmentalists praised the new measures Wednesday.

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