Recent Belize News, 10/11/2017 to 10/20/2017, BelizeNews.com

Verification of Fuel Pumps: (April to June 2017), (July to September 2017)

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

Family Claims Police Neglected Deceased Baby’s Body
While the family mourns the death of their three-month old baby, they claim that the San Pedro Police Department improperly handled the body. According to the family, the baby was found dead around 3AM on Saturday, October 14th after going to sleep on Friday the 13th. The family took the baby to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was confirmed dead. The baby’s body was then given to the San Pedro Town Police Officers, to be transported to the morgue in Belize City for a post-mortem examination. However, when a family member went to claim the body of the baby in Belize City on Monday, October 16th, the person was told that they never received the body from San Pedro Town. The family here on the island immediately contacted the San Pedro Police to determine the location of the body. The Police Officers said that the baby’s body was being keep in a cooler unit here on the island that served as a morgue.

Elections and Boundaries Department: “Your Vote is Secret”
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby informs the public, that in any election, ballot papers are numbered for reconciliation and accountability purposes. Election Officials have a responsibility to ensure that all ballot papers counted in an election are only those legitimate ballot papers issued by the Presiding Officer. The public is advised that the law DOES NOT require any Presiding Officer or any election official, to inform anyone of the ballot book series or the ballot paper number he/she issues at any given point during the election process.

Second Annual High Tea Charity Party a huge success
On Saturday, October 14th, ladies from across Ambergris Caye gathered at Marbuck’s Coffee House for the second annual High Tea Charity Party. Organized as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, Raise Me UP, the party was an amazing success. Attendees were dressed in their best tea dresses and elegant hats for the event that started shortly after 3PM. The venue had been transformed with beautiful floral arrangements, draping white linens and smooth music in the background. On Saturday, October 14th, ladies from across Ambergris Caye gathered at Marbuck’s Coffee House for the second annual High Tea Charity Party. Organized as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, Raise Me UP, the party was an amazing success. Attendees were dressed in their best tea dresses and elegant hats for the event that started shortly after 3PM. The venue had been transformed with beautiful floral arrangements, draping white linens and smooth music in the background.

GOB makes first reduction in Fuel Prices
Following the Government of Belize’s commitment to reduce fuel prices after a record spike, regular gasoline has seen a reduction in price since Friday, October 6th. The dip in price by 84 cents per gallon had been scheduled for mid-October, but after a protest in Belize City demanding lower fuel prices, GOB approved the decrease earlier than scheduled. The Government also announced that the upcoming shipments will aid in the reduction on pump prices for diesel, oil, kerosene and premium gasoline. However the new prices are still to be announced. The recent decrease of 84 cents brings down the price for regular gas to $10.29 in mainland Belize, whereas on Ambergris Caye the price dipped slightly at $10.70 per gallon.

Ambergris Today

BDF Officer Completes Strategic Security Studies In USA
The Belize Ministry of Defence today informed the public that Belize Defence Force Officer, Captain Eric Richard Neal Jr., has successfully earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies and a War College Diploma from the National Defence University in the United States of America. Neil also obtained honors for his thesis entitled “Managing Indigenous People in Belize: Guaranteeing Security and Rights for All”. Furthermore, Captain Neal’s high level of academic performance was reflected in his cumulative G.P.A of 3.89.

Belize Places In Top 10 At Miss America Latina Del Mundo
Elicena Andrada, Miss Spain Latina, wins Miss Latin America del Mundo 2017. Final pageant night was held on Saturday, October 7, Oaxaca - Mexico. Joannie Cantun was at the beauty competition representing Belize and she proudly placed in the Top Ten. Rounding up the top ten spots Miss Belize, Joannie Cantun placed tenth in the competition. She is among the Belizean delegates who have performed well in the pageant. Last year Michelle Nunez placed fifth and in 2009 Liliana Nunez nabbed the Miss Amity title and also took Best National Costume for our country. it is the 2nd title that Spain wins in the contest.

Belize’s Future Dependent On Threatened Belize Barrier Reef
The extent to which Belize’s economy depends on tourism generated by the threatened Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage site has been revealed for the first time today by a new report launched by WWF and partner organizations. The report, Natural Heritage, Natural Wealth, aims to highlight the incredible resource the country is at risk of losing. Home to almost 1,400 species, the Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Unfortunately, it is currently in danger of suffering irreversible damage due to harmful coastal destruction and the absence of a solid regulatory framework to ensure its protection.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE OFFICER COMPLETES A MASTER OF ARTS IN STRATEGIC SECURITY STUDIES AT NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY IN THE USA
The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the Public that Belize Defence Force Officer, Captain Eric Richard Neal Jr., has successfully earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies and a War College Diploma from the National Defence University in the United States of America. He also obtained honours for his thesis entitled “Managing Indigenous People in Belize: Guaranteeing Security and Rights for All”. Furthermore, Captain Neal’s high level of academic performance was reflected in his cumulative G.P.A of 3.89.

PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS, 2018
IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and Second Schedules to Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000 – 2003, will be observed on the following days during the year 2018 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act:-

Beltraide job opening
A vacancy exists at Beltraide in the post of IT Officer at their Belize City office. Deadline for application is Friday, October 27th, 2017.

Belize's Wonder Women! Ms. Beverly Swasey
Meet our Wonder Woman for the month of October, Ms. Beverly Swasey, born on March 13, 1947 to Mrs. Carolyn & Mr. Louis Swasey. She earned her Diploma in Education at the University Of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England in 1977. She was a very dedicated teacher and started teaching on May of 1964. She taught at Belmopan Junior School, presently known as Evergreen, as well as Belmopan Comprehensive School . Besides her professional life, she is one of the founding members of the Belmopan Cancer Society and was President for 16 years. She is also a Founder of Capital Culture drama group, as well as director and producer of several original plays, and is Representing Belize in El Proyecto Lagartija Centroamericano, which is a group of Central American actors and actresses trying to raise the level of acting in the region. In addition, Ms. Swasey is a Founder of Belmopan Women's Council, now Women Empowering Families. This Wonder Woman also served as a Belmopan City Councilor and as Deputy Mayor. She received the Belizean Patriot National Award in September of 2016. Congratulations Ms. Swasey!

The Caye Caulker Municipal Airstrip has been closed for repairs
The new investment will see a remarkable improvement with an elevated, longer and HMA-surfaced runway complete with international standards markings. The renovated Caye Caulker Municipal Airport will be a state of the art facility, which will facilitate the transportation of tourists and Belizeans in a safe and pleasant environment.

The start of Carmelita's industrial park project
The first building will measure 23,100 square feet. The hard work begins.

Tropic Air: taking delivery of our second Cessna Caravan from the early 90s

Why the Muslim School in Belize should be renamed “Ishmael Omar Shabazz” Primary School
The legendary Belizean black activist, historian, and founding member of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) and pioneering soldier of the modern Islamic movement in Belize Ishmael Omar Shabazz was fond of saying that in every movement you have the jawbone, leg-bone and the backbone. He would delineate the deeper meaning by explaining the jawbone was the takers, while the leg-bone was those who did the actually work, and finally the backbone was the individuals who kept the whole ship afloat.

NEW CARICOM YOUTH AMBASSADOR BELIZE
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is pleased to announce Ms. Kylah Ciego as the new female CARICOM Youth Ambassador (CYA), Belize, 2017-2019. Ms. Ciego was chosen from among fourteen (14) other vibrant applicants. Youth Development Expert Henry Charles was the lead interviewer on the panel. Kylah has been active in youth development work through her involvement in student councils, a GoBelize member and was employed as a Social Worker where she was involved in working with incarcerated youth at the Belize Central Prison. Kylah was very instrumental in the consultation process for the development of the National Youth Development Policy. She recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Kylah strongly believes that in this era of globalization and connectedness we must be cognizant of the impact of our actions on others as we shape the type of world for future generations.

BPP demands transparency concerning $8 million contract
It is the opinion of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) that the greatest evil that has emanated from the unadulterated greed of the PUDP system is the deprivation of our children’s right to an education. It is the opinion of the BPP that the Faber’s Road Construction Project, valued at almost $8 million, signed on October 12, 2017, is yet another poor economic decision, one that reeks of the stench of corruption. Instead of investing in our people, particularly our children, this obviously bloated contract will be invested in more “Keynesian” projects which force many of our “at-risk” children onto the streets without the knowledge or ability to provide for themselves, thereby fueling the societal ills of gang membership and ultimately crime.

IRON MAN CHALLENGE
All eyes this weekend on Miami Beach for all you cross fit lovers. It's the IRON MAN CHALLENGE event that will take place this Sunday, October 22nd at Miami Beach. What is crossfit? CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. To register and for more details, contact Francisco Castellanos at 620-6104!

A power outage is scheduled for the entire Orange Walk District on Sunday, October 22 from 6:00am to 2:00pm
Necessary for BEL to conduct maintenance and testing of equipment at the Orange Walk substation and to replace poles carrying transmission lines.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Halloween is on it's way .. enjoy these scary picks. The Only Living Boy In New York, Annabelle, The Emoji Movie, Leatherface.

First Zone Elimination
Here are the results of the first Zone Elimination. This year, we are taking one additional school, a seventh school, to the Finals. We are calling that school the Wild Card School. The Wild Card School will be chosen from the two fourth place schools from each Zone Elimination.The fourth place school that has that highest cumulative score between Zones one and two will become the Wild Card School. Wesley Upper came in fourth in Zone one with a score of 650 points. Will Zone Two fourth place school be able to beat that score and advance? We will see tomorrow.

Zone One Eliminations in the Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition
Here is the result of Zone One Eliminations in the Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition. Holy Redeemer, Buttonwood Bay and Queen Square Primary School will move on to the finals next. Tomorrow eight more schools will compete.

Happy Diwali 2017
We wish the Hindu community of Belize a very Happy Diwali!

Channel 7

Guatemala Sets Date For ICJ Referendum
March 18, 2018 - that's when Guatemalans will go to a referendum to decide whether to take the territorial dispute with Belize to the ICJ. Multiple Guatemalan news sites are reporting that Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal will make the official announcement on Monday. The question will be: "'Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize on continental and island territories and any maritime areas corresponding to such territories shall be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final determination and that (the court) shall determine the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the parties?" Voters will respond with a simple "yes" or "no". The quezon will be identically worded in Belize when our referendum is held - which is expected to be late next year. But, if there is a "no" vote in Guatemala, then there may not be any need for a referendum in Belize.

PG Robber Chopped Chinese Shopkeeper
There was an armed robbery this morning in Punta Gorda Town today where the female shopkeeper was chopped multiple times. Between 8:00 and 9:00, two men with masks and machetes stormed into Blue Sky Store on the town's Main Street. They held up the couple who run the store, and the husband put up a fight. His wife came from the back and tried to help and that's when she got chopped. Her husband rushed to rescue her and the men broke into the cash register and ran off with a few hundred dollars and a cell phone. But police were quick to respond and reports are that two suspects have already been detained and could be charged as early as tomorrow. Police also recovered one of their knapsacks along with a number of stolen items. One of the men had scratches which he got in the scuffle with the man who runs the shop.

Another OW Armed Robbery
And, another Chinese store has been targeted in Orange Walk, this time in Trial Farm Village. Around 7:00 last night two men robbed Tan Store in Trial Farm of cash and cell phones. The owner of the store, fifty five year old Ziguan Tan shared surveillance video with CTV-3 which shows the terrifying ordeal his family and employees endured. Two Hispanic men rode up to the store and walked in at exactly 7:03 pm. Tan was seated at the entrance to the store and one pulled out a hand gun and chased him to the back of the store. Meanwhile, the other robber - with a mask over his face and a white hoodie - pulls the male employee to the back of the counter with Tan's wife and daughter.

Armed Holdup At Belchina Gas Station, Cops Get Suspect
And there was also an armed holdup in Belize City. This one happened yesterday afternoon at around 2:30. 41 years old gas pump attendant Floyd August was working at the BELCHINA Uno Gas Station when a man on bicycle rode up, held him up at gunpoint and demanded money. August handed over $627.00 dollars in cash. The robber rode off - but he didn't get far, because today police charged a 19 year old from Flamboyant Street for the crime. Today in court, Carrell Sanchez was charged with a single count of robbery with a firearm. Sanchez has been positively identified by Floyd August at the man who robbed him. Police are looking for a second suspect who remains at large.

Would Mayor Darrell Do a Road For 8 Million?
He paved 100 streets for 20 million dollars, so would Darrell Bradley pave a little over a mile for 8 million dollars? Well, it's not that simple a comparison. As you heard that one mile plus on Faber's Road will have drainage and a canal, and a roadway built to last for 20 years. As is well known, Mayor Bradley's roadworks project famously didn't include drains. Today he said that he cannot speak about the Faber's Road project because he doesn't know the details. But the PM did speak to Councilor Dion Leslie about those details. We asked the Mayor about that snub and to make a comparison between his road works and this project:... Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "Not seeing anything to the scope of works I cannot comment whether or not any particular price would be commensurate with what that work is." "Notwithstanding all the concerns that has been raised by members of the media, let us not be lost in the sight that it's an important project and I think that overall we need more transparency with relation to works projects in Belize City."

Mayor Laments Situation With Lake I Boulevard
And while the Mayor has to bear the blame for whatever shortfalls there are in the city's cement streets - that's nothing compared to the hot potato that was put into the lap of the Manager of Belize Infrastructure Limited, Christy Mastry yesterday. The Ministry of Works Engineer said BIL is responsible for the failure on Lake Independence Boulevard - which is the one coming off the Chetumal Street Bridge. The Prime Minister told the media to talk to Christ Mastry - who tried to avoid the Blame game when we spoke with her. But it all falls within Belize City, and the mayor says this fiasco is an example of why there needs to be more transparency in public works:...

Police Release Suspect In Alleged Child Kidnapping
All week we've been reporting on the alleged attempted child abduction in the remote community of El Progreso/7Miles in the Cayo District. Three girls claim that an American man put them in the back of his pickup and tied them up. They also claim that he touched them - and one of them returned to her mother with her underwear missing. The girls escaped after one of them got free, allegedly jumped out of the moving truck and then freed her sister and friend - all just as her father happened to be coming along on the road. Cayo Police have had a hard time trying to piece together the facts on this one, and now they are in consultation with the DPP's Office to try and fill in specific details on key points of the allegations.

The Future For The BDF Command
You may have recently seen Colonel Steven Ortega on the news as the acting BDF Commander. General David Jones went on pre-retirement leave a few weeks ago, after being commander since 2013. Today we asked Minister of National Security John Saldivar what's next for the command of the BDF. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "The decision has already been made and forwarded to the Governor General for Colonel Ortega to take over command upon the retirement of General Jones so General Jones is currently on pre-retirement leave and so Colonel Ortega is holding over until then and at the end of that leave colonel Ortega will be installed as the new General and promoted." "Colonel Ortega is the most senior person on the BDF at this point."

No Good News For Standby Soldiers
Acting Commander Ortega was the one who had to deal with the BDF standby's who refused to move from in front of the Price Barracks last Wednesday. Today we asked Saldivar for a comment on this issue and he reiterated Ortega's position. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "Indeed there was no need for them to be waiting outside there, because there was a standby list that had already been prepared. We know that the facility can only take on 100 recruits and so the hope for these potential recruits was that somebody would drop out. But whenever that would occur, we would simply refer to the standby list and so standing outside the gate of the BDF did not improve your chance of getting in and for that reason the BDF had ask them to leave."

Saldivar Says Post-Convention Wounds Will Heal
And finally from Saldivar, we also asked him to comment on Sunday's UDP municipal convention in Dangriga. The slate that Area Representative Frank Pawpa Mena supported lost and Mena then made his displeasure known on his Facebook page. He alleged that his own UDP colleagues bought out the convention saying, "it's a shame ... you have to use money to buy my people. Sad that they don't know how you only care for your agenda and your racist needs. That's politics." Now, the background to this is that Deputy Party Leader Patrick Faber backed the winning slate, because Mena is an ally of John Saldivar. But, today Saldivar just brushed it off as just minor bickering - the kind he says is quite normal after any convention.

Airlines Await Paving Of Caye Caulker Runway
And while Saldivar says Mena and the UDP will get over that social media squabble, the 3 dents on the Caye Caulker airstrip won't can't be glossed over so easily. As we told you, Tropic Air and Maya Island took a joint position to postpone all scheduled flights to Caye Caulker on October 1st. to try and force the Civil Aviation Department to act. Well the $7 million dollar runway renovation project should start this week. But while that is about to get underway, there are reports that the road leading to the municipal airstrip could be having some sinking problems. While we have seen water pooling on some parts of the road, today President of Tropic Air John Greif says the runway at the Municipal is in perfect shape. We also got a comment from Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Jr. about the Caye Caulker runway project.

What's Up With Dredging In Caye Caulker?
Now the runway renovation isn't the only project happening on Caye Caulker. San Pedro Belize Express Water taxi is dredging near their pier. Now some expressed concerns that this project could be damaging to the environment and to the reef. But Area Rep Heredia says the project is quite safe and all residents will benefit from it. Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism: "Permission was granted by the department of hydrology, I believe who are the pertinent body, to San Pedro Belize Express to do a dredging on the side of their pier, because the water was too shallow and propellers were breaking every now and then. So after studying that with the pertinent bodies, they decided to grant them a permit to do it with the condition that all the materials will be for the use of the community and hence you can ask in Caye Caulker I think 3 days now they have been on the streets - just the cost of transportation whatever. That is what they are charging. But the sand will be distributed to all needy people including the 3 schools that we have."

PM says BNTU Is Fixing For A Fight
Earlier this week we told you about the letter exchanged between the BNTU and the Prime Minister where they both scolded each other for bad manners. But what the BNTU wanted was an itemized update on the eight demands in made during its 2016 trike. Yesterday the PM told the media he gave them just that, but he knows they won't be satisfied:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "What inauguration was needed? What was the position with the UNCAC, has it been signed. Yes. What more you want me to say? Of course as I tried to point out the attorney general who leads the implementation process has been copious in the press releases that he's been issued. So that the public has been kept well informed right along."

PM Says He Won't Be Around To Stop or Encourage Vega
KREM's Orson Picart also asked the Prime Minister about his former Deputy Gaspar Vega. A few weeks ago Vega told the media he might be inclined to run again for the UDP in Orange Walk North, despite the scandals attached to his name. When asked whether he would welcome or reject that, Prime Minister Barrow said - with more than a little relief - that he won't be around for that headache: Reporter: "Your former deputy Prime Minister Mr. Gaspar Vega made comments that should he need to run again up north he would. Now considering the amount of allegation of corruption surrounding the Vega family, what would be your comments to what he actually said months ago that he would consider running for the UDP up north, if needs be?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "My comment sir that I can have nothing to do with that. By that time remember that I will have retired."

PM Explains Tender Process For Road
And going back briefly to the issue of the 8 million dollar Faber's Road contract. The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Works Engineer went to lengths yesterday to illustrate that the road works and related drainage and canals are worth all those millions. But what about not putting it out to open tender? Instead they sued the selective Tendering process. The leader of the opposition has written to the PM saying that the Finance and Reform audit act require it to be put to open tender. Here's how the Prime Minster addressed that yesterday:..

Kids On all Things History
The Primary School Social Studies competition was held this morning at the Bliss Center. It was a tough competition with even tougher questions but students representing their schools seemed like experts on all the History topics. 7News was there and got to speak to an organizer as well as the top finishers. Albert Avila, Community Liason Officer for the Belize City House of Culture and the Downtown Rejuvenation Project "Today the competition is to focus on the history of Belize City so most of the questions that are in this competition are Belize City focused and like I said because the students are our future we want them to be involved we want them to know our history and the significance."

New House Handed Over
This afternoon one of Jenny Pinelo's dreams came through. She finally got her own house. She was living with her mom but always wanted to have a place that she could call hers. After doing some research she found out about the Hand in Hand Ministry in Belize who along with The Heritage Bank helped bring her dream to life. We spoke to an overjoyed Pinelo this afternoon at the handover. Jenny Pinello, Recipient of Home: "I was sitting with my mom and my sister and we were just talking and she told me to build a house to the back instead of just renting or being with my sister so I went several places and suddenly she told me that the hand in hand is for families for moms like me to assist us in getting a home."

Sir Barry's Bust
As we showed you 11 months ago, renovation on the Municipal Airport were completed in November of last year. It was also renamed the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport. Sir Barry was a pioneering captain of industry who was known for his love of flying. Well today to top off the renovations, a statue of Sir Barry was unveiled at the airport. Here are a few excerpts from today's ceremony. Dixie Bowen - Wife of Sir Barry Bowen: "It is my privilege to have been requested by the Belize Airport Authority to be asked to commission a statue of Sir Barry for the Sir Barry Bowen Airport, renamed in his honor last November. The truth be known, Sir Barry was always taken by statues. When traveling he would always take time to stop and really study this form of art and I know today he would be so very proud of this lasting remembrance of himself at the airport he so painstakingly designed and was determined to make it a reality. Quoted from moon handbooks, the one about Belize, quote, 'Barry Bowen was a prominent businessman in Belize whose products touched nearly every Belizean and every visitor in Belize.

Helping The Caribbean
Earlier this week, we told you about the Hands Across the Caribbean Telethon which is being held on Saturday. It is a fundraiser for Caribbean emergency relief efforts after Hurricanes Irma and Maria which devastated CARICOM Nations of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. The effort is spearheaded by the council of churches along with different organizations like the Belize City Council. Today the Mayor and the President of the Council of Churches held a joint press conference to urge you to get involved:â€¦ The Telethon will be held at the Bliss Center on Saturday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Another CCJ Session of GOB Vs. AA
And in another part of the Caribbean - namely Trinidad - there's no hurricane, just a storm of lawsuits between the Government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance. Two days ago, they were arguing over the guarantee for Universal Health Care - and today it was about the compensation payment for the BTL acquisition. The second and final part of the compensation is past due - but - as we have reported - Government and the Alliance are arguing over what portion should be paid in Belize dollars and what should be paid in US dollars. That's because, in the settlement it was contemplated that a portion of the second payment would be used to fund social projects - after settling legal costs. But, those legal costs came up to tens of millions of dollars - leaving Government with only a few million for social projects. they say the Alliance isn't playing fair, and that the figure being demanded is exorbitant and unjustified.

Will Senate Select Come Up With Budget And Timeline?
And going back now to yesterday's senate hearings, when it was over Chairman Aldo Salazar discussed the timeline a timeline and a budget for the remainder of the hearings. As we have reported, the Prime Minster and the Chamber of Commerce are calling on the senate produce such a document. Chairman Salazar said he couldn't agree more. Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "For myself, again, I think I got a lot of criticism when I said that we need to look to wrap this up because I think we need to consider our usefulness. I think as a committee we are definitely in a position to say how long more we can go for and how much money it will take. So, I definitely agree with the chamber's position, definitely agree with what the Prime Minister has said. I have been saying that for quite some time. We need to be able to say how we are going to wrap this up."

Crashed Car Was Being Pursued
Earlier this week we told you about the shooting outside the Princess on Saturday morning where a security guard fired a shot on the ground and it injured two men. After that is where things got even worse. As they were rushing Tyrin Faber and Elon Faber to the hospital the vehicle flipped on Freetown road, near the Cinderella plaza junction. Another one of their friends Jaime Bradley was severely hurt in the accident and had to be place an induced coma - which he is out of now.

Channel 5

The Government’s Choice: Imer Hernandez Paid 7 Mil for Hot Mixed Caye Caulker Airstrip
Another multi-million dollar contract has been granted to the government’s choice contractor, Imer Hernandez, the nephew of the former Deputy Prime Minister Gapi Vega. As recent as last week, Hernandez [...]

Hernandez Can’t Be Beat; He Won Regular Tender over 2 Other Contractors
Now Imer Hernandez’s company has been awarded numerous contracts for multimillion dollar projects in past years. Back in 2014, the Prime Minister had to defend Hernandez’s work because many considered [...]

Is Faber’s Road a Good Deal?
The dust has not settled yet on the controversial eight-million-dollar contract for work on Faber’s Road. The agreement was signed on Thursday and by Friday, execution began. It prompted the [...]

Mayor Calls for Transparency But Warns About Priorities
The controversy surrounding the cost, as well as the awarding of the Faber’s Road Project to Imer Hernandez, is quite possibly the result of a lack of information about the [...]

Mayor: Consultation Didn’t Matter to Me
Why was Mayor Bradley skirted by Prime Minister Barrow in favor of Councilor Deon Leslie during his consultations on the Faber’s Road Project? On the surface it appears that the [...]

BIL’s Mea Culpa: Hot-Mix Couldn’t Save Sinking Lake I Boulevard
Still on the issue of infrastructure projects…. it was intended to be a centerpiece of the giant Petrocaribe spending program – worth removing squatters, clearing out bushes and splashing cash. [...]

Mayor: “Appalling” Boulevard Should Have Been Questioned Earlier
Mayor Darrell Bradley also commented on the Lake Independence Boulevard. As both a citizen and Mayor, he was appalled at the state of affairs. He indicated that it was emblematic [...]

The Final (?) Hearing on B.T.L. Compensation
The long-awaited consolidated appeals and cross-appeals between the government, Dunkeld International Investments Limited and Dean Boyce and the B.T.L. Employees’ Trust were heard this morning in the Caribbean Court of [...]

Dunkeld: Government Can Run But It Can’t Hide
Answering for Dunkeld and the Employees’ Trust was Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay. He contended that the Government was seeking to delay its obligations under the agreement and ultimately not to [...]

Impasse in Collecting Outstanding Arbitral Awards in U.S.
While litigation involving the Ashcroft group is before the Caribbean Court of Justice, Prime Minister Barrow has weighed in on the matter of arbitral awards that were supported by the [...]

Released for Now, Suspected Abductor Could Still Face Charges
In an update to the alleged foiled abduction of three girls from El Progresso Seven Mile Community in the Cayo District, we can confirm tonight that the American businessman held [...]

Sir Barry Bowen Memorialized at Municipal Airstrip
The Barry Bowen statute was unveiled today at the municipal airstrip in Belize City which also carries his name. Among the invitees were his wife Dixie and family, ministers of [...]

Grumbling after Dangriga Convention is Not News
The U.D.P. municipal convention held this weekend in Dangriga has brought into the open the division within the hierarchy of the party. Former U.D.P. minister Mark King and current Dangriga [...]

Steven Ortega Rises to the Top of the B.D.F.
Bomb Expert and Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General David Jones, is currently on pre-retirement leave after almost two decades of service with the force. But who will [...]

Water Taxi Has Permission to Dredge in Caye Caulker
There have been complaints from residents on Caye Caulker that a dredging project may have adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem and the barrier reef. Since the beginning of this [...]

Statisticians Trained in Software Analysis
The Statistical Institute of Belize, in partnership with the United Nations’ Population Fund, wrapped up a two-day training in data analysis and micro-data access in Belize City. The training for [...]

Deserving Partridge Street Family Gets New Home
It’s been said that there is something permanent and something extremely profound in owning a home – and that is what a south side family found out today when they [...]

Dogs and Their Best Friends ‘Pawty’ in the Park
This Saturday at the Memorial Park in Belize City, man’s best friend takes center stage in the first ever Dog Show and Pawty in the Park. From two to six [...]

Join Hands to Help Caribbean’s Hurricane Victims
A telethon organized by the Council of Churches and the Belize City Council to raise funds in aid of the thousands of hurricane victims in Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda [...]

Healthy Living: Avoiding a Stroke
Many consider a stroke to be a silent killer. The truth is that a stroke may not always lead to loss of life but it can disrupt or destroy the [...]

LOVE FM

Engineer shares the specifics of the Faber’s Road Project
Leader of the Opposition John Briceno wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow on October 17 demanding that the Government immediately cease the pursuant of the Faber’s Road Reconstruction Contract awarded to Imer Hernandez. The People’s United Party is also demanding that any disbursement with regards to the contract be halted until a comprehensive assessment of […]

PM: “We are going to get value for money from Imer Hernandez”
Contractor Imer Hernandez has had his own share of controversy over the past years. He has received several multi-million dollar infrastructural contracts under the UDP Government. He is a known relative to former UDP Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega. Critics believe that Hernandez was awarded the 7.9 million dollars Faber’s Road Reconstruction contract because of […]

Moody comments on Lake Independence Blvd
After two years of being constructed, the Lake Independence Boulevard is in a deplorable state. Portions of the road are sinking and uneven. Yesterday Professional Chartered Engineer Evandale Moody explained what went wrong. Moody, who designed the construction of Lake Independence says that his design was never used. Belize Infrastructure Limited, BIL, took over the […]

PM discusses the lowering of Gas Prices
Last month Prime Minister Dean Barrow promised that the cost of fuel would decrease by mid- October. So far the price of regular gasoline has decreased but premium gasoline has yet to do the same. Barrow said that it should decrease in the next couple of days. He said that the sanctions placed on several […]

Elrington comments on Boycott between the Media & the Police
Last week, the media instituted a boycott of the Belize Police Department in response to the Department’s stance on not granting interviews with regards to major crimes. Yesterday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he hopes that the media and police would iron out the issues. Barrow said that the press should never be excluded. Minister […]

Minister of Defence refutes Claim of Divide within the UDP
Following the United Democratic Party’s convention on Sunday in Dangriga, UDP Area representative Frank Pawpa Mena went on Facebook to vent after the team he was supporting lost at that convention. He first wrote, quote, “it’s a shame … you have to use money to buy my people. Sad that they don’t know how you […]

Musa will not challenge Briceno for the Leadership
And while there seems to be an internal jostling for power within the UDP, yesterday Deputy Party Leader of the People’s United Party, Kareem Musa, announced that he will not challenge John Briceno for the leadership of the PUP in next month’s national convention. Musa made the announcement via his Facebook page yesterday. The announcement […]

PM discusses his Retirement
Leader of the United Democratic Party Dean Barrow is finishing his last term as Party Leader and Prime Minister. While there is no telling who his successor will be, Barrow says that whoever it is, that person will not have to worry about him looming in the background. He said that once he is out, […]

Colonel Steven Ortega to succeed Brigadier General David Jones
In June of this year, Brigadier General David Jones told the media that he would soon be retiring. Today, Minister of Defence John Saldivar told the media that the General is currently on pre-retirement leave after which he will leave the Belize Defence Force. Saldivar adds that Colonel Steven Andrew Ortega, who currently holds the […]

Captain Neal Excels Academically Abroad
Today the Belize Defence Force announced that one of its own has completed his Masters of Arts in Strategic Security Studies at the National Defence University in the USA. A statement from the BDF states that Captain Eric Richard Neal Jr. also obtained “Honours” for his thesis entitled “Managing Indigenous People in Belize: Guaranteeing Security […]

The Guardian

Southside residents deserve an 8 million dollar Fabers Road project
On Thursday of last week the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works signed on to a contract for the complete overhaul of Fabers Road from Central American Boulevard to the George Price Highway. By some oversight, the scope of works was not expounded upon and the price tag of 7.9 million dollars took everyone by surprise as the stretch of road is only 2.5 kilometers in length. This led to mass hysteria and speculation as to the value of the contract and the television, print and social media went wild with accusations of the contract being bloated. COLA and their PUP attorney, Kareem Musa called a press conference and threatened to put the project into a grinding halt with an injunction. They claimed that the contract was in breach of the Finance and Audit Act. With all the speculation and accusations running rampant for almost a week it was not until Wednesday of this week when Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow called a press conference to clear the air.

Attempted abduction of three minors in Cayo
A 58 year old American National is currently detained by Cayo Police for questioning regarding an attempted abduction. Even with his detention, public concern has grown dramatically over the last few hours as to the safety for three female children. On Monday at about 10:00 am, a ten and a nine year old female went to buy ideals in El Progresso or Seven Miles in rural Cayo and on their way were invited by a clear complexioned male to travel to Belize City in his vehicle. The two females were then joined by another female minor. However; at the junction of Georgeville one of the minors saw her father and jumped out of the vehicle and so did the other two girls. In the process of doing so the children obtained some minor scrapes.

Kareem punks out
In a most sheepish manner, Kareem Musa has decided that he will not run for leader of the People’s United Party. In a statement he issued on Wednesday he completely backed down from the cavalier position which he had taken last week when he had invited the media to tell them he was considering running. In his craftily worded statement he blamed the media as the ones who “brought up my name,” stating that “I was surprised.” The reality is that it was neither the media nor was he surprised that his name was out there as he had in fact himself sent out the message as a trial balloon to test the weather.

Overnight and cruise arrivals show steady growth
According to the Belize Tourism Board, Cruise and Overnight tourism has shown a steady growth path in Belize. These positive trends have been visible for the first 9 months of 2017. The cumulative increase in overnight arrival has been a total of 8.6% while in September, there has been a 7.9% increase. September’s 7.9% increase represents an increase of more than 1,400 visitors. Although there was an increase in overall overnight arrivals, there was only a slight increase of overnight arrivals through the International Airport. This is due to the threat of storms in the region earlier in the month. While there was only a minimal increase through the airport in September, there was a more significant increase in the arrival of visitors through the Northern and Western land borders. For the third quarter of July to September 2017 when it was compared to that of 2016, there was a 10.9% increase in overnight tourism, despite this quarter being the traditional slow season.

Countrywide blood shortage
On Monday October 16th, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital sent out an advisory that it was postponing elective surgeries due to limited blood supply for these procedures. The shortage began two and a half weeks earlier and was attributed to the Blood Bank being unable to supply blood. While the hospital is able to continue life-saving surgeries, elective surgeries are being postponed. But what is causing the shortage? According to Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, it has to do with the Blood Bank being unable to screen blood. He told us that there is currently a region-wide shortage of HIV testing kits so even if donors provide blood, these cannot be screened. This has caused an acute shortage as the Belize City based blood bank is the only one that supplies blood to all medical institutions in need.

UDP selects Dangriga's municipal slate with record turnout
The United Democratic Party held a very successful convention in Dangriga where 1,301 supporters came out to cast their ballots for the persons whom they thought were best suited to represent the party in the upcoming municipal elections of March 7, 2018. There were two persons running for the position of mayoral candidate and in the end, current mayor, Francis Humphreys received 914 votes while his opponent, Herbert Nicassio received 322 votes. In the race for councilor candidates, there were 12 persons vying for 6 positions. Topping the polls was Cheryl Molina who received 754 votes; Alexander Joseph got 692 votes; Aaron Gongora secured 687 votes; Earth Lopez got 627 votes; Gary Franscisco got 624 votes and Yadira Diego received 603 votes rounding off the 6 candidates. The other candidates who contested were Therese Ariola who received 585 votes; Alden Chavez with 498; Anthony Garbutt 596; Marshall Mejia 489; Patricia Usher 444; and Augustine Sabal 290.

Aikman’s foolishness again!
About a month and a half ago, we thought we had put to rest this foolishness about political parties knowing how voters cast their votes at any particular election. However that thinking changed after midday on Sunday when we at this newspaper had the opportunity to watch the repeat of the Zenaida & Derek Show. The show is a show that is aired on Krem TV sometime during the week and repeats on Sundays. During that particular episode of the show Derek Aikman did a voting simulation in an attempt to prove that the Political Parties in Belize are able to tell how each and every one votes at any particular election. It is not the first time that Aikman has staged such a simulation.

PM says Cattouse’s murder not a political hit
Albert Cattouse was killed in his taxi on Thursday of last week and since his death some activists have said that his killing was motivated because he was an activist. On Wednesday, during a press conference, PM Dean Barrow stated that nothing could be further from the truth. He noted that Cattouse was an acquaintance of his and they were always cordial with one another whenever they met. He went on to state that the police’s investigations show that what happened was “completely at odds from any notion that this was a political hit. I am willing to bet my life that no UDP personality in the leadership of this party would ever do something like that.”

Belize City Council’s receives flood mitigation equipment
In November 2011, the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed a US $10 million loan agreement as well as US $750,000 counterpart funding for a flood alleviation and mitigation project for the Belama Area. The project, labeled “Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project”, has three components which were to be completed in a 5-year span. The first component, Engineering and Administration, included the establishment of an execution unit and operational expenses. Next were the First and Second Year of Civil Works subcomponents, the first being comprised of the outputs of street improvements, canal construction, and the upgrading of two parks. Component three was for Institutional Strengthening which consisted of a host of studies to be done in the areas of flood alleviation and mitigation.

Protecting Our Planet through Climate Action on Multiple Fronts - Minister Lee Ying-yuan Environmental Protection Administration Republic of China (Taiwan)
Climate change is a scientific fact, and its effects are already being distinctly felt around the world, threatening human health, the places we inhabit, and the sustainability of our socioeconomic systems. This includes Taiwan, which this year alone has experienced several extreme weather events. In early June, Sanzhi District in New Taipei City, northern Taiwan, received 615 mm of heavy rain in just nine hours, while the mountainous regions around Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan received a record 1,446 mm in total. In late July, two typhoons (Nesat and Haitang) struck the island in close succession, a rarely seen event resulting in a record 690 mm of rainfall in the southern coastal region of Pingtung’s Jiadong township over a three-day period.

San Juan/ Cowpen receives NEMO Flood Mitigation Works
The village of San Juan/ Cowpen has recently benefitted from the expansion of electricity in the village as well as the paving of its main road and is again a beneficiary of works by the government. They have now received much needed work in the area of flood mitigation. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) began excavating and cleaning drains to facilitate the free flow of water, pertinent in these times of excess rainfall. These works are being supervised by Keith Emmanuel, Southern Regional Coordinator, NEMO; David Cruz, Stann Creek District Coordinator, and other Ministry of Works personnel. Direction on the ground is also being provided by San Juan/Cowpen Village Chairman Carlos Peraza and Councillor Abby Blades.

Police continue their Du Di Rait Ting program
The Belize Police Department, Community Policing Unit hosted the 13th national “Du Di Rait Ting” program on October 14, 2017 at the Old Belize Pavilion. There were 37 submitted candidates and from that submission, 7 were exemplified as great examples of doing the right thing. The 3 top winners are: Jasmine Diego from Claver College Extension, Yunior Ramirez from Corozal Community College, and Honenaida Garcia from Independence High School.

FOR ELENA SMITH: WHEN YOU KNOW YOU DON’T KNOW BUT PLAY LIKE YOU KNOW
On Tuesday October 17, 2017 nightly news (Channel 7), Senator Elena Smith president of BNTU, was heard making the following statements regarding the Public Sector Workers’ Trust. “The initial sums of monies that were spent from the trust was spent to put together the trust deed. That had to be drafted and that had to be drafted by attorneys and so we paid I believe 3 attorneys had been paid to draft the deed.” “We must now go and redo the trust deed based on the court judgement. The government has been named as the settler and so we must now go through and draft a new trust deed to be presented for acceptance and that is where we are.”

Teachers and students from Belmopan participate in Fun Run
For the third year in a row, the adventuring teachers and students from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic High School OLOGHS in Belmopan have pounded the asphalt from Belmopan to San Ignacio for a worthy cause. First to reach San Ignacio on Saturday morning was Jamel Webster, 25 years of age, and by the time he was at the finishing line his tennis shoe had worn out. At the ready to assist Webster and other runners was a team from the Red Cross ; with the Traffic Department also keeping a careful watch for their safety.

George Price Highway cleaned over weekend
In remembering 25 years of Environmental Sustainability, a trio composed of the Department of the Environment, the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society once again partnered in a “Walk for a Green Belize” cleanup. The event aimed at building awareness and providing a firm foundation for an environmentally friendly Belize started at 7:00 am on Saturday along the entire 77 mile George Price Highway--with the involvement of over 50 groups, individuals and businesses.

What did Justice Abel tell the Unions to do?
Over the past couple of weeks there has been much chatter about the BNTU and the PSU refusing to abide by a court order issued against them. The unions were taken to court by persons who had their salaries frozen between 1994-1997 and were given shares in BTL as compensation. Since then the beneficiaries have not been able to receive any benefits from the trust which was established by the unions in 2014. For clarity we print some excerpts of the judgement to shed some light as to what needs to be done to make amends with the beneficiaries.

Saint Catherine’s Academy bans the use of disposable material
The Saint Catherine Academy community has ventured on a task to implement the utilization of reusable material into their SCA society. In speaking with Arlene Riverol, Vice Principal, Academic Affairs, as well as the seven girls that make up the student council, it was learnt that the task actually began three years ago but has finally come into play after the student council decided to take action.

Republic of China (Taiwan) Celebrates 106th National Day
A host of invited guests attended a ceremony to celebrate the Republic of China (Taiwan’s) 106th National Day at the Princess Ramada Hotel. At the ceremony on Friday, October 6, 2017, donations of refurbished ASUS laptops were made to fourteen organizations that included the Guardian Newspaper, Channel 7, Saint Catherine Academy, and the Pallottine Sisters.

Guatemalan remanded for sexually assaulting 8 year old girl
A Guatemalan construction worker who has been living in Belize for over 20 years has been accused of molesting an 8-year-old girl. He is 30-year-old Jorge Giovanni Garcia of Belize City. Garcia appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser for arraignment on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 where he was read a single charge of sexual assault. He pled not guilty to the charge but the Magistrate had several reservations and concerns. The first was regarding his status in Belize. Garcia claims that he has been living in Belize since he was 10 and never got documented by his parents.

Two dead in separate road traffic accidents
On October 11, 2017 at around 2:30 p.m., police officers responded to a fatal traffic accident between miles 32 and 33 on the Southern Highway. There they saw a lifeless body with head and body injuries lying on the side of the road. The body was that of 32-year-old Sebastian Cucul, a laborer of San Isidoro Village. Cucul’s body was taken to the Dangriga morgue. Investigations revealed that Cucul was riding his Skygo motorcycle towards Georgetown Village when he collided into the left side of a trailer truck which was travelling in the opposite direction. That truck was being driven by 33-year-old Hector Amilcar Melara of Hopkins. Melara has since been served an NIP as investigations continue.

Armed robberies in the north
On October 13, 2017, police visited Sun Luck Store located on Zericote Street in Orange Walk where they spoke to Hong Zhen Quin, a 24-year-old Chinese cashier, who reported that at 3:15 p.m., 2 male persons of Hispanic descent entered the shop. They were both dressed in full black clothing with caps on their heads and white rags covering their faces. One of the culprits was armed with what appeared to be a 9 mm pistol which he pointed to Zhen Quin. The robbers stole $600.

Bail for man accused of drug trafficking
A Belizean mason and contractor, 45-year-old Franklin Vernon, was taken to court on October 12, 2017 to answer to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug. Vernon was found in possession of 129 grams of cannabis earlier the same day. Vernon appeared before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he was read a single charge for drug trafficking. He plead not guilty to trafficking and contended that he was guilty of possession and not drug trafficking. Magistrate Trapp explained that he was not being charged for possession. Prosecutor Inspector Hector Rodriguez informed Vernon that while he is unable to accept his plea for possession, he will be updated at his next adjournment which is set for December 21, 2017.

Keith Middleton killed at home
Keith Middleton, another resident of the Jane Usher Boulevard area, was killed in a shooting at his yard. He’s the fourth member of the Jane Usher boulevard neighbourhood to be murdered in 2 months, and this is the third time he’s been injured by gunmen. On Monday, October 16, 2017, at around 7:30 p.m. the 31 year-old was at his home on Mud Street, socializing with a friend when an unknown shooter opened fire on him and injured him multiple times.

Robbers hold Sirrom Gas Station
An unknown robber, with the assistance of another held a worker at the Sirrom Gas distribution point in the Kontiki Area of San Ignacio at gun point last Friday morning. Vicente Maldonado reported to San Ignacio Police that a man dressed in dark clothing entered into the fuel station and pointed a 9 mm hand gun at him and instructed him to hand over the funds. In response, Maldonado then handed $727.50 and his cellular phone.

Missing teen found in shallow grave
After being missing for 52 days, 17 year-old Erwin Rodriguez, a Belize City resident, was found dead in the Port Loyola area. A post-mortem has concluded that he died from multiple gunshot wounds to the face. It’s the end of a long search and a period of uncertainty for his family who had been hoping, but realizing that the worst possible outcome would be the likely result. His body was discovered in a shallow grave near the seashore area, behind the Port of Belize. That’s not too far from his home in the Jane Usher Boulevard area.

Shooting incidents, Accident and unintentional - Aaron Wilson shoots his brother
Aaron Wilson Guzman, a 23-year-old Belizean businessman of Silk Grass, Stann Creek, reported that on October 13, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. while at a farm about one mile from Silk Grass, he was with his brother Brandon Guzman loading lumber. After finishing, he jumped off the truck with his licensed Glock pistol with a bullet in the chamber which was tucked in the right side of his pants. The firearm fell on some lumber which caused it to discharge. The bullet caught his brother in his upper right arm. Brandon was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment.

Shootings in Belize City
On October 14, 2017 at 8:15 p.m., police visited the ER at the KHMH where they saw Kirkland Michael Dawson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right thigh. Dawson, a 31-year-old electrician and resident of Euphrates Avenue, was socializing with friends on Curassow Street in Belize City when he heard several gunshots being fired. He felt a burning sensation in his right thigh and realized that he has been shot.

Swiss National is charged for drug and immigration offenses
On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, a 42-year-old retiree of Switzerland appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser to answer to a single immigration offense. He is Christian Reis, a frequent visitor of Belize. The allegations against Reis are that he entered Belize on April 13, 2017 through the Northern Border Station to remain legally until May 12, 2017 but he has since failed to get an extension to his permit. As a result, he has been charged with failure to comply with the conditions of a visitor’s permit.

Taximan Albert Cattouse’s killing a mystery
Family members and friends of 72-year-old Albert Cattouse continue to make funeral arrangements for him after he was killed in what appears to be a random act of violence in Belize City. The incident happened on Thursday, October 12, at around 7:30 p.m. That’s when police found his taxi, a grey Lincoln Town Car, in a drain on Hicatee Street. Inside it, they found him in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Police say that from their investigation so far, Cattouse was driving his vehicle from the direction of West Collet Canal, toward Dolphin Street. Shortly after he passed Bocotora Street, nearby persons and residents heard the sound of gunshots. It is believed at this time that he picked up the person who shot him to the back of the head.

Teenager charged with attempted murder
Police have arrested and charged 19 year old Asher Saunders with Attempted Murder and Use of Deadly means of harm following a shooting incident on Tuesday October 13th. Police report that they visited the Emergency Room at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw Floyd Elston McNab, a 33-year-old Belizean Laborer of Campos Avenue, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right buttock and 3 gunshots to the left buttocks.

After staying one week with a friend, woman is accused of theft
On Thursday, October 12, 2017, Shelmadine Neal, a 21-year-old unemployed resident of Victoria Street, appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser in the Belize City to answer to a charge of theft. Neal appeared barefooted and dirty before the magistrate and claimed that she got into a fight with the family of the complainant on the way to court.

San Pedro Pirates best the Placencia Assassins in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize 2017 Opening Season is fast coming to an end with only three more weeks of play in the regular season remaining. On Saturday 14th October at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the host team San Pedro Pirates edged out the visiting Placencia Assassins by the score of 3-1. The San Pedro Pirates was the first onto the scoreboard when Hector Martinez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 28th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further increased when Inri Gonzaga scored his team’s 2nd goal of the game in the 45th minute of play for a 2-0 lead.

Belize Athletics Association elects new officers
The Belize Athletics Association held its 2017 Annual General Meeting on Saturday 21 October, 2017 at Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City. The highlight of the Annual General Meeting was the elections of officers for the association. At the close of nomination day the following persons nominated for the positions are: President - Deon Sutherland, 1st vice president - Jaheed Smith, 2nd vice president - Tricia Flores, General Secretary - Josephine Flowers, Asst. Secretary - Jeneicia Sanker, Treasurer - Orville Melendrez Committee members - Andrew Pilgrim, Shelmadine Carr and Shaun Gill. The elected officers will serve until the next General Meeting in which an election will be held.

Football Federation of Belize to hold 11th Ordinary Congress
The Football Federation of Belize is pleased to inform the general public and the football world that it will be holding its 11th Ordinary Congress on Saturday 2nd December, 2017, at 10:00 am at the Ramada Belize City Princess on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. The high point of the 11th Ordinary Congress will be the elections of the President and Vice President of the Football Federation of Belize.

National Track and Field Championship reschedule for November
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 November 4-5, 2017. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events.

Coconut - A Potential Super Food
Coconut is one of those foods that have been used for its beauty and competent creativity, rather than its richness in nutrition. Suddenly, coconut is back in style as a potential super food. Health experts have been analyzing the abundant health benefits of coconut; meanwhile one expert mentions that there are very few people, if anyone, looking at coconut health effects. Rather, much of the research on health benefits of coconut comes from India, a country that dominates the production of coconut food products- potentially tainting research results. What is known about coconut is that-in moderation- they offer a healthier type of saturated fat and fiber for your diet, and nutrients such as iron, potassium, selenium, choline, phosphorus, and niacin.

AMANDALA: “…THE TEACHERS (OR UNIONS) WOULD HAVE THEIR OWN POLITICAL PARTY…”
I am a parent and a teacher and I absolutely do NOT support the BNTU leadership. I strongly believe that the majority of parents similarly do NOT support the union leadership’s plunge into partisan politics! Should public sector unions even be allowed to exist if they involve themselves in partisan politics? Political partisanship violates a public sector union’s own principles and articles of association! Individual union members have the right to vote, and they should do so, like every other registered voter! Yet, the union’s role is completely different from that of a political party. Leadership should improve the abysmal PSE scores. They need to help produce good citizens – the almost total indiscipline in the community has got to be traceable directly to parents and teachers.

Issue #36-May 2017 of The BELIZE AG REPORT is online here!

GOD BUSH CONTROL PROGRAM IN CITRUS
Struthanthus orbicularis is one of the various parasitic weed that reproduces on citrus in Belize. Most commonly known as God bush or “Mata Palo” in Spanish. God bush can be reproduced by seeds and plant tissues, the spread from tree to tree is mainly by birds, human and farm machinery. Inadequate management of God bush forces trees to compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients. The growth aggressiveness of God bush can cover trees foliage rapidly causing and ideal micro climate within trees suitable for fungal diseases, subsequently leaf drop, die back of branches and final death of trees. Chemical control methods for God bush has damaged trees if sprayed direct, most command method implemented to control have been pruning of infested branches. A herbicide trial was conducted to control S. orbicularis on orange trees at Cool Shade, Cayo District, Belize C.A. from the 18th January to 7th April, 2017.

Old Crops Become New Underutilized Native Crops: Sweet Potatoes
The problem in food shortage, even with the technology that has been developed over the decades, continues to rise. In 1975 the deficit in food availability worldwide was 12 million metric tons; in the 1990’s it had surpassed 85 million metric tons. Today it is closer to 100 million metric tons. The crops with the most acreage or tonnage produced in the world are wheat, rice, corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes, presented in order of importance. Of the aforementioned crops, sweet potatoes have achieved the highest yields per acre in farm trials. Of all the roots and tubers consumed in the world sweet potatoes take second place just behind potatoes. Approximately 46 million acres of potatoes are produced in the world and about 34 million acres of sweet potatoes. Asia grows 92 percent of the total acreage of sweet potatoes. It is one of the few crops that can be grown from sea level up to 6000 feet about sea level.

Dear Editor:
I am writing to share the importance of the visit we had by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, MIT scientist, who presented to the Pesticides Control Board and the general public, “Why Glyphosate Should Be Banned, Globally.” Representatives for seven sponsoring organizations including Belize Organic Family Farming, Pro-Organic Belize, Belize Wellness Institute, Belize Botanical Gardens, Plenty Belize, Sustainable Harvest International of Belize, and Southeast Watershed Alliance Group (SWAG) made presentations to the Pesticides Control Board Review Committee on August 30, 2016 requesting the PCB review and prohibit the importation of glyphosate, and all its formulations (some 19) currently imported into Belize. We were instructed to base our presentations on peer-reviewed studies. This means that a group of scientists must vet the science behind the study, and deem it to be based on scientific fact.

Update on Missouri farmer, J.R. Bollinger of Missouri, USA: See Carbon-Smart Corn article, Issue #34, November 2016
We have some news about farmer, J.R. Bollinger of Missouri, USA, whose biological methods for large-scale farming were the subject of the Carbon-Smart Corn article, reprinted from Acres USA magazine, in our November 2016 Issue #34 (pg 5). This article’s length greatly exceeded our usual article size, but because it was so nutrient-dense with exciting applications used in a large conventional row-crop farm, we could not resist sharing it. Recently David Yarrow, the author of that article, shared some information regarding Bollinger’s farm and costs. He said that by cutting his fertilizer bills by 50%, Bollinger saved over US$100 per acre (US$100,000) on input costs; we are unable to translate that to Belize dollars because landed costs here would include freight and duty. Bollinger’s $100,000 USD savings on former input costs is worth a further look. For his 2016 corn crop, Bollinger used the same carbon-smart methods, planting with the same 6 inch strips as in 2015, and still with 50% fertilizers (compared to 2014 use). He harvested 330 bushels (18,480 lbs) per acre in 2016 and had the #1 yield for corn for the state of Missouri.

The Dairy Industry in Spanish Lookout An Interview with Frank Friesen and Ernie Thiessen
If a Belizean dairy farmer wants to rapidly improve his herd’s genetics, he has 3 choices: live dairy cattle importation, artificial insemination, or embryo transfer. The first dairy bull of some merit brought into Spanish Lookout was a Holstein, flown in from Pennsylvania about 50 years ago, by Joe Friesen, Sr. Many high-producing, locallyborn acclimated cows resulted. Belizean dairy farmers have learned that animals born in Belize will out-produce almost any imported blood-lines, and so have moved for the most part to artificial insemination (AI) and now are moving to embryo transfers as a more affordable alternative to importing single animals. Also, percentages have increased to make each resulting animal more affordable.

Beyond the Backyard: What on Earth?
My friend recently hurt his back and was prescribed some pretty heavy- duty unpronounceable medication that was also very expensive. He asked me if I knew of holistic alternatives. I suggested these potent pain killers: bone broth full of glucosamine; turmeric (yellow ginger) as it contains curcumin which is an anti- inflammatory; capsaicin (from chili pepper) which decreases pain signals to the brain and ‘tuna’ which contains taurine. “Tuna!! What on earth!” I was not referring to tuna fish but a cactus Jamaicans call tuna and we in Belize call nopal or prickly pear.

A Case for Changing Agriculture in Belize
In the early 1970’s, the late Earl L. Butz, 18th US Secretary of Agriculture, famously said, “ Before we go back to organic agriculture in this country, somebody must decide which 50 million Americans we are going to let starve or go hungry.” This came at a time when the American biologist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug was pioneering the Green Revolution at the Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de MaIz y Trigo (CIMMYT) in Mexico. The Green Revolution brought about significant increases in the yield of a select few agricultural crops through the adoption of various new technologies including, but not limited to, high yielding grain varieties, advanced irrigation systems and the extensive usage of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Ironically, this relatively new form of farming became known as “conventional” and traditional methods of farming were placed under the blanket term “organic” and, in many circles, became a testy topic of conversation.Organic agriculture became an ideology, one that had to give way to the banner of scientific innovation. In a flare of reductionism, the ultimate goal of conventional agriculture became higher yields per unit area.

BEL-CAR Updates
As we go to press, the bean harvest in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District is in progress. Bel-Car states that there is less acreage in black-eyes for this season, possibly up to 50% less, for several reasons. Roughly 12,000 (100 lb) bags of corn were harvested by Bel- Car farmers. ‘A’ grade corn price for Spanish Lookout has been listed as N/A - not available - on our centerfold Prices at a Glance page, for quite some time, as it is not sold in bulk, but rather used in the production of high quality corn meal.

National Coconut Stakeholders Platform Meets in Blue Creek, Orange Walk District
On Friday 31 March, the NCSP had its bimonthly meeting at the coconut farm of Sergio and Tina Marraquin. Almost all of the 12 original committee members plus many visitors who were all interested in learning more about the potentials of coconut farming in Belize made the trek to the remote Mennonite village in the northwest corner of Belize. Mr. Manuel Trujillo, Crops Coordinator of Central Farm called the meeting to order, and Ms. Omaira Avila, our (relatively) new Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) country representative took the reins of the meeting. As CARDI is officially appointed as the ‘focal point’, contracted to manage and fulfill the agronomical part of this Bz$5 M project, Ms. Avila reminded the group throughout the morning of the various tasks needing to be accomplished before the ending of this project in January of 2019.

National Agriculture and Trade Show
The 47th annual National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) was opened on Friday 28th April under the theme “Let’s Get Growing”. The opening ceremony was highlighted by keynote addresses by University of Belize’s new president Dr. Clement Sankar; and Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Godwin Hulse; and by the presentation of the Farmers of the Year awards. Male Farmer of the Year went to Mr. Gary Canto of Cayo District; Female Farmer of the Year was Ms. Mirva Flowers of Toledo District, and Junior Farmer of the Year was awarded to Mr. Santiago Gutierrez of Cayo District. NATS chairman Mr. Gary Ramirez estimated that close to 40,000 people visited the 3 day fair, which concluded on Sunday 30th April, at the newly renovated show grounds in Belmopan.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) in the Sugar Industry
On April 12, 2017 the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the European Union (EU) held a first-of-its-kind Integrated Pest and Disease Management Seminar at SIRDI’s headquarters in Buena Vista Village, Corozal District. A total of 185 stakeholders, including sugarcane farmers, sugarcane farmers associations, community leaders, students and NGOs, attended. Many farmers and stakeholders from the northern sugar belt are now well-versed and prepared to tackle the main pest in the sugarcane field known as the froghopper.

AgScience for Better Crops: Plant Disease Management
Agriculture in Belize has experienced a rapid expansion and diversification of crop production. Such changes come with increased challenges that growers have no control over and must learn to adopt and implement effective management practices. Currently the increase of pest and diseases remain a major threat to crop production. Moreover, there are main factors contributing to plant disease management, which include 1) the demand for safe and diverse food to support the growing population, 2) reduced agriculture production, 3) ecology of agro-ecosystem deterioration and natural resource depletion, and 4) increased disease epidemics from agricultural intensification and monocultures (He et al, 2016)

Neal Kinsey Soil Fertility Course
In the last days of February, Neal Kinsey arrived at University of Belize’s College of Agriculture at Central Farm to present his Intro 2 course on soil fertility using the Kinsey-Albrecht system. This was Neal’s 3rd teaching trip to Belize, and many of the participants had already attended one or both of his previous courses here. One of those repeating farmers said to Neal at the conclusion of the final class day, “Neal, you are changing the face of agriculture in Spanish Lookout”. What higher accolade can be given to our friend Neal? Other student comments on the annual surveys which asked, “What did you gain from this course?” included: “a better understanding of the complex interaction among elements and soil types and water”, Dottie Feucht.

Weed Control Using a Grit-Blaster
Weed scientist and USDA agronomist, Frank Forcella of Minnesota, U.S. solved two problems with one invention that he calls “PAGMan”. The first problem was how to get rid of the pits from his bumper crop of apricots; the second was how to get rid of weeds in row crops. He says that combining those two into a single solution seemed silly at first but he and colleague, Dean Peterson, at the USDA North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory in Morris, Minnesota, bought a cheap sand blaster and started some simple experiments in a greenhouse. Their initial work involved growing weeds next to a corn plant; when the corn was about six inches tall and the weed was about one to three inches tall, the researchers blasted both with a split-second application of grit.

The Mighty Ceiba - Tree of Life
After Hurricane Earl took down our favorite birding tree, our “Giving Tree,” we began to pay more attention to the ceiba tree that had been hiding behind, but stood strong through the storm. This particular tree is rooted at the base of the hill below us which gives us the unusual perspective of a peek into the upper branches of this fascinating tree. Over time we watched the tree drop its leaves, then bloom with delicate pink flowers that attracted many kinds of birds and wildlife. We then watched the blooms turn to small buds, then larger pods that have now burst open, releasing puffs of cottony clouds, filled with seeds. We have seen squirrels and kinkajous feasting on the pods and birds taking the kapok for their nests. It strikes me how few seeds from this tree actually make it to a proper place for germination. At first the tree was bursting with flowers, thousands of them. Many of the flowers were eaten or knocked off before being allowed to progress to the next stage. Once the small buds evolved, they became irresistible to all manner of creatures. Those buds that survived the feasting and grew to maturity still had to fight off the squirrels and toucans who continued to eat them, sometimes taking entire pods and often dropping them to the ground.

BLPA Holds AGM
The 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA) was held on 25th February, 2017, at their headquarters, Mile 47.5 George Price Highway. Mr. Abdala Bedran gave the welcoming remarks, which preceded Dr. Henry Canton’s Chairman’s Address. BLPA General Manager Ms. Elba Cruz also shared remarks and introduced the keynote speaker, Minister Godwin Hulse.

Cattle Auction in Spanish Lookout
The March 4, 2017 cattle auction was a great success; 37 head of cattle and 3 horses were sold. We were privileged to have some Blue Creek producers bring a load of excellent breeding stock from there as well. There were 15 different owners selling cattle. The cattle were sold to 22 different buyers. Again I estimate more than 300 people came out for the event; 56 individuals registered to buy. People came from all over the country and also Peten, Guatemala. One bull was sold to a Guatemalan buyer. Weather was perfect: overcast with just a little bit of rain but not so much as to really interfere with the auction. Country Meats served us with a delicious steak for lunch.

An Overview of Land Taxes on Agricultural Property Past, Present and Future
In 2003 the government of Belize (GOB) took a serious look at land taxes, with regard to updating them. Many felt that the existing rates were too high for agricultural/productive sector lands and that owners were discouraged from further agricultural development on them. In 2004, Minister Fonseca signed Land Act No. 5 of 2004, which amended the Land Tax Act, Chapter 58. As well as amending the rates (see chart below from Land No. Act 5), it also redefined several categories which are also covered in the amending act. The law of 2004 included clarifications such as the following new definitions:

Industrial Hemp as Weed Killer
New scientific studies claim that glyphosate, found in Monsanto’s Roundup® weed killer as well as in other pesticides, is causing serious health problems wherever it is used. These include but are not limited to: reproductive issues, birth defects, diabetes, autism, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, liver disease, as well as intestinal, digestive, kidney, and autoimmune disorders. The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s recent report stating that glyphosate is a probable cause of cancer has made this a priority issue in farming communities throughout Belize.

The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water
Book Review By Chris Harris. “The golden age of water is over”. That is the message of this comprehensive account of how we have taken water for granted over many decades. The fact is that 1.1 billion people of us do not have access to clean safe drinking water, and another 1.8 billion people do not have access to water in their homes. These are statistics [book published 2011] which should give us all pause for thought. And before we shrug those numbers off as a third world problem, we are reminded that Las Vegas, Los Angeles and large areas of American farmland are also threatened, not just with shortages, but rationing and even running out of water altogether. So this book really is a wake up call to us all.

Berries of Belize Part 1: Solanum Nigrum AKA Hierba Mora
The Mayas call it chayuk, but the Spanish, emphasizing both the leaf and the fruit in the name they gave it, called it mora after the Spanish word for blackberry or mulberry. In English we have been calling the fruits blueberries or wild huckleberries which they resemble more than either fruit in the mora category. A more correct English translation is nightshade; however since there are many nightshades, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant, that name doesn’t narrow it down much. But let’s not worry much about names and turn to culture and usage. Indeed, useful and under-appreciated, hierba mora is a plant bearing both edible leaves and fruit. Hierba mora is normally not cultivated; it grows wild, often coming up on burnt land and plowed land and growing profusely, winter and summer. You can recognize this “weed” which grows to a small bush bearing blue-black berries, by the distinctly purple underside of the leaves. However, the seeds from the ripe berries can be sown in trays and planted in a garden about 3 feet apart. Like other nightshade plants, they are an annual plant which can be planted any time weather conditions are favorable. They do not fruit according to a season. For planting in a garden, both summer and winter work well.

Coffee in San Vicente Toledo District
Approximately 8 miles northwest from Jalacte, Toledo District, and resting in the hills along the Belize- Guatemalan border, sits the quiet off-the-grid village of San Vicente, a primarily Maya Ketchi community of about 35-40 family farms, where cultivation of black beans, organic cacao and the recent addition of organic coffee are the mainstays. Efrain Caal, local farmer and TCGA (Toledo Cacao Growers Association) extension officer, met us as we arrived in the community and introduced us to Marcus Kal, one of the leading farmers of the newly formed San Vicente Coffee Growers. In 2006 Marcus started transforming a completely cleared hillside, previously a cattle pasture, into an organic multi-cropped orchard.

The Wonders of Green Coffee
Several years ago I wrote an article for the Belize Ag Report about the benefits of used coffee grounds in the garden. In this article I would like to talk about green coffee and the reported health care properties. The coffee and its beans have a reputation as a dark, rich drink that many enjoy for its “pick me up” property in the morning and during the day. The beans must be roasted to achieve the desired effect and flavor. Unfortunately during the roasting process many of the benefits which occur naturally are lost. The Arabica coffee plant produces two hard green seeds or beans per coffee “cherry”. These are fermented, cleaned, dried and bagged. Now they are ready for the roaster. In this form, green, coffee is very medicinal.

Senior Scientist and Professor from MIT Visits Belize
It was a rare privilege to welcome Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. and her husband, Dr. Victor Zue, Director of International Relations, CSAIL and former director of the lab. Dr. Seneff’s recent focus on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on glyphosate and the mineral sulfur brought in-depth scientific knowledge to our understanding. Having authored over two dozen peer-reviewed journal papers over the past few years on these topics, she shared her findings on KREM and LOVE TV, and in presentations in Spanish Lookout and University of Belize College of Agriculture at Central Farm (UB/CF) and to Belize’s Pesticide Control Board (PCB) as input to their re-registration and review process.

Inga Alley Cropping: An Innovative Method for Sustainable Agriculture
Many people have recently been asking the question of how to provide food for the growing Belizean population and protect the livelihoods of farmers while also maintaining the natural resources that attract tourists, providing jobs to a large number of Belizeans. How can we most efficiently use the land that is being farmed to produce a high yield without constantly needing to expand further into forested areas that benefit the agriculture industry and the country? Part of the solution may lie in inga alley cropping, a farming method that is being introduced to Belize after decades of testing at the Inga Foundation in Honduras. Whereas the traditional slash-and-burn practice involves rotating fields and has led to increased deforestation in some areas, inga alley cropping can be used to grow annual crops on the same piece of land for twenty years without the application of chemicals.

AG BRiefs
In March 2017, Belize welcomed back Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez Marques, a citizen of Uruguay, as the new country representative for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Dr. Rodriguez Marques served as country representative in 2009 to 2010 during which period he supported the tourism sector study which led to the development of a tourism master plan for Hopkins.

Agriculture Prices At A Glance

Issue #37-Aug 2017 of The BELIZE AG REPORT is online here!.
Click HERE to download the PDF

Biochar Implementation in Agricultural Systems of Belize
By Gerardo Ofelio Aldana. In addition to pressures to adapt to climate change, agricultural production demands include innovative and effective solutions to balance both food production and environmental sustainability (Lehmann and Joseph, 2015). Volatility in agricultural commodities, in parallel with population growth, have initiated an alarming concern as to whether the rates of agricultural production will be able to meet its future food demands. Recent years have shown an improvement in agricultural productivity, but future demands are uncertain, especially in light of environmental factors such as climate change (Sands et al., 2014). The climate problem is now extremely large and is drastically affecting our food production systems. What the future needs is solutions that will counteract a myriad of problems all…

Old Crops Become New: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batata) Part 2
By Santiago Juan. An Underutilized Root Sweet potato is a plant grown for its tuberous roots in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions. As mentioned in the last Belize Ag Report, issue 36, sweet potato is cultivated for food in more than 100 countries, sometimes as a staple food but usually as an alternative food. All varieties of sweet potato are a good source of vitamins and minerals. In East Africa, the sweet potato is known as “the protector of children” because it is often the only food that stands between a child’s survival and starvation. A fast-maturing perennial plant, it is grown mainly as an annual. The roots are adventitious, mostly located within the top 25…

Belmopan Weekend Farmers’ Market at NATS Grounds
By Sally Thackery. The new pavilions at the Belmopan showgrounds are now open on Saturdays and Sundays for local farmers to sell their products to the public. Opening day, Saturday July 29, was lively and well-attended, by both the public and the market sellers. Big thanks to CEO Jose Alpuche and Show Grounds Coordinator Gary Ramirez for such a bright vision for this property at the entrance to Belmopan. The entire showgrounds have been cleaned up, mowed, landscaped with beautiful plants and vendor stalls have been colorfully painted. These detailed improvements also include a new entrance gate, bathrooms in all sections and designated parking areas.In addition to fresh vegetables, the market offers dry goods, eco-friendly cleaning products, fruit trees, flowering…

SIRDI EU IPDM Project: Metarhizium anisopliae Production to Control Froghopper in Sugar Cane
By Jeffy Gomez, Luciano Chi, Luis Gongora and Jian Cob. Froghopper is considered a major pest in sugarcane; every crop cycle it affects sugarcane farmers by increasing control costs while decreasing productivity. The problem is especially serious with the elimination of the preferential market for Belize’s sugar. Hence, it is of great importance to start adapting more environmentally-friendly controls by deterring the use of chemicals and meeting standards set by the Fairtrade market. With the assistance of the European Union (EU), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the project entitled “Strengthening of Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) in the Sugar Industry” is being implemented in the northern sugar belt. The…

Beyond the Backyard: Suck Your Way to Health
By Jenny Wildman. I came across an article about a strange fruit that can boost your brain function – something all seniors think of when they cannot remember names or misplace their glasses. The picture was that of the fruit known here as kenep, kinnip or guayo. The deciduous, polygamous kenep tree is part of the soapberry family along with logan, rambutan and lychee, all cousins to the northern chestnut. The scientific name is Melicoccus bijugatus commonly referred to as Spanish lime, quenepa, genip, chennet, talpajocote and mamoncillo from the verb mamar to suck. Kenep trees are native to South America and the Island of Margarita and also found in drier woodlands and gardens of the Caribbean and Central America.…

2016 Domestic Export Trade Data Disaggregation

Rice: Circle R’s Contribution to Food Security in Belize
By Jeffrey Magaña. The highest priority for Circle R Products Limited, a farmer-owned business, is food security for Belize. Their newest product, Dalla Rice, was recently introduced to provide a 14 oz. package of grade A rice for $1. Harvest for Kids is grade A premium rice; Jade is grade B; Ruby, grade C and Topaz, grade D. The Harvest for Kids product is named for the socially responsible project it supports. A percentage of the sale of all Harvest for Kids rice goes to support Belize Camping Experience in Belize City, summer Bible camps and work with kids in schools throughout the city. We believe that if our children are inspired today, our country can become a better place.…

Fusarium spp.: An Important Disease of Soybeans
By Felix Cawich, Agronomist, M.Sc. Worldwide, soybean is considered an important crop for the production of oil and as a source of protein for people and animals. In addition, it´s now being used for biodiesel production. According to the Worldwide Web Foundation (WWF), soybean production has grown 10 times in the last 50 years, covering over one million square kilometres. The increasing production area, like the increase in yield of monocultivation, has also led to higher presence of disease in soy plantations. Furthermore, the varying climate may favor rapid development of diseases. Important Diseases Diseases originating from different microorganisms can cause blights, cankers, rots, rusts, wilts and others, causing damage to different parts of the plant at any given growth…

Fertility Needed for Growing Pastures and Hay
By Neal Kinsey. When the requirements for life-giving soil fertility to provide abundant plant growth and robust animal health are accurately considered, far too many pastures and hay fields used for livestock production are seriously lacking. Testing the soils in pastures and meadows has sadly proven this to be true far too often, even when only the absolute minimum nutrient content for those soils is considered. To treat your animals right you have to treat your soils right. Anything less and you rob from the total potential of life-giving principles for your soil, the plants grown there, the livestock that consume them and the products that are provided as a result. When soils are not cared for correctly, it is…

Modern Water Wisdom: An Interview
AUTHOR JUDITH SCHWARTZ EXAMINES WATER MANAGEMENT Reprinted with permission from Acres USA magazine, Vol.47, No.6 Interview: Author Judith Schwartz Examines Water Management

Homemade Health – Why and How to Use Essential Oil – Part 1
By Marguerite Fly Bevis, RN, BSN. This article, part 1 of a 2 part article on essential oils, describes their basic properties and why they are used. Part 2 will describe how to use them. Essential oils, the quintessential essence of medicinal plants, have been used by man for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. They are mentioned in the Bible at least 600 times. Thirty-three different oils are mentioned. Essential oils are the original medicine upon which modern medicine is based. Birch and wintergreen contain salicylic acid, the same component in aspirin but essential oils are easier on the body and present fewer, if any, side effects, whereas modern medicines can have many, some of which can be more…

Belize Strengthening Partnerships by Applying “One Health”
By Dr. Joe Myers, DVM, BAHA. Medical and veterinary officers from Belize were trained to collaborate using “One Health” strategies in zoonotic and food-borne disease surveillance, diagnosis and preparedness and response, through a comprehensive two-year professional development programme, the One Health Leadership Series (OHLS). The OHLS is part of the regional One Health, One Caribbean, One Love Project, implemented by the University of the West Indies (UWI), School of Veterinary Medicine. The One Health project was funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the ACP Science and Technology Programme (S&T II), in collaboration with the ‘Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Project’, of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme coordinated by Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).…

Control Postbloom Fruit Drop in Citrus Production
By Edwin Gomez, Raymond Arnold, David Saraiva and Davilmar Avilez.

Maya Mountain Heirloom Cacao
What Makes Belizean Cacao So Special? Understanding Genetics of Belizean Cacao Beans By Dan O’Doherty & Minehaha Forman. In the rapidly growing world of specialty craft chocolate, Belize has earned its place among the fine flavored origins of cacao. Known for its unique fruity/caramel flavor, Belize cacao has won numerous awards in recent years. Cacao beans originating from Maya villages in the Toledo district of Belize and processed by Maya Mountain Cacao, Ltd (MMC) recently received an heirloom designation from the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA). The cacao sample was made into chocolate and blind-tasted by a panel of nine veteran chocolate companies including Guittard, Valrhona, and Felchlin. Panelists universally praised the sample for its overall high quality, as…

Cannabis Hemp Building Materials
By Karin Westdyk. James Savage, a New York business analyst, was greatly disturbed after learning about mold problems making thousands of New Orleans homes uninhabitable after hurricane Katrina, and of the thousands killed in Haiti, crushed by their own homes during an earthquake. He searched for solutions and came up with a material that has been around for thousands of years and started a company to create building materials made from mold resistant, stronger-than-steel cannabis hemp. Hempcrete The outer portion of the hemp stalk has a long history of use for producing paper, fabric, rope and sails (the word canvas comes from the word cannabis), but Savage discovered that hemp chips made from the woody interior of the cannabis plant…

Nematodes – Friend and Foe
by Mary Loan. Nematodes are non-segmented worms that live everywhere on the planet, including in ice and snow to the depths of the ocean and even in arid deserts. They are most abundant in tropical regions of the world, like Belize. Other names they are known as include: eel worms, thread worms, root knot worms. There are thousands of identified species of nematodes with estimates of about one-half million varieties to be ‘discovered’, studied and named. Most nematodes are almost invisible to the human eye and are less than 1 mm, or 1/125 of an inch in length. There are generally thousands of nematodes in a handful of soil, over one million in a spadeful, and as many as three…

The Humanure Handbook — A Review by Chris Harris
This is the book no one would publish. Why? Because it deals in some detail with a subject distasteful to some, uncomfortable to others and “something we just don’t talk about “ to yet more. So the author, Joseph Jenkins, published it himself. And in the process he did us all a big favour. OK, so what is this “taboo subject”? Well it deals with the subject of the ecological disposal of human waste. At first glance the author’s ideas amount to little more than an advanced view of the “bucket and chuck it” approach used in many rural areas of the world already. But here comes the rub. Jenkins applauds the “bucket” idea, but strongly challenges the “chuck it”…

Dear Veggie Detective
Dear Veggie Detective, Would you please investigate the mystery of the white-centered tomato? Why do some tomatoes have white centers and others are all red and tasty? Signed, Tomato Lover Dear Tomato Lover, Your mystery is solved! Tomatoes with white centers have a deficiency in potassium, an element abbreviated as K because phosphorus was assigned the letter P. Basic fertilizers that you buy have three main elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and are designated in 3 numbers which corresponds to these three elements. If your soil doesn’t need N or P you can buy elemental potassium fertilizer. Potassium will give you not only the nice red color on your tomatoes but bigger fruit…

Ag Briefs
UB CF announces that the next Neal Kinsey Soil Fertility 3 day course will be held the week of August 27th (note this has been changed from the dates in the previous Ag Report). This will be a repeat of the very well-received Intro 2 Course given in February. To register, contact David Thiessen at 670-4817 or thiessenliquid@gmail.com. Limited registration. Avocados reached the highest prices in the US over 19 years early this summer, at $28 USD/10 kilos, due to lowered yields caused by bad weather and other problems in the main producing countries of Mexico (strikes), Peru (floods), Chile (droughts) and the US (California droughts). Avocado as colorant: Researchers at Penn State, USA, inadvertently discovered that avocado…

Agriculture Prices At A Glance

Breaking Belize News

Gas pump attendant robbed in Belize City
According to police reports, yesterday about 2:24 p.m., Floyd August, 41, a Belizean gas pump attendant […]

Armed masked men rob almost $4000 from Chinese Grocery Store in Orange Walk
Last night around 7:30, Ziguan Tan, 55, a Chinese businessman and owner of Tan Store located on […]

Chinese store robbed with machete in PG
Our newsroom has received confirmed reports of a robbery in the town of Punta Gorda […]

Two San Ignacio police officers charged for extortion
On Tuesday, two police officers attached to the San Ignacio Police Station appeared before the […]

BDF officer completes Master Degree in Strategic Security Studies in USA
The Ministry of Defence today informed the public that Belize Defence Force Officer, Captain Eric […]

Galen University honors World Food day
On Monday, Galen University students, along with representatives from the Cornerstone Foundation of Belize, participated […]

Press should never be excluded says PM Barrow
Local and national media houses continue to boycott police activities in Belize. This came after […]

No work permit for Chinese clerks says Labor Commissioner
Aldo Salazar, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee, on Wednesday went on record to say that […]

Ministry of Labor accepts no blame in Immigration scandal
Labor Commissioner, Ivan Williams, was summoned to testify on Wednesday before the Senate hearing. However, […]

Anyone can access your birth certificate says Assistant Registrar
Patricia Hinkson, the Assistant Registrar at the Vital Statistics Unit has left the general public […]

Belize Fruit Packers Factory opening for the 2017-2018 crop
Yesterday, the Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) issued a release informing all producers that […]

Cattouse murder not a political hit says PM Barrow
Last Thursday night, community activist and taxi driver, Albert Cattouse, 72, was gunned down on […]

Kareem Musa will not challenge Briceno in next month’s convention
Deputy Party Leader for the People’s United Party (PUP), Kareem Musa has issued a video […]

Blogs

Meet the Husband & Wife Duo Who Manage Ka’ana
Ka’ana Resort is a passion project for husband-and-wife team Wolfgang and Anoushka Brandl, our General Manager and Sales Manager, respectively. They live and breathe Ka’ana, and are all-around hospitality experts. The couple even met at a hotel! “We met, typical for hoteliers, working in the same hotel,” says Austrian-born Wolfgang. That was in Dubai, and he and Anoushka, who’s from Mauritius, have since teamed up in several countries, including here in Belize for the last three years at Ka’ana. What made you want to go into the hospitality industry? AB: I lived close to the international airport where I grew up and was inspired by the vibrant tourism atmosphere. This definitely peaked my interest in the hotel industry. WB: I always knew that I wanted to work in the hospitality industry. As a young kid I adored the chefs and waiters when my parents took me to local restaurants – I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I worked my way through the ranks and now I am where I always wanted to be as a GM.

The Amazing Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
One of the top diving and snorkeling sites in Belize is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. A protected national park, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve gets its name from the Mayan term for "little channel." This is because the reserve is located on a natural cut in the reef (known as a quebrada) that allows marine life to transit between the inner and outer portion of the reef. Measuring just 75 feet (23 meters) across and 30 feet (nine meters) deep, this natural passageway in the reef sees an astonishing diversity of marine animals, including sharks and rays that feed on fish transiting the area. The total area of the reserve is approximately three square miles (8 square kilometers) divided into four zones:

7 Belize Family Vacation Activities For Kids
Belize is a beautiful, tropical wonderland with plenty to do and see for the entire family. Here are 7 amazing family vacation activities for kids that you can enjoy in Belize: Founded in the 1980s to rescue injured and abandoned animals, the Belize Zoo is the country's premier wildlife education center. Kids can learn about and see more than 100 indigenous species at the Belize Zoo including harpy eagles, jaguars, and enormous boa constrictor snakes. Thanks to the geology of Belize's mainland, there are hundreds of limestone caves scattered across the country. Many of these were used by the ancient Maya priests to conduct sacred rituals, including human sacrifices. Today, kids can get a hands-on history lesson by exploring Maya ceremonial caves such as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave.

Belize in November: Weather, Places to Visit & Activities
November might be a month of increasingly cold nights across Canada and the United States, but the average daytime high in Belize is a beautiful and sunny 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius). The clear blue skies, balmy temperatures, and exciting festivals going on throughout the month of November make it the perfect time to visit.

Newest Cave Opened in Belize at The Sleeping Giant Lodge
The Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge in Cayo was the perfect place to kick off our summer travels. There are lots of activities to keep you busy there, but my favorite was the Sleeping Giant Cave. It’s the newest cave opened for tours in Belize and it can only be accessed through the resort’s property. I had so much fun on the tour. I learned all about the rainforest, trees and animals that can be seen on the path to the cave. We laughed so much along the way, cause mom is not very good at hiking and she was letting us know A LOT! The cave is a dry cave and there are parts of skeletons and skulls in there and lots of pottery too. If everyone turns their headlights off, you can’t even see your hands in front of your face. The tour guide knows and teaches so much about the Maya. I won’t tell you the secrets we learned in the cave cause I really think you need to experience it for yourself.

International Sources

Sun City Center inventor’s travel pillow lands online
Belizean born chasing his dreams! Support a Belizean born producer ... Glenn McCain thinks his travel pillow can make those long trips in the car or plane easier with his new invention, and he’s putting his money where his mouth is. McCain, a retired architect who says he logged around 1 million miles during his 39-year career, is betting $45,000 of his retirement savings that the Travel Kozy will be a hit. Some 1,500 pillows arrived at the Port of Tampa Oct. 5 and are already selling online. Boom or bust, McCain has no regrets. “I know this is a product that will work and I just don’t want to have regrets a few years down the road,” McCain said. “This is something I believe can help a lot of people.”

Going Deep into the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole in Belize is high up on any diver’s bucket list – and how could it not be with that deep blue ring surrounded by limestone reef? In reality, many divers who surface after the Blue Hole dive are very disappointed having laid down some serious cash to go diving in one of the most famous dive sites in the world. Your expectations would be pretty high right? That’s where a lot of people go wrong. You can’t expect much in terms of coral, colour or even sea life on this dive because that’s not what it’s about! You’re here to dive in a massive sink hole, 318m in diameter and 124m deep.

More Details on Belize’s Mahogany Bay
The new Mahogany Bay in Belize is planning a December debut, the property announced this week. The property, which will also include a beach club, is a new-build project set on 60 acres on Ambergris Caye. It will be the first Hilton-branded project in Belize, taking the Curio — A Collection by Hilton brand. “To bring this innovative lifestyle community to Belize has been a labor of love and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Beth Clifford, founder and developer. “Every detail of the property from the guest room layout and hand-selecting the bathrobes to providing access to a pristine private beach was strategically designed with the traveler in mind. We are excited to offer guests a new level of luxury and a chic yet relaxed way to discover Belize.”

Jamaican sworn in as Belize judge despite mounted opposition
Jamaican attorney Franz Parke was on Tuesday sworn in as a Court of Appeal judge in Belize amid controversy over his appointment. According to Belizean reports, the appointment came despite a claim filed last week by the Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party, Johnny Briceño, to have the Belize Supreme Court declare his appointment null and void on the claim that his appointment violates the Belize Constitution — the highest law of the land. It was also stated that the oppositions surrounding Parke's appointment comes from two standpoints — his qualifications and his past.

Manatee deaths concern Quintana Roo ecologists
he deaths of at least 20 manatees have Quintana Roo ecologists concerned with reports showing all of the deaths were human-related. The deaths of at least 20 manatees in Belize so far this year are worrying state researchers at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur) in Chetumal who say these manatees normally live in Quintana Roo waters. Janneth Adriana Padilla Saldívar, from the Department of Ecology and Systematics of Aquatic Resources of Ecosur, reported that the causes of death of these marine mammals has been mostly boat motors either killing them or inflicting injuries from which they eventually die. The big concern, she says, is that these manatees live in the Bay of Chetumal and often move to the waters of the neighboring country.

What you need to know about international banking
According to OCRA Worldwide — an organisation that matches people and companies to international banking — international banks tend to offer their services to companies and to fairly wealthy individuals, i.e., people with $100,000 and counting. But plenty of international banks, particularly Swiss banks, open their doors to customers of any income bracket. Companies do business with international banks to help facilitate international business, the complexities of which can be quite costly. Individuals work with international banks for a number of reasons, including tax avoidance. This may probably be the term you have heard the most in relation to offshore banking. Tax avoidance isn’t necessarily illegal, as you will learn later in this piece. But there are plenty of other hazards in international banking. First, we will look at some reasons for banking internationally.

Videos

Rugby Belize, 22min.

Hand in Hand Ministries - built 330 homes, 27min.

"Reach the Light" - latest video with Yung Proti-Jay the Traffic Man, 1min. Latest video with Yung Proti-Jay the Traffic Man. Thanks to the partnership with The Belizean Youth for Road Safety, the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and The Belize Road Safety Initiative!

Don't Drink and Drive - testimonial with Stig Da Artist and Yung Proti-Jay the Traffic Man, 1.5min.

Belize Tourism Board's (BTB) Social Media Campaigns' Success, 7min. Presentation (6'40) on Belize's Tourism Marketing strategy and the positive changes, implementations since 2012 in order to distinguish itself from the competition.

Belize 2017, 4min. Caye Caulker / Ambergris Caye Oct 12-17

Expert Kayaking in Belize, 1min.

ARMED ROBBERY IN ORANGE WAlk, 2.5min. Tonight there is another armed robbery to report here in Orange Walk Town, the third in less than a week. This time is was Tan Store located in the Black Water Creek area of Trial Farm Village which fell victim to armed robbers shortly after 7:00 last night. Today when we visited the establishment, we spoke to owner of the shop, fifty five year old Ziguan Tan. He did not wish to appear on camera but recounted the harrowing ordeal which was captured on the store’s surveillance

Talk Ah Di Town October 19, 2017, 23min.

From Yes to I Do Channel % will Follow You Application Call on Open Your Eyes, 22min.

Marriage Divorce and Matrimonial Property Rights on Open Your Eyes, 52min.

Reorganization in the Ministry of Natural Resources, 5.5min. Three Bills concerning the Ministry of Natural Resources will be presented for the second and third readings at tomorrow's Meeting of the House of Representatives. Senator the Honourable Dr. Carla Barnett spoke to us about the purpose of these Bills.

Jungle Fever Rave Adventure, 12min. If you missed the Jungle Fever Rave, you can experience some of it through this video put together by Donnie Rockwire, who was shooting video all through the night. It's quite an adventure, and the rave was phenomenal. Thanks, RawSpa, for having such an amazing event!

TKO Farms, Ltd. to be World’s Largest Soursop Grower, 6min. On MoneyTV with Donald Baillargeon, TKO Farms, Ltd. reveals their Belize plantation.

Harvest 2017 - St. Barnabas, 2min. Students from St. Barnabas' Anglican School (Central Farm) give thanks for the fruits of the autumn harvest.

Caye Caulker, Belize | Virtual Trip, 19min. Caye Caulker is one of Belize's most famous islands, located right in front of the world's second largest barrier reef.Recognized for its relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal place to discover the Caribbean Sea. We can reach the island from Belize City in about 1 hour with a taxi boat

Belize Trip 2017, 9min. I'm so glad I got this opportunity to go to Belize to serve! What a blessing.

Hello Belize, 1.5min. The wonderful Caye Caulker - simply Paradise

October 19, 2017

Some highlights from today's viewing of Hope for Belize's Hicatee!

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

No New Reported Cases of Ciguatera Poisoning
The Ministry of Health would like to notify the public that over the last two months no new cases of Ciguatera Poisoning have been reported by consumers. It is believed that this random and unusual outbreak has concluded. Although the Ministry considers the barracuda fish may be safe to consume once again, the public is advised to continue monitoring their eating of fish and report any symptoms of fish poisoning.

San Pedro Pirates win against Placencia Assassin’s
San Pedro Pirates Football Club hosted the Placencia Assassins at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, October 14th. During the 10th week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB), both teams gave their best during the tight match and at the final whistle, it was a clear victory for the home team.

October brings awareness to Breast Cancer
The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant when the cells grow into surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. This year the Belize Cancer Society (BCS) along with Special Envoy for Women & Children have organized many events for the month of October to bring awareness to this serious health issue.

Legends F.C lead Copa San Pedro 2017 football tournament
Five games took place during the sixth week of the Copa San Pedro 2017 Football tournament, with the first two games played on Friday, October 12th. The first match began at 7pm at the Ambergris Stadium, where Legends F.C defeated G. Strikers 3-1. At 9pm, Terror Squad faced United F.C with the match ending in a draw of 1-1. The last three games of the sixth week of the tournament were played on Sunday, October 15th. First up were Boca Bombers who won by default against One Shot One Kill, who have been eliminated from the tournament for not showing up for two consecutive games. At 5pm, Martha’s Ice faced San Mateo F.C, with a 3-2 victory for Martha’s Ice. At 7pm, the last game of the week, saw Assassins F.C versus Victoria House, with a 4-3 winning for Assassin’s F.C. Copa San Pedro continues this weekend with nine more games.

Ambergris Today

Tropic Air Awards Employee With 30 Years Of Service
Over the years Tropic Air has grown with the expanding community of Ambergris Caye and the demand for local flights throughout the country (now internationally too). From a small airline with one tiny three-seater aircraft to one of the larges employers in Belize, one thing that Tropic Air has is dedicated and loyal employees. This week Tropic Air gave recognition on an employee who has been with the company for 30 years. Elroy Archibal Vernon, better known to everyone as Josh, is celebrating 30 years with the company as he looks back at the time he has been with the airline working as Ramp Agent at Belize City’s Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport.

Belize Humane Society To Hold First Dog Show And Pawty In The Park
Belize Humane Society will hold its first Pawty in the Park on Saturday, October 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park in Belize City. The highlight of the “Pawty” will be a Dog Show with eight categories from Best Obedience to Best Potlikka and more! Winners will receive a great prize package including trophies and medallions courtesy of major sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka, dog food and treats from Reimers feeds, gift certificates from Brothers Habet and lots more.

Misc Belizean Sources

Is 10 Grams Of Weed No Longer Illegal? ATTEND A FREE PRESENTATION in San Pedro
October 19, 6pm at Angel Nunez Auditorium, San Pedro High. by Mr. Bart Jones (Legal Officer) Of the Belize Police Department.

First Annual Belize Garifuna Song Competition Awards & Concert
Friday October 27, Bird's Isle, Belize City

CROCtober 18th
In locations where different crocodile species live together (sympatry) there are instances when two species breed-hybridization. Hybrids usually share physical features of both parental species. Hybrids have been recorded between Morelet’s and American crocodiles in Belize and are currently being investigated by the CRC. There is not much known about the capabilities and characteristics of hybrids, but information about hybrids of other croc species have shown hybrids grow faster and larger than their parental species.

Elections and Boundaries reaffirms votes are secret
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby informs the public, that in any election, ballot papers are numbered for reconciliation and accountability purposes. Election Officials have a responsibility to ensure that all ballot papers counted in an election are only those legitimate ballot papers issued by the Presiding Officer. The public is advised that the law DOES NOT require any Presiding Officer or any election official, to inform anyone of the ballot book series or the ballot paper number he/she issues at any given point during the election process. Whenever the Presiding Officer issues a ballot paper to a voter, the voter proceeds behind a polling booth, within the polling station, to privately cast his/her vote. The voter is then requested to fold the ballot paper in such a way so as to conceal his/her vote prior to placing the ballot paper in the ballot box.

Training for evaluating the quality of medicines
The staff of the Drug Inspectorate Unit and the Pharmacy Unit is currently receiving training in Basic Tests Using GPHF (Global Pharma Health Fund) Minilab for evaluating the quality of medicines. Theoretical training included what the lab can do, its limitations, safety within the lab and interpretation of results. Today, participants have started in practice to do simple disintegration and pipetting practice among others. This introduction to Belize will be beneficial because of the threat of "bad quality drugs" in the marketplace and it will also establish some level of drug management. The week-long training is being facilitated by Mr. Sanford Bradley, Promoting the Quality of Medicines Program (PQM), United States. The Minilab is located on the Compound of the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. For more Information contact the Drug Inspectorate Unit, Ministry of Health.

Urban Bird Watch 2017 in the Cayes!
A few photos from our Urban Bird Watch 2017 this past weekend in the cayes! A big thank you to all of our participants in Caye Caulker and San Pedro, as well as our friends from Ocean Ferry Belize Limited for their continued support! This weekend, we head to Northern Belize! Will you be joining us? Details here: http://bit.ly/2ybESO8

Rotary's Moonlit Masquerade Ball
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio is having their Masquerade Ball fundraiser on Saturday, October 28th, at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. "This is going to be an amazing night with dancing, great diner, Music review by Motown Memories and Omolewa Osain Band. Top that off with both a silent auction and a live auction of vacations to die for! This will be a sold out event!. Call 667-7555 for tickets!"

Got Talent?
Now is the time to show off! Come out Saturday, October 21st at the Welcome Center in San Ignacio.

Archaeology Week at Banquitas House of Culture
So far archaeology week at Banquitas House of Culture (NICH) in Orange Walk Town has been well attended with almost 300 students this far for the morning session. More to come!

Museum of Belize helps on the renovation of Banquitas House of Culture
Guess what? The Museum of Belize was glowing alongside the ISCR (Institute for Social and Cultural Reserach), for their excellent work on the renovation of Banquitas House of Culture in Orange Walk. We were honorably mentioned in the BTB's newsletter, Toucan Talk in September.

BTB Newsletter- Toucan Talk, July - September 2017
Check out the latest edition of the Belize Tourism Board's E-Newsletter "Toucan Talk."

San Pedro Healthy Body, Healthy Life Health Fair
HPV vaccines at a very low cost- protect your daughters from HPV and cervical cancer. Rapid HIV testing - know your status and how to live a happy,healthy life. Breast cancer screening, Women's rights in Belize, Kid's corner, ..... and musical entertainment! See you this Saturday at the Lion's Den.

Caye Caulker Wine Pairing Training
Wine Pairing Training will only take 20 participants. Kindly visit Akheil Badillo at Caye Living Properties to make payment to secure your spot! Sponsors for this event includes KOKO King, The Beverage Division at Karl H Menzies and Madisco.

Stop Human Trafficking
The Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) announces an open competition for FY 2018 projects to combat trafficking in persons outside of the United States. Informed by the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, current anti-trafficking programming, and in consultation with other offices in the U.S. Government, the TIP Office has identified 24 priority countries or regions for funding. The TIP Office will allocate funding through an open, two-stage competitive process. In the first stage of competition, U.S.-based and foreign non-profits, non-governmental organizations, public international organizations, institutes of higher education, and for-profit entities are invited to submit three-page statements of interest (SOI) for projects designed to address the programming objectives highlighted in the funding opportunity. Upon completion of a technical and programmatic review, the TIP Office will select a limited number of SOIs for further consideration. In this second stage of competition, applicants will be invited to submit full proposals that build on the concepts described in their three-page SOIs.

Learn Women's Self-Defense at UB Central Campus, Belmopan
More Free Self-Defense. Two times to choose from in Belmopan. Thursday November 2.

Question for reptile fans: Do you see a sign of head trauma?
This recent intake was a classic human wildlife conflict case with a typical "problem species": A 7 foot boa who ended up in the wrong place (a yard in town in Belize City)... Thanks to Gordon Kirkwood she was rescued from fearful humans who were about to kill her. You may think we are crazy to care about this animal and ask why you should appreciate the boa, or Wowla? Just one of many reasons: Because they are an excellent rodent hunter and will eat loads of rats! And in case you did not know: boas are not venomous! Thankfully this patient is recovering from her injuries. Who knows how we can tell?

A Salty Piece of Land Belize Jungle and Island Expedition
Passing pristine waterfalls and rivers that traverse through ancient caves, one could possibly stumble upon the ruins of a magnificent, undiscovered Mayan city.November 5 - November 12

Belize Nationals Regatta
TIME Sat Oct 28 2017 at 09:00 am, VENUE Belize City, Belize

Students of St. Francis Xavier Schoolvisit Corozal Town Hall
Always a pleasure to engage with our younger community members! Thank you to the Standard 4 teachers and students of St. Francis Xavier School for visiting the Corozal Town Hall to learn more about the history of Corozal through Manuel Villamor's historical mural.

Princess Casino Free Zone Presents!
EUGENIA CABRERA will be singing and performing super latin singers like Lupita Dalessio, Maricela, Yuri, Monica Naranjo and many more at the Princess Casino Free Zone Corozal. Don"t miss this weekend full of entertainment and fun! It starts Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st beginning at 10:00 p.m. NO COVER!

Miss Shaenna Gilharry at Miss Divali Nagar
Congratulations,Shaenna. Your hard work and dedication has made you stronger than when you first entered the competition in Trinidad & Tobago. You survived the obstacles and the challenges and you took it all in strides.

Job Preparedness Certificate Ceremony
Thanks, BTEC, for the great Job Preparedness Training done in Cayo. 85 people attended and graduated from the seminar. "On Monday October 16, 2017, BTEC Certified 85 residents of the Cayo District in the fields of Front Desk, Wait Staff and Housekeeping. The 3 week training culminated in a certificate ceremony at La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital Conference Room. During the ceremony, several of the trainees shared their stories with those in attendance and special guest speaker, Lejia Melanie Gideon, GM of BELTRAIDE handed out the certificates."

Gardenia and Biscayne Village Community Consultation Meeting with BWS
Belize Water Services cordially invites all residents of Gardenia and Biscayne Villages to a Community Consultation Meeting on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 1:30pm at the Biscayne Government School. Transportation will be provided for Villagers. A Dawson bus will start to pick-up villagers at 1:00pm from the Crooked Tree junction to Sandhill junction. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the meeting.

Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize and students from La Inmaculada Roman Catholic
It was a very successful and informative day along with our colleagues from the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize and our students from La Inmaculada Roman Catholic, Trial Farm and Louisiana Gov't schools. Thanks for being part of this learning experience. Attendance was great with 360 students learning on the Ancient Maya. Special thanks to Antonio Beardall for being an awesome presenter and making it a fun day. Thanks to Josue Ramos and Paul, Ms. Georgia, Mr. Rosas and Jannellie Catzim for being an amazing support.

Channel 7

Kareem Musa Won't Challenge Briceno For Leadership
Last week PUP Deputy Leader Kareem Musa publicly flirted with the idea of challenging John Briceno for party leadership in an upcoming party convention on November 26th. Musa said the party needs a unifier - and made it clear that his leader has not been that. But, he didn't commit to challenging him - because that's no small task - since Briceno does have firm support - evidenced by the two dozen or so endorsements he has received from constituencies across the country. With the deadline to nominate persons for executive posts in just 9 days, Musa's window to declare his candidacy or just to sit back was closing - and in a two minute statement issued today, he made it official - he's not challenging. Here's how he put it:...

PM Defends, Explains, Expands On Faber's Road Contract
And while Musa snagged today's headline - this afternoon all the media's attention was focused on the Prime Minister at a two hour press conference called to defend the controversial contract for the reconstruction of Faber's Road. It's been all over the news for the past week, ever since we first questioned how could it be that government is paying 8 million dollars to pave 1.1. Miles of Faber's Road. That released an avalanche of criticism from COLA, the VIP, and the PUP. Well, today the Prime Minister held a press conference - not to announce that public pressure is forcing government to rescind the contract, but to explain that it's much more than just one mile of road. To do so, he brought in the Ministry of Works project engineer who gave a half an hour masters class on the finer details of engineering - complete with diagrams. Here's a super compressed version of how they explained it:..

Ministry of Works Misunderstanding All Because Press Excluded
Between the Prime Minister's explanation and his engineer's that session lasted about 45 minutes - before the question and answer session - which was another half an hour. All of that necessitated, why? Because when the Minister of Works signed the contract last week Thursday - they didn't invite the media. Instead, they called in the government press office and then sent out a press release which did not cover the full scope of the project. It could all have been avoided by just doing their job and inviting the media. Our News Director, Jules Vasquez questioned them about that today:... Jules Vasquez - Reporter: "Just to be clear, the press release said 1.9 kilometers; I can read it to you. 1.9 kilometers, engineer, I'm not an authority in math like you, I think that's 1.1 miles." Evondale Moody - Project Engineer, Project Execution Unit, MOW: "Yes, but that 1.9 kilometers is for the drain."

Engineer Makes It Plain About Failure On Lake I Boulevard
That project will also give the government 15 million dollars in reimbursement for the roundabouts abutting the Chetumal Street Bridge. That project - like this one for Faber's Road is overseen by the Ministry of Works Project Execution Unit - which, as you saw, has highly qualified engineers. So then, what went wrong with Lake Independence Boulevard!? That's a galloping disaster. It seems like every week road crews are out there trying to do patchwork on the road that is uneven and sinking fast. Today, in the first lucid and forthright explanation of what went wrong there, the Minister of Works Engineer said that he did the design of Lake I Boulevard, and the Ministry oversaw the landfill. But then, along came BIL - which is Belize Infrastructure Limited - and they ignored the engineers, removed the landfill and did their own thing leading to a Boulevard of broken pavement:..

BIL Boss Rebuffs Blame Game
The Prime Minister and the engineer didn't hold back in blaming Belize Infrastructure Limited for the failure of the Lake I Boulevard. So, we reached Christy Mastry, the General Manager of BIL by phone today for her rebuttal. She said she does accept some of the blame but it is a team effort and the fault is not just hers. Christy Mastry, General Manager - BIL: "I think that there is a little bit of nervousness, because its public perception that we want to find some way to maybe blame. This isn't necessarily a good thing, because we are all a part of the same team. I think that we work closely with the Ministry of Works and the decision that we made early on with Lake Independence Boulevard was we knew that there would be ample new land area - 50 acres for development and that road wasn't to be a road. It was really to be almost like an interlink highway between the northern and the western. Which means the demand for that road as far as traffic was much more than any of the other internal city streets. So we look to do a double lane boulevard."

PM Says Fuel Price Coming Down Soon
And, coming off all that talk about a broken boulevard, what about the gas for the cars that drive on it? Two weeks ago the Prime Minister promised lower fuel prices by mid-month. Today he said, wait a few more days for an incoming shipment of fuel from Venezuela:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Mr. Prime Minister, fuel prices, the mid-month has passed only the regular went down at about the 9th [October]... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Give me another few days, going down."

Police Still Have One Suspect In Case Of Alleged Child Abduction
The alleged El Progresso kidnapper is in custody OF Cayo police but no charges can be brought as yet because police still don't have a clear account of what actually happened. It is a complicated case because our information is that the girls keep changing their stories. As you heard last night, the version we got is that the 3 girls were heading to school after 8:30 on Monday morning. That is when a Caucasian man allegedly drove up in a blue Isuzu truck, grabbed them and pushed them in the pan of the truck. According to girls, two of them were tied up by their feet with one of their uniform shirts. But that is not the end of it. Although the medical examination confirmed that the girls were not violated, they reported that the man took them to a bushy area, removed one of the girl's underwear and touched her and another one of the girls.

Octogenarian Beaten, Police Mum
Police haven't reported it - but tonight an 82 year old man is clinging to life in the KHMH after he was viciously beaten down and robbed on the city's southside. On Saturday night at 10:00 Ricardo Vasquez was at the corner of Water Lane and West Street. Vasquez was reportedly at Kent Market, a game room where he is reported to be a regular patron. He stepped outside and that is when he was attacked, robbed of his wallet and left in the drain. Police picked him up out of the drain and rushed him to the KHMH where he is now hanging on for dear life. His family members are completely baffled as no one is able to tell them exactly what occurred and the police haven't told them anything, nor have they sent a report to the media.

Senior Officers Sent Out On Patrol
You only need to watch the news nightly and you will know that in the last three months, murders and violent crime have spiraled out of control. The Police Senior command is scrambling for answers - especially in Belize City where there have been 24 murders since July - and 7 recorded just this month alone. And one novel approach started on Monday of this week where senior police officers - meaning the Inspectors, Assistant Superintendents and even Superintendents have been deployed on regular mobile patrols. That means you'll see the men in brown - reportedly as many as a dozen of them - out on duty in patrol vehicles in the various Belize City sectors. And they have to do so on 12 hour shifts just like regular cops, working from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Rogue Cops Criminally Charged
Two more police officers have been charged for extortion. A San Ignacio resident reported that in September police arrested him for Harm. While in custody PC Samuel Elijio and Allen Castillo told him he could be freed of the charge if he pay them $100. The resident agreed and one of the officers took him home to get the money. The resident was released and he made a report to the Professional Standards Branch. An investigation was done and both officers were charged yesterday. They were also placed on disciplinary charges for Soliciting a Bribe and Act to the Prejudice of good order and discipline. They appeared in San Ignacio town magistrate court yesterday where they plead not guilty. They were offered and met bail of $2,000. The case was adjourned until December 18th, 2017.

PM Explains Cattouse Murder
And while the police department has not provided an update on any of the 7 murders recorded in Belize City this month, today, the Prime Minister did speak on the Albert Cattouse murder. In a moment that defies comprehension, the head of government had to give a narrative on a murder that police have not been able to speak to the press on for one week now. First, the PM said, Cattouse's murder was not political:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Now I know you said Mr. Cattouse was an activist and no doubt he was, but I considered myself very much an acquaintance of Mr. Cattouse. I knew him well and I didn't see him very often these latter days, but whenever I did we were extremely pleasant to each other."

PM Promises Progress on Police Media Relations, Police Minister Holds The Line
But that's the way the Belize Police Department wants it. For over a month now - the senior command has refused to approve a single media interview to clarify or discuss any crime. And there have been many. As we just told you, there have been 24 murders in the city since July - and 6 have been committed in the city for just this month. But, the police won't budge; they simply will not answer the media's questions. And their backative on this comes from their Minster Wilfred Elrington - who - as he outlined to us today - has a distinctly 19th century approach to media engagement. You'll hear from him shortly, but first to the PM - who said he wants the media and the police to normalize relations:...

Barracuda Is Safe (Probably)
Two months ago, we told you about 10 people who'd gotten Ciguatera Poisoning from eating Barracuda with the toxin. Those fish were purchased in the Ladyville area. Today the Ministry of Health sent out a public advisory saying it's safe to eat Barracuda again, but be vary careful: meaning, be on the lookout for any symptoms of fish poisoning. Ciguatera Symptoms include tingling and numbness in fingers and toes, around lips, tongue, mouth, and throat; upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps, joint pains, headache, and difficulty breathing.

Labour Commissioner At Senate Hearings
Last week Wednesday you saw Immigration CEO Edmund Zuniga take the seat at the Senate Hearings. His testimony was mostly about administrative changes that have been implemented to prevent any form of corruption or shady dealings in the department. Well today it was just as straightforward or maybe even more so when Labor Commissioner Ivan Williams and Deputy Registrar of the Vital Statistics Unit Patricia Hinkson were called in. We start off with Williams as he outlines the basic role of the labor commission as it relates to work permits and how it connects to the Immigration department. Ivan Williams, Labor Commissioner: "I would like to correct that the labor department does not issue work permits, the labor department approves work permits, work permits are issued by the Director of Immigration and Nationality." "You apply to the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Labor does it's labor market system to determine whether such a person is required for the purposes of work where Belizeans are not available or the requisite skills and issues a voucher to the director which says this is the person approved for the work permit but the issuance is done by the director in other words if anything is wrong or for any reasons the work permit may not be issued by the director."

What's With The Labour Permits?
Jinchen An, Yiu Pang Chen and Bo-Jie Shan - those are just a few of the many Chinese names that have come out during these senate hearings and throughout recent years as it relates to fraudulent immigration documents. While we do need migrant workers to fill posts especially in the banana and citrus industries - the problem, according to Chairman Aldo Salazar, isn't with Central American migrants - it's with these Asian nationals. Ivan Williams, Labor Commissioner: "The bulk of the work permits comes as a result of a request coming out of the industries, the porous nature of our borders that we have with Guatemala begs for people to come over in many respects irregular undocumented."

Vital Stats Secure?
Patricia Hinkson from Vital Stats took the stand next in a very short back and forth conversation. She recently took up the post so she didn't provide much depth as it relates to fraudulent birth certificates. Based on what she said there are no stringent measures to ensure there is no fraud. Hon. Aldo Salazar: "Some years ago there was a person who was caught with a birth certificate now he wasn't born in Belize but he was found using the birth certificate of somebody who was born I believe in shipyard and pretending as if he was that person born in shipyard so clearly he went to vital statistics unit and the document was issued out of the vital statistics unit as far as I am aware it was not a forged document or a fake birth certificate it was a real birth certificate but it was issued to a person who wasn't the real person." Patricia Hinkson, Deputy Registrar of the Vital Statistics Unit: "But anybody can apply for a birth certificate."

What Is The Value of the Reef?
Today, the World Wildlife Fund and partner organizations launched a report assessing the value of Belize's marine resources. The idea is to highlight the incredible resource that is imperiled by a host of issues. And to bring into focus the urgency to protect the second largest Barrier Reef in the World, the experts put a dollar value on it. Nadia Budd of the WWF explained that and Adriel Castaneda summarized the main topics discussed at the conference. Adreil Castaneda, Fisheries Officer of the Belize Fisheries Department: "Essentially we are trying to evaluate what the value of our marine protected areas are and compare it to the actual cost of operation and as we can see or as we saw on the presentations for one specific site we are talking about 8 million US dollars in benefits just looking at the tourism industry. Considering there are countless other services tourism, livelihood there is much more that we can take out from the marine protected areas that are beneficial."

Conservationists Welcome Moratorium
There's a house meeting on Friday is highly anticipated because government will introduce legislation for the moratorium on offshore oil exploration in Belize's waters. The bill may even get bi-partisan support. Oceana and concerned Belizeans have been waiting for this since it was announced in the last house meeting back in September. This morning we spoke to the Vice President of Oceana Janelle Chanona who reiterated why the moratorium is important for Belize. Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "The moratorium is coming up on Friday. How are you feeling going into this big event?" Janelle Chanona, OCEANA: "You're absolutely right this is history in the making. This would be huge not only for Belize but in terms of communicating to the world some of the information you have just heard presented."

Election and Boundaries Rebuffs BUFERHD Conclusion
5 weeks ago on September 13th, Derek Aikman's group, called "BUFERHD" held a voter Simulation exercise, to try and establish that due to the numbering of ballots, your ballot is not secret. It made the news this week when the Teachers Union President endorsed the exercise as legitimate and illustrative of a serious problem. That has forced the Elections and Boundaries Office to send out a release. They say that ballot papers are numbered for reconciliation and accountability purposes so that Election Officials can ensure that all ballot papers counted in an election include only the legitimate ballot papers issued by the Presiding Officer. But the Elections and Boundaries office stresses that "no Presiding Officer or any election official is required to inform anyone of the ballot book series or the ballot paper number he/she issues at any given point during the election process."

Channel 5

P.M. Cites ‘Urgency’ for Pushing Fabers’ Road; Handled Negotiations Himself
Since the announcement last week, there has been growing public outcry over the awarding of another contract to Imer Hernandez, the family of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega. [...]

‘Limited Tendering’ Provided Shortest Route to Completion
As to the tendering for the award of the lucrative contract, you heard the Prime Minister say he solicited estimates from two contractors before settling for Hernandez. He had also [...]

G.O.B.’s Engineering Consultant Explains Rate Comparisons
To bolster an explanation on the seemingly exorbitant cost of the Faber’s Road project, government brought in an engineering consultant who has had extensive history working with the Ministry of [...]

Why Finance and Audit Act Did Not Apply
The Prime Minister opened the conference by specifically challenging the charge that the Finance and Audit Act was violated by the use of the selective tendering process rather than open [...]

Politics Aside, Imer Hernandez Will Provide ‘First-Class’ Result
Does Imer Hernandez’s family ties to former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega place him under intense public scrutiny insofar as the Faber’s Road project and other past contracts are concerned? [...]

P.M. Plays Peacemaker, But Police Rebelled against Media Interviews
It has now been over a month since any member of the Police Department last gave an on-camera interview to the press concerning criminal matters, not counting Commissioner of Police [...]

Kareem Musa Says No to Party Leadership for Now
This evening, Caribbean Shores area representative Kareem Musa issued a statement on social media declaring that he would not contest the position of party leader of the People’s United Party [...]

Ship on the Ocean to Bring Lower Fuel Prices; Trump and U.S. Notwithstanding
The Donald Trump administration has put restrictions on U.S. banks from doing business with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and put the equivalent of ‘kingpin’ designations on President Nicolas Maduro [...]

BIL C.E.O. Must Explain ‘Failed’ Lake I Boulevard
The controversy surrounding the cost of the Faber’s Road reconstruction has also managed to tear away the crust over the healing wound that is Lake Independence Boulevard. That stretch of [...]

P.M. Deplores Failed Cayo Abduction; No Charges Yet
San Ignacio Police are yet to charge an American national who is currently in their custody for the alleged attempted abduction of three students from El Progresso Seven Miles Community [...]

P.M. Barrow: Criminal Ambush, Not Politics, Led to Albert Cattouse Murder
Almost a week after well-known taxi man and activist Albert Cattouse was executed on Hicatee Street on south side Belize City; there is finally an official report on what happened [...]

At Senate, Labour Commissioner Discusses Prohibited Classes for Work Permits
The Senate Special Select Committee is moving closer to its conclusion, but it took a slight detour for today’s session. The two witnesses called – Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams and [...]

Guatemalan Workers Giving Headaches over Procedure
The Labour Department has a standing relationship with the two industries most in need of working labour – banana and citrus. But according to Commissioner Ivan Williams, there are concerns [...]

Free-For-All at Vital Statistics: Birth Certificate Not Secure
The Vital Statistics Unit is at least partly computerized although a vault of the old books with manual entries of births is still maintained. The newly-appointed Assistant Registrar for the [...]

Vital Stats Unit Chief Says Employees Must Have Integrity to Refuse Offers
Hinkson indicated that the office does not do any vetting of its own concerning persons seeking birth certificates apart from the signature and I.D. scanning. But what can prevent someone [...]

Senate Chair Non-Committal over Proceedings
It appears Chairman Aldo Salazar was at variance with his colleagues on the worth of today’s witnesses, but as indicated in his comments at the end of today’s session he [...]

Aldo Salazar Sees Light at the End of Immigration Tunnel
The bulk of Salazar’s post-Senate interview concerned its future. He confirmed that Minister of Immigration and fellow senator Godwin Hulse is next to appear before the Committee, in two weeks’ [...]

Barrier Reef is Economically Priceless
The extent to which Belize’s economy depends on tourism generated by the threatened Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage site was revealed today by a new report from World Wildlife Fund [...]

U.W.I. Hosts Human Resource Seminar
The University of the West Indies Open Campus Auditorium on Princess Margaret Drive was the venue for a one-day seminar that targets the role of Human Resources Units in both [...]

LOVE FM

Engineer explains specifics of Fabers Road project
According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, the reconstruction of Fabers Road was considered as an urgent project due to its importance. The first group to voice its concerns was Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA who has requested the details of the contract and today Chartered Engineer who designed the project, Evondale Moody, shared […]

One Thousand Dollars Reward for Information on Mark Pollard
One Thousand dollars reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the location of Mark Pollard. It has been 108 days since forty-nine year old Mark Pollard went missing during his usual morning exercise. To date, family and friends are no closer to finding him and as a result, a renewed […]

BTB: Canada’s Advisory will not Affect Tourist Arrivals
Last week we reported that Canada had issued an advisory warning its citizens against travel to eight countries that were not affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. According to an online article, the advisory states quote, “Criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize”. End of quote. Yesterday […]

Jorge Garcia charge for Sexual Assault
Today, thirty year old Jorge Garcia, a Guatemalan national, appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where a charge of sexual assault, on an 8 year old female child, was read to him to which he pleaded not guilty. He was denied bail and remanded into custody until December 18. The incident occurred on October 15. […]

Lawrence Appeals His Murder Conviction
Forty-year-old Jason Bruce Lawrence is appealing his conviction for the murder of his common-law wife, forty-year-old Mercedes Carillo. Lawrence’s attorney, Yohanseh Cave, had appealed on several grounds, but the court only considered the ground of diminished responsibility that Lawrence was allegedly suffering from when he committed the offence. Lawrence was examined by Dr. Latham, a […]

Amandala

Sadly, Erwin Rodriguez’s body found in shallow grave
The remains of Erwin Rodriguez, 17, a student of a Ground Dove Street address, was found at about 2:30 Saturday afternoon in a shallow grave fifty-three days after he vanished, after leaving home to visit his grandmother, who lives in the Jane Usher Boulevard area. Police said that a search party went to an area near the sea behind the Port of Belize, in Port Loyola, where they found human remains, and a few personal items, buried in a shallow grave under a tree near the sea. The belongings were identified by Silvia Rodriguez as property of her missing son, Erwin Paulino Rodriguez, who was reported missing since Thursday, August 24, 2017. The remains were taken to the morgue, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.

Keith Middleton gunned down on Mud Street
Less than one week after the murder of Justin “Etdan” Hyde, 22, another man has been gunned down in the same general vicinity of Jane Usher Boulevard. Sometime after 7 o’clock tonight, Amandala was told, Keith Middleton, who was in his early 30s, was gunned down in his yard, which is on Mud Street in the vicinity of Jane Usher Boulevard. Information to our newspaper is that two gunmen gained entrance from the back of his yard on Mud Street and crept in while he was socializing with other men. Shortly thereafter, as many as eight shots were fired. We are told that the first shot hit Middleton in his leg and he attempted to climb onto the verandah of his home to escape the attack, but one of the men fired more shots, hitting him in the head and upper body.

The UDP’s obscene $8 million hustle
With municipal elections slated for next March, the nation is again heading into political season. It is known that during these times, political parties are “scratching around” for campaign finances for their campaign machineries. If you listen to the PUP, the VIP, and COLA, however, the party in power, the UDP, doesn’t have to “scratch” around, because they have their hands in the public coffers, which is to say, taxpayers’ pockets. Well, to mix our metaphors, the UDP just plucked out a PetroCaribe-sized gob of grease to get their election motors oiled and rolling. That’s the view of these parties after Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration issued an almost 8-million-dollar contract to a UDP crony for a project, which, according to a statement issued by the Government of Belize on Thursday, is for rehabilitation, and drainage infrastructure improvement of 1.9 km or about 1.1 miles of Fabers Road in Port Loyola constituency, of which Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez is the area representative.

3 schoolgirls escape abduction in El Progresso
hree young girls who were walking to El Progresso Government Primary School, were abducted by two men in a pickup at about 8:00 this morning. When the men saw the girls, they stopped the pickup, got out, walked over to the girls, grabbed them, tied them up, threw them into their vehicle pan and drove away with them towards San Antonio. The men were described as “Gringos,” or white men. A student who saw what was happening ran home and spread the alarm, and the men in El Progresso quickly got a vehicle and set chase after the kidnappers.

Breaking Belize News

Dangriga residents concerned about murky canal
Some concerned residents living in the Rivas estate area of Dangriga contacted BBN to explain the problem they are having with water settling in their yards. According to the residents, the canal in the area is being filled up and that is causing all the murky water to settle in their lands. Residents told us that the canal has not been dredged in years.

Chris Roggema died of natural causes
Norwegian- Belizean businessman Chris Roggema went missing last week Monday when he went to see a property along the Sibun area in southern Belize. Roggema had been suffering from bronchial cough but still went with a surveyor and another person to see the land he was interested in buying.

US national detained for attempted abduction
An American national is currently detained at the San Ignacio Police Station pending investigation into the attempted kidnapping of three children from 7Miles village. The girls were on their way to school around 8:30 a.m. on Monday and on their way, they stopped at a nearby shop to buy ideals. That is when a man driving a blue Isuzu pickup reportedly stopped and offered them something to eat.

PM calls out BNTU for being disrespectful; gives updates on demands
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has written back to the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) providing them with updates on the demands they made last year and calling them out for what he called “disrespect”.

Residents concerned about dredging on Caye Caulker
Some concerned residents of Caye Caulker contacted BBN to share their concern and displeasure with some dredging that is being done on the beach.

Blogs

Birds Of Belize: 20 Cool Species (You Must See)
Birding is described as a hobby in which individuals enjoy the challenge of bird study, identification, listing or any other activity revolving around bird life. Documented as a hobby that rose in popularity after world war II, birding has been a pastime for those enthralled by our avian friends for a very long time. In Belize, birding can be a very fulfilling hobby, since, as a whole, the small country boasts over 500 species of tropical birds and this number only grows when considering migrant species that make their way through here as the seasons change. Special thanks to Sarah and the Belize Raptor Center for helping to make this list as cool as it could be! Sarah and her team do awesome work with educating Belizeans about the importance of our avian friends and why preserving their habitats are of utmost importance!

Marbucks Tiaras and Tea Parties
High Tea at Marbucks Coffee House was a great success and thanks to sponsors, volunteers ( especially the bachelors that got auctioned ;) ) and ticket purchasing tea drinkers, the event raised a ton of cash so far. Proceeds went to Raise Me Up - the final total still being calculated and will be amended when it comes in.

International Sources

History in the palm of your hands at Trent University Durham GTA
Archaeology at Trent University has been an important part of the university for more than 40 years. The program has built a strong experiential learning component into its curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to attend field schools in Ontario, as well as more exotic locations, such as Belize in Central America. My project in Belize is the latest in a long line of Trent field schools in Belize. I went to Belize in 1990 as an undergraduate student on a field school and fell in love with the country. Twenty-eight years later, I am still returning to Belize year after year, only now I direct a field school for my own undergraduates at Ka’kabish, an ancient Mayan city with a long history dating from 800 BC to AD 1500. My research is focused on understanding how cities can survive for 2,300 years. Unfortunately, it is often hard to balance preservation of the past with the needs of the future, and sites like Ka’kabish are in danger of being subsumed by development. As part of my work, we are trying to raise money to buy the 50 acres on which Ka’kabish sits and create a new national park. We have currently raised two-thirds of the money that we need to create a National Archaeology Park in Belize, and are working to raise the remaining $17,000 via Indiegogo crowd-funding that will finalize the purchase and enable us to protect the site for future generations.

UWI student wins Miss Divali Nagar
University student Seema Moonilal was in shock when she was announced the winner of the Divali Nagar Queen Competition on Monday. Delegates from five countries participated in the annual queen show at the Nagar Site in Chaguanas and at the end TT’s Moonilal, 22, won the competition. Miss Nagar Canada Suvina Smolsky was first runner-up while Miss USA, Navina Misir, took the second runner-up position. Among the countries represented were USA, Canada. Suriname, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Moonilal said she stood still when her name was called as the winner.

Ambiente: la barriera corallina del Belize vale 19 milioni di dollari l’anno
Per la prima volta si conosce il valore economico del turismo che ruota attorno alla barriera corallina del Belize, uno dei più importanti siti Unesco e Patrimonio dell’Umanità dal 1966. Nel nuovo report lanciato oggi dal WWF, Natural Heritage, Natural Wealth si evidenzia proprio il valore questa incredibile risorsa che però stiamo rischiando di perdere. Il report analizza quattro delle sette aree marine protette (MPAs) che rientrano nell’area, che sono: Blue Hole & Half Moon Caye Natural Monuments, Glover’s Reef Atoll Marine Reserve, and Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Queste 4 aree generano complessivamente oltre 19 milioni di dollari l’anno come profitti economici portati dalle attività turistiche e ricreative. Si tratta di un contributo significativo dal punto di vista socio-finanziario e che riflette solo in parte i benefici economici totali per il paese.

Videos

Mental Health, 37min. on Open Your Eyes

World Food Day 2017, 19min. on Open Your Eyes

The St. Martins Credit Union, 23min.

Tayra, locally known as "Bushdog", 15sec. Even if they give you a couple of seconds to video them it`s special, seen them in the wild is very rare. So you just got to appreciate wildlife in Belize when you encounter them.

Andy Palacio and Youth Connection visit Los Angeles 1996, min. To performed at the 9th annual Belize Caye Fest. at Rancho Cienega Park. Telemundo TV) Live

Turismo em Belize_por Pitaya Filmes, 5min.

Launch of "Natural Heritage, Natural Wealth, 54min. Highlighting the economic benefits of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site

The Senate Select Committee met in a short session today in Belmopan, to listen to the testimonies, 12min. The Senate Select Committee met in a short session today in Belmopan, to listen to the testimonies provided by the Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams and also the Registrar of the Vita Statistics Unit Patricia Hinkson. Both departments work in correlation with the Immigration Department to provide key documents that can affect a person’s immigration status in Belize.

Belize Humane Society, 42min.

Caye Caulker Fine Art Photo Walk, 3min. Fine Art Photography Walkabout on Caye Caulker Belize

2 days exploring Belize City, 6.5min.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize, 3.5min. This submarine sinkhole off the coast of Belize is in every scuba diver’s bucket list. Even if you are not into enjoying a myriad of species underwater, it’s totally worth flying over the Blue Hole for a breathtaking view.

Spot Check: Belize City, Belize, 6.5min. Pros: Lots of sea side parks, lots of virgin spots, lots of creative spots. Beautiful and relax city. Lots of nature around! Cons: No skateparks, need lots of wax because there’s no bladers and everything needs to be waxed

BELIZE!, 4min. Had an amazing and humbling experience in this beautiful country. From the people, to the scenery, to the adventures, this place will always be in my heart. We also had an opportunity to give back by building a classroom for a local school which was incredibly humbling. Always taking things for granted.

San Pedro, Belize, 9.5min. My little vlog about our trip to Belize.

Diving the Elbow in Belize, 7.5min. Scuba Diving the Elbow in Belize with Amigos del Mar Dive Company.

Xunantunich, Belize, 9min. Xunantunich in Belize are one of the most spectacular mayan ruins of the country. With many pyramids and a great view point on all the region on the border between Belize and Guatemala. It's located about 100km from Tikal, the main Guatemala Maya site, and it can easily be reached from San Ignacio.

October 18, 2017

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

San Pedro Remembers Faye Lin Cannon
In memory of Faye Lin Cannon a memorial ceremony was held on Saturday, October 14th, from 11pm to 2pm, at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. The ceremony was organized by Faye’s adoptive father Dave Cannon. “The ceremony is for children and adults who want to send a message of love for my daughters,” said Dave. He is has been in Belize since the news of Faye Lins death. Dave Cannon is currently trying to obtain custody of Faye Lins three sisters but for the meantime they are still under the care of the Department of Human Services until further notice.

Caye Notes
Everyone is welcomed to the Church of Christ, Iglesia de Cristo, just across the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in San Mateo Area for a seminar. The seminar will be held starting Sunday, October 22nd to Thursday, October 26th from 9AM to 3PM daily. Teaching will be provided by Mark Batteiger, education and preached for 30 years. Everyone is invite and lunch will be provided. LOVE YOUR EYES! Come get them checked free of cost. A comprehensive eye exam by Stanford Ophthalmologists with state of the art equipment. Date: Monday October 23- Thursday October 26, 2017, Time: 8:30am to 4:30pm. Please bring your Social Security Card or other I.D. Place: Belize Vision Clinic located at the Lions Den Clinic Ph: 669-8412

Arrivals to Belize Continue Steady Growth Path
For the first 9 months of 2017, the tourism arrivals continue to show a positive trend. The latest statistics show there was a 7.9% increase in Overnight arrivals in the month of September, representing an increase of over 1,400 visitors. In September 2017, arrivals through the International Airport increased only slightly, as the number of incoming flights were impacted by the threat of storms in the region in the early part of the month. An increase in the arrival of visitors thru the land borders in Northern and Western Belize assisted in these gains during September. The cumulative overnight arrival increase was 8.6% through the first 9 months of the year.

Ambergris Today

Arrivals To Belize Continue Steady Growth Path Overnight Arrivals
The Belize Tourism Board reports that for the first nine months of 2017, the tourism arrivals continue to show a positive trend. The latest statistics show there was a 7.9% increase in Overnight arrivals in the month of September, representing an increase of over 1,400 visitors. In September 2017, arrivals through the International Airport increased only slightly, as the number of incoming flights were impacted by the threat of storms in the region in the early part of the month.

Misc Belizean Sources

Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute participates in the Major aspects of the coastal environmental management Workshop
Representatives of Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) will be participating in the workshop “Major aspects of the coastal environmental management” to be held from 17 to 20 October in Kingston, Jamaica. The Workshop will include four days of theoretical and practical sessions to acknowledge the main sources of marine pollution in each country of the Caribbean Community. Its purpose is to develop a proposal of an environmental management instrument intended to improve marine environmental conditions of the participating countries. Staff from CZMA’s technical programs which includes: Mr. Samir Rosado (Coastal Planner), Mr. Gilbert Andrews (Environmental Lab Technician), and Mr. Victor Sho (Sport Fishing Coordinator) will engage in the workshop through assisting to the developing proposals that will better the Caribbean communities’ marine environmental conditions. By doing this, CZMAI intends to harbor awareness to occurring marine pollutions.

Arrivals to Belize Continue Steady Growth Path
For the first 9 months of 2017, the tourism arrivals continue to show a positive trend.The latest statistics show there was a 7.9% increase in Overnight arrivals in the month of September, representing an increase of over 1,400 visitors. In September 2017, arrivals through the International Airport increased only slightly, as the number of incoming flights were impacted by the threat of storms in the region in the early part of the month. An increase in the arrival of visitors thru the land borders in Northern and Western Belize assisted in these gains during September. The cumulative overnight arrival increase was 8.6% through the first 9 months of the year.

Diabetes Run coming soon!!!
Only 17 more days to go. Register your teams today! It is only 23 miles from the Belmopan Market Square to our piece of Paradise: Palacios Mountain Retreat. We will have persons walking and running all 23 miles. Runners will be divided into marathon runners or relay runners. Register your team/s today. Call Brito at 6152249 for more information

Victoria House for the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence
Voting ends soon! Please don't forget to vote for Victoria House for the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. Shortlist voting will close on the 19th of October. We appreciate everyone's support immensely, and thank you so much to everyone who has already voted!

Benque Viejo cleanup!
Department of Youth Services and Benque community participating in the cleanup in Benque Viejo

Ya'axché Conservation Trust 2016 Annual Report
2016 was an incredible year for Ya’axché! We take this opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of the staff, board of directors, volunteers, partners and the kind funds received from our donors. Learn more details of our impact by downloading our Annual Report at http://yaaxche.org/files/annual_report_2016.pdf. Enjoy!

2017 Central America Travel Market
The Central America Travel Market ( CATM ) was held in San Salvador from October 6 to 8, 2017. This regional tourism event, held in a different Central American country each year, has a main goal of promoting Tourism to the area. Participating countries this year included Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua. Over 100 wholesalers from Europe, the US and South America and many international journalists attend this event each year in an effort to make new connections and contracts within Central America. The Salvadoran Ministry of Tourism said CATM "... will house more than 100 tourism companies in the region, and about 80 of whom are specialized multi - product buyers from Europe, South America and the United States, allowing for promotion of business relationships with tourism suppliers in Central America. " The eleventh edition of the event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador and the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America (FEDECATUR) and the Central America Tourism Agency (CATA). The Belize Tourism Industry Association ( BTIA), being the representatives of CATA in Belize, spearheaded this initiative, whereby local tourism stakeholders could participate in the event.

LETTER FROM PRIME MINISTER RT. HON. DEAN BARROW TO PRESIDENT OF THE BNTU SENATOR ELENA SMITH
Dear President, Thank you for your last letter of October 13, 2017, which I was made aware of by way of your media release. Actually, I thought it was the letter from you to me of September 15, 2017, initiating this chain of correspondence, that was disrespectful. It was written in a peremptory, demanding and uncivil fashion. I nevertheless tried to avoid any similar vein of discourtesy in responding. Notwithstanding, you have tendentiously labeled my reply and that is unfortunate. But let me turn to the substance of your request, the answers to which will underscore certain of the points I made last time. 1. As you, and all Belize, well know, the Senate Select Committee has been appointed and has been working now for almost a year.

San Pedro Breast Cancer Awareness Walk or Run 2017
It's here again! Our Breast Cancer Awareness Walk or Run 2017! SIGN UP NOW! Share with all your friends and family! Last year we raised $3,645.25; let's try to go higher! All proceeds will go towards the San Pedro Cancer Society.

Illegal dredging on Caye Caulker
Concerned residents of Caye Caulker want to know who is responsible for this dredging since the local authorities, the Caye Caulker Village Council had denied the request to allow it.

Dangriga canals a health risk?
Concerned residents of Dangriga are complaining about the status of the canals which have not been dredged in years and now poses a health risk. It has been years since any of the major drains in Dangriga has been properly cleaned. All the the drains needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. Because things will only get worse.

BTI - Belize Temptation Island - Silent Party
BTI - Belize Temptation Island - Silent Party PT 2. IS COMING DECEMBER 2, 2017! Are you ready for host Instagram sensation Princemarni & Suzan #Mr.OxtailBone? Also check out co-host, the Bullie Queen, Ms Million herself, Tanya Carter. And music? Well the versatile cast of DJs will keep your eardrums thumping all night no matter what your taste: No Fear Deejays, Ras & Jaro Fyahstatahsound., DJ Omar Habet and DJ Dzl. Pre-sold tickets and section info coming in a couple weeks.

4th Annual East Indian Festival 2017
Sunday October 29th Elridgeville Community Center. Be sure to get a taste of all the delicious food that will be at the event: CohuneCabbage, Tacari, Dahlroti, Chutney, Serosee, Just to name a few

INDOOR FOOTBALL IS BACK in Corozal!
Referees Association for officiating our 3rd Edition Corozal Interoffice, Departments & Companies Fut 7 football tournament 2017- 2018. Games are every Thursday and Friday at 7pm. Credit Photo: Mr. Carlos Aka: Net Acosta Sr

TEDxBelmopan 2017 Success
Pictures from the TedxBelmopan, which was in Belmopan on September 30th.

Channel 7

Another Murder In The Jane Usher Area
As we told you last night, another man was killed was killed in the Jane Usher area of Belize City. It is the second murder there in a week - and last night on Mud Street, a killer went into 31-year-old Keith Middleton's family yard to execute him. 7News was on the scene last night and Sahar Vasquez has more: Last night started out as an average night for Keith Middleton. He and a friend were outside in his yard socializing when 7 gunshots rang out. Those 7 gunshots were not random they were all aimed in the direction of Middleton and each shot pierced his body, killing him in his own yard. The yard he used to play in with his one-year-old son.

Almost Abducted, How Three Girls Escaped
The parents of the abducted El Progresso girls speak out tonight. As we told you, 3 girls - 2 sisters and one of their friends were on the way to school in the remote reaches of the Cayo District yesterday morning when a man kidnapped them. According to the girls - the man took off one of their uniform shirts to tie the feet of two of the girls. But one of the girls untied the other two and they escaped in a getaway that seems to come right out of a movie script. Now there are many details like this that still have to be verified but today we went to El Progresso to get the firsthand account of the story. Courtney Weatherburne has more.

Mexican President Will Co-Chair Summit in Belize
Belize has a very special guest coming to visit on October 25th. The President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto will make his first visit to Belize for a quick half day of official business. He has been indicted by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to co-chair the fourth CARICOM- Mexico Summit to be held in Belize City. At the Summit he is expected to endorse the importance of Mexico's cooperation with the Caribbean in security, climate change, and the prevention of natural disasters. His participation will underscore 35 years of friendly relations between Belize and Mexico.

Retirees Says Trust Is A Bust For Them
Last week, we reported extensively on the Public Sectors Workers Trust. That's the the entity set up by the BNTU and the PSU to manage the proceeds of more than half a million BTL shares. The Esquivel Administration gave the shares to the union as compensation to the teachers and public officers who had their wages and increments frozen between 1995 and 1997. Now, the question of who is really entitled to the multi million dollars proceeds of those shares is a matter of contention. On the one hand, you've got the public officers - thousands of them - who were employed at the time, and may still be in the public service, or have since retired. On the other, you have the trustees - who are current members of the PSU and BNTU that are administering the trust. Some of those retired public officers took the trust to court to argue that they should have the first say in how the trust's money is managed - when presently they have no say at all.

Union Pres Says Lots of Mischief Surrounds Trust
Now, the Public Sectors Workers Trust takes a very different view, of course. They say they are developing projects for the benefit of public officer, and add that auditors have twice given them a stamp of approval for sound management of the Trust. President of the BNTU, Elena Smith says there's a lot mischief making out there:... "Unfortunately, some of what is out there is plain mischief making, because we are well aware of the purpose of the trust and it was to put together projects for the beneficiaries of the trust. And so I want to make it clear that the BNTU has not gotten any monies from that trust to run our organization. Not to pay anybody, not for any strike, not to buy any t-shirts - nothing of that sort."

PM Sends Sharp Letter to BNTU
Keeping it on the BNTU, last night you heard the president explain that the union wrote to the Prime Minister last week Friday asking for an update on the eight demands coming out of their strike one year ago. The union kind of scolded the PM, saying he had disrespected them and demanded a comprehensive update in a week's time, by this Friday October 20th. Well, the Prime Minister wrote back to the Union today and opened by scolding them right back, saying, quote, "Actually, I thought it was the letter from you to me of September 15, 2017, initiating this chain of correspondence, that was disrespectful. It was written in a peremptory, demanding and uncivil fashion." After that, the PM gets into the business of the letter, updating the union on each one of its eight demands.

COLA Demands Answers For Slain Activist
Tomorrow will make one week since 72 year old taxman and activist Albert Cattouse was killed and police have made no arrests. Yesterday, the president of COLA demanded answers form the police and the government: Giovannie Brackett, President - COLA: "One of the thing is that we've asked them to do to check his phone records from about 6:25pm that evening to about 7:00pm to track the callers who have called him and I think no less than not just the Minister of Police, cause what he said debt assure us of anything. He just sounded like a noisy cymbal. Aragon with all due respect when you spoke on Friday you didn't care to call COLA, you didn't call the family to give us an assurance. You spoke to the media and so we don't have any closure right now."

No Elective Surgeries At KHMH
The KHMH is the biggest hospital in Belize - but the Management says it has been forced to suspend elective surgery because of a blood shortage. In a release, the national referral hospital says that there has been a shortage of available blood products for the past two and a half weeks, due, first to a limited blood supply and, second, to restrictions imposed by the Blood Bank which is controlled by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry codes that there has been a shortage in the delivery of screening kits for blood and that has forced restrictions on the use of blood for transfusion. But the good news is that the shortage will be resolved this because the kits have arrived. In the meantime, the KHMH says they have been able to continue life-saving surgeries and elective surgeries will resume as soon as possible.

Dutchman Died of Natural Causes
The 69 year Dutch National Chris Rogemma died of natural causes. That's the result of the post mortem examination. When we spoke to one of his sons today he told us that it was related to the bronchial cough he had when he went missing. As we have reported, last Monday morning Rogemma along with a surveyor went to inspect a piece of land he wanted to buy in St. Margaret's village - despite warnings from his friends to stay home. Roggema wondered off and got lost in the jungle. His body was found on Friday afternoon.

Missing Baby Found During News
On Friday's newscast, Kareem Thompson, the father of Kattalea Thompson came to our studio in a state of panic because he and his wife could not find their five year old daughter - who'd gone disappeared from school. Thompson and his family were searching desperately for the little girl but thankfully she was found shortly after you saw him on the news. It turns out Kattalea wondered off into the street and a close family friend saw her and took her home. But, she forgot to tell the parents. She didn't realize it was problem until she saw Kareem Thompson on the news, which is when she immediately called them and the family was reunited.

How to Help Caribbean Hurricane Victims
For weeks, we've been showing you the devastations wrought by the hurricanes which tore through the Eastern Caribbean. Well, there's finally a way for you to help those small islands like Anguilla, Dominica, St. Marteen and the Virgin Islands. The Belize Council of Churches and other agencies have organized a Telethon for Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Bliss Center. The president of the Council Reverend Roosevelt Papouloute, told us more: Pledges can be made by calling Ms. Charlene McDonald at 227-3373 or 227- 2308 and deposits can be made directly to the Belize Bank at account number 6950111081261. And, again, all the funds collected will be given to the victims through the Belize Red Cross.

BTB Says Arrivals Continue to Be Strong
Tourism arrivals in the third quarter of the year showed a strong out-turn. 3rd quarter comparisons to 2016 reflect a 10.9% increase in overnight arrivals - which is good for what is considered the low season. Cruise Arrivals were up by 6.1% in the third quarter increase when compared to 2016. Overall visitors from the US continue to be the largest market.

Universal Healthcare Case At The CCJ
Major legal arguments were heard Today at the Caribbean Court of Justice in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Once again it was the Ashcroft Alliance versus the Government of Belize. Now, we know, just hearing those names, you're probably already rolling your eyes in weary anticipation. But, this case is not the usual BTL back and forth. This time, it's a suit over the Musa Administration's guarantee of 33 million dollars in debt for Universal Health Services. Universal made the loan as private hospital, and government secretly backed it up - without going to Parliament - or reporting it to Cabinet. The Barrow Administration has refused to pay the indebtedness saying it was contrary to public policy - and today Eamon Courtenay for the Ashcroft Alliance told the highest court that Government would have to prove a very high standard for them not to pay:

Celebrating Archaeology, A Mayan Sauna?
As we told you yesterday, it's Archeology Week, and to honor the occasion we went into our archives form 12 years ago to look at a most unusual archeological find. IT's like a pre historic sauna out at Pook's Hill outside Teakettle Village. Here's that story from our Archive:... Jules Vasquez Reporting, [jules.vasques@gmail.com] Sitting about half an hour away from Teakettle on a rough road that cuts right through the rainforest - we came upon Pook's Hill - a bustling hive of archaeological activity. 15 international archaeology students are here excavating the site: breaking stone, making copious maps of the layout, and clearing away one thousand years of overgrowth brick by brick. Leading the dig is University of London student Christophe Helmke. It's part of the Belize Valley Archeological Reconnaissance Project - a homegrown project directed by Dr. Jaime Awe. Along with Dr. John Morris and NICH President Yasser Musa, Awe explained that Pook's Hill, though a very small site, is very important to understanding how the Maya lived.

Channel 5

After Previous Attacks, Keith Middleton is Latest Murder Victim in Jane Usher
There is a resurgence of crime and violence on Jane Usher Boulevard area in the Old Capital. On Monday night, there was another shooting which left a thirty-one-year-old resident lifeless. [...]

U.S. National Detained Following Alleged Abduction of El Progreso Schoolgirls
In Monday’s newscast, we reported on the foiled abduction of three young girls in the west. Today, News Five’s Duane Moody headed to El Progresso Seven Miles Community to follow [...]

Belize to Welcome Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto for CARICOM Summit
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto will be in Belize for the first time next week. Traditionally, Mexican presidents visit before their inauguration as part of a tour of bordering countries [...]

Belize Bank Makes Final Appeal for U.H.S. Money
The Caribbean Court of Justice opened its first term for the 2017-2018 judicial year with the appeal of Belize Bank Limited versus the Attorney General. The case concerns the long-standing [...]

Preliminary Inquiry Delayed for Anke Doehm
But in the local courts, recently widowed Anke Doehm appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. With her late husband David, she is accused of cruelty to a child – her [...]

Alfonso Noble to Learn Fate in RTA Case in January, 2018
On Christmas Eve of 2016, media personality Alfonso Noble was accused of knocking down and killing Hattieville resident Gilbert Myers near mile four on the George Price Highway. Noble was [...]

Andrew Lewis Takes Rap for Gun in Vehicle near Hattieville
Hattieville police made a gun bust on Sunday during which they intercepted a trio of men inside a pickup and found a nine millimetre firearm and four live rounds of [...]

Swiss Cannabis Accused Faces Permit Charge
Forty-two-year-old Swiss national Christian Reis is in trouble with the law. On Monday, he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser and was fined one hundred and fifty dollars for the [...]

Julius Espat Continues Fight over House Suspension; Case Adjourned by Court of Appeal
He is back in the House of Representatives, but Cayo South area representative Julius Espat still has an axe to grind with the way he was put out on the [...]

As Franz Parke Begins Work, Opponents like B.N.T.U. Plot His Removal
Justice Franz Parke showed up for his first day of work at the Court of Appeal of Belize this morning. The newly sworn-in judge is the latest senior official in [...]

Fabers Road Doesn’t Add Up for B.N.T.U.
While COLA is not particularly ecstatic about the cost of government’s latest rejuvenation project, the Belize National Teachers Union is itself taken aback by the seemingly exorbitant price tag of [...]

Contractor’s Efficiency Gives COLA’s Brackett a Pause
You heard Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action’s take on the Fabers’ Road contract for near eight million dollars issued through selective tendering to Imer Hernandez Development Company, to concrete [...]

A “Civic” Made of Gold?
The Belize Civic Center is nearing completion. It is projected, according to contractors International Environments Limited, to cost thirty-two million dollars under the Belize Infrastructure Limited, but widespread reports are [...]

P.M. Turns Fire on B.N.T.U., Says Unions Must Do Their Part for Some of 8 Demands
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has responded in writing today to the Belize National Teachers Union, following a stern letter written by President Elena Smith, dated October thirteenth. The B.N.T.U., in [...]

Will Teachers Take Action?
In speaking with the media on Monday, National President Elena Smith says that the B.N.T.U. is not attempting to call the tune on behalf of the prime minister; however, it [...]

Mark King Rails at U.D.P. Leadership
The internal intrigue in the United Democratic Party continues. On Monday, we showed you the response of Dangriga area representative Frank “Papa” Mena to the results of the Dangriga convention, [...]

Heads of Vital Stats, Labour Before Senate Wednesday
On Wednesday, the Senate Special Select Committee intends to call the heads of the Labor Department and the Vital Statistics Unit. This is following revelations in recent weeks about the [...]

Even B.T.B. Surprised by Tourism Stats
The Belize Tourism Board says that tourist arrivals are up for the first nine months of 2017. The latest stats show that even the slow season registered increases. According to [...]

CTV3

COLA Calls For Civil Disobedience
Another party who has objected to the $8m contract for the upgrading of Faber Road in Belize City, is the activist group COLA. COLA, through their attorney Kareem Musa, has requested to see the contract details through the Freedom of Information Act, and is awaiting a response from Ministry of Works CEO Errol Gentle. This issue is just one in which COLA has clashed with the Government. Yesterday, COLA’s President Geovanni Brackett expressed total frustration with the Barrow Administration, and even called for civil disobedience.

Papa Mena & Mark King Take Heavy Swings At UDP Hierarchy
The United Democratic Party appears to be slipping into internal turmoil of late. Over the weekend the UDP held a municipal convention in Dangriga in which current Mayor and his slate won to contest the municipal race in March. But the convention and results seem to have divided the UDP in two, and has resulted in open clashes on social media between the factions. This became apparent to all when the UDP’s Dangriga area rep Frank “Papa” Mena took to Facebook to slam his party for the convention.

Mexican President To Visit Belize For The First Time
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto is scheduled to visit Belize for six hours upon the invitation of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, to co-chair the IV Mexico-CARICOM Summit, to be held in Belize City on October 25. A release issued today by the Mexican embassy in Belize indicates that President Peña Nieto’s visit to Belize is aimed at consolidating the progress of the Third Mexico-CARICOM Summit which was held in Merida, Yucatan in April of 2014. His visit is also expected to endorse Mexico's importance to cooperation with the Caribbean in the areas of security, migration, climate change mitigation and prevention of natural disasters.

Opposition Leader Weighs In Over The $8 Million Contract To Imer Hernandez
Yesterday the Opposition voiced their concerns over the awarding of an $8 million contract to Imer Hernandez Development Co. Limited, a company involving the nephew of former UDP Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega, for the rehabilitation of 1.1 mile of Faber’s Road in Belize City. The Opposition said in a release that it considered it a grossly bloated contract and it gave comparisons of other road works which cost much less for a greater road size. Today, Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno gave media interviews to discuss his concerns about the contract.

LOVE FM

Mother Loses Son to Gun Violence
Another man is murdered in Belize City, just four days after the murder of activist Albert Cattouse near Roger Stadium as the gun violence in Belize City continues on an upward trend with perpetrators becoming even more brazen and brutal. Last night’s victim is thirty-one year old Keith Middleton who was lured out of his […]

COLA: “Cattouse was Murdered to Send a Message”
On Thursday, October twelve, seventy-two-year-old taxi man and activist, Albert Cattouse, was shot and killed in Belize City. His murder sent shockwaves throughout the activist community. Yesterday, Cattouse’s close personal friend and President of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, Geovanni Brackett, told the media that activists are interpreting Cattouse’s murder as a message. […]

Briceno Comments on Cattouse’s Murder
Also speaking on Cattouse’s murder is Leader of the People’s United Party, John Briceno. John Briceno, Opposition Leader “On Thursday we were saddened to find out that Mr.Albert Cattouse was murdered in his taxi. As I am told he was called out from his home to probably pick up a passenger and he was murdered. […]

Mexican President to Co-Chair 4th CARICOM-Mexico Summit
Mexican President, Enrique Peña Nieto, is scheduled to be in Belize on October 25. Pena Nieto has accepted the invitation of Belize’s Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, to co-chair the fourth CARICOM-Mexico Summit. According to a statement from the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, the President’s participation aims to consolidate the progress of the third CARICOM […]

BNTU President: Still Waiting for an Update on the 8 Demands
Last Friday, the Belize National Teachers’ Union wrote Prime Minister Dean Barrow for an update on the eight demands that were negotiated last year. This is the second such request. In response to the first letter, PM Barrow referred the BNTU to the media for the update. In the second letter, BNTU’s President, Senator Elena […]

Barrow addresses BNTU’s Demands
Prime Minister Dean Barrow responded to the letter sent by the BNTU which he said he learnt via the BNTU’s press release yesterday. In his letter, the Prime Minister says that it is the BNTU who was disrespectful. Barrow stated quote, “It was written in a peremptory, demanding and uncivil fashion. I nevertheless tried to […]

Robbers Escaped with Conductor’s Day Sales
Last night, a West Line bus transporting passengers was coming to Belize City and was a mile away from its final destination, when the unexpected happened. A little after 9:00 p.m., the bus stopped in the vicinity of Lord Ridge Cemetery for passengers to disembark, when one of the three passengers who came off the […]

Anke Doehm’s case adjourned once again
Today, Anke Doehm appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Her last court appearance was on September 20, when she made an appearance with her husband David Doehm. As we reported, David Doehm committed suicide on October 5, leaving his wife to face the charge of child cruelty. Today in court, the prosecution, represented by Jacqueline […]

Swiss National to be Deported
For forty-two year old Swiss national Christian Reis, trouble came two fold. Yesterday he appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser and he was fined $150 plus $5 court cost after he pled guilty to possession of 1.4 grams of cannabis. He was ordered to pay the fine forthwith, in default 1 month imprisonment. Today […]

Andrew Lewis sentence to 5 years
Twenty-nine year old Andrew Lewis, one of three men charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license, pled guilty to the charges when he appeared today before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. Because he saved the court time and he had no previous conviction, he was sentenced to 5 years for each offence with the […].

Amandala

Taxicab driver and activist, Albert Cattouse, 72, gunned down on Hicatee Street
Taxi driver and activist, Albert Cattouse, 72, was gunned down shortly after 8 o’clock tonight in Belize City. Information to Amandala is that he had just dropped off a passenger on Hicatee Street, behind Rogers Stadium on Dolphin Street, and was leaving the area when a man on a motorcycle rode up beside his vehicle and opened fire. Cattouse was shot once in the back of the head and left for dead behind his steering wheel. The gunman was then seen fleeing the area on foot. It is not yet known if Cattouse was robbed before he was killed.

Mexico president to visit Belize next Wednesday, October 25
Official sources have confirmed to Amandala that Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña-Nieto, is scheduled to make his first official visit to Belize on Wednesday, October 25. Peña-Nieto, elected to serve for the period 2012 to 2018, plans to hold bilateral talks with counterparts here in Belize, but he will also lead Mexico’s delegation which will be coming to Belize for a one-day summit with leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). According to the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, Belize will be hosting the summit of regional leaders as well as officials from Mexico. Mexico has promised to provide a plan to bring the regional leaders to Belize. The parties, he said, should be discussing development and opportunities for trade.

US diplomat flees Belize!
On Saturday, Samantha Castillo dropped her brother, Matthew Castillo, at Old Belize. He was going fishing. The thirty-year-old Samantha headed back to her Bella Vista home in Belize City. Traveling with her in her Hyundai Element SUV was Martha Nayeli Vasquez, her sister-in-law; her one-year-old daughter, Deanna Castillo, and six-year-old daughter Angelique Castillo. The four family members didn’t make it back home. At approximately 4:00 p.m., a pickup slammed into Castillo’s Hyundai near Mile 4 on the George Price Highway. The impact was catastrophic. Samantha, Martha and her baby, Deanna, were killed. The only member of the family to come out of the horrible accident alive was the 6-year-old child. She suffered two broken legs. Both girls are Matthew Castillo’s daughters.

BNTU challenges appointment of Franz Parke to Court of Appeal
Amid controversy over his appointment—with the latest public objection coming from the militant Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU)—Franz Parke was today appointed as Justice of Appeal for the Belize Court of Appeal for a 5-year term. The appointment comes notwithstanding a claim filed last week by the Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party, Johnny Briceño, to have the Belize Supreme Court declare his appointment null and void on the claim that his appointment violates the Belize Constitution – the highest law of the land. In a press release issued on Friday, October 13, the BNTU said that its council of management had unanimously agreed with the objection previously raised by the Belize Bar Association.

Two Belizean ex-cops called to Fiji bar
Mannon Dennison and Holman Katanegie, two former Belizean cops who have ventured into law studies, recently concluded a 15-week Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University in Fiji in Suva, Fiji’s capital city. Dennison, who formerly worked as a cop as well as an investigator at the Financial Intelligence Unit, and Katanegie, who formerly worked at the Police Department and Fire Department, are said to be the very first Belizean graduates under the GDLP, which began to be offered in 2012. The men began the GDLP program this March, when the latest cohort was taken in.

Smart Mundialito Week 2 results from Marion Jones Sports Complex
The Smart 13 & Under Mundialito continued on Saturday with Week 2 games at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. In game 1, Reality Youth dropped Sampson Academy, 2-1, with goals from Curtis August and Shawn Pitts, while Christopher Gonzales scored for Sampson Academy. Game 2 saw Carlston FC with the 3-0 win over Corinthians, with a goal each from Jerwin Carcamo, Max Jones and Sanjay Baltazar. In game 3, Brown Bombers bombed Collet Strikers, 5-1, with 2 goals apiece from Keyden Shaw and Jaylen White, and the other from Peter Morgan; while Collet’s lone goal was by Chris Marshal.

Playoff hopes still alive for San Pedro, Placencia and Wagiya, with 4 reg. season weeks left in PLB Opening Season
Defending champion and league leading Belmopan Bandits SC posted another victory over the weekend, against BDF, and became the first team to secure a spot in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season playoffs. The Bandits got another game winner from captain Elroy Smith at the 89th minute to break a 1-1 deadlock against BDF FC at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday night. Darrol Lambey gave BDF the 1-nil lead at the 15th minute, but an own goal by BDF’s Charles Grant (48’ OG) made it 1-1, until midfielder Rene Leslie’s pass set the table some thirty yards out for advancing Bandits defender Elroy Smith.

Charles Hogan reflects on his glory days of primary school football in ‘Griga
Amandala (A): So, tell me about that season… that ’66 season… Charles Hogan (H): Good… Good… That team, mein..! A: Who was the captain of that team? H: The captain was Leslie… a guy by the name of Richard Leslie A: I don’t recall that name. H: His nickname was “Shaker.” A: Hmm! What position did he play? H: He played inside right…. Because the forward was a 4-forward thing… It was myself, Wayne “Wapi” Fortnard, who is walking around Belize; I saw him yesterday… A: What was his name? H: Wayne Fortnard.

Editorial: Corruption, collusion, cronyism
It was less than two months ago that news broke that the Auditor General’s Annual Report for the year April 2012 to March 2013 had exposed some major shenanigans at the Ministry of Works involving almost a million dollars of missing tires, and the questionable targeted spending of $1.7 million with a specially favoured Belmopan-based businessman behind a dubious company called Special Effects. The report revealed that tires had been purchased from the said Special Effects at prices well beyond what could be found at the various tire outlets in the country, and that in one case where the tires had been bought cheaper at a competitor, the tires were returned and the storekeeper public officer ordered to purchase from the Belmopan crony. These special deals with Special Effects had cost the Belizean taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars, and when the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Works was questioned by the Auditor General about these suspect arrangements, his answers were less than forthcoming, or at times not forthcoming at all.

RIGHT TO THE POINT: Revisiting Common Law unions
I have had several men and women approach me to discuss the issue of Common Law unions and I have had some really sad stories on this topic because consistently it seems that persons living together do not seem to understand what is the true legal status of their relationship in many instances. Thus I have decided to visit this topic, with the hope that other people will read, learn and share with others, to avoid some of the most personal painful situations in life. It seems that some of the most awful stories stem from women who opt to live with their new partner despite these men still being legally married to their wife. I will not get into the issues of the personal choices as life is real and relationships end and others begin and some overlap.

A false premise
Belize will remember that when PM Barrow appointed his ex-wife, Lois Young, to head our defense in some major cases, he declared that she was hired because she was the best in Belize. Again, when he hired his brother, Denys, to defend Belize in some major cases, he declared that his brother, who had returned to Belize from employ abroad, was the best Belize had. One common factor, besides being closely related to him, was that both were in private practice. Of course, another common factor might be that they indeed WERE the best we had. Many Belizeans thought that the lead defenders of national interests should have been public employees. Belize has a battery of lawyers that are paid from the public purse. It definitely would have been much cheaper, up front, for the defense to be public servants. But, were they competent to do the job?

Justice Lucas to issue ruling in BDF Militia Hall killing
Closing arguments were made today in the trial of Jermaine Rhaburn, 22, a Belize Defence Force volunteer soldier who has been accused of killing another volunteer soldier, Clifford Cruz, 21, with an AR-15 assault rifle on the compound of Militia Hall on October 1, 2012. The incident occurred in the guardroom of the building, which is located around Mile 1 on the George Price Highway, opposite Lord Ridge Cemetery. Rhaburn was tried in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas, who heard the case sitting alone without a jury. Justice Lucas has set October 24 as the date when he will give his decision.

His supporters say that the murder of human rights defender and local activist Albert Cattouse, 72, was “despicable and cowardly”
There is widespread speculation that the Thursday night murder of cab driver and activist, Albert Cattouse, 72, was a political hit. But Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon, Jr., told the press on Friday that such speculation was “outrageous.” Aragon went on to say that he believes he understands what transpired, but he declined going into details. At around 7 o’clock on Thursday night, as Cattouse was driving his vehicle on Hicattee Street near the Rogers Stadium in Belize City, heading from West Collet Canal towards Dolphin Street, two men on a motorcycle pulled up beside him and one of them fired several shots. Cattouse was hit in the head.

After two trials and more than 8 years on remand, accused murderer files bail application
Warren Lewis, 26, a former BDF volunteer who has been accused of the August 2009 murder of Albert Allen, filed a bail application through his attorney, Darrell Bradley. Lewis’ bail application was heard today at the Supreme Court before Justice Herbert Lord, who has reserved his decision for an unspecified date. The state was represented by Crown Counsel, Jacqueline Willoughby, who squared off with Bradley, making submissions opposing Lewis’ bid to regain his freedom. In stating the facts of the case in her response to Lewis’ bail application, Willoughby said, “On 18 August 2009, the Petitioner (Lewis), along with Cordel Flores, were arrested and charged for the murder of Albert Allen, which is alleged to have occurred in Belize City on said 18 August, 2009.

Christoffer Roggema, 69, found dead near Sibun River in St. Margaret
The worst has been confirmed in respect of the disappearance of Norwegian-Belizean businessman, Christoffer Roggema, 69. On Friday, police confirmed that at around noon his body was found by a search party near the Sibun River in St. Margaret. There were no visible signs of foul play and police await the results of a post-mortem examination to assist in their investigations. Our newspaper tried to get more information regarding exactly where the body was found, and in what condition, but the Police Press Office today responded that they have no information to give us. Amandala had previously reported that just before midday on Monday of last week, the deceased and two other persons had gone to visit a property in the vicinity of St. Margaret, in the Cayo District, that he was interested in buying.

Breaking Belize News

UDP divided after Dangriga convention
The United Democratic Party (UDP), which has encountered its share of internal dissension playing out in public, is faced with more controversy and apparent division following this weekend’s municipal convention held in Dangriga.

BTB’s report says that arrivals to Belize Continue Steady Growth Path
According to a release issued today by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), for the first 9 months of 2017, the tourism arrivals continue to show a positive trend.The latest statistics show there was a 7.9% increase in overnight arrivals in the month of September, representing an increase of over 1,400 visitors.

Police mum on attempted kidnapping
Yesterday, BBN reported of three young female students from 7miles village, Cayo that were allegedly kidnapped. The girls were on their way to school around 8:30 a.m. and on their way, they stopped at a nearby shop to buy some ideals. That is when a man driving a blue Isuzu pickup reportedly stopped and offered them something to eat

Adele Ramos, published poet and prolific writer exits Amandala
Adele Ramos, the assistant editor of the widely circulated Amandala newspaper, is scheduled to make her gracious exit from that post next month after 20 years with the paper.

Cristo Rey man to be jailed for pen gun and ammunition
A man from the village of Cristo Rey is about to face time in prison after he was busted with a pen gun.At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, police conducted a search at the residence of Fernando Tut.

Construction worker missing since Saturday
Pablo Choc, 50, a Belizean construction worker of San Roman left home on Saturday en route to work in Placencia but has not returned.He was last seen wearing a sky blue Polo shirt, grey long pants, black and yellow slippers.

Police issue official report on last night murder
Police have issued an official report on last night’s murder in the Jane Usher Boulevard area.According to the report, at 7:10 p.m., police visited Mud Street in Belize City where the body of Keith Middleton, 31, was seen with multiple gunshot injuries to the head and body.

Belize~ The wet paper bag banks
By Richard Harrison: Belize currently have 5 banks listed as “commercial banks” by the Central Bank of Belize. These are Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, National Bank and Scotia Bank. All indications are that the entire banking system is in jeopardy…they hold properties as collateral that if their capital valuations are updated, the assets they hold are far less than the loans owed to these banks. In other words….they are all WET PAPER BAGS.

Cops find gun and bullets in a foam plate
At around 5:50 p.m. yesterday police conducted a search in an empty lot at the end of Flamboyant Street in Belize City near the riverside.

Elderly Guatemalan farmer attempted to smuggle weed in Belize
An elderly Guatemalan national busted with drugs has been charged for trafficking.

Special Envoy and Cancer Society unveil cancer awareness flyer
Last week, the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow joined with the Belize Cancer Society to unveil the 2017 Cancer Awareness/Empowerment Flyer.

NEMO Flood Mitigation Works in San Juan/ Cowpen
The village of San Juan/Cowpen is now receiving much needed Flood Mitigation works this week. Equipment owned by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) began works in that village, excavating and cleaning drains to facilitate the free flow of water in times of excess rainfall.

Another murder on Jane Usher Boulevard
Police are investigating another murder in the Jane Usher Boulevard area. The latest victim has been identified as Keith Middleton. Sometime before 8:00 last night he was shot in front of his home.

Mexican president comes to Belize for CARICOM Summit
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has accepted Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s invitation to co-chair the IV CARICOM-Mexico Summit, to be held in Belize City, on October 25.

Blogs

The World’s Most Popular Pet Website Recognizes A Special Belize Potlicker
We were EXTREMELY excited when I was introduced to one of the Dodo’s writers just a week or two ago. She wanted to hear about my dog Elsie. The best dog in the world. I won’t rehash her story because….ELSIE IS FEATURED IN THE DODO! Or…as we’ve been chanting around my house – because it makes Else smile – EL C N DE DO DO! Elsie makes our life so much better – it’s impossible to quantify. Here is her story. Dog Who Nearly Starved To Death Has The Best Life Now In Belize And here are some pictures of her this morning – today is “her birthday”. Almost 3 years ago, the Hopkins Humane Society volunteers (I was helping out that day) found Elsie. And saved her life. Best. Dog. Ever.

Belize Scores 3rd Place on Miss Divali Nagar 2017
Congratulations to Miss Belize Shaenna Gilharry for placing 3rd Runner-up at Miss Divali Nagar 2017 and winning Best Talent. This marks the second consecutive year that Belize has placed 3rd Runner-up in this pageant. Miss Divali Nagar is a pageant that celebrates Indian Culture and the pageant concluded on (October 16, 2017) in Trinidad & Tobago. There were 10 delegates competing, 5 from Trinidad & Tobago, and the remaining 5 from Belize, Canada, Jamaica, Suriname, and USA.

Amigos del Mar Dive Shop (San Pedrano owner) OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop started off as a thatched roof structure in 1987 that offered snorkeling trips to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley reserves as well as a rental for scuba and snorkeling gear. The vision of providing a resourceful and fun-filled expedition to Barrier Reef and other National Reserves was something that owner, Changa, has always wanted for his community. It started as a small family venture with the renting of the scuba equipment and booking small local dive tours, then slowly went venturing off to other natural and National Reserves of our country which included the Turneffe Islands and Light House Reef and not to mention Belize’s famous Blue Hole. Now the diving center is the largest dive center on the island. Amigos del Mar also assists smaller dive centers with dive rental equipment such as dive tanks, dive masks and any other equipment needed. It is a freelance business that works with known resorts on the island. The diving center is well known for dives at the Blue Hole since it has the largest facilities for this particular all day trip.

International Sources

Sandfly bites cause big trouble for newly married couple
Q: Two months after our daughter and son-in-law came back from their honeymoon in Belize, they have sores that still will not heal. She has two sores on her hand; he has three on the right side of his body. After a biopsy, they have been diagnosed with Leishmaniasis. Their dermatologist is referring them to an infectious disease specialist. What can you tell us about this disease and its treatment? A: It sounds like they have localized cutaneous Leishmaniasis, which is caused by protozoa, a type of parasite. The most common one from Belize is Leishmania braziliensis. It is transmitted by the bite of a sandfly, a tiny and silent insect whose bites often go unrecognized. They are nocturnal insects, so people who are out at nighttime are at risk.

Dying manatees great concern of state ecologists
The death of at least 20 manatees has state ecologists concerned with reports showing all of the deaths were human-related. The deaths of at least 20 manatees in Belize so far this year are worrying state researchers at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur) in Chetumal who say these manatees normally live in Quintana Roo waters. Janneth Adriana Padilla Saldívar, from the Department of Ecology and Systematics of Aquatic Resources of Ecosur, reported that the causes of death of these marine mammals has been mostly boat motors either killing them or inflicting injuries from which they eventually die. The big concern, she says, is that these manatees live in the Bay of Chetumal and often move to the waters of the neighboring country. She explained that there are reports of significant manatee deaths by fellow researchers from Belize due to the extensive boat activities that circulate in the Belize tourist areas. Due to studies by Ecosur, they have verified that Quintana Roo manatees swim to neighboring Belize waters to mingle with other groups of manatees, often staying a month or so in Belize lagoons.

How Birding Tourism Can Support Communities and Foster Conservation
In developing countries around the world, a lack of economic opportunities often drives local people to engage in activities that degrade natural resources. Unsustainable timber extraction, poaching, and land clearing for agriculture diminish the long-term value of these ecosystems for biodiversity—and, ultimately, for the local people who rely on them for resources. Ecotourism has been embraced by many as an economic alternative that can raise incomes for people who live close to biodiversity-rich areas while helping to conserve natural resources. But marketing pristine natural habitats as tourism “products” doesn’t always bring significant benefits to surrounding communities. “In the Bahamas, we’ve seen so many conservation programs come and go,” says Scott Johnson, science officer with the Bahamas National Trust. “Sometimes they get what they want and then leave, without building relationships in the community.” Large companies and developers from outside the area can dominate the local ecotourism economy, and their hotels and stores often divert money away from the community. Without the support and economic involvement of entrepreneurs and small enterprises, even otherwise well-designed ecotourism ventures will fail to generate the kind of local support that is necessary for real and long-lasting results.

Videos

Half Moon Caye, Belize, 42min. Half Moon Caye é um monumento natural, é uma ilha dentro do sistema do Atol Lighthouse Reef , fica a 13 milhas (20 km) a leste do Atol Turneffe e, portanto, incrivelmente isolada. Esta pequena ilha é o lar de um parque nacional e um santuário de pássaros protegido (certifique-se de verificar a plataforma que fica no topo das árvores para a melhor observação das aves). Aqui, você consegue o melhor dos dois mundos, tudo em uma pequena ilha. Você pode ver a praia e a vegetação exuberante em uma caminhada muito curta. E sem as multidões.

Carnival Magic - July 2017 - Belize, 14min. Our day snorkeling in Belize.

YOUTH ENTICED TO VENTURE INTO THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR, 8min. Here in Belize the Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to host its annual agricultural fair at the Belize High School of Agriculture school campus in the village of San Lazaro in the Orange Walk District. But we all know that it will take more than just an agriculture fair to reach the goals of World Food Day. For instance getting more people involved is extremely necessary especially our youth. Bearing this in mind, today BHSA hosted its first ever national rural youth symposium which saw the participation of over a hundred students from five educational institutions here in the north.

What exactly is coral? The answer might surprise you, 2min.

My first 150 days as Director of National Sports Council has been quite eventful, 4min. I wanted to get it all done immediately. However, as my freind and mentor Sergio Chuc once reminded me, Rome was not built in a day. I grew up an athlete in my early years and I spend the better part of my life so far, in sports management. Therefore I knew the challenges and frustration to be on that side of the fence. However, I now know the challenges and frustrations that exists on this side of the fence. I keep reminding myself though, that I did not take up this roll merely for a pay check or to have a title. My goal is to remove that fence. Create that environment where Belize is more condusive to sports and Sports development. I must say. I have seen through several infrastructure projects in my short tenur so far. Most notable is the transformation of the Marion Jones Sporting Complex...

Belize Tourism Video, 3min.

BAMBOO HOUSE SAN PEDRO, BELIZE, 7.5min.

House Hunters (International October 17 2017) Rekindling a Marriage in Belize, 21min.

Police Check Point Talk Show Oct 17, 58min.

October 17, 2017

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

Hope Haven Children’s Home expected to open in November
San Pedro’s first children’s home Hope Haven is just weeks away from being completed, with opening day expected for the first week in November. According to representatives from the non-profit organizations (NGOs) Raise Me Up and Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment (SHINE) all that is left are some final touches on the building floors, furniture and painting on some of the walls inside the building. The shelter is still in need of items like air conditioner units and kitchen utensils that could be donated to the facility. It is expected that once complete it will accommodate the community’s vulnerable groups and provide adequate assistance to victimized children and women on the island. According to Britney Travis from Raise Me Up, the second floor of the shelter will serve as the space where vulnerable children will be housed. “The second floor of the building will host children who may need immediate removal from their homes to be placed into protective care,” said Travis. “This could be for an overnight, or more time if parents lose the custody of the child, to even a prolonged period of time if it is needed depending on the situation.”

Ambergris Today

Pink Eye Is Not Over Yet - Worst Outbreak In Belize History
Jesse Chun, Sr. Biostatistician at the Ministry of Health told Belize City media last week that approximately 11,000 people have shown up at clinics countrywide with the dreaded conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). He also stated that, in terms of numbers, it is the biggest outbreak in decades for Belize. Chun told 7News Belize that he believes that Belize is currently in the middle of the outbreak; that the Pink Eye came from the northern part of the country and has since spread all the way down to the Toledo District down south. The Belize District reports having the majority of cases which is expected, as it has the most population in the country.

Faye Lin Cannon's Father Holds Memorial For His Departed Daughter
In the wake of the court cases, dramatic news headlines, death and hope for justice, David Cannon, father of young Faye Lin Cannon, organized a memorial service for his deceased young girl, held at the San Pedro Lions Den on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The venue saw residents in and out the Lions Den throughout the afternoon as they came to pray for Faye Lin, meet her father David Cannon and extend their support and assistance throughout his ongoing battle for the custody of his three adoptive daughter, sisters of Faye Lin - Mia, Siri and Zoe. The children who visited the memorial were not the only ones writing messages of love and hope to Faye’s siblings, but even the adults took to creating their own cards, filling them with positive messages for David to deliver to his daughters.

Misc Belizean Sources

Splashers
Join us this Thursday to paint "Cock-A-Doodle-Do" at Crazy Canucks from 2pm-4pm.!!

Belize Bodybuilding in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Back from Mr Bahia 2017 in Chetumal!! Belize represented! I won 1st Place Overall. My colleague Lee Barry Busano won 2nd Place Overall. Oyinkro Akpobodor won 1st place Mr Physique Classic, and Spartan Gym's Elvis Sanker won 2nd place in Mr Physique Novice.

80's Halloween Masquerade at the Biltmore Plaza
TIME Sat Oct 28 2017 at 09:00 pm. VENUE Belize Biltmore Plaza, 3 Miles Northern Highway Belize City.

Dog Show and Pawty in the Park
TIME Sat Oct 21 2017 at 02:00 pm. Belize Humane Society, PO Box 2622, Belize City.

7th Annual Bob Marley Tribute 2018
Sat Jan 27, 2018, at 06:00 pm. Muffles College Auditorium, San Andres Street, Orange Walk. UNITY SOUNDS - Belize City, RAS CAS SOUNDS - San Ignacio, VIBES ALIVE INTERNATIONAL - Orange Walk City.

Working together!
OUT AND ABOUT- New U.S. Embassy Political Officer, Bryn West, and members of her team visited the Ombudsman Office, the Belize Central Prison, representatives of the LGBT community, and Belize Youth Empowerment for Change to introduce herself and discuss various issues affecting Belize.

Diversity Visa Program Entry Instructions
The Diversity Visa Program 2019 is here! Application deadline is November 7, 2017. APPLY NOW

World Food Day
We’re celebrating World Food Day in Belize too! 16 farmers have established inga alley cropping plots to grow corn, beans, and other annual crops. They are investing in their soils because they want to eat healthier food!

Caye Caulker dental clinic hours
The dental clinic is open on Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Call 6150707 for an appointment, by Dirty McNasty. Making an appointment is necessary. This Wednesday is fully booked

San Juan/ Cowpen receives NEMO Flood Mitigation Works
Having recently benefited from expansion of electricity and paving of its main road, the village of San Juan/Cowpen is now receiving much needed Flood Mitigation works. This week, equipment owned by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) began works in that village, excavating and cleaning drains to facilitate the free flow of water in times of excess rainfall. The works are being supervised by NEMO Southern Regional Coordinator Keith Emmanuel and Stann Creek District Coordinator David Cruz along with personnel from the Ministry of Works. Direction on the ground is also being provided by San Juan/Cowpen Village Chairman Carlos Peraza and Councillor Abby Blades.

Rigo Vello is Back for Mr. Bahia 2017 in Chetumal!!
Belize represented! He won 1st Place on Overall. His colleague Lee Barry Busano won 2nd Place Overall. Oyinkro Akpobodor won 1st place Mr. Physique Classic, and Spartan Gym's Elvis Sanker won 2nd place in Mr Physique Novice.

Cayo Talent Competition
The SISE House of Culture is having a Talent Competition on Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center, and the top 5 contestants will be invited to the Cayo Art Festival on December 2nd. "The San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture is hosting a Talent Competition this Saturday October 21st at the Cayo Welcome Center. Kindly see attached flyer for more information."

Channel 7

Three School Girls Escape Abductor
Tonight, Cayo police are looking for a man who allegedly tried to kidnap three school girls. It happened this morning at around 8:30 in the fairly remote, rural area of 7 Miles/El Progreso. The girls, aged 9, 10, and 11 were walking to school when a man allegedly picked them up and put them into his double cab Isuzu pickup. Reports say he also tied them up. The family found out about the abduction almost immediately, and gathered men from the community to set chase. Somehow, the report is that the girls managed to get out of the moving pickup and escape. The girls - two of them are sisters - have been returned safely to their parents - who are tonight giving statements at the San Ignacio police station. As for the suspect - reports suggest he is a foreigner who lives in the area, but he is not at home, and nowhere to be found. Tonight police have checkpoints up to try and find him - but reports also say that San Ignacio police had no vehicle to respond at the time of the attempted abduction this morning. 7Miles/El Progreso is on the road from Georgeville heading to the Chiquibul.

Corporal Acting Like An Outlaw
Tonight, the police Professional Standards Branch is investigating the conduct of a police corporal caught on security camera behaving like an outlaw. Corporal Daniel Requena, who is assigned to the Major Crimes Unit in Belmopan, was in his hometown of San Ignacio on Friday night. This footage shows him walking into Rainbow Restaurant, pointing what looks like a nine millimeter pistol at the woman behind the counter, and then holding the gun to another man's head, as he puts him in a chokehold. Requena then points his weapon once more and then puts it away. After that he turns his attention to the woman behind the counter and on the security video, it looks like he tries to sexually assault her. She quickly steps away and the Corporal continues to jolly himself inside the restaurant - leaving a minute later.

COLA Angry About Street Contract, Ready To Take It To Streets
Work has already started on Faber's Road - where the contractor Imer Hernandez Development Co. Ltd. is being paid a shade under 8 million dollars to reconstruct just over a mile of the battered roadway. The works include drains and other effects, but, still, it has generated a great deal of controversy - with the PUP today calling it a bloated contract. But, COLA isn't just calling it names, that activist group has applied under the Freedom Of Information Act to see the actual working papers. Today COLA President, his attorney and contracting consultant had a repress conference to outline the many ways they plan to try and block this project: Rufus X, COLA Consultant: "Really and truly there is nothing in that piece of road that can cost 8 million dollars. No way, you look at it. This is craziness."

Teenager's Remains Found
17-year-old Erwin Rodriguez was reported missing on August 24th, and 52 days later on October 14th, the mystery of his disappearance was solved with a bitter ending the family had come to expect: at around 2:40 pm on Saturday, his skeletal remains were found buried in a shallow grave. A search party, along with the police found the remains near the SeaShore area, west of his neighborhood in the Jane Usher Boulevard. The search had been going on intensively for weeks, and some of his belongings had already been found. Jose Espat who was the leader of the search party said that on Saturday Erwin's mom got a tip as to where her son's body was.

Erwin's Family Gets Grief With Closure
Like his brother Kevin who was killed three years earlier when he was 18, Erwin met a violent end. But, still, the family and friends of the teenager now have the closure of knowing where his remains are buried. They spent many long days not just searching but dealing with all the anxiety and fear that came with the situation. Rodriguez's mom said she is relieved that her son has finally been found but she is hurting. Sylvia Rodriguez, Mother: "They came for me around 5 telling me that they discovered him." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "When you heard your son was discovered what was your reaction, your feeling?" Sylvia Rodriguez, Mother: "Not nice, but at the same time at that moment I thanked the Good Lord because that is what we were praying for. To find him."

Recycler Died On Highway Cleanup
On Friday night we told you about the highway cleanup called Walk For A Green Belize. It's a great initiative to pick up garbage along all 77 miles of the George Price Highway. Recycler Elroy Jones was a part of that effort - he was part of the cleanup crew sweeping up the bags of garbage that the volunteers had collected. But, a terrible accident happened; when he fell off the truck he was working on, and was crushed under its wheels. Sahar Vasquez has more on the loss of the 39 year old father of three: 39-year-old Elroy Jones showed up to work at the sanitary landfill on Saturday to work for a good cause, picking up the bags of trash left by those participating in the big clean along the George Price Highway. But near Jaguar Paw - a day of doing a community cleanup turned into tragedy

Security Guard Shooting Leads To Accident, More Hurt
3 men are in the hospital tonight after a strange series of events. 2 of the men were shot and then got into an accident on the way to the hospital while the other man is in a coma as a result of the accident. Now it all started early Sunday morning after 3:00. Tyrin Faber and his cousin Elon Faber were along with friends at Elite Club inside the Princess Hotel. Reports are that a fight broke out between one of Faber's friends and another group of men. All the men were chased outside the club but they took the fight out in the parking lot. That is when one of the security guards, Glenford Brown fired his 12 Gauge Mossberg Sawed-off Shotgun to the ground to break up the brawl, but one the bullets ricocheted and struck Tyrin Faber to the chest and hand while Elon Faber was hit to the back.

Despite Controversy, Justice of Appeal Franz Parke Is Sworn In
We've been reporting on Justice of Appeal Designate Franz Parke for weeks now, but he was only sworn in today. This morning, in Belmopan, Parke went to the Governor General's office where they had a brief, cordial discussion. After that, Parke took the oath of office, making the Jamaican - American a justice of the Court of Appeal for 5 years. Controversy over his qualifications, and a pending lawsuit have attended his ascension to the post - but ultimately it's the Prime Minister's advice to the Governor General that matter most - and they made it official today.

What Will BNTU Do About Franz Parke?
...Now as we have reported the Belize National Teachers Union, the Bar Association, the Opposition, and Civil Society have made it clear that they do not support Franz Parke's appointment as Justice of Appeal because in their view, he is not qualified for that position. The PUP have even filed a law suit against the government to block this appointment. Well, all this opposition and condemnation was pretty much ignored because Parke was sworn in today. So what will these groups do now? When we asked the BNTU president today, she didn't have a hard and fast position but she said that she just hopes the PM rethinks this decision.

A Pair of Holdups In OW District
On Saturday night around 8:25 a robbery took place a Mini Harvie Shop located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk. 37-year-old self-employed Yulisa Villamil reported that two dark skinned men in dark clothing and masks stormed into her shop. They held her son at gunpoint and stole several items from her and her customers. A still shaken Villamil gave an off-camera interview to CTV-3 news to describe some of what she experienced. Voice of: Yulisa Villamil, Shop Owner: "One of them detained us on the verandah the other two entered the house and put the gun in my sons head and demanded money. I was scared and I told them to take everything but do not hurt my son nor my family. They took the money and also robbed the customers of their items."

Man Used Halloween Outfit To Rob
Another robbery took place in Orange Walk - this one happened in the town on Friday afternoon and the terror of it was caught on security camera. At around 3:15 in the afternoon, 2 men - one of them in a Halloween outfit white rags covering their face came into the store. One of the men pointed a 9mm pistol at Quin and they made out with $600. The police continue to investigate the matter.

Another Murder In City
There is the report of another fatal shooting in the City's Southside tonight. Initial reports are that a man was shot in his head in the Jane Usher Boulevard area near the basketball court. Our team on the scene reports that he is dead - in an area that has seen countless murders.

BNTU Fires Off Letter to PM
Back to BNTU news - We also asked President Elena Smith about an update on their 8 demands. They have been waiting on the PM to give them a progress report. But at this point - there has only been a back and forth of letters between the PM and the BNTU. So they fired off another one to him today. Here is how Smith put it. Hon. Elena Smith, President, BNTU: "We wrote the PM again because he responded and we sent him another respond and our request remains the same that we are asking that he provide us with an update on our 8 demands. Again we must reiterate the fact that when we discussed or when we negotiated these 8 demands, it was with the PM and so we feel that it is only right to go directly to him and ask him to provide the update we haven't gotten any as yet, we hope that we will be getting one seeing that we sent him another letter."

BNTU Says Ballots Not Secret
Is your vote really secret and confidential? Well according to a mock election that was held in September - it isn't. BNTU president Smith participated in this simulation exercise and here is what she had to say. Hon. Elena Smith, President, BNTU: "We were invited to witness what was happening and it was of interest to me personally and to us as a Union because we have always been hearing that your vote isn't secret and so I wanted to see for myself, you can call me doubtful Thomas. So I took part and at the end of it I was surprised to hear that Mr. Akeman was able to share with us how each person voted, he told us exactly who spoiled their ballots, how the ballots were spoiled and how each person voted on each of the questions. It was a bit alarming to me to find out because I look back and I say Oh my gosh anybody can tell how you vote. But for me it poses a question of secrecy and how is it that as Belizeans people would react knowing that now it is possible that they can tell who vote and how you vote." The mock election was held at St. Mary's hall in Belize City. It was a public event organized by BUFFERHD - which is Derek Aikman's new political activism group.

A Week For Antiquities
International Archeology Day is celebrated on October 21st - that is this Saturday but the Institute of Archeology is commemorating this day with a week of activities. The overall purpose is to recognize the important role archeology plays in our history. Dr. Allan Moore told us more about this observance. Dr. Allan Moore, Associate Director, Institute of Archeology, NICH: "We decided hey! Why not put it into an archeological week and extend it. Unfortunately not everyone could be involved in this week and for it to be meaningful and kinda get something out of it we decided to take two, three venues, we tried Dangriga but we have postponed that until after so tomorrow we start at Banquitas." "Banquitas is in Orange Walk right so they are highlighting a number of what is happening in Orange walk in terms of the history, the culture etc. etc. so we will kinda of support that and augment that with some of the local archeology you know the Quello, the Noh Nul and the Cacabish and the what have you and to show them and highlight what they have in their district."

UDP Danger in Dangriga With Rep. Pawpa
The UDP held its municipal convention in Dangriga on Sunday and - while the outcome was not close - it was fiercely contested. That's because the larger factions within the party are jostling for dominance. When it was done, the slate that Area Representative Frank Pawpa Mena's supported was defeated - and that led to some Facebook ugliness that has caused a black eye for the UDP. On his Facebook page, Mena addressed his opponents within his own party, posting, quote, "it's a shame ... you have to use money to buy my people. Sad that they don't know how you only care for your agenda and your racist needs. That's politics." And when a bogus account struck back with an insult for Mena, he then later added, quote, "Create your accounts and attack. With time my people will know that you don't really give a (blank). I will continue to defend them even though you think we all have a price."

Despite Tragedy, Cleanup Was Successful
The "Walk for a Green Belize Clean up" took place on Saturday and according to Tyrone Chimilio the Communications Officer for the Belize Management Solid Waste the clean up was a success. People came out in big numbers to help clean the George Price Highway. He also shared his sorrow regarding the freak accident that took the life of Elroy Jones during the bag collection. Tyrone Chimilio, Belize Solid Was Management Communications Officer: "It was a very succesful campaign that we did. We had a great number of individuals that came out and assisted with the cleanup." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "Was there a lot of garbage that was actually found on the side of the road?" Tyrone Chimilio: "Yes it was. We had several groups who actually ran out of bags. So we had to quickly redistribute those bags to them. Of course we know on hand that we do have an issue which is littering which is a continued effort that highlights the reason as to why we continue to do the "Walk For A Green Belize Clean Up.""

Channel 5

Brave Schoolgirls Escape Abductors in El Progreso, Cayo
There is a disturbing report coming in from the west where two men attempted to abduct three girls—ages nine, ten and eleven—from El Progresso, seven miles village in the Cayo [...]

Erwin Rodriguez Laid to Rest after Remains Found Near Sea
Tonight, seventeen-year-old Erwin Paulino Rodriguez was laid to rest at Eternal Garden Memorial Cemetery on the George Price Highway following a short graveside service. The last faint hopes of his [...]

Franz Parke Appointed Despite Storm Clouds of Controversy
As the October session of the Court of Appeal opened today in Belize City, in Belmopan, attorney Franz Parke was sworn in as the new justice to the court. The [...]

COLA Says “Obscene” Fabers Road Contract May Be Final Straw
The Imer Hernandez Development Company Limited has already begun construction on the stretch of Fabers’ Road between Central American Boulevard and the George Price Highway. For that approximately one-mile stretch [...]

Did Ministry of Works Violate Finance and Audit Reform Act?
But before it gets to that, COLA has engaged Kareem Musa to write to the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Works, Errol Gentle, along with Minister Rene Montero and Contractor [...]

Does Imer Hernandez Have Airstrip Contract Too?
The People’s United Party issued a statement today condemning the award as containing no rational justification other than to, in the P.U.P.’s words, enrich select U.D.P. ministers and cronies and [...]

Recycler Run Over on Highway
A recycler was killed over the weekend following a clean-up of the George Price Highway. Elroy Jones was on the job when he lost his life; he was run over [...]

Security Company, Police Eye Guard for Breach Following Shooting at Princess
A security guard attached to Technical Security Systems Company Limited out of Cayo is tonight in police custody following a shooting incident at the parking lot of the Ramada Belize [...]

Kirkland Dawson Shot Following Misunderstanding
But thirty-one-year-old Kirkland Dawson is tonight at home recovering from a gunshot wound to the thigh. The electrician of Euphrates Avenue was socializing with friends and family inside an open [...]

Teen Charged in Attempted Murder of Floyd McNab
Nineteen-year-old Asher Saunders has been charged for the attempted murder of Floyd McNab who was shot in the buttocks in Belize City on Friday night. Shortly after nine o’clock, officers [...]

Gas Station Robbed in Cayo
There was a brazen armed robbery on Friday in San Ignacio. Just before ten a.m., twenty-eight-year-old pump attendant Vicente Maldonado of Shawville area was held up at gunpoint at Sirrom [...]

Robbers Strike Carmelita, O.W. Town
There were two other armed robberies over the weekend in Orange Walk. The first occurred on Friday afternoon on Zericote Street in Orange Walk Town. Sometime after three o’clock, two [...]

Jermaine Rhaburn Awaits Decision in Murder Trial
Twenty-two-year-old Jermaine Rhaburn awaits his fate at the Belize Central Prison, pending a decision by Justice Adolph Lucas in a murder trial which concluded earlier today. The former Belize Defense [...]

P.U.P. Gags Would-Be Candidates before National Convention
The National Executive of the People’s United Party met on Thursday and set a deadline of four p.m. on October twenty-seventh for Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher to receive both [...]

U.D.P. Return Francis Humphreys in Dangriga, But Area Rep Not Happy
In other political news, the United Democratic Party held its municipal convention for Dangriga on Sunday at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic School near the sea. Incumbent Mayor Francis Humphreys is [...]

B.N.T.U. Tries Again with Curt P.M.
The Belize National Teachers Union is giving Prime Minister Dean Barrow an ultimatum after receiving a terse response when the executive requested an update on the progress of the eight-point [...]

Teachers Wary Over ‘Divide and Conquer’ Tactics
Smith says the inclusion of the other unions is simply another attempt by government to disrupt the harmony within the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. Elena Smith, National [...]

Police Chase Clues but Activists Bunker Down after Albert Cattouse ‘Hit’
The activist community is shaken by the Thursday night execution of seventy-two-year-old Albert Cattouse. The taxi operator was gunned down with a single shot to the head inside his Lincoln [...]

How to Clean Up Jane Usher Boulevard: Send G.S.U./B.D.F.
The Jane Usher Boulevard area has become well-known for its murderous rivalries. When the intervention and community policing program under former south side commander ACP Chester Williams was in full [...]

K.H.M.H. ‘Poor a Blood;’ Suspend Elective Surgeries
If you have an elective surgery scheduled at the K.H.M.H. – they say it will not happen because all elective surgeries have been suspended due to the lack of blood [...]

Why Was Santa Elena’s German Flores Beaten into Coma?
Twenty-seven-year-old German Flores, a resident of Hill View area in Santa Elena, is clinging to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital tonight, after being beaten to a bloody pulp [...]

James Adderley Brings You Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities….]

CTV3

COLA Demands GOB Bust Open The Books On Faber's Road Contract
And as we told you last week, COLA is also highly sceptical of the million dollar contract and has evoked the Freedom of Information Act to request the contract documents from the Ministry of Works. Today, COLA’s attorney Kareem Musa explained why they believe the matter will end up in Court. Kareem Musa, Attorney for COLA: “At this point what we do know is that they employed the selective tendering process and I think it was the VIP that issues a Press Release that rightly pointed out under the Finance Audit Reform Act section 19(5) that any contract, any procurement in excess of five million dollars ought to be under the open tendering procedure and we get the initial remarks from the government that this was not done so this was ought to have been open to tender...”

Franz Parke Is Appointed To The Courts Of Appeal Despite Growing Opposition
Despite growing opposition, this morning Governor General Sir Colville Young proceeded with the appointment of Jamaican-American Franz Parke as a Justice on the Court of Appeal. On Wednesday October 11th, Opposition leader John Briceno requested the Court’s permission to seek a constitutional challenge of the appointment. In his affidavit, Briceno called on the Court to review the appointment and declare it improper, unconstitutional and therefore null and void. Briceno indicated that he opposed the appointment as he did not believe that Parke was duly qualified to be appointed to the Court.

Chinese Business Robbed At Gun Point
And the second robbery took place on Friday afternoon. This time Chinese businessman, twenty four year old Hong Zhen Quin, reported to Orange Walk Police that shortly after three o’clock two Hispanic men dressed in full black clothing with white rags covering their faces entered his establishment “Sun Luck Store” located on Zericote Street here in Orange Walk Town. According to Quin, one of the men was armed with a 9mm pistol. The perpetrator allegedly pointed the firearm at Quinn and proceeded to rob the store of six hundred dollars in cash before fleeing the area.

BNTU Scold PM Barrow And Demands Answers By October 20th
On October 3rd, the Belize National Teacher’s Union held a special ceremony in Belize City to commemorate their “Save Belize” campaign, which was marked by an 11-day protest to advocate for good governance reforms. Union President Elena Smith indicated that as part of the anniversary she had written the Prime Minister, requesting an update to the reform measures that had been accepted by the Government for implementation. The Prime Minister’s response came with a degree of unwelcome indifference, according to Smith.

St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Experiencing Serious Economic Challenges
There is no question that our country is experiencing serious economic challenges. At the macro level, last year the Government had to force the renegotiation of the terms to pay its external debt. At the micro level, just take one look at the weekly local newspapers and note the number of homes being auctioned away by the banks, based on non-performing mortgage loan agreements, is just the tip of the iceberg. Last week, we had the opportunity to speak to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Assistant General Manager, Michael Riveroll Sr, who told us his institution is doing its best to aid those in need.

PUP Says 8 Million Dollars Farbers Road Contract Is Bloated
The controversy continues over a contract awarded by the Ministry of Works to Imer Hernandez Development Co. Limited, a company involving the nephew of former UDP Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega. The contract is for the rehabilitation of just over 1 mile of Fabers Road, but the amount agreed to as payment has raised eyebrows. The Ministry says it will pay $8 million to the company for the work. The Opposition expressed shock in a press release issued today. The release states, “The PUP condemns the awarding of a grossly bloated contract…to Imer Hernandez, nephew of disgraced former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega”.

LOVE FM

Four Shooting Incidents – No Fatalities
21-year-old Tyrin Faber received gunshot wound to the chest and forearm. According to police report, an altercation occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday inside Elite night club at the Princess Hotel & Casino in Belize City. The altercation moved to the parking lot where it escalated. In an attempt to part the fight, 33 […]

Business Establishments: Robbed at Gunpoint
Mini Super Harvies in Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District was robbed at gunpoint over the weekend. According to Police reports, at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Saturday night, two masked men dressed in dark clothing barged into Mini Super Harvies. One of the men was armed with a handgun. One of the robbers stole […]

Court Late with Maintenance Money
Last Friday, October 13th, a group of single parents was almost in tears after being told by the Belize Family Court that they would not be able to collect their monthly maintenance money, which became due at the end of September. They were given the run-around and were not told when the funds would become […]

Gilharry Pleads Guilty to Wounding
Fifty-five year old Henry Gilharry, aka “Punisher”, a car washer of Belize City, pled guilty to a charge of wounding when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon fraser. Gilharry was sentenced to 2 years. In addition to that a warrant was prepared for him to serve 1 month for a fine of $100 […]

Belmopan City Council continues its infrastructural work
Infrastructural works are currently on-going in Belmopan. Fem Cruz spoke to the Mayor Khalid Belisle. Fem Cruz “The Belmopan City Council continues with their ongoing work in Central Belmopan. As you can see both motorist and pedestrians are benefiting from the upgrading of streets, walkways, drains and parks. Love news caught up with the Mayor […]

Belize to Benefit from CDB’s Poverty Reduction Programme
Belize is set to benefit from a poverty reduction programme being implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB. The CDB said that it has been able to negotiate more funds for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) to improve the programme’s efficiency and effectiveness, and will strengthen partnerships with the private sector. It said these […]

Belize to participate in 19th World Festival of Youth and Students
A Belizean delegation is in Sochi, Russia, participating in the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students. The festival began on October 14 and is schedule to conclude on October 22. The purpose of the festival is to bring together the youth of the world community around the idea of justice, the strengthening of international […]

Remains believed to be those of Erwin Rodriguez found
Reports to Love News are that remains believed to be those of Erwin Rodriguez have been found by a search party. The discovery was made in the ‘Dyke Area’ in the Jane Usher Boulevard in Belize City on Sunday afternoon. Rodriguez went missing in August and his family had been searching for his body for […]

Franze Parke sworn in as Justice of the Court of Appeals
Despite objections from the People’s United Party, the Belize National Teachers Union and the Bar Association of Belize, Franz Parke was sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeals. The PUP has filed a lawsuit challenging Parke’s appointment. The claimant is PUP Leader, John Briceno and the respondent is the Attorney General of […]

Breaking Belize News

“Cattouse’s murder was a hit,” says COLA President
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) President, Giovanni Brackett is calling the recent murder of activist Albert Cattouse an ordered execution.

Man loses his home to fire
A man is homeless after his house was burnt to the ground yesterday. At around 2:39 a.m. on Sunday, Alberto Logan, 44, told police that he received information that his home at Amazing Grace area in Independence Village was on fire.

Three men busted with a 9mm
Just before 10 o’clock on Sunday night, police was conducting a mobile patrol on the George Price Highway when they came to a stop at mile four.

Alleged gunman charged for Friday night shooting
Police have charged Asher Saunders, 19, with attempted murder of Flord McNabb. On Friday night, McNabb was on Mosul Street closing a gate when a man pointed a gun at him and opened fire.

Police: Erwin Rodriguez died of multiple facial gunshot wounds
A post mortem examination says that Erwin Rodriguez, 17, died of, “traumatic craneoenecephalic due to multiple facial gunshot wounds.”

Man and woman busted with 1,142 grams of cannabis
This morning, police conducted a predawn operation which led to the discovery of 1,142 grams of cannabis.

Man loses $16,350 worth of valuables in burglary
There is a case of burglary coming out of the Cay District. According to police reports, just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, cops visited the Lomas Del Rodeo New Extension area of Benque Viejo where they spoke to Cesar Olivarez, 39.

Mark Pollard missing for 105 days and counting
There has been closure for the families of Erwin Rodriguez, 17, and Kelvin Usher, 17, who had previously been reported missing.

COLA to take legal action against GOB for Faber’s Road contract
Community activist group Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) is prepared to pursue legal action against the Government of Belize (GOB), over the contract for the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road.

Man beaten and left on roadside
Police are investigating a case of “Grievous Harm” after a man was found badly beaten on the road side.

Surgeries getting canceled due to reagent shortage
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is postponing elective (non-emergency) surgeries, because of quality assurance […]

Francis Humphreys wins UDP convention in Dangriga
Over the weekend, the United Democratic Party (UDP) held its municipal convention in Dangriga. UDP […]

PUP demands Cancellation of Bloated Contracts
The People’s United Party (PUP) today issued a release condemning the awarding of a “grossly […]

The murder of Albert Cattouse – Whose legacy?
By Glenn Tillett: It has taken a few days for me to regain some semblance of emotional control […]

A closer look at road rehabilitation for Santa Elena town and Fabers Road projects
On August 21, the government of Belize issued a press release informing the public that […]

Blogs

The beauty of the Silk Cayes
Long before they were called the Silk Cayes, a cluster of three islands in the middle of the Caribbean Sea were called Queen Cayes. That is the story relayed to us by Splash Dive Center on a recent visit to the remote and beautiful islet. It was a bright sunny day when our boat pulled up to the island’s shores. The varied hues of blues and greens around the tiny slip of white sandy island positively glowed under the bright sunshine. There is nothing quite so delicious as wading out, the sun beating down mercilessly as our feet disappeared into the thick sandy floor, water swirling around us. When we looked down, tiny fish darted about, ignoring the intruders who would soon be out of the water and lying on the sand to catch the rays, or hanging on a hammock over the water.

The 10 best Belize Resorts to stay
From the reef to the rainforest, swanky offshore islands to rustic hillside retreats, Belize combines its the Caribbean and Central American assets into a “one-stop” vacation package that has something for every traveler. It’s the kind of destination that draws an eclectic mix of travel aficionados, including passionate beach-seekers, trekkers, and top drivers from around the world. But many are just looking for those signature Belize resorts, the places to stay that you can’t find anywhere else. So whether you want to laze on a beach; tour ancient Mayan ruins; or see jaguars and other jungle wildlife up close and personal, Belize definitely merits a spot on your 2017 must-see list. Here are the top 10 Belize resorts for every kind of getaway.

Flintstones Size Belize Licence and Money Saving Option
Note to anyone needing to renew theirs in the next two weeks, you will get a "Flintstones Size Belize Licence." As advised by the traffic department, I got mine laminated at Gecko Graphics. Also included in this post, information on the Hot Guide Belize Loyalty Card Discount APP - great for both travelers and locals.
September is my birth month so my Driver’s license was up for renewal. This year, I waited until the pink eye epidemic had mostly passed to cross that chore off my list and today turned out to be the perfect day for it. First thing this morning my Have Fun Stay Fit trainer Sara messaged me to cancel our morning session due to a golf cart malfunction. I decide to replace my work out with a 1 hour errand run walking around town. First stop was Caye Supplies to check out their curtain selection. Next came the Traffic Department which is downstairs from the San Pedro Town Council Office on Barrier Reef Dr (Front St). This time I got lucky and I was given a tip to save a step by going to the town Treasury upstairs (actually in the Town Council Office) and pay before going into the office. So I proceeded upstairs, showed the lady in the Treasury Office booth my expired license and told her I wanted to pay for my renewal. She took my $60.00 and gave me a receipt for the payment.

International Sources

Antigua and Barbuda PM reproaches developed countries over financing
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne electrified a gathering of representatives of international agencies and governments in Washington DC on Saturday by reproaching developed states for undermining the development of small states by the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations. The prime minister was speaking at a Small States Forum organised by the World Bank as part of the week of meetings of the Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Browne told the Forum, “It is unconscionable that developed states, which control the international payment system, have increased the vulnerability of small states by creating artificial impediments that undermine our development.”

Helping hands in Belize
This past summer, two students and an instructor from SAIT’s School of Business embarked on a field trip to Belize, an independent country on the eastern coast of Central America. Their initiative was to partner with a UK based organization called Accounting for International Development (AFID) to establish relationships and experience by participating in field work at an International NGO. The purpose, said Fiaz Merani, faculty member at the school of business and organizer of the trip, was to allow the students to apply their technical skills and professional knowledge with a not-for-profit organization, while gaining experiential learning, integrating acquired skills and knowledge, and taking a holistic approach to learning.

When lemons give you life: Herpetofauna adaptation to citrus orchards in Belize
Natural habitat areas exhibit similar abundances and diversity of herpetofauna as citrus orchards and reclaimed orchard forests in Stann Creek, Belize, reports a comparative study by researchers Russell Gray and Dr. Colin Strine of Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand. The scientists utilized several drift-fence arrays equipped with double-funnel traps to monitor and compare reptile and amphibian communities in a lowland broadleaf forest, a lime orchard and a reclaimed citrus orchard at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (TREES) field station. Their study was recently published in the open-access journal ZooKeys. Often referred to as Central America’s “hidden gem” for its abundance of undisturbed rainforests and natural beauty, Belize has a long-standing record for vigorously protecting and maintaining their forested areas. However, just as in any other developing country, its primary sector is expanding with agricultural land clearings becoming more frequent with newly established properties.

Placencia, in Belize, è la meta da sogno che nessuno (ancora) conosce
Il piccolo villaggio di pescatori di Placencia è stato di recente scoperto dai primi turisti che se ne sono innamorati e hanno sparso la voce che, in un angolo sperduto del Belize, affacciato sul Mar dei Caraibi, c’è un paradiso inesplorato che aspetta solo di essere scoperto. Qui il mare è spettacolare. La barriera corallina, lunga quasi 300 chilometri, permette di fare snorkeling e immersioni incredibili. Nei suoi abissi ci sono canyon da esplorare e coralli rimasti ancora intatti. Per non parlare della spiaggia: oltre 25 chilometri di sabbia bianca e fine, con una laguna nella zona occidentale, il mare caraibico a oriente e pace e tranquillità in mezzo.

Olympic champion Simone Biles has new coach and plan for her return to competition
Simone Biles has a new coach and a plan for when she’ll return to competition. The Olympic all-around champion said Monday night that she’ll train with Laurent Landi, who coached fellow Final Fiver Madison Kocian. Landi also will serve as the team program director at the World Champions Centre, the gym owned by the Biles’ family. Biles and Landi will begin working together Nov. 1. “I’m excited to get to work with him because I know how strong a bar worker he is,” Biles told USA TODAY Sports. “Hopefully I’ll gain more swing and rhythm. If not, at least I’ll gain more confidence on bars.”

Caribbean officials agree on marking vessels to fight IUU fishing
As the Caribbean continues its fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fisheries officials agreed at a meeting last month to harmonize standards for marking authorized fishing vessels, as well as to establish a list of vessels involved in IUU fishing. According to a news release on the website of the Food and Agriculture Organization, a working group comprising members of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, and the Organization for Fisheries and Aquaculture of Central America reached the agreement at a second meeting, held 19 to 21 September, to devise strategies for deterring, preventing, and eliminating IUU fishing. IUU fishing is estimated to account for 20 to 30 percent of fish harvests in the Western Central Atlantic fisheries, which includes the Caribbean Sea, and is valued at between USD 450 to 750 million (EUR 384 to 640 million) annually.

Videos

Ministry of Defence Hosts Third Annual Multi-National Security Conference, 4min. The Ministry of Defence hosted the 3rd Annual Multi-National Security Conference on Friday, 6th October in Belize City. The main objective of the conference was to share Belize’s vision, work, and requirements with regards to military assistance with our allies and partners.

Government of Belize Hosts Study Tour on Marine and Coastal Management, min. From the 1st to the 10th of October, officials from Morocco were on a study tour in Belize to learn and exchange views on Belize’s experience in marine and coastal management. As a part of the tour, the Moroccan officials visited the processing facilities at the National Fishermen Cooperative, the Placencia Rainforest facilities, the Punta Gorda Rainforest facilities, Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Punta Negra Village, TIDE Fish Festival, and the Fishermen and community leaders at Punta Negra.

Community Baboon Sanctuary Video, 1/2min. Devin Burns put together a nice video highlighted everything the Community Baboon Sanctuary has to offer visitors.

Glovers Reef Belize, 1min. Nothing like living, fishing, swimming, cooking and eating... You better Belize It. Making memories before I head out again.

See it to Belize it - Mi viaje por Belice, 8.5min. Un viaje espectacular en Caye Caulker - Belize

Scuba Diving in Belize, 4min.

San Ignacio, Belize, 7.5min. San Ignacio is the second biggest city in Belize, after Belize City. The town is located near the guatemalan border and is surrounded by the Macal river, mountains and jungle.. we can find there two mayan ruins: Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.. It's the perfect place to discover Belize, its landscape and population.

Caye Caulker Belize, 2min. This is from my trip to Belize over the summer of 2017 here are the highlights.

THIEVES TARGET STORE IN CARMELITA VILLAGE, 5min. There were two armed robberies to report here in Orange Walk tonight. We start off with the incident that occurred on Saturday in which a small grocery shop in the village of Carmelita fell victim to robbers who walked away with almost four thousand dollars in cash and other items.

Understanding GDP - Legacy Foundation, 36min.

National Women's Commission 16 Days of Activism, 22min.

Archaeology Week 2017, 25min.

Not that clear but play and zoom. 5-6ft Croc trying to grab a duck..., 10sec. In San Pedro

The Government of Belize continues to Move Belize Forward with: 27 new rural water systems, 1min. 43 more rural water systems expanded ... 11 villages in Belize River Valley connected to BWSL ... Life is BETTER; Water is LIFE!

Cahal Pech, San Ignacio, Belize, 6min. Cahal Pech is a small Mayan historical site just next to San Ignacio in Belize.We ca reach the ruins by walking 20 minutes from the center of town. A very quiet place, not touristic at all in low season. The entrance fee is 10$B per person. It definitivly worth a visit if you are in san ignacio!

Harvest Caye Belize View from the Norwegian Escape, 1.5min. The beautiful view from the Harvest Caye port in Belize from the Norwegian Escape.

Travel Belize, 4min. We all went to Belize back in August, these are our travels.

October 16, 2017

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 Delegation Participates in the First SICA-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred P. Elrington participated in the First Central American Integration System (SICA)-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum in Santiago, Chile on October 12, 2017. The Parties discussed key areas including the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the importance of the provision of adequate means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), institutional strengthening, climate change, natural disasters, conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and its resources, and the environment.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Just Like Mama
“Rafael, I saw your mama last week at the water taxi and we was talking,” Mario said. “She says you looking to get married.” “Looking ain’t the same as getting,” Rafa said. “I been looking to get married for the last two years but I ain’t been getting married. It never works out.” We were sitting at the big picnic table at the rice and beans restaurant where I always take Mario for lunch when he’s working for me. “Why don’t it work out?”

Health Corner: Halitosis – or chronic bad breath
What Causes Halitosis? If quick bad breath fixes are only covering up the problem for a short time, something else may be happening in your body, including: Dental Issues: Cavities and deeper pockets from gum disease give bad breath bacteria extra places to hide in your mouth that are difficult to clear out when you’re brushing or cleaning between your teeth. Either can contribute to halitosis. Mouth, Nose and Throat Infections: According to the Mayo Clinic, nose, sinus and throat issues that can lead to postnasal drip may also contribute to bad breath. Bacteria feeds on mucus your body produces when it’s battling something like a sinus infection, leaving you sniffly and stinky.

Doctor Love: Put a ring on it
Dear Doctor Love, I have been living with my boyfriend for three years and we have a wonderful relationship. Last year we bought a lot to build a house and we have talked about children in the future. But my family keeps asking when we will get married. I want to get married but when I mention it he says he is happy with the way it is now. He says he would live together forever but how do I make him see that a wedding is important? /s/ Put a Ring on It

Misc Belizean Sources

Yet another senseless murder
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) is saddened, once again, by yet another senseless murder. On this occasion, it is the cold-blooded killing of Mr Albert Cattouse, a hard-working, senior citizen and fervent activist for just causes. This is a sad day for Belize and all who stand up for Belize. Mr Cattouse was a true born Belizean who unflinchingly stood up for what he believed, which distinguished him as being one of the few activists who did so without fear.

Brother accidentally shot by brother's gun
On 13.10.2017 12:30 p.m. 23 year old Aaron Wilson Guzman, was at a farm along with his brother Brandon Guzman located about a mile from Silk Grass Village, Stann Creek District. After he finished loading the lumber, Aaron jumped off the loader with his licensed and loaded Glock which also had a bullet in the chamber. The gun was which was tucked to right side of his pants and when he fell on the lumber, it discharged and the bullet caught his brother Brandon on his right upper arm. Aaron took his brother in a pickup for medical treatment at the Southern Regional Hospital.

Security guard fired sawed off shotgun on Princess Hotel Compound to disperse a fight
On 15.10.2017 at 3:30am, Police visited KHMH where they saw 21 year old Tyrin Faber suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of the chest and another to the left forearm. At 3:00 a.m. a fight occurred inside the Elite Club, located inside the Princess Casino. The two groups were escorted outside the night club. Both groups met inside the compound and resumed to fight in public space for everyone to see. 33 year old Glenford Brown, a security guard, employed by Technical Security Systems Co. Limited was on duty at the time was on duty at the Princess Ramada Hotel and Casino. Brown was armed with a 12 Gauge Mossberg Sawed-off Shotgun. He fired a single shot from the illegally modified weapon on the pavement and the laws of physics dictated the pellets would ricochet and as a result Tyrin Faber received the 2 gunshot injuries. mentioned injuries. The police Investigation continues.

FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
On 14.10.2017 at 2:45pm, Police visited miles 35 George Price Highway where they found an eighteen wheeler white Kenworth towhead truck bearing L/P OWA-4407 and a cargo trailer attached to it bearing L/P OW-T00183 parked partially off the road on the right hand side facing Belmopan City. The body of Elroy Jones of Belize City was seen motionless logged under the trailer wheel. 19 year old Cornelius Schmitt, a truck driver of Spanish Lookout Village was driving the truck whilst Jones and other workers picked up bagged garbage. Elroy Jones who was along with the group had accidentally slipped from the truck and fell under the wheel and was crushed. Jones was taken to the Western regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:00 p.m. Cornelius Schmitt was issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution.

Skeletal remains believed to be Erwin Rodriguez
On Saturday 14th October, 2017 at 2:40 p.m. as a result of an intensive investigation, Police visited an area near the sea behind the Port of Belize in the Jane Usher Blvd Area where they found the remains of a human skeleton and other belongings buried in a shallow grave. The personal belongings were identified by Silvia Rodriguez to be property of missing person Erwin Paulino Rodriguez who was reported missing since 24th August, 2017. The skull had an apparent injury and the remains was transported to the morgue awaiting a post mortem examination.

Miss Belize Shaenna Gilharry posing with other delegates from the Americas
Dressed for the Neha Karina fashion show as part of Miss Divali Nagar 2017. To vote for her as Miss Photogenic, visit National Council of Indian Culture of Trinidad and Tobago (NCIC TT), find her photo in the pinned album, like, share, and comment! Voting ends this Sunday at 9:59pm BZ.

"Between these lines.." by Glenn Tillett
It has taken a few days for me to regain some semblance of emotional control to write this, and to do so without profanity I think, but please forgive me, because that is not a promise. We are an armed, angry, paranoid people. Many years ago, and it no longer matters how long ago it was in years, I criticized Mr. Barrow’s much heralded “Restore Belize” initiative and predicted it would fail. My primary point was that he had created a pretty but petty bureaucratic solution for a real problem that needed real world street leadership and tactics. I tried not to gainsay the effort too much because I had by then long accepted that the problem of criminal violence, particularly on the streets of southside Belize, needed a massive expansionary but inclusionary effort, the likes of which is unprecedented in the annals of Belize’s existence, and therefore anything, and I mean any-frickin-ting, was better than nothing. It took me almost 72 hours to process that my friend, the esteemed Albert Cattouse Esquire, was gunned down in cold blood on a Belize City southside street. It will take me the rest of my life to mourn his death.

A Walk for a Clean Belize!
Focus joins to the effort of the Belize Audubon Society and the Department of the Environment - DOE as we clean miles of highway across the country! Thanks to all volunteers and friends who participated in this effort! And to all of you out there remember to always... Keep Belize Clean!

Clean up campaign of Corozal Bay
Corozal Bay - It is said that when we work together, we can move mountains and yesterday October 15th, we just did that. The Corozal Junior College Eagles Environmental Club, which is one of the most active environmental clubs in northern Belize, chaired by Mrs. Yvette Sanker Riverol and OCEANA Wavemakers, teamed up with this news shack to carry out a water clean up campaign of our Corozal Bay that started in-front of Rainbow Beach. What began at 8:00 a.m., following a short briefing, took us over four hours and more than a dozen kayak loads, piling up a mountain of broken bottles, whole bottles, TIRES and other STUFF that do not belong at the bottom of our beautiful bay (which, by the way, filled up 24 trash bags). It is with this in mind, that we hope to continue sensitizing and bringing awareness to our people and children that our Corozal Bay plays an important and vital role in the development of our Corozal Community. It is perhaps our most important attribute and ecologically sensitive resource that we have. The CJC Eagles Environmental Club has made history in Corozal by being the first ever environmental group in this area to embark in a task like this. I cannot thank them so much for taking the challenge and stepping up to the plate.

Cayo Cancer Walk 2017
The Cayo BCS is having their 5th annual Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 28th, and everyone is invited to walk a few miles for cancer awareness...and cancer eradication. In related news, the Belmopan chapter of the BCS is having a variety show next Sunday, October 22nd.

Oceana 2017 River Clean Up
"On September 30th 2017 the Department of Youth Services Collaborated with Oceana for the annual Coastal & River Clean-up where youths from throughout the country clean the riverside or beach. Here are some pictures of Department of Youth Services Benque youths participating in the Annual Clean-up."

Belmopan Tourism Expo 2017
The Belmopan BTIA is having their 2nd annual Belmopan Tourism Expo on Saturday, November 4th. This year, it'll be at the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds.

The Reporter

Missing teen’s body found
The worried family of missing teenager, Erwin Rodriguez had their worst fears confirmed this weekend when his body was found on the south side of Belize City. Rodriguez’ body was found near a tree in the Port Loyola area of Belize City, around 5:00 pm, on Saturday. The search party found him with his hands and feet bound, with injuries to the forehead and an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Sylvia Rodriguez, Erwin’s mother, said that she had feared the worst from the time he went missing, because it was not like him to not check in with her. She added that she did not know if he had any enemies, but was concerned because of the friends that he had.

Man shot during fist fight
A man was shot in the chest and left forearm when a security guard fired a shot to disperse two groups that were fighting. The incident happened in the Princess Ramada casino compound shortly after 3:00 am. Police say Glenford Brown, 33 years, employed with Technical Security Systems Limited, was on duty at the Princess, and fired off a 12 gauge shotgun on the pavement to disperse two groups. Thr bullet ricochetted and hit Tyrin Faber, 21, who was in the crowd.

Man crushed to death on George Price highway
A man was crushed to death on Saturday afternoon at mile 35 on the George Price highway. Police say it happened some before 2:00 pm, when Elroy Jones, who was part of a clean-up crew, slipped off a moving 18-wheeler towhead, which had a cargo trailer attached to load bagged garbage. Jones fell under the trailer wheel and was crushed. Police have served Cornelius Schmitt, 19, a truck driver of Spanish Lookout community, who was driving the truck, with a Notice of Intended Prosecution.

Citizens walk for a Green Belize
Public servants, community volunteers and concerned citizens gathered on the George Price Highway this weekend for the second “Walk for a Green Belize” cleanup campaign. At the event, hosted by the Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society, participants picked up garbage along both sides of the highway, covering a total of 77 miles. The hosting organizations explained that the activity was held to mark 25 years of Environmental Sustainability, and to raise awareness about the environmental burden caused by littering.

Breaking Belize News

Police issues official report on Erwin Rodriguez
According to police reports, yesterday around 2:40 pm, authorities visited an area in the Jane Usher Boulevard near the sea behind the Port of Belize where they found the remains of a human skeleton and other belongings buried in a shallow grave.

Man crushed to death by 18 Wheeler Truck
Yesterday afternoon around 2:45, police visited miles 35 on the George Price Highway where a white eighteen wheeler Kenworth towhead truck bearing license plate OWA-4407 and a cargo trailer attached to it bearing license plate OW-T00183 was parked partially off the road on the right hand side facing Belmopan City.

Armed robbery in Orange Walk
Last night around 8:25, police visited Mini Super Harvies Shop located in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk where Yulisa Villamil,37, reported that sometime around 8:15 pm, two dark skin male person dressed in dark clothing and covering their face entered the shop where one was armed with what appeared to be a handgun.

Electrician shot to the right thigh in Belize City
Yesterday around 8:15 in the night, police visited the KHMH where they saw Kirkland Michael Dawson, 31, a Belizean Electrician of Euphrates Avenue, Belize City suffering from 1 gunshot wound to the right thigh.

Belize City youth shot this morning
This morning around 3:30, police visited the KHMH where they saw Tyrin Faber, 21, a Belizean young man of Faber’s Road, Belize City suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of the chest and a gunshot wound to the left forearm.

Body of missing teenager found
The body of seventeen year old Erwin Rodriguez was found shortly after 5 pm yesterday. The teenager went missing on August 24, 2017. According to reports, the teenager’s body was discovered buried under a tree near the sea in the area of the Port in Belize City.

Blogs

Society Scoop: High Tea on Ambergris Caye for a Fantastic Cause
Yesterday I attended a seriously fancy event. So seriously fancy that I put a DRESS on for my third time in 10 years. So fancy that finger sandwiches were served and tea poured from real tea pots. And so fancy because it was so lovingly organized, painstakingly put together by SO many people for the most beautiful cause. Dress code: Heels and hats…AHHHHH! I have neither! A large fundraiser to help with completion of an amazing project and labor of love. But I can draw from the 2015 Old Navy sun dress collection. ALL proceeds would go to Raise Me Up. Hope Haven Childrens’ Shelter and the Shine Foundation. Hope Haven Shelter is a shelter, meeting place, foodbank (and more) that is NOW being completed in town for children in need.

International Sources

Hurricanes slow down a gainful year for Caribbean tourism
Prior to hurricanes Irma and Maria, Caribbean visitation was up 5.2% in the first half of 2016. But because of damage wrought by Irma and Maria, growth will slow to 1% to 2% through the end of the year, said Caribbean Tourism Organization chairwoman Joy Jibrilu, who expects that growth rate to continue into 2018. "There are many challenges ahead," Jibrilu said at CTO's State of the Industry Conference. "We want our message to get out that much of the Caribbean is open for business now and will continue to be, but we must continue to support our neighbors who have been so affected. When the crisis is over, when the story ends, when the issues change, the world will move on, but there will still be a need to keep reminding the world that the distance between Barbados and Belize is more than six times as great as between Toronto and Montreal, that New York to Chicago is only half as far as the Bahamas to Grenada and that 70% of the large Caribbean region is open, operating at full speed and wanting to welcome visitors."

Videos

Forest For Life Music Video,3 min. The Belize Forest Department shot a video in Mountain Pine Ridge, and it shows off the amazing beauty of the Cayo district. Definitely worth a watch. " The Belize Forest Department, through the Key Biodiversity Areas project, is encouraging young people and local communities to join them in better managing Belize's forest resources. Ian 'Stizzle' Armstrong, a local musician and a Forest Department officer, created the pulsating and catchy rhythmic sounds. The video features Belizean children and their parents enjoying several nature sites in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve."

Compassionate Hearts Alliance 2017 Belize Medical Mission, 8min.

Mayan Sun Southbound, 4.5min. Funtastic time through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala

Belize Education Project 2017, 3.5min.

Project Mangrove: Een stukje Belize in Burgers' Zoo Aflevering 1, 25min. In aflevering 1 van de documentaire, over onze Mangrove, beginnen we bij de oorsprong: de Mangrovebossen in Belize. We nemen een kijkje in Belize en wat de stand van de Mangrovebossen nu is. Daarna wordt er gekeken naar de voorbereidingen voor de Mangrove in Arnhem: verplaatsing van dieren en controles voor de sloop. In de documentaire wordt ook aandacht geschonken aan de Mennonieten in Belize. Hun technologie is niet wenselijk voor de mensen en Mangrovebossen in Belize.

Scuba Diving with Dolphins in Belize!! Ambergris Caye Coral Reef Dive October 2017, 3min. While scuba diving in Belize we happened upon 2 dolphins swimming playfully with each other. It was INCREDIBLE. Even our divemasters said this RARELY happens. We were fortunate to catch it on the gopro, enjoy!

Monkey River Howling Monkeys Audio (Belize), 1.5min. An audio sample of the actual chilling and amazing sounds made by the beautiful, but notoriously difficult to photograph, Monkey River howling monkeys (Monkey River Basin, Placencia Area, Belize)...NB, Hike only with a professional guide familiar with the Monkey River basin area, and always wear full body mosquito protection clothing for maximum comfort on hike...

Belize Cave Tubing! Jungle Fun With HobbyTiger and HobbySpider HobbyRockiesVlog, 7min. Go on a jungle adventure with HobbyTiger and HobbySpider! We see wildlife, go into a cave and cliff jump into the cave river on this dark, watery excursion.

Belize Carnival 2017!, 16min. Join us while we enjoy Belize Carnival 2017! IDK if it was the drinks or what but we def. had a good time.

October 15, 2017

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 Hosts Third Multi-National Security Conference
The Ministry of Defence hosted the 3rd Annual Multi National Security Conference on Friday, 6th October 2017 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The main objective of the conference was to share Belize’s vision, work and requirements with regards to military assistance with our allies and partners. The conference emphasized security cooperation and military capacity building for the Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard, and the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre. The keynote speaker of the conference was the Chief Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Rt’d. Felix Enriquez. He highlighted that the Ministry of Defence’s vision “requires a broader understanding of national security to encompass the defence of our territorial integrity, fighting criminality locally and transnationally and providing a stable and enabling environment for the prosperity of Belize.

Authorities respond to reports of raw sewage disposal in northern Ambergris Caye
According to Mayor Guerrero they still do not know who is guilty of the dumping as it seems to be happening at night. He indicated that he condemns such activities by people who have no regard for the environment. “Anyone up here in the north of the island knows that they need to get rid of their sewage waste the proper way, which is by using the only sewage treatment plant on the island located south of town, operated by the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and consists of four large ponds where the waste is deposited,” said Guerrero. “If this continues and we find out who the culprit(s) are, the Town Council will take drastic measures through a court case. If it is a business, they can run the risk of losing their trade license for such offense.” Guerrero added that until the sewage treatment plant is installed in northern Ambergris Caye, residents and business owners from that area of the island need to have their sewage waste transported to the BWSL ponds.

Iris Salguero represents Belize in Miss Earth Pageant
Former Miss San Pedro and Miss World Belize, Iris Salguero, is back in the pageant spotlight representing Belize in the Miss Earth 2017 Pageant. Currently in the Philippines, Salguero will be taking part in a series of activities and pre-competition events leading up to the big pageant on Saturday, November 4th. The Miss Earth Pageant is an international event challenging the beauty industry to make a change and promote environmental awareness. With 88 delegates from across the world, Miss Earth is one of the largest pageants held under the theme “Heroines Fighting Climate Change”. Participants begun arriving in Manila, Philippines on Friday, October 6th. The month long journey to the main event will see the participants taking part in clean-up campaigns, environmental seminars, school tours, eco tours, interviews and several meet and greets.

San Pedro Lions and Leos place anti-littering signs on North Ambergris Caye
Improper garbage disposal has long been a problem across Ambergris Caye. Throughout the years, several organizations have launched clean-up initiatives to bring awareness to land pollution and the effects it has in our environment. As improperly disposed trash continues to accumulate on the island, the San Pedro Lions Club along with the San Pedro Leos Club is making an effort to encourage people not to litter by placing signs on Northern Ambergris Caye. According to the San Pedro Lions, the project was initiated by the former San Pedro Lions Queen and Leos’ member, Solani Graniel last year. The project was completed this year by the Leos with assistance from the Lions Club. In observance of Lions World Service Day, members of both clubs took to the streets on Sunday, October 8th to install the anti-littering signs north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge as far up as four miles. The aim is for these signs to remind persons traveling in the area to refrain from disposing garbage along the streets or in the nearby waterways.

Misc Belizean Sources

Customer service training for new tour guides on Caye Caulker
Customer service training for all new tour guides was held last night. We will announce all other trainings early next week for the CCBTIA annual Tourism Training Week. Dr. Alberto August, Principal of La Isla Carinosa Academy was the facilitator. Sponsors of this event includes Lazy Lizard and Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill. Thank you very much for prizes that made this class even more exciting!

Walk For A Clean Belize
Kudos to all who came out to support Walk For A Clean Belize initiative in Belmopan along the George Price Highway this morning! Special thanks to the Belmopan Cancer Society, Women Empowering Families, 4H, and the Belmopan City Council! Mr. Luke Ramos and his wife donated metal picks and breakfast and Mr. James Scott joined in the cleaning impromptu during his morning run! Amazing what gets accomplished with willing hearts, determination, and great partners!

Art in the Park, Corozal
Art in the park was held last night in Corozal.

Institute of Archaeology goes on Tour for Archaeology Week
The Institute of Archaeology in Orange Walk and San Pedro to celebrate International Archaeology Day! The National Institute of Culture and History through the Institute of Archaeology under the guidance of Dr. Allan Moore, Associate Director of the Institute, will be touring with a lecture series to Orange Walk Town on the 17th and 18th and talk about the origins of the Maya. The presenters, Antonio Beardall, Josue Ramos and Paul Smith will be looking back in time, using photographs, video clips and the fossilized remains of a giant sloth. The presentation will also give emphasis to specific aspects of a few of the sites in the Orange Walk district such as Lamanai, Cuello and Ka’kabish. The team will then visit San Pedro Town, on the 19th and 20th October. These presentations will focus on the Maya use of the island as a trading zone, especially highlighting the dynamism of the Marco Gonzales Site. A visit to Marco Gonzales will be coordinated on the Saturday the 21st (Archaeological Day).

Channel 5

BODY OF ERWIN RODRIGUEZ FOUND!
News 5 has confirmed that the body of 17-year-old Erwin Rodriguez was found a short while ago. The teenager's body was buried under a tree near the sea in the vicinity of the Port. His family confirmed that the body was found close to the area where his bike was discovered two weeks ago. The minor's hands and feet were tied. The body shows injuries to the forehead & has at least one gunshot wound to the head. Rodriguez has been missing since August 24th. His family & friends have been searching for him for the past couple weeks. His bike & slippers were found previously.

The Reporter

Activists offer reward for the capture of Albert Cattouse’s killer
Following the shooting death of activist Albert Cattouse, the group Belize Leaders for Social Justice has offered a $5,000 reward for information that will lead to the capture and conviction of his killer. The BLSJ condemned Cattouse’s murder as emphatically as it could, calling on other activists and the Belizean public to take a stand against the violence that has been plaguing Belize. The group was also disturbed by what it feels is the possibility that Cattouse may have been targeted for his role in protesting corruption. “The Activism Community and Human Rights Defenders are concerned that this murder can be related to Mr. Cattouse outspoken condemnation for acts of corruption and the injustices levied on our citizens by the Government of Belize,” the group said.

Controversy erupts over Fabers Road reconstruction contract
Members of civil society and the political third parties have condemned the Government of Belize’s decision to award the contract for the reconstruction of Faber’s Road to the nephew of former Deputy Prime Minister, Gaspar Vega. The Vision Inspired by the People third party, called for the contract to be rescinded because it was awarded in contrary to the Finance and Audit Reform Act, Chapter 15 of the Laws of Belize. The community activist group, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA), has also retained the services of a law firm to demand that GOB make the contract public. The firm of Musa and Balderamos wrote to GOB on COLA’s behalf asking that the contract be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.

Mental Health Association hosts speech competition
Students from four high schools put their public speaking skills to the test on Friday at the 10th Annual Speech Competition, hosted by the Mental Health Association of Belize. The contestants gathered at the St. John’s College Chapel, where they were required to give a speech between four and eight minutes long, focusing on the 2017 theme for World Mental Health Day “Mental Health in the Workplace.” Candidates were scored out of 100 points for various aspects of their speech, including presentation and tone. “The Speech contest for high school students is an activity that serves to disseminate information on mental health issues in a format appropriate for this age group,” the MHA said.

Breaking Belize News

Orange Walk Chinese store robbed of $600
Yesterday, police visited Sun Luck Store located on Zericote Street, Orange Walk town where Hong Zhen Quin, 24, reported that around 3:15 p.m., two Hispanic men dressed in full black and white rags covering their faces entered the store.

Man shoots brother in freak accident
A Silk Grass village resident in the Stann Creek district reported to police yesterday that he shot his brother in a freak accident. According to Aaron Wilson Guzman, 23, he and his brother, Brandon Guzman, were unloading lumber from a loader.

Armed masked men rob SIRROM Gas
Yesterday morning around 10, Vicente Maldonado 28, a pump attendant reported that around 9:45a.m., while on duty at the Sirrom Gas located in the Kontiki area of San Ignacio town, a dark complexion man dressed in dark clothing, with his face covered, approached his desk and put a black .9mm pistol against his left cheek.

17 year old girl missing in Belmopan
Yesterday, Jerlene Neal,28, a Belizean Administrative Assistant of Marla’s House of Hope located on Mountain View Area, Hill-top Lane, Belmopan City reported that around 7am, Ailyn Raquel Limas,17, a third form student of the Belmopan Methodist High School left Marla’s House of Hope along with two other female students.

Belize City man shot in buttocks
Last night around 9:25, police visited the Karl Husner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where they saw Floyd Elston McNab, 33, of Campos Avenue, Belize City suffering from a gunshot wound to the right buttock and 3 to the left buttock.

“We’ve got this,” says police minister
Responding to the escalating level of violence in Belize for 2017, the Minister with responsibility for the police, Elodio Aragon Jr. has assured the public that police have the situation under control.

Aragon says Cattouse’s murder not a political hit
On Thursday night, 72-year-old taxi man and activist Albert Cattouse was murdered in his car on Hicatee Street in Belize City. Cattouse was a firebrand activist speaking out against social injustices. He was an executive member of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA). He was killed exactly one week after he participated in a protest against recent gas hikes in Belize.

Francesca Matus’ family says no help from Belize police
According to a report from Canadian news outlet, the Toronto Sun, the family of Francesca Matus told them in an exclusive interview, that the Belize police are not accepting or returning their phone calls.

Blogs

Grey Weather: Out and About on Ambergris Caye
Three grey days is a pretty long stretch here on Ambergris Caye – even for the rainy season. Not total rain-outs but some rain and lots of clouds. The winter birds are coming down…yesterday I spotted this guy in the morning. I’m told he is a Wunderman’s Heron: Last, there is a sub-species of the Great Blue Herons called Ardea Herodias Occidentalis and is known as the White Morph form. This morph is found only in South Florida and the Caribbean. In Florida where the white and blue forms of the Great Blues overlap, an intermediate bird known as the Wurdemann’s Heron can be found, although somewhat rare. They have the body of Great Blues, but the white and neck of the Great White Heron.

International Sources

Maggots, worms, amoebas: Animal Planet explores ‘criminal acts’ of parasites
After a family vacation in Colombia, an American teenager returned home with a rash. Doctors found the cause — maggots that were hatching and eating her flesh. In all, 212 tiny larvae were picked from her head. Her harrowing experience and that of other Americans who hosted foreign organisms make up “Monsters Inside Me,” an Animal Planet show whose eighth season is getting underway. The series is popular because people respond with fear about these invasive creatures, many of which are parasites, said Dan Riskin, a biologist who appears in each episode. But parasites deserve our respect, he said.

Videos

Tanya Carter, 5min. New song from Tanya Carter "Million"

Maya Pax del Norte de Belice - Marcus Canul, 1.5min. The Maya of northern Belize at the Venezuela Embassy exposing our Maya culture and history.

Mark Mulligan - Belize Oct. 2017 - Even The Bad Days Are Good, 4.5min. Even The Bad Days Are Good performed at Captain Morgans. The Tres-Amigos trip to Ambergris Key in October 2017. Kelly McGuire, Mark Mulligan, and James White.

From Belize to lovely city of Flores in Guatemala, 4min. Traveling from San Ignacio in Belize to Flores city in Guatemala. Starting point to our Tikal adventure.

Listen to Young Voices, Belize Forest Department,1.5 min. Listen to Young Voices: Belizean children views on why it is important to protect our wildlife. Are we listening?

MARCOS CANUL LIBRARY, 1min. The northern Maya Association of Belize were invited to honor the Maya hero Marcus Canul by naming a library Marcos Canul as part of the Indigenous Resistence Day

October 14, 2017

Sunday Fete Beach Party taking place this weekend in San Pedro

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 Department of the Environment announces Winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Belize, within the Department of the Environment (DOE), hereby announces the winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017, which was held in celebration of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Caring for all life under the sun”.

Legends F.C and United F.C maintain their led in the Copa San Pedro 2017 tournament
The Copa San Pedro 2017 continues at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. Seven games took place during the fifth week of the tournament, with the first two games played on Thursday, October 5th. At 7pm, Joke’s F.C faced Martha’s Ice, with an easy 4-1 victory going to Joker’s. At 9pm, the second match saw United F.C defeating Victoria House Jr, 3-1. The following day, Assassin’s F.C won against G. Striker’s, with a 1-0 final score. At 9pm, Sandy Point faced San Mateo F.C, with a solid 6-0 win in favor of Sandy Point. Copa San Pedro continues this weekend with seven more games on the schedule. On Thursday, October 12th, at 7pm, Joker’s F.C face One Shot One Kill, followed by Boca Bombers facing Sandy Point. On Friday, October 13th, Legends F.C takes on G. Striker’s at 7pm, and Terror Squad versus United F.C at 9pm. The last three games of the fifth week of Copa San Pedro are scheduled for Sunday, October 15th, starting at 3pm with Boca Bombers versus One Shot One Kill. At 5pm San Mateo F.C faces Martha’s Ice, leading to the last game at 7pm, with Assassin’s F.C against Victoria House Jr. All islanders are invited to come and support their favorite team this weekend.

Kendis Gibson meets with Belizean students and media corp
Acclaimed Belizean- American journalist and news anchor Kendis Gibson was in Belize from Wednesday, October 4th to Saturday, October 7th, meeting with different students and members of the Belize Media Corp. During his four-day visit organized by the U.S Embassy in Belize and the US Department of State, Gibson made presentations at various schools where he spoke about pursuing goals and the importance of an education. He concluded his agenda with an interactive session for Belizean journalists on investigative journalism at the Government House of Culture before leaving the country.

San Pedro businessman Oscar Guerra charged with rape is out on bail
On Friday, October 6th, the owner of My Secret Deli located on Caribeña Street in San Pedro Town was arrested and charged with the rape of a minor. The accused, 55-year-old Oscar Guerra was immediately remanded into custody, but was able to obtain a $10,000 bail by the end of the day. Guerra, a naturalized Belizean appeared before Justice Herbert Lord, who granted him bail and imposed certain conditions. He must report to the San Pedro Police Station every Friday, beginning this Friday, October 13th, and appear in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court on every adjourned date. He was also ordered not to interfere with the virtual complainant of any of the Crown’s witnesses. Guerra was also told not to go within 100 yards of his accuser or any member of her family.

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Barrow meets with OAS Secretary General H.E. Luis Almagro (R) and Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Nestor Mendez (L)

CARICOM meeting hosted by World Bank Group
Prime Minister Barrow in attendance at a high-level roundtable today with other government officials from CARICOM, hosted by the World Bank Group. The topic of the roundtable is "After the Storm: Recovery and Resilience in the Caribbean".

WALK FOR A GREEN BELIZE 2017
Last year the Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society, carried out a Walk For A Green Belize activity. Walk For A Green Belize is a clean-up activity conducted by numerous organizations, students, activists, both government and non-government agencies, and the general public. The activity resulted in the collection of 785 (33 to 55 gallon-sized) bags of garbage yielding a weight of approximately 9,806.56 pounds of garbage! As we are celebrating 25 Years of Environmental Sustainability, the three entities are once again collaborating on the “Walk For A Green Belize” cleanup. This event is aimed at building awareness and sustaining a culture of an environmentally friendly and conscious Belize! This year, the "Walk For A Green Belize" will be held on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 along the entire George Price Highway encompassing a total of 77 miles of roadway. It will begin at 7:00 a.m. and expected to conclude by 11:00 am.

Loan agreement with the OPEC Fund
Today, October 13th, 2017 Prime Minister Barrow signed a loan agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development to secure funding for the new Haulover Bridge Project.

Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow meets President of Caribbean Development Bank
Prime Minister of Belize Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Governor of Central Bank of Belize H.E. Joy Grant today met with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr. William Warren Smith.

Belize Delegation Participates in the First SICA-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred P. Elrington participated in the First Central American Integration System (SICA)-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum in Santiago, Chile on October 12, 2017. The Parties discussed key areas including the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the importance of the provision of adequate means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), institutional strengthening, climate change, natural disasters, conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and its resources, and the environment.

Save the Hicatee T-shirts at the Hicatee Film Viewing
Don't miss out on winning one of these fabulous #SavetheHicatee T-shirts at the Hicatee Film Viewing on October 17th at the University of Belize Jaguar Auditorium.

HAPPY UPDATE ON CHIQUI THE JAGUAR CUB
Our beautiful young jaguar, Chiqui, is now just over a year old and what a stunning jaguar she is! Rescued from drowning in the Chiquibul Forest in May 2016, Chiqui has flourished at TBZ after a long road of recovery and positive therapy. When a young cub like Chiqui goes through a traumatic experience, like almost drowning, their brain chemistry is seriously altered. Fear, distrust and extreme apprehension has to be “re worked” so the disturbed animal becomes a trusting animal. Many days and months of constant care eventually earned Chiqui's trust. She was given lots of diversions, too! Chiqui had balls and tire swings to bat around, and was especially fond of stuffed toys and adopted a stuffed bear as her “best friend”.

Jah-Nah Smoothies in Corozal
I stumbled upon a new smoothie place in Corozal. Jah-Nah is located across from Lands department in Corozal, Corozal, Belize. Ja-Na Fruit Splash is a new place to hang out and cool off after a long day of doing choirs. Its a very reasonable price. Nachos 3$, fruit smoothies for 2.50 @ 5$, mix flavors: pinnapple, orange, Melon, papaya, strawberry. We offer milk specials: vanilla, Banana, Strawberry, pinapple, Melon, watermelon, cookies. We also sell marshmelow with chocolate, chocobanana, melon wiyh chocolate anf more. Come by the new Ja-Na fruit splasher in corozal.

National Research Conference Call for Papers
NICH is gearing up for the 1st National Research Conference, and they are asking for submissions. The theme is 'Research and Development in Belize.' "The National Institute of Culture and History, The University of Belize, Galen University, and the University of the West Indies officially announces the hosting of the First National Research Conference to be held on March 21 and 22, 2018 at the University of Belize, Belmopan Central Campus, Jaguar Auditorium. The Conference theme is: Research and Development in Belize. Belizean and international researchers, professors and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts of scholarly papers related to the theme. Undergraduate students are also invited to submit proposals for posters related to the theme.

OYE FM Anniversary Celebration
Hitz 100 is celebrating their anniversary tomorrow at the Cayo Welcome Center. They'll have a free concert starting at 4:00. Supa G will be headlining the event. "Hitz 100.7 - OYE FM Anniversary bash. Come to the Welcome Centre in San Ignacio Town, On October 14th, starting at 4pm to mid night and party the night away with Lucio & The New Generation, Di X Band, Supa G "The General" and the DJs of Hitz 100 - OYE FM. Come and and enjoy a family friendly event."

A Brief History of the Magoons in Punta Gorda
Have you ever wondered why after a long and torrential downpour, Punta Gorda, or PG for short, suffers little from heavy flooding? PG remains relatively unspoiled, its landscape scrubbed clean and pristine, and with a glorious pageantry of color. Its citizens ought to be grateful for such beautiful view, even more so for the topographical features which are responsible for keeping the land relatively unspoiled. PG is proven to be a treasure-trove of interesting history. Some of those treasures are found hidden in its architecture, its people, and in its geography. Among its geographical treasures is a network of drainage channels, called “The Magoons,” or simply “Magoons.” The magoons are responsible for channeling the excess rain water from the immediate land to the sea, while enough water is useful for vegetation on this relatively moist and comfortable coastal town.

BELIZEAN SUPERWOMAN ATHLETE HADIE GOMEZ!
Having this most passionate dream come through writing about the Belizean superstar female athlete, Hadie Gomez, could not have come at such a better time being that Belize continues to struggle with how to celebrate it's outstanding athletes of the pass who gave so much and took so little. The story of this incredible woman and athlete of the 1960s, who was a legend of Belizean softball greatness as well as becoming Belize best female tennis champion of all times. Hadie Gomez was a multitalented athletic Belizean personality whose vision of sports transcended the narrow confines of sports in Belize relative to how it represented itself as challenge in the world. She had an internationalist perspective of what Belize could have become in the world of sports, championing its athletes as ambassadors of its nationalism. And she proved that it could have been done with her dominating Belize's women sports almost in every one of them that she played; from softball to track, to tennis and even "Net Ball" that we called basketball today. And if Belize had a women's football team, you bet that Gomez would have become a star playing on it.

THE RISE & CHALLENGES OF ISLAM IN BELIZE!
One of the most baffling questions to many a Belizean history enthusiasts has been the decline of the dynamic islamic presence in Belize that was once known in the 1960s and 70s. The question as to why a Belizean movement that had empowered and influenced the radical black power movement called UBAD (United Black Association for Development) in the 1960s had so suddenly faded away in Belize in terms of its progressive agenda of economical establishment for the Belizean people and being one of the most progressive social work movements of the 1960s and 70s with the arrival of the black nationalist Nation of Islam under the Honorable Elijah Muhammad of the United Sates to the transformation it took into a more islamic religious direction of the late 1970s and 80s.

Reconstruction of Faber’s Road
On Thursday, October 12th, a contract signing for the Reconstruction of Faber’s Road, between George Price Highway and Central American Boulevard was held at the Ministry of Works Conference Room in Belmopan. The scope of work is the rehabilitation of Faber’s Road which includes the construction of 2.5 km of reinforced concrete road pavement, 3.8 km of reinforced concrete sidewalk and side drains, and the construction of 1.6 km earthen trapezoidal drains commencing at Krooman Road to the Caribbean Sea. The eight-inch-thick, high-strength, reinforced concrete is necessary to accommodate heavy-duty transport vehicles commuting to and from the Port of Belize. The 1.6 km of drainage from Krooman Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea will provide further flood mitigation in the general vicinity. Other works include but are not limited to roadway clearance including the removal of any remnant structures, obstructions, fencing and the like within the road reserve, earthworks, and the installation of road centerline markings.

9 year old needs blood. Will you give?
9 year old Jaslin Archer has been courageously fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A few weeks ago her condition deteriorated and she was hospitalized at the KHMH. Due to the illness, her blood platelets are very low and she is in constant need of O type blood. She is still in the hospital and it has been a struggle for the family to get the blood. For those interested in donating blood, can visit the blood bank and give the child name. They also call the parents at 605-9910.

Queen of the Bay - Orange Walk Esmeralda Cal was invited to receive her recognition by the Orange Walk Techincal High School on Culture Week; Mestizo Day
The queen showcased her national costume painted by Orange Walk's very own artist Elvis Eddie Aldana. Also presenting a cultural dance, was her mother, Mrs. Libertad. Thank you to the faculty and student body of OWTHS for the warm hospitality to the Queen of the Bay - Orange Walk.

Belize represented at Expoferia 2017 in Merida

The Altar of the Hanal Pixan (or Food for the Souls)
It is a typical altar of the Maya Zone of Quintana Roo and northern Belize and is dedicated to an adult soul. Because of the Spanish influence they adorn it with Catholic images, like the virgin of Guadalupe or the divine child. As the part of the Mayan philosophy, the altar is adorn with the Maya Cross that the represent the strength of the Mayas during the caste war. Actually, the belief in this cross is preserved in its divine power. It is a Maya cross, that's why they dress it with a hipil.

2017 Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition
The schools participating in the 2017 Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition are all lined up in their Zones ready for competition. Zone one competes on Thursday,October 19th and Zone Two on October 20th. Seven Schools will move on to the Finals on October 27th. History will come alive at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. Zone Eliminations start at 9:30 a.m. and the Finals at 9:00 a.m. The top thre schools from last year were: St Mary's Anglican, Holy Redeemer and Unity Presbyterian in thatt order. The Finals will be broadcasted live on Love FM.

Channel 7

Missing For Days, Dutch National Found Dead
All hope was lost today at noon when a search team found the decomposing body of 69 year old Dutch national Chris Roggema. Roggema got lost in the jungle on Monday inside St. Margaret's Village on the Hummingbird Highway. There were several searches to find him but they turned up nothing until today. 7news' Courtney Weatherburne and cameraman Codie Norales were first on the scene along with the search team when the forensics team arrived. Here is their story. It's in this dense jungle that 69 year old Chris Roggema got lost. On Monday morning around 10:00, Roggema along with a couple men including a land surveyor went to document GPS readings on a plot of land in St. Margaret's Village on the Humming Bird highway. Roggema was interested in buying it. But he wasn't feeling well. The men warned him not to go in his condition, but Roggema insisted. His friend Jaime Perez wasn't there on Monday but gives the account.

Beloved Taxi-man and Firebrand Activist Albert Cattouse Killed
72 year-old Albert Cattouse was found dead inside his taxi cab last night on Hicatee Street. The senior citizen was shot to the back of the head, and there was another gunshot wound to the forehead, which could have been a second injury, or an exit wound. Police say that he was driving his Lincoln Town Car from the direction of West Collet Canal, heading toward's Dolphin Street. When he was passing Bocotora Street, bystanders heard the sound of gunfire. Minutes later, Cattouse's car was found in a drain near the Rogers Stadium fence. That suggests that the killer may have been inside the vehicle, but that is not known for certain. His niece told us that as far as she's aware, the area where he was killed is not somewhere he frequents. Bernadette Cattouse - Niece of the Deceased: "After the end of the news, Channel 7 News said that a taxi person got killed by Roger's Stadium. So, whenever they say that a taxi person get killed, my mind goes to my uncle." "I called my other uncle, who is Otto Cattouse, and I explained what happened, and he said, okay, let me call him. He called and got the same thing...."

Police Minister Denies Any Possibility Of A Political Connection to Murder
So, as you heard, Albert Cattouse's friends and family believe that he was gunned down and killed because he was an outspoken activist. Now, none of our interviewees actually accused the ruling UDP Government, but the clear suggestion was there that perhaps it was politically motivated. So, this evening, via phone, we asked Police Minister of State Elodio Aragon about that suggestion. He told us that police investigation indicates that this theory of a political assassination is the furthest thing from the truth. Here's how he put it: Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Home Affairs: "I am just calling to first of all give my condolences to his family. The loss of their loved one and also to reassure the public out there in regards to this incident and of course all the other shooting incidents that have resulted in murders as such."

Who Shot Ernest Raymond Jr In Griga?
A Belize City man was robbed of his firearm and shot when he tried to defend himself in Dangriga early this morning. At around 2:00 am, 42-year-old Ernest Raymond and a female were walking to his car on La Isla Street in Dangriga. He told police that 2 men came up from behind, and one of them pointed a gun at the female. Raymond says he went for his licensed 9 millimeter pistol which he carries on his side - but the gunman shot him first, hitting him in the upper right arm. The bullet exited through his back. And while Raymond was dealing with his injury, the shooter then snatched away his licensed Smith & Wesson pistol and ran off. Raymond was admitted to the Southern Regional Hospital - but has since checked himself out of the hospital. Dangriga Police say they have no suspects and are seeking Raymond to get a few questions answered.

COLA Presses For Transparency On Faber's Road Contract
Last night we told you about the Faber's Road reconstruction contract - 8 million dollars to do civil works on one mile of road. According to a government press release, the works include more than just building a road - and drains will also be installed as well as sidewalks with roadside curbs. Sounds good, but at just about 8 million dollars per mile, it's still very steep. Add in favored - contractor Imer Hernandez, and even the average eyebrow would be raised. Seems that's what COLA thinks too. The activist group has gotten its attorney Kareem Musa to write to the CEO in the Ministry of Works requesting a copy of the contract under the Freedom Of Information act.

Mealy-Mouthed Ministry Comes Again
Sensing the public blowback on this - the Ministry of Works responded today with a "wheel and come again" press release. They stress that to go with that one mile of reinforced concrete pavement, there will be two miles of reinforced concrete sidewalk and side drains, and the installation of one mile of earthen drains going from Krooman Road to the Caribbean Sea. The release adds, "the eight-inch thick, high-strength, reinforced concrete is necessary to accommodate heavy-duty transport vehicles commuting to and from the Port of Belize." The release adds that the Ministry of Works considered the impacts on Faber's road from regular wear and tear, increased traffic loads, infrequent maintenance, city and business expansion and the unpredictable effects of several tropical storms and hurricanes. It adds that the Contractor's offer was consistent with the engineer's estimate and current construction rates.

The Importance of Statistics
The Statistical Institute of Belize covers a number of categories including unemployment figures, inflation, and exports, among many others. But to the regular viewer it might all seem like just a jumble of numbers and percentages. Well, statisticians say these figures are very important. So much so that every year the Caribbean and World Statistics day is celebrated on October 15th. Today a public exhibit was held at the George Price Center in Belmopan to commemorate this day. Here's more. Diana Castillo-Trejo, Deputy Director General, SIB: "We usually observe this day every year. October 15th is the official day so we are celebrating today. We use this day to highlight the important work that is being done with respect to statistics by SIB as well as other partner agencies that produce statistics. So today we have with us for example the police department their statistical unit, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Human development, the Ministry of agriculture, the Central Bank."

Pink Eye Outbreak May Be Of Historic Proportions
The Ministry of health also had a booth at the event. They had a number of key figures on display - including the latest numbers on the pink eye outbreak. It's so bad - that if you don't have it, we'll bet a member of your family does. In terms of numbers, it's the biggest outbreak in decades; eleven thousand people have shown up at clinics countrywide with it. Today we got the latest figures:... Jesse Chun, Sr. Biostatistician, MOH: "What you see on display here is result of some work that we've been doing especially with the electronic data that we now have via the Belize Health Information System, I think the volume of data that we now have is such that we can really present especially data on vital statistics, births and deaths and as you can see also we have some charts there with the current state of pink eye outbreak that's currently ongoing."

BNTU Opposes Justice of Appeal Parke
The Belize National Teachers Union is joining the Bar Association, the Opposition, and Civil Society in objecting to the appointment of Justice of Appeal Franz Parke. In a very measured press release, the BNTU says that its council of management unanimously agrees with the Bar, and concludes, quote, "there seems to a be a clear violation (of the constitution) with regards to his qualification for this esteemed post." Quite oddly, the release reads, at times like something the Bar Association itself would put out, saying, quote, "there are members of the Bar who have indicated their intent to challenge the matter in court and those who have also indicated their intent to refuse to sit before Mr. Parke if he is ever declared a Justice of the Court of Appeals," end quote.

Can't Trust It!
On Wednesday, we told you about the ongoing fight for control of millions of dollars of back pay for teachers and public officers. On one side are the representatives of 600 retired public officers. Back in 1995, then Prime Minister Esquivel gave them four hundred and fifty thousand (450,000) BTL shares to ease the pain of a wage freeze. On the other side is the Public Sector Workers Trust - which was set up by the BNTU and the PSU to manage the proceeds of those BTL shares 20 years later. Those retired public officers now have a Supreme Court judgement which says the trust is invalid. Now, they are trying get the Trust to give up control of the 7.8 million dollars in value which those BTL shares have yielded. But, it's not proving easy, because it's a pot of gold, and no one who's sitting on it, will give up without a fight. And that's probably why, the Public Sector Workers Trust, which is on the defensive, sent us a letter taking issue with several aspects of our story on Wednesday.

Father Please For Missing Child
Tonight, the Belize City family of 5 year-old Kattalea Thompson is frantically looking for her after she went missing from her school. Her father, Kareem Thompson came to our office just a few minutes ago asking that we allow him to beg you the viewers to be on the lookout for her, even though she went missing just this evening. He and the child's mother believe that someone she knows took her from the school compound, because she wouldn't just leave with strangers. Here's how he explained it to us tonight: Anyone with information is asked to call telephone number 626-4232.

Belize's Poultry Can Compete
Last night we told you how CARICOM had approved Belizean poultry products for export to other countries in the region. That's because the chickens form Quality Poultry and Caribbean chicken meet the international HACCP ("HASAP") standards. But, can Belizean poultry find a foothold in Caribbean markets? According to the manager of the Belize Poultry Association this is an opening long wished for: Armando Cowo, Manager - Belize Poultry Association: "I mean we were waiting for that with our fingers and toes crossed. We gotten that. The next step now which I have initiated is we wrote a letter to the minister of foreign trade saying that based on the approval of the 71st meeting held in Guyana last week, we are applying now to the government to assist us with getting market penetration in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago."

Sister of Mercy Lives Up To Her Code
For much of the 20th century, Catholic priests and nuns dominated the education system in Belize - from administration to classroom teaching. Now, there are a scarce few still around at Catholic cornerstones such as SJC, Palotti and SCA. Up until June of last year, Sister Margaret was one of the last Sisters of Mercy still on staff at SCA. She ran the show as the Dean of Discipline at the all-girls school for many years. Now, when you hear about a nun as the Dean of Discipline, it evokes all those enforcer stereotypes about a strict Catholic Education - but Sister Margaret defied, or perhaps re-defined the stereotype. She changed the way many students looked at the words discipline and demerit. Now at 82 years old, Sahar Vasquez sat down with Sister Margaret to glean the wisdom of a career of service.

Hon. Elrington In Chile
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington is returning from Chile after the First Forum on Political Dialogue and Cooperation between the Central American Integration System, known as SICA and Chile. Violence and drug trafficking are reported to be the main subjects being discussed. Chile and SICA members committed to take joint actions in these areas. But, there's a contradiction because Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America, and the Northern Triangle of Central America is one of the most dangerous places on earth. That's why Panama and Chile have committed to create a regional cooperation program to reduce high levels of insecurity for the population in Central America.

Watersheds And Conservation
The Belize River Watershed is about 8,000 square kilometers. It is the largest freshwater system in Belize. Now, the University of Belize is spearheading a management plan to protect it. Of course that's easier said than done: 8,000 square kilometers is a very large area to manage, so UB organized a stakeholder conference today at the Dream Valley Resort in Teakettle. 7news was there to find out more about this plan . The plan is being funded by the World Wildlife Fund in Guatemala .

Walk the Walk for Cleanup
And a part of keeping the watershed clean, is cleaning up the environment. That's the idea behind the big cleanup which will take place on all 77 miles of the George Price Highway tomorrow. It is called "Walk For A Green Belize Clean Up", a collaborative effort between the Belize Audubon Society, the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Department of the Environment. Today organizers came by to tell us why you should get involved:... Dareece Chuc, Belize Audobon Society Environment Education and Communications Director: "We start in Belize City and end all the way in Benque Viejo. The way it works a group is assigned a mile to clean." "They are to clean and bag all the garbage they collect and record that information. It is very important this initiative because it shows us that we do have an issue with solid waste management in our country but it also shows we have many Belizeans that care about our country and want to partake in initiatives like this to keep our country clean."

Channel 5

Taximan and Activist Albert Cattouse Gunned Down – Was It a Hit?
Around seven-thirty on Thursday night, shots rang out in the vicinity of Dolphin Street near the rear of Roger’s Stadium. A well-known taxi driver and activist had been gunned down [...]

Bail Application Result Pending for Accused Murderer Warren Lewis
Warren Lewis has been on remand for over eight years for the August eighteenth, 2009 murder of Albert Allen. After almost a decade and after a third trial for murder [...]

Christopher Roggema’s Decomposing Body Found
The badly decomposed body of sixty-nine-year-old Christoffer Jan Roggema was found today in some high bushes in Saint Margaret Village. The Norwegian- Belizean businessman went missing on Monday while out [...]

Hope Fading in Search for Erwin Rodriguez
They had expected many more, but only fifteen family members and friends and a handful of concerned citizens joined the search for seventeen-year-old Erwin Rodriguez. Although all signs point to [...]

COLA Demands Documents for Fabers’ Road Construction Contract
Attorney Kareem Musa has written the Ministry of Works and Contractor General Godwin Arzu under the Freedom of Information Act. On behalf of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, he [...]

Teachers’ Union Comes Out Against Franz Parke
The Belize National Teachers’ Union is joining in on the backlash against the proposed appointment of Franz Parke to the Court of Appeal. In a statement released today it questioned [...]

Daniel Fabro and Frank Sharp Hope to Be Difference in F.F.B.
On Thursday, Daniel Fabro and Frank Sharp were formally introduced as candidates in the upcoming race for the president and vice president of the Football Federation of Belize. Both men [...]

Chicken Dread Vs CitCo, Round 4: Trailer Hauled Away, is Council Getting Personal?
The constant harassment of Paul ‘Chicken Dread’ Ferguson by the Belize City Council continued around noon today in front of E.P. York High School. This time a tractor was reportedly [...]

M.O.H. Says No ‘Pink Eye’ Relief from Eye Drops
As we reported on Thursday, cases of conjunctivitis experienced an epidemic-level spike in the last month, after trailing 2016 for the first nine months of the year. In the last [...]

Health Ministry Warns About Re-Infection and Public Behaviour
The other concern, especially when it comes to ‘pink eye’s’ fast spread, is behaviour in public places and while traveling. The ministry, according to Doctor Manzanero, is closely working with [...]

C-Section Emergency at Southern Regional: Call for Anesthesiologists
Since the beginning of the week, reports to News Five are that the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga saw several patients walk out after being informed that there was no [...]

‘Pinkeye’ Fells 7 at B.E.R.T.
With more than nine thousand cases of conjunctivitis reported in the last month, chances are you know someone suffering with ‘pinkeye.’ But what happens if that someone is working in [...]

Don’t Chase B.E.R.T. Ambulances for Non-Emergencies
A press release from the organization issued on Thursday advises the general public to minimize non-emergency calls to BERT until the situation is stabilized, but notes that emergency services remain [...]

Solving Ugly Sight of Dead Bodies Carted Off by Police
Ever wondered why Belize Emergency Response Team doesn’t pick up dead bodies from homes or murder scenes? The image of a police vehicle carrying the covered dead body as relatives [...]

CitCo Receives Donation for Flood Mitigation
On Thursday, the Belize City Council received road and canal maintenance equipment valued at one point seven million dollars. The equipment was obtained through the flood mitigation infrastructure program with [...]

B.D.F. Members to Help Dominica Disaster Relief
B.D.F. to Dominica? Yes, says Defense C.E.O. Felix Enriquez. The B.D.F. will be heading to the hurricane devastated island to help with reconstruction. Dominica has been asking for help after [...]

Belize’s Defenders Talk to International Strategic Partners
A week ago, the Ministry of Defense hosted the third annual multi-national security conference in Belize City. The purpose of the conference was to share Belize’s vision, work and needs [...]

Take a Walk for a Green Belize
A ‘Walk for a Green Belize’ will be held tomorrow, Saturday, October fourteenth. The Department of Environment joined forces with Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society. [...]

Girls Run the World, But Belize’s Are More Vulnerable than Ever
Across the globe on Wednesday, International Day of the Girl Child was recognized. In her statement, United Nations Population Fund’s Executive Director, Doctor Natalia Kanem says, “Girls today enjoy better [...]

LOVE FM

A member of COLA shot and killed
72-year-old taxi man and activist, Albert Cattouse, was shot and killed last night in Belize City. Cattouse was inside his vehicle on Hicatee Street when he was fatally shot. His family believes that Cattouse was lured to his death. Hipolito Novelo has the story. The lifeless body of 72 year old Albert Anthony Cattouse laid […]

Minister of State comments on the escalating crime situation
There have been more than 115 murders so far for 2017. This week we reported on three murders alone. This evening Minister of State with responsibility for Home Affairs Elodio Aragon Junior spoke to Love News about the crime situation. Elodio Aragon Jr. – Minister of State with responsibility for Home Affairs “I think for […]

Missing man found dead
Norwegian Belizean citizen Christoffer Jan Roggema has been found dead after being missing since Monday of this week. Roggema went missing after he was left alone in the bushes waiting for a vehicle to pick him up. According to a close friend, Jaime Perez, Roggema went along with a business partner and a land surveyor […]

Family of Francesca Matus wants answers, but police are not talking
The family of Francesca Matus is saying that Belize Police are being tight lipped about her murder. The fifty two year old Canadian was found strangled to death on April 30, 2017 along with her American partner, Drew Devoursney. Since the gruesome discovery was made no one has been charged for the double murder, even […]

UDP will hold convention on Sunday in Dangriga
As we’ve mentioned, on Sunday the UDP will hold a convention in Dangriga to select a slate for that municipality to contest the upcoming municipal elections. Fourteen candidates, two mayoral and twelve councillor candidates, are hoping to make the UDP ticket. UDP Chairman Alberto August told us they are all well qualified persons. Alberto August […]

Man was unable to use his licensed fire-arm for protection
A man was shot in Dangriga and was relieved of his licensed firearm in the process. According to police, 42 year old Ernest Raymond, a businessman of Belize City, was walking towards his vehicle on Isla Street in Dangriga Town along with a female companion when two men approached them from behind. One of the […]

Classes disrupted by Pink Eye
The outbreak of conjunctivitis or pink eye originated in the Corozal District and has since spread across the country. In Belize City, pink eye has disrupted many schools with a number of students missing from classes. The students who came down with the illness would stay away from school up to a week. Love News […]

BCCI and IDB sign Technical Cooperation Agreement
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BCCI, and the Inter-American Development Bank, IDB, yesterday signed the Technical Cooperation Agreement for the project entitled Proadapt Belize – Increasing Climate Change Resilience and Related Business Opportunities, with the objective of increasing private sector climate resilience in Belize. The project is funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund, […]

Justice Lord heard Warren Lewis’ bail application
Today Justice Herbert Lord heard a bail application. The application was submitted by twenty six year old Warren Lewis through his attorney Darrell Bradley. Lewis has been behind bars for more than eight years for the 2009 murder of Albert Allen. Bradley argued that under subsection 5 of the constitution his client has a right […]

Jermaine Rhaburn on trial for murder
Today, ex-BDF soldier, Jermaine Rhaburn testified from the dock in the courtroom of Justice Adolph Lucas. Rhaburn is on trial for the shooting murder of BDF Volunteer Clifford Cruz. Rhaburn testified that during an argument with Cruz on October 1, 2010 at Militia Hall on the George Price Highway, the M16 rifle accidentally went off. […]

PUP’s Chairman comments on PUP’s steering committees
During his interview with the press, Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa also said that he wasn’t in agreement with how Briceno handled certain matters. Musa said he has told the Party Leader that he had asked that the Party leader exercise more inclusivity and give their people more autonomy. Party Chairman, Henry Charles Usher, […]

Amandala

Christoffer Jan Roggema, 65, Cocoplum Garden Spa owner, disappears
Christoffer Jan Roggema, 65, a Norwegian national and businessman living in Belize, is the latest person to go missing. Interestingly, police have not yet issued any report about his disappearance. According to a relative of Roggema, on Monday morning, Roggema and a business associate accompanied a land surveyor to see properties along the Sibun River. We are told that he had been battling the flu, and was discouraged from conducting any business until he had fully recovered, but he insisted on going. Sometime after he entered into some high bushes, however, his condition reportedly worsened. The men who had accompanied him said that they thought it best that he didn’t walk any further, so they asked him to wait while they retrieved their vehicle from the roadside.

Over 12,500 Belizeans visited Chetumal and other destinations over the long weekend
CTV3 News Corozal reported that thousands of Belizeans traveling to Mexico over the long holiday weekend were frustrated by the very long lines that formed at the border. An estimated 12,500 Belizeans went to Chetumal, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and other attractive areas in southern Mexico, to shop and recreate. Belizeans began traveling over to Chetumal and other destinations on Friday evening, at the end of the workday, and they returned on Sunday, according to information from the Immigration Department. It is estimated that over the weekend, each person took an average of $100 BZD to Mexico, to spend on food, shopping, hotels, and medical services, which amounted to an estimated total of $1.2 million that was spent by Belizeans.

CEO Zuniga blames police for inaction re Senate Inquiry revelations
The special audit of the Immigration Department revealed numerous illegalities that were committed between 2011 and 2013. Former and current UDP Cabinet ministers, UDP mayors and UDP associates, as well as senior immigration officers, have been mentioned by the audit. However, after more than 30 sittings of the Senate Select Committee tasked with investigating the findings of the audit over almost a year, “nothing has happened.” According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Ministry of Immigration, Edmund Zuniga, his ministry has done its part, but the Police Department and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution have not done the same.

Aretha Elinor Ford called to the Bar in London
Aretha Elinor Ford, eldest daughter of Nelson and Jennifer Hyde, was called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London, England today. Before this, Aretha graduated from St. Catherine Academy and SJC 6th Form majoring in Secretarial Science. She followed this with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University College of Belize, then a Master’s Degree (Summa cum laude) at Mississippi Valley State University in the USA. She then acquired a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of London International Program and completed the Bar Professional Training Course at the University of the West of England, Bristol, in July 2017.

Standings remain same; Big 4 all win in Week 9 of PLB Opening Season
The playoff picture is already taking shape at Week 9 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season, as the 4 standings leaders, the Big 4, further separated themselves from the bottom 4 with victories over them this past weekend. (See standings below.) Only 1 game was played on Saturday night, October 7, (the BDF vs San Pedro Pirates game was postponed until Sunday), and it was at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, where league-leading defending champions, Belmopan Bandits SC came to life in second half, after a scoreless first half, to register a 3-1 win over visiting Placencia Assassins FC. After Georgie Welcome’s header put the Bandits in front at the 56th minute, Luis “Baaka” Torres equalized for Placencia with a grass-burner to the left corner from the top of the eighteen at the 62nd minute.

SMART Mundialito Week 1 scores at Marion Jones Stadium
The Smart 13 & Under Mundialito Closing Tournament 2017 kicked off its regular season on Saturday, October 7, with 6 games scheduled at the Marion Jones Stadium. In game 1, RG City Boys United clipped Warriors FC, 1-nil, with a goal from Tom Moguel. Game 2 was the same score, as Jahren Rivers gave Collet Strikers the 1-nil win over Sampson Academy. In game 3, Hattieville River Side Boys dropped Carlton FC, 3-0, with 2 goals from Enoch Rhaburn and the other from Tayjion Ferguson.

San Pedro Veterans are National Over-40 Football Champions
The Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) inaugural National Over-40 Football Tournament 2017 concluded on Saturday night, October 7, with its Finals Game 2 at the San Pedro Ambergris Stadium, where home standing San Pedro Veterans prevailed in overtime, 2-1, over Mango Creek Veterans. Game 1 of the Finals the previous week was a 1-1 draw in Independence, and game 2 in San Pedro also ended 1-1 in regulation, after Wilmer Garcia (8’) gave Mango Creek the early lead, and Edgar Lima (13’) equalized shortly after. It was in the last minute of overtime that San Pedro got the game winner from Abdon Sanchez (120’) to become the first Belize National Over-40 Football Champions. Team prizes for the tournament included: San Pedro Veterans – 1st place trophy + $2,000.00; Mango Creek Veterans – 2nd place trophy + $1,000.00; Benque Veterans – 3rd place trophy + $500.00; and 4th place Kulture Yabra Veterans – $250.00.

Hogan’s football story – Part 1
An Amandala interview with Charles Hogan, visiting from Los Angeles, California, on Monday, October 2, 2017, on 3304 Partridge Street. Amandala (A): Yaa, Charles Hogan is your name, right? Charles Hogan (H): Yes. A: First of all; can you give us some basic biographical details about yourself? Where you’re from? Your parents? I understand you are from Stann Creek. You grew up there; but were you born there? Give us some stats. H: I was born in Stann Creek. I attended Stann Creek Methodist School, where my career in football all started. From early, in the middle sixties (1960s), when I was discovered by the principal, Mr. Bernard Longsworth, with my football talent … A: Okay, but before you get into that. Can you give us some foundation; your parents were? H: My parents were: my father, Gilbert Hogan; my mother was Joy Reid Hogan. We were like ten children; I was the second … A: They were original Stann Creek residents? H: Yes, yes. A: Okay. The names “Reid”, “Hogan”, not that it matters, but as a matter of curiosity, being in Stann Creek, Dangriga, are you a Garifuna?

Editorial: Che Guevara: Arbenz, Castro, and Price …
When Che Guevara was captured in Bolivia on October 8, 1967, he was wounded but very much alive. The Bolivian government and army, advised at the time by United States Rangers and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), made the decision to execute Guevara summarily, murder him then, because Che had become larger than life. He could not be allowed to live, and to put him on trial would have been too dangerous for his ultimate enemies – United States capitalism and imperialism. For different reasons, including his good looks, iconic photographs of him, and the fact that he had, in Christ-like fashion, given his life for his fellow human beings, Che Guevara became an international legend who will be immortal. Che Guevara, incidentally, had become a famed guerrilla fighter despite having to contend with cruel attacks of asthma throughout his life.

From the Publisher
I have a problem with the excessive amount of holidays in Belize, but the one this weekend served a purpose for me because it allowed me to stay up later on Monday night than I would usually do. I was able to catch the meat of a documentary on Al-Jazeera which examined an incident in international waters on June 8, 1967. Al-Jazeera entitled its documentary, The day Israel attacked America, or something like that. I have friends who I believe are serious Belizean nationalists who are in love with the third millennium Israel because my friends are religious and Biblical fanatics. But in 2017, the Israelis are no lost, feeble tribe wandering in the wilderness: Israel today is a dangerous nuclear power which has been a very close ally of Guatemala’s from the birth of Israel in 1948.

Watch out for Hepatitis
Dear Editor, Just read in a Diario de Yucatan of October 6, 2017 newspaper that the conjunctivitis epidemic is not fully over yet and we are now facing a Hepatitis outbreak. This one will damage your liver. As usual the schoolchildren are the most vulnerable. Extreme hygiene is a part of the solution; keeping the flies away is very important. Washing well the kitchenware and separating the infected person’s utensils is also of utmost importance. GOB should start a vaccination program. Hope we don’t wait until it is upon us to try to stem its propagation. Like I stated before: If we do not take care of our health, it will cost much more to take care of our disease.

Giovanni de la Fuente writes Prime Minister Barrow
Dear Mr. Barrow: I write to inform you of my experience on the Sarstoon River on the 16th of September, 2017. I participated in the Toledo Eco Challenge Race whereby participants had to get from Barranco to Sarstoon Island and back. A Mexican female, a North American female, a Belizean from Blue Creek, Toledo District and I were aboard the vessel “Piricy” captained by Guermo Castellanos. The Belize Coast Guards were present at Barranco and informed us that they were there to ensure the safety of all thirty (30) kayakers and six (6) motorized vessels. At the Sarstoon River entrance, it was immediately evident that the G.A.F. were out in full force (5 vessels). Our vessel was promptly intercepted at the western end of Sarstoon Island by a G.A.F. Tiger Shark vessel with 6 military and one media personnel named Carlos Cruz from the Guate Prensa Libre.

RIGHT TO THE POINT: The violence we have come to accept
Caught in the middle of these types of criminals are the masses who are too scared to become either type of criminal… they do not wish to engage in violence crimes nor the white collar crimes. Yet they are the masses and out-done by either type of criminals and collectively may feel emasculated to act against either group. So they have been lulled into a strange sense of complacency, hopelessness and desensitization. To the breaking news of some ongoing corruption of the white collar crime, they throw their hands up in air and say nothing will come of it, and to the street violence, they see it so much and are so bombarded with the images of the deceased laid out on the streets bloodied and lifeless, that they no longer have the shock effect. They have become de-sensitized and lack empathy and cope with it as any abused person would… by trying to ignoring it, because to acknowledge it, is to make it real.

The Guardian’s Airport connection
This is really getting ridiculous, people! But it is also sad, and damn disgusting, when you consider that the same people, our Prime Minister and his UDP Cabinet, who call the shots and decide that we must pay almost twelve dollars for a gallon of gas, are the same people who sometimes spend our tax dollars like it’s a “free for all.” Now, everybody knows that both PUP and UDP abuse the system when they are in power, and one of the ways they do so is by sending lavish advertisements to their party political organs, which are officially registered as newspapers. We wish both of them, PUDP, would “stop it.” But this week, the situation has gone too far. Now, everybody knows that there is the Amandala, then there is the Reporter, both being regular newspapers. Then there are the political organ/papers – the UDP’s Guardian and the PUP’s Belize Times.

Mr. HD Thompson, a man among men
This week, Belize laid to rest a rare breed—Hector McPherson Douglas Thompson. A man among men … an ordinary grassroots man who became a pioneering giant, and whom I consider worthy of maximum national respect. His daughter, Mrs. Dawn Jones, gave a fitting eulogy—a message that the Belizean nation ought to hear … or ignore, at its peril. She referred to her dad as “a man of few words and many aspirations”. She recounted his life, his leaving home to start working at age 14, his first entry into the cabinet furniture business (along with Joe Bulwer, my dad), followed by his scholarship training in cabinetry in Puerto Rico. Adversity is the mark of a man. What defines you is often how you respond to the hard knocks in life. What especially struck me was her account of how Mr. Thompson responded to a devastating event—the 1975 Albert Street fire—when “he lost everything.”

Narrow agendas should consider “leaving”
When we tell the truth, we find solutions. When we don’t tell the truth, we serve agendas. On the matter of marijuana use, some people should stop talking as though their concern is for ALL. For them it’s all about self-preservation. If they cared they would know what happens to poor people when criminal laws are passed. In the extreme, a narrow agenda will use their voting bloc to get the government to pass criminal laws. This always ends in disaster. Religious extremists in America got their government to satisfy their narrow agenda with a law that prohibited the sale of drinking alcohol. This led to one of the most corrupt and brutal periods in that country’s history. The following excerpt from The Spruce.com exposes the horrors these narrow agendas bring when they get their way.

Franz Parke, Barrow’s Belize Court of Appeal appointee, has puzzling past
The law firm of Courtenay Coye LLP filed a fixed date claim at the Supreme Court Registry today on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño (People’s United Party (PUP)), who is challenging the constitutionality of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow’s appointment of Jamaican-American Franz Parke to sit as Justice of Appeal on the Belize Court of Appeal. In Hon. Briceño’s claim, which named the Attorney General as the defendant, he contends that Parke is unqualified to serve on the Belize Court of Appeal. Parke is a former classmate of Prime Minister Barrow, both of them completing the Norman Manley Law School course in 1985. Parke remained in Jamaica for 5 years, until 1990, when he migrated to the United States, where he has been living and practicing law ever since.

Briceño will take Barrow to court over Franz Parke appointment
Opposition Leader Johnny Briceño is this week filing a legal claim in the Belize Supreme Court to challenge the “decision by the Prime Minister to advise the Governor General to appoint Franz Parke as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Belize.” As we had recently reported, the Opposition People’s United Party had passed a resolution instructing its legal team to proceed with the claim. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, a member of that team, told Amandala that the claim will be filed tomorrow. Courtenay said that the matter is a public law claim in which they are seeking specific declarations from the Belize Supreme Court.

Justin “Etdan” Hyde, 22, executed
Justin “Etdan” Hyde, 22, one of the reputed bosses of a gang based in the Jane Usher Boulevard area, is the latest homicide victim in Belize City. Sometime around 9 o’clock on Monday night, he and another man were on separate bicycles en route to Freedom Street when, upon reaching the intersection of Levi Slusher and Curl Thompson Streets, the men reportedly came under fire. Someone standing in a nearby yard fired five shots, one of which reportedly caught Hyde in his right lower back. His associate escaped unharmed. Hyde reportedly continued riding his bicycle, not realizing he had been shot until he collapsed on Freedom Street, bleeding profusely.

In Santa Martha Village, flood victims say chairlady wants them out of the community center
–A number of families from Santa Martha, Orange Walk, had to evacuate their homes when flood waters rose to life-threatening levels last week. The village community center, which also serves as a hurricane shelter, had to be opened due to the flooding emergency. Amandala visited the village today, Wednesday, and found that a number of families are still taking shelter in the village community center, because some of their homes have been completely destroyed by the flood waters that suddenly, without warning, “came up out of the swamp,” as one man described the coming of the flood. Some displaced villagers who are sheltering in the village community center, feel that the authorities have been slow to respond to their situation. They feel that things would have been less difficult if the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) had paid more than one visit, and had provided them with the necessary emergency relief, such as food and mattresses.

The Reporter

Belize participates in regional political forum
Belize was among the nations represented at the First Central American Integration System (SICA)-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum in Santiago, Chile. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington led the Belizean delegation, accompanied by his Chief Executive Officer H.E. Pat Andrews, and Foreign Service Officer, Amaris Leal. Participating countries discussed issues such as the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and aspects of implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)s. They also discussed matters relating to climate change, natural disasters, conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources, and the environment.

Breaking Belize News

COLA demands to see Fabers Road contract
Yesterday, the Government of Belize issued a press release informing Belizeans that GOB through the […]

Government says Faber’s road contract approved by OPEC
Yesterday, BBN reported on a contract that was signed for the reconstruction of Faber’s Road, […]

Institute of Archaeology goes on Tour for Archaeology Week
The Institute of Archaeology in Orange Walk and San Pedro will go on a tour […]

Canada warns nationals to exercise caution when traveling to Belize
According to a report from News Americas Now, the Canadian government is warning its citizens […]

Revocation of nationality could leave persons stateless says Immigration CEO
CEO in the Ministry of Immigration, Edmund Zuniga, testified before the Senate Committee this week […]

Reward offered for the capture of Albert Cattouse’s killer
The community activist group, Belize Leaders for Social Justice (BLSJ), is offering a $5,000 reward […]

Conflicting testimonies at Senate hearings
Immigration Chief Executive Officer, Edmund Zuniga and Police Commissioner Allen Whyie have given the Senate […]

VIP calls for Faber Road contract to be rescinded
The Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) today issued a release stating that the contract […]

SIRROM Gas attendant held at gunpoint, San Ignacio police search for suspects
According to reports, this morning around 9, two armed masked men entered SIRROM Gas Depot […]

Walk for a Green Belize 2017
Last year, the Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Solid Waste […]

Police issues report on murder of Belize City taxi man
Last night around 7:30, police responded to reports of a shooting incident and responded to […]

Body of Chris Roggema found
A close relative of Norwegian- Belizean businessman Christofer Roggema has confirmed to BBN that his […]

Belize delegation participates in the First SICA-Chile Political Dialogue and Cooperation Forum
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred P. Elrington participated in the First Central American Integration […]

Belize City businessman shot in Dangriga
This morning around 2, Dangriga Police responded to shots fired on Isla Street, Dangriga where they […]

CARICOM clears Belize chickens for export
Two major chicken production companies in Belize have been ‘Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point’ […]

PM Barrow attends meetings in Washington
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is currently in Washington, D.C., attending official meetings. Yesterday, Barrow met […]

BDF deployed to Dominica to assist
Hurricane Maria ravaged Dominica in September when it made landfall on the island with 185 mph […]

Chris Roggema missing for 5 days
Today marks the fifth day that Norwegian- Belizean Christofer Roggema is missing. Roggema went missing on […]

Pink Eye is a viral epidemic
Last night, the Office of the Director of Health Services issued a statement on its […]

Blogs

The 4th Voyage
Many times, when we think about Columbus, we think about his first voyage. We think that he simply came and left, but there is more…there were other adventures. Ferdinand, Columbus’ second son, accompanied his father and his older half brother on his last voyage. He would later write his father’s biography entitled “The life of the Admiral Christopher Columbus” where he told the account of the fourth voyage, which was largely regarded as a failure in his book. He wrote of two hurricanes, being shipwrecked and marooned, but also of discovery. In 1502, the Central American coast was mostly undocumented, unexplored and Columbus strongly believed that there was a passageway through to the orient, which was what sparked his fourth and final journey to the Caribbean. He had left Portugal and, because of his previous voyages, made it in record time to Hispaniola, present day Haiti and Dominican Republic. Upon his arrival, the weather turned for the worst, as he had sailed into a hurricane. They were unscathed but they had lost one of the ships and they proceded and set sail to find the passageway to the Pacific. They had made it to a small island that he named Guanaja, one of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. This is as close as Christopher Columbus came to Belize.

2 super cheap, easy staples to make while you are in Belize!
I have these two things in my fridge constantly, and they are so cheap and easy. You can always find the ingredients, and even if you are here only for a few days or a week, it is nice to have some simple food in your fridge so you don't have to run out to eat every time. If you go to any chicken, rice, and beans stand - you will often see a jar that has (delicious) onions and jalapeno/peppers chopped up and mixed together, that you can put on top of your food. It is SO good. I put it on everything - for example, if you were just here a few days on vacation but wanted simple snacks in your room, you could put this on eggs, nacho chips, or roll a tortilla and cheese with this (see below). It makes everything taste amazing.

Why You Should Spend Your Christmas Vacation in Belize
While you definitely won't see any snow falling during Christmas in Belize, this small Caribbean country is one of the best places to enjoy the holidays. Although December and January are quintessential winter months in North America, in Belize, they are when the weather is at its finest. The Christmas period in Belize is full of warm, delicious sunshine and delightful temperatures that average in the mid-80's, making it perfect T-shirt and sandals time. For many visitors, getting away from the cold and misery of winter is one of the best reasons to visit Belize during the Christmas holidays. Belize is also the only country in Central America where English is the official language, making it very easy to communicate with locals and join in on all the festivities. Belize is a conservative country where the "reason for the season" is still very much remembered. Locals love to decorate their homes, enjoy seasonal goodies, and go from home to home singing old-fashioned carols (called Bram in the local Creole dialect).

Belize Mayan Chocolate: Cool Facts & History
First off, if we were to go back in time and say “chocolate” around the ancient Maya they’d likely laugh at us for our funny accents but still be able to ascertain what we are referring to. How? Simple – Chocolate is a word derived from the original name that was Xocolatl. Mayan ‘x’ was pronounced ‘sh’ which would have that word sound pretty close to the way many Europeans would still say it to this day. The preparation and use of chocolate date back to the Mayan classic period which extended from 900 to 250 BC and as far back as 1900BC by the Olmecs which puts us somewhere near 3917 years of enjoying the stuff. In Mayan society, chocolate was a treat reserved for the elite. It was held in almost sacred regard and consumed both recreationally and ceremonially by Mayan kings, priests and in the Aztec civilization famed warriors as well.

The Day of the Dead
Although The Day of the Dead (also known as el Dia de los Muertos or Los Finados) is most prominently celebrated in Mexico in November, it is also very popular in many villages and towns in Belize. This is due to the fact that the tradition of celebrating the life and death of lost loved ones dates back to the ancient Maya, an indigenous culture of Belize and Central America. On the Day of the Dead, Maya and Mestizo communities across Belize unanimously get together to commemorate the life and death of their ancestors. This is done at people’s homes by decorating small tables as alters and including water, flowers, fruits, candles and portraits of their deceased. Families also make sure to have delicious traditional Belizean foods such as tamales, Bollos, Caldo de Gallina local, Chirmole and Ishpasha Atole. As for favorite alcoholic drinks, rum and tequila seem to be the popular choices.

The Biggest Crowd on a Thursday Afternoon
The pink plague definitely did not keep Kelly McGuire Band fans away. I don’t always catch Facebook invitations in time for an event, but it just so happened I was on the infamous social media site and saw that long time visitor and Texas music artist Kelly McGuire along with his friends Mark Mulligan and Sunny Jim White were doing an impromptu free concert at Palapa Bar and Grill. I sent it to my friend/editor Shirlee who was all in for live music especially since she wasn’t here the last couple of times Kelly was on the island – temporary hiatus from living in Belize. The concert ended up being delayed by a bit more than an hour (hazards of carrying sound equipment on a golf cart) but it gave us a chance to have a bite to eat and socialize a bit. I chatted with my friend Charlie who I have not seen in ages and Shirlee got to say “hi” to old friends she hadn’t yet run into since her return. Because it wasn’t just Kelly performing, they didn’t do his original songs, but entertained with Jimmy Buffet tunes and other “island songs”. The best part is we saw a great (and very packed) show and were heading home before 6:00 pm. Love Island Life for that reason, always lots of daytime socializing so you can be home at a reasonable hour.

International Sources

CDB unveils plan for new cycle of poverty reduction programme
The Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) poverty-fighting flagship programme, the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) has unveiled an ambitious plan for its ninth cycle. The bank has negotiated more funds for the BNTF, taken steps to improve the programme’s efficiency and effectiveness, and will strengthen partnerships with the private sector. These innovations are being outlined to BNTF stakeholders during a series of project launch workshops, which are taking place in the nine participating countries, where stakeholders will also receive guidance on implementing the new cycle.

Videos

Belize's First Line of Defence | Episode 3: The Belizeans Behind the Uniforms, 20min.

Welcome to Placencia Belize!, 2min.

Taylor and Cheyenne- Belize marriage, 3min.

Dove release in Belize City, 1min. Releasing a dove close to St John's Cathedral in Belize City.

Nohoch Che’en Cave Tubing || Belize, 6.5min.

Coming in for smooth landing at TZA with Captain Miz of Tropic Air, 1min.

How to Make Belizean Jam Rolls, 15min.

Talk Ah Di Town October 12, 2017, 25min.

Sandy Bradshaw & Friends Annual Concert, 25min.

Belize Now | Episode 37 - Friday, October 13th, 30min. In tonight’s headlines: Prime Minister Barrow in is Washington DC on official business, Belizean soldiers will assist with relief efforts in the Caribbean, and we celebrate Mental Health Day in Belize. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, October 13th, 2017!

GO-Slow! czyli Caye Caulker - Belize #8, 11min. Siema! Jedziemy dalej. Aktualnie wyspa Caye Caulker, tu bdzie si duo dziao, jednak baaardzo wooolno. Sami zobaczcie! :)

Sharing Fitness to students of San Pedro Belize, 3.5min.

Belize 2017, 5min.

LA MERVEILLEUSE VIE SOUS MARINE!, [ LA BARRIERE DE CORAIL DE BELIZE, 45min. La barrière de corail du Belize est un ensemble de récifs coralliens et de cayes situés au large du Belize, dans la mer des Caraïbes.

Legislation for offshore oil drilling moratorium to be introduced, 1.5min. The legislation to enshrine an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil activities in Belize’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone is scheduled to be introduced in the National Assembly on Friday, October 20th 2017.

October 13, 2017

Belize's representation at this year's Central America Travel Market 2017 in El Salvador

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

Volleyball tournament officially starts
Organized by The San Pedro Volleyball Association, along with The San Pedro Town Council, a volleyball tournament began on Saturday, October 7th. The tournament opener spanned into Sunday, October 8th, and was held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Teams from primary schools, high school and male and female senior teams will battle through the end of November for the championship within their division. The first games kicked off at 1PM on Saturday with the primary school teams taking the pitch first. The male team from San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS) took on the boys from Holy Cross Anglican School. Both teams battled hard, but after two sets, the team from SPRCS emerged victorious, winning 2-0. The player of the match was Salvador Caliz, with a total of eight points.

Protected Nurse Shark intentionally killed in San Pedro
On Sunday, October 8th, Hol Chan Marine Reserve posted pictures of a Nurse Shark found dead on a beach on Ambergris Caye. The sight caused much outrage in the environmental community, as the animal appeared to have been hacked in half. Nurse Sharks are one of two species of sharks that are protected in Belize, and as such any poaching of this animal is illegal. “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. Nurse Sharks are one of the main attractions for tourists coming to San Pedro. The animal in these picture was found dead on the beach, and it was clear that someone had cut the tail off. It was intentionally killed,” said a Hol Chan representative.

Misc Belizean Sources

Southern point of Ambergris Caye to be developed
Condos like this is being planned to be constructed.

Corozal Water Cleanup
Saturday, October 14 at 8 AM - 12 PM, Rainbow Beach. CJC EAGLEs Environmental Club is keeping busy...we will be joining efforts with our community in helping Mr. Lincoln Eiley in a water cleanup this Saturday, October 14. We appreciate and applaud his initiative in this undertaking to make the sea safer and cleaner for our community.

Los Finados
Los Finados es una tradicion que realizamos para recordar de una manera especial a nuestros familiares y amigos que ya se han adelantado en el camino. Defiende tu Tradicion! Los Finados es una tradicion y es nuestra!

Help Dianny Enriquez
Plesas come out an support us!!!! For my last fundraiser then I get to come back home after my last big doctor chek up!!! 0N Saturday October 14 at the basket ball court BBQ ribs-$12 an BBQ chicken-$10 flour tortilla bake beans coleslaw or rice&beans from 11am on till all sold out!!!! We are also taking down orders so u dont need to wait!! Big thanks to you all for ur support!!:)

Splashers!
Rain can't hold us down!! Great Job everyone!! Join us next week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar! Sign up Belizean Melody Art Gallery!

Faye Lin Cannon Memorial Service this weekend
Faye's Father, David Cannon, invites the Community to attend. "I would like to invite all of the citizens of San Pedro to a Memorial Service for my daughter, Faye Lin Cannon. It will be held on Saturday, October 14th at the Lions Den in San Pedro. Please feel free to drop by between 11a and 2pm. There will be food and soft drinks. There will also be an art project for children and adults who would like to send messages of Love and Hope to my daughters Zoe, Mia and Siri! Everyone is welcome, I hope to see you there!" Dave Cannon

Urban Bird Watch in Corozal Town and Sarteneja Village
October 21st

Annual Coastal and Riverway 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.

Annual Coastal and Riverway Cleanup!
Kudos to the Hopkins community on a job well done for the Annual Coastal and Riverway Cleanup! Participants included: Staff and students of Holy Family RC, Hopkins Police Officers, Police Cadets (Hopkins, and Silk Grass), Staff of Hamanasi Resort, and other volunteer Hopkins residents. Thanks to Hopkins UnCut for these great shots!

Channel 7

Date Set For PUP Nomination Deadline
The PUP's internal politics got a whole lot more interesting yesterday when PUP Deputy Leader Kareem Musa called the press to his office to say that he's considering challenging John Briceno for party leadership at a National Convention on November 26th. But Musa didn't make a commitment - and didn't even discuss a timeframe for a final decision - because he said he didn't know when the party would set the deadline for nominations. Well, he knows now - because that deadline was set today at a National Executive meeting. Party Chairman Henry Usher discussed the dates:

Musa Says There May Be More Than One Challenger
So the deadline for nominations and the delegate lists is 4:00 pm on October 27th., which gives Kareem Musa or any other challenger 15 days to decide. Yesterday, Musa told us that he might not be the only one interested in a challenge:.. Hon. Kareem Musa, PUP Deputy Leader (East): "But there's no challenger in the ring but yet we're getting these letters signed and a lot of the area reps and standard bearers are calling me and saying you're being pressured to sign unto these letters of endorsement and my suggestion to them is: I understand what you're saying but I'm not in a position this is a huge decision for me and for all my supporters, so I can't just make a rash decision even though it's a very small window that we have to make the decision. I can't make the decision right now so my advice to them was he is over Party leader there is no problem signing onto an endorsement letter at this stage on October 26th or whenever the Rules of Engagement are put in place the ball game changers."

Party Chairman Says Briceno Support Is Unanimous
And while the young Musa refers liberally to a lack of party unity and fractured support for the Party leader, the Chairman says that Briceno has met unanimous support in his travels across the country:... Henry Usher, Chairman - People's United Party: "From all of his traveling across the country, the party leader has really reached out countrywide. In fact I've have gone on tours with him to almost every village in the south. We've been to every municipality. We've been to every constituency. We've been meeting with the caucuses and at all of these levels he has had unanimous support wherever he goes." Reporter: "Yesterday, I think Mr. Musa also mentioned that there was some division within the party. Could you speak to that?"

Musa: Endorsements Are Not What They Seem
And to hear the Briceno camp tell it, that unanimous support is evident in the voluntary offering of endorsements from the party's regional caucuses. But, yesterday Musa told us those endorsements are the product of not so subtle coercion:... Hon. Kareem Musa, PUP Deputy Leader (East): "And, so, I'm not saying it's going to be me, I'm not going to say any names who have been contacting me in terms of they want to be leaders, but I can tell you it's a high possibility we might get a challenge on October 26th or whenever that deadline is set." "And more important than any and all of this, Jules, is the fact that I am the one getting the concerns, I am the one hearing the calls and saying this is wrong we need to fix this we don't like this steering committee, we don't like the fact that there no standard bearers in place, there a lot of issues."

Kareem's Cash or Briceno's Betty's?
But, if that ball game changes, so will the cost of doing business. You don't need a Ph.D in political science to know that politics is a money game - and right now Briceno - whose family owns SMART and Centaur Cable - has the cash flow to back up his political ambitions. We asked Musa about it:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Mr. Briceno is a wealthy man, you ain't poor, but, in terms of cash flow..." Hon. Kareem Musa, PUP Deputy Leader (East): "I will be straight up with you, and say I could never match the amount of resources that our current party leader has. Never, But at the same time, as another colleague, you could say, Mr. Faber taught us, I think he said, it's all about the base. It's not all about the money."

Orlando Vera Fights For Freedom
Three months ago, we told you about the very bad luck that Orlando Vera was having in the Supreme Court. He's the ballistics expert who had a mighty fall from grace. He went from the Deputy Director of the National Forensic Science Service to incarcerated convict, after he was found guilty of abetment to pervert the course of justice. He went to the Supreme Court for bail pending an appeal, and was denied 3 times. He is convinced that the former Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, wrongfully convicted him of offering to accept a bribe for businessman Michael Modiri so that he, could disappear evidence that police may have used against Modiri in a firearms case. Vera even tried to get Justice Herbert Lord to recuse himself from as the judge who would hear his appeal. That's after those 3 failed bail applications, and that was also denied.

Truck Driver Charged In Fatal Accident
Yesterday we told you about the fatal accident between miles 32 and 33 on the Southern Highway - on the same stretch of road that had witnessed another fatality less than two days earlier. 32-year-old Sebastian Cucul, from San Isidoro Village was heading to Georgetown Village when he crashed head on into the left side of an 18 wheeler. 33-year-old Hector Amilcar Melara from Hopkins was driving that trailer truck and was heading in the opposite direction towards Belize City.

Eight Million for One Mile
Fabers Road in Belize City is an important thoroughfare - it's an alternate route to the Western Highway, especially for those trucks hauling containers to the Port of Belize on Caesar Ridge Road. It was last paved 19 years ago - and today, it's all broken up, to the point that, in some parts, is almost unfit for driving, especially after intense rains. Well, now, Faber's Road - or at least a part of it - is going to get a multimillion dollar makeover. The Ministry of Works today signed a contract with popular UDP contractor the Imer Hernandez Development Company for the "reconstruction" of a one mile portion of Faber's road. And while it may only be a hair more than a mile being reconstructed, the contract is for almost 8 million dollars. A press release from the Government says that 7.995 million will be used for roadway clearance, including the removal of any remnant structures, obstructions, fencing and the like within the road reserve...

BDF Soldiers To Dominica
For the past three weeks, we have been reporting on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica which was devastated by the Hurricane, Maria's 185 mile an hour winds, which flattened the island's infrastructure, and caused 27 deaths. They're on a very long road to recovery, and any assistance they can get is needed. So, that's why the Belize Defense Force is sending a company of Belize soldiers to help in the rebuilding efforts. Defense Ministry CEO Felix Enriquez told the Government Press Office outlined the intended deployment: Rt. Lt. Felix Enriquez, CEO - Ministry of Defense: "One of the various partnerships that we are heavily involved with in the region is disaster relief and in that effort the Belize Defence Force and through the Ministry of Defense is sending a platoon of light engineers to Dominica to assist with the reconstruction."

Security Conference In Belize
That opportunity to speak with CEO Enriquez presented itself last week Friday when high ranking military officials from Mexico, Canada, the UK, and the US came in Belize for the 3rd Annual Multi-National Security Conference. It's a roundtable session where all of Belize's military partners sit down to discuss share security concerns, and how best their military units could assist the Belize armed forces improve their capacities. Last week's conference emphasized security cooperation and military capacity building for the Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard, and the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre. The representatives from different military units who attended spoke on the importance of their participation in the discussions:

CARICOM Open to Belize Chicken
In February, Quality Poultry Products in Spanish Lookout was HACCP certified. and then in May, it was Caribbean Chicken in Blue Creek. HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It is basically a food safety system put in place by businesses to ensure that consumers get clean, quality goods which meet an international sanitary standard. Now, beyond local customer satisfaction, Quality Poultry and Caribbean should be able to export chicken within CARICOM because of this certification.

PG Bar Owner Explains Extortion
Last night we told you about the two PG cops who allegedly extorted bar owner Joe Bejerano of $3,000. They had initially charged Bejerano for Human Trafficking but offered him to pay them off so he would not have to face the charges. Bejerano is not happy with the unprofessional actions of the police. He told PG TV he wants his money back. Joe Bejerano, Bar Owner: "They offered a deal that if I could come up with 1000 dollars for each end she could make this go away." Reporter: "$1,000 dollars for each of the ladies arrested." Joe Bejerano, Bar Owner: "Yes. I told her I did not have that kind of money she told me that she is the only one that could help me. I could go to prison for 15 years or I could try and go to trial but I will be charged."

FFB, the Possibility Of An Alternate Future
On December second, the FFB will have its 11th Ordinary Congress to elect a President and a Vice President. Sounds simple enough, but the last two attempts to do this failed miserably. It's one more ugly blemish on a Football Federation that's publicly perceived as chaotic. And into this mess steps two relative newcomers - who want to clean up the FFB, and restore some beauty to the beautiful game. They publicly launched their campaign today and 7News was there: Daniel Fabro and Frank Sharp are businessmen, but also football lifers - and now they want to save football in Belize by offering themselves as president and vice president of the FFB:

City Council Gets Fancy Equipment
For months we've been showing you all that fancy heavy equipment which the city council got through the IDB funded Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program. But, all that fancy equipment was like a good "Sunday best" outfit, we only saw it in action once or twice. Apparently, that's because the 2017 jet-vacuum truck, the 2016 street sweeper, the 2016 asphalt distributor truck, the 2016 backhoe loader, and the 2015 vibrator compactor were being kept scarce like "good cheese" by the Ministry of Works.

Keeping Cancer Message In The Forefront
Its breast cancer awareness month, and to commemorate it, for 4 years the Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow along with her team have been releasing Cancer awareness posters. The women featured in the posters including Barrow are battling cancer. Now these posters aren't just pictures - they represent each survivor's journey, but more importantly the posters celebrate hope and strength in the face of cancer. The Special envoy's office usually just emails the posters but this year they invited the media to an official unveiling. It was held this morning at the Belize Cancer Society Office. The theme for this year is "A mile in my shoe."

Girls Rule
Yesterday was International Day of the Girl Child. It is part of the women's empowerment movement but in this case the focus is on young girls and how to overcome the many challenges they face on a daily basis. It is recognized all over the world but Belize has now caught on and observed the day. Member of the UN Gender Theme Group Ann-Marie Williams discussed the significance: Ann-Marie Williams, UN Gender Theme Group Rep.: "The first celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child actually rolled around on December 19th 2011. The international day is not a new day but for us here in Belize it seems new. What happened the girl child has been a feature ever since 1995 when the Beijing conference was held. Belize prioritized five major areas and the girl child was not one of them..."

Green Turtle Found Dead
Yesterday a female Green Turtle was found dead off the coast of Punta Gorda. Nicanor Requena and his colleagues came across the lifeless turtle while on a recreational boating excursion. Requena and his colleagues immediately tried to assist the turtle but it was too late. He took to social media to share pictures of the sad sight. Today via phone he told us how it was trapped. Nicanor Requena, Found Turtle: "We were on a recreational and basically what we observed was the Tuttle entangled a rope attached to 2 fish traps and what I proceeded to do along with my other colleague was to document it. We took pictures of it and we subsequently reported it to TIDE and to the Fisheries Department who in my opinion are the entities to follow up on it. Based on what I observed it could be that maybe it was a fish trap that was abandoned, but I have no evidence to say for surety that it was what happened."

A Hawksbill's Tale
Indeed,6 of the 7 turtle special that inhabit the waters of Latin American and the Caribbean are threatened with extinction. In 2011, Jules Vasquez found out how researchers at Gales Point Manatee were using satellites to track and preserve Hawksbill Turtles:... Jules Vasquez Reporting: Putting a sanding machine to a turtle's shell? That may seem cruel and unusual, but really, they're not torturing this mature female hawksbill - they're trying to help. What they're trying to do is sand off these tough barnacles that have molted unto her - and while the old girl looked distressed, maybe even despairing - the grinding continued.

Late Evening Murder
And before we close tonight - there is more bad news to report in Belize City. There has been another murder. It happened on Hicatee Street beside Roger's Stadium. We know that a man is dead inside a taxi, which is alongside a ditch. It happened just 10 to 15 minutes ago. Our news team is on the scene and we'll have more on this story tomorrow.

Channel 5

P.U.P. Leader Says ‘Any Number Can Play’
By whom will Party Leader John Briceño be challenged for control of the P.U.P.? It’s a question being pondered by many within the opposition party, in light of the fact [...]

Rest of National Executive Posts Also Up for Grabs
According to Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher, every other position within the national executive is up for challenge. He goes through the necessary procedures of nomination. Henry Charles Usher, [...]

Thanks for Support, But Briceño Says He Didn’t Ask for It
On Wednesday, Deputy Party Leader Kareem Musa, in an interview with the media, said that endorsements for Briceño’s leadership were being gathered from caucuses across the country. That effort came [...]

Chairman Says ‘Nobody Knows’ Who Will Run for Leader
At present Briceño’s office remains unchallenged, but that’s subject to change in the weeks ahead. The party chairman confirmed this fact when the question was put to him bluntly. [...]

P.U.P. is (Mostly) One; National Convention Intended to Strengthen Unity
In some corners there has been talk of discord within the People’s United Party, a perceived lack of unity that continues to affect the P.U.P. at the polls. In our [...]

P.U.P. Chair Says it’s Time to Unite
While the party chairman agrees that there is no friction within the P.U.P., he says that members of the party should rally around the slate of candidates leading up to [...]

The Youth are Inheriting the P.U.P.
The infusion of new blood into the political organization is a concern that has been shared among members of the party. On Wednesday, Kareem Musa spoke unequivocally on what he [...]

C.C.J. Turns Down Sunshine Intervention in B.T.L. Case
In advance of hearings next week, the Caribbean Court of Justice today rejected an application by Sunshine Holdings Limited to intervene in the final appeal between the Government of Belize, [...]

The Case Against Franz Parke for Court of Appeal
As we reported on Wednesday, a fixed date claim form filed at the Supreme Court pits Leader of the Opposition John Briceño against the Attorney General and Prime Minister Dean [...]

Search Resumes for Erwin Rodriguez as Mom Makes Frantic Appeal
Last week, we showed you the search for Erwin Rodriguez that led to the discovery of his bike in an area called “Dike,” located off Faber’s Road. The seventeen-year-old has [...]

Friends Keep Looking for Chrisstofer Roggema in the West
Chrisstofer Jan Roggema is missing and his friends need help to find him. Roggema is a Norwegian-Belizean businessman who has been living in Belize for more than twenty-five years. He [...]

Fabers’ Road to be Redone for $7 Million
Faber’s Road is getting a major upgrade which is expected to commence immediately. The contract, to the tune of seven point nine million Belize dollars, was signed today for the [...]

Daniel Fabro, Frank Sharp Join F.F.B. Presidential Race
The Football Federation of Belize remains in administrative turmoil, despite several unsuccessful meetings of its executive to try and bring order to the organization. Notwithstanding the chaotic state of affairs, [...]

M.O.H. Says Pink Eye Cases Have Not Peaked – 9,000 in a Month
This evening, following meetings with the Pan American Health Organization and gathering of formal reports, Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero updated News Five with the very latest statistics [...]

Survivors Gather to Launch Anti-Cancer Flyer
Every year in May, Belizeans are reminded of one of the most deadly diseases affecting citizens – cancer. The threats and risks are numerous and there are several types of [...]

ComPol Vs C.E.O. over Immigration Investigation
The position of the Belize Police Department almost from the break in the Elvin Penner/Won Hong Kim scandal has been to take a back seat. It waited for internal investigations [...]

Why Nationality Review is More Complicated than One May Think
As testified to by former director of Immigration Ruth Meighan and confirmed by others, as many as two thousand persons received nationality directly connected to the 2012 elections which did [...]

Time to Review Guat Nationality Applications
The Nationality Vetting Committee, according to C.E.O. and member Edmund Zuniga, continues to try to seek out legal information on how the Republic of Guatemala handles renunciation for those wishing [...]

Healthy Living Reviews Pink Eye Plan
We know you may be tired of hearing about the eye infection sweeping across the country. But it is not a time to let your guard down. The public health [...]

CTV3

Shaenna Gilharry Vies In East Indian Pageant In T&T
Miss East Indian Belize 2016-2017, Miss Shaenna Gilharry, left for Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday to participate in the International Divali Queen Pageant which will be held on Monday, October 16th. Shaenna has been an active member of the Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage organization and has participated in leading roles in traditional Indian dances during cultural festivals, pageants and performances at schools. Shaenna was crowned Miss East Indian Belize 2016 - 2017 by outgoing Miss East Indian queen, Miss Asia Gilharry.

Prime Minister Meets With Representatives of IDB
As we reported on Tuesday Prime Minister Dean Barrow is currently in Washington D.C attending official meetings. Today the Prime Minister met with the executive Director of the Central American Constituency, Mauricio Silva at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as well as with the Junior Counsellor for Belize Elvira Mendez, in order to receive an update on the Corporate IDB matters. Prime Minister Barrow today also attended a courtesy meeting with Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of American States, His Excellency Nestor Mendez and Belize’s ambassador to the United States His Excellency Daniel Gutierrez.

Crimes In Corozal, Circumstances Investigators Cannot Ignore
On Tuesday we told you about the arrest of 52 year old Apolonio Kiow in Corozal Town, for the cold-bloodied murder of 38 year old Canadian national Gabriel Bochnia. Kiow is the one accused of pulling the trigger on Bochnia, fatally shooting the construction contractor, as he opened the gates to his yard outside his home in the Chula Vista area around 10:30pm on Wednesday, October 4th. The attack was calculated and callous, as Bochnia’s wife and three children witnessed the attack inside a waiting vehicle. His wife, 27 year old Jeshana Zetina, went to help her husband and the gunman then fired at her, but the gun reportedly misfired.

LOVE FM

Three Police Officers facing disciplinary charges for theft
Last month we reported on the three officers attached to the Special Patrol Unit who were being investigated for allegedly stealing 27 parcels of cocaine. The accused are Corporal Clinton Thomas, PC Kishane Peck and PC Albert Augustine. An internal investigation by the Professional Standards Branch revealed that the information is credible. The three officers […]

Chairman comments on Hopkins’ water problem
This newsroom has received numerous reports of water interruptions in Hopkins Village that has been affecting villagers and businesses alike. We spoke to the chairman, Ted McKoy for clarification. Ted McKoy – Chairman of Hopkins Village “The water situation in Hopkins is one that cannot be seen as a problem so to speak because I’m […]

Ministry of Works donates maintenance equipment to Belize City Council
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works handed over to the Belize City Council, road and canal maintenance equipment procured by the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program, with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The equipment handed over includes a 2017 jet-vacuum truck, 2016 street sweeper, 2016 asphalt distributor truck, 2016 backhoe loader, […]

Pink Eye causing problems for BERT
Belize Emergency Response Team, BERT, has announced that conjunctivitis or pink eye is affecting its capabilities. A statement from BERT states quote, “the organization is currently being impacted by the ongoing conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) infection, therefore, Non-Emergency Land Ambulance Services are being affected.” End of quote. The public is asked to minimize Non-Emergency Calls to […]

The Guardian

God help us! - Another Musa as PUP leader
Any observer, seeing the dismal performance that Johnny Briceño has been having as the leader of the PUP, saw a challenge coming to his leadership from a mile away. But in an attempt to put any potential challenger at a disadvantage, Briceño called a snap national convention in which he expected to be endorsed as leader of the PUP on November 26. But not so fast, says Kareem Musa; he is now openly defying Briceño and in a cagey and underhanded manner, called the press to his office to say that he is being asked to run as the leader of the People’s United Party. The mere fact that he had the audacity to call the media to his office to put his tail between his legs and say that he is merely considering it, shows this man’s slick.

Diplomatic immunity saves American from charges in triple death
An accident on the George Price Highway claimed the life of 2 young women, and a 1-year-old child, all from the same family living in Bella Vista, Belize City. The driver, who may be at fault for the accident, is a US Diplomat, and he is protected from prosecution by his diplomatic immunity. Police say that it happened sometime around 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017, between miles 2 and 3 on the George Price Highway. 30 year-old Samantha Castillo; her 1 year-old baby, Deanna Castillo; 23 year-old Martha Mayeli Vasquez, Samantha Castillo’s sister-in-law; and an unidentified 6-year-old girl were all traveling in a blue and grey Honda Element SUV.

Faber’s Road upgraded
For years Faber’s Road, which is a main artery into Belize City has been plagued by potholes in the rainy season and dust in the dry season. Those problems will soon be a thing of the past as the Government of Belize, through the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project, will be cementing the entire stretch of road. The first phase will including the cementing from Central American Boulevard to the police station. Thereafter, the project will see the cementing all the way to the George Price Highway. Along with the cementing of the road, the scope of works will include the upgrading of the drains and construction of sidewalks along with signage and placement of access ways for residents in the area. Work is expected to last somewhere between 10 to 12 months, with it being a labor-intensive program having young men in the are hired to conduct the works.

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.

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.

Fuel prices begin to fall
As of Friday October 6th, the price of regular fuel took a sharp decline from $11.13 to $10.29 per gallon. It is expected that within the next few days the same will take place with premium and diesel fuels. Fuel prices are taking a downward move following the normalization of supplies from Venezuela. In September, the price of fuel began an upward movement after government discontinued the purchase of fuel from Venezuela under the Petro-Caribe program. Fuel supplies had to be discontinued after deliveries to Belize had become unreliable forcing for fuel to be purchased from neighboring El Salvador at a higher price driving up the price at the pump.

Allen Whylie plans new course for Belize Police Department
Just back from leave, Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, has taken time out to explain the new course that he will now take for an effective Belize Police Department. Commissioner Whylie took the opportunity to describe his official positions during an award last week to seven police officers whilst at the popular Scotchie Restaurant in Belmopan. The Belize Police Department operations will be re-strategized and there will be a “step up in terms of intelligence gathering.” While the over two thousand police officers in the Belize Police Department discharge their duties, Commissioner Whylie is appealing to the citizens of Belize, “…the law abiding citizens of Belize to work with their police officers across the length and breadth of this country.”

PM in Washington to secure new Haulover bridge financing
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow left the country today to attend official meetings in Washington, D.C., one of which is with the OPEC Fund for International Development, for the new Haulover Bridge Project. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Barrow will return to Belize on October 15th, 2017.

Good marine management ensures healthy populations
A new study from Belize’s Glovers Atoll confirms that replenishment zones are an important tool in rebuilding fish populations depleted from overfishing and boosting catch rates for small scale fisheries, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and partners. When combined with other conservation measures such as size limits and seasonal closures for fishing grounds, replenishment zones can help make fisheries more sustainable for coastal communities that rely on the sea for sustenance and livelihoods. The study, titled “Benefits of a replenishment zone revealed through trends in focal species at Glovers Atoll, Belize”, appears in the latest edition of the journal, Marine Ecology Progress Series. The authors are: Alexander Tewfik, Janet Gibson, Virginia R. Burns Perez and Samantha Strindberg of WCS; and Elizabeth A. Babcock, of the University of Miami.

G.R.E.A.T. Programme graduates 20 Belizeans and 14 Salvadorans
As part of gang resistance in Belize and in the wider Central American region, various police departments have been working with the US Embassy to implement the “Gang Resistance Education and Training” (GREAT) program since 2008. Since the inception of the program in Belize, a total of 210 officers have been inducted as GREAT officers. Gang violence has a negative effect on the victim as well as the criminal. The consequences of burden are significant and, according to ACP Robert Mariano, Commander of Management Service, preventative measures are best to be taken to avoid decisions that may become irreversible.

Johnny should take a fuel profit loss for the sake of Belizeans
On Thursday of last week, the career student and professional demonstrator decided that he would take to the streets of Belize City once again to demonstrate. The cause this time around was the cost of fuel. While we are certain that Moses Sulph really had no cause to take on this latest demonstration, we were intrigued by his actions. No sooner had he taken off than it had become clear as to the motive. He was masquerading the demonstration as something non-political but just looking at those involved, it was evident that he was actually leading a PUP demonstration.

ABC’s World News Now Co-Anchor hosts journalism workshop
Through the facilitation of the US Embassy, Kendis Gibson visited Belize last week. Gibson, a Belizean native and co-anchor on ABC’s World News Now, facilitated a journalism workshop as well as school tour in the country. On Saturday, October 7, 2017, Gibson met with several media personnel at the House of Culture for a two-hour discussion on media in Belize. The meeting was a well-attended and very interactive conversation in which Gibson learnt some of what the media in Belize does. While he did agree with some of the norms of Belizean media, Gibson offered his advice as to how to approach some situations, especially as it relates to reporting violence and other heinous crimes.

Winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Belize, within the Department of the Environment (DOE), has announced the winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017, which was held in celebration of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Caring for all life under the sun”. The NOU received at total of 18 entries from various age groups throughout the country and is pleased to name the following winners: 1st Place Winner - Aerd D’Belle, 2nd Place Winner - John Banner, 3rd Place Winner - Nadir Price.

Taiwan Embassy supports Belmopan Small Scale Farming in Schools
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donates Five Thousand Belize Dollars ($5,000.00) to support Belmopan Police’s initiative “Small Scale Farming in Schools” in the Belmopan Police jurisdiction. This project is developed with focus on community youth empowerment through sustainable agriculture practices to lead young generation to a positive way of life. The initiative not only proposes an alternative for students to become involved as a team and help themselves in a constructive and productive manner and form a safer and more productive community, but also provides a sustainable method of producing food for their own food security and contributes to poverty alleviation.

Shootings spike in the City, Jason Almendarez latest victim
Jason Almendarez, a 27 year-old Belize City resident from the Lake Independence area, was killed in what appears to be a street-style execution carried out in broad daylight. It happened at around 2:08 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10 on Jasmine Street. Almendarez went to buy food at the Fish Joint Food Shop, which is a short distance from his home, and near to the Mahogany Street Police Substation. He reportedly arrived by vehicle, went into the yard, and placed his order. He was waiting to get his food, and that’s when a gunman walked off the street, took aim and shot him in the head.

Accident claims another life on Southern Highway
On Monday October 9, Independence police were called out to Mile 32 on the Southern Highway near Red Bank Junction where the body of Pablo Salam, a 28-year-old resident of Santa Teresa, Toledo, was seen. Paulino Pop, a 34-year-old resident of San Roman, Stann Creek, reported that he was driving his Nissan pickup along with 5 others in the vehicle when they collided into a Hyundai Element which was being driven by 53-year-old Wilton Morgan of Elridgeville, Toledo.

Police find ammunition and components to making firearm
Last Friday, Belmopan Police held an operation targeting the reported production of home made firearms. Their operation netted both ammunition and components used in the production of firearms. Criminals have found innovative ways to manufacture firearms using nails and bicycle parts. No one was in the area at the time and so the confiscated items were deposited as found property. Later on during the week, Belmopan Police also found a firearm capable of firing 20 gauge cartridges behind a church in the San Martin Area. This firearm was also deposited as found property.

Police arrest one for Canadian’s murder
Police in Corozal have arrested and charged 52-year- old Apolonio Kiow, a resident of Santa Elena Road in Corozal with murder. Kiow was charged following the shooting death of 38-year-old who was killed at his home in the Chula Vista area of Corozal. Sometime around 10:20p.m. on Wednesday October 4th, Bochnia along with his wife, Jeshana and their three children had returned home from a trip to Chetumal when he was ambushed by a gunman.

Daniel Carillo shot and killed in Orange Walk
Daniel Carrillo, a 42 year-old resident of Temash Street in Orange Walk Town, was shot to death by a gunman, who reportedly ambushed him from behind. Police say that the incident happened at around 1 o’clock on Sunday morning, October 8, 2017, on Mopan Street, which is a short distance away from the home of his parents. Police say that he was walking when someone came up behind him and shot him several times. It is believed that he may have gotten a phone call before he left his workplace, where he was socializing with friends and family.

Police remain puzzled at the death of Cotton Tree resident
A resident from Cotton Tree and father of four children was discovered floating at the center of the flooded Belize River last Thursday. Isau Perez, 33, was found with stab wounds to the chest and throat area. A post-mortem examination has confirmed that he succumbed to these injuries. Police believe that he was thrown into the river after he was killed. John Carr, the owner of the Banana Bank Resort, had loaned officers a boat and they had found the body about a mile downriver. Officers were lucky to find the body as the water current was taking it swiftly.

One year for escaping from police custody
Convicted prisoner, 39-year-old Eugene Bailey, pled guilty to escaping from police custody while at the Precinct 3 Police Station. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. He told the magistrate that on the day, he was sentenced to 5 years for a firearm offense. He got the impression that he could leave the station and left to visit his newborn baby girl.

Mechanic is fined $10,000 for drug trafficking
Lloyd Jones, a Ladyville resident who is a mechanic and yard cleaner, was levied a mandatory fine of $10,000 after he pled guilty to drug trafficking in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Jones appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp to answer to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. The allegations against Jones are that on October 6, 2017, he was found in possession of 383 grams of cannabis. The bust was made by PC Ramirez, Cpl Baizer, WPC Kerr, and PC Pow. The officers said that while conducting a mobile patrol in the Ladyville area, they saw Jones riding on his bicycle.

Office assistant is remanded for homemade firearm
Leon Walford, a 32-year-old office assistant and resident of Amara Avenue, is behind bars after he was arraigned on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 on two criminal offenses for a kept prohibited firearm and kept ammunitions without being granted a gun license. The allegations against Walford are that on Friday, October 6, 2017, police visited a home on Baracat Street and conducted a search inside the home. A homemade firearm with one live round of ammunition was found and Walford was charged as a result.

Stabbing incident in Toledo
On Monday, October 9, 2017, police responded to information of a stabbing incident and visited New Road, Toledo where they saw 22-year-old Javier Martinez, a driver of Bella Vista Village, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his head and body. Investigation revealed that Martinez and 25-year-old Daniel Mejia, a welder of Water Supply area, were involved in an altercation and as a result, Mejia inflicted the injuries. Martinez was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. Daniel Mejia also sustained a cut wound to his hand and has since been detained pending investigation.

Young artist gunned down
Justin Hyde, a 22-year-old man living in the Jane Usher Boulevard area, who had a troubled past, was shot and killed over the long weekend. It happened at around 9:16 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2017, at the corner of Curl Thompson and Levi Slusher Streets. Police say that he and 2 other men were riding on separate bicycles. They were only a few blocks away from his house, and it was close enough that his family heard the sound of gunshots in the distance. They were concerned about the incident, but they later got the very bad news that the victim in that shooting was Hyde. He was the only person injured in the shooting, and one of the bullets injured him to the back.

Belmopan Bandits clips the Placencia Assassins in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Competition continued over the weekend with four games on the schedule. On Saturday 7th October, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the defending champions and current leaders in this year’s Opening Season Competition, the Belmopan Bandits, defeated the visiting Placencia Assassins FC by the score of 3-1. The first half of the game ended in a 0-0 draw and it was not until the 56th minute of play, that the Belmopan Bandits was able to penetrate the defence of the Placencia Assassins that allowed George Welcome to score the 1st goal to give his team a 1-0 lead.

St. Joseph Primary School girls and boys win again in basketball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition continued on Tuesday 10th October at the Gateway Youth Centre in Belize City. In the only game played in the girls’ competition, St. Joseph Primary School defeated Central Christian School by the score of 26-4. The top scorer for St. Joseph Primary School was Briah Clarke with 26 points while the top scorer for Central Christian School was Yasmin Weir with 1 point.

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.

Sand Hill Blue Hawks top seed into Leal’s Football Cup Playoffs
The Leal’s Football Cup for 2017 regular season came to an end on Monday 9th October with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Lucky Strike defeated Burrell Boom by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Augustine Smith. In game two, Sand Hill Blue Hawks defeated Sand Hill New Site Warriors by the score of 4-1. The goals for the Sand Hill Blue Hawks were scored by Marques Stamp, Travon Martinez, Kevin Najerra and Darren Leal, while the only goal of the game for the Sand Hill New Site Warriors was scored by Jose Garcia.

Fires gut homes in Burrell Boom and Belize City
On Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 12:55 a.m., police responded to a report of a house fire in Burrell Boom. Upon arrival, police saw a two-storey house with the wooden section engulfed in flames. Nathalie Hyde, the 54-year-old owner of structure, reported that earlier that morning, she and her son, Jairo Perdirio Jr., were sleeping upstairs when she was awoken by the strong smell of smoke. She also observed that her washing machine was on fire. Hyde’s neighbors assisted her in extinguishing the fire. The cost of the damages has not yet been ascertained. Police investigation continues

Elder at Adventist Church in Cayo assists the needy
An elder from the community in Santa Elena, Cayo is creating waves by giving to 20 needy persons for a planned entire year. Francis Toyloy from the Central Seventh Day Adventist has partnered with his friend Michael Wade to distribute basic goods on the first Wednesday of each month. Distribution of the goods started last week and will be continued with the assistance of other church members. (Needy) Persons will be assisted on a weekly basis by Francis Toyloy.

Young Belizean on his way to Russia
A young Belizean and community developer is on his way to Russia. According to Galen University, “19 year old Erwin Wills, a former Central American Youth Ambassador, is one of our new Eagles here at Galen University.” He is admirably active in the community as he co-runs multiple chess clubs in Belmopan and has had numerous experiences representing Belize in the United States and Guatemala City since the age of 15.” Erwin continues on this trend as he leaves for the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) that will unite 20,000 young leaders from 183 countries in Sochi, Russia.

Hurricane Facts & Tips - Atlantic Hurricane Season - 21 September – 14 October
The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been an above normal season. Professor Gabriel Vecchi, stated “… it’s unambiguous that over the last 30 years, hurricane activity in the Atlantic has increased. I don’t think there’s reason to doubt that…”. To date we have matched the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season forecast is for 16 named storms and we have exceeded the forecast for 6 hurricanes and 3 major storms. So far there were 9 hurricanes and 5 major storms. There were two CAT 5 storms this year; only 1932, 1933, 1961, 2005 and 2007 have had multiple CAT 5 storms. The 2017 season is ranked the 8th season with the highest ACE, higher that 1961, which ranked 9th (the year of Hattie) and 1998 (the year of Mitch) ranked 10th. The season is not over; we still have the remainder of October and November.

It hard but you can overcome
The school year is young and flying quickly by; that is, unless you are a student. If you are a student, then you are almost certainly counting down impatiently to Christmas break, hoping for some relief from the mountain of assignments, and the challenging class work. But regardless how challenging it gets, stay the course; choose to stay in school. Many students do not. Students choose to leave school for a variety of reasons, but the decision to do so has serious long-term consequences. Those without diplomas face limited job opportunities and a lowered earning potential. While the reasons for dropping out of school are varied, solutions exist to help young people stay focused on their education. While each student who has made the decision to leave school has an individual story and reasons, there are several common risk factors.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
In the book of the prophet Micah, chapter 7, verse 8, we read: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy. Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord God Yahweh will be my light”. If you find yourself in the middle of a fire that is consuming you and everything you have, which comes and goes repeatedly, which of these two people will you prefer to be with you?

Breaking Belize News

Taxi man gunned down in Belize City
Shortly after 7:30 tonight, a well known taxi man was shot and killed on Hicatee Street in Belize City.

Personnel from BERT ambulance service affected by pink eye
The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) today issued a press release advising the public to minimize non emergency response calls since personnel from the organization are currently being affected by pink eye.

Ministry of Works and IDB provide road and canal maintenance equipment to Belize City Council
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works today handed over to the Belize City Council, road and canal maintenance equipment procured by the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Program, with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

PUP to hold national conventions on November 26
The People’s United Party (PUP) had announced at their party council meeting that the party will be having a national convention in November.

BCCI and IDB sign agreement to increase private sector climate change resilience
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), today signed the Technical Cooperation Agreement for the project entitled “Proadapt Belize – Increasing Climate Change Resilience and Related Business Opportunities” with the objective of increasing private sector climate resilience in Belize.

Belize hosts third multi-national security conference
The Ministry of Defence hosted the 3rd Annual Multi National Security Conference on Friday, October 6th 2017 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The main objective of the conference was to share Belize’s vision, work and requirements with regards to military assistance with our allies and partners.

Fabers Road reconstruction project valued at almost $8 million signed today
The construction contract for the Reconstruction of Faber’s Road (between George Price Highway and Central American Boulevard) was signed today, October 12, between the Government of Belize (GOB) and Imer Hernandez Development Co. Ltd. at the office of the Ministry of Works in Belmopan.

Black Orchid’s Pan Di Riva Restaurant to Hold Grand Opening on October 20
The Pan Di Riva Restaurant and Bar will hold its grand opening on October 20, 2017, at 6:30 PM at #2 Dawson Lane in Burrell Boom Village in Belize. Chef Belinda Bishop, the author of “Flavour of Grenada” will be on hand to serve guests with traditional Creole dishes, locally sourced tropical fruits, and special drinks. Owner Douglas Thompson will host the grand opening in memory of his wife, Karen.

The Belize Social Security Board Needs Forensic Audit
The Belize Social Security Board (BSSB) has advised employers and employees of Belize that they plan to raise “contributions” in early 2018. Their primary reason given is that they have not increased contributions for a long time, since around 2003.

Over 12,000 Belizeans visited Chetumal/Mexico this past weekend
According to a report from CTV3 News in Orange Walk, over the long weekend, the Northern Border saw a total of 13,232 departures from Belize into Mexico. The report states that out of the total departures, 12,607 were Belizeans that went to visit tourist destinations in the neighboring country.

Search for missing Norwegian- Belizean man continues
Today marks the fourth day that Norwegian- Belizean businessman Chrisstofer Jan Roggema has been missing. Roggema owned the Cocoplum Garden Spa in Caye Caulker and has been living in Belize since the late 1980’s.

Belize Media boycotts Police Department again
Most media houses countrywide have decided to once again go on a boycott of the Police Department. Journalists and media personnel have engaged in boycotting all police related activities since they have brought forth their concern to the Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) that the Police Department has denied to give a press briefing on the major crimes that have happened in the country over the last couple of weeks.

Truck driver served with notice of intended prosecution
Yesterday around 2:30, police responded to a fatal traffic accident between miles 32 and 33 on the Southern Highway. They saw Sebastian Cucul, 32, a laborer of San Isidoro Village lying on the side of the highway with head and body injuries and apparently dead.

Blogs

A Guide to Packing for Belize in the Rainy Season
For someone who likes to pack the morning of a trip (even if I am leaving at 6am), this is quite a feat for me. A packing list. Let’s give it a go. A light rain jacket and a small umbrella: Since “the weather” can come and go quickly, it’s always nice to have a light jacket with a hood with you as well as an umbrella. Waterproof and breathable…water-resistant doesn’t do much. Can you buy it in Belize? Good ones? No. Plastic disposable ponchos? If you are in San Pedro or San Igancio, yes. At the local gift shops. A few Ziplock bags: No matter when you are traveling (or where), these are always a good idea. Great to take on a snorkeling trip for your camera or, just in case…when it starts to rain, zip up your phone and your wallet.

Washing Your Hands and Other Great Tricks
The show must go on and it did, in spite of the fact that a high portion of the islanders are suffering from pink eye and largely banished from the public. Countrywide the Ministry of Health recently reported 5434 known cases over the last four weeks. Numbers are actually higher as many people went and got treatment without seeing a doctor. On Ambergris Caye there were over 379 cases of this unpleasant ailment. The Ambergris Caye Rotary Club members were out in full force keeping us healthy and germ-free. Member Kate Corrigan carried a huge jug of hand sanitizer and every person who walked through the door had to “wash up”. Sadly the pink epidemic still affected crowd numbers. I knew this would be the case as my friend Cindy who saw the show the night before mentioned it in her review when I asked how she liked it. She also has hand sanitizer taped to her golf cart and still managed to catch the pink plague somewhere in her travels post show.

International Sources

Belize Police Officers admitted to the Bar in Fiji
On Thursday October 12, 2017 (Fiji time) Police Constable 214 Holman Katanegie (left) and Corporal 1100 Mannon Dennison (right) were admitted to the bar as Barristers and Solicitors, Attorneys at Law at the High Court in Suva, Fiji by Honourable Chief Justice A. Gates. Both Officers are now competent to practice law in the Courts of Fiji.

The Real Coconut helps create a sustainable economy in Belize with the launch of US snack line
After building a successful restaurant in Mexico based in part on the popularity and health benefits of coconut, entrepreneur Daniella Hunter is expanding her mission of promoting digestive well-being and sustainability to the US and Belize with a new line of baked goods and snacks.

Commentary: Where are the ‘Black Caribs’
By Wellington C. Ramos. When I was a little boy growing up in my town of Dangriga, British Honduras, now known as Belize, everybody in our country and in the world knew us as “Black Caribs”. This term was used by some while other individuals, groups and ethnic groups used Kerobee, Salt Head Kerobee, 36 and many other demeaning racial labels. Nobody was educating our people about the history of the label “Black Caribs” that led to all the other labels. This label first started with Christopher Columbus working on behalf of the Spanish crown who called us “Caribe”.

Videos

Unveiling of the Special Envoy's 2017 Cancer Awareness Flyer!, 20min. - Be a Survivor; You Do Not Have To Lose Your Life

On our way to Guatemala. San Ignacio, Belize, 5min. On our way from Belize city to Guatemala we stayed in a small city of San Ignacio.

Breakfast @ Cozy Corner Placencia, Belize, 1min.

Belize Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 40min.

Word Obesity Day 2017, 36min.

Ocean Heros Awardees - Oceana Belize, 41min.

Flooding street in San Pedro yesterday, 15sec.

See & Taste Belize 2017, 4min.

Updates October 2017 from Tropical Belize, 2.5min. Building an intentional vegan community and retreat on 13 acres on land in Central Belize.

October 12, 2017

San Pedrano Actor Horacio Louis Guerrero, addresses the audience at the screening of Christopher Coppola’s film ‘Torch,’ premiere on Sunday, October 8th at the Mill Valley Film Festival in San Francisco, California USA, 1.5min.

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

San Pedro Pirates trailing in Premier League of Belize Tournament
Week nine of the 2017-2018 Premier League of Belize (PBL) Opening Season saw yet another loss for the San Pedro Pirates Football Club. Taking on the BDF Football Club in an away game at the MCC Grounds in Belize City on Sunday, October 8th, the San Pedro Pirates suffered a 1-0 point defeat. This latest match puts the Pirates in sixth position in the tournament standing, with only eight overall points. The match against BDF FC started at around 4PM. Several island football fans traveled along with the Pirates to show support and cheer them on. It was a tight match through the game time, with neither team allowing a goal. However, in the 60th minute, BDF’s Jarren Lambey managed to sneak by, scoring the only goal of the match. Unable to score a goal of their own, the San Pirates had to settle for defeat.

Kristin Marin joins Caribbean Regional Youth Council Executive Team
On Thursday, October 5th, The National Youth Council of Belize (NYCB) announced the installation of Belize’s Kristin Marin as the Vice-chair of Membership and Partnership on the Executive of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC). Marin is the Director of Projects Abroad Belize (PAB) as well as a member of the Belize Red Cross – San Pedro Branch. She had also been volunteering with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYNF). NYCB nominated Marin for the position after she submitted an application to participate in the World Youth Conference for 2017, to be held this November in Belize City. Her application was revised by the NYCB after which she was asked to submit a photo identification and manifesto. She was further questioned on the importance of being nominated to work with CRYC before her application could be shortlisted.

David Doehm’s death ruled suicide
American national 59-year-old David Doehm was found dead in a hotel room in Belize City of an apparent suicide. Doehm had been out on a $10,000 Supreme Court bail for the charge of ‘Cruelty to a Child’ in connection with the death of his stepdaughter 13-year-old Faye Lin Cannon. His body was apparently discovered by a housekeeper on Thursday, October 5th around 12:30PM. No foul play was suspected and police told the media that Doehm had committed suicide.

Ambergris Today

Kristin Marin Appointed In Caribbean Regional Youth Council Team
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.

EmPOWER Girls: International Day Of The Girl Child
EmPOWER girls: before, during and after crises. Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem: Girls today enjoy better life prospects than previous generations in many ways. Prosperity and nutrition are improving, child marriage and teenage pregnancy are declining, and female educational attainment and participation in the labour force are on the rise. However, these advances are far from universal and are increasingly tenuous in many parts of the world. The poorest—particularly girls—are often left behind, their rights undermined.

New Tree Species Discovered In Toledo, Belize
A new species of tree has been documented in the forests of southern Belize. Parasenegalia lundellii (family: Fabaceae) was discovered by plant ecologist Steven Brewer in the pristine Bladen Nature Reserve, which is co-managed by Ya’axché Conservation Trust. The new species is found in semi-evergreen tropical forests and is restricted to rugged limestone ridges and slopes such as those of the Maya Mountains.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELTRAIDE attends Foro de Cancun 2017
Foro de Cancun, an annual forum aimed to strengthen ties between Latin America and the Greater Caribbean for better integration and diversity in global value chains, was held on September 27th – 29th, 2017 in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. BELTRAIDE, represented by Ms. Diana Hernandez from EXPORTBelize and Mr. Gian Hernandez from BelizeINVEST, Generation, attended this year’s event, promoting Belize as a viable and opportune market for trade and investment. The main activities of the Forum included business round-table discussions between buyers and exporters from the region, but also seminars and workshops on building a regional strategy to project business opportunities to other external markets. There were varying interests in the displayed products, some of which included: hot sauce products, juices, chocolate and rum. Buyers present were from China, Columbia, Mexico, U.S.A., and other countries in Europe.

Sandy Toes Retro Halloween Costume party
Here you go San Pedro we doing it big again this year but this time with a fun twist. Sandy Toes Retro Halloween Costume party. we going back way back throwback style. so many prizes so much fun. and ofcourse yo boy Dj Patrón. playing the hits all night. Saturday Oct 28th Sandy Toes will be CRAZYYYY!!!!!

Drumming Summer Camp
In September, the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project in collaboration with the Belize National Kriol Council conducted a Drumming Summer Camp for youths in the community. As part of their pulbic awareness campaign, the group performed at the opening ceremony of the 2017 BCCI Expo. They performed so well that we understand that they were offered a gig in November. We say keep on drumming boys!

International Archaeology Day lecture
Orange Walk, October 17 and 18. Banquitas House of Culture

Reducing Conflict between farmers and jaguars
Even though jaguars are present around livestock farms, verified by camera traps, there seems to be no conflict when farms are well managed. Protected Areas Program Director Karla Hernandez and Toledo’s Human Jaguar Conflict Officer Marchilio “Moon” Ack are working alongside farmers to reduce conflict between jaguars and humans. So far, 30 farms have been assessed and reports of “jaguar” attacks investigated. This work is being supported by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

BAS Urban bird walk
Mark your calendar. Set your alarm. BAS Urban bird walk is this Sat starting at 6 am from the Ocean Ferry bridge. Last year in the rain we counted 52 different species of birds. See you there.

Taiwan supports Small Scale Farming in Schools
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated BZ$5,000 to support the Belmopan Police Department’s Small Scale Farming in Schools initiative in the Belmopan Jurisdiction. This project is developed with a focus on community youth empowerment through sustainable agriculture practices to lead the young generation to a positive way of life. The beneficiaries include San Martin Government School, Garden City Primary School, and the Methodist High School. 1,200 children will be impacted by these projects.

EmPOWER girls: before, during and after crises
Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem for the International Day of the Girl Child, 11 October 2017. Girls today enjoy better life prospects than previous generations in many ways. Prosperity and nutrition are improving, child marriage and teenage pregnancy are declining, and female educational attainment and participation in the labor force are on the rise. However, these advances are far from universal and are increasingly tenuous in many parts of the world. The poorest—particularly girls—are often left behind, their rights undermined. They get less education, have fewer opportunities and are more likely to take jobs that pay less and involve more risk than girls who are economically better off. In addition to the social forces against them, girls continue to face high levels of gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe deliveries. One in four girls will be married before she is 18, and one in five adolescent girls aged 15-19 will give birth.

Winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Belize, within the Department of the Environment (DOE), hereby announces the winners of the Ozone Photo Competition 2017, which was held in celebration of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer under the theme “Caring for all life under the sun”. The NOU received a total of 18 entries from various age groups throughout the country and is pleased to name the following winners: 1st Place Winner - Aerd D’Belle, 2nd Place Winner - John Banner, 3rd Place Winner - Nadir Price.The First Place winner will receive $500.00 dollars, the Second Place winner will receive $450.00, and the Third Place winner will receive $300.00. The winners will all receive their prizes on October 16th, 2017 from the DOE.

Eugene Palacio passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Palacio friends and family on the passing of Mr. Eugene Palacio. Mr. Eugene Palacio was the Director of Local Government and was of great assistance to the San Pedro Town Council and the community of San Pedro. May his soul rest in peace.

Meet the new Education Assistant and Bird Trainer at Belize Raptor Center!
Maricia is a recent graduate of Independence Junior College with an Associate degree in Natural Resource Management and a huge passion for Birds. Doing volunteer work with Belize Audubon Society and participating in the BBC Raptor Watch program, it is with great honor that she has joined our team at BRC. The first week has been a full hands on learning experience, building bonds with all the ambassadors and jumping right in to outreach programs, we see amazing new opportunities in the future for BRC with Maricia on board.

1st Annual CorozalBay Biker Fest 2017
Something new for our little Town. Inviting Bikers and Public in general to day of Fun, Rock and lots of Throttle shifting. Spread the word!

Octoberfest 2017
Menu Includes Bratwurst, Homemade German Potato Salad, Homemade Sauerkraut, and Homemade German Chocolate Cake, 1 Authentic German Draft Beer All For $25 BZ Please RSVP By October 18, 2017. Anyone Wearing Lederhosen Eats Free!! — at Cerros Beach Resort. Sunday, October 22 at 12 PM - 6 PM, Cerros Penisula, Corozal.

It Came From The Jungle Halloween Party
It's our first Halloween Party and we're prepared to scare you dancing on the dance floor! Join us this Oct 28th from 9pm - 3am with a cocktail of music genres, booze and food. Dress to impress for a chance to win amazing prizes, including a bar tab for Most Unique Costume, Creepiest Costume & Sexiest Costume. Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo.

Art in the Park in Corozal this weekend
Here is hoping the weather holds up for this weekend's ART IN THE PARK!

D-Stress at the Princess Casino Free Zone Corozal
Another LAUGH OUT LOUD weekend with popular stand up comedian Gustavo Chapa "EL AGÜIGÜI" this Friday October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. We invite you to come out and have a full laugh out loud weekend. NO COVER!

Boo at the Zoo 2017
The Belize Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo will be happening on Saturday, October 28th, and it starts at 1:30. Dibary has tickets, and you can also call the zoo at 822-8000 for more information. "Mark your calendars, folks! October 28th will be another spooky Saturday with the 4th annual Boo at the Zoo! This year we are teaming up with our friends from Wildtracks and the Crocodile Research Coalition to include "Howlereen" and "Croctober" booths, too! Tickets are already available for purchase at the Zoo. Stay tuned for announcements on ticket outlets in the cities/towns. Contact us at 822-8000 or frontdesk@belizezoo.org for more information."

Life birds or Die
the new motto of this crew that took this expedition beyond the Belize's Barrier Reef.A little sample of what we lived A pleasure my friends. Halfmoon caye

Channel 7

Another Fatal Accident on Southern Highway
A man on motorbike was killed on the southern highway this afternoon - and what's chilling is that it happened just a few hundred yards from another traffic fatality less than 48 hours earlier. Today at around 3:00, 32 year old Sebastian Cucul was on his "Skygo" motorbike rounding a curve near mile 31 on the Southern Highway when he collided head on with an 18 wheeler carrying a full load of sand and gravel. The driver of the 18 wheeler tried to avoid the impact and swerved, which caused the loaded truck to triple over on the side of the road, dumping the huge load.

US Embassy Reinforces "Criminal Immunity" Clause
But it seems that there will be no notice of intended prosecution for US diplomat Justin Guidry - who police say, caused the accident that killed 30 year old Samantha Castillo, 23 year old Martha Nayeli Vasques, and her one year old child Deanna Castillo. The three were in a Honda Element - which Guidry hit while overtaking at mile 2.5 on the George Price Highway. The Police Department has refused to say if he will be prosecuted or not, but today the US Embassy did reply to one of our questions about the accident. In response to our question about whether Guidry is covered by diplomatic immunity - The Embassy's Public Affairs Office says, quote, "The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations affords criminal immunity to diplomatic agents and members of the administrative and technical staff of an Embassy."

Might Deputy Kareem Challenge Leader Briceno?
PUP Leader John Briceno surprised many in his party on September 30th when he called for a snap national convention on November 26th. It was endorsed unopposed by the National Party Council - but tonight, it's clear that it's not going to be a cakewalk to that date. Briceno did it to consolidate his power, and quiet those whispers of dissent within his party. But tonight, it's not a whisper; Deputy Party Leader Kareem Musa has made it public that there are those in the party who find Briceno's brand of leadership divisive. Today, Musa held a press briefing at his office to say that he is considering challenging Briceno for the leadership in November's convention. To hear him tell it, it all started after KREM's Marisol Amaya asked Briceno about a possible challenge right at the September 30th meeting. For background, here's what she asked Briceno:...

PUP Files Suit against GOB For Franz Park Appointment to COA
And while Briceno has some interesting days ahead with Musa, he's also taking out a lawsuit against the government to block the appointment of Justice of Appeal Franz Parke. The law firm of Courtenay Coye LLP today filed suit against the Attorney General. The suit says that Franz Parke does not meet the requirements of the constitution to serve on the Court of Appeal that the decision by the Prime Minister to appoint him for a period of five years is unconstitutional and void, and that he was not constitutionally appointed to the court of appeal.

Norwegian Missing For More Than 48 Hours
Norwegian Belizean citizen Christoffer Jan Roggema has been missing since Monday. Roggema who once owned the Cocoplum Garden Spa in Caye Caulker recently moved to the village of St. Margaret on the Hummingbird Highway. On Monday morning Roggema went to see property with a business partner and a land surveyor in the bush. A friend who is now leading the search tells us that Rogemma was battling a bad case of the flu along with a bronchial cough. He was encouraged not to go due to his illness and the difficulty of the hike into the area but he still insisted. After a while Roggema's illness caught up with him. The other men went back for the car to pick him up so he did not have to walk any further. They told Roggema to wait but when they got back he was nowhere to be found. They believe Roggema ventured off onto another trail while waiting. They were reportedly able to reach Roggema via phone but the signal was not strong enough and they lost him. The men immediately reported Roggema's absence to the police and they have been searching ever since. It has been more than 48 hours. The canine unit was brought in today but they still did not have any luck.

Was Almendarez Killed By Relative?
27 year old Jason Almendarez was killed in broad daylight yesterday at a neighborhood restaurant. At 2:15, he was buying lunch just a few blocks from his home in the St. Martin's area - when a gunman came up and shot him in the head. He survived for three hours and died at five to six yesterday evening at the KHMH. Today his mother refused to comment, but reports from the area say that it was a dispute over money with a relative that led to his execution. Police haven't released any information on possible suspects. His was the second murder in the city in less than 24 hours. His mother says he was not involved in any gang.

Man Shot Twice, Cops Mum
Police also have not released any information on a shooting that happened last night. According to unofficial reports, at around 8:00, 26 year old Javon Bradley was standing in front of a yard on Lakeview Street - not far from his home. A gunman shot him to the right midsection. He is unofficially reported to be in a critical condition.

Media Boycott Police (Again)
Now, if you've been counting so far in the news tonight - I've probably said about 6 times that "police haven't provided information." Indeed, it has become the norm where the police press office has flatly denied the media any interviews since September 13th. In that time there have been about three dozen media requests for interviews with the police about cases of urgent public interest, and these have all been declined. For our part, we have been asking the police press office if there has been a change in policy, but we've gotten no answer. So, today the media decided to once again go on a boycott of the police department. We did it earlier this year, and we're doing it again because the Senior Command has acted unilaterally in taking a decision that affects the free flow of information and undermines the public's right to know. So, as long as the boycott continues, the media has unanimously agreed not to cover any police events or give them any publicity - because we insist our relationship must be unilateral - in the interest of our viewership.

Begging to Be In BDF
A crowd of young men from all over the country have been camped out in front of the BDF Price Barracks for 12 days - waiting patiently to be called in from the standby list. Well, all their money and food supplies have run out and they haven't gotten any call as yet. Instead of being welcomed with open arms by the BDF, they say they are being chased away and even roughed up by police. Now when we say 12 days - we mean they have not moved from that spot. So their beds are cardboard boxes and their bathrooms are the nearby bushes. Today when we spoke to a couple of them they say they are enduring all this to get a job. Delyn Jones, Crooked Tree Resident: "We came from October the 1st that is 2 weeks now." Courtney Weatherburne, reporter: "2 weeks actually out here, staying here." Delyn Jones: "12 days, yes ma'am."

Senate Select and The CEO
Today, the Senate Select Committee held its 36th session in the ongoing Senate Hearings on Immigration. After 4 days of testimony from the current Immigration Director, the Senate Committee today called her boss, the CEO in charge of Immigration, Edmund Zuniga, to testify. It was a short 2-hour conversation, where the senators mostly confirmed details of the administrative changes that have been implemented at the Immigration Department to prevent the type of abuses seen in the audit period of 2013 to 2015. So, it was mostly things which we, and by extension, you, the viewer already knew, but there were 2 interesting topics which the Senate brought up with CEO Zuniga. The first was introduced by Business Senator Mark Lizarraga, who wanted to know if the Ministry has any intention of engaging the Police Department to investigate the many actionable cases of fraud and forgery exposed in the Auditor General's report. As you've been hearing, the witnesses have been sort of washing their hands of responsibility for initiating any real police intervention, and Senator Lizarraga wanted Zuniga's opinion on that issue:

Can Suspect Nationality Documents Be Cancelled
So, while Senator Lizarraga wanted to find out if there would be any police investigation into the Audit Report, PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay wanted to know what CEO Edmund Zuniga's stance was on a wholesale cancellation of all fraudulently obtained nationalities. Courtenay pressed Zuniga on that topic, and here's how that part of the hearing went: Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "You are aware that there has been evidence before this committee that many people have Nationality who did not qualify, you are aware of that evidence?" Edmund Zuniga- CEO, Ministry of Immigration: "Yes." Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "There is a list of 2,000 or add people who received Nationality directly connected to elections many of whom from testimony in here did not qualify. Is anything being done with respect to that list?" Edmund Zuniga: "Not as far as I know, no."

Court Clarity on Controversial Shares
7 months ago, we told you about the big Supreme Court judgment that 600 retired public officers won against 2 of the biggest workers unions - the PSU and the BNTU. That should have been the end of that fight over several million dollars in backpay, but it appears that the saga will continue. Since 2014, the BNTU and the PSU had been controlling the use of this money after the Barrow Administration handed it over to them. It goes all the way back to the wage freeze from 1995 to 1997 implemented by the Esquivel Administration. To compromise with those public officers, Prime Minister Esquivel gave them 450,000 shares in BTL. These shares were issued INSTEAD of the frozen increments. The dividends from the shares were supposed to be used to compensate the public officers for their losses in the wage freeze.

Cops Turned Into Cocaine Cowboys?
The police professional standards branch is cracking down on crooked cops - including those officers from the Special Patrol Unit - who allegedly turned into cocaine cowboys. Back in April of this year, an SPU Corporal and two Constables and another officer searched a home in Santa Elena Town. They reportedly found 27 parcels of Cocaine. They confiscated the drugs and arrested the persons in the home and started taking them to Belmopan. But, on the way there, they allegedly stopped and released their detainees and continued to Belmopan. When they got to Belmopan, instead of depositing the drugs they allegedly went and stashed the drugs with the intention of selling them and sharing the proceeds.

Pink Eye and The People
The Pink Eye outbreak has been spreading like wildfire in Belize. Thousands of children and adults have come down with the condition - and, every day, hundreds more show up at clinics for diagnosis and treatment. Even though it only lasts up to five days, the great discomfort that accompanies the condition, makes life miserable for that short time. So, right now in Belize everyone is either recovering from it, or doing all they can to not contract it. Today 7 news went out on Albert Street to hear how people are coping with the outbreak and we also learned about some unique remedies that are used to fight the Pink. Reporter: "Have you gotten pink eye yet?" Interviewee 1: "I gotta meet thousands of people in the nature of my work so to avoid contact with the pink eye I avoid physical contact. People like to shake my hand so I buck fist. However, I make sure I don't ever touch my face until I get home and wash my face."

Narcie Celebrates Abilities
They may not crack the mainstream too often, but many Belizeans are faced with crippling disabilities that make everyday life a daily challenge. However many of these people defy the odds by learning to live with their disability and lead a productive life. These stories are not just moving but they are also inspirational. Narcie - which is the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education - is now encouraging disabled persons to share their stories. They have opened a competition called the "I Am Able Video" competition. Dr. Candy Armstrong from Narcie gave us details: Candice Armstrong, NARCIE Volunteer: "It is a video competition that is geared toward highlighting the life or lives of someone living with a disability and the challenges they overcome so it is supposed to be like an inspirational. Moving something that would motivate someone who has a disability or someone who does not have a disability to realize that this person can do it why can't I."

Police Assoc. Educating Cops
Earlier we told you about the media boycott of police news. So, then, you might be asking why our next story is about the Belize Police Association? Well the association has nothing to do with the senior command - it's an association that exists to look out for the welfare of officers - and in doing that, they often clash with the senior command. Now the association is holding a raffle to raise funds for a scholarship program to benefit Police officers. The raffle has three grand prizes and plenty raffle tickets to go around. The president of the Association told us more... Eldon Arzu, President of The Belize Police Association: "The purpose of this raffle is to commence a scholarship program which will benefit police officers and their children. The raffle has three prizes. The first prize being a 2012 Jeep Liberty, The second prize is a motorcycle, and the third prize is a 43-inch flat screen TV."

Channel 5

Kareem Musa for P.U.P. Leader? He Says He is Considering Options
Is there an unexpected challenge for the leadership of the People’s United Party ahead of a national convention in the weeks ahead? Deputy Party Leader Kareem Musa called a press [...]

Despite John Briceño Support, Others May Challenge Him
Since the announcement of the national convention, letters of endorsement for Briceño’s leadership have been issued from an overwhelming number of caucuses; in fact, from as many as twenty-eight those [...]

P.U.P. Leader Claimed Kareem Was on His Side
On the occasion of the National Party Council meeting in Belize City, party leader John Briceño was asked specifically about a Kareem Musa leadership challenge and whether the timing of [...]

Musa: Titles Don’t Matter, Actions Do
With only a midterm in electoral politics to his credit thus far, is Musa prepared to take the reins of the oldest political organization in Belize? He admits that his [...]

P.U.P. House Divided: is Son ‘Stalking Horse’ for Ex-Leader Dad?
According to Musa, the P.U.P., despite being in opposition since 2008, remains a house divided and continues to be bogged down by dissent among factions within the party. Musa says [...]

Media Begins Boycott of Police; No Update from ComPol
At this station, we have joined media colleagues countrywide in a boycott of all activities of the Belize Police Department as we await action on various issues to better improve [...]

P.U.P. Begins Challenge of Franz Parke in Supreme Court
The law firm of Courtenay Coye and Company, acting for Opposition Leader John Briceño, this afternoon filed a fixed date claim form against the Attorney General concerning the appointment of [...]

Mom Says Goodbye to Jason Almendarez
The murder of Jason Almendarez occurred on Tuesday afternoon on Jasmine Street off Mahogany Street in Belize City. Almendarez was purchasing food when he was targeted by a gunman believed [...]

Jaron Bradley Critical, But Recovering after Latest Shooting
Tonight, another Belize City youth remains in a critical, but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following a shooting on Tuesday night. Just after seven o’clock, Jaron Bradley [...]

No Charges for Diplomat in Fatal Accident as Family Buries 3 Victims
The fatal accident that happened on the George Price Highway over the weekend took the lives of twenty-three-year-old Marta Vasquez, her eighteen-month-old daughter Deanna Castillo and her sister-in-law, thirty-year-old Samantha [...]

Fatality for Motorcyclist near Red Bank
A motorcyclist identified as thirty-three-year-old Sebastian Cucul died after a traffic accident this afternoon at the Red Bank village junction on the Southern Highway. This is the second fatality in [...]

Cops Interdicted for Cocaine Theft and Extortion Cases
Five officers have been placed on interdiction after they were slapped with disciplinary charges which stem from two incidents; one in the west involving a large quantity of cocaine and [...]

Ex-forensic Examiner Appeals Conviction for Evidence Tampering Offer
Orlando Vera, the former Belize Police Department Forensic examiner, was convicted of the offense of abetment of the crime for perverting the course of justice and has been serving a [...]

Can Money Buy Love in P.U.P.?
Earlier in the newscast, Deputy Party Leader Kareem Musa told the media that he is contemplating whether he should challenge Party Leader John Briceño for leadership of the People’s United [...]

39-year-old Kareem Musa Emphasizes ‘the Audacity of Youth’
At thirty-nine-years-old, Kareem Musa would be the youngest politician vying for leadership of the People’s United Party. He represents a number of voters, as well as members of the P.U.P., [...]

C.E.O. Admits Roles Mixed Up at Immigration
The Senate Special Select Committee called C.E.O. in the Ministry of Immigration and Nationality, Edmund Zuniga, to testify this morning. Chief of command behind Minister Godwin Hulse, he is responsible [...]

Where Did Cabinet Visa Reports Go?
During his testimony in May, former Minister of State for Immigration, Elvin Penner, contended that Cabinet, during his tenure, received monthly reports from the department on the number of visas [...]

C.E.O. Zuniga to Police: Don’t Wait; Investigate!
As a former Auditor General, Edmund Zuniga told the Senate Special Select Committee that it is standard practice for the Police Department to receive copies of the audit institution’s reports [...]

Migration Policy, in 2 Years’ Time, Gives Greater Direction
Since the Auditor General’s Report 2011-2013 was completed, many questions remain unanswered as to aspects of the country’s migration plans and efforts. Belize does not at present have a comprehensive [...]

I Want To Be a Soldier in the Army!
Police were called in this morning at Price Barracks to remove a group of men and a woman hoping to be accepted as recruits for the new B.D.F. intake. They [...]

How Not to Go Overboard Mentally at Work
On Tuesday, Belize joined the rest of the world to observe Mental Health Day. And as we reported, this year the focus is on mental health in the work place. [...]

CTV3

Disus's Allege Aggressor Charge For Aggravated Burglary
Thirty five year old Bernard Bustillos, the man charged for ‘Aggravated Burglary’ against thirty eight year old Eddie Disus, appeared at the Orange Walk Magistrates Court yesterday where he was officially arraigned in the presence of Magistrate Albert Hoare. Bustillos was granted bail in the sum of $2,000 which he was unable to meet and as such was remanded to prison until his next court date scheduled for the 20th of December, 2017.

Is Kareem Musa Eye In PUP Party Leader Seat?
Will Deputy Leader Kareem Musa challenge current Party Leader John Briceno in a national convention slated for November 26th? That’s the question that has been spreading fast and furious for several weeks since the PUP held its National Party Council in Belize City and announced that there would be national convention. Today the Deputy Leader addressed the issue squarely in media interviews. He explained that he has had no intention as he believes the Party must stay united, but the talk out there has caused supporters to encourage him.

PUP To Challenge Appointment To Franz Parke As Court Of Appeal Judge
While PUP Leader is looking to keep the Party united heading into a national convention, it is also preparing to take the Attorney General to court over the appointment of Appeals Court Judge Franz Parke. The Party is preparing to file a leave for judicial review before the Supreme Court, requesting that the Court reviews the appointment and declares it improper, unconstitutional and therefore null and void. PUP Leader John Briceno had indicated to the Prime Minister that he opposes Parke’s appointment because of insufficient experience in his resume. PM Barrow, who remembers Parke as a former law classmate, has proceeded with the appointment.

Media Boycotts Belize Police Department Events
The media and the Belize Police Department are at odds once again tonight and there is no telling when there will be a truce. For the past weeks there have been multiple murders including two here in the north and other major crimes across the country and the department has refused to grant any interviews on these issues. For that reason the media including CTV3 News has instituted a boycott of events to promote the work of the Belize Police Department. Today, the media had been invited to cover the closing ceremony of a GREAT training the Department holds in conjunction with the US Embassy.

Daniel Carillo's Killer Remains Unidentified
Three days have gone by since the gruesome murder of forty two year old Daniel Carrillo and tonight Orange Walk police remain unsuccessful in obtaining leads or making arrests in connection to his death. As we reported yesterday, Carrillo was socializing at the home of his relatives on Sunday October 8th and had left the residence at about 1:00 a.m. to purchase at a Chinese store located on Mopan Street, only a stone’s throw from where he had been socializing, when he was killed by a lone gunman. It is reported that the individual rode up to Carrillo from behind and fired a total of nine shots which caught him on the back.

LOVE FM

Fatal traffic accident in Southern Belize
There was a fatal road traffic accident on the Southern Highway this evening. It involved a motorcycle and a truck which was carrying sand. Reports are that it happened at around 3 o’clock this afternoon near the Red Bank junction. A man of Hispanic decent was driving the black motorcycle when the incident occurred. The […]

Kylah Ciego is Belize’s CARICOM Youth Ambassador
Dangriga Native, Kylah Ciego, has been selected to be Belize’s CARICOM Youth Ambassador. Kylah has been involved in youth work from as early as her high school years as the President of the Student Council for Ecumenical High School 2007-2008. Having completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Belize, Kylah […]

Belize represented at Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit
Two Belizean women were in Jamaica last week, participating in the 5th Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit. The forum was held under the theme Routing our GPS (Governance, Peace and Security). One of the participants, Dominique Noralez, spoke of her experience. Dominique Noralez “Well of course it was a great experience. I very much enjoyed […]

BDF participated in training to assist at risk youths
Members of the Belize Defence Forced participated in a training last week on how to positively influence at risked youths in Belize City. The training which was for ten days was facilitated by the Louisiana National Guard, LANG, in Louisiana, USA. The LANG and the BDF have trained and worked together as part of the […]

International Atomic Energy Agency holds training in Austria
Lawyers and regulators from 53 Member States in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America gathered last week in Baden, Austria for the start of the Nuclear Law Institute (NLI), a two-week training event on nuclear law conducted annually by the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA since 2011. The NLI was established to […]

A call for men to unlock their full potential
Do you want to embrace your manhood to the fullest? Pastor Osborn Collins of Mount Zion Seventh-Day Adventist Church says that attending an upcoming conference on Friday, October 13, can equip you with the proper keys to be the ideal father and husband. Osborn said it is time for men to stand up and step […]

Breaking Belize News

Tragic traffic accident on Southern Highway claims one life
Shortly after 3 this afternoon, police responded to a fatal road traffic accident on the Southern Highway. According to reports, a driver of a motorcycle was killed on impact when an 18 wheeler truck carrying sand collided into the motorbike.

House of Representatives to meet on Friday
The Government of Belize press office today issued a communique informing that on Friday, October […]

Girl Power today!
Today is commemorated worldwide as International Day of the Girl. This is a call by the United Nations for the “Empowerment of Girls Across the World.”

Taiwan donates $5000 to Belmopan police
Today, Taiwan’s Ambassador Charles Liu presented a cheque of $5000 to Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, the Officer Commanding the Belmopan police. The donation is for gardening projects for three primary schools.

2 police officers interdicted for charges of extortion
Today, two police officers were arraigned before a tribunal for the act of prejudice of good order and discipline. According to reports, Sergeant Sheira Nicholas and Officer Richard Dixon Polonio extorted the sum of $3,000.00 from a businessman in Punta Gorda Town so that they do not the charge him for a human trafficking offense.

3 police officers interdicted for 27 parcels of cocaine
Three officers have been placed on disciplinary charges for neglect of duty and act of prejudice to good order and discipline. According to police reports, on April 26, 2017, a team of Special Patrol Unit Personnel headed by police corporal Clinton Thomas and accompanied by officers Kishane Peck, Albert Augustine and another officer conducted a house search at a home in Santa Elena Town.

Norweigan-Belizean man missing
Chrisstoffer Jan Roggema, a Norwegian/Belizean citizen and businessman, has reportedly gone missing since Monday, a close relative informed BBN. The worried relative explained that Roggema, who owned the Cocoplum Garden Spa in Caye Caulker, has been living in Belize since the late 1980’s and recently moved to St. Margaret’s village six months ago.

Eugene Palacio passes
Last night, 47-year-old Eugene Palacio lost his battle with cancer. Palacio was a life-long public officer in Belize. He served his last years and days in the public service as Director of Local Government with responsibility for city and town councils in Belize. He was well respected by both major political parties as he was considered a fair and objective public officer.

Belize’s football in eternal crisis while Trinidad and Tobago stuns the US
Yesterday, relatively speaking tiny Trinidad and Tobago stunned the mighty US of A 2-1 in world qualifying eliminating the goliath of El Norte. T&T population 1.3 million, stuns USA population 325 million, 100 times larger.As one Sports Illustrated report puts it: “COUVA, Trinidad and Tobago — On the most surreal and embarrassing night in U.S. soccer history, the U.S. men’s national team lost 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago (the worst team in the CONCACAF Hexagonal) and was eliminated from contention for World Cup 2018. The doomsday scenario happened.”

Healing the Discontent through civil resistance
By Godwin Sutherland Sr.: The country continues to experience violent criminal acts and social discontent since celebrating Independence Day 2017. The nation witnessed an outpouring of solidarity over the disappearance of young Kelvin Usher. Despite the many angles and perceived missteps associated with this case, what stands out is the mistrust the populace has for the police department and its Gang Suppression Unit.

CICIG’s head has visa revoked
The Comission Internacional Contra La Impunidad Guatemala (CICIG) has been investigating corruption of high public and government officials in that country. It is an international commission charged with carrying out in depth and transparent investigations into serious crimes by politicians.

Belize participates in 5th International Seminar on Social Investment
Twenty countries from Latin America and the Caribbean are attending the 5th International Seminar on Social Investment taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Moist conditions to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to continue. Sunny skies with a few cloudy spells are expected today with cloudy skies tonight. A few showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected over most areas. Southern and coastal areas will experience more showers.

Blogs

72-hour sale: Southwest Airlines fares fall below $100 round-trip
Deal hunters, get ready. Southwest’s broad twice-a-year blockbuster fare sale is back, dropping round-trip fares below $100 on dozens of the carrier’s shortest routes. The sale also includes longer routes, with the price of flights loosely tied to distance. Flights begin at $49 each way on Southwest’s shortest routes and increase to $79, $99 or $129 each way for longer flights. The sale launched Tuesday morning and covers travel from Oct. 31 through Dec. 19 and from Jan. 3 through Feb. 14. Flights on Fridays and Sundays are excluded. For Florida and Nevada flights, sale fares are good only Sunday through Wednesday for inbound flights and Tuesday through Friday for outbound flights. (Full fine print)

Hanal Pixan (food for the souls)
A Mayan celebration of the famous Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Hanal Pixan is a time for family and friends to honor the memories of their deceased ancestors. Over the first two days of November, spirits are believed to return to the earth for a celebration of food, drink, and prayer. Their graves are decorated with gifts and fruit and altars are prepared with photographs, the iconic Mexican sugar skulls, and colorful flowers.In Mayan tradition, death comes in waves. The first death is, of course, a literal one and comes the moment that the human body ceases to function. A second death occurs with burial as the body is returned to the earth. Hanal Pixan is considered so important, though, because of the third kind of death: the end that comes when a person is no longer remembered or thought of by those still living. The stories and dances, poems and prayers that are characteristic of these days are meant to preserve the memory of those deceased, to help their spirits have some kind of immortality.

Last 36 of 72 Hour Cheap Flights Deal
In the early morning hours, just before dawn today, Ambergris Caye was hit with a bit of a cold front. Winds from the west and thunder usually are the indicators of such a front, and this one is no exception. For those you of close to Florida who are experiencing cooler temperatures and would like a quick and cheap get-away, Southwest Airlines might just give you that opportunity… But you must act fast and book by October 12, 2017 – 11:59 Eastern Daylight Time.

International Sources

Another positive spotlight on a Belizean artist. “My Belizean heritage is important to me because it informs my life and my perspective so much.” JR Mahung. For Latinos in the United States, connecting to our culture is not always an easy feat. Whether it’s because we’re struggling to navigate two worlds simultaneously or we’re a generation (or more) removed from Latin America, it can be difficult to find exactly where we fit in. It’s a tough task for anyone, but especially for those who rarely see their Latin American countries represented. This has certainly been the case for US-based Central Americans, who are either cast in a negative light or unacknowledged. The emergence of the small but mighty Central American Twitter has helped bring the beauty of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica to the forefront. And it’s their important work that got us wondering how creatives use the isthmus as a source of inspiration. Below, read how seven Central Americans – all based in the United States – have put in time to learn about their culture and produced richer work as a result.

Accused Belize gunman tied to cop killing
The man accused of gunning down a former Toronto man in front of his wife and kids in Belize was also involved in a 2005 cop killing. Apolonio Kiou — also known as Apolonio or Polo Cervera — was arrested and charged with the murder of 38-year-old Gabriel Bochnia in Corozal last Wednesday. So far, detectives have not released a motive for the crime but it is known that Kiou was acquainted with the Bochnias. The dead man called out his name, “Polo” as he was being gunned down.

Videos

Spotted Eagle Ray Belize, 2min.

Caribbean Squid-Belize, 1.5min.

Belize Diving trip 2017, 4min.

Britt and Jer: Honeymoon in Belize!!!, 10min.

Highlights from Belize - San Pedro Island, 12min. My family took a trip to Belize back in July and though I’ve already shared several videos from that trip, I decided to put together a highlight of all the days there using some footage I didn’t use in my previous videos. San Pedro Island (Ambergris Caye), La Isla Bonita, is absolutely beautiful!

Talk Ah Di Town October 5, 2017, 30min.

Morning Matters With Ian Courtenay, 62min.

International Day of Girl Child - NWC & UNFPA, 44min.

Belize City Council - Hands Across the Caribbean, 23min.

Horacio Louis Guerrero and Shelley Huber, min. Two well-known San Pedranos who were featured in the pilot episode of La Isla Bonita Telenovela (Soap Opera), Horacio Louis Guerrero and Shelley Huber, now appear on the big screen in Christopher Coppola’s film ‘Torch,’ which premiered on Sunday, October 8th at the Mill Valley Film Festival in San Francisco, California USA. Here Miss Shelly addresses the audience.

The Great Blue Hole is un-BELIZE-able, 1min.

Miss Belize Iris Salguero during the Miss Earth 2017 Group 2 (of 3) Preliminary Swimsuit Competition held at Versailles Palace in the Philippines, 5min.

Diving the Blue Hole, Belize - DJI Mavic Pro Drone Edit, 2.5min. While it is not the most diverse dive in terms of wild life, there are plenty of stalactite and cave formations to see! IF you're lucky you might just run into a hammerhead shark!

Kayaking through Placencia, Belize, 1.5min.

Super Beautiful Caye caulker Island, Belize, 6.5min. Amazing island of Caye Caulker in Belize. one of the most beutiful places that I have seen so far on my travels.

African Creole Drum School in Belize, 2min. Join Emmeth Young and family on their off grid homestead for drum lessons and a homemade meal cooked on the fire hearth with food harvested straight from the farm!

Grey Reef Shark Approaching Divers Belize, 1/2min.

One of the biggest environmental goods derived from the Chiquibul Forest is water, 2.5min. This video developed by Nick Lormand, funded by PACT, captures this message.

October 11, 2017