May 9, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

National Risk Assessment

Beyond the Horizon 2017 Brings Free Medical Services to San Ignacio
Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Health, invite you to participate in free medical services taking place May 8-16 in San Ignacio, Cayo District, at the Macal River Park. The medical services are open to the public and do not require an appointment. You do not have to be from San Ignacio or the Cayo District to be treated—the event is open to everyone. We will have general medical practitioners, optometrists, dentists, and OBGYN specialists on staff to provide medical services. Given the hot weather, please bring water to stay hydrated as you wait for and go through the medical services.

Annual Open Day held at ACES
Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) held its annual ‘Open Day’ on Friday, May 5th. From 9AM to 1:30PM, parents, teachers, and community members visited Standard One to Standard Six classrooms to observe the various careers available for each level of education within Belize. Students were asked to dress according to the job description assigned to them, and prepare a presentation on said job. The well-prepared students made Open Day very successful. ACES thanks everyone who took the time out to view each student’s presentations.

Island mothers celebrates with a night of comedy and entertainment
On Saturday, May 6th, the San Pedro Town Council hosted its annual Mother’s Day Extravaganza. Hundreds of island mothers converged at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex for a night filled of great food, drinks, games, and comedy. After music from San Pedro’s very own Rompe Raja, dance performances from the San Pedro Dance Academy and the Yaka’s Elite Dancers, Belizean Comedian Jennifer Burrowes delighted the crowd with her stand-up comedy. The star of “Nuh Ketch Feelings’ and social media sensation was a hit with the mamas in attendance.

Ambergris Caye Reef Week has started!
The 12th annual Ambergris Caye Reef Week started early on Monday, May 8th, with a 5:30AM swim to the reef. Over the next few days, a variety of events will take place on the island, ranging from educational activities, to a Lionfish Tournament to a Kayak Race, all with the purpose of creating awareness on the preservation of Belize’s marine ecosystem. Around 11 swimmers took on the challenge, and swam to the reef and back from Amigos del Mar dock in San Pedro Town. Participants swam at their own pace, some even had on snorkel gear to make the trek more enjoyable, as they took in the beauty of the reef. The San Pedro Town Council’s Sport Coordinator, Kent ‘Bob’ Gabourel, who spearheaded the event, said that such events serve as encouragement for the present and future population to continue appreciating and taking care of the reef. “We need to continue creating awareness about our reef,” said Gabourel. “If the reef is gone, is not only San Pedro Town that will be in big trouble. The entire country and its economy will suffer. We need to protect it.”

Ambergris Today

Early Morning Reef Swim Kicks Off Reef Week On Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye’s Reef Week organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve kicked off today, Monday, May 8, 2017, with the Swim to the Reef Awareness, which had participants swimming to the reef from Amigos del Mar Dive Shop. It was a very early swim, 5:30a.m. sunrise saw the participation of a handful of island residents ready to challenge themselves to a brisk swim and show how much they care for Belize’s barrier reef. Some chose to use a snorkel, mask and fins, while the more advance swimmers like San Pedro Sports Coordinator/Ambergris Today’s Person of the Year 2016, Kent ‘Bob’ Gabourel swam it freestyle. Boy he’s fast… The reef looks so close to shore, but don't let looks fool you. It’s quite a challenging swim. I was feeling tired half way there; but with a few stops to defog my mask (resting in the process) I was able to make it to and from the reef.

Maria Elena Alamilla Named Mother Of The Year During Entertaining Evening
Over 100 mothers gathered at the Hon. Louis Sylvester Sports Complex on Saturday, May 6, 2017, as the San Pedro Town Council organized a special celebration in commemoration of Mother’s Day. While being entertained by the San Pedro Dance Academy, Yaka’s Elite Dancers and Comedians: Local internet/social media sensation Jennifer Burrows from Belize City and Tila Maria Sesto from Merida, Yucatan, mothers were being treated to food and drinks. Most definitely can’t forget that the happy and excited mothers were also a part of the show. Whether they had to shake their hips, feed one another or work with each other, the evening was filled with laughter from the audience. There were also tons of gifts for the participants.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Government of Belize and UNDP Host the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) South-South Cooperation
The Government of Belize, as a participant of the Global Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), will be hosting a south-south cooperation exchange with representatives of other regional BIOFIN countries: namely Costa Rica, Colombia and Guatemala. This event will be held from May 10 to 11, 2017 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Through this engagement, Belizean stakeholders will gain insight on finance modalities developed by targeted BIOFIN countries, as well as the experience of other BIOFIN countries in the implementation of the BIOFIN assessments. The aim of the exchange is to ultimately strengthen BIOFIN implementation in Belize.

UN GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Belize joins the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in celebrating the UN Global Road Safety Week which is scheduled from 8-14 May 2017. The week will focus on SPEED. Speed contributes to approximately one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income countries, and up to half in low- and middle-income countries. Belize is no exception, hence the reason to join the worldwide efforts to contribute to saving lives from road traffic collisions. In 2013, the Government of Belize received funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the Belize Road Safety Project. Over the past four years, many activities have taken place along the George Price Highway (the demonstration corridor) that have contributed to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of road traffic deaths and injuries.

BelizeINVEST, BELTRAIDE, presents at the 12th Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX) 2017
On May 5, 2017, BelizeINVEST a unit of BELTRAIDE facilitated a presentation at the 12th Belize Tourism Expo 2017 (BETEX 2017) focusing on Investment Opportunities in the Tourism Industry and the applicable Investment Incentive Programs. BETEX is a two-day centralized trade exhibition showcasing Belize’s travel destinations, hotels, tour operators and other tourism services providing exclusive opportunities for international travel re-sellers to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with local travel suppliers. The participants also get to experience Belize firsthand at this exciting event. BETEX is a bi-annual event organized by the Belize Tourism Industry Association and is widely recognized attracting international tourism professionals from all over the world.

Corozal US Embassy Town Hall meeting time change
Notice the US Embassy Town Hall meeting has changed time. Hope to see you all there. The Embassy of the United States of America in Belize invites you to a U.S. citizen town hall meeting. Date: Friday, May 12, 2017. Place: Tony’s Inn & Beach Resort, Corozal Town. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. At the meeting, we will introduce staff from the Embassy who provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Belize, discuss the services the U.S. Embassy provides, and answer questions you may have about our services. Topics include: security in Belize, hurricane preparedness, and information on renewing your passport via DHL. Limited consular public services will be offered (cash; exact change required).

Doña Ernestina Moh of Caledonia Village receives the 'Woman of Culture' Award for 2017
Doña Ernestina Moh was born in 1938. She has been the leader of the Caledonia Village Comparsa Group for over 20 years. Even before becoming the head of the group in earnest, she dedicated much of her life to the teaching and retrieval of the Carnaval tradition and the cultural forms that accompany it. Through her efforts, the Carnaval of Caledonia Village has been maintained, as Caledonia remains one of the few communities in Northern Belize with a living memory of the tradition, songs, music, and belief system that comprise it. Many students and cultural activists from other communities visit and rely heavily on Doña Tina, as she is affectionately known, for assistance in translating and explaining the Carnaval songs, and to demonstrate the dances.

U.S. citizen town hall meeting in San Pedro
The Embassy of the United States of America in Belize invites you to a U.S. citizen town hall meeting. Date: Thursday, May 11, 2017. Place: Blue Water Grill, Sunbreeze Hotel, San Pedro Town. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At the meeting, we will introduce staff from the Embassy who provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Belize, discuss the services the U.S. Embassy provides, and answer questions you may have about our services. Topics include: security in Belize, hurricane preparedness, and information on renewing your passport via DHL.

Today is 4 Kawak (Cauac) in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar
Kawak is the symbol of a rain or storm, bringer of the gods of thunder and lightning, and cleansing waters.

Wait no longer...our upgraded Insect Room is now open!!
Museum of Belize

All Garifuna must oppose the sale of Baliceaux
By Wellington C. Ramos. Centuries before the Europeans and the British came to this part of the world our Garifuna people had their own nation by the name of “Yurumein”, now known as St Vincent and the Grenadines. We had a government that was headed by a paramount chief and other chiefs that had jurisdiction over their local regional areas. There was a treaty among all the Galinagu and Kalingu people that if any of their territory was attacked they would all come together and fight against that foreign nation. The Spanish under the leadership of Christopher Columbus were the first Europeans to attempt to take over the island of St Vincent in the 1400s but our people fought back and defended our territory. Columbus and his crew left the island and warned all European countries from making the same mistake. He referred to our people as cannibals because he and his men were used to meeting and engaging the peaceful Arawak Indians.

Minimum Standards for Accommodations Revised
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to inform you that the entire document on the Minimum Standard for Accommodations has been revised and redone, based on the feedback we received from you in the first set of consultation sessions done late last year. This new draft document also takes into consideration the technical input received from consultations held with both BTIA and BHA as well. We will now be hosting another series of consultation sessions, to share with you the new draft document and gather any further input that you are able to add, as we move towards achieving sector wide consensus. Kindly see the tentative dates and times set out below for all sessions in the respective destinations.

National Tourism Policy Northern Islands and Belize Reef Consultation Workshop
May 18, 2-5pm, Sunbreeze Hotel San Pedro

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week
May 8th-12th is being observed as Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week. The region, with the support of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will observe the week under the theme "Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites". In Belize communication and mobilization activities scheduled for this week include media appearances, a clean up campaign in Belize City (second of the 2017) and two health fairs in Corozal Town and Belize City – which are two priority areas for Zika and Dengue. The general public is hereby reminded of their social responsibility to take action to reduce their risk of vector borne diseases by keeping their surroundings clean and free of unwanted water holding containers in which mosquitoes breed.

Belize’s 43rd year as a full member of CARICOM
Monday, May 1st marked Belize’s 43rd year as a full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and to celebrate, the Directorate General for Foreign Trade planned a week of activities. The week culminated with an Art Competition under the theme What CARICOM Means to Me. The winning artists were Keion Griffith (1st Place), Ronny Jacobs (2nd Place) and Alex Sanker (3rd Place).

Ministers of Government Visit Schools & Health Projects in the Northern Region
The Government of Belize, recognising the significant role of Belizeans to have greater access to quality education and quality health care in pursuit of nation building, is constructing new Primary School substitution buildings and Polyclinics in the Northern Region. In this regard, Minister of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Hon Erwin Contreras and Hon Dr Angel Campos, Minister of State, Ministry of Health visited schools and health projects currently being implemented by Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF). Projects visited included, Chunox Saint Viator Vocational High School, Our Lady of Guadalupe, R.C. Primary School, Chunox Polyclinic and San Narciso Polyclinic, Corozal District. They are scheduled for completion by June 2017.

Petition: Protect Belize's Reefs
Belize's waters are home to 1,400 different species, including 500 types of fish and 100 corals. This reef hosts the world's largest population of threatened west Indian manatees, as well as endangered sharks and marine turtles. The survival of these rare animals depends on keeping their habitats safe from threats. In 2009, UNESCO placed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System on the List of World Heritage in Danger. In recent years, the reef's ecosystems have been damaged by coastal construction, and oil concessions continue to pose a threat. Drilling for oil anywhere in Belize's waters would put the reef at risk, and should be banned. Together we can protect the Belize barrier reef World Heritage site from harmful industrial activities. Email the Belize prime minister to show that you care.

Corozal Women’s Forum
Ladies, Come join us for our next meeting of the Corozal Women’s Forum on 18 May, 2017 at Serenity Sands 10am. Please note the change in venue and please bring along a chair! Our speaker this month is Julius Casimiro, Manager of Belize Public Schools. He will give us an insight to the public school system here in Belize. This should be a very informative session, especially since we will soon be awarding our very first scholarship soon. Also note that lunch will be served by our hostess from Serenity Sands, Miss Penny. It will be a vegan buffet and dessert. Cost is $18 Bz. Again, please note the change in venue, Serenity Sands and please bring along a chair! Please car pool as parking is limited. For more information contact corozalwomensforum@gmail.com.

Corozal Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a monthly event sponsored by COLCHA. Local artists display and sell their creations. It is held in downtown Corozal Town in Central Park, beginning about 5pm. For more information call 620-1572.

F.C. Corozal Invaders win U-15 2017 Championship
Congratulations to our three times champion F.C. Corozal Invaders on winning the U-15 2017 Championship. Congratulations to all the other teams and team members. The fact that you participated makes you a winner. Lets keep the momentum going as there is more to learn and achieve! "F.C. Corozal Invaders wish to thank Mr. Mario Alpuche/ Royal Paw, Mr. Zakir Marin and the Football Federation of Belize - FFB for this opportunity whereby our boys have once again demonstrated that we not only have great players but the BEST TEAM ; To our field staff - Mr. Eric Dunn/ Coach Mr. Omar Flores/ Assistant Coach , Mr. Isaias Majil/Auxiliary and Mr. Raul Rosado/ Manager for your endless support and encouragement, to our boys who won individual trophies: Jordan Casanova / MVP and Club Captain, Eric Rancharan/ Goleador, Keith Nugent/ Best Golkeeper and Jair Williams/ Best Midfielder and to the rest of the team."

Nucoco Coconut Water
Texbel Farms is a full fledge coconut plantation at mile 14 on the Southern Highway between Sittee River and Maya Center. Now Nucoco International has paired up with farmers in Belize taking the all natural and pure product, shaving it and placing the nut in a shrink wrap with a logo, bar code, a plastic straw and drinking instructions to accompany the package. It's sold at gas stations and grocery stores in the refrigerated sections. We have not seen it in Corozal yet but wait for the ptoduct to make its way to our northern shelves. It is great marketing but will the logo make its water taste any better than when extracted with an old machete?

BELIZE EK BALAM POK TA POK presentation at Benque Viejo yesterday afternoon
Keep our traditions alive. This summer the Belize Ek Balam Poktapok Team will be training a team in Corozal as part of a Corozal House of Culture's Cultural Industry Workshop! The training will be in July, interested men who would like to be part of the team can pass by the House of Culture for more information.

Belize Screen on the Green
Mark your calendars and join us on Thursday, May 11, at the GG field to enjoy the movie Walk the Line!

Museum upgraded Insect Room
On Friday May 5th, 2017 the Museum of Belize (NICH) opened its newly upgraded Insect Room for our cherished Museum audience. Here's a few photos of some special students who got the first look at our new dynamic Insect Room! Come and visit the Museum of Belize from Tues.- Thurs. (9:00am - 5:00pm) and Fri./Sat. (9:00am - 4:30pm) to view our upgraded insect room!

Channel 7

Alleged Rape Victim Speaks
Magistrate Norman Rodriguez is expected to be charged for rape on Wednesday in Belize City Magistrate's Court. He will appear before the Chief Magistrate after which he is expected to be bailed and go through the regular court process. But, so far, it has been anything but regular for a rape that allegedly occurred on April 11th in Dangriga and was reported five days later. Police and the DPP's office have been back and forth with the file and the directive to charge came down last week. Magistrate Rodriguez was out of the country at the time, but he returned over the weekend and went to work at the Belize City court as usual this morning. He also dealt with cases in his courtroom number three, as usual. He may have a very large cloud of suspicion hanging over his head, but Rodriguez who has declined an on camera interview, told one of the court reporters that he did not rape anyone and that is why he is holding his head high at work.

Deshaies Still Detained By Coro Cops, FBI Assisting
Canadian John Deshaies remains in the custody of Corozal Police tonight. He is the only suspect presently detained for the murder of 52 year old Canadian Francesca Matus and 36 year old Drew Devoursey. Here's the report on why police believe that a local with knowledge of the area helped in disposing of the bodies:... Joe Milhloen, Friend of Couple: "I was schedule to pick up Francesca Matus at 8:30 to transport her to the airport in Belize and when I arrived she was not at home. Her vehicle was gone." Jules Vasquez reporting: And now, her tenant in that Consejo Shores home John Deshaies is being questioned by police. On Friday, Independence police charged him for an unrelated theft in Placencia. He says he knows nothing about the murder in Corozal:

Deshaies' Attorney Speaks
As for Deshaies, he is charged with theft and is on remand because he is a flight risk. He has indicated that he wants his attorney Steven Perrera to apply for bail as soon as possible. As we told you, Deshais was arraigned in the Independence Magistrates Court on last Friday for an unrelated case. He's facing the offenses of theft and handling stolen goods, because, according to police he allegedly took over $57,000 worth of items from the Placencia Casino. Those allegedly included hard drives, laptops, machine gaming systems and other pieces of pricey equipment. As you will remember he came out of court telling reporters that he does not agree with the charges, and that he was only doing his job. We asked Perrera, who will represent him, for a few more specifics on that case, and about his detention in Corozal as a suspect in the double murder:

Cops Say They Must Wait On DNA To Confirm If It's Pam Lino
School teacher Pamela Lino is still missing and her family fears the worst. There have been no significant breaks in the case - and police still cannot identify the body found in her brunt KIA Sportage. And today we learned that it may take months to confirm that identity. Police say they have taken DNA samples from the remains and from Pamela Lino's family for comparison and sent them abroad for testing. But it will be months before the results are known. Police say that under normal circumstances it takes three to six months. That's going to be a torturous wait for her family who still don't know what happened to her.

Conch Shell Cries Out Against GSU
There was a shooting on Belize City's Southside just ten minutes before the news, and there was another city shooting this weekend. So, it seems that rivalries may be heating up in the streets again - and the mediators say the GSU is partly to blame for that. Today the controversial unit was in the Conch Shell Bay area where they had a group of men locked up in a house for an hour while they searched. The young men in this 'hood say the GSU are provoking them and so does mediator Dianne Finnegan:... Dianne Finnegan - Mediator: "I'm not surprised that this is happening right now, because I went on the media this morning to talk about what is going on by the systems trying to smear what we are trying to put in place, not for ourselves, but for Belize, for the safety of all Belizeans."

Fatal Motorbike Accident In Georgeville
A man was killed on the Western Highway this morning. It happened within Georgeville on the Go-Slow curve this morning where 51 year old Belmopan resident Anselmo Simeon Caliz was found dead off the side of the road. He was driving his motorbike and appeared to have lost control and run off the road. This is believed to have happened around 5:00 this morning. Police found him at 7:00.

Northern Men Charged For Kidnapping and Robbery
On Friday we told you about the crime story that read like a movie script - where three men escaped their captors and would be killers by pulling off some antics that would make even a stuntman wince. Well, today, two of the alleged culprits, 45 year old Elio Lopez and 23 year old Jason Espinoza were taken before the Corozal Magistrate's Court where each was charged with 3 counts of kidnapping and 3 counts of robbery. Elio Lopez is on the left, while Jason Espinoza is on the right. In Court this morning, Lopez and Hall were read the charges in detail and did not have to give a plea as the matter is indictable.

Hilmar Off The Hook
It's been a little over 2 months since we last reported on the lawsuit that the Government of Belize has filed against Andre Vega and Sharon Pitts. These are the two defendants who ended up with a total of 800 thousand dollars from the public purse for land compensations that shouldn't have happened. The Government is trying to get that money returned, and both Vega and Pitts are being sued in two separate cases before two different judges. And, it looks like the case against Andre Vega may have weakened somewhat because his co-defendant, Hilmar Alamilla, has won the lawsuit even before it was fully heard. That's the outcome of a case management conference chaired by Justice Courtney Abel. The judge granted an application from his attorney for Alamilla to be removed as a defendant in the lawsuit.

City Shootings Start Up Again
One man was shot in Belize City on Sunday morning. 30 year old Telswin Lara was on Arlington Drive at 1:05 AM on Sunday when he was shot in the back. Police were quick to make an arrest and today charged 18 year old Dane Gillett were charged for "Use of deadly means of harm and Grievous Harm."

Cops Found Weed In Lindo's
Earlier in the news you saw residents of Conch Shell bay complaining about police brutality. Well, police did find weed in the area yesterday. Yesterday evening Belize City police conducted a search on an abandoned lot on Lindo's Alley where they found 12 black plastic bags containing just over seven pounds of cannabis. No one was in the area when the drugs were found so they were deposited as found property.

Three Car Accident
Last night, Ladyville police responded to a three car traffic accident between Miles 21 and 22 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. When they arrived on the scene, police found a white pickup truck engulfed in flames on the left side of the road, a blue Dodge Caliber with extensive damage to the front on the right side of the road, and a white Saturn in some bushes off the right side of the highway. The driver of the burning pickup, Frederick Banner, received some burns to the right side of his face, and had a bloody nose and complained of pain to his left foot, which was severely swollen. After giving a urine test, Banner was taken to Belize Healthcare Partners by his family where he was admitted for observation.

Benque Gets Its Book
The Institute of Social and Cultural Research, or ISCR - which is an arm of NICH on Thursday launched its new book, "A Historical Walk Through Benque Viejo". It's part of the series which has already covered historical walks through Belize City, San Ignacio and Santa Elena and Dangriga. And now Benque has gotten the treatment. It was launch don Thursday night at the Benque House of Culture:… The launch was part of Benque's weekend-long International Festival of Culture.

Q And A For AQ
AQ Belize Auto Rentals today they launched its newest office inside the San Pedro Belize Express Terminal in Belize City. And so what makes that news? Well, this office is a little different from the others. AQ has partnered with several stakeholders in the tourism industry, like the Museum of Belize and the Belize Zoo, to market local attractions to their customers. We spoke to the manager of AQ's new office, Richard Borhja, about the collaboration... AQ says is also committed to working with other organizations throughout the country to promote Belize's different tourism destinations.

Belmopan Gets Fancy New Lights
For many Belmopan residents, those new fancy traffic lights on Constitution Drive will take a lot of getting used to. But representatives from the Road Safety Project say its for the residents' own benefit. We spoke to CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development Yvonne Hyde and she told us the lights are only one component of the project. So the Ring Road and those large roundabouts are part of project as well. The project started 4 years ago. It will end off with the upgrading of mile 5 on Western Highway. This project is a first in the Caribbean.

A Killing In the City
Tonight a 19 year old is dead, becoming Belize City's second victim of gun violence in four days. According to reports from the scene, at around 6 this evening as many as 15 shots were fired on Curl Thompson Street in the Jane Usher Area. Witnesses say the young man died on the spot. He fell slumped over his bicycle. Distraught family members rushed to the scene to identify him - but we will hold off on disclosing the name until we are sure his entire family is informed. Police removed the body from the scene about 20 minutes ago.

Biscayne Families Get Help
Two weeks ago we told you about the freak storm hit the village of Biscayne. Well, now the NINE families affected are repairing and rebuilding their homes with assistance from the NEMO. Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North Hon Edmond Castro was on hand this past Saturday to hand over material to those families at the Belize District NEMO Office in Sandhill.

Channel 5

Breaking News: Murder Reported in Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City
There has been a murder in the south side of Belize City. Just after six p.m., shots rang out in the Jane Usher Boulevard area, where police over the weekend [...]

Rape Victim Speaks as Charges Draw Closer for Accused Magistrate
The sitting Magistrate accused of rape of a Dangriga woman in April can now be named as Norman Rodriguez.  Up until today, News Five had restrained from using his name. [...]

If Charged, Attorney Says Accused Could Go Free On Bail
The alleged rape of the Dangriga resident has raised numerous questions on the role of the judiciary in respect of indicting one of its own.  While there is a gap [...]

Novel Prosecution Brings Pitfalls for Accuser and Accused
The fact that the woman has gone on record in the media to tell her story may very well prejudice her case.  Should charges be preferred on the magistrate in [...]

John Deshaies Engages Legal Representation for Long Fight
Canadian national John DeShaies remains in police lockup following his arraignment on Friday, when he was denied bail in the Independence Magistrate Court.  He appeared in court for charges of [...]

Shrimp Farms Lose International Certification
The Government has been boasting of a rebound in the shrimp industry in the wake of problems in production a few months ago. However, industry insiders report that the Aquaculture [...]

Andre Vega Stands Alone on Land Compensation Case
This morning, Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel dropped the case against Hilmar Alamilla, associate of Andre Vega and the former deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, as it relates to a [...]

G.S.U. – Peacemakers or Peace Breakers?
Over the weekend, the Gang Suppression Unit moved against various gangs across the city. There is a truce in place among the rival gangs for about a month now and [...]

Mediator Challenges Gang ‘Suppressors’ for Upsetting Peace in the City
This afternoon, some ten men from the area were to attend a meeting at the Eastern Division South headquarters at Raccoon Street to lodge formal complaints and to seek recourse [...]

G.S.U. Charged with Provoking Conch Shell Bay Residents
Word to News Five is that the GSU was simply following orders and that the operations in the area were as a result of instructions issued from up top, but [...]

Accused ‘Fake Cop’ Waits for Bail; Says He’s Not Doing Well in Prison
Dorian Blair, one of two Belize City men recently charged for impersonating a police officer, was today before the Supreme Court for a bail hearing, but the hearing was moved [...]

Brother Hurt Sister in Dispute Over Rent Money
A family dispute between siblings and their mother ended up in court today with the arraignment of Rayford Saldano for wounding his sister Joleen Saldano. She reportedly put him out [...]

Leroy Green’s Pension in Jeopardy over Missing Teaching Records
He is known countrywide for his work in the creative arts, specifically the National Festival of Arts. Most recently and leading up to his retirement last November, Leroy Green had [...]

Retired Teacher Says M.O.E. Must Rectify Records Problem
Green says that according to the Retirement Act, it is the responsibility of the ministry to address the issue of his pension and to locate his records. As we said, [...]

Guatemalans Storm Otoxha for Farm Land
There is news tonight of a civilian incursion of Belize by Guatemalan farmers seeking greater pastures in the south. The village of Otoxha has been dealing with a takeover of [...]

B.T.V.’s Maheia: G.O.B. Must Defend the Border
The matter has officially been reported to the Belize Defence Force’s local barracks at Fairweather Camp. Maheia told us that the farmers left a mile-plus-long trail from Guatemala into Belize [...]

The Red Cross: “Everywhere for Everyone”
The Red Cross Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian organization; it is also among the first responders in times of emergency and disasters.  It has been active for more than [...]

Ariel Rosado’s Friends and Family Take a Ride for the Cause
This past Saturday, the annual event for the Ariel Rosado Education Foundation took place on the George Price Highway. Riders rode from Galen University Campus in Central Farm to Belmopan [...]

Sports Monday Reviews Sporting Scene
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities.....]

CTV3

Deshaies Main Suspect In Double Murder
On Friday May 5th, 54 year old Canadian National John Deshaies, who was the tenant and neighbour of murdered Canadian national 53 year old Francesca Matus, was charged at the Independence Magistrate’s Court in relation to a burglary case in Placencia. Deshaies was charged for theft and handling stolen goods, for reportedly illegally removing over $57,000 worth of items from a Placencia Casino. Deshaies was denied bail and remanded to prison until his next court date on November 6th. Estevan Perrera – Attorney at Law: “What we do know at this point in time was that Mr. Deshaies had only been assisting his employers who were the then managers of the Casino in respect to the items and then eventually there was some kind of dispute between the parties and this charged was raised against him.”

A Look At Andre Vegas First Day At Court For Lands Scandal
After months of having a hard time to locate Andre Vega, Court papers were finally served on him a few weeks ago in relation to the scandalous payment from the Government’s Treasury of $400,000 as compensation to him for land in Belize City which he bought for $15,000. Vega bought the land from his relative Hilmer Alamilla, who had purchased it from the Government for a pittance. The land was eventually discovered to be privately-owned and that turned the whole deal belly up, with Government being forced to pay Vega. In the eyes of the public, the fiasco is another reason why former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega led a scandal-ridden Ministry of Natural Resources. Today, the slow wheels of justice turned a bit when the matter came up before the Supreme Court. Justice Courtney Abel heard preliminary submissions from both sides, and in a surprising move Vega’s attorney asked the judge to consider removing Hilmer Alamilla as a respondent in the matter. It’s a strategic move by the defense because Alamilla is the one who purchased the land from the Government, even though Vega still ended up collecting the compensation. Outside the Court, Vega’s attorney Estevan Perrera explained why he made the request, which was granted by the court.

Another Win For Mr Belize
Five Belizean athletes participated in a bodybuilding competition hosted by Power Gym, a fitness center in neighboring Quintana Roo, Chetumal. Among the local athletes were Corozal Town’s 5-Time Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos, as well as up and coming Mr. Physique athlete who shares the first name as Mr. Belize, Rigo Menjivar. Vellos finished in 2nd place in the overall category, triggering heavy criticisms of the judging by the fans. Menjivar placed 1st in his Mr. Physique category. Other athletes included Oyinkro Akpobodor, Erick Vasquez and Aurel Lewis. Akpobodor and Vasquez placed 1st and 3rd place in their categories. The next event on the timeline for these athletes is the 4th Annual Spartan Fitness Classic which is hosted by Mr. Belize’s very own Spartan Gym in Corozal Town. The event will be held in July.

LOVE FM

US Embassy Seeks NGO Executing Agency to Improve Citizen Security
The Embassy of the United States in Belize is looking to embark on a project called, Strengthening Government through Civil Society engagement to improve citizen security. The project will look at governance and justice reform with an aim to reduce impunity and to strengthen capable and accountable governments. At this stage of the project, the […]

KHMH Opens Nurses’ Week with Prayer and Appreciation
Nurses Week is being celebrated in Belize and was officially opened today at the chapel of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. The week long activities will lead up to Nurses’ Day which will be recognized globally on May 12. Michelle Hoare is the Director of Nursing Services at the KHMH; she spoke […]

Dangriga Businessman Loses $5K On the Heels of Cyber Security Symposium
The first ever national symposium on cyber security took place during April 24 to 28, 2017 with an aim to look at the issue on multiple angles. It is a move that is very much needed in this time and age when identities are being stolen and bank transactions can be done quite easily from […]

Protecting Targets from the GSU
This morning a team of GSU officer descended in Conch Shell Bay area where they searched a two storey house. They were there to search for drugs and ammunition. But according to the tenants of on the two bed room apartment, the GSU officers used excessive force on them. One of the persons alleging GSU […]

World Red Cross Day Commemorated
Every year on May 8, the international community comes together to celebrate World Red Cross Day, the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross – Henry Dunant. Dunant the founder of the Red Cross was also the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He was the recipient of the […]

Protecting the Jaguars In Eight Countries
Jaguars in eight countries have Vancouver mining magnate Ross Beaty and his family to thank for helping preserve habitat corridors. The serial entrepreneur who founded Pan American Silver Corp. and his family are donating $5 million over 10 years to Panthera, which is a global wild cat conservation organization. The news comes a few months […]

Young Girls Found with Marijuana at School
Yesterday evening Belize City police conducted a search in an abandoned lot off Lindo’s Alley. There they found twelve plastic bags containing seven point three pounds of cannabis. It was labeled as ‘found property’. ====== Last week Friday, San Pedro Police were called to San Pedro High School. According to reports, the Principal reported to […]

Belize 2020 Brings NBA Sized Court to Southside Belize City
There is a structure being erected and is in its final stages in the St Martin de Porres area of Belize City. It is a multipurpose building that has come to fruition through the Belize 2020 project; a non-profit volunteer organization focused on improving the quality of life in Belize by supporting Jesuit ministries in […]

The Reporter

Police hold family day on south side
The Belize Police Department, in an effort to foster better community relations, held a family day in the Jane Usher Boulevard area of Belize City on Sunday. The event featured sports for adults, including as basketball and football, along with children’s games such as sack race, lime and spoon race and hop scotch. Officer Commanding Police Eastern Division South, Chester Williams, explained that the Department also uses the event as a means of mediation between rival gangs.

Breaking Belize News

Man shot and killed in Belize City
Reports reaching our newsroom are that a man was shot and killed a short while ago in the Jane Usher area of Belize City. According to our sources, the body is still on the ground beside a bike.

Guatemalan villagers reportedly clearing Belizean land to build road
According to reports, Guatemalan incursions into Southern Belize has increased over the past months. Leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), Wil Maheia, told BBN that over the last month, those incursions have increased and Guatemalans are entering Belize illegally through the village of Otoxha. Maheia and the villagers yesterday observed land clearing inside the village by Guatemalans.

Council for Aging holding collection drive for elderly persons
The National Council for Aging is inviting the public to join in their initiative to be held from May 8 to June 16, 2017. Elderly Abuse Awareness Day and is being observed under the theme “One Person, One Action, One Nation United Against Elder Abuse”. To commemorate the day, the council will be conducting a One Action Goods Drive, collecting adult pampers, bath soaps and Ensure nutritional drinks/shake.

Biscayne Village get assistance from NEMO
Nine families from Biscayne Village who were affected after a freak storm passed through the village are receiving assistance from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). NEMO Minister Edmond Castro was in the village on Saturday to hand over material to members of those families at the Belize District NEMO Office located in Sandhill on the Philip Goldson Highway.

Accident near Gardenia village, no serious injuries
According to police reports, last night Ladyville Police went to an area between mile 21 and 22 on the Philip Goldson Highway just in front of the Community Center in Gardenia Village, where cops observed a pickup truck on the left hand side of […]

More weed found in Belize City
Last night around 6:00, police conducted search on an abandoned lot on Lindo’s Alley Belize City and found 12 black plastic bags containing 3,280 grams of cannabis which was deposited as ‘found property’. © 2017, BreakingBelizeNews.com. This article is the copyrighted property of Breaking […]

Inmate at Kolbe Foundation busted with weed
According to police reports, yesterday a prison officer reported that at 2:50 p.m., while working at the remand section at the Kolbe Foundation on the Hattieville/ Boom road, he saw remanded inmate Mark Waight coming towards the check point area. The officer observed a black tennis that […]

Police find 78 live rounds of ammo in Belize City
On Saturday, May 6, at 4:00 p.m., police conducted search on an empty lot on North Creek in Belize City where cops found one black plastic bag containing four boxes of ammunition: twenty-six .9mm rounds, forty-three .38 special rounds and nine 30-30 rounds; a […]

Over $8,000 worth of goods stolen from parked car
On Friday, Rodolfo Narvaez, 40, of Halls Layout, Corozal Town reported that last Thursday, his Dodge Caravan was parked in front of a popular bar on 1st Avenue and was vandalized. The right passenger window, valued at $500 was shattered. An assortment of electronic […]

Chief Magistrate leaving?
Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith may be leaving Belize later this year. A reliable source from within the legal community told BBN that Smith’s contract is not being renewed, and she will be leaving Belize in September. Smith replaced former Chief Magistrate Margaret McKenzie […]

Government vehicle crashes on Hummingbird highway
A government vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident over the weekend. The incident reportedly took place at around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday on the Hummingbird Highway. The vehicle, seen near the middle of the road, caused a brief stoppage in the flow […]

Belize honors Global Road Safety Week 2017
The United Nations Global Road safety week is being scheduled from May 8-14, 2017. Belize joins the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in celebrating the week which will focus on speed. Speed contributes to approximately one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income […]

Blogs

Mango Season: It’s the mooooost, wonderful tiiiime…of the yeeeeaaaar…[in Belize]!
Hello! My name is Mary, and I am addicted to mangoes…particularly sweet, ripe, juicy ones still warm from the heat of the Belizean sun. The month of May means heading pell-mell into summer, and thus, blazing heat, but for me, it’s simply mango time. Keep your bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, and other fruit! During these three fleeting months or so of Belizean mango season, I will eat my fill so long as they are available. And apparently, I’m not the only fan of this delicious fruit. One of my favorite places in Belize, Hopkins, even hosts an annual Mango Festival! Picture it: two whole days dedicated to my beloved fruit. Hopkins is home to some of the sweetest, and the entire village is practically lined with trees brimming with delicious Black, Blue, Number Eleven, Apple, and other kinds of mangoes. But what exactly would a festival dedicated to mangoes entail? Is it an all-you-can-eat buffet of mangoes? A mango-picking contest? Mango peeling? Tee hee…no…it is a fun festival that brings together people who enjoy the fruit in every stage of ripeness, as well as music, dancing, culture and more!

THE BELIZE BOOM!
The secret is out: Belize is the next big thing in travel. Our green jewel was the fastest growing Caribbean destination in 2016, boasting a massive 16.9% increase in overnight tourists from the previous year as more people journey to experience the beauty of our wild country. From Leonardo DiCaprio to Hilton Hotels to our favorite Canadian airline, it seems that everyone has set their sights on Belize in 2017. As we look forward to our own resort opening in just a few months time, all these new developments are adding fuel to our passion for this gorgeous place.

My Summer Aspiration List: Slow Season Do’s in Belize, Part Two
Our pro basketball team in San Pedro has reached the semi-finals in first place and…sadly…I haven’t attended ONE GAME THIS SEASON! Four teams: Belmopan v Dangriga in 3 games – and the Belmopan Bandits won 2 in row to advance to the finals. Cayo v San Pedro for the other spot – and we are now split 1 win a piece with the 3rd, deciding game this weekend at San Pedro High School. I learned to scuba dive almost 9 years ago. I had great teachers here in San Pedro and a fun time. But diving left me…meh. I found that I liked snorkeling just as much. And only dove a few times and just stopped.

Monkey River Tour
This one-of-a-kind excursion is fascinating and fun for people of all ages. Kids stare wide-eyed at monkeys whose cries far exceed decibels coming from heavy-metal rock bands! Adults learn more about life along a river bank that explodes with color and sounds: birds, animals and plants, all of which co-exist nicely here in southern Belize. Learn about medicinal plants and take a refreshing swim during your tour. You can look forward to Creole cookery prepared by villagers (please bring money for lunch) that is so tasty, even your taste buds will remember your Monkey River Tour. If you’ve a car, a map and/or a GPS system, your resort host can point you in the direction of the monkeys from anywhere in southern Belize. No worries about parking. There’s not a single car in the village which has only two streets, so it’s impossible to get lost in Monkey River Village. You can also get here by taking a 15-mile boat ride to the mouth of the Monkey River and then hike to the village. If you’re traveling from other areas in Belize, a tour service is your best bet.

The San Ignacio Market
Located on the banks of the Macal River, the market in San Ignacio is a truly unique opportunity to experience Belizean life. Farmers, traders, and vendors from all walks of Belizean life gather together to sell their wares. Don’t be surprised to hear a blend of German, English, Spanish, Creole and the Mayan tongue as everyone from Mennonite farmers to indigenous craftsmen use the San Ignacio Market to sell their delicious local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and handmade clothing. Visitors can arrive at the market via canoe or other watercraft directly at a marked landing as the market is situated just adjacent to the banks of the Macal River. Visitors coming from overland will easily be able to spot the market as it is right next to the football stadium. The official address for the market is Savannah Street in San Ignacio.

International Sources

Heart of Darkness
Belize’s exposure to North Americans and Europeans prior to the mass proliferation of broadcast television, tourism and retiree migration was largely limited to British soldiers, Peace Corps volunteers, and the very few pioneering tourists and wanderers that jealously guarded the paradise that they felt they discovered. In more recent times, the escalation of tourism and of the foreign-owned real estate market has brought about a shift in property ownership and a growth in expat resident populations in traditional and emerging island, coastal and inland communities. This changing face of our population brings all kinds; and increasingly those that are attracted to the free and easy ways that Belizeans have traditionally enjoyed. Like the lead character, Kurtz in Joseph Conrad’s famous novel, Heart of Darkness, some expats that eventually call Belize their home, find themselves in an environment where their demons, hidden deep within their consciousness, but formerly controlled by formidable legal systems and law enforcement in their home country; emerge to the surface with violent results.

Community mourns Canadian woman killed in Belize
Neighbours gathered on Saturday outside the Ontario home of a woman killed in Belize, to pay their respects to a person they said would "do anything for everyone." Many laid flowers in front of a makeshift memorial to Francesca Matus, 52, at the home where she lived part-time in Keswick, Ont. Matus's remains are expected to be flown back to Canada in the next few days. The mother of two was found dead in a sugar cane field earlier this week, along with her 36-year-old American boyfriend, Drew De Voursney. Police in Belize said the two appeared to have been strangled to death. Those who knew Matus said her death will leave a major void in the Keswick community, where she was known as a friendly and generous person. "She never, ever went by without saying hi, so it was one of those people that you just don't forget," one neighbour told CTV Barrie. "She was a really, really good person," added another neighbour. "She'd do anything for you."

Simone Biles -- 8 things to know about the 'Dancing with the Stars' celebrity
Simone Biles is one of five celebrities remaining on Dancing with the Stars' 24th season having survived seven weeks of competition already. Simone is a bubbly, beautiful and sweet 20-year-old who is paired with pro dancer Sasha Farber on Dancing with the Stars' current season. Although ballroom is very different from the style and technique of gymnastics, the athlete has been very quick to pick up choreography, and her stage presence is undeniable. Simone is a frontrunner in the ABC reality dancing competition, but she continues to face tough competition -- including Fifth Harmony member Normani Kordei and NFL free agent Rashad Jennings. Will she make it all the way like Olympian Laurie Hernandez before her?

Partnership and camaraderie, the key to fighting fires in Central America
Thirty four firefighters from all across Central America, came together here from April 24 – 28 to participate in Central America Sharing Mutual Operational Knowledge and Experiences exercise, also known as CENTAM SMOKE, and train in firefighting techniques with their U.S. counterparts from Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 612th Air Base Squadron Fire Department. Since 2007, JTF-Bravo has trained more than 700 firefighters from Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and Belize through CENTAM SMOKE, a four-day training event that takes place twice-a-year at Soto Cano Air Base. The exercise is physically demanding and is also extremely rewarding for all participants since it provides an opportunity for all firefighters to work as a team and build relationships among partner nations.

5 WAYS TO HONEYMOON WITH A CAUSE
Start your journey of marital bliss by helping underprivileged schoolchildren, the environment and animals. If the simple life sounds appealing, head to Belize in Central America where you can get your hands dirty while volunteering with Sustainable Harvest International, which provides local farmers with training in sustainable agricultural techniques. You will get the opportunity to assist the local community with seasonal farming projects like tree planting, making compost and preparing and cleaning school gardens. Who knows, these newly learned gardening skills might even come in handy in the future.

Caribbean Scientists Work To Limit Climate Impact On Marine Environment
Caribbean scientists say fishermen are already seeing the effects of climate change, so for a dozen or so years they’ve been designing systems and strategies to reduce the impacts on the industry. While some work on reef gardens and strategies to repopulate over fished areas, others crunch the data and develop tools designed to prepare the region, raise awareness of climate change issues and provide the information to help leaders make decisions. In December 2017, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) secretariat, with funding from the UK government, announced a Climate Report Card to help formulate strategies to lessen the impact of climate change on regional fisheries. “The CRFM is trying to ensure that the issue of climate change as it relates to the fisheries sector comes to the fore… because the CARICOM Heads of Government have put fish and fishery products among the priority commodities for CARICOM. It means that things that affect that development are important to us and so climate change is of primary importance,” said Peter Murray, the CRFM’s Programme Manager for Fisheries and Development.

Videos

May 8, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Police Report
*On Wednesday, May 3rd, Corozal Police, along with assistance from Customs Department, found two parcels containing 2,066 grams of cannabis inside a hand bag at the Belize Northern Border Customs/BAHA Vehicular Checkpoint. Police detained 27-year-old Joyce Ek of San Pedro Town and Emilio Ek of Corozal Town. The suspected drugs were weighed, and both were jointly charged for ‘Drug Trafficking”. *On Friday, April 28th, San Pedro Police visited San Pedro High School, where the principal reported that a classroom search was conducted and a teacher found a small quantity of cannabis in one of the students’ bag. He also reported that inside a book on the same student’s desk, police also found a small transparent plastic bag containing more cannabis. *On Saturday, April 29th, a female minor visited the San Pedro Police Station, along with her mother, and reported that her father had sexual intercourse with her. She stated that her father has had sexual intercourse with her on four different occasions. After her mother was informed about the situation, they both decided to visit the police station to make a formal report.

Doctor Love: Anonymous
Doctor Love, I have a problem that I have tried to control, but it gets the best of me so many times. I take random comments too personally. If someone posts on their social media page I automatically think it is for me and that people are discussing me behind my back. Like, if someone says something about getting a friend too drunk and I got drunk last weekend, I think it is about me. Deep down I know it is not, but it makes me miserable. How can I let things go and not worry about what other people think? /s/ Anonymous

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch
Our May, 2017 General Meeting will be this coming Wednesday, May 10 at 7:00pm at Lone Star Grill. Please join us to discuss current neighborhood issues and spend time with your friends. Lone Star will be serving their full menu and Ann will be offering her scrumptious LASAGNA!!

Only one phone in Otoxha and its broken!
Dear Btl. For Six months the people of Otoxha, Toledo has been asking you to PLEASE come fix their ONE community phone. Ladies suffer in labour while giving birth because they can't call out for help.

Financial Literacy Apt
Dear Minister of Education: Here is a possible solution For sustainability of the financial program To reach the out of school population To incorporate the out of school youth Those 19 and above Without financial option With no programs to get involved Let spread the love The ministry has the technicians To make this a possible application So I am sharing with you this suggestion So that you can use at your discretion

Income Tax Presentation on Caye Caulker
CCBTIA teamed up with the Income Tax of Belize to help you understand their requirements. Please be sure to attend!

Offshore Open Fishing Tournament in Caye Caulker!
Get ready for the Offshore Open Fishing Tournament in Caye Caulker! May 20th and 21st with a first prize of $5000! Sponsored by San Pedro Belize Express!

12th Annual Outstanding Women Awards Ceremony
The 12th Annual Outstanding Women Awards Ceremony was held in late March 2017. Twenty women were awarded in areas such as economic empowerment, youth services, health, social work, education, and culture. Doña Ernestina Moh of Caledonia, Corozal is the recipient of this year’s “Woman of Culture Award”. Doña Ernestina has been instrumental in the safeguarding of the cultural tradition of Carnaval in her community and Northern Belize. The award was received on her behalf by her daughter Ms. Angelica Moh. Learn more about the inspirational stories of all twenty women here.

Attention parents: Free Corrective Surgery by LEAP Global Missions
Northern Regional Hospital, Orange Walk. Evaluations June 9, Surgeries June 10 & 11.

Ariel Rosado Memorial Ride 2017
The Ariel Rosado Foundation had their 6th annual memorial ride yesterday. The Cayo section went from Galen to Belmopan.. They took a lot of pictures of the event.

Agroforestry activities in the Peten
In the village of El Carrizal, Peten, thanks to the British Embassy funds, FCD partnered with Guatemalan institutions and other donors to support agroforestry activities. A total of 38 families (205 persons) are benefitting from the investments.

Disney’s High School Musical Jr. at The George Price Centre
On May 4, students from the Belmopan Comprehensive High School Drama Club under the guidance of teachers and representatives from PathLight International organized and carried out the first-ever performance of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. at The George Price Centre for Peace and Development in Belmopan! PathLight International has been organizing this activity as part of a project funded by a U.S. Embassy CARSI Economic Support Fund grant. The project focuses on innovative training for secondary school teachers and providing after school and alternative activities to keep youth engaged. If you didn’t catch the first performance, you’re still in luck, as the second (and final) performance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th at 6:30 p.m. – once again at the George Price Center. Check out these photos for a sneak preview. You really shouldn’t miss it!

The Reporter

Police hold family day on south side
The Belize Police Department, in an effort to foster better community relations, held a family day in the Jane Usher Boulevard area of Belize City on Sunday. The event featured sports for adults, including as basketball and football, along with children’s games such as sack race, lime and spoon race and hop scotch. Officer Commanding Police Eastern Division South, Chester Williams, explained that the Department also uses the event as a means of mediation between rival gangs. “What we did was we found out what groups have rivalry with those from the Jane Usher community, and brought them out here to show them that despite their differences, they do have things in common,” Williams said.

Maud Williams honored
The family and friends of Maud Williams gathered at the Old Belize Jungle Pavilion to honor her at the annual senior citizens recogition gala, hosted by HelpAge Belize. The event featured testimonials from those who have known Williams throughout her extensive career in education and in Anglicanism, including remarks from the Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber. Minister of immigration, Beverly Williams, daughter of Maud Williams, shared her experience of growing up with the disciplinarian that is Maud Williams, and how it shaped her to become the woman she is. Bishop of the Anglican Diocese in Belize, Phillip Wright, focused on the contributions Williams made to both the Anglican schools and the church.

Breaking Belize News

Canadian detained for burglary, questioned for double murder
Police are questioning Canadian national, John Deshaies, who is on remand for charges of theft, about the double murder of his former landlord Francesca Matus and her boyfriend, Drew De Voursney.Deshaies, a resident of Consejo Shores, Corozal District, was arrainged in Independence Village, where he stands accused of theft and handling stolen goods, regarding items taken from a Placencia Casino.

Belize City man shot this morning
A Belize City man was shot sometime after 1:00 this morning on Arlington Drive in Belize City. He has been identified as Telswin Lara, 30.

Blogs

The VERY Grand Opening of Science & Soul Wellness Center at Mahogany Bay
If you had visited Ambergris Caye 10 years ago…or 20, and returned today…MAN, I think you might be surprised. By the many paved roads and the road north of the bridge – that would be shocking – by the growth…holy moly! But one of the most impressive changes that I’ve seen in my tenure as an islander? The amenities! If you had visited Ambergris Caye 10 years ago…or 20, and returned today…MAN, I think you might be surprised. By the many paved roads and the road north of the bridge – that would be shocking – by the growth…holy moly! But one of the most impressive changes that I’ve seen in my tenure as an islander? The amenities! Science and Soul Wellness Center is the island’s newest business – with ALL kinds of yoga (including aerial and SUP) as well as spa treatments, seminars…and sort of wellness that you can think of. The owner, Paulette (here is her site) and her fiance Steve, are from Boston and she is a pro at what she does.

The 6 Most Incredible Private Islands in Belize
Belize has hundreds of islands that dot its coastline and many of them are underrated spots that are great destinations for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and beach combing. Here are some private islands in Belize that remain untapped by the masses: Water Foot Caye, South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye, St. George’s Caye, Silk Caye, Thatch Caye.

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins - All You Need to Know Before You Go
Among outstanding features of this former ceremonial center frequented by wealthy, powerful Mayans are two main plazas and 13 structures including the Temple of Masonry Altars. If engineering impresses you, check out the Maya-constructed water reservoir where crocodiles hang out these days. Once a project that provided settlement water, you may wonder how rain collected here instead of leaching or leaking away. Engineers used yellow clay to seal the ground so water couldn’t escape–yet another testament to Mayan ingenuity. Altun Ha is situated 31 miles north of Belize City along the Old Northern Highway and about 6 miles west of the Caribbean Sea shoreline. If you drive, travel half an hour past Sandhill Village and two miles down Rockstone Pond Road toward the reserve. This two miles isn’t paved, so prepare for a bumpy ride. Altun Ha is open year-round and like all open air sites, you’ll be exposed to that season’s weather fluctuations. Take advantage of lower accommodation, airfare and attraction prices during low season and you’ll not only come away from Altun Ha filled with wonder, but your wallet won’t be empty.

International Sources

Eastern Pacific Tropical Development Continues To Be Possible By The Middle Part Of This Week; This System Has The Potential To Crossover Into The Western Caribbean Next Weekend
An area of disturbed weather is located in the eastern Pacific very near 9 North Latitude and 90 West Longitude. Satellite loops indicate that there is a cyclonic spin to the clouds with this area of disturbed weather. This is the area of disturbed weather that all of the model guidance are forecasting to develop into a tropical cyclone by the middle part of this week. I think that it is quite possible that we will see tropical development in the eastern Pacific during the next 2 to 3 days. The exact track of this system will hinge on the strength of a upper level high pressure system and a upper level low pressure system over the southwestern United States. The European model guidance and its ensemble members forecast a stronger ridge of high pressure that is centered over the Gulf of Mexico which leads to further west track and a much less likely scenario of it crossing over Central America into the western Caribbean. The GFS model guidance and its ensemble members forecasts a weaker ridge of high pressure which leads to much more influence of a eastward moving trough of low pressure that is able to pick it up and send this tropical system into the western Caribbean.

Big ideas and bold commitment for Belize
In February, Mission Cry, formerly Christian Resources International, announced a bold plan to blanket Belize with the Gospel. Executive Director Jason Woolford explains, “There are over 300,000 people in the country of Belize. Our goal is that each person will have the ability to get a Bible or a Christian book, because we know what the Bible says about the power of the testimony. Christian books are filled with those, and we know that God says in His Word that His Word won’t return void.” Although Belize has a long history of exposure to the Bible, the need is for discipleship and for people to encounter Christ through the Word of God, according to their ministry partner, John Foy. That means they need their own Bibles and other tools.

Turneffe Island Resort Hosts Weekly Lionfish Hunt Dives
The Turneffe Island Resort, located about 35 miles off the coast of Belize, is offering a weekly Lionfish hunt where guests can spear the invasive species and bring them back to the resort for dinner. To participate, guests must take an introduction course on how to use a Hawaiian sling spear at the resort. After that, they practice on coconuts before they go into the open water. The Lionfish hunt program is on Wednesday afternoons and a special dive is dedicated to this. The fee is US$10.00/9.09 Euros per spear for a seven-night stay. Guests who don’t scuba dive can also be on the snorkeling package, and once they get the intro course done, they’re able to hunt Lionfish on the snorkelling trips.

Videos

May 7, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Ministry of Health issues safety advisories in increased temperatures
As temperatures continue to rise in Belize, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a public advisory on heat exhaustion and drowning prevention. To avoid the detrimental effects of heat waves, the MOH asks the public to limit their exposure during the hottest time of the day–10AM to 3PM. The MOH states that the number one tip to keep cool is to always keep hydrated. It should be noted that caffeinated drinks and alcohol are not a substitute for water, as they contribute to further dehydration. If you must go out when it is hot, make sure you apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat, and stay in the shade when possible. The MOH also advises to keep an eye on people who are ill, elderly or very young. As heat elevates, the body fails to control its internal temperature, resulting in heat-related illness like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, or heat stroke. During sunny days, children are to drink water during the day and limit outdoor activity in the direct sunlight. Adults are advised to limit alcohol consumption during outdoor activities and increase water intake during physical activity.

Police cracking down on corruption
In the wake of several criminal reports allegedly committed by police officers, the Ministry of Home Affairs has responded via a press release, condemning such acts, and indicating zero tolerance for such behavior. The release issued on April 24th also encourages the general public to report any wrongful act by any police officer, and that it will be dealt with expeditiously and with the utmost transparency. The release notes that the Ministry applauds the efforts of the Police Commissioner for taking decisive action against those police officers who were reportedly engaged in corrupted practices, unwarranted use of force and other criminal acts. It was also noted that the Belize Police Professional Standards Branch capacity is being enhanced and is taking a pro-active role in ensuring that police professionalism is never put in question by any regrettable occurrences.

San Pedro House of Culture celebrates ‘Dia de la Cruz’
Island Catholics joined the celebration of Dia de la Cruz, on Wednesday, May 3rd at the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC), coinciding with the ending of the novenas. The event is also known as the feast of the Holy Cross, and is one of the important symbols in the Catholic religion. It represents the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which according to Catholisism were on the cross where Jesus Christ died. A large group attended the event, and shortly after 7PM, Guillermo ‘Mito’ Paz from the SPHC welcomed every one. He gave a brief history of the occasion, emphasizing that it has been a long-time tradition on the island brought from Mexico. He also mentioned that it is a very old, religious event, which began in the 1400’s after the Byzantine Empress Saint Helena was looking for the cross on which Jesus Christ died. According to Paz, it is believed that anyone who touched the cross would be healed of any illnesses or badness.

Sustainable Tourism Forum held at SPJC
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA) held another ‘Sustainable Tourism Forum’ on Wednesday, May 3rd. Hosted at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, the forum discussed the role of the tourism sector to students of San Pedro Junior College (SPJC). The ongoing forums came after the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organization designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. As a part of the efforts to commemorate the occasion, the MTCA has been conducting forums at educational institutions throughout the country of Belize. Within the presentations, the MTCA highlights the tourism’s role in promoting key development areas under the UN’S Sustainable Development Goals 2030, which include sustainable economic growth; cultural values, diversity and heritage, and mutual understanding, peace and security.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ms. Neidy Alamilla Salazar passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to express it sincere condolences to the Salazar Family and Friends on the passing of Ms. Neidy Alamilla Salazar. May her soul rest in peace.

Belize cyber security symposium raises awareness of region-wide problem
Large, well-funded and highly organized crime syndicates are behind many of the cybercrimes taking place in the Caribbean. And regional governments and security agencies are challenged to respond. “Today's cybercriminal is no longer just a computer geek looking to see what mischief he can create. Modern cybercriminals are increasingly being employed, trained and resourced by transnational crime syndicates,” said Sean Fouché, information and communications technology manager at CARICOM IMPACS, an agency responsible for regional crime and security. “Recent reports have revealed that cybercrime is now even more profitable than the global drug trade. Based on intelligence from the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre, we are also seeing that cybercrime is now being coupled with the illicit drug trade and human trafficking. This is feeding into a much larger issue of transnational crime.”

Orange Walk Cancer Walk 2017
Cancer Walk 2017 in support of all the fighters and survivors of Cancer and support for the Orange Walk Cancer Support Group.

Mango Fest 2017
Jun 3 to Jun 4, Holy Family RC Church Grounds, Hopkins. BTIA Hopkins Presents Mango Festival 2017 Mangoes Galore! Games for kids and adults, Raffles, Auctions and give aways, Grand Prize Hopkins Vacation Package, Live cooking show with Chef Sean Kuylen. Barefoot Beach Bash until 3am and all day Sunday. Live music entertainment by: Riot Squad, Tropical Vybz Band, Pen Cayetano, C-Wills, Griga Boyz, Lloyd Augustine, DJ Kadejah Tunn, DJ Spice, Lebeha Drummers. Butterflies Spa 10th Anniversary Fireworks Show.

Supporting agroforestry activities
In the village of El Carrizal, Peten, thanks to the British Embassy funds, FCD partnered with Guatemalan institutions and other donors to support agroforestry activities. A total of 38 families (205 persons) are benefitting from the investments.

Tapir Day
We were thrilled to celebrate Tapir Day with Belize this week! To make the day even more memorable, Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize flew a Black Hawk helicopter over the Belize Zoo to wave hello to all the children celebrating Fuego's 4th birthday!

The Reporter

Grace Primary reaching out to the community
The faculty, staff and students of Grace Primary School reached out for support from Belize City residents, through “Street Fest,” a fundraiser to help prepare the school’s new campus for operations in September. The event featured live music from the school’s steel pan band, food, drinks and children’s games. Mirna Shepherd, the school’s principal, explained that while the school is receiving support from the Belize Social Investment fund, with the construction of the building, the burden of filling the yard, and building a fence falls in the school. The new campus is scheduled to be inaugurated on Wednesday, May 10. SIF broke ground on the Grace Primary extension in August of 2016.

Leadercast 2017 draws over 200
Over 200 Belizeans from various public and private sector organizations attended Leadercast 2017, a global leadership seminar, which was simulcast over the internet at 700 locations in 20 countries. Belizeans gathered at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, where they became a part of the 100,000 that attended the event, held under the theme “Powered by purpose.” Renowned actor, director producer and playwrite, Tyler Perry, was the headline speaker at the event, giving a speech on how finding his purpose helped him to change the lives of thousands of people. The event also included speeches from Daniel Pink – behavioral science expert, host of crowd control; Andy Stanley – Leadership Author and communicator; Suzy Welch Author, television commentator; and Jim McKelvey, founder of LaunchCode.

Breaking Belize News

Two Santa Elena children missing
The family of 8-year-old Jennifer Rivera and 6-year-old Angel Rivera from Santa Elena town are worried sick after the brother and sister did not return home today. According to a source close to the family, the two siblings were last seen today at 3:00 p.m. near the Red Creek area in Santa Elena.

Belize and UAE sign open skies agreement
The governments of Belize and the United Arab Emirates, through its General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), have signed an open skies agreement.Director-General of the GCAA, Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, representing the UAE, and Jose Manuel Heredia Jr, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize, signed the agreement. The agreement will now enable air traffic between the two nations with full flexibility on routes, capacity, frequency and types of aircraft, whether owned or leased, in any type of service and it also includes the exercise of fifth freedom traffic rights. This agreement is a part of the UAE’s mandate to expand trade relations with various countries of the world.

Suspect in murder of Canadian-American couple was their “good friend”
The double murder of a Canadian- American couple has shaken the expat community in Serenity Sands in Corozal. When asked by News 5 yesterday if he was involved in the murder of his landlady, Deshaies denied the allegations saying that he was Matus’ good friend. The Belize Police department had said that they were following up on reports of threats made to Matus’. Since Matus’ personal belongings were not missing, police have ruled out theft as a motive.

Dean Barrow’s Legacy
There is much speculation these days about when exactly Prime Minister Rt. Hon Dean Barrow will retire and hand over the reins to a new UDP Leader, although we are only one year and a half into the latest five year mandate which his three-term administration was granted by the Belizean People on November 4, 2015. What is NOT in doubt is the fact that, by all accounts, Mr. Barrow’s legacy will be a good one, especially in light of what he inherited, and in the context of the global, regional and national challenges (natural and man-made) his administration has had to confront:

FIU carries out AML/CTF assessment
The National Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC), chaired by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), is presently undertaking a Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism National Risk Assessment (NRA). The process is expected to continue until approximately March 2018. The purpose of the NRA is to understand risks and identify the threats and vulnerabilities that create money-laundering opportunities within the financial system.

Ariel Rosado Ride underway today
Belize joins the Ariel Rosado Ride 2017 to start the pre-celebration of the UN Global Road Safety Week, which will focus on speed, scheduled from 8-14 May 2017. The Ariel Rosado Ride started at 6:00 a.m. today from the Galen Campus in Central Farm to Belmopan City showcasing the road safety features. It will then head to Cheers, Hattieville and Belize City. The Mayors of both cities will welcome the ride in through their respective cities.

Blogs

Love Chocolate? Don’t Miss The Belize Chocolate Festival This Year
One of the most exciting food festivals in the world is going to kick off in the southern Toledo District of Belize in May. From Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21, 2017 the Belize Chocolate Festival will feature three whole days of celebrating this miraculous food in all its various formats. Local farmers will showcase their finest chocolates, and wines in between hosting trips to cacao farms and dancing the night away as local musicians fill the air with the sweet sounds of their indigenous heritage. The cacao fruit, the seeds of which produce the world-famous food known as chocolate, is a local plant originally from Central America, and Belize’s Toledo District is renowned for having some of the best cacao in the world. Alongside a mind-boggling array of chocolate desserts and treats, the festival will feature other chocolate flavored products like chocolate beer, chocolate barbecue and chocolate soap. The town of Punta Gorda, capital of the Toledo District, will host a lively street fair during the three-day festival with plenty of live music, arts and crafts, games and activities for children, and a wide range of cultural displays from the region’s rich blend of indigenous peoples.

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins - All You Need to Know Before You Go
Among outstanding features of this former ceremonial center frequented by wealthy, powerful Mayans are two main plazas and 13 structures including the Temple of Masonry Altars. If engineering impresses you, check out the Maya-constructed water reservoir where crocodiles hang out these days. Once a project that provided settlement water, you may wonder how rain collected here instead of leaching or leaking away. Engineers used yellow clay to seal the ground so water couldn’t escape–yet another testament to Mayan ingenuity. Altun Ha is situated 31 miles north of Belize City along the Old Northern Highway and about 6 miles west of the Caribbean Sea shoreline. If you drive, travel half an hour past Sandhill Village and two miles down Rockstone Pond Road toward the reserve. This two miles isn’t paved, so prepare for a bumpy ride.

Caracol Mayan Ruins - All You Need to Know Before You Go
Tour the central core of three plaza grounds bounded by two ball courts, an acropolis, buildings, temples, palaces and sacred sites that include altars and places for ceremonial worship. Perhaps the most often written about attraction at Caracol is the Sky Palace (Caana), the tallest man-made structure in Belize. It towers above the settlement at a height of 136-feet, but for those eager to get a complete picture of this ancient world, the stele, tombs, hieroglyphic inscriptions and intricate architectural details will fill in the voids. Reach the Caracol site by starting in the Cayo District and traveling around 25 miles south of San Ignacio to the Maya Mountains foothills where the Chiquibul Forest Reserve welcomes travelers to the former Mayan stronghold. Prepare for a slog. Caracol is situated amid tropical rain and pine forests that could require an arduous trek to reach the site. As recently as 2009, 3D maps taken of Caracol reveal much more to be unearthed about agricultural terraces and paved causeways, reason enough to return in the future.

Che Chem Ha Cave: A Wonderland of Mystery and Artifacts
Che Chem Ha’s stalactites and stalagmites aren’t the most dramatic in Belize, but you won’t care once you begin to explore narrow passages filled with the largest stash of ancient vessels, plates, pots and lids found in Belize. From shards to large vessels, some retain original, artistic decorations. Walk further to discover ladders propped against walls that lead to shelves and chambers holding more Mayan relics, some of which still include ancient seeds and decomposed maize used to conduct secret ceremonies. From San Ignacio or Benque Viejo Town, follow the Hydro Road about 5.5 miles past Poustinia until you spot a sign pointing toward a small dirt road that leads to the cave. There are several gates the way. Prepare to get out, open and then close them behind so you don’t let cattle escape to neighboring properties. If you’ve hired a tour service, you don’t have to worry about bumpy roads or getting lost.

International Sources

UAE signs open skies agreement with Belize
The UAE, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), signed an open skies agreement with the Government of Belize. Director-General of the GCAA, Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, representing the UAE, and Jose Manuel Heredia Jr, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize, signed the agreement. The agreement enables the designated carriers of both parties to operate with full flexibility on routes, capacity, frequency and types of aircraft, whether owned or leased, in any type of service and it also includes the exercise of fifth freedom traffic rights. This agreement is also in line with the federal government’s approach that looks forward to wider horizons in terms of trade relations with various countries of the world.

Caribbean Banks See Rise In Cyber Attacks
Imagine doing a routine check on your bank account only to discover that an entire month's worth of credit had been swiped from your card. The nightmare became reality for one elderly Belizean couple, who fell victim to identity theft. For Alejandro and Leandra Chulin, the story started five years ago with a troubling phone call from their son, who was at the time studying abroad. He had been trying to use their credit card but couldn't. A few quick checks with the bank confirmed their worst fears. Someone had already maxed out the limit, racking up enough purchases to leave the Chulins in the hole to the tune of several hundreds. The money was recovered but the trauma remains. And now that Belize is taking much-needed steps to address identity theft and other cyber threats, the Chulins are making the most of an unprecedented opportunity to lend their voice to the national effort and to learn how to be more cyber safe.

Debt may well strangle a Caribbean generation
There is a real prospect that, in dealing with unsustainable debt, 11 of 13 Caribbean small states will have lost the first three decades of the 21st century and foregone opportunities for poverty reduction, transformation and growth.That judgement has been made by a leading development-economist who has studied and worked on small economies. Cyrus Rustomjee is a South African-born former head of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. In that position, he produced well-considered papers for the G-20 on the development challenges confronting developing countries. His recent study, 'Pathways through the silent crisis: Innovations to resolve unsustainable Caribbean public debt', was commissioned by the Centre for International Governance — an independent think tank located in Canada. Losing the first three decades of the 21st century is a grim prospect. That's practically an entire generation of Caribbean people. As Rustomjee points out, the problem is not that debt accumulation and debt servicing pose an intrinsic threat to poverty reduction, growth and development, but unsustainable high debt and debt servicing levels do.

Murder in Belize: Mystery surrounds death of Atlanta Marine, girlfriend
It was the foul stench — an insistent and unforgettable odor — that grabbed Demetrio Yam’s attention. A diminutive farmer with weather-beaten skin, Yam was toiling in his fields here in northern Belize Monday morning when he first picked up on the scent. Following his nose down a remote dirt road and then through a dense maze of sugar cane, he found a path to a clearing on his property. And that is where he discovered the bodies. Drew DeVoursney, 36, a Marine veteran from Georgia, and Francesca Matus, 52, a property manager and mother of two from Canada, had been missing for nearly a week. Both had been strangled. Tape was found on their wrists. Yam’s discovery has prompted a double-murder investigation drawing widespread media attention across the United States and Canada. The killings have devastated the couple’s families and friends in the Atlanta and Toronto areas and prompted many painful questions: Who could do such a thing? How was DeVoursney — a 6-foot-6-inch combat veteran — subdued? How many people were involved? And why would anyone want to kill such a kind couple?

Videos

May 6, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Lions presents new Board of Directors
The San Pedro Lions Club elected a new Board of Directors on Tuesday, May 2nd at the Lions Den. Re-elected to serve a second term is Lions President Nigel Belisle. The new Board of Directors include: Vice President – Melanie Paz, 2nd Vice President –Mel Spain, 3rd Vice President—Rigoberto Kumul, Secretary—Pamela Zetina, Treasurer—Abel Guerrero, Membership—Fatima Graniel, Lion Tamer—Mariella Reyes, and Tail Twister- Everette Anderson. 1st Director—Pedro Salazar, 2nd Director—Manuelita Marin, 3rd Director—Baldemar Graniel, and 4th Director—Francisco Verde. In addition, Angel Nuñez, Marina Kay, and Pamela Zetina have remained the coordinators for the San Pedro Leos Club.

Senate Special Select Committee resumes its probe on immigration scandal
After a brief break, the Senate Special Select Committee resumed its investigation into the Auditor General’s Special Audit report on Wednesday, April 26th. The Committee continued its inquiry into allegations of corruption at the Passport, Visa, and Nationality Departments between 2011 and 2013. During the interrogation last week, three persons sat in front of the committee to give their testimonials. The report from the Auditor General documented that in late 2012, eight visa stickers were removed from the Immigration Department at the Belize Western Border. The report states that the stickers were handed over to a supposed visa agent only known at the time as ‘Mr. Middleton.’ Later it was revealed that his full name is Barton Middleton.

Belize currency protected against counterfeiters
One way to avoid receiving fake currency not worth the paper it’s printed on, is to “know your money”. The Central Bank of Belize has incorporated new security features into the Belize’s paper currency to protect Belizeans against counterfeits. To familiarize the Belizean public with the new features, Mr. Barnaby Dicks of De La Rue International Ltd, the British firm which prints the Belize currency, hosted several “Know Your Money” public presentations at the Central Bank in Belize City on Wednesday and Thursday, May 3-4. Dicks explained how the new features make it harder to counterfeit the Belizean monetary bills. Counterfeiters tend to target the higher denominations, because they represent a greater profit, each time a fake note is accepted as real. To make the Belize $100 bill even harder to fake, the toucan hologram on the bill now has an added feature, an intaglio overprint of a periwinkle flower. In the case of the $50 bill, the foil in the shape of an angel fish now has an intaglio overprint of the Kinich Ahua jade head.

SPHS students to attend international exchange program
Three students from San Pedro High School (SPHS) will be participating in an international exchange program from May 30th to June 6th in Los Angeles, California USA. Alexie Nuñez, Camilla Vasquez, and Rashawn Gonzalez have been selected to travel to California where they will be performing a play at the Los Angeles Harbor College in the presence of other exchange students from other countries. The program is being facilitated by Our World Project which is being spearheaded by long-time visitors to the island, Larry and Debbie Heimgartner. They both visited the three students on Wednesday, May 3rd as they continue with their preparations for the trip. They are rehearsing weekly to master the skit they will be performing during their visit to Los Angeles.

Ambergris Today

Belize Hosts 12th Tourism Expo BETEX 2017
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and other key Belize Tourism stakeholders are hosting the most anticipated international trade exhibition, the Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX) 2017. Activities started on Wednesday, May 3 and run until today May 5 at the SCA Multipurpose Center in Belize City. BETEX commenced on May 3rd with the welcome ceremony and dinner for the participants. The tradeshow began with a press visit on May 4th followed by prescheduled meetings, industry workshops and presentations throughout May 5th for all the registered participants. The international participants will depart on the post tours today, May 5th following the close of the official business days.

Misc Belizean Sources

Top USA Sailor visits Belize for Vacation and Training
Hanne Weaver, a 21 year-old rising star in U.S.A. womens' Olympic Class Laser Radial sailing returned to Belize in mid-April for the 2nd year in a row. Ranked number 3 among U.S.A. women last year, she entered - and of course won - the Belize Sailing Center's annual Easter Sunday regatta, for the 2nd year in a row. Every Sunday, Laser, Optimist, and Hobie catamaran races take place in the waters behind the reef off the beach at Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro. The Sailing Center keeps its fleets there and organizes training, as well as the races, which are open to all. There is a move afoot to call the Easter races the Hanne Weaver Friendly Open Invitational Regatta.

The Placencia Breeze MAY 2017
Pg 3 Chocolate Festival Pg 5 Tour Guide Training / New Board Members / Lobsterfest Logo Contest Pg 7 From the Fire Hearth - Cashew Pg 9 Seine Bight News Pg 10 Whale Sharks Pg 11 Croc Corner Pg 13 Local Placencia Artisan / Rotary News / Rainforest Remedies Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 May is for Mangoes Pg 20/21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 PHS News Pg 23 Sea Horse Dive Shop Blessing Pg 24 Fitness Information Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 Licensed Tour Operators in Placencia / Licensed Tour Guides in Placencia Pg 28 Thank You from Maz Carr Pg 29 Placencia Easter 2017 Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of EventsSee Less

Caye Caulker Mother's Day Dinner and Dance!
The Caye Caulker Village Council is cordially inviting all Caye Caulker mothers to an event held in their honor. Please sign up with Councilors Ms Vanina, Seleny or Elizabeth to confirm attendance. Registration Date closes on May 7th, 2017. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR NAME WITH US!!!

EXPORTBelize , Beltraide, kick starts “EXPORTBelize Week”!
EXPORT Belize, a unit of Beltraide , kick starts ” EXPORTBelize Week” at the National Agriculture and Trade Show which was held on the 29th and 30th of April, 2017. Two of its clients were given the opportunity to showcase their products in an effort to increase local sales and to also build visibility and educate visitors on the services provided by EXPORTBelize. This show saw hundreds of visitors from all over the country and hosted a variety of producers, businesses, and organizations who gathered to promote the services and products they offer. Games, live entertainment, raffle, give-aways, to name a few, were all activities in which these parties had in order to direct traffic to their booths.

Two 10 minute power interruptions are scheduled for the entire Orange Walk and Corozal Districts from 7:00 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7
These power interruptions are necessary for B.E.L to replace burnt transmission poles, caused by bush fires in the area.

San Pedro: Police to enforce the speeding laws, new speed bumps
Due to several recent accidents and the fact that some people, insist on driving with no respect for the laws and regulations of Belize with regards to speeding and driving in a reckless manner. We at the SPTD along with the SPTC and Police are going to enforce the speeding laws, which are, 10mph in a built up area and 15mph on other roads. We also will be targeting reckless drivers. To help drivers obey the law, we will be installing speed bumps at several locations including the Northern road and erecting speed limit signs across the island. All drivers are reminded that it is an offence to ignore posted speed limits and to avoid a speed bump; violators will be ticketed without exceptions. We all must work together to make our roads safe for all who use them. Thank you.

Ya'axché Farmers' Expo 2017
The highly anticipated Ya'axché Farmers' Expo is here once again! Join us on May 28th at Medina Bank community in southern Belize to learn about innovative farming practices, take part in the beach cruiser bicycle race, play in the football marathon, watch the mascot competition, and enjoy scrumptious food and refreshing drinks at the event.

Celebrate the Reef "Reef Week Hol Chan 2017
Come out and swim to the reef with us on Monday May 8th 2017 at 5:30 am starting at Amigos Del Mar dock. Swim free style or with snorkel gears whichever you prefer see you there!!!

Turtle Nest Monitoring of the beaches in Ambergris Caye
Beach/dock lighting, beach armoring (seawalls), vehicle traffic are threatening the nesting of sea turtles along the northern beaches of Ambergris Caye. Makes me wonder how many years we have left of the turtles returning to nest soon what little beach we still have for nesting will no longer be available or suitable. But our team continues to work hard and are determined to continue on with the project. We are hoping for another successful season in 2017!!!

Miss Estereo Amor Belize Auditions
Miss Estereo Amor Belize is having auditions in Punta Gorda for the Toledo District this coming Saturday at Roots Rock Reggae and in Dangriga for the Stann Creek District this coming Sunday at Pelican Beach Resort - Dangriga, Belize. Do you know anyone that has what it takes to be crowned the next Miss Estereo Amor Belize? The winner will win $5000 in cash and other fabulous prizes.

Jennifer Burrowes in San Pedro
And she's here! Jennifer Burrowes is ready to make all the mom's laugh! Thank you to Maya Island Air and Rasta Golf Cart Rentals!

Belize cyber security symposium raises awareness of region-wide problem
Large, well-funded and highly organized crime syndicates are behind many of the cybercrimes taking place in the Caribbean. And regional governments and security agencies are challenged to respond. “Today's cybercriminal is no longer just a computer geek looking to see what mischief he can create. Modern cybercriminals are increasingly being employed, trained and resourced by transnational crime syndicates,” said Sean Fouché, information and communications technology manager at CARICOM IMPACS, an agency responsible for regional crime and security. “Recent reports have revealed that cybercrime is now even more profitable than the global drug trade. Based on intelligence from the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre, we are also seeing that cybercrime is now being coupled with the illicit drug trade and human trafficking. This is feeding into a much larger issue of transnational crime.”

BELTRAIDE PROMOTES ITS SERVICES AT BCCI CHAMBER DAY
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Services (BELTRAIDE) was among the many exhibitors at Belize Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Day which was held on Friday, April 28th at the San Pedro High School in San Pedro. The Chamber Day was an educational fair promoting the role and services of the Chamber and other key organizations and bodies such as BELTRAIDE that contribute to making business happen; from the start of opening a business to the regular operations and the continued existence of the business. In addition, businesses showcased their services and products to further encourage emerging small business entrepreneurs in San Pedro.

BTB in Taiwan
A regional collaboration for tourism in Centro America at one of the largest tourism expos of Taipei, Taiwan.

Beyond the Horizon Cayo Clinics
The Beyond the Horizon medical clinic will be at Macal River Park from Monday, May 8th, to Tuesday, May 16th. They'll be providing services for vision, dental, pediatrics, and gynecology. "Free medical service being provided by the U.S Army from May 8th - 16th 2017 at the Macal Park in San Ignacio. Date for Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz is Saturday May 13th 2017. Take advantage and share the information."

Los Avispones Huastecos, 7th International Festival of Culture
The Embassy of Mexico to Belize in collaboration with CACHE & Benque House of Culture has the pleasure to invite you to the musical performance of: LOS AVISPONES HUASTECOS at the 7th International Festival of Culture. Saturday, May 6th / Sunday May 7th 2017 at the Centennial Park-Benque Viejo del Carmen , Cayo, belize.

Countrywide "Hands Across the Sand"
Join Oceana and our Wavemakers as we host the third annual countrywide "Hands Across the Sand" in Belize on May 20th at 12 noon! Find your community's designated location on the flyer and come join hands as we stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment!

Channel 7

Canadian John Deshaies, Charged For Theft, Denies Involvement In Double Murder
John Deshaies, he's the Canadian man in police custody who we've been telling you about since Wednesday. We can report his name now, because he's been remanded to prison on a theft charge. He also remains a murder suspect in the investigation into the double murder of Francesca Matus and Drew Devoursey. Matus was his landlord - and today we asked him what he knows about the murder. Here's Courtney Weatherburne's report on that and his arraignment for theft in Independence Village:... The piercing grief following the chilling murders of Francesca Matus and her boyfriend Drew Thomas De Voursey is reflected in these Facebook posts. Matus' family and friends in Canada have been posting their favorite memories of her and sharing warm messages on her page.

19 Year Old Killed In City, Gang Truce In Jeopardy?
So, while the double murder in Corozal is keeping investigators busy, there was a another gun murder in the city last night - the first involving a Southside teenager since the all city gangs met with police for a temporary cease fire over three weeks ago. 19 year-old Michael Bonilla was killed as he rode his bicycle on Elston Kerr street around 8:45. And while the cops don't believe his murder to be gang related, it makes no difference for the family now grieving his loss. Our news team went looking for answers, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: 19 year-old Michael Bonilla was shot here on Elston Kerr Street last night. Police believe that he was gunned down by an unknown gunman, who ambushed him while he was in transit on his bicycle. He never made it to his destination and he died on this street which runs behind Gwen Lizarraga High School.

Report: DPP Tells Police Charge Magistrate
Since last week Monday, we've been closely following the story of Magistrate Norman Rodriguez, who is being accused of rape. Well, since then, police have investigated his accuser's complaint, and sometime next week, it is expected that he will be criminally charged. He will become the first sitting magistrate in memory to face such a serious offense. The complainant is a woman who has admitted to the Amandala newspaper that they had a live-in relationship 5 years ago. That was before he went away to study law, and according to the complainant, on Tuesday, April 11th, he invited her to his magistrate's quarters in Dangriga, and forcibly had intercourse with her, against her will. We had been in close communication with Magistrate Rodriguez about the allegation, but we chose not to report on it at that time. That's because police were still investigating, and he insisted that this was a malicious complaint designed to ruin his reputation.

Coast Guard & SEA Save Hondurans Lost At Sea for A Month
The Coast Guard and the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) teamed up yesterday evening to rescue 4 Hondurans who were stranded at sea for almost an entire month. Tonight, they are at the Independence Polyclinic receiving treatment for severe dehydration. The men say they were drifting in their boat for 24 days after it got damaged. At this time, it is not known where exactly they drifted from, but they were found near Spider Caye, which is about a two hours by boat from the Placencia peninsula. The authorities might never have gotten to them in time if one of the men hadn't made the bold decision to swim across an entire channel before landing at Button Bay Caye. That's where they were able to contact the Coast Guard to rescue his mates still adrift at sea.

Carjacked And Abducted In Corozal, Man Frees Himself With Razor Blade
Our next story reads more like a movie script than a news story: 3 guys go and buy a car; the car salesman and friends then hold them at gunpoint, tie them up, stuff them into their own car, and tell them that they are going to be killed. One of the would be victims, then slips a razor blade out of his wallet, cuts his hands free, pulls off his mask, snatches his abductor's gun - and then pulls the trigger….while his buddies open the trunk from inside and jump out at a speedbump. But it's not a movie; all this happened in real life according to Eder Hall and two of his friends who were held up, car jacked and abducted. Hall - who is from Corozal - explains that it all started when he and his two friends, Emil Rosado and Elizar Hall went to buy a vehicle in Ranchito on Wednesday afternoon. He took thirteen thousand dollars in cash to buy the vehicle, but before they could even start talking business, the salesman's two friends turned up with guns. Here's his narration:...

SJC Is Reclaiming The Caste War For Students
Ask any Belizean student what is the most important armed conflict in Belizean history, and they'll probably say The Battle of St. George's Caye. And while that was hardly a battle, SJC High School's History Department hopes to change that narrative with an entire curriculum it has designed to teach about the Caste War. The decades long war is the greatest story that's never been told in Belizean schools - and when the Caste War curriculum was launched today, head of the History Department Yasser Musa told us why it's so important:... Yasser Musa, History Dept. - SJC: "It is important for many reasons: 1) the entire north of our country was shaped by that war. Not just in terms of the people, which is very important. The Maya people. But important from boundary standpoint. That's when the boundary between Mexico and Belize had to be negotiated, because both the imperialist powers, the British on one side and the New Mexican state were in a panic - these Mayans are going in and out, let hurry sealed up the boundaries."

Detecting Dangerous Diseases Before They Become Deadly
For the past several months, officials from the Ministry of Health and related organizations have been taking part in both basic and intermediate level epidemiology training. The participants were taught how to detect, analyze and control the spread of diseases that may pose a threat to the public. We spoke to Elena Perez, a Surveillance Officer at the Ministry of Health about the training and the importance of being able to detect dangerous diseases before they become threats... Elena Perez - Surveillance Officer, Ministry of Health: "This is the completion of a, we have two cohorts graduating today. We have a cohort of the basic level and we have the intermediate level. For the basic cohort we're graduating 13 persons and for the intermediate we're graduating 5 persons. The basic level is a four month program, consisting of 80% in the fieldwork and 20% in the class. The focus of this program is out in the field, and the skills that are being thought in the classroom they have to apply in the field. The intermediate level is a 9 month program. Well it's 8 months of class and then they take 1 month to do the, what we call a plan survey which is what is presented today for example with the Zika prevalence."

Ministry Making Sure There's Not Another "Estrella" Event
Last week we told you about the case of 5 month old Ricardo Quintero, who died in early March of acute respiratory failure before he arrived at the Independence Polyclinic for treatment. After investigating the incident, Ministry of Health officials found that the child's death could have been caused by a bad prescription he was given at a private clinic in Independence Village. According to reports, the Quintero family took him to Estrella Clinic in Independence, but he was treated by an unlicensed nurse. The dosages on the two bottles of medicine the nurse allegedly prescribed to the family was mixed up, and the Ministry of Health has concluded that the side effects could have contributed to Quintero's death. Today, the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero gave us an update on the case, and told us about what the Ministry is doing to ensure something like this never happens again...

Man Gets Off Murder Charge
21 year old Belmopan resident Norval Belisle was killed in September of 2012 when he was trying to break up a fight. Today, the man accused of his murder went home a free man. The judge, Justice Antoinette Moore found that because police were unable to conduct an ID Parade with Wilhelm Gillett. He refused to participate in an ID parade after he had been held for more than 48 hours. This is after eyewitnesses testified that they saw him stab Belisle with a broken pint in the neck.

Tucker To Jail For Street Fondling
Luis Tucker, an unemployed man charged with sexual assault, was sent to jail for 5 years today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after he was found guilty of the charge. A 25 year old woman testified that she was walking on Mahogany Street when she saw Tucker coming from the opposite direction. He was heading straight for her, and she says she tried to avoid bumping into him. She says she even went to the side of a fence but nevertheless, Tucker brushed past and grabbed her private parts. She said she screamed and cursed Tucker, then she went to the police and reported it. Tucker testified and claimed that it was an accident. He said he accidentally brushed her leg. Chief Magistrate Smith did not believe his testimony and she found him guilty.

Making Leaders Into Winners
Leadercast is one of the world's largest leadership seminars, and, today, over two hundred Belizeans participated in it, sort of. The actual convention took place in Atlanta, but for the second year in a row, Chamberlain Consulting live streamed the seminar for Belizeans who are part of the movement. We spoke to Teresita Perez-Martinez from Chamberlain Consulting, about Leadercast and this year's famous cast of presenters... This year's event saw attendance by everyone from corporate heads to a thirteen year old student. The event also featured a fundraiser for Dara with Galen starting a donation drive and Scotia matching the amount followed by Atlantic bank to a total of almost $5,000.00.

Ya’axché Uses Indigenous Materials For Fire Relief
Too often in the news, we report on families burnt out of their home - who often need assistance to rebuild their lives. That usually means plywood or lumber. But in rural Toledo, it can mean cohune leaves, sticks and other building materials from nature. That's what the Ya'axché Conservation Trust did for the Tzalam family in Golden Stream Village. The family of five got burnt out on Monday May 1st when their cohune-thatched kitchen caught on fire, and burnt down the entire home, plus an adjoining bungalow. Ya’axché came to their rescue with indigenous materials from the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. Here's more: The fifteen thousand acre Golden Stream Corridor Preserve was bought by Ya’axché in 1998.

Stig, On The Hummingbird In HD
Back in the 90's - and even into the early two thousands, a music video used to be a really big thing. Very few artists could afford to get one made, and there were very few video production houses who had the equipment to make one. But now computers and DSLR cameras have changed all that, and music videos are as common as pack bread. Search youtube for Belizean music, and you'll see that pretty much every one who's ever made a song has a video, and many have a full catalogue. That's why Stig Da Artist is trying to take it to the next level, with his new videos which capture breath-taking scenery of Belize while also getting in all those familiar music video shots. He told us about the level he's trying to reach:..

Channel 5

Charged for Theft and a Person of Interest for Double Murder, John DeShaies Denies Both
News Five can confirm tonight that there’s a team of F.B.I. agents in Belize investigating the double murders of one of their own, ex-U.S. marine thirty-six-year-old Drew Thomas DeVoursney and [...]

In Belize City, Dangriga Boy Killed on Elston Kerr Street
There was a murder in the Old Capital on Thursday night, leaving many to wonder whether the fragile ceasefire brokered among the various gangs has once again unraveled.  The victim [...]

Senior Citizen Convicted for Being Naughty with Young Girl
He said it was accidental, but the magistrate didn’t believe him. As a result, fifty-five-year-old Louis Tucker will remain behind bars for five years. Tucker was convicted of sexual assault [...]

Stabbing Murder Accused Acquitted over ID Problems
Twenty-eight year old Wilhelm Gillette was today acquitted of the murder of twenty-one year old Norval Belisle, stabbed to death in the parking lot of La Cabana Club in the [...]

Police Make Arrests, But Kidnapping Victims in Corozal Still Wary
Corozal police have detained two of four men accused of robbery and kidnapping and are seeking two others. Twenty-three-year-old Jason Espinosa and forty-five-year-old Elio Lopez handed over a bag containing [...]

Ministry of Health Says Clinic that Treated Baby Ricardo Was ‘Non-Functional’
The clinic which treated five-month-old Ricardo Quintero is shut down tonight, following an investigation by the Ministry of Health. Following the departure of the original owner a few months ago, [...]

What Killed Baby Ricardo? Health Officials Stumped
Doctor Manzanero told News Five that their investigation of Baby Ricardo’s death overlapped with that of the investigation into the clinic, but to affix a particular cause of death and [...]

18 Graduates from 2-Level Training Course to Fight Epidemic Outbreaks
The study of epidemiology involves analysing statistical data to identify the causes of outbreaks, or epidemics, of diseases from AIDS to Zika, and using that analysis to isolate potential causes [...]

Teaching the Caste War at S.J.C.
Saint John’s College launched an educational history program today that focuses on the Caste War.  The mix media project uses technology, creativity and the community to tell stories about a [...]

Belize Referee Makes CONCACAF History at Panama Tournament
Today, one of Belize’s referee is getting the opportunity to officiate a CONCACAF match in Panama. Ricardo Daniel Ake, Belize’s assistant referee, has been assigned to referee a match today [...]

The Sights and Sounds of Agric 2017
The National Agricultural and Trade Show, better known as Agric, got off over the weekend. The annual event provides a space for the productive sector to meet with its customers [...]

LOVE FM

Belize Coast Guard Rescues Honduran Men Adrift for 24 Days
Personnel from the Belize Coast Guard who were stationed at Twin Caye and Glovers Reef were called out on a search and rescue mission yesterday morning in the southern waters of Belize. The Belize Coast Guard were alerted of three men who were adrift at sea after Dangriga Police had gotten information that someone had […]

Garifuna Council Seeks to Educate Its People on Land Rights
The Father Ring Parish Hall in Punta Gorda will be the venue for a lecture on the CCJ’s judgement in the Maya Leaders Alliance case that was brought against the Attorney General of Belize. The initiative is a collaboration between the National Garifuna Council and the Impact Justice Project. Sandra Miranda is the President of […]

Burrell Boom Residents Say No to Boatyard
For months now the villagers of Burrell Boom in the Belize District have been up in arms after learning that a boat yard will be set up in their area. A letter was written to the Department of the Environment stating the displeasure of the residents. In that letter, the residents cited portions of a […]

Amandala

Canadian-American lovers strangled to death
The gruesome double murder of a United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran and his lover, a Canadian estate investor, which occurred on Belizean soil, has sent shock waves through the international community. American Drew DeVoursey, 36, and Canadian Francesca Matus, 52, were last seen alive on the night of April 25 at Scotty’s Bar and Grill in Corozal Town. Colin McGowan, the owner of that establishment, confirmed to Amandala that the couple had visited his bar so that Matus could say goodbye to her friends. She was scheduled to return to her two children in Ontario on Wednesday, April 26. DeVoursey, her boyfriend of six months, was scheduled to return to Georgia on May 5.

Female corpse found inside burnt vehicle
At about 2:30 Tuesday morning, police made a horrendous discovery after putting out a fire that totally destroyed a KIA Sportage belonging to Pamela Lino, a teacher of the Belmopan Baptist School. Police found the charred corpse of a female person on the back seat. It is suspected that the remains belong to the well-liked Information Technology teacher of Belmopan Baptist High School, who, reports indicate, had been missing since Sunday, but no missing person report to police had been made for her before the remains were found on Tuesday. To date, 4 days later, her whereabouts remain unknown. The principal of Belmopan Baptist High School, Jerry Roberts, said that it was out of character for Pamela Lino to not be present for classes, because she was a committed teacher. She had not attended school on Tuesday and Wednesday despite the fact that police, and her friends and relatives, were trying to contact her.

Belizean stabbed to death in Chetumal
Saul Pech, a Belizean national from Yo Creek and popular drummer in his early twenties, who was enrolled at the Instituto Tecnológico de Chetumal (ITCH), was stabbed multiple times last night on the verandah outside his apartment in Chetumal. According to our sources, he was drinking with his cousin, Romario Pech, an anthropology student at Galen University, and another man when a heated argument ensued, and Pech was stabbed with a kitchen knife. Pech was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was certified dead. Our sources in Chetumal revealed that following the incident, his cousin was detained by Mexican authorities pending investigations.

Charge Magistrate Rodriguez with rape, says DPP to police
Yesterday, Amandala asked Senior Superintendent of Police Ralph Moody, the Southern Formation Regional Commander, for an update into the police’s investigation of a report made by a 27-year-old woman that she was raped by Magistrate Norman Rodriguez when she visited him at his home on the morning of April 11. Superintendent Moody told Amandala that “something will happen this week.” Today, Thursday, Superintendent Moody confirmed that the directive to arrest and charge Magistrate Rodriguez with rape was given by the Director of Public Prosecutions. We asked Moody if an All Points Bulletin (APB) will be issued for the magistrate, who is presently out of the country.

Banker charged with manslaughter by negligence and other traffic-related offences
The court “slammed the brakes” on the efforts of a young bank employee to learn to drive his late-model Mitsubishi Endeavor 2007 SUV, because he was involved in a road traffic accident that resulted in one fatality and injuries to several persons last Monday, May 1. Darrel Jackson, 23, and his attorney, Dickie Bradley, appeared in the # 8 Magistrate’s Court, located on North Front Street, before Magistrate Stephanie Gillett, who read to Jackson, charges of manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct for the death of 7-month-old Esmay Ferguson, driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention and driving a motor vehicle in contravention of the Learner’s Permit.

Next batter up – former Immigration Minister, Elvin Penner!
The Senate Select Committee continued its hearing into the Auditor General’s Special Audit with a focus on Won Hong Kim, the South Korean criminal who received a Belizean nationality certificate and passport while in a Taiwanese prison. Several witnesses have told the committee that they saw a man, in a suit, at the Immigration Department, presumed to be Kim, present at the time of the application for his passport. However, the committee has not been inclined to believe that account because the records show that Kim never set foot in Belize. Instead, the committee has supported the Auditor General’s view that a photo of Kim’s photo was taken during the application.

NEBL “In the Paint”
George Williams, the NEBL’s 2017 Most Valuable Player, had 20 points and 5 assists, on 4-of-8 shooting from the field, and the San Pedro Tiger Sharks made 11 3-pointers to beat the Cayo Western Ballaz, 82-78, last Saturday at home, to take a 1-0 lead in their semifinal matchup. Raul Roches added 19 pts 7 rebs 2 assts, while Doug Valley finished with 15 pts, hitting on 3-of-6 from downtown. The Tiger Sharks were more energetic at the outset, jumping out to a 26-17 lead, and at one point led by as many as 20 points in third-quarter play, 69-49. But the visitors rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Sharks, 27-13, and pulling within one point to tie, 79-78, with 23 seconds remaining in regulation. But clutch free-throws, two by Ashton Edwards and one by George Williams late in the game, sealed the victory for the home-town Tiger Sharks, as they take game one of the three-game series.

Cricket Corner – Games getting hotter!
Hello to all cricket players, fans and supporters! Before getting into specifics of the games, I take this opportunity to congratulate our son, Emory Xamicha Young, on winning first place in the first Border Treaty Song Competition, held in P.G. over the weekend. He travelled all the way from Ontario (Cayo) to Punta Gorda to compete. My wife and the entire family are proud of his success. We say, “Well done, son!” Apart from a trophy, he was also given a cash award. The title of the song is, “Wi Border Define.” Now, into cricket. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association thanks to the kind sponsorship of Bowen and Bowen, the Harrison Parks 2017 National Cricket Competition continued with a few games played that were very exciting.

Playoffs near in National Amateur Women’s League
Only a couple weeks remain before playoffs, as Week 6 games were played over the weekend in the National Amateur Women’s League 2017 football tournament. Two games were played on Saturday, April 29, and 1 on Sunday, April 30. On Saturday at the FFB Stadium, the capital city’s Jewel Fury crushed Griga Smart Pumas, 10-1, behind goals from Iris Centeno (12’, 36’, 45’ & 60’), Jayda Brown (49’, 75’ & 89’), Beatriz Alfaro (77’), Delmi Cornelio (85’) and Ashley Rodriguez (90+’); while Pumas’ lone goal was from a penalty by Ethel Martinez (889’ PK). Meanwhile, at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex, the visiting Belize City FC came from behind to clip home standing Gentle Touch, 2-1, with a goal each from Cynthia Salazar (53’) and Shanell Gentle (73’), after Vicky Ponce (35’) had given Gentle Touch the first half lead.

Tepich and Tihosuco 1847
The alliance between the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) and the People’s Action Committee (PAC) which was forged in October of 1969, was a failure. (The two organizations separated in January of 1970.) UBAD had begun publishing Amandala in August of 1969, while PAC was publishing Fire, so when the two organizations united to form the Revolitical Action Movement (RAM), they called their joint newspaper, Amandala with Fire. On December 8 of 1969, there was a general election held in Belize in which the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) won 17 seats, while the Opposition National Independence Party(NIP)/People’s Development Movement (PDM) won just one – the Albert seat was defended by NIP Leader, Hon. Philip Goldson. Dean Lindo had broken away from the NIP to establish the PDM in October of 1969, so that when Premier George Price announced a general election in early November, several months before that election was due, the NIP and the PDM formed a hasty coalition. The two Opposition parties, immediately after the general election, separated.

From The Publisher
At a certain point, most of us from the oppressed peoples in Third World countries realize that we have to make certain individual compromise decisions in order to do the best we can for our families. Some of us make such compromise decisions very early in life. We become focused on achieving for self; we ignore kind, we even disparage kind. Other of us fight the power, as it is said, for a while, because we seriously love our own people. We have the hope that we can make it individually without exploiting or harming our own people. But, as I said in the first sentence of this essay, most of us in oppressed societies end up realizing that we can’t save others: we need to try to save self. In my personal mind, this is how I define oppression. It is a condition in which one has to sacrifice others, if only symbolically, in order to achieve for self. Let’s look at an example of a brother or sister who reaches the boardrooms, where the big decisions are made by public and private companies. Such a brother or sister cannot develop a reputation for being too concerned about the consumers, or the people as such, because his or her financial and career welfare depend on professed, total loyalty to the company, and the maximum profits thereof.

In favor of vaccines
Dear Sir, George and Candy Gonzalez make all sorts of misleading statements in their letter last week (Fri 28th). It would take a very long time to address each point, but let me reply to a few. First, whilst acknowledging the fact that any medical intervention has risks, the science is clear: vaccines are safe and effective, and adverse side effects are rare. In fact, and more importantly, NOT vaccinating your child has more risk! Secondly, though there are more vaccinations than ever before, today’s vaccines are far more efficient. Small children are actually exposed to fewer immunologic components overall than children in past decades. Thirdly, the type of mercury found in thimerosal, ethylmercury, differs from methylmercury, the type commonly found in fish and known to be harmful in large amounts. Ethylmercury, is broken down and excreted from the body much more quickly than methylmercury, and no scientific study has found a link between ethylmercury and autism or any other harmful effects. With respect to formaldehyde, research shows there is 50 to 70 times more formaldehyde present in an average newborn’s body than in a single dose of vaccine. In brief, current science shows formaldehyde in vaccines to be harmless.

Hector Zapata replies to Wellington C. Ramos
Dear Editor, I would like to have an opportunity to have a published reply to this letter that bears my name – “Dear Mr. Hector Zapata and my Garifuna people,” by Wellington C. Ramos. Professor Ramos, Yurumein was a nation of Garifuna people. There was no need to think of one when one already existed. That was conceptualized prior to the birth of Right Honorable Chief Chatoyer and his contemporaries like Duvalle, Walumugu, Toussaint, Nanton, and Jean Baptiste. The goal, then, was the maintenance of the existing autonomy and sovereignty. As a political scientist, I am shocked that you do not see this distinction between an idea and manifest reality. This struggle to maintain our homeland occurred as a response to European expansionism. Initially, the Spaniards, subsequently the French and the British. In particular, the 1763 Treaty of Paris gave the Europeans the “legal” authority to seek the imposition of their will.

Phenomenal woman – Althea Sealy
On a warm and humid September evening in 1976 as Belizeans lined Albert Street in downtown Belize City to watch the citizens’ parade, the crowd excitement visibly grew and people surged forward to get a glimpse of the approaching marching band – the legendary Minorettes. But the main attraction was one of the band’s lead dancers who evoked the image of an enchanting and beautiful Nubian goddess. Like a statuette made of gold and bronze she took command of her elements and danced with a poise and grace that was punctuated with bursts of creative synergy and improvisation that captivated her audience. Unbeknown to them, Belizeans were witnessing the rise of one of their own daughters, the phenomenal ballerina Althea Sealy. Althea Sealy’s astonishing rise to becoming arguably Belize’s greatest ballerina of the modern era is a journey permeated by a culture that was once organic, vibrant, innocent and bobbling with great possibilities. She, like her male contemporaries, grew up at a time when children had options to join a different kind of “gang”. They had access to flourishing community based institutions that would build and shape character, self-confidence, discipline and enriched their collective imagination. Institutions such as the Girl Guides, Brownies, musical marching bands, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venture Scouts, Brigade Band, Sea Scouts, creative dance clubs, cadets and drama clubs. Even the Mechanic and Masonic Lodges in Belize had vibrant children and youth leagues. In addition, the Belizean sporting world was experiencing its renaissance.

Security guard remanded for Lords Bank murder of student
Timothy Thurton, a security guard and Ladyville resident, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, but it was not until the afternoon session of the court that the man accused of Ladyville’s third murder for the year was taken before a magistrate. Thurton, 28, appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza, who read a single charge of murder to him, “for causing the unlawful death of Brandon Bradley, 17, on April 26, in Lords Bank, Ladyville, in the Belize Judicial District.” The court cannot offer bail to persons charged with murder, and therefore, Thurton was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date on August 2.

US aircraft lost wheel on takeoff in Belize, makes “dramatic” landing in Florida
Two pilots and two passengers who departed Belize at about 1:05 p.m. local time on Friday, April 28, landed safely in Sarasota, Florida, after the plane lost its left main gear wheel on take-off in Belize. Nigel Carter, Chief Operations Officer at the Belize Civil Aviation Department, told Amandala that there were 4 US nationals, 3 males and 1 female, on the non-commercial flight, which could have been for leisure or business. Belizean authorities contacted relevant authorities in the US to inform them that the plane, which was out of Belize’s airspace within 15 to 20 minutes, had lost a wheel. Carter said that the missing wheel was later found on the airport premises, off one of the sides of the runway. He told us that they will be working with the US in the event they wish to be provided with all the relevant information.

Senator Aldo Salazar “off track” in criticizing the media instead of fellow senator, Pastor Ashley Rocke
It is indeed a case of irony that on the same day that the world officially celebrated “World Press Freedom Day,” the Belizean media would be the recipient of a tongue-lashing from the chairman of the Senate Select Committee, Senator Aldo Salazar. Today, Salazar turned his attention to the media even before the Senate inquiry into the scandals at the Immigration Department commenced. The source of his indignation was a photo gone viral off the laptop of Senator Pastor Ashley Rocke, which had an open screen of Facebook instead of a soft copy of the Auditor General’s Special Audit, as was seen on the laptops of his colleagues.

3-year-old dies tragically in vehicle accident
Eulalio Babb, 33, has served as a traffic officer attached to the Orange Walk Town Council for the last three years. However, nothing could have prepared him for a fatal road traffic accident that occurred this morning in his jurisdiction while he was off duty. According to police reports, sometime around 8 a.m., Babb was driving his motorcycle on Liberty Avenue when a red Bowen and Bowen truck, driven by Irvin Leal, 24, made a left turn and collided with his motorcycle in front of 123 Supermarket. The collision flung Babb and his 3-year-old daughter, Lindsey Babb, from the motorcycle and onto the hot pavement.

The Reporter

Police investigate latest murder
Police have one person detained and are seeking another for questioning in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Michael Bonilla on Elston Kerr Street last night. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo, explained that police have not established a motive, but have ruled out […]

Health officers certified in field epidemiology
The Ministry of Health (MOH) held a graduation ceremony today, for 19 of its staff that completed various levels of a special training course on field epidemiology. The Council of Ministers of Health of Central America (COMISCA) sponsored the training, which was geared towards equipping […]

New members for California JP Association
Several persons were sworn in as Justices of the Peace for the California Chapter of the Belize Association of Justices of the Peace this past weekend. The association held the official ceremony, which began with a complementary breakfast,  on Saturday, April 29. Apart from getting […]

Penner – the next witness at Senate Inquiry
Former Minister of State for Immigration, Elvin Penner, is scheduled to be the next witness to testify before the Senate Special Select Committee. The Committee’s public hearings into the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report of the Immigration and Nationality Department continue on Wednesday May 10, […]

Free medical care for San Ignacio
The Beyond the Horizon 2017 project, a collaborative effort between the government of Belize and the United States Army, is hosting free medical clinics for two weeks in San Ignacio. The clinics will be held at the Macal River Park from May 8-16, where United […]

Rape charge for Magistrate
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has directed the police to levy a charge of rape against a magistrate assigned to the south. The investigation against him started when the alleged victim made the report around mid-April.  The file was forwarded to the […]

Prime suspect in double murder to be charged with theft
The prime suspect in the double murder of Canadian real estate agent, Francesca Matus, 52, and her American boyfriend, Drew DeVoursney, 36, both residents of Corozal, will be charged on Friday but for another crime in the southern jurisdiction. The suspect, whose name will be […]

Infant girl crushed by Bowen & Bowen delivery truck
A 3-year-old baby girl died after being crushed by a Bowen and Bowen delivery truck early Tuesday morning in Orange Walk Town.   The accident occurred on Liberty Avenue, at 8:15 a.m. on May 2 and claimed the life of Lindsey Babb, who was on her […]

Two minors drown over weekend
Two young persons drowned over the Labour day weekend, within close proximity of the Agriculture Show Grounds where tens of thousands of people attended, including the two victims.   The drownings occurred on Sunday afternoon – the first of which claimed the life […]

Belize gets new equipment to detect weapons of mass destruction
The United States Embassy, in an effort to detect and identify radiological sources and combat the trans-shipment of weapons of mass destruction between countries, handed over a variety of equipment to the Customs and Police departments.   The handing over ceremony took place at the Customs […]

CEO Blanco lawyered up following 1 month suspension
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corozal Free Zone has hired an attorney and fired back at Gregory Gibson, Chairman of the Corozal Free Zone, for placing him on a one month suspension.   Valentino Blanco, who was recently appointed to his CEO post […]

BTL getting upgrades, says new CEO
Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) new Chief Executive Officer, Rochus Schreiber, said this week that the company, under his leadership, will be making strides towards upgrading its infrastructure and improving customer access to the internet. Schreiber held a press conference on Wednesday, at the company’s St. Thomas street […]

Caribbean’s Kick ‘Em Jenny volcano kicking up
The Caribbean’s underwater volcano named “Kick ‘Em Jenny” has had several eruptions since Saturday, prompting the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre (SRC) to closely monitor it for any potential threat of a tsunami.   The Centre reported that the […]

Editorial
The murder of a Canadian woman and an American man in Corozal  last week has the potential to severely damage Belize’s tourism image. We are sure that the Police are doing their best to catch the killer, but they should not hesitate to ask for help if they need […]

Calm in Belize City streets shattered
The sense of calm that has eased upon Belize City for the past few weeks has been shattered following the latest murder on  the south side Thursday night. Shortly after 9:00 p.m on Thursday, a young man, identified as Michael Bonilla, was riding a bicycle […]

PM hinting early retirement?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s address at the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Annual General Meeting has many speculating that he may be going into early retirement. “Since this will be my last opportunity to address your annual gathering, I close by saying how thankful […]

Missing Belmopan teacher feared dead
Concern is mounting for Pamela Lino as friends and family seek answers after her Kia Sportage was involved in a highspeed chase on the George Price Highway early Tuesday morning. The car  was later found burnt with a charred human body in the back seat, […]

Belizean kills cousin in Chetumal
A 19-year-old Yo Creek resident, Saul Pech, was stabbed to death, allegedly by his own cousin in Chetumal, Mexico during the early hours of Thursday morning, after the two reportedly got involved in a drunken brawl. Pech was reportedly socializing with a group of friends […]

Breaking Belize News

PM Barrow hints early retirement
At the 97th Annual General Meeting of the Belize Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 27, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow gave a speech much like his farewell speech. At the end of his address to the business community, Barrow stated that it is his last opportunity to address the AGM.

Car sale turned armed robbery
On Wednesday, May 3 a trio from Corozal reported to police that around 4:00 p.m., they were in Ranchito village doing a vehicle transaction when they were held up. Emil Javier Rosado, 23, of Ranchito Village; Eder Stevenson Hall, 26, of Ramirez Layout; and Eliazar Hall, 31, of Chan Chen told police that they were carrying out a business transaction with Jeffery Gongora of Ranchito when three armed men stole $13,000, jewelry valued at $3,100, a Galaxy S6 Edge phone and a Gucci wallet valued at $600.

MOH staff complete epidemiology training
Thirteen members of the Ministry of Health gathered at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina today for a graduation ceremony from a field epidemiology training course sponsored by the the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America (COMISCA). The training was geared towards enhancing the capacity of the officers, to be able to manage public health crises, such as the outbreak of an existing disease.

Belize’s BETEX Trade Show Continues
Hundreds of tourism industry professionals gathered at the St. Catherine Academy Auditorium today for day two of the Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX), the largest tourism gathering on the country’s calendar. The bi-annual event serves as a platform for local tourism professionals such as hotel owners, and makers of cultural products, to meet with international buyers from various parts of the world including Europe, South America and the United States.

Blogs

Awaken the Sleeping Giant
Resting on the ridges of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District sleeps a giant. His facial profile and barrel chest are a portrait of his slumber, as he reigns over the vibrant green valleys below. As if cast under the spell of snoozing servitude, his domain and minions personify the tranquility of a dream, living in concert with the magical terrain.Within this Camelot rests the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge. Nestled in an expanse of lush rainforest, the lodge appeals to travelers who want to be immersed in jungle surroundings while still enjoying the comforts of home. After hearing so much about this exceptional destination, we couldn’t wait to experience this dreamy resort for ourselves. The lovely Amalia welcomes us to the open-air reception lounge, and after formalities, she leads us to their treetop restaurant where we are offered our choice of refreshing lemongrass iced tea or a cold Belikin beer.

My Summer Aspiration List: Slow Season Do’s in Belize, Part One
Summer in Belize. The weather gets warmer, we start to have rain showers now and again (though mostly at night), tourism slows AND travel prices drop. It’s also the time when people that live here generally have some time off to enjoy our island a bit more. Though that tends to come hand in hand with less disposable cash, I am starting to compile a list of things that I REALLY want to do this summer. Let’s call it my Belize Summer Aspiration List. (The term “bucket list” is getting a bit played out – so 2011.) And so far, it goes a little something like this:

San Estevan Mayan Site, Belize
San Estevan was settled in the Preclassic Period and reached its greatest occupation levels in the Late Classic Period. Between the 1960s and the mid-1990s, much of San Estevan was mapped by archaeologists exploring the last incarnation of San Estevan as a Late Classic Period site. However, the focus of archaeological research on San Estavan abruptly changed in the late 1990s when bulldozers mining for limestone destroyed most of the Late Classic Period structures at San Estevan.The San Estevan archaeological site is located in northern Belize 1 km from the modern community of San Estevan, Belize. The site is a Maya civilization site occupied during the Formative (800 BC – AD 300) and Classic (AD 300 – 900) eras of Mesoamerican chronology. San Estevan is located on the New River half way between the sites of Cerros and Lamanai. Beginning in the Late Formative period (300 BC – AD 300), San Estevan was a regional political center.

How to get to San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize: Why San Pedro Ambergris Caye is famous to visit
With a population of 12 400 people, "La Isla Bonita" is a destination whose main economic activities are tourism and fishing. The official language of Belize is English but, being mostly inhabited by mestizos, Spanish is also spoken. The tourist activity is concentrated in 1.5 km of beach and in parallel has 4 streets of sand and unpaved. The houses are wood and zinc very Caribbean style and the main means of transport are golf carts, bicycles and scooters. If you are planning to visit the island we recommend you to bring comfortable and fresh clothes (such as sandals, bathing suit, shorts and cotton t-shirts). San Pedro Island offers a wide variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, low-rise hotels and tours of the famous Blue Hole. How to get By sea: The only way to get to the island of San Pedro, Belize is by sea. In Chetumal, they can go to the esplanade of the flag and a few meters of distance pasted to the edge of the bay is the fiscal wharf, from which they can contract transport service to that island. Every day there is an exit at 3 pm with return the next day at 8 am. The price per person is $ 1540.00 MXN (round trip) and only valid passport is required to pass to the neighboring country.

5 Awesome Photos of Altun Ha
Have you ever been to the Mayan Temples of Altun Ha? Located just 31 miles north of Belize City, this site was once a wealthy ceremonial center and includes at least 500 visible structures or mounds. At its peak, the population of Altun Ha and surrounding areas ranged between 8,000 - 10,000 inhabitants, with around 3,000 living in the central core of the city. The most imposing building at Altun Ha is Structure A-4 - the Temple of the Masonry Altars, rising some 54 feet about the plaza floor. The exploration of the interior of this structure, yielded one of the most remarkable finds at any Maya Site in the country – a 6 inch high, ten pound, solid jade carving of the head of the Maya Sun God “Kinich Ahau.” Here are 5 awesome photos of Altun Ha snapped over the weekend and as you can tell, it was a great time to capture this amazing site:

Top 5 Places for the Perfect Belize Honeymoon
After all the hard work and planning for your wedding, you deserve a luxurious honeymoon in paradise. Belize is a wonderland country of gorgeous tropical islands, pristine rain forests, exotic wildlife, and an abundance of adventure opportunities ideal for a truly unforgettable honeymoon. Below are the top 5 places for the perfect Belize honeymoon:

The Belize Zoo
In accordance to its beliefs about protecting the animals and the environment, Belize has one of the most unique zoos on the planet. This beautiful zoo is located on 29 acres of pristine tropical savannah that has been left in its natural condition to enhance animal life. The Belize Zoo contains 150 different animals. What is so unique about these animals is that they are all from Belize or Central America. All of the animals in the zoo lived in this area, were born or hatched in the zoo, or were injured in the wild and brought to the zoo for rehabilitation. There are not any animals in the zoo that are not native to this area, something that no other zoo can claim. Animals that are injured and brought to the zoo are rehabilitated and released into the wild as soon as possible. Those whose injuries are too severe for them to be self-sufficient in the wild are given a home at the zoo permanently. What is also so significant about this zoo is that the animals are not in cages or displays. These animals are left to live and interact with the other native animals in the zoo as if they were living in the wild. This creates a true “animal experience” for visitors and keeps the animals much happier and healthier.

International Sources

Venezuela to 'Vexit' the OAS, but where does CARICOM stand?
By Earl Bousquet. The wider Caribbean finds itself slap dash in the middle of an unfolding situation that’s already tearing apart the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and possibly the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), even as it unfolds. The English-speaking part of the region is being separated over Venezuela and CARICOM states are more deeply divided than ever over ties with Caracas, which has over the last 19 years built stronger ties with the entire Caribbean, but is now a prime target for externally-backed regime change. Almost all CARICOM member states also belong to the PetroCaribe and the ALBA groupings and all have benefited in various ways from their membership. All six OECS member-states belong to both entities and recently reaffirmed their support for the regional integration objectives carved out in their aims and objective.

Suspect accused of killing Canadian woman and her American boyfriend in Belize was victim's 'best friend,' pal says
The fellow Canadian man in custody for the double murder of Francesca Matus and her American boyfriend was her "best friend," a pal of the suspected killer claims. Authorities in Belize have named 54-year-old John Deshaies as the prime suspect after Matus and boyfriend Drew DeVoursney, a former Marine from Georgia, were found dead Monday in the Central American country. However, a friend of Deshaies said police have the wrong man in custody and the Canadian construction company owner would never harm Matus.

Videos

May 5, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Standard Six students sit second part of PSE
On Tuesday, May 2nd, 258 Standard Six students from across eight schools on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker returned to San Pedro High School to sit the second portion of the Primary School Examination (PSE) exam. Nearly a month after taking the first segment, the last phase of the PSE challenged the students in Mathematics and Social Studies. After taking the exam at 8AM, students were released at 1:45PM, where many of them were relieved to be done with the PSE. Collin Greif of The Island Academy was confident about his performance. “I figured if you studied really hard for the PSE, anyone could have done pretty well. I am confident I did great, because I thought it was easy,” he said. SPHS Teacher Giselle Lobos commends everyone’s efforts during the exam. “Students arrived on time, and they followed all of the procedures. All of the supervisors had a pleasure working along with them. I must commend the schools for preparing their students in terms of their behavior, and being prepared for today’s exam,” said Lobos.

Miss Teen Belize delegates officially sashed
Miss Teen Belize delegates: 15-year-old Grace Brown (San Pedro), 17 year-old Vineesha Price (Belize City), 18 year-old Kiah Pastor (Belmopan), and 15 year-old Julene García (Toledo) were officially sashed on Saturday, April 29th. Hosted at Finn & Martini, the ceremony was a prelude to the upcoming activities prior to the Miss Teen Belize pageant on Saturday, May 27th. Vivian Noralez, Miss Petite Teen Belize 2016-2017 and pageant organizer, says that with the help and support of many friends and businesses, she believes that Miss Teen Belize can really make her mark in the international pageant. The pageant will be hosted at Mahogany Bay Village at 7PM, with a red carpet event and a poolside pageant at Shaken Bar & Restaurant.

Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge turns two
The Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge No. 5 celebrated its second anniversary on Saturday, April 29th in fine form. Members of Masonic Lodges from around the country and beyond the borders gathered at The Great House, located at the luxurious Mahogany Bay Village south of San Pedro Town. Shortly after 6PM, the social gathering saw everyone mingling and enjoying a fabulous evening of dining and dancing. Although many people still regard the organization as mysterious, members of the lodge encourage the community to educate themselves about who they are. According to active members, the lodge is a fraternity that is always looking after the well-being of their members and their communities.

Another life saved at Belize Hyperbaric Chamber
The Belize Hyperbaric Chamber is pleased to share another successful testimonial about their services. On Tuesday, April 11th, American National Elizabeth Farnham was referred by Scuba Sensations Dive Shop in Caye Caulker after she became unconscious after diving. After successful treatment at the chamber, she shared her experience with The San Pedro Sun. “When I arrived in San Pedro, the San Pedro Police made the call to the recompression facility. The evacuation was organized in a timely manner, as I was unconscious. My partner approved of the facility in my stead,” said Farnham. She said that the staff doctor was extremely professional, and kept her well-informed and feeling safe. Farnham experienced involuntary convulsions upon regaining consciousness, possibly due to oxygen toxicity. However, after the mask was removed, the convulsions stopped. “I thank the Hyperbaric Chambers staff for saving my life. I will forever be grateful,” she said. Farnham is currently seeing a doctor in Colorado, USA for a follow-up.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro House Of Culture Celebrates "Dia De La Cruz"
The San Pedro House of Culture hosted “Dia de la Cruz” on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. After a special novena, the exhibition that included more examples of adorned crosses was open for everyone to enjoy. A small party with beautiful music, some snacks and drinks were available to those present. “ Dia de La Cruz” takes place every May 3rd as the date coincides with the founding of the city, Santa Cruz. It is also a very old religious ceremony that began in 1494 after the Byzantine Empress Saint Helena was in search for the cross on which Jesus died. “Dia de la Cruz” is celebrated in style, with representations of the cross adorned with flowers and other decorative objects.

Canadian Man Detained For Questioning In Corozal Homicide Case
Corozal homicide case just got a little weird as early reports yesterday indicated that two people had been taken into custody he grisly killing of an American former Marine Drew Thomas De Voursey and his Canadian girlfriend Francesca Matus. Channel 7 News in Belize City reports late in the evening that one Canadian national male suspect has been detained for questioning. This man is expected to be charged today, May 4, for an unrelated burglary in Placencia, Stann Creek District.

Police Booth Now Operational In North Ambergris Caye
On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, The San Pedro Police Department along with the North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch and the San Pedro Town Council came together to inaugurate the North Side Police Booth. The booth is located in the Tres Cocos area 1 1/2 miles north of the Boca del Rio Bridge and will give residents in North Ambergris Caye an easier and faster access to the Police Department. Mayor Daniel Guerrero stated, “The opening of this police booth is a testament of the forged commitment from a cross section of partners. It is a testament that shows that working along with the community, a lot can be accomplished.”

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING, ACCOUNTING PART 1
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Advisor SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street. Workshop Date: 11th May, 2017. Time: 9am to 3pm. The aim of the workshop is to provide tools that enhance participants' knowledge on basic accounting. Through this workshop participants better understand how to use their numeracy skills in and prior book keeping information, how to improve their businesses by using simple business management techniques and how to develop financial statements. The ultimate goal is to allow for the business to keep financial records of their activities so they will be able to use that information to make better decisions / increase profit for the business. Topics that will be Covered: Accounting Terminology, T Accounts, Trial Balance, Cash in and Cash out Books, Profit and Loss. Cost: $40.00, Includes snacks and refreshments.

Got a Mutt? Does your precious pet Meow? Do you have a Potlicker from San Pedro? Do you just plain old love animals and want to support the efforts of Saga Humane Society? Even if you are not a Mom, we know you have one! Come to Stella's Smile on Mother's Day May 14,2017 to celebrate Mother's near and far. Enjoy delectable Crepes and Bottomless Mimosa's from 9am to 1pm. Live tunes provided by DJ Matt Hoy! Prizes, Gifts, & Raffles.

Report on National Agriculture and Trade Show 2017
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, The Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration wishes to thank the visiting public, the exhibitors, our sponsors and all the support personnel who made the 2017 National Agriculture and Trade Show a resounding success. The NATS Committee reports 37,143 attendees, this represents an 8.28% increase over 2016 attendance of 34,304. On Saturday, April 29, 2017, attendance was 15,107 compared to 13,982 in 2016 and on Sunday, April 30, 2017, attendance was 22,036 compared to 20,304 in 2016, an increase of 9.98%.

Lion Nigel Belisle re-elected as President of the San Pedro Lions Club
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to congratulate Lion Nigel Belisle who has been re-elected to serve a second term as the President of the San Pedro Lions Club. The Vice President of the SP Lions Club is Lion Melanie Paz. Also re-elected to serve another term are Lions Abel Guerrero as Treasurer and Pamela Zetina as Secretary. The elected officials and other members of the board will be sworn in an officially schedule to take place in July.

FRENCHIE'S OFFSHORE OPEN
MAY 20TH AND 21ST, FRENCHIE'S OFFSHORE OPEN HOSTED BY THE LAZY LIZARD, COME ON AND FISH FOR $5000 FIRST PLACE!!,

7th International Festival of Culture in Benque Viejo
There's something for all to enjoy at this weekend's 7th International Festival of Culture in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Including the launch of our newest publication A WALK THROUGH BENQUE VIEJO. Benque House of Culture (NICH) Karla Giovanna

Belize Bird Rescue annual fundraiser
Our annual fundraiser is fast approaching. Get your tickets quick as numbers are limited and are not available on the door. May 12th, Pig & Parrot Clubhouse (High Commission in Belmopan) See you there!

Today is 13 Men in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar
Today is represented with the eagle, soaring high and proud. It is also a day for wisdom and ambition.

Mr Cruz Tzalam’s family has a fire
Ya'axché expresses its deepest sympathy to Mr Cruz Tzalam’s family who lost their home to a fire on Monday, May 1st 2017. In response, Ya’axché has provided 700 cohune leaves, round sticks and other building materials from the 15,441-acre Golden Stream Corridor Preserve (GSCP) to the fire victim. Despite GSCP being a protected area, a home to over 420 animal species and a vital corridor for animals to move between the forested areas in southern Belize, its sustainable extraction zones, under proper management, provides for community members.

Water Interruption this morning at 10am in San Pedro
Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that there will be an interruption in the water supply tomorrow, Friday, May 5th, 2017 starting at 10:00am. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to upgrades, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration in their water supply when water is restored. The areas to be affected are the Town Core, San Mateo, San Juan, and Boca Del Rio. Residents of San Pedro are advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 6:00pm. If they experience water supply problems after 6:00pm, they should immediately call our hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS to report it. BWS apologizes for the inconvenience this interruption will cause to our customers in San Pedro.

Airbnb to meet with Belizean Tourism Stakeholders
Meetings scheduled in May in San Pedro, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, and Belize City

North Police Department Sub Station officially inaugurated in San Pedro
On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, the North Police Department Sub Station was officially inaugurated and re-opened! Master of Ceremonies, PC Harris Gabourel, initiated the ceremonies with the National Anthem of Belize which followed by an invocation by Pastor Clive Welsh, who prayed for guidance upon our leaders and officials. Following the invocation, Officer in Charge of the Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Desiree Philips gave the opening remarks at the event, where she expressed her sincere appreciation for the interest of both the local authorities and the residents/business owners of the area in allocating the finances to finally have a substation in the area. She strongly stressed that the Police Department and the community should come together in the efforts to end crime in the island.

CCJ Jundgement in the Maya Leaders Alliance v. The Attorney General of Belize
All residents of Punta Gorda and surrounding areas are being invited to this very important lecture. It happens this Saturday at the Fr. Ring Parish Hall.

Global Big Day 2017
This is how GBD is looking so far. May 13th is gonna be a BIG DAY for Belize!!! Team Yucatanicus, Crested Eagles, Team Sapsucker, Team Jabiru, City Birders, Team Guanacaste, Team Blue Hole, Ramatutu Birders, Team Cockscomb, Black Hawks, Placencia Frigates, Team Lighthouse.

Happy 4th Birthday to Fuego the Tapir, Belize's National Animal!

Here's some good photos from Dia del la Cruz
In San Pedro...

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Space Between Us, 5/1/2017 to 5/10/2017: The Return of Xander Cage, Fifty Shades Darker, The Comedian

Channel 7

Canadian Suspect Shuttled Back and Forth Between Corozal and Placencia In Theft Case
Tonight, the Canadian suspect in the Corozal Double Murder of Francesca Matus and Drew Thomas Devoursey is being shuttled between police stations in the north and south. That's because he's being investigated for a case of theft in Placencia, while also remaining a suspect in the Corozal double murder. But, right now, it's the theft that police are focussing on. He's accused of stealing from a Casino in Placencia - but it's not your regular case of theft. 7News has learned that its actually a dispute between the owners of the casino - some of whom hired this Canadian to collect their property and drive it out of the place. Police have been questioning him about the case for some weeks now - and today we're told he took. Placencia police back to Corozal to show them where the allegedly stolen items were. At newstime, he was being taken back to Placencia with some of those items. Once he gets back to Placencia, he is expected to be charged late tonight or early tomorrow.

A Killing Between Cousins In Chetumal
Tonight, a family in Yo Creek is shattered by the news that their 19 year old son, Saul Pech was killed in Chetumal, and the main suspect is his 22 year old cousin, Romario Pech who, the family says, was closer to him than a brother. The two Yo Creek villagers were well known in Orange Walk as members of the "Wonderless Rock Band." They had been living in Chetumal where Saul was going to school. According to reports, last night, Saul and Romario were drinking in their room with two other persons. Saul's last Instagram post around 7:30 pm shows two glasses of beer, and is inscribed with the words, "Cheers Cuz". High spirits, but sometime in the hours after that something went very wrong. Information suggests that around 2:00 am, an argument erupted inside the apartment. There was some teasing, and Saul went outside to use his phone. When he came back in, his cousin Romario allegedly stabbed him straight to the heart with a kitchen knife.

Pamela Lino’s Family Worries As She Remains Missing
Pamela Lino's family has been in suspense since Tuesday when police found burnt human remains in her torched car. The mother of one and teacher at Belmopan Baptist hasn't been seen since Monday. And then, early on Tuesday morning, her KIA Sportage was found brunt at mile 21 on the Western highway. Now police haven't confirmed the identity of the burnt remains as yet, but the family is fearing the worst. Tonight, they are torn between the hope of her safe return and that growing possibility of her loss that's gnawing at them. Today in Belmopan, a family member told Courtney Weatherburne what they know and what they fear:... Voice of: Family member: "For our family we are dealing with a likely loss of a family member and we would dearly like to put closure to this." Courtney Weatherburne, 7News "Are you all still hopeful that maybe she will come back or you all have somewhat accepted that you have lost her."

Four Men For Firearm, Suspect Says Cops Lied
Today four men were charged in the Magistrate's Court for firearm and ammunition related offences. Police stopped Kendale Green, Clive Smith, Aaron Flowers and Elwin Pollard Jr. in a green Dodge Caravan on Arlington Drive yesterday afternoon. Police searched the vehicle and found a black .38 special revolver along with five rounds of ammunition under the driver's seat. All four men were detained, but this morning Flowers told the court that he made a deal with the police at the time of the incident. According to his testimony, the police promised to let him go if he brought them another firearm. He alleged that after he brought them the second firearm the police asked him to bring a third, and when he was unable to produce another one, they broke the deal and arrested him as well.

The Alliance VS. GOB In Court, Part 999
For the past 2 days, Attorneys for the Government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance have been in court before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The Ashcroft company, Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, which used to be named British Caribbean Bank, wants the Central Bank Immunities Act to be struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. You'll remember it as the law that the Barrow Administration passed in January to protect the Central Bank's foreign currency reserves. That's because they were convinced that the Ashcroft companies would attempt to attach those assets to collect on an arbitral award of 50 million US dollars. US Courts have already handed down a ruling which allows Alliance to enforce the award against the Government of Belize. The Government insists that it won't pay a cent, and so the Alliance has been trying to force its hand. All that's been preventing them is an interim injunction granted by Justice Michelle Arana and the Central Bank Immunities Act which makes it a criminal offense to go after the Central Bank's assets.

Courtenay Looking Forward To Penner
While we had the opportunity today, we also asked Courtenay for a comment on the fact that former UDP Minister Elvin Penner has been called to testify in the Senate Hearings on Immigration. Since the Citizen Kim Passport Scandal broke in September 2013, all fingers have pointed at Penner, and for his involvement, he was forced to resign from Cabinet. He was then slowly pushed out by his party. He was then criminally charged by COLA for the Wong Hong Kim passport, but that case failed due to lack of evidence. It's been over 3 and a half years, and Penner has remained silent the entire time, but next Wednesday, it is anticipated that he will break that silence for the first time and explain himself publicly. That's perfectly fine for PUP Senator Courtenay, who told us that he has a lot of explaining to do:

Weed Busted On Bus
Yesterday, Police and Customs found four and half pounds of weed on a bus coming down form the north. At 12:30, Customs and BDF intercepted an "Albion" bus at the toll bridge. They found a suitcase stuffed with 2 parcels of suspected cannabis. No one claimed responsibility and it was seized as found property. And, also yesterday in Belize City, at around 6:00 a.m., police searched an abandoned lot on Raccoon Street Extension and found three plastic bags containing two and half pounds of of cannabis. This was also deposited as "Found Property".

Normalcy Restored At Delille In Dangriga
Everything went back to normal today at Dellile Academy in Dangriga, well at least that's what it looked like. There were regular classes today, where the 4th formers took their exams and the 2nd and 3rd formers had classes as usual. All the teachers except for Timothy Lewis were present. As we told you Lewis had received a letter of termination on April 24th because his license had expired in March. But Lewis is saying that he should be paid for his service in April. Thats what the protest was about yesterday. A board meeting should have been held this afternoon regarding Lewis's case.

Air Canada Comin’ This Christmas
Yesterday Air Canada, that country's largest airline, announced the addition of its first flight to Belize. This new flight was added along with five other seasonal routes to locations in South America and Australia. Starting on December 15, Air Canada will fly directly to Belize once per week until April 2018. Air Canada is the second Canadian airline to add a direct flight to Belize in the last year, the first being Westjet which began the service last October.

BETEX Is Back
In more tourism news, today the BTIA officially launched its 12th Belize Tourism Expo - known as BETEX. The international trade exhibition gives Belizean hotels, resorts and tour operators a chance to meet and develop relations with international travel agents. We spoke to BTIA President Osmany Salas, about this event and the importance of setting up a worldwide marketing network for the brand called "Belize"... Osmany Salas, President - BTIA: "Today this BETEX 2017 is our 12th Belize tourism expo. The whole purpose of this event is to bring its international agents together with Belizean tourism suppliers' service providers. So this BETEX we have over 30 international travel agents hailing from the US, Mexico, Central America, UK, France and a couple other countries. They are here to meet with over 40 tourism service providers, hoteliers and tour operators from all over Belize. Every area of Belize is being represented here today. The international travel agents who we call buyers will be meeting the service providers who we call suppliers during today and tomorrow. The whole idea is for them to set up networks and establish business partnerships to bring more visitors to Belize for overnight stays. The whole purpose is to market Belize and increase our tourism arrivals."

SCA Claims Victory In Youth Innovation
Since 2007, the international accounting firm of PriceWaterhouseCoopers - has sent about two thousand of its employees to Belize to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship to Belizean students through an initiative called Peacework. Yesterday we showed you the Youth Innovation Challenge which presented students with a case challenge to find solutions for an existing local issue, such as crime. We were there when SCA's project called "Make, Manage and Invest" was chosen as the winner from among 11 high schools: Sheree Clarke, First Place - SCA: "Before we even won, we know that we were winners. Thanks to our mentors. We feel like winners." Rhea Ryes, First Place - SCA: "We just felt really motivated by our mentors, teachers and our entire school is behind us through this process and basically we all stuck together as a team. There was never once that we doubted ourselves because of all the support we got."

PWC Hands Over to MOE
And so now PWC hands over the management of the project to the Ministry of Education - while they will continue to fund certain aspects of it. Shannon Schuyler of PWC told us why they are confident to leave it in good hands:.. If you do the math, those hundreds of thousands of man hours, are equivalent to many millions of dollars.

The Legalities Of Living With Aids
People diagnosed with HIV and AIDS often become the victims of stigma and discrimination. While it is a violation of a person's human rights to deny them access to goods, services and opportunities based on their HIV or AIDS status, many people are still held back by discrimination. That is why the Central American Network of People With HIV has launched a new virtual platform for people to report these human rights violations and receive legal advice on how to move forward. We spoke to REDCA's focal point in Belize, Diego Grajalez, about the new service... Diego Grajalez: "We did the launch of the human rights violation reporting platform for persons living with HIV which is essentially to target human rights violations and actually dealing with the cases." Alex Courtenay, 7News: "Talk to us a little bit about how people go about accessing the platform."

Meet And Greet Gone to Jane Usher
We've been reporting on a fair number of homicides recently in the Belize and Corozal Districts, but in Belize City, gang related crime continues to be way down since mid-April. It's been three weeks and counting, and yesterday police positioned their meet and greet session to try and keep the peace going. That's why they went into the Jane Usher Boulevard area where there has been some friction between rival groups:... The family day is set for Sunday on the neighborhood basketball court.

Crazy Kidnapping And Robbery In Coro
Corozal police are investigating a DRAMATIC kidnapping and robbery which happened yesterday. The victim is a 23-year-old cane farmer named Emir Rosado of Ranchito Village. He told police that around four PM, he and two Belizeans from Corozal: 26-year-old Eder Stevenson, a Land consultant and cane farmer 31-year-old Eliazar Hall were kidnapped by four men who pretended that they wanted to buy a vehicle from them in Ranchito. The person they had been talking with showed up first to talk business, and then three men pulled up armed with 2 long firearms and a pistol. They stole 13 thousand dollars in cash, a blue Infinity Sedan valued at 15 thousand dollars; jewelry; cell phone and wallet, all totaling over 33 thousand dollars.

Agric Attendance Was Up
2017's Agriculture and Trade Show drew 37,143 attendees, an 8.28% increase over 2016 attendance of 34,304. On Saturday, April 29, 2017, attendance was 15,107 compared to 13,982 in 2016 and on Sunday, April 30, 2017, attendance was 22,036 compared to 20,304 in 2016, an increase of 10%. Minister of Agriculture, Godwin Hulse, gave the keynote address at the show's opening ceremony where he spoke about the importance of agriculture to the Belizean economy, and where he plans to take the industry during his tenure. Here's a small portion of his speech... Gross income for the show this year was $284,000, an increase of over $12,000 compared to 2016. The tentative dates for 2018 are April 27, 28 and 29, 2018.

Channel 5

Murder Among Belizean Cousins in Chetumal
An Orange Walk man is accused of killing his cousin in the early hours of the morning over in Chetumal. The murder sent shockwaves across that northern municipality because the [...]

Canadian Detainee in Corozal Double Murder Questioned for Theft in Placencia
Investigations into a double murder in Corozal continue tonight. The only suspect in the murder of a Canadian woman and her American boyfriend remains in police custody.  That suspect, John [...]

Missing Belmopan Teacher’s Family Seeks Closure
The family of missing secondary school teacher, Pamela Lino, is seeking closure for what can only be described as a most puzzling disappearance.  It is widely believed that the Belmopan [...]

Tourism Industry Hopes for Minimal Impact from Murders
The murders of Canadian national Francesca Matus and her American partner Drew Thomas DeVoursney continue to receive news coverage in both countries and around the world.  Unfortunately, it’s not the [...]

CIHL and Courtenay Coye Challenge New Government Legislation
In January, the Central Bank (International Immunities) Act and the Crown Proceedings (Amendment) Act were passed by Parliament.  The former is intended to protect Belize’s foreign reserves in the Bank [...]

Penner Di Come!…To Senate Committee Next Wednesday
Former Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration and Nationality, Elvin Penner, is confirmed to be testifying before the Senate Special Select Committee next Wednesday.  It has been a long [...]

Corozal Trio Outwit Robbers/Kidnappers
Three men, including a pair of siblings, were lucky to escape with their lives during a robbery turned kidnapping on Wednesday afternoon in the Corozal District.  According to Eder Hall, [...]

Victim Tells of Daring Escape after Death Threats
Hall also told News Five by phone earlier today that despite being able to successfully foil the kidnapping attempt, his brother’s vehicle remains missing.  He says they were fortunate to [...]

4 Charged for Firearm in a Taxi
Police busted four men in a taxi in which they found a point thirty-eight revolver on Wednesday on Arlington Drive, Belize City. The taxi, a Dodge Caravan, was being driven [...]

Second Victim of Elston Kerr Street Fire Seeks Assistance
A wooden house on Elston Kerr Street in Belize City, scorched previously in a fire caused by a fire hearth left unattended three weeks ago, is now completely gutted after [...]

Belize Tourism Expo: Belize to the World
If the numbers for tourist arrivals are anything to go by, Belize hardly needs help marketing the tourism product. But the industry is not one for sitting on its laurels [...]

Ministry Says English P.S.E. Writing Improving
We detailed the travails of students taking the problem-solving paper for Mathematics in the Primary School Examination on Tuesday. While scores will not be ready until early June, marking has [...]

Ending Stigma and Discrimination on H.I.V.
One of the biggest challenges for persons affected by HIV/Aids is reducing the stigma and discrimination to people living with the disease.  One organization is hoping to decrease the violation [...]

Can You Help Toledo Boy Defeat Skin Condition?
A family from the deep south is asking for urgent financial and medical assistance for a young boy living with a painful skin condition known as dermatitis. Nelson Choc of [...]

Healthy Living: Eyes and Technology
By now you know that technology is a mainstay in our lives. And while tech gadgets upgrade at pace that many of us can’t keep up with; we can appreciate [...]

1 Man Detained in Double Murder of Foreigners in Corozal
The murder by strangulation of fifty-two-year-old Francesca Matus and thirty-six-year-old Drew Thomas DeVoursney continues to baffle police up north. The Canadian woman and her American boyfriend went missing last week [...]

What Happened to Pamela Lino?
Belmopan teacher, Pamela Lino, is still missing tonight. Her vehicle, a Kia Sportage, was found burnt on the Gracie Rock junction on the George price Highway early on Tuesday morning. [...]

Charges Awaiting Accused Magistrate in Rape Case
We can confirm tonight that the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has directed the police to proceed to bring charges against a magistrate serving in south. The magistrate, however, [...]

Grenade, Non-Lethal, Picked Up Over Holiday Weekend
Sometime between Friday night and Saturday over the holiday weekend, Belize City police reportedly discovered a grenade on Fern Lane in the Saint Martin De Porres area. The grenade has [...]

Corozal Free Zone C.E.O. Fights Suspension
The situation on the ground appears to be returning to some normalcy following Monday’s suspension of Valentino Blanco as C.E.O. of the Corozal Commercial Free Zone. The Board suspended him [...]

At Senate, Rodolfo Bol Changes Tune on Passport System
The Senate Special Select Committee’s public hearing at the National Assembly this morning was truncated due to logistical issues with bringing witnesses to Belmopan. The sole witness to testify is [...]

What Happened During Kim Passport Window?
What does this mean for what happened with the Won Hong Kim passport? The Department’s records state that a file was opened just before eleven in the morning and closed [...]

Belize Has No Diplomatic Presence in Dalian, China
Bol also told the Senate panel about the capability of foreign embassies in the U.S. and elsewhere that had limited access to the main system in Belmopan that allowed for [...]

No Additional Charges for Cops Accused of Contraband
Almost a month ago, police announced disciplinary proceedings against a police constable and a special constable based in Orange Walk, who were accused of illegally contrabanding items at the Rio [...]

Your Light Bill Won’t Go Up
There is not likely to be any change in the electricity rate any time soon. On Tuesday, the Public Utilities Commission appeared to agree with Belize Electricity Limited that no [...]

CTV3

Yo Creek Resident Stabbed To Death, His Cousin Detained
Reports from our Mexican neighbors in Chetumal Quintana Roo Mexico tonight is that a nineteen year old Belizean student was murdered inside his apartment in Chetumal last night. The victim identified as well-known musician of the Wonderless Rock Band, Saul Pech from the village of Yo Creek here in Orange Walk Town was reportedly fatally stabbed once to the right hand side of the chest by his cousin, identified as Romario Pech, who is also a Belizean. Information provided to us by Pech’s family indicate that Romario was visiting Saul in Chetumal for the holidays. Last night the cousins decided to go out for a night of socializing and hours later the two reportedly made it back to the apartment but decided to go out once more to get a bite to eat.

Former Minister Of State, Elvin Penner Cometh To Senate Hearing
In yesterday’s coverage of the Senate hearing, we reported on the Senate Select Committee’s efforts to find out how a picture of South Korean national Kim Won Hong, who was sitting at a Taiwan Detention Center at the time, could have gotten on a passport processed in Belize. Their questions to I.T. Manager at the Immigration Department Rodolfo Bol Jr., just like their questions to other Immigration Officers, have yielded few results. The man who would be able to provide many answers, however, is former Immigration Minister and former UDP Cayo North East Area Representative Elvin Penner. Penner has claimed that he walked the man he knew as Kim Won Hong to the Immigration Department to apply for his passport. Penner had also assisted him to obtain his nationality papers.

Court's Argument In Challenge To Foreign Assets Immunities Laws Close
Attorneys for Caribbean Investment Holdings and the Courtenay/Coye law firm who are challenging the legality of Government’s extra firewalling of foreign assets through the Central Bank of Belize (International Immunities) Act and the Crown Proceedings (Amendment) Act, and the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke who appeared in defense of GOB wrapped up their arguments today on the claim before the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard the finals words from both sides then announced that he will be announcing his ruling at a future date. GOB’s firewall acts, as they have been described, came about in March when Prime Minister Barrow informed the members of the House of Representatives that he has gotten information that the Aschroft Alliance intends to recover payments as ordered by the Court against the Government.

Drugs Found In Albion Bus
A joint operation conducted yesterday by officers of the Customs and Excise Department and the Belize Defence Force led to the discovery of two parcels of suspected cannabis. According to reports, sometime after 12:30 p.m. officials intercepted an Albion bus near the Toll Bridge located here in the Orange Walk District where they discovered a suitcase containing the drugs which weighed approximately two kilograms. No one, however, came forward to claim the suitcase so no arrests was made.

One Man Remains Detained For Double Murder In Corozal
Tonight, the many questions in relation to the murders of Canadian national, 53 year old Francesca Matus, and U.S. National, 36 year old Drew Devoursney, whose bodies were discovered dead on Monday afternoon in cane fields between Chan Chen and Patchakan villages in the Corozal District, continue unanswered. We have confirmed with sources that only one person remains detained by Police in relation to the investigation. That person has been identified as Matus’ tenant, identified to us as Canadian national John Deshaies. Deshaies was detained for questioning on Tuesday, but during the investigation, Corozal Police learnt of a case of burglary all the way in Placencia Village in which he turned up being a suspect. Today, authorities attempted to arraign him on relevant charges at the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court, but we are told that Deshaies provided some information that required him to be returned to Corozal Town.

Trio Kidnapped And Robbed, They Managed To Escape
Police in Corozal are investigating a kidnapping and robbery report made by 23 year old cane farmer Emir Rosado of Ranchito Village Corozal. Reports reaching CTV3 News indicate that Rosado told police that he and 26 year old Eder Stevenson, a Land consultant and 31 year old cane farmer Eliazar Hall both from the Corozal District were kidnapped by four men as they attempted to purchase a vehicle from them in Ranchito Village around 4:00p.m yesterday. Reports suggest that the person the trio had been talking with first showed up and he was then joined by three other individuals, two of them armed with long firearms and a pistol. The men reportedly stole from their victims 13 thousand dollars in cash, a blue Infinity Sedan valued at 15 thousand dollars; jewelry; cell phone and wallet, totaling over 33 thousand dollars.

LOVE FM

Plot Thickens as Canadian National is Detained for Questioning Into Recent Double Murder
It has been close to nine days since the disappearance of a foreign couple was noted in northern Belize. The pair, 54-year-old, Francesca Matus and 36-year-old, Drew Devoursney was found on Monday, May 2 in a cane field with their bodies decomposing. Autopsy results show that the two were strangled. Earlier today we told you […]

High School Teacher Remains Missing
High school teacher Pamela Lino remains missing tonight. Lino, a teacher at Belmopan Baptist High School, has not reported to work since last week Thursday and has not been seen since the long weekend. Her vehicle was found torched at mile 21 of the George Price Highway on Tuesday morning. Inside the vehicle, police found […]

Belizean Student Killed in His Chetumal Apartment
Nineteen year old Belizean student, Saul Pech was fatally stabbed last night in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is believed that Pech, who is originally from Yo Creek Village in the Orange Walk District, was stabbed by his own cousin who was staying with him at a shared apartment. According to reports emerging from Chetumal, […]

Chief Justice to Render Decision on Arbitration Award
Today, the two day hearing in the cases between government and the Aschroft Alliances, Caribbean Investment Holdings and Courtenay Coye LLP concluded. Both cases were heard jointly by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin and submissions were made by all parties yesterday and today in relation to the criminal penalties in the Central Bank Immunities Act of […]

Magistrate to Be Charged for Rape Upon His Return to Belize
Love News has received reports that a charge sheet has been prepared for the Court Magistrate for which he will be arraigned by next Wednesday. The magistrate is currently out of the country thus the delay in getting him to the Dangriga court room. We first brought you this story on April 24, 2017 where […]

Eamon Welcomes Penner to the Senate Inquiry
Elvin Penner will sit before the senate to speak on his role in the Won Hong Kim passport scandal. Love News understands that is what is expected to happen at the senate hearing next week. In an interview with Senator Eamon Courtenay, he said that while he has not spoken to Elvin Penner, he does […]

Trade Licensing System to be Revamped
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is looking to wrap up his final term in office and with that there is the expectation that several initiatives will be fast forward as he seeks to exit on a positive note. There were several areas that the Government is seeking to reform or revamp with the trade licenses system […]

Legislation to be Tabled for the EDC
In last week’s address to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that there would be some changes in import duty on packaging materials, aimed at assisting the private sector. DEAN BARROW “And the determination to do better is why we will next month be moving legislation in the National […]

Transparency through a Digital e-Government Crusade
Another goal under the Barrow administration is to move swiftly towards E-Governance. Prime Minister Barrow says the ideal is to have the public systems digitized. This, he says, will aid in having payments, bills and files organized and online. DEAN BARROW “But perhaps the most ambitious initiative underway, which will give force to the ingredients […]

PM Hopes for Realization of Pipeline Projects
As we stated earlier, the Prime Minister is making the best of the remainder of his historical third term. From all indications in the last eight plus years, it has been evident that the Prime Minister is not one who enjoys losing nor is he one cares to tarnish his name. This would explain his […]

The Guardian

Belmopan Teacher missing, her vehicle found burnt with body inside
Concerns continue to mount for a teacher, Pamela Lino, out of Belmopan who has been missing for a few days after her vehicle was found on fire at mile 21 on the George Price Highway. When the fire was finally extinguished, the badly burnt remains of a person was found inside. Hattieville Police reported that they last spotted the vehicle, a Kia Sportage SUV, at around 2:30a.m. on Tuesday, May 2 at their checkpoint. They say that the driver of the vehicle was approaching the checkpoint, when he/she realized that police intended to search it. That driver immediately turned the vehicle around and sped off back to the direction of Belmopan, and realizing something suspicious, officers set chase after the vehicle in their police mobile.

Fatal traffic accident in Orange Walk
On Tueday, May 2, 2017, there was a fatal road traffic accident which claimed the life of a 3 year old girl. The accident took place at about 8:15 a.m. on Liberty Avenue, Orange Walk Town, when a motorcycle with Orange Walk license plates which was being driven by Eulalio Babb, a 33-year-old Traffic Officer of OW Town was hit by a Bowen and Bowen delivery truck.

Missing American man and his Canadian girlfriend found dead
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, Joseph Milholen, an American national, reported that he went to pick up his friend Francesca Matus, a 52-year-old Canadian National of Consejo Road, Corozal, to drop her off at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. According to Milholen, he could not find Matus even after attempting to call her several times. He also stated that he called her 36-year-old boyfried Drew Thomas De Voursey, an American national of Ranchito Village, Corozal, but did not receive a response. Milholen claimed that De Voursey’s motorcycle was parked on Matus’ driveway but that her white Isuzu Rodeo was missing. Milholen stated that the last time he saw the couple was on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at a bar and grill on 1st Avenue in Corozal Town.

San Pedro gets new police booth and motorcycles
he North Side of San Pedro is a fast growing community and as with any new development there will be a new set of challenges. One of the challenges in this area was the lack of permanent police presence. The Police Department in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and the Neighborhood Watch Group decided to build a permanent booth witch is situated near the San Mateo area which is known for more than its fair share of criminal activity. On May 3, the booth was inaugurated with much pump and circumstance by members of the Police Department including ACP Desire Phillips and ASP Henry Jemoth, members of the San Pedro Town Council including Mayor Danny Guerrero and member of the Neighborhood Watch Group. The booth will also be complemented with three motorcycles which will enable the officers posted at the booth to conduct more efficient and far reaching patrols in the area.

BTL’s New CEO outlines his plans at the helm of the company
Chairman of BTL’s Board of directors, Nestor Vasquez on Wednesday May 3 formally introduced the new Chief Executive Officer for the company. In doing so, Vasquez said that it was an, “exciting time for BTL as we continue on our journey towards ‘destination greatness’”. According to Vasquez, Rochus Schreiber was selected after an open recruitment process in Belize, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond. He stated that BTL’s board got applications from as far as Australia and Sri Lanka. In the end Schreiber was selected and Vasquez added that he was pleased to say that BTL has facilitated the transition in leadership in a transparent and competitive manner as any other telecom operator anywhere in the world. Schreiber, said Vasquez, joins the company at a critical time during which it is undergoing a transformation of technical infrastructure and commercial operations. He added that at the moment the company is putting in place a foundation to deliver world class mobile telephony and broadband services. The success of BTL will translate into success of our country both economically and socially stated Vasquez.

Popular taxi man killed, robbery may be the motive
The 18-day peace in Belize City that the Police Department has been working so hard to cement in place, was disturbed by the murder of a taxi driver, 48 year-old Santiago Rodriguez. Police investigation so far suggests that it was not gang-related, and so if true, the cease fire that has been extensively discussed between all the city’s gangs is still in effect. The victim, 48 year-old Santiago Rodriguez, was found inside his taxi vehicle on Unity Street, Belize City, at around 2 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017. Police say that he was inside his white Toyota 4Runner with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Information suggests that he was working, doing his taxi runs for the day, and at around 10 that morning, residents of Unity Street heard the sound of a single gunshot being fired. Nobody went out to check, and about 4 hours later, someone found Rodriguez’s lifeless body, and called the police.

40 thousand flock to Agricultural Show in Belmopan
Belize’s 47th National Agriculture and Trade Show, which was held on April 28th, 29th and 30th at the National Show Grounds in Belmopan has successfully been completed to excellent reviews. Preliminary data released by the Department of Agriculture shows that some 40,000 persons visited the show grounds over the three good weather days; exceeding last year’s 39,000 Gary Ramirez, Chairman of the National Agriculture Trade Show NATS committee reports that some 110 new businesses were present for this year’s event. Given the show of numbers by Belizeans from across the Country, it was a clear opportunity for business and agricultural related displays to obtain maximum exposure. As with every year, the National Rodeo and Livestock Show held on Saturday attracted huge crowds. Justacio Tush, a participant of the show reports that for the first time the Toledo District was represented at the show by the “San Vicente Toledo Cowboys.”

BAHA wrongful prosecuted on Social Media
While we believe that Social Media and the Talk shows, are great and much needed media for the general populace to vent or highlight things that may be occurring at a given time, those media also have their setbacks. Those setbacks are caused by those who seek to abuse, misuse or don’t understand how powerful those media are. Such was the case on Sunday, when someone posted a complain on Facebook, in one of the very popular Belize Buy & Sell groups. We gathered that the author of the post wanted to complain about what she saw as the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA), taking advantage of a struggling person. The genesis of her grievance was, the fact that BAHA’s Quarantine Officers confiscated some mangoes from her friend at the Agriculture Show in Belmopan, on Sunday. Her friend produces and sells a tasty refreshing frozen drink, known as Chamoyada. Mangoes happen to be one of the ingredients that, is used in the drink. There is where the problem originates, because we don’t have mangoes, available all year long and more important is that at this time of the year, our mangoes are not ready for harvesting.

Belmopan now has traffic lights
Belmopan City now has a new set of traffic lights that will improve public safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Chair of the Belize Road Safety Initiative, Ms Yvonne S. Hyde, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, passed through for an inspection of the Traffic light system at the T Junction by Constitution Drive and Forest Drive in Belmopan on Friday. At the Forest Drive Site were the Representatives from the Belmopan City Council, Shane Orillo and Israel Chuc. Also present were the Contractor’s Representative, Jacob Banman and Daniel Cano from the Belize Roadway Construction, along with the Traffic Light Experts from CEMEX Mexico.

BBIA holds Book Week 2017
Every year, in commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day on April 23rd, the Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA) organizes Book Week. This year, the programme began on Friday, April 28 at the Punta Gorda Central Park and continued at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio on Saturday of this past weekend. The theme for this year is READERS ARE LEADERS! The two-day Book Week programme included a Book Fair and book exchange, storytelling, games, and sessions on publishing, digital illustration and the Belize Literary Prize. The annual Literary Evening with lively performances were held on Saturday night at the Wildfire ArtZmosphere in San Ignacio Town.

Inauguration of Belize Bureau of Standards New Metrology Laboratory
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with Government of Belize (GOB) and the European Union (EU), officially opened its new Metrology Laboratory on April 28, 2017 at Power Lane, Ministry of Works Compound in the City of Belmopan. The Metrology lab will be responsible for setting measurement standards to serve as the basis for ensuring equity in the marketplace and as a reference for calibration services throughout the country. The lab was constructed with funding from the European Union and the Government of Belize under the Belize Rural Development Project (BRDP II) at an approximate cost of 1.4 Million Euros or 3.2 Million BZE. This included the physical structure and laboratory equipment.

CITCO’s Labour for Belize
The Belize City Council carried out a citywide clean-up campaign “Labour for Belize” on this year’s labour day. There were a total of 528 registered participants that cleaned up areas on both the North and South sides of the city. Apart from simply cleaning up the city, participants also painted and beautified the areas. Areas that were cleaned included Faber’s Road, the Civic Center area on Jude Street, Albert and Regent streets, and the cemetery at Yarborough. The Bel-China bridge was given a fresh coat of paint along with the Lake Independence basketball court and football field, the Armadillo playground, the Belize sign, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Cemetery Road to Albert and Orange Streets, the Northern Highway, and trees in the Buttonwood Bay area.

Customs now has equipment to detect nuclear weapons
On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, there was a handing over of special equipment to the Belize Customs and Excise Department and the Belize Police Department by the Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS). According to Gregory Bates, EXBS’ Security Advisor from the US Embassy in Panama City, they are looking forward to continuing their collaboration with Belize’s local interdiction teams. The efforts of the EXBS are to minimize the global proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, military grade nuclear weaponry, and other efforts of terrorism. They especially focus on the decrease of transfer of such radiological materials into the private sector. There are equipment and trainings that need to be implemented to assure that the distribution is reduced as much as possible. Working with governments and their departments ensure that officers are able to recognize such threats and that transfers are intercepted as expeditiously as possible.

Loan shark complains about housing - again!
On Tuesday of this week the Port Loyola Loan Shark, Gilroy Lord aka Gilroy Usher Sr. called the Love FM morning show. Apparently the reason for his calling was to badmouth and complain about the type of homes Anthony Boots Martinez and the government have been building and giving out to poor Belizeans. Now these houses as far as we know are given to the recipients free of cost and it is the taxpayers who pay for these houses. The Loan Shark’s gripe is that the houses are small and have plycem exterior walls and floors. He said that the walls don’t hold up to the rains and sun. He spoke of houses that were built less than eight years ago as having fallen apart. Usher went as far as to speak of a family that he claimed, had to be issued two houses in the same eight year period because the first one had already deteriorated into a state of disrepair.

Free medical services for Cayo residents
Leaders from Beyond the Horizon 2017 met with Belizean civil leaders in San Ignacio on Friday of last week in anticipation of an upcoming Medical Readiness Training Event (MEDRETE). Task force personnel discussed population control measures and medical services with local doctors and health officials in a town hall planned by Task Force Information Operations. The deployment of medical personnel will start as had been scheduled on the 8th of May and continues to the 16th of May at the Macal Park in San Ignacio Town. Doctors will be seeing patients as from 7:00a.m. and stop accepting patients at 3:00p.m. to allow patients to get through. The types of free services will include general family medicine, vision, dental, pediatrics and gynecology. There will be two dentists working full time at any one time. Resident in rural Cayo are advised to check with village chairmen for transportation arrangements.

Address by the Honorable Prime Minister at the AGM of the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Thank you for inviting me to share my sense of the business climate, the macro economy, and a few of my Administration’s actions and plans for sustaining and broadening Belize’s economic expansion. To some extent, a degree often underestimated, both government and the private sector grapple with conditions that are uncontrollable, or at least unpredictable. For example, at the start of our tenure nine years ago, the Great Recession and the unusual oil price spike that wobbled the global economy, especially small economies in the American orbit such as Belize, was surely not something we had bargained for. It was an unexpected crisis, made worse by the inability to forecast and prepare beforehand.

Role model youth wins Scotiabank International award
Benque Viejo del Carmen resident Ricky Cunil is once again the recipient of a prestigious international award. Cunil has won the Scotiabank International Bright Future Young Leaders Award, which is awarded to youths who make outstanding contributions to their communities. To be eligible, applicants must reside in a participating country, complete 100 hours of volunteerism in a minimum of three of the Bank’s six philanthropic pillars - education, arts, health, social services, sports and environment. The award promotes volunteerism in the young generation and each year 12 winners are chosen worldwide. The official handing of this award is scheduled to take place on May 3rd at the Scotiabank Branch in Spanish Lookout, where he will become equipped with a tablet and obtain a scholarship to Sixth Form.

Ecumenical Junior College takes gold cup in Social Security National Debate
This year’s Social Security National Finals Debate was held at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts on Friday, April 28, 2017. The very pertinent debate topic focused on the border issue between Belize and Guatemala. Even more than debating the border issue, the debaters from Independence Junior College and Ecumenical Junior College debated whether or not Belize should take the case to the International Court of Justice, and why or why not. Derrick Morgan, Manager, Independence Branch Office, Social Security Board, expressed that he was pleased with the relevance of the topic being debated. He also said that despite any cultural or religious differences, he is satisfied that we can all come together to address the topic. Morgan considered the debate a “launch pad” and a “valuable space for public discourse.”

Hon. Aragon donates to Chan Pine Ridge Students
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” Babe Ruth When a group of kids get together to form a team, nothing motivates them more than having the proper gear and uniforms. This is the case in Chan Pine Ridge. The students of the Chan Pine Ridge Gov’t School are rated among the best upcoming athletes in the Orange Walk District. This school boasts one of the best volleyball and football teams in Orange Walk but what they possess in talent they lack in resources. They are in dire need of sports jerseys and equipment and this need was conveyed to the area representative who didn’t hesitate to respond.

Guatemalan woman was found with a prohibited firearm
Martha Interiano, a 46-year-old Guatemalan with Belize residency and resident of Halls Layout Area, Corozal Town, was charged with a single count of possession of a prohibited firearm. Her son, Jose Interiano, 20-year-old Belizean national of Mile 83 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, Corozal Town, was charged with two criminal offenses. One of them, kept unlicensed ammunitions and the other, the possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another person/s for the purpose of drug trafficking. In court before Judge Adolph Lucas, Martha was granted bail in the sum of $7,500 plus one surety of the same amount while Jose was granted bail of $5,000 and a surety of the same amount. Both are to report to the Corozal Police Station once a week and attend all court adjournment dates.

Lorenzo Smith guilty of jail house murder
After 5 months of sitting behind prison bars awaiting his fate, 31 year old Lorenzo Smith Jr., accused of the killing of his prison cell mate, Alfonso Eck was found guilty of murder on Tuesday May 2. After the guilty verdict, Justice Troadio J. Gonzalez deferred sentencing for Friday, May 5, 2017. Smith Jr. was accused of the murder of Alonzo Eck who was found dead inside his cell on the night of October 9, 2009. Initially, authorities thought his death was a suicide but Dr. Mario Estradabran later ruled his death a homicide as Smith Jr., was the only other person inside the cell at the time of Eck’s death, on the night of October 9, 2009, a Prison officer who found Eck said he was on the toilet in a stooping position with a blanket around his neck.

Enrique Pook Jr., walks free from 3 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse of a 13 year old girl
Enrique Pook Jr., 22-years-old, has been set free from his accusations of having sexual intercourse with a minor on three separate occasions dating all the way back to 2014. Porsha Staine-Ferguson, Crown Counsel for the office of the DPP, entered a nolle prosequi after the victim and her mother both informed the court that they did not wish to continue the matter in court. The first two incidents are said to have occurred in 2014, once in August and another time in October. The third incident occurred in early 2015. The matter went to PI in July 2015 where Pook was committed to stand trial on three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Bailed after being charged with rape of American student
A day after arriving in the country, a 17-year-old student from California was raped in San Pedro by a man that was introduced to her by a relative. The alleged attacker, Eldon Williams, was initially denied bail and remanded to prison after he was charged with a single count of rape when he appeared in the San Pedro Magistrate Court. Williams took his case to the Supreme Court and was successful in securing bail with the aid of his attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley. On Friday, Aril 28, 2017, fifteen days after the incident, Williams’ bail application was heard before Supreme Court Judge Adolph Lucas who granted him bail in the sum of $10,000 and a surety of the same amount. Williams was ordered to stay away from the victim or any prosecution witness. Williams was also ordered to report to the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court once a week and to attend all court adjournments and his next court date set for May 5, 2017.

Police charge man for murder of 17 year old
Ladyville police have arrested and charged 28-year-old Timothy Thurton for the murder of 17 year-old Brandon Randy Bradley. The teenager was gunned down on Wednesday night, April 26, when he was only a short distance away from his home in Lords Bank Village. Residents told the press that at around 9 o’clock that Wednesday night, he was socializing with a group of friends and his brother at an unnamed shop in the village. That shop is less than a mile away, and his companions from that evening say that he was in good spirits joking around with those around him, when he decided that it was time for him to go home.

Baby killed in accident at 8 miles
Police are investigating a Labour day accident which claimed the life of a 7-month-old baby. The accident occurred around 2 p.m. on May 1, 2017 when Darrel Jackson, a 23-year-old Belize City resident, was driving a grey Mitsubishi Endeavor on the George Price Highway. Along with him were 7 passengers, Vidal Davis, 22-years-old, Standford Casimiro, 10-years-old, AJ Flores, 19-years-old, Jermaine Wagner, Aldis Ferguson, Johlanie Ferguson, and Esmay Ferguson, the 7-month-old baby. According to police reports, Jackson lost control of the SUV around mile 9. That caused the vehicle to flip over causing varying degrees of injuries to all the passengers and claiming the life of Esmay.

Weekend drownings at Roaring Creek and Banana Bank
On April 30, 2017, a drowning was reported in the vicinity of the Hammock Bridge in Roaring Creek. The victim on the Roaring Creek drowning was Joseph Vacarro, 16-year-old student of Edward P. Yorke High school. He was to have graduated in June of this year. On the same date, police visited the Banana Bank area where 11-year-old Sandy Lopez, a student, drowned. According to investigations, around 12:30 p.m., Armando Lopez, Sandy’s father and a Belizean farmer of Valley of Peace, was at the river where his children were swimming. He heard screams and saw that his children were being swept away by the current but he was unable to save his daughter Sandy.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks won nail biter game against Cayo Western Ballaz
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League commenced its semi-final competition on Friday 28th April, 2017, at the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School Auditorium in Dangriga Town between the Dangriga Dream Ballers and the Belmopan Bandits. The visiting Belmopan Bandits prevailed in game one in the best of three format series when it upended the Dangriga Dream Ballers by the score of 71-55. The top scorers for the Belmopan Bandits were Stephen Williams with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; Gregory Rudon who also scored 14 points, to go along with his 3 rebounds and 3 assists and Edgar Mitchell with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. For the Dangriga Dream Ballers, the top scorers were Tahj Wells with 18 points, 13 rebounds and a steal; Trevaughn Usher with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist and a steal and Akeem Trapp with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Verdes FC and the Belmopan Bandits in the finals of the Premier League of Belize Closing Season
The Premier League of Belize 2016-2017 Closing Season Football competition will enter its championship round on Sunday 7th May at 4:00 pm out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town with game one of the two games series between Verdes FC and the defending champions the Belmopan Bandits, with the second and final game scheduled for Saturday 13th May at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the City of Belmopan. The Belmopan Bandits made it to the championship round when it played to a 1-1 draw with the Belize Defence Force on Saturday 29th April, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. The Belmopan Bandits was the first to get onto the scoreboard when Jairo Rochez scored his team’s goal in the 10th minute of play to give it a 1-0 lead.

Football Federation of Belize calls U-20 female footballers to training
In preparation for the UNCAF U-20 Women Elimination which will be held in Nicaragua from June 18-22, 2017, the FFB is calling the following players for training on May 6 and 7, 2017 at the FFB Training Facility in Belmopan. All players should be at the FFB Headquarters by 8:00 a.m. Players must bring along their passport, boots, shin guard, and toiletries.

Hummingbird Elementary girls and Holy Redeemer boys win Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball
The 2016-2017 Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball championship took place on Wednesday 3rd May, 2017, at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium. In the girls’ championship game, Hummingbird Elementary School won over Belize Elementary School in two sets by the score of 25-13 and 25-16 to capture the Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball championship. In the boys’ championship game, Holy Redeemer School won over Belize Elementary School by the score of 25-21, 25-18 to capture the Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball championship.

Paint Up a Storm in San Ignacio
A full day event to enhance the talents in the arts was held on Saturday of this past weekend at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town. Now being held for the seventh year, Paint Up a Storm is organized by Canadian Dr. Winsom Winsom and involves paint brushes, multicolored paint and a variety of arts and craft materials. Volunteers from the local banks turned up to change the paint brushes and add additional paint when required by children doing their art work. This year the various wooden platforms for painting was donated by Juan Chuc. The outstanding art work produced by the participants of Paint Up a Storm required much effort and team work. Artists were hosted by Cahal Pech and the lunches were provided by Guava Limb. Nurse Marlene Sanker and Dr. Winsom Winsom had been up and about until 1:00 pm on Friday preparing materials for Saturday’s event.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
In James 4:8, the brother of Jesus wrote: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Building and maintaining great relationships is hard work. It requires precious uninterrupted time and abundant patience, but the rewards are priceless. It brings us no financial gain, and we live in a world where we are made to believe money makes the world go round. Therefore we go off to work to make money for buying things, which will replace us in the lives of our loved ones. It can get so bad that we never notice that we are growing further apart, until we wake up one day to find everything has fallen apart. But it is never too late to make the effort to build a good relationship if we are willing to put in the time and effort to turn things around.

“I was disappointed in these entities because nobody bothered to find out what the facts were.”
In an effort to improve grammar, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills;the Belize Book Industry Association along with the National Institute for Culture and History and the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) will launch Book Week. I am extremely overjoyed by that bit of news and I support the effort completely. I have been a teacher since 1982 and I am shocked by the very large number of individuals that have problems with reading and writing. Recently the Editor(Amandala) wrote:” It is the whole community which has seen our quality of life reduced…” I wish that he had evaluated the role of parents, family, neighbors, school and community, with specific emphasis on behavior, customs, discipline, opportunities…

Common Courtesy
After reading the “Guardian” last week I realized that it has been about a year now since I last opened a copy of the Amandala newspaper. Honestly, I simply lost interest and I guess I have not missed much except maybe a little history from the editorials and the publisher columns but nothing from the extremist from Finca Solana who delights in taking cheap shots at our ancestors the Baymen who settled and defended this land hundreds of years ago. After reading the article on Mr. Luna I could only shake my head at the sustained crusade of one ethnic man in his quest to disparage the Creoles of our country. One hot button issue I have followed closely in the evening news is the Senate inquiry at the immigration Department. I really am astonished at the level of underhandedness practiced by some Public Officers in cahoots with “facilitators”. We Ordinary citizens have all experienced the ordeal of trying to process a passport. First we have to suffer at Registry then we have to chase down a teacher and a JP to recommend us.

Breaking Belize News

FBI arriving in Belize to investigate expat double murder
Exclusive reports to BBN indicate that members of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will be assisting the Belize Police Department with the investigation into the double murder of Canadian, Francesca Matus and American, Drew De Voursney in Corozal. The couple resided in the quiet expat community of Serenity Sands in the Corozal district.

Relative kills relative in Chetumal
Breaking Belize News has confirmed that Belizean national, Saul Pech was killed last night in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Saul Pech, a resident of Orange Walk was reportedly in his apartment with two other men drinking when an argument started with his cousin who pulled out a knife and stabbed him. The accused cousin is from Orange Walk and also has Pech as his surname.

Police find .32 revolver in Benque
According to police reports, yesterday morning around 11:30 , police conducted a search on an abandoned lot in the Santa Cruz Area of Benque Viejo and found a .32 revolver with (2) live .765 mm ammunition.

Police find over 1,200 grams of marijuana in Belize City
Yesterday morning around 6, police conducted search on an abandoned lot on Raccoon Street Extension and found three plastic bags containing 1,210.8 grams of cannabis.

San Ignacio Police arrest three persons for keeping ammo without license
Last night around 8:20, police visited the residence of Jose Quintanilla on Teck Street, San Ignacio Town. At the time of the search, Jose Quintanilla, Delwin Lopez, and Carlos Juarez were present.

Magistrate to be charged for rape
Magistrate, poet, former teacher, and UDP supporter, Norman Rodriguez, is currently overseas. However, upon his return into the country he will be charged for rape. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has instructed the police to charge him.

Canadian man detained in connection with murder of Canadian-American couple
According to reports, Belize police have 2 persons detained in connection with the double murder of American national Drew De Voursney, 36, and Canadian national Francesca Matus,52. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Belize police told the media that the case is being treated as a murder investigation and they are investigating some threats made to the couple. BBN has been able to confirm that a Canadian national is detained as a suspect. However, police have not confirmed if another person is detained.

Over 37,000 Belizeans attended Agric Fair
The Ministry of Agriculture thanks the public, exhibitors, sponsors, and all the support personnel who made the 2017 National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) a resounding success. According to the NATS Committee, 37,143 Belizeans attended the event which represents an 8.28% increase over the 2016 attendance of 34,304. On Saturday, April 29, 2017, attendance was 15,107 compared to 13,982 in 2016, and on Sunday, April 30, 2017, attendance was 22,036 compared to 20,304 in 2016 – an increase of 9.98%.

New police booth inaugurated in San Pedro
Yesterday, the San Pedro Police, the San Pedro neighborhood watch group, and the San Pedro Town Council inaugurated a new police booth. Present at the ceremony was Mayor Danny Guerrero, Commander of the Eastern Police Division North, ACP Dezerie Phillips, ASP Henry Jemott, members of the town council and members of the neighborhood watch.

Belizean killed in Chetumal
A Belizean man was murdered last night in Chetumal, Mexico. Details are sketchy but the victim has been identified as Saul Pech.

Blogs

Attempting 36 Treatments in One Day at Victoria House Spa
Our mission – to experience the 36 different spa treatments at the Victoria House Spa in one day; is it all possible? Greedy, maybe!? Jeje!! Then I thought about it – kind of impossible when a full body scrub and relaxing facial took us most of the morning. Wishful thinking on my part, but a day at the spa with two treatments was more than enough? When Victoria House invited us for day of pampering at their new spa I knew we were in for some much needed relaxation. YES we had the pleasure of indulging in a couple treatments, PLUS enjoying the amenities of 2-bedroom Infinity Suite, lounging by the infinity pool and indulging at their Palmilla Restaurant. Traveling is a lot of work; believe it or not. Indulging in the Coco Body Polish was ideal to exfoliate, cleanse, nourish and refine our skin. This full body exfoliation treatment includes coconut oil and sea salt or local natural sugars, local honey, essential oils, a warm outdoor shower rinse, and topped off with a glorious cocoa body butter application (not a massage) to seal in the hydrating benefits.

The Beers in Belize
When you think of Belize, you think of the beautiful tropical beaches, the enchanting rain forest, and the ancient Maya temples that are scattered throughout this wonderful country. The friendly people, incredible diving experiences, and Caribbean music will also come to mind. Sadly, not many people think about the native beer. Belize is a little bit different than most countries when it comes to beer. Most foreign beers are prohibited from coming into the country. Only a few Caribbean beers are allowed to be sold in Belize. The Guinness Stout that is sold in Belize is actually brewed by the Belize Brewing Company and is a slightly different recipe than the European version of this beer. The Belize Brewing Company is the major brewer in the country and is responsible for producing Belkin, the most popular beer in the country. Named after the Maya word for “road to the east,” a reference to the Belize River, Belkin Beer is a classic Lager beer fashioned after European recipes that has a whopping 4.8 percent alcohol content. The other fabulous beers you can enjoy from the Belize Brewing Company include:

International Sources

Belize 2020 projects make impact in Central American nation
A new multipurpose building nearing completion at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Belize City is just one result of Belize 2020, a partnership in which St. Louisans support Jesuit ministries in a poverty-stricken neighborhood known for drug-gang violence, unemployment and family instability. The building will serve the parish, its school and community. Programs there will "keep students positively engaged and off the streets," said Misty Michael, coordinator of Belize 2020. Belize 2020's Project HEAL focuses on education. A multi-year plan assists St. Martin de Porres School, administered by the Jesuits and serving 750 students in day care, preschool and elementary school programs.

United Garifuna Association tribute to Rupert Anderson, One of Belize’s Greatest Goalkeepers
On Saturday 28th April 2017, I received a text that Rupert Anderson, better known as “Canalayte”, died in Florida. This news spoiled my whole Saturday. I knew that he was ailing for years now but did not expect my friend and former teammate with our “Ubafu” 1982 championship team to die so quickly. This text came in shortly after I got off the phone with another teammate and friend Kenrick Jones, who was on the team with us when we won the championship. Kenrick Jones and Rupert Anderson played together for the Landivar championship team before they both came to live here in New York City. The Ubafu soccer team has now lost two of our legends, namely, Gene Guild and Rupert Anderson. Currently, the family in Florida is making funeral arrangements for our teammate and friend. Plans are currently being made here in New York City to honor our beloved friend and teammate. The officers, members, friends and supporters of our organization hereby take this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. He will be sadly missed by all of us.

Mining magnate Ross Beaty donates $5 million to save jaguars
Jaguars in eight countries have Vancouver mining magnate Ross Beaty and his family to thank for helping preserve habitat corridors. The serial entrepreneur who founded Pan American Silver Corp. and his family are donating $5 million over 10 years to Panthera, which is a global wild cat conservation organization. The news comes a few months after the Canadian Museum of Nature announced that Beaty would be providing it with its largest-ever philanthropic gift: a $4 million investment to enhance the museum’s national research and collections that are focused on species discovery. “My family and I are pleased to support Panthera and its critical mission in Latin America,” Beaty said. “While the conservation challenges in the focus areas are vast, so are the opportunities, thanks to the groundwork that Panthera has laid. No one is better positioned than Panthera’s world-class team to implement the innovative, collaborative solutions that are so urgently needed.” Panthera will fund 18 staff to do research, education and policy work to help create protected areas in imperiled jaguar habitats and corridors. The money to secure jaguar habitat will be in eight countries: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.

Debt strangling a Caribbean generation
There is a real prospect that, in dealing with unsustainable debt, 11 of 13 Caribbean small states will have lost the first three decades of the 21st century, and foregone opportunities for poverty reduction, transformation and growth. That judgement has been made by a leading development-economist who has studied and worked on small economies. Cyrus Rustomjee is a South African-born, former head of the Economic Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. In that position, he produced well-considered papers for the G20 on the development challenges confronting developing countries. His recent study, “Pathways through the silent crisis: Innovations to Resolve Unsustainable Caribbean Public Debt”, was commissioned by the Centre for International Governance, an independent think-tank located in Canada. Losing “the first three decades of the 21st century” is a grim prospect. That’s practically an entire generation of Caribbean people. As Rustomjee points out, the problem is not that debt accumulation and debt servicing pose an intrinsic threat to poverty reduction, growth and development; but unsustainable high debt and debt servicing levels do.

Passengers Can Sue Airlines for Delayed Bags, Court Says
Even if you go to great lengths to make sure your checked bags won't get lost, ultimately, it's out of your control. Once you toss your suitcase on that scale, it's at the airline's whim. A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, however, that you might have more recourse to recouping your checked bag fee, when it overturned an earlier decision that could pave the way for disgruntled customers to sue airlines over delayed bags. Back in 2009, Hayley Hickcox-Huffman paid $15 to check her bag on a US Airways flight from Colorado Springs, Colorado to San Luis Obispo, California. When her luggage didn't show upon time, and took another day to arrive, she filed a class action lawsuit against US Airways on behalf of all customers whose bags were delayed, according to Reuters. But in 2011, a federal court dismissed the case, citing the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act that both prohibited states from enforcing laws concerning "price, route or service" of airlines, and passengers from suing airlines over said laws.

Videos

May 4, 2017

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

North Ambergris Caye Police Substation re-opened
Officer in Charge of the Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dezerie Philips gave the opening remarks. “Today is a significant day in San Pedro. Every time we inaugurate and open a police booth, it is a huge step we take. This booth was further up north, but we changed the location to meet the policing demands. Crime is everybody’s business. We need everyone to come on board with us to ensure we can do our best to serve our communities,” said Philips. Mayor Guerrero further stated the SPTC has invested $75,000 on solar panel lights to help reduce crime. He also stated that Deputy Mayor Gary Greif recently met with Minister of State for Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Junior, and finances were approved to install solar lights. These lights will be placed in strategic places around the island, particularly in areas where shootings have occurred in the past.

Matuz Bombers & San Pedro FC enter Mclean U-17 football finals
The Matuz Bombers and San Pedro FC have both qualified for the championship finals of the Mclean Insurance U-17 football tournament organized by the Belize District Football Association. The Hattieville Riverside Boys U-15 and Matuz Bombers U-15 also won the under-15 finals by big wins at the MCC grounds in Belize City on Saturday, April 8. The Matuz Bombers U-15 edged out Carlston FC: 2-1 in the first semi-final. Eshaq King scored the first goal for the Bombers to lead 1-0 at intermission; and Nigel Matus scored a second goal after the break. The Bombers’ defence blundered in conceding a penalty, and Shane Pratt converted for Carlston’s only consolation goal. The Hattieville Riverside Boys U-15 schooled the City Boys 3-0 in the second U-15 semi-final. Aaron Hendricks scored the first goal to lead 1-0 at intermission. Ruben Darius scored a second goal after the break, and Enoch “Monster” Rhaburn scored a third goal to seal the 3-0 win.

Belize Bureau of Standards inaugurates new metrology laboratory
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with the Government of Belize (GOB) and the European Union (EU) officially opened its new Metrology Laboratory on Friday, April 28th in Belmopan City. The Lab will be responsible for setting measurement standards to serve as the basis for ensuring equity in the marketplace and as a reference for calibration services throughout the country. It is the first of its kind in Belize and is the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art metrology facility within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Belize now joins other countries in the Caribbean region that have had a longer history in offering metrology services, like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Tiger Sharks win first NEBL semifinal against Western Ballaz
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks continue to dominate as the number one seed in the 2017 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) tournament. After the first round of semi-finals, the Tiger Sharks and the Belmopan Bandits emerged victorious this past weekend. On Saturday, April 29th, the Tiger Sharks played a familiar opponent, the Cayo Western Ballaz, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. With the home court advantage, Tiger Sharks took the lead, leaving no room for the Western Ballaz to catch up. In the third quarter, the Tiger Sharks had a whopping 24-point lead. However, the Western Ballaz rallied, closing the gap in the final quarter with only a one-point deficit in the last 23 seconds. The Tiger Sharks fought for the win, and some free throws in the end allowed them to seal a tight 82-78 victory.

Ambergris Today

Belize Mourns Death Of American And Canadian Couple
The country is in shock this week at the announcement of the disappearance and death of Canadian Francesca Matus, 52, and American Drew Thomas De Voursey, 36, who had made Corozal their home. According to a post-mortem conducted on the bodies they were strangled to death. Their deaths are now being investigated as homicides. And so the Corozal community, in which the couple became a part of, had rallied together to search for their friends whom now they morn their tragic death. Much international coverage has been given to this case and Belize once again is getting a bad reputation for being unsafe, especially for tourist.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Humane Society Open House
We are having an Open House on Saturday, May 13 , for a day of fun with the family, including all pets! We hope you can drop by to see where the Humane Society property is, check out our Jumble, Plant and Book sale, maybe get a good bath for the dog, have some lunch and get a professional photo of your family pet. Dr. Baptist will be on hand for wellness checkups and vaccines, so bring the whole household along for our special pet day.

Are you going to work in the United States with a worker’s visa?
If you are, the US Embassy Belmopan wants you to know your rights. Know your rights! You Have the right to: · Be treated and paid fairly · Not be held in a job against your will · Keep your passport and other identification documents · Report abuse without retaliation · Seek justice in U.S. courts We are committed to preventing trafficking and labor abuses.

Today is 12 Ix in the Maya Tzolkin calendar
Ix carries with it a lot of symbolism. It represents the jaguar, the night-time sun, is associated with the goddess Ixchel and also represents corn. It is also said to represent sacred Maya altars, and is a day for both mountains and plains.

Human Jaguar Conflict Officer Marchilio “Moon” Ack
Protected Areas Manager and Human Jaguar Conflict Officer Marchilio “Moon” Ack, over the weekend, participated at the National Agriculture & Trade Show Grounds. He shared tips to livestock farmers on how to reduce conflict with jaguars and the importance of jaguars on Love FM - News and Music Power and at the event. Human-jaguar conflict is increasingly becoming a sensitive, multi-layered issue. As more forests – the jaguar's home – are converted for agricultural activities and community development, clashes between people and the forests’ apex predator becomes more widespread.

May First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick-up
Keep the spirit of Earth Day going with First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick-up on May 5th! Just 2 short hours of picking, laughs (really!) getting to know your neighbors and showing the island some love. Join us at 8AM-10AM, starting at Paradise Theatre. Bags, gloves, pick-up sticks & water all provided.

BTEC, BELTRAIDE holds it Certificate Ceremony for the Basics of Caregiving
The Belize Training and Employment Centre ( BTEC) , a unit of Beltraide , held a certificate ceremony for its Basics of Care-giving Training on April 28th at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development in Belmopan. This five week training sought to prepare participants to work for and on behalf of the elderly. The training included soft skills such as professionalism, work ethic, resume building and interview preparation; technical skills, First-Aid and CPR provided by the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) as well as an internship at the Sister Cecilia’s Home for the Elderly in Belize City.

National Tapir Day
Happy to attend the celebrations in honor of National Tapir Day and Fuego’s 4th birthday at the The Belize Zoo. Congratulations Sharon Matolas, Jamal and all the great staff for their excellent job!

CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Belize Sugar Industries Limited
Belize Sugar Industries Limited invites qualified, motivated and agile individuals to submit applications for the position of Port Security Officer (PSO) based in Belize City. The PSO will be part of a team of Security Professionals whose responsibility is to watch over BSI’s Land, Port and Marine assets in the Belize City area and offshore. Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

A Walk Through Benque Viejo Book Launch
A Walk Through Benque Viejo, a new book all about the culture of Benque, is being launched this Friday morning at Centennial Park. Great way to kick off the International Festival of Culture. "A Walk through Benque, book launch on our places of dearest memory, make it a date Friday, May 5th, 2017 at 9:00 a.m."

Belize Fishing Report: Weeks of April 24th - April 30th
Light winds at the beginning of the week with strong winds ending the week. The fish are always hungry ahead of a storm and this week was not different. All the fish were eating including the tarpon and permit. Most of our guests landed bonefish with some of them bringing large bones to the boat.

New conservation post in the Chiquibul
Finally after 3 years, the construction of the next conservation post in the Chiquibul is materializing, in the northern region of Chiquibul. Road access underway. This is made possible through the support of the Government of Belize.

Visitation is starting to occur in remote areas of the Chiquibul such as Natural Arch and already garbage is beginning to be a problem
We certainly don’t want added problems in these wilderness zones. FCD’s karst team conducting a clean-up of the area

Channel 7

Canadian Suspect in Double Murder Will be Charged For Burglary Tomorrow
Tonight, there is a somewhat surprising new development to report in the case of the North American couple murdered in Corozal.  First, we can confirm that the single male suspect who police had detained is a Canadian.  And, second, he will be charged tomorrow. But it's not a murder charge - in fact, it's not for any crime in Corozal.  This suspect will be taken to Placencia where he will be charged for an unrelated burglary.  We're still working on getting details on that alleged crime, but after he is arraigned on that charge, he will then be taken back to Corozal where he will be questioned further on the murder of 52 year old Canadian Francesca Matus and 36 year old American Drew Thomas De Voursey.  As we understand it so far, he is not cooperating with police.  Sketchy information to 7News suggests that the couple may have been targeted for murder by persons familiar to them, possibly in a land dispute.  Police believe that more than one person was involved in the murder.  A post mortem determined that they were both strangled and then taken to a remote sugar road in Chan Chen where the killer or killers dumped their bodies.

Worst Fears For Missing Pamela Lino After Burnt Kia Found
Last night, we told you about the charred human remains that police found inside a burnt up vehicle at mile 21 on the George Price Highway. Well, police are no closer to identifying the victim, and tonight, there are growing concerns that the burnt victim is actually, the owner of the vehicle, Belmopan resident Pamela Lino. She's a teacher from the Belmopan Baptist High School, who hasn't reported to work for 2 days now. More worrisome than that is that no one has been able to get in touch with her, despite the best efforts from her co-workers, friends, and police.  As we reported, at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday, Hattieville police spotted her white Kia Sportage heading toward their checkpoint, westbound for Belmopan. As soon as the driver saw the police, he or she turned the vehicle around and headed back toward Belmopan.

Man Charged For Fatal Accident Where 7 Month Old Was Killed
Twenty-three year old Darrel Jackson was driving the SUV that flipped at mile 8 on the western Highway on Monday. It caused the death of a 7 month old baby - who was a passenger inside the vehicle. Today, he was charged with manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, drove motor vehicle without due care and attention and drove motor vehicle in contravention of learner's permit. Magistrate Stephanie Gillett released him on a bail of $5,000 and his case was adjourned until August 3. He was travelling with 7 passengers when he lost control of the vehicle and flipped.

No Peace At Tourism Village
The local tour operators at the Fort Street Cruise Tourism Village were in an uproar again today.  This time they say it's because the BTB is restricting their movements with too many rules.  That has pitted some tour operators who are confined to one area against others who can roam freely.  It's one more symptom of too many fighting for too few scraps - and today tensions boiled over when the BTB - which officiates the terminal sent letters of reprimand to those tour operators who were allegedly caught roaming outside their approved area.  We spoke to operators on both sides of the dispute:… John Pollard - Owner, Big John Tours: "What they are doing which is plain to be seen, they are dictating the pace for us when we should move, when we should not move, if we should use the bathroom and whatever else may come along. Jules that is not right." Dennis Tillet - Tour Guide, Big John Tours

UNCAC, Towards Implementation
Late last year, there was a lot of pressure built up around the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC.  The teachers went on a record 11 day strike, the business sector threatened a shutdown, and, under pressure, the Barrow Administration signed unto the agreement in December.  But that was the easy part, now it's all about the long, hard and expensive road ahead. That's putting in the mechanisms to implement the convention.   That journey began today with a workshop at the Inspiration Center. It's the preliminary stage where the convention and all the requirements are explored. The Attorney General Mike Peyreffite gave us a better understanding about the workshop. Legal expert Cristina Ritter also discussed the overall importance of UNCAC for Belize.

BTL’s New CEO Speaks
Last month we reported that BTL finally found its newest CEO. The search for the new head of the company started six months ago after then CEO and current member of the Board of Directors Anwar Barrow, announced his resignation. Barrow officially stepped down from the position in February, but no replacement had been found, so company CFO, Ivan Tesucum acted as CEO in the interim. In April, BTL finally found its new leader in European Rochus Schreiber, a 20 year veteran in the telecommunications industry.  BTL held a press conference today to formally introduce Schreiber as CEO. Here's what Schreiber had to say about the transition and his goals... Rochus Schreiber - CEO, BTL: "My first priority, first job when I came here was to meet with as many people as I can, with as many employees and customers and interact to learn about what it is they want. It's to learn and interact about their needs and their desires about what works, what doesn't work for them and understand what it is the difference, what is the gap between what we are doing and their needs.

How Will New BTL Boss Handle Union?
Schreiber also discussed how he plans to positively build relations with the BTL staff. Last month, employees at the company's St. Thomas Street branch staged a walk out. The employees, who as members of the Belize Communications Workers Union, were dissatisfied with the company's lack of communication. The walkout was also prompted by an alleged standstill in the negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement, which determines the employees' salaries and benefits. Here's the update Schreiber gave us on that situation...

Copper Network Obsolete, BTL Internet Going Fiber, But When?
Schreiber also touched on BTL's switch to fiber optic to deliver internet to homes, as well as improving the reliability of their internet service in general including the outdated copper network… Rochus Schreiber - CEO, BTL: "They are two fronts in which we will be operating, one is a continuation of what we already started which is the mobile network evolution. As you know we already launched 11 new sites in the first quarter of this year which brings our total mobile coverage to 111 sites across Belize which is the most of any of the two networks which operate here and this will continue. This year we are planning to add more sites, we currently have a plan for 17 more and we are budgeting to add another in total 50 sites to bring our coverage to every area where there are customers in Belize."

Senate Hearings On Immigration Continue
The Senate hearings on Immigration continued today, and this time Senate wanted to question the Department's IT Manager for a second time. They've been hearing some startling disclosures from witnesses on breaches to the passport system which may have been exploited to get passports for persons who did not qualify. The most recent came last Wednesday on from Therese Chavarria, a retired Immigration Officer. She said that she had no difficulty fooling the passport system into accepting a picture of 2 applicants who didn't show up to take a picture for their passports. That's important because other witnesses have come before the Senate to say that it's impossible to take a picture of persons who didn't show up personally for their application. Yet, that's exactly what happened in the case of Won Hong Kim and others, and so, Rodolfo Bol, the IT Manager was called back to counter or confirm that revelation. Here's how the Senate Chairman put it to him directly today:

Teachers, Students Walk Out At Delille
There were no classes today at Delille Academy in Dangriga. That's because the teachers and students stormed out of the classrooms in protest. According to the teachers, their principal is refusing to pay 4th form teacher Timothy Lewis for April. Lewis received a letter of termination on April 24th because his teacher's license had expired in March. Lewis is demanding that he be paid for his service in April. Now while this sounds like an internal or an administrative matter, the teachers and students say they have had it with the principal and made their voices heard today. We spoke with Denise Flores-Henry who is the Staff Representative on the Board of Governors at the school and teacher Timothy Lewis himself via phone. Here is how they describe the situation.

US Making Sure No WMD in Bze
Today the US Embassy's Export Control and Related Border Security Program handed over much needed radiation inspection equipment to the Customs and Excise Department. The donation, valued at about $45,000 USD, consists of equipment that will help the Customs Department in identifying radioactive materials that could be harmful to people, or used as a component in a weapon of mass destruction. We spoke to Regional Export Control and Border Security Advisor, Greg Bates about the donation... Greg Bates - Reg. Export Control & Border Security: "Weapons of mass destruction is the proliferation globally and our efforts by the global community to prevent the proliferation into unsavoury characters or countries that are trying to develop a military grade, chemical or biological or nuclear logical programs. There is also an issue to terrorism when we have organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaida who have publicly announced their intent to develop and create radiological dirty bombs, chemical weapons and we've seen use of that.

Accounting Firm Talking Social Issues With Belize Kids
Today a group of city kids spent all day preparing for a youth innovation competition that will be held tomorrow at the ITVET. It is part of Price Waterhouse Coopers outreach work in Belize. The objective is to get youth thinking about creative and effective ways to stop violence in Belize. Now, violence is a very complex issue to address in a 3 day workshop but one of the organizers say that they hope this initiative will inspire these kids to make a difference even if it is in a small way. Brad Denning - PWC, Partner: "Today where are at ITVET, is part of PWC's youth innovation challenge actually so we are working with a lot of the local schools and we are creating a competition to address youth violence in Belize so we have a number of teams from across Belize City that are competing for a prize and their task is to come up with an idea, an original idea to combat youth violence so we partnered every school with 2 or 3 mentors from PWC and we work on presentation skills, mentoring, coaching, confidence, resume building and interviewing skills."

Another Fire On Elston Kerr
Early yesterday morning the fire department responded to a fire on Elston Kerr Street. A small, unoccupied wooden house was completely engulfed in flames. This is the same house that was damaged by fire last month. The fire department contained the blaze, but not before the flames spread to a nearby house. No one was injured, and while the house that originally caught fire was primarily used for storage, the family that lives next door says that their home received extensive damage. According to one member of the family, several pieces of furniture and at least three motor vehicles were damaged during the blaze. We spoke to Jaron Meighan, who was awakened by the flames:…

The Trouble In Free Zone
As we told you last night, the CEO of the Corozal Free Zone Valentino Blanco has been suspended for 30 days. But, Blanco's attorney has written to the chairman of the Free Zone to say that his suspension is arbitrary, unreasonable and unlawful.  The lawyer adds that Blanco left the office yesterday under threat of personal injury.  We asked the chairman of the Free Zone Chamber - who was in the lobby applauding his departure about that:… Jules Vasquez: "You all accumulated here in like protest." Kishore Makhijani - Corozal Chamber of Commerce: "In protest but was a very peaceful thing, we didn't disrupt anything. Most of the time we were downstairs standing and then just because it's too hot so we told them let's come upstairs and we'll standing doing nothing."

US Takes The Media Over The Horizon
And finally tonight, as part of World Press Freedom Day the US embassy teamed up with the US Army to give the local press a helicopter tour of the various sites that the Beyond the Horizon 2017 operation is working on. Here's the scene at the western regional hospital:…

Channel 5

1 Man Detained in Double Murder of Foreigners in Corozal
The murder by strangulation of fifty-two-year-old Francesca Matus and thirty-six-year-old Drew Thomas DeVoursney continues to baffle police up north. The Canadian woman and her American boyfriend went missing last week [...]

What Happened to Pamela Lino?
Belmopan teacher, Pamela Lino, is still missing tonight. Her vehicle, a Kia Sportage, was found burnt on the Gracie Rock junction on the George price Highway early on Tuesday morning. [...]

Charges Awaiting Accused Magistrate in Rape Case
We can confirm tonight that the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has directed the police to proceed to bring charges against a magistrate serving in south. The magistrate, however, [...]

Grenade, Non-Lethal, Picked Up Over Holiday Weekend
Sometime between Friday night and Saturday over the holiday weekend, Belize City police reportedly discovered a grenade on Fern Lane in the Saint Martin De Porres area. The grenade has [...]

Corozal Free Zone C.E.O. Fights Suspension
The situation on the ground appears to be returning to some normalcy following Monday’s suspension of Valentino Blanco as C.E.O. of the Corozal Commercial Free Zone. The Board suspended him [...]

At Senate, Rodolfo Bol Changes Tune on Passport System
The Senate Special Select Committee’s public hearing at the National Assembly this morning was truncated due to logistical issues with bringing witnesses to Belmopan. The sole witness to testify is [...]

What Happened During Kim Passport Window?
What does this mean for what happened with the Won Hong Kim passport? The Department’s records state that a file was opened just before eleven in the morning and closed [...]

Belize Has No Diplomatic Presence in Dalian, China
Bol also told the Senate panel about the capability of foreign embassies in the U.S. and elsewhere that had limited access to the main system in Belmopan that allowed for [...]

No Additional Charges for Cops Accused of Contraband
Almost a month ago, police announced disciplinary proceedings against a police constable and a special constable based in Orange Walk, who were accused of illegally contrabanding items at the Rio [...]

Your Light Bill Won’t Go Up
There is not likely to be any change in the electricity rate any time soon. On Tuesday, the Public Utilities Commission appeared to agree with Belize Electricity Limited that no [...]

New C.E.O. of B.T.L. Introduced
There’s a new Chief Executive Officer in the driver’s seat at the government-controlled Belize Telemedia Limited replacing the prime Minister’s son Anwar Barrow.  Rochus Schreiber, a career professional in the [...]

Customs, Police Gear Up to Fight Weapons of Mass Destruction
In more than a century and a half of existence, the office of Comptroller of Customs and Excise has seen it all. But often, it’s what you don’t see coming [...]

How to ‘Know Your Money’
The Central Bank of Belize is hosting a two day “Know Your Money” presentations to be conducted by international De La Rue International which prints the Belize currency notes. The [...]

Going Beyond the Horizon
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, local journalists and media personalities were invited for a fly over of Belize from the Belize District over to the Cayo District. Treated [...]

B.T.L. Calms Employees, Preparers New C.B.A.
Earlier you heard from the Chairman of Belize Telemedia Limited introducing the company’s new C.E.O., Rochus Schreiber. Within days of assuming as C.E.O., employees of B.T.L., those belonging to the [...]

A.G. Leads Implementation of UNCAC
Key stakeholder of the government, business sector, media and other agencies were in attendance of a training on the implementation review of the mechanism of the United Nations Convention Against [...]

Drivers Charged for Traffic Violations in P.G.
Four drivers were convicted on April twenty-eighth, 2017, at the Punta Gorda Town Magistrate’s Court of offences under the transport laws. The cases were brought by Cesar Muschamp, Traffic Warden [...]

LOVE FM

Digging Into the Portable Passport System and Economic Citizenship
Today’s Senate hearing was brief, with Rodolfo Bol as the only witness to appear before the Special Senate Select Committee. Bol is the IT Manager for the Immigration Department and he was mainly questioned about the passport system and its processes. Senator Mark Lizarraga questioned Bol about a particular statement in the auditor general’s report. […]

Belize Falls in Rank on the World Press Freedom Index
Each year on May 3, many nations around the world celebrate the freedom of the press and their independence. In several countries, freedom of the press is non-existent. In recent months, our regional segment in our newscast has featured stories where dozens of reporters have either been jailed or killed by higher authorities. For 2017, […]

UNODC Expert In-Country for UNCAC Workshop
Late last year Belize signed onto the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNCAC, and as of January this year, government started to put together the project board and other systems to work towards the implementation of the UNCAC. What follows the accession to the UNCAC is a self assessment which Belize has started and in […]

Officially Presenting BTL’s CEO, Rochus Schreiber
Today Belize Telemedia Limited presented its new Chief Executive Officer, Rochus Schreiber. Speaking about the importance of the transition within the company in a brief press conference this morning was Chairman of the Board Nestor Vasquez. NESTOR VASQUEZ “Mr. Shreiber joins the company at a very critical time because we are in the middle of […]

Negotiations Over CBA for BTL Workers Continue
At this morning’s press conference, CEO Rochus Schreiber said Belize Telemedia has resolved the brief impasse between the company and the Belize Communications Workers Union. On April 12, B.T.L. employees across the country staged a walkout in protest since the company’s management was reportedly refusing to properly address a labor issue with the Union. CEO […]

Demands at Delille for Removal of Principal
Classes were disrupted at Delille Academy in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu stopped by the campus to get the details. HARRY ARZU REPORTING “Many teachers and most of the students from Delille Academy here in Dangriga are up in arms over a teacher who was terminated and has not been paid for services rendered to the […]

Senator Warns Reporters Not to Be Intrusive
After last week’s Senate hearing, a picture showing Senator Ashley Rocke on Facebook began floating on social media. The picture was taken by a reporter and shared on Facebook. The church senator was roundly criticized on social media and today before the senate hearing commenced, Chair of the Committee, Senator Aldo Salazar, warned reporters not […]

No Change in Electricity Rates, Says PUC
The Public Utilities Commission made its Initial Decision in respect to BEL’s Annual Tariff Review submission and makes no adjustments to the electricity company’s submission. BEL had made the submission for the Annual Review Proceedings on April 1 this year recommending that no changes be made to the Mean Electricity Rate. That currently stands at […]

Belize Signs Air Transport Agreement with Kuwait
Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Manuel Heredia Jr recently signed onto an agreement with Kuwait under the air transport industry. The agreement is reportedly part of Kuwait’s efforts to transform Kuwait into an aviation hub. According to the Director of the Air Transport Department, Kuwait is on the verge of entering a new […]

Belize Keeps Medfly Under Control
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly or Medfly is considered one of the world’s most destructive pests. For the most part, Belize has managed to maintain its status as being Medfly free. Roberto Pantaleon is the Executive Director of the Medfly Program for the United States Department of Agriculture. He told Love News they have been working […]

Joseph Vaccaro Drowns Weeks Before Graduation
The family of 16-year-old, Joseph Vaccaro was preparing for his graduation day however this weekend, the teenager died as a result of a drowning incident. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ “A family outing this weekend in the Belize River mouth fall area of Roaring Creek Village turned out deadly for a 16 […]

Prime Minister Reviews Economic Standing at BCCI’s AGM
Last Friday we told you of the address given by the Prime Minister at the Annual General Meeting for the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry last Thursday night at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The part of his twenty four minute presentation that demanded more attention than the numbers and forecast […]

Fire Consumes Family House in Southern Belize
A fire in rural Toledo has left seven persons homeless. Here is Paul Mahung with that report.

PSE Part 2 Over and Done
Standard six students from throughout the country sat the second and final part of the Primary School Examinations today. Thousands of students sat the Mathematics and Social Studies examinations today and we spoke to a few of the students. The results are expected to be out later this month.

Charred Remains in Burnt Vehicle Suspected to be Pamela Lino
Police are trying to establish the identity of charred human remains found inside a Kia Sportage SUV at around 2:30 this morning. The discovery was made on Mile 21 on the George Price Highway in front of the Youth Hostel. Investigators are treating the matter as a murder and that’s because the driver of the […]

Infant Dies in Road Traffic Incident
A road traffic accident yesterday claimed the life of a seven month old baby girl. Esmay Ferguson was in a green Mitsubishi car with eight other persons when the driver, 23 year old Darrell Jackson lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle overturned at Mile 9 of the George Price Highway killing baby Esmay and […]

Timothy Turton Remanded for Murder
Twenty-eight year old Timothy Turton, a security guard of Lord’s Bank Village, was charged with the murder of 17 year old Brandon Bradley when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Magistrate Mendoza explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because of the nature of the offence. Turton was remanded into custody […]

Belize Appeals for Reconsideration at the DC Circuit
In late March, the Belize Court of Appeals ruled in favour of the Government of Belize when it rejected the Belize Bank’s bid to have a 37-million dollar arbitration award enforced. While the Government was successful on this end, they continue to face challenges on the issue since they cannot seem to get the US […]

Breaking Belize News

Media warned on Freedom of the Press day
Today, on what is being celebrated globally as International Freedom of the Press Day, as the Senate Select Committee continues its hearing into very serious allegations of corruption at the Immigration Department, President of the Senate Aldo Salazar issued a stern warning to members […]

Kids and motorbikes do not mix!
I cannot imagine a more terrible thing to happen to a child than to die in a motorcycle accident or for any parent to witness or experience than their child dying this way. My most heartfelt condolences to the parents and family of the […]

Car stolen at northern border
Jermain Jorgueson, 28, of Belize City reported that between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. yesterday, he parked his grey 1995 Mazda Protégé car valued at $7,000 in front of the ICB office at the Northern border . Jorgueson reported that upon his return the […]

Belize City house burns
According to police reports, yesterday morning around 3:35, police visited Elston Kerr street, Belize City where cops observed a wooden house with zinc roofing completely engulfed in flames. The fire was later extinguished by personnel from the Fire Department. Dawn Faber, 52, owner of […]

Charred body found in burned vehicle still unidentified
The charred remains of a human body found in the backseat of a burned vehicle near mile 21 on the George Price highway is still unidentified. Police also say that a cause of death has yet to be determined and police are not able […]

Air Canada to fly to Belize in December
Today, Air Canada announced six new routes. The continued expansion of the airlines network routes includes flights from Toronto to Belize. Flights are now available for purchase at aircanada.com and through travel agents. President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada, Benjamin Smith stated: “Air Canada […]

Students and teachers protest at Delille Academy
Reports to BBN is that there is an on going protest at Delille Academy in the Stann Creek District. The protest is reportedly against the administration. The group is in support of a teacher from the school who was allegedly not paid for April […]

Price of bread on the rise
Yesterday, the management of Casa Pan Dulce issued a statement on the prices of bread. The bakery has shops in Belmopan, Santa Elena and San Ignacio. The bakery also delivers to grocery shops in the villages and towns. In its statement, the bakery said: […]

Belize~Review of P.M. Barrow farewell to Chamber
On April 27, 2017, Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow delivered what he referred to as his last address to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest private sector organization in Belize. In his address, he used various statistical measures to […]

Belizeans, please…stop vote fi yellah, chicken-hearted COWARDS!
On May 2nd, 1998, 7 masked men held up and robbed more than 200 Belizean men, women and children on the Hummingbird Highway. A 19 year old BDF volunteer, Generio Chi, was murdered in cold blood. These men were reported by eyewitnesses to […]

Blogs

A May Morning in San Pedro
Today the wind has shifted. No more breeze from the south and the haze it seems to set over the caye…today is a gorgeous bright blue May day. And I headed to town. Inspired by the pretty weather and sparkly ocean, I took a bunch of pictures. Two things of note on this Wednesday. We are starting to see the decline in visitors as things warm up in the states and Canada – it’s the time of year that you can actually find a parking spot for your golf cart. Just wait until school gets out. And fruit and veg was delivered today. The island usually gets new produce on Tuesdays and Saturdays. But since Monday was a holiday (Labour Day, May 1st) – we got a Wednesday delivery this week. And the best of the bunch looks like beets, habanero peppers…

Everything You Wanted to Know about Belize’s Rainbow of Cultures
If you travel frequently, you know that many nations claim to be melting pots, citing a mix of languages, arts, foods and customs that come together in a sort of United Nations of citizenry. But Belize truly does exemplify one of the most complex mixes of cultures on the planet; for a small nation, it’s crammed with distinct peoples with roots reaching back in time and across oceans. Come with us on a short, colorful journey of discovery as we introduce you to seven major cultural presences, each happy to call Belize home. Together, Belizeans show the world that people can live together in harmony, irrespective of their unique heritages.

El Pilar Mayan Ruins – Hidden Beneath The Belize Jungle
Because not every Mayan ruin gives visitors so complete a picture of the Maya ways of life and their traditional agricultural practices. It’s the single largest Belize River Valley site and was once home to a population of 20,000 during the Maya Classic Period, circa 800 BC, yet many of the large public buildings weren’t added to this settlement until around 250 BC. Another unique aspect of El Pilar is its proximity to water. Not all Mayan villages can make that claim, but it’s likely the reason the area was named Watering Basin. Gain access to this attraction by starting your journey in San Ignacio and then travel 7.5 miles north. You will wind up close to the Belize-Guatemala border, and since this massive reserve filled with flora and fauna actually straddles both countries, you may wish to take in Guatemala’s Peten District’s portion as well. There are several options: by land, you can drive or be driven the 8 mile distance, but prepare for bumps and mud, depending upon the time you visit Belize, because these roads aren’t paved. Alternately, you can travel via the Belize River and Bullet Tree Falls. Given the arduous route, a guided tour is always the best option.

Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Prepare yourself for a dramatic entrance as you follow stepping stones into the cave and get a first glimpse at the vast chamber that awaits. This uber-wide entrance is part of Rio Frio’s charm: it’s welcoming and so striking, you won’t be the first person to gasp at its grandeur. Spot 70-foot natural arches, colorful boulders and dramatic stalactites, some of which emulate primitive chandeliers suspended in time. As you explore this quarter-mile-long cave, you’ll spot a stream, pools and even cascading waters spilling from nooks and crannies. Take the Western Highway to the Georgeville turn off (mile 65) and continue five miles past the Douglas de Silva Forest Station. If you get lost, ask anyone you meet to point you in the direction of Augustine.

The Garifuna culture and a rememberance of Andy Palacio
The Garinagu (plural of Garifuna) of Belize are an indigenous group with a history that is as similar as it is different from that of other indigenous groups. Every Easter Saturday since 2014, Hopkins Village in western Belize, comes alive, in a celebration of the culture of the Garinagu. The Hopkins International Parranda Music Festival aims to “enable indigenous people to unite around a worthy cause developing cultural pride in an era when much of the Garifuna culture needs to be preserved.” WIB sat down with Trina Palacio, a Garifuna student from Belize who is currently studying Economics at The University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus. Palacio helped us understand what it feels like to be Garifuna in Belize. She explained that she often experiences a sense of double consciousness as a Garifuna. According to Palacio, with their rich history, some people do not always understand what it means to be Garifuna, because they have preconceived notions about what it means to be indigenous. “If you’re indigenous then why is your skin dark? Why is your hair kinky? Why do you have a Spanish last name?” The questions are sometimes endless, she says, and having to constantly explain who you are, and why you are, can be exhausting and frustrating.

International Sources

2 detained in connection with missing couple found dead in Belize
Police have detained two people in connection with the suspected murder of an American man and his girlfriend who were found dead Monday afternoon in Belize. Drew DeVoursney, 36, of Atlanta and Francesca Matus, 52, of Toronto were reported missing last week and their remains were found Monday in an "advanced state of decomposition" with DeVoursney's body on top of Matus body, according to police. Police have referred to the case as a murder investigation but have not released any more information about the two suspects detained or any possible motive behind the deaths.

Air Canada adds new routes to Belize and St Vincent
Air Canada announced on Wednesday the continued expansion of its international network with the addition of new routes for the winter season, including Toronto-Belize and Toronto-St. Vincent (subject to government approval). "Air Canada is continuing its strategic, global expansion with a diverse range of exciting new non-stop routes this winter to Australia, South America, the Caribbean and the United States," said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines at Air Canada. "The addition of the first long-haul, international scheduled service to St Vincent in the Caribbean, along with the addition of Toronto-Belize… offers new choices for travellers looking to escape Canadian winters," he concluded.

Easter Week at Ambergris Caye: A Combination of Spiritual Fulfillment and Delightful Experience
It’s undeniable that Ambergris Caye inhabits one of the most pleasing cultures in the world. Aside from the stunning aesthetics of Belize’s largest island, it boasts its undying rich culture that magnetizes foreign tourists in the locality; and one strong testament has been its recently held Easter Week Celebration. The celebration, which manifests a balanced expression of a flabbergasting experience due to the sense of party atmosphere in the weekend, and at the same time, not overlooking the sense of faith and spiritual fulfillment incorporated in the Easter week celebration, gives the locals and tourists a very satisfying involvement in the annual event. Spearheaded by the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church, Holy Week 2017 began on Palm Sunday, April 9th. The annual tradition began in the Palm Sunday mass, where palm leaves were blessed, given to the congregation, and turned into crosses as a symbol of their faith; which means the welcoming of Jesus to the Holy City.

Videos

May 3, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

BCCI hosts Chamber Day in San Pedro
In an effort to promote effective entrepreneurship in San Pedro, the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) hosted “Chamber Day” at San Pedro High School’s (SPHS) R.A. Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, April 28th. A total of nine stakeholder groups participated: BCCI’s Western Union, Customs & Excise Department, Department General Sales Tax, Income Tax Department, Immigration Department, Department of Youth Services, BELTRAIDE (Belize Trade and Investment Development Service), Export Belize, Social Security Board, Belize Chocolate Company, and the Development Finance Corporation. Opening the ceremony was Christopher Pech, BCCI Membership Program Administrator, who welcomed everyone to the event and explained the important role BCCI plays in Belize. Founded in 1920, BCCI is the largest private sector membership-based organization in Belize. Not only does BCCI help enhance the quality of life in the country, but it also promotes sustainable development through the business community.

SPHS are the champions of the 2017 San Pedro Softball Cup
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) male softball team are the champions of the 7th annual San Pedro Softball Cup. Hosted by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), the games were held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex on Friday, April 28th and Saturday, April 29th. The tournament saw teams from Corozal Town, Belize City and San Pedro Town. The teams were a combination of junior and senior players, with the Belize City and Corozal Town teams featuring players from different levels, including primary school level.

Missing Canadian-American couple found dead
The bodies of Canadian national Francesca Matus and her boyfriend, American national Drew DeVoursney were discovered on Monday, May 1st, on Chan Chen road, leading to a sugar cane field in Corozal District, Northern Belize. The couple had been reported missing since Wednesday, April 26th, when a close friend, Joe Miholen, could not find them at their home. Miholen reported that he went looking for Matus at her house, who was supposed to fly back to Canada on Wednesday. He was to drive her to the international airport in Ladyville, near Belize City, but she was nowhere to be found. “When I arrived there to pick her up, the gate was closed and the car was gone,” Miholen told the media.

Ambergris Today

Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge Celebrates 2nd Anniversary
The Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge celebrated its second anniversary on Saturday, April 29, 2017, with a social gathering held at The Great House, Mahogany Bay Village. The Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge was founded on May 6, 2015. Members and invited guests enjoyed a fantastic evening of dining and dancing. Lucy Munoz was the lucky winner of the raffle. The Masonic lodge is a fraternal organization that teaches morality; they are known to be a secret society to the community but rather claim to be a society with a secret. Mason claim that this lodge is not a religion, it respects and accepts all religions. In fact in order to become a member one must believe that there is a God, they do not recruit members but those interested need to ask to become a member. Their goal is to become better men as the organization is open only for males.

El Pescador Wins Lodge Of The Year For Excellence In Fly Fishing Industry
Congratulations are on hand for El Pescador in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize that was recently awarded with the Orvis Endorsed Lodge of the Year for excellence in the Fly Fishing Industry. Nominated for 2017 Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year was local guide Carlos ‘Kechu’ Marin. The winners of this year’s coveted awards were announced at a ceremony during the 2017 Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Missoula, Montana, on April 28. On hand to accept the award for Lodge of the Year was Ali Gentry Flota of El Pescador, who was accompanied by Carlos Marin and wife Lucy Marin.

Grace Brown To Represent San Pedro At Miss Teen Belize Pageant
Fifteen year old Grace Brown is set to represent La Isla Bonita, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, at the Miss Teen Belize pageant. She along with three other contestants from around the country were officially presented with there sash this past weekend, April 29, 2017, at Finn and Martini. “I am looking forward to enjoy myself with my companions, have a great experience, focus on contributing to our environment and environmental issues, devote all my time to practice and train as hard as I can to make my Isla Bonita proud.” - Grace Brown.

Misc Belizean Sources

El Pescador Wins Orvis International Lodge Of The Year
I am very proud and excited to have El Pescador be honored as the Orvis Endorsed International Lodge of the year again. While I was lucky enough to accept the award last night with Captain Kechu, we accepted it on behalf of all the staff and all the guides who work so tirelessly and bring such excitement and love to their job every day. A special thank you to our wonderful guests. Without you none of this would be possible. We love being a part of your cherished vacation time. Thank you all

Afternoon cook opening on Caye Caulker
Island Magic Beach Resort is looking for an afternoon cook to work in our restaurant. Shift would be from 12noon to 5pm. Please visit office for further details if you are interested. RESPONSIBLE applicants only please. Note: If you are not mature and responsible you won't like it here.

U.S. Citizen Town Hall Meeting in Hopkins
The Embassy of the United States of America in Belize invites you to a U.S. citizen town hall meeting in Hopkins Date: May 5, 2017. Place: Beaches and Dreams Seafront Inn and Restaurant, Hopkins. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

7th International Festival of Culture
The 7th International Festival of Culture is almost here! Come experience your culture with the Belize Ek Balam Poktapok Team and many other cultural presentations! Check out the flyers for more details or contact the Benque House of Culture (NICH).

Today is 11 B'en in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar
B'en is associated with reeds and corn. To foster the growth of corn is to foster the growth of man, as man came from corn. Today celebrate your own strengths as a reed.

EUROPEAN LUXURY MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST VISIT BELIZE
In January 2017, the Belize Hotel Association, attended the Vakantiebeurs Utrecht Trade show in the Netherlands. Vakantiebeurs is a 6 day event that includes one day of meetings with travel agents and press and five days open to the public /consumer/ travelers. At this show our European representative Sander Langeveld met Freelance Photographer Ms. Esther Quelle and Journalist Ms. Harmke Kraak who had been contracted to do a 16 page destination article about Belize for LXRY magazine Netherlands. LXRY is the Most high-end lifestyle magazine in The Netherlands and our BHA representative realized this was an amazing media opportunity for our members and for our country. Ms. Quelle and Ms Kraak arrived on their first visit to Belize, Tuesday April 25 and departed today May 2, 2017. During their stay in Belize they visited several destinations in Belize namely San Pedro, Placencia, Cayo and Punta Gorda. They enjoyed many of the amazing activities Belize has to offer including snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, cave and waterfall rappelling, and jungle hikes to scenic areas within the country.

Hon. Pablo Saul Marin passes away
On behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government of Belize, the Press Office extends deepest sympathies to Hon. Pablo Saul Marin, Minister of Health, on the passing of his father, Mr. Primitivo Felix Marin. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Ascenthium To Perform At Benque Viejo
We are playing for the 7th International Festival of Culture in Benque Viejo this Sat May 6th! The Centennial Park is the place to be, come out and support some good Rock n Roll! Saturday, May 6 at 7 PM - 10 PM

Princess Casino Free Zone this weekend
Princess Casino Free Zone, Corozal keeps us entertained this weekend with more Laugh Out Loud moments on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th with the "MAYITO & PITAHAYA" comedy show from Mexico beginning at 10:00 P.M. Come out, laugh, enjoy and get a chance to win. FREE ADMISSION!

Culture of Peace 2017
The 2017 Culture of Peace was last week. This year, it was held at Arenal. "Yesterday at Arenal Village presentations from kids, Benque Marimba Youth Academy “Los Hijos del West”, House of Culture Benque Viejo and Melchor and OAS AZ in the form of cultural dances and exhibition of their paintings and talent to OAS officials, Ambassador of Belize, and European Union officials."

Dia del la Cruz tonight in San Pedro
Join us in celebrating the feast day of the three crosses (Las tres cruces de Mayo) on Wednesday, May 3rd, @ 7:00 pm at the San Pedro House of Culture

Channel 7

Canadian-American Couple Found Dead In Corozal Canefield
From Wednesday night we've been reporting on the missing couple: 52 year old Canadian Francesca Matus and 36 year old American DREW Thomas De Voursey - and yesterday evening, six days after they ere last seen, the worst fears were confirmed when they were found dead. Their bodies were found in an advanced state of decomposition about six and half miles from the center of Corozal Town where they were last seen alive. Jules Vasquez has the story:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting Police kept an armed guard over the sugar road where the body was found. And when we tried to go close they told us it was off limits. On Monday at around 4:00 a cane cutter found the bodies of Canadian Francesca Matus and American Drew Devoursney piled on top of each other.

Was Woman Set In Vehicle To Burn?
So, while Corozal police continue to investigate that double murder that's making international headlines in Canada and the US, they aren't sure what the make of the vehicle which was completely destroyed by fire this morning.The vehicle, a Kia SUV, was found at mile 21 on the George Price Highway, near the Youth Hostel. Inside it, the cops found the charred remains of an adult, but at this time, the authorities can't say whether it's a man or a woman. The vehicle is registered to a female from Belmopan, who has ties to San Ignacio, and at this time, she hasn't been located. Police sources tell us that investigators are trying to locate the owner who did not show up to work today. The Deputy Officer Commanding the Rural Eastern Division did hold a press briefing this afternoon to explain that they came upon the vehicle and the burnt remains after they set chase. According to Assistant Superintendent Cocom, the vehicle fled a checkpoint:

Baby Killed In Fatal Accident
Police from the Rural Eastern Division also have to investigate a fatal traffic accident which happened yesterday in which a 7-month-old baby died. It happened at around 2 p.m. yesterday on Labour Day when 23 year-old Darrell Jackson, a resident of Belize City, was driving a Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV on the George Price Highway. He was carrying 7 other passengers, including 22 year-old Vidal Davis, 10-year Standford Casimiro, 19 year-old AJ Flores, Jermaine Wagner, Aldis Ferguson, Johlanie Ferguson, Esmay Ferguson, the 7-month-old baby. At around mile 8, Jackson lost control of the vehicle and flipped over on the side of the road. All occupants suffered varying degrees of injuries but Baby Esmay's injuries claimed her life. Today, ASP Cocom told us that their investigation shows that Jackson was driving the vehicle with only a learner's permit:

Two Children Drowned On Labour Day Weekend In Cayo, The First Only 11
And from those dramatic accidents to the drowning of two minors on Sunday. The first happened at around 2:30 in the river near Banana Bank. 12 year old Sandy Lopez was with her dad and other siblings in the river when the current swept her and her older sister away. Their father, Valley of Peace resident Armando Lopez was able to save his older daughter Dianna but he couldn't save little Sandy. Lopez told us that he will be forever haunted by the sound of his helpless daughter screaming out for help. Here is Lopez's very emotional account with English subtitles. Armando Lopez, Father: "I was with them in the river. I went with them in the river. It was three of my daughters, and one little boy with me. I stayed with three of them in one corner, it was shallow, maybe about 12 inches of water and she was with my other older daughter who is about 15 going on 16. They went into a deeper part in the river and the current took them under. When the water was higher than their waist, they shouted "Daddy!! Daddy I need help" and I left the kids and I ran, it was... Very impossible for me when I got there they grabbed on to my neck and they pushed me under. I tried to lift them up."

Second Drowning Victim Was Teenager
And later that Sunday evening around 5:00, 16 year old Belize City resident Joseph Vacarro drowned near the Hammock Bridge in Roaring Creek. Vacarro was also with his family at the river. His family says that he was a great swimmer and they are not sure what happened. They say the river wasn't that deep either. We spoke to two family friends who watched him grow up down Rhaburn Alley in Belize City. Here is what they had to say. Neighbor: "When I came to live over there, he was a little boy. Now, he still lives in the neighborhood and he grew up through this alley and he was a nice guy. He went to Edward P. Yorke. "He would definitely be missed in this alley, this community. Everybody heart goes out for him, because it's so sad how it happened. Nobody didn't expected it."

Non-Lethal Grenade Found
On Friday night, police found a grenade on Fern Lane in the St. Martin's De Porres area. After analyzing the grenade, police confirmed that it was a nonlethal British type Practice Grenade. This is the third grenade found on South Side Belize City in 2017.

Man Charged For Ladyville Murder
Today 28-year-old Timothy Turton appeared in the Magistrate's Court where he was charged with the murder of Brandon Bradley. Turton is accused of gunning down the 17-year-old honor student near his home in Lord's Bank village last week. According to reports, Turton ambushed Bradley while he was riding home after socializing with his brother and some friends at a nearby shop and shot him in the chest. Bradley's family found him dead in some bushes a few minutes later. Due to the nature of the offense Turton was not offered bail. He was remanded into custody until August 2.

Baker Bucks Price Control For Bread
Today Casa Pan Dulce, the main producer of bread in Western Belize, announced that it would be phasing out the production of its "price controlled" 16 ounce sliced bread and replacing it with a 17 ounce loaf. According to a press release issued by the bakery's management, the recent increase in fuel prices on top of rises in the cost of raw materials and import duties have made production and distribution of the product unsustainable. The price of 16 ounce sliced bread is controlled by the Bureau of Standards, so by slightly increasing the size Pan Dulce will be able to set it's own financially viable prices while still remaining competitive. We spoke to a representative of Casa Pan Dulce earlier today who told us that he expects other bakeries throughout the country to make a similar change - which could signal an end to the price controlled regime for one of the most basic food staples.

BERT And CITCO Talk Over Mass Casualty Emergencies
3 weeks ago, we showed you the disaster simulation that BERT, their ambulance teams, the police, the fire department, and the City Council staged on Princess Margaret Drive in front of the KHMH. They were testing the state of readiness of the entire emergency apparatus in the event of a mass casualty situation within the City or the Belize Distrct. Well today, BERT and their partners in emergency management held a workshop for the public servants who must respond to these types of extreme emergencies. They discussed topics such as emergency medical care in the absence of a trained EMT on sight, and how to handle persons with severe injuries. We stopped by and spoke to representatives of all 4 sister agencies about the importance of this type of skills training.:

Commonwealth Coming
Another big event that the Belize City Council is preparing for is 7th Annual Caribbean Urban Forum, win which Mayor Darrell Bradley and his fellow councillors will be hosting local government leaders from across the Caribbean, and other parts of the world. It's the second time that the Belize Planners Association have had the opportunity to host the event, and last week Friday, Mayor Bradley told us about the event and the prestige of holding it in Belize: Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "Belize City will be hosting the 7th annual Caribbean urban forum on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of May. This is a major regional conference of land use managers and urban planners. This has been held 6 years previously. It has been held in various Caribbean countries and we're very pleased to say that this year the Belize Planners Association together with the Belize City Council is hosting the 2nd Caribbean urban forum.

PUC Says OK To BEL
Today the Public Utilities Commission made its initial decision in respect to BEL's Annual Tariff Review submission. BEL had recommended that no changes be made to the Mean Electricity Rate, which is currently at $0.3699 per kilowatt hour. The PUC had previously suggested a reduction to $0.3692 per kilowatt hour, however it decided that the 0.19% decrease was too insignificant to have any impact on the tariffs and approved BEL's suggestion. Bottom line for you? No change in the electricity rate.

Toddler Crushed By Coke Delivery Truck
This morning at 8:30, it was rush hour on Liberty Street in Orange Walk Town. That's when three year old Lindsey Alina Babb's father was taking her to her grandparents for the day's babysitting. But she never made it. That's because a Bowen and Bowen delivery truck made a U-Turn and clipped her father's motor scooter. That caused the toddler to tumble off the seat, unto the street where she was crushed under the wheels of the moving truck. It was a terrible scene and we spoke to an eyewitness who lives nearby as well as Baby Lindsey's grandfather:... Voice of: Eye Witness: "I was right at my seat having breakfast when my wife said you know what an accident. Someone hit someone. I ran out and I saw the little girl in the middle of the street. Her dad was picking her up and when I went there she was already dead."

Mayor On Stalled Manhole Project
One year ago, the Belize City Council embarked on a project to replace thousands of manhole covers for sidewalks all across Belize City. That's a total of 3,600 manholes, and it was supposed to last only 3 months last year, but that project, which had a budget of 300 thousand dollars, has stalled - and we have seen very little work. So, what's up with that? That's what we asked, and the Mayor said that the contractors ran into some problems that they didn't anticipate:

CFZ CEO Suspended
The drama continued at the Corozal Free Zone today. That's because at a meeting on Friday, the board of directors decided unanimously to suspend CEO Valentino Blanco for 30 days. A letter to Blanco says that he breached confidentiality, the terms and conditions of his employment and that has led to a loss of confidence from staff and the CFZ private sector. We got more today at the Free zone form Chairman Gregory Gibson: Gregory Gibson, Chairman - Corozal Free Zone: "The board thought that under the existing circumstances that it was necessary for a situation to calm down. The board will conduct an investigation into the concerns of the staff and the accusations against the CEO. At the end of that one-month suspension period then they will make a formal position. As it stands right now it's merely for calming the situation and to give us time to investigate if there are indeed grounds for the staff feelings or if the CEO has done anything that requires some correction or maybe it's just a management style approach to things."

Channel 5

Canadian-American Couple’s Gruesome Murder in Corozal
A Canadian woman and her U.S. boyfriend were strangled to death in the Corozal District. The couple was reported missing since last Wednesday, her SUV was first found on Sunday [...]

Who Suffered Death in Burned-Out Vehicle in Gracie Rock?
As police grapple with the double murder up north, there is another homicide that is baffling authorities.  Early this morning, a burnt vehicle was found on the George Price Highway. [...]

Orange Walk Baby Crushed in Traffic Accident
Three-year-old Lindsey Babb lost her life this morning during a horrifying traffic mishap in Orange Walk Town.  The toddler was being transported on a motorcycle driven by her father, thirty-three-year-old [...]

Toddler Dead in George Price Highway Accident
A baby was also killed in a fatal road traffic accident over the holiday weekend, this time the mishap took place on the George Price Highway near mile nine.  Seven-month-old [...]

P.M. Drops Hints about Retirement at Chamber AGM
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has dropped his largest hint yet that he will, sooner rather than later, be stepping down before the end of his term in 2020.  Back on [...]

Businessmen to Get Help with Duties
There were some sweets offered to the businessmen by Prime Minister Barrow in his address, which he couched as offering a listening ear and helping hand to the business community. [...]

P.M. Promises to Do Better with Corruption, Other Critical Issues
The recently passed General Revenue and Appropriation Bill prescribed increases in taxes totalling eighty million dollars to cover a shortfall, while limiting cuts in expenditure. Prime Minister Dean Barrow pointed [...]

Free Zone Board Acts as C.E.O. is Suspended
There is lingering disquiet at the Corozal Commercial Free Zone where meetings were held today to quell concerns of the business community. We have been reporting since last week of [...]

Cayo’s Casa Pan Dulce Changes Bread and Price
On Friday, we told you of plans by Dario’s Bakery to lift prices for meat pies from a dollar to a dollar twenty-five beginning today, Tuesday. Tonight, our viewers in [...]

Two Drowning Incidents Reported in Cayo District
Two young persons lost their lives on Sunday in separate drowning incidents in the West. On Sunday, April thirtieth, Police visited an area in the Banana Bank road where they [...]

Man Charged for Teen’s Murder in Ladyville
Twenty-four-year-old Timothy Thurton was arrested and charged last week with the murder of seventeen-year-old minor, Brandon Randy Bradley. He appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza for arraignment this afternoon. After [...]

Prisoner Convicted of Jailhouse Killing
After five months behind prison bars awaiting his fate, thirty-one-year-old Lorenzo Smith Junior, accused of the murder of his prison inmate, Alfonso Eck, was found guilty of the crime today. [...]

San Pedro Man Charged with Incest of Daughter
There is a disturbing report from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. A minor in the island is accusing her father of incest.  Because of the sensitivity of the case, we will [...]

P.S.E. Day 2: Students Tackle Problem-Solving
Seven thousand, one hundred and forty-three hopefuls sat part two of the Primary School Examination countrywide today. As hard as they studied, as thorough as their preparations were, there is [...]

Family Picks Up Pieces after Fire on Elston Kerr Street
On Easter Sunday afternoon, fire personnel were called to put out a fire inside a room at an unpainted wooden bungalow house belonging to domestic Dawn Faber of Racoon Street [...]

Football Federation Continues Suspension of Corozal President
The Football Federation of Belize has suspended the chairman of the Corozal Football Association after it was discovered that Frank Sutherland had been misappropriating funds used to pay the monthly [...]

Emergency Operators Continue Training
Do you know how to contact the emergency response authorities if you come across the scene of an accident? The number to call is 223-3292, but many people don’t do [...]

Football Leads Tuesday Edition of Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday   [Highlights of weekend sporting activities…}

CTV3

Police Looking In All Angles In double Homicide
The case of initial disappearance which has now turned into cold-blooded murder involving two foreign nationals here in Belize has gotten the steep interest of the international media, and you would expect there is mounting pressure to find answers. We turned to the Corozal Police who have had to change gears swiftly from looking for missing persons to investigating a double homicide. Officer in Charge of Corozal Police, Senior Superintendent Dennis Arnold, shared that while the authorities have detained one person for questioning, their information is that one of the victims had not reported that threats had been made against her.

Corozal Free Zone CEO Suspended For Thirty Days
Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Corozal Commercial Free Zone, Valentino Blanco, has been suspended by the Board of Directors. This comes after Blanco found himself involved in a number of allegations of corruption and the administrative staff of the zone decided to stage a protest against him by not going to work on April 27th, 2017. Reports suggest that the office staff wants Blanco gone and so does the Board of Directors and all indications are that they are closer to obtaining their objective. On Friday last the Board of Directors met to discuss and investigate the industrial action taken against Blanco and with the objective of amending the situation a motion was passed unanimously by the board to suspend Blanco from his duties as CEO for a period of 30 days. That decision was relayed to Blanco today via a letter dated May 2nd, 2017 and signed by CCFZ Chairman Gregory Gibson who spoke with the media today on the issue.

Primary School Students Sit Second Part Of PSE
Today 7,143 students from the 273 schools across the country of Belize (including those with special needs) sat the second part of the 2017 Primary School Examinations (PSE) at the designated examination centers. Those papers included the remaining two subjects…Mathematics and Social Studies. When it comes to the Orange Walk District, there were a total of nine hundred forty four students, of which four hundred seventy six of them were males and the remaining four hundred sixty eight students were females.

LOVE FM

Agric Show 2017 Draws 37K Visitors
The 47th National Agriculture and Trade Show was officially opened on Friday, April 28 on the showgrounds in Belmopan. On Saturday and Sunday, the trade and commerce went into full swing as dozens of private and public businesses occupied the booths with bargains, deals and marketing strategies. Love News spoke with the Chairperson of the […]

VIP and NTUCB Salute Workers on Labour Day 2017
May 1, also referred to as Labour Day, was the fifteenth public and bank holiday for 2017 in Belize. It is a day to celebrate labour, employment and economic activity. In a message from the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP), they saluted all Belizean Workers and stressed on the importance of the trade union […]

CITCO Evaluates Emergency Responders
On April 11, quick response personnel of the Belize Emergency Response Team, BERT along with other medical response agencies staged a road traffic accident simulation in Belize City. The simulation served as a test to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses when responding to emergencies. The assessment of last month’s simulation is being presented today […]

California JPs Active and Helping Fellow Belizeans
Belizeans living in California, USA and who are a part of the Justice of the Peace Association hosted a delegation from Belize over the weekend for a special meeting and swearing in ceremony. Heading the delegation to the US was the President of the Belize Justice of the Peace Association, Adrian Danny Madrid. He was […]

BTV Celebrates 1859 Border Treaty
The Belize Territorial Volunteers held a concert Sunday evening at Waluco’s in Punta Gorda to commemorate the signing of the 1859 border treaty between Great Britain and the Republic of Guatemala. According to Wil Maheia who heads the BTV, the event was a success. WIL MAHEIA ” Maheia also spoke of the patrols done on […]

US Plans to Place Additional Tax on Remittances to Belize
An online article published in News Americas last Friday has listed Belize as one of the top ten countries that have received money transfers from the United States for 2015. The statistics were revealed on the heels of the introduction of a Bill in the US that will impose a two percent fee on all […]

The Reporter

Car flips on George Price highway
Police are currently at the scene of a traffic accident near mile 8 community on the George Price highway, where a car reportedly overturned sometime after 2:00 p.m., today. Unofficial reports to the Reporter are that the driver of the vehicle was trapped inside […]

MoH issues public advisory about hot weather
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a public advisory on ways to keep cool during the excessive heat that has affected Belize over the last few days. The Ministry advises people to avoid the sun’s rays during the hottest time of the day, […]

Two minors drown in Roaring Creek
Two young people drowned in the Roaring Creek river earlier today. Reports are that Jose Vaccario, 16, from Bze City and Sandy Lopez, 12, from San Ignacio were two of several persons who went in the river from scorching inland temperatures at the Agricultural showgrounds this […]

Breaking Belize News

Corozal Free Zone CEO suspended
A leaked letter, signed by the Chairman of the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ), and addressed to the newly appointed CEO of the CFZ, Valentino Blanco, confirms that Blanco has been suspended from his post. The letter dated today, 2nd May 2017, outlines the reasons for Blanco’s suspension, including breach of confidentiality and breach of the terms and conditions of employment. According to the letter Blanco lost the confidence of staff and the CFZ private sector and failed to exercise his duty in a fair and impartial manner.

Belize~The Bartender Industry
Bar tenders are like pharmacists….only they serve up social medicine. With the right mix….they can help people to “forget about life for a while”….to otherwise let down their hair, smile, hum, whistle, sing, dance and engage in merry making. A good bar tender leaves his own worries home….and pays full and keen attention to the mood of each of his patrons….he tries to make everyone more happy….he is at the center of creating happiness for clients and co-workers….and profits for establishment owners.

Canadian-American couple strangled to death
Canadian Francesca Matus, 52, and American Drew Thomas De Voursey, 36, who were reported missing last week, were strangled to death, according to a post-mortem conducted on the bodies this morning. Police reported that the two bodies were found in a cane field in Chan Chen village, Corozal. The clothes on the bodies matched the description of the clothes the couple wore when they were last seen by friends.

Police confirm child dies in OW traffic accident
A motorcycle carrying a child and driven by Eulalio Babb, a 33-year-old traffic officer of Orange Walk Town, was knocked down by a red Bowen and Bowen truck driven at the time by Irvin Leal, 24.

Body found in burned vehicle involved in police chase
According to reports, sometime after 2:00 a.m. today, a gold Kia Sportage sped passed the Hattieville check point without stopping. Police then set chase after the vehicle. Reports are that the vehicle suffered a blow out and collided into a fence in an area near mile 21 on the George Price Highway.

Traffic accident in Orange Walk claims life of young child
A delivery truck knocked down and killed a little girl and injured her father a short while ago in Orange Walk town. The incident reportedly occurred in front of 1-2-3 Supermarket on Liberty Avenue in Orange Walk.

Post mortems to take place on bodies of American-Canadian couple
Yesterday, the bodies of the missing Canadian-American couple were discovered near a cane field in Chan Chen village in the Corozal district. Reports to BBN is that an on site post-mortem examination is being conducted on the bodies at this time. According to these reports, the bodies are in an advanced state of decomposition.

Blogs

Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Though the excavated portion of Xunantunich occupies about 300 square meters of land, there is more to be unearthed. What remains behind tells of a quintessential Classic Period ceremonial center, but what separates this from other ruins is the domination of El Castillo, the tallest structure (sometimes called a pyramid) in Belize. It’s thought that this huge structure was the last ruling family’s ancestral shrine. The compound is divided into plazas for easy identification, but if you need more guidance to interpret features, find detailed information about the ruin at the visitor’s center. You’ll probably get a kick out of the free, hand-cranked ferry that leaves the village of San Jose Succotz, traverses the Mopan River and delivers you to the opposite bank where you’ll travel by foot or by vehicle about a mile (uphill) to the attraction’s ticket office on the Western Highway. You must request the ferry because there is no set schedule, though operating hours run from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so unless you intend to swim, don’t forget to book it.

Barton Creek Cave – All You Need to Know Before You Go
Because Barton Creek Cave is nearly five miles long, allow plenty of time to investigate the areas that have been opened for tourists. From the comfort of a canoe, you will pass speleothems shaped by time and water over thousands of years. Your primary point of interest will likely be ten ledges researchers have identified as former staging areas for Mayan rituals. Evidence shows the scope of religious practices conducted deep within this cave that include conducting fertility rites, human sacrifices and acting as a burial chamber. If you’re driving to the cave from San Ignacio (or sister town Santa Elena), stay alert because apparently tourists have a penchant for missing turns and going the wrong way—even on the area’s one-way bridges! Cross the Hawksworth Bridge (it’s the lone suspension bridge in Belize) and follow signs west or catch a bus or shuttle. A guided tour will always be your best option. Book with an experienced local guide and put all of the arrangements into their hands so you don’t have to lift a finger until you pick up your boat paddle.

How this expat opened his own upscale resort in Belize
David Diffendal is one of the many expats who came to the tropical peninsula of Placencia, Belize as a vacationer…but quickly recognized the business opportunities and quality of life on offer here…and stayed. "When I visited Placencia in 2014, I saw that there was a wealth of upscale restaurants, activities, and excursions in the village," says David. "But within the village, the available lodging was still pretty rustic." After speaking to locals and business owners in the area, he realized that a boutique, upscale resort within walking distance of everything was a niche not being met. Up until several years ago, Placencia was a small, remote fishing village on Belize's Caribbean coast. But after building the first paved road into the village in 2011, it's grown into a tourist hot spot with more tourists, expats, and businesses coming down every year. Even so, the peninsula is progressing at a slow pace and maintaining its authentic charm, which struck David as an opportunity to grow a rewarding business and enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of a Caribbean paradise.

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN BELIZE
If your family enjoys snorkeling, island life, Mayan Ruins, rainforests, and adventure, consider Belize! Here are some Mayan Ruins, and some rainforest exploration. On Ambergris Caye, snorkeling the crystal clear waters while viewing the stunning barrier reefs. An ideal tour would also add a few days over the border in Guatemala to see the stunning Tikal. San Ignacio Area – A central location for accessible adventure and to experience the Maya culture. San Ignacio is located in western Belize and serves as the capital of the Cayo District. The number of activities to do here are endless. Spend your days swimming in jungle-clad rivers, canoeing or crawling through mysterious caves, observing the birds, butterflies and other wildlife, or learn about the secrets of the ancient Maya. Some of our favorite family excursions:

Belize's Un-belizeable Tips to know about Belize Culture
While Belize is certainly geographically very Central American, its long history as a British colony gives it a feel that we found more similar to some Caribbean islands than its Latin neighbors. The Creole tinged English was a familiar sound to our ears after the years we spent on St. Croix, but it would fit right in on any of the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua, or Jamaica. The history of Belize, known as British Honduras from 1862 until 1964, has a lot in common with those islands. The main difference being that harvesting mahogany trees was the driving economic factor, as opposed to sugar cane.

Belize's on the Review
You can stay at remote luxury jungle eco-lodges with opportunities for rainforest walks, private waterfall dining, viewing stunning wildlife in their natural habitat – mixed with fun adventure activities such as canopy zip-lining, caving and tubing. Visit majestic Mayan temples and ruins, English-speaking Belize offers a wealth of exotic wildlife and natural beauty including rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and tropical beaches fringed by a barrier reef offering spectacular diving and snorkelling. Combine all this ancient Mayan ruins, an eclectic cultural mix of peoples and adrenalin-fuelled activities such as zip-lining and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic holiday adventure. - fsample different foods and get a feel for the music, religion, customs, markets, arts & crafts of the Belizean people. Travel to the tropical soft white sands of Belize’s Caribbean for some laid-back barefoot luxury with beach and poolside R & R, sunshine and spa pampering coupled with fantastic snorkelling and diving.

How to Make Tres Leches Flan | Feliz Cinco De Mayo

Long Weekend in Belize
After touching down in Belize City, we got on a flight to Ambergris Caye, the largest and arguably most popular island in Belize. Belize is home to numerous islands, rainforests, jungles and fascinating points of interest like the Great Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole. Most people don’t go to Belize to stay in Belize City. Ambergris Caye is about 20 minutes away from Belize City if you fly on a Cessna like the one pictured below. It’s a convenient and memorable experience especially to have a birdseye view of the jaw dropping clear blue water that surrounds the islands. You can buy tickets for your flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye here. The cheaper option is to take a water taxi. Once you get out of the airport, you first have to take a regular taxi to the Marine Terminal for a fixed price of $25 – from there the speedboat takes about an hour and a half and it’s a stunning, scenic ride. The price of the speedboat is $20 one way per adult and you can conveniently book them online here.

10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots in Belize
One of the most underrated gems of central America, Belize rarely gets the attention it deserves. Many of the most memorable destinations in this Vermont-sized oasis aren’t well-known to outsiders. Here are ten off-the-beaten-path attractions in Belize that are sure to make an impression.

International Sources

Beyond the Horizon 2017 Provides Free Medical Services Event in Belize
Beyond the Horizon (BTH) 2017 is a partnership exercise between the government of Belize and U.S. Southern Command that will provide three free medical service events and five construction projects throughout the country from March 25th until June 17th. Members of the Utah National Guard’s Medical Command (MEDCOM) were on site to provide several different basic medical procedures and health care services to the local Belizean population. “We are providing dental services, vision exams, general medicine, a women’s health clinic, and a pediatric clinic,” said Lt. Col. Erin Merryweather, deputy commander of clinical services with the Utah MEDCOM. The free medical clinic was open at the Ladyville Recreation Center until April 21st, with a break in operation April 14th-16th over the holiday weekend. “Past experiences have shown there is the potential to treat up to 600 or 700 patients a day during this event,” Lt. Col. Merryweather added.

ICT tender: Belize issues call for information management system
Belize is inviting eligible consultants to develop a web-based information management system (IMS) for the ministry of the environment. The government received ...

Kuwait, Belize seek closer aviation ties
Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Tuesday that it has signed an air transport agreement with the Central American nation of Belize, part of efforts to transform Kuwait into an aviation hub.
Speaking to the press, DGCA Chairman Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah said that the country's aviation sector is on the cusp of a new phase of development, where the highest standards of safety and security will be implemented.
Meanwhile, Director of DGCA's Air Transport Department Sami Eid hailed the deal as a step towards reaching out to the rest of the world, saying it aims to facilitate aviation services between both nations.
He also pointed out that DGCA has signed some 126 pacts with numerous nations in a bid to ensure seamless travel for citizens and expatriates alike.

Canada Warns Its Citizens About Travel To 8 Caribbean Nations
The scourge of crime in some Caribbean nations has led the Canadian government to update its travel warnings on Tuesday May 2nd on eight Caribbean nations. Canada’s government is warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to the 8 nations. Canadians are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Belize due to a high rate of violent crimes throughout the country. The Canadian government warns about criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, saying it is “a significant problem throughout Belize including in resort areas.” They also warned of armed robberies that occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, including near and around Caracol. Female travelers are especially warned to travel in groups and avoid isolated areas, including unsupervised beaches, especially at nights, since cases of sexual assault against female travelers have been reported.

Videos

May 2, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

Ambergris Today

Festival of San Jose
Coinciding with Labor Day in Belize, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church celebrates St. Joseph the Worker Feast Day / Día Festivo de San Jose El Obrero (May 1, 2017). Outdoor services have been set up at Flamboyant Park in San Pablo Area, south of San Pedro Town. Mass will be celebrated at 7.pm. St. Joseph (San Jose) is the patron saint of the DFC residential area and the entire neighborhood invites island residents to join in the celebration.

Missing Canadian Woman's Vehicle Found In Belize
Belize Police have confirmed that the vehicle of the Canadian woman missing in Corozal Town, Belize has been found. Francesca Matus’ white Isuzu Rodeo SUV was discovered in a cane field near the village of Paraiso, located in the northern part of Corozal, Belize on Sunday afternoon. Matus, 52, and her American companion, Drew De Voursney, 36, were reported missing in Belize last week. The couple were last seen leaving a local bar at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday night. Matus’ friend, Joe Milhoen, went to pick her up at her home in Corozal on Wednesday morning to drive her to the airport, but she and De Voursney were nowhere to be found.

Misc Belizean Sources

City Councilors repainting one of the BELIZE Signs
Today the mayor of Belize City is making a difference with the community of Belize. "Labor For Belize" in full swing in Belize City. Presently City Councilors repainting one of the BELIZE Signs. With Philip Willoughby,Michael L. Theus, Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar and Jason Edwards.

Corozal - Two missing persons where found safe after they went missing for two days
On Saturday, April 29th Alvaro Trejo and his co-worker both from Sarteneja Village, Corozal left Belize City enroute to Sarteneja on their fishing vessel named the "Suheidy". The crew encountered high seas and strong winds that completely destroyed the fishing boat's sails. To make matters worse, the vessel's engine ran out of fuel and the two men went missing at sea since Saturday, April 29th. A search party, led this morning by Junnel Cruz, Green Horizons and the Belize Coast Guard led to the recovery of the two missing fishermen and their sailing vessel around 7:00 a.m. The family of Alvaro Trejo would like to extend a big thank you to his nephew Junnel Cruz, Green Horizons and the Belize Coast Guard for their great efforts in locating them.

The second annual Music Week is here!
May 15th-20th!!! Institute of Creative Arts - NICH

Breaking Belize News

Bodies of missing Canadian-American couple found
Confirmed reports to BBN is that the bodies of Canadian national, Francesca Matus, and American national Drew Devoursney were found today by a search party. The bodies were found in an area in Chan Chen Village in the Corozal District this evening around 5.

Accident reported near mile 8, George Price highway
Reports reaching our newsroom is that there was a road traffic accident near mile 8 on the George Price Highway a short while ago. Details are sketchy at this time.

Agric sees major turnout
According to the Chairman of the National Agriculture Trade Show, Gary Ramirez, around 16,000 persons turned out to the show grounds on Saturday. He told us that more than another 20,000 people showed up on Sunday. “Agric is the biggest event in Belize,” he said. According to Ramirez, there were a 110 new businesses present for this year’s event.

Blogs

Permanently yours, from the Belize Tattoo Expo
Getting ink permanently etched on skin is a major decision, and having the right artist can make a huge difference. Lucky for us tattoo lovers, Belizean Ink Tattoo Shop is once again hosting an expo after the runaway success of last year’s. From May 26th to May 28th, artists from all over Belize, Central and South America, and even the USA, will convene at the San Pedro High School auditorium for a great weekend of art, performance, ink and camaraderie. Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re scrounging for space on your skin for another bit of ink, you cannot miss this event! Organizer and owner of Belizean Ink, Wimpas Sosa says this year will be even bolder and bigger! Apart from the highly anticipated freak show performance of Victer Max on both nights of the expo, rap artist from Los Angeles, CA, Spanky Loco will be providing some entertainment on Saturday, May 27th.

Summer’s Here: Let’s Make Belizean Chicken Soup
The hotter the climate, the spicier the food – and the idea behind it is: hot (spicy or temperature hot) food makes you sweat, sweat cools you off. Do NOT pass by the hot sauce OR the soups when you visit Belize. Soup is some of the most delicious food here – try the Conch Soup – a creamy coconutty chower – or fish sere – coconut fish soup with a salty porky pigtail, if you are lucky. Yesterday I thought I’d sweat (more) and make some Belize Chicken Soup with Habanero. The ONLY Belize recipe that I’ve mastered. I love it because you can go heavy or light on any part of it…make it spicier or less spicy…basically, it’s impossible to mess up.

International Sources

Francesca Matus, Drew DeVoursney Found Dead In Belize
The bodies of a Canadian woman and her American boyfriend who went missing last week in Belize have been found. Francesca Matus, 52, was in Belize with her American boyfriend, 36-year-old Drew DeVoursney, when they disappeared last week. Local media in Belize says the bodies were found at about 5 p.m. local time on a road leading to a sugar cane field in the country's Corozal district near the Mexican border. Breaking Belize News reported on its online site that the bodies were found in the area by a search party.

The Great Blue Hole in Belize Is an Unbelievable Natural Wonder Visible From Space
The "Great Blue Hole" couldn't be a more fitting name for the underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. The circular site, which can be viewed from space, has become a bucket-list destination for travelers and scuba divers alike. At 984 feet wide and 410 feet deep, the dark blue hole is located at the center of an atoll called Lighthouse Reef. Though the sinkhole appears to continue down an infinite depth, an island of coral that outlines the circle rests in much shallower turquoise Caribbean waters. Parts of the ring are even exposed during low tides, showing the contrast in water levels. The massive hole wasn't always submerged underwater. During the Earth's glacial period when the sea level was much lower, the Great Blue Hole originally formed as a limestone cave. But as the ocean began to rise, the cave flooded and eventually collapsed, becoming the popular dive site it is today. The former cave's calcium salt deposits, which look like yellow icicles, are still preserved and can be seen on one's swim. It wasn't until 1971 when Jacques Cousteau explored the site and confirmed its origins that the site became world-famous. Supposedly, the deeper you dive, the clearer the water becomes and the more complex geological formations appear. It's also believed that the Great Blue Hole is the largest of its kind. See the breathtaking photos ahead!

BROOKLYN BROTHER BAGEL SHOP SAN PEDRO’S FINEST
We all seem to gravitate to those places that make us feel welcome and comfortable. So whether you’re traveling for a few days, snowbirding for a few months or you call this wonderful little island home; I think I have found that place. When you are in San Pedro and want great food, and relaxing atmosphere ….just follow the signs to this awesome little jewel…. “Brooklyn Brothers Bagel Shop.” I go there quite often, as the combination of bagels, an assortment of gourmet cream cheese spreads and a variety of drink options….you are guaranteed to find a favorite quite easily! Fresh fruit smoothies, coffee, lattes, juice, and sandwiches, easily make this place a perfect destination for breakfast or lunch.

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May 1, 2017

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Tropic Air announces new flight rates
Due to the increase in the cost of doing business in Belize, Tropic Air has announced an increase in their airfare effective Thursday, June 1st. The airline indicated that the new prices will go up by at least 7%, and it will apply to all domestic routes except flights from San Pedro Ambergris, and Placencia to the Philip Goldson International Airport. The exception is due to the considerable amount of traffic generated from the international airport. Tropic Air’s President John Grief III explained that the new rate is reflective of the hikes of prices in the aviation industry. “The cost of the airplanes keeps going up, the parts, training, maintenance,” said Grief. “It is not just because of one factor. But at the same time we also continue to invest in customer satisfaction and comfort.”

Letter to the Editor: Favoring Local Vendors
Dear Editor: As a frequent visitor to San Pedro, I’m disappointed to see the artists have been moved from Central Park. I thought it was charming to see wood working and jewelry making. Personally, I never felt any pressure to buy and in fact, enjoyed conversing with the locals. Their new location is not in a place that most tourists go to. What is most frustrating is that no-one seems to be regulating selling on the beach, and from what I saw, the beach sellers are not peddling local or handmade art. Having lunch, I watched a woman sending her young child to “peddle” aggressively to diners on a patio. It was not a pleasant experience. Since the beach is used as a walking path, shouldn’t those vendors have been moved as well? It would be nice if the policies could favor local residents with art made on the island.

Wolfe’s Woofer: A Long Way
“I want to go exploring,” I said to my friend Dave. “I want to hike up that jungle trail out by your corn field.” I was spending the weekend at Dave’s ranch right outside of Belmopan. “Be my guest,” he said. “I’m going to sit here on the porch and drink beer. Stay on the trail and you’ll be alright. If you get lost remember that all of the trails take you to the Belmopan road.”

PUP Belize Rural South accepting applications for 2018 Municipal Elections
On March 9, 2017 a new PUP Belize Rural South Executive Committee (BRS) was sworn in by the National PUP Secretariat. Under the leadership of newly elected Chairman, Miguel Alberto Perez, the PUP BRS Executive Committee is reactivating the community service-oriented principles of their party while following in the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George C. Price and as laid out in the PUP Constitution. The Party is operating under the philosophy of Servant Leadership. The PUP Belize Rural South Executive Committee has now revitalized its Party Arms: The United Women’s Group, The Belize Youth Movement and The Marshalls Community Service Corp. These Party Arms are working together to bring education, upliftment, and empowerment to the community of Belize Rural South to ultimately achieve positive change in our environment.

Doctor Love: At Wits End
Dear Doctor Love, I do not know what to do with my fourteen year old daughter. She lies constantly. She is very convincing and doesn’t stammer or get nervous. She talks and lies just come out. If I keep asking questions when something sounds wrong she will admit that some or all of it is untrue. I’ve tried taking away TV, her cell phone and computer and adding extra chores. I make her stay home on weekends but nothing works. I’ve told her that when someone lies all the time, they lose friends and nobody will believe them anymore. I would appreciate any suggestions. /s/ At Wits End

Misc Belizean Sources

Did you visit the National Agriculture & Trade Show Grounds fair?
The Beyond the Horizon 2017 team along with personnel from the U.S. Embassy-Belize are at the National Agriculture and Trade Show in Belmopan. Stop by our booth and learn more about the BTH 2017 construction projects and medical service events. We will be at the show through tomorrow.

Are you coming to the National Agriculture & Trade Show Grounds?
The Statue of Liberty makes an appearance again!

Breaking Belize News

Vehicle belonging to missing Canadian-American couple found
Reports to BBN is that the white Isuzu Rodeo belonging to missing Canadian national, Francesca Matus and American national Drew Devoursney, was found tonight in Paraiso, Corozal. The couple was reported missing on Wednesday when their friend, American national Joseph Milholen, went to pick up Matus to drop her off at the Philip Goldson International Airport.

Belize City teen missing
Nathanael Augustus, a 16-year-old student of Belize City, was reported missing today. Augustus is tall, of Creole descent and has brown skin.

Teenager drowns during agriculture show festivities
This weekend’s agriculture show would have concluded today without any major incident but a late evening drowning put a damper on an otherwise successful agriculture show. The victim is a male teenager whose name is being witheld as BBN could not confirm if the family has been informed of the drowning.

Blogs

Special Delivery! Formula Delivered to the Manatees & Monkeys at Incredible WildTracks
On a hidden lagoon a few miles from Sarteneja Village on the mainland of Belize is an incredible operation. Wildtracks is a Manatee and Primate Rehabilitation Program run by an amazing couple, staffed by a tribe of volunteers and employees and run, almost solely, on donations. It’s a large property with a main house, pools, lagoon, habitats and cages, cabanas, kitchens and…the residents. Manatees, big and tiny, monkeys of all ages, 4 big dogs, deer and quite a bit more. We were there on an important mission. A few weeks ago, we set out to put together a care package from the monkeys. They are caring for a handful of orphan howler monkeys that need a special kind of milk. These tots were brought into Wildtracks to get healthy and then work towards release with a monkey troop. They were stolen from their moms (often the mom is shot) to be sold as a pet…one was found on the jungle floor starving and covered with ants…

Turneffe Flats: Leading sustainable fisheries in Belize
Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as one of Belize’s premier saltwater fly fishing, SCUBA diving and marine eco-tourism destinations. Located on the incredibly beautiful Turneffe Atoll, Turneffe Flats provides visitors access to the most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean. Green Globe first certified Turneffe Flats for its sustainable operations in 2013 and again this year the eco-tourism resort has proven its environmental credentials with a notable compliance score of 89%. Turneffe Atoll – home to this remarkable eco-tourism resort – provides pristine habitat for 260 fish species, 77 plant species and 5 spawning aggregation sites. The marine eco-system is a combination of healthy coral reef, both fringing reef and patch corals, expansive backreef flats, large lagoon systems, seagrass beds, and extensive mangrove forest. Turneffe Atoll is of significant economic and sociological importance to Belize as a major commercial fishery and ecotourism center, while also providing Belize City and the mainland coast with essential protection from hurricanes.

International Sources

Missing Canadian woman’s car found abandoned in Belize
The mysterious disappearance of a Toronto woman who vanished with her American boyfriend in Belize last week deepened on Sunday when her car was found abandoned in a cane field near the village of Paraiso, in the northern district of Corozal. Francesca Matus, 52, and Drew DeVoursney, 36, were last seen driving the Isuzu Rodeo after leaving a nearby bar around 11 p.m. on April 25, police in the small Central American nation said. The car was found around 1:20 p.m. local time. “There was no person in the vehicle,” said an officer with the Belize Police Department, who did not give his name. “That is all the information we can give at this time,” he said. Joe Rifenbark, a friend of the missing couple, could not say what the discovery might mean when contacted at his home in Belize. “We’re aware of that, but the information wasn’t really supposed to be publicized,” said Rifenbark, whose mother, Nancy Rifenbark, was with the couple at Scotty’s Bar the night they went missing. Joe Rifenbark said police were processing the white SUV Sunday afternoon.

Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (de jungle)
Waar waren we gebleven? Wel, de eerste twee nachten in Belize verbleven we in Almond Tree Resort. Een zeer sympathiek, mooi en vriendelijk hotelletje aan zee. Zoals ik al eerder vermelde werden we onthaald door Leslie, een rondborstige Amerikaanse. Terwijl Lyn, de eigenares in het buitenland is, neemt Leslie haar taak op zich. En dat doet ze met heel veel bravoure! Corozal zelf is helemaal geen toeristisch stadje en we gebruikten deze twee dagen dan ook om de reis een beetje uit te stippelen en te keuvelen met de andere gasten (een Belgische moeder met haar drie dochters). De eerste avond gingen we naar het dorpje om een kijkje te nemen op de plaatselijke Art Market.

Caribbean Rolls Out Plans to Reduce Climate Change Hazards
Climate change remains inextricably linked to the challenges of disaster risk reduction (DRR). And according to the head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Robert Glasser, the reduction of greenhouse gases is “the single most urgent global disaster risk treatment”. Glasser was addressing the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Americas. Held recently in Montreal, the gathering included more than 1,000 delegates from 50 countries, including the Caribbean. “We recognise that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is arguably the single most urgent global disaster risk treatment, because without those efforts our other efforts to reduce many hazards and the risks those pose to communities would be overwhelmed over the longer term,” Glasser said.

Suomi NPP Satellite Sees Fires Across the Yucatan Peninsula
April is in the middle of the dry season for the Yucatan Peninsula which runs from January through May and naturally coincides with fire season. Farmers often use fire to return nutrients to the soil and to clear the ground of unwanted plants. Fire helps enhance crops and grasses for pasture. Some of the fires in this image may be wildfires, with natural (lightning) or accidental (human) sources. As the dry season progresses, the number of fires tend to grow, as does the blanket of smoke which settles over the land, and although the fire may help the farmers get their lands ready for planting season, unfortunately, the fires also produce smoke that degrades air quality. This natural-color satellite image was collected by the Suomi NPP satellite using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on April 25, 2017. Actively burning areas are outlined in red. Each hot spot, which appears as a red mark, is an area where the thermal detectors recognized temperatures higher than background. When accompanied by plumes of smoke, as in this image, such hot spots are diagnostic for fire. Suomi NPP is managed by NASA and NOAA.

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