October 9, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Bush Doctor
“There’s our boy!” Sherry said, pointing at Konrad. Our ex and forever drummer, Konrad, sat at an outside restaurant table waiting for us to join him. Konrad goes to college in Orange Walk Town and whenever we’re passing through we try to stop for a visit. “I’m having breakfast,” I announced when we got seated and had some coffee. “It’s too early for lunch. You guys have what you want.” “Konrad, what kind of business is that?” Sherry asked, pointing to a small store across the street. “People are lined up to get in the door.”

Marco Gonzalez Hosts International Archaeology Day in San Pedro
International Archaeology Day is recognized worldwide each year on October 21st. Belize Institute of Archaeology will be holding their 2017 educational events during the week of October 16 through 20, concluding with a two-day event in San Pedro. Hosted by the non-profit organization Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Ambergris Caye, Ltd (MGMSAC), the event will be held at El Patio Restaurant in downtown San Pedro. Jan Brown, Founder/Chairman of the Marco Gonzalez Board says, “Toni Beardall and Josue Ramos from IoA Research Department will be here Thursday and Friday, Oct 19th and 20th. The Ministry of Educational Officer Odelia Caliz has invited our schools grade Std. 4 and up to attend a 30-minute presentation and view a display of the artifacts that have been found on the island. If time allows after the children have finished, the presentation will be available to the public from 3:30 to 4:15pm.”

Doctor Love: Mean Mommy
Dear Doctor Love, I am a working mother of two young girls, so my children spend a lot of time at their grandmother’s house. While I appreciate that she loves taking care of my kids, I have a problem with how she lets them behave. When I was growing up, my mother was very strict. With my children, she is overindulgent and pretty much a push over. They go to bed when they want to, they eat sugary snacks every day, and my six-year-old talks back and my mother lets her get away with it. When they are at home all I hear is, “Grandma this and grandma that,” and when I remind them of my rules, I become the evil parent and there are tears and tantrums. Now she wants to get my daughter a tablet and I said no. How can I stop my mother from giving my kids everything they want? /s/ Mean Mommy

Ambergris Today

Pink Eye Outbreak In Belize Is Pretty Bad
The Ministry of Health has advised that mass gathering activities should be avoided as much as possible but to the current “Pink Eye” outbreak across the country. YES, it is that bad of an outbreak in Belize; there are over 7,000 reported cases of conjunctivitis in the entire country. “The Ministry especially asks for your consideration as we approach the long holiday weekend which usually comes with increased festive activities,” stated the Ministry of Health in a press release. “It is also advise to minimize travel within the country and also across our borders unless extremely necessary.” Over the past month, there has been a severe outbreak of “conjunctivitis”. The Ministry of Health is reporting a total of 5,434 cases and according to a report from the Amandala Newspaper, these cases brings the total amount for this year to 7,720. Last year the total reported cases was 3,302.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Legends Football Club celebrating their big win in the Belize National Over 40 League!
Congratulations to our island athletes.

World Service Day
The San Pedro Lions Club joins International Lions Clubs everywhere in celebrating World Service Day today, October 8. Accompanied by the San Pedro Leos Club, they posted "No Litter" sings in North Ambergris Caye all the way to Secret Beach. Next stop is South Ambergris area. Thank you San Pedro Lions Club, Belize!!!

JOB VACANCY - Full Time Babysitter (Caye Caulker)

Dead Nurse shark
The public is reminded that nurse sharks are fully protected under Fisheries Law. It is an offense, it is illegal to kill a nurse shark in Belize. The animal in these pictures was found dead on the beach. This is sad since nurse sharks are one of the main attractions for tourist coming to San Pedro. It was clear that someone had cut the tail off, it was intentionally killed. Reports of persons seen killing or in possession of nurse shark can be made to the Fisheries Department 224-4552 or the Hol Chan office in San Pedro 226-2247.

Congratulations to the 2017 Mr. Belize winner Clayton Greenidge
(2017 Middleweight winner)

Holiday Hotel Annual Halloween Bash 2017
Saturday, October 28 at 9 PM - 5 AM. The BEST Halloween Party in the country! Costume contest with GREAT Cash & Gift prizes! Music, Dancing & Entertainment ALL night til 5:00 AM in morning!

Urban Birdwatch
Wow San Ignacio!!! You overdid it! 94 species in 3 hours around town. What an amazing group. Thanks Belize Audubon Society! The icing on the cake? Just as we ended the 3 hours of Urban Birdwatch and closed off the eBird list... 3 Mississippi Kites, Peregrine Falcon and Broad-winged Hawk migrating above us!

The Reporter

Third person dies following traffic accident
A third person has died as a result of a traffic accident on Saturday evening at Mile 4 on the George Price Highway. Police have confirmed that Martha Vasquez, 23, died at 7:15 Saturday night at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. About an hour after the collision, Samantha Castillo, 30, of 81 Bella Vista area, Belize City and one year-old toddler, Deanna Castillo died while receiving treatment. They were travelling in a Hyundai Element, along with Vasquez and another female child when the accident occurred. The other child, not yet identified, suffered two broken legs and is receiving treatment.

Orange Walk man murdered!
A man from Orange Walk was shot dead early this morning in that municipality. Preliminary police reports are that at around 1:00 a.m., this morning, 42-year-old Daniel Carillo was walking on Mopan Street in Orange Walk town when someone approached him from behind and shot him several times. Carillo was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital but died 20 minutes later while undergoing treatment. Police investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Breaking Belize News

Belize: Need for Expansion and Enhancement of Health Services
By Richard Harrison: The health of the nation is The health of the nation is not a political issue….it is an issue of concern to all Belizeans….from every walk of life. Almost every family in Belize have had members who needed health services and could not get it in Belize…could not access it in time…or could not afford it. Recently, a close senior friend of mine fell ill….and was hospitalized at the KHMH. Being very weak, he had to use the “private ward” services available there, as the public area was too hot and made him weaker….and he had to be paying BZ$500 per night.

UB team attends Third Belize-Mexico Bi-national Seminar at ECOSUR
President of the University of Belize, Professor Emeritus, Clement Sankat accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Dr. Nestor Chan; Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work, Leolin Castillo; Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Julianne Pasos; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Jean Perriott; Director of Environmental Research Institute, Dr. Elma Kay; Director of Regional Language Center (RLC) Jhon Florez; and Special Assistant, Inter-institutional Collaboration, International Programs, Ewart Robateau attended the Third Belize-Mexico Binational Seminar entitled “Cooperation on Health Mexico-Belize” in Chetumal, Mexico on October 4.

Erwin Rodriguez’s bike found
Erwin Rodriguez,17, was last seen on Thursday, August 24. It has been over a month since the teen has gone missing and his family is now fearing the worst.

Kendis inspires Belizean students and journalists
Belizean-American journalist and news anchor Kendis Gibson arrived in Belize on Wednesday for a fun filled agenda from meeting with students to sessions with journalists and media executives.

Early morning murder in Orange Walk
This morning around 1:15, police visited Northern Regional Hospital where they saw Daniel Carrillo, 42, of Temash Street Orange Walk with gunshot wounds.

Blogs

Island Mystery: Sign Painting on the Caye
It’s a riddle…wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. I’ve been noticing it for years but just recently, more examples are popping up. There is a mysterious style of sign in San Pedro, Belize. A swirled font – sometimes on a slant, sometimes creative liberties taken with traditional letter order. Highly stylized faces strangely reminiscent of the famous Easter Island statues. I love them all. So wildly mysterious. Is it one person painting these signs? I’ve written a few blogs about the Quirky Cute and Weird Signs of Belize (see below)– how did I miss this phenomenon! Let me show you some examples that I photographed earlier this week. I bet, with a quick walk through town or your neighborhood on Ambergris Caye, you can find lots of illustrations. Please send them to me.

International Sources

Belize is the latest Central American country battling a ‘pink eye’ outbreak
The summer of 2017 appears to be “pink eye”, or conjunctivitis season in the Americas with a number of countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean reporting increases of the eye infection. Now joining the Bahamas, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Suriname, and the Turks and Caicos Islands is Belize where health officials report an increase in the number of reported conjunctivitis cases, particularly in the northern and central health regions.

De Caribische chaos van Ambergris Caye
Razende golfkarretjes, sissende foodstalls en kakelende kippen; slechts een dagelijks tafereel van het levendige eiland Ambergris Caye voor de kust van Belize. De hagelwitte stranden en azuurblauwe zee zijn slechts één van de vele kanten die Belize te bieden heeft, maar een hele fijne kant is het zeker! De Cayes (uitgesproken als het Engelse ‘Keys’) is een verzamelnaam voor bijna 200 paradijselijke eilandjes die liggen voor de kust van het land. Ze heten ‘Cayes’ omdat ze gevormd zijn bovenop een koraalrif. Met – op Australië na – het grootste barrièrerif ter wereld, is het dan ook niet verwonderlijk dat Belize zo’n enorme rijkdom aan Cayes heeft. De eilanden wisselen van relatief groot en gezellig druk – denk aan Ambergris Caye en Caye Caulker – tot een heleboel ieniemienie onbewoonde koraaleilandjes te midden van een azuurblauwe zee. Een walhalla voor de liefhebber van zon, zee strand én de onderwaterwereld dus! Want het is vooral die onderwaterwereld die de Cayes van Belize zo beroemd hebben gemaakt.

Senators Nelson, Rubio file bill to extend Caribbean trade program
U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) filed legislation on Thursday, October 5 to extend a trade program designed to benefit several Caribbean nations, including Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and St. Lucia. The legislation, which is intended to strengthen economic ties and further U.S. interests in the region, extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which was established in 2000 to allow certain Caribbean countries to export goods made with U.S. yarns, fabrics and threads into the U.S. duty-free. Under current law, CBPTA’s preferential trade treatment for these Caribbean countries is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. The bill Nelson and Rubio filed today would extend the program through Sept. 30, 2030.

Videos

October 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

Belize Airport Authority confirms work on Caye Caulker Airstrip to start soon
The Belize Airport Authority (BAA) has confirmed to The San Pedro Sun that pre-construction work on the Caye Caulker Airstrip should be starting in the coming week. On Tuesday, September 12th, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air jointly informed the public that all flights to Caye Caulker would be suspended starting Sunday, October 1st, due to inadequate infrastructure. BAA quickly responded on the same day, claiming that funding was being allocated to conduct the necessary renovations to the airstrip. Recent rumors indicated that the loan application being filed by BAA had fallen through, and that work to rehabilitate the Caye Caulker airstrip was at a standstill. However, BAA’s Administrative Manager Orlando Magaña has dispelled those rumors, further clarifying the situation. “The loan for the renovation of the airstrip is being processed and will be discussed at our General Meeting in mid-October. By Friday, October 6th, work on the airstrip should commence in preparation of the big renovation,” said Magaña.

Belize Forest Department cracking down on Illegal logging
The Belize Forest Department is strengthening public awareness on the logging industry, following the confiscation of illegal Mahogany in the Orange Walk District. On Thursday, September 28th, the Forest Department fined 47-year-old Guinea Grass Village resident, Pablo Valladarez $22,828 for illegal possession of Mahogany. In the wake of this incident, and with the logging season opening on Sunday, October 15th, the Forest Department is launching an awareness campaign to inform the public that any person found engaging in illegal logging will be prosecuted. The Mahogany confiscated from Valladarez included 34 unstamped Mahogany logs, equivalent to 1268.8 board feet. Valladarez, along with Catalino Copo, Nelson Mosa, and Aurelio Mai were seen hauling illegally harvested Mahogany on Sunday, September 24th on the Old Northern Highway in the Orange Walk District. While all men were initially charged for “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce” under the Forest Act of 2000 and its 2017 Amendment, Valladarez pled guilty to the full charges. As a result, Valladarez may face five years imprisonment if he is unable to pay the fine by January 31, 2018.

Belize Fisheries Department holds shark and ray management workshop
Sharks and rays have long been a major attraction to divers and snorkelers visiting Belize. Due to their importance to the Belize’s tourism industry, authorities have taken several steps to protect these marine species. Most recently, the Belize Fisheries Department partnered with Florida International University (FIU) and the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit to strengthen sharks and ray management and conservation initiatives in Belize. With support from the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (OSPESCA), the Belize Fisheries Department hosted a National Shark Workshop from Thursday, October 5th to Friday, October 6th. During this workshop the National Shark Working Group (NSWG) presented the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA – Sharks) in Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

3 die in Fatal Accident
30 year old Samantha of 81 Bella Vista area Belize City and 1 year old Deanna died as a result of their injuries. Samantha and Deanna were travelling in a Honda Element accompanied by Martha Vazquez and another female minor who were transported to KHMH with injuries. 23 yr old Martha Vasquez succumbed at 7:15 pm. Justin Guidry, a diplomat with the US Embassy was travelling alone in a Ford 150 pick up was also transported to the KHMH with injuries.

The Belize Garifuna Song Competition
Join us from the comfort of your own home and experience in High-Definition the sights and sounds of the best in Garifuna Music. If your not going to be in Belize for the first ever Garifuna Song Competition do not worry the Battle of the Drums in collaboration with BK Creative has you covered. Get your ticket to view the show live.

Missing person
13-year-old Shirleene Cucul went missing this past Wednesday in Belmopan. The mother says she was last seen wearing the clothes in the picture. There is a heart-shaped tattoo with wings on each side and the name 'Estelita' on the child's left hand. Contact the nearest police station with any information and call 6525752 or 6337693 if you know her whereabouts.

Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant
Tonight All Belizeans will be represented by our very own Joannie Cantun At the @Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. I want to express how proud I am to see how far she has reached. Know that we all are being represented by a true latina! A mestiza from the heart!! Let's go Joannie!! Let's go Miss Belize!!!

Urban Birdwatch
Benque does it again. #UrbanBirdwatch tallied 83 species, including Alder flycatcher, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel and King Vulture. Thanks Belize Audubon Society and the great crew we had this morning!

Heart-to-heart professional exchange among Belize's media representatives and ABC World News Now correspondent and anchor Kendis Gibson
What is news? What is ethical reporting? Legal vs. ethical? What is the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the future of Belize?

The Reporter

Taiwan gives Belize agencies 40 ASUS laptops
In celebration of the Republic of China on Taiwan’s 106th anniversary National Day, the Taiwan Embassy in Belize donated 40 ASUS 15” laptops to Belize organizations, educational institutions, primary and secondary schools and news agencies. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Charles Liu presented the computers to representatives of each organization at their National Day reception at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City on Friday night. The schools included the St. Catherine Academy, Pallotti High School, Belize High School, St. John’s College, Corozal Community College, the Institute for Technical Vocational and Employment Training (ITVET), the University of Belize Regional Language Center, Belize Elementary School, St. Joseph’s RC Primary School, St. Martin’s RC Primary School, Hope Christian Academy, St. Peter’s Anglican School and Stella Maris School.

Two persons confirmed dead in accident
Police, a few minutes ago, confirmed that two persons have died as a result of a traffic accident at Mile 4 on the George Price Highway an hour ago. The deceased are Samantha Castillo, 30, of 81 Bella Vista area, Belize City and one year-old toddler, Deanna Castillo. Both were travelling in a Hyundai Element, along with Martha Vazquez and another female child. That child and Vasquez are receiving medical attention at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). The injured child, not yet named, is said to have suffered two broken legs.

Fatal traffic accident reported on George Price highway
The Weekend Reporter Online has received unconfirmed reports of a fatal traffic accident sometime after 5:00 p.m., near mile four on the George Price highway. Preliminary reports are that two children were involved, one of whom may have succumbed to injuries. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the other child sustained broken limbs, while the driver was trapped in the vehicle and was being removed.

Doehm’s suicide note speaks of “witch hunt”
On Thursday evening the news that the body of 59-year-old David Doehm was discovered in room 523 of the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino spread like wildfire across the nation, shocking the Belizean public after preliminary information suggested that he had committed suicide. Official information by police to the media on Thursday revealed that on the scene investigators had recovered a suicide note believed to have been written by Doehm himself. They would not disclose the contents of the note. On Friday, however, part of Doehm’s three-page suicide note was leaked to the media, in which he stated that he would end his life, by his own hands and without the assistance or knowledge of anyone else.

Search party uncovers missing teen’s bicycle from swamp
Family members of missing 17-year-old Erwin Rodriguez have confirmed to the Reporter newspaper that his bicycle was recovered from inside Dykes canal in the Jane Usher area of Belize City on Friday. The bicycle was reportedly fished from out of the murky waters by search parties who were canvassing the area in the hopes of finding the missing teenager’s body. His relatives say they had recieved multiple reports that their loved one was cut into pieces, stuffed into crocus bags with pieces of cement blocks and thrown into the swamp.

GOB announces decrease in Regular gasoline prices
The Government of Belize, via a press release issued earlier today, has announced that the price of regular gasoline will decrease, effective tonight as a result of a new shipment today. The release states that the price of Regular fuel will decrease by 84 cents, from $11.13 to $10.29 per gallon. Prices across the country will also experience a similar decrease.

Breaking Belize News

Another woman dies in fatal traffic accident
The third person injured in the fatal traffic accident earlier tonight has died. Police has confirmed that Martha Vasquez, 23, has succumbed to her injuries.

Woman and baby die in fatal traffic accident
Police has confirmed that there was a fatal traffic accident this evening near mile 4 on the George Price Highway. Samantha Castillo 30, of 81 Bella Vista area Belize City and 1 year old, Deanna Castillo lost their lives. They were travelling in a Honda Element accompanied by Martha Vazquez and another female child who also received injuries and were both transported to the KHMH for treatment.

Over 7000 cases of pink eye reported in Belize
Over the past month, there has been a severe outbreak of “conjunctivitis” (also known as Pink Eye) in Belize. The Ministry of Health is reporting a total of 5,434 cases and according to a report from the Amandala Newspaper, these cases brings the total amount for this year to 7,720.

Apolonio Kiou charged for murder of Canadian national
Canadian national Gabriel Bochnia was murdered in front of his wife and children on Wednesday night in front of his home in Chula Vista, Corozal. Bochnia and his family were returning home from dropping off his parents in Chetumal to catch their flight back to Canada after visiting Belize.

Body of missing Tobacco Caye caretaker found
Friends believe that Stewart went fishing for conch and was not seen or heard from since Tuesday. Last night around 6:10, the body of Stewart was found in the Cat Caye area, Stann Creek. The body was retrieved from the sea and was transported to Dangriga, where it awaits a post mortem examination.

Man arrested for keeping ammo and homemade gun without license
On Friday, October 6, 2017, around 2:30 p.m., police visited a house in Belize City occupied by Deon Walford, 34.

Bail for man accused of raping girl, 15, in San Pedro
Oscar Guerra, 55, the owner of My Secret Deli Restaurant in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye is out on bail after being charged for raping a 15 year old girl. On October 3, the teen along with her sister reported to San Pedro Police that Guerra had raped her. As a result, Guerra was remanded to prison.

Tropical Storm Nate spares Belize, is now a Hurricane
Tropical Storm Nate spared Belize with the center passing about 240 miles east of Belize City on Friday. According to the National Hurricane Center, Nate strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane late Friday night and is moving rapidly over the central Gulf of Mexico with winds of over 75 mph.

International Sources

Will cops catch Belize killer?
For the second time in less than six months, a Canadian is making the long trip home from Belize in a casket. On Wednesday, Gabriel Bochnia, 38, who grew up in Toronto, was shot to death outside his home in Chula Vista area of Corozal. In front of his three young children, who one neighbour revealed, “they saw everything.” In late April, Toronto real estate speculator and part-time resident of Belize, Francesca Matus, 52, of Keswick, was strangled to death with her former U.S. Marine boyfriend. The crime-ravaged country’s keystone cops have gotten precisely nowhere with Matus’ slaying.

Coppola’s Hideaway Has a Big Solution to Costly AC
When visiting a far-flung island destination, guests might imagine the sounds of cool breezes and crashing waves—not a loud air conditioner. Also, it can be costly and simply not sustainable to run one on-property. Forgoing air-conditioning, The Family Coppola Hideaways—a collection of luxury resorts in Belize and Guatemala created by film director Francis Ford Coppola—upgraded all of its fans to Energy Star-efficient Haiku fans by Big Ass Solutions. The manufacturer of fans, lights and controls for industrial, agricultural, commercial and residential use, offers the Big Ass Fans, Big Ass Light and Haiku fan product lines. “Our hotel is a pioneer of sustainable practices. Our focus has always been minimal impact on our fragile environment,” said Bernie Matute, GM of the Blancaneaux Lodge, which is one of two Family Coppola Hideaway properties in Belize. “Although the creek that runs in front of the hotel harnesses our power, our focus was to use all energy-efficient appliances. Big Ass Solutions’ fans were a great fit. I suppose that both Big Ass Solutions and the Coppola Hideaways have a similar vision, improving the way of life without impacting our fragile environment.”

Videos

October 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

Rape suspect faces charges
Police have confirmed that Oscar Guerra, 55 year old naturalized Belizean businessman of Caribeña St., has been remanded to Belize Central Prison on charges of rape of a minor.

Every drop counts: Blood Drive held in Caye Caulker
In hopes of building Caye Caulker’s blood reserve, the Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSPC) held their second blood drive of the year at the Caye Caulker Polyclinic on Saturday, September 30th. While the blood drive did not bring in as many people as hoped for, BRCSPC would still like to thank the community for assisting. From 9AM to 2PM, three pints of blood were collected. The simultaneous dollar drive saw a total of $150.32 collected.

Copa San Pedro 2017 continues
The Copa San Pedro 2017 is still underway, taking place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. Six games took place during the fourth week of the tournament, with the first two games played on Thursday, September 28th. The first game began at 7pm, when Martha’s Ice defeated One Shot One Kill 12-0. At 9pm, Boca Bombers won 3-2 over Victoria House. Copa San Pedro continues this weekend with seven games on schedule. On Thursday, October 5th, Jokers F.C face Martha’s Ice at 7pm, following by and United F.C facing Victoria House Jr. On Friday, October 6th, G. Strikers face Assassin’s F.C at 7pm, then Sandy Point takes on San Mateo F.C at 9pm. The last three games of the fifth week of Copa San Pedro are scheduled for Sunday, October 8th, starting at 3pm with Jokers F.C versus Victoria House Jr, and at 5pm One Shot One Kill faces Terror Squad. The last game will be at 7pm, with Boca Bombers versus Legends F.C. All islander are invited to come out and support their favorite team this weekend.

ADVISORY NO. 4: TROPICAL STORM NATE MAINTAINING ITS TRACK
NEMO and the Met Service hereby informs the public that as at 6:00 a.m., local time Tropical Storm Nate with winds of 45 miles per hour was located near 17.8 North Latitude and 84.8 West Longitude or approximately 240 miles East of Belize. The pressure was at 996 milibars. Nate is moving to the north-northwest at 14 miles per hour. The main threat to Belize is expected to be mostly thunderstorms and heavy rain which are causing localized flooding. Rainfall amounts expected to increase along the coast and north today TS Nate moves east of Belize as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico later today.

Veterans draw in first match of the finals
On Sunday, October 1st, the San Pedro Veterans travelled to Independence Village, Stann- Creek District to face the Mango Creek Veterans at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium, during the first round of the National Football Over-40 League Tournament finals. The match saw much talent and skills, but at the final whistle, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The San Pedro Veterans will be hosting the Mango Creek Veterans at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, on Saturday, October 7th. It is the last game of the finals to determine the champions of the Belize National Over-40 League Tournament 2017. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30pm. All islanders are invited to come out and support their home team on the finals.

Ambergris Today

Tropical Storm Nate Maintains North-Northwest Track Away From Belize
NEMO and the Met Service hereby informs the public that as at 6:00 a.m., local time Tropical Storm Nate with winds of 45 miles per hour was located near 17.8 North Latitude and 84.8 West Longitude or approximately 240 miles East of Belize. The pressure was at 996 milibars. Nate is moving to the north-northwest at 14 miles per hour. The main threat to Belize is expected to be mostly thunderstorms and heavy rain which are causing localized flooding. Rainfall amounts expected to increase along the coast and north today TS Nate moves east of Belize as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico later today.

Oscar Guerra Of My Secret Deli Arrested On Rape Of A Minor Charges
San Pedro Police has confirmed that Oscar Guerra, resident of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize and proprietor of My Secret Deli on Caribena Street, has been arrested and charged for the rape of a minor. The female minor was accompanied by an adult to the San Pedro Police Station where she reported that 55-year-old Guerra has been sexually molesting her. Guerra was detained, arrested and charged with 'rape of a minor' and has been transported to the Hattieville Prison in the mainland. Police also indicate that a second male minor has been arrested and charged for rape in connection with this same case.

Misc Belizean Sources

D' kana BBQ is now coming to San Pedro
This Saturday and Sunday the launching of the best tasting BBQ on the island. Oct 7 and 8 th. We are located right on Coconut drive, at Perla Escondida. Come excite your taste buds.

Governments of Belize and El Salvador Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation in the Area of Security
The Governments of Belize and the Republic of El Salvador today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Technical Cooperation in the Area of Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office at the Laing Building in Belize City. The Memorandum of Understanding is aimed at strengthening cooperation and coordination between both countries with the aim of contributing to citizen security and public safety in the region. It will function as a bilateral mechanism through which both parties will design, plan and coordinate the development of cooperation in common areas of interest relating to security.

World Standards Day 2017
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the public that World Standards Day (WSD) will be internationally observed on Saturday, October 14, 2016, under the theme “STANDARDS MAKES CITIES SMARTER”. This year’s theme highlights that building a Smart City is highly complex. Every city faces its own challenges and requires its own mix of solutions. However, there is one common denominator that greatly simplifies this task. International Standards support the development of tailor-made solutions that can be adapted to the particular circumstances of a given city.

Annual "Walk for a Green Belize"
Saturday, October 14, 2017

This weekend's See & Taste Belize Festival in South Florida
What an incredible lineup for this weekend's See & Taste Belize Festival in South Florida! If you're in the Miami area this weekend, don't miss this opportunity to enjoy all things Belizean: good food, good music and the company of your fellow Belizeans! The weekend kicks-off tonight with an All Inclusive Welcome Reception. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to support the children of Belize! For more details visit www.seeandtastebelize.com! Get your tickets today!

5% discount on Trade License fees in San Pedro
Take advantage of this promotion! In honor of San Pedro's 33rd Township Anniversary the San Pedro Town Council is offering a 5% discount on Trade License fees for 2018. Please be reminded that you must fill out a renewal form prior to paying your 2018 fee.

Trade License holders and Liquor License Information for San Pedro
Renewal submissions are now being accepted for existing Trade License holders and for Liquor License holders.

UB Team Led by the President Attends Third Belize-Mexico Bi-national Seminar at ECOSUR
UB President Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Dr. Nestor Chan; Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work, Ms. Leolin Castillo; Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Ms. Julianne Pasos; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Jean Perriott; Director of Environmental Research Institute, Dr. Elma Kay; Director of Regional Language Center (RLC) Mr. Jhon Florez; and Special Assistant, Inter-institutional Collaboration, International Programs, Mr. Ewart Robateau attended the Third Belize-Mexico Binational Seminar entitled “Cooperation on Health Mexico-Belize” in Chetumal, Mexico on October 4, 2017.

One Mall in Ranchito
Looking for a shopping mall in Corozal? Don't need to go to Chetumal because One Mall in Ranchito has all your nescessary products. Auto Area, Wine area, hardware area, groceries area, Car Wash, Gastation Area, Accessories Area and more. Drop by today for great low prices One Mall has to offer in Ranchito, Corozal.

Miss World Pagean
Introducing Renae Sherese Martinez from the beautiful village of Lord's Bank. She is currently pursing her Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize & has obtained an Associate Degree in Tourism Studies. She is kind, very friendly and likes to learn new cultures. Renae will be traveling to Sanya Republic of China to participate in the Miss World Pageant that will be live on the 18th November 2017.

2017 Torch Run Team awards in Orange Walk
Mayor Bernard and Councillor Ladrick Sheppard present certificates of appreciation to the 2017 Torch Run Team

San Pedro Volleyball Tournament
Come out and support the volleyball tournament. Starts this weekend. Below is The schedule for week 1 of the tournament. Saturday October 7th, 2017

Elmer Cornejo
Elmer Cornejo is a youth activist from Libertad Village, Corozal District, who works passionately to achieve greater youth-consciousness around issues of justice, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and social equity for young girls, women and youth. Elmer, who is of Mestizo descent, is an Alumnus of the GOJoven Program under GOBelize; a capacity-building organization that works towards youth development and improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Belize. He is a part of GOBelize’s Trainer of Trainer’s (TOT), and is versed with facilitating sessions on sexual, reproductive health and rights.

Pan American Day on Monday
Have a precious and safe holiday weekend. Monday October 9th, 2017 will be observed as Pan American Day (in lieu of Thursday October 12th, 2017).

Regional Tourism and Health Stakeholders Workshop
The Regional Tourism and Health Stakeholders Workshop are represented by the Belize’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services Health, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Yashin Dujon, CEO with participation of the Belize Tourism Board, Mr. Sean Tang, Business Development Manager, on this Regional Initiative to enhance the health safety and security of visitors and local populations.

ON THE SET ON KREM TV's WUB WITH THE TALENTED SHARON MARIN-LEWIS!
Yours truly was fortunate to have had the privilege in 2013 to have being the guest and co-host of the popular Belizean talk show, "Wake Up Belize" (WUB) with the talented and beautiful Sharon Marin Lewis. Since the show's host, Brother Mose Hyde was out on vacation; it was asked of me to fit in for him with the smart and sharp broadcast Journalist, Marin-Lewis, who sat in the hot seat. She was fantastic as a talk show host, and we did a good show that Friday morning.

"THE AMAZING ORIN "COCO" ORIO!" BELIZEAN FOOTBALL GOALKEEPING 101!
It can be said that Belizean football superstar and one of the best goalkeepers Belize had ever seen during the golden days of the 1970s and 80s Belizean football greatness countrywide is the legendary Orin "Coco" Orio from the "Culture Capital" of Belize Dangriga in the southern Stann Creek District of Belize. Orio, like Rupert "Canalayte" Anderson, had a spread across the goal like an albatross. They were both tall, perhaps measuring some six feet or more, and understood how to cover the four corners of the net with their long arms. But Orin Orio may have stepped the game up to a new level being that he was a junior to the veteran 'keeper' "Canalayte" and had brought in some new moves. Orio would make it look easy from any side of the bleachers you were watching him work, and he was calm and collective under serious striker attacks from his opponents. We can say that not many Belizean strikers had scored on him because he had appeared too intimidating to many of the strikers no matter how far the ball was shot from. And he looked like a giant between the two huge goal posts.

1960S FALLEN BALLERS OF BELIZEN BASKETBALL!
It with the deepest respect for the legendary Belizean basketball players seen here in this photo whom tragically for some had lost their lives in a horrible road accident while traveling to play basketball in one of the Central American republics some many years ago during the 1960s. Special tribute the legendary Belizean basketball player and coach, Jaime Zaldivar, who survived the crash but has unfortunately lost a leg.

"WHEELS" VERSUS "BUILDERS": THE MOST BEST BELIZEAN BASKETBALL GAME OF THE 1970S!
"Birds Isle" basketball took Belizean basketball to a new level as inferior as the wooden court there might appear to have been; yet it took the pressure of the knees of Belizean "ballers" who found much more comfort to excel at the game and reached their "superstar" standards. Yes, this was true Belizean "superstar" basketball when you were seeing these classic games seen here in this photograph between the rugged "Happy Home Builders" led by its basketball revolutionary captain, Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn versus the polished "Parra Wheels" led by its captain, Fonso Martinez. A moment of passion for the game for both athlete and spectator alike that truly took their Belizean basketball very seriously to the point of heated conflicts before and after the game. A moment of duel between the weak and the strong in the game, when "Builders" power forward J.J. Lynch dunked in the face of the "Wheels" domineering center Charles Goff to the roar of the Belizean crowd who had come to see action not pity, sports not dance, and war not peace. A time of extremely sweaty ball playing that depicted how one athlete was better than the other even if it causes a serious brawl on the court. Such fervor was also part of the action and entertainment.

Memorial Service for Faye Lin Cannon
Saturday October 14th, at the Lion's Den. Please feel free to drop by between 11am and 2pm.

Caye Caulker Airport Authority meeting
The meeting for the Airport Authority is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 at 10:30am at the community center. Please pass on the message to the South Point Residence. The CCVC Office and members were informed by the Airport Authority manager in-charge that the meeting with Belize Airport Authority for 10:30am has been postponed due to the weather and NEMO advisory. An email will be sent next week to inform the date and time of the next meeting.

See & Taste Belize
Chef Samuel Gonzalez from Rain Restaurant in San Pedro!!! Chef Samuel, a protégé of Master Chef Hugo Meyer and owner of Rain, will be joining us for the first time at See & Taste Belize 2017 inspiring a captive audience with succulent stewed chicken and rice and beans empanada with a recado reduction and his famous chicken and cream cheese poppers with pineapple coulis!!!!

Today at Kelly McGuire's Captain Morgans show
in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Kendis Gibson receives the Keys to Belize City from Mayor Darrell Bradley!
The key speaks for itself: "In recognition for your outstanding achievement in the area of journalism and for your continued support for the advancement of the people of Belize." Given on this 6th day of October, 2017 by Mayor Darrell Bradley.

The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project hosted a Taiwan ICDF Small and Medium Enterprise delegation last week
Members from BTIA, Small Business Sector, and BTB attended the meeting. Relevant Discussions were: 1. Overview of projects under the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, and the ICDF Project (Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project) Recent projects completed, projects currently being executed, and those in the planning stage. 2. Overview and current status of the ICDF Project. 3. Members of the different organizations were invited to share areas where funding would be beneficial to the improvement and development of the tourism sector. Below are interesting ideas shared by various members:

Channel 7

David Doehm's Chilling Suicide Note
Yesterday we told you about David Doehm's apparent suicide at the Princess Ramada. As we told you, the 59 year old appears to have left behind a suicide note. And today a picture emerged of what could be that note. Police will not make any further comment on the case, and would not comment on the note, but in it, the writer states, "I am here to end my own life, by my own hand and without the assistance or knowledge of anyone else." The note goes unto speak about death by Nitrogen inhalation, and concludes that the writer is the victim of, quote, "a witch hunt conducted by the government of Belize." The note seems to continue on the other side of the paper - and presumably that would detail the so called "witch hunt", but we don't know what it says, because the picture is only of the front side of the note.

No Arrests Made For Canadian Man Killed In Corozal
Police have not charged anyone for the murder of Canadian, Gabriel Bochnia, but reports say two persons are detained. Now, we cannot confirm these reports, because police aren't providing information, but those reports suggest that persons of interest include the man identified as the shooter - who is known as "Polo" - and an American man. 38 year old Bochnia was shot and killed in front of his on Wednesday night after 10:00. Bochnia and his family had just come back from a Chetumal trip - and his children witnessed the murder. Police say that a man with a rag over his face known to the family as "Polo" ran up on him just as he was coming out his vehicle, and fired two shots - one of them hit Bochnia in the stomach - and he died hours later at the Northern Regional Hospital. The gunman also tried to shoot his wife, but the gun misfired - all this in front of their children.

The Mystery of Isau Perez's Murder
Belmopan Police don't have much information on the murder of 33 year old Isau Perez. As we told you, Perez's body was found floating in the Roaring Creek River yesterday morning around 8:00. The post mortem shows that Perez was stabbed to death and dumped in the river. I went to Cotton Tree to speak with his family today and they are as puzzled as anyone else as to the motive of his killing. Here is that story. Jaime Perez, Brother: "The last time I saw my little brother is when I came to the wake of his mother which is my step mother that was the 12th of September." From one heartbreak to the next. 23 days after his mother's death, Isau Perez's body was found in the Roaring Creek River yesterday morning around 8:00. Perez had been stabbed to the chest and throat and dumped in the river.

Finally a Break On The Pump Price For Fuel
Yesterday, we showed you how a group of grassroots activists staged a protest in downtown Belize City to complain about the high gas prices. Well, the Government is announcing that the price of regular gas is going down by as much as 84 cents. A press release from the Government says that a new shipment of regular gasoline arrived in country today, and it will bring down the current pump price by 84 cents, from $11.13 to $10.29. The price change goes into effect at midnight so, you'll may want to hold off until tomorrow to full up.

Belize Spared the Wrath and Wreckage of TS Nate
Tropical Storm Nate sailed by Belize - with the center of circulation passing about 240 miles east of Belize City. No Tropical Storm Watch was declared, and there was no loss of life or storm related damages in Belize. Central and Northern Belize did not report heavy, or any, rainfall. But our Central American neighbors were not so lucky. As we told you last night, an estimated 22 deaths have been reported in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras and El Salvador. Tonight, Tropical Storm Nate is just southeast of Cancun and close to Cozumel with winds of 65 miles per hour. It should pass over Cancun early tomorrow morning cross the Gulf of Mexico and make U.S. landfall as a Hurricane this weekend.

Pink Eye Outbreak Produces Record Numbers
If you're a Belizean - tonight, someone you know has Pink Eye, that's for sure! The Ministry of Health reports that more than five thousand cases of Pink Eye have been reported in Belize in the past four weeks, and we know that what is reported is only a percentage of the total cases: since many who contract it, just stay home and treat it with eye drops. Tonight, the Ministry of Health has issued an advisory for the Pan American Day long Weekend. The notice says that mass gatherings should be avoided as much as possible and travel should be minimized within the country and across the borders unless extremely necessary. Now, that's to avoid getting it. But if you already have it and you are a social security contributor; here's what you should do.

Missing Teen's Bike Found, But No Body
The search for 17 year old Erwin Rodriguez has intensified in the last week, and, today, searchers found a bicycle which his sister has identified as his. He was last seen on that bicycle on August 24th. It was found in the so called "dike" area - which are the sewage ponds and canals - between Jane Usher Boulevard and Faber's Road. Searchers have been using dories and kayaks. The community based search team was accompanied by police in all day search which did not turn up other clues. His family believes that he was killed and thrown in the dike- and are hoping to find his remains. His slippers had also been found in that general area some time ago.

Santa Marta Has Record Flooding And a Pink Eye Outbreak
Residents of Santa Marta village in Orange Walk need as much help as they can to get their lives back together after an epic flood - the kind which has not been seen in their village for 17 years. The flooding began on Monday and as we told you about 50 families are dislocated because their homes and all their belongings have been damaged. Well today NEMO Coordinator Elodio Aragon Sr told us that NEMO personnel among other teams have been in Santa Martha since Tuesday, securing food and supplies for the residents. Via telephone, Aragon Sr. told us more about the relief efforts.

Turtle Inn's Tender Thatch Caught Fire
The fire at Turtle Inn Resort between miles 22 and 23 on the Placencia Peninsula started when a thatch roof over the kitchen caught fire. That's what police say after a two hour firefight that saved the rooms, but saw the offices, the kitchen area and the winery destroyed. The blaze started at around 2:45 when five cooks were inside the Kitchen when they smelled smoke and saw a small area where the metal chimney exits through the thatched roof engulfed in flames. They tried to put it out, but the fire caught and quickly began to spread causing the rest of the thatched roof to be destroyed.

San Pedro Deli Owner Bailed on Rape Charge
55 year-old Oscar Guerra, the owner of My Secret Deli, a restaurant in San Pedro, is out on bail tonight. That's after he was remanded for a rape charge after being accused by a 15 year-old girl of taking advantage of her. His attorney, Kevin Arthurs, went before Justice Herbert Lord today to apply for Supreme Court bail on his behalf. After hearing from both the defense, and the DPP's Office, Justice Lord granted him bail of $10,000. That bail came with the conditions that he must report to San Pedro Police every Friday, that he attends all Magistrate's Court adjournments of his case, and he cannot go within 100 yards of the complainant or her family.

Tobacco Caye Caretaker Missing
George Coleman, a caretaker at the Tobacco Caye Lodge, has been missing since Tuesday, and friends and family are worried that they may not find him alive. Tobacco Caye is an island off the coast to the east of the Stann Creek District. Getting there takes about 20-30 minute by boat from Dangriga Town. That's where Coleman, who we are told is in his late 50's, lived most of his life. The last time he was seen or heard from was on Tuesday. That's when he went diving for conch, right in front of Tobacco Caye, without a vessel. Since then, he has not returned to the island. Nobody knew that he was missing until Wednesday, and the concern is that this very experienced seaman may be in trouble, or he may have passed away.

Mexican President May Visit Belize In October
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is expected to visit Belize sometime this month to celebrate 35 years of friendship between Belize and Mexico. The Mexican Ambassador to Belize referenced it in a speech he gave at Belize's observance of the 207th anniversary of Mexico's Independence from Spain, which is celebrated every September 15. He told a gathering, which included the Head of State, the Head of Government, and other invited guests that the President's visit would be a reinforcement of the very friendly bilateral relations between Belize and Mexico. Here's what he had to say in that speech from 3 weeks ago:

Security Accord Between Deadly Neighbors
El Salvador is one of the deadliest countries on earth and Belize is right up there with our Central American neighbor. So, perhaps it is appropriate that the two governments today signed a a Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation in the Area of Security. Belize's Minister of Foreign and Home Affairs, Wilfred Elrington signed on behalf of Belize, while Salvador's Minister of Security and Justice, Mauricio Ramirez Landaverde, signed for the Republic of El Salvador. The Memorandum of Understanding plans to strengthen cooperation and coordination between both countries with the aim of contributing to citizen security and public safety in the region. A press release says both countries will design, plan and coordinate the development of cooperation in common areas of interest relating to security.

The Importance of Midwifery
You may not know it, but midwives all over the country are responsible for delivering most of the newborn babies countrywide. They're an essential part of maternal and childcare services. And for two days now, 20 midwives have been participating in a training to better improve their abilities to teach new midwives how to provide this health service at a very high standard. The Caribbean Regional Midwives Association, and the Caribbean Nurses Association have been conducting these types of sessions all over the region, and they are also the main facilitators in Belize at this time. We stopped by to find out what it takes to teach a novice how to be a good midwife, and here's what they trainers had to tell us:

Right Under The Nose Of Police
This afternoon, daring robbers in Belize City robbed the food pantry right around the corner from the Mahogany Street Police Sub-Station. The food pantry - which is a government pro poor community initiative - doesn't handle that much money as it does food. Those who are put into the program get a basic food package at substantially discounted prices. This one is located around the corner from the police substation on Oleander Street. The robbers made off with undisclosed items and police did not catch them.

The Buffest and Most Beautiful Bodies
Tomorrow the annual Mr. Belize bodybuilding competition will take place at the Bliss Center. For the BBBFF, it's the main event of the year where muscle men and women get to pose off with their chiseled bodies for different titles. But the one they all want the most is the title of Mr. Belize. The president of the Body Building Federation of Belize told us more. If you are interested in meeting the bodybuilders a meet and greet will be starting tonight at 7 pm at Biltmore and the Mr. Belize competition will start tomorrow at 7 pm at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts.

Channel 5

David Doehm claims state ‘witch-hunt’ in leaked suicide note
This station as a matter of policy normally does not report on suicides or suicide attempts. That is to avoid unwarranted publicity. But the subject of this story is well-known [...]

Family of Toronto resident Gabriel Bochnia speak out after murder in Corozal
Canadian news sources have picked up on murder victim thirty-eight-year-old Gabriel Bochnia to be from Toronto, Ontario. CTV Toronto reports that his sister Kate is on her way to Belize [...]

Search continues for Erwin Rodriguez
For weeks we have been reporting on missing teen Erwin Rodriguez. The last time his mother saw him was six weeks ago and she fear that he is dead. No [...]

Regular gas price down, but shy of previous levels
The response from the Government of Belize to protests over record gas prices came today with a statement announcing a decrease of eighty-four cents in Belize City for regular gas, [...]

Turtle Inn kitchen burns; hotel still in business
There are details tonight about the fire that struck the famous Turtle Inn in Placencia.  The resort owned by the renowned filmmaker, Francis Ford Coppola, suddenly went up in flames [...]

San Pedro restaurant owner bailed for rape of teenager
Restaurant owner, fifty-five year old Oscar Guerra, who was remanded into custody on a charge of rape, was released today on a bail of ten thousand dollars. The owner of [...]

Teenager deemed flight risk denied bail over pointed firearm
Bail applications for several other persons were dealt with in the court of Justice Herbert Lord. In the case of nineteen-year-old Marvin Dominguez, a Salvadoran national who was remanded into [...]

Kylah Ciego of Dangriga Town is Belize’s new CARICOM Youth Ambassador
Kylah Ciego of Dangriga Town is Belize’s new female CARICOM Youth Ambassador. According to a post on the World Youth Conference Belize 2017 Facebook page, Ciego has spent years doing [...]

Teachers complain to B.N.T.U. about curriculum changes
Recently, the Ministry of Education’s representative for quality assurance, John Newport, commented on complaints made by teachers with regard to implementing changes to the national curriculum in several subjects, especially [...]

Ex-B.N.T.U. prez says contributory pension scheme coming to Belize
Earlier this week, the Belize National Teachers’ Union launched its documentary on the eleven days of strike they organized at this time last October. And while the Union never put [...]

T.S. Nate spares Belize, but twenty killed in Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Tropical Storm Nate has created massive damage and claimed more than twenty lives in Costa Rica and Nicaragua – with Costa Rica declaring national emergency. The weather outlook closer to [...]

Midwives convene for education training
The Caribbean Midwifery Association and Belize’s Ministry of Health conducted two days of training starting on Thursday for persons practicing the important process of midwifery – assisting expectant mothers through [...]

Who can dethrone Rigo Vellos as Mr. Belize?
On Saturday night at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, Belize’s “buffest” men and women will be participating in the Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s annual “Mr. Belize” competition. [...]

Guest pro ‘builder Vonne Francis in town to steal the show
Vonne Francis is a three-time Central American and Caribbean champion and joined the pro ranks in 2007. While he is not here to officially compete, he doesn’t mind an opportunity [...]

Senior citizens celebrate LIFE on Casuarina Street
Senior citizens gathered today on Casuarina Street in Belize City to show off their talents. Through the Living Independently In Full Existence – an organization called LIFE – the seniors [...]

How you can get a job at Transparent BPO on Saturday
Interested in a job in customer service or sales? Transparent BPO says it is hiring up to one hundred and twenty persons. The business process outsourcing company is hosting a [...]

Garifuna Council plans fundraising gala for hurricane victims
The National Garifuna Council is holding its second annual Black, White and Yellow gala this weekend. Guests are encouraged to dress in the Garifuna colors. The event is a fundraiser [...]

Do you believe in magic?
A group of magicians are in the City for the weekend and they want to entertain you with some surprising acts of magic. The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise is [...]

LOVE FM

Soaring fuel price is expected to take a dip
Regular Gasoline is set to decrease at twelve o’clock tonight. According to the Government, a new shipment of Regular Gasoline is due to arrive in country today, and the pump price will fall by 84 cents per gallon in Belize City. At mid-night, regular gasoline will be selling for $10.29. Prices across the country will […]

Missing person, Erwin Rodriguez bicycle turns up in search for him
The family of seventeen year old Erwin Rodriguez continued their search for him today with the assistance of volunteers and the Police. The teenager went missing since August 24th and no one has heard from him since. The family has been searching for him for weeks but hasn’t had any success. Today the family and […]

David’s suicide note
Yesterday, 59 year old American National David Doehm killed himself in room 523 at the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel and Casino. He carefully plotted his death as he tied a plastic bag over his head and had funnelled Nitrogen gas into the bag through a rubber tube. Police say that they a found a […]

Guatemala’s former Ambassador to Belize takes up new post of Deputy Foreign Minister
Guatemala’s former Ambassador to Belize, Manuel Estuardo Roldán Barillas, has been appointed Deputy Foreign Minister. His appointment comes after Guatemala’s President Jimmy Morales fired former foreign minister Carlos Raul Morales and his deputy in response to their refusal to expel Ivan Velasquez the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). President Morales […]

Tropical Storm Nate is a threat to Belize
The National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, has issued its fourth advisory in respect to Tropical Storm Nate. According to NEMO, Tropical Storm Nate is packing winds of 45 miles per hour and is located approximately 240 miles East of Belize. Nate is moving to the north-northwest at 14 miles per hour. The main threat to […]

Leader of the Opposition refutes claim by BUFERHD about your vote
PUP Leader John Briceno was also asked about BUFERHD’s claim that politicians know who Belizeans vote for. The Belize United for Equal Rights at Home and the Diaspora, BUFERHD. Dereck Aikman who is the president of BUFHERD says that because the ballots are numbered, at the time of reconciliation political operatives can tell who you […]

Belize & El Salvador sign Memorandum of Understanding
Today, the Governments of Belize and El Salvador signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation in the Area of Security. The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Belize City. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, signed on behalf of Belize, while Minister of Security and Justice, Mauricio Ramirez Landaverde, […]

Emmy award-winning journalist in Belize
Kendis Gibson, an Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor for ABC World News in the USA, is in Belize for a second time this year. Earlier this year, in May, Gibson was first in Belize, when he came with his mother on vacation. On his second trip, he is doing a bit more. Upon an invitation […]

Caribbean Midwife Association trains Belizean mid-wives
A two-day workshop was held today at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, where 20 mid-wives were trained in competency base education. Among those taking the workshop are midwifery trainers and Deputy Director of Health Services (Nursing), Augustina Elijio told Love News about the expected outcome of the workshop. Augustina Elijio – Deputy Director of Health […]

Tiara’s Ball instills self-worth in girls
International Missions of Hope is partnering with Tiara’s Girls Ministry of the United States to host a two day event for young girls from the ages of twelve to nineteen in Belize to let them know that they were created with a purpose. Delphin Garnett spoke to Love News about the event. Delphin Garnett – […]

The Guardian

Now over 5 thousand cases of pink eye

Pointless fire on Haulover
No one has owned up to starting a tire fire on the southern approach of the Haulover bridge outside of Belize City. At 5:30 on Wednesday morning, fire officials and police were alerted to the fire of burning tires strewn across the highway. Quick response by the authorities had the fire extinguished and allowing for the free flow of traffic within an hour. Now while the setting up of fires on highways has now become a norm for the way Belizeans demonstrate, this one was simply set for absolutely no reason and no one or a reason has yet been identified for doing so.

Punta Gorda selects slate for municipal elections
On Sunday, October 1, the United Democratic Party held a convention to select a slate to contest the March 7, 2018 municipal election in Punta Gorda. Being the smallest municipality, there was not much fanfare that was expected from those participating in the election but contrary to that it was quite a lively race. From the onset, Christie Martinez who had a slate consisting of himself and four councilors came out in full force, with drums and singers ushering him and his slate to the polls. His show was followed by Ashton McKenzie who had a complete slate of six who also energetically marched to the polling station at St. Peter Claver primary school in the town.

Kelvin is back home, now what?
It seems like no sooner had last week's edition of the Guardian Newspaper hit the streets, did we start to hear some chatter that young Kelvin Usher had either been found or he had made contact with one of his parents. Not only had we carried the story of his disappearance as our headline but we also felt close to the story because Kelvin and his family are well known to some of us and our families here at this newspaper. In our story we highlighted the story about the disappearance of seventeen year old Kelvin Usher, who had gone missing some four days earlier. We now take you back to Thursday morning. It was around a few minutes after 7:30 a.m. that we started seeing Facebook chatter that either young Kelvin was either found, or he had made contact with his parents or his location was known.

1 dollar drive by BTB to assist Caribbean islands affected by hurricanes
In an effort to assist our fellow Caribbean countries that were devastated in September by hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Belize Tourism Board in collaboration with tourism industry stakeholders will launch a “Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund” campaign during the entire month of October. According to Noriko Gamero, Director, Cruise Tourism and Destination Planning, BTB, this is in unison to the thought “One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean” which the Caribbean Tourism Organization follows. For every tourist arrival for the month of October, the BTB will donate $1 toward the cause while stakeholders have agreed to donate $1 for every guest. Other stakeholders in the Caribbean have also gotten on board and some have pledged to donate as much as $50 for each booking.

Murder in broad daylight in San Pedro
Two men were injured in a broad daylight shooting in San Pedro Town. One of the victims, 18 year-old Christian Contreras, died on the scene after he was gunned down. The incident happened at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, in the Boca Del Rio area. They were on a side street heading unto Laguna Drive. That’s where Contreras and 28 year-old Ryan Lucas were walking when they were approached by 2 young men. The San Pedro Sun Newspaper reports that witnesses heard an exchange between the two pairs of men.

Civil disobedience and civil unrest - The UDP and the PUP way
Every time these POWER HUNGRY PUPs have decided to and have broken the law by doing things like burning of tires on public roads, like they did on Wednesday of this week, they would speak about the then Leader of the Opposition calling for Civil unrest back in 2005. Well like with most other things, the PUP is once again spreading lies. In 2005, Hon. Dean Barrow, who was the Leader of the Opposition said NO SUCH THING. We will attempt to put that PUP LIE to rest once and for all ,by reminding Belizeans, what the Hon Dean Barrow said back then. Below is what 7 News Belize reported that he said at a UDP Press Conference, on 19th April, 2005.

Young people cleaning up the environment
Our Belizean youths have become actively engaged in clean-up efforts across the Country. Both Oceana and the Scouts Association of Belize held their 7th Annual “National River and Beach Clean-up Campaign’ on Saturday morning of this past weekend. Members of the Belize Police Youth Cadet Corp were also invited to participate in this National clean-up. Coordinators of the various events handed out gloves and garbage bags early Saturday to the enthusiastic young people. It was a day well spent as our young people learned to appreciate a clean environment; especially on our important watersheds.

Flip the coin
If the BNTU can say that they have their strike on hold as they await the implementation of the anti-corruption measures and they are holding the government accountable; can the general public not also be able to hold them accountable to provide better service. Take for example, the last time they went on their strike, they deprived students of 10 days which showed during the major exams that students take: the CXC's and the PSE. They cannot say that they made that up because all make up that was proposed and subsequently effected took place after the exams had already taken place.

Waiting to backstab Johnny
Johnny is playing a game of CHEST in an effort to try and outmaneuver the hawks, who are trying to unseat him as PUP Leader. He knows that the PUP will take a beating at the polls in next year’s Municipal Elections. Johnny also knows that a PUP National Convention is mandated to be held after those elections. His leadership would definitely be challenged at that convention and he would lose it. Trying to ward that off, he has now come up with the idea of going to convention before those municipal elections. The plan is a devious, but a brilliant plan.

New Requirements for Pharmaceutical Facilities as Statutory Instrument of the Food and Drug Regulations comes into effect
The Ministry of Health informs the general public that effective November 1st, 2017, all pharmaceutical facilities will be required to have a Ministry of Health Certificate of Registration License in order to provide pharmacy services to the public. While our records reflect a total of 23 pharmaceutical importers/wholesalers and 37 retail pharmacies in possession of a valid Ministry of Health facility license, we are aware of approximately 50 wholesalers and 120 retail pharmacies countrywide. These licensed facilities have met the necessary requirements and standards outlined by the Ministry of Health taking into consideration the Statutory Instrument of the Food and Drugs Regulations, 2017.

Police awarded in Belmopan
Today the Belmopan Police awarded seven of its officers that did well during the month of September. On hand to do the presentations was Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. These outstanding officers from the Belmopan Police jurisdiction are Alexander Shal (number 1414), Porfilo Carillo (number 230), Gaina Hyde (number 2234), Roberto Ical (number 557), Javier Alvarez (number 743), Miguel Martinez and Danny Mesh (number 276).

Rotary partners with MOE to establish literacy program
The Rotary Clubs of Belize and Edmonton, Canada are working in partnership with the Ministry of Education to implement a literacy program across 5 lower schools in the Southside of Belize City as well as 3 schools from each other district. According to Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer, MOE, literacy continues to be a national priority at the Ministry. Giving their priority, the ministry sought schools that were not performing at the desired level of reading. Both material and human resources were given to the school for the year-long program and by the end of June, there is expected to be some marked improvement.

Sagicor’s Phoenix Walk/Run 2017
The Sagicor Walk/Run was held on September 30, 2017 at 6 p.m. The walk was a noncompetitive event to promote a healthy lifestyle as well as healthy choices in people of all ages. Participants walked from the Sagicor office on Coney Drive into Freetown, unto North Front Street, on Marine Parade, and back to Coney Drive. Throughout the route, there was entertainment from music trucks as well as water stations. Persons from BERT as well as security officers were there to ensure safety.

Supreme Court Arbitrators called to office
On the 27th September 2017 trained Arbitrators were sworn in as Court-Connected Arbitrators under the Supreme Court of Belize before the Chief Justice, Honourable Kenneth Benjamin. The Chairman of the Court’s Mediation and Arbitration program, Justice Abel Courtney, in addressing the Arbitrators emphasized the seriousness of the Oath. Justice Abel told the Arbitrators that it’s a serious responsibility and he hopes that they take it seriously. He added that the future reputation and conduct of the court and any arbitration proceedings is now in the hands of the Arbitrators.

UB and PACT implement scholarship program
Students at the University of Belize will now have a chance to be a part of a new scholarship program starting August 2017. The University has partnered with the Protected Areas Conservation Trust to implement a scholarship program designed to assist the National Protected Areas System and the sustainable development goals of Belize. A Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the execution of the program was signed by Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Ph.D, President of the University of Belize and by Percival Cho, Ph.D, Board Chairperson , PACT.

Youths discuss pros and cons of the ICJ
The Belize History Association (BHA) in collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and other partners held its Fourth Annual September Lecture as part of the 2017 September Celebrations. It was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development last Friday evening under the title “Youth Perspectives on the Belize-Guatemala Dispute and the ICJ”. Four youths from three tertiary institutions participated in the lecture. These included Chelsea Kuylen from the Ecumenical Junior College, Markisha Jorgensen from the Independence Junior College, and Joshua Pott as well as Kendice Armstrong from St. John’s Junior College.

Bail granted to cop who refused to pay for meal
A Corporal of police attached to the Cayo Police Formation who is being accused of committing an aggravated assault was arraigned before Magistrate Michelle Trapp on Friday, September 29, 2017. He is 39-year-old Steven Parham, a resident of Santa Elena and now interdicted corporal of the Cayo Police Formation. The allegations against Parham are that while attending training with the Gang Resistance Education and Training he visited the New Asia restaurant in Belize City. He ordered a meal and after finishing, he refused to pay and instead drew his firearm at the owners and employees. He left without paying for his meal.

Stolen item recovered by Belmopan Police
Two men are now in custody, charged for the same crime in Belmopan. Police in the Nation’s capital have arrested and charged 26 year old vendor Ronald Bradley and 22 year old Kareem Hoare, both from Mahogany Heights, for the crime of robbery. Both men have been remanded until November 27, 2017. Chinese businessman and manager of the Wei Li Store from the Maya Mopan area in Belmopan had reported that a pair of men had entered his store on September 27th. One of the robbers took out a firearm and demanded cash. In response and fearing for his life, Wei Kuang handed over cash and an iPhone.

Robbed and killed while buying beef
Police from Dangriga have arrested and charged 2 men for the murder of 46 year-old Luis Antonio Sierra, a butcher from Bullet Tree Village. The criminal charges brought against the accused, 34 year-old Saul Campos and 31 year-old Lyndon Lewis, suggest that they and the family of the murder victim have come to the same conclusion. These 2 men were attempting to rob Luis Sierra, a butcher by profession, but their criminal enterprise went wrong when the gunman fatally wounded him. Luis Sierra’s family told the press that he runs a meat and vegetable shop in his home village, and he regularly delivers his products to his customers from Placencia. They believe that he came across 31 year-old Lyndon Lewis, a resident of the Valley Community, in the Stann Creek District. He allegedly began attempting to entice Sierra with a beef sale,that sounded too good to be real.

Club brawl leaves one dead and three injured
Daniel Anderson, a 28 year-old resident of Belize City, was killed in what looks like a bar brawl in which 3 other people were injured. Anderson, a father of 4, had been accused of 3 murders, but he was acquitted of all 3 and set free. His family does not believe that his death has anything to do with his past. That incident happened early on Sunday morning, October 1 sometime after 3:30. Anderson was at the Bismark Club, located on Queen Charlotte Street, in the Yarborough Area. He was there with his girlfriend, and they were celebrating the 28th birthday of Alex Underwood, when a series of liquor fueled arguments broke out.

Elderly man killed at Butcher Burns
Blake Norman Lewis, an 18 year-old resident of Hattieville, has been arrested and charged for the murder of 62 year-old Marcel Samuels, a resident from Belize City who made a living as a butcher and a jeweler. Samuels’ family has declined any comments to the press but reports are that he and his wife were walking on the Butcher Burns Road, which is just off the George Price Highway at mile 19. They were heading to his live stock farm, located in the very same Butcher Burns area.

Friend kills friend during a fight
Dorian Sutherland, a 31 year-old father of 2 who’s also known by the nickname “Sonny”, was shot and killed, allegedly by a friend in an evening fight. The two reportedly had an argument which ended violently. Sometime at around 5 o’clock on Monday, October 2, Sutherland was reportedly sitting down at the car wash at the corner of La Croix Boulevard and Police Street. He would also earn a living there on the days when he was not working jobs in construction.

Illegal loggers arrested & fined for unlawful possession of forest produce
Pablo Valladarez, a 47-year-old resident of Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District,was fined $22,838 for illegal possession of Mahogany yesterday. Police and Forest Department officials intercepted Valladarez, Catalino Copo, Nelson Mosa, and Aurelio Mai, residents of Guinea Grass and Santa Martha villages, hauling illegally harvested Mahogany on the Old Northern Highway, Orange Walk District, on 24th September 2017.

Taximan shot and Scotiabank robbed in Spanish Lookout by same robbers
Oscar Cordon a 62 year old taximan from Belmopan reported to police that he was at the Belmopan bus terminal on Wednesday morning when he was approached by 3 Hispanic men who asked him to take them on a trip. He refused but was forced into his vehicle and later thrown into the trunk of his car and driven to an area near Buena Vista in the Cayo district. There he taken out, tied up and in the process shot on the left hand and left there.

Belize City Council Dragons 2017 Firms’ Basketball Champions
The Belize district Basketball Association Firms’ Competition came to an end on Friday 29th September, 2017, with the third and final game in the championship series between the Belize City Council Dragons and the Belize Bank Bulldogs at the Swift Hall in Belize City. This final game was for all the marbles and the two teams had their eyes set on the coveted prize, but in the end it was the Belize City Council Dragons that prevailed over the Belize Bank Bulldogs by the score of 88-86 to walk away with the title.

Belize Athletics Association to hold Annual General Assembly
The Belize Athletics Association will hold its 2017 Annual General Assembly at the Edward P Yorke High School, Princess Margaret Drive, on 21st October, 2017 at 2:00 pm. All members are required to pay their 2017 annual dues by the 16th October, 2017. All members are asked to please bring along their identification cards. The highlight of the General Assembly will be the elections of officers for the executive.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
In the New Testament letter of James, chapter 2, verse 26, the brother of Jesus writes, “For just as a human body without a spirit is lifeless, so also faith is lifeless if it is unaccompanied by obedience (and works).” God will not do anything on earth without involving a human being. Therefore anytime we connect with God in prayer concerning His agenda for earth, it gives Him the right to intervene on earth. God gave us His word that we have all dominion on earth and He will not violate it. He is therefore always seeking people on earth to partner with Him to accomplish His vision for earth. That is why the preaching of the gospel was committed to us, and not angels.

Preemptive strike
I took off the month of September due to the national celebrations, but things are heating up again in the realm of Belizean politics, which gives us food for write, so to speak. So let me jump right into it. The Leader of the Opposition made a bold and calculated move on his inner-party opponents last Saturday 30 September when he set an early date for their national Party convention to elect new or same leadership. The winners will take the PUP into the next General Election and Mr. Briceño, if successful, seems not to want to go through the whole rigmarole of a challenge to his leadership like the last time too near the big date. Plus he probably is projecting, as many pundits are, that the outcome of the next municipals will most likely end up 60/7 at best for the PUP. But in Belizean politics today, everything is fluid.

AUDREY MATURA-SHEPHARD WROTE: “COME ON FOLKS, WE ARE BEING TAKEN FOR FOOLS.”
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition explains how widespread: “…the entire nation…” The point that we must focus on is the absolute desperation of the PUP. They will do every, and anything to get back in power; perverse. Not because they want to help the People and Country, but because they want to get back at the feeding trough. Too much money is being spent. Like you and I, the PUP see the new, grand Civic Center, the many new, beautiful Sporting Complexes, the very many resurfaced streets, the miles of new paved roads, the new houses for citizens… and they become extremely jealous. Imagine how many baby scholarships Dodo Bird Cordel could have pocketed! Millions (with a capital M) for Musa! Heck, even Ralph would have been tempted to come back!

Us Vs. Them
The AIDS epidemic. Poverty. Job creation. Re-skilling the workforce. A lack of quality education. Belize /Guatemala border resolution. Whose job is it to solve these problems? We all know the answer: The government duh. How do we know this? Before you start searching for your own answers, the media, believe it or not, have already planted theirs in your mind. News media set the public agenda every day by telling us what is important to know and how to think about it. When it comes to national challenges such as poverty, unemployment and crime, the media often play a decisive role in defining both the problem and responsibility.

Belmopan Bandits edge out the San Pedro Pirates
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the weekend with 4 games on the schedule. On Saturday 30th September, 2017, at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the defending champions and current leaders in this year’s Opening Season the Belmopan Bandits edged out the San Pedro Pirates by the score of 2-1. The host team San Pedro Pirates was the first onto the scoreboard when Jesse Smith scored his team’s only goal of the game in the 45th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The San Pedro Pirates took the 1-0 lead well into the second half of the game before the visiting Belmopan Bandits was able to find the goal area. The Belmopan Bandits finally made it onto the scoreboard when Elroy Smith scored the equalising goal in the 72nd minute of play via a penalty kick.

St. Ignatius and St. Martin De Porres boys lead in primary schools basketball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition opened on Monday 25th September, 2017, at the Gateway Youth Centre in Belize City. There are 12 schools competing in the Boys’ competition and 3 schools in the Girls’ competition. The schools in the girls’ competition are Central Christian School, Muslim Community School and St. Joseph Primary School. Meanwhile, the schools in the boys’ competition are St. Ignatius School, Belize Elementary School, Queen Square Anglican School, Muslim Community School, Central Christian School, Wesley Upper School, St. Martin De Porres School, St. Joseph Primary School, St. John Vianney School, Bethel Primary School and Ephesus SDA School.

Stars Academy wins big in Peace Cup competition
The Conscious Youth Development Programme 2017 Peace Cup Football competition continued at the MCC Grounds over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Saturday 30th September, in the first game of the day, King’s Park Strikers defeated the BDF Warriors by the score of 4-0. The goals for the King’s Park Strikers were scored by Travis Eiley, Chris Flores, Jose Martinez and Julius Allen. In the second game of the day, Stars Academy blasted 3rd World by the score of 11-3. The goals for Stars Academy were scored by Shemar Thompson (2), Stephan Diego (2), Harold Thompson, Djean Thompson, Sergio Luna, Charles Canton and Dennis Zuniga.

National Track and Field Championship set for October
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will take place at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on October 7-8, 2017. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned back to the Belize Athletics Association via email belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com or from their Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association) or at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. The registration fee to participate in the National Track and Field championship is $10.00. The events will include: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Javelin, Shot Put and Discus.

Sandhill Blue Hawks and Lucky Strike are co-leaders in Leal’s Football Cup tournament
The 2017 Leal’s Football Cup Tournament continued last Sunday 1st October out in Sanhill with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Sandhill Blue Hawks defeated Ladyville FC by the score of 2-1. The goals for Sandhill Ble Hawks were scored by Charles Canton and Arthur Leslie while the goal for Ladyville FC was scored by Andrew Estell. In game two, Lucky Strike blanked the Sandhill Scorpions by the score of 1-0. The goal for Lucky Strike was scored by Travis Heredia.

The Reporter

Belize’s drug treatment court still in pilot phase?
The disproportionate number of inmates on remand awaiting trial at the Kolbe Foundation Prison at Hattieville prompted Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to join with the national Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) to explore and recommend the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court for Belize. The […]

Belize wins 2nd Mundo Maya Pok-Ta-Pok World Cup
Belize may not have qualified to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, but the Belize “Ek Balam” team of young men from Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk have won the second Munda Maya World Cup championship, for Pok-ta-pok, the traditional Maya ball game. Didier Novelo, Franz Novelo, Eric Cal, Josue […]

Belize Up Front
After a five week break from writing, it’s great to be back. The reason for the partial break is because of my mini vacation in Belize, which ended up being an extended one. Eight days into my arrival at home, I had the unfortunate experience of getting my backpack stolen. […]

Get rid of the GSU, Briceno promises if PUP wins
The Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), known for its rigid, no-nonsense stance on gang activity and street crime, will cease to exist if the People’s United Party (PUP) becomes the next government. PUP Leader, John Briceno, told the media on Saturday that the GSU, whose functions […]

Brazen heist at Scotia Bank Spanish lookout branch
Three brazen gunmen are on the run from San Ignacio police with an undisclosed amount of cash after they successfully breached security protocols at the Scotia Bank branch in Spanish Lookout, Cayo on Wednesday morning. But even before the brazen heist was committed, the thieves […]

Canadian man killed in front of wife and kids
A Canadian national living in Chula Vista, Corozal was viciously murdered in front of his wife and three children on Wednesday night. Just after 10:30 p.m., that day, Canadian contractor, Gabriel Buchina, 38, and his wife, 27-year-old Jeshanah Zetina, along with their children, were returning […]

One dead, one wounded in broad-day San Pedro shooting
San Pedro police are investigating a mid-afternoon shooting which claimed the life of a teenager and caused injuries to another man. Police have two people, including a minor, detained in connection with the murder/shooting. Around 11:30 a.m. on October 3rd, multiple shots rang out in the Boca […]

Belize City man shot to the face at close range
A father of two children is dead after he was fatally shot once to his face on Monday evening following a confrontation with another man in the La Croix Boulevard area of Belize City. Just after 5:00 p.m., on October 1st, Dorian “Sonny” Sutherland, 31, was socializing […]

PM extends Senate inquiry deadline beyond November – Chamber of Commerce agrees
The social partners were not in agreement when Chairman of Senate Special Select Committee, Senator Aldo Salazar, first indicated that the Committee’s work would soon be done, and that the government of Belize had spent enough time and money over the past eight months on […]

U.S. CARSI gives $1.75 Million in ESF grants to 5 organizations
Five organizations in Belize have received a total of $1.75 Million in grants from the United Staates’ Cemtral American Region Security Initiative (CARSI), through its Economic Support Funds (ESF) program. Charge de Affaires Adrienne Galanek signed over the grants to representatives of each organization at […]

The Billion-Dollar Question: How to fill Belize’s SME Credit Gap? Part 4
Last week’s “The Business Perspective” looked at asset-based financing (ABF)’s ability to help address the access-to-credit constraint that we have been discussing for the past four weeks, especially as it pertains to the potential usefulness of movable assets and establishment of a secured transaction registry as measures to help narrow […]

Drug stores now required to have MoH certification
Pharmacies, pharmaceutical importers and wholesalers are now required to have certification from the Ministry of Health, as of November 1, in order to operate legally in Belize. The new rule became necessary to follow after the Ministry discovered two months ago that pharmaceutical products were […]

Editorial
The idea of Party Leader John Briceño to call a snap convention of the PUP later this year is a good one. The next general elections are going to be of the greatest importance to the future of democracy and development in Belize and indeed, the very future of the […]

Doehm discovered dead! Police suspect Suicide
Thursday morning was not business as usual for a Princess Hotel housekeeping employee who entered a room on the fifth floor sometime after 11:00 a.m., to do her normal chores and stumbled upon the occupant – a man – dead. The news quickly spread, after […]

Fire guts Turtle Inn Resort in Placencia
A fire which tore through the Turtle Inn Resort in Placencia on Thursday evening was contained by fire personnel and volunteers, but not before it completely wiped out the establishment’s office, winery, and kitchen area. Initial findings by police suggest that at 2:30 p.m., five […]

Villager and homeless man murdered
Police have launched two separate murder investigations after two bodies were found in different municipalities on Thursday morning, starting with a body found floating in the Belize River near the Banana Bank Lodge in Cayo and another in the San Cas plaza in Belize City. […]

Pink eye infections almost double in one week!
The number of pink eye cases in Belize has almost doubled in a matter of only one week, and now stands at well over 5,000 cases, with the Belize district accounting for more than half that figure! A check with the Ministry of Health on […]

100 strong protest ‘Gas Pain’
The “gas pain” issue which motorists have been complaining about for the past several months became centre stage on Wednesday morning, when about 100 spirited protesters, bearing placards and Belizean flags, joined the Belize Leaders for Social Justice and social activist, Raymond Rivers, for a […]

Amandala

Cops say David Doehm, 59, committed suicide
David Doehm, 59, an American businessman of San Pedro who was out on a bail of $10,000 granted by the Supreme Court for a charge of cruelty to a child for the death of his step-daughter Fay Lin Cannon (who was found dead in the home of Doehm and his wife, Anke Doehm, in San Pedro on July 6), was found dead in a hotel room in the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City at about 12:30 this afternoon. The hotel’s cleaners who went into the room found the body. Police reported that Doehm was lying on the bed with a bag covering his head, and that a tube connected the bag covering his head to a small nitrogen tank.

Mike Garbutt, 60, found dead at San Cas Plaza
Michael Garbutt, 60, a homeless man who often could be seen around San Cas Plaza and the surrounding area, was found murdered this morning about 2 o’clock. He was found lying face-down on the concrete in the San Cas Plaza in front of the American Airlines office. He had been stabbed in the chest, there was a huge gash on his head – likely the result of a forceful hit, and his jaw was broken. Mike, as he was popularly known, was wearing a pair of long blue jeans pants and a brown T-shirt. The security guard at the plaza, while conducting regular checks, found him lying on the concrete. Police were called and Mike was taken to the morgue of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Pink eye cases double 2016 count: almost 8,000 cases reported
Teachers, students and workers have been coming down with conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye”, in an unprecedented wave that seems to be striking like a plague across households in Belize. Latest reports from the Ministry of Health indicate that over the past four weeks, a total of 5,434 pink eye cases have been documented, bringing the total for the first 40 weeks of the year to 7,720. Notably, this is more than double the amount of cases reported for all of 2016, at 3,302. Over the past four years, the average amount of cases per year has been less than 3,000. Of note is that last week alone, 3,288 cases were recorded, exceeding the amount of pink eye cases reported for any given year since 2013.

Protesters chant — the price of fuel gone too high!
Inclement weather did not deter about 100 spirited citizens from gathering at the BTL Constitution Park on Cemetery Road this morning to participate in a protest against the government’s taxation which has sent the cost of fuel to new highs over the last few weeks. Shortly after 10:00 this morning they began congregating at the nearby Puma Gas Station that lies across the street from the park. A number of prominent Belizean leaders joined the protest, which was organized by community activist Moses Sulph.

The Senate’s 35th sitting; Director of Immigration, Diana Locke, appears again
On Wednesday the Senate Select Committee held its 35th sitting to investigate the findings of the special audit on the Immigration Department. The Director of Immigration, Diana Locke, who was called again to testify, has now made a total of four appearances before the committee. Immediately after Locke took the oath, Senator Elena Smith directed her to the issue of taxi drivers who, like UDP Ministers and UDP officials and some Immigration officers, were “hustling” at the Immigration Department. When asked if persons at the Immigration Department may have facilitated the taxi drivers in a hustling ring, Locke vehemently denied that notion. Here is a portion of that exchange:

BNTU documentary on 11-day protest
One year ago the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), went on a monumental eleven-day strike to get the Government of Belize to adopt good governance measures. Those good governance measures include, but are not limited to, the reactivation of the Integrity Commission, the appointment of the 13th Senator, and the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The BNTU, without the help of its sister unions in the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), forced the administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow to heed its call. To mark their historic achievement, the BNTU released a documentary on the protest.

“In the Paint” – Interoffice Basketball
The Belize Bank Bulldogs will go down in Interoffice Basketball history as one of the greatest teams ever to play in the tournament, advancing to four straight finals and knocking on the doorsteps of winning three championships in a row. But for all their team culture and accomplishments, the Belize City Council Dragons were determined as well, to break-through and bring home the coveted championship. Last Friday night, before an elated crowd at the Swift Hall Auditorium, the Dragons’ faithful could not wait for the final buzzer, as they applied the last touch of polish on a thrilling season by surging past the Bulldogs late in the fourth quarter, to capture the 2017 Interoffice championship by the final score of 88-86 in a final and decisive game 3.

Some background before Hogan’s flashback
We promised to share some of our discussion with visiting Belizean from Los Angeles, USA, Charles Hogan, who has dedicated himself over the past thirty-five years to organizing and managing a team of Belizean players, the L.A. Warriors, to participate in the L.A. Municipal Competition, as well as regular annual hosting of, or visits to, other Belizean teams in Chicago and New York. But we thought it was important to give some background first. As can be seen from the accompanying picture of the 1980 L.A. Warriors provided by Hogan, there was an interesting mix of veterans and younger players on these teams. We can identify a few stars of the 1970s MCC on this picture, namely goalie, the late Rupert “Canalete” Anderson (lying down in front) and Rudolph “Peru” Olivera (4th from left in back row) of the 1976-77 White Label champions of Belize City; and “Mundo” Myvett (2nd from left in front row) of 1971 Spurs fame. Charles Hogan, who never played 1st Division football in Belize before migrating to the States in 1973, is kneeling in the front row, second from right.

Leal’s Football Cup 2017 Week 7 update
The Leal’s Football Cup 2017 Tournament continued on Sunday, October 1, with 4 games played in Week 7 of the tournament at the Sandhill Football Field. In game 1 on Sunday, Sandhill Blue Hawks dropped Ladyville FC, 2-1, with a goal each from Charles Canton and Arthur Leslie; while Andrew Estell scored for Ladyville FC. Game 2 saw Lucky Strike clipping Sandhill Scorpions, 1-nil, on a goal by Travis Heredia. In game 3, it was HVYSC with the 3-1 win over Burrell Boom, courtesy of a goal each from Curtis Young, Jadon McGregor and Michael Myvette; while Burrell Boom’s only goal was by Dennis Munoz. And in game 4, Maskall Strikers bombed Sandhill New Site Warriors, 4-0, with a goal apiece from Damian Castro, Alfred Garnett, Darwin Vigil and Samuel Leslie.

Eagles U-20 Club and other Cayo teams invited to Belize vs Chetumal basketball games in Chetumal
The Eagles U-20 Basketball Club, along with Western Queens female team – who are the back-to-back champs of the BECOL Basketball 2016 and 2017 seasons, Benque Riders male team, and Aubrey Eagles U-15 male team have been invited by the Manatees de Chetumal Basketball Club to take part in Belize vs Chetumal games on Saturday, October 14, in Chetumal, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Belize Time at the Nohoch Sukun Gymnasium. The Eagles would like to thank our sponsors – Atlantic Bank Limited; Atlantic Insurance Company Limited; Cayo Steel Works Limited; B.E.L.; Medina’s Construction Company Limited; Mr. John Searle, Global Travel Services; Ms. Witty, Quick Stop Personal Finance; Ms. Dora Gonzalez, Tropic Air; Public Utilities Commission; The Wash; National Sports Council; and Wellworth Store.

Editorial: God bless the teachers
This Tuesday the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) marked the first anniversary of their epic 11-day strike which brought Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s United Democratic Party (UDP) government to its knees last year. The BNTU leadership had made a visionary decision some months ago to commission the making of a video documentary of the strike, and they introduced that documentary to their general body of teachers, the media, and invited guests at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Tuesday. Because of the BNTU’s October 2016 strike, Belize is in a better place politically than we are financially. After 36 years of independence, many Belizeans now understand our system of governance to be merely cosmetic insofar as our pretensions to democracy are concerned. The political party which wins general elections, and whose Party Leader becomes Prime Minister, proceeds to enjoy five years of virtual monarchy.

From the Publisher
Most of us human beings, especially in this Western, capitalist world, spend a lot of time dreaming about money. We would like to own lots and lots of money, in order to buy anything and everything we want for ourselves and our loved ones. There is another aspect to money: money is power, in both personal relationships and public power struggles. There are a few human beings who actually live out their fantasy. Take Bill Gates, for example. He has acquired so much money that it is totally impossible for him to spend all of it, no matter how long he lives, so he has built philanthropic institutions in order to give away as much of his money as he can. We native Belizeans are mostly descended from African slaves brought to the settlement of Belize in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and from refugees fleeing the Caste War of the Yucatan who arrived in the Belize settlement in the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Pay the JP
It’s a wonder, this insistence that JPs work for free. You’d think by now that our leaders would have allowed a token their way, a $2 or $5 per transaction say. These government people actually get angry (or feign so) when some JPs get shady. One JP told me that they were very circumspect about whom they signed for, so they weren’t swamped with their JP duties. But they saw JPs about who were carrying on full time jobs. The JP told me that people asked for services mostly for passport (immigration), and for lands business. They said that on rare occasions a person would push a little chum in their direction after they had signed.

Belize up front
After a five-week break from writing, it’s great to be back. The reason for the partial break is because of my mini vacation in Belize, which ended up being an extended one. Eight days into my arrival at home, I had the unfortunate experience of getting my backpack stolen. It was by far the most important piece of luggage I had since it contained all my cash, travel documents, my work ID, various other ID that I need for work, my laptop with all my information that I have accumulated from the days of working in the oil & gas industry and every newspaper article I have written. The sad part, that of all the places I expected this to happen, Belize City being the top of the list, PG was the last place I expected it to happen.

A telling omission!
The largest mass shooting/murders in US history is not this recent Las Vegas Sunday event, in which 58 people plus the white killer, who was said to commit suicide, died. Again, this kind of inaccurate reporting is to be expected from an essentially white, ignorant and racist media. The largest were the following:- The Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 in which at least 150 American Indians were killed.

Right to the Point: The violence we have come to accept
The new generations we have living amongst us seem more sensitized to accepting violence around them. While growing up our parents protected us from viewing violence and allowed us to enjoy our years of innocence. We were so shielded that if we were looking at a movie and some scene of the slightest violence like a fight was shown they would either change the channel or have us cover our eyes until that portion passed. I remember when the movie “Carrie” was showing, they said it was X-rated because of the violence and contents and refused to allow us to see it. Of course when I got older and saw the movie, I really could understand that it contained “violence” because of violence. In analysing the plot, it could have been seen that there was an element of psychological abuse on the girl Carrie, who eventually ended up using her powers to burn down the school with those classmates who bullied her. The ending was violent, I must agree. This is how much they guarded us from becoming desensitised to the violence. I did not get to see that movie until I was mature enough to deal with it.

Edwin Hernan Castillo, 38, convicted of murder, gets life in prison
Edwin Hernan Castillo, 38, may spend the remainder of his life in the Belize Central Prison for the murder of his friend, Javier Ack, 27. During the Northern Session of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, he appeared before Justice Herbert Lord for sentencing. Lord sentenced him to life in prison and indicated that he must serve 25 years before applying for parole. Castillo, who has been imprisoned since 2012, still has to serve 19 years and 9 months before he can apply for freedom.

More than 100 murders from January to date
Official data published by the Belize Crime Observatory (BCO) indicates that there have been more than 100 murders in Belize so far this year. The count up to September 27, 2017 was 101, according to the BCO, and since then, at least 3 murders have been reported, bringing the count to 104. (We have yet to get an official tally.) Although the murder count is slightly down, 2017 is almost on par with 2015. For the year 2016, the second highest murder count on record in Belize was reported at 138, up from 119 the year before. The year 2017 got off to a very bad start, with murders outpacing the 2016 count for the period January to March, largely due to a spike in March. That month has seen the most murders so far this year, with a tally of 19.

Lyndon Lewis, 46, charged with murder for Luis Sierra’s death
Farm owner Lyndon Lewis, 46, of Valley Community, Stann Creek District, has been arrested and charged with murder for the death of Luis Sierra, 46 a butcher and businessman of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District, who was shot and killed on his, Lewis’, farm. Police said that Lewis was initially charged with conspiracy to robbery and was taken to the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was offered bail of $3,000, but he was rearrested as the investigation into Sierra’s death continued, and after further investigation, Lewis was then charged with murder.

HRCU rebuts Belize City Council
The Belize City Council appears to be having a serious cash-flow problem that has affected its sanitation workers, whose salaries were not deposited in a timely manner at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU). The check should have been deposited in time for the sanitation workers to have received their salaries on Friday, September 29. When the Council tried to lay the blame at HRCU’s door, the credit union fired back with an unusual press release this afternoon, which points to the fact that the check from City Hall was late, as late as today. Mayoral candidate, City Councilor Dion Leslie, told the media today, “The Council did meet our pay last week; I know the majority of the City Council employees have gotten their pay, their pay has been deposited into their account, so I don’t what is the issue, whether it be something on our end or something on their [HRCU’s] end.”

Breaking Belize News

Still no arrest for the murder of Canadian man
Police have not arrested or charged anyone for the murder of Gabriel Bochnia, 38, the […]

Belize and El Salvador sign memorandum for technical cooperation in the area of security
Belize and El Salvador have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Technical Cooperation in […]

Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos seeks 6th Body Building Title
The 2017 Belize Body Building and Fitness competition will take place this Saturday, October 7th at the Bliss Center for […]

GOB: Pump price of regular gasoline to reduce
According to a Government of Belize press release, a new shipment of Regular Gasoline is […]

Police issues report on Turtle Inn fire
Yesterday afternoon around 2:45, police responded to reports of a fire at Turtle Inn Resort located between […]

George Coleman missing at sea
issing George Coleman, the caretaker of Tobacco Caye is missing. Friends believe that Coleman is […]

National Council on Ageing holds conference in Belize City
On Wednesday the world celebrated International Day of Older Persons. In keeping up with global […]

Belize Bureau of Standards tells enterprises to package their goods properly
On Thursday the Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) held a consultation with producers of prepackaged goods. […]

Diana Locke returns to Senate hearings
Yesterday, the Senate Select Committee hearings resumed with testimony from current Director of Immigration Diana […]

New tree species discovered in Belize
A new species of tree has been documented in the forests of southern Belize. Parasenegalia […]

PM promises lower fuel prices, Briceno not convinced
Amid growing public outcry over the high cost of fuel, Prime Minister Dean Barrow recently […]

Police seeking escapee Alberto Kuylen
The police is asking the general public to be on the lookout for an escaped […]

Blogs

Tasting Chef Omar Pereney’s creations at La Palmilla
Some of my fondest memories are set inside a smoky thatch-roofed kitchen, my small, wizened grandmother at her fire hearth concocting some kind of tasty meal for her large family. You never knew who would be sitting at her table, for my cousins were numerous, and her heart generous. From chaya leaves chopped and sautéed with shallots in cohune oil, to her version of sweet tomato jam spread out on homemade bread, it was always a delicious surprise for us. Decades later I found myself sitting at one of the most romantic restaurants on Ambergris Caye, enjoying a meal that brought back memories of that small, smoky kitchen. But there was no wizened grandmother at the stove; instead, it was wunderkind Venezuelan Chef Omar Pereney, who at age 21 has accomplished so much more than I have in my 35 years on this earth.

Tropical Storm Nate Moves Off Our Coast
I’m getting quite a few questions this morning about the weather. It’s been an incredibly active storm season around the Caribbean thus far and we in Belize have been lucky. Today, as Tropical Storm Nate skates a few hundred miles off shore, our good fortunes continue. We still need to monitor the storm websites – the storm season is May 1 to November 30 – and October can be the most active season around Central America.

Take a Culinary Adventure to the Coast
When you stay with us at Ka’ana Resort you get to experience the best of both worlds – ruins and reef. We are excited to announce that our sister property Itz’ana Resort & Residences, located on the coast, is currently accepting reservations and will be officially opening their doors on December 15th, giving Ka’ana guests the opportunity to experience both the jungle and sea all within family! The journey from Ka’ana to Itz’ana is a stunning scenic drive through the mystical Maya Mountain range along Hummingbird Highway. From Sleeping Giants in the mountain range to culinary adventures throughout, this drive has become a favorite of guests and now will be part of the experience when traveling from Ka’ana to its new sister resort Itz’ana. Here are just a few stops you can check out along the way.

8 Green Ways to Experience Belize in 2018!
As far as Central American countries go, Belize has not always been known as a “must-see” travel destination when compared to our more renowned neighbors, Mexico and Guatemala. Over the last 15 or so years, however, Belize has built a reputation founded on the local determination to protect the rainforests, farms, reefs, and overall ecosystems found within. With the rise in the popularity of ecotourism, and the government protecting 40% of the land for conservation purposes, Belize has positioned itself as a leader in the field. Your search for an Eco-conscious accommodation destination in Belize will be a short one as many of them are in varying degrees of the phrase. We’re not sure if Belizeans consciously try to live green or if respect for nature is inherent within us but it certainly is a prominent attitude. Be it through connecting with indigenous Maya people through education programs or learning about sustainability efforts from guides, Belize’s commitment to the environment shines, even as tourism grows.

International Sources

Toronto father of three shot and killed in Belize
A Canadian father of three from Toronto was shot and killed in Corozal, Belize, Wednesday. Police spokesperson Raphael Martinez said Gabriel Bochnia was shot Wednesday night as he and his wife and their three children were returning to their home in the Chula Vista area of Corozal, 135 km north of Belize City, near Mexico. Martinez said as Bochnia, 38, got out of his vehicle to open the gate, a man with a rag over his face came from behind the bushes and shot him in the abdomen. He died of his injuries in hospital. Martiniez said Bochnia’s wife, 27-year-old Jeshanah Maritza Zetina, and the children were not injured and the attacker fled the scene.

Opposition mounts to Jamaican's appointment as judge in Belize
The appointment of a Jamaican to serve as a Court of Appeal Judge in Belize, has been met with ferocious opposition resulting in a row in that commonwealth country. According to Belizean media reports, the oppositions surrounding Franz Parke's appointment comes from two standpoints — his qualifications and his past.

Videos

October 6, 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

ADVISORY NO. 3: TROPICAL STORM NATE HEADING THROUGH THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN
NEMO and the Met Service hereby informs the public that as at 4:30 p.m., local time Tropical Storm Nate with winds of 40 miles per hour was located near 14.9 North Latitude and 84.3 West Longitude or approximately 460 miles south east of Belize. The pressure was at 1001 milibars. Nate is moving to the north-northwest at 10 miles per hour. The main threat to Belize is expected to be mostly thunderstorms and heavy rain which are likely to cause dangerous flash floods and localized flooding. As much as 6 inches or higher rainfall is expected. The current track keeps the centre of the storm in the warm waters off the coast of Belize. The stronger winds are expected to be east of Belize, over the sea. By tomorrow Nate is expected to be directly in front of Belize.

David Doehm found dead in Belize City Hotel Room
On Thursday, October 5th, the Belize Police Department confirmed the discovery of the body of David Doehm inside a hotel room at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino. According to reports, police were called to the scene sometime after noon. Upon inspection, they discovered the body in room 523, allegedly with a plastic bag over his head. So far, besides the confirmation of the deceased identity, police have yet to give out an official statement on the incident.

San Pedro Pirates suffer first home loss against Belmopan Bandits
The game began at 3pm, and ‘Ping pong’ was the name of the match, as the ball control volleyed between teams equally. The pressure was also on for both teams, as fans demanded a goal. There were close attempts, but the goalkeepers didn’t make it easy for either team, at least until minute 45, when the Pirates’ Jesse Smith, scored a goal for the halftime lead of 1-0. The second half intensified, as the Bandits came back fierce from the break. Once again crosses and passes took over, with both teams equally dominating the ball. It was until minute 72, that the Bandits Elroy Smith found his way and scored a goal for his team. The Bandits weren’t easily satisfied, so at minute 82, Armando Gaitan nailed another goal. Island fans cheered for more goals from their home team, but none of their attempts were successful. When the final whistle was blown, it was a 2-1 victory for the Belmopan Bandits, and the first home loss for the San Pedro Pirates.

After 25 years of drumming, the Pantempers Steel Orchestra celebrate their big anniversary!
On Saturday night, September 30th, the evening air was filled with the Caribbean chime of steel drums. Held at Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar, and sponsored by La Sirene Resort and Spa, the Pantempers Steel Orchestra delighted a crowd of all ages while on their 25th anniversary countrywide tour. The Pantempters Steel Orchestra first began in 1992 as a university steel band at the University College of Belize. From a humble beginning with no more than ten members, the band rose in the entertainment circles, becoming one of Belize’s premier steel orchestras. Featuring a culturally dynamic repertoire of music, they also play popular favorites like Despacito by Luis Fonsi, Madonna’s Isla Bonita, Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley and even the catchy theme song from Mission Impossible.

ADVISORY NO. 2: Tropical Storm Nate
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Nate, with winds of 40 miles per hour is located near 14.3 North Latitude and 83.7 West Longitude or approximately 550 miles south east of Belize. Nate is moving to the northwest at 8 miles per hour. The current track shows the centre of the storm in the warm waters off the coast of Belize. The stronger winds are expected to be east of Belize, over the sea. Nate is forecasted to reach the Yucatan Peninsula and head into the Gulf of Mexico by Friday night or Saturday.

BTB launches “A Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund”
The Belize Tourism Board will donate a $1 for every tourist arrival for the month of October and the initiative is that each stakeholder donates a $1 for every guest; therefore, creating a multiplier effect. The BTB initiative is being supported by participating agencies and tourism stakeholders such as the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Tour Operators, water taxis, hoteliers and local airlines amongst many others.

Ambergris Today

Tropical Storm Nate To Be In Front Of Belize By Friday
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Nate, with winds of 40 miles per hour is located near 14.3 North Latitude and 83.7 West Longitude or approximately 550 miles south east of Belize. Nate is moving to the northwest at 8 miles per hour. The current track shows the centre of the storm in the warm waters off the coast of Belize. The stronger winds are expected to be east of Belize, over the sea. Nate is forecasted to reach the Yucatan Peninsula and head into the Gulf of Mexico by Friday night or Saturday. The main threat to Belize is thunderstorms and heavy rainfall which will continue to cause localized flooding to streets, low-lying roads, bridges, and flood prone villages, towns, and cities. Nate is expected to be directly in front of Belize by tomorrow and it is likely that a Tropical Storm Watch will be issued for the country.

Belize Police Treating David Doehm’s Death As Suicide
Information coming from the Police Department is limited but the only official report released a few minutes ago reveals that David Doehm’s lifeless body was discovered in a room at the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City at 12:40p.m. by the cleaning service. He had a plastic bag over his head with a tube that led from a small Nitrogen tank to the inside of the bag; beside him a note was found. In the note David stated that he was tired of his life but Police are not releasing its contents as it is part of the ongoing investigations. They are treating it as a suicide case while they await results from the post mortem examination. Where is David’s wife, Anke? Police say that she was informed of his death, but not releasing any more information of her whereabouts. Investigations reveal that he checked in at the hotel alone yesterday, Wednesday, October 4, 2017. Reportedly, Anke did visit her husband at the Princess Hotel in the morning and went back to the hotel after a scheduled custody hearing at the Belize City courts. There is no word yet of the outcome of that custody hearing.

Spiritual Retreat For Couples In San Pedro
Great spiritual couple’s retreat this 14 & 15 of October at the Lions Den, for married and engaged couples. There is a fee of $100 per couple. For more information you can call # 610-4738 or 604-0771. See you there. God Bless.

Misc Belizean Sources

2nd Annual Belize International Yoga Festival ( BIYF)
Dec. 2 & 3, Harbour View Greens, Belize City

Protest for the reduction of high fuel prices in the City.
Marching continues against High gas prices. Crowd marching in water in Belize City

Hellen Ethelma Adolphus Missing
Asking the public assistance in locating Hellen Ethelma Adolphus 15 years old 5f 3inch tall. She's been missing since August 8 2017 and we have no idea where she is . A REWARD of $500. BzD Is being offered for any information in locating Hellen Adolphus.it will be fully confidential. Contact phone number 6052036 or 6152582. Note to Hellen if your are reading this post can you please contact a family member and just let us know that you're okay.my number is 6058299

Looking for a low cost filling breakfast in San Pedro?
Mr Deli bacon egg hash brown burritos are a great $5 option. (Located beside Wings and across from Tropic Air parking area) Tip - get there earlyish if you want one. Yesterday 10:50 am was too late so today I got there by 9:30 and was well before sell out point.

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday OCTOBER 11, 2017 @ 7:00pm LONE STAR GRILL and CANTINA

Message from the Ministry of Health
On the issue of non-release of workers by employers during an employees' illness that is infectious, it is an offence under Section 93 of the Public Health Act. Please if this is occurring, contact the office of your Public Health Inspector in your respective district to investigate and enforce. For more Information, Also contact the Ministry of Health Information Officer in Belmopan as well. Call 822-2325.

San Pedro Talk on Marijuana postponed due to weather
Due to the inclement weather, the Belize Police Department has postponed the planned talk on Marijuana to a future date (to be announced)

GoFundMe for Emelie Cerpa
Hello my name is Emelie Cerpa. I am 22 years old and living in San Pedro, Belize. First I would like to send my gratitude to those who read my story: Beginning this year in January, I began to notice I was gaining weight. My weight changed from 121lbs. to 153lbs. in less than a week. I then decided to do a physical evaluation here on the island of San Pedro in Belize. I underwent several tests and they were unable to pinpoint the cause or make a valid prognosis. After, I made the decision to travel to Chetumal, Quintana Roo Mexico. In Chetumal, the doctor was able to diagnose an inflammation of the colon.

The Embassy of Mexico in Belize Announces the Third Binational Seminar Mexico-Belize on Health Cooperation Issues
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize, in collaboration with the University of Belize, the University of Quintana Roo, and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Unidad Chetumal, is hosting a three-day binational seminar under the theme “Cooperation on Health Mexico-Belize”. The seminar will be held from October 4th to 6th, 2017, at ECOSUR, Chetumal Campus (Av. Centenario km 5.5, CP 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Tel. (983) 835 0440). The seminar will feature presentations on Mexico-Belize border health issues, and a proposal for the establishment of the Mexico-Belize Border Health Commission will be discussed along with past and present cooperation experiences in order to improve future interaction on this matter.

Belize on Caribbean Regional Youth Council Executive
The National Youth Council of Belize (NYCB) announces the installation of Kristin Marin as the Vice Chair of Membership and Partnership on the executive of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC). Ms. Marin was nominated by the National Youth Council of Belize as a candidate to vie for the post and the nomination was accepted by the electoral board of CRYC by way of returning officer, Ms. Tamar Moss of the Bahamas. The elections were on the agenda as the second sitting of the General Assembly for the 5th Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit which took place at Runaway Bay, St. Ann in Jamaica where ten of the thirteen member states were present. The observers included secret ballot counters, the CRYC electoral board and the designate UN representative from UNDESA. This third round of elections for CRYC closed at 1:05am and it was announced that Belize came out victorious over Guyanese contender, Onika Stellinburg, with six of the ten votes.

Belmopan day with Kendis Gibson!
We kept him busy and engaged in the Garden City: a lively discussion on investigative journalism and ethical reporting with the Government of Belize communications specialists, a motivational visit to the biggest high school in Belize--Belmopan Comprehensive School, and a captivating lecture on journalism with eager University of Belize students!

Police Issue Official Report On Corozal Murder
On the 4th October 2017 at 10:30pm, Corozal Police responded to a shooting incident in Chula Vista area, Corozal Town. Investigation reveals that Mrs. Jeshanah Maritza Zetina 27yrs old of Chula Vista area, her husband Gabriel Buchnia 38 yrs Canadian contractor and their 3 children had just arrived at their house. He reportedly exited his vehicle to open his gate when a person with half his face covered with a rag whom he recognized as polo ran up to him and fired shots at him, causing injury to his abdomen area. The male person then pointed the firearm at his wife and it reportedly misfired. "Polo" then ran away across the street towards the Recalde Stadium. Mr. Gabriel was transported to the Corozal Community Hospital for medical attention and then to the OW Hospital where he later succumbed to his injury.

Dennisito Live music Pier 366
October 7, 2017 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Repeats, WHERE: Pier 366, San Pedro Belize. COST: Free SATURDAY EVENTS: Live Music by Dennisito Every Saturday 6p – 9

Wine Social Host
Thursday, October 12 at 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Marbucks Coffee, Tropicana Drive, Tres Cocos Area, San Pedro, Belize. Hosts a popular wine social on Thursday (4:30-7pm) with wines by the glass, complimentary nibbles and live music by Chris Guida. A great place to chat with locals and visitors.

Wahoo's Lounge Karaoke Night
Saturday, October 7 at 7 PM - 10 PM, Wahoo's Lounge Belize, Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro, Belize. Repeats

Sandy Toe's Live music Nicky Roselli
WHEN: October 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Repeats. WHERE: SANDY TOES, San Pedro, Belize. COST: Free. FRIDAY EVENTS: Live music Nick Roselli Sandy Toes Beach Bar. Tsunami Nick TONIGHT at Sandy Toes from 7pm-10pm with special Guests from “Sex On Fire-Ball” , Sabine Stanzer & Christiaan J. Van Schalkwyk! We’ll be Cranking Out Your Favorite Classic Rock-n-Roll Songs. This Gig Gets Better Every Week. Come Join The Party!

Full Moon Party Koko King
WHEN: October 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm. WHERE: Koko King, Caye Caulker, Belize. COST: Free. Blue Wave Sounds & Fyah Statah Sounds. Bonfire – Food – Cocktails. Booze Hour 10p-11 – $10BZ for top shelf. Entrance FREE before 9p, After $5BZ. For those coming to the island for our full moon party, Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel is offering a special price! Contact them for more information! Boat Transfer to and from Koko King Dock until 2a, Departure every 30 minutes

Job Opening at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Supervisor, Meter Inspection in the Transmission & Substation Department (Belize City). Job Ope

Dia de los Finados 2017
Coming Soon! Novena & Exhibition, Nov. 2nd at 7pm in San Pedro. Kindly join us as we honor out dearly departed.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Spiderman, Homecoming; Amityville, The Awakening; Girls Trip; Wish Upon. Note: the church has an event planned early Friday evening .. We will only be showing the late night movies at 9:15 Friday.. so no 7 o'clock movies on friday .. only the 9 o'clock movies at 9:15 on Friday... If that makes sense.....

Channel 7

David Doehm's Carefully Calculated Suicide In Room 523
The names David And Anke Doehm burst into the national spotlight in July when their daughter Faye Lin Cannon was found dead in their San Pedro condo - the victim of neglect and abuse. Well tonight, that story has taken a shocking twist: David Doehm was found dead in a Belize City hotel room - room 523 at the Princess Hotel and Casino. By all indications, he had taken his own life, and done so in a most unusual way. 7News has confirmed that Doehm was found with a suicide note beside him, and a plastic bag over his head which is consistent with asphyxiation. But, it seems he went to lengths to make sure his end was quick: 7News has confirmed that police found a tank of nitrogen gas beside him. A receipt found in the room showed that he bought the tank of nitrogen, took it into the room - and used that to asphyxiate himself. The way nitrogen works is that breathing in the gas, reduces oxygen to dangerously low levels - knocking the person unconscious after one or two breaths, and kills them shortly after. The plastic bag is used to keep the gas in.

Another Canadian Killed In Corozal
Corozal residents are shaken tonight after another Canadian has been killed in their town, this time in the Chula Vista area. 38 year old Gabriel Bochnia was shot and killed in front of his home last night after 10:00. Bochnia and his family had just come back from a Chetunmal trip. They had taken Bochnia's parents to get the bus to Cancun and then to Canada. But now, his parents have to return to Belize - this time it's not for a vacation but for their son's funeral. Courtney Weatherburne went to Corozal today to find out about the deadly late night encounter. Gabriel and Jeshanah Bochnia had been married for 7 Years. They were blessed with 3 beautiful children. But the joy captured in this Christmas photo was taken from them last night. Voice of: Neighbor 1: "Around 10:20pm I would say, there was a storm, thunder, lightning, whatever, but I was getting ready to sleep and when I heard what sounded to me like gunshots."

Homeless Man Found Dead, Police Suspect Blunt Force Trauma
And there are two others murders to report tonight: one in Belize City, the other in Belmopan. The first involves a homeless man - found dead by a security guard on the San Cas Plaza compound. At 2:00 this morning, we was conducting a routine patrol on the compound when he came upon the lifeless body of a vagrant known to him as Michael. Police have since confirmed that it is Michael Garbutt, and he had an injury to his jaw and one to the back of his head. Police sources tell us that it shows signs of a homicide; that an examination suggests that he was hit with a pipe or some heavy object which smashed his jaw, and crushed the back of his head.

Body of 33 Year Old Found Stabbed Up In River
And there is another murder to report - this one in Western Belize. This morning at around 8:00, Belmopan police received a report that there was a body in the river near Banana Bank Resort. The owner John Carr says he provided a boat to go and retrieve it:... John Carr, Banana Bank Owner: "They brought a boat and went about a mile upstream. The body was in the center of the current moving rapidly. They found the body, took the body and brought it to Banana Bank and finish working the scene at best they could there. They seem to be very efficient on their money on the thing. They acted like they were in a hurry and they worked at it and did a good job and I can only say good things about the police. I just think that there is too much stuff going on. There is no facts right now, but there is some evidence on the body that it was foul play."

Belize NEMO Watching Tropical Storm Nate
Last night we told you about TD16, well tonight it's Tropical Storm Nate, and so far it's already responsible for 22 deaths in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Tonight, Tropical Storm Nate is about 450 miles southeast of Belize with winds of 40 miles per hour, and dropping copious amounts of rain. NEMO says the main threat to Belize is expected to be mostly thunderstorms and heavy rain which are likely to cause dangerous flash floods and localized flooding. As much as 6 inches or higher rainfall is expected. NEMO further advises that "the current track keeps the centre of the storm in the warm waters off the coast of Belize. The stronger winds are expected to be east of Belize, over the sea. By tomorrow Nate is expected to be directly in front of Belize. It is likely that a Tropical Storm Watch will be issued. Nate is forecasted to reach the north-eastern Yucatan Peninsula and head into the Gulf of Mexico by Friday night or early Saturday. Due to the size of the system the country could continue to experience rainfall even after the storm gets into the Gulf of Mexico."

Protest Against Pump Prices
A week ago, we told you about the Prime Minister's commitment to lower gas prices by mid-October. That's after pump prices have been steadily climbing higher and higher for months, with no decrease in sight. Well, a group of grassroots activists decided to take to the streets to make the point clear that these current gas prices are breaking the backs of poor people. Our news team was out there to observe it from start to finish, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: In small groups, the morning's would-be protesters began to gather at the Constitution Park, and just before their march to the battlefield park. Firebrand Raymond Rivers started giving the on-duty police officers hard time, taking out his frustration with the Government unto the police.

Briceno Says Fuel Should Go Down By Two Dollars Per Gallon
Today's protest gave the media an opportunity to ask the Opposition Leader about the Prime Minister's promise that by mid-month, fuel prices will go down. He told us that won't believe it until he sees it: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "He makes many promises. He says something and he does something else. I will judge him when he takes corrective action. If he was serious about, with this shipment right now, he could have reduced the tax but he has refused to reduce the tax. He says that the prime acquisition cost is going to go down, fine, it might go down 5 cents, it might go down 10 cents, it might go down 50 cents but that is simply not enough. He needs to reduce the tax by at least $2 so that we can keep the price of fuel under $10. At the very least that is what he needs to do. But I will not believe him until I see that he has taken corrective action. This is unsustainable; this is unacceptable because the burden that he is putting on the Belizean people is just way too much. We are at a breaking point and he needs to act and he needs to act as soon as possible."

Fire At Top Placencia Resort
One of Belize's most exclusive and highly rated resorts, the Turtle Inn in Placencia had a fire today. We are told that the fire started in the Kitchen and spread to the lobby area. But, it was contained there and did not affect the rooms, and the larger compound. It caused quite a commotion on the Peninsula since Turtle Inn is known as one of the top draws for tourists and the high season is coming in a month. But, we are told the damages, while significant, are manageable. Turtle Inn is part of the Family Coppolla Hideaways group - owned by famed Godfather Director, Francis Ford Coppolla.

Santa Marta Villagers Still Out of Their Homes
As many as 50 families In Santa Marta village in the Orange Walk District continue to be dislocated by extreme flooding. As we showed you yesterday, the waters rolled in on Monday evening, flooded farms, and forced people out of their homes. One resident in a shelter told CTV-3 news that the water in his house was up to his waist. Here's his account, translated: Jorge Luis Lanza, Villager - Santa Martha: "It's something...an experience, I've never had in my life before. It's like, all of a sudden the water just started to rise. And by two or three in the afternoon, the water was at my waist. The truth is I got frightened because I have family, I have my kids and my wife, my children, my siblings. We managed to take out some stuff, but some of them just stayed there."

Chamber Says Senate Committee Should Provide Timeline
The Prime Minister says he's willing to extend funding for the Senate Special Select Committee into next year, as long as they can come up with a timeline to wind up the hearings. Today the Chamber of Commerce agreed. They issued a statement statement saying, quote,"The BCCI also believes it is not unreasonable to call on The Committee to provide a practical timeline and associated budget estimates that they believe would be sufficient for the fulfillment of their Terms of Reference." The chamber also calls on the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to, quote, "leverage the work of The Committee to complete their own investigations with the aim of bringing criminal charges against all persons who have violated our laws." end quote.

The Importance Of Standardizing Labels On Packaged Food
Today in Belize City, the Belize Bureau of Standards held a consultation with producers of pre-packaged goods. The goal of the consultation was to get the opinion from Stakeholders on the standards for labelling their products. Rodolfo Gutierrez told us more about the importance of the consultation. Rodolfo Gutierrez, Belize Beaurau of Standards Consumer Protection Liaison Officer: "This will be a compulsory standard like I said for pre-packaged foods what that does for everybody especially in the industry especially the small and medium enterprises it prepares them to get that quality assurance level of their business established nowadays the markets are having some requirements especially if you want to export you need to at least start with the labelling aspect of it. It is very key."

Making Plans For The Elderly
What better way to celebrate international day of older persons than to host a conference on how to improve care and economic security for the elderly? Many older persons suffer greatly especially those abandoned by family. The conference was held today at the Biltmore and we found out more. Ix-chel Poot - National Council on Ageing: "Today we are having the first national conference on aging and the rights of older persons. It's our activity to celebrate international day of older persons. And what the conference seeks to do is to bring together persons from different backgrounds, our stakeholders across the developmental strategy of Belize, to really discuss aging in a different format, different way than what we normally talk about."

Glover's Reef Rebounding
Two weeks ago, we showed you the major catch of out of season conch in the Glover's Reef Atoll. Fisheries officers suspected that had been happening for months - seriously depleting marine wildlife stocks in the area. Well, while that may be true in the short term, the Wildlife Conservation Society reports that a 7-year study of marine environments near the Glovers Reef Atoll shows that fish-stocks are good. They say it's because of replenishment zones, which are basically no take zones used in conservation to give fish populations a chance to recuperate from overfishing. A comprehensive, 7-year study of the replenishment zone at Glovers Reef Atoll found higher numbers of Lobsters, Conch, and Other Fish Species in and around Replenishment Zone of Glover's Atoll.

Port Loyola Land Dispute Between Neighbors and Brothers
Our next story is about a property dispute involving two brothers who also happen to be neighbors in the Port Loyola Area. Abdalla Bishop and Frederick Vernon say that their neighbor Joel Bishop is surveying what used to be a basketball court in the Old College area. The court - of what remains of it - falls between all three properties: Joel's, Abdalla's and Vernon's. They say this land should be kept public, and explained why:... Frederick Vernon - Property Owner: "When I came in from work this morning, I met six survey persons under the house and I asked them what they were doing here. They told me that they were working for Mr. Bishop, Joel Bishop. They said that this property will soon be his. They said it is not his yet but the government intends to give him it as some sort of settlement."

Mother Please For Missing Son
Tonight, the Belize City family of 27 year-old Calvin Cattouse continues to worry about his safety because they haven't seen or heard from him since last Sunday. His mother, Bernadine Cattouse, is starting to fear the worst, because from her perspective, he's never stayed out for this long, and he's always kept in close contact with her via phone. This evening, she came to our office to make a public plea for him to get in touch with her if he's okay. Alternately, she is hoping that anyone with information on his whereabouts will get in touch with her or her family. Here's what she had to say:

Making Magic For Charity
Sunrise Rotary is bringing its annual magic show to Belize this weekend. It's a fundraiser for the group's charitable works at St. John's Vianney, and it's also a great family outing for a good cause. Nicola Longsworth told us more:... Nicola Longsworth - PR Director, Rotary Sunrise: "We are having our annual international Intermagia magic show. It's a group of international magicians who are visiting Belize. We have them here and they will be performing at the Bliss on Friday at 7 o clock, Saturday at 2, and Sunday at 3 o clock."

Channel 5

David Doehm, ‘Tired of Life,’ Found Dead in Princess Hotel Room
There have been nine deaths reported across the country in the span of one week. But the last twenty-four hours have been especially bloody, with four deaths reported – two [...]

Canadian Gabriel Buchnia Shot Dead in Corozal
Up north in Corozal, a bloody murder took place in the quiet community of Chula Vista, smacked between Altamira and Paraiso Villages on Wednesday night. The heavy rains and thunderstorm [...]

Welcome Resource Center Reports Attacks on Homeless as Michael Garbutt Murdered
A homeless man was murdered in Belize City. He was found lying dead in the San Cas Plaza parking lot in Belize City. He has been identified as sixty-year-old Michael [...]

Administrator Warns Leave the Homeless Alone
Garbutt lived on the streets and that made him vulnerable – like all others who use bus stops, streets and other public spaces for shelter. Joyce Ellis of the Welcome [...]

In Cayo, Cotton Tree Man Stabbed and Dumped in River
There is another murder to report out west. Thirty-three year old Isau Perez of Cotton Tree, Cayo, was discovered dead and floating in the Belize River. The body was located [...]

Gas Prices Brings Protestors to Battlefield
Organizers of today’s protest march concerning record high gas prices worried as much about the turnout as the changeable weather. Despite weeks of public angst, there was still a fear [...]

How Mennonites Are Avoiding High Prices in West
During this morning’s protest on gas prices in Belize City, political leader of the Belize Progressive Party Patrick Rogers alerted us to a novel way that Mennonites in the West [...]

Turtle Inn Burns in Placencia
A well-known resort on the Placencia Peninsula suffered a huge blow this afternoon after a massive fire gutted a large portion of Turtle Inn Resort. The beachside hideaway property was [...]

Guat Caught with Smuggled Belize Cigarettes
A Guatemalan national has been busted with a large quantity of contraband cigarettes.  According to reports in the Guatemalan media, the cigarettes found their way into Melchor de Mencos from [...]

Edwin Castillo Convicted for Yo Creek Murder
In the Orange Walk Supreme Court before Justice Herbert Lord, Edwin Castillo was convicted for the murder of his friend Javier Ack. The incident occurred back in mid-June 2012 in [...]

Jail Catches Accused Over Old Drug Fine
Forty-two-year-old Ruben “Bird’’ Heredia is in trouble with the law for a fine of ten thousand dollars which he neglected to pay by July thirty-first for a conviction of drug [...]

Police Begin Review of O.W. ‘Riot’
The Police Department has promised a review of the incident on September sixth at Tower Hill in Orange Walk. Supporters of the People’s United Party, having rallied in downtown Orange [...]

T.S. Nate Drops Rain; Kills 22 in Costa Rica
Tropical Storm Nate has killed twenty-two people in neighboring Costa Rica and Nicaragua and up to news time, fifteen more Costa Ricans remain missing due to the passage of the [...]

Police Award 7 in Belmopan
As much as the Police Department dislikes the focus on the bad apples in its regime, it much more greatly enjoys promoting and praising those who have done well in [...]

A New Way Forward for Older Persons
The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on the first of October. It is a day to acknowledge, honor and re-commit support to a vulnerable population around the [...]

New Tree Grows in Bladen Reserve
There is some interesting news from southern Belize where a new species of tree has been discovered in the forests. The species is Parasenegalia lundellii which was discovered by plant [...]

Improving Labels on Prepackaged Foods
The Bureau of Standards is hosting consultations with producers and manufacturers of prepackaged foods. The aim is to get the labeling on prepackaged goods up to industry established minimum required [...]

Healthy Living Assesses ‘Pink Eye’ Outbreak
September may have been the month of celebration, but this year it was also the beginning of a rapidly spreading conjunctivitis or pink eye epidemic. The latest information from the [...]

LOVE FM

Scotiabank loses over Two Hundred Thousand dollars in robbery
Sources have revealed to Love News that the three Hispanic men who robbed Scotiabank in Spanish Lookout yesterday morning got away with more than two hundred thousand dollars. We are told that the company’s staff are still reconciling and balancing the bank’s financial reports. Yesterday three masked men, armed with a shot gun and smaller […]

Tropical Storm Nate kills 17 in Nicaragua
Tropical Storm Nate shifted from Tropical Depression 16 this morning as it made landfall in Nicaragua. According to reports, Nate is responsible for at least seventeen deaths in Nicaragua and Costa Rica by late this afternoon. The storm’s maximum sustained wind speeds stayed at forty miles per hour for much of the today but there’s […]

BCCI comments on Senate Hearings
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has responded to the proposal made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in regards to the continuation of the Senate Select Committee hearing. During a recent press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated that he would reconsider government’s decision to no longer financially support the senate hearing past […]

Belize Leaders for Social Justice take to the streets to protest fuel prices
This morning the Belize Leaders for Social Justice held a demonstration in Belize City to protest the high cost of fuel. The turnout for the protest was approximately one hundred protesters. Many PUP supporters were a part of the protest. Moses Sulph Co-Chair of the Belize Leaders for Social Justice was asked how he felt […]

COMPOL: GSU will continue to be a part of the police force
The Police Department’s Commissioner Allen Whylie met yesterday with the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, GSU, Superintendent Andres Makin to start the process of “re-purposing” that arm of the Department. The Prime Minister made the announcement following the appearance of Kelvin Usher who went missing for several days after he got lost in the […]

Leader of the Opposition participated in fuel protest
At the protest was Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceno and other members of the PUP. Briceno explained why he joined the protest led by Belize Leaders for Social Justice. John Briceno, Opposition Leader “We are here as citizens of this country. There was a call for everyone to come out to […]

Commissioner of Police was succinct in his response to toll bridge incident
In a brief interview with the Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie, the media questioned him about the incident at the Tower Hill Toll Bridge in the Orange Walk district. The incident occurred on September sixth, when, after holding a peaceful protest in Orange Walk Town, Opposition Leader John Briceno led his supporters to the Toll […]

Director of Immigration calls on Commissioner of Police to investigate bogus Chinese passports
At the Senate hearing on Wednesday, Director of the Immigration Department Diana Locke made her fourth and final appearance before the Special Senate Select Committee. As the Committee reviewed the recommendations made under the passport section by the Auditor General the issue of irregularities surrounding Chinese passports were brought up again. One of the recommendations […]

Fire broke out at Turtle Inn
Late this afternoon a fire broke out at Turtle Inn located between Seine Bight Village and Placencia. Details are still sketchy but Love News understands that the fire began in the kitchen area of the Inn. Preliminary reports are that the resort’s kitchen, storeroom and office caught fire and were destroyed. The Inn is owned […]

Flood water causes Santa Martha villagers to seek refuge at hurricane shelter
Villagers of Santa Martha in the Orange Walk District are experiencing localized flooding. Area Representative for Orange Walk East, Elodio Aragon Jr has been informed that much of the village is underwater. Some seven families or 39 villagers including children are being housed at the community center which doubles as a hurricane shelter. Aragon Jr […]

Breaking Belize News

Did David Doehm commit suicide?
BBN reported today that the lifeless body of David Doehm was found in a room […]

NEMO issued advisory 3 on Tropical Storm Nate
NEMO and the Met Service hereby inform the public that as at 4:30 p.m., Tropical Storm […]

Turtle Inn resort on fire
Confirmed reports reaching BBN is that the Turtle Inn resort in Placencia is currently on […]

Body of Cotton Tree man found floating in river
e This morning around 8:30, police responded to the sighting of a body in the […]

David Doehm found dead at Princess Hotel
David Doehm, the American national who along with his wife Anke, was arrested and charged […]

Belize on Caribbean Regional Youth Council Executive
The National Youth Council of Belize (NYCB) announced today, the installation of Kristin Marin as […]

2017 CARSI grants support civil society and good governance initiatives
On Friday, September 29, 2017, the United States Embassy announced the recipients of the […]

Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Group win international award
The Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG) located in Bermudian Landing Village are being […]

Man found dead this morning unidentified
e This morning around 2:30, police visited the compound of San Cas Plaza located at corner […]

Kendis inspires young students at Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence
Yesterday, ABC Journalist and News Anchor Kendis Gibson arrived in Belize for the second time […]

Canadian man ambushed and murdered in Corozal
Last night around 10:30, Corozal Police responded to a shooting incident in Chula Vista area, Corozal […]

Chamber calls on authorities to bring criminal charges against persons who participated in corruption at the Immigration Department
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) issued a press release today stating that […]

US Congressman Eliot Engel visits Belize with delegation
On September 15-19, 2017, Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Ranking Member on the U.S. House […]

NEMO issues advisory on Tropical Storm Nate
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical […]

Protest against high fuel prices underway
Belizeans have gathered at the Constitution Park in Belize City to protest the recent hike […]

Body found in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo
According to confirmed reports, a body was found this morning in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo. […]

Unstable conditions over Belize as Tropical Storm Nate approaches
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is reporting that showers and thunderstorms are projected to […]

Canadian man shot and killed in Corozal
Reports reaching our newsroom are that a Canadian national who has been living in Belize […]

Minor charged for murder of Christian Contreras
ne Yesterday, a seventeen year old minor was charged for the murder of Christian Contreras,18. […]

Tropical Storm Nate forms in the Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Nate. This morning, the tropical […]

Yo Creek man gets life sentence for murder
Yo Creek resident, Edwin Hernan Castillo, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday. He appeared […]

GSU here to stay says Whylie
The Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) has come under fire repeatedly and even more so when […]

Blogs

Christopher Columbus is Observed on October 12 in Belize
Columbus Day. October 12th is the day in which the Americas observe Columbus Day, otherwise known as the Day of the Americas or Pan American Day. Belize celebrates this day with a national and bank holiday.Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries in the Americas and elsewhere which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The landing is celebrated as "Columbus Day" in the United States, as "Día de la Raza" ("Day of the Race") in many countries in Latin America, as "Día de la Hispanidad" and "Fiesta Nacional" in Spain, where it is also the religious festivity of la Virgen del Pilar, as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Belize and Uruguay, as Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity) in Argentina, and as Giornata Nazionale di Cristoforo Colombo or Festa Nazionale di Cristoforo Colombo in Italy and in the Little Italy around the world.

Belize – Your Next Caribbean Vacation Destination
When planning a vacation getaway, most people look for warm tropical weather, sun, white sand and sea. Places like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Turks & Caicos, St. Martin and the US Virgin Islands are some of the many destinations that come to mind. But how about Belize? The little Jewel is often under the radar on this search; however, this destination not only offers incredible cayes but also pristine tropical rainforest, among many incomparable attractions found only within this little nation; not to mention the uncrowded destinations.

It’s a Pirate’s life for me . . . that’s Pirates FC, our Premier League team
It sort of follows that once you build a first-class football field you should expect it to attract a classier level of football. Well, that’s happening at Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro, Belize. The town-built field opened earlier this year and has been host to some fine games, none of which I’ve been able to get to until last week. Ambergris Caye has its own Premier League team this year and as the new kid on the block, they’re doing alright. Until last Saturday, the San Pedro Pirates F.C. had gone undefeated in three home games. Playing on the road has shown the Pirates to be a more-vulnerable team. No wins away. Don’t lose sight of the fact that Saturday’s game was against the league-leading Belmopan Bandits and that, at half-time, the Pirates were up 1-0.

International Sources

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Here's Where Caribbean Islands Stand
Most islands are either open for business or plan to be by Thanksgiving. Make no mistake: Puerto Rico is in the middle of a humanitarian crisis. Ninety-five percent of the U.S. territory remains without electricity, and 53 percent lack access to potable water. The crisis won't be over for high season. For other Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the story is more hopeful. Several islands still have work to do, but most would tell you: They're open for business. And if they're not quite yet, they plan to be soon. A number of Caribbean hospitality businesses have been tracking the progress of affected islands, providing regular updates on the conditions of airports, hotels, utilities, and facilities. Here's where the islands stand.

Belize pioneers managed access for its coastal fisheries
In the past year, Belize, a small Central American country located between Guatemala and Mexico with a coastline of about 400 kilometers and generally a low profile in global affairs, has quietly become a world leader in marine conservation. It has done so by changing its entire coastal fisheries from open access to managed access. The new managed access program began last year and now requires Belize's 2,800 fishers to obtain licenses to fish in two designated areas of their choice along the coast and keep accurate records of their catches. The program uses a rights-based approach to motivate fishers to respect geographical and seasonal fishing restrictions, catch size, and some quotas. “Belize is one of the first countries in the world to have a managed access fisheries along the entire coast,” Gavin McDonald, project researcher with Fish Forever which helped establish Belize's managed access program, told SeafoodSource.

La. Guardsmen train Belizean forces to help at-risk youth
The Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program concluded its most recent 10-day Challenge Program Instructor’s Course at the Gillis Long Center in Carville, Sept. 28. The class graduated with eight guest cadre from the Belize Defence Force who came to learn how to instruct troubled youths in their home country. The LANG and the BDF have trained and worked together as part of the State Partnership Program for more than 20 years. The trained cadre will return to Belize to facilitate a Youth Challenge Program that will mirror the LANG’s own program of the same name. The program is schedule to start Oct. 16, 2017.

Machel in Belize
Machel Montano performed recently at the Belize Soca and Jazz Festival where he performed before several thousand people from throughout the western, north-western and south-western Caribbean, as well as North America and Europe, who came to the island for the major event at the Hour Bar Field.

Canadian man, 38, fatally shot in front of home in Belize, police say
Police in Belize say they’re investigating the fatal shooting of a Canadian man. Police spokesman Raphael Martinez says Gabriel Bochnia was shot Wednesday night as he and his wife and their three children were returning to their home in the Chula Vista area of Corozal. Martinez says as Bochnia, 38, got out of his vehicle to open the gate, a man with a rag over his face came from behind the bushes and shot him in the abdomen. He died of his injuries in hospital. Martinez says Bochnia’s wife — 27-year-old Jeshanah Maritza Zetina — and the children were not injured and the attacker fled the scene. Martinez could not say how long Bochnia had lived in Belize or where in Canada he was from, adding that the investigation is in its early stages.

Belize's reef saved by researchers who stumble on solution
Belize is well known for the glistening Caribbean waters that lie off its coastline – a peek under the surface reveals a submarine world full of vibrant coral, energetic fish and plenty of other creatures sure to pique your curiosity. Such an ecosystem exists in a delicate balance that human impact can often disrupt. When a reef off the coast of Placencia began showing signs of strain, a Florida professor and her doctoral student set out to solve the mystery and save the delicate biosphere. Dr. Maya Trotz and doctoral candidate Christine Prouty discovered the issue in 2014 when they were working on finding beneficial uses for wastewater in coastal communities like Placencia. They discovered that the facilities at Laughing Bird Caye National Park were the root of the problem; the septic system created a runoff that then escaped into the surrounding waters, causing excessive algae growth and affecting nearby reefs.

Videos

October 5, 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

Pink eye epidemic results in medication shortage on Ambergris Caye
The number of cases of Conjunctivitis, or ‘pink eye,’ across Ambergris Caye has led to a medication shortage. The contagious virus is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva which causes irritation and reddening of the eyes. To treat the symptoms doctors are prescribing special eye drops and creams that are now in short supply. While medication is limited on the island, Dr. Salim from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II says the number of people needing treatment has been decreasing. “We had hundreds of patients per day, it’s down to like 50 patients per day”. The polyclinic confirmed that they were out of medication for a while, but it is now available for patients. Pharmacists on the island are also reporting that they are out of medication, but efforts to provide more are underway.

All set for San Pedro Volleyball Tournament
The San Pedro Volleyball Association along with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) will be hosting a volleyball tournament starting Saturday, October 7th. The tournament will see participants competing in four categories, primary school, high school, female and senior male. In addition, tournament organizers are encouraging friendly games between players 40 and over. A total of 32 teams have registered to play. Everyone is invited to come out to the Angel Nuñez Auditorium and support their favorite teams. The first round of games will take place on Saturday, October 7th starting at 3PM and Sunday, October 8th starting at 1PM. Schedule is as follow:

ADVISORY NO. 1: TROPICAL DEPRESSION SIXTEEN (TD 16) FORMS OFF THE COAST OF NICARAGUA
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Depression Sixteen (16) with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour recently formed off the coast of Nicaragua. TD 16 is located at 12.2 North Latitude and 81.9 West Longitude. It is moving due northwest at 7 miles per hour. It is forecasted to continue move in that direction. If it maintains its projected path based on that forecast it is expected to become a Tropical Storm and by Friday, 6th October 2017 it is expected to be east of Belize, or directly in front of us.

Island community steps up to assist Mexico’s Relief Efforts
Belize’s neighboring country of Mexico continues to recover weeks after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake affected their capital city. In the wake of the catastrophe that has left more than 360 residents dead, many organizations have stepped up to provide assistance. Among those aiding Mexico in its disaster relief is the community of San Pedro Town. In an effort to raise relief funds for our Mexican counterparts, the San Pedro Town Council, in collaboration with the San Pedro Lion’s Club, Projects Abroad, Sagebrush Church and the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross embarked on a massive humanitarian fundraiser. The fundraising efforts started on Saturday, September 30th with a food sale and dollar drive at Central Park. Throughout the day, volunteers united to show love and kindness to those affected in Mexico City. At the end of the day a total of $806 was collected in cash donations, along with $942 from the food sales, resulting in a combined total of $1,748 to be donated to Mexico.

PC Nestor Campos is September’s Officer of the Month
On Friday, September 29th, the San Pedro Police Formation awarded the title of Officer of the Month for September 2017 to Police Constable (PC) Nestor Campos. Presenting the award were Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Henry Jemmott and Area Representative, Honorable Manuel Heredia Junior. For his hard work and determination, PC Campos received a commemorative certificate as well as a monetary gift. In May 2017, PC Campos was assigned to man the North Ambergris Caye Police Substation. Since then, Campos has demonstrated commitment to his policing duties. “We decided to award him as Officer of the Month for his good work in managing the booth north of the San Pedro Town. PC Campos has also been conducting great community policing with the residents of Northern Ambergris Caye. We believe that his efforts has assisted the community in minimizing incidents of crime,” said Jemmott.

Ambergris Today

NEMO Issues Tropical Depression Advisory (TD 16) Forms Off Nicaragua Coast
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Depression Sixteen (16) with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour recently formed off the coast of Nicaragua. TD 16 is located at 12.2 North Latitude and 81.9 West Longitude. It is moving due northwest at 7 miles per hour. It is forecasted to continue move in that direction. If it maintains its projected path based on that forecast it is expected to become a Tropical Storm and by Friday, October 6, 2017 it is expected to be east of Belize, or directly in front of us.

Misc Belizean Sources

Forest Department Continues to Enforce New Amendments for Forest Offences
With the logging season swiftly approaching, the Forest Department wishes to remind the public that any person found engaging in illegal logging will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The Forest Department continues to enforce the new amendments to the Forest Act, which stipulate that: 1. Any person in possession of specific timber species, such as Mahogany, Cedar, Rosewood, Santa Maria, Pine and others listed in the Second Schedule, may face imprisonment or be fined up to three times the value based on the (a) commercial price, (b) ecological value, and (c) rarity of the timber species. (calculations specified in Second Schedule)

Someone burned tires this Wednesday October 4th near the Haulover Bridge
The police department is expected to question the usual suspects. The road has been cleared.

Poesia versus diferendo
abre dialogo intelectual entre Guatemala y Belice

SPOOK Halloween Costume Party Oct. 28
The Biggest and Most Spooktacular Halloween Costume Party on the Westside. Every year It Gets Bigger and Better. Come dressed in Costume of your choice and win great Prizes inside the Fabulous Next Lounge - Princess Int'l San Ignacio - Saturday October 28th,2017. Musical Niceness by Cloud 9

Welcome to Belize, Kendis Gibson!

2017 Coastal and River Cleanup
Department of Youth Services cleaning around Roaring Creek

New plant species for Bladen Nature Reserve and Golden Stream Corridor Preserve!
15 years ago this tree species was found by botanist Dr Steven W. Brewer in Bladen, it has been identified this year as a new species! Botanists have named it Parasenegalia lundellii. It is found on limestone hills. This is the third new plant species for the Maya Golden Landscape. Read more at http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3417/2015050.

The Placencia Breeze October 2017
What’s Inside: Pg 3 From the Fire Hearth - Beers & Bocas Pg 6 PanAm gives back to comunity Pg 7 Croc Corner Pg 9 Tipsy Tuna - Membership Spotlight Pg 10 Fishing Tournament Winners & Sponsers Pg 11 Seine Bight News Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 20/21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 PHS News Pg 23 Placencia Community News Pg 24 Beaches Cleanups / Conch Recipes / PHS News Pg 27 End of World Marathon Pg 28 Placencia Rotary News Pg 29 Mistletoe Ball Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events See Less

World Animal Day today, Free Big Red!

First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pickup for October
Friday, October 6 at 8 AM - 10 AM, Meet in front of Paradise Theater. We really, really, need your help. Even if you can't join us on Friday, can you at least repost this message so that others might see it and join the fun? While tossing trash on the roads and beaches of Ambergris Caye is an all-day, every-day thing, we only get out there once a month to clean up. We wish we had the numbers to do more, but we don't. If you can join us this Friday, I promise you one thing: You'll feel better about this island and yourself. (OK, maybe that is two things.) I can also promise you iced coffee and cookies at Marbucks, because they love us and we love them!

Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks to paint "Blooming Love" from 2pm-4pm! Remember to sign up to reserve your seat for Thursday October 5th.

Belize to Commemorate Anti-Corruption Week in December
On Monday, October 2nd, Belize’s Project Board for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) convened its bi-monthly meeting at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Headquarters in Belmopan. The UNCAC Project Board is tasked with making management decisions by consensus for projects, including approval of project plans and revisions; conducting a comprehensive assessment of the legal and institutional framework of Belize to support the development of a National Anti-corruption Implementation Plan; making recommendations for enhancement of state institutions/human resources and civil society organizations to nationally implement anti-corruption policies; and implementing a nationwide Anti-corruption Advocacy Campaign utilizing a multi-sectoral approach.

Ladyville Spooktacular
Ladyville Community Center is going to be spooktacular on Saturday October 28..from 6:00pm - 10:00pm make it a family affair...at 10pm put the kiddies to bed and get ready for the dance call Vampire's kiss with music by DJ Vic.. those in costume receive a free vampire's kiss martini!

Rhythm of Change Belize ( ROC) is proud to introduce our new Ambassador : Jyoti Chandwani
Jyoti is a dedicated mother, wife, business partner and Yogi. She has been practicing yoga for over four years and believes in its power to transform one’s life and overall well-being. She takes her practice “off the mat”, by devoting time to serve others. She believes that true happiness comes from giving. And that helping others along the way satisfies the soul. Jyoti is also a Reiki practitioner. She travels along with ROC Yoga instructors to the Belize Youth Hostel and Belize Central Prison ( Kolbe Foundation )to teach Yoga.

Caribbean Resilience Forum
On September 26-27th, 2017 Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute was represented in Nassau, Bahamas at the Caribbean Resilience Forum by our Director Mrs. Arlene Young and Chief executive Officer Mrs. Chantelle Samuels. The Forum was centered around gathering key stakeholders who could scale up climate resilient coastal zone management in The Caribbean region. While attending the forum our Chief Executive Officer presented on the new Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan.

PACT- UB Scholarship Program 2017
Five students received scholarships valued at $50,000 to pursue bachelor’s degrees as a result of a partnership between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the University of Belize (UB). On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, the PACT-UB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME Ceremony took place in the Administration Conference Room at the UB Belmopan Campus. The five students awarded are from the Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health and Social Work. Monica Coe is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management; Luwin Tzib, a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics; Maria Pech, a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management; Daedra Bennett, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Tara Scarborough, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. In a room filled with parents and UB and PACT staff, the recipients shared their thoughts about being awarded and Ms. Tara Scarborough said she felt privileged to be there amongst students who have made both their parents and UB proud.

PACT Scholarship to 5 UB Students
UB students receive PACT scholarships

Full Moon Concert in Corozal
The Corozal House of Culture kindly invites you to enjoy the Pan American holiday weekend with a night of high energy sounds by Dynamics of Belize. Please join us at 7:30 pm Saturday October 7th, 2017 at the House of Culture for a great night of Belizean music.

Power interruption portion Belize City on Friday, October 6 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Buttonwood Bay and Belama Phase 1. BEL to install poles for high voltage lines and connect commercial customer in the area.

"How exciting is your life?" asked a young Belizean student
Well, Kendis Gibson's visit to Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence today definitely made our day exciting and special!

Home Remedies for Pink Eye Symptoms
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is known for its healing power. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that protect the eyes from environmental damage and free radicals. It also has the power to fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes. The bioflavonoids present in green tea — like matcha green tea — relieve irritation and inflammation caused by pink eye while fighting bacterial and viral infections. Dip a green tea bag in boiled water and place it on the infected eye once it’s cool enough to touch. Or make a cup of green tea and soak a clean washcloth in it to create a warm compress.

Channel 7

Bank Robbery At Scotiabank Spanish Lookout
There was an armed robbery at the Scotiabank Branch in Spanish Lookout today - the first one since that deadly heist in March of 2010. Fortunately, this time around, no bank employees, security guards, or customers were hurt, but the 3 armed robbers managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash. The incident actually started in Belmopan this morning, where 3 Hispanic men approached 62 year-old taxi driver Oscar Cordon, who works the Belmopan terminal circuit. Police say that the men approached him to do a taxi run but he refused. That's when the men forced him to take them, and at some point, they threw him into the car trunk. They then drove to an area near the Buena Vista Junction, which just outside of Spanish Lookout.

17 Year Old Charged for Killing 18 Year Old On San Pedro
Two persons were charged for murder today. The first is a 17 year old - who has been charged for the murder of 18 year old Christian Contreras. As we reported, Contreras and 28 year old Ryan Lucas were shot in front of Compadres bar in San Pedro town in broad daylight at 11:30 yesterday morning. Contreras died on the spot while Lucas received various injuries. It happened in plain view and Island police have moved swiftly to make an arrest. Today an ID parade was conducted and a 17 year old was today charged for murder, use of deadly means of harm and attempted murder on Ryan Lucas. Police still don't know the motive but are confident based on eyewitness accounts that they have the shooter. The suspect is not an island resident but went to the island form southern Belize and has been living there for a year.

Police Catch Up With Alleged Shooter In Bar Brawl
An alleged killer was also charged today - this one in Belize City. 23 year old Steve Martin Moss was charged with the murder of 31 year old Daniel Anderson. When he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Moss was also charged with 2 counts of attempted murder and 2 counts of use of deadly means of harm for the other party goers who were injured. Moss was remanded to prison. The incident happened on Sunday morning at Alex Underwood's 28th birthday celebration at Bismark Club. Daniel Anderson was at the party with friends and a confrontation was sparked between Moss and Anderson while another started up with Anderson's girlfriend and another female.

Is Compol Whylie Headed For The Exit? He Says He's Only Human
And while police have been making arrests for recent murders, its an uphill battle - especially in the Belize District where there have been close to 20 murders in the past three months. And through these turbulent months for law enforcement, we've been pointing to the absence of Police Commissioner Allen Whylie. Well, this week, he's back on the job after two months total of personal leave and sick leave. But his absence was cause for speculation that Whylie's job was up for grabs, and and that a new Commissioner of Police was in the making. So today, in his first press opportunity today after his return, the question was put directly to him. Is he on the way out? Here's how he answered:

COMPOL Says GSU Not Going Anywhere
And in that same breath, Police Commissioner Whylie also said that as far he knows, the Gang Suppression Unit isn't going anywhere. Now, you'll remember last week when Prime Minister Dean Barrow acknowledged the public mistrust for the GSU. That's because many in the public were all too willing to believe the worst of the unit, suspecting that they killed 17 year-old Kelvin Usher when he went missing near Lucky Strike Village. The Prime Minister said, "There is... going to be...a re-purposing of the GSU." Some have interpreted that statement to mean that it may be disbanded, but the Commissioner said that that's not his impression:

Santa Martha Village Underwater
Tonight Belize is keeping its eye on Tropical Depression 16 - which, NEMO says could cause heavy rain and flooding in Belize. But, in Santa Martha Village on the old Northern Highway - there's already heavy flooding! Waters inundated the southern-most village in the Orange Walk District over the weekend, and Floodwaters overtook them yesterday. But, Santa Marta is a tiny village on al title used road - so this flooding event hasn't gotten the attention it should have. But as you can see, it's very major with waist high water in some areas. Today our colleagues from CTV-3 spoke to a few villagers - who are crying out for help:

TD 16 Threat: NEMO Says No Boats On Friday
And while Santa Marta's plight has gotten little attention - tonight's the nation's eye are on Tropical Depression 16, which is hovering off the coast of Nicaragua. According to the latest report from the National Hurricane center in Miami, the system has winds of 35 miles an hour, and is presently 60 miles west of San Andres Island. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Sandy Bay Sirpi Nicaragua to Punta Castilla Honduras. The system is moving northwest which would push it way from Belize, but NEMO says, you have to be prepared for anything. NEMO says If it maintains its projected path it is expected to become a Tropical Storm and by Friday, 6th October 2017 it is expected to be east of Belize, or directly in front of us. An advisory adds, "The public is hereby advised to make preparations to protect life and property. If you are at risk to bad weather and flooding start discussing arrangements to move to higher grounds." It also says, "Do not venture out to sea after Friday, 6th October 2017."

Another Tyre Fire - This Time It's Haulover Bridge
Before dawn today, someone started a tyre fire on the southern approach of the Haulover Bridge. As many as 15 types were placed on the road and set on fire - in an attempt to obstruct the heavy rush of early morning traffic from northern Belize into the city. But while it did inconvenience a few drivers who were on the road very early - the tyre fire didn't have much of an effect. That's because the Fire Department came and put it out quickly, and swept the debris off the road. The regular flow of traffic was restored within an hour, meaning that traffic was moving as normal by 6:00 AM.

A Shark's Story
Sharks and stingrays are NOT the first species that come to mind when you think of protection or conservation. Besides, you probably figure that those sea creatures can protect themselves...and the fewer sharks there are preying on fish and terrorizing swimmers in the waters, the better, right? Wrong. Conservationists say that in fact sharks and sting rays have a central role in the marine life. Today at a workshop at the Biltmore, Courtney Weatherburne found out just how special these much misunderstood species are in Belize. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Sharks are one of the most feared animals on the planet. But apart from roaming and hunting prey in the depths of the sea, sharks play a very important role in harmonizing the marine ecosystem.

Life In Prison For Yo Creek Villager Guilty of Murder
Javier Ack was murdered on June 14th, 2012. He was drinking with friends and an argument ended with Ack being fatally stabbed in the heart. Yesterday in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court, the alleged perpetrator, Yo Creek resident Edwin Hernan Castillo was sentenced to life in prison by Justice Herbert Lord after he was found guilty of committing the murder. But new parole make it so that those sensed to life can qualify for parole. So, with that, Justice Lord gave Castillo a minimum sentence of 25 years. Castillo has been in prison since 2012 so he will have to serve 19 years in prison before he can apply for parole.

Ministry Says Teachers at Claver College Making Baseless Demands
Yesterday we told you about the complaints from the teachers at Claver College Extension in Punta Gorda. According to them, the ministry did not give them their usual stipend. Well, today the Minister of Education Patrick Faber told us the teachers are going about this all wrong. Today Faber explained that the Education Ministry has no obligation to afford them any financial stipend because they are a separate institution - they are not a grant aided school. This stipend came about because the college reached out to the ministry, asking for help and the ministry assisted them as a good will gesture from the government.

New Forestry Fines Nothing To Play With
A week ago we told you about the 47 year old Guinea Grass resident who had to pay a fine of over $22,000 for illegally harvesting Mahogany logs. Well if that penalty isn't steep enough for you, it can go significantly higher depending on the bust. That's reflected in the new amendment to the Forestry Act. In a release it states "With the logging season swiftly approaching, the Forest Department wishes to remind the public that any person found engaging in illegal logging will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries today gave us an idea of just how hefty the fine for offenders can be. Hon. Omar Figueroa: "That SI was signed earlier this year, I think it was in January or February and I think we just caught some folks with logs and they were fined pretty hefty. I think it was about $22,000.00 for Mahogany that's been out of season of course."

COMPOL Asks Public To Help the Police
Earlier in the newscast, we showed you Police Commissioner Allen Whylie's first comments since his return to duty from two months leave. He asked for the opportunity to make a plea to the general public to help them solve crimes. Often the police investigators struggle to find leads on major incidents such as murders, and they are convinced that someone in the public saw or heard something which can help them to look in the right direction. The trouble is that these eyewitnesses refuse to come forward, and that causes investigation trails to go cold. The lack of public cooperation also prevents police from bringing charges against suspects because they have no evidence, even though they may believe that they have the right suspect. So, the Commissioner is asking eyewitnesses to come forward and assist them when necessary. Here's his public plea:

Are The Police Pushing Away The Press (Again)?
Of course, a big part of that appealing to the public involves the media. But, the police have been giving that same media the cold shoulder recently. In March of this year, the press and the police hammered out a working compromise where they would facilitate all requests for information, so that we could better inform the public. The rule was that all requests for interviews from ranking police officers would be considered on a case by case basis by the Commissioner. Well, for 2 exactly weeks now, the top brass have been consistently refusing all interview requests - in total about one dozen requests, all denied.

Senate Hearings Slog On
The Senate Inquiry into Immigration Irregularities continued today - with more from current Director of Immigration Diana Locke. Director Locke is always forthright and provides full disclosure, but today's session turned into a real slog through administrative minutiae - with the Committee members going point by point through a checklist of shortcoming identified by the Auditor General. It was about as fun as watching grass grow. Sparks didn't fly at all but we did get clarity on a few issues like this bogus entry stamps in circulation which are used to falsify entry dates into the country. We have footage courtesy the National Channel on CCV cable:

Director Says Biometric Data Lapse Can Be Fixed
We also got some clarity on the issue of biometric data. This should be in the system and should accompany every passport issued - but the database fell out of sync with the passports because of a computer software problem. Senator Lizarraga asked if the database will, or can ever be restored: Mark Lizarraga - Senator, Private Sector: "Director, in the absence of biometrics, so many instances where we did not take biometrics..." Diana Locke - Director of Immigration and Nationality: "We take the biometrics, we just can't match them against the database." Mark Lizarraga: "The auditor general has highlighted many instances where passports were issued without biometric checks. Am I correct?"

Immigration Director Makes A Plea To Public
And the Director also had some words for those members of the public who are fed up with the very difficult system of applying for passports at immigration. She says she hears your pain, but patience is a must:... Diana Locke - Director of Immigration and Nationality: "It's very frustrating to the public I must add because a lot of people come with what they've been accustomed to doing 10 years ago or 5 years ago and that's not the way it's done now. And so when you ask them to have it corrected they are highly upset, very abusive to our staff, insulting and we just have to continue to serve. We want things to be done right but we also need to do it right. It works both ways. The public needs to understand and there are very understanding members of the public and there are some that are not so understanding. And so I appeal to those persons to please understand where we are coming from and, in trying to correct these things that you are asking me to ensure that we are going to do, that they have a role to play, that they too must do their part. It works both ways."

Kendis Gibson Back In Belize to Work With Media and Inspire Kids
Kendis Gibson has been featured on this newscast many times before. He's the Belize City boy who's made a name for himself in the American media as a co-Anchor of ABC's America This Morning and World News Now. Well, tonight, Kendis is back in Belize. He arrived this morning, a guest of the US Embassy as part of their Speaker Program, and will be doing short seminars on Investigative Journalism and Ethical Reporting. But, he also has another mission - and that's to connect with young people from communities similar to the one where he grew up. And so, after eating a full plate of rice and beans at Bird's Isle, Gibson went to the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence to speak to a group of excited students. Sahar Vasquez was there:

Capital Cops Commander Rewarding Good Police Work
This afternoon, 7 police officers from the Belmopan Police Station were given a nod by their police bosses for the "above and beyond" duties they performed during the September Celebrations. September is one of the busiest months for law enforcement, and these cops excelled when it mattered most. So, the Belmopan Commander felt it necessary to treat the 7 police constables under his command. He treated them to a meal at Scotchies in Belmopan with their boss, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie. We stopped by for the award ceremony, and here's what the commanders told us:

Tourism Stakeholders Get Together For Hurricane Relief
The Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Barbuda, Puerto Rico, and Dominica are a just a few of the Caribbean countries that were pummeled by Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Many in these countries lost everything and are now forced to rebuild their homes from nothing. Belize and other Caribbean countries have pitched in to help with the long road to recovery. BEL has sent linesmen to assist with electricity restoration in the US Virgin Islands, and now The Belize Tourism Board in Collaboration with Belize Tourism industry stakeholders has launched a "Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund Campaign". This morning the BTB along with the Belize Hotel Association and Belize Tourism Industry Association came together to explain:

A Garifuna Gala For the Karifuna
Tourism Industry stakeholders aren't the only Belizeans assisting with relief efforts. The National Garifuna Council is also pitching in. The council has pledged to donate $1000 to Dominica. Dominica holds a special place in their hearts because it is the home of the Kalinago people - who are indigenous inhabitants of the Lesser Antilles, and ancestral relatives of the Garifuna. About 3,000 of them currently live in Dominica and are suffering the effects of the hurricane. The council is holding a gala to help raise funds this weekend in Dangriga. Public Relations Officer Gwen Gonzalez told us how you can help.

Channel 5

Spanish Lookout Scotia Bank and Belmopan Taximan Robbed
There was a brazen heist at the Scotia Bank Branch in Spanish Lookout, Cayo. The same branch, which was hit seven years ago, is located immediately next to the police [...]

Burning Tires for High Gas Prices?
Early this morning, travel by commuters on the Haulover Bridge at the northern entrance of the City, was interrupted by a predawn bonfire that filled the air with thick black [...]

Steve Moss Charged in Bismark Shooting
Police have made a significant arrest in the murder of Daniel Anderson who was killed over the weekend.   Late this afternoon, Steve Martin Moss, a twenty-three-year-old stevedore of Queen Charlotte [...]

Minor Charged for San Pedro Murder
A seventeen-year-old has been charged for the murder of eighteen-year-old Christian Contreras in San Pedro. As we reported on Tuesday night, two persons were in police custody, including a minor. [...]

Returning Police Commissioner to Look into Interview Impasse
Since the thirteenth of September, the press office of the Belize Police Department has failed to facilitate, according to media records, a single interview on any subject, including high profile [...]

The “Re-Purposing” of the G.S.U. Begins
The Gang Suppression Unit is apparently headed for a much narrower mandate within the Belize Police Department. This is after their run-in with Cameron Usher Senior and Kelvin Usher, which [...]

How Do You Solve a Problem like Police Corruption?
The Police Department is also tackling continuous egg on its face from officers breaking the law with impunity. Whether it is extorting members of the community, or stealing the proceeds [...]

At Senate, Headaches with Taximen and Queuing Continue
After four sessions, the Senate Special Select Committee finished its questioning of Director of Immigration Diana Locke this afternoon at the National Assembly. Among the first things discussed was the [...]

Look Out for Bogus Immigration Stamps
The Committee has been questioning Locke on how the department intends to implement certain recommendations of the Auditor General. While some are easier implemented than others, there are some recommendations [...]

Immigration Hooks Up with Interpol; What Happened to Nationality Committee?
Another important recommendation is the installation of background checks for persons applying for nationality. The Immigration Department, according to Director Diana Locke, is now at least partially linked to the [...]

ABC TV’s Kendis Gibson Returns to Native Belize
Emmy award winning journalist Kendis Gibson is back in Belize. The Belizean-American ABC News Anchor is here courtesy of the US Embassy. He will visiting with different students to speak [...]

High Gas Prices Subject of Latest Protest
On Thursday morning at ten, weeks of frustration surrounding the ever-increasing cost of gas will blow up in what is intended to be a peaceful protest march from Constitution to [...]

Shop Argument Leads to Wounding Charge for Student
In the court of Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser, twenty-three-year-old Adelma Maximo, a student at Gwen Lizarraga Evening School, was charged with wounding.  Maximo wanted to plead guilty with an explanation, [...]

Can ComPol Mediate Vidal-Williams Feud?
The simmering feud between Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, former head of Eastern Division South, and successor Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal reached boiling point earlier in September. Responding to [...]

Commissioner Not Ready to Step Down Yet
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie says he is not quite fifty years old and has held his current job for nearly five years.  He politely disagreed with our position that [...]

Work Continues on Managing Shark Population
Back in 2012, a national shark working group was established to devise a national plan of action for the conservation and management of sharks. That plan now provides for a [...]

Forestry Combats Illegal Logging
Earlier this year, the Forestry Department announced the amendments for forest offences; those changes saw a significant increase in fines for forest related crimes. In light of the approaching logging [...]

T.D. Off Nicaragua Headed Belize’s Way for Holiday Weekend
All eyes are on Tropical Depression Sixteen which has maximum sustained winds of thirty-five miles per hour and recently formed off the coast of Nicaragua where it is moving at [...]

Tourism Board Plans Relief Effort for Caribbean Partners
It has been weeks since hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated parts of the Caribbean whose economies depend heavily on the tourism dollar. Today, the Belize Tourism Board, in collaboration with [...]

LOVE FM

BTB launches “Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund Campaign”
It was in September that two category five hurricanes, Irma and Maria, ripped through several Caribbean countries leaving massive destruction in its wake. A number of people died while others were left homeless without food, electricity and water. In an effort to help these stricken countries, today, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially launched a […]

Steven Moss charged with the murder of Daniel Anderson
Twenty-three year old Steve Martin Moss, a construction worker of 7165 Queen Charlotte Street in Belize City, was charged with the murder of 31 year old Daniel Anderson when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. Moss was also charged with 2 counts of attempted murder and 2 counts of use of deadly […]

Commissioner of Police is back on the job
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie is back in office after being out on vacation leave and on a long sick leave. In his absence, there have been a number of speculations that have surfaced and most surround his ability to continue as the head of the Department. Today he refuted those speculations and said he […]

Police say: “Not boycotting the Media”
And while the commissioner has just returned to office, we inquired about the recent developments between the department and the media. Since the last week in September, the Department has refrained from granting any interviews to the media, despite repeated requests as we cover serious crime incidents across the country. That “radio silence” was most […]

Erwin Rodriguez still missing, family concern
Seventeen year old Erwin Rodriguez is still missing. He was reported missing by his family who last saw him on August 24. His mother Sylvia Rodriguez says that they continue to search for the teenager and have been receiving some support from church members. Rodriguez says that others joined in the search on last Sunday, […]

US Embassy will no longer handle Social Security inquiries
The US Embassy held its first Consul open house last Friday in an effort to reach out to some of its customers. The Embassy invited Representatives of the government offices, non-profit organizations, travel agencies, and internet cafes to the Consul. The Consul shared information and answered common queries and also looked at common mistakes made […]

NEMO issues advisory on Tropical Depression 16
Tropical Depression 16 has formed off the coast of Nicaragua. NEMO has issued its first advisory and it reads, quote, “Tropical Depression Sixteen with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour recently formed off the coast of Nicaragua. TD 16 is located at 12.2 North Latitude and 81.9 West Longitude. It is moving due […]

Woman caught attempting to smuggle two Belizeans into the USA
Two Belizeans were arrested in Arizona, USA for Immigration offences. According to an article published by the Associated Press, Border Patrol officials say they’ve arrested a woman at an immigration checkpoint north of Tombstone after finding a Mexican man and two Belizeans in the trunk of her car. The article states that agents had referred […]

Kirk Pitts walks free from charges
Forty year old Kirk Pitts, a barber of Antelope Street in Belize City, who was charged with possession of ammunition without a gun license and possession of less than one gram of cannabis, was freed of those charges when they were struck out today by the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, for want of prosecution. Pitts […]

Broad daylight murder leaves community in shock
San Pedro Police are investigating the shooting death of 18 year old Christian Elisandro Contreras. He was fatally shot at around 11:30 this morning while at the corner of Laguna Drive and Conch Shell Street in the Boca Del Rio Area of San Pedro Town. He was shot twice to the chest, once to the […]

Police seeking suspect for the murder of Sutherland
Belize City police are investigating the murder of 29 year old Dorian Sutherland who was shot about five o’clock on Monday evening. Sutherland, also known as “Sonny” was reportedly shot after he had an argument with someone still unidentified. Police, again, have not released much information on the case but have said that they have […]

Anderson’s killer still at large
Police are still looking for the man who killed thirty-three year old Daniel Anderson on Sunday, October 1. Investigators have identified the gunman but they have yet to make any arrest. Anderson was fatally shot to the back after a fight broke out at Bismark Club in Belize City. The shooter also injured twenty-seven year […]

Sanitation workers received their salaries 3 days late
Yesterday, reports surfaced that employees the Belize City Council had not received their salaries for the end of September. According to the council’s public relations officer quote, “The city council is definitely not in “financial trouble” and salaries have not been consistently deposited late. Employees have never received their pay after the 15th or ending […]

HRCU says: “Could not pay CitCo workers on time because cheque was late”
Whose fault is it that the sanitation workers received their salaries three days late? Well the Belize City Council is not taking the blame and Holy Redeemer Credit Union is not accepting the fault either. HRCU was made aware of the matter by its member-owners and this evening the financial institution fired off a release […]

Is Belize City Council facing financial problems?
Is the Belize City Council facing financial challenges? The Council’s Public Relations Officer Shane Williams told the media quote, “the city council is definitely not in financial trouble and salaries have not been consistently deposited late.” End of quote. According to Councilor and Mayoral aspirant, Dion Leslie, the council is going through its low season. […]

Senator Smith’s reaction to PM decision to allow Senate Hearings to continue
It was in mid-September, that Prime Minister Dean Barrow sent a letter to the clerk of the National Assembly, in which he stated that it was time to end the Senate Hearings. Barrow claimed that his administration was no longer, in a position, to financially support the Senate Hearings. This sparked reactions from many organizations, […]

President of BNTU discusses demands that led to strike
The Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, one of the biggest and strongest union in Belize, has been known to get the government’s attention. It was a year ago, today, that the BNTU held a nationwide strike which lasted for 11 days. The purpose of the strike was to get the Government of Belize to commit […]

BNTU launches documentary as a tribute to strike
The Belize National Teachers Union launched a documentary that featured highlights of last year’s strike. President, Senator Elena Smith spoke to Love News. Elena Smith, BNTU President “Today is the first anniversary of our strike, the start of our 11 days last year and so we are starting our documentary today to remind the people […]

Chamber advises GOB to create a fuel price formula
Last week Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated that fuel prices should decrease by mid-October. Today the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BCCI, welcomed the PM’s public assurance. The BCCI says that with taxes comprising up to 43% of end prices to the consumer, Government is in the best position to manage pump prices for […]

Is the high incidents of pink eye causing price gouging?
Conjunctivitis or pink eye is still on the rise and the price for pink eye related medication is as well. Last week, reports surfaced that several pharmacies across the country increased prices of pink eye medication in response to the spread of pink eye. Reports are that representatives from several pharmacies are informing customers that […]

Breaking Belize News

BNTU writes PM Barrow for updates on demands made last year
Last October, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) presented Prime Minister Dean Barrow with a […]

5 students receive scholarships from the PACT- UB Scholarship Program
Five students received scholarships valued at $50,000 to pursue bachelor’s degrees as a result of […]

Prime Minister’s pick for Court of Appeal was center of investigation involving DEA
Franz Parke, the Jamaican attorney selected by the Prime Minister to serve as a judge on the […]

Scotiabank issues statement on robbery today
Scotia Bank Belize issued a press release today informing the public that at about 9:20 […]

Seven Belmopan officers awarded today
Today, seven police officers attached to the Belmopan Police formation were awarded for their great […]

Bridge in Santa Teresita collapses
On Monday morning, farmers from Santa Teresita were coming out of their village as per […]

Stevedore charged for murder of Delbert Anderson
Today, police formally arrested and charged, Steve Martin Moss, 23, a stevedore of Belize City, […]

BNTU waiting on update from PM
Yesterday, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) launched a documentary of its 11-day strike last […]

Salaries delayed for sanitation workers; CitCo and HRCU play blame game
Sanitation workers of the Belize City Council were delayed in getting their end of September […]

Three masked men hijack taxi man; rob Scotiabank
By Zoila Palma:According to confirmed reports, Oscar Cordon, a 62 year old taximan from Belmopan, reported that he […]

Kendis’ fun filled Agenda
By Zoila Palma: ABC Journalist and News Anchor, Kendis Gibson arrives in Belize today. Gibson will be in […]

Forest Department enforces new amendments for Forest Offenses
The Forest Department today announced that with the logging season swiftly approaching, the department is […]

NEMO issues advisory on Tropical depression
NEMO in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Depression […]

Attempted robbery at Scotia Bank in Spanish Lookout
BBN has received confirmed reports about an attempted robbery at the Scotia Bank Branch in Spanish […]

Tropical depression sixteen forms in Caribbean; warnings issued for parts of Central America
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an advisory on the formation of tropical depression sixteen. […]

Tropical depression forms in the Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Invest 90L in the Atlantic. The Mexican Meteorological […]

Lyndon Lewis re-arrested for the murder of Bullet Tree man
ew Yesterday, BBN reported that Lyndon Lewis received bail of $3000 for the charge of ‘conspiracy […]

Burning tires block Haulover Bridge this morning
BBN received confirmed reports of tires burning on Haulover Bridge in Belize City this morning. […]

Chamber welcomes PM’s comments on gas prices, calls for crack down on tax evaders
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in a release this evening, welcomed Prime […]

Blogs

Belizean Smiles – Romeo Kotch
There are many bartenders in Belize who can manage to capture your heart (and liver). One of those talented mixologists is Romeo Kotch, who hails from Benque Viejo Del Carmen, in the Cayo District. You’re not supposed to play favorites, seeing as every bartender works hard to serve your beverage of choice, but I really genuinely have mad love for Romeo. It could be the fact that he has looked out for us every time we go to his workplace (El Divino at Banana Beach), or that he has given me solid advice to stay safe – especially with which cab to take in the late hours of night.

International Sources

Tropical Depression 16 Forms in the SW Caribbean
Tropical Depression 16 has formed in the SW Caribbean on Wednesday morning. This depression will slowly organize over the next few days as it drifts northward toward Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula before emerging in the Gulf by this weekend. Conditions are favorable for slow organization over the next few days. The latest NHC forecast track brings the storm toward the FL Panhandle coast as a Cat 1 hurricane by Sunday afternoon. The latest computer model forecasts bring the storm northward into the Gulf this weekend with potential landfall points from Louisiana to the Florida Big Bend.

Tropical Storm Nate on verge of developing in western Caribbean
Tropical Depression 16 has formed just southeast of the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua as of late Wednesday morning, and it may rapidly develop into a tropical storm or hurricane then threaten the central to northeastern Gulf of Mexico coast this weekend. Because of the proximity to land in Central America, people may have little time to react and prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane. The tropical depression may evolve into a tropical storm at any time as it wanders toward the north-northwest and near the Yucatan Peninsula into Friday.

Belize to create world’s first ray sanctuary
The government of Belize today announced the establishment of the first-ever nationwide ray sanctuary, motivated, in part, by data from Global FinPrint scientists at FIU. Globally, rays are threatened with extinction due largely to overfishing, habitat loss and climate change. They are even more at risk than sharks. More than 20 species of rays are known to populate the waters along Belize. As part of Global FinPrint, FIU researchers have deployed baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs) to monitor the abundance and distribution of sharks and rays, hoping to fill critical data gaps and guide conservation strategies throughout the world. While combing through hundreds of hours of video footage to inform Belize’s National Plan of Action for sharks, scientists found thriving populations of rays. Global FinPrint researcher and FIU Ph.D. student Kathryn Flowers shared the find with officials from the Belize Fisheries Department.

Community mourns charter captain Richard Benson
Friends and family of longtime St. John charter captain Richard Benson are mourning his death after his body was found in the British Virgin Islands. Linda Worthington, Benson’s ex-wife, said in an email from her home in Belize that “there has been an outpouring of compassion and love from so many people that loved Richard.” It’s thought that Benson left St. John on his 84-foot wooden charter yacht, the Goddess Athena, in an effort to outrun Hurricane Irma. Friends and family from around the world posted messages online hoping that he would be found safe, but his body was recently located and the Goddess Athena remains missing.

Garifuna Dance: Flavor, Culture and History
I had never before danced any of the Caribbean dances with the discipline and awareness they deserve. Maybe I’ve improvised a crazy, spontaneous version of the Palo de Mayo (Caribbean Maypole Dance) at some party, but never with the spiritual connotation which this culture imbues in its dances. My colleagues at the Niu web-zine challenged me to attend a three-hour workshop in Garifuna Dance. I accepted, and off I went to dance with my “ancestors” and to get to know a different world that exists within our geographic limits, but which I was unaware of.

10 Best Beach Resorts in Belize
Looking for Belize hotels? Here are the best beach resorts in Ambergris Caye, Hopkins and Placencia.. With stunning beaches, some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling (Belize is home to the world’s second-largest reef), and easy direct flights from the U.S., it’s no wonder that Belize’s beauty is no longer a secret. Bonus: English is the official language. Here are the best beach resorts on Belize’s islands and seaside towns.

Videos

October 4, 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

18 year old Christian Contreras murdered in San Pedro
A 17-year-old minor has been detained for the shooting death of 18 year old Christian Contreras and injury of 27 year old Ryan Lucas. The incident took place around 11: 30 am, on Tuesday, October 3rd, in the Boca Del Rio Area of San Pedro Town. When the police arrived at the scene around 11: 36am, Contreras’s motionless body was found lying on the ground. Lucas, who was injured, was been taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Witnesses of the shooting say that Contreras and Lucas were walking on the side street, when the 17-year-old shooter approached them. “So are you guys the Doritos gangs,” they claimed he said, after he took out his gun and fired several shots at the two men, then fled on his bicycle. Contreras received three shots, two in the right upper chest and one on the right hand. Lucas, who is a maintenance worker from DFC area, has been transported to Belize City for further treatment of the gun shots injuries to the abdomen and hands.

Ambergris Today

Midday Shooting Incident In San Pedro Leaves 18-Year-Old Dead
Gunshots rung out in the middle of the day in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, leading to the discovery of 18-year-old Christian Contreras lying face down on the street in front of Los Compadres Bar of Boca del Rio Area. Police have detained two persons as investigations continue, one of them being a minor. The shooting incident occurred around 11:30a.m. today, Tuesday, October 3, 2017. It left Christian Contreras dead and 27-year-old Ryan Lucas with injuries to his abdomen and uper right arm. He has been transported to Belize City for further treatment that he initially received at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

BTB Launches A Dollar For The Caribbean Relief Fund
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with tourism industry stakeholders, will launch a Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund campaign during the entire month of October to assist victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which severely devastated many of our Caribbean sister countries earlier in September. The Belize Tourism Board will donate a $1 for every tourist arrival for the month of October and the initiative is that each stakeholder donates a $1 for every guest; therefore, creating a multiplier effect. The BTB initiative is being supported by participating agencies and tourism stakeholders such as the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Tour Operators, water taxis, hoteliers and local airlines amongst many others.

Belize Celebrates Win At Regional Maya Ball Game Tournament
Congratulations are in hand for the Belize Ek Balam Poktapok team from Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk, Belize. They arrived back to the country victorious over a weekend competing in the 2nd Annual Poktapok Worldcup Tournament in Guatemala. Pok-A-Tok is a Mayan ball game with ritual associations; It’s not a sport you hear much about these days, but the Ek Balam team is doing a great job in reviving the sport in Belize and preserving the rich Mayan culture of the region. They faced stiff competition like Mexico and El Salvador but in the end, Belize proved to be the strongest by coming in first - making them the world cup champs of Poktapok. Participating countries included Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

Misc Belizean Sources

Mr. Patrick Chavez and Miss Maritza Briceno wedding
It was an incredible wedding and reception with more than 250 in attendance in Corozal..... Tom and I were honored with the job of Godparents during the ceremony and then the blessing at the reception..... However, we want to give all the credit/congratulations to the Bride & Groom... Mr. Patrick Chavez who works at Captain Morgan's Resort and Miss Maritza Briceno who works at the Black Orchid Restaurant both in San Pedro.

Presentation on new marijuana law in San Pedro: Is 10 grams legal?
Courtesy Belize Police Department Is 10 Grams Of Weed No Longer Illegal? ATTEND A FREE PRESENTATION by Mr. Bart Jones (Legal Officer) Of the Belize Police Department. October 5, 2017: 6:00 PM Lion's Den, Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro Town. Come on out and learn what are the fact about having 10 grams of Marijuana (Cannabis) Open to the general public.

New Requirements for Pharmaceutical Facilities as Statutory Instrument of the Food and Drug Regulations comes into effect
The Ministry of Health informs the general public that effective November 1st, 2017, all pharmaceutical facilities will be required to have a Ministry of Health Certificate of Registration License in order to provide pharmacy services to the public. While our records reflect a total of 23 pharmaceutical importers/wholesalers and 37 retail pharmacies in possession of a valid Ministry of Health facility license, we are aware of approximately 50 wholesalers and 120 retail pharmacies countrywide. These licensed facilities have met the necessary requirements and standards outlined by the Ministry of Health taking into consideration the Statutory Instrument of the Food and Drugs Regulations, 2017.

BTB launches “A Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund”
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with tourism industry stakeholders, will launch a Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund campaign during the entire month of October to assist victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which severely devastated many of our Caribbean sister countries earlier in September. The Belize Tourism Board will donate a $1 for every tourist arrival for the month of October and the initiative is that each stakeholder donates a $1 for every guest; therefore, creating a multiplier effect. The BTB initiative is being supported by participating agencies and tourism stakeholders such as the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Tour Operators, water taxis, hoteliers and local airlines amongst many others.

Did you know October is Hickatee awareness month?
Last week BWRC personnel was honored to once again join the health checks for the BFREE Hickatee Breeding Center with a fabulous team of veterinarians, biologists and volunteers under the guidance of "Hickatee man" Tom Pop. Our appreciation for Dr. Shane Boylan and his tireless assistance and teaching in ultrasound and anything turtle, Jacob Marlin as a driving force and every member of Team Turtle goes beyond words. We are elated to support such a worthy conservation effort and cooperation and we hope to spread the word about this turtally fascinating species that unfortunately is at risk of extinction today.

Stakeholder Consultation on the Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods
Today's Stakeholder Consultation on the Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods at NATS Conference Room, Belmopan. If you couldn't make it to this session, note we're having a second session in Belize City on Thursday. Register to participate. Note: Deadline for comments on the Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods is Friday, 6th October 2017. Be a part of the Standard Development Process!!

Got an issue with the Punta Gorda Police Department. Been trying to let this go but, I just can't
2 weeks ago, Monday, I was having breakfast at a spot in PG behind the Police department. It was about 9:30 in the morning. For those of you not familiar with the area, across from the street of the Police Dept. is an elementary school. And beside the Police station is the Post Office and court house. In front of that is the Customs Dept. On the other side of the station are restaurants and in front of the station is the Bus Terminal.

Opening at St. Francis Xavier Parish
There is a teaching vacancy in our Management. Candidate or teacher needs to present Full Teaching License, Associate Degree in Primary Education or Certificate in Education. Please call immediately 634 4701 or after the office opens, the parish opens at 8:30 am.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Sept. 25th - Oct. 1st, 2017
BJ and his gang got after it and caught everything from Snook to permit. While on the flats searching for the elusive Permit, anglers are enjoying the cool experience of casting to Jacks (the poor man’s permit) and Barracuda to keep the rod warm while waiting for the Permit to show up. Not many things are better than catching a permit; but if you haven’t experienced the tug of a Cuda or Jack on the fly you need to give it a try. SUPER FUN!!

Intermagia in Belize City
The Rotary Sunrise is sponsoring a Magic Show at the Bliss on Friday, October 6th starting at 7:00 p.m. The normal price is $20.00, but I have one ticket for $15.00. If anyone is interested in purchasing this ticket you can inbox me. Ticket can be had at the Ministry of Tourism's office on South Street. First come first served.

‘A Call for Artists’ at the Museum of Belize
The Museum of Belize proudly presents ‘A Call for Artists’ the first in a series of exhibitions to show and promote the work of our talented Belizean artists. Stop by the museum today to see these beautiful artworks on display! Visit our Facebook page daily to see our featured artists.

New drug in Schools...
Parents should know about this drug.This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '.There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that we all need to be aware of.There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that siz zles and 'pops' in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in school yards. They are calling it strawberry meth or strawberry quick.Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy) and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc. immediately.Pass this email on to as many people as you can (even if they don't have kids) so that we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies from occurring..!!

MISSING PERSON
Daniel Aguliar 21 years old has been missing since Saturday. He left is home in Vista Del Mar and never returned. His mother already made a police report. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt and a blue stripe short pants. He have never left his home like this before so his mother is worried. If you have seen him please call the nearest police station or inbox me so I can inform his mother.

U.S. citizen town hall meeting in Belize City
The Embassy of the United States of America in Belize invites you to a U.S. citizen town hall meeting in Belize City Date: Saturday, October 28th, 2017 Place: Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina, Cahal Pech Room, Belize City Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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 Consular section provides, and answer any questions. Topics include: Non-immigrant visas and Immigrant visas, security in Belize, hurricane preparedness, and information on renewing your U.S. passport via DHL. Limited consular public services will be offered (cash; exact change required): Adult U.S. passport renewal – BZ$220 or US$110 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-82, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page Child U.S. passport renewal – BZ$210 or US$105 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-11, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page, birth certificate + 1 photocopy, each parent’s ID + 1 photocopy. BOTH parents must be present if listed on birth certificate. Fee for first adult renewal after age 16 is BZ$270 or US$135. Notary services – BZ$100 or US$50

Arbitrators Called to Office
On the 27th September 2017 trained Arbitrators were sworn in as Court-Connected Arbitrators under the Supreme Court of Belize before the Chief Justice, Honourable Kenneth Benjamin. The Chairman of the Court’s Mediation and Arbitration program, Justice Courtney Abel, in addressing the Arbitrators emphasized the seriousness of the Oath. Justice Abel told the Arbitrators that it’s a serious responsibility and he hopes that they take it seriously. He added that the future reputation and conduct of the court and any arbitration proceedings is now in the hands of the Arbitrators.

INDEPENDENCE CHILDREN'S RALLY 2017
Lots of photos!

BCCI responds to PM on fuel prices
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) welcomes the Prime Minister’s public assurance that the pump prices of fuel will drop by mid October 2017 with the arrival of the next fuel shipment. With taxes comprising up to 43% of end prices to the consumer, Government is in the best position to manage pump prices for the benefit of every consumer and every economic activity.The BCCI urges the government once again to formalize a long-term fuel pricing policy as part of a comprehensive and well-thought-out tax strategy. Such a policy would ease the burden on consumers and the private sector, and would promote local business, investment, and spending.

Miss Belize at Miss America Latin Del Mundo

2017 Mr. Belize Bodybuilding Competition
Join me in wishing Rigo Vellos much success in the 2017 Mr. Belize Bodybuilding Competition coming up this Saturday October 7th at the Bliss in Belize City. Rigo will be looking to win the Championship title for the 6th Year!! Trust me, it doesn't get any easier for my brother after five years of hardwork in the gym, but he IS the face of dedication and determination!! Let's go Rigo!! Make history!!

See & Taste Belize 2017
Today we travel back to the South and introduce another new Chef joining See & Taste Belize 2017! Chef Dean Uren representing the newly built Itz'ana Resort and Residences, "where adventure meets luxury", is a professional Chef who has worked with some of the best Chefs in the world! Today he is enjoying the tropical life in beautiful Placencia, bringing his passion and flair for cuisine by merging the exotic spices of Belize with his international culinary experience. Chef Dean will be creating a Chicken Creole with yellow ginger and a smoky Black Bean Puree with Sweet Potato and Jicama Chips!!!

Rotaract Benque Cancer Walk
The Rotaract Club of Benque is having a Cancer Walk and a Cancer Run, next Sunday, October 15th. "Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo Present Cancer Walk & Run 2017. Register |Today for the Cancer Run at benquecancerrun2017@gmail.com You can also register for Cancer Run on October 15th from 6:15am to 7:00am at Centennial Park in Benque Viejo. Registration Fee $10.00 Runners will be transported from Centennial park to starting line "chi'al" after registration ends.

Travel Agent Forum 2017
BTB Travel Trade Team representing Belize at this year's Travel Agent Forum 2017 in Miami

2nd Copa Mundial Pok Ta Pok at Guatemala
A very proud moment to welcome and congratulate Ek' Balam Team for successful winning the 2nd Copa Mundial Pok Ta Pok at Guatemala. John in to congratulate them in this historical milestones as Guerreros Mayas! Special thanks to Mrs. Felicita Cantun for keeping our culture alive.

2017 Coastal and River Cleanup
San Pedro Columbia RC

Update on the Erwin Rdriguez missing person case
The search date set for friday october 6th 2017 we meet at the shaddiah church at 9am sharp to go over to the area Upon receiving reliable info on what had allegedly happened Erwin and the pissible location of his body a search was conducted on sunday 1st october 2017 in the plantation and dikes area of Jane Usher Boulevard in port loyola area this is approximately one month after an initial search which was done 3 days after Erwin went missing, yielding the slippers of Erwin Rodriguez , an expended 12 gauge shot gun shell and blood drops on some leaves and a trail . At this point scenes of crime took pics and blood swabs . The immediate action that police should have taken was to search the canals as well and they failed to do so .

Channel 7

Shocking Broad Daylight Murder of Teen In San Pedro
San Pedro Town is reeling tonight from another murder - and this one happened in broad daylight in plain view of the public. At 11:30 AM, 18 year old Christian Contreras and 28 year old Ryan Lucas were walking on a side street heading unto Laguna Drive in the Boca Del Rio area. This is not known as one of the crime ridden areas of San Pedro, and that's why it was so shocking when a men rode up on bicycle and opened fire - clearly seen by passersby. According to the San Pedro Sun, witnesses heard the shooter say, quote, "So are you guys the Doritos gangs?" They say that's when he took out his gun and fired several shots at the pair and then sped off on his bicycle.

"Sonny" Slain By Friend
Back in Belize City, another confrontation among friends has led to the second city murder for this week. 29 year old Dorian Sutherland also known as Sonny was gunned down and killed yesterday evening around 5:00 in Lake Independence. Our news team was out on the scene and yesterday, police gave us a briefing on the information they had so far. Well, tonight we have more details for you on why a father of 2 was executed. Courtney Weatherburne reports. The blaring horn may have muffled this woman's sobs and screams but it could never block out the reality that her boyfriend's dead body was being carted away in the pan of a police truck.

Another Charged For The Murder of Bullet Tree Butcher
So, while Belize City police try to solve that murder from yesterday evening, Dangriga Police say that they've been steadily making progress with the murder of 46 year-old Bullet Tree butcher, Luis Sierra. We told you yesterday how they charged Saul Campos with murder, and Lyndon Lewis with conspiracy to robbery. Campos is believed to have been the gunman who shot Sierra, and Lewis was the property owner in the Valley Community where Sierra's body was found. He was charged with conspiracy because police believe that he lured Sierra to his property, with false promises of a business transactions to sell cattle.

Bze City Council Struggles To Make Payroll, Almost 200 Sanitation Workers Suffer
Today, many of the Belize City Council's 172 sanitation workers were standing in line at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union, waiting for their end of September pay - which was due from last week Friday. But, sources tell us that the money just wasn't there because the council is struggling to meet payroll - since this is the time of the year when revenue dips the lowest. So, the money - almost a hundred thousand dollars - was not deposited at the HRCU, simply because the council didn't have it to deposit. Today, City Councillor and Mayoral Aspirant Dion Leslie strongly disputed that characterization though; he insisted that the council put in the payroll, and tried to shift blame to the financial institutions. We asked him about the severe inconvenience to workers:...

Sanitation Workers' Union Boss Says No Pay, No Work
But the Christian Workers Union, which represents many of the sanitation workers doesn't want to hear nay of the blame-gaming. Today, their president said the problem is not with any banking institution or credit union, it's with the council's weak cash flow - and it's a chronic problem:... Dale Trujeque, President - CWU: "Apparently this is not the first time the pay was a little late in recent weeks. And so people become very agitated, the information the information gets out." "There seems to be a claim that there was some mix up, something went awry. I have an issue with that. It cannot go awry with all the financial institutions. So, if it went awry, it probably went awry at the source, that is to release the money. That's how I view it."

PUP Still Can't Declare A Slate For Belize City Council
Going back now to Councillor Leslie, he's now assuming the foreground usually reserved for Mayor Darrell Bradley, and with it comes the stiff, bracing winds of council controversies. To his credit, he didn't shy away when he could have easily said that's a problem of the current mayor's making. And maybe Leslie is comfortable enough to take on those challenging issues, because, right now, it's like he's running unopposed for Mayor. The PUP still hasn't announced its Belize City council slate, and according to Leader John Briceno, it's coming soon, though there's still no fixed date:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "We want to do something slightly different. That is why we believe that by the middle of this month of October, we're going to have a convention. We're going to rally the people in the city to present the team that is going to represent the PUP in the next municipal election.

BNTU Turning Strike Story Into History
Exactly 1 year ago, the Belize National Teachers Union went on the first-day of its historic 11-day strike against the Barrow Administration. It was the union's firm and unyielding call for good governance which forced GOB to agree to its demands for things such as the Senate Hearings on Immigration, the signing of the UNCAC, the accession to the 13th Senator, and the reactivation of the Integrity Commission. They single-handedly managed to do what no other anti-government groups could do; which is, to force the hand of the Prime Minister to do what he had sworn against. And so, today, the union launched a documentary on the 11-day strike. It's simply called "Eleven Days", and it was produced by Krem Television.

BNTU Waiting For An Update From The PM
The BNTU's executive officers also announced this evening that they've been trying to get a progress report from the Prime Minister. They want to know exactly how far the Government has gotten in the implementation of the items from their 8 demands. They ended their strike when the Prime Minister promised to implement most of them, and today, the President and the First Vice President of the union told the media that the PM's response has been inadequate, in their opinion.

Claver College Teachers Down South Not Happy
And while the BNTU celebrates its strike journey while it keeps the fires burning, teachers down South are just starting their campaign. Yesterday the teachers from the Claver College Extension were on a go slow. None of them showed up at their classes that start at 6:00 in the evening. The Director told our colleagues at PGTV that the government is not paying the usual stipend to the teachers and they are not happy about that at all. Andre Price, Dir., Claver College Extension - PG: "The teachers as of today are going on a small go slow protest against the school for their little financial stipend that they received once a month. The stipend that we were looking at was from the government of $6,000 a month for 10 months of the year."

Regulating the Pharma Industry
The Ministry of Health is stepping up regulations for pharmacies and pharmaceutical importers. They note that there are only 23 duly licensed pharmaceutical importers and wholesalers, and 37 licensed retail pharmacies. That's in contrast to the 50 wholesalers and 120 retail pharmacies countrywide - meaning that 13 importers and at least 80 pharmacies are not properly licensed. And the Ministry says that if they don't have a license, you cannot be sure that they meet the necessary, government-prescribed requirements and standards. The list of all suppliers and retailers that hold a license will be published on the Ministry of Health website on November 1st, so the Ministry is inviting all those pharma-companies that have not applied for a license to do so as soon as possible.

39 Court Arbitrators Sworn In
Many times on this newscast, we've talked about the backlog of cases in the courts. Using court appointed arbitrators is seen as a major way of getting those cases disposed of more expeditiously. Towards that end, today, 39 Arbitrators were sworn in as Court-Connected Arbitrators before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The list includes many lawyers, senior counsels, magistrates and former magistrates. They were selected under and rigorous vetting process by the Courts National Mediation/ Arbitration Committee. Chairman of the Court's Mediation and Arbitration program, Justice Courtney Abel, told the Arbitrators that it's a serious responsibility and he hopes that they take it seriously.

Chamber Says Yes To Lower Fuel Prices, Urges GOB to Come Up With A Fuel Price Formula
Last week the Prime Minister promised that pump prices for fuel would come down by mid-October. Well, the Chamber of Commerce today issued a statement saying, "right on!" But they note that with taxes comprising up to 43% of the pump price, quote, "Government is in the best position to manage pump prices for the benefit of every consumer and every economic activity." The chamber also urges government to "formalize a long-term fuel pricing policy as part of a comprehensive and well-thought-out tax strategy."

Erwin's Mother Needs Divers
As we told you last night, 17 year old Erwin Rodriguez is still missing. His family and church have persisted in a tireless search but it has become challenging because they have reached deep ponds and swamps that they are not equipped to dive. His mother says that help form the authorities was very limited until now. She says that after Kelvin Usher was found more help finally started to trickle in for the Rodriguez family. Reporter: "How has search efforts been? Has it just been you or have you gotten assistance?" Sylvia Rodriguez, Mother: "Before it was just we the church members, but now have some people helping us like Mr. Jose Espat and another lady named Karen, she is helping us after the search for Kelvin Usher, so from there they decided to help us too."

FFB Going For Election Again
A month ago, we told you about the FFB's extra-ordinary congress, which couldn't get anywhere closer to the elections for a new President and Vice President. Well, on December 3, they're going to hold their 11th Ordinary Congress, and it appears that those elections may actually happen. In a letter to the FFB member affiliates, Secretary General Earl Jones writes that this congress will take place at the Princes Ramada Hotel in Belize City, and it will include an election for the posts of FFB President and FFB Vice President. We'll be there, and we'll tell you how that goes - but with he last three elections being problematic or abortive, we won't hold our breath waiting for a happy ending.

The Dream Of A Sustainable City
Today the IDB held a session for the City Council's senior staff at the Biltmore. They are engaging them on the concept of a sustainable city. Its part of an ongoing discussion and Councillor Dion Leslie explained that it's possible:... Dion Leslie, City Councillor: "I believe the IDB team has been in the country various times talking and discussing with all the stakeholders on how to create a sustainable city for today, tomorrow and the coming years. And it's something the city council we have to be on board with. It is our city we are the municipal body, we are the municipal government and so we lead the charge in, you know, providing a city where everyone wants to live, a city that's safe, a city that can accompany the growth that we want to see that we want to see, accommodate the growth that we want to see we have to be on board with."

The Lesson Of Teacher's Street
We also asked Leslie about the City Council's plan for the recently paved Teacher's Street in the west Landivar area. It's become a main link between Blue Marlin Drive and University Drive which are also paved. But the narrow street is struggling to keep up with the traffic. Leslie explained: Dion Leslie, City Councilor: "Those who do traffic Teachers Street in the morning it's been an issue since we've concreted the street. We've upgraded it, the street became a little narrow that it was before and you do have vehicles parking on the side, so the morning commute for those coming and going from that area, it's been a headache, because it's not openly a two-way street, so we said let's look at it, let's do it for one week...

Making Moves With Morocco
Yesterday at the Biltmore, there was a conference for the Belize Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation project. The project is funded by the World Bank and the main focus is on the development of the marine and the coastal resources of the country and how best to protect the Marine life. Representatives from Morocco were also present at the conference to have an exchange of ideas with the Belizean representatives. CEO Yvonne Hyde explained more. Yvonne Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum: "It looks at how best to protect them. How best to ensure that the person living along the coast using the resources of the coast but at the same time in a sustainable manner."

Channel 5

Teenager Gunned Down in San Pedro; Another Wounded, 2 Suspects Detained
There was a brazen murder just before midday on San Pedro. Teenager Christian Contreras was gunned down as he was hanging out with a friend outside of a bar in [...]

Police Intervene to Stop Drug-Related Killings on Island
While police will not say why eighteen-year-old Christian Contreras was killed, it is widely believed that is linked to the drug problem on the island. Several of the killings in [...]

Police Hunt Brazen Killer of Dorian Sutherland Following Fatal Argument
In the Old Capital, police continue to look for a man that committed a brazen murder around five o’clock on Monday on La Croix Boulevard. Dorian Sutherland, a father of [...]

Cops Know & Seek Killer of Daniel Anderson
Meanwhile, police say they know who fired the fatal shots outside of Bismark Club following a birthday celebration which killed Daniel Anderson and left two others hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. [...]

City Council Scrambles to Fix Payroll Problem at H.R.C.U.
No worker likes to be left high and dry at the bank or credit union on payday, and so the complaints of sanitation workers since Friday have been reaching ears [...]

Credit Union Says Payment Reached Them at Noon Today
Shortly after our interview, the Council’s Director of Finance Marilyn Ordonez confirmed through public relations officer for the Council, Shane Williams, that the H.R.C.U. problem had been resolved and workers [...]

Chicken Dread Vs CitCo, Round 3: This Time He Faces Obstruction Charge
Paul “Chicken Dread” Ferguson is once again at odds with the City Council. Back on September fifth, we reported that Ferguson had a fallout with members of the police department [...]

1 Year Later, B.N.T.U. Defiant as Strike Documentary Released
Time does fly, and it is now exactly one year since the Belize National Teachers’ Union walked out of their classrooms and took to the streets in green t-shirts. They [...]

New B.N.T.U. Prez Proud of Documentary
B.N.T.U. President Elena Smith pronounced herself satisfied with the documentary and said that proceeds from sales would be split with Kremandala Limited as producers. The B.N.T.U.’s portion, she said, would [...]

OCEANA Pushes Best Practices for Sustainable Marine Environment
At the next meeting of the House in mid-October, a bill will be introduced on the indefinite moratorium against offshore oil exploration activity. The content has not been circulated and [...]

The P.U.P.’s Prescription for Keeping Fuel Prices Down
After reaching some of their highest levels this year, fuel prices are expected to moderate with the coming shipment of petroleum from Venezuela, as part of a restarted Petrocaribe program. [...]

Opposition Wants 3 Questions Answered by Senate Inquiry
Fallout continues from Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s decision to stop further allocations to the Senate Special Select Committee beyond November. At first the Prime Minister contended that further funding was [...]

Briceño Says G.S.U. for Rogue ex-Ministers Turned Immigration Agents
On Saturday, following the National Party Council of the P.U.P., Briceño reiterated a party position on the Gang Suppression Unit. He has recommitted to disbanding the unit in a future [...]

B.N.T.U. Strike Back On? Union Planning and Waiting
There are rumblings on the streets that the B.N.T.U. is ready to resume their strike, and the hard, militant talk at today’s launch certainly stirred up old emotions and feelings. [...]

‘Noh Play Smart!’ B.N.T.U. Will Hit Back at P.M.
As you heard earlier, the Teachers’ Union has not taken kindly to Prime Minister Dean Barrow attempting to go around them in his response to their letter seeking an update [...]

B.N.T.U. to Students: Proud Of You, We Have Your Back!
The disappearance and return of Kelvin Usher last week touched many, especially students of Saint John’s College Junior College, which counted him as a classmate and friend. Many of them [...]

City Council Thinks It Should Not Pay G.S.T.; Audit Says It Owes $5 Mil
Earlier this year, the Auditor General’s annual report for 2012-2013 cited multiple instances of irregularities in several government departments, particularly the Ministries of Works and Education and the Belize Defence [...]

Courts Name New Arbitrators
A team of thirty-nine professionals completed training and took the oath as Court Connected Arbitrators under the Supreme Court of Belize in late September.  The Chairman of the Court’s Mediation [...]

Belize Connects with Morocco on Marine and Coastal Development
The Kingdom of Morocco is all the way in Africa, but that huge country with a population of thirty-two million plus, shares commonalities with Belize. This week, representatives from Morocco [...]

LOVE FM

PUP to hold national convention on November 26
The People’s United Party’s National Party Council met on Saturday at the Saint Catherine Academy auditorium in Belize City. Before the meeting ended, a resolution was passed which set November 26 as the day when the PUP will hold a national convention. The post of Party Leader which John Briceno currently holds, along with other […]

PUP to challenge Parke’s appointment to the Court of Appeal
The People’s United Party has decided to mount a challenge against the appointment of Franz Parke as a Justice to the Court of Appeals. At a press conference last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that Parke will make a fine Justice of the Court of Appeals. According to Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, […]

Briceno comments on Integrity Commission
Last month, the Integrity Commission published the names of persons in public life who have yet to declare their financial affairs for 2016. The list included ten members of the National Assembly and twenty-two city and town council members. The Commission, in following with the Prevention of Corruption Act, submitted a list of these persons […]

Briceno comments on Senate Hearings
During a press conference last week Thursday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked about Government’s decision to cut off funding for the Senate Hearings. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize National Teacher’s Union have expressed discontent with Government’s decision. Last week, PM Barrow told reporters that if the Senate Special Select […]

Briceno says: “Let GSU deal with ex-UDP ministers”
During last week Senate hearing, the current Immigration Director Diana Locke revealed that two ex-UDP ministers are acting as agents in the Department. Briceno also spoke on the matter. John Briceno, Opposition Leader “I do believe that it is wrong that just by them showing their face out there it gives the impression as if […]

Briceno says: “When PUP comes into power, they will dissolve GSU”
When 17 year old Kelvin Usher went missing in Lucky Strike Village, many had blamed the GSU for having something to do with it. Demonstrations were staged in which Usher’s friends and family demanded answers. It was last week Thursday that Usher was found and returned to his family. While the GSU were absolved of […]

Man murdered in the St. Martin’s area leaves residents in shock
At the top of the newscast, we told you about the murder that happened less than an hour ago. The victim has been identified as Dorian Sutherland who was shot while in the Saint Martin’s Area of Belize City. Our News team has returned from the scene where the Head of the CIB, Superintendent Alejandro […]

Amandala

PM Barrow to hire help for CJ Benjamin
The government will hire two retired judges from the Caribbean to assist Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin with his backlog of cases, some of which date back to about five years ago. Prime Minister Dean Barrow made the announcement last Thursday at a press conference at the Best Western Biltmore Hotel. “…the Chief Justice has agreed to accept assistance from two retired judges from the Caribbean. These are persons found by Sir Dennis Byron, the president of the CCJ, assistance that we have to pay for, of course, but that’s not really an issue,” Barrow said in his answer to a question about the matter of the delayed judgment. Barrow went on to explain that the government is not totally broke, that it can afford to take care of this necessary requirement to keep the ship of state afloat.

Dorian Sutherland murdered by “longtime” friend
The nation’s latest murder victim, a car washer, was reportedly murdered by his longtime friend, a taxi driver, shortly after 6 o’clock tonight. According to eyewitness accounts, the car washer, Dorian “Sonny” Sutherland, who reportedly was in his mid-twenties, was on Lacroix Boulevard with some associates when an argument ensued with the taxi driver. Sutherland was reportedly heard telling the taxi driver that he had “violated him”, and so he would “deal with him.” According to reports, the taxi driver then entered his black car and left the area. Minutes later, however, he returned.

Daniel “Danny” Anderson, 32, gunned down outside Bismark
Four children are fatherless after Daniel “Danny” Anderson, 32, was gunned down while celebrating his brother-in-law’s birthday at a night club on the south side of Belize City. Police reports indicate that sometime around 3:00 on Sunday morning, Anderson and friends of his were at the popular Bismark night club on Queen Charlotte Street in the Yarborough area when a quarrel broke out between two groups. Things escalated quickly and a man who had been partying with the crowd drew his pistol and opened fire into the same crowd he had been partying with, which had gone outside the club.

3 Guatemalan cops show up in Barranco
Chairman of Barranco Village, Dale Gutierrez, has confirmed to Amandala that he has received a report from one of his villagers, Dave Alvarez, that three Guatemalan police officers turned up in the village last Wednesday, claiming that they had been sent to the Sarstoon area to pick up a dead body. When the Guatemalan cops were told by Barranco villagers where they were, they claimed that they had gotten lost – a claim which many critics do not believe. After being told that they were in Barranco, Toledo District, the officers immediately got in their boat and left, Gutierrez said.

Aunt afraid of nephew; pulls charges in court
Edwin Perdomo, who was charged with three offences that were of a violent nature, was freed of them when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, and was bonded over to keep the peace for 18 months. If he breaks the bond he will have to pay $1,000 or serve one year in jail. Perdomo’s charges were aggravated assault with a knife, common assault and damage to property. He was bonded over to keep the peace after the complainant, his aunt, Bertha Monjaras, testified that she did not want any further court action.

One of 9 finalists for 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, Belize’s Kaina Martinez seeks assistance from fans and media
This is no small feat, Belizeans! Though she was inexplicably overlooked by Belizean officials for last year’s Summer Olympic Games in Brazil, Belize’s Track & Field superstar Kaina Martinez has achieved the unprecedented accolade of being among the 9 finalists for the prestigious NCAA 2017 Woman of the Year Award. To better appreciate the enormity of this achievement, we reproduce below a part of an article from the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) web site.

The great Hogan visits the Jewel
No, it is not “Hulk Hogan;” but in terms of the resonance of his name upon generations of Belizean footballers in the U.S., and I suspect a few old-timers back home as well, he might just as well be. You can hardly hold a football conversation with any Belizean from the diaspora, without the name “Hogan” popping up, so impacting has been his involvement in Belize football teams over the past three plus decades in L.A. And there is never any hint of disrespect for Hogan by veteran ‘ballers returning home on visits or to stay – guys like Winty J (Vincent Johnson), Russell “Cheezy” Hulse, Wayne “Hog Man” Olivera, the late Rupert “Canalete” Anderson, Solomon “Salo” Usher, Maurice “Magic” Francis, Edward “Lilly White” Rubio, and most recently Anton “Cador” Thurton, and others.

Placencia closes gap on Big 4 at Week 8 of PLB Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season has passed the regular season halfway mark, and the race to the Top 4 playoffs is slowly heating up. In Week 8 games over the weekend, three of the “Big 4” standings leaders posted victories, but BDF lost to Placencia Assassins, who are “knocking on the door,” a mere 3 points behind BDF in the standings. (See standings below.) On Saturday night at the San Pedro Stadium, Jesse Smith (45’) gave home standing San Pedro Pirates the lead at half-time; but Belmopan Bandits SC rebounded with second half goals from Elroy Smith (72’ PK) and Armando Gaitan (84’), to secure the 2-1 road victory. Meanwhile, at the M.A. Stadium in Independence, it was Placencia Assassins with the 3-1 win over visiting BDF FC. The Assassins got a goal apiece from Alexander “Pleck” Peters (20’), Luis “Baaka” Torres (38’) and Alden Foreman (65’); while Vallan Symms (29’) scored for BDF.

BDFA Interoffice Football semifinals results, finals schedule
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Interoffice Football Tournament 2017 knockout semifinals were concluded with two games played at the MCC Grounds on Thursday, September 28. In the opener, Ramada Eco Nature bombed BTL, 4-0, with goals from Steven Baizer (3’ & 11’), Antonio Barrera (54’) and Sarah Arzu (62’). And in the nightcap, Belize City Council (BCC) had to come from behind to clip Brodies, 2-1, with a goal each from Edon “Yellowman” Rowley (40’) and Daren Leal (44’), after Travyon Martinez (18’) had given Brodies the early lead. The championship finals will be held next week Thursday at the MCC:

Editorial: Belize and the Trump presidency
In their presidential election of November 2008, the power structure of the United States of America offered America and the world a Black American President – Barack Obama. It was a euphoric moment for African Americans and for people of color all over planet earth. That is for sure. The more optimistic people of color and sympathetic Caucasians conceived of this moment as indicative of a post-racial era in the United States, but after the celebrations were over, cold, hard facts introduced themselves. Accommodationist and assimilationist Black people do not like to confront this, or to have hard-nosed commentators say or write it, but the American power structure is a white supremacist power structure. Those of us outside America can see it in how American foreign policy operates. Inside America itself, the African American masses know what time it is where “Mr. Charlie” is concerned. So yes, African Americans voted for Barack, “he was one of ourn,” as we would say, but it was the American power structure who put him in the White House, and they chose very well indeed. Barack’s eight years in the American presidency were smooth, dignified, and, also and alas, cruel, whenever the power structure called for Barack to behave thus.

THE ANALOGUE POLITICAL PARTY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Dear Editor, Kenya’s youngest president, Uhuru Kenyatta, had his 8th August, 2017 re-election to a new presidential term recently nullified by Kenya’s Supreme Court. This was unprecedented in the annals of justice in Africa. Kenyatta, (popularly called Kamwana, meaning “young man”) now faces a re-run on 26th October, 2017. Though, this is now uncertain, due to opposition party fears and that of the Kenyan section of the International Commission of Jurists over the Kenyatta government’s undue meddling with and undermining of Kenya’s electoral commission. According to John Githongo, the respected anti-corruption campaigner, Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration was “the most corrupt in Kenya’s history”. Kenyatta, however, calls himself “the digital president” and refers to his main and formidable contender, Raila Odinga, as an “analogue politician”.

Stake Bank without the causeway ???
Dear Editor, Whilst Belize was in a festive mode for the September celebrations, the government decided to finally sign the contract for the Stake Bank tourism project, which will see the construction of a berthing facility on the Stake Bank Caye located five miles east of Belize City. Usually when big deals like these are signed during this time of year, it’s because these projects contain major flaws that need to be hidden. This particular project has been on the table for approval for several years but has never made the light of the day until now. Why? Because they have decided to remove the most important part of the project — the five-mile causeway which will totally eliminate the tendering process. The cruise ship has always had major issues with smaller boats bringing in their guests from the ship to shore and the authorities are fully aware of this.

RIGHT TO THE POINT: Kelvin Usher ran for his life? …. GSU has lots to answer to!
At this time, however, I find it fitting to revisit a story aired on Channel 7 and done by Jules Vasquez in April 2011, one year after the GSU was sanctioned and six months after it started operations under the Command of ASP Marco Vidal. Jules Vasquez reporting: Officer-in-Training: “Load!””Make weapons ready!” This is the MT-9, a weapon designed strictly for law enforcement. It uses 9 millimeter rounds but works like a machine gun. The GSU is the only police unit using it and yes, they are also the only unit authorized to wear masks.These are only two of the aspects of specialization afforded this elite unit.We caught up with them during training for a scenario the capture of what they call a high value target:

Sincerely naïve
I remember where I was when the announcement came over the radio that young Derek Aikman had defeated PUP icon and Father of the Nation, George Price, in 1984. I was at a table in my father-in-law’s bar, drinking with my brother-in-law, Kenrick Banner, and a Camalote legend named Heraldo Martinez. I don’t know how Kenrick and I didn’t knock over our bottle of rum. We both leapt off our stools. I can’t forget how old Heraldo reacted to the news. He bawled. I had love for the old brother so I felt for him. That night, he was just at the wrong table. That was a good man (Price); that was a good man, he said. He was right. George Price did a lot for land reform in this country. And Heraldo’s family had done okay by it. In 1984, I was a red believer. My mother’s first cousin, Dean Lindo, was a prominent member of the UDP at the time. And my mother was a lifelong voter for Goldson and the NIP. I knew that my father, Charles B Hyde, supported the PUP, but he never discussed his politics in his house. Naturally, as a youth I stood with my mother.

The search continues for Erwin Rodriguez, 17, missing for 38 days
Erwin Rodriguez, 17, a student of Ground Dove Street, Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City, has been reported missing since Thursday, August 24. He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, knee-length Dickies pants, and blue and grey Old Navy slippers. He has tattoos on both arms. His family and the police are conducting extensive searches for him, but he has not yet been found. The search party was searching in the Dykes area off Fabers Road, and one of his slippers was found, but there was no sight of him.

Luis Sierra, 46, lured to his death in Valley Community
On Thursday afternoon, at about 2:30, Luis Sierra, 46, a butcher and businessman of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo, was ambushed and shot at a farm in Valley Community, Stann Creek District, where he and a friend had gone to inspect some cattle. Sierra used his cell phone to call his family and friends, telling them that he had been shot and that he was dying. They immediately alerted Dangriga police, who went to the area to look for him. Ramon Teck, 30, of Bullet Tree, who was with Sierra, told police that after shooting Sierra, his killer, who had been hiding in some bushes, chased him, Teck, and tried to shoot him, but the gun snapped. After the gun failed to fire, the bandit, who was unknown to them, escaped into the bushes.

CCJ opens new session with three Belize cases listed for October
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) opened its new session today, and listed on the court’s calendar for this month are three cases of public interest. Solicitor General Nigel Hawke told Amandala that the court is expected to call up a matter on October 17 in the appeal by the Belize Bank Limited, in its dispute with the Government of Belize over the payment of a debt guarantee for Universal Health Services, now Belize Health Care Partners Limited. The lower court had ruled that enforcing the arbitral award—which has also been upheld in US courts, is contrary to public policy in Belize, but the bank is persisting with its request for Belize’s final appellate court to uphold the award. It is asking the CCJ for special leave to appeal. At last report, the monetary award had virtually doubled to roughly $70 million.

Cop who refused to pay for food charged with aggravated assault with a firearm
Corporal Steven Parham, 39, one of three officers who allegedly refused to pay for chow mein they ordered from New Asia Restaurant, was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm in public when he appeared today before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. Parham pleaded not guilty to the charges. Because the offences were committed with a firearm, the court could not offer him bail. He was remanded into custody until November 22.

Breaking Belize News

Chamber welcomes PM’s comments on gas prices, calls for crack down on tax evaders
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in a release this evening, welcomed Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s recent public assurance that fuel prices at the pump will drop by mid-October with the arrival of the next shipment.

San Pedro murder victim identified
A man shot and killed in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro town this morning has been identified as 18-year-old Christian Contreras.

Court-Connected Arbitrators Called to Office
On the September 27, 2017 , trained Arbitrators were sworn in as Court-Connected Arbitrators under the Supreme Court of Belize before the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin.

Conspirator in Luis Sierra’s murder out on bail
Police have arrested and charged two men in connection with last Thursday’s murder of Luis Sierra. Saul Campos, 34, and Lyndon Lewis, 31, have been arrested and charged for ‘murder’ and ‘conspiracy to commit robbery’ respectively. Lewis has since been let out on bail.

Third Mexico-Belize Bi-national Seminar on health cooperation
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize, in collaboration with the University of Belize, the University of Quintana Roo, and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Unidad Chetumal, is hosting a three-day bi-national seminar under the theme “Cooperation on Health Mexico-Belize”. The seminar will be held from October 4-6 at ECOSUR, Chetumal Campus.

Kendis Gibson returns to Belize
By Zoila Palma: Journalist and News Anchor, Kendis Gibson, a Belizean native residing in the United States is returning to his homeland this week. Gibson is returning to Belize for the second time this year after being away for eleven years.

US Embassy hosts open house
On Friday, September 29, the United States Embassy’s Consular Section hosted it’s first-ever open house for representatives from government offices, non-profits, travel agencies, internet cafes and others who assist with filling out visa applications.

Region braces for possible development of new hurricane
With Hurricanes Lee and Maria’s departure to the United Kingdom, the Caribbean region had been void of named tropical systems. According to AccuWeather, a new threat could be developing near the western Caribbean or Florida in the next ten days.

New requirements for pharmaceutical facilities
The Ministry of Health issued a release today informing the general public that effective November 1st, 2017, all pharmaceutical facilities will be required to have a Ministry of Health Certificate of Registration License in order to provide pharmacy services to the public.

Briceno says GSU should remove ex UDP ministers from Immigration Office
Last Wednesday, Diana Locke, Director of Immigration Department, told the Senate Select Committee that there were two ex UDP Ministers who continue to intervene in the work of the Immigration Department.

Man killed in San Pedro
Our newsroom has just confirmed that a man was gunned down in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro town. Sometime before midday the unidentified man was riding his bicycle when someone opened fire on him.

More GREAT training underway
A training session of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program is underway at the Radisson in Belize City. The GREAT program is a US sponsored program aimed at targeting young students and educating them on peer pressure, how to ignore and report bullying, and how to deal with the issue of gangs and drugs.

Help Kayleigh find Pudding
Kayleigh is asking the public’s assistance in finding her missing pet, Pudding. Yesterday morning, Pudding was lost in San Ignacio.

Belize – Lessons from Chinese Shut Down
By Richard Harrison: This past Sunday the Chinese community shut down all their businesses in Belize to protest the recent murder and robbery of one of their own. Below are some lessons that can be learned from this experience:

Moist conditions to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to continue over most areas. Cloudy skies with a few showers, isolated thunderstorms, and periods of rain are expected mainly along the coast and in the north this morning. Inland and southern areas will experience some rain tonight.

Father cuts ten year old son with knife
Yesterday Henry Gillett, 30, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for wounding. He pled not guilty and was offered bail of $1,000.

Mahogany Heights men jailed for Belmopan robbery
Last Wednesday, Wei Jie Kuang reported to Belmopan police that his store was robbed at gun point.

Former GSU Commander Mark Flowers US Visa revoked?
According to a news report from 7 News Belize, Mark Flowers, the former GSU commander has had his US visa revoked. 7 News Belize is reporting that on Friday, Flowers was scheduled to fly to the USA to seek medical treatment; however...

Dorian Sutherland shot and killed in South Side, Belize City
Dorian Sutherland was shot and killed last night near the La Croix Boulevard area in South Side, Belize City. According to reports, the incident happened in an alley off Linda Vista and Police Streets.

Blogs

TEDxBelmopan: Inspiring Belize From the Ground Up
Everyone knows TED talks. It all started in 1984 as a one time media conference – featuring a handful of short talks about a new trend: the convergence of design, technology and entertainment. The talks have grown into a global phenomenon – viral videos sparking global discussions. Everyone knows TED talks. It all started in 1984 as a one time media conference – featuring a handful of short talks about a new trend: the convergence of design, technology and entertainment. The talks have grown into a global phenomenon – viral videos sparking global discussions. I was well early for the event Saturday morning. There as the ARMY of volunteers set up the coffee and the sign-in area, the johnny cakes and the elaborate tech needed in the presentation room, the gift baskets for the speakers and the interactive area.

October Events Calendar
My Belize calendar at this time of year is always fuller than my Canadian one was. Although we are still in slow season, October is shaping up to be a pretty busy month so far. Aside from all my favorite Halloween parties, there are lots of interesting events to enjoy. This year I am actually a bit behind on my costume planning considering I usually need about 3 for this island. Thankfully my friend Aimee is back in Texas for two weeks and willing to bring back a costume for me from Yandy my favorite online costume shop.

Yucatan Spider Monkeys
The Yucatan Spider Monkeys have black hair that is bristly and often matted. They also have a tan colour around their eyes, whiskers, chin and head area. Although males and females look similar, the female Spider Monkeys tend to be a little bigger in size but weigh less; their average weight is 19 pounds. This specie is well-known for their acrobatic talents-- the long, lanky arms and prehensile tails help them move gracefully from tree to tree. One long stride can cover up to 40 feet! Impressive! Their long tails are also used to eat, either by hanging in suspension or picking up food. As a result, they can consume large amounts of foods in little time. Their diet consists of fruits and seeds and the occasional leaves, flowers and decaying wood but they also eat insects and bird eggs on rare occasions. Where do they live? In large trees that contain vast amounts of fruits which can be the home of up to 100 monkeys! But they keep their distance from each other as they are quarrelsome feeders.

International Sources

Future Tropical Storm Nate Headed our way
Invest 90-L Located Over The Southwestern Caribbean: Satellite imagery and weather analysis indicates that an area of low pressure has formed over the southwestern Caribbean. This low pressure system is now designated Invest 90-L by the National Hurricane Center. Invest 90-L is producing shower and thunderstorm activity which seems to have increased some today. The environmental conditions across not only the southwestern Caribbean but also across the western and northwestern Caribbean are favorable for development and all signs are pointing towards that Invest 90-L will strengthen into Tropical Storm Nate by the end of this week and potentially Hurricane Nate as it heads for the northern US Gulf Coast this weekend into early next week. I think that the disturbance (Invest 90-L) is well on its way to becoming our next named storm. I think that there is at least a 80 percent chance that Invest 90-L will be Tropical Storm Nate by the time it reaches the northwestern Caribbean near the Yucatan Channel on Friday.

Earthquake Shakes Parts of Caribbean
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 rattled several Caribbean islands this morning, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) reported that the quake was felt in St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Grenada. It occurred at 8:08 a.m. and the epicenter was located 11 km north west of Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines...

Kelly McGuire, live in concert on October 4th
Belize Destination trip- Tres Amigos Captain Morgans Resort San Pedro, BZ. Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00pm. Belize Destination Trip Details Oct 4-9, 2017 Sunny Jim, Mark Mulligan and Kelly McGuire Tres Amigos go to Belize Host hotel Captain Morgan's Contact Sandy at kelly@redfishisland.com if you are interested in getting more information

Hidden Dangers Of The Coral Reef Crisis
As residents of Florida continue to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Irma, scientists analyzing the hurricane’s stronger-than-usual storm surges are pointing the finger at the weakened state of coral barriers along the Florida coast. Had there been a more robust coral reef structure in the Caribbean and along the Florida Reef Tract, the severity of Irma’s coastal flooding and wave run-up could have been greatly diminished. According to one 2014 analysis conducted by researchers from Stanford, the US Geological Survey, and the University of Bologna, coral reefs can take 97 percent of the energy out of incoming waves. None of this is surprising. It’s common knowledge that reefs -– which dissipate wave energy, act as surge breakwaters and reduce the effects of seaside erosion -– have an integral role in protecting and sustaining coastal communities. This begs an important question: given the stakes, why have the state of Florida and the federal government allowed such a vital reef to deteriorate so badly?

Tropical storm potential to increase in Gulf of Mexico, western Caribbean into next week
One or two tropical systems may develop over the next 10 days from the central Gulf of Mexico to the central Caribbean Sea. Because of the proximity to land, people may have little time to react and prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane. AccuWeather meteorologists are honing in on an area for rapid tropical development in the short term. A tropical disturbance was hovering just east of Nicaragua on Wednesday morning and may evolve into a tropical depression and storm at any time as it wanders toward the north-northwest and near the Yucatan Peninsula into Friday.

“World Heritage Coral Reefs” Exhibit opens in Paris
A stunning exhibit of the world’s most iconic coral reef systems opened today at the Aquarium of Paris. The display sheds light on the condition of these coral reef systems inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Through a series of photos, virtual reality experiences, films and educational activities for children, the exhibit will raise awareness of the unique diversity of these reefs and the impacts of climate change on them.

USA Diversity Visa application
Belizeans who would like to live in America should apply for this diversity visa lottery. I've known a couple of people from Belize who got accepted. The Diversity Visa application is now open. Check out the six steps in the process. The first is the free online application, which closes November 7, 2017.

Videos

October 3, 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

Ambergris Caye’s Madison Edwards and conservationist Luz Hunter get Ocean Hero Award
At the sixth annual Ocean Hero Award organized by Oceana in Belize, two outstanding Belizeans were awarded with the prestigious award on Saturday, September 30th, at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. The two recipients are career tour guide and conservation educator Luz Hunter from Burrell Boom in the Belize District, and 11-year-old student, Madison Edwards from Ambergris Caye. Both were recognized for their exceptional efforts in conserving Belize’s marine resources, the environment and its creatures for future generations to come.

Conch Season officially opens
On Sunday, October 1st, the 2017-2018 fishing season of the Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) officially opened. The season had been closed for the past three months since June. Conch represents a significant source of revenue for traditional fishermen on Ambergris Caye and across the country, which generates millions of dollars to the Belizean economy. The season usually runs from the 1st October until June 30th of the following year, however the season can close earlier if the conch quota is met before the end date. The BFD takes this opportunity to advise the general public that the Queen Conch shell should exceed seven inches in length, and that establishments should not have diced conch meat in their possession. Also they remind that conch flesh that has been processed as market clean, the weight should exceed three ounces, while filleted flesh which is completely processed white meat, should exceed 2.75 ounces. According to the Fisheries Department, penalties will be levied against failure to follow these regulations.

Belize Participates at Belgium’s First International Day of Cacao & Chocolate
Belize’s cacao and chocolate industry was highlighted at the inaugural Belgian edition of the International Day of Cacao and Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium on 1st October, 2017. The Embassy of Belize in Brussels and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) joined forces to represent Belize at the event in the center of Brussels, long acknowledged as a chocolate capital of the world. In addition to a successful booth showcasing a variety of Belize’s cacao and chocolate products, a special presentation on the trade and investment potential of Belize’s cacao industry was made by the Ambassador of Belize to Belgium, H.E. Dylan Vernon, and BelizeINVEST Manager of Investment Generation at BELTRAIDE, Mr. Hero Balani. The purpose of the day was to bring together cacao growers and chocolatiers to share experiences and ideas on how these key actors can work closer together in the cacao value chain. Hundreds of chocolatiers, cacao importers, and chocolate aficionados attended the event, as did Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders. The guests had the opportunity to view booths and attend presentations on a range of themes, including the bean-to-bar concept, environmental aspects of cacao cultivation, the health benefits of chocolate, and investment possibilities in producer countries. Apart from Belize, six other countries, mostly from Central America, showcased booths.

Ambergris Today

Oceana Announces Belize’s 2017 Ocean Hero Award Winners
San Pedro Student Madison Edwards and Tour Guide Luz Hunter exemplify heroic spirit - On Saturday, September 30, 2017, Oceana formally recognized two Belizeans as the 2017 Ocean Heroes. They are eleven-year-old student Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservation educator, Luz Hunter. Hunter has been exploring the wilds of Belize most of her life. Her youthful awareness of respect for wildlife and the importance of the sustainable use for the marine environment led her to a career in the tourism industry. Over the last three decades, Luz has earned the respect of both local and international university professors and industry regulators who rely on her encyclopedic knowledge of the local flora and fauna to educate students as well as fellow Belizeans working towards tour guides licenses.

Belize Participates At Belgium’s First International Day Of Cacao & Chocolate
Belize’s cacao and chocolate industry was highlighted at the inaugural Belgian edition of the International Day of Cacao and Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium on October 1, 2017. The Embassy of Belize in Brussels and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) joined forces to represent Belize at the event in the center of Brussels, long acknowledged as a chocolate capital of the world.

Belize Will Endorse Establishment Of Ray Sanctuary During Shark Workshop
The Belize Fisheries Department in partnership with the Florida International University, the Belize High Seas Fisheries Unit and with the support of the Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (OSPESCA) is pleased to announce some recent and significant achievements pertaining to the Sharks and Rays management and conservation initiatives in Belize. 1. A National Shark Working Group (NSWG) that was first established in 2012 was reactivated in 2016 and was given the responsibility for the revision and updating of the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA – Sharks).

Misc Belizean Sources

SuperHeroes, Weekend fun at Kids Planet
All children ages 5 to 13 years are invited. For more information contact Sagebrush's office at 632-7015.

National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, is celebrated as a day to acknowledge, honor and re-commit our support to older persons around the world and in our country. This year’s theme: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society;” is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons’ basic rights, needs, and preferences. In Celebration of International Day of Older Persons, the National Council on Ageing is pleased to be hosting the first National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons on October 5th, 2017. The National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons will bring together professionals from different sectors to discuss the rights of older persons, economic security, age-friendly health care and social support highlighting the crucial role of an ageing population in Belize’s development.

Stakeholder Consultations Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that it proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standard be declared compulsory Belize Standard: 1. The Belize National Standard Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Pre-packaged Food. Stakeholder consultation sessions will subsequently be held during the following dates with each session commencing at 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. Stakeholders are to note relevant session in proximity to their establishment.

See & Taste Belize 2017
Sparks will fly with this newcomer to See & Taste Belize 2017! Chef Luzmilda Montero trained by master Chef, Mrs. Susana Eiley, owner of the famous El Fogon Restaurant in San Pedro. Known for its "fiya hart" or fire pit cooking, which adds an earthy smoky flavor to their cooking, El Fogon Restaurant brings back fond memories of the way Belizeans used to cook (today a dying art). Chef Luzmilda will be impressing us with a favorite Belizean snack, Salbutes (crispy corn tortilla with chicken) as well as her scrumptious fish balls on coconut rice and tomato sauce!!!

New restaurant on Caye Caulker, Blue Beard French Restaurant
Hello every body! We are waiting for you today for the opening !! From 08am to 10pm. Come to discover ours 3 formulas for the breakfast , and our original menu made from France. Everyone is welcome!! We thanks a lot all persons at Belize who help us for this adventure!

CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO INDEPENDENCE EVE 2017
30 photos...

Poets Corner: Independence
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Is any country really independent? International relations suggests this all nonsense We are interdependent in essence This is quite essential for our existence International trade has become the formula for our subsistence Land and territory is the source of protest and resistance A country’s independence Is not solely dependent On any government But on the citizens commitments To contribute to their national development And their communal sustenance Like the Mennonites and Mayas for instance

Miss America Latina Del Mundo BELIZE 2017/2018
Miss America Latina Del Mundo BELIZE 2017/2018 is working arduously, committed and dedicated on rehearsals dressed by American Fashion Distributors . A heartfelt thank you to the proprietor and staff of AFD. Thank you once again for accompanying me through yet another journey!

Nat'l Garifuna Council of Belize 2nd Annual Black, White, & Yellow Gala
October 7th, 8pm-2am, Ecumenical Auditorium

Miss America Latina del Mundo 2017
The first approach to our beautiful delegates arriving from Latin America to Huatulco, Oaxaca, Barceló Huatulco Beach, the home of Miss America Latina del Mundo 2017.

The Flags of the Maya World(El Mundo Maya)
El Mundo Maya include Honduras,Belize,Salvador,Guatemala and Mexico. Belize is being represented by this Maya warriors from Ek Balam team of Yo Creek ,Orange Walk. Poktapok is our Ancient Maya sport .Los descendientes de los pueblos originarios del Mundo Maya estamos Vivos ,estamos aqui

SJCJC Wavemakers
Group photo

Welcoming our Maya warriors of Yo Creek village(Orange Walk),who are champions of El Mundo Maya mundial de PoktaPok . We are so proud of you Guys !!!! Kux'ano'on (we are alive)!!!!

Kelly McGuire in San Pedro
The fun begins this week for our 1st Group trip to Belize with 50+ people attending this year. I arrive on island today and will be finalizing the last minute details. Thank you to everyone that will be attending this year. It's going to be a great time, with shows, golf cart tour, cruise/snorkel trip and much more.

San Pedro Intermagia Magic Show
Today and tomorrow!

2017 Coastal and River Cleanup
Oceana Belize would like to express a huge “THANK YOU” to our Wavemakers and all the sensational Belizeans from across the country who came out on September 30th, 2017 to participate in the Annual Coastal and River Cleanup as a part of the global initiative: International Coastal Cleanup. Cleanups were carried out throughout various locations in Corozal, Sarteneja, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, Belize City, Belmopan, Cayo, Placencia, Hopkins, Georgetown, Independence, Golden Stream, Big Falls, and Punta Gorda. Those postponed due to bad weather will be happening in the coming weeks. For the past 26 years, Belize has participated in this event in an effort to rid our country of the pollutants that affect our waterways, coasts and marine environment. Every year through the coordination efforts of the Scouts of Belize Association, Oceana Belize, environmental clubs, organizations, and individuals across the country, hundreds of volunteers take to the beach, riverbanks, canals and lagoons to collect and remove garbage and other forms of debris from Belize’s waterways. Every article of trash is recorded and the information is sent to the Ocean Conservancy to document the state of marine debris in Belizean waters.

Channel 7

Late Evening Murder In Belize City
There were multiple shootings this weekend in which 6 people were injured, and one of them died. We'll tell you all about those incidents, but we start tonight with the breaking story of a late evening murder on the city's Southside. It happened near the La Croix Boulevard Area in an alley off Linda Vista and Police Streets. That's where Dorian Sutherland, was shot and killed. Not much is known at this time, and our news team just returned from the scene after speaking to Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo about the preliminary information they have:

Birthday Party Brawl Leads To Murder
A man was shot and killed in an after party clash early Sunday morning. 31 year old Daniel Anderson and a group of friends were at a birthday celebration at Bismark Club. There were a number of confrontations that erupted after the party, and it culminated in a shooting outside the club which left Anderson dead. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Ivarine Gomez, Sister Of Deceased: "All I know he was at some party with some friend at that place Bismark and something happened, they came out of the club they were all getting ready to go home and a gunman came and started shooting in the crowd, that's all I got." Courtney Weatherburne reporting: And it's in that early Sunday morning shooting that Gomez's brother Daniel Anderson was struck to the chest. Anderson, his girlfriend and a group of friends were at Bismark Club celebrating Alex Underwood's 28th birthday.

Two Charged For Killing Bullet Tree Butcher
On Friday, we took you to mile 18 on the Hummingbird Highway, where 46 year old Luis Sierra's family was looking for him. They found the butcher from Bullett Tree on a hillside, dead from a gunshot wound, and Dangriga police wrapped up the case with lightning quickness. They charged two suspects, plus they got the alleged murder weapon, with the expended shell still inside. The suspects are the same 2 suspects we told you about on Friday, but tonight, they have been charged so we can release their names; they are 34 year-old Saul Campos, and 31 year-old Lyndon Lewis. Tonight, Daniel Ortiz looks at how the two allegedly lured Sierra to his death.

Marcel's Murderer To Court
And the other alleged butcher killer was arraigned in Belize City today. 18 year old Hattieville resident Blake Lewis is accused of killing 62 year old Butcher Marcel Samuels. It happened on Friday on the Butcher Burns Road off mile 19 on the George Price Highway. Before 6:00 am, Samuels and his wife had just gotten off the bus to walk into their farm, when they were ambushed by two men on motorbike. One of them pulled up and shot Samuels in the head, while the other lashed his wife with a machete.

Two Shot By Driveby On George Street
At the top of the news we told you about Sunday's murder - in which two other persons were shot. But, all told, a total of 6 persons were shot in the city over the weekend. Two of them received their injuries on Saturday evening. They are 26 year old Emerson Faber and 28 year old Franklin Heusner. Police say they were hanging out on George Street when a gunman drove up in a vehicle and opened fire on them. Faber was hit to the right calf and Heusner was struck to his lower back. No one has been detained.

Man Treated and Released in Yabra Shooting
And another man was shot on Queen Charlotte Street on Saturday night around 10:25. It happened on the Yabra bridge - right up the street from Bismark Club where Anderson was killed on Sunday morning. In the Saturday night shooting, 22 year old Justin Coote told police that as he was heading down the street a man jumped out from a bushy lot and shot him to his upper back. The gunman got away and Coot was treated and released.

Life Somehow Spared in Sandhill Pileup
There was a major traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday, which left two vehicles completely wrecked, and put 3 people in the hospital. It happened within Sandhill between miles 14 and 15 at 10:00 am. Police say that 65 year-old Avril Alexander was northbound in a red Ford pickup when she lost control and slammed into an oncoming car, driven by 25 year-old Bayardo Orozco, from Ladyville. The front end of the car was destroyed and Orozco suffered a broken right leg, and a cut to his right forearm. Avril Alexander complained of pain all over her body, and her passenger, 61 year-old Arnufo Manzanero, told emergency personnel that his was experiencing pain in the chest area.

Bad News From Uncle Sam For Former GSU Commander
We haven't heard much from former GSU Commander, Mark Flowers since he was released on bail in July of 2016. He had been charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Not long after that, Flowers caught a stroke and he has been partially paralyzed since. He was hoping to catch a break on Friday when he was scheduled to fly out of the country to go to the US and seek treatment. But, it never happened because he wasn't allowed on the plane. As we understand it, the reason given to Flowers was because he had a pending case in Belize. So, his friends got all that cleared up at court this morning with a release signed by a Supreme Court Justice. But, fearing something else right be afoot, they also went to check with the US Embassy if Flowers is free to fly. We are reliably informed that the Embassy informed the person appearing for him that Flowers' visa has been revoked.

Briceno Calls Snap Nat'l Convention
The PUP celebrated its 67th birthday on Saturday with its quarterly National Party Council Meeting at the SCA Multipurpose Auditorium. But, it wasn't business as usual at all; party leader John Briceno surprised the gathering when he called for a National Convention to be held on Sunday, November 26th. It's a surprise because Briceno was just elected leader 18 months ago, and he has a two year term. The party constitution calls for conventions bi-annually in November, so the conventional wisdom was that he would hold off until next year November. But Briceno pulled the tigger early. On Saturday he told the media he wants a new mandate - but is it political positioning since there are some rumblings of discontent with his leadership?

Briceno Sees A Tipping Point
As you heard Briceno say, he wants a mandate to go all out after the UDP in advance of the municipal elections. Briceno notes the swell of student-led protest that came up so easily when Kelvin Usher went missing - and he takes that to mean that things have reached a tipping point against the UDP. Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "I do believe we are at a tipping point. If something like this that can trigger young people and the entire nation to be able to ready to stand up and say enough is enough, I think we are at a tipping point. It shows you that what have happen since the UDP got into government, they have been turning the police department into almost like a paramilitary force where they - now you have to get a recommendation from a minister to be able to join the police department and that is simply wrong."

PUP Says It Will Challenge Appointment of Justice of Appeal Parke
The PUP also passed a resolution to take legal action against the Barrow administration on matters related to good governance. One of those is the appointment of Justice of Appeal Franz Parke. The Opposition maintains he is not qualified and does not meet the standard set out in the constitution:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "Today we passed a resolution that we are going to challenge the Prime Minister's stance. We think it is unconstitutional. We believe that Frank Parke does not have the necessary qualifications. No other than the Caribbean Court of Justice made a ruling that whenever you are going to name somebody to the court of appeals, it needs to be somebody of high legal standing and we don't believe that Mr. Parke has that."

Opp. Leader Says PM Must Keep Funding Senate Hearings
The PUP is also resisting the Prime Minister's timeline for the Senate Inquiry into Immigration Irregularities. Originally, the Prime Minister had set out a deadline to stop providing funding in November; last week he indicated that - with a clear timeline - he would be willing to provide funding until December or January. Well, the opposition leader says that the PM should not dictate a timeline:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "Who is the Prime Minister to determine the length of a senate investigation? He was the very same person when he was leader of the opposition when we were in government pushing for a senate investigation and the senate investigation during the PUP time went on for about 2 years. You did not hear Said Musa as prime minister saying I'm not going to give them any more money. Same Minister Godwin Hulse was the one that flew to New York because he had to go and do his own investigation."

PUP Leader Says Send GSU For Immigration Agents
And regarding those two former ministers who are now influence peddling agents within the immigration department - Briceno urges the PM to send the GSU to eject them - since the Director has testified that she has tried to, and cannot get rid of them:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "As to the 2 former ministers, yes I heard the 2 names. I think they were named earlier by a news organization. I do believe that it is wrong. Just by them showing their faces out there, it gives the impression as if they can carry favor from the government because they were former ministers if the UDP and there are going to be a lot of unsuspecting people, citizens that are trying to get their nationality that don't know better and can be taken or could probably have been taken advantage of. I don't know, but probably it has happened."

Don't Forget Erwin
The whole nation tuned into the disappearance of 17 year old Kelvin Usher last week. He's safely back at home now, but there's no such happy ending for the family of 17 year old Erwin Rodriguez. He was last seen on the 24th. August - and his family has been desperately searching for him for almost 6 weeks now. Last week Thursday at the vigil held in celebration of Kelvin Usher's safe return, Rodriguez's sister was there representing her missing little brother. She shared her frustrations and grief with us.

Henry Allegedly Cut His Son
He cut his 10 year old son for refusing to go and get a plate of dinner from the neighbor, and tonight Henry Gillett is in jail because of it. The fisherman of a Brown Street address was arraigned on a charge of wounding and wanted to plead guilty. But he changed his plea when Chief Magistrate Fraser that he can get up to 7 years. After that, he was unable to meet a bail of $1,000 dollars, and so he was remanded. One condition of the bail is that he does not come in direct contact with his son. The allegation is that on September 30 Gillett caused a wound to his 10 year old son by cutting the boy on his upper right arm with a knife. Gillett admitted that he committed the offence and that he did so because his son refused to go and get a plate of dinner for him from his neighbor. Gillett's next court date is December 1.

Capital Cops Solve Crime Quickly
Belmopan police have charged two men who allegedly robbed a Chinese grocer last week. Wei Jie Kuang reported a robbery at his store last week Wednesday. By Saturday Capital cops had arrested and charged 26-year-old vendor of Mahogany Heights Ronald Bradley for the crime of robbery. A cell phone that was reported as stolen during the robbery was also recovered. And today 22-year-old Kareem Hoare of Mahogany Heights was also charged with robbery of the Chinese store. They have both been remanded until November 27th,.

OCEANA Celebrating Ocean Heroes
OCEANA's "Ocean Hero" award is given to celebrate those that have displayed extraordinary commitment to conservation, advocacy, and educating others about Belize's precious waters. This year's awards were given to eleven-year-old Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservative educator Luz Hunter. These two winners may be far apart in age but they have the same love for the ocean. Here's how they put it when OCEANA spoke with them.

Belize Won World Cup of Poktatok
"Poktapok" is not a sport you hear much about anymore but more than a thousand years ago, it was revered by the Mayan people But it's been kept alive as important shared legacy of the Mundo Maya people, and last week Belize's EK Balam from Yo Creek Village team took part in 2nd Copa Mundial "Poktapok" competition in Guatemala. They faced stiff competition like Mexico and El Salvador but in the end, Belize proved to be the strongest by coming in first - making them the world cup champs of Poktapok. The team returned home home today and was celebrated with a victory parade through Orange Walk. Team member Eric Cal told CTV-3 said it was not an easy road to victory but the fought through: Cal says another Pok Ta Tok team has formed in Xaibe and he hopes the sport continues to grow.

Cacao From Belize To Belgium
Yesterday the cacao and chocolate industry of Belize were highlighted at the inaugural International Day of Cacao and Chocolate all the way in Brussels, Belgium. Hundreds of chocolatiers from all around the world attended. Belize was one of six countries that had a special booth showcasing our fine chocolate and cacao products. The main purpose of the event was to bring together all the Cocoa grows and chocolatiers to share different experiences and ideas on how the key factors can work closer together in the cacao value chain.

Starting Again With GREAT
Another session of police training in the US - sponsored Gang Reduction and Education training, or "GREAT" program began at the Radisson today. The idea is to train the police, who will then go into schools and teach young people how to resist peer pressure, how to handle peer pressure; how to deal with issues of gangs and drugs and a lot of the other social issues:… Ciriaco Medina an instructor told us more. Ciriaco Medina, Corporal Of Police/Stationed at San Ignacio Police Formation: "It is a life skill based lesson. We have bullying, setting goals, decision-making, and all of these things they will learn and this is what they will be teaching the students, in other words, this is a program that can assist and will assist the students to be free of crime."

Channel 5

BREAKING: Late Evening Murder in Belize City
Just before news time tonight, there was a murder on Police Street in the south side of Belize City. Around five p.m., police responded to reports of shots being fired [...]

Daniel Anderson Killed at Bismark Birthday Party
Within a span of twelve hours over the weekend, one person was killed, another stabbed and five others injured in separate shootings also in the city. A birthday celebration ended [...]

Gang Boss Turned Truce Leader Injured in Hospital Along with Woman
Alex Underwood and Crystal Flowers remain hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. recovering from gunshot wounds following the shooting at Bismark Club on Sunday morning. Now, Underwood is one of the reputed [...]

Hattieville Teen in Court for Marcel Samuels Murder
There’s a break in Friday’s murder of Marcel Samuels. Eighteen-year-old Blake Norman Lewis, a construction worker of Myvette Street in Hattieville Village, was arrested and charged for the murder of [...]

2 Charged in Luis Sierra Robbery-Murder
On Friday, the body of forty-six year old Luis Antonio Sierra, a naturalized Belizean businessman of Bullet Tree village, Cayo, was located near Valley Community, Stann Creek District. He had [...]

George Street Scene of Drive-By Double Shooting
Back to the city where there were two other acts of gun violence on south side prior to the shooting murder of Daniel Anderson at the Bismark Club on Queen [...]

Justin Coote Shot in the Back on Queen Charlotte
Five hours later, shots rang out near Yarborough Bridge. Twenty-two-year-old Justin Coote is tonight recovering at home after he was shot to the back. The fisherman was walking on Queen [...]

1 Month Later, Mom of Missing Erwin Rodriguez Loses Hope
It’s been one month since seventeen-year-old Erwin Paulino Rodriguez of Grown Dove Street in Belize City has gone missing. The teen was last seenin the Jane Usher Boulevard area on [...]

Off-Duty Policeman Halts Rape on George Street
There is also a disturbing report of a rape in the city over the weekend. On Saturday night on George Street, an off-duty police caught a man in the act. [...]

P.U.P. Plans National Convention for November; Who Will Challenge John Briceño?
The People’s United Party’s National Party Council met on Saturday at the Saint Catherine Academy multipurpose center in Belize City. The Council is the party’s second highest authority after the [...]

P.U.P. Says G.S.U. Must Go
The party leader took questions on several national issues, including one that dominated most of last week’s newscasts. We are speaking of the disappearance and return of seventeen-year-old Kelvin Usher, [...]

Integrity Commission Being Taken to Court
The Integrity Commission is under fire for two reasons. The first is its reversal of a prior position that persons in public life were to submit five years of declarations [...]

‘Pink Eye’ Rises and So Do Prices for Medication
The country is battling an outbreak of conjunctivitis – or what is better known as ‘pink-eye’. The outbreak is also affecting Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica. And while the Ministry [...]

P.U.P. to Launch Belize City Municipal Slate This Month
Nearly two months after the incumbent United Democratic Party held a contested convention for the Belize City Council slate; the People’s United Party is planning theirs for mid-October. It will [...]

Franz Parke Appointment to be Challenged; 2 New Judges for Supreme Court
Belize’s top two judicial courts are seeking to fill posts. In the case of the Court of Appeal, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is proceeding with the appointment of former classmate [...]

Victorious ‘Pelota’ Champions Return to Belize
Belize won a regional sporting competition in Guatemala last week. But this sport doesn’t have as much of a national following as football or basketball, though it does have centuries [...]

OCEANA Rewards 2 Heroes
Over the weekend, OCEANA in Belize formally recognized two Belizeans as the 2017 Ocean Heroes. They are eleven-year-old student Madison Edwards and career tour guide and conservation educator, Luz Hunter. [...]

Mom Relieves Nightmare with another Missing Daughter
Tonight there is another missing person to report. Karen Baptist, the mother of murder victim Erica Wills, last saw her daughter Kenisha Wills as she was leaving to go to [...]

Sports Monday Reviews Busy Weekend
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   {Highlights of the weekend sporting activities…]

LOVE FM

Two charged for robbery
Twenty-six year old vendor of Mahogany Heights, Ronald Bradley, and twenty-two year old Kareem Hoare were charged for robbery. According to Chinese businessman and owner of Wei Li Store in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan, Wei Jie Kuang, two men barged into the store. One of the men pulled out a handgun and demanded […]

Belizean athlete Kaina Martinez to be honored at awards dinner
Nine former college athletes have been selected as finalists for the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Woman of the Year Award and will be honored at an awards dinner on October 22 in Indianapolis. One of the finalists is Belizean athlete Kaina Martinez. According to the NCCA, Martinez was an exemplary leader during her […]

Two charged in connection with the murder of Luis Sierra
Two persons were arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 46 year-old Luis Sierra. 34 years old Saul Campus of Valley Community was charged with murder and kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition while 31 year old Lyndon Lewis was charged with conspiracy to robbery. Sierra was found dead on Friday September 29 after […]

Blake Norman Lewis charged with the murder of Marcel Samuels
Belize City Police have formally arrested and charged 19 year old Blake Norman Lewis, a Belizean construction worker from Hattieville Village, for the murder of 62-year-old Marcel Samuels. He was arraigned this afternoon before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. She explained to Lewis that she will not take a plea because the offence is of an […]

Justin Coote sustains gunshot wound to his back
22 year old Justin Coote is lucky to be alive tonight after an attempt was made on his life on Saturday night. He was by the Yarborough Bridge when a man emerged from some nearby bushes and fired a single shot in his direction. Coote was shot to the back. He was rushed to the […]

Breaking Belize News

18 year old charged for murder of Marcel Samuels
Yesterday, police formally arrested and charged Blake Norman Lewis, 18, a Belizean construction worker of Hattieville village for the murder of Marcel Samuels,62, which happened on Friday, September 29, 2017.

Beyond the Horizon 2017 continues
The United States Marine’s Beyond the Horizon 2017 project continues. The project is a partnership exercise that has provided three medical events and five construction projects in communities across Belize.

Senate Special Select committee to meet on Wednesday
The government sent out a press release this morning informing that on Wednesday, the Senate Special Select Committee with meet at the National Assembly in Belmopan. Prime Minister Dean Barrow had initially stated that the hearings would come to an end in November, however, in an interview with the media last week […]

Ashton McKenzie wins UDP convention in Punta Gorda
The United Democratic Party (UDP), over the weekend, held a convention to elect a slate to contest the upcoming municipal elections in March 2018. Mayoral candidate, Ashton McKenzie came out victorious garnering 606 votes, while his opponent Christie Martinez received 351 votes.

BBN meets with US Embassy representatives
On Saturday night, representatives from Breaking Belize News and Love FM met with the United States Embassy’s Charge d’ Affairs, Adrienne Galanek in San Ignacio town. The dinner/meeting was to reinforce the partnership of the US Embassy with the media in Belize and to discuss the importance of a partnership to promote entrepreneurship among other skills in Belize.

PUP to take legal action against GOB on matters of good governance
The People’s United Party (PUP), celebrating its 67th anniversary, held its National Party Council (NPC) at the St. Catherine Academy Mercy Center on Saturday and passed four resolutions to take the government to task on matters of good governance, corruption and other national issues.

National Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons
October 1st is observed as International Day of Older Persons and is celebrated as a day to acknowledge, honor and re-commit our support to elder persons around the world and in our country. This year’s theme: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society,” is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large.

Motorcade at noon today for Pok ta Pok Champions
The Belize Ek Balam Poktapok team was in Guatemala over the weekend competing in the 2nd annual Poktapok Worldcup tournament. Pok-A-Tok is a Mayan ball game with ritual associations. Members of the Belize team are from Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk

Stakeholder consultation sessions to be held on Revised Standard for Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that it proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standard be declared compulsory Belize Standard:

Belize participates in Belgium’s First International Day of Cacao & Chocolate
The guests had the opportunity to view booths and attend presentations on a range of themes, including the bean-to-bar concept, environmental aspects of cacao cultivation, the health benefits of chocolate, and investment possibilities in producer countries. Apart from Belize, six other countries, mostly from Central America, showcased booths.

Family of Luis Sierra thanks Dangriga police
A close relative of Luis Sierra contacted BBN this morning to express gratitude to the Dangriga Police for the swift apprehension of the culprits responsible for his murder.

UB hosts third bi-national Belize/Mexico seminar
The University of Belize (UB), in cooperation with the University of Quintana Roo, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) and the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, is hosting the “3rd Bi-National Seminar Mexico/Belize.” The bi-national seminar takes place at the EcoSur Campus from October 4th – 6th in Chetumal.

Blogs

The Sun Came Out and So Did We
Originally my friend Debbie and I had planned an early Saturday morning drive north to Secret Beach and then we were going to stop at X’tan Ha or Dive Bar for lunch. Waking up to rain that had started late the night before slowed our plans down to a non-existent crawl. As we messaged back and forth we both agreed that sleeping in was now top item on the menu. I added laundry while I settled in to watch TV in bed – a perfect rainy day activity. We were not disappointed though, after not having any significant rainfall for a while, dust had begun to accumulate everywhere and the island was in need of a good wash. Although it seemingly came down quite heavy, according to Wunderground (my favorite weather app) it only amounted to 0.01 mm. That evening, it got as high as .57 mm, needless to say, the dust has been washed away a bit now.

A Rainy Monday Morning on Ambergris Caye
This morning I headed to town – to run some errands. Some drop offs, some pick-ups (including one pound of conch – $14bzd), some shopping. The rainy seasons seems to be kicking in a bit. After a dry September, some wet weather has finally come and some uncertainty is forecast for the week. The Weather Channel has called a potential system a “Central American gyre”. Some additional information about the unsettled areas. Estel’s Dine by the Sea is closed for renovations and hopes to open at the end of this week/beginning of next. Love the new signs…

Breast Cancer Month in Belize
The Belmopan Cancer Society will be very active in October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will participate in the "Walk for a Green Belize" being organized by the Department of the Environment. "Walk for a Green Belize" will involve cleaning the sides of the George Price Highway on Saturday 14th October. Kindly come out and support San Ignacio Cancer Society Walk on Saturday October 28,2017 commencing @ 5:30 a.m starting at Running W Brand Meats Compound - Central Farm and ending at Macal River Park- San Ignacio.

International Sources

Belize: Great Spot for Water Babies
While Belize has a small geographic area, and even smaller relative population, it boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is tops, yet some Belizean visitors say this one is just as good for snorkeling or diving. Sue Wells, United Nations Development Program Global Environment Facility’s Coastal Zone Management Project wrote in a case study, “In Belize, the coastal waters were used extensively for fishing by the Mayans between 300 B.C. and 900 A.D. However, the main use of the Belize Barrier Reef is now tourism. So Charles Darwin referred to the Belize Barrier Reef in 1842, in his study of the origin and evolution of coral reefs. Since then it has become renowned as the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 260 kilometers long, it runs from the northern border of the country, where it is only about 1 kilometer offshore, south to the Sapodilla Cayes which lie some 40 kilometers offshore.” There are two primary launch pads for reef visitors. San Pedro, in Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Both are accessible via water taxi from Belize City. San Pedro is a bit larger and more populated, whereas Caye Caulker has more of a laid back backpacker appeal. Caye Caulker is the first stop from Belize City on the water taxi (a 45-minute breezy ride) and San Pedro is another 30 minutes beyond that. At the same time, there are airstrips in both towns, with service via Maya or Tropic Air.

Engel & Völkers Expands Into Belize
Engel & Völkers has expanded into Belize, opening its first shop on the Placencia Peninsula, the company recently announced. Engel & Völkers Belize will provide services to buyers and sellers of properties in the central coast and southern areas of Belize, as well as the Maya Mountains and the Cayes. The shop will be led by license partners Scott and Sandra Gjesdahl. “The Belize market is booming, continually ranking among the top destinations for Caribbean real estate investment,” says Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas. “As the market is on the precipice of extreme growth, the time is right for Engel & Völkers to enter the region. We’ve had tremendous momentum in the Caribbean recently, and we’re confident that Scott and Sandra, with their proven commitment to premium client service, will be the ideal partners to lead Engel & Völkers Belize.”

1,400-year-old stone tablets show ancient Mayans playing a gruesome ball game in which the winning team's captain is DECAPITATED
Two carvings depicting Maya ballplayers in action have given new insight into these bloodthirsty games and suggest they were crucial in connecting different communities. The panels which date to AD 600 - 800 were found among the long-lost ruins of Tipan Chen Uitz in Belize and are believed to be the first of their kind. Depictions show players wearing their protective belts alongside hieroglyphics that suggest the balls could have had the circumference equivalent to nine hands. The game was played for two weeks and sources suggest the winning team's captain was decapitated which was believed to be a great honour.

Caribbean Keeps Watch As Hurricane Season Continues
After battling one tropical storm after another, the Caribbean can breathe a sigh of relief, meteorologists say, reporting clear skies and hurricane-free waters. However, weather experts have cautioned that with two months left in the hurricane season, there is still a chance of a few more tropical systems, particularly in the western Caribbean, while strong thunderstorms are a guarantee. “Multiple factors will be in place that may favor several tropical systems to come about into the middle of October,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said, explaining the warm tropical waters create the ideal temperatures for system formations. However, Sosnowski reassures that hurricanes like Harvey, Irma and Maria will continue to diminish as the weeks progress.

Videos

October 2, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: My Mistake
“I’ve been going over the checkbook and I see you’ve made some mistakes with Mario’s pay,” Sherry said. “How can that be? I don’t make mistakes.” “Ha…ha…very funny. See this?” she pointed. “This is a check you wrote to Mario for $150 two weeks ago.” “I see it. What’s wrong with it?” I asked. “Here’s another one from last week.” “Where’s the mistake?” “You’re paying him for three days of work.” “If a man works for three days he should be paid for three – oh, I see what you mean. For the last two weeks he’s had a job pouring concrete so he’s only been working Saturdays and Sundays with me. I’ve been overpaying him by $50 a week.”

Caye Note: First Annual Baby Health Clinic
The public is invited to partake in the First Annual Baby Health Clinic to be held on Tuesday, October 10th from 8AM to 5PM at Oasis Spa. Moms will be taught techniques to help babies with sleeping patterns, crying problems, dietary issues, vomiting and fussiness. These soft and gentle relaxation techniques are proven to be effective. The course targets moms of babies from newborn to one year old. The clinic will be led by baby specialists Daniel Pigeon, Registered Nurse, Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist. Limited spaces available, contact 631-6970 for further details. For more information or testimonial visit www.musclepainexpert.com.

Doctor Love: Moot Point
Dear Doctor Love, My husband nitpicks constantly. He has a better way to do everything and spends countless hours telling me how to go about the everyday things I have been doing for years. He is not mean about it, but a conversation starts out with him asking how I did something and finishes with him telling me how it should have been done. I hate to ask his help because he instructs rather than lending a hand. Seven years of marriage and he still tells me how to cook his eggs. He says if he doesn’t say, how will I know? Having to justify my way of doing things makes me defensive and often leads to an argument. Why can’t he just let little thing pass? /s/ Moot Point

Misc Belizean Sources

Best arrest T-Shirts for October
On the 1.10.2017 police formally arrested and charged 31 years old Lyndon "no problem" Lewis of 18 Mile Humming Highway with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery. Police also arrested and charged 34 year old Saul "feeling the Heat" Campus of Valley Community for the murder of Luis Antonio Sierra. Campus was also charged for "Kept Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition."

Shooting Incident in Belize City
22 year old Justin Coot reported that on the 30.9.2017 about 10:25 p.m. whilst entering Queen Charlotte a person emerged from a bushy lot and fired a single gunshot that hit him to the upper back. He was treated and released.

Donated items distributed
The U.S. Marines and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture are continuing Beyond The Horizon 2017 efforts by distributing various donated school items and shoes to students and teachers throughout #Belize. Together, they distributed over 600 student kits, 60 teacher kits, and 245 pairs of shoes to students and teachers of five schools in three districts of Belize!

No casualties during weekend accident
On 30.09. 2017, about 10:28 a.m. Police responded a Road Traffic Accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway between miles 14 and 15, where upon arrival, they observed a Red in colour F-150 pickup with license plate No. SI C-01586 on the left hand side of the Highway and a gold Nissan Altima with license plate No. BZ C-33302. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. At 10:15 a.m. 25 year old Bayardo Orozco, a resident of Ladyville Village, was driving his Altima from the direction of Orange Walk towards Belize City, and upon reaching between miles 14 and 15, a red in colour Ford F-150 Pickup truck, which was travelling in the opposite direction lost control and collided into the front portion of the Nissan Altima, causing it to flip several times. As a result, Orozco right leg was broken and he was cut on his right forearm. The F-150 was driven 65 year old Avril Lee Alexander, a resident of Branch Mouth, Cayo. Her passenger, 61 year old Arnufo Manzanero of Bullet Tree Village ,Cayo District, complained of pain to the chest while Avril Lee Alexander experienced pain over the body.

3 Injured and one murdered at Bismark Club
On Sunday 1. 10. 2017 about 3:50 a.m. police checked the KHMH and found 27 years Crystal Flowers suffering from one gunshot wound on her left cheek; 28 year old Alex Underwood suffering from gunshot wounds on both hands; Stacey Belisle with a stab wounds on her left arm, left lower side of back and her right arm; and 27 year old Daniel Anderson with a shot to the chest. The police say that all the victims were at a party at the Bismark Club when a fight erupted. Someone known to them (identity not disclosed by the police) took out a firearm and fired several shots. Daniel Anderson passed away at 5:50 a.m. whilst receiving medical treatment. Photo of Daniel Anderson, deceased.

Two shot on George Street
On 30.10.2017 about 5:35 p.m. police made a regular check at the KHMH and found Emerson Faber suffering from a gunshot wound to his right calf and Franklin Heusner was one gunshot to the lower back. Both men were on George Street when a dark in color Altima passed and fire several shot at them causing the injuries.

International Divali queen pageant fundraiser dinner
Thanks to all COEICH members and the faithful supporters who helped to make our fundraising dinner today a success. Ms. Shaenna Gilharry will represent Belize at the International Divali queen pageant in Trinidad & Tobago on October 16, 2017

Conch Season opens Oct 1
Conch season runs from October 1 - June 30th of each year. Conch is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized shells. The term generally applies to large snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a noticeable point at both ends). In North America, a conch is often identified as a queen conch, found off the coast of Florida. Queen conches are valued for fish bait, and are also known as seafood.

Ek Balam Pok A Pok Team Mundo Maya World Cup Champion in Guatemala
These champs make us super happy. Way to go Belize!!!!! Congratulations.

Pok Ta Pok Mundial tournament
The Ek Balam Pok Ta Pok Team became champions of the Pok Ta Pok Mundial tournament in Guatemala City. The team defeated El Salvador for the championship. Pok Ta Pok is the ancient Mayan ball game- a ceremony that reenacts the Maya “creation” theme within a sacrificial ceremony of confrontation between good and evil. Belize has a Pok Ta Pok team and its members all hail from the Village of Yo Creek in Orange Walk.

Corozal Cleanup
A blissful Sunday on a wonderful place. After taking part in yesterday's clean up campaign in front of Methodist School and Sea Breeze Hotel, early this morning I took my tools out to take on the beast. The results of my morning sweep from the bottom of our Corozal Bay, particularly in front of Rainbow Beach is mixed with a bit of anger and disappointment, as I was in full engagement one of those (i call them) "CHIPILINES" tried to throw his garbage bag in the sea. Well that didn't go well for him. All these broken bottles at the bottom of our bay DO NOT belong there for someone else, especially our children to get hurt. Let us all be Ambassadors of our Corozal Bay and denounce anyone you see and involved in this malpractice. We have a lot more work ahead of ourselves, if we truly are seriously interested in the well being of our community.

Lionfish Workshop at Chunox Community Center
On Wednesday 27th September, TASA held a Lionfish Workshop at Chunox Community Center. Thanks to Blue Venture, Belize Audubon Society,Oceana, Chunox Fisherman Association, Belize Lionfish Project, Copper Bank Fishermen Association, Chunox R.C School that made this event a success.

CHAMPIONS !!!!!
Yo Creek Poktapok team Name Ek Balam representing Belize are Champions .Congrats and we feel proud of you guys. Let's continue making this Yucatec Maya(Masewal) Movement grow in Northern Belize with Sports(Poktapok),Preserving Our Maya language ,cultural Dances,herbal healings,teaching our history and traditions. Today the Yucatec Maya of Northern Belize also known as "Maya Masewal or Maya Mestizo" are working hard in the preservation of our Maya identity . Wayano'one , kux'ano'on, to'one Masehualoon(we are here ,we are alive ,we are Maya ).

Binational watershed education program
The 2017-2018 binational watershed education program has begun. This year the education program is supported by the British High Commission Office in Belize and FYFFES. In September alone 510 students and 19 teachers have been sensitized.

The Reporter

Three shootings; one dead; several hurt
One man is dead and several are wounded following a series of shooting incidents over the weekend. Police say the fatal incident occurred sometime around 3:30 this morning during a party at Bismark club. According to police, a fight broke out “where a known male person took out a firearm and fired several shots.” As a result, Daniel Anderson, 27, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest; Crystal Flowers, 27, suffered a gunshot wound on her left cheek; Alex Underwood, 28, was shot in both hands; and Stacey Belisle received stab wounds on both arms and on the left lower side of her back.

Traffic accident leaves three persons injured
Three persons were injured in a traffic accident on the Philip Goldson highway on Saturday morning. The mishap occurred between miles 14 and 15, shortly after 10:00 a.m., and involved a red F-150 pickup truck and a gold Nissan Altima car. Police say their investigations have revealed that at about 10:15 a.m., Bayardo Orozco, 25, of Ladyville village was driving the Nissan Altima from the direction of Orange Walk towards Belize City, and when he reached between miles 14 and 15, the Ford F-150 pickup truck heading in the opposite direction crashed into the front portion of his car, causing it to flip several times.

Money changer beaten, robbed
A money changer from Corozal was beaten up and robbed of a significant amount of cash on Thursday morning. Police say the incident happened at around 5:00 a.m., while the victim was in his vehicle at his house in Ranchito Village. Three men reportedly ambushed the man and demanded money. He refused them and that was when they beat him up and took away close to $13,000 in Mexican and Belizean currency. Police have no suspects.

Fatal shooting reported in city; police details scarce
There are unconfirmed reports of a fatal shooting on Saturday night in Belize City. While police information on the incident has been slow in coming, unconfirmed reports are that the incident occurred in the Yoborough area of Belize City and that six persons were shot. The deceased, a man, reportedly died while receiving medical treatment.

Breaking Belize News

BNTU to launch documentary on strike
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) will launch a documentary this coming week on the 11-day strike it held in October 2016. The protest was part of its Stand Up for Belize Campaign.

Man previously freed of 3 murders, murdered today
Daniel “Danny” Anderson, 31, a resident of Oleander Street in Belize City was shot dead this morning. Details are sketchy but we can confirm that he was killed in the Yabra area.

PUP honors Centenarian Jane Usher
On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the People’s United Party (PUP) held their National Party Council in Belize City to celebrate the party’s 67th birthday. As part of the celebration, the PUP honored and awarded members for their contribution to the party and community.

Police charge 2 men for the murder of Bullet Tree man
Today, police formally arrested and charged Lyndon Lewis,31, of Mile 18, Humming Highway with “conspiracy to robbery”, and Saul Campus,34, of Valley Community with the crime of “murder” of Luis Antonio Sierra of Bullet Tree Village, Cayo District. Campus was additionally charged for “keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”

PUP to hold its national convention in November
On Saturday, the People’s United Party (PUP) held its National Party Council Convention in Belize City to celebrate the party’s 67th birthday. During the event, the PUP said that as per the party’s constitution, a national convention has to be held every two years so they have scheduled a national convention on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Saint Catherine’s Academy in Belize City. The PUP’s last convention was held in January 31, 2016 in Belmopan.

Two new judges hired to assist Chief Justice in delivering long delayed judgements
On Thursday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media that his government will be bringing two retired judges from the Caribbean to assist the Chief Justice of Belize in delivering long delayed judgements. This decision comes after the Bar Association pressed for the Chief Justice (CJ) to keep to a timeline in delivering the judgements that are long overdue.

Police corporal receives bail after being charged for not paying meal at Chinese restaurant
Steven Parham, 39, a police corporal attached to the San Ignacio Police Station is on bail after he allegedly refused to pay for a meal at the New Asia Restaurant in Belize City. According to reports, Parham was in Belize City attending a training with the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program when he visited the restaurant and ordered the meal. After finishing his meal, Parham took out his gun at the owners and security guard and left without paying.

Two men shot on George Street, Belize City
According to police reports, yesterday evening around 5:35, police visited the KHMH and observed Emerson Faber suffering from a gunshot wound to his right calf, and Franklin Heusner with one gunshot to the right lower back.

1 dead; 3 injured in early morning brawl in Belize City
This morning around 3:50, police visited the KHMH where they saw four persons suffering from gunshot and stab wounds. Crystal Flowers,27, was seen suffering from one gunshot wound on her left cheek.

Belize begs for Taiwan’s involvement in the United Nations
Fifteen countries have written to the United Nations (UN) requesting that the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan, be included in the UN. Belize has joined in the call to include Taiwan in the UN. Paraguay, Swaziland, Nauru, Haiti, Burkina Faso, Palau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, St. Lucia, the Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Marshall Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua have also joined in the call.

Belize – The Individual, Society, and Renaissance
By Richard Harrison: Renaissance means “rebirth” or “reawakening”. Belizeans of today, in general; perhaps through learning by experience; have reached a point where they feel they must be politically correct in what they say and do…they do not want to rock the boat too hard…they do not want to offend…they do not want violent change….and to them, the word revolution has that connotation.

Kaina Martinez among 9 finalist for 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award
Belize’s very own, Kaina Martinez, from Seine Bight, Stann Creek, has been selected as one of 9 finalist, for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. She was initially selected from among 30 Woman of the Year honorees,which included 10 honorees from each NCAA division.

Blogs

San Pedro To Belmopan & Back: The Garden of Eden, the Bus and a Baby Sea Turtle
Friday morning, I headed into town to catch the 11:30am water taxi to Belize City. The plan? Boat ride to the city (1.5 hours), catch the bus out to Belmopan, our country’s capital, stay overnight to attend Saturday’s TEDx talk in Belmopan. An independently organized TED talk, the 2nd ever to be held in Belize. There was a great line up but first….I needed to get there. As we drove south into San Pedro town, I realized that the sky was hinting at rain. September has been relatively rain free here in Belize. Hot HOT HOT, humid and sunny. And so I had forgotten to pack my rain jacket – that insures that it WILL rain and hard. I wasn’t wrong. We had a stop in town to pack up the boat for arrivals at Cayo Frances Farm & Fly. And right there, just north of town, I saw this little guy flapping in the water. Almost up on the beach.

Act Fast on a Stolen Cell Phone
As many of you know, Monday night the unthinkable happened and my phone was stolen out of my bag. It went down so fast it made my head spin. I was walking on the north on the west side of back street and right at the parking lot between the Artists Market and San Pedro House of Culture. I did not have my cell phone out at all and I had my music player in my hand so my arm was up and mostly covering my bag. Along came Evil Houdini riding his bike at a good clip. While passing me from the front, he somehow managed to reach on my bag without slowing down or even touching me – that part is still baffling. The only reason I knew something happened was that my strap is adjustable and so his motion knocked one part of the strap off my shoulder and my bag dropped lower, it was also fully open compared to partly before. I spun around and he was already gone.

International Sources

The Weekly Chirp: Puzzling palates
Many species of birds occupy specific feeding guilds in the ecosystems they inhabit, but often assume a generalist diet due to food availability. Take woodpeckers, for example. As their name suggests, woodpeckers have evolved a long, thick bill and fortified cranium over thousands of years to exploit the abundance of insects burrowed in dead trees. However, the casual birder will notice that woodpeckers do not spend all their time pecking wood. In fact, many woodpeckers consume seeds and fruit as well, especially where these items are abundant like in the tropics. The black-cheeked woodpecker of Central America is a prime example of this behavior. During my research in Belize, I observed a pair of black-cheeked woodpeckers devour the seeds and pulp of wild clementines for two hours, never once stopping to poke and prod at the bark of the tree. Another tropical resident and cereal-box celebrity, the keel-billed toucan, often breaks the boundaries of its feeding guild as well. Traditionally considered a frugivore (fruit-eater), the keel-billed toucan is equipped with a massive bill which it uses to crush fruits of all sizes — but it doesn’t stop there. Most species of toucan see no issue in switching from a vegan diet to a carnivorous one, equally happy to gulp down the fresh, sweet pulp of a fig from a Ficus tree, swallow a lizard it found on the Ficus tree or devour the eggs of another bird that unfortunately decided to nest in the Ficus tree. Put simply, birds will eat that which is edible.

IMF study examines loss of corresponding banking relationships on Caribbean
A new study examining the loss of corresponding banking relationships (CBR) in the Caribbean has found that global banks have reassessed their individual business models, deciding on different strategies in response to changes in the macroeconomic and regulatory environment that has lowered the expected profitability of correspondent banking. The study notes that given the various drivers, there is no “silver bullet” to solve the problem of withdrawal of CBRs and that coordinated efforts by various stakeholders are called for to mitigate the risk of financial exclusion and the potential negative impact on financial stability. “Policy initiatives must address drivers related to risk or risk perceptions as well as those related to profitability,” the study noted.

Sweet Potato Pone: Sweet Potato Pudding [Vegan, Grain-Free]
Sweet potato pone, which is also popularly known as the potato pound of Belize, is a traditional dessert from Belize that consists of grated sweet potato, raisins, milk, cinnamon, and ginger. The texture is very similar to bread pudding, but in this recipe, sweet potato takes the place of bread as the starch that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.

The Easy DIY Way to Turn a Fan into an Air Conditioner
We can all agree that the worse part of summer is the unbearable heat. In most parts of the world, summer brings along at least a few weeks of smothering heat and humidity and, for the most part, the entire season is that way. Even if you love the hot weather, air conditioning is essential in this intensely warm season. But what happens if you’re living somewhere that doesn’t have AC or what if your AC has just given out on you at the worst possible time? Well, suffer no more. You can MAKE your own air conditioning using a basic box fan that you can buy at just about any store. Watch the video below to see how you can create AC for little to no cost at all. The system works because of three separate parts: the copper coil, the ice water, and the basic box fan. The ice water is sucked into the copper coil which becomes freezing cold. The coil is attached to the box fan, which then blows out freezing air from the ice water in the coil. If done correctly, you can create a mess-free cooling system for only a few dollars! All you have to do to keep up on your DIY air conditioning is replace the ice when it starts to melt away. Definitely worth saving all the money.

9 finalists announced for 2017 Woman of the Year Award
Nine former college athletes have been selected as finalists for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award and will be honored at an awards dinner Oct. 22 in Indianapolis. The 2017 Woman of the Year will be named at that event. Three women from each NCAA division were selected. Their college careers are highlighted by outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. Kaina Martinez was an exemplary leader during her time in college. In 2008, she founded the Kaina Martinez Children Annual Track and Field Camp in her hometown in Belize, which she continues to host on an annual basis. Martinez is also an officer cadet in the Belize National Coast Guard. On campus, she volunteered with multiple local organizations, including the Weavers of Love garden and soup kitchen, the YMCA and a local recycling center.

Videos

October 1, 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

Congratulations to this year's Ocean Heroes! Luz Hunter and Madison Edwards!

Misc Belizean Sources

2017 Coastline Newsletter
The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute is pleased to share with you the first issue of our Coastline Newsletter for 2017. Many thanks to all who have contributed towards preparing the newsletter.

Farmer Field School Completion Ceremony
SIRDI Celebrated it's "Farmer Field School Completion Ceremony" yesterday; graduating 371 of its farmer students who participated in the Hershey Learn to Grow Farmer Field School program.

See and Taste Belize
Coming from Belize's beautiful and exotic Peninsula is Chef Irwin Mai from the dreamy seaside Turtle Inn making a splash, tantalizing the taste buds of many preparing Belizean food with a gourmet twist at Bite of Belize on October 7th! Take a sample of his shrimp sausage, organic ginger chicken or his trio of fish ceviche and many more amazing dishes!

See and Taste Belize
Drum roll....the Garifuna Flava team is back on stage to delight us with their charm and down to earth Belizean cooking! Born and raised in Dangriga, Yolanda (Cordelia) Castillo and her husband, Rodell Castillo migrated to Chicago and opened up Garifuna Flava Restaurant featured in famous food show, "Diners, Drive Inns and Dives". Come get a taste of home with some Fish and Beans Panades and Conch Fritters!!!

The Belize ek balam poktapok Team has won its 1st three matches
Super intense game against Guatemala, but we made it. We are in the finals! Tomorrow we play against El Salvador for the championship! Go Belize!!

Blue Water Classic 2017
Happening next weekend at South Water Caye. BLUE WATER CLASSIC 2017.

Clean up campaign, Corozal Bay
All in a day's work. Glad to have been part of the clean up campaign along our Corozal Bay this morning. Good people can do wonderful things for our community. Let's Keep Corozal Safe and Clean! Thanks to all those that took part and helped.

The Reporter

Accused trigger-happy cop out on bail
Police Corporal, Steven Parham, accused of ordering food for which he did not pay, then using his service weapon to bully the restaurant owner and security guard, is out on bail of $5,000. Parham’s attorney, Oscar Selgado was able to secure bail for him from the Supreme Court the same day Parham appeared before the Magistrate’s Court to face the charges and was initially remanded for the gun offense. Parham, 39, pleaded not guilty to ‘aggravated assault’ and ‘discharging a firearm in public’. He is accused of entering the New Asia restaurant on Vernon Street along with two police constables, and ordering chicken chow mein. When they were served, however, they reportedly refused to pay. When the restaurant owner and security guard approached them about it, Parham allegedly pulled out his police-issued handgun and used it to intimidate the guard, the restaurant owner and a customer.

Chinese businesses shut down countrywide Sunday
Chinese restaurants, bars, supermarkets, stores, shops and gamerooms across Belize will close for business on Sunday, in protest of recent criminal attacks against three of their businesses, one of which ended in the murder of the store owner. This means that anything from Sunday lottery – controlled by the Chinese owner of Brads Store – to sliced bread, and anything else considered to be a staple on Sundays, will not be readily available, unless you are lucky to have a Belizean grocer not of Chinese origin in your area. President of the Belize Chinese Association, Edmund Quan has said the shutdown is more out of mourning than a protest, but even those who are far away who do not attend Wu’s funeral on Sunday are not expected to open for business. He added that they decided also to carry out the shutdown on a Sunday because that is the day many Belizean families eat at home.

Police’s and civilians’ accounts of raid differ
The police account of what transpired during a raid on Armadillo Street on Thursday afternoon differs from what residents say what happened. The residents say police arrived and started to indiscriminately assault two men, while the police claim they were the ones who were on the defensive line. Police say that on Thursday, members of their Special Assignment Team (SAT) and Special Branch (SB) unit were in the process of conducting a search for drugs and firearm in an open lot in the area when they saw two brothers leaving. Two policemen intercepted the duo, while the other officers proceeded to the open lot. Police say that while trying to search Doyle Palacio, one of the brothers, the other one, Delbert Palacio, 24, began to curse the officer searching him and resisted a search. At the same time, Doyle reportedly tried to aggress the officer and prevented him from searching Delbert.

Traffic accident near Sand Hill
Police are currently on the scene of a traffic accident on the Philip Goldson highway. Reports are that the mishap occurred at around 11:00 this morning in Sand Hill village. An ambulance is transporting injured victims for medical attention in Belize City.

Breaking Belize News

Marcel Samuels shot dead
A post mortem examination conducted on Friday revealed that Marcel Samuels, 62, a career butcher, died of “massive brain damage due to gunshot injuries.”

Dog show postponed due to weather
The Belize Humane Society (BHS) has announced that its dog show, originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today, has been postponed due to weather conditions. According to the BHS, the new date for the show will be announced later in the week.

3 buckets of marijuana found in Santa Elena; Police also arrests 2 for drug trafficking
Yesterday between 4am and 8am, San Ignacio police conducted a pre-dawn operation which resulted in the arrest of Patrick Gordon, 34, and Darren Laza, 28. Gordon and Lanza were intercepted in a blue Nissan car on Maya Street in San Ignacio Town after police observed that they threw a black bag through the window of the car.

Dangriga Police retrieves weapon used to murder Bullet Tree man; 2 suspects detained
On Thursday, September 28th around 4:30 PM, Dangriga police visited Valley Community on the Hummingbird Highway at the farm of Lindon Lewis where Ramon Teck, 30, a butcher of Bullet Tree Village, Cayo reported that around 2 pm, he, Luis Sierra (also a butcher of Bullet Tree), and Lindon Lewis went to Lewis’s farm to see some cattle which Lewis was going to sell them.

International Sources

Belize Chinese businesses closed to protest murder of businessman
The Chinese community in Belize said it will shut down all Chinese-owned groceries and gaming centres on Sunday protest the recent spate of armed robberies that left one Chinese dead. Businessman Bainan Wu was shot dead on Monday night by a lone gunman who entered his business demanding money. The gunman escaped without any money, but as he fled, fired a shot that hit the businessman in his temple. The Belize Chinese Association in a notice said that while it mourns the “death of our fellow countryman who was senselessly killed … the entire Chinese community and businesses countrywide will be closed for business” on Sunday in solidarity. The shutdown is not the first by the Chinese community. In 2005, Chinese businesses were closed after 26-year-old Lou Xiao Yue, better known as Susan Yue, was killed in Orange Walk.

Return to the Underworld: Cave Tubing in Belize
There are many reasons why tourists head to Belize. If you do some advance research, you will find that one of the most popular adventures is a visit to ATM. This is billed as an Indiana Jones type trip through underwater caves in search of the Golden Maiden. It’s not recommended for those who are afraid of water, claustrophobic, or uncomfortable in the dark. Nor, is it advisable for the obese, or those who are unable to climb and fend their way against currents and spiky rocks. For those people, cave tubing is a better alternative. Both give you a sense of how the Mayas respected the Underworld, or Xibalba. Xibalba is a Maya Ki’che word that refers to the underworld as “place of terror.” In fact, Xibalba is referenced in the Mayan bible, the “Popol Vuh.” Today, a visit to the Mayan underworld invokes more feelings of being in a sacred place, rather than a frightful space. The underground centers give you a sense of connecting with another world, and also a sense of awe for the rituals and beliefs of the highly advanced societies who inhabited Mesoamerica long before us.

Videos