Forensic Interview Training for Victims of Human Trafficking
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, provided training on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking. The training was provided to over 65 Government of Belize officials from five different departments namely Human Services, Police, Immigration, Customs and Excise, and Public Prosecutions. The three-day training course was held at the Biltmore Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2017.
The U.S. Embassy continues to support the Government of Belize in its effort to reduce human trafficking. Victim Assistance Specialist Instructors from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Human Trafficking Institute shared best practices on how to identify and successfully interact with victims of human trafficking.
Belize’s First International Diana Award Holder is making her mark in the United Kingdom
In September 2017, twenty one year old Claudia Garcia travelled to England to study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Westminster. Shortly after her arrival, she was invited by charities and international development organizations in the United Kingdom to attend conferences on youth development. She was also asked by UK universities to speak about her work in youth and community development in Belize.
One of those events was the Annual Meeting of the UK Belize Association held at the University of Oxford on October 7, 2017. There Claudia Garcia and Manuela Lue, who accompanied Claudia to the United Kingdom, gave a speech to various professors, diplomats and managers about their work in youth and community development in Belize.
What is the BTL Employees Trust?
At 6p.m. on Wednesday June 23rd in a closed door meeting Dean Boyce along with attorney Godfrey Smith held a session with BTL employees to discuss their position on the so called ‘BTL Employees Trust.’ While what was being told to the 8 or so employees who attended the meeting is anybody’s guess, the Guardian Newspaper has been able to get a little bit closer look at exactly what the BTL Employees Trust is.
A document provided to the Guardian titled “the BTL Employees Trust (Consolidated Trust Deed:
Trust Deed dated September 16, 2005 as varied by a variation of Trust Deed dated June 15, 2007)” explains what the trust is. From the onset it is clear that BTL employees have no say in the doings and maneuverings of the trust.
Gunman is denied bail and remanded to prison
After more than four nights in police custody, 24-year-old Reese Fitzgibbon was arraigned on two firearm related offenses after he was caught red-handed by police with a firearm. Fitzgibbon appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on November 6, 2017 where he was read the charges of kept firearm and ammunition without being granted a firearm license.
The bust was made on Friday, November 3, 2017. According to police, they responded to a report of shots being fired on Kut Avenue in Belize City. Fitzgibbon, a resident of Supal Street, was apprehended as he was at the scene with a 9 mm pistol with 5 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
Armed robber receives time in jail
A 24-year-old Belize City mason, Kaleem Chun, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of committing an armed robbery at Arwing Grocery shop located on Santa Barbara Street in Belize City. Chun was arraigned on November 3, 2017 on a single charge of robbery.
The allegations against Chun are that on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, he stole $1,500 cash from Wei Yei Yang, a Chinese grocer, while armed with a firearm.
Chun appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he pleaded not guilty to the charge but due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 27, 2017.
Biscayne men plead guilty to stealing chicken, stouts, and energy drink
A duo of men was caught stealing from businessman Marlon Skeen. They have been identified as Kenroy Ferguson, a 29-year-old employee of Stock and Go Store, and 25-year-old Nathaniel Crawford, an ex-employee, both of Biscayne Village. The men appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were read separate charges of theft.
They were caught stealing petty items such as Belikin Stouts, a pack of seasoned Caribbean chicken, and a Monster energy drink. In a police report made by Skeen, he said that upon checking the surveillance camera on November 5, 2017, Ferguson was seen opening a side door and stealing the chicken after which Crawford entered and stole the Belikin Stouts and handed them to Ferguson. Ferguson then re-entered the shop and stole the Monster energy drink.
Chinese men caught with fake nationality documents
Yuanran Zheng, a Chinese National, is being accused by the Immigration Department of being in possession of a fraudulent Belizean nationality certificate. The new checks and balances at the Department allowed the authorities to easily spot that this was a forgery of the old types of Nationality documents.
According to employees at the Belmopan Social Security Office, Zheng showed up there on Monday, November 6, along with his Taiwanese-Belizean translator, Zheng Hui Lin. He was trying to get a Belizean Social Security card. To convince them that he was entitled to the document, he brought a nationality certificate, which he insisted he got 10 years ago.
Friends denied bail on firearm related offense
Two friends are on remand at the Belize Central Prison after they were arraigned on Monday, November 6, 2017 in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a single charge of kept prohibited firearm. They are James Jones and Henry Holder, both 21-year-old residents of Belize City, who police say were in possession of a prohibited firearm on Sunday, November 5, 2017.
In court, the duo appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they both pleaded not guilty to kept prohibited firearm. Due to the nature of the offense, they were denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until February 8, 2018.
German attorney killed in La Isla Bonita
Raimund Kobler (Koessler), a German attorney who had been living on the island of San Pedro for about 5 years, was found dead inside an unfinished building under construction. Police say that he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and that makes his death a murder that they have to solve.
His body was discovered on Monday, November 6, 2017, some time after 6 a.m., at the construction site, which is located on Cocoplum Street, San Pedro. The construction workers showed up to resume their job, only to find him lying down on the first floor. They called in the cops who processed the scene, and discovered that he had suffered an injury to the head. They have no idea what weapon was used to inflict that injury, or who did it, but they believe he was clubbed over the head.
Glenford Bermudez’s ruling is deferred in the case of murdering his wife
In the Supreme Court on November 7, 2017, 46-year-old Glenford Gilbert Bermudez, a.k.a. “Bucket”, was brought before Justice Adolph Lucas for his mitigation plea. Bermudez was accused of shooting and killing his wife on November 22, 2017, and at his mitigation he was very apologetic.
On November 22, 2007, Bermudez shot his wife and later attempted to hang himself. Later that day, after admitting the crime to the nephew of the deceased, he was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Racquel Violet Bermudez.
“Nitro” meets bail
After serving seven nights in lock down at the Belize Central Prison, 24-year-old Shikell Nunez, aka “Nitro”, is out on bail granted to him by Supreme Court judge Denis S. Hanomansingh.
Nunez was accused by the police to have made a 4 minute and 41 seconds long video which the commander of GSU took to be a threat to the GSU officers and their families. As a result, Nunez was charged with threat of death.
In court on Friday, November 3, 2107, his attorney, Nazira Miles Espat, was successful in her bail application. He was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same which he was able to meet. He was ordered to report to the Mahogany Street police station every Friday effective Friday, November 10, 2017. He was also ordered to surrender his travel documents, to appear in court at all his subsequent court dates, and to not interfere with any prosecution witness.
Orange Walk businessman killed as he defended his mother
The Indian Belizean family of 37 year-old Amit Moryani, a business man from Orange Walk, continues to mourn his death after he was killed by robbers at his family’s business place. By all accounts, a gunman shot him because he was trying to come to the aid of his mother, who they were trying to steal from.
The incident happened at around 8:50 p.m. on Friday, November 3, at his family’s store, P&P Supermarket, which is located on Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town. It was near the end of business hours for the day when his mother, Babita Moryani, arrived.
Police officer is offered bail after having unlicensed firearm at Elements Night Club
After being on lock down at the Belize Central Prison, the officer accused of having an unlicensed firearm in his possession, PC Carlisle Bol, was granted Supreme Court bail on November 3, 2017. The application for bail was made by attorney Leeroy Banner on his behalf.
Prosecutor for the crown, Jacqueline Willoughby, had no objection to bail being granted. With that, Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh granted him bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same. He was ordered to surrender his travel documents, not to interfere with any of the prosecution witnesses, and to attend all court adjournments set by the court.
Recent graduate of Mopan Technical High School killed in Benque
An 18 year old resident from Benque Viejo was found on Monday with a gunshot wound to the chest. Oscar Niles Obando Junior, a recent graduate from the Mopan Technical High School was found at the Puga Farm, between the Guatemala and the Belizean border. The Puga Farm is located between miles twenty-five and twenty-six on the Benque Road.
Police cannot say at this time whether the motive was robbery, but they were able to find a passport and other belongings on Obando. Neither do the authorities know what Obando was doing at the isolated farm.
Robbery in Corozal
Doris Montejo, a 28-year-old Belizean Front Line Associate for Western Union, reported to police that about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017 upon reaching her place of employment on 4th Street in Corozal Town, a male person approached her holding what appeared to be a firearm under his shirt and demanded that she hand over a purse containing money. Fearing for her life, Montejo handed over a purse valued at $30.00 that contained $10,000.00, a smaller purse valued at $25.00 that contained $100.00 and a Samsung Galaxy 7 Prime cellular phone valued at $1,000, all to a total value of $11,155.00. The assailant then made good his escape police are investigating.
Zachary Knox is denied bail after being accused of shooting a police officer
A Belizean/American national and construction worker of Faber’s Road Extension, 21-year-old Zachary Knox, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on November Thursday, November 2, 2017 on a single charge of aggravated assault for allegedly shooting at a police officer. The shooting incident is said to have occurred on September 18, 2017 in Belize City.
Knox was unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he was read a single charge of aggravated assault upon police officer, Jefferson Dawson, with a deadly weapon, a charge to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Kennard Clark, submitted that while the Crimes and Criminal Justice Act allows persons accused of committing an offense with a firearm to be entitled bail, Knox was caught at the Phillip Goldson International Airport attempting to flee the country after the incident.
Verdes FC and Bandits Sports won by large margins in Premier League games
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the last weekend with 4 games on the schedule.
On Saturday 4th November at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the visiting Verdes FC blasted the host team Placencia Assassins by the score of 5-1.
The Placencia Assassins was the first to score when Luis Torres scored his team’s only goal of the game in the 31st minute of play to his team a 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived when Gilroy Thurton scored the equalising goal for the visiting Verdes FC in the 39th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1.
St. Joseph Primary School girls are the National Primary Schools Basketball champions
The 2016-2017 National Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Friday 3rd November, 2017, with the championship games played at the St. John’s College Gymnasium.
The schools that competed in the girls’ competition were St. Francis Xavier School (Corozal Town), La Inmaculada School (Orange Walk Town), St. Joseph Primary School (Belize City), Santa Elena Primary School (Santa Elena), Forest Home Methodist School (Toledo) and Holy Family School (Hopkins Village).
In the girls’ championship game, St. Joseph Primary School defeated Holy Family Roman Catholic School by the score of 23-8 to become the National Primary Schools Basketball Champions. The top scorer for St. Joseph Primary School was Briah Clarke with 19 points while the top scorer for Holy Family RC School was Shendra Casimiro with 8 points.
St. Martin De Porres Primary School boys are the National Primary Schools Basketball champions
The 2016-2017 National Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Friday 3rd November, 2017, with the championship games played at the St. John’s College Gymnasium.
The schools that competed in the boys’ competition were Corozal Methodist School (Corozal Town), San Francisco School (Orange Walk Town), St. Martin De Porres School (Belize City), Faith Nazarene School (San Ignacio Town), Forest Home Methodist (Toledo) and Holy Family School (Hopkins Village).
In the boys’ championship game, St. Martin De Porres Primary School defeated San Francisco Roman Catholic School by the score of 43 - 12 to become the National Primary Schools Basketball Champions. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres Primary School was Kentrell Marshall with 18 points while the top scorer for San Francisco RC School was Jamar Higinio with 4 points.
Junior footballers to Rush Soccer camp in Arizona
Three Belizean boys left the country on Wednesday 8th November, 2017, for Casa Grande, Arizona, to participate in the Rush Select 2004/2005 Boys ID Camp. The event, the Rush Select ID Camps, are for the U13 - U15 age groups of 60 boys and 60 girls and there, Rush Select staff will train and evaluate them.
Rush Soccer represents over 34,000 youth soccer players in the United States and in partnerships with clubs in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia, along with North and Central America and the islands of the Caribbean. Rush Soccer is devoted to providing its members with the finest soccer experience possible, it says, and to teaching the fundamental skills of the game and developing athletes through organized leagues, teams, tournaments, training, coaches and athletic facilities.
Football Federation of Belize to hold11th 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.
The Football Federation of Belize Electoral Committee has reviewed the nominations and secondments submitted by the Football Federation of Belize General Secretary and the following persons have met the criteria as defined by the Football Federation of Belize Statues Article 32.4
Corozalito and Sandhill Blue Hawks to play for Leal’s Football Cup Title
The 2017 Leal’s Football Cup Tournament is expected to come to an end on Sunday 12th November, 2017, in Sandhill Village, where the third place match and the championship match is anticipated to take place. The third place match will feature Lucky Strike against Ladyville FC and this game is scheduled to commence at 1:00 pm. The championship match will commence at 3:00 pm and this will feature Corozalito against the Sandhill Blue Hawks.
Meanwhile, the semi-final games were played on Sunday 5th November, 2017. In the first game played Corozalito defeated Lucky Strike by the score of 2-1. The goals for Corozalito were scored by Tyreek Ciego and Tyrell Estrada. The lone goal of the game for Lucky Strike was scored by Keened Gillett.
National Elite Basketball League season to open January 18, 2018
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18, 2018, as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub-champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The game will be played at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m.
The upcoming season will have 8 teams. Six (6) of the teams from last season will return to participate in the upcoming season. These teams are Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz and Dangriga Dream Ballers. Belize City No Limit has changed management and their new team name is Belize City Defenders. The eighth team participating will be Agharta, which is a team from Chetumal, Mexico.
The Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitos)
Pumpkin Seeds or Pepitos as we know it are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package, with a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc.
They contain a wide array of beneficial plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, which can give your health an added boost.
Pumpkin seeds may benefit your heart, liver and immune system, help fight diabetes, and offer unique benefits for men’s prostate health and women’s relief of menopause symptoms as well says Dr. Mercola.
If you’re in the mood for a chewy snack that doubles as a phenomenal health food, look no further than pumpkin seeds.
With a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package. They also contain plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants,1 which can give your health an added boost.
Deidron McKay’s family pleads for killings to stop
Deidron McKay, a 20-year-old resident of Belize City, was killed in a shooting which police believe to be a gang-related attempt at retaliation. McKay is a casualty of a street feud that his family insists he stayed far away from.
The incident happened at around 8:35 p.m. on Friday, November 3, McKay was socializing, after work, with a group of friends and family members at a residence on #19 Haynes Street, which is not too far from his own home. Their gathering was disturbed by an unknown gunman who entered the yard, and opened fire indiscriminately.
Two Americans drown in separate incidents
On November 4, 2017 at about 6:08 a.m., police visited the North Side of Hopkins Village where they observed the motionless body of a male person face down in water about 3 feet from the beach. The body was identified to be that of 67-year-old Paul Panarese, a U.S. national.
Initial investigation revealed that on the previous evening, Panarese left to socialize and around 6:45 p.m., he headed back to the direction of Kismet Inn where his body was discovered. No signs of violence have been observed on the body. The body awaits postmortem examination.
Later on November 4, 2017, police visited Naia Resort in Placencia where the motionless body of 69-year-old Robert Lotz was seen. Lotz, a retired US national, was on vacation and went kayaking earlier that morning and did not return. His body was later discovered floating in the sea. Like in the case of Panarese, no signs of violence were observed on the body. The body awaits postmortem examination.
¡JOHNNY IS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA!
Poor little squeaky rat Johnny, how I wish that he was a regular reader of this column! Over the weeks I have continuously sounded the alarm that the extremely ambitious Zinc Fence is planning to steal the PUP! They tried to use the unions, COLA, BTV, Wil, Sharon, Sandra, Keisha, Indira, Sulph and a host of other stooges to overthrow a good government; but they are failing. Now they are using the more direct approach: Son-in-law for mayor; a dunce journalist, the driver’s son, a Steve Nembhard stooge, Francis’ most loyal soldier, a convicted thief, Lake Independence sycophants... I call that group the Zinc Fence Eleven. That group is owned by Cordel; not by the PUP and surely not by Johnny. It was extremely smart of the Zinc Fence to coin the fallacious acronym “PUDP” and then condemn those whom they assigned to that group; but not PUP Cordel.
Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
The collection of Psalms in the Bible is full of inspired advice. For example, the first part of Psalm 103 reads, “Bless the Lord God Yahweh, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies.
Eulogy for Ryan Swift
Friends, brothers and sisters,
On behalf of his wife Majorie, his seven-(7) children and twelve-(12) surviving siblings of Ryan Fitzgerald Swift; I want to express our deepest gratitude for those gathered here to mourn with us today. We loved him as a husband, as a father, and as a brother.
“Rybo”, as he was popularly known was born Ryan Fitzgerald Scott on May 24, 1963 here in the old capital. He was the seventh child of 11 progenies’ of the late Ms. Gloria Scott; his father the late John Swift was a well-known accountant. Ryan’s middle name came from the 35th president of the United States; whom his mother idolized; and foreshadowed Ryan’s passion for politics.
His mother would later marry an esteemed senior police officer, Mr. Philip Lynch. Ryan would talk about Mr. Philip with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Certainly, his skills at ironing, polishing a pair of shoe, carrying himself with bearing was deeply engrained. I got the sense that he was blessed with a fine mentor, who cultivated pride in how to carry himself.
An Honorable Man
When I was in primary school at La Inmaculada here in OW, part of our Civics class was to memorize all the names of Cabinet Ministers and their portfolios, including the names of their permanent secretaries. As children we all thought of Ministers as being these tall, rich, Powerful men who could make anything happen. When I went on to first form at Muffles College, I was placed in a class with the daughter of Hon. Guadalupe Pech, then Minister of education. Vangie Pech was a pretty but humble young lady, full of manners who conducted herself with grace. I later met her father who was a gentle, soft-spoken man. Vangie and I went through Muffles all of the four forms.
Are you Good BFF MATERIAL?
A true friend is one of the biggest blessings we can have in life. I met my best friend even before I could count or talk in full sentences. Shiney Marie Moulton lived next door to my Grandma Jones and whenever my mother took us to visit her, I found my way over to Shiney’s house. We would play catch and climb trees in the yard or sometimes we played with her teapots in her bedroom.
On my very first day of pre-school I cried when my mother tried to leave me with a pack of boys and girls I had never met before, and a teacher who never smiled, and threatened to spank us with a ruler if we were loud; that is until I saw Shiney. I stopped crying immediately after she was dropped off to school that morning. I was happy at the prospect of coming to school and playing with my friend every single day!
Winner of Second Annual Human Rights Student Scholars Write to Fame
Child Maintenance
Children not going to school sitting at home
Not doing anything, they’re all alone.
Mother of seven children, struggling, working overtime
To show her kids how much she cares
But the cost of living is so high she can hardly afford
The taxes of the bus fare.
Father at a bar getting stoned,
Don’t even have a penny or a dollar to take back at home
Breaking Belize News
Senior transport officers and terminal supervisors attend transport meeting
The Department of Transport held a very important meeting today in Belmopan. The meeting, which […]
Belize International Film Festival 2017 Launches!
The long-anticipated list of films making the Official Selection for the 12th Edition of the […]
Premium goes down but regular hikes up by 27 cents
The Belize Bureau of Standards has announced that at midnight tonight, the prices of premium and regular […]
Mexico to be represented in 12th edition of Belize International Film Festival
Today, the Embassy of Mexico in Belize announced that the film Desierto, starring acclaimed Mexican actor, Gael García […]
Another Castro makes the news
Jafari and Wasaani Castro, the sons of NEMO and Transport Minister, Edmond Castro, have been […]
Man found dead in Belize City
Belize City police today found the body of a man in a drain on Raccoon […]
3 Belizean boys participate in Rush Select Camp in USA
Yesterday, three young Belizean boys departed to Casa Grande, Arizona, USA to participate in the Rush […]
Sedi sticks to his story despite court ruling
Despite the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling to the contrary, Wilfred Elrington maintains that he […]
Premium fuel next to go down says Financial Secretary
Drivers can expect a reduction in the high cost of premium fuel soon, according to […]
German attorney found dead in San Pedro
On Monday, November 6, 2017 about 6:56 am ,San Pedro police visited an unfinished building at the […]
November Begins with Gorgeous Weather and Lots More On Ambergris Caye
I am probably not the only one thinking this but…HOW DID NOVEMBER CREEP UP ON ME? The telling signs are certainly here…
…the wind is blowing from the north bringing slightly cooler temperatures. …and businesses, old and new, are readying for the upcoming HIGH SEASON. The first real wave of visitors comes for Thanksgiving week in the states and then things REALLY pick up for Christmas.
The sun was shining and the town decorated for the upcoming holiday – November 19th is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize.
Walk through all the new and improved touches at CBC! Stunning, tropical, exotic scenes....
Many of the resorts in Belize, big and small, have to shut down for a few weeks a year to do some touch ups. The salt air is really hard on paint, mechanicals, etc, and we don't want our guests' experiences to be disrupted by this maintenance. We also closely listen to what our guests tell us that they love, and ideas that they have, and we try to make small improvements any chance we get! Here are this year's improvements, and the first couple weeks we have reopened have been a great success!
The entrance is more soothing, more natural, and now has a huge shaded palapa and reception area! The new office and reception area were our biggest changes this year.
6 Reasons to choose a Belize Jungle & Beach Vacation
With hundreds of offshore islands and a lush interior teeming with wildlife, Belize is the only country in Central America where the best of the jungle and sea can be easily enjoyed.
Here are six great reasons why you should choose a combo beach and jungle vacation on your trip to Belize:
Celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize
Every November 19, the entire nation of Belize celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna - an Afro-Caribbean people - to the shores of Belize more than 200 years ago. A blend of African and indigenous Caribbean cultures, the Garifuna were honored by the United Nations in 2001 for their unique contributions to the intangible heritage of humanity.
As dawn breaks on Garifuna Settlement Day, towns and villages along the coast re-enact the dramatic arrival of the Garifuna in handmade dugout canoes. This is followed by enthusiastic and joyful drumming, dancing, and street parades. The signature black, white, and yellow Garifuna flags are hoisted, and everywhere, the people of Belize feast on traditional Garifuna foods such as cassava bread, serre (fish boiled in coconut milk), and conch soup.
Belize: Home to the Bluest Water in the World
Since the dawn of time, human beings have been fascinated by the color blue. In a recent article published on Travel and Leisure, author Melissa Locker went on a search to find the world's bluest waters. One of the spots she discovered was the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize.
The Travel and Leisure article highlighted the popularity of Ambergris Caye as a tourist destination. Located just a short boat ride from the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Ambergris Caye is widely known as a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling. One section of the reef known as Shark Ray Alley even allows divers and snorkelers to interact with vast schools of stingrays and nurse sharks.
But the ultramarine waters of Belize are not limited to just the reef. Deep in the heartland of Belize is the Inland Blue Hole, a gateway to underwater caves. Whether it's at the beach or in the middle of a rainforest, Travel and Leisure magazine definitely agree that Belize is home to sparkling bodies of water with intense hues of sapphire blue.
Mayan Food: 9 Awesome Dishes You Should Try!
Food is awesome. That is a fact that is not up for debate. Anyone, even the strictest of dieters will tell you that food is great. Mayan food, arguably more awesome and we’ll get into WHY shortly. In the era of globalization, it’s made even better because you don’t need to be restricted by the foods you grew up eating. Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat give our friends (and really anyone) the perfect conduit to give everyone who dares to look some foodspiration before our good friend google tells us where to get, or how to make some of it!
How often do you stop, and ponder on where this food came from, or better yet – who even invented it? The answer is probably not often, and who could blame you? If it tastes great you have no time to stop and get philosophical about it. We’re here to take that load off you; check out our list of Mayan Food you absolutely must try!
International Sources
La Niña Declared
For the second winter in a row, La Niña will be in the driver’s seat. The NOAA/NWS Climate Prediction Center issued a La Niña Advisory on Thursday morning, declaring that La Niña conditions were now in place in both the atmosphere and ocean. NOAA gives odds of around 65-75% that La Niña conditions will extend at least through the upcoming Northern Hemisphere winter of 2017-18.
The atmospheric rearrangements triggered by La Niña often lead to a consolidated jet stream over North America and an active, progressive storm track. Typically, this leads to periods of roller-coaster weather, with frequent ups and downs in temperature. For the season as a whole, La Niña winters tend to end up colder than average toward the north central and northwest U.S. and warmer than average toward the south and southeast. On top of this is the overall warming influence from human-produced greenhouse gases, which can help reinforce the southern warmth and blunt the northern cold.
Belize not surprised by latest move by Guatemala to claim country
The Belize government says it is not surprised at the latest move by Guatemala seeking to claim all of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country ahead of a referendum early next year in the Spanish speaking country regarding the border dispute between the two Central American countries. Guatemala is due to hold its referendum on March 18, 2018 and has launched a public awareness campaign that re-introduces a map of the country showing Belize as the disputed “twenty-third province,” with a dotted line indicating “Territory under Dispute.” Guatemala has been claiming Belize since 1821.
The future of Caribbean sugar will depend on the region’s capacity for cooperation
Among the topics considered by Ministers and officials at the latest meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), 9-10 November in Guyana, are several recommendations that will determine whether the Caribbean sugar industry has a future.
This long-overdue discussion concerns the ways in which the region’s cane sugar producers, through tariffs and other measures, can redirect its output towards meeting the CARICOM market’s requirements.
On 1 October, 2017, the industry lost the last vestige of its preferential market in Europe, as the EU abolished national sugar production quotas in Europe as part of a long-planned measure. The effect, according to industry analysts, is that the price paid for African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) cane sugar will very rapidly reduce and, as Europe becomes self-sufficient in beet sugar and begins to export, cane sugar imports into Europe will fall to zero. They also suggest that this will depress world market prices.
Actress Penelope Cruz says she will never dive the Belize Blue Hole again...
Cruz tells another story about diving in Belize, in its famed Great Blue Hole, a massive sinkhole in the water that is about 400 feet deep. "I love diving but I will never go that deep, even if I had two instructors. I was surrounded by sharks," she says. MANY, MANY NOPES. She also has diving narcosis, which she described as similar to panic, and given the shark situation, we can understand why she'd be freaking out. "When I looked up and saw all of that water, I started to pray that I could make it." And she did, because she's here now, and can regale us with tales sure to give us nightmares.
Controversial Belize and Turks and Caicos investor exposed in Paradise Papers as reneging on UK tax pledge
Billionaire British peer, Lord Michael Ashcroft, a controversial and divisive figure in both Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands, has been exposed by the so-called Paradise Papers as reneging on a promise to become a permanent resident in the UK – a change that would have meant giving up his more favourable tax status as a UK resident whose domicile is in Belize.
The Paradise Papers are a huge batch of 13.4 million leaked documents mostly from offshore law firm Appleby, along with corporate registries in 19 tax jurisdictions, which reveal the financial dealings of politicians, celebrities, corporate giants and business leaders.
Ashcroft remained a so-called “non-dom”, domiciled for tax purposes in Belize, and continued to avoid UK tax despite attempts by Parliament to make peers pay their full share and when it was widely believed he had given up the status, the leaked documents reveal.
Belize: Beaches, Adventure and History
Travel Weekly highlighted Belize in its latest article, and Cayo, of course, gets most of the story's focus. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Ka'ana, and Gaia Riverlodge are all mentioned as great lodging options.
While ATM is somehow not mentioned, the Black Hole Drop, Actun Loch Tunich, is, as is the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Caracol, Xunantunich(Hanna Stables gets a shout out in regards to getting there), and Cahal Pech, some of Belize's nicest Maya archaeological sites, are recommended.
"Neatly wedged between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty here for a standalone holiday. Its Mayan experience is at the heart of it all, predominantly in the western Cayo District, home to the unassuming capital Belmopan, aka the ‘Garden City’ thanks to surrounding waterfalls, caves and rivers that are ideal for hiking, birdwatching and soft adventure.
The tourist hub, though, is San Ignacio, a small town of lively local bars and restaurants, and a good base for Caracol, Belize’s most impressive Mayan city; Cahal Pech, the oldest known site in the Belize River Valley; and the temples of Xunantunich, where a new tomb was discovered in 2016. Hanna Stables offer horse-riding tours here, including a quirky ferry crossing with horses in tow.
Cayo District is home to the Actun Loch Tunich cave, where a hike and abseil take you 300 feet down into Central America’s largest cave system."
CFA 1st Division Championship
The Cayo Football Association held their championship for the 1st division on Saturday at Broaster Stadium. Congratulations, Universal Hardware, for taking 1st place!
"Chairman Earl Trapp Jr. Would like to thank all paticipating teams in this years CFA 1st Division football tournament and fans of the football family, especially to Universal Hardware who won the First place with cash prize of $3,000.00 Second place Peniarol F.C $800.00 and Third place to Benque Power with $400.00. Thanks to everyone see you next year! Special thanks to the entite work staff especially to Mr Bernz Mendez, Lisa Gordon, Mr. Lucio Toledano Chief of Security the Police Department Mr Medina and the Match Officials."
Videos
Rare Albino Spotted Eagle Ray Identified At Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, 15sec. Henry boast his unique experience as he was on patrol at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on North Ambergris Caye. He gives thanks to Captain Grimaldio Acosta for spotting the unique sea creature. “Good eyes Gimmy, this was definitely one for the books! Only at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.
Reasonable request from San Mateo Belize Kids, 1/2min. Filming location where a playground should be at the end of the
Belize Community Conservation Kids 4 Clean Water Camp 2017.
Hosted annually in San Mateo, Ambergris Caye Belize.
Lil Alphonse Snorkeling Tour, San Pedro Belize, 4min. Lil Alphonse Snorkeling Tours San Pedro Belize Review. Lil Alphonse (Lil Afonse) is one of the most recommended tour guides and dive masters in San Pedro, Belize (Ambergris Caye). He is offering snorkeling tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve (including Shark Ray Alley) and Mexico Rocks, and fishing trips for deep sea fishing in the Caribbean Sea.
Snorkeling with Sharks in Shark Ray Alley, Belize, 3min. Underwater video, swimming with sharks and stingrays in Belize. Shark Ray Alley is a popular snorkeling destination from both San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize. Swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays is the main attraction for snorkels and divers. Shark Ray Alley is a dive & snorkel spot in Hol Chan Marine Reserve which itself is situated in the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize Diving!, 5min.
ELIZEAN RESISTANCE AGAINST LORD MICHAEL ASHCROFT POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN BELIZE!, min. TEN YEARS LATER!
"LORD AHSCROFT REVIVES BREDAA!"
By Imam Ishmael Omar Shabazz. Tonight the issue was focused on the Michael Ashcroft control of Belize politics and economics, and the kidnapping of our brother, Derek Aikman, former minister of government under the United Democratic Party government. To deal with this unfolding nightmare in Belize, KPFK’s Freedom Now, radio host Brother Dedan Kamate, had as his guest via telephone, Bro. Nuri Akbar Estrada, former chairman of BREDAA and Bro. Bilal Morris, Public Relations and Media Representative of BREDAA.
THE 1980S PUNTA ROCK ARTIST "BOOTSY RANKIN"! (PART ONE), 14min. IN COMMEMORATION OF "GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY" 2017!
by Bilal Morris. The legendary Garifuna Belizean Punta Rock artist, Bootsy Rankin' (Thomas Lauriano), comes to "Belizean Legends" as a cultural special in commemoration by this documentary series for "Garifuna Settlement Day" (November 19, 2017). Through "Part One" of this exclusive interview with the 1980s, 1990s Belizean musical artist, we celebrate Bootsy Rankin's long existence as one of those Los Angeles based Belizean artist that once graced venues like the popular "Belize Caye Fest" in the 80s.
With Love From Belize, 8min.
Belize 2017 SCUBA Diving - Day 1, 3min.
Permit Fishing in South water Caye Belize, 23min. Permit Fishing at South Water Caye (Atoll) with Nauti by Nature Captain Jermaine AKA "Big Fish".
Captain Jermaine is a 3rd generation fisherman living on the on the Sandy beaches of the Placencia Peninsula.
Belize 2017 - Blue Hole 1, 4min.
Belize 2017 - Blue Hole 2, 4min.
Snorkeling in Belize, 2min. Thanks goes out to Daniel at Caveman Snorkeling located in Caye Caulker, Belize!! Quality guide with great knowledge. We did an all day snorkeling tour and literally spent the entire day on or in the water.
Swimming with a Bull shark in Belize, 3min. About 20 minutes into our dive, this monster showed up...about a 6 ft, 250 lb bullshark...2nd apex predator in the ocean next to the great white. It..was....amazing...
At 0:34, you can start to see his shadow middle of the screeen, just to the left. At 1:11, you can start to see him in the lower portion of the screen swimming away...
Drone video of Ambergris Caye, 2min.
November 9, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Pirates rise to third place in the Premier League of Belize
The San Pedro Pirates won yet another crucial away game against Police United F.C 2-1 on Sunday, November 5th, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan City. With this victory, the island team has now moved to third place in the league’s rankings after acquiring three more additional points. The match, which began at 5PM saw two teams determined to win in order to secure a spot in the tournament’s playoffs. The San Pedro Pirates took on the pressure of a needed victory and after eight minutes into the first half, Hector Martinez found the opportunity for a score. Up by one goal, they defended against Police United, who made several attempts to even the score.
25 Honduran Women Detained in Immigration Bust; Authorities Continue Investigating
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, made headlines in the international press on Wednesday, November 1st, when Honduran news outlets reported that teenaged women from that country were being trafficked to the island. Reports were that a Honduran national, Denia Suyapa Ochoa, was detained on said date for trafficking women to Guatemala, and then to Ambergris Caye, Belize, where they were sexually exploited and faced with forced labour at a bar. As a result, the San Pedro Police Formation, along with the Immigration Department, detained 25 Honduran women on Thursday, November 2nd after raiding three different bars on the island. The women have since been handed over to Immigration as the matter continues to be investigated.
Copa San Pedro 2017 Football Tournament continues
During the ninth week of Copa San Pedro, six games took place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The first two were played on Thursday, November 2nd.
At 7PM, G. Strikers faced Victoria House Jr, with an easy 3-2 victory going to G. Strikers. At 9PM, the second match saw Martha’s Ice who won 3-2 over United F.C.
The following day, Legends F.C defeated Jokers F.C 3-0. At 9PM, Terror Squad faced Boca Bombers, with a solid 6-1 win going to Terror Squad. Copa San Pedro continues this weekend with five more games. On Thursday, November 9th, at 7PM, Assassins F.C face Terror Squad. On Friday, November 10th, Martha’s Ice versus Boca Bombers, and at 7PM, legends F.C takes on Victoria House Jr. The Last Two games of the week are scheduled for Sunday, November 12th, starting at 5PM, with Jokers F.C versus Assassins F.C, and at 7PM, Sandy Point facing G. Strikers. Islanders are invited to come out and support their favorite team this weekend. Food and refreshments will be on sale during the games.
Ambergris Today
Caye Caulker Resident Fined $2,000 For Unlawful Possessions Of Raccoons
Illegal Wildlife Possession Leads to Arrest and Fines - On November 7, 2017, Jacob Emmanuel Cabral of Caye Caulker was fined $2,000 for “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce”. San Pedro Town Magistrate Jannelle Villanueva ordered that Cabral pays the fine by March 30th, 2018 or face imprisonment of up to six months.
The Forest Department reported that on August 15, 2017, police officers visited Cabral’s business place on Caye Caulker, where he was found in possession of three raccoons. Cabral claimed that the raccoons were awarded to him as a gift and was reportedly using the raccoons for wildlife tourism. The five-week-old raccoons were transported to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic for rehabilitation with the hope that they will eventually be returned to the wild.
Ramon's Village Has The Coolest Pier
Bouncing back from the destruction of Hurricane Earl last year, we think that Ramon's Village can boast the coolest pier on Ambergris Caye. What do you think? It's pretty magnificent, right?
With over $10 Million dollars in damages to Ambergris Caye in 2016, Hurricane Earl pretty much destroyed all of the piers and over-the-water structures; very few remained standing. The Ramon's Village Dive Shop sustained major damage, washing away with most of the resort's pier. It has taken the Ramon's Village about a year to make final completions to the new pier and dive shop, but as they say, "They came back better than ever!"
Misc Belizean Sources
SECURITY FORCES RIDE TO THE BORDER
Come join our country's security services as they ride to the
border. The ride is open to all members of the public who have an
interest in getting to know our southern border while challenging
themselves in a 30-mile ride.
DATE: 9 December 2017,
DEPARTURE TIME: 6:30 AM from PG TOWN.
FREE REGISTRATION 6:00 AM.
The Rider includes 2 refreshment stops: at the half way point
going and on the return leg.
The security forces will be doing a brief presentation at the
Jalactei Tree tops border out post and at the conclusion at FWC.
Lunch will be provided for all following the briefing at FWC.
Banana Bread and Belize/Guatemala at the ICJ
(analysis)
"The court has certain limitations... The legal system is not perfect, and the extent that it is not perfect, it is man controlled. One has to go along with the decision that is taken. Am I happy with it? No, but life is real."
Those are words of private investor Wilfred Elrington on November 7th, 2017 as he lost a case to American Foreign Investors (Schneider's) who sued him for the paperwork for 16 parcels of land in Progresso Village,Corozal.
This week the Guatemala's Government had released plans to include Belize in maps that will be used in schools. Even though the statement is made as a private citizen, the issue is that the attorney and Government representative who is the advocate for convincing the public that Belize should forward the unfounded Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice has made a statement that does not exude confidence in the court system.
Smart C-Ray Western Spirit Cycling Team
We competed in Chetumal over the weekend in preparation for the 2018 seaaon, we got 5th with Brandon Cattouse. CONGRATS to the entire team.
Introducing Maya Island’s official in-flight magazine – Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle
We are excited to be teaming up with Maya Island Air Belize to share the very best of Belize through five finely crafted print issues. Backed by an innovative digital platform, stunning photography, engaging stories and articles, CC+L will push the boundaries both visually and informatively, delivering illuminating content to in-flight passengers and customers in a new and dynamic fashion.
Christmas tree is up in Corozal
BEL Deploys Second Team of Linemen to British Virgin Islands to assist with Ongoing Hurricane Restoration
On Monday, November 6, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) deployed a second team of five linemen to assist the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Electricity Corporation with ongoing power restoration efforts on the group of islands.
The five BEL linemen are joining teams from member utilities of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) in providing support to BVI Electric Corporation with rebuilding its power distribution system.
The team is comprised of Wayne Lewis, Gregory Kerr, Manuel Lopez, Paul McCalla and George Neal, who will be stationed in BVI for four weeks.
The first BEL team of five employees who departed the country in September, arrived in Belize on Tuesday, November 7 after being stationed in Virgin Gorda for six weeks.
“When we arrived on the island, there were no standing utility poles or power lines. We had to salvage and reuse any available material because transporting materials to the island is a big challenge for the utility in BVI,” says Michael Nembhard, BEL Line Supervisor. “I am proud of our team for doing an excellent job, using our training and experience from Belize.”
Joyjah with Chrissy Teigen
Scorpions Host Eagles
The 2017 ATLIB Basketball Regionals have kicked off, and the SHJC Scorpions are hosting the Galen Eagles this Friday at the SHJC auditorium.
The SHJC Scorpions defeated the UB Jaguars last night, 45 - 42.
BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Oct. 22nd thru Oct. 29th, 2017
The week started out tough with some wind and clouds but then cleared and turned into a beautiful week of fishing and fun. All anglers went after bonefish and experienced lots of success. Several fishers landed close to twenty bonefish a day. Good to see the sun again!
The Wood Thrush Connection is a BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Official Selection
And will screen Friday, November 10th during the short documentary block from 3:30-5:00pm at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City.
The Wood Thrush Connection documentary film is by Climate Listening Project director Dayna Reggero with Andrea Desky and presented by National Audubon Society, Forsyth Audubon, Audubon North Carolina in collaboration with Belize Audubon Society and the Audubon's International Alliances Program. Audubon and the Climate Listening Project partnered to capture the story of the Wood Thrush as told through the people taking action for a special migratory bird in a changing climate from North Carolina to Belize.
Learn more about The Wood Thrush Connection: http://nc.audubon.org/news/wood-thrush-connection-0.
The U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires at the World Youth Conference
The U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek and the Public Affairs Section enjoyed the Opening Ceremony of the World Youth Conference 2017 earlier this week.
Representatives from over 40 countries have gathered here in Belize at the Conference, which is held for the first time in the Western Hemisphere! Kudos, #Belize! We were thrilled to meet and welcome the three U.S. participants: Ormond Derrick, Aileen Sainz, and Gabriel Risk Martins. The U.S. participants had the opportunity to meet Deputy Prime and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Honorable Patrick Faber and Minister of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce Honorable Tracy Taegar-Panton.
New firetruck for Caye Caulker arrives in Belize
The Fire Truck for Caye Caulker, donated by Beechwold Christian Church Columbus OH USA has landed in Belize. We would like to thank Mr. Miguel Matus and Mr. James York who have been working with the CCVC over the past months to make this donation possible for our island. We would also like to thank the US Air Force for providing the transportation of the Fire Truck to Belize City.
Belize Represented at High-Level UNCAC Conference in Austria
The Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte along with Crown Counsel Odwin Trenton are currently representing Belize at the Seventh Session of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of State Parties. The Conference is taking place at the seat of the secretariat, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (the UNODC), from the 6th – 10th November 2017, Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria.
The Government of Belize through the Attorney General’s Ministry, the Focal Point of the UNCAC, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked upon a gap analysis of the currently existing institutional and legislative framework with an aim of developing a comprehensive, progressive and practical action plan for implementing Belize’s anti-corruption regime.
llegal Wildlife Possession Leads to Arrest and Fines
On 7th November 2017, Jacob Emmanuel Cabral of Caye Caulker was fined $2,000 for “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce”. San Pedro Town Magistrate Jannelle Villanueva ordered that Cabral pays the fine by March 30th, 2018 or face imprisonment of up to six months.
The Forest Department reported that on 15th August 2017, police officers visited Cabral’s business place on Caye Caulker, where he was found in possession of three racoons. Cabral claimed that the racoons were awarded to him as a gift and was reportedly using the racoons for wildlife tourism. The five-week-old racoons were transported to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic for rehabilitation with the hope that they will eventually be returned to the wild.
Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program
The G.R.E.A.T. program continue in the San Ignacio Police formation where sixteen (16) primary schools participated earlier this year and an additional six (6) schools have been included bringing the number of participating schools to a total of twenty two(22) that are now participating. The Gang Resistance Education and Training program is been taught across the country of Belize both in urban and rural communities.
Winners of the 2017 History and Social Studies Competition
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project is pleased to reaveal a picture of the three winners of the 2017 History and Social Studies Competition with their trophies on stage at the Bliss shortly after the competition was completed. On the left is second place Aniq Perdomo of Ebenezer, center is winner Darwin Robinson of Salvation Army, and right is third place Aritza Sosa of St. Joseph RC. We are also uploading the History Cup that is now being held by Salvation Army. As you will notice on the History Cup, we have updated the names of the schools that have won the competition to date. The purpose of the History Cup is to be a modern day Rosseta Stone, which will record the names of schools that have achieved excellence in Belizean History and Social Sutdies.
Channel 7
Two Men Walk The Not So Fine Line Between Human Traffic And Major Theft
In mid-September, this man allegedly made off with sixty thousand dollars of his boss's money and stole his SUV, but police still haven't charged 23 year old Keyur Barot.
After an Interpol alert was put out on Barot and his companion, another former employee, 29 year old Jitendra Kumar, the pair was intercepted in Mexico, making their way north, possibly to the US border. Mexican authorities handed them back over to Belizean police on October first along with 13 thousand US dollars - possibly the money changed with stolen Belize dollars.
But, 5 weeks later, the Indian nationals haven't seen a courtroom or a holding cell, instead, they're reported to be in a safe house. And that's because - the pair allege they were victims of human trafficking. Our reports say they are in the custody of the Department of Social Services as possible trafficking victims. The men have told a story of their former boss locking them up in a warehouse for breaking the rules, and not being properly compensated for their work.
Chinese National Faces More Charges, But Where Did The Documents Originate?
Chinese national Yuanran Zheng is expected to be back in Belmopan Magistrate's court tomorrow charged for trying to get a social security card with a bogus nationality certificate.
As we told you last night, he has already been charged for uttering upon a forged nationality document and attempting to use it to obtain another form of identification, for which he was fined one thousand and two thousand dollars, respectively.
But, Zheng remains detained pending charges now from the Social Security Board - which will also charge him separately for using a fraudulent document to try and obtain a social security card.
GOB Will Scrape Up The 78M USD For Ashcroft Axis By Friday
A week ago, we told you how the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered the Barrow Administration to pay just over 78 million US dollars to the Ashcroft Alliance. That's after the Government lost the final legal battle over the settlement for BTL.
The Government has until Friday November 10th to pay, or interest at a very costly rate will start accruing.
But, for a cash-strapped government, coming up with that kind of hard currency isn't easy, since it immediately wipes out a quarter of the Foreign Reserves.
When we caught up with Financial Secretary Joseph Waight at an event today, we asked him if Belize will be able to make the deadline in about 72 hours. He said they'll manage:
Fin-sec, How Low Can You Go On Fuel?
We also took the opportunity to ask the Financial Secretary if the fuel prices will go down any further. The Prime Minister had promised that the price at the pumps would go down by mid-October.
By October 7th, regular dropped by 84 cents, and by October 28, the price fell by another 16 cents, to its current price of $10.13 per gallon. For diesel, the price dropped by 13 cents on October 24th, and the pump price is now $9.50 per gallon.
Today, the Fin Sec said that's as low as those two will go:
Reporter:
"Are we looking for a continuous reduction in prices in the next few months? What is the outlook there."
Talking About Lead-Her-Ship
The third annual women's leadership conference was held today. Actually, it's the "Lead-Her-Ship" Conference, part of the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization, which is called "a forum to celebrate, support and inspire women in business."
This year's event had the attendance of over 100 women, headlined by a superstar line up of successful female speakers from Belize and one special guest from Jamaica. We found out more from the organizer and spoke to one of the inspirational presenters.
Danalyn Myvett, President for Belize Center for Training and Development:
"We are focused here today on women in business and the entire day will be spent looking at how do we focus on empowering women through business, how can we support them."
Caribbean Central Bankers to Belize For Monetary Studies Conference
Today, financial regulators and economists from all over the Caribbean were here in Belize for the 4th Annual Monetary Studies Conference.
This forum is the flagship event for the Caribbean Centre for Money and Finance, which was established by the Central Banks of the Caribbean Community. It's an opportunity for the financial regulators from the CARICOM nations come together to discuss shared ideas and research in economics and finance. It also gives these officials an opportunity to examine policies, and how effective they are in tackling the complex challenges in the financial sector.
IT'S being hosted by the Central Bank of Belize and we stopped in this morning to speak with the Financial Secretary, and a representative of the Central Bank:
AG In Austria For UNCAC
Attorney General Mike Peyrefitte is in Vienna, Austria for the Seventh Session of the UNCAC Conference of State Parties.
His presence is part of the requirement for a State Party of the UNCAC. According to a government release, "the Secretariat strongly encouraged government representation at the highest political level" - which is why the Attorney General attended along with Crown Counsel Odwin Trenton, who is the Interim Project Coordinator, UNCAC Project Board. Discussion this year will be about Preventative Measures in the fight against corruption, Asset Recovery, and International Cooperation.
When John Kelly, Trump's Chief of Staff Was In Belize
John Kelly is US President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff but up until January of 2016, the then General Kelly was still the commander of US Southcom. That's the US Department of Defense's Southern Command, which has responsibility for pretty much everything south of Mexico, right up to the tip of Chile, meaning Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
And that's why Kelly was in Belize in September of 2013, on a Central American tour. He was whisked into Belmopan on a fleet of US Army choppers and we asked him where the US stands on marijuana eradication. That year, US chopper support and been used in record-setting BDF eradication operations.
Since possession of small amounts of marijuana has now been decriminalized in Belize we thought it would be instructive to go into our archives and hear the view of the man who now has the ear of the US President:...
Simple Accident Leads To Court Case
She's accused of simply opening her car door into oncoming traffic - but police say it caused major injury to a woman on bicycle.
So, today, 26 year old Honduran Jenny Robles, the co-owner of Creative Marketing, was charged with negligent grievous harm when she appeared yesterday before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. She pled not guilty to the charge and she was released on a bail of $2,000 dollars with an adjournment until January second.
The incident occurred on October 17 on Albert Hoy Street. Alva Moody, was riding her bicycle on Albert Hoy Street when Robles opened the door of her white club wagon and Moody slammed into the door and received injuries that were classified as grievous. Robles was represented in court by attorney Estevan Perrera.
Could Tweak In Operation ACT Cause Out-Of-Town Cops To Miss Clues, Characters?
The Police Operation ACT was launched 12 days ago - and while there are no statistics to say it has been an overwhelming success - it is still being tweaked.
Over the weekend we learned that there had been a major shift. Instead of mixing up officers from the various units at the different command posts, namely the GSU, the SPU, the SAT, the MIT, the K9 and the ANU, the Commander decided to deploy the units independently to the different areas.
It may sound like a minor administrative tweak, but the cops on the ground say that it creates a policing disadvantage because the units from outside the city, namely the MIT, the SPU, and K9 and the ANU, are not as familiar with the players in the gang wars. That's because they are not in the gang areas everyday like the GSU, and the SAT.
Celebrated Actress Lynn Whitfield In Belize
Lyn Whitfield is an Emmy award-winning actress that has worked with legends like Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington. She is currently one of the stars on a popular show on the Oprah Winfrey Network called "Green Leaf" and she is also promoting her new movie "Nappily Ever After."
Indeed, Lynn Whitfield is a busy woman but that didn't stop her from accepting an invitation to be a part of the Belize's International Film Festival - which started this evening. She arrived today and this afternoon she shared some words of wisdom and told us why she is so excited to be in our jewel.
Casting Call For "Life or Death" Show To Be Filmed in Belize
And also as a part of the Film Festival, a Belizean American named Cristobal Krusen is discussing a show called Life or Death. He submitted it to the Caribbean Tales Incubator in Toronto and out of several submissions, Life or Death was one of the four shows that won a production grant. The even better news is that the show is going to be produced right here in Belize and Belizeans have the opportunity to be a part of this major production. Krusen is an experienced filmmaker and writer with over 30 years in the industry under his belt. He explained more about the exciting new project.
Police Meet And Greet Community, Not Cameras
Last month, there was an explosion of violence in the Jane Usher Boulevard area where 4 residents were killed in gang-related shootings. So, that community on the Belize City Southside is hurting, and tensions remain between gangs that live very close to each other.
So, police today held their meet-and-greet session right there, all in an effort to try and defuse tensions. The police top brass from Eastern Division were on a house-to-house tour to speak with the residents and hear their concerns.
Caught With ‘Coons, Man Must Pay The Price For Pestilential Pets
Raccoons - for most of us they're pests of the highest order, turning over your garbage, and being quite nasty and vicious in the process.
But for Jacob Cabral of Caye Caulker - three baby raccoons were just lovable pets - not pests - and additionally, he would use them to attract tourists.
Well the Forestry Department said that was "Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce" and he was fined $2,000 dollars in San Pedro Magistrate's Court.
The Forest Department visited Cabral's business on Caye Caulker in August and found him with the five week old raccoons - which he uses for wildlife tourism.
BEL Back To BVI
6 days ago, we told you how the BDF deployed a platoon of 35 soldiers to Dominica to assist with the recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria. Well, BEL HAS deployed a second team of linesmen to the British Virgin Islands to help in recovery after both Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated that island territory.
The first BEL team of 5 who left for the British Virgin Islands in September, returned yesterday, after being stationed in Virgin Gorda for 6 weeks.
On Arlington
When we met up with the UDP Mayoral Aspirant and the Deputy Mayor on Arlington Drive yesterday - they were overseeing street and drainage works in that area. Looks good, but the truth is that those works are long overdue - and it seems that only a pre election push will get them done. Along that line, the Prime Minister seems to have released a little cheddar for a pre election push. There are talks of cement paving 10 streets and bringing others like Arlington to earthen grade. Deputy Dean Samuels told us more:..
Korean Magic In Mid-Flight
And we leave you tonight with highlights of last night's show at the Bliss. IT's called Spin, Jump, Fly by the Korean Performing Arts Troupe called Gwangdae. They turned this traditional dance into magic on the stage.
We hope you enjoy these highlites w put together, in concert with NICH.
Channel 5
G.O.B. Gets Ducks in a Row to Pay B.T.L. Compensation
The Government of Belize says it has the money. But tonight, the question is whether it will meet the November tenth deadline for final payment of compensation for the double [...]
If All Goes Well, Long-Term Reserves Will Recover in 2 Years
The removal of seventy-eight million U.S. dollars or the equivalent of a hundred and sixty million Belize dollars from the country’s foreign assets is nothing to sneeze at. And the [...]
Premium Fuel Prices to be Reduced, Stabilized
October has come and gone and fuel prices remain relatively high despite continuous protest. As of October twenty-eighth, premium fuel retails at eleven dollars and ninety-two cents, compared to ten [...]
Guats Protested B.D.F. Documentary?
Turning to another matter of national interest….Belize has, for now, raised no objections to Guatemala once again promoting its unfounded claim with an offensive map purporting to include our territory, [...]
Central Bank Hosts Regional Economists
They are the moving hands, rarely seen, in control of national economies and finance structures. Their word can determine how much a country receives for projects, chart investment and growth, [...]
Fines for Chinese-Taiwanese Connection over False Nationality Certificate
Chinese national Zheng Yuanran and a Taiwanese national acting as his translator remain in police custody tonight in Belmopan. Zheng entered Belize on Sunday, November fifth, but the pair was [...]
Caye Caulker Man Wrong to Keep, Display Wild Raccoon Family
It is not surprising for residents in rural areas of the country to be found in possession of certain wildlife species. As a matter of fact, in some southern communities [...]
Will Employees’ Trust Let the Sunshine In?
While the final payment for the B.T.L. nationalization is to be met by Friday, there is still one more related case that may head to court. That is Sunshine Holdings—the [...]
Pair ‘Stock and Go’ Stout, Monster, Caribbean Chicken
A duo of men was caught with their hands in the cookie jar at the Stock and Go store of businessman Marlon Skeen on November fifth. They were seen on [...]
Police Shoot Ladyville Man Involved in Domestic Dispute
Thirty-six-year-old Leon Usher is in the hospital under police guard after cops shot him in the knee on Tuesday. Ladyville police were called out to Usher’s residence in the Milpa [...]
Driver Turned Accident Victim Faces Likely Prosecution
A notice of intended prosecution has been served on the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a massive head-on collision on Tuesday morning near the outskirts of Belize [...]
Police Meet and Greet in Jane Usher; No Interviews
The crime-ridden community of Port Loyola known as Jane Usher Boulevard has been designated as a hotspot by the Belize Police Department, following a recent spate of shootings in that [...]
Senate Hearing Put Off to Next Week
Channel Five viewers who this morning tuned in expecting live coverage of the scheduled public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee will have been disappointed that there was none. [...]
Youths Tackle Crime Issues at World Summit
A World Youth Conference continues today in the Belize City. Representatives from over fifty countries are revisiting the importance of the Sustainable Development goals to their own advancement. One common, [...]
International Film Festival Welcomes Lynn Whitfield as Judge
The Belize International Film Festival officially opens on Thursday. Apart from screening films from all around the world, there will be an award show to recognize the best submissions. This [...]
Filming on Location in Belize Means Incentive
And while the Film Festival is a lot about celebrating the best in submissions, it is also looks at how to move the budding film industry forward. At today’s “meet [...]
How Film Tells Your Story
For those who have an interest to break into the film industry, the Hollywood panel told the press that Belizeans need to start telling authentic stories that connect universally. So, [...]
Women Gather for Inspiration on Entrepreneurship
While some doors have opened, there is still a long way to go for women to ease into the top of businesses. A conference taking place today has brought women [...]
B.E.L. Sends More Linemen to Hurricane-Raved British Virgin Islands
A second team of five linemen has been deployed to assist the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation with ongoing power restoration on the group of islands. The team, which is [...]
Youth Footballers to Arizona International Camp
Three Belizean football athletes, twelve-year-old Keffer Pertau and thirteen-year-olds Kayia Requeña and Javan Belisle left Belize today en route to Casa Grande in Arizona, U.S.A. to participate in the Rush [...]
Deanna Gomez Succeeds Sonia Lenares at the Y
There’s a new leader at the helm of the Young Women’s Christian Association. In the YWCA’s sixty plus years of service to Belize, Deanna Gomez is only its ninth General [...]
CTV3
First Price Estimate For 2017/2018 Crop Not As Sweet As Sugar
Earlier this week cane farmers received the final payment for the 2016-2017 cane crop season which was estimated at being between $9.05 and $ 9.28 per ton of cane. So looking at the crop season after three payments the total estimated payment to cane farmers was of $64.00, which includes payment for bagasse.
Today as the 2017-2018 cane crop season looms in the horizon, BSI/ ASR issued the first estimated average cane price for the 2018 cane crop which is at forty three dollars and forty cents per ton of cane. So…this means that farmers can expect to receive an estimated thirty six dollars and two cents as first payment for the upcoming cane season.
Fuel Prices To Increase Instead Of Decrease As Promised By PM
We also checked with the Financial Secretary about the anticipated lower fuel prices, which had been promised by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in early October. According to Waight, while a dip is expected in the price of Premium with the incoming shipment, whether it will go any lower depends on the volatile global market. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary: “The next item to come is premium gasoline which is from a different source does not come from Petro Caribe we expect that price to go down in step pretty much in the same level as the regular gasoline went down two or three weeks ago beyond that it depends on what the world prices look like...”
Turning the Lights Back On At The British Virgin Island
Many countries here in the Caribbean today continue in their effort to return to normalcy after having been severely affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in August and September of this year.
One such country is the British Virgin Islands who have been without power for several months following these hurricanes. In an effort to assist with restoration works on the group of Islands, Belize Electricity Limited deployed a second team of five linemen on Monday November 6th to assist the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Electricity Corporation with ongoing power restoration efforts.
Caye Caulker Resident Charged For Having Racoons In His Possesion
Caye Caulker resident, Jacob Emmanuel Cabral was fined $2,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Jannelle Villanueva yesterday in San Pedro Town for “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce”. Cabral was ordered to pay the fine by March 30th, 2018 or face imprisonment of up to six months.
A report issued by the Forest Department indicates that on August 15th 2017, police officers visited Cabral’s business place in Caye Caulker, where he was found in possession of three racoons. Cabral claimed that the racoons were awarded to him as a gift and was reportedly using the animals for wildlife tourism. The five-week-old racoons were transported to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic for rehabilitation with the hope that they will eventually be returned to the wild.
Payment To Lord Ashcroft To Reduce Belize's Reserves
This Friday November 10th is the deadline for the Government of Belize to cough up $78.16m as final compensation payment to the former owners of BTL, which was ordered by a ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice a week ago on November 1st. The ruling specifically ordered that payment be made on or before Friday, so today the media checked with Financial Secretary Joseph Waight to find out whether early payment had been done. He discussed that as well how giving up $78 million in U.S. currency will reduce the country’s much needed reserves.
LOVE FM
GOB is expected to pay US $78 Million tomorrow
Last week Wednesday the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered the Government of Belize to pay the second and final payment of 78 million US dollars to the Ashcroft Alliance within ten days. That deadline is this Friday, and today, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight told reporters that the payment may possibly be made tomorrow. As we […]
Financial Secretary says Premium Price will Fall
Belizeans should expect the price of Premium gasoline to go down. That’s what Financial Secretary Joseph Waight said today when asked about fuel prices. Viewers may recall that before October, fuel prices kept on an upward trend for several months. In the latter part of September, premium gas went up 93 cents nearing a whopping […]
Chinese Man caught with Fake Belizean Nationality Certificate
A Chinese national is in police detention tonight after being caught with a fake Belizean Nationality certificate. The man goes by the name Yuanran Zheng and he reportedly entered Belize for the first time on Sunday, November 5. Zheng was caught applying for a social security card at the Social Security Office in Belmopan, one […]
Central Bank hosts 49th Annual Monetary Studies Conference
The Central Bank of Belize is hosting the 49th Annual Monetary Studies Conference in collaboration with the Caribbean Center for Money and Finance, CCMF. The CCMF was established by Central Banks of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), to carry out studies and provide information for monetary […]
BEL deploys Second Team to BVI
Belize Electricity Limited has sent a second team of linemen to the British Virgin Islands to assist with the ongoing restoration works. In September, weeks after the group of islands was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the first team of five linemen was deployed. They were stationed in Virgin Gorda for six weeks and […]
Women encouraged to Boldly Step into Leadership Roles
A women’s leadership conference organized by Belize Center for Training and Development was held today under the theme “Be Bold”. Dr. Danalyn Myvett, President, and Founder of Belize Center for Training and Development spoke about the initiative. Dr. Danalyn Myvett “We are focused here today on women in business and the entire day will […]
Belize is Close to Eliminating Malaria
Malaria is a vector-borne disease that has been affecting mankind for thousands of years. For us here in Belize, we are close to eliminating the disease than any other Central American country. Trio Village and Silk Grass are the only two places in Belize where the disease still exists. Elimination of Malaria falls under goal […]
Boisterous Man was shot by Police
Thirty-six-year-old Leon Usher was shot to the left knee by a police officer. It happened yesterday morning when Ladyville Police responded to a report of a domestic dispute. The report led officers to the Milpa Area of Ladyville Village where they encountered Usher and a woman. That woman told police that she wanted to leave […]
Robles charged with Negligent Grievous Harm
Twenty-six-year-old Jenny Robles, a Honduran national, the co-owner of Creative Marketing, was charged with negligent grievous harm when she appeared yesterday before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. She pled not guilty to the charge and was released on a bail of two thousand dollars and a surety of the same amount. Her case was adjourned until […]
Raccoons Rescued, Rehabilitated, and Released
Jacob Cabral appeared yesterday before Magistrate Janelle Villanueva in San Pedro Town where he was arraigned on a charge of “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce”. He was ordered to pay a fine of two thousand dollars by March 30, 2018. If he defaults on payment he will serve up to six months behind bars. According […]
Award-winning Actress in Belize for Film Festival
Today, the Belize International Film Festival held a press conference where they unveiled their line-up for this week’s film festival. The founder of the Belize International Film Festival, Suzette Zayden tells us more. “Tomorrow the official red carpet opening, we will be screening a film called inheritance that was made in Belize, it was shot […]
A Spectacular Showcase of Lanterns by the Taiwanese Embassy
Last night 250 water lanterns illuminated the Ramada Princess Swimming Pool as part of the 2017 Spotlight Taiwan Culture Exchange Program. As part of the program, participants were taught how to construct the traditional Taiwanese water lantern with wishes and prayer written on them. The lanterns were then set afloat in the pool as part […]
Trinidadian in Belize for UB’s Presidential Lecture
As part of its Presidential Series lecture the University of Belize today hosted Nikoli Edwards who is from Trinidad and Tobago. Edwards is currently the Vice Chairperson responsible for policy, advocacy, and projects for the Commonwealth Youth Council. His presentation focused on student advocacy and social responsibility. In his speech, Edwards spoke of growing up […]
Breaking Belize News
Belize hosting World Youth Conference 2017
Belize is the official host of the 2017 World Youth Conference (WYC). The conference was […]
Scotiabank Belmopan donates uniforms to Belmopan Special Constables program
Scotiabank Belmopan donates uniforms to Belmopan Special Constables program Yesterday, the Belmopan Police Formation received […]
Caye Caulker businessman fined for illegal possession of raccoons
Yesterday, Jacob Emmanuel Cabral of Caye Caulker was fined $2,000 for “unlawful possession of forest […]
Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mainly fair weather with sunny skies and partly cloudy skies […]
Chinese national busted for fake nationality docs
A Chinese national and his translator have been arrested and are under investigation after the […]
BEL deploys second team of linemen to Virgin Islands to help restore power
On Monday Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL) deployed a second team of five linemen to assist […]
Belize Tertiary Education options and opportunities Expo 2018
The Ministry of Education’s Tertiary Unit is hosting a Belize Tertiary Options and Opportunities Expo. It […]
Police shoots man in domestic argument
Yesterday morning around 10:45, Ladyville police responded to a report of a domestic nature in the […]
Belmopan Police arrest Chinese man for fake nationality documents
Yesterday the Belize Immigration Department busted two Asian Nationals in Belmopan with a fake nationality […]
Body of missing Corozal man found
On Monday, BBN reported that Teodoro Pena of San Narciso, Corozal and his friend Isael […]
Southwest Seat Sale Weather and November Events
Just in time for the snowbirds, a Southwest seat sale. $69 (one way) fares from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) start November 21 for 7 days (excluding weekends) to the 30th. Then again the first half of December and pretty much all of each month right up until August (which is far as you can see right now). Return flights are on average, $130 to $150 (again not on weekends) and there are some days thrown in that show much higher prices. Their “Low Fare Calculator“ is a great tool to show lowest fares all month by month. taco Tip # 11:
Buying brightly colored or uniquely printed luggage makes it easier to spot your bags on the conveyer belt which could help you get closer to the front of the customs line. I also recommend 4 wheel spinner luggage. It makes schlepping bags so much easier. Or, for those who like to shop and love novelty travel gear, there is a hilarious option. You can buy a cover by Firebox called “Head Case“, which is a picture of your own or any face of your choosing (but the point is to identify your luggage as yours). If you have standard black luggage and are not ready to replace it yet, tying a colorful bandana to your handle is a cheap and cheerful solution. Also useful to keep on your person after arrival when you are traveling somewhere that can get hot and sweaty.
Scotty's Celebrated their first Bike - Rally
On Saturday November 4, 2017 Scotty's celebrated there first Bikers-Rally. Live band was played by Surpassing Silence from 3pm to 6pm at Scotty's. At 6pm the first ever Bike Rally gathered in front of Scotty's to parade around town. Special drinks where offer from 8pm until 10pm
Dj Albert from Corozal and Dj Xavi the Remixer from Chetumal Came out to play great music until 2am. Over 50 bikers from around the country and international where in Corozal to display their their best motorcycle.
Corozal House of Culture celebrates Full Moon with Belize Dynamic Band
I'm a little late posting this for Corozal, I had a slight (technical) problem. I'll do my best. Corozal House of Culture Celebrated "FULL MOON" with Belize Dynamic Band on November 4, 2017. It commenced at 7:30pm with great music such as pop, rock, 80's, Salsa music that was played for the public to enjoy. Belize Dynamic Band played great music, even the people danced at some point of the event. At the event I saw Traveller's offering great mixed drinks for sale. They had a mixer of Pinacolada, Bailey's, Rum Punch, Rum and Coke and other various drinks. Another booth was offering: Cold Frappe coffee for 5$ at the event for @ School fundraiser.
Introducing Maya’s Official In-flight Magazine – Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle
Introducing Maya’s official in-flight magazine – Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle.
Maya Island Air is very proud to be introducing our first ever in-flight magazine - Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle, produced in partnership with the amazing team at McNab Visual Strategies.
Through five finely crafted issues printed yearly and an ever-growing online community, CC+L is the go-to for the best in current, local and regional tourism news. Backed by an innovative digital platform, stunning photography, incisive stories and articles, CC+L will push the boundaries both visually and informatively, delivering illuminating content to our in-flight passengers and customers in a new and dynamic fashion.
Introducing Maya’s official in-flight magazine – Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle.
Maya Island Air is very proud to be introducing our first ever in-flight magazine - Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle, produced in partnership with the amazing team at McNab Visual Strategies.
Through five finely crafted issues printed yearly and an ever-growing online community, CC+L is the go-to for the best in current, local and regional tourism news. Backed by an innovative digital platform, stunning photography, incisive stories and articles, CC+L will push the boundaries both visually and informatively, delivering illuminating content to our in-flight passengers and customers in a new and dynamic fashion.
International Sources
Belize: Beaches, adventure and history
Neatly wedged between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea, don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty here for a standalone holiday. Its Mayan experience is at the heart of it all, predominantly in the western Cayo District, home to the unassuming capital Belmopan, aka the ‘Garden City’ thanks to surrounding waterfalls, caves and rivers that are ideal for hiking, birdwatching and soft adventure.
The tourist hub, though, is San Ignacio, a small town of lively local bars and restaurants, and a good base for Caracol, Belize’s most impressive Mayan city; Cahal Pech, the oldest known site in the Belize River Valley; and the temples of Xunantunich, where a new tomb was discovered in 2016. Hanna Stables offer horse-riding tours here, including a quirky ferry crossing with horses in tow.
Cayo District is home to the Actun Loch Tunich cave, where a hike and abseil take you 300 feet down into Central America’s largest cave system. It’s also relatively easy to visit the magnificent Mayan complex of Tikal in Guatemala, a two-hour drive across the border.
"Apocalyptic" storms threaten to overwhelm small island states
Unless emissions can be drastically and quickly curbed, efforts by small island nations to adapt to climate change may be in vain, a leader of a group of small island nations said Tuesday.
Hurricanes that hit the Caribbean this year were like nothing seen before, with Hurricane Irma so strong it was picked up by seismic machines that detect earthquake tremors, officials said.
National plans to curb planet-warming emissions, drawn up ahead of the Paris agreement, currently add up to a projected temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100 - well above the 1 degree Celsius rise already seen.
That may bring climate impacts that are impossible for small island nations to deal with, their leaders warned at the U.N. climate talks in Bonn Tuesday.
Jungles, lagoons and Ernest Hemingway provide vibrant inspiration for designers of Belize resort and spa
Architect Roberto de Oliveira Castro and interior designer Samuel Amoia have collaborated on a beach resort in Belize, described as “unlike anything travelers have ever seen in the Caribbean”.
Located in the hideaway beach town of Placencia, the Itz’ana Resort & Residences occupies 16 miles of a peninsula, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and a lagoon on the other.
The new resort, named after the Mayan god of day and night, features 50 suites and 46 waterfront residences, with a watersports adventure centre, spa, full-service marina and fitness and wellness centre to open in 2018.
Colin Hannan, the resort’s co-founder and MD, added: “We’re committed to going above and beyond what’s expected of a beachfront resort, and we believe that giving back to the local community and environment while also offering an enhanced luxury experience will make Itz’ana unlike any other hotel.”
Dr. Paul Whisnant, Founder of International Servants, Delivers Aid to Hungry Children
Dr. Paul Whisnant, founder of a nonprofit Mission called International Servants, oversees many charity programs, one of which is known as Feed-A-Child Belize. At their Feed-A-Child Center, each month hundreds of malnourished children receive a hot meal and love from the ladies who volunteer. The Mission has also created a Feed-A-Child Farm which produces vegetables to be used in the feeding of hungry children. Earlier this year, the Government of Belize recognized Dr. Whisnant for his 27 years of humanitarian work in the country of Belize and appointed him as the Honorary Humanitarian Ambassador of Belize.
Many villages have benefited from Dr. Paul's Mission, International Servants (or iServants for short). The Mission has impacted tens of thousands of people across the country of Belize. The Mission is uniquely composed of a staff of over 150 which are predominantly Belizeans.
Vote for Life or Death - Pilot Episode
a TV series that is being produced by an American-Belizean filmmaker to be filmed in Belize in 2018!
Videos
Breathtaking Belize - WestJet Promo Video, 2min. Who's up for a trip to Belize this winter? Seasonal non-stop flights from Calgary and Toronto start October 30.
BTB’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2017, 4min. “The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those who have dedicated their lives to grow and develop Belize’s tourism industry. The awardee’s contributions are significant and have positively impacted Belize and the lives of countless Belizeans. Despite challenges, this tourism industry lifetime achiever persevered. This individual embodies the definition of a true success story”
2nd Annual Belize International Yoga Festival, 1min.
Youths of the World Gather in Belize, 5.5min.
Belize Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Energy (Regional Energy Efficiency) ), 33min.
The Street Games Tournament is scheduled for 12th November on Albert Street, 22min.
UN Convention Against Corruption, 35min.
Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort- Belize, 2min.
Full Moon concert by Belize Dynamic(5), 5min.
2017 Halloween Snorkeling in Belize with sharks and stingrays, 3.5min.
Dolphins near San Pedro, Belize, 1.5min.
Sports Talk Show Nov. 8, 90min.
November 8, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Looking for Sales and Collections Representative
Do you have the RIGHT STUFF?
WESTJET begins direct flight to Belize from Calgary, Canada
A brief inaugural ceremony was held at the Departure Lounge of the Philip Goldson International Airport on Friday, November 3rd to commemorate WestJet’s new non-stop weekly service between Calgary, Canada and Belize. According to WestJet the service is part of the airline’s seasonal schedule for the winter of 201718.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Belize Hotel Association, senior staff of the Belize Airport Concession Company (BACC), the Canadian Consulate to Belize and the Belize Tourism Board among others. Short addresses were delivered by Mr. Lynn Young, Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize and the Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation.
San Pedro Lions Club Receives Donation from U.S. Lions Club
On Thursday, October 2nd, Dr. Allan Shencks donated $250US to the San Pedro Lions Club (SPLC). The donation was received by Melanie Paz, Vice-President of the SPLC.
Shencks gave the donation to SPLC for future projects on Ambergris Caye on behalf of his group, the Glocester Rhode Island Lions Club in the U.S. Shencks came along with the Belize Dental Mission to the island and has been here since Monday, October 23rd.
The SPLC would like to thank Dr. Allan Shencks for his kind donations. To learn more about SPLC work, you can visit ambergriscaye.com/lionsclub/
Ambergris Today
The early bird gets the best produce
You have to wake up at about 4:30a.m. To beat the rush at the pop up markets on Tuesdays in San Pedro. Farmers sail from the mainland to the island every week, while islanders looking for fresher and cheaper produce wake up before daybreak.
Guatemala to produce maps including Belizean territory ahead of referendum
According to reports from Channel 5 and Love FM, Guatemalan authorities are preparing to make maps […]
WESTJET Begins Direct Flight To Belize From Calgary, Canada
A brief inaugural ceremony was held at the Departure Lounge of the Philip Goldson International Airport on Friday, November 3, 2017, to commemorate WestJet’s new non-stop weekly service between Calgary, Canada and Belize. According to WestJet the service is part of the airline's seasonal schedule for the winter of 2017- 18.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Belize Hotel Association, senior staff of the Belize Airport Concession Company (BACC), the Canadian Consulate to Belize and the Belize Tourism Board among others. Short addresses were delivered by Mr. Lynn Young, Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize and the Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation.
A Haven Of Hope To Shine At New Children’s Home In San Pedro
On Saturday, November 4, 2017, the doors to Hope Haven children’s home and battered women and Shine Center were officially opened during a very emotional and heart-warming ribbon cutting ceremony. A group of persistent and motivated island residents worked incessantly to transform a ‘gentleman’s bar’ into a home and center that will assist to empower young women and become a shelter for children in need of a home, guidance and rehabilitation.
The building transformation is impressive - The first floor is warm and inviting; it’s home to Shine Center, complete with a hang-out area, play room, counseling room, meeting space and a beautiful kitchen that is now home to the San Pedro Food Bank.
Misc Belizean Sources
Splashers!
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks on Thursday from 2pm-4pm to paint “Follow The Leader”!
The Battle of the Drums Presents the 9th Annual Food and Fete
Friday, Nov. 10th, 8pm-3am, PG Sports Complex
NEBL prepares for 2018 season! Tune in to TNC10!
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18 as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub- champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The game will be played at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m. The upcoming season will have 8 teams. 6 of the teams from last season will return to participate in the upcoming season. These teams are Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz and Dangriga Dream Ballers. Belize City No Limit has changed management and their new team name is Belize City Defenders. The eight team participating will be Agharta, which is a team from Chetumal.
The Belize Sister Reef Project
The Belize Barrier Reef and Great Barrier Reef are mysterious places and are home to thousands of species of wild life, with thousands more waiting to be revealed. But they need protecting. The more we protect, the more we’ll discover. Sign Up Here: http://bit.ly/2iBOASl
Belize represented at the Travel Club Workshop in the Netherlands
Ms. Elsia Pop receives the My Diana Legacy Award
Embassy Belmopan issues thousands of non-immigrant visas to Belizeans who want to travel to the United States for tourism, education, temporary work, or onward travel to other destinations. Occasionally we encounter applicants who are using their visas to do extraordinary things. Earlier this year we met Ms. Elsia Pop, recipient of the My Diana Legacy Award.
Ms. Pop travelled all the way to Saint James Palace in London to receive the award from Prince Harry and Prince William. She won the Diana Legacy Award for preserving her Mayan culture by documenting stories of Mayan traditions and for teaching handicraft making to other youth.
Ms. Pop shared these photos with us and writes that she is” truly grateful for this gift and I continue to pass it on.”
Congratulations to the High School Battle of the Drums Champion IHS
Independence High School are the Champions of this year's High School Battle of the Drums Competition held last week Friday at the Big Bird's Isle, Kudos are in order!
Vacancy at the Government of Belize Press Office
We're having a casting call for a News Anchor! Are you the person for the job? Then, send your resume and headshot to info@pressoffice.gov.bz.
2nd Avenue is getting a well deserved face lift in Corozal
This is the street running along YNOT Bakery and Copper Horse Inn.
Belmopan Screen on the Green
Mark your calendars this Thursday, November 9, Screen on the Green at the Governor General Field!
Come and enjoy the movie Silver Linings!
BTIA Membership Campaign and Mixer in San Pedro
There's much work to be done when it comes to improving our tourism product in San Pedro. We invite you to come to our Membership Mixer and learn how as a group, we can make positive changes in our community. No matter what your business may be on Ambergris Caye, one way or another it depends on tourism.
Joyjah Estrada
NYC adventures with Kate Spade... what a dream
2017 World Youth Conference in Belize
Belize is the official host of the 2017 World Youth Conference (WYC). The conference was officially declared opened by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youths, Sports & Culture Hon. Patrick Faber at an opening ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City on Monday night. The evening closed with a live performance of the theme song, "Heretimativa Juntos (Stronger Together)" performed by Belizean artists, C-Wills, Bernadette Gilharry, Supa G, Tanya Carter and T.R. Shine.
The 2017 WYC is being hosted under the theme, "Globally running to 2030, Becoming Sustainably Strong" and is a gathering of national, regional and international youth leaders with an objective to bring the voice of youth into a transnational deliberation on how to make the post-2015 development agenda a reality.
SBDCBelize conducts its first National Entrepreneurship Roadshow
In commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, that is being celebrated throughout the region; The Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of BELTRAIDE has launched a month of entrepreneurial activities throughout the month of November. The National Entrepreneurship Month is in line with BELTRAIDE’s mandate for enterprise and entrepreneurship.
The SBDCBelize team is currently traversing the country for the first of its kind, National Entrepreneurship Roadshow. The Roadshow is geared for schools within the three major regions of the country and addresses two of the centre’s pillars within the National Entrepreneurship Strategy: Mindset / Culture and, Education. The Entrepreneurship Labs are being conducted in Corozal Jr. College, Independence High School and Belize Rural High School where over 300 students will engage in an activity-based sensitization on the concept of entrepreneurship.
Stakeholder Consultations CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC)
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities (MPSEPU) hereby informs the general public that stakeholder consultation on the CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC) will be held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on November 8, 2017.
The document was developed by the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat and the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) as an important step in addressing the high costs associated with electricity generation and consumption and ultimately sustainable access to energy in the region. In addition, the Code will help to alleviate the environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions that increase global warming and contribute to climate change.
Horseshoe Competition 2017 in San Pedro
This sounds like fun! Come join the fun at the Central Park.
Belize hosts climate risk management workshop
The government of Belize, with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is stepping up its climate change adaptation efforts. Belize’s Social Investment Fund (SIF), an implementing agency of the government addressing the basic needs of the country’s most vulnerable, has set in motion plans to incorporate climate risk management in its national project development process.
On October 26 and 27, the Bank funded a CRM training workshop for SIF’s stakeholders. Recognising Belize’s high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, flooding, earthquakes and erosion, the sessions focused on minimising their negative effects, which can both reverse and retard national development.
Belize Red Cross launches a U.S. Embassy-funded Project!
The Belize Red Cross launched the “Strengthening Partnerships through Accountability and Transparency” initiative on October 25. The Embassy is proud to fund this critical work with a Central America Regional Security Initiative Economic Support Funds grant!
The project aims to improve emergency and disaster response and resilience in 16 rural communities. U.S. Embassy Charge d’ Affairs, a.i. Ms. Adrienne Galanek spoke on the importance of working relationships between the communities, the Belize Red Cross, and government agencies to the success of this project. Village Council representatives from those communities and representatives from CEMO, University of Belize, the Ministry of Labor, and NEMO attended the kick-off stakeholder meeting.
Corozal ART in THE PARK
Saturday, November 11th, 2017. Come out and enjoy.
Program of preservation of the Maya Language in the Corozal District
Powerful encounters and partnerships formed today as Toone Masehualoon met with Professors at La Universidad de Chetumal Quintana Roo (UQROO) to develope a program of preservation of the Maya Language in the Corozal District, Belize.
Thank you Professor Cruzita Ken, Professor Ever Canul, and Professor Wilber Canto.
Target date for Maya Language school is February 2018. We also created partnership with Mr. Cesar Yam Ake for support with obtaining our pre-hispanic authentic Maya Instruments along with tutoring for its effective usage.
Ok, here we go! Keep an eye out for original Maya music at Art in the Park in Corozal in the near future. We were privileged to be present for the recognition ceremony for the best Hanal Pixan altar at the University. First prize going to hermanito (brother) Cesar Yam Ake for his effort of forwarding the Maya culture and spirituality with this beautiful Memorial to those who served at the UQROO and have passed on.
COROZAL — DAVCO Cultural Expo 2017!!
Fun for the entire family, including cultural presentations, music, traditional food, and beverages. It's all happening Friday, 17th November 2017, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Corozal Central Park.
If you are a Maya Mestizo, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese and feel proud of your culture, share this flyer. It is our responsibility to revive our cultures.
If you are willing to participate at the DAVCO expo, feel free to contact Deima Sanchez at 602-6659 during working hours or at email corozaldavco@gmail.com
This event is being organized by various villages in Corozal. Proceeds from this event will be utilized to promote all the villages that are being represented.
Thomas Vincent Ramos Moonlight Concdrt
Monday, Nov. 13th, Stann Creek House of Culture
Omar Sierra at the Belize Museum
Omar Sierra brilliantly captures the essence of everyday life! come take a look at the Museum of Belize and be the next lucky person to take home one of his pieces.
Lola Delgado at the Belize Museum
There's still time to stop by the Museum of Belize and take a look at the lovely art work we have on display. Today we look at Lola Delgado's bright and lively style!
"Natural Heritage, Natural Wealth"
While a national economic assessment of Belize’s coral reefs & mangroves found that they provide more than half a billion US$ per year (US$559 million) in goods and services through recreation, fisheries and coastal protection, we are yet to fully use economic analysis to inform resource protection and management. The Marine Protected Areas which make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, undoubtedly contribute a significant percentage of this half billion-dollar figure. Cooper et al. 2009 estimated that Belize’s MPAs can provide extremely good “value for money”, generating economic benefits well beyond the quantity invested in their protection.
In the case of World Heritage Sites, UNESCO affirms that there are considerable economic benefits to gaining a World Heritage designation. An increase in tourism and global awareness that comes with designation allows local economies surrounding World Heritage Sites to benefit.
Download your copy of "Natural Heritage, Natural Wealth", a report highlighting the economic benefits of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site, from the links below.
English:
http://www.wwfca.org/en/resources/publications/belize_natural_heritage_natural_wealth.cfm
Español:
http://www.wwfca.org/recursos/publicaciones/belice_patrimonio_natural_riqueza_natural.cfm
Channel 7
Chinese Man Busted With Bogus Immigration Document
It took him one single day to get a nationality certificate. Tonight, 7News is investigating the story of a Chinese man named Yuanran Zheng who came into the country for the first time on Sunday, and showed up at the Social Security Office in Belmopan to apply for a social security card on Monday. And to get it, he carried a bogus nationality document saying he was a Belizean national.
Zheng - who only speaks Chinese and was accompanied by a translator - said he'd gotten the nationality certificate 10 years earlier. But something about it didn't look right, so the staff at Social Security asked Zheng and his translator to wait while they made a cross check with the Immigration Department.
CCJ Orders Hon. Elrington To Produce Document, Minister Says He Doesn't Have It
In August, we told you how Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington lost a civil appeal at the Caribbean Court of Justice. The court ordered him to hand over land title certificates and other documents for 16 parcels of land which were all purchased at a total value of just over $641,000 Belize dollars.
It's a protracted legal battle that's been ongoing for about 7 years now where he and his former business partners from the company, Progresso Heights Limited, have been in and out of court. Progresso Heights Limited is a Belizean company in which the American father and son, Lawrence and Adam Schneider and Elrington are shareholders. The company acquired 2,000 acres of land in Progresso Village, Corozal.
In 2010, the business relationship between Elrington and the Schneider's went sour after he sued them for allegedly acting improperly and illegally. A few months later, the Schneider's filed a lawsuit against him alleging that their company sent his law firm documents relating to 16 parcels of land. His law firm was to supposed to carry out transfers for these pieces of land, and so, the Schneiders also deposited money into Elrington's bank account to cover the costs of conducting these land transactions.
Current And Former Ministers Duke It Out On Maritime Areas
This morning at court also gave us an opportunity for both Elrington and Courtenay to put on their public office hats. As we told you last week, The PUP is making a push for the Maritime Areas Act to be amended. That should happen at the next meeting of the Senate where they will be allowed to introduce a motion for the Amendment to be debated.
The Opposition is acting on the advice of Belize's legal team that the Maritime Areas Act needs an amendment so that Belize can claim the full 12 miles of territorial waters between the mouth of the Sarstoon and the Ranguana Cayes in the south. Currently, Belize is only claiming 3 miles of territorial waters.
That was a concession to provide for a framework for negotiating an agreement with Guatemala. Since all attempts at a negotiated settlement failed and both Belize and Guatemala have agreed that this territorial dispute can only be resolved at the ICJ, legal minds like Ambassador Assad Shoman have been insisting that the Maritime Areas Act needs to be amended. They reason that it strengthens Belize's case if all 12 miles of seas between the Sarstoon the Ranguana Cayes are being claimed.
What to Do About Odious, Offensive Guatemalan Map?
And one other topic the media pressed both Courtenay and Elrington on are the reports out of Guatemala that their government will start printing those offensive maps with Belize being a part of Guatemala.
Supposedly, it's part of their public education campaign on the ICJ referendum which is coming up in March, 2018. Press reports from Guatemala say that the education campaign will feature maps which will illustrate the territory of Belize as being part of Guatemala. There will be one dotted lines to note the borders between the countries and it should say "territory in dispute".
So, how will Belize handle these controversial maps, and how should it be handled? That's what both diplomats were asked, and here's that back and forth:
Alfonso Reaches A Settlement
Back in December it made major news when UDP personality Alfonso Noble, was charged with manslaughter by negligence for the accident which killed Hattieville resident Gilbert Myers. Well, we've since learned that the victim's family has received a settlement for the death of their loved one.
Information to 7News is that Andrea Corrin-Myers filed a civil suit in the Supreme Court claiming damages for his death. After months of back-and-forth where they tried to settle it out of court, both parties agreed on a final resolution for an equitable compensation. We do not know the final figure, but we're told that it's over a hundred thousand dollars.
Loose Gravel Causes Head On Collision
And while that accident may work out to a mutually agreeable resolution, there was another on the George Highway this morning, which has put 2 of the victims in the hospital.
It happened at around 7:00 on the stretch of road between miles 5 and 6. 25 year-old Devon Bailey was driving a grey Lexus car towards Belize City with passenger, 25 year-old Rhondine Valerio.
But, that part of the road is under construction, meaning it has loose gravel. He lost control and crashed head on into this oncoming Unicomer delivery truck. That truck was driven by 55 year-old Santiago Perez
OW Collision Between Old And Young Drivers
Turning now to the north on the Phillip Golden Highway, there was a serious collision a little after 9:00 last night in Orange Walk Town. 78-year-old Apolonio Pacheco was driving his Chevrolet Silverado on the Belize Road and when he was approaching the Project Hope building, 21-year-old Pedrito Ku of San Jose Village drove his Ford Escape into Pacheco's lane causing a head-on collision. Remarkably, none of the drivers were injured, but four men who were in the car with Ku received various injuries. 40-year-old Rigoberto Juchim, Amid Gomez, and 16-year-old Rowel Cruz are listed in stable condition at the KHMH while Gian Juchim was treated and released from the Northern Regional Hospital. Blood samples were taken from both drivers as police continue to investigate.
Global Youth Descend on Belize
A major international event, the 2017 Global Youth Conference is being held in Belize. Participants from over 40 countries are here to participate. The main goal of the conference is to discuss sustainable development goals that can make a positive change in our world, and who better to push those ideals than the youth 7News was there this morning and we got to hear from the excited participants.
After much anticipation and preparation, participants from over 40 different countries have finally gathered in one room to discuss driving societal change towards the sustainable development goals from a youth perspective. These young men and women are serious about making a difference by not just by learning life-changing information but also by sharing best practices.
Cops Shoot Man In Domestic Dispute
Police shot a man in the foot in Ladyville today. The cops were responding to a domestic dispute in the Milpa Area where Tiffara Tillett said that 36 year old Leon Usher was preventing her from leaving the house.
The police say he then approached police "in a boisterous and rowdy manner, making threats, saying that no one will remove him from his house and if police made any attempts he was ready to kill and be killed."
Undeterred, the police went about their business and removed Tillett along with some personal effects. But in the process, Usher rushed the police and tried to take away Tillett's personal effects.
Can Newcomer Bernard Wagner Lead The PUP To First Municipal Victory In A Decade?
The PUP Slate for the Belize City Council - for months we've been pressing Opposition Leader John Briceno to come up with the names. And finally, the slate was launched on Saturday. That's more than two months after the UDP held its municipal convention, but it's more or less in line with the timeframe for when the PUP launched its last Belize City slate, which was in November of 2014. The only problem is that slate - led by Yolanda Shakron - lost by a wide margin.
So what will be the fate for the new PUP team led by political newcomer Bernard Wagner? Today we spoke to the businessman and former banker at his micro-credit office in Belize City. He told us he had to step out of his comfort zone to jump into politics:..
UDP Dion Ready For Bernard
So, now UDP mayoral candidate Dion Leslie isn't shadowboxing anymore. The three term councillor knows whose name will be on that ballot next to his. Today, we found him and Deputy Mayor Dean Samuels in the Port Loyola area. He told us it's not about personalities, it's about work:..
Dion Leslie, UDP Candidate for Mayor:
"Well Jules I'll be honest with you. I don't really look at what the PUP is doing or who they brought. I'm looking at the work that we've accomplished over the past 12 years in office - 9 years for myself, 12 with Deputy Samuels and what we plan to accomplish come for the nest 3 years. Yes, at the same time you can't completely ignore your opponent, but we are not catching up to them or playing behind their game. They have to come to us. We are the incumbent, we know what it takes. We've been there. We are experience."
Beez In The Channel 7 Trap
Today at our 7news office we literally had "beez in the trap." But it wasn't a Nicki Minaj block party, it was a real swarm of killer bees which had formed a massive hive at the back of our office.
That's the same thing that happened in September of 2014, and once again, the Agriculture Department swooped in to save us from a killer bee calamity.
A big deal for us, but for these guys, just another day of bee butchery.
We tease, but for all those with killer hives in their homes or offices, the Department warns about the importance of calling for help:
Francisco Xui, Extension Officer for Belize District:
"What we are doing today is eliminating a swarm at the house at the back why we are doing it because it is a nuisance to the public and could really harm somebody when they are being disturbed we don't like to do it because they are one of the top pollinators we have in the ambient however because it is a threat to the community we have to do the destruction."
PAHO Says Belize Can Eliminate Malaria
The latest reports from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) say that malaria in Belize has decreased dramatically between the years 2000 and 2015. And, if the strategies of the Health officials continue to work, Malaria could become a thing of the past here in Belize.
In those 15 years, the number of cases of new infections has decreased 99.12%. At its highest, there were 1,486 cases, and at the end of 2015, that number fell to only 13 cases. The last malaria death in Belize was reported in 2006.
The total at-risk population has also declined by 91%, and so has the annual parasitic index, which fell from 4.9 cases, to 0.04 cases per one thousand inhabitants.
According to the PAHO/WHO analysis, Belize is one of the 6 countries from the Americas that has the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020.
Koreans Make Magic On Stage
Tonight, a group of talented artists from a Korean Performing Arts Troupe called Gwangdae are on stage at the Bliss mesmerizing audiences with their artistry. The show is called "Spin, Jump, Fly" and these artists live up to their billing with startling precision. This evening 7 news got a sneak peek at the show and we learnt more about the troupe and their art.
Hwang Joong Jin, Korean Ambassador Culture Advisor:
"Korean embassy brought a traditional Korean group to have this performance because of the thirty-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Belize."
"This group the Gwang de has been around 20 countries to perform and to exchange culture about Korean tradition and performing arts."
The Passing Of Pech, Noted Politician, And An Honorable Gentleman
Tonight we note the passing of former PUP Minister and 6 term Orange Walk South representative Guadalupe Pech.
The 83 year old Pech died a few days ago and was buried today in Orange Walk with honours.
Pech represented Orange Walk South for the PUP from 1961 to 1993 - losing for the first time in the swing of 1984. He lost again in 1993 and retired after that.
But, he mostly won, in fact, in the early days of his political career, he often won his seat by astounding margins with as much as 87% and 83% of the vote.
Channel 5
3 Barely Survive George Price Highway Accident
A small car, reportedly travelling at high speed collided into a cargo truck and the passengers are lucky to be alive. The near fatal traffic accident happened this morning on [...]
Insurance Company Settles with Family of Victim of Alfonso Noble
Media personality Alfonso Noble is due back in court on January twenty-fourth, 2018, for a preliminary inquiry into the indictable charges of manslaughter by negligence, among others stemming from a [...]
Fake Chinese-Belizean and Translator Held for Using Forged Nationality for Social Security
The Immigration Department made a significant arrest today. Two Asian nationals are tonight in custody at the Belmopan police station where they are being investigated for immigration offenses. Chinese national [...]
Registrar Asked to Replace Lost Progresso Heights Certificates
Two foreign ministers, the current and the former, were going at it in court today going back to a case when Wilfred Elrington was also the Attorney General. In July, [...]
Attorney for Clients Says Faith is Shaken
And while Elrington continues to plead innocence or ignorance on what happened to the documents, rival Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay laid into him for what he believes is unnecessarily dragging [...]
Sentencing Further Delayed for Remorseful “Bucket”
In the high court, forty-six-year-old Glenford Gilbert Bermudez, the man who shot and killed his wife, was in court today for mitigation. Bermudez said he is sorry for his actions [...]
Probing Murder of Benque Teenager
On Monday night, we reported on the murder of eighteen-year-old Oscar Obando. The teen was shot to the chest and left for dead on a farm between Belize and Guatemala. [...]
Corozal Shooting Victim Critical in Hospital
A young woman remains in a critical condition inside the Intensive Care Unit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following a near fatal shooting in the Corozal District almost a [...]
Will Cabinet Pre-Empt Senate on Maritime Areas Amendment?
The Opposition People’s United Party announced a week ago tonight that it had filed a motion in the Senate to allow for debate on amending the Maritime Areas Act of [...]
Parties Trade Fault, But P.U.P. Will Go Ahead with Senate Motion
It was a rare moment at the Supreme Court this morning: Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington giving the press an interview on issues related to Guatemala, with former Foreign [...]
No Opposition for Opposition’s Sake
Senator Eamon Courtenay told News Five that the P.U.P.’s three Senators hope to join with the social partner Senators to get the matter debated in the Senate, preferably with but [...]
Ministers ‘Will Vote Conscience’
As stated earlier by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the issue has come up in cabinet. On Thursday last, deputy Prime Minster Patrick Faber was quizzed about it. He said [...]
All or Nothing for Guats; Belizeans Must Unite says F.M.
On Monday, we told you that the Guatemalan public awareness campaign as to the March eighteenth, 2018 referendum on settlement of the unfounded claim on Belize at the International Court [...]
Opposition Senator Chastises Minimal Response
Similar to Elrington, we posed the question of what can be done to counter the offensive Guatemalan map which affixes Belize as part of its territory to Senator Eamon Courtenay. [...]
Churches Share Concerns over Marijuana Use
The religious community continues to sound off on the issue of marijuana use and decriminalization. Despite having lost ground with the government in respect of its protest to the recent [...]
A.G. Scolded for Attack on Churches
On Friday, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte called into question the moral authority of the church on the issue of marijuana since it has been accused, and in some instances found [...]
Immigration Department Resolving LGBT Controversy
The Immigration Department has quickly responded to allegations raised on this newscast on Friday by members of the LGBT community. Director Diana Locke has told executive director of the United [...]
Youths of the World Gather in Belize
The World Youth Conference 2017 is being held under the theme, “Globally Running to 2030, Becoming Sustainably Strong.” The three-day meeting of youth leaders from across the world commenced today [...]
O.W. Town Council Throws Hat in Crime Ring
On Friday night, businessman Amit Moryani was brutally killed in Orange Walk Town, while attempting to defend his mother who was under attack by armed robbers. A month ago, Daniel [...]
Belize Ahead of the Curve in Trade Facilitation
Belize’s Customs and Excise Department is meeting with its partners on the National Committee for Trade Facilitation all this week in Belize City to discuss efforts to increase volume of [...]
South Korean Folk Group Performs at Bliss
The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts is the venue for the Gwangdae’s Korean folk performance, “Spin Jump Fly.” Just before news time tonight, the Korean Embassy in El Salvador [...]
CTV3
Post Mortem Confirms San Narciso Village Resident Drowned
Funeral services were held last night in San Narciso Village for 38 year old Israel Novelo, whose lifeless body was found floating along the banks of the Rio Hondo yesterday afternoon. Novelo and another male person, 45 year old Teodoro Pena of Louisville Village, had gone to the Sapote Area of the Rio Hondo River, reportedly to fish, when the canoe they were on capsized. Pena reported to the Police that he was able to swim to the bank but Novelo did not resurface.
No Arrests For Mondays Brazen Daylight Robbery In Corozal Town
Corozal Police continue to investigate the brazen Monday morning robbery of a Western Union employee which occurred on 2nd Street South in Corozal Town. The main suspect is an unidentified man wearing a peak cap, t-shit and long jeans pants, who approaches 28 year old Doris Montejo and takes her purse containing over $10,000 in cash, which were funds belonging to the business.
Video footage obtained by CTV-3 News shows the incident second per second, as the robber approaches the vehicle which dropped off Montejo and shows her a weapon around his pants waist. Montejo told the Police that the robber uttered, “don’t shout and hand over the money”.
Sedi's Legal Woes Continues
The legal woes of former Attorney General Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington before the court over a private land investment matter gone sour between him and former clients Progresso Heights Limited, continued today in Court. The last we had heard about this matter was back in July when the Caribbean Court of Justice pronounced that Elrington should return land documents to the company which were believed to be in his possession. But in interviews that followed the ruling, Elrington held that he could not return documents which he didn’t have. Today, Elrington returned to the Court, after having signed an affidavit that he was not in its possession and requesting the documents be procured and delivered, entered a challenge. Attorney for the private company, Eamon Courtenay, explained to the media why Elrington’s move was unsuccessful.
Sedi Scoffs at PUP Proposed Revision To Maritime Areas Act
The People’s United Party has submitted a motion for an amendment to the Maritime Areas Act to be entered on the agenda of the next Senate meeting for consideration and debate. The amendment will propose that Belize includes in the Maritime Areas Act the full length of its recognised maritime territory, extending the 3 miles outward of Sarstoon area and Ranguana Cayes to the 12-mile limit as permitted under international law. The fact that the PUP is moving the bill for debate in the Senate seems to have bugged Foreign Minister Sedi Elrington however. Today he accused the Opposition of grandstanding on the issue.
Amending Maritime Act Will Ruffle Guatemala's Feathers Says Foreign Minister
And during that interview Elrington was also questioned whether he felt that in amending the Maritime Areas Act, the Government of Belize should consider whether it will ruffle the feathers of Guatemalan officials. He said that it is likely since most recently Guatemala issued a protest note over a documentary which featured our BDF soldiers patrolling the border. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, Foreign Minister:
Six Persons Escape Near Fatal Road Traffic Accident
Six persons are luck to be alive tonight after they were involved in what could have been a deadly traffic accident on the Belize Corozal Road here in Orange Walk. Police responded to the scene of the accident at around 9.06 p.m and upon arrival observed a Grey in color Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with L/P OW-C-18824, and a Gold in color Ford Escape with L/P OWC-19571 with extensive damages to the front portion. Footage captured by residents of the area show some of the victims on the pavement after being assisted out of the Ford Escape. They were suffering from various degrees of injuries.
LOVE FM
Civil matter against UDP Loyalist Alfonso Noble is Discontinued
More than one hundred thousand dollars, that’s the payout that Andrea Corrin-Myers received as compensation for the death of her husband, Gilbert Myers. The quantity was confirmed by Myers’ attorney, Senior Counsel Said Musa. The payout was issued by RF and G Insurance whose customer is UDP loyalist Alfonso Noble. The widow had launched a […]
CCJ rules in Favor of Progresso Heights Ltd
The case of Progresso Heights Limited versus Pitts and Elrington Law Firm was heard at the Caribbean Court of Justice this morning where the ruling was in favor of the appellants Progresso Heights Limited. The case which began seven years ago surrounds a disagreement between Elrington and Progresso Heights Limited involving a real estate company. […]
Courtenay: “We Need a Foreign Minister who will Advance our Interest”
On Monday we reported that as part of its educational campaign on the territorial dispute, the Guatemalan Government decided to produce textbooks with Belize included in the Guatemalan Map. Today, reporters asked Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington about the decision and what he intends to do in response. Here’s what he said. Wilfred Elrington […]
Elrington: “GOB will not support PUP’s Motion”
Today Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington told the media that government will not support the Opposition People’s United Party’s motion to debate an amendment to the Maritime Areas Act in the Senate. The PUP is proposing to remove those sections of the Maritime Areas Act that would have enabled a negotiated settlement of the claim […]
Brigadier General Jones to take up New Post in Washington
Love News has received credible information that Brigadier General David Jones will be appointed as Belize’s Military Attaché in Washington D.C. Jones who is currently on pre-retirement leave told Love News that it is a possibility but the Government has not finalized the decision. We asked Defence Minister John Saldivar to confirm our information and […]
Traffic Accident sends two to the Hospital
This morning, there was a terrible incident at mile four on the George Price Highway. According to police reports, about 7:00 a.m., 55 –year-old Santiago Perez of Orange Walk Town, was driving a Hilo cargo truck, belonging to Unicomer Belize, heading in the direction of Belmopan. Upon reaching between miles 5 and 6, 25-year-old Devon […]
Head-on Collision Injured Several Persons
Several persons were injured in a road traffic accident last night in Orange Walk. Police report that about nine o’clock in the night, 78-year-old Apolonio Pacheco of Guinea Grass Village was driving his grey Chevrolet Silverado Pickup on the Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town while 21-year-old Pedrito Ku of San Jose Village was […]
Amandala
Store owner lost his life for $300
Amit Moryani, 37, an Indian store owner who resided on Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town, died after he was shot in the left side of the chest by one of two armed thieves.
Police said that Moryani and his mother were in their store at about 9:00 on Friday night, when the two masked thieves entered. One was armed with a pistol and the other was unarmed. The unarmed thief went to Moryani’s mother and grabbed her bag, which she had on her shoulder. She resisted, and Moryani came from behind the counter to help her. Police said the armed bandit then pointed his gun at them and fired twice. One of the bullets hit Moryani in the chest, and one of the bullets grazed his mother’s head. The thieves then ran out of the store with the bag, which contained $300.
Dedron McKay, 20, gunned down on Haynes Street
The latest blood to be spilled on the southside of Belize City is that of southside resident, Dedron Dennis McKay, 20, a special needs young man. He was gunned down on Haynes Street in the vicinity of Kraal Road, a known hot spot, sometime around 8 p.m. on Friday.
During a press conference held today, Senior Superintendent of Police, Marco Vidal, suggested that McKay’s murder was connected to the Sunday, October 29, shooting of Cameron Moreira, 18; Godwin Flowers, 28;
Darren “Nose” Dawson, 32; and Gerald Tillett, 67, on Neal Pen Road in Belize City.
PUP launches City Council slate: “PUP Team-11 The Rebirth”
This evening, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) launched its Belize City Council slate, consisting of its mayoral candidate and 10 city councilor candidates who will attempt to wrest power from the incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) in next year’s Municipal Elections in March.
The PUP’s launch, which it calls “The Rebirth”, took place at an old-school rally at the Pound Yard Bridge, where a sizable crowd of city residents and party supporters turned up for an evening which featured musical entertainment and speeches from some of the PUP’s heavy-hitting parliamentarians. The evening ended with an address by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño.
4 murders since Friday, November 3
Four murders have been recorded across the country since Friday. One occurred in Belize City and another in Orange Walk Town, and they are covered elsewhere in this newspaper.
The most recent of the four murders occurred this morning in San Pedro, and Benque Viejo Del Carmen.
At a press conference held this morning, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo, told the press that at around 7 a.m. today, San Pedro police visited the first floor of an incomplete two-storey concrete building on Coco Plum Street, where they saw the body of a man, who was later identified as German national Adam Adalbert Cobbler, 53, who has been in Belize for the last five years.
Put up or shut up, AG Peyrefitte tells 200 pastors
Two days before the government’s amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act which decriminalized 10 grams of marijuana, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) held a press conference on Tuesday, October 31, at which they condemned the new law. The new measure was signed into law by the Governor General yesterday, Thursday, after Attorney General, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte gave the green light that all was in order with the new law.
Notwithstanding the bi-partisan support that the decriminalization measure enjoyed, the NEAB, at their press conference and in a media release, threatened to march on Belmopan.
Supreme Court admits William Alden Lindo to practice law
In an early morning session, the Supreme Court of Justice Courtenay Abel was called into session to hear Claim No. 643 of 2017, “In the matter of an application by William Alden Lindo to be admitted to practice law in Belize and be enrolled on the Roll (Supreme Court) as an attorney-at-law.”
Lindo’s application was sponsored by attorney Glen Godfrey, S.C., at whose law firm, Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP, he has been employed as trainee associate. The application was seconded by attorney Lisa Shoman, S.C., who, along with former Prime Minister, Said Musa, S.C., and attorney Andrew Bennett, submitted affidavits attesting to Lindo’s good character.
Down to the wire; 3 PLB clubs to battle for 2 playoff spots in last reg. season weekend
Well, this one is indeed going “down to the wire,” folks. After Week 13 results this past weekend in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season, the playoff field has been narrowed down to 5 teams for only 4 spots. Two teams, defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC and Verdes FC, have already secured their playoff berths; and the other 2 spots are now up for grabs among 3 teams – San Pedro Pirates FC, Police United FC and Belize Defence Force FC. (See standings below.)
On Saturday night on their home turf at the M.A. Stadium in Independence, Placencia Assassins FC saw their slim playoff hopes completely dashed, as they fell, 5-1, to visiting Verdes FC. After Luis “Baaka” Torres (31’) gave Assassins the early lead, Verdes equalized before halftime through Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton (39’), and then continued with second half goals from Desmond Wade (54’), Brazilian Alcides “Paco” Thomas (66’ & 81’) and Ricardo “Cheety” Jimenez (68’).
Guadalupe Magaña Dyck Gold Cup Finals
The Finals of the Guadalupe Magaña Dyck Gold Cup Tournament 2017 were held today at the Yo Creek Football Field.
In the third place female game, August Pine Ridge Fusion Girls won, 4-1, over Guinea Grass Sugar Girls. Gisel Baeza (1), Delmi Cornelio (2) and Wendy Lamb (1) shook the net for August Pine Ridge, while Noriely Terry scored for Guinea Grass.
The third place male game saw Guinea Grass Desert Storm with the 3-1 win over San Carlos FC with 2 goals from Brian Westby and 1 from Jorge Garcia, while Gilbert Perez scored for San Carlos FC.
Dangriga sports stats – cycling
Tex-Bel Farm and the Dangriga Town Council, along with the Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association, will be hosting the first Annual Coconut Fest Cycling Race this Saturday, November 11, starting at 1:00 p.m. This race was postponed from October 28 because of rain.
The race will start (and finish) from in front of Eldrid Martinez Park on George Price Drive, right across from Dangriga Bowen and Bowen Distributors, and head on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre and back, a total of 40 miles.
This race on Saturday is only for Juniors and Masters categories. Prizes for both Juniors and Masters remain the same, along with station prize. Registration per rider is $10.00.
Elridge “Postman” Latchman returns
On his last visit to our sports desk back in May of 2008, we did a story on Elridge Latchman titled, “The original ‘Postman’ visits”.
An outstanding all-round athlete in his youth in Belize, Latchi stopped by our sports desk again on Monday, October 30, and reminisced on his sports/life journey from childhood days until his departure from Belize at 23 years of age, still at the top of his game in football, in 1970. Now retired at 70, and with a wealth of experience and training under his belt, Latchi, who has made regular visits back home to the Jewel over the years, is focused on doing what he can to help improve the sporting infrastructure (his specialty is in construction of sports facilities) and programs for youths in Belize.
The race around the corner
National municipal elections in Belize are four months away, but it is as if the race is really right around the corner. In Belize, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays dominate the November and December months after Garifuna Settlement Day, and what basically happens in January and February is that roots people have to fight to recover from the financial excesses of the holidays. March 2018, in a sense, is right around the corner.
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) presently controls 62 of the 67 municipal seats nationwide, and they should be flush with all kinds of campaign cash for the March 2018 elections. But, several serious developments have taken place in Belize since the last national municipal elections in March of 2015, the most serious of those developments being, we think, the country’s sinking deeper and deeper into debt, with unemployment, already unacceptably high, increasing exponentially as more and more businesses have shut down. The implications for crime and violence have been obvious.
Sal Awe remembers Cobo
Good morning Sir/ Madam:
I read your papers today with great interest about Cobo. I was very fortunate to know him. Way back, when I was living home, he used to visit us very often. It was assumed that Cobo was a spy for the English Government. Anyhow, my Mom and Dad used to feed him every time he came around our home. He was a very pleasant man.
RIGHT TO THE POINT: Will hotels consent to the use of marijuana on their premises?
Then there is the amendment to Section 18, which deals with the penalties imposed. The essence of that section is that it states that the penalties referred to in sub-section (1) regarding possession for cannabis and cannabis resin are not applicable, provided the amount of marijuana is ten grammes or less, and the possession and use is not on the premises of an educational institution. However, what it does not state or clarify, is whether it is an offence once the proprietor of the premises does not consent to the activity on his premises, notwithstanding that the amount is only ten grammes or less. Likewise, it leaves me to assume that if the ten grammes is in possession or use of a person other than on some premises, then it is an offence. But the law is drafted so poorly, I really would need clarification of that. Also, what happens if I have possession or use in my own vehicle or boat?
Hogan’s football story – Part 9
Amandala (A): Alright… alright, Hogan…Yo prove yoself (You proved yourself)!
Hogan (H): So… after that I went and formed the Warriors.
Part 9
A: Okay… about what year was that when you formed the Warriors?
H: Okay… that was around 79-80… that’s when the Warriors started travelling.
A: So, you put together some of the same Belize guys… under your management… your own coaching/ management system..
H: Yes… because, one of the main factors that I wanted was to put a set of guys together who want to travel… who want to go wherever, whenever, whichever… and from there it became history… 35 years of Warriors…
A: I’ve heard that name a lot… and always I’ve heard that Hogan has a team… and Hogan is going here or there… and you came to Belize… you brought a team to Belize too, right?
BELIZE’S INDEPENDENCE & A CLOUDY STATE OF THE NATION!
It is said by many progressive leaders of the Caribbean, like the late Michael Manley of Jamaica, Maurice Bishop of Grenada and Fidel Castro of Cuba, that independence on paper given to nations like Belize, the former British Honduras, by their British colonial slavemasters, was not really true independence at all. They say that such fabricated and false sense of independence was not really won unless through the overthrow of the oppressive colonial masters, as it was in Haiti that became the first independent nation in the Western Hemisphere even before the great United States. And that Haiti overthrew its brutal and oppressive slave and colonial masters in one of the most still talked about revolutions called, “The Haitian Revolution”.
Julio Choc, 35, alleged hit-and-run driver, remanded
On Thursday, police arrested and charged Julio Choc, 35, a truck driver of Belmopan, for a hit-and-run accident on the Southern Highway that claimed the life of Sittee River resident, Dorothy Andrews, 32, and injured her husband, Allen Andrews, 35, also of Sittee River. Choc was charged with causing death by careless conduct, driving without due care and attention, manslaughter by negligence, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, and failure to render aid. Choc was taken to the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court Friday morning, where no plea was taken from him and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 12.
“Alkaline” committed to Supreme Court to stand trial for murder
Henry Harris, 23, aka “Akaline,” who was charged with murder and attempted murder, was today committed by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford to stand trial in the January session of the Supreme Court.
Harris is charged with the murder of Clinton “Hog” Fraser, 44, and the attempted murder of Fraser’s younger brother, Michael Fraser.
Harris is also charged with grievous harm and use of deadly means of harm. The charges are for an incident that occurred on the night of January 22, 2017 on West Collet Canal Street near Conch Shell Bay Fish Market. The brothers were hanging out there when two persons fired several shots in their direction.
Irish businessman charged for near-fatal collision
Con Murphy, 36, an Irish national who was involved in a traffic collision that occurred early Friday morning, November 3, was charged with 2 minor traffic offences when he was brought to court today before Magistrate Stephanie Gillett. The charges she read to him were for driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention and driving a motor vehicle while not being the holder of a valid driver’s license.
Murphy pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was told by the prosecutor that a charge of failure to provide specimen was withdrawn by the police. The prosecutor objected to bail on the ground that Murphy is not a Belizean and consequently, he is a flight risk. The prosecutor also said that two persons were injured in the accident and further charges are imminent.
Cashief Myvett, 25, charged for $35-robbery
–Cashief Myvett, 25, who allegedly stole a wallet containing $35 by the use of force, was charged with robbery when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Myvett pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the ground that the offence has become prevalent.
When Senior Magistrate Ford asked Myvett to give a reason why he should be granted bail, he remained silent.
Senior Magistrate Ford upheld the objection and she remanded Myvett into custody until January 31. The incident for which Myvett was charged, occurred on Saturday, November 4.
Supreme Court admits William Alden Lindo to practice law
n an early morning session, the Supreme Court of Justice Courtenay Abel was called into session to hear Claim No. 643 of 2017, “In the matter of an application by William Alden Lindo to be admitted to practice law in Belize and be enrolled on the Roll (Supreme Court) as an attorney-at-law.”
Lindo’s application was sponsored by attorney Glen Godfrey, S.C., at whose law firm, Glenn D. Godfrey & Co LLP, he has been employed as trainee associate. The application was seconded by attorney Lisa Shoman, S.C., who, along with former Prime Minister, Said Musa, S.C., and attorney Andrew Bennett, submitted affidavits attesting to Lindo’s good character.
Put up or shut up, AG Peyrefitte tells 200 pastors
Two days before the government’s amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act which decriminalized 10 grams of marijuana, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) held a press conference on Tuesday, October 31, at which they condemned the new law. The new measure was signed into law by the Governor General yesterday, Thursday, after Attorney General, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte gave the green light that all was in order with the new law.
Notwithstanding the bi-partisan support that the decriminalization measure enjoyed, the NEAB, at their press conference and in a media release, threatened to march on Belmopan.
Today, in answers to reporters’ questions about the harsh criticism by the NEAB of the decriminalization law, Attorney General Peyrefitte reacted, saying, “Let me be very calm. I’ll try to be very calm about the church the way I try very hard to be calm about the CCJ.
Breaking Belize News
Police investigating road traffic accident in Orange Walk
On Monday night around 9, Orange Walk police responded to a road traffic accident on the […]
SBDC Belize conducts its first National Entrepreneurship Roadshow
By Zoila Palma: In commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, that is being celebrated throughout the region; the Small […]
New traffic laws coming for distracted drivers
The Ministry of Transport, in response to the continued loss of life and damage to […]
Police department still not fully on board with decriminalization
Despite the decriminalization of marijuana becoming official last week, many members of the Belize Police […]
Police issue statement on accident this morning
According to police, around 7:00 a.m. today a white Hilo cargo truck belonging to Unicomer […]
Chinese business robbed in San Ignacio
Xing Juan Zhu, a 29-year-old Chinese business woman of Hudson Street, San Ignacio Town reported […]
Four killed since November 1st
Belize has recorded four murders since the start of November. The first occurred on Friday […]
New Brazilian ambassador welcomed to Belize
The Ambassador of Brazil to Belize, H.E. Luciano Helmold Macieira, presented his Letters of Credence to […]
PAHO highlights Belize’s achievements on Malaria Day
Yesterday, November 6 was celebrated as Malaria Day in the Americas. In commemoration of the […]
Young man found dead in Benque
According to reports, yesterday morning, the body of an 18-year-old man was found in Benque […]
Belmopan man acquitted of murder
Belmopan resident, George Hyde, 36, has been acquitted of the December 2013 murder of Canadian […]
WestJet begins direct flight to Belize from Calgary, Canada
A brief inaugural ceremony was held at the Departure Lounge of the Philip Goldson International […]
Reese Fitzgibbon jailed for Friday morning shooting
Reese Fitzgibbon, 24, was remanded to the Hattieville prison on Monday. Police say that on […]
Accident near mile 5 on George Price highway
One person was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after an accident around […]
Yurumein: the Garifuna culture arrives to Belize
Since 1997, November 19th has been observed as Garifuna Settlement Day, a National Holiday. Honoring the arrival of the largest Garinagu group to Belizean shores in 1823, Garifuna Settlement Day is a celebration of a people’s cultural identity through music, dance, and food. One of the most anticipated events is the re-enactment of the Garinagu trails as they journeyed from St. Vincent to Roatan, Honduras then to Belize. This glimpse into the culture’s history is called Yurumein, which means ‘homeland’, and is a lively procession with drumming and singing.
Yurumein will take place in San Pedro on Sunday, November 19th at 8AM at the shores of Central Park. The beating of drums will signal the arrival of the procession as they make their way to the San Pedro Catholic Church via boat for a mass of thanksgiving, followed by a full day of fun at the Central Park. There will be lots of traditional food such as such as hudut and bundiga for sale.
International Sources
Diving deeper into nautical archaeology
According to the United Nations Underwater Cultural Heritage, the number of shipwrecks around the world is estimated to have reached three million. Some of these sunken ships are older than the current society, and they can contain a lot of information concerning the past lives of humans belonging to a particular point of time. With the help of nautical archaeology, man has a way to decipher and comprehend the stories that have sunk and been claimed by ocean waters. He also has a way to preserve these objects thanks to this certain field. Science Clarified defines it as the discipline of searching, recovering and maintaining objects that have existed in the past and apprehending the information that can be obtained from these objects through in-depth studies.
Partnering to enhance Climate Risk Management and improve resilience in Belize
The Government of Belize, with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is stepping up its climate change adaptation efforts. Belize’s Social Investment Fund (SIF), an implementing agency of the Government addressing the basic needs of the country’s most vulnerable, has set in motion plans to incorporate Climate Risk Management in its National Project Development Process.
On October 26 and 27, the Bank funded a CRM training workshop for SIF’s stakeholders. Recognising Belize’s high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, flooding, earthquakes and erosion, the sessions focused on minimising their negative effects, which can both reverse and retard national development.
Talk Travel: The reasons why someone might have multiple passports
The Washington Post’s Travel section writers and editors recently discussed stories, questions, gripes and more. Here are edited excerpts:
Q:
I read recent news about the businessman with three U.S. passports, including one in a different name. In view of the documentation (including birth certificate) anyone must submit in order to apply for a passport, how is it even possible to get one in another name? And why would someone need more than one (whether in the same or a different name)?
A:
Some countries (Lebanon, Libya) will not let you in if they see that you have visited a country (such as Israel) that they don’t acknowledge or support. So, travelers will carry the passport without the controversial stamp. Sometimes people need a second passport if their first one is stuck in the visa process at a foreign consulate. I, like many dual citizens, have two passports for my two nationalities. However, I am guessing that the businessman and his ilk have multiple passports for nefarious reasons: So U.S. Customs and Immigration can’t track his travels.
Why Chocolate Lovers Need To Go To Belize
Wait… Is Belize a chocolate Mecca? Seriously?
People travel the world JUST to sample chocolate from the best chocolatiers on the planet.
We all know about Swiss chocolate, Belgium, French, and more, but word is chocolate was a Mayan invention. So Belize has bragging rights among the best. Some people even call Belize the “cradle of chocolate,” since this exquisite confection is known to have originated in the area.
A brief history of chocolate in Belize:
If Christ came to Belize when he was on the earth, he could have enjoyed a tasty chocolate beverage. In the 1980s, archaeologists found 14 Maya chocolate pots, deemed to be over 2,600 years old. Some still had traces of chocolate! They say the Mayans liked to drink their delicious, dark chocolate beverage at every meal—I mean, duh! I like coffee, but chocolate with every meal? Sign me up! The Hershey company housed their cacao plantation in Belize from 1984 to 1987. This was great for the Belizean economy until chocolate prices plummeted. Hershey moved out of Belize and many farmers, who were growing cacao to service the company, were out of business.
Videos
Beautiful Belize, 13min.
BELIZE - AMBERGRIS CAYE (PART 3) - SAN PEDRO TOWN, 4min. Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize, located northeast of the country in the Caribbean Sea. It is about 40 km long and about 1.6 km wide. Where it has not been modified by man, is mostly a ring of white sand beach around mangrove swamp in the centre.
Morning Matters San Pedro, 60min.
Religious Leaders perspective on the Amendment to the Misuse of Drug Act., 37min.
3rd Annual WED Leadhership Conference, 28min.
World Youth Conference 2017, 22min.
Bufo, or cane toad. Deadly toad to most pets., 1min.
San Pedro City??, 30sec.
City skyline...City construction...City life...City light...City streets. It’s bound to happen sooner than later. Newest development just south of town is going up with steel!!!
Tailwaters Belize - Permit City, 3min.
Belize 2017, 10min. Footage from my trip to Belize.
Police Check Point Talk Show November 7, 60min.
November 7, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
German national Raimund Kößler murdered in San Pedro Town
A man was found dead inside a construction site located at the corner of Cocoplum Street in San Pedro Town early on Monday morning, November, 6th. The lifeless body was found by construction workers who arrived at the San Pablo Sub-division site shortly after 6:30AM to start working. Police were called and they quickly processed the scene. The deceased has been identified as 53 -year-old Raimund Kößler (Koessler) of German nationality, who suffered a severe injury to the head. Police have since labelled the death as murder, and an investigation has been launched to detain the culprit(s).
Kößler, a long-time resident, was described by neighbours in the area as someone quiet, who would always be at his home. According to them, he lived alone and the only times he would be seen on the street was when he visited the nearby grocery store. They expressed shock at his demise wondering why he was out so late from his home. His body was found in a far corner of the construction site in a place he was not known to frequent.
Hope Haven & Shine Center Inaugurated on Ambergris Caye
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, November 4th to inaugurate the opening of Hope Haven and SHINE Center. The center aims to provide shelter for abused women and children of Ambergris Caye. In attendance were the Mayor of San Pedro Town, Daniel Guerrero, and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Manuel Heredia Jr., Founders of Hope Haven & SHINE center, San Pedro Lions Club (SPLC) Members, Belize UNICEF Representative, Dr. Susan Kasedde, Media Corps and invited guests who were happy to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the center.
At 6PM, Pastor Clive Welsh led the opening prayer and blessing the center. Brittney Travis of Shine then took over by welcoming everyone to the momentous occasion. “If you are here today, it is because you contributed to the completion of this center in some sort of way. This center will aim to bring hope back to all those girls and children, who have lost hope during the course of their life,” she said. Hope Haven’s Brittney O’ Daniel also shared a few words “The reason I pushed for the construction of this center was I knew it was because a necessity on the island. I want to thank the San Pedro Lions Club for donating building
Ambergris Today
Body Of Male Discovered At Construction Sight Identified As German Expat
The body of German National, Raymond Adam Adalbert Koessler was discovered this morning at around 6:30a.m. by a building contractor as he arrived at this worksite on Monday, November 6, 2017, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Raymond (52yrs) suffered a large cut wound to the head. His neighbors and landlord report seeing him last the night before at about 10p.m. on November 5. His body was discovered a block away from his residence at the corner of Pearl Street and Coco Plum Street inside the first floor of a two-story building still under construction.
According to police, Raymond had been a resident of Ambergris Caye for five years and been living in the San Pablo Area for some time. Information from the San Pedro Police is not forthcoming with no leads on any suspects, cause of death or post mortem report. Speculations of his death are that he was assaulted late last night and died due to trauma to the head.
Colossal Olmec Head Offered By Mexico As Gift To Belizean People
As a token of appreciation because of the excellent relationship between Mexico and Belize, President Enrique Peña-Nieto donated a full-size replica of an Olmec Head to the people of Belize. The donation took place during his visit to Belize during his participation in the IV CARICOM Mexico Summit that took place two weeks ago.
The Head that weighs in at 9 tons, was installed at the inner circle of the North Ring Road Roundabout in Belmopan facing the Embassy of Mexico. The helmet includes a band with four elements that have been interpreted as feline claws or bird claws. Apparently, it was part of a sculptural set inside a sunken courtyard in the site of San Lorenzo.
Historical Pruning Of Inga Trees In A New Farming System For Belize
Thirteen farmers in southern Belize made history as they pruned their first plots of Inga edulis last week. The farmers are using a new farming practice called Inga alley cropping, in which Inga trees, locally known as bri-bri, are grown in rows alongside annual crops to control weeds, improve soil health and reduce the use of herbicides. Ya’axché Conservation Trust is promoting this new farming technique to address the many challenges faced by farmers in southern Belize.
Inga alley cropping stems from 20 years of research by Mike Hands at the Inga Foundation in Honduras where this farming system was developed. Over the past four years, Ya’axché has facilitated exchange visits for farmers from Toledo to see the farming system firsthand. Ya’axché has provided training workshops, Inga seeds and young plants to 17 farmers who are pioneering the establishment of Inga alley cropping in southern Belize.
Misc Belizean Sources
SBDC Workshop: ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS IN BELIZE
Presented by:
Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Building, ITVET Campus, Belize City. Workshop Date:
November 09, 2017. Time:
9am to 12 noon. The workshop aims is to equip participants with knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to start a business on the right foot, taking the necessary steps to formalization as well introducing them to steps and activities to finalizing their business idea.
The Specific objectives of the training are to enable participants to: Better understand the skills of an entrepreneur, importance of a business plan, and acquire all legal information on how to formalize a business in Belize.
Ambassador of Brazil to Belize Presents Credentials
The Ambassador of Brazil to Belize H.E. Luciano Helmold Macieira presented his Letters of Credence on Friday, November 3, 2017 to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan.
In his remarks to the Governor General, Ambassador Macieira said that he hopes his contribution will further enhance the bilateral relationship between Brazil and Belize. He added that Brazil considers it a “priority to keep an operative and dynamic embassy in Belmopan, so that Brazil and Belize can more closely work together in the building of a peaceful, developed and cooperative world”.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife and H.E. Said Guerra of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Governor General graciously received the Ambassador’s Letters of Credence and welcomed him and his wife to Belize.
Belize Police Department received 15 new Great Wall vehicles
With the requirement of our new vehicles Eastern Devision communities will be seeing improve response of the Police when called upon and also to better serve our community in a timely and efficient manner.
Murder in the West
On the Benque Road, near the border, a body was found. The murder victim has been identified as 18 year old Oscar Obando. Reports are that the body had a gunshot wound to the chest.
Student Advocacy & Social Responsibility
UB President, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, invites all to the first lecture in the Presidential Series entitled
"Student Advocacy & Social Responsibility"
with Nikoli Edwards. Nov. 8th, 1pm, Jaguar Auditorium Belmopan Campus
Sacred Heart College visits Caves Branch
Another great visit by Sacred Heart College from San Ignacio. Students are interested, involved, thoughtful and enthusiastic. They had tons of hands-on activities about bromeliads and herbariums in particular; learning how to attach epiphytes for growing, learning how to collect, dry and even mount the dry specimens. And notice that they all enjoying their day at our garden. Love this group!
Hospitality Recruiting Services - Belize - VACANCY for post of General Manager or Assistant General Manager
Location: Southern Belize.
Join a growing company in Belize.
The General Manager will function as the primary strategic business leader for the hotel, and will oversee all aspects of the operation, with an emphasis on the financial side of the business.
Salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits package, flexible work arrangement, Friends and Family discounts within the portfolio, and more.
CCJ Eagles Environmental Club
Yvette Sanker Riverol and the Oceana Wavemakers partnered once again with my family and I this Saturday, to clean our Corozal Bay. An initiative that started with one person has grown to approximately 25 volunteers. This proves that each one of us can make a difference in our community. Our clean up campaign resulted in recovering 15 tyres and approximately 21 bags of broken bottles, whole bottles, plastic pipes, metal and other assorted trash.
Thanks to Paul, a tourist from London, who saw what we were doing and jumped right into the sea to help. Thanks to all those that passed by and stopped to give us words of encouragement and hope. This really meant a lot. Thank you Ms Yvette and the CJC Eagles. You continue to be an amazing group of wonderful and hardworking people.
A power outage is scheduled for Friday, November 10 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, affecting all villages along the Old Northern Highway
Including Boston, Rockstone Pond, Lucky Strike, Santana, Chicago, Corozalito, Maskall and Bomba. BEL to replace poles carrying high voltage power lines.
Cayo Art Festival 2017
The SISE House of Culture is having their 7th annual Cayo Art Festival on Saturday, December 9th. They're doing a call for art, so if you're a local artist, let them know, and get ready for another fun Art Fest. The fun will take place at the Cayo Welcome Center.
BOXING! BOXING! BOXING! Saturday, Falcon Field, San Ignacio
BDF helps distribute desks
Last week Friday, November 3, the U.S. Marines Civil Affairs Team, the Belize Defence Force continued to assist the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture to distribute a total of 36 desk to Belize Rural Primary School at three different campuses; Flowers Bank, Double Head Cabbage, and Bermudian Landing. A huge thank you to Midwest Mission Distribution Center - Chatham IL for the donation of the school desks.
Tune into our radio show to hear about our ongoing work on human-jaguar conflict and ways of co-existing with jaguars
For each show we will be a farmer. These are two of the eight farmers we are working with to implement mitigation measures.
We will be on Ak Kutan Radio (96.1FM) on Tuesday, 7th of November from 3-4pm and on Sunshine Raydio Raydio (100.1FM) on Thursday, 9th of November from 7-8pm.
Tune in, help us keep cows and save jaguars!
WESTJET begins direct flight to Belize from Calgary, Canada
A brief inaugural ceremony was held at the Departure Lounge of the Philip Goldson International Airport on Friday, November 3rd to commemorate WestJet’s new non-stop weekly service between Calgary, Canada and Belize. According to WestJet the service is part of the airline's seasonal schedule for the winter of 2017-18.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Belize Hotel Association, senior staff of the Belize Airport Concession Company (BACC), the Canadian Consulate to Belize and the Belize Tourism Board among others. Short addresses were delivered by Mr. Lynn Young, Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize and the Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism &
Civil Aviation.
In his address, Hon. Manuel Heredia said, “The importance of the Canadian market for Belize can certainly not be overstated in terms of the overall economic impact it has on Belize’s Tourism Industry.
The Belize Police Department received 15 new Wingle pick-up trucks
With this newly acquired fleece of vehicles , officers will be able to cover a wider area and have a better response time to the needs of residents. The Belize Police Department continues to bridge the gap between all communities.
Together we can make Belize a safer place for all!
Edwin Chapa Show
Everyone is cordially invited to another LAUGH OUT LOUD weekend at the PRINCESS CASINO FREEZONE, Corozal for a live musical comedy show with "Edwin Chapa" this Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th. Come and spin and get a chance to win. No cover. Come out and have tons of fun. LOL
Jaguars Victorious at Volleyball Finals
Congratulations, UB Black Jaguars! The male team took 1st place, and the female team took 2nd place at the ATLIB Volleyball Finals.
"Male Black Jaguars are the ATLIB Volleyball Champions 2017. The Lady Black Jaguars are the ATLIB Sub Champions.
The ATLIB Volleyball Nationals was held October 28th 2017. The University of Belize won the male competition and the females came in second. The Black Jaguars won their opening match against the home court favorite Saint John's Junior College easily by the score 25-21 and 25-17. Next they defeated Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College 23-25, 25-13 and 15-8. This game had to be decided in 3 sets as the Black Jaguars' rookies were unable to win the first set.
Channel 7
Murder Monday - 4 Killings to Report
Tonight, we have four murders to report in four different parts of the country: two happened on Friday night, and two were discovered this morning.
The first murder was reported in the city, the second in Orange Walk, the third in San Pedro, and the fourth in Benque Viejo - like a massive homicidal handprint smothering the nation.
We start in Orange Walk on Friday night, where Indian Belizean Amit Moryani was killed inside his family's store in a robbery which escalated to murder. It all happened because Moryani tried to defend his mother as one of the robbers attacked her. Our news team went north to find out how this law-abiding businessman's life was ended by crime and violence:
20 Year Old Mentally Challenged Man Gunned Down in Gang Retaliation
Turning now to Belize City, a 20 year old mentally challenged young man was killed - the casualty of a gang rivalry.
The combatants in this case are neighboring groups who live around the corner from each other - and this blameless young man got caught in the middle. Here's the story:...
Jules Vasquez reporting:
20 year old Deidron McKoy was killed here inside his family yard on Haynes Street on Friday night. A gunman barged in and fired seven to eight shots.
He had been socializing here with his family and friends after a day at work: He was on his way out when the gunman pounced:
Voice of: Natasha Smith, Deidron's Sister:
"When he already finished with us he was coming out. He didn't reach out the gate. The gunman came inside the gate and approached my brother, gave him the first shot. When he gave him the first shot, my brother ran and after that I heard bang, bang, bang!
18 Year Old Found Dead In Benque
And we go now to the third murder story for tonight - which was reported this morning in Benque Viejo Town. The victim is an 18 year old who was found dead on a farm between the Guatemala and Belize borders. Police told us that the teenaged Oscar Obando had been fatally shot in the chest:...
ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB:
"Police visited a location this morning where they observed a male person with apparent gunshot wound to his chest. The person identity confirmed to be that of Oscar Obando, an 18 year old student of Old Bank Street, Benque Viejo Del Carmen. The area where the incident took place is between the Guatemala and Belize border. It's an isolated area. It's between Miles 25 and 26 on the Benque Road. So I cannot tell if the motive is robbery, but we found the person's belongings with him, so we are trying to see what else we can get from the scene and from the relatives as to what happened out there."
German Attorney, Killed in Building Under Construction in San Pedro
And turning now to the fourth murder - which is in San Pedro - a German man who has been living in Belize for 5 year was found in a building under construction with an abrasion to his head. Police believe he had been struck on the head.
They say 52 year old Raimund Adalbert Kobler had last been seen last night at his home, a block away from the murder scene:
ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB:
"Some time after 7A.M. this morning, police from San Pedro visited the corner of Pearl Street and Coco Plum Street, it is a 2 - story building that is under construction where on the first floor they found the body of male person with a large cut wound to the head. The person was identified as Raimund Adalbert Kobler, a 52 year old German national. The information we received so far was the ast time he was seen alive was some time after 10P.M. by the land lord. He was talking to him, he was sitting on the house verandah when the landlord went inside and that was the last time that they saw him. Where he was found is just a block away from where his room is."
Western Union Robbery In Corozal
And as we told you earlier, there was robbery of another Indian-owned business operation, which happened this morning. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the thief got away with over 10,000 dollars in cash.
At around 9:26 a.m., 28 year-old Doris Montejo, a frontline Associate at the Western Union Office in Corozal Town, arrived at her office at 4th Avenue. That's along the busy business strip in Corozal Town, and, she was only a few steps away from entering the front door.
She was carrying her purse which contained $10,000 in cash which belongs to her work, $100 in cash which belongs to her, and her Samsung Galaxy cellular phone.
Two 60-Something Tourists Drown in Separate Incidents In Stann Creek
Two elderly male tourists drowned in separate incidents in the Stann Creek District this weekend. Foul play is not suspected in either case.
The first body of 67 year old Paul Panarese was discovered early on Saturday morning on the beach at the Northside of Hopkins Village. Police say he had last been seen on Friday night. They also discussed the second case, 68 year old ROBERT LOTZ who was found on Saturday afternoon on the beach outside Placencia. Here's ASP Cowo with the details:
ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB:
"There were 2 drownings over the weekend and a male person by the name of Mr. Paul Panarese, he was found floating at the beach side in Hopkins Village. He was socializing with a group of male persons when he decided to take a walk by the beach and that was the last time he was seen alive. The body was found the following day at the beach side. We have to wait for the postmortem. The body was checked and there were no signs of foul play up to now, but we need to determine what the postmortem will be saying. There are no injuries on the body."
Irishman Who Allegedly Caused Accident Accused of Driving Without License
On Friday's news, we showed you that serious accident on the Philip Goldson Highway which left 2 people trapped in the cabin of a smashed up pickup truck. Well, police say that the driver of the other vehicle was at fault, and he didn't have a driver's license.
He's 36 year-old Con Murphy, an Irish National, and he was arraigned today before Magistrate Stephanie Gillett. The Magistrate read him the charges of driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver's licenses. Police say that they also charged him with the other offense of failing to provide a specimen for testing, but that charge wasn't read to him at his arraignment.
Boy Who Got Knocked Down Is Alright
An eight year old boy who was knocked down on Saturday afternoon in Belize City is back at home tonight doing just fine - all things considered. Byron Alvarez's mother tells us that her son has a swelling on his head but no broken bones and is fine otherwise. She says he was knocked down while crossing the street after coming out of a store around 4:00 on Saturday evening. She says the driver of the vehicle which knocked him down is working with the family.
Customs Moving Towards Making Trade Simpler
You probably didn't know that the Belize Customs Department is the first in the Caribbean where an importer can pay his or her duties online. And, also, that Belize was one of the first nations to adapt to the new global Trade Facilitation Agreement.
It's part of a full-fledged modernization of the department that's seeing a major shift in service delivery strategies, where Customs is now thinking about how it can facilitate trade, rather than just acting as government's top revenue collector, with all the bureaucracy that implies.
Today, with assistance from the World Customs Organization, they held a training session for the National Committee on Trade Facilitation. We found out more from the visiting World Customs Expert who had praise for the Customs Department's new Trade Unit:...
15 New Wingles For Police In The City
When police launched Operation ACT 10 days ago, Minister of State Elodio Aragon announced that his ministry would be securing 15 vehicles to help with the operation. He delivered on that promise today with a ceremony at the Queen Street police station, and 7News was there:...
Jules Vasquez reporting:
We can't say that they made a joyful noise, but that shrill chorus of sirens is the sound of the police celebrating:
ACP Dezerie Magadaleno, OC - Eastern Div. - Regional Commander:
"It is a very happy day and exciting day for us whenever we are able to received equipment that will assist us in enhancing our daily work and our operational strategies. It is a blessing for us and we are truly grateful for this day."
How Will Police Enforce New Marijuana Law?
And as these units go out with their new rides - one of the offenses that they'll be looking at in a new way is marijuana possession. As of Thursday, it's no longer illegal to for an adult to possess or smoke 10 grammes or less of weed.
But, possession of more than 10 grammes, or ten grammes or less in a school is still a crime. It leaves police in a grey area - where previously it was all just black and white. And, it seems there's quite a learning curve - and that curve hasn't reached Belize City yet, where most of the possession charges originate. Today the Southside Commander said he hadn't gotten the memo - and the man in charge of training the police hadn't reached the city yet:...
Sr. Supt, Marco Vidal, Commander - Southside:
"I am not that familiar in terms of the entire way of this act. This act will be enacted. We are still in a process of education for all police officers so that when we are encountering these situations we know how to deal with them, but for the time being we will be seeking advice in terms of how to deal with these matters as we encounter them."
Belmopan Man Acquitted of Canadian's Murder
36 year-old Belmopan resident George Hyde was acquitted today in the Belmopan Supreme Court for the murder of 69 year-old Canadian Keith Haslam. You may remember the story from December 2013, when Haslam was savagely beaten and chopped to death in the Village of Buena Vista, CAYO.
Hyde was charged with murder, and he stood trial before Justice Antoinette Moore. The Crown, represented by Senior Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez, relied on a caution statement and 2 oral confessions that Hyde allegedly made.
But none of the statements were admitted into evidence after a trial within this trial revealed that Hyde was promised that if he gave the statement, his girlfriend would not be charged.
The Lord In The Loo After "Panorama" Seizes on Paradise Papers
You may remember the "Panama Papers" from early 2016 - well now the big news is all about the "Paradise Papers." This is a major data leak of millions of files from "Bermudan law firm Appleby, a 119-year-old operation favoured by the global super-rich and big corporations." (Guardian UK).
That happens to include Michael Ashcroft, who, according to the Guardian UK, quote, "faces fresh questions over his offshore affairs after the Paradise Papers revealed a previously unknown trust sheltering his vast overseas wealth."
Of course, we in Belize know all too well about the Ashcroft Alliance's various shell companies and trusts - from Waterloo, to Dunkeld, to Sunshine, to Rocky Reef.for a while there it seemed they were running out of names when they came up with the devilish duo of "E-Com" and "Pillow Talk".
PUP Launch Municipal Slate At Rally
After months of questions about when the PUP would launch its municipal slate for the city, on Saturday night, the party hosted a rally called the Rebirth to launch that slate.
It is led by Mayoral Candidate Bernard Wagner and includes Micah Goodin, Ayesha Gentle, Dr. Candice Pitts, Deltrhude Hylton, Ryan Eligio, Oscar Arnold, Allan Pollar, Javier Castellanos, Michael Chips Norales, and Albert Vuaghan.
The slate was endorsed and has started to campaign.
Meditate Through the Madness
A group called Peace Revolution is in Belize to offer instruction in meditation as a means of generating inner peacefulness and community peace. We spoke to the coordinator for Central America and the Caribbean today
Tomorrow, they will be taking that message to the juvenile detention center and the female ward of the prison.
Cops Caught Reese Running With a Gun
24 year-old Reese Fitzgibbon, a resident of Supal Street, is at the Belize Central Prison tonight after he was accused of being in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol.
Police say that on Friday, November 3, at around 8:10 a.m., they were on motorcycle patrol on Kut Avenue, when they heard the sound of gunshots. They immediately responded and saw 2 men running from behind a house. One of them was allegedly in possession what appeared to be a firearm, and so the cops chased him down. When they caught up to the man, who was later identified as Fitzgibbon, they seized the weapon, which was determined to be a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol, which had 5 live rounds of ammunition in its magazine.
Belize At Expofer
We leave you this evening with highlites of Belizean bands Ugundani and Love Belize performing at the Expofeer in Chetumal. Enjoy and join us back here tomorrow...
Channel 5
4 Murders in 3 Days; Deliveryman Shot Down Near Family Home
There were four murders between Friday night and Monday morning in San Pedro, Orange Walk, Benque and in Belize City. The carnage started early on Friday night here in the [...]
In Orange Walk, Son Sacrifices Life for Mom
Minutes later in Orange Walk, a businessman was murdered in front of his business on Friday night. Thirty-seven-year-old Amit Moryani was inside his store when he saw two men assaulting [...]
Motive in Death of German on Ambergris Caye Unknown
Two of the four murders were simultaneously recorded around seven o’clock this morning by investigators in San Pedro Town and Benque Viejo del Carmen, hours before the scheduled police press [...]
Teenager Executed on Farm outside Benque
The fourth murder victim is an eighteen-year-old recent graduate of Mopan Technical High School, who was also found dead this morning on a farm in Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Police [...]
American Tourists Drown in Hopkins and Placencia
There was further loss of life over the weekend. Two American senior citizen tourists apparently drowned in separate incidents between Friday and Saturday. The incidents took place in the beach [...]
P.U.P. Names Belize City Slate, Hope for “Re-Birth”
The People’s United Party on Saturday evening presented its team of eleven aspirants for the Belize City Council, which it has not controlled since 2006. The team consists of first [...]
Kareem Says P.M. Should Pay for B.T.L.
The settlement of the acquisition of Belize Telemedia Limited and related concerns twice over by the Government of Belize between 2009 and 2011 remains a burr in the saddle of [...]
Cordel: Civic is for Belize City, Not U.D.P.
Thirty-two million dollars later – though in many quarters that figure is far more – the Belize Civic Center on Central American Boulevard is scheduled to be opened early in [...]
Money in Minutes: Corozal Western Union Robbed
Up north, Corozal is experiencing a spike in burglaries and robberies. A robber made off with ten thousand dollars from the Western Union outlet in Corozal Town around nine this [...]
Conway Murphy Charged in Ladyville Accident
Irish national, thirty-six-year-old Conway Murphy was today arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for last Friday’s horrific traffic accident at mile eight on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Murphy was [...]
‘Belice’ es de Guatemala?
News reports say that Guatemala will be reintroducing Belize as part of its official map. This is to take place due to an awareness campaign that is being undertaken in [...]
Evangelicals Tell A.G. to Back Up ‘Venomous’ Words
On Friday, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte took square aim at the church and fired off a salvo of very harsh criticisms, chiding the religious community for its tardy objection to [...]
Marijuana-Loving Minors to be Counseled
The topic of marijuana possession and consumption, in the days following the decriminalization of a small handful, remains at the center of public discourse simply because there are still more [...]
Police Legal Advisor Embarks on Information Campaign
While the public continues to ask questions, a countrywide education campaign is being held within the Belize Police Department to inform officers of the new law and its parameters. According [...]
New Wheels for the Cops
One of four murders over the weekend occurred in the Old Capital; and even though the loss of one life is too much, the murder did not occur within any [...]
Honest Traders Mean Lower Prices on Shelves
The World Customs Organization and the Government of Sweden are funding a five-day consultative workshop and national training on the National Committees of Trade Facilitation. In February, the World Trade [...]
James Adderley has Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of weekend sporting activities….]
CTV3
P.U.P Northern Caucus Seeks Changes For Sugar Industry
The People’s United Party northern caucus held a meeting in Trinidad Village in the Orange Walk South constituency on Saturday November 4th to discuss a number of important matters affecting the sugar industry, which is the lifeblood of our northern communities. The leaders in the eight constituencies agreed to support three key resolutions which they believe will serve the best interest of the industry and in particular the cane farmers. Today we spoke to Orange Walk South area representative and Deputy Leader in the PUP Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai to learn more.
San Narciso Resident Drowns While Fishing
A man from San Narciso Village reportedly drowned while fishing in the Sapote Area of the Rio Hondo River over the weekend. 45 year old Teodoro Pena, a Belizean mason from Louisville Village, reported that on Saturday October 4th, he and his friend 38 year old Israel Novelo went fishing in the river when the canoe they were on capsized. Pena reported that he was able to swim to the river bank but his friend Novel did not resurface.
Are More People Involved In Western Union Robbery?
While Corozal Police are investigating and seeking the identity of this morning’s robber, they are also closely evaluating the video footage to verify if two men seen in the images were accomplices or just bystanders. Once the vehicle was parked, the two men seen at the top of the footage are seen walking slowly and suspiciously across the street on 4th Avenue. One of them seems to be talking into a phone, while the other follows him. But as the robbery takes place, they turn into 2nd Street South, and seem to ignore the victim’s call for help. Instead, they also dash away in the direction of the robber.
LOVE FM
Body of a Student discovered on Benque Road
The body of an eighteen-year-old boy who was found between miles 25 and 26 on the Benque Road. In a press brief today, Assistance Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo gave preliminary information surrounding that murder. “In reference to the murder in Pugas Farm located in the Benque Viejo area police visited the location this morning […]
German National killed in San Pedro
This morning, around seven o’clock, police in San Pedro responded to the discovery of the body of a male person at an unfinished building. ASP Alejandro Cowo shared what the Police had gathered so far. “Sometime after 7 am, this morning police from San Pedro visited the corner of Pearl Street and Cocoplum Street, it’s […]
Robbery turns into Murder
Businessman Amit Moryani was shot and killed in his store in Orange Walk on Friday night, November third. According to police, the 37-year-old businessman was inside his family-owned store named P and P Supermarket located on Cemetery Street in Orange Walk Town along with his mother Babita Moryani. Shortly before nine o’clock, two masked men, […]
Gang Retaliation leads to another Murder
Police in Belize City are investigating the fatal shooting of twenty-old Deidron Dennis McKay. Johnelle McKenzie has the story. Another man has been killed in Belize City. The incident occurred on Friday, November 3at approximately 8:35p.m.at #19 Haynes Street. Deidron McKay, 20years of age, was at his sister’s home socializing with family and friends when […]
Child on the Road to Recovery after Traffic Accident
A five-year-old child was knocked down on Saturday afternoon while crossing Baymen Avenue in Belize City. The child was along with his dad, Brandon Alvarez who was getting a haircut. The child became restless and asked for money to purchase a bag of chips and while crossing the street, the unfortunate incident occurred. Brandon Alvarez […]
Man arraigned for Traffic Accident that left Two Critical
Thirty-six-year-old Con Murphy has been slapped with three charges in relation to a road traffic incident that occurred on November 3. Murphy was charged with ‘drove without due care and attention’, ‘fail to provide specimen’, and ‘drove without a valid driver’s license’. Murphy pled not guilty when he appeared today before Magistrate Stephanie Gillett. The […]
Police Officer Critical and in Need of Blood
On Friday in the Toledo District at approximately 8:35 a.m. Andy Choco, a police constable was on his way to work on his motorcycle when he was knocked down by Castro Chub of an Indian Creek Village address, who was driving a Pop bus. Choco was rushed to the Punta Gorda Hospital and later transported […]
Guatemala is claiming All of Belize
More than seven million Guatemalans are expected to participate in a referendum on March 11, after it was changed from March 18. As part of its education campaign on the territorial dispute, the Guatemalan Government has decided to produce textbooks with Belize included in the Guatemalan Map. Rafael Salazar “They are preparing everything and taking […]
Caleb: Belize has denied entry of our Haitian Colleagues
On Friday, the Executive Director of UNIBAM, Caleb Orozco, wrote to the CEO of Immigration stating that quote, “the immigration department reeks of homophobia and transphobia”. The claim was made after the visa applications of eight Haitians were reportedly denied. In his letter, Orozco wrote quote, “It seems in preparation for a regional LGBT meeting […]
PUP unveils its Belize City’s Municipal Slate
On Saturday evening the People’s United Party presents its slate to contest the upcoming municipal elections in 2018 in Belize City. The PUP’s Mayoral Candidate is Bernard Wagner and councilor aspirants are Ayesha Gentle, Dr. Candice Pitts, Delthrude Hylton, Ryan Elijio, Micah Goodin, Oscar Arnold, Allan Pollard, Javier Castellanos, Michael Noralez and Albert Vaughan. Mayoral […]
Two American Tourists drowned in Southern Belize
Two tourists drowned in Southern Belize and while police did not observe signs of violence on the bodies, they are waiting for the results of the post-mortem examinations. ASP Alejandro Cowo said the first tourist found was 67-year-old Paul Panarese, a US national who drowned in Hopkins Village. The body of the second individual, 68-year-old […]
Western Union robbed of $10 K
This morning, a robbery occurred in Corozal Town, where $10,000 dollars belonging to the Western Union was stolen. 28-year-old Doris Montejo, a Front Line Associate for the Western Union, was held up and robbed at approximately 9:00 a.m. Montejo told police that upon reaching her place of employment located on 4th Street Corozal Town, she […]
Man walks from Murder Charge
Thirty-six-year-old George Hyde, a resident of Belmopan charged with the murder of 69-year-old Keith Haslem, was acquitted of the charge today by Justice Antoinette Moore. The trial that was without a jury concluded on September 27 in the Belmopan Supreme Court but Justice Moore had reserved her decision. Haslem was hacked to death with a […]
Fitzgibbon charged with Kept Firearm & Ammunition without a Gun License
Twenty-four-year-old Reese Fitzgibbon, a resident of Supal Street, was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Fitzgibbon pled not guilty to the charges. He was remanded in custody until February 7. The incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. on Friday, November 3. The police […]
Police get 15 new vehicles to help Fight Crime
This morning, fifteen new vehicles were officially handed over to the Police Department at the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City. Here’s that story. Fifteen fully outfitted Great Wall Wingles were bought by the Ministry of Home Affairs and delivered to the Belize Police Department. The vehicles were promised by Minister of State in […]
Belmopan Police give to San Martin’s Feeding Program
A feeding program created by the Belmopan Police Formation for the less fortunate students of San Martin Government School got a much-needed boost today. Pauline Soberanis Tillett spoke to Love News. “After seeing the good works that the Belmopan Police Department is doing under the leadership of Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, Pastor Clayton McGee from […]
Is BELTRAIDE the Antidote for Unemployment?
One of the reason schools exist is to equip students with the necessary tools to become a part of the workforce. For the most part, schools have been training its students how to be employable and not how to be an employer. However, BELTRAIDE wants to change all that, especially given the alarming numbers of […]
Diabetes Association Dangriga observes Diabetes Week
Diabetes week is being observed in Dangriga as explained by Harry Arzu. Harry Arzu, Love FM “Diabetes is described as a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose either because insulin production is inadequate or because the body cells do not respond properly to insulin or both. A number of […]
Toledo Cacao Growers Association elects new Board
Toledo Cacao Growers Association held its annual general meeting over the weekend in Punta Gorda where they elected a new Board of Directors. Paul Mahung reports. Paul Mahung, Love FM “Newly elected Toledo Cacao Growers Association Chairman is Justino Teck.” “The way forward for TCG right now as a newly elected chair we have to […]
Breaking Belize News
Man goes missing after fishing trip in Rio Hondo River
Teodoro Pena ,45, a Belizean mason of Louisville Village ,Corozal District reported that on October […]
Police charge two men for homemade unlicensed firearm
Last night, members of Strike Team North were on operation and conducted a search at the […]
Over $10,000 stolen from Corozal’s Western Union
Doris Montejo,28, a Belizean Front Line Associate for Western Union in Corozal reported to police […]
Police find .38 revolver in Belize City
Yesterday morning around 9:30, police conducted a search at an abandon lot located on Ordonez Street,Belize […]
Man charged for accident that left two critical
On Friday there was a traffic accident near mile 8 on the Philip Goldson highway […]
Wife of GSU boss’ house shot at
Sylvia Makin, 35, the wife of current Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) Commander, Andres Makin, reported […]
Paradise Papers reveal Michael Ashcroft used Belize to avoid paying tax
The Paradise Papers, a leak of over 13.5 million leaked files revealing offshore activities of some of […]
GOB and Ashcroft going for one more round
Despite saying that all litigation with Michael Ashcroft over Belize Telemedia Limited is finished, the […]
Body found in San Pedro
According to reports from the San Pedro Sun newspaper, the body of a person was […]
Star in my community-Audrey Matura
Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-law (Belize) Audrey Matura, is an attorney at law and a community activist […]
Robbery in Corozal Town
According to reports, there was a robbery a short time ago at the Western Union […]
Body found in Benque Viejo Town
Reports to BBN is that the body of a man was found this morning near […]
Casa Picasso hosts season opener!
If you are looking for delicious international tapas and an evening of fine dining and wines, all while surrounded by eclectic of art, then Casa Picasso is just the place. Located on Stingray Street, south of San Pedro Town, Casa Picasso offers delightful cuisine and an extensive wine list, which patrons were more than happy to enjoy at their annual open house on Wednesday, November 1st. The event started at 6:30PM, with Casa Picasso’s new owners Donna Chamblee and Gary Zwierzynski welcoming guests to enjoy a fabulous evening of great company, food and drinks. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres were available, while a cash bar offered wines and signature cocktails like refreshing Mango Daiquiri and Ginger Peach Margarita.
Crocs Sunset Sports Bar Set to Open Soon: Holy Moly!
Each day, we as we drive into town, we exclaim HOLY MOLY at the HUGE “palapa palace” that is now being finished less than a mile north of the bridge on Ambergris Caye. As the final touches are being completed – varnish, kitchen equipment, doors being hung – here is a look at San Pedro’s newest sports bar – the fresh and shiny new home to 10 or more giant flat screen tvs to over 200 VERY comfortable bar seats, to a lounge area, 2 huge bars, a sunset view and more…
Or as I will be calling it – Ivan’s Cool Spot. *** If you have visited Ambergris Caye, there is a good chance you know Ivan. He worked for years at the uber-popular Palapa Bar.
Later this week, his new venture Crocs Sunset Bar opens on the lagoon side just north of town and it looks FANTASTIC and 2. he is a great guy. A bartender now manager that may make this your new favorite spot. Especially if you LOVE sports. Or nice views. Or good sunsets. Or seating for 215!
International Sources
WestJet Launches New Belize Route
Fast-expanding Canadian carrier WestJet has added its newest route to the Caribbean.
WestJet has officially launched a new route between Calgary and Belize, following up on the launch of flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Belize City in October of 2016.
The Calgary-Belize flights are operating three times each week, with service on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, according to the carrier’s Web site.
As reported in Caribbean Journal, Belize’s tourism arrivals have been surging in the last two years.
Woodstonian Jason Poole travelled to Maya Centre, Belize as part of a physical education course through Nova Scotia’s St. Francis Xavier University
Woodstonian Jason Poole travelled to Maya Centre, Belize as part of a physical education course through Nova Scotia’s St. Francis Xavier University. The course was designed to broaden educators knowledge and add to their experience to better their own teaching skills.
The car ride was tight, the air was sticky but the company was anything but foreign. I remember the smell of fresh tar as we slowly ploughed along past the construction zones in nearby towns.
Burning piles of rubbish lay scattered not far from the countless bus stops which seemed anything but maintained. Long pants and collared shirts. Cowboy hats and toothless, soulful grins upon the faces of everyone we passed. Covered in a rich tan, a rich layer of sweat and a rich amount of insect bites, we were heading home after two weeks in the Jungles of Belize’s south coast.
Chaa Creek’s Owners’ Lifetime Achievement Award And Belize’s Rise As A Premier Travel Destination
The founding owners of The Lodge at Chaa Creek were recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Belize Tourism Board in recognition of their decades of service to Belize’s travel industry. And, according to the popular eco-resort’s public relations and events manager, Mick and Lucy Fleming’s decades of service extend well beyond tourism and Belize.
“Mick and Lucy spread their Green philosophy throughout the region by proving that being environmentally friendly and supporting local communities can go hand-in-hand with business success, and there’s no doubt that their ethical, green development has been a model for other businesses in the region.
“Ever since they opened Chaa Creek in 1981 they’ve proven that you can offer a w ide range of accommodations, amenities and activities in ways that actually benefit the environment and local communities, and that a high degree of luxury, impeccable service and exquisite dining can go hand in hand with sustainable tourism. That’s a legacy that all of us at Chaa Creek are proud to be associated with,” Denise Duran said.
We can end the scandal of tax havens – here’s how
The overriding imperative is to end the secrecy. Everything flows from that. International taxation is a complex subject. And a degree of this complexity is unavoidable. Some individuals work in one country but receive an income from financial assets held in another. Likewise, some multinational companies generate revenues in some states based on investments made or ideas developed elsewhere. The question of where such incomes should be taxed is not technically straightforward, nor morally black and white.
Yet complexity is only justified up to a point. Most of the complexity that attaches to international tax is not inevitable but deliberately manufactured by law firms, accountants, asset managers and banks to create a convenient smokescreen for their clients.
Videos
The Belize Police Department - Community Policing Strategies, 23min.
A conversation of the recently passed amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act., 40min.
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio Moonlit Masquerade Ball Fundraiser, 20min.
The Belize Police Department explained that there is a National Missing Persons Policy, 31min.
The 4th Mexico-CARICOM Summit, 40min.
TIA&TW - Caribbean Nation Roundtable, Part I', 26min. This week Dennis Wholey begins the first half of a two part roundtable program devoted to the Caribbean region and the Caribbean Community known as CARICOM. The roundtable includes Ambassador retired Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda as well as Ambassador Daniel Gutierez of Belize. The conversation explores the recent natural disasters that have impacted the Caribbean, the value of unity in the region and the entire region's importance to the United States.
Belize's Ambassador H.E. Daniel Gutierez was featured along with Ambassador retired Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer of Trinidad and Tobago and Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda on 'This is America & the World' with Dennis Wholey for Part One of a Caribbean Nation Roundtable.
The Roundtable program was devoted to the Caribbean region and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).The conversation explores the recent natural disasters that have impacted the Caribbean, the value of unity in the region and the entire region's importance to the United States.
Police Department Launches Operation ACT, 5min. On Friday, October 27th, the Belize Police Department launched a special anti-crime operation to address the growing climate of fear and crime in Belize City.
National Fire Service Preps for Promotional Training, 6min. As the Belize National Fire Service is gearing up for their promotional training, they welcomed the media to spend some time with their firefighters. Belize Now was present as well and we prepared this report on what we learnt.
Government of Belize launches the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS), 6min. The Government of Belize, through its Central Information Technology Office (CITO) marked another major milestone in its journey to e-governance. Our Belize Now team was on hand for the launch on Thursday, November 2nd. The BELAPS Project is valued at US$1.8 M of which the Taiwanese Government provided US$1.5 M. The ICT partnership will continue through the Motor Vehicle Registration and License System Project.
Attorney General donates law books to the Belize Central Prison, 6min. On Wednesday, November 1st, the Attorney General, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte donated a set of updated law books valued over $5000 to the Belize Central Prison.
Celebrating Panama’s independence at UB, 30min.
Saint John Neumann 2017 Belize Trip, 8min. St. John Neumann's wonderful mission trip to Punta Gorda, Belize. We performed home improvement projects, delivered meals on wheels, played bingo with the elderly and delivered much needed school supplies.
Gasoline Lollipops Return To Belize (January 2018), 1.5min. January 19-21 (2018) the Gasoline Lollipops bring Colorado back to Ambergris Caye in Belize for three shows at the Dive Bar in San Pedro, right on the beach
The Waters Of Belize, 2min. Belize is a beautiful place and I encourage anyone with a few days of vacation time, to give it a consideration. It is a short flight from the USA and the cost of living is affordable. Not to mention it is home too some of the best snorkeling/diving in the world!
Coral Caye Private Island, Belize, 1min. Sheltered behind the world famous Belize Barrier Reef, Coral Caye is a completely private island that can be yours alone for a romantic, restorative or adventurous get away. You and your lucky travel companions will feel like you are castaways with all the comforts needed to leave all of your cares behind.
Adult Forum - Youth Mission Trip to Belize (Oct. 22, 2017), 41min. St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Alexandria, VA
NIM LI PUNIT, Belize, 10min. Nim Li Punit, is a smaller city that was used for ceremonies and celebrations, alliances, and likely weddings. It is up on a mountain ridge giving good defenses from invaders .. its much easier to fight down hill so being high on a mountain makes more sense ..plus the view allows them to see a long way .. When we were there you could see what we thought was Honduras. The wind jewel was discovered here in a small tomb. It was a major find.
Belize City Taxi Ride From Belize City to Belize Zoo, 3min.
MURDER IN ORANGE WALK…A MEMBER OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IS SHOT DURING ARMED ROBBERY, 6min. Orange Walk Police are tonight on the hunt for two men who are wanted for the murder of a member of the Indian community. On Friday Night 37 year old Amit Moryani was gunned down during an armed robbery and died shortly after while reviving treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital.
WESTERN UNION EMPLOYEE ROBBED OF OVER $11,000 IN DOWNTOWN COROZAL AND IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, 3min. A Western Union employee was robbed of over $10,000 in cash this morning as she arrived to work in the heart of downtown Corozal Town. CTV-3 News has obtained security footage of the area and from this morning, and it shows the moments leading to the robbery.
Belizeans Abroad Making us Proud. GO BELIZE!!! Congratulations Raul Vanegas!!!, 5min. Interview with point guard Raul Vanegas of your Oakland BayHawks.
Starting Meeting for Peace Tour in Belize, 7min.
World Youth Conference 2017!, 8min. Kolcha....man I wish I could punta like that
Winners of the 2017 Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition, 1min. The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project presents to you the winners of the 2017 Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition, which concluded on October 27th at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. First place went to Darwin Robinson - Salvation Army, 2nd place to Aniq Perdomo - Ebenezer Methodist and third to Aritza Sosa of St. Joseph RC. Congratulations to all of them! Uploaded is a short Bio on each contestant.
November 6, 2017
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Health Corner: Your Top Questions About Going to the Dentist—Answered!
Here are some frequently asked questions about going to the dentist.
Why do regular dental visits matter?
Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
Wolfe’s Woofer: Seasick
“Mr. Dennis! Mr. Dennis!”
As I struggled up the beach in a driving rain, I heard Mario calling to me from the water taxi dock.
“I didn’t think you was coming out in this weather,” he said, when I finally joined him. “Are you sure you want to catch a boat in this storm?”
“Caye Caulker is only fifteen miles from here and besides, I don’t really mind this weather.”
“Why you going to Caye Caulker?”
“I don’t have any choice. Alvin Spurling has been my friend since I came to this country twenty-nine years ago. He’s one of the first people I met. Now he’s old and sick and his wife says that the doctor told her he won’t last much longer.”
Guest Editorial: A Love That Kills
Try Google searching ‘Why do people have wildlife for pets?’…. I constantly find myself asking this question, because truthfully, I cannot understand the motive for having monkeys, snakes, birds, and other such wild animals, as pets. My second question is, usually, “don’t dogs and cats satisfy the desire to have a pet?” I have heard stories of people chopping down trees to capture parrots, or to “rescue” a quash (coatimundi) from the highway. They then would keep the animal in hopes of giving them a better home. I recall, while I was still a child, that my eldest sister had two turtles. Their names were Muschamp and Hipolito. Someone had given her Muschamp but she had “rescued” Hipolito. Both ran away (twice) and my sister was convinced that Hipolito had instigated the escape.
Doctor Love: Anon
Dear Doctor Love,
I’m an outgoing guy in my mid-twenties and I have found my soul-mate in a quiet, soft spoken girl. I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but we are complete opposites. She rarely talks about herself where I am naturally talkative, so I end up chatting away while she just smiles and listens. We can be in the same room together for hours and never speak to each other and that feels strange for me. At a party she will hang back and watch the room and I can neglect her when I am having a fun time with a group of friends. She doesn’t complain and often offers to let me stay and she will catch a taxi home, and I believe she really doesn’t mind, but it makes me feel terrible.
Misc Belizean Sources
South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday NOVEMBER 8, 2017 @ 7:00pm
LONE STAR GRILL and CANTINA (Full menu available)
Jungle Birthday Rave at RawSpa
The most amazing DJ's came together to celebrate many of their birthdays, and what a wild night it was. Night Quest was superb, and DJ Nonstop rocked the house! DJ Gracie Rock and DJ Iceberg Fuentes both mixed like there was no tomorrow. No mics allowed, and it showed. The night will never be forgotten.
In related news, they did it again for Halloween. The It Came From the Jungle rave was wicked!
Xander Avelar Wins Father Marion Ganey Quiz Contest
Congratulations, Xander Avelar! He won theNational Belize Credit Union Father Marion Ganey Quiz Contest! St. Andrew's did it again.
The National Channel has a video of the entire Quiz Contest.
36 Cayo Youth Complete Job Preparedness Training
Thirty-six youths from San Ignacio and Santa Elena have graduated from a Job Preparedness Training course as part of the Employability Enhancement component of the Ministry of Human Development’s Youth Rise Project. During the 8-week course, the eighteen young men and eighteen young women, aged 14-24, were exposed to a variety of topics including skills identification; personal SWOT analysis; effective communication; conflict management; Belize’s Labor Laws; work etiquette; career exploration, resume and cover Letter writing; and interview skills.
Rotaract's Costume Competition 2017
Pictures from the Rotaract Costume Competition. There were some good ones. Is that Bender?!?!? A huge thanks to all the individuals and businesses that came together to make it the best yet!
More pictures from the contest.
Video of the entire contest.
"We'd like to thank everyone who came out last week to our annual Haunted House and Costume Competition! All the proceeds from this event goes towards our annual Christmas program for underprivileged kids. We'd like to give a huge thank you to Hode's as always for their support and generous contributions!
Ride Out Diabetes
The 9th annual Ride Out Diabetes bike race will be next weekend. The Sunday ride starts in Santa Elena, and goes to Belize City.
The Reporter
PUP introduces Belize City Council slate
After weeks of finalising, the People’s United Party (PUP) introduced its Belize City 11-member slate for the March 2018 municipal elections.
Accompanied by the theme: The Rebirth”, the party held its introduction rally at the Pound Yard bridge area in the centre of the old capital.
The PUP’s Belize City mayoral candidate is Bernard Wagner, and councillor candidates are: Dr. Candice Pitts, Delthrude Hylton, Ryan Elijio, Ayesha Gentle, Oscar Arnold, Allan Pollard, Javier Castellanos, Michael Noralez Micah Goodin, and Albert Vaughan.
Two elderly Americans drown
Two elderly Americans died from drowning in southern Belize this weekend, according to police reports.
Police say they were alerted sometime around 6:00 Saturday morning of a body on the northern side of Hopkins village. When they responded, police saw the corpse of a man floating face down in the sea near the beachside.
The man was identified as Paul Panarese, 67, an American national, who reportedly left around 6:45 the evening before, went en route to Kismet Inn after socialising for about an hour. Police say there were no signs of violence on the body, but that a post mortem examination is scheduled.
The other drowning was reported sometime after 1:00 Saturday afternoon near Naia Resort in Placencia.
When police arrived, they saw the body of Robert Lotz, 68, a retired American who was on vacation, floating in the sea.
Police say Lotz reportedly went kayaking around 10:00 in the morningon and did not return.
His body also showed no signs of violence but a post mortem examination is scheduled to be performed.
Breaking Belize News
PUP introduces Belize City Council slate
Last night, the People’s United Party (PUP) officially launched its slate to contest the Belize City Council elections next March.
The launch was held at the Pound Yard Bridge in Belize City.
American on vacation found floating dead
A retired American National has been reported dead by Placencia Police.
According to reports, at about 1:49 pm yesterday, police visited an area near Naia Resort in Placencia where the motionless body of a man was seen.
The man was identified as 68 year old Robert Lotz a retired American of Illinois, USA who was on vacation in Belize.
Manatee fundraiser held at Old Belize
In an effort to continue public awareness campaigns on Belize’s precious manatees, researcher Jamal Galves is hosting the third annual “Cocktail for Manatees” fundraiser at the Old Belize Pavilion.
The initiative features live entertainment as well as auctions, forming a part of the efforts to raise around $13,000 for the educational campaigns to continue.
They Were not Looking to Uproot but the Business was Irresistible
The annually anticipated Casa Picasso season-opening celebration happened this week. Many of us were already well done from all the Halloween Bar Crawl circuit this year but that did not affect the turnout. When it comes to events where you get “the royal treatment” there is always room for one more.
This year something different happened at the party, new owners Gary Zwierznski and Donna Chamblee were the welcoming committee at the door. Casa has the same great menu made so popular by previous owners Jackie and Adam along with a few additions from new owners. Gary and Donna also kept all the wonderful staff.
I chatted with Gary to find out a bit more about their backstory beyond knowing they were from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He told me they were not looking to uproot but found Casa Picasso for sale online. After they came to check it out in person, experienced the ambiance, the delicious food and the outstanding staff – they could not resist taking the plunge. Before buying a business here.
A Home For Kids on Ambergris Caye: The MOVING Opening of Hope Haven Home
Yesterday was a beautiful day in more ways than one.
In the afternoon, under the shining Belize sun, a group of persistent, motivated, hopeful women cut the ribbon for the Shine Center and Hope Haven Home in downtown San Pedro, Belize.
The home was filled with donors and supporters for this AMAZING project that doesn’t just give hope and sanctuary to children who have suffered greatly in their short lives but gives hope to a community that like others around the world, can feel overwhelmed at times.
Two years after dreaming up a MUCH needed home for children on Ambergris Caye, a powerful group of women cut the ribbon for new Hope Haven Children’s Home.
2 years of dreaming, begging, scraping, soliciting donations, fundraising – incredibly hard work, INCREDIBLE persistence. It can be easy to assume that nothing will change or say “I’m not the one who can change this” – none of these women stopped there.
International Sources
Philadelphia Native Offers Destination Weddings in a Unique Locale
Most people associate weddings with love and commitment, and rightly so. After all, it’s a ceremony to unite two people together, building a life they will share. That’s the part they write songs about.
But a wedding also comes with another constant: questions.
So many questions. It’s not for everyone. But for those who want a unique wedding outside of Philadelphia, it’s a really great option: the Central American country of Belize.
Some people might be aware Belize rates high as a stunningly beautiful wedding location. What they may not know is its other advantage, a woman named Lara Goldman.
The Philadelphia native lives in Belize and runs a company that specializes in coordinating destination weddings. She knows Philadelphia. She also knows everyone and everything about Belize. She’s the person to talk with if you want to, say, swim with sharks or zip line your way to a ceremony in a hut in the jungle.
Or, as Goldman puts it, “The answer is yes, what’s the question?”
It’s Now Officially Legal to Have and Use Marijuana in Belize – But with Restrictions
An amended Misuse of Drugs Act, which decriminalized possession and use of small amounts of marijuana, is now law in Belize.
Governor General Sir Colville Young has assented to the Bill, following approval by legislators in the House of Assembly and the Senate late last month.
Now that the Bill has been signed into law, adults can have up to 10 grammes of marijuana in their possession and smoke it on their own premises or somebody else’s private premises, once the owner gives permission.
However, it is still illegal to take the drug on school premises, and the amended legislation provides for monetary and non-recordable penalties for that. Minors caught with any quantity of the drug would also be subject to punishment.
Belize Tourism Continues 2017 Surge
Belize is continuing to show seriously strong growth in its tourism sector so far in 2017, according to the latest data from the country’s tourist board.
Stayover visitors to Belize totaled 319,119 through the end of September, an 8.6 percent increase that’s among the fastest growth rates in the Caribbean.
That follows a boom in 2016 that saw Belize post a 13 percent increase in stayover arrivals over 2015.
The United States continues to be the strongest source market for Belize, though Canadian arrivals are set to jump with the recent debut of the new WestJet flights to Belize from Calgary.
'Entered the loo, had a pee, exited' Lord Ashcroft DENIES hiding in the toilet to dodge BBC reporter asking about his finances
Tory donor Lord Ashcroft today denied allegations he hid in the toilet to avoid questions about his offshore investments - claiming he just needed 'a pee'.
The former Conservative Party deputy chairman was filmed by a Panorama journalist after he was named in the controversial Paradise Papers.
He can be heard repeatedly saying 'dear dear dear' as he is followed around last month's Tory conference before heading to the toilet.
Last night Lord Ashcroft, who has an estimated fortune of £850million, faced a torrent of online abuse over the exchange and responded by repeating his words 'dear dear dear'.
When asked if he was hiding from the journalist he said: 'No hiding..went in ...had a pee..and walked out'.
Lord Ashcroft used offshore trust to shelter wealth while Tory peer
Lord Ashcroft, one of the Conservative party’s biggest donors, faces fresh questions over his offshore affairs after the Paradise Papers revealed a previously unknown trust sheltering his vast overseas wealth.
Scores of emails and financial statements chart the inner workings of the Bermuda-based Punta Gorda Trust from its creation in 2000, just after he became a peer. The documents run until 2016, when the offshore law firm Appleby, which acted as trustee, terminated the relationship, a decision questioned at the time by Ashcroft’s representatives.
The value of the trust fluctuated, but a leaked financial statement recorded it as having assets of $450.4m (£341m) in 2006.
Paradise Papers: Lord Ashcroft faces questions over offshore investments
Conservative Party donor Lord Ashcroft faces more questions over his offshore investments after the Paradise Papers revealed a previously unknown offshore fund, and that he retained nom dom status for tax affairs despite pledging to become a permanent UK citizen.
The peer, 71, who is one of the party’s biggest donors and reportedly gave £500,000 towards its most recent campaign, is said to have given assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Bermuda-based Punta Gorda Trust in 2000.
The leaked documents suggest that, between 2000 and 2010, Lord Ashcroft received payments of around $200m (£150m) from his offshore trust in Bermuda.
He continued to sit in the House of Lords and, as a “non-dom”, he did not have to pay tax on these payments.
Paradise Papers: Lord Ashcroft 'retained his non dom status' while serving in the Lords
Multimillionaire Tory donor reportedly kept hundreds of millions of pounds in Bermuda-based offshore accounts. Lord Ashcroft, a major donor to the Conservatives and the party’s former deputy chairman, reportedly retained his non-dom status while serving in the House of Lords, documents released as part of the Paradise Papers suggest.
The revelation suggests the peer continued paying tax only on his UK earnings, against his previous promises and despite attempts by parliamentary authorities to make members of the House of Lords pay their full share of tax.
When he was awarded a peerage in 2000, the businessman vowed to become a permanent UK resident and drop his non-dom status. However, in 2010 he was forced to admit that he was still a non-dom.
Following the admission, new laws were introduced to force anyone who sits in Parliament to pay all British taxes.
Tory donor Ashcroft faces tax questions over control of offshore trust
Lord Ashcroft, the Conservatives’ biggest donor, apparently avoided millions of pounds in tax by putting his money in an offshore haven.
Leaked documents suggest that the former Tory treasurer retained some control of a trust that would be free from tax only if he had handed its running over to trustees. When allegations were put to him by a BBC reporter, he walked away saying: “Dear, dear, dear.”
The disclosure puts Lord Ashcroft, 71, at risk of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs for a fortune in unpaid tax, BBC’s Panorama claimed last night. It is likely to embarrass Theresa May because Lord Ashcroft has given more than £10 million to the Tories, including £500,000 to their latest campaign.
Diver gets in fight with shark after cheeky predator tries to steal the fish he caught for dinner
A diver had to wrestle a shark for his lunch after the cheeky predator decided it fancied a bite of the fish he had just caught.
Footage shows the diver swimming over a reef off San Pedro, Belize, as he tries to hold onto the grouper he is carrying in a mesh catch bag.
Videos
Off-the-beaten-path ruining - Xunantunich ruins in Belize, 3min. The title is a great play on words...even though Xunantunich is a Maya Archaeological Site, not a 'ruin.' Well shot, and worth a watch.
" If you are in San Ignacio don't miss the hand cranked ferry which takes you to these not so popular but great to visit Maya ruins."
Rotaract's annual costume competition, 1hr44min. From Hode's Place
National Belize Credit Union Father Marion Ganey Quiz Contest, 3hr.
Police United FC Vs San Pedro FC (PLB), 1.5hr. Premiere League
The Belize Jazz 'N Culture Show 2017, 2hr. From PickWick Poolside Bar, Belize City.
THE 1980S BELIZEAN PUNTA ROCK ARTIST "BOOTSY RANKIN"!, 14min. The legendary Garifuna Belizean Punta Rock artist, Bootsy Rankin' (Thomas Lauriano), comes to "Belizean Legends" as a cultural special in commemoration by this documentary series for "Garifuna Settlement Day" (November 19, 2017). Through "Part One" of this exclusive interview with the 1980s, 1990s Belizean musical artist, we celebrate Bootsy Rankin's long existence as one of those Los Angeles based Belizean artist that once graced venues like the popular "Belize Caye Fest" in the 80s.
Ziplining in Belize, 3min. Great day to zipline in the jungles of Belize.
Belize, 5min. Belize private island snorkeling.
Jungle Buggy Belize 2017, 7min. A video of 1/2 the ride nothing like riding in a muddy jungle after it rains....
Belize Beach Time - See how Kids Play and enjoy Beach Life on Ambergris Caye, 3.5min.
Riding Tour of Belize City, 1hr. Riding tour of downtown Belize. Guides did a great job of discussing culture, history, and people of Belize. Downtown was interesting and the schools, businesses, and government are just as interesting. While it wasn't what we expected, we had fun, and enjoyed the adventure in a new country.
The Shali Baby song, a Peter's Brukdong classic, perfomred by Terry Monique Young and conducted by William Harvey along with the Belize National Orchestra., 4min. The interesting thing about this performances is that it was only a rehearsal the day before the Street Art Festival's live performance in February this year. As it turned out, the actual performance did not go well due to sound system issues, so this recording ended up being the best recording of this version of the song in my opinion.
Terry Monique Young singing Shali Baby last night at Jazz and Culture Festival at the Pickwick., 3min. This is the Jazz version of a Belizean Creole Brukdong classic.
November 5, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Forensic Interview Training for Victims of Human Trafficking
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, provided training on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking to over 65 Government of Belize officials from five different agencies: Human Services; Police; Immigration; Customs; and Department of Public Prosecutions.
The Embassy continues to support the Government of Belize’s efforts to reduce human trafficking. The three-day training course was held at the Biltmore Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2017. Victim Assistance Specialist Instructors from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Human Trafficking Institute shared best practices on how to identify and successfully interact with victims of Human Trafficking. These best practices will contribute to successful criminal cases against perpetrators of these offenses.
2017-2018 Queen Conch Fishing Quota is Set
To preserve the marine species Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) has come up with 884,092 pounds as the Total Allowable Catch for the 2017-2018 season. The season opened on October 1st and is expected to close on June 30, 2018. However, the public is advised that if the conch production quota is met before June of next year, the season will be declared closed.
San Pedro House of Culture to feature Bernadette Damper
A new exhibit is coming to the San Pedro House of Culture, featuring works of artist and island resident Bernadette Damper. The show’s main purpose is to benefit fundraising events in San Pedro Town, thus, everyone is invited to attend and support a worthy cause. The exhibit will be open to the public from 9AM to 5PM on November 9th through the 23rd. Originally from the Bronx in New York City USA, Damper had visited Belize numerous times in the past nine years. She loved coming to scuba dive and eventually became a dive master. It was until March of 2016 that she decided to move to Ambergris Caye for good.
Island residents complete Return to Happiness Program training
On Friday, October 27th a small certification ceremony was held for ten island residents trained in the Return to Happiness Program at The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The training was done in collaboration with the SPTC, alongside UNICEF, with the assistance of the Sustainable Child Friendly Initiative Program within the Ministry of Local Government. The training was held from Monday, October 23rd to Friday, October 27th and saw the participation of persons who either work with children or volunteer in programs that involve them.
The psychosocial program is design to assist children in externalizing their feelings after any traumatic event. Training organizers have the goal of creating an opportunity for children between the ages of 5-12 years, who may have experienced a natural or man-made disaster, to process their experiences through a series of guided play activities. This, in return, is expected to reduce their post disaster anxieties, as they begin to re-establish their sense of joy, happiness, security and confidence in adult protection.
Garifuna Settlement Day calendar of events announced for Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Branch of the National Garifuna Council has prepared and released their calendar of events leading up to the Garifuna Settlement Day to be celebrated on November 19th. The different activities organized in collaboration with the local authorities via the San Pedro Cultural Committee. This year, the national celebration is being held under the theme ‘Lidan Nei Uarani Awanseruni… Mabuleida Wamei-Progress Lies in Unity… Always Remember it.’
The events between November 4th, and November 12th, include the sale of traditional Garifuna food, drumming, and even a fashion show on the 11th of November. There will also be a Garifuna Mass on November 12th, starting at 10AM inside the Catholic Church. The other events will be taking place at the Central Park.
Misc Belizean Sources
Hope Haven, Ambergris Caye's Children's Home Opens
On Saturday, November 4th, Hope Haven Children's Home and SHINE Center officially opened their doors to the island community. With the inauguration comes a much needed service to the wellbeing of the children and women of San Pedro Town.
Captain Rob's Rumpopo
Every year, daddy makes his famous, delicious, mouth watering Rumpopo. This year is no different! Taking orders for Satuday 11th November...$20 per quart and $30 per liter. Captain Rob's Rumpopo, bringing the love of the Christmas season to your home!!! Comment below or inbox to place orders, thanks!
PUP 11 SWORN IN
People's United Party this evening presented it's team of eleven aspirants for the Belize City Council, which it has not controlled since 2006.
The team consists of first time mayoral aspirant Bernard Wagner and councilor aspirants:
Ayesha Gentle,
Dr. Candice Pitts,
Delthrude Hylton,
Ryan Elijio,
Micah Goodin,
Oscar Arnold,
Allan Pollard,
Javier Castellanos,
Michael Noralez,
Albert Vaughan.
The party's rally, titled The Rebirth, includes speeches from the candidates and their backers.
Orange Walk Shop Keeper murdered while attempting to protect his mother
At 8:50 p.m. on 8:50pm on Friday night 37 year old Amit Moryani was inside P & P Supermarket on Cemetery Street in Orange Walk Town along with his mother Babita Moryani. Two masked men entered the store. The unarmed male approached his mother from behind and took away her bag containing $300. While attempting to help his mother, the other robber pointed a gun at Amit and fired two shots hitting him to the chest while grazing his mother to the right side of her head. He was pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m.
Trunk Show for Lee Vanderwalker at Belizean Arts
Artist Lee will be in town and she will be showcasing her latest creations! Do not forget we have a date next week Wednesday.
BTIA 2nd Annual Tourism Expo.
Coral abuse shooting commercial at Hol Chan
So today bright and early I went out with a filming crew out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve as a hired safety diver. Once we got there I found out that they were filming a commercial for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. It was a bit odd to see that Hol Chan would issue a permit without sending a guide or someone to monitor the activities that this group had planned.
I was given the assignment to keep an eye on the videographers in the water. So we hop in the water, myself, a diving videographer and 2 others that would be on the surface snorkelling while they filmed 2 young boys snorkelling around. As soon as we got in, we headed towards the northern part of the channel in the shallow area. I noticed that the 2 videographers snorkelling were kicking the coral. I popped my head up and told them they need to watch how they’re kicking as they can’t be doing that.
We continued on and once we got closer to the channel, 1 of them proceeded to stand on the coral to have his head out of the water. I popped up once again and this time actually yelled at him to come off and stop! We continued our way into the channel where things got even uglier, this time with the diving videographer. 1st off all he was way overweighted as even before we got to the channel he was dragging along the turtle grass beds.
BAY Art Fest 2017
"Inviting you all to the Annual BAY Art Festival on November 25, 2017 at the Belmopan Civic Center! Please come out and support our local artists...The Belmopan Active Youths is hosting the Third Annual Art Festival in the Capital City, Belmopan. Registration is now open and will proceed until November 17th, 2017. We are inviting all artist in Belize to partake in exhibiting and retailing their artwork!"
Low water pressure in Orange Walk today
Belize Water Services informs its customers in Orange Walk that they will experience low water pressure in the water supply today, Sunday, November 5, 2017. The entire Orange Walk will be affected.
This low water pressure is the result of a scheduled power outage. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.
Residents are advised that water supply should return to normal by 3:00pm on today. If they experience water supply problems after that time, they should immediately call BWS’ hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297) to report it.
The Reporter
Child knocked down; in critical condition
A little boy is in a critical condition after he was knocked down on Satyrday in Belize City.
Sketchy information is tbat the incident happened sometime around 8pm and that the driver of the vehicle did not give his/her particulars when they took the child to the hospital.
The lttle boy suffered a head injury and scrapes to his face.
Westjet launches Calgary to Belize service
Vacationing in Belize became so much easier and cheaper for Canadian visitors when Westjet Airlines of Canada introduced its new direct Calgary to Belize service on Friday.
The inaugural flight departed Calgary at 10am and, despite some weather delays, touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport at 3:30pm, Belize time.
Introductory fares were as low as US$230 for the midweek flight one way Calgary to Belize and US$226 Belize to Calgary – a little more pricey at US$356 one way on the weekends; but travellers booking as far ahead as three months can get fares as low as US$490 round trip! Fares go up to almost double over the Christmas holiday weekend.
Another Belize City man shot dead
A Belize City man was shot dead last night in the Port Loyola area.
A police press release states that around 8:35 last night, Dedron Dennis McKay, 20, a deliveryman, was shot in the abdomen and the right lower side of his back.
The incident happened while McKay was socializing at #19 Haynes Street. Police say an unknown male fired several shots at McKay. He died within a few minutes.
No one has been arrested thus far.
Orange Walk businessman murdered while defending mom being robbed
An Orange Walk businessman is dead after he was shot in the chest in his family store shortly before closing time last night, when he tried to help his mother being robbed.
The incident happened sometime before 9:00 while Amit Moryani, 37, and his mother, Babita Moryani were inside P&P supermarket on Cemetery Street, Orange Walk town.
Police say two armed masked men entered the establishment and one of them attacked the elderly woman from behind and took away her bag containing $300 cash. Amit, who saw what was happening, tried to help his mother, but the man who had the gun pointed the weapon at him and shot him in the chest, then shot at his mother, grazing her on the right side of her head. Amit died about an hour later at the Northern Regional Hospital.
Breaking Belize News
Child in critical condition after accident in Belize City
Reports to BBN is that a child was knocked down this evening on Baymen Avenue in Belize City.
The child was taken to the KHMH for medical treatment.
Attorney General to Churches, “Step up or shut up”
Attorney General of Belize, Michael Peyrefitte has challenged the churches opposed to the decriminalization of marijuana to either run for political office or refrain from criticizing the new legislation.
Peyrefitte, following the ascension of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill into law this week, said that the churches are objecting simply for the sake of objecting.
Police bust marijuana farm in Paraiso Village
Yesterday, Orange Walk Special Branch, Quick Response Team, other specialized teams and officers were on operation in northern Belize and found a marijuana plantation located about 6 miles North West of Paraiso Village.
Fast Food Shop robbed in Camalote Village, Cayo
On Thursday, November 2, 2017, around 10:39 p.m., M and M’s Fast Food in Camalote Village, Cayo District was robbed.
According to police reports, the victim was observed with several injuries to her face.
GOB officially Launches Belize Electronic License and Permit System
The Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) H.E. Ambassador Charles K. Y. Liu officially handed over the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS) to Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) of the Government of Belize yesterday at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina.
Belize City Police find unlicensed .38 revolver during random search
Last night around 7:30, police conducted a search on Pitter Street, Belize City behind Lord Ridge Cemetery which led to the discovery of a .380 pistol with serial number 260975 in an empty tomb.
Masked men ambush and kill shopkeeper in Orange Walk Town
Yesterday around 9:00 PM, police visited the Northern Regional Hospital where they observed the body of Amit Moryani, 37, a Belizean shopkeeper of Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper left side of his chest.
Police: Man, 20, shot and killed in Belize City
Last night around 8:35, authorities visited the KHMH where the body of Dendron Dennis Mckay, 20, was seen with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and one to the right lower back.
The Ultimate Guide to Belize
Belize is an incredible destination that is most certainly going to explode with tourists very soon. For now, it remains relatively untouched with only 250,000 visitors per year. We visited four districts in the country. The variety of experiences are endless. Lush jungles, rain forests, aqua blue water with white sand beaches and some of the best diving spots in the world. I am excited to share my guide to Belize with you, but first, here is a little background info.
During our two and a half week stay, we met some of the most interesting people we have ever come across on our travels. Both expats that have made Belize their home for decades and locals. The common value is every one of them have such passion for Belize, the desire to share it with tourists and to promote it to the world. Its funny, because they want to have more visitors, but at the same time keep it a secret. I could sense the inner battle when I spoke with them. Luckily for me, they were all so generous in sharing hidden gems.
International Sources
Destructive 2017 Atlantic hurricane season may be over for US despite officially ending Nov. 30
While the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season is not until Nov. 30, the chance of a tropical storm developing and hitting the United States this month is very low.
August and September brought great devastation due to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria striking heavily-populated areas. However, these storms struck when conditions were conducive for supporting tropical cyclones as hurricane season was at or approaching its climatological peak.
Ocean temperatures were like bath water and winds aloft were light during late August and September.
While hurricanes have formed and even struck the U.S. during November, the odds of such an occurrence are very low on average.
"Even though the Atlantic hurricane season officially lasts until the end of November, the weather pattern, statistics and the AccuWeather forecast strongly suggest that the possibility of another significant hurricane hitting the U.S. mainland is extremely small for the rest of the season," according to Dr. Joel N. Myers, AccuWeather founder and president.
The low risk is due to an increase in westerly winds at most levels of the atmosphere across North America. These winds tend to steer any potential tropical systems away from the Atlantic Seaboard and to a great extent the central and western Gulf of Mexico coast.
Meanwhile, stiff easterly winds at the surface and strong westerly winds aloft farther south in the tropics work toward disrupting the development of storms in the Caribbean Sea and the south-central Atlantic.
Currently, there are also vast areas of dry air over the Atlantic, and water temperatures have throttled back from their late-summer peak levels.
Videos
Hope Haven and Shine Center officially open doors to the community of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Raise Me Up Congratulations!!!, 5sec.
Vehicle on fire on the Placencia Road at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 4th, 2017, 1min. Eyewitnesses says it occurred near Riversdale.
Splash pad at Harvest Caye - Belize, 1min.
BELIZE, Renae Sherese MARTINEZ - Contestant Introduction (Miss World 2017), 2min. Meet this year's contestant from Belize.. Renae Sherese MARTINEZ! Who will be crowned Miss World 2017 ?
Belize & Guatemala 2017 (w/ EF College Break), 5min. I went to Belize and Guatemala this past summer with #EFUltimateBreak. Had a blast and met some awesome people!
BELIZE 2017 GOPRO, 3min.
November 4, 2017
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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Illegal dumping of garbage continues; local authorities slow to respond
The San Pedro Sun was able to speak to People’s United Party Mayoral Candidate Andre Perez. Perez said he prefers not to speculate on who is dumping the garbage now. “I’m not sure if the garbage being dumped there is from the north resorts or if the Town Council is aware of it,” he said. “There are many authorities on the island that can work together to find who is doing this inappropriate garbage disposal and stop it. As the authorities of the island, they should exercise their power, especially the Town Council.” Perez says that this is not the only area where garbage dumping is happening. During his campaign north of San Pedro Town, he noticed that a lot of garbage is being dumped on empty properties as well, especially in the San Mateo Area. “This not only affects our islanders but also will affect our tourism industry, Ambergris Caye fully depends on the tourism industry for survival,” he said. Perez said that the community is being led by irresponsible authorities, as the island is confronting many issues at the time and nothing is being done.
San Pedro House of Culture celebrates its Dia De Los Finado
On Thursday, November 1st The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) once again brought tradition to San Pedro Town. Many residents gathered at the SPHC to celebrate their dearly departed at the annual ‘Dia de los Muertos’ celebration (Day of the Dead). The tradition is celebrated by the Garinagu, Mestizo and Mayas, and is usually observed over two days, November 1st and 2nd.
The event started at 7pm, with Director of SPHC Mito Paz welcoming everyone and explaining the importance of the event to those in attendance. “Everyone should remember their loved ones and pay tribute to their deceased friends and family members,” said Paz. Afterwards, the audience enjoyed traditional food and toured inside the House of Culture. Inside, altars with photos of deceased island resident, illuminated with candles, honored loved ones.
Holy Cross Anglican School Basketball team represents the island at District Finals
The basketball team from the Holy Cross Anglican School is back on the island after participating in the Basketball District finals in Belize City on Monday, October 30th. The team was not able to grab a spot for the national tournament, however they put up a great fight, and plans are already underway to participate next year and outdo this year’s results.
Holy Cross won their pass to the District Finals after defeating San Pedro Roman Catholic School at the regionals on Tuesday, October 24th in San Pedro Town. The tournament was organized by the National Sports Council to bring out the best teams from across the country.
San Pedro Volleyball Tournament continues
Sundays at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town means Volleyball time. The San Pedro volleyball tournament hit its fourth week on Sunday, October 29th.
The first game began at 1PM, when Isla Bonita girls defeated Holy Cross girls in a tight match that went into the third set, 21-13, 10-21 and 15-16. San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) girls took an easy win against New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School (NHSDAS) girls, by winning both sets, 21-9 and 21-5. Next up were primary school boys. The first game saw NHSDAS boys facing SPRCS boys, with the victory going to NHSDAS boys by winning both sets, 21-19 and 21-5. Games continue this weekend on Saturday, October, 4TH to 5th starting at 1pm at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Islanders and volleyball enthusiasts are invited to come out and support their favorite team. Food and refreshments will be on sale during the games.
Our World Project brings educational shows and treats to island students
Debbie and Larry Heimgartner continue to bring love and positive vibes to Ambergris Caye’s students through their ‘Our World’ project. On Friday, October 27th, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) witnessed two plays dealing with social issues affecting young people around the world. They also made their annual visit to the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), where they treated students to delicious Manelly’s paletas.
This year, the Heimgartners were joined by two performers, Sarah MacKenzie and Emma Stirling. MacKenzie and Larry Heimgartner wrote ‘Find the Balance – Equality for All’, a 30-minute drama presentation that touched on equality and women’s rights.
BTB’s new Online portal speeds up tax payments and guest registration
Hoteliers can now submit their monthly accommodation tax returns and make payments online, through the Belize Tourist Board’s new Online portal which became operational on Wednesday, November 1.
At the official launch at BTB’s headquarters in Belize City, BTB’s Business Development Manager Shou-Ku “Sean” Tang explained that the new portal will increase efficiency, accuracy and accountability 100 per cent. He said the system would speed up business as it is intended to be paper free and hassle free, making transactions easy, fast, secure accurate and convenient.
Ambergris Today
Forensic Interview Training For Victims Of Human Trafficking
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, provided training on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking to over 65 Government of Belize officials from five different agencies: Human Services; Police; Immigration; Customs; and Department of Public Prosecutions.
The Embassy continues to support the Government of Belize’s efforts to reduce human trafficking. The three-day training course was held at the Biltmore Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2017. Victim Assistance Specialist Instructors from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Human Trafficking Institute shared best practices on how to identify and successfully interact with victims of Human Trafficking. These best practices will contribute to successful criminal cases against perpetrators of these offenses.
25 Honduran Females Detained In Immigration Bust On Ambergris Caye
Twenty five Honduran females have been detained pending investigations as San Pedro Police Department conducted a joint operation along with the Immigration Department at three local bar establishments on Ambergris Caye.
This news comes as Honduran newspapers reports that a woman was arrested for trafficking teen girls into Belize for prostitution. Honduran newspaper La Prensa reports that Denia Suyapa Ochoa was detained in San Pedro Sula during an operation called "Fire Storm".
According to the reports, Ochoa works in the Honduras Ministry of Health and according to the Protection of Women Agency, she would enlist young females (minors) who would be brought to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to work at a brothel. Ochoa would personally take girls to San Pedro Sula, where someone else would pick them up and transport them to Guatemala and then to Belize.
Misc Belizean Sources
Stamp Duty Amendment
he general public is hereby informed that the Stamp Duties (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2017 came into force on November 1st, 2017.
The rate of stamp duty on transfer of land to a Belizean (or CARICOM) national whether by sale, exchange, gift, or testamentary disposition remains 5% on the consideration or value of the land in excess of $20,000.00 and in the case of transfer of land to any other person the rate of stamp duty is 8%.
The above rates of stamp duty will apply to other land transactions as specified in the Stamp Duties Act, Chapter 64, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, as amended.
Constitutional violation to prisoner's rights at Kolbe Foundation
Attorney says Prison is violating the Constitutional rights of her client: To as attorney for a minor in trial I busted the Kolbe Foundation to meet with client. After meeting the first one and awaiting to see the second d one I was unceremoniously accosted by Vernon Bennett and operations Officer and told that I cannot see my client. The reason they cite is that I had to be placed in their records that I am his attorney. That is bullshit.... since October 6, 2017 I have been at court doing his case in Dangriga ... so it can't be that prison authorities so daff and think he can be going through a murder trial...
Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic saves a boa
BWRC's staff are awesome! The job is often dirty, always demanding, sometimes a bit dangerous or requiring overcoming some fears and may involve walking good distances. Thanks to Godwin for taking the 7 foot boa 1.6 Miles into the jungle to release her far away from (human) danger.
Her story? She was nearly killed for being in someone's yard in the city, saved by Gordon Kirkwood and then treated and allowed to recover from head trauma at BWRC. Relocation recommendation for snakes (especially as large as this one) is 1 Mile or more away from human settlements and by a water source.
Belmopan BTIA Tourism Expo
Happening this weekend at the Show Grounds! Come out and have a fun filled day! Free Entrance!
Missing Dog in San Pedro
Yoshi is still missing! Has anyone seen this dog?
Yesterday's Mass at the San Pedro Town Cemetery for Dia de Los Muertos
BELIZE ELECTRONIC LICENSES AND PERMITS SYSTEM (BELAPS) INAUGURATION AND HANDOVER CEREMONY
The Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) H.E. Ambassador Charles K. Y. Liu officially handed over the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS) to the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber and the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) of the Government of Belize, on Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 at Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. This handing over is a result of the official completion of a 5-year bilateral ICT project of Belize which aims to assist Belize in boosting the efficiency of its existing import-export licensing and permit issuing processes. The total budget of this project was US 1.8 million, of which US 1.5 million was provided by the Taiwan Government.
Winding up of pension plans
Family seeks assistance for the female that was shot to the abdomen in Corozal.
She is in a critical condition and blood is needed. We are not sure of blood type. Please call 663-5412.
Princess Casino Freezone Corozal
Here are the judges surrounding the lucky winners of the Halloween party and competition held this Thursday. Congratulations to Luis Mayo Alonso and Martin Landeta.
St. Francis Xavier Parish - There are 3 temporary teaching vacancies
2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe R.C. School starting January 2018 and 1 at Louisville R C School. Candidates need to have a Full License and submit to: Assistant Local Manager, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Corozal Town. Deadline is 10th November 2017. Call for further information 422 2018 or email. corozalcps@gmail.com.
2 are for 14 weeks and 1 from January to June 2018
Banquitas celebrates Dia de Muertos/ Finados
On November 2nd, 2017 Banquitas celebrated Dia de Muertos/ Finados, a Maya Mestizo tradition where we remember our loved ones that passed away. It is a beautiful rendition where we invite the souls to receive our offerings in their memory.
I thanks the community at large for once more supporting us this year. Thanks to Mrs. Libertad Cal who is always assisting us to prepare the altars, thanks to Mr. Manuel Solis who was our guest speaker. Thanks to our volunteers and Staff for working together to make this possible. Thanks to the individuals that brought their photographs and offerings. To the ladies that prepared the meals, many thanks! I also thank Mrs. Silvina Moh and Alejandra Novelo for the flowers. Special thanks to Mrs. Bertha Alonzo for leading the prayers which are the most important aspect of this celebration. To every single person, many thanks.
GREAT Cup 2017
"The opening ceremony for the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program - G.R.E.A.T. CUP 2017 was held at the BTL Park in Belize City on Saturday, October 21, 2017. The sporting competition is supported by the U.S. Embassy through the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) section, which provides equipment, uniforms and trophies for the participants. Cadets and G.R.E.A.T. students from the Eastern Division Community Policing program were represented and they came from Precinct One, Precinct Two, Precinct Three, Precinct Four, Ladyville, Hattieville and Coastal (Caye Caulker and San Pedro).
Combatting Climate Change in the Vaca Forest Reserve
A new project is being started with local farmers titled, “Combatting Climate Change in the Vaca Forest Reserve”. It is aimed at building the capacity of local farmers to maintain and promote new technologies and innovations adapted to climate change impacts in the reserve. This project is made possible by GEF SGP, Australian Aid and the Forest Department.
Pediatric Plastic Surgery Mission Clinic
To be held at the Southern Regional Hospital on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 8:00 am.
Please call to register at 223-7300 or Khandice Tillett 615-6010!
Channel 7
AG Signs Amendment to Misuse of Drugs Act, Possession of Small Amounts of Weed Is Legal
Tonight, if you're an adult in possession of 10 grams of marijuana or less, you are no longer committing a crime. That's because the Governor General signed the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act into law yesterday.
The decriminalization amendment was passed by parliament last week, and on Tuesday, the National Evangelical Association of Belize came out swinging at the Government, asserting that this is a bad decision.
But, while the churches may criticize, the political parties gave it bi-partisan support, and so, the law is here, and unless or until Parliament decides to repeal it, marijuana possession in small quantities is legal.
This evening, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte outlined what marijuana smokers can and cannot do:
Weed Not For Minors
So, as you heard, adults are allowed to be in possession of 10 grams of marijuana or less. You can smoke it in the privacy of your own home, or in your own yard. You are allowed to smoke it on someone else's premises, with the explicit permission of the owner of residence. If you do not have the permission of the homeowner, and you are caught smoking it, you can be charged. Also, you cannot take the drug with you unto the school compound. If you are caught, you will be warned and subsequent offenses will result in monetary fines.
And while the law relaxes the consequences of marijuana possession or consumption for adults, it's not the same thing for minors. The Attorney General was particularly forceful in making the point that minors caught in possession of the legal quantity of the drug, will be penalized. Here's how he explained the rationale behind that:
Peyrefitte to Churches: Put Up, Light Up, Or Shut Up
We also took the opportunity to ask the Attorney General about the harsh criticism from the National Evangelical Association of Belize. These pastors believed that GOB completely ignored their objections, and the opposition of others who think that decriminalization is a mistake.
Peyrefitte pulled no punches when he responded saying that this was not a unilateral decision, as NEAB is suggesting it to be:
Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General:
"Let me be very calm. I'll try to be very calm about the church the way I try very hard to be calm about the CCJ. Given what the church has been found guilty of in recent years - I think priests and pastors have no moral authority to try and judge anybody out here who wants to smoke marijuana. They just object for object sake."
AG Concedes Law Is Very Imperfect
But, while the Attorney General doesn't have much patience for the church's spin on how Government viewed their objection, the fact is that both sides share the concern that the law is imperfect.
It makes it legal to be in possession of small quantities of marijuana, but it does not address the purchase or sale of marijuana, and other activities like cultivation. So, basically, you can possess 10 grams, but you can't buy it, or grow it.
When we asked Peyrefitte about the mixed messages, he conceded that there are gaps. He explained the Government's position on those other activities which are still illegal:
Decriminalization and The Weed Wars
There is also that school of thought that the decriminalization of small quantities of marijuana will fuel the weed wars in the streets, which police say has been driving city homicides.
The Attorney General said he doesn't buy that.
Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General:
"With maximum respect to those who hold that position as some senior police officers hold that position. I think there is just a general sense of lawlessness in this country that's unacceptable at this point. You have people punching females' officers and people abusing other people like that. I will not buy hook line and sinker that it is a marijuana issue."
Police Burn Down Marijuana Farm In North
And, lest you think the government might now turn a blind eye to marijuana cultivation, they're not. Today in the Corozal District, police burned more than 1,500 plants.
It happened between 11:00 this morning and 2:30 this afternoon when a joint operation was conducted between Orange Walk Special Branch, the Quick Response Team, and other specialized units. They found a Marijuana plantation about 6 miles North West of Paraiso Village - which is very close to Mexico. It had 1430 mature trees in the ground, while another 220 mature harvested trees were found under a hut. The trees were all uprooted and burnt.
Man With Gun On Ground
This morning at 8:05 in Belize City, shots rang out on Kut Avenue - which is on the city's southside. Police on motorbikes responded with lightning quickness and ran down 24 year old Reese Fitzgibbon on Fairweather Street. He is of a Supal Street address which is just a short distance from Kut Avenue.
Not only did police catch Fitzgibbon and manage to subdue him face down on the pavement, they also got his gun - a 9 millimeter smith and Wesson pistol - which you can see on the sidewalk right beside him. The pistol had five live rounds. Fitzgibbon is detained pending charges of discharging a Firearm In Public and Kept a Firearm and Ammunition without a license.
Serious Head-On Collision, But Life Is Spared
There was a very serious accident on the Philip Goldson Highway this morning where a fruit delivery truck was completely smashed by a head on impact. And though the truck ended up looking like a crushed sardine pan, the 2 occupants of that vehicle survived.
Police say that just before 4:00 this morning, they responded to a traffic accident at mile 8 on the highway. That's when they found this grey and red Toyota pickup truck, which was carrying vegetables and watermelons. On the right side of the highway, they found this Ford Everest SUV, with damages to the driver's side.
Julio Choc Charged and Remanded
Alleged hit and run driver Julio Choc is in jail tonight - on remand for causing the death of 32 year old mother of one, Melissa Murillo Andrews on last Saturday night. The Belmopan resident was arrested on Wednesday night after Belmopan police got a call pointing the cops to his cargo truck was concealed under a covering. The truck had front end damage consistent with the one that ran over Andrews and her husband, Allen.
He was charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, Negligent Grievous Harm, driving without due care and attention, Fail to Stop and Render Aid, and two counts of Failing to Report an Accident.
President of the CCJ Named In Criminal Compliant By Anti-Court Crusader
He's the head of Belize's highest court, the CCJ, but, tonight, Sir Dennis Byron is the subject of a criminal complaint in Trinidad and Tobago. Dominican attorney Cabral Douglas - who has been on a crusade against the CCJ after losing a case there - alleges that Grenadian Queen's Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis accepted a bribe from Byron to support the publication of his book called "Changing Caribbean Constitutions."
The story goes like this: Byron was the former director of the Canadian funded JURIST project. Those funds are earmarked for Caribbean Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening. According to Caribbean News Now, the complaint is that in 2015, when Byron was director of the JURIST project, he "made the funds available to Alexis although publication of the book was not a part of the project."
Westjet Cometh From Calgary, Canada
Airlift to Belize from North American cities continues to expand, and now you can add Calgary, Canada to the list of cities with direct flights to Belize.
Now, it's not Houston, or Miami, or even Toronto, but the fast growing city in Canada's midwest has an eager market of visitors seeking the adventure tourism that Belize offers.
The inaugural flight touched down this afternoon, and the tourism head honchos told us what this flight means for Belizeans and the tourism industry:
Norma Pena from Progresso Says She Killed Woman Who Was With Her Huzzy
In April of 2013, Progresso resident Norma Pena stabbed two Belize City women because she says they went to a village dance with her common law husband. One of the women, Veronica Gonzalez died from her injuries, while her friend Wendy Aragon survived.
Today, after more than 4 years on remand, Norma Pena pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and to attempted murder.
Pena claims that Gonzalez and Aragon provoked her by socializing with her common-law husband. She explained that after the dance, the two women followed her home and a fight erupted where she stabbed both of them. She expressed remorse for her action.
Kaleem Caught For Arwing Robbery
Two nights ago we told you about 24 year old Kaleem Chun, the alleged serial arsonist from PG whose bail was revoked. Belize City police wanted to question him about some crimes against Chinese businessmen. Today they said he is the one who robbed Arwing Shop on Santa Barbara Street on September 27th.
Chun appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford where he was read a single charge of robbery. He held up Wei Yei Yang at gunpoint and stole $1,500 dollars in cash.
15 More Pickups For Crime Fight
Last week, Police Minister Elodio Aragon promised 15 new pickups for the police operation ACT. And today he delivered. The Police received 15 brand new specially outfitted Great Wall Wingles. Now, the Wingle might not be the most durable, but it gets two A's from government, meaning that it's available and affordable.
Caribbean Motors was only too happy to supply, and they told the media about the half a million dollar fleet:
The 15 trucks came up to a total cost of $610,000 Belize Dollars which will be paid over a period of 6 months.
BTL Bill, Settled, But Still, "Ain't No Sunshine" With Ashcroft Alliance
So, earlier in the week - the big news was all about the 78 million US dollars that government has to find to pay off the Ashcroft Alliance in a week's time. It's the final payment for the acquisition of BTL - so, that should put an end to 8 years of costly legal battles. The Ashcroft Alliance emerged with about half a billion dollars in compensation and you sort of get the sense, Lord Ashcroft wouldn't feel too bad taking a victory lap.
But, not quite yet, because just when you thought this one was over - it isn't, not quite yet. That's because there's still the matter of the Sunshine Shares. If you don't remember those - don't feel too bad. That dates way back to 2005 when in another one of those special deals - Social Security loaned 10 million dollars to Sunshine Holdings, an Ashcroft company, under highly concessionary terms. Sunshine used that money to acquire shares in BTL.
Youth Forum On HIV
"HIV, Youth, and the Future" is the name of the first youth research forum on HIV and it was held today with students from the high school and university level. The goal of the forum was to educate the students so that they could be a part of creating a national program for HIV and AIDS that speaks directly to young people. Arthur Usher from the National Aids Commission told us more.
Arthur Usher, National Aids Commission Communications and Programs Officer:
"We actually sent invitations to various schools and youth organizations to invite our young people to come and youth leader to come actually and give us feedback of the information as to what they think can alleviate the issue of HIV within the youth population so we are hoping to get some idea from them as to what type of programming we can do next year that can directly impact and alleviate the issue of HIV and young people in this country."
Selvin Accused of Jacking Tourist
Eighteen year old Selvin Waight went to court today - accused of robbing a tourist of his iPhone.
On Monday, tourist Patrick Zeimer, was walking by Constitution Park when two men jacked his Iphone.
Waight was charged with robbery before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and pled not guilty to the charge. Waight said that he is actually innocent and that he saw the robbers holding up Zeimer when he was passing by Constitution Park. He said he was erroneously pointed out as the culprit.
"Alkaline" Will Stand Trial For Killing "Hog"
Twenty-three year Henry Harris, known as "Alkaline", will stand trial in the January session of the Supreme Court for the murder of 44 year old Clinton "Hog" Fraser and the attempted murder of his brother, Michael Fraser - which happened in January of this year. That's what came out of a preliminary inquiry before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford today.
BIFF, 15 Years Later
The 2017 edition of the Belize International Film Festival will begin next week Wednesday Night.
It's the festival's 15th year, and the festival is entering a stage of maturity where it assists in the growth of the film industry in Belize, and gives local film makers a platform to showcase their work.
The Founder and Director, Suzette Zayden, says that for this year's festival, there are 29 films from eighteen 18 countries that have been selected to be featured. This evening, she stopped by to tell us more about the 5-days of activities:
The film festival opens on Wednesday, November 8th, at 5:30 p.m. with a preview. It ends on Sunday, November 12, with a closing awards and concert.
Primary School B-Ballers
This morning 144 primary school basketballers from all over the country came together to play at the 2017 basketball nationals. The tournament started in September and after weeks of competition, the best male and female teams from each district made it to the nationals. This morning 7 news was there to see the kids in action. We also to speak to the Director of the Sports Council along with Sports Minister Patrick Faber about the importance of the annual event.
Ian Jones, Director of National Sports Council:
"Well at the nationals it is the best of the best of the best. I think they have played a total of 4 or 5 games in their respective zones. Then they played the district champions so you really had to be the best to be here today."
Capital Cops Finally Get Their Big Up
And before we end this last newscast for the week, we have one story that we meant to bring you on Wednesday, but could not due to a technical glitch. It's about those Belmopan Police who moved so quickly to crack the case of the armed robbery at the First Stop Pawn Shop.
In less than 72 hours, Sergeant Julio Shal, Corporal Mateo Carrillo, Constable Jose Uh, from Belmopan, worked with Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo from Belize City to arrest the culprits and recover the valuables.
On Wednesday they were rewarded awarded for their good work with a free lunch and award ceremony at the Bull Frog Inn.
Pruning Inga
Our next story is about the pruning if Inga Trees. Now, if that means nothing to you, don't feel bad, you'd probably need a masters degree in agronomy to know what it means.
But, the Ya'axche Conservation Trust tells us that farmers in the Toledo District are using Inga trees, known locally as "bri-bri," to control weeds, improve soil health and reduce the use of herbicides on their farm lands.
Farmer Bartolo Teul explained the science and history of a process called Inga alley cropping:
Channel 5
10 Grams Now Legal!
Weed smokers across the country can exhale a marijuana-tinged sigh of relief tonight, following the decriminalization of ten grams of cannabis on Thursday. Governor General Sir Colville Young has assented [...]
A.G. Says Crime Isn’t All About Marijuana
The recent spike in violent crimes in Belize City is being attributed to an ongoing drug war among rival groups, purportedly over the sale of marijuana. With the decriminalization of [...]
Police Handcuffed – No Charges for Legal Weed
The Belize Police Department, according to AG Peyrefitte, is fully onboard with the new law; however, there are officers within the agency that are averse to the idea of persons [...]
Churches Told to “Shut Up”
Perhaps the AG’s most fiery response was reserved for the Council of Churches. When asked to give his two cents on their objection to the passage of the law, he [...]
Audrey Matura Barred from Meeting Client on Trial at Kolbe
A routine trip, by attorney Audrey Matura to the Central Prison in Hattieville to visit with clients, turned ugly this morning. Around ten o’clock, Matura says she was removed from [...]
16-year-old Murder Accused Sanctioned and Straitjacketed
Despite efforts made by Matura to reason with security personnel and to reach out to the C.E.O. of Kolbe, she was denied access to her client. She alleges that her [...]
Brothers Miraculously Survive Highway Accident, But Not Out of the Woods
A pair of siblings is tonight in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after the vehicle they were traveling in collided head-on with an SUV coming from [...]
Crooked Tree on Alert for Flooded Lagoon
Tonight, residents of Crooked Tree village are on alert. For the past several days, there has been rain in the area, and the Crooked Tree Lagoon is now in overflow. [...]
Work to be Done for Causeway, Village Roads
Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced during his Independence Day address that the Crooked Tree Causeway is also to be raised and resurfaced, and the Caribbean Development Bank was to have signed the contract [...]
Reese Fitzgibbon Caught in the Act of Shooting
There was another shooting incident this morning in Belize City, however no one was injured. Just after five this morning, police were called out to Kut Avenue where shots were [...]
Artiste “Nitro” Set Bail for Social Media Threats
After seven nights in lock down at the Belize Central Prison, twenty-four-year-old Shikell Nunez, aka “Cross Di Nitro,” is out on bail granted to him by Supreme Court judge, Denis [...]
Ryan Swift Poisoned; Police Have Not Identified Chemical
A week ago Saturday, fifty-four-year-old Ryan Swift died after suffering a seizure at his home on Central American Boulevard. On Thursday, police confirmed that he was poisoned after consuming a [...]
Haitian LGBT Denied Visas; Foreign Affairs Intervenes
Belize’s LGBT community is seeking to get to the bottom of a reported act of discrimination against guests it is welcoming for an event next week. The Executive Director of [...]
Evangelicals Believe They Should Teach According to Scripture
This week at its press conference, the National Evangelical Association of Belize spent much of its time condemning the plan to introduce decriminalization of up to ten grams of marijuana [...]
Education Minister Says No Problem
But Minister of Education Patrick Faber says that the ministry not allowing Christian values to be taught within the classrooms is far from the truth. In fact, it is encouraged [...]
NAC Gets Youths Talking about HIV/AIDS
The National Aids Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program engaged the youth population in dialog and program development given the HIV/Aids statistics in the country. Today at [...]
Youth Council Leader Talks Innovative Ways to Get Youngsters Involved
Acting president of the National Youth Council of Belize, Dominique Noralez, also participated in the forum. Despite the fact that Noralez sits as the youth rep on the Commission, in [...]
The Drums Beat on at Birds Isle
The far end of Albert Street this morning was rocking with the sounds of Garifuna drumming. The annual battle of the drums moved to Belize City this year in anticipation [...]
Primary Schoolers Hit the Hoops Hardwood
While Birds Isle reverberated with drumming, over at the Saint John’s College gymnasium the pounding was on the basketball court. Teams from around the country were on hand for the [...]
A New Way to Pay B.T.B.
The Belize City Council led the charge toward online payments for property taxes a few years ago, and much of the government apparatus at national and local level are rushing [...]
LOVE FM
Early Morning Accident leaves two Men in a Critical Condition
Two men are hospitalized in critical condition following an early morning traffic incident at mile eight on the Philip Goldson Highway. According to police, thirty-six-year-old Con Murphy was driving the Ford Everest SUV heading towards Ladyville and, upon reaching mile eight, collided head on to a Toyota pickup that was transporting watermelons and vegetables. The […]
Police Officer injured in Traffic Accident
Another traffic incident occurred this morning and happened in the Toledo District at around 8:35 this morning in Emory Grove Village. A police constable received body and head injuries as explained by Love News Correspondent Paul Mahung. Officer in charge of Toledo Police Formation, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Clement Cacho spoke of the incident. Clement […]
Police quick Response led to arrest of Perpetrator
In Belize City, gunshots rang out before eight o’clock this morning on Kut Avenue. Police were alerted and a quick response led them to the arrest of 24-year-old Reese Fitzgibbon, a resident of Supal Street. Police report that Fitzgibbon was armed with a nine-millimeter pistol and five nine millimeter rounds of ammunition. He was detained […]
Dalla Van Taxi Drivers remember their fallen Comrade
Belize City Police have yet to charge someone for the murder of forty-year-old Haitian Odner Estizeine. The ‘dalla van’ taxi driver was fatally shot on October 27 while at the corner of Complex Avenue and Jones Street. Estizeine was a member of the Dalla Van/Taxi Association and today his colleagues decided to take a stand. […]
Police received 15 New Vehicles to help Fight Crime
In an effort to fight crime, specifically in Southside Belize City, today the Belize Police Department and Caribbean Motors closed a deal for 15 Great Wall Wingles. The purchase was made by the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Home Affairs for the Department at a cost of approximately 6 hundred and 10 thousand […]
Firefighters experienced Communication Problems
The National Fire Service had to send its radios for repair. For the past few weeks, firefighters were experiencing communication problems as it relates to its radios attached to the fire trucks. Three of the radios were damaged and sent to be repaired. We asked Fire Chief Ted Smith about it. “Yes we had some […]
West Jet to increase “Canada Belize Bilateral Merchandise Trade”
West Jet inaugurated its second direct flight from Canada today. The Canadian Low-cost airline inaugurated its first flight to Belize in 2016 from Toronto. The new flight now comes from Calgary and touched down this afternoon at the Philip Goldson International Airport at fifteen minutes past three o’clock. Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize Lynn […]
NAC & UNDP host Youth Leaders Forum
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) hosted the Youth Leaders Forum today in Belize City under the theme: “HIV, Youth and the Future: A national Youth Leaders Forum”. According to the Programs Officer Arthur Usher, the goal was to educate and engage 30 youth leaders in an […]
BNE donates to Punta Gorda Town Council
Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust made a donation to the Punta Gorda Town Council on Thursday. Paul Mahung reports. Paul Mahung, Love FM “Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust yesterday handed over a compactor garbage truck donated to the Punta Gorda Town Council. During the handing over ceremony at the Punta Gorda Central Park the keys […]
EMPRENDE helps Boost Local Businesses
Entrepreneurs play a vital role in strengthening the country’s skill and add to its development. In this regard, the EMPRENDE Belize Fund was launched on October 5, 2016, whereby individuals or teams with a business concept or business were provided with a seed capital to start or expand their business. This afternoon was the closing […]
Choc charged for causing the death of Mellisa Murillo
Julio Choc, the man believed to be involved in the traffic incident that claimed the life of twenty-nine-year-old Mellisa Murillo last Saturday has been slapped with six charges. The thirty-five-year-old has been formally charged with causing death by careless conduct, Manslaughter by negligence, failure to stop and render aid, driving without due care and attention, […]
Police Destroy Marijuana Plantation
Orange Walk Special Branch, Quick Response Team, other specialized teams and officers conducted a joint operation today. As a result, they discovered a marijuana plantation located approximately six miles North West of Paraiso Village in the Corozal District. The plantation had one-thousand-four-hundred and thirty mature trees measuring between one to six feet in height. In […]
BLPA signs Technical Cooperation Agreement with IDB
The Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) and the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), signed the Technical Cooperation Agreement for the project entitled “Improving Livestock Sector Productivity And Climate Resilience In Belize”. The project is funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), in partnership with the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through […]
Several Schools competed for the National Championship
The National Primary School Basketball Championship games got underway this morning at the St. John’s College gymnasium. This year’s participants from Belize City are St. Joseph R.C and St. Martin de Porres; from Orange Walk Town: La Immaculada R.C. and San Francisco R.C.; from Corozal Town St. Francis Xavier and Corozal Methodist; from the Cayo […]
Henry Harris to Stand Trial for Murder
Twenty-three year Henry Harris, aka “Alkaline”, charged with murder and attempted murder, was committed today By Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford to stand trial in the January session of the Supreme Court. Harris is charged with the murder of 44-year-old Clinton “Hog” Fraser and the attempted murder of his brother, Michael Fraser. He is also charged […]
Selvin Waight charged with Robbery
Eighteen-year-old Selvin Waight, an unemployed person of Gibnut Street, was charged with robbery when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Waight pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the offence has become prevalent; that the crime rate has increased dramatically; that the offence was committed […]
Martinez to Stand Trial for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
Twenty-one year old Victor Martinez, a resident of Ladyville charged with unlawful sexual intercourse, was committed today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford to stand trial in the January session of the Supreme Court. The prosecution intends to call 7 witnesses. The items that were submitted by the prosecution included 3 sets of photographs, a medico-legal […]
Amandala
US$78 mil in 9 days
The Barrow administration, and the country, suffered another devastating legal loss to Lord Ashcroft-related entities when the Caribbean Court of Justice, Belize’s highest court, on Wednesday, November 1, delivered a stinging judgement regarding the terms of the final payout of compensation for the government’s acquisition of Belize Telemedia Limited.
In the case of the Attorney General of Belize versus Dean Boyce, Dunkeld International Investment Ltd. and The Trustees of the BTL Employees Trust, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) issued a ruling which determined the final amount of money that the Government of Belize had to pay to Dunkeld International Investment Ltd. and the Belize Telemedia Employees Trust.
“Storm of Fire” nabs alleged Honduran human trafficker
elize is making international news, but this time, unfortunately, for its link in a human trafficking ring based in Honduras.
Honduran news outlets are reporting that teenagers from that country have been trafficked to Guatemala and Belize, where they are sexually exploited and faced with forced labor.
In the case of Belize, the outlets are reporting that the women are taken to the island of San Pedro, where in many cases they are forced to serve as prostitutes in an undisclosed bar.
The future of the ring and the continuation of its operations are not yet known, as the woman believed to be the head of its operations has been jailed.
Belizean people “punked” by our own officials – once again!
There appear to have been serious breaches by Belizean authorities of the protocol relating to a maritime accident when they released a 60-foot yacht, Amador, a US-registered vessel that had run aground on the Belize Barrier Reef near South Water Caye, which is about 21 miles southeast of Dangriga Town. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night, October 21.
Guatemala’s Prensa Libre reported that after the S.O.S. of the yacht’s owner, Guatemalan singer Carlos Peña, went out on his Facebook page, the Guatemalan consulate in Belize indicated that a rescue boat had left in search of the stricken boat. No local authority we interviewed could tell us where the rescue boat came from.
Many illegal immigrants voted in the March 7, 2012 elections
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) has long accused the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) government of stealing the 2012 National and sub-national elections.
That is because between October 2011 and February 2012, over 2,000 foreign nationals were gifted Belizean nationality certificates even though they did not meet the requisite qualifications.
With those certificates, they thereafter registered and voted in the March 7, 2012 elections, which the PUP lost by a combined estimated 800 votes.
Former Director of the Immigration and Nationality Department, Ruth Meighan, in her appearance before the Senate Select Committee, conceded that many illegal immigrants voted in that election.
Brenda Jandrez, 22, shot in bed
Shortly after 8 o’clock on Wednesday morning, Corozal resident, Brenda Jandrez, 22, was lying in her bed with her new boyfriend at her home on Mahogany Street in the Corozal District when a gunman pushed his hand through her window and fired a single shot.
Jandrez was hit in the stomach and rushed to the Corozal Community Hospital, and later transported to the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town.
She was thereafter transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where police say she is in a critical condition, fighting for her life.
PUP fight for amendment to infamous Maritime Areas Act
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), on October 20th, filed a motion in the Senate seeking permission to debate an amendment to the Maritime Areas Act that was passed in 1992. The amendment is for Belize to claim all its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone allowed under international law.
In an interview with the press on Tuesday, Lead Opposition Senator, Eamon Courtenay, indicated that this move had been in the pipeline a long time ago. He said, “In terms of context, the party leader, Hon. John Briceño, had some time in the past called for an amendment to the Maritime Areas Act in a debate in the National Assembly. On another occasion in the National Assembly, the former Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Honorable Said Musa, had done the same thing.”
UB males and SJCJC females are champions of ATLIB National Volleyball Tournament 2017
The Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) held its National Volleyball Tournament last Saturday, October 28, at the SJC gym in Belize City.
We would like to thank all athletes, coaches, sports coordinators, staff, administration, medical personnel, referees (BVA), police, media and fans who came out to watch the games. Most certainly they witnessed athletic performances of the highest quality in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play…
Teams that qualified for the Nationals were: West – UB (University of Belize) males and females; South – IJC (Independence Junior College) males and SCEJC (Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College) females; Central – SJCJC (SJC Junior College) males and females; and North – CEMJC (Centro Escular Mexico Junior College) males and CJC (Corozal Junior College) females.
BzSA Optimist National Championship and Laser Regatta results
After delays and postponements due to inclement weather and poor wind conditions, the Belize Sailing Association’s (BzSA) National Championships for the Optimist class boats got underway on Saturday and Sunday, October 28-29, at the BTL Park in Belize City. Twelve competitors from 3 clubs participated, and at the end of 2 days of racing, 14 year-old Peter Joo of Placencia Sailing Club clearly demonstrated that he is now the top sailor in the Optimist fleet in Belize.
The first day of sailing hardly had enough wind for race officials to continue with races, but after several prior postponements, officials proceeded with 5-knot winds. Joo showed that he had acquired significant techniques in light-wind sailing, and took 4 of the 6 races by as much as 10 boat lengths. Sailors eventually learned to cope with a steady and strong current running from the north to south that is common knowledge for sailors that sail in the Belize City Habour.
Olimpia crowned inaugural Scotiabank CONCACAF League champion
Olimpia earned the inaugural Scotiabank CONCACAF League title Thursday night at a rainy Estadio Nacional, overcoming host Santos de Guapiles in the two-legged final, 4-1 on penalty kicks.
Michael Chirinos scored the second leg’s only goal in the first half, giving the Honduran power a 1-0 win and leveling the series 1-1 on aggregate. The sides went directly to penalty kicks after the final whistle brought the second half to a close.
Olimpia, which lifted its first CONCACAF trophy since the 1988 Champions’ Cup, converted each of its four attempts, while Santos hit the back of the net once in three tries…
Editorial: Da who responsible?
On Monday morning, the United Democratic Party (UDP) Government of Belize sent their Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) to invade the private premises of the Southside’s second largest employer – a media house named Kremandala which is 48 years old.
On Wednesday morning, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Belize’s highest and final court of justice, humiliated the UDP Government of Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow, with a judgment in favor of Lord Michael Ashcroft which calls for GOB to pay Ashcroft $78 million in U.S. currency by November 10.
The judgment is in the neighborhood of a quarter of Belize’s foreign reserves; despite Mr. Barrow’s attempt at a Wednesday afternoon press conference to put on a brave face by arbitrarily predicting how profitable the new tourist season is going to be, it was already difficult to do business in Belize because of foreign currency problems, and this CCJ judgment will surely make matters worse.
From The Publisher
The Police Department and Ministry decided to send Kremandala a message on Monday morning by sending their Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), an armed paramilitary group, to violate the privacy of our yard, which houses Amandala, KREM Radio, KREM Television, and the African and Indian (Indigenous) Library.
The pretext for the attack was that the GSU had a warrant for a fiery political activist named Raymond Rivers, whom they had seen/heard on the KREM Radio/Television morning talk show. The GSU could have waited at the gate until their target finished the show, they could have covered the back of our yard to make sure he did not scale the fence, and then they would have been sure of their target. But, it was not really Raymond Rivers that they sought. The bosses of the GSU wanted to violate and embarrass Kremandala, which they did.
Meliton Auil remembers Cobo
Dear Editor,
This morning I read with interest your article about “Cobo”, whom I certainly remember, and by sheer coincidence, I was telling his story to some friends over the weekend.
When Cobo was in Belize in the 1950’s, I was a young clerk working at Barclays Bank at their main office on Albert Street, where the bank always had British newspapers and magazines on display at their counters. Cobo used to be a frequent visitor at our counters where he used to spend some time reading the papers.
G.S.U. invasion of Kremandala compound represents a failure of the state to protect the media’s rights
To whom it may concern,
We hope that this letter finds you well.
Our organization Kremandala— made up of Amandala Newspaper, Krem Television and Krem Radio, all located at 3304 Partridge Street— writes to you to alert you to events that transpired on Monday, the 30th of October, 2017. We believe that the actions carried out by members of the Belize Police Department, in particular the Gang Suppression Unit (G.S.U.), represent a violation by the state of our rights as an independent media house.
Kremandala also connects Sunday’s events to others over the past 3 years, outlining specific moments that have highlighted the dangerous conditions in which journalists and activists live in this country.
RIGHT TO THE POINT: Will hotels consent to the use of marijuana on their premises?
So if you read the first part of my writing regarding the ten grammes of marijuana which is being decriminalized, you will realize that it is a myth that the possession and use of marijuana has become legal. It may seem like splitting hairs, but there is a vast legal difference between the law not pursuing a legal recourse because you have in your possession a small quantity, in this case ten grammes, and the outright possession of any amount, anytime and anywhere. It is also a myth that there are no repercussions since it places a more onerous condition on persons with more than ten grammes, or with the ten grammes or less found at an educational institution and on minors and their parents.
Awu le wuguri
I have discovered that the axiom “haste makes waste” is true and definitely applies in my case. In my haste and enthusiasm to open the window of the Garifuna culture and its history, I erred grievously, and grievously have I suffered the inadequacy of my feeble attempt in my publication of, “Garifuna, The Facts and Myths”. I have read paragraph after paragraph over and over again, and I wince at some of the things I wrote and the many facts that I omitted. The reason for this was I was trying to say so much in a very short time and space. The lack of funding for an in-depth research was lacking and, of course, inexperience played a great part in my endeavor. My intentions, however, were sincere. It has been some time now since I have attempted to do anything to correct and improve what I had attempted to do. I have just now recovered from a malady of writer’s blues.
Did the US weather service have any impact on Hattie hitting Belize because of project storm fury ?
October 31, 2017 will mark the 56th aniversary of one of the most destructive hurricanes that ever made landfall in Belize – Hurricane Hattie. The great mystery about Hattie according to historical records is that Hurricane Hattie had actually headed past Belize to Cuba, in late October of 1961, but mysteriously took a turn towards Belize. Hattie ran into cool air which essentially had the effect of reversing its direction from north to south.
“In 1961, we Belizeans were not as confident in the predictions of the weather scientists in Miami, because this was a time when we were hearing of their silver iodide experiments on seeding hurricanes, and overall it seemed that the American scientists had decided to play with natural fire, so to speak. 55 years after Hattie, the weather scientists know a lot more than they did back then.” (courtesy of Amandala Publisher).
Thanks to the Publisher of the Amandala for sharing this theory about the silver iodide. I have decided to do a research. According to data this was the name of the experiment — Project Storm Fury.
The real people power
Belize at 36 years since independence is a very young country by global standards. By extension the political power structure, party politics and the political process are also very young but have turned out to be extremely flawed. The blame for most of this can be placed squarely on the shoulders of all those who have served in the House of Representatives, since there were sufficient examples in the world of what a vibrant, progressive democracy look like.
However, the vast number of politicians and those aspiring to serve the people have three things in common — self-preservation, greed and the lust for power. Others were more preoccupied with building personal family fortunes, political dynasties and the power base of their respective political parties. In other words party politics became kind of a business enterprise for them. The end result is the Belize of 2017 and the nation we now live in.
Carl Reneau, 28, was committed for trial in the murder of Jaheem Mahler, 15
Carl Reneau, 28, charged with the murder of Jaheem Mahler, 15, was committed for trial in the January session of the Supreme Court at a preliminary inquiry that was held today in the court of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford.
Reneau accepted a paper committal and the prosecution submitted 32 statements, 16 sets of photographs, 5 reports, 2 compact discs with footage, 4 chains of custody forms and a statement from Reneau, who was not represented by an attorney.
Mahler, a student of Gateway Youth Center, was shot and killed on January 18, 2017. He was riding his bicycle on Iguana Street Extension along with two others when his assailant shot him 8 times.
PM Barrow says “parallel enterprise” at BDF will be investigated
An apparent irregularity has been uncovered by the Auditor General in a report on the Belize Defence Force Jungle Training Program and this has placed a senior BDF officer in the public spotlight.
Yesterday at the Best Western Biltmore Hotel, following his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media that the matter would be investigated.
The audit report revealed that a company, Belize Jungle Experience Ltd., had contracted with the BDF to provide logistical support for a group of 35 German soldiers who were on a jungle training exercise in Belize.
Placencia drills Wagiya in back match, keeps playoff hopes alive
Last night, in a Week 11 back match at the M.A. Stadium in Independence, home standing Placencia Assassins crushed visiting Wagiya from Dangriga by a 6-1 margin. Six Placencia players scored 1 apiece, Gabriel Ramos (15’), Ashley Torres (26’), Alexander “Pleck” Peters (30’), Luis “Baaka” Torres (59’), Delone Torres (76’) and Jaden Garbutt (88’); while budding super-striker Krisean Lopez (24’) got the lone goal for Wagiya, who are now out of playoff contention.
Home invasion in Ranchito
The home of an elderly couple in Ranchito was invaded by two armed thieves, for whom police are searching.
At about 1:00 this morning, Michael McGee, 70, an American retiree, and his wife, Janet McGee, 68, were sleeping in their house when two armed, masked men gained entry into the home. The criminals bound the couple with duct tape and forced the couple to lie on the floor, and they then stole a number of television sets, computers, Janet’s diamond wedding ring and Michael’s wedding ring. They then stole everything they could carry, and anything they could put in the couple’s 2003 Dodge Ram pickup, which they also took from their victims.
Joshua Gillett, 20, charged with attempted murder
Fisherman Joshua Gillett, 20, a resident of 46 West Collet Canal Street, was charged with attempt ed murder when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford.
Gillett was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Senior Magistrate Ford explained to him that she would not take a plea from him because the offences he is charged with are indictable.
She also explained to him that the court could not consider offering him bail until after 3 months have passed. He was remanded into custody until December 21.
The Reporter
Another fatal accident in southern Belize
An elderly man is dead following a traffic accident on the Hummingbird highway this afternoon. Reliable reports reaching the Reporter indicate Jose Garcia, 67, of Middlesex community, mile 25, was driving a red pickup truck on a road leading out of the community to the […]
Police charge man for fatal traffic accident
Police have arrested and charged Julio Choc in connection with last Ssturday’s fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of Sittee River village resident, Melissa Murillo. Choc is charged with ‘manslaughter by negligence’, ‘causing death by careless conduct’, ‘driving without due care and attention’, ‘negligent […]
Small cattle farmers to benefit from technical cooperation
Some 250 small and medium-sized cattle farmers stand to benefit significantly from a project agreement signed on Thursday between the Belize Livestock Producers Association and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The project, worth $1.6 million, aims to make the cattle farms more resilient to climate […]
Two men left critical following traffic accident
Two men from Orange Walk are in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following a traffic accident this morning on the Philip Goldson Highway. Police say the mishap occurred around 3:30 near the Manatee Lookout near mile 8, and involved a grey and […]
Cops investigating murder of Cardinal Andrews
The case of a shooting incident last Wednesday on Patridge Street in Belize City has been officially upgraded into a murder investigation after the victim, Cardinal Andrews, died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) on Sunday. Andrews died around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. He had suffered […]
Cocktail for manatees this weekend
In its bid to protect the lives of Belize’s endangered manatees, Sea to Shore Alliance, has collaborated with a number of agencies and other groups to hold the third of its kind “Cocktail for the Manatees,” scheduled for this weekend. Spearheaded by manatee researcher, Jamal […]
Over 10,000 lbs or garbage collected off highway
Participants in the Walk for a Green Belize initiative, hosted in commemoration of World Environment Day, collected an estimated total of 10,800 lbs of garbage from off the George Price highway. The Department of the Environment (DOE), the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWaMA) and the Belize […]
When are bumps, skin tags and growths dangerous?
Many people have skin blemishes that sometimes are just spots or discolouration, while others are bumps and boils. What do these flaws mean? Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can show up on the hands, face, feet, limbs, and near the nails. […]
ROC Taiwan helps GOB offer services online with BELAPS
The Government of Belize is moving increasingly into the digital age, by rolling out services which citizens may access securely online from the comfort of their living room or office. This means 24-hour access, no more waiting in line, or having to travel to Belmopan […]
Cuba wins landmark U.N. vote on U.S. embargo
Cuba won an almost unanimous vote from the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, November 1, to adopt a resolution to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo, which the United States has imposed against Cuba in 1962 after Fidel Castro’s rise to power and […]
The Politics and Business of Marijuana
Valerie Woods With the amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, an adult will now be able to possess and smoke up to 10 grams of marijuana in the privacy of his/her home and in someone’s house or in a hotel room with the consent of the owner. Although a […]
The Billion-Dollar Question: How to fill Belize’s SME Credit Gap? Part 6
The last few installments in this series on alternative financing approaches that are useful considerations in bridging the Small-Medium-sized Enterprises (SME)’s credit gap had focused on the usefulness of secured transaction registries (STRs), and how these provide increased protections for creditors using movable assets as collateral. However, true to the […]
Police charge suspect for Swazo’s Sunday morning attack
Belize City police have charged Joshua Jeremy Gillet, 20, for the Sunday morning shooting of 44-year-old James Swazo at his home on Ground Dove Street in the Jane Usher area of Belize city. Gillet was charged with ‘attempted murder’, ‘dangerous harm’ and ‘use of deadly means of […]
Four shot on Neal’s Penn Road; police look for suspect
Police are seeking one suspect in connection with a shooting on Neal’s Penn Road in Belize City on Sunday which left four people injured. Police say that sometime around 3:00 that afternoon, Godwin Flowers, 28; Cameron Moreira, 18; Darren Dawson, 32; and Gerald Tillett, 67, […]
Elderly couple held up and robbed at home in Corozal
A retired, elderly American couple was traumatized on Tuesday morning when they woke up at 1:00 a.m., to discover two unwelcome visitors in masks in their Ranchito Village home in Corozal. The burglars left them bound after stealing items worth almost $47,000 at gunpoint. Michael […]
San Pedro man charged for attempted murder of female resident
A construction worker and resident of San Pedro town was arrested on a number of criminal charges for allegedly attacking a woman last Wednesday and inflicting multiple cut wounds to her neck. Gilbert Anthony Palacio, 28, of the San Mateo area of the island was arrested for […]
Serious traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway
Police are investigating a serious traffic accident which occurred on the Philip Goldson Highway sometime after 5:00 this morning.
Police are investigating a serious traffic accident which occurred on the Philip Goldson Highway sometime after 5:00 this morning.
While details are sketchy, reports are that it involved a grey pickup truck which was transporting watermelons, and a light coloured SUV.
[…]
Editorial
The eight year feud between the Government of Belize and British billionaire Michael Ashcroft is about to end with Belize retaining full control of its nationalized company, Belize Telemedia Limited and Mr. Ashcroft ending up with $458.4 million in compensation. The final details about how much is to be paid […]
US $78 Million due next Friday!
The Government of Belize (GOB) will make one payment of US $78.16 Million to Dunkeld and the BTL Employees Trust by next Friday, November 10, and be done with the BTL nationalization saga, according to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Barrow announced this final payment at […]
Godwin Hulse apologizes for immigration hustle
At its hearing on Wednesday, the Senate Special Select Committee listened to a statement by Minister of Immigration, Senator Godwin Hulse, in which he apologised to Belize for the embarrassment the visa and passport hustle has caused our country over recent years. Those embarrassments took […]
PUP proposes amendment to Maritime Areas Act
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) intends to raise a motion at the next sitting of the Senate to debate amending the Maritime Areas Act so that Belize can claim up to 12 miles of territorial seas, in accordance with international law. It is a […]
Police investigating burnt human remains found off Coastal Road
The Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City is heading an investigation to determine the identity of the human remains found in some bush near mile 10 on the Coastal Road over the weekend. The discovery was made around 4:55 p.m. on October 28th, by a farmer who […]
Online impersonator sought by police for forgery
Belmopan police have issued an all points bulletin for the arrest of a Dangriga man accused of forgery for allegedely impersonating the Governor General of Belize via a fake Facebook profile and email. Belmopan police say that the suspect, 23-year-old Elston Earl Elijio, also pretends […]
Breaking Belize News
BELTRAIDE holds closing ceremony for EMPRENDE Belize Fund
With the objective to strengthen the skills of the country through the implementation of the […]
Stamp Duty act Amendment
The Government Press Office today informed the public that the Stamp Duties (Amendment) (No. 2) […]
Going to ICJ could cost US $5-10 Million
Belize and Guatemala are both scheduled to hold referendums in the coming year to make […]
Ryan Hyde charged for home invasion
Ryan Hyde charged for home invasion
Two men critical after early morning accident
Two weeks ago, there was a home invasion in Camalote Village, Belmopan. The culprit made […]
Two men critical after early morning accident
DPM Faber and BNTU bump heads
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber and Belize National Trade Union (BNTU) […]
Human remains found on Coastal are Caucasian
A post-mortem has confirmed that human remains found on the Coastal Road last Saturday night […]
Police quickly detain early morning shooter
A gunman has been busted by police after opening fire in a community on the […]
Pink Eye costs Belize $1 Million
The Social Security Board (SSB) has paid out over $1 Million in sickness benefits as […]
Discovering Belize’s Hidden Valley Treasure
Belize is home to many reserves – in fact, 26.2% of her territory is under legal protection by the government. 17.8% constitutes private protected areas, and 70% of the forest remains standing. One such private reserve is the Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve in the Cayo District, the largest of Belize’s six, and my home district. Spanning 90 miles of mountain pine ridge forest, trails, and waterfalls, Hidden Valley is home to an exciting variety of flora and fauna, especially migratory bird species. Touring this expanse would take quite some time, but oh the breathtaking possibilities! As it is, I was able to enjoy some vistas while staying at Hidden Valley Inn. Thanks to our knowledgeable guide Marvin, we were able to visit some spectacular spots that most visitors only dream of seeing. I mean, I grew up nearby, and even I had no idea they existed either!
What to Expect in November & December on Ambergris Caye
We are starting to see more tourists on the island. Tempatures are dropping up north so it makes complete sense. (Calgary will see a high temperature of only15 degrees F today)
But the real influx – the first official wave of HIGH SEASON (by my standards) is Christmas week. It is, perhaps, the busiest week for visitors of the year. Some hotels are already full, many golf carts are rented for that week…
November and December are a great time to visit. Until Christmas week, smaller crowds and good deals AND get out of the cold!
International Sources
'DAD'S SPIRIT IS WITH US' Scots X Factor stars The Cutkelvins inspired and supported in bid for fame by spirit of late father
Derek Cutkelvin was born in Belize... and is related to the Cutkelvin's of Caye Caulker....
SCOTS X Factor stars The Cutkelvins believe they are being inspired and supported in their bid for fame by the spirit of their late father.
The talented trio lost their dad Derek, himself a keen singer, seven years ago after he suffered a sudden heart attack at home.
His death, at the age of just 53, left his wife Lynda and six children shattered.
But Shereen, 20, and her brothers Jay, 24, and Kyle, 22, say they can feel his presence alongside them as they perform in the hit ITV talent competition.
And the Cutkelvin siblings, tipped as one of the show’s favourites, revealed they each have a special memento of their dad, which they wear for luck while singing.
Videos
he Salvation Army is preparing to launch its yearly Toy Drive and Christmas Kettle appeal, 17min.
Dia De Los Muertos or Finados, 26min.
Health benefits of Veganism, 34min.
Sea to Shore Alliance is hosting its 3rd Annual Cocktails for the Manatee Fundraiser, 24min.
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act., 44min.
The Elections and Boundaries Department is conducting its Annual Revision, 38min.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first jaguar preserve!, 1min. Learn more here with Jeff Corwin.
Morning Matters With Ian Espat, 58min.
Grace & You - Sea food Medley over Grace Pasta, 13min.
Belize Primary School History Competition, 23min.
Belize Arts Skills Training Center - Make A Wish Lantern, 34min.
Musical Guest - Floy Dexx, 11min.
BELTRAIDE and SBDCBelize is gearing up for EntreCON2017, 40min.
The Belize Diabetes Association is continuing their advocacy to promote healthy lifestyles, 32min.
Tux Fried Chicken is back in business, 17min.
Nurse shark wrestles with diver to steal bagged fish, 1min. A diver off the coast of Belize was caught on camera wrestling with a nurse shark that had eyes for the grouper the man had in a mesh bag.
The video, filmed during an Oct. 25 diving trip off the coast of San Pedro, shows the driver struggling to get the nurse shark to release its grip on the mesh bag containing his catch.
Find out how the Directorate General for Foreign Trade links local business to compete in the international market!, 2min. The Directorate General for Foreign Trade informs on how they link local businesses to compete in the international market.
Belize Defence Force ...HELL MARCH !!!, 3min. 2017 military parade in Belmopan.
Belize Now - November 3, 2017, 30min. 1. Attorney General donates law books to the Belize Central Prison
2. Belize Police Department launched anti-crime operation
3. Belize National Fire Service explains fire fighting
4. Government of Belize launches BELAPS Project
CARNIVAL BREEZE DAY 4 ~ PART 2 ~ BELIZE, 11min. In part 2, we are in Belize for the day. The weather was a little unpredictable, so our day was fairly short in the port. We tendered in to Belize and walked around the port and did some shopping. With the weather being as it was, we chose not to do an excursion.
Bringing marl in Belize, 1min. Berkovitz Development group at The Enclave at The Palms - preparing the first lot for construction
Belize - February 2016, 3.5min. When all the boy's hit up Central America.
Belize 2017, 31min. A trip to Corozal Belize and San Pedro.
November 3, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Palapa Bar hosts Saga’s 14th Spooktacular Halloween party
The Saga Humane Society (Saga) held its 14th annual Halloween Spooktacular party on Sunday, October 29th at Palapa Bar and Grill in San Pedro Town. Every year the Saga brings Halloween to the island’s pet with dogs, cats and other creatures dressed up in costumes, some accompanied by their humans. There were a lot of giveaways, great food, drinks and music from 11am through 4pm, and attendees had a great time and supporting a worthy cause.
As patrons enjoyed Palapa’s spread, pets mingled around as well. From Hotdogs, Melting Hershey’s chocolate, Angel’s, Cowboys, Scuba, Wonder Woman, Vampires, to a “Cereal Killer”, the outfits were pawsitively adorable! Pet owners had a chance to participate in raffles, silent auctions, and even face painting, all leading up to the main highlight: the pet costume competition.
CCJ rules GOB to pay Ashcroft group US$78.16 Million compensation for BTL nationalization
The Government of Belize lost its appeal before the Caribbean Court of Justice, which ruled on Wednesday, November 1, that GOB must pay US$78.16 Million to corporate partners of the Ashcroft Group by November 10, 2017, as compensation for the nationalization of Belize Telecommunications Ltd (BTL) in 2009.
GOB will make one payment and be done with it, bringing to an end the saga of GOB’s compensation to BTL, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow stated, as he explained the CCJ ruling in a live media broadcast at Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City late Wednesday afternoon.
The Government of Belize needs to pay $62,849,799.23 Million to the Dunkeld group. The remainder $245,155.36 to be paid in Belize dollars was to be used to fund charitable projects to benefit Belizeans. GOB must also pay US$15,314,006.84 to the Employees Trust and also Bze$10,300,518.34.
Terror Squad takes the lead of the Copa San Pedro 2017
During the eighth week of Copa San Pedro, six games took place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The first two were played on Thursday, October 26th.
At 7PM, Sandy Point faced Jokers F.C, with an easy 4-0 victory going to Sandy Point. At 9PM, the second match saw Terror Squad dominating 7-1 over Victoria House Jr. The last two games of the week are scheduled for Sunday, November 5th, starting at 5PM, with San Mateo F.C versus Victoria House Jr, and at 7PM, Sandy Point faces Assassin’s F.C. Islanders are invited to come out and support their favorite team this weekend. Food and refreshments will be on sale during the games.
Danae Bejerano wins 2017 Dental Week Poster Competition
On Friday, October 27th, as part of Dental Week activities, the Dental Department of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II organized a poster competition among the primary schools on the island. The competition was a means of raising awareness on dental hygiene among the young students.
Children had to create a poster that illustrated this year’s theme: “Many different languages, but a beautiful smiles speak them all.” Students from different primary schools participated, with the top three winners from San Pedro Roman Catholic School. First place went to Danae Bejerano, while second place went to Derick Nuñez and third place to Ryan Ramirez.
Prime Minister of Belize and Mexican President meet during IV CARICOM Mexico Summit
On Wednesday, October 25th, Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto arrived in Belize, for the first time to participate in IV CARICOM Mexico Summit. Peña Nieto’s participation aims to consolidate the progress of the IV CARICOM – Mexico Summit and endorse Mexico’s recognition of the importance of cooperation with the Caribbean in matters of security, migration, climate change mitigation and prevention of natural disasters.
Belize Prime Minister Rightful Honorable Dean Barrow opened his address saying, “I wish, first, to welcome all of you to Belize. Whether you are a first-time visitor to our shores or have been here before, you will know either by reputation or experience that our tremendous physical attractions and the warm hospitality of our people are very much yours to enjoy.”
Ambergris Today
Belize Tourism Board Launches New Online Portal
As part of its continuous efforts to improve its service to tourism stakeholders, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) today launched a new online portal at its main headquarters in Belize City.
The portal will be linked to the BTB’s website and is designed to be simple, user friendly and allow industry partners to conduct various types of official business such as licensing, guest registration and payments from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Misc Belizean Sources
Miss Earth Belize
Miss Earth Belize Iris Salguero at #3 on Miss Earth's Hot picks for Preliminaries on Intelligence:
Last Sunday, the delegates underwent a nerve wracking test of their wit and intelligence. The panel of judges consisted of environmental specialists and advocates.
The delegates’ understanding of environmental platforms and global environmental issues were at the forefront of this preliminary judging.
Top 3 BELIZE!!!!
1. Slovenia
“a woman is not complete without her... beautiful smile”
— Relaxed,Regal
2. England
“ (project) the lingerie is made out of soy bean fabric & is 100% biodegradable”
— Confident,Knowledgeable& advocacy driven
3. Belize
“Passionate for the conservation of natural resources”
—confident,well spoken
CPBL Belize at the 35th International Fair in Havana (FIHAV), Cuba
Citrus Products Belize Ltd. (CPBL) is promoting an extensive product line of citrus concentrates, by-products (pulp cells, oils and essences), value added products (natural tetrapak juices, squashes – juice mixers and citrus pellets – animal feed) at the 35th International trade Fair in Havana, Cuba from 30 Oct -3 Nov 2017.
The fair boasts 3,400 exhibitors and 50 chambers of commerce from across the world. The Manager and Belize’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his capacity as President. CPBL is also represented by Ms. Jo Anna Rosado, Manager for sales, distribution and for Valley Manufacturing. Belize’s Ambassador to Cuba, Annie Burns, First Secretary, Shantal Marin, and the Embassy staff are assisting Belize’s delegation.
Belize Defence Force Deploys Soldiers to Commonwealth of Dominica
Belmopan. November 2nd, 2017. The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the Public that the Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, has authorized the deployment of Belize Defence Force soldiers to the Commonwealth of Dominica. A Platoon of thirty-five soldiers (35) have been deployed to Dominica on November 1st, 2017, as part of the hurricane relief effort after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
During this time the soldiers will work primarily on the construction of roofs and other building repairs. The Platoon is commanded by Captain Miguel Tuyub from the Light Engineers Company, Services and Support Battalion. The soldiers are expected to return by Mid-December 2017.
End of the World Marathon
TIME Sun Dec 10, 2017, at 05:30 am.
VENUE Placencia, Belize, Central America, Belize.
Fundraiser for our High School Students...Exercise for all of us...Beer and good times. We walk...We Drink...We Help. Sign Up today. $80us for the half marathon.
4th Swan races: 5K & 10K & 2.5K (kids), in Peninsula Placencia
TIME Sun Nov 05 2017 at 08:00 am.
VENUE Seine Bight, Belize. and this year.... the half 5K for young people 9-11 and the 4h series in the "Young Runners for Life".
For everybody but mostly for beginners who want to have a healthy life and they see in this kind of races the best way to start with this new challenge, in the Peninsula of Placencia. Also for the runners that are training for The End of World Marathon.
Open for everybody. Online registration here: https://goo.gl/gQvj3I
( no registration the day of the race)
Like the End of the World Marathon, all proceeds will go towards high school scholarships for Belizean children. ( Rotary program)
Cacao Ceremony
TIME: Saturday, November 04, 2017 at 05:30 pm,
VENUE: Placencia Beach, South of Fusion Restaurant, Placencia, Belize.
Cacao is a healing plant medicine from Central and South America, is considered by some as ‘elixir of gods', is used in ancient Mayan tradition and rituals to open their hearts and expand their consciousness.Raw cacao (raw chocolate) is a source of Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is a natural alkaloid, it acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is the chemical responsible for producing the feeling of love.
A cacao ceremony is an opportunity to connect with yourself and open your heart. In our ceremony, we will be meditating, doing an inspiring yoga for the ceremony, breathing work, chanting, and more surprises!!!!
Please book your space in advance by paying the total cost $50bz per person. Tickets will be available at ' Unique jewelry' below Mojo in Placencia Village.
A power outage is scheduled for the entire Orange Walk District on Sunday, November 5 from 6:00am to 2:00pm.
Necessary for BEL to conduct maintenance and testing of equipment at Orange Walk substation, install lightning arrestors on distribution lines; and replace poles carrying high voltage and transmission lines.
Cayo Cancer Walk 2017
The 2017 Cayo Cancer Walk was a huge success, with 1000's of people walking and running from Central Farm, across the new bridge, to Macal River Park. Adma's Photography captured 100's of great pictures from the event.
The San Ignacio Cancer Society also got some good pictures from the event.
"Another wonderful turnout for this year's 5th Annual Walk!! Thank you to all our donors; to all the families; to our entire community for coming out and for their overwhelming and kind support. Official pictures and thank you's to follow early next week.
To everyone who contributed to our 5th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk held on October 28th 2017, we sincerely thank you.
Oceana and Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage present recommendations t the Natural Resources and Environment House Committee
On Wednesday, November 1st, Oceana and the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage verbally presented its recommendations to the members of the Natural Resources and Environment House Committee at the National Assembly Building. That Committee was chaired by Minister John Saldivar and included members Ministers of State Dr. Angel Campos, Elodio Aragon, as well as Opposition members/Area Representatives Florencio Marin Junior and Jose Mai. Also present was the Deputy Solicitor General Albert Edwards.
Substantial recommendations included removing the clause that references “compensation” for oil companies since all existing oil license expired in 2015 and on the basis of written documentation from the Ministry of Petroleum that no new licenses had been issued by the Government of Belize given its policy based moratorium; larger fines and stiffer penalties be imposed in the event of a breach; and that a mechanism for public notice and consultations be incorporated should any future parliament be minded to lift the moratorium.
Oceana Wavemakers
On Saturday October 28th, 2017, Belizeans from across the country gathered at the Belmopan Civic Center to participate in Oceana’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its dedicated volunateers, our “Wavemakers”.
During the event, several Wavemakers were awarded certificates of appreciation for their sensational support for Oceana’s campaigns and initiatives over the past year. Oceana was proud to recognize the St. Catherine Academy (SCA) Wavemaker Club and parent Mrs. Tania Mahler as the 2017 Wavemakers of the Year.
Special guest speakers included social media influencer and model, Joyjah Estrada and Belizean fashion designer and owner of Twig & Pearl, Rebecca Stirm. Estrada championed the use of sustainable fishing gear by sharing her first-hand experience of being “caught” in a gillnet as a part of Oceana’s advocacy against the use of gillnets at sea. “Being stuck in a gillnet is no joke,” Estrada shared. “I had cuts and bruises. I imagined what creatures like turtles, dolphins, manatees go through. They are worth more alive than dead. Until we stop the nets, we are drowning our chances of relying on the sea in the future.”
Banquitas holds annual Finados celebration
Banquitas held its annual Finados celebration in honor and memory of our dearly departed. We want to sincerely thank all those that help in one way or another. it means a lot to us that we can count on you all to carry out this tradition. I want to thank Ms. Libertad Cal for being our right hand in this. She is always with us every year ensuring that we carry it out. Most of the items on the altars belong to her and for that we are more than grateful. While setting up Ms. Libertad ensures that we all know the meaning of all the essential elements on the altars. Thanks to Ms. Felicita Cantun for being our guest speaker. Ms. Fel gave the history and explain all the important elements on the altars to give all a clear understanding of this tradition. She was a vital role in this celebration.
The Placencia Breeze November 2017
What’s Inside: Pg 3 Chef Trinell's Garifuna Specials Pg 6 Young Runners for Life Pg 7 Croc Corner Pg 8 Halloween in Placencia Pg 9 From the Fire Hearth - Garifuna Cuisine Pg 10 Fragments of Hope Press Release / End of the World Marathon Pg 11 PHS What's Happening / Seine Bight Girls Running Club Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 Ms. Cunchie's 80th Pg 20/21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 A Call for Artists / Miracle on Elf Street Pg 23 S.E.A. at Laughing Bird Caye / Kirwin Ramirez Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 John B's Obit Pg 28 Rotary Ladies Gala / Rotary Seniors Day / Placencia Sailing Club Awards Pg 29 Mistletoe Ball Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events
New addition to the Hol Chan fleet of enforcement vessels
Today Colorado came to BZE (via FLL)
Glad we got a couple pics. Hope to see you again soon "Colorado One"
Riverside Tavern's Halloween Bash 2017
If you would like to take a look at the photos from Riverside Tavern's Halloween Bash 2017.
Dance X BZ
Nov. 22-26, Belize City, Orange Walk, Dangriga, San Ignacio. Performances by local and international dance companies.
Annual South Ambergris Neighborhood Watch "Potluck" Chicken BBQ
Please join your friends and neighbors at the Annual South Ambergris Neighborhood Watch "Potluck" Chicken BBQ.
When: Sunday November 12th @ High Noon
Where: Caribe Island, 2 1/2 miles south
Turn towards the sea at Marin's Market and meet under the palapa.
Please RSVP to Randy Watts - wattseagle@aol.com by Wednesday November 8.
Bring your favorite dish or beverage to share with all.
Bob's Famous Chinese Auction will be held - Great Fun.
Bob's Famous Chinese Auction will be held - Great Fun.
Belize extends “A Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund” for another month
The Dollar for the Caribbean Relief Fund campaign launched last month by the Belize Tourism Board, in collaboration with the tourism industry stakeholders, to assist victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria has been extended for the entire month of November. The funds will be collected from October 1- November 30st. Any donations post end date are still welcomed and will be disbursed accordingly.
The Belize Tourism Board will donate a $1 for every tourist arrival for the months of October and November and the initiative is that each stakeholder donates a $1 for every guest; therefore, creating a multiplier effect. The BTB initiative is being supported by participating agencies and tourism stakeholders such as the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), Tour Operators, water taxis, hoteliers and local airlines amongst many others.
Doctor Rosita Jimenez on Caye Caulker today
Helo, I'm Dr. Rosita (general surgeon) and tomorrow evening, November 3rd, i will be in caye caulker with my husband Dr. Yoannel (Orthopedic surgeon). You are all welcomed to consult wih us in the island. Just pass by celinas house or call me at 6606839. So if you suffer from pain in the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, etc.., then feel free to come and consult.
Launch of Model Guidelines for sexual offence cases in the Caribbean Region
An official ceremony was held in Belize City on Thursday, October 26th for the launch of Model Guidelines for Sexual Offence Cases in the Caribbean Region. Our Belize Now team was at the ceremony and found out how these guidelines are expected to impact the justice system.
The Model Guidelines can be accessed online at the JURIST Project Facebook page. The information can be downloaded, and the public is encouraged to access and share the information. The JURIST Project is a five-year regional Caribbean judicial reform initiative funded by the Government of Canada, and is being implemented by the Caribbean Court of Justice on behalf of Global Affairs Canada and the Conference of Heads of Judiciary of CARICOM.
IDB’s Multilateral Investment Fund and the Belize Livestock Producers Association partner to improve livestock sector productivity and climate resilience in Belize
The Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), yesterday signed the Technical Cooperation Agreement for the project entitled "Improving Livestock Sector Productivity And Climate Resilience In Belize", during the 20th annual Inter-American Forum on Microenterprise (FOROMIC) - Latin America
and the Caribbean’s most important annual event on microfinance and entrepreneurship organized by the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the IDB Group.
Flood Mitigation Works in Sarawee – Stann Creek District
NEMO equipment is in Sarawee Village in Rural Stann Creek District carrying out Flood Mitigation works. That village, which is in the Dangriga Constituency, is one of the communities most affected by seasonal flooding.
Area Representative Hon. Frank Mena says that he is thankful for the assistance from NEMO in this respect. For his part, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro emphasizes that his Ministry and NEMO are placing a high priority on drainage as a means of reducing the impact of flooding nationwide. He also says that going forward they intend to seek international assistance in obtaining more equipment to increase the Flood Mitigation works particularly during the dry season.
36 Cayo Youth Complete Job Preparedness Training
Thirty-six youths from San Ignacio and Santa Elena have graduated from a Job Preparedness Training course as part of the Employability Enhancement component of the Ministry of Human Development’s Youth Rise Project.
During the 8-week course, the eighteen young men and eighteen young women, aged 14-24, were exposed to a variety of topics including skills identification; personal SWOT analysis; effective communication; conflict management; Belize’s Labor Laws; work etiquette; career exploration, resume and cover Letter writing; and interview skills.
2nd Annual Garifuna Fashion Show
Foreva Fancy Boutique along with the San Pedro Garifuna Executive are proud to bring to you the 2nd Annual Garifuna Fashion Show. This years theme is "Progress Lies in Unity.... Always Remember". Nov 11th at 8pm at the Central Park. Free Entrance. Come see a demonstration of culture meets modern fashion show.
DAVCO Cultural Expo
Fri, 17 Nov 2017 — Fun for the entire family, including cultural presentations, music, food, and beverages. Friday, 17th November 2017, from 9am to 5pm at Corozal Central Park.
If you are a Maya mestizo, mestizo, creole, garifuna, East indian, chinese and feel proud of your culture, share this flyer. It is our responsibility to revive our culture.
If you are willing to participate at the DAVCO expo, feel free to contact Deima Sanchez at 6026659 during working hours or at email corozaldavco@gmail.com
Colossal Olmec head offered by Mexico as a gift to the Belizean people
As a token of appreciation because of the excellent relationship between Mexico and Belize, President Enrique Peña-Nieto donated a full-size replica of an Olmec Head to the people of Belize. The stone Head (9 tons) was placed at the roundabout facing the Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan.
The Embassy recognizes the invaluable support of CEO for Economic Development, Yvonne Hyde; Print Belize Limited and Belize Signs LTD. in making this project a reality. This video of the installation of the Head was recorded by the latter.
Orange Walk Invites! 7th Annual Taco Fest. November 26th, 2017.
FCD field technician visits El Chajul, Mexico
On the 7th of July, 2016 FCD entered unto a trinational agreement for joint management and conservation of scarlet macaws with Guatemalan and Mexican counterparts. As part of the agreement, FCD’s field technician, Francisco Galicia recently visited El Chajul, Mexico to report on the advancements.
Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, provided training on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking to over 65 Government of Belize officials from five different agencies: Human Services; Police; Immigration; Customs; and Department of Public Prosecutions.
The Embassy continues to support the Government of Belize’s efforts to reduce human trafficking. The three-day training course was held at the Biltmore Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2017. Victim Assistance Specialist Instructors from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Human Trafficking Institute shared best practices on how to identify and successfully interact with victims of Human Trafficking. These best practices will contribute to successful criminal cases against perpetrators of these offenses.
Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Get Nuts!
Valerian,
Ingrid Goes West,
Goodtime.
Channel 7
Remains On Coastal Are That of a Caucasian
On Monday we told you about the remains of a human skeleton found on the Coastal Road on Saturday night. But, since then, there have been no clues as to whose remains they might be. Well, tonight, we know more. Police got some forensic information on the skeleton this morning, and it is not a female - as had been initially speculated. ASP Alejandro Cowo went into more detail:
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB:
"This morning the pathologist conducted a post-mortem on the remains and the information that we have received so far is that the bones that were examined it was that of a male person ranging between 40-50 years. It is a Caucasian male person and the information is that it appears that it was at the site for 6 months and the person according to the indication of the post-mortem had some kind of injury on his left leg. He was limping so that can give us an idea more or less to try and establish if we have this person that was reported missing sometime in the past."
Honduran Human Trafficker Sold Sex Slaves To San Pedro
Tonight there is major news coming out of Honduras saying that a woman was arrested for trafficking teen girls into Belize for prostitution.
A report in La Prensa, a Honduran newspaper, say that Denia Suyapa Ochoa was detained in San Pedro Sula during an operation called "Fire Storm".
Ochoa, who works in the Honduras Ministry of Health and according to the Protection of Women Agency, she would enlist young females - minors - who would be taken to San Pedro, AMBERGRIS CAYE to work at a brothel. That's where, the taproot says, these teenagers would be exploited sexually and forced to do work.
US Gives Training In Trafficking Detection
It's left to be seen if Belize will score any points with the US for being a part of this successful operation. We say that,. because, as we've reported Belize is in the doghouse according to the Us State Department, this is one of only two countries in the entire western hemisphere marked as Tier 3 for human trafficking.
The Government is trying assiduously to get out of that dismal classification, and that's why it is accepting training from the Department of U.S Homeland Security. Today, they wrapped up training for over 65 officials from 5 departments on Forensic Interviewing Techniques for Victims of Human Trafficking.
Julio Choc to Be Charged For Fatal Accident Causing Death of Melissa Murillo Andrews
Police say this man, Julio Choc is the man who ran over and killed 32 year old mother of one, Melissa Murillo Andrews - while injuring her husband, 35 year old Allen Andrews.
It happened over the weekend on the Southern highway between miles 11 and 12. On Tuesday night Belmopan police got the tip that led to the discovery of his cargo truck with a damaged front end. And the alleged driver was detained the next day. ASP Cowo gave us the update.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB:
"A male person was detained yesterday at Belmopan. He was escorted to Dangriga police station where he will be definitely charged today. His name is Julio Choc."
"The vehicle that was suspected to be involved in the accident was impounded and inspected yesterday and is presently at the Dangriga police station."
Corozal Woman Shot In Home
A 22 year old woman is in stable condition at the Corozal Community Hospital tonight. Yesterday morning, Brenda Jandrez was at her home on Mahogany Street in the Corozal District.
She was stepping out of a room adjacent to her house when suddenly she heard a bang an immediately felt a burning sensation on her stomach. ASP Cowo told us a little more.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB:
"Initial information is that she was inside of a house at Mahogany Street which is her address along with another male person when a gunshot was heard inside of the house and she resulted with injury and at present, she was admitted at the KHMH in critical condition."
Post Mortem Says "Ry-Bo" Ingested Toxic Substance
54-year-old exterminator Ryan Swift died last week Saturday under unusual circumstances. Today, police confirmed that he was poisoned. Swift was at his residence and office on Saturday morning having a drink with his 61-year-old brother Steve. Steve left to get something and when he came back, Ryan was seizing on the ground. Steve ran to get help, and the same thing then happened to him. Steve survived and remains in the hospital but Ryan died.
Police say that his office area that did contain toxic substances. Today the results of the post-mortem examination were released and confirmed Ryan Swift did die due to the consumption of a toxic substance. The investigation is still underway as police are now awaiting the toxicology report - which can take weeks.
Pink Eye Cost Plenty!
The Pink Eye Outbreak may be on the decline, but social security sickness benefits are on the increase. The Social Security Board says that in the eight weeks between September 4 and October 29, 2017, there were a total of 7,852 conjunctivitis claims submitted. That work out to almost one in ten workers insured by SSB. And the total payout in sickness benefits so far? That figure is in excess of one million dollars.
The highest number of cases were in Belize City and Belmopan - which are also the largest branches.
But the highest prevalence rates were in the north, mainly Orange Walk and Corozal where more than 11% of insured persons have claimed a benefit. Belmopan follows closely behind at 10.3%.
BDF Soldiers Off to Dominica
For weeks now we've been covering the catastrophe on Dominica after the monster storm Maria whipped the island nation with category 5 winds.
Well, now, the BDF is going to help them out. A press release today says that the Governor General has authorized the deployment of a platoon of 35 soldiers. They left yesterday, and they will work primarily on the construction of roofs and other building repairs. The platoon is being commanded by Captain Miguel Tuyub, from the Light Engineers Company, Services and Support Battalion. Their help is much needed, because about 90% of the structures on the island have been either damaged or destroyed.
BELAPS: The Grand Digital Convergence
Those paws that lover butter and those hustlers that love cheese aren't happy that Belize is slowly migrating to e-government - where processes and forms are handled online.
The first major step is today's launch of the Belize Electronic License and Permit System, known as BELAPS. The 3.5 million dollar project is funded by the Taiwanese Government and spearheaded by Belize's Central Information Technology Office.
Here's what it does: BELAPS creates an electronic platform linking the Fisheries Department, the Forestry Department, the Belize Bureau of Standards, BAHA, the Customs Department and the Ministry of Agriculture for a one-stop online service.
Education Minister Challenges Union
And while we had the Deputy PM in front of the camera - we had to ask him about the recent hardline taken by the BNTU. They sent out a press release last week saying that he was a part of a ministerial boycott of the Public Accounts Committee. At that point, Faber had already told the news that there was no boycott, it was absence due to illness on the part of his 3 ministerial colleagues who are PAC members. But the teachers union didn't buy it; they took the Opposition's line and blazed up the Government for a boycott. Today, we asked Faber for his thoughts on the hardline stance taken by the BNTU:...
WWPD = What Would Patrick Do?
He has previously suggested that his colleagues embracing Vega are wrong to do so, and Mena recently blasted Faber and his agents - though not by name - for buying out the Dangriga Municipal Convention.
Today we asked how he would handle the Vega matter if he were party leader:...
Jules Vasquez - Reporter:
"Were you to lead the UDP, would you say that Gaspar Vega cannot run on a UDP led by Patrick Faber?"
Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Party Leader, UDP:
"Why do you continue to make mischief? In fact, I remember when you put the question to the Prime Minister in the press conference you prefaced that by saying that you had already asked me and I gave my views or if it was not you, it was your agent."
The White Van And The Wolf
And finally from the Deputy Prime Minister tonight, we asked him to comment on those "white van" stories that have been circulating on Facebook. As the story goes, this tinted mystery van has been kidnapping children, or trying to induce children to step inside. But, police say they have no reports, and Faber says, neither does the Ministry of Education. He warned against scare-mongering:...
Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Party Leader, UDP:
"I believe that a lot of scare mongering has happened. In terms of the abduction of children and these white van stories - every time we hear them, as a responsible ministry what we do is we check with the police. "
Bus Wars, The Ramos REMIX!
And from a van to a bus.On Tuesday night's newscast, we told you about the accident between two competing lines, which happened at the foot of the Vernon Street Bridge. On Saturday evening, a Stuart Bus and a Ramos Bus ended up wedged together after they both tried to get over the bridge at the same time. It's part of the ongoing bus wars where the different companies jostle for passengers, and depending on who you talk to, the other party is at fault. 2 days ago, Darren Stuart told us that it was the driver of the Ramos Bus who was at fault. From Stuart's perspective, the Ramos Bus driver tried to overtake him on the approach of the bridge, and that's what caused the accident.
Well, this evening, Bert Ramos called us to complain that this wasn't how it happened. Ramos told us that his son was giving way to a vehicle in front of him, and in that moment, it was Stuart who tried to overtake him in the inside lane.
Hulse On The Asian Persuasion
On last night's newscast, we brought you coverage of the latest Senate Hearing on Immigration where Godwin Hulse, the substantive Minister responsible for Immigration, testified.
As we showed you, it was a robust conversation where the Senators on the Special Select Select Committee grilled him on a great many topics related to that Department, and the findings of the Auditor General in her report.
So, we continue tonight with our coverage of that hearing, where PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay was challenging Hulse on Asian visitors. We pick up the conversation where they were discussing on the apparent misrepresentation of Asians who apply for visas to come to be Belize and say they are investors, but just end up opening stores instead. Here's that back and forth:
Full Audit Possible?
The Senators also wanted to get his take on the Auditor General's recommendation that a full audit on the list of all nationalities that the Department has granted since 1986 up until now.
When the Senators asked him about that, he said, it's a costly exercise that may be impossible to do. Here's how he explained why:
Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration:
"It will be an impossible task; 1981, absolutely not for the simple reason that there are a lot of things that happened through successive administrations from that period of time, it would become an impossible task. I know for a fact that, for example, in 1993 there were directives given to the then minister of the immigration department to process a couple of hundred nationalities disregarding all charges, disregarding all check, no picture, no nothing."
Hulse Supports Snapshot Forensic Audit of 2012 Runup
Of course, PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay didn't allow that one to go unchallenged. As you heard, Hulse's suggestion is that an audit be done of the Asians, Middle Eastern natives, and the Europeans who ended up becoming Belizean citizens. Courtenay then asked him about the possibility that there are Central Americans who were given nationality that they did not qualify for, in exchange for votes.
There is still that unanswered question of those almost 2,000 new citizens who were given nationality in the run up to the 2012 elections. Courtenay challenged Hulse on that rush:
The Weight of Minister's Letters
The Senate Committee also asked Hulse to share his thoughts on the concern from the Auditor General that his ministerial colleagues were a corrupting influence on the Immigration Department. As you've repeatedly seen in the hearings, UDP Ministers, politicians, and politically connected persons were sending recommendations for hundreds of applicants for visas.
So, the Senators asked him about the effect of those letters, and here's his take on that:
Eamon Courtenay - Senator for the Opposition:
"Are you aware of the practice of ministerial colleagues writing "recommending" persons for visas."
Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration:
"Yes."
Eamon Courtenay:
"Would you regard that as being improper?"
Godwin Hulse:
"Well it depends on how the thing was written. For the most part what I have heard is that those letters were written and say please help so and so and so, if al is in order or if they meet the requirements or words to those effect."
Did Hulse Police Penner?
And you may remember last night how Hulse was very disappointed that there were public officers who he and senior staff at the Department felt were culpable for the Won Hong Kim scandal. They managed to get off without any serious consequence, and so, Senator Courtenay wanted to know about Elvin Penner.
He asked if Hulse was policing Penner when he was running the day-to-day operations of the department. Here's what how Hulse answered that one:
Eamon Courtenay - Senator for the Opposition:
"What was the working relationship between yourself and Minister Penner in the ministry?"
Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration:
"It's similar to what exists now with Minister Williams."
Opening The Immigration Backdoor
And finally tonight, we go back to Hulse's conversation with Courtenay about backdoor operations that may have been taking place at Immigration. Courtenay told him and viewers tuned in that an informant has come forward to describe a hustle where there was wholesale forgery of stamps and signatures to dupe the Immigration Officers into thinking that persons qualified for nationality, when they did not.
It's supposedly an election hustle for votes, and here's how that Hulse answered that one:
Eamon Courtenay - Senator for the Opposition:
"A man came to my office and explained to me that he worked on behalf of UDP ministers to get nationality for people who did not qualify. And he explained to me that all he needed was the person's passport and he would decide that this person is going to be in Belize for 7 years."
Is E-Government The Solution To Immigration Woes?
And while the endless Senate inquiry is all about a horse that left the stable so long ago, even the scent of dung is now faint.what's the solution going forward? It should be obvious that e-government - the same kind we told you about in our last segment - is the solution. If every step of the immigration process was indexed and insulated within a secure electronic system - then all these arguments about those that got nationality in a few months wouldn't exist. Every step of the process from visitor, to resident, to citizen, to passport holder would be time-stamped, and time-locked within the system and visible to all parties all down the line - no more funny business with missing files or "wet-stamps."
But, it's impossible to contemplate such an elegant electronic solution for immigration when there's a gaping hole in the system: that's the apex identity document: the birth certificate, which can be fraudulently obtained and used to cut through all the red tape like a hot knife through butter, thus tricking the entire system.
Balling for Allah?
And moving ahead in the spirit of peace-making, The Ahmadiyya along with Naveed Mangla started a basketball league in Belize about three years ago. The league has grown into something special as young men come together to learn more than just basketball skills. The league sends the different teams to represent Belize at competitions in Mexico, and, today, after much practice they went to Chetumal to take part in a tournament. We spoke to some players and the commissioner about the upcoming competition:
Rodvern Lino, AHMADIYYA Basketball League Commissioner:
"It is a pretty fierce competition. Our guys are challenged and pushed to the limit but so far they have been doing well."
Muslim Speaks Up For Peace and Tolerance
On Tuesday, New York City fell victim to the second largest terror attack since 9/11. 8 people were killed when a truck rammed into a bike path a few blocks away from the World Trade Centre Memorial. The driver of the truck is a follower of ISIS and a Muslim.
For peace loving followers of Islam, these attacks give their faith a bad name.
That's why, this morning Naveed Mangla, President of the Belize Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at explained that those who undertake these terror attacks are not even considered Muslim by many because they don't actually practice the religion.
Naveed Mangla, Belize AHMADIYYA Muslim Jama At President:
"More than 1.6 billion people are Muslim right that makes around 24% of the world population Islam so if logically thinking about it."
Channel 5
G.O.B. & B.N.T.U. Spar; Patrick Faber Accuses Elena Smith of Neglecting Teachers
For some time, the government has been locking horns with the Belize National Teachers Union. The eleven-day strike last October took them to the brink and while tensions appeared to [...]
Union Hits Back: Do You Want a Fight?
This evening, News Five spoke to B.N.T.U. National President Elena Smith for a response on that charge as well as other related issues. Essentially, her response is ‘bring it on!’ [...]
The 2 Sides of PAC Boycott Controversy
The minister responded to a letter from PAC Chairman and P.U.P. Deputy Leader, Julius Espat, saying that cabinet ministers did not boycott a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee last [...]
B.N.T.U. Replaces Elena on Teaching Services Commission
In regards to the Teaching Services Commission, Smith told us that it was the Ministry that brought the issue to their attention and only one meeting has been missed as [...]
Coastal Road Remains are Male, Older White Man
The charred, skeletal remains of an unidentified person were discovered off the Coastal Road on Sunday. Since then the Belize Police Department and forensic pathologist Doctor Mario Estradabran have been [...]
Corozal Woman Shot at Home is Critically Injured
Violence has sparked up in Corozal where an elderly couple was viciously attacked in an early morning home invasion on Monday. This Wednesday, a woman was shot in the abdomen [...]
Corozal Double Murders Still Unsolved
So far for 2017, there have been a staggering one hundred and twenty-three murders across the country. Belize City has taken the majority with fifty-two homicides, that’s over forty-two percent [...]
Police Nab Suspect in Camalote Home Invasion
An aggravated burglary took place in Camalote Village two weeks ago, where an individual known as Ryan Hyde reportedly made off with several items, including a pair of laptop computers. [...]
Honduras Grabs Chief of Sex Trafficking Operation which Reached into Belize
A major arrest is being reported in Honduras on an issuing plaguing Belize and neighboring countries. No less than an employee in the Ministry of Health in Honduras was arrested [...]
As Training Takes Place, Belize Buckles Up to Tackle Trafficking
Earlier this year, Belize was ranked in Tier Three by the U.S. State Department as one of the worst offenders in the region for trafficking persons. Considering that Belize was [...]
On White Van Menace, Education Minister Says Don’t Feed the Predators
Since last week, photos began surfacing on social media of a heavily tinted, white van without license plate spotted in several communities in the city and the west. It caused [...]
Carl Reneau Faces Second Murder Trial for fifteen-Year-Old
Prison inmate, Carl Reneau, an electrician of Iguana Street in Belize City will have to stand trial for the murder of fifteen-year-old Jaheem Mahler, a student gunned down during a [...]
Driver in Andrews’ Couple’s Hit-and-Run to be Charged
The driver of a delivery vehicle that fatally knocked down Melissa Andrews, as she rode on a motorcycle along with her husband from Sittee River to Silk Grass Village last [...]
S.S.B. ‘Pink-Eye’ Claims Hit Million-Dollar Threshold
Since an outbreak of pink eye almost two months ago, schools, as well as workplaces, have seen a considerable decrease in the population of students and employees. While missing classes [...]
A Quiz That Helps You Save Money
The third annual ‘Father Marion Ganey Quiz Competition’ finals took place in Belize City today. Winners from the six districts competed to answer questions about finance and credit union knowledge. [...]
Excelsior High School Still Says No to Drugs
Excelsior High School launched its annual drug awareness week today in Belize City. As a part of the activities, students are participating in a number of competitions, which school officials [...]
Education under the Influence? Marijuana Causing Reduced Performance in School
But despite years of drug awareness activities, Excelsior High School still struggles to reach some of its students. The school reports that there are students who attend classes while under [...]
Celebrating “The Day of the Dead”
The Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead, known as Día de Los Muertos, is being observed today in that country and parts of northern Belize as well. It is [...]
E-government Charge Moves to Licenses and Permits for Imports/Exports
Belize and Taiwan have partnered to create a new online licensing system that will make the process of importation and exportation of goods much simpler, called the Belize Electronic License [...]
Healthy Living: Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
As temperatures go down, the number of colds and flues goes up. If you’re hoping to minimize the amount of sneezing and coughing you’ll have this flu season, then this [...]
CTV3
One Person Detained For Shooting Of Young Mother In Corozal Town
On Wednesday we reported on the violent incident in Corozal Town which resulted in a young mother being shot in the stomach.
22 year old Brenda Jandrez was at home on Mahogany Street in the Halls Layout area when around 8:20 in the morning someone hidden in the shadows fired a single gunshot at her. The shot caught her on the stomach and the bullet remained lodged inside. A blood stained mattress could be seen inside the single room house.
Today the Police gave an update from Belize City, informing that they have one person in custody as part of their investigations.
Mexican Authorities Confiscate 35000 Cigarettes Near Belize/Mexico Border
Mexican authorities confiscated 35,000 cigarettes when it intercepted a van transporting the contraband goods near the Belize-Mexico border. On October 29th, the authorities intercepted the van at a checkpoint in the Botes community. The van speeded up instead of slow down when approaching the checkpoint, but it did not get far. The driver of the van ended up losing control, and the van careened off the road and into a ditch. The driver and passengers jumped out of the van and escaped by running away.
Farber Tells Off BNTU For Comments On Cancelled PAC Meeting
Last week Thursday, the Opposition and the Belize National Teacher’s Union condemned the Government-appointed members of the Public Accounts Committee for being absent at a scheduled meeting. PAC should review the Auditor General’s audit of Government finances dating to fiscal year 2012-2013, but the first meeting could not proceed because neither Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, Tracy Taegar-Panton, John Saldivar nor Frank “Papa” Mena were in attendance. Today Deputy Prime Minister Faber commented on the BNTU’s reaction.
Woman In Honduras Arrested And Charged For Trafficking Young Girls To San Pedro Ambergris Caye
There are disturbing reports that a woman in Honduras was detained and arrested for trafficking teen girls into Belize for prostitution. Reports in La Prensa, a Honduran newspaper, indicate that Denia Suyapa Ochoa was detained in San Pedro Sula during an operation by authorities called “Fire Storm X”. Ochoa was employed at the Department of Health and according to the Protection of Women Agency, she sought young females who would be taken to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to work at a brothel. While there, the female juveniles would be exploited sexually and forced to do work.
Minister Hulse Raise Concern About Vital Statistics Unit
During previous testimonies before the Senate Committee by the Director of Immigration Diana Locke, the weaknesses at the Vital Statistics Unit which is responsible for the provision of birth, death and marriage certificates was considered a threat to the work of the Immigration Department. Yesterday during his testimony at the Senate Hearing the Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse shared his concerns, indicating that something has to be done to improve the department’s security features.
LOVE FM
PM: “Ruling will not Add to the National Debt”
Yesterday Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained to the nation that the US $78 million that it was ordered to pay by the Caribbean Court of Justice before or on November 10, has been set aside. The Prime Minister shared that since they already knew the total amount that would be paid; this ruling will not […]
The Payment Due is 25% of Belize’s Foreign Reserves
The US $78 Million that Government says it will pay by November 10 is approximately 25% of Belize’s Foreign Reserves. The payment is due just before Christmas and the PUP says it’s when the demand for foreign reserves is at the highest. The Opposition is demanding that GOB makes sure that the Belize Dollar is […]
PM: Money will be Replenished Through the Tourism Industry
Either on or before November 10, Belize’s Foreign Reserves will be US $78 Million less. That’s a huge chunk of money which Prime Minister Dean Barrow says will be replenished through the Tourism Industry. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “This is also the season when there are lots of exports and the tourism service; […]
PM: Acquisition of BTL Worth It
The acquisition of Belize Telemedia Limited has cost the Government and by extension taxpayers, hundreds of millions of dollars. But the PM says that it was all worth it. Rt.Hon.Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “When you look at the whole thing in the round what we have paid, which is what the tribunal found we were […]
PM comments on Sunshine Holdings Ltd
While the legal war for Belize Telemedia Limited has finally come to an end, the same cannot be said for Sunshine Holdings Limited, an Ashcroft company, and Social Security Board. More than ten years ago, SSB loan Sunshine Holdings $10 million dollars to buy shares in BTL. When GOB took over BTL, it also acquired […]
Woman Arrested for Abducting Young Girls
A Honduran woman was arrested by Honduran authorities on Wednesday for abducting young girls and bringing them to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where they were forced into prostitution at a bar on the island. La Prensa reports that the woman, Denia Suyapa Ochoa, was arrested in San Pedro Sula where she worked in the Ministry […]
Corozal Shooting leaves Woman Hospitalized
A shooting incident in Corozal Town has left a woman hospitalized in a critical condition. Police say the shooting occurred on Wednesday sometime after eight o’clock in the morning, and are currently investigating. ASP Cowo briefed the media on the case. “Corozal police visited the Corozal Community Hospital where they observed a female by the […]
Findings from Autopsy may help Police Identify Charred Remains
The autopsy on the charred remains of a human that were found late afternoon on October 28th on the Coastal Road has provided police with more information that can lead them to an identifying the individual. This morning, Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo shared the findings of the examination conducted on the bones. ASP […]
Faber comments on BNTU’s Statement
On October 27, the Belize National Teachers’ Union, BNTU, fired off a statement in which it placed on record its “condemnation of the four Ministers of the United Democratic Party, UDP, who were no-shows of the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, PAC.” The PAC was supposed to meet the previous day, October 26, in […]
Faber Responds to Comment by NEAB
On October 31, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) held a press conference and one of the issues brought up was that the government has not responded to their concerns on the rights of church-run schools. Today, Faber was asked to comment on the statement made by NEAB. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister “The […]
Ryan Swift died of Poisoning
An autopsy on the body of forty-five-year-old Ryan Swift showed that he died due to poisoning. The autopsy results also indicate that Swift had consumed the toxic substance. As reported earlier this week, Swift was socializing with his brother sixty-one-year-old Steven Swift early Saturday morning at their house located on Central American Boulevard. Ryan Swift […]
Police have one Suspect in Custody for Hit and Run
The Belmopan Branch of the Police Department has played a key role in locating a suspect believed to have been involved in the traffic incident that claimed the life of twenty-nine-year-old Mellisa Murillo on Saturday. The incident happened between miles 11 and 12 on the Southern Highway. Police say that Murillo was on a motorcycle […]
Vasquez’s attacker Still at Large
Police continue to investigate the death of 82-year-old Ricardo Vasquez. As we reported before, Vasquez was reportedly robbed and savagely beaten on October 14th while at Kent Market, a game room located at the Corner of Water Lane and West Street. Today ASP Cowo said Police are looking at surveillance footage to identify Vasquez’s attacker. […]
Mali Herrera has been discharged from KHMH
Seven-year-old Mali Herrera, who was shot in her back on October 24th while inside her house on New Road, is back home. The child was with her grandmother 60-year-old Judith Rocke watching the news in their living room when gunshots rang out and both were hit. Police continue to investigate the case but today, ASP […]
The Public was Briefed on the Fire Trucks
One of the most common criticisms that the National Fire Service receives, especially after a house fire, is that they responded with not enough water. Today the National Fire Service staged an exercise at the Yarborough Field in Belize City, aiming to sensitize the public about the capabilities and limitations of the fire trucks. Fire […]
Taiwan handed over BELAPS to GOB
This morning, an inauguration and handing over ceremony took place at the Radisson Fort George where the Republic of China (Taiwan) handed over to the Government of Belize the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS). Today’s realization of BELAPS has been five years in the making and this momentous achievement will assist the Government […]
BDF Soldiers Deployed to Dominica to Assist in Relief Efforts
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement this morning in which it says that Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, has authorized the deployment of Belize Defence Force soldiers to the Commonwealth of Dominica. A Platoon of thirty-five soldiers was deployed to Dominica yesterday as part of the hurricane relief effort after […]
Belize Participating in FIHAV 2017
Citrus Products Belize Ltd. (CPBL) is participating in the 35th International Fair in Havana, Cuba. CPBL is promoting an extensive product line of citrus concentrates, by-products, value-added products, which commenced on October 30 and is expected to conclude tomorrow. The fair boasts 3,400 exhibitors and 50 chambers of commerce from across the world. Representing CPBL […]
The Guardian
We have the money to pay for BTL
Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow called a press conference on Wednesday November 1 to brief the nation on a judgement handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice which will see the Government of Belize making a final payment to the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited of US $78,163,806.07; Dunkeld International Investment Ltd. is to be paid $62,849,799.23 and Belize Telemedia Employees Trust $15,314,006.84. There is an additional $245,155.36 to be paid to Dunkeld and $10,300,518.34 to be paid to the Belize Telemedia Employees Trust. The amounts, however, will be used to fund charitable projects in Belize and will be paid in Belize dollars.
A step closer for Maya Communal Land Rights
After 2 successive hearings before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the Government of Belize, the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and the Toledo Alcalde’s Association (TAA), have reached a common ground on how the ongoing implementation of Maya Communal Land Rights will move forward. There were five points of disagreement between the two sides, and with the intervention of the judges, that has been reduced now to only one.
Although these Mayan Leaders continue to complain bitterly that the Government is dragging its foot on making communal land rights a real system of land ownership, the Government appointed Commission has been diligently doing its part to make sure that the launch of this new land rights system has minimal negative consequences for Southern Belize.
Police officer in jail for unlicensed firearm
A police officer, PC Carlisle Bol, was detained by another officer outside of the Elements Night Club on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Bol got engaged in an argument with another man and an on-duty officer thought that Bol was armed with a knife but that object turned out to be a gun.
PC Bol appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford on October 30, 2017 where he was read a single charge of keeping firearm without a gun license. In court, where PC Bol was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, he pleaded not guilty to the charge but due to the nature of the offence, he was remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until January 21, 2018.
The good old Justin
On Sunday night a video recording, starring one Justin Usher, went viral on social media. Readers may remember the name Justin Usher from late September, as one of those youths who got some media attention during the time Kelvin Usher (no relation) had purportedly gone missing. Justin is one of those young persons who had taken to the streets, in an effort to raise awareness in regards to Kelvin being missing. At the time Justin and some others were of the opinion that the GSU were responsible for Kelvin being missing. Perhaps all of you remember that narrative and how it played out in the end, so we will not go into any further details about that issue. Justin has been making a name for himself as some sort of activist ever since then. He has been hooking up with those known ACTIVISTS FOR HIRE such as Brackett, Uc Espat, Rivers, Sulph and also the PUP .
Churches complain about marijuana law
The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB), a fracture group of Evangelicals, which was once a part of the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches, has decided that the public must hear their objections to the amendment of the Misuse of Drugs Act. They take issue with the removal of penalties for the possession and private consumption of 10 grams or less of marijuana.
As readers know, the change in the law, which allows for that small but significant change, has been passed by the House of Representatives and by the Senate. It only requires the signature of assent from the Governor General for the law to take effect, and the Attorney General Ministry was hoping for that to take place on Wednesday, November 1.
Jurisdiction in Cayo experiences reduction in major crimes
Crime numbers in localized areas of the Cayo District continues to fall. Officer in Charge of San Ignacio Police formation Richard Rosado reports that for the period January to September 2017 when compare to the same period in 2016, his jurisdiction saw a reduction of major crimes by 14.7%.
“This feat was accomplished through the support from the community and the community leaders,” Superintendent Rosado reports.
“To all the volunteer special constables thank you, to the People’s Coalition Committee and the neighborhood watch groups and their leaders, thank you.”
BTB’s Online Portal effective November 1, 2017
Given the advent of the age of technological advances, the Belize Tourism Board has been working on an online portal to benefit stakeholders. While this will be executed in three phases, phase one of the portal was opened on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.
The first phase of the initiative will benefit over 800 hotels in the area of tax submissions. The previous system required hoteliers to manually file tax returns then take them to an office of the BTB and a bank. Now they will also be able to execute payments and licensing with the online portal. Under this new system, the process will be offered in a more concise, efficient, and convenient way. Apart from the involvement of tourism stakeholders, the major banks of Belize, Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, and Scotia Bank, have all been a part of the development and success of the project.
Cops rewarded for good work
Corporal Mateo CarRillo, Sergeant Julio Shal, and Constable Jose Uh, and Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo have been awarded for their good police work. These 4 officers were responsible for solving an armed robbery at the First Stop Pawn Shop in Belmopan.
In less than 72 hours, these four cops managed to recover 95% of the stolen items from that robbery. Readers are aware that 3 armed thieves robbed the manager and her employee of $8,500 in cash and an assortment of jewelry at a value of $51,000.
Cuba goes to the UN General Assembly for the 26th time to end embargo
On November 1, 2017, the Cuban Government, for the 26th time, appealed to the United Nations General Assembly for a resolution entitled “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba has been in effect for almost 60 years. While some restrictions were relieved under the Obama Administration, the blockade was not put to an end and it is now being tightened even more under the Trump Administration. The measures aimed at tightening the blockade were announced on June 16, 2017.
Finados: remembering David Morey in Cayo
As is traditional during early November, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture NICH celebrated ‘Finados’ on Wednesday in honor of the departed. A three-tier altar was set up inside the House of Culture in San Ignacio on Wednesday morning to remember the favorite foods that a once prominent citizen, David Morey, loved in real life.
In prayers, Catholic prayer warrior, Marcely Ayala called on the family members of David Morey to prepare, so that when the Lord calls us that we will do his will.
Lupita Ferguson, coordinator of NICH told us that students had been invited to attend today’s events, because the tradition of the Finandos is slowly being lost. As children, we can remember family members praying intensely during the Finados after which a sumptuous meal was shared on behalf of those who have moved on.
Johnny opens old wounds on Airport Authority
We are not certain what it was that emboldened Johnny Briceno to make public a leaked document from within the Social Security Board on Thursday of last week. The document was an internal memo which the Investment Committee of the SSB prepared to consider a loan of 7 million dollars for the reconstruction of the Caye Caulker Municipal Airstrip. The memo basically rejected the application on the grounds that BAA would not be able to service the debt especially because it already has a 17-million-dollar loan with the SSB and the additional one would put a cash crunch on the authority. The recommendation was that a new application be made for a smaller amount would be more feasible for the BAA. With that the BAA has since reapplied for 4 million dollars and again the SSB is considering the application.
Transport Minister signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation
In Belmopan on Tuesday, October 31, Belize’s Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro, in the presence of Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, H. E. Carlos Quesnel Melendez, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation between the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Mexican States.
The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on behalf of Mexico by Federal Motor Carrier General Director, Licenciado Adolfo Elim Luviano Heredia.
Operation ACT - Addressing Crime Together
2017 has seen a record number of murders in the country of Belize. While crime on a whole has seen a downward trend, murders have been on the increase. In the past few months the number of murders, especially in the city reached insufferable proportions. It was found out that the murders which are mainly as a result of turf, drugs and its proceeds in some instances were being perpetrated intra-gangs. So, it was no longer limited to warring factions and the eventual repercussions due to revenge were unacceptable and thus the Government of Belize took steps to address this.
Portal to all artists in Belize
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, the National Institute for Culture and History, the Office of the Music Ambassador, the Belize Coalition of Service Providers, and the Music Industry Association of Belize were present at a handing over of the platform “artist.bz” on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. This platform, which is the first of its kind in Belize, will function as a united entity in which several local artists can promote their craft in one central location. For now, the site will only house musicians but in the future, other artists will have the ability to share and promote their craft.
PUP’s has no candidates for Belize City Municipal elections
At the Guardian, we are informed that the PUP are planning some sort of rally in Belize City to introduce the candidates that will run for the upcoming municipal elections. So far, they have only been able to secure the person who will run as mayor but as to the candidates all we hear are rumors of persons who will be selected. And even the mayoral candidate, as we understand it, his agreeing to run for the PUP comes at a hefty price, which will put a significant dent on the PUP coffers. As we are told, the money will not be used for campaigning. That is a separate type of financing, which will be earmarked for something else.
BTL Supervisor on bail for allegedly wounding his estranged common-law wife
A Senior Supervisor at the Belize Telemedia Limited was in court on Monday, October 30, 2107 to answer to criminal charges of wounding and damage to private property made against him by his estranged common-law wife. He is 51-year- old Colin Craig.
In court where he was represented by attorney Tricia Pitts, Craig appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford. He pleaded not qualify charges.
Separate shootings in Belize City leave two dead and 5 wounded
On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, police visited the K.H.M.H where they saw 28-year-old Cardinal Andrews suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right forehead and to the back of the head. Initial investigation revealed that Andrews, a laborer of Burrell Boom, was sitting on a car on Partridge Street when he was approached from behind by a male person who fired the single shot at him causing his injuries. By Sunday, October 29, Andrews succumbed to his injuries. Police are investigating and have since detained an adult and a minor in connection to the shooting which turned to murder.
Attempted murder in San Pedro
On October 25, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., San Pedro police visited the polyclinic where Alexia Del Carmen Melendez, a 45-year-old resident of San Mateo Area, San Pedro Town, was seen suffering from cut wounds to left side and lower part of her neck.
Initial investigation reveals that earlier that date, Melendez was walking home when a man riding a bicycle approached her and attacked her with a knife inflicting the injuries.
Police have since arrested and charged Gilbert Anthony Palacio, a 28-year-old construction worker of San Mateo Area, for the crimes of grievous harm, use of deadly means of harm, and attempted murder.
Justin Usher assaults police officer and bawls injustice
On October 28, 2017, WPC Crystal Noralez attached to Eastern Police Division North Strike Team reported that while working at the Sit and Sip Lounge at 2:45 a.m. along with other officers, a group of young men exited the establishment. While they exited, one of the young men, 26-year-old Justin Usher, began behaving disorderly and demanded that the police officer return his cap. Even though the young man was told that it was his friends that had the cap, he continued to behave disorderly and punched WPC Noralez to the lower left chin.
Mark Rhaburn remanded for stabbing common law wife and two children
Nikita Smith, a 31-year-old mother, and her two children ages 12 and 13 were viciously attacked inside their home and the culprit accused of causing their injuries has been identified as Smith’s common-law husband and the step-father to her two children. He is 47-year-old Mark Rhaburn Sr., a construction worker of Hattieville Village. Rhaburn was arraigned on the morning of Monday, October 30, 2017 before Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was read three counts of wounding.
Norman Vernon in jail for robbing pizza man
A salesman of Liberty Store, 21-year-old Norman Vernon, is accused of committing an armed robbery upon a pizza delivery man and now he finds himself on remand at the Belize Central Prison. Vernon appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Aretha Ford on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 to answer to a single charge of robbery.
The allegations against Vernon are that on Monday, October 30, 2017, he stole 2 large pizzas, a black wallet containing $150, a JEC shop ticket, registration papers for a motorcycle, and various other documents all to a total of $507.50. The crime was committed against Yonardo Rash with the use of a firearm.
Pawn shop thieves caught
Since their brazen day-light robbery of a Pawn Shop in Belmopan on Thursday of last week, Belmopan Police have been in hot pursuit of three people. Their work has paid off as Ryan Rhaburn, 20-year-old Belizean pawn broker, who resides at number 87 Amara Avenue in Belize City was charged on Saturday with abetment to commit robbery. Henry Sosa, a 22- year-old of 29 Iguana Street in Belize City was charged with two counts of robbery and one count of handing stolen goods. Sosa was also charged jointly with Shada Davis, 21 year old from 29 Iguana Street with handling stolen goods.
Pen gun lands Randy Petillo on remand
On Friday, October 27 2017, 26-year-old murder suspect Warren Lewis appeared in Supreme Court to hear a ruling on a bail application he had before the court. Judge Herbert Lord handed down his ruling after his attorney Darrell Bradley went seeking bail for his client on a number of unconstitutional wrong doings.
On Friday, October 13, 2017, Attorney Bradley submitted four grounds on which he asked the court to consider granting bail to his client. The first ground was that Lewis has suffered serious hardship because he has already served 8 years and 2 months in jail. Also, that his client has previously undergone two trials and is awaiting the third trial but has not yet been indicated when that would be.
Skeletal remains found on Coastal Road
Dangriga police visited an area on the Coastal Road approximately 10 miles from La Democracia Village on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at about 9:00 a.m. where the skeletal remains of a human were found. While the sex of the remains has not yet been ascertained, the police believe that it was an act of murder because the remains were charred beyond recognition.
The remains were found by the family member of a missing person who believes that the remains are that of a female due to the length of hair and pair of underwear found in the area. At this time, however, the incident is being treated as that of a sudden death and referrals to the list of missing persons will be done.
Warren Lewis denied bail in murder case
On Friday, October 27 2017, 26-year-old murder suspect Warren Lewis appeared in Supreme Court to hear a ruling on a bail application he had before the court. Judge Herbert Lord handed down his ruling after his attorney Darrell Bradley went seeking bail for his client on a number of unconstitutional wrong doings.
On Friday, October 13, 2017, Attorney Bradley submitted four grounds on which he asked the court to consider granting bail to his client. The first ground was that Lewis has suffered serious hardship because he has already served 8 years and 2 months in jail.
Freedom Fighters and San Pedro Pirates wins in Premier League play
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Competition continued over the last weekend with 4 games on the schedule.
On Saturday 28th October, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the Belize Defence Force FC and Police United FC played to a 1-1 draw.
The Police United FC was the first to make it onto the scoreboard when Camilo Sanchez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 41st minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived when Vallan Symms scored the equalising goal for the Belize Defence Force in the 46th minute of play for the 1-1 draw.
National Elite Basketball League season to open January 18, 2018
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18, 2018, as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub-champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The game will be played at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m.
The upcoming season will have 8 teams. Six (6) of the teams from last season will return to participate in the upcoming season. These teams are: Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz and Dangriga Dream Ballers. Belize City No Limit has changed management and their new team name is Belize City Defenders. The eight teams participating will be Agharta, which is a team from Chetumal, Mexico.
Football Federation of Belize to hold 11th Ordinary Congress
The Football Federation of Belize 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.
The Football Federation of Belize Electoral Committee has reviewed the nominations and secondments submitted by the Football Federation of Belize General Secretary and the following persons have met the criteria as defined by the Football Federation of Belize Statues Article 32.4
Old Capital Sports Management Limited Acquires Belize City NEBL Franchise-“Rebranded and reinvigorated, new Belize City team takes aim at 2018 NEBL Title!”
October 30, 2017 was a hallmark day for Belize City basketball as the team, now formerly known as Belize City No Limit was acquired by Old Capital Sports Management Limited, a 100% Belizean-owned sports Management Company fashioned around the core values of discipline, teamwork, and respect for others, integrity and a positive consumer experience. The team has been rebranded as Belize City Defenders and is in the process of acquiring corporate partners to finance its maiden voyage into the very competitive waters of the NEBL.
St. Joseph girls and St. Martin De Porres boys to represent Belize District in National Primary Schools Basketball competition
The Belize District Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Monday 30th October with the district finals played at Swift Hall in Belize City.
In the first game played in the girls’ division, Belize Rural Primary School defeated Central Christian School by the score of 8-0. The top scorers for Belize Rural Primary School were Joan Kelly and Nadine Humble with 4 points each.
In the second game, St. Joseph School defeated San Pedro RC School by the score of 18-0. The top scorer for St. Joseph School was Briah Clarke with 18 points.
In the girls’ championship game, St. Joseph School defeated Belize Rural Primary School by the score of 14-6. The top scorer for St. Joseph School was Briah Clarke with 12 points while the top scorers for Belize Rural Primary School were Nadine Humble, Kiara McFadzean and Joan Kelly with 2 points each.
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.
Registration forms can be obtained from and returned back to the Belize Athletics Association via email belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com or from their Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association) or at the Marion Jones Sports Complex.
HelpAge Belize 33rd Annual General Meeting
HelpAge Belize, a non-governmental organization (NGO), which partners with other agencies, businesses and individuals to improve the lives of older persons held its 33rd Annual General meeting (AGM) in Belize City on October 28, 2017. The event brought together representations from its eleven branches countrywide. There was a total of 61 attendees, of which 38% attended for the first time.
The theme for this year’s annual general meeting, “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”, coincided with that of the International Day of Older Persons. The thematic area emphasized Belize’s need to tap into an often overlooked and under-appreciated resource that is imperative for sustainable development, the contributions of older persons.
PUP and Cordel had sown an ill wind, the mothers, wives and sisters are now reaping the whirlwind
In the House of Representatives on Friday 20th October, Cordel proved that he knows just about nothing of the fallibility of the so-called “lie detector test.” He tried to question the integrity of our good COMPOL, but that nefarious scheme failed! Cordel then tried to tell the House and the Nation that the transfer of Williams would see things get much worse. With an apodictic air, Sedi wisely answered the Dodo Bird that in his day, there were no gangs, that he does not have any intentions of consulting with gang leaders and that the new crime fighting strategy was sound! He schooled Cordel in Belizean History! Interestingly, older brother Hubert, who was the area representative for Lake Independence before Cordel, had sounded a warning years ago about indiscipline and the worsening of the crime situation.
Stop Di Joke!
Personally, I enjoy a good joke especially if it is satirical in nature. That is why my favorite TV pastime is a good standup comedy with performers like Chris Rock or Lewis Black. Recently Samantha Bee has taken center stage in my auditorium, but last night Sen. Courtenay is working his way up the ladder for best drama, as he tried to showcase his new-found passion for nationalism.
Let me say this up front: there is nothing wrong with the proposal to amend the Maritime Areas Act, you know; in fact, the Prime Minister has already indicated in a previous interview that this would be done. Also, Mr. Assad Shoman made it known when he was here the last time that amending the MAA must be a prerequisite before submitting our case to the United Nation’s ICJ. Now this veritable PUP senator is quoting Shoman to justify his own platform, yet he does not support the latter gentleman’s compelling argument that our case must be definitively settled at the International Court of Justice.
Legalize it!
Anti-drug activists think that a few puffs on a joint will turn you into a red-eyed, unemployed psychopath – probably for life. But is marijuana actually that bad for you?
This week marks a monumental milestone in Belize’s history as the personal usage of marijuana will have officially been decriminalized. This follows legalization in several states in America and recently the decriminalization of marijuana in Jamaica. For better or worse Belize has followed suit-with legalization and regulation perhaps somewhere in the future.
But there are mixed sentiments about this amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, with the churches and conservatives believing that this amendment will be detrimental to society in the long run, versus the other common but opposite sentiment that the amendment is a good thing…
A Love That Kills
Try Google searching ‘Why do people have wildlife for pets?’…. I constantly find myself asking this question, because truthfully, I cannot understand the motive for having monkeys, snakes, birds, and other such wild animals, as pets. My second question is, usually, “don’t dogs and cats satisfy the desire to have a pet?”
I have heard stories of people chopping down trees to capture parrots, or to “rescue” a quash (coatimundi) from the highway. They then would keep the animal in hopes of giving them a better home. I recall, while I was still a child, that my eldest sister had two turtles. Their names were Muschamp and Hipolito. Someone had given her Muschamp but she had “rescued” Hipolito. Both ran away (twice) and my sister was convinced that Hipolito had instigated the escape. When we moved to San Ignacio, she decided to free them in a natural spring pond next to her home. The reason for freeing them? “We were getting a dog and I didn’t want the dog to eat them,” she said.
Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
Our subject this week is “Connected to God our Heavenly Father.”
In Hebrews chapter 4, verses 9 and 10, we read: “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.”
Rest in His Presence. Rest in His Power. Rest in His Word. Rest in His Promises.
Until we rest from our assumptions of what God wants from us, He cannot tell us what He truly has for us. It is important to discuss everything we want to do with our Creator. Even how we should pray about issues must come from Him. That’s because He has plans for us, which our wrong prayers will interfere with.
Issue #38-Sep 2017 of The BELIZE AG REPORT is online here!.
Unleashing the Potential of Under-utilised Crops: Breadfruit By Santiago Juan
Belize has been blessed with edible landscapes. Take breadfruit, or masapan in Spanish, for example. In Belize you can see breadfruit growing in all our districts. In both northern districts you see old trees still producing well in very calcareous soils; in southern Belize large trees can be seen in low lying areas and brackish water like in Hopkins Village or along the Sittee River, a testament to the great adaptation ability of this humble plant. Most Belizeans have eaten breadfruit at least once in their lifetime; yet it is probably the most underutilized crop growing in Belize. Nowadays, it is attracting the attention of gourmets and some Caribbean countries are making small shipments to the United States, Canada and…
To The Editor
Dear Editor, Yes, I love that you have both print and online versions and really love the Ag Report! It’s been such a great tool to find people and places that provide needed materials. It’s so helpful for us as far as providing information about local/medicinal plants and growing/processing methods in tropical conditions. I think my favorite part is that it includes the voice of so many people and allows them to respectfully share their opinions, information and the diverse projects that are happening in their areas. Thanks for all of your hard work and efforts to bring to light the wealth of knowledge here! Cissy Stanko, Rancho Dolores, Belize District
Cheese Making By Nadege Thomas
Our average milk production varies from 2 pints to half a gallon per goat so during milking season, we can get anywhere from 4 to 6 gallons of milk per day; it takes about 2 gallons of milk to yield one to one-and-a-half pounds of cheese, depending on the cheese being made.
While Eber, our livestock manager, and I were busy putting the herd together, our construction crew built a “cheese house”, a special place for me to make the cheeses, et voila! “La Fromagerie” at Mystic River Resort was born. We have been supplying all the cheeses and yogurt for the resort ever since, and have even recently added a “Wine & Cheese Tasting” palapa for our guests to sample some of our creations. We offer the tasting by appointment only and it truly is a lot of fun.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade – Trade Opportunities with Cuba
By John Rivero Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), the Honourable Patrick Faber, made an official visit to the Republic of Cuba from 22nd to 26th of May 2017. The objective of this state visit was to strengthen a bi-lateral relationship with Cuba. He was accompanied by a delegation of ten from the Government of Belize which included ministers, CEOs, directors, and Ambassador Burns accredited to Cuba. Belize and Cuba have always had good relations but bi-lateral trade and investment have been almost insignificant despite an existing trade agreement in place. The CARICOM-Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (TECA), originally signed by both parties in 2000, was recently re-negotiated with a sScond Protocol to amend the TECA. Belize’s trade officials have learnt,…
Beyond the Backyard Aloe: An Excellent Choice By Jenny Wildman
Aloe vera has been revered as a healing plant for centuries and graces gardens throughout the world. The Maya called it the fountain of youth. Others know it as the immortality plant, savila, kumari, first aid plant, Barbados aloe, crocodile tail, lily of the desert, xabila, simple Bible, single Bible and here in Creole sink am Bible, names showing confidence in its power to cure most ailments. There are hundreds of species of aloe but only one proudly carrying the name “true” ie: aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis which is thought closely related to the Aloe perryl endemic to Yemen. Aloe vera originated in northern Africa and is depicted on murals in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs, where it…
AgScience for Better Crops: Plant Nutrition By Felix C. Cawich
All living organisms require nutrients for adequate growth, development and functionality in order to survive. Plants have the capacity to produce their own food through the conversion of light energy into a sugar (glucose), in a process called photosynthesis, which is the base of biomass formation. For this, plants require sufficient light, suitable temperature, substances such as CO2, oxygen and a number of nutrients (FAO, 2006). As plant constituents, nutrients play a vital role in biochemical reactions, and the production of organic material. To obtain high agricultural yields an optimal nutrient program is required, whereby plants absorb nutrients from soil reserves or external sources, where water is the main carrier. Nutrients can be added either to the soil or leaves…
Establishing A Coconut Plantation By George Emmanuel & Omaira Avila Rostant
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a palm that flourishes in tropical and subtropical areas, the fruit of which has many uses; it has been a major ingredient in the diets of many people living on tropical islands, creating a very lucrative industry worldwide. In recent years, the demand for coconut product has increased exponentially. It was reported that from 2008 to 2014 alone the demand for coconut products increased 700%, especially for water, milk, oil, fibres, and cosmetics. Such hasty growth has increased the demand for establishing plantations that can supply the high worldwide demand for coconuts. In Belize this opportunity has encouraged the establishment of acres of coconuts in new plantations. Here are some factors to be considered and recommendations…
Coconut Oil Standards By Dottie Feucht
The coconut oil industry in Belize recently had a big boost in terms of standards and specifications for quality. Standards Officer Lloyd Orellano, from Belize Bureau of Standards, assisted by Omaira Avila Rostant, from Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) presented them on September 28 at Central Farm. Omaira’s expertise in growing and processing coconuts filled in experiential details to the standards. Coconut oil comes from the mature kernel of the coconut (Cocos nucifera Linnaeus) by a process of expression (extraction by using pressure), solvent extraction or other approved method of processing. In addition to common standards, such as it must be free from admixture with other oils or fats, there are specific ones for the three types of…
Slow Release Fertilisers from Pyrolysis of Agricultural Residues
Creating Value out of Agricultural residues to Regenerate Soil Fertility By Ingrid Espinoza, Stephen Joseph, Vasco Masias & Felix Froese We thank the International Biochar Initiative and Grupos Alimenta SAC for reprint permission. http://www.biochar-international.org For more about spirulina, see article pg 20 of the PDF of Issue #38
Agriculture Prices at a Glance – November 2017
Homemade Health – Spirulina – Ancient Superfood By Marguerite Fly Bevis RN,BSN
I first learned about Spirulina from Dr. Harold Foster, PhD, who studied medical geography at the University College of London and taught as a professor at University of Victoria for 41 years. I was privileged to hear him speak and in many ways he changed my life that day. He said that his research indicates that by taking spirulina and selenium every day along with a high oxidant diet, the immune system would function properly and many illnesses could be prevented or improved. His work with AIDS and HIV patients in Africa had phenomenal results. Unfortunately, there was little interest in inexpensive treatments so the information was largely ignored. Thankfully today there are people willing to look at alternatives and…
BAHA Shares Cattle News: National Herd Increases 25%
BAHA’s Dr. Miguel Depaz shared the following report: “The Cattle Industry is seeing its better days as exports for this year have already reached 4,872 heads and cattle farmers are now getting more that the accustomed .95 cents per pound live weight. Prices reached as high as 3.50 per pound live weight for export and have stabilized at approximately 2.50 per pound live weight. Despite the consistent rate of export the national herd has seen a growth of more than 25%. The national cattle census today is at 126,129 heads. Through the hard work of the Government of Belize, Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the private sector, they have scientifically demonstrated that the national cattle herd is free of…
CARDI Day 2017
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) CARDI Day 2017 CARDI is turning 43 years assisting the region to develop. It was established in 1974 to serve the agricultural research and development needs of the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CARDI is positioned to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the Caribbean people through research for development that improves the competitiveness and sustainability of regional agriculture. On the 5th of December CARDI Day will be celebrated. This annual event on the institute’s calendar is dedicated to building awareness and promoting the work of the institute. A major focus of the day’s activities will be the sharing of our research results, impacts and success stories with the general public, partners,…
Aerial Application as a Tool for Increased Efficiency for Pest and Disease Control
By Alan McCracken The application techniques of pesticides has unfortunately not been developed to the same extent as the pesticides themselves. It is well known and recognized that pyrethroid insecticides work by contact and ingestion action and no vapor effect, which means that for good results they must be delivered to the target insect. The alternative is to obtain poor crop coverage and wait for the insects to find the chemical. Firstly let us examine the reason for applying agrochemicals. The answer although obvious is not always understood; it is to protect the genetic potential of the crop being grown. For this reason the chemical products may be more correctly termed plant protection products and our objective should be to…
2017 World Food Day
Part of the talk given by The Honorable Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture, at World Food Day, held at the Belize High School of Agriculture (BHSA) in San Lorazo, Orange Walk District on October 20th, was the same one his father gave to him when he was young. He said that his dad told him to stop saying that he grew rice because he did not make the sun, the soil, or the rain that grows the rice; he was only the manager of what God had given him. His dad also told him not to exploit his fellow man and to leave some in the field for the creatures as food. Minister Hulse said such management is the foundation…
Berries of Belize – Part 2 By Deborah Harder
A good fruit for Northerners, mulberry is reminiscent of northern berries you can’t grow here. Mulberries grow on a large bush and can bear abundantly without much care. Actually, up north, they are a neglected fruit, growing perhaps too abundantly and despised in favour of harder-to-grow berries like blueberries. One of life’s little ironies, because in my opinion they have a delicious flavour superior to northern blueberries. Mulberry is started from cuttings but can be purchased from your nursery—rooted and ready to plant. For a small family, several bushes should yield enough to can or freeze some. After a crop is harvested the bushes may be pruned of old growth to keep them low and stimulate new growth. Use: when…
Unplanted Bounty By Sally Thackery
Composting is a must for gardeners, and sometimes provides an unexpected bounty. Although I don’t remember ever seeing this type of squash, apparently some seeds made their way to my large compost area, because these vines began to appear almost immediately after careful planting of many varieties of vegetable seeds. If you’re looking for a way to feed your entire neighborhood or town, this would be your answer. When picked young, these squash don’t have to be peeled, but they grow a hard outer shell if left to mature. The young ones are quite tasty, firm with lots of flavor. Just cube and sauté in butter, salt and pepper to let the most flavor shine through. You will need a…
Hemp Food By Karin Westdyk
Food from hemp for humans and animals dates back to the beginning of recorded history, and for thousands of years it was the largest agricultural crop grown worldwide. Hemp was relied on for not only food, but for fuel, fiber, paper, industrial source materials, and medicine. In 1801 Thomas Jefferson, a hemp farmer and third president of the United States, declared, “Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country — if people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.” Though in the early days, farmers were encouraged to grow…
Bamboos for Belize by Marquita Stanko and Taylor Walker
Bamboos are some of the most useful plant species on earth. There are over 1000 species of bamboo distributed throughout the world that have been used for many practical purposes throughout history such as building shelter, making everyday tools and utensils and even as a food product. Bamboos originate from tropical, subtropical and temperate climates and grow on a wide range of soils. Many of the finest native and non-native bamboo species thrive right here in Belize. Our bamboo project began in 2005 in Rancho Dolores, Belize District with the formation of Tropical Agro-Forestry, Ltd. Our desire was to introduce new varieties in Belize that exhibit exceptional characteristics for use in furniture making, landscaping and interior construction. We began working…
White Flies – Gardeners’ Nightmare By Mary Loan
White flies (Thialeurodes vaporariorum) comprise the family Aleyrodidae. They are typically 1/16 inch long, somewhat triangular shaped, soft bodied, flying moth-like white insects which are closely related to aphids and mealy bugs. More than 1550 species of white flies have been identified. By all accounts, they are all considered to be one of the most bothersome, destructive and challenging garden pests to control and, as a result, cost millions of dollars in agricultural losses yearly due to stunted growth and low production of crops and other plant losses world-wide. An infestation of the dreaded insects can be identified by observing the undersides of plant leaves in the garden, green house and plant nurseries. If you note thick swarms of small…
Coconut Coir Production in Cayo at Belize Botanic Gardens By Gayle Zentz
In April of 2016, the owner of duPlooy’s Jungle Lodge and Belize Botanic Gardens, Judy duPlooy, decided to convert a local waste product, coconut husks, into something useful – coconut coir. For centuries, many cultures have used coconut fiber for items such as ropes, mats, sacking, upholstery padding and brushes. It’s also useful as a mulch and a soil amendment. DuPlooys picks up empty coconut husks from coconut water processors in Cayo District where the coconuts have been harvested and drained of their coconut water. Their MerryMac commercial chipper can process about 1600 coconut husks per hour. There is no waste as everything is used. The coir from their facility is either used at the resort and gardens grounds or…
A Natural History of Belize – Inside the Maya Forest By Samuel Bridgewater
Living in Belize, we hear and read much about the living Mesoamerican reef which lies off our shores, and its prolific wildlife. This is rightly a major tourist attraction and occupies most of our attention when thinking of our country’s natural beauty and complexity. This is largely because of its easy accessibility. However another world class natural beauty exists in Belize which does not get the same level of publicity. At 177,000 hectares, one can hardly describe the Chiquibul forest as hidden away, although its lack of accessibility is one of the reasons it has remained relatively undisturbed over the centuries. So it is high time that the Chiquibul take centre stage and be shown for what it is: a world class centre of natural diversity, not matched by many countries around the world.
This then is a book that casts a broad light on a little known area of Belize. The Chiquibul is indeed hard to access, and the scientists who have made it their life’s work deserve great credit for their perseverance in what is a pretty hostile environment. It is not for nothing that a member of the British Army (BATSUB) told me that this dense forest full of insects, animals and even plants which do not welcome the casual visitor is the toughest jungle training environment in the world.
Ag Briefs
UB CF announces that the next Neal Kinsey Soil Fertility 3 Day course will be held the week of August 27th, 2018. 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. Mexico’s Yucatan state fair, Feria Yucatan, will be held at X’matkuil from 10th November through 3 December, 2017. The cattle opening ceremonies will be on 10th November. Beef master judging starts on the 14th; Brangus and Suizo Europe on 16th; Simmental and Simbrah on 18th; Brahman on 19th; Nelore on 21st; Guzerat on 22nd;Gyr and resena de Sindi on 23rd. Horse classes will be 3rd Dec. More information at feriayucatan.gob.mx CARDI Day – December…
Breaking Belize News
Belize officials receive training in forensic interviewing techniques for human trafficking
The U.S. Embassy in coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations provided training on Forensic Interviewing […]
Marijuana bill signed into law
Today, the amendment to the misuse of drug bill was officially signed into law. The […]
Flood mitigation works ongoing in Sarawee Village, Stann Creek
NEMO equipment is in Sarawee Village in rural Stann Creek District carrying out flood mitigation […]
PM Barrow: GOB will make full payment of US$78 million to Ashcroft Alliance
Yesterday, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ordered the Government of Belize to pay US$78 […]
36 youths in Cayo complete job preparedness training
Thirty-six youths from San Ignacio and Santa Elena have graduated from a Job Preparedness Training […]
Embassy of Mexico in Belize to celebrate “Dia de Muertos” tonight
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize will be celebrating the Dia de Muertos tonight. The event […]
Moist conditions to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to continue. Cloudy skies with […]
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 now available at SMART stores countrywide
(The following is a sponsored post by SMART Belize) Yesterday, SMART announced that they now have the new […]
Citrus Products of Belize in Cuba for International Fair
Citrus Products Belize Ltd. (CPBL) is promoting an extensive product line of citrus concentrates, by-products […]
Belize Defence Force deploys soldiers to Dominica
The Ministry of Defence announced today via a press release that the Governor General of […]
Belmopan BTIA to hold Expo this Saturday
The Belmopan Branch of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is hosting its 2017 Expo […]
NICH hosting full moon concert in Corozal
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum of Belize and the […]
Shark fishing season officially opens
The shark season in Belize officially opened yesterday and runs through to July 31st, 2018. The Fisheries […]
Honduran woman detained for human trafficking teenagers in Belize
Denia Suyapa Ochoa, an employee of the Ministry of Health in Honduras has been arrested by […]
Placencia takes 2017 Best Restaurant and Small Accommodation of the Year at the Belize Tourism Board Awards!!
CBC is still recovering from our excitement last weekend at the 15th annual Belize Tourism Board's, annual tourism awards - we were thrilled and honored to win Small Accommodation of the Year! The BTB Awards were unbelievably well done - professional, with fantastic food, emcees, and entertainment.
There are several categories in many areas of tourism (see below for all the winners!) We sat at a table with the other wonderful Placencia nominees, including Pam and John of Rumfish, who won Restaurant of the Year! And Lyra from Taste Belize, who was nominated for Tour of the Year (she will get it next year!!!) We had a blast and we represented Placencia (loudly &) well - coming home with Best Restaurant and Best Small Hotel in the country!!
Here are some fun images and videos from the night....
Why You Will Love Birding in Belize
With one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the world, it's no surprise that Belize is a popular destination for bird watchers. More than 600 species have been recorded in the country, including more than 500 indigenous bird species that include the roseate spoonbill, orange-breasted falcon, endangered Jabiru stork, the scarlet macaw, sungrebe, enormous harpy eagle, solitary eagle, the chestnut-bellied heron, and the endangered ocellated turkey.
Beyond its enormous domestic variety of tropical and subtropical bird species, Belize is also the winter homefor hundreds of bird species from all across North America. With seven different Important Bird Areas managed by the Audobon Society, Belize is one of the best places to see birds in a pristine, natural landscape.
Chaa Creek’s Mick & Lucy Fleming Awarded Lifetime Achievement By BTB
“The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those who have dedicated their lives to grow and develop Belize’s tourism industry. The awardee’s contributions are significant and have positively impacted Belize and the lives of countless Belizeans. Despite challenges, this tourism industry lifetime achiever persevered. This individual embodies the definition of a true success story”
With those words, the Belize Tourism Board announced the 15th annual Belize Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Belize Tourism Industry Awards.
And when we heard that Chaa Creek’s founding owners Mick and Lucy Fleming were to be honored with this prestigious award, our ears picked up.
Travel Season Reminders for a Better Travel Experience
Planning a trip can be a channeling even with all the guides, travel blogs and apps out there to help you. No matter how well mapped out your travel arrangements are, you cannot always plan for the unexpected but you can do your best.
A good travel checklist can help you take the stress out of the adventure. Here are a few things to add to your list if they are not already there.
International Sources
Belada issue 1
A Caribbean Magazine featuring artisans, authors, poets, and articles from people of the region.
Videos
Bruk it Down Jenny discussed the subject of Alcoholism, 30min.
The Belize Bank wants to help you make your Christmas dreams a reality, 13min.
Historic bill to impose a moratorium on exploration of offshore oil in the maritime zone of Belize, 39min.
Talk Ah Di Town November 2, 2017, 32min.
CDB and Belize Social Investment Fund launch new BNTF project, 5min. In continuing its efforts to break the cycle of poverty in Belize, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) launched a new project on Monday, October 23rd in Belize City. Our team was on hand for the big day.
Holy cow we made it to belize, 11min. Belize hol chan diving 2017. Scariest part of scuba diving is approaching stunningly stoic fish.
Belize forest zipline, 2min.
Hol Chan marine reserve in Belize, 9min.
Belize hol chan diving, 3min.
Earthcast SOS - Belize Protects the Whales, 2min.
Belize Scuba Diving 2017, 4min. Scuba Diving off of Lime Caye, Belize guided by the Garbutt's
Dushi Divers Belize 2017, 10min. Scuba Diving Belize, Ambergris Cay, Ambergris Divers, Diving San Pedro.
November 2, 2017
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Roman Catholic School students observe All Saints Day
As is customary, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) celebrated All- Saints Day on Wednesday, November 1st. From Mother Teresas to Saint Peters, Saint Judes, Mother Mary and more, students dressed up and marched to the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church where they attended a traditional ceremony at 1PM. After the church service was over, the children were provided with snacks and refreshments, after which paraded back to the school through the Pescador Drive. As a Catholic School, All-Saints Day is a very important date to observe. It is a formal holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1st. The day is dedicated to the saints of the church, and those believed to have attained heaven.
San Pedro Pirates crushes Dangriga’s Wagiya F.C. 5-0
The San Pedro Pirates continue to excel, defeating Dangriga’s Wagiya 5-0 during the 12th week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB). Held on Sunday, October 29th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the island team played a stunning game before a large crowd of supporters, comfortably adding three more points to their rankings. The game tipped off at 3PM sharp, under bright skies and before the largest crowd any other match has seen. The Pirates felt the pressure to win the home game, and they started things off by dominating the ball. At minute 22, Pirates’ Hector Martinez scored the first goal. Seven minutes later, Luis Valdez netted the second goal for the island squad with a clean, powerful shot.
Ambergris Today
Did You Know That Conch Season Can Be Closed Early?
The Government of Belize has just released information that the production quota for market clean conch meat for the season 2017-2018 has been set at 884,092 pounds. The conch season runs from October 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. BUT! The public is advised that if the conch production quota is realized earlier, the conch season will be declared closed.
The Fisheries Department hereby makes a special appeal to and urges responsible citizens to call 224-4552/203-2623, email fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz or Crime Stoppers Belize at 0-800-922-TIPS (8477) to report any Fisheries infractions. The Department assures that all information communicated will be treated in the strictest confidence.
The Politics And Business Of Marijuana
- by Valerie Woods - With the amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, an adult will now be able to possess and smoke up to 10 grams of marijuana in the privacy of his/her home and in someone’s house or in a hotel room with the consent of the owner.
Although a politically popular move, these persons still cannot grow, buy, import or sell marijuana. So where are persons to get their 10 grams of weed to smoke at home? Where will the tourist get it to smoke it in the hotel room? This is illogical. Cannabis is still an illegal drug in Belize and still listed on the Schedule 1 and Schedule 4 list of drugs in the UN international conventions. Without a strict regulatory framework, we are being irresponsible and sloppy in how we are doing this.
Our World Project Targets Social Issues At San Pedro High School
San Pedro High School Students were treated to two powerful plays last week that trigger thought, emotion and inspire the minds of the youth. The ‘Our World’ shows were presented by by Larry and Debbie Heimgartner, long-time friends of Ambergris Caye and San Pedro High School.
The Our World Project by Larry and Debbie Heimgartner is a collection of 30-minute plays that deal with social issues affecting young people around the world. The educational plays all deal with challenging and difficult global issues. They were performed at San Pedro high school on Friday, October 27; they were perfromed by Sarah MacKenzie and Emma Thomson.
Misc Belizean Sources
New Fire Truck for Caye Caulker
In about a week time, this beautiful FIRE TRUCK will be more than generously donated to CAYE CAULKER, coming all the way from the US!! Already labeled as Engine 342, Caye Caulker B, this will be one of the best donation for our beautiful island!! Trust that i will be there to take pics of the handing over and the donor! U will all know who he is in about a week's time!
Queen Conch Quota
The public is informed that the production quota for market clean conch meat for the season 2017-2018 has been set at 884,092 pounds.
The opening of conch season is from October 1st, 2017 to June 30th, 2018. The public is advised that if the conch production quota is realized earlier, the conch season will be declared closed.
Ladyville Police Department graduates over a hundred students from the G.R.E.A.T program
Today the Ladyville, Community Policing unit of the Police Department graduated over a hundred students from the G.R.E.A.T program (Gang Resistance Education And Training ) three schools who participated are Our lady of our way R.C , Ladyville Adventist and Ladyville Evangelical school up to present a estimated 13,728 students have participated in the Great program . The guess speaker for today excercise was Inspector Elroy Carcamo who is the program coordinator Mr .Carcamo emphasize on the resistance of gang envolvement within our communities and schools , other remarks also were given by principals , Teachers, Students and great Police instructors .The G.R.E.A.T program has seen many success in preventing youth crimes in our communities .
Hanal Pixan "Food for the souls" celebration
The Northern Maya Association of Belize at the morning show Love Fm talking about our beautiful Yucatec Maya tradition Hanal Pixan "Food for the souls" celebrated in Corozal,Orange walk and Cayo .
Corozal Animal Program Education Program
On October 25th CAP held an animal education program at the Church of Christ Elementary school. 10 children with their dogs attended and we had two sessions. One with a trainer to teach how to walk dogs on a leash and sit. The other was to teach about taking care of their dogs; getting a dog fixed, how to read a dog so they won't get bit and what every dog needs to be well taken care of. Each child went home with a new collar, leash, food and water bowls and lots of literature.
St. Francis Xavier Parish - Job Opportunity
There is a temporary teaching Vacancy at Concepcion R. C. School starting January 2018.
Candidates need to have a Full License and submit to: Assistant Local Manager, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Corozal Town. Deadline 10th November 2017. Call for further information 422-2018 or email. corozalcps@gmail.com. Applications must be address to: Assistant Local Manager
Catholic Public Schools
St. Francis Xavier Parish
Corozal Town.
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) Online Portal is Here!!
Belize's Wonder Women! Mrs. Rose Anderson
For the month of November we are proud to announce that Mrs. Rose Anderson is our Belize Wonder Woman!
Mrs. Rose Anderson is presently employed as the Health Coordinator for HECOPAB at the Western Regional Hospital. A resident of Cotton Tree Village she has been involved in several initiatives to improve the village including working with the village council and serving as the president of the Women’s group for four years. During her time as the president of the Women’s group the ladies ventured into pepper farming, sewing, fast food production and later established an internet café.
She also works with her local church encouraging and sensitizing leaders to work in areas such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and Elderly Care. She has a special passion when it comes to working with older persons. She regularly supports the local programming at HelpAge Belmopan providing health talks and support to the seniors.
Yarborough Water Front Development Project
The Downtown Rejuvenation Project team and a Taiwan ICDF video production team visited the Yarborough Football Field yesterday. The site will be the location for the proposed Yarborough Water Front Development Project, a project to be carried out under DRP 's hard components. The picture was taken from a drone which was used to take some aerial photos of the area.
Documentary video based on the renovations of the Government House
Members of the Downtown Rejuvenation Project and a team from Taiwan ICDF's Public Relations Department met yesterday to start the production of a short documentary video based on the renovations of the Government House and it's property which is to start this month. DRP's members from left to right are: Cheslea Evelyn (Project Support Officer), Albert Avila (Community Liaison Officer), Carla Gillett (top Planning and Project Development Officer) and John Arana (Project Director). Taiwan ICDF Team left to right: Lin Jian-Jhang, Liang Jia-huan, Zing Chen (ICDF Intern) and Chang Tzu-yi.
Save the ancient city of Ka'kabish
Deforestation through agricultural development is threatening many ancient Maya ruins. Ka’kabish is a 3000 year old ancient Maya ruin, and now forms a rainforest refuge for many animals who have taken up residence at the site for shelter. Our efforts, with your help will not only preserve the heritage of Belize from destruction but also continue to provide a rainforest sanctuary for these animals.
Is to protect Ka'kabish, an ancient Maya city in Belize, from agricultural development that would see the site stripped of trees and the ancient temples and buildings leveled by bulldozers. The land is currently registered as agricultural and most of the land around the site has been cleared for farming. Pressure is mounting for this site to demolished in the same way. We are working with the Institute of Archaeology, a division of the National Institute of Culture and History, in Belize, to buy back this section of land and stop the impending destruction.
Opening of the Shark Fishing Season
The public is informed that the opening of Shark season is from November 1st, 2017 to July 31st, 2017.
Any person who contravenes any of the provision of the Fisheries Act, commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction.
The Fisheries Department hereby makes a special appeal to and urges responsible citizens to call 224-4552/203-2623, email fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz or Crime Stoppers Belize at 0-800-922-TIPS (8477) to report any Fisheries infractions. The Department assures that all information communicated will be treated in the strictest confidence.
This is all in accordance with Regulation of Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2011 of the Fisheries Regulation.
Lost Dog "Yoshi" in San Pedro
Has any one seen this dog?
All Saint's Day Parade through the streets of downtown San Pedro
Job Vacancy at the Corozal Commercial Free Zone
A female cashier is needed between the ages of 18 to 25 years. Person must command 100% of the Spanish language. Email your application with the relevant resume to lolyscompany@gmail.com. Deadline is November 17th, 2017.
A power outage is scheduled for Friday, November 3 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, affecting all villages along the Old Northern Highway
Including Boston, Rockstone Pond, Lucky Strike, Santana, Chicago, Corozalito, Maskall and Bomba. BEL to replace poles carrying high voltage power lines.
Friends of Vaca Forest Reserve farmers presented their farm plans to officials
Including the Forest Department, Agriculture Department, Cooperatives and donors. This action was possible through the support of GEF Small Grants Programme and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
15 desks donated to the Students of San Pablo Community School
Continuing efforts from Beyond the Horizon 2017, the U.S. Marines Civil-Affairs Team and the Belize Defence Force alongside Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture distributed 15 donated desks to the Students of San Pablo Community School, Orange Walk District.
Channel 7
GOB Loses to Ashcroft Alliance At CCJ - Must Pay 78 Million USD
78 million US dollars - that's how much the Government of Belize has to pay the Ashcroft Alliance, and Belmopan only has ten days to come up with it. That's the decision of Caribbean Court of Justice handed down today in the final case to settle the full compensation for the acquisition of BTL.
It's a significant loss for the government, both tactically and in terms of hard currency - and you'll hear from the Prime Minister shortly. But, first to the decision which was handed down via teleconference from the CCJ Headquarters in Port of Spain at 9:00 this morning.
The court was asked to determine, basically, whether roughly 160 million dollars that the Ashcroft Alliance through its companies, named Dunkeld and the Employees Trust claimed as legal expenses were justified. That figure comes out of the overall BTL settlement in 2015, but it's an amount that was set aside - what is called The Restricted Amount. This is the amount arising from the infamous Accommodation Agreement.
Finsec Disappointed in Court Ruling
Now, Financial Secretary Joe Waight has to find that money by next week Friday - in US dollars. He was in court when the decision was handed down, and outside he told the press he is disappointed:..
Reporter:
"Your initial reaction at least?"
Joe Waight, Financial Secretary:
"Disappointment. It's a disappointment, but we respect the court."
Reporter:
"But, finding money, that's the important thing."
Joe Waight, Financial Secretary:
"Well, you know, that's an order to the Financial Secretary, so we'll see how we can comply."
Dunked Attorney Says Blame Barrow
Later on you'll hear the Prime Minister address the issue more directly. But, first, to the main attorney for the Ashcroft Alliance, Eamon Courtenay. Today, after the judgement was handed down, he said the court was right to uphold his clients expenses - and now the Prime Minister has to answer for signing a settlement agreement that was full of holes:..
Eamon Courtney, S.C., Attorney For Dunkeld:
"This obligation of the government was established by the settlement agreement. The government was aware that they had to make the payment by the 28th of July."
"Their issue was on the question of how much US dollars was to be paid. And the dispute between us really was whether they had a right to determine for themselves what liabilities of Dunkeld and the Trust they were going to honor. Now that is entirely unreasonable and the court has rejected that position advanced by the government."
PM Says GOB Will Pay All 78 Million USD At Once
And the Prime Minister did come forward today with a Press Conference at the Blltmore. To cut directly to the chase, he said Government will come up quickly:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister:
"I can tell you that, in fact, we will make the entirety of the foreign currency payments by the date given in the order of the court. The bottom line is we are going to pay these people everything by November 10th and so there will be no question of this 8.34% running. Already an informal approach was made to us to talk about the possibility of installment payments but then that's because then they would collect the interest from us. We will make one payment and be done with it and that's going to be an end to the saga in so far as the paying off for the nationalization of BTL is concerned."
Will Mega-Payment Wipe Out Reserves?
But it's not so simple for the country hard currency reserves. Those should be at least equivalent to three months of exports - and making this payment will immediately wipe out 20% of those reserves.
The Prime Minister says that the amount had been budgeted - but not in US dollars. He discussed making the payment and the impact it will have on the reserves:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister:
"These payments are not anything new. They are payments under the award, the quantum of which we've known for well over a year now. We do feel that the Belizean people have been shortchanged in that the amount of the funding of local projects is under $11 million, we had expected far more. We are still trying to understand how the Ashcroft people slipped the nose in terms of their being able to have the court approve the quantum that the court did as representing their liabilities."
PM Has Some Choice Remarks For CCJ
On November 11th, the governor of the Central Bank Joy Grant says there will be 15.6 weeks of import cover.
So while the reserves can withstand the hit - the Prime Minister made it clear he is not happy with the CCJ. Here's how he put it:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"I think the court completely missed it. It wasn't just a matter of whether the liabilities put forward repressed expenses that were actually incurred. It was a matter of whether, even if these were expenses that were actually incurred, they were incurred so as to qualify them for reimbursement or for extraction in the context of what the settlement agreement provided for and in particular it said the expenses must have been incurred in connection with the compulsory acquisition of Telemedia. The expenses would not be allowable if they were expenses that were already before the tribunal and which the tribunal would have rejected."
Is PM to Blame?
And while the Prime Minister is not happy with the court, as you heard both the judge and the Ashcroft attorney say - a lot of the problem lies in the settlement agreement, which the Prime Minister signed off on. Today we asked him if he accepts blame:..
Jules Vasquez, reporter:
"Do you accept any blame, any culpability for the defects, the much cited defects in the settlement agreement?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"Absolutely. Look, I didn't draft the agreement, but it turned out that the agreement was not the best drafted agreement in the world. Now, I don't know that there ever such a thing as a perfectly drafted agreement. That is why there are always court cases in consequence of disputes over the meanings of language in various agreements, but to the extent that there may be obvious boners in terms of this particular agreement and the particular wording. If I missed some as you called lacunae, then I will be perfectly prepared to engage in a mea culpa."
Belmopan Police Got Information for Hit and Run Arrest From Community
In last night's newscast, we told you about the breakthrough that Belmopan police made in the weekend accident on the Southern Highway which killed Mellisa Dorothy Andrews, and put her husband, Allen Andrews, in the hospital.
As we told you, Dangriga police were treating it as a hit and run. That's because they had no idea who was driving the vehicle which hit the couple's motorbike, between miles 11 and 12, an area between Sittee River and Silk Grass villages.
Well, Belmopan Police police received information from the pubic which led them to find this white cargo truck with a damaged front end. It is believed that this is the vehicle which knocked down the couple.
Minister of Immigration Testifies Before Immigration Inquiry
Today in Belmopan, the Senate Special Selected Committee held the 38th session of the Senate Hearings on Immigration, and this time they called Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse to testify.
He has been substantive minister responsible for Immigration from 2012 up until present. That meant that he was in charge of the Immigration Department for majority of the period where Auditor General Dorothy Bradley uncovered the widespread irregularities in that Government department.
Hulse was ready to testify in the Senate hearings for months, but they finally got an opportunity to get his testimony today, and it's a lot to digest.
Did Hulse Try and Fix Porous Vital Stats?
The Senate Committee also asked him for his take on how fraudulent birth certificates negatively affect the Immigration Department.
Viewers will remember that as far back as 2013, he was the first public official, who acknowledged that bogus birth certificates from the Vital Statistics Unit could dupe the entire Immigration system.
So, the Senators asked him if he had made any efforts to address that glaring weakness as the Minister in charge:
Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration:
"I have had discussions over the years with various persons at vital statistics. I've had discussions with different persons at the CEO levels over the years to try to look at some ways to strengthen it. In some countries, it is done at the hospital as you are walking through the door."
Hulse Defends That Famous Cabinet Decreee
The Senate Select Committee also asked him to explain that Cabinet directive to the former Acting Immigration Director, Maria Marin.
Hulse wrote a letter to Marin in 2014 informing her of a policy decision which basically says that if Immigration officers can't find the file of source documents for passport - holders, the department must not delay in processing in their renewal.
There is a specific qualification that these applicants must meet. The letter says, quote, "Cabinet has decided that persons who hold original nationality certificates and previous passports should be issued with a new passport."
The Auditor General flagged this as a worrying policy, given all the fraudulently issued passports and nationalities that her audit uncovered.
Here's what Hulse had to say about Cabinet's rationale behind this decision:
The Senate Grilled Godwin
Of course, the Senators didn't just accept his explanation without a robust challenge. This justification of the Cabinet decision turned into a back and forth which lasted for more than half an hour. Here's a few excerpts from it:
Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration:
"Cabinet's position with previous passports is that it was intended to be genuine. It does not remove the responsibility of the director to look at these in-depth on an individual case, it doesn't remove that responsibility."
Mark Lizarraga - Senator for Business Sector:
"Minister, with the greatest of respect, that is not what this letter says."
Godwin Hulse:
"That is exactly what that letter says. It says that persons who have passports and original documents, not one, passports, meaning that you are coming with your series of passports because that was the complaint."
Cops: Joshua Tried To Kill James
You have seen Joshua Gillett on this newscast before complaining about police mistreatment. But, tonight, police say he is the guilty one. The 20 year old fisherman of was charged with the attempted murder of James Swazo - who was shot on Sunday.
He appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Senior Magistrate Ford explained to him that the court cannot consider bail until after 3 months.
Wanted Man Remanded
In January, Kaleem Chun was accused of an arson spree in Punta Gorda Town-setting fire to two vehicles, a home and a restaurant - all in one night. Well, according to court reports, today, he appeared in the Supreme Court after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. That's because he had failed to make court appearances in Dangriga for a rape charge and the arson charges. Bail was revoked and he was remanded.
That works out fine for police because reports say they want to question him about a recent murder in Belize City.
Paying Taxes is Never Fun, But This Makes It Easier
BTB launched its first online portal today, primarily for those in the hotel industry. It is an easy and convenient way for stakeholders to do things like making tax submissions and renewing licensing without having to go into to the BTB office. 7 news was present at the launch and we learnt more about how it will work:...
Sean Tang. Business Development Manager:
"What is the BTB online portal? It is basically a BTB office at your fingertips. It is a secure environment you can access from your mobile, from our computer, or laptop that allows you to access the BTB services from your personal computer or your own electronic device. You are able to do tax submissions, payments, and also licensing."
PM Murky on BDF Case
For the past two nights we've been reporting on the irregularities unearthed in an audit of the BDF's Jungle Training Operations. A senior officer is under scrutiny for setting up a private company which offers logistical support to those jungle training units - while at the same time being tasked by the BDF to be in charge of those operations.
Today the Prime Minister told us he didn't know much about it:..
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"I will speak to the Minister of Defence and the officials in the Ministry. Clearly there is a need for a thorough going investigation and I am positive that, I certainly will insist that no stone is left unturned to get to the bottom of this. It sounds and looks bad, but I guess final judgement must be suspended until the investigation is concluded, but investigation there will be."
ACT Cops Caught A Gun
Today, police sent out a story to prove that their ACT operation is making arrests. Last night, around 10:45 pm ACT officers were patrolling Tribruce Street when they saw a man take something form under this shirt, and throw it into someone's yard. The officers searched the yard and found a .38 special revolver with multiple live rounds. The man was identified as 22-year-old Devon Nicholas. Today he was charged with " a kept firearm without having been granted a gun license and kept ammunition without having been granted a gun license".
Alleged Murderer Goes to Trial Within A Year
A man has been committed to stand trial for the murder of a minor which happened earlier this year. On January 18th, 15-year-old Jaheem Mahler was riding his bike on Iguana Street when he was shot 8 times and died. Twenty-eight-year-old Carl Reneau was arrested and charged with the murder.
Today, Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford held a preliminary inquiry which ended in Reneau being committed for trial in the January, 2018 session. This is not the first time Reneau has been before the court. In 2008 he was charged with the attempted murder of Delroy Matura and in 2009 he was accused of the murder of Brian Williams.
Pizza Man Robbed
Yesterday Yonardo Rash, a pizza delivery man reported to the police that while making a delivery he was held at gunpoint by several young men. They stole his wallet which contained $150 along with personal documents. Today twenty-one-year-old Norman Vernon Jr. a sales clerk was charged for the robbery when he appeared in court. He pled not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody until December 19th, 2017.
UNFPA And the Worlds Populations
Today at the Radisson, the UNFPA launched The State of the World Populations Report in Belize City. The report highlights why countries struggle globally when it comes to economic growth and development. According to the Liason officer of the UNFPA, the report is a breakthrough because goes beyond looking the usual issues that are identified. She gave us more insight this afternoon.
Tisa Grant, United Nations Population fund Liaison Officer :
"This particular report is path-breaking because it goes beyond the standard economic measures that one would look at such as wealth and it looks at how there are other inequalities such as inequalities in access to sexual and reproductive health, information services, commodities etc. and how these things affect a person's ability to generate income as well as a countries economic development growth."
When The Trainees Become Trainers
In the beginning of October, we told you about the Gang Reduction and Education Training program. 25 police officers attended where they were trained and certified to become GREAT instructors. After the course, they took the information they learnt to the classroom, and today after a few weeks of hard work, their students graduated. 7News was at the ceremony at the community centre in Ladyville and we heard how meaningful the training was to all involved.
Randy Lawrence, Corporal of Police/G.R.E.A.T Instructor:
"The course has different outlines. You had decision making. We taught them about bullying and the actions and consequences in society."
"It is a move to ensure that they resist gang in the event that someone tries to recruit them."
Cheers For Capital Cops
On Monday, we told you how Belmopan Police moved swiftly and decisively to wrap up their investigation into the armed robbery at the First Stop Pawn Shop.
It happened on last week Thursday where 3 men held up the manager and her employee at gunpoint and robbed the pawnshop of $8,500 in cash, and 51,000 dollars in assorted jewelry.
Well, in less than 72 hours, Sergeant Julio Shal, Corporal Mateo Carrillo, Constable Jose Uh, from Belmopan, worked with Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo from Belize City to crack the case. They recovered 95% of the stolen items, and 3 people from Belize City were arrested and charged in connection with the crime.
Halloween Street Sights
We leave you tonight with footage form the streets of Belize City where trick or treaters in all kinds of customs overtook the town, eager to get candy and any kind of sweet stuff...
Some were scare, but most were as sweet as that candy they crave...good, enjoy and join me back here tomorrow
Channel 5
C.C.J. Settles B.T.L. Dispute – US $78 Million for Ex-Owners
Eight years of costly legal battles between the Government of Belize and Dunkeld International Limited, a subsidiary of the Ashcroft Group, over the final payment for the 2009 B.T.L. acquisition, [...]
G.O.B. Has 9 Days to Find Money
A release from the CCJ points out that the court is holding G.O.B. to tough terms if payment is not met in the prescribed timeline, thereby imposing an interest rate [...]
Eamon Courtenay Says P.M. Must ‘Come up’
The predicament that government now finds itself in, according to Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, is entirely the responsibility of PM Barrow, who privately negotiated the settlement of compensation package with [...]
Financial Secretary ‘Disappointed’
So, roughly eighty million U.S. dollars in ten days. It’s perhaps the biggest disbursement that government would have made in respect of the B.T.L. saga within such a limited span. [...]
P.M. Says It’s Over – Will Pay by Deadline
Prime Minister Barrow, following this morning’s decision, called a press conference this afternoon to address the judgment. While government will meet its obligations to Dunkeld and B.T.L. Employees Trust in [...]
Did Court Miss Point of Audit Objections?
As we’ve reported, government’s attorneys made it a point before the CCJ that they would not accept the results of independent audits done on behalf of Dunkeld and the Employees [...]
P.M. Counts on Tourism Boost to Overcome Pain
The drawing down on seventy-eight million U.S. dollars from the Central Bank’s reserves at this time of year raises serious concerns. Will the local economy be adversely impacted by the [...]
P.M. Barrow Concedes Errors in Settlement Agreement But It’s Not All His Fault
The drafting of the settlement agreement between the Prime Minister and Lord Michael Ashcroft, as well as their respective attorneys, has been criticized as poorly put together. The CCJ bench [...]
Opposition Calls Final Resolution ‘Absolute Disaster’ for Belize
This afternoon, the People’s United Party released a statement of its views on the judgment, which it calls an “absolute disaster” for Belize. It points out that the timing of [...]
Couple, Terrorized in Corozal Home Invasion, Packing Up to Leave
Burglars roaming in the Corozal District have traumatized the community. The latest victims of armed robbers are expats Michael and Janet McGhee. The elderly U.S. couple has been living in [...]
City Youth Nabbed for Attack on “Chainsaw” James Swazo
A Belize City youth has been arraigned for the attempted murder of well-known taxi-man, James Swazo, who was shot on October twenty-ninth, 2017 at his home in the Jane Usher [...]
How Late Leela Vernon Benefited from Cabinet Decision on Renewing Passports
Minister of Immigration and Nationality, Senator Godwin Hulse, made his first appearance before his Senate colleagues on the Special Select Committee this morning in Belmopan. He was questioned on various [...]
Participants in Nationality Rush Took Advantage of Obvious Loophole on Residency
Opposition Senator Eamon Courtenay revealed during this morning’s testimony that, among the rush of secret informants to the Special Select Committee, an unnamed source visited him some time ago with [...]
Director, Not Ministers, Has Final Say on Visa Grants
The law on granting visas for entry into Belize places discretion solely on the shoulder of the Director of Immigration, assisted by her juniors in the department, to accept or [...]
P.M. Proclaims B.T.L. Still Worth It
Notwithstanding the exorbitant cost that the people of Belize have ultimately paid for B.T.L., PM Barrow maintains that it was all worth the money. That’s a hefty price tag of [...]
Audit Shows ‘Different Level’ of Alleged Corruption in B.D.F.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow this afternoon lent his support to a full investigation of Belize Jungle Experience Limited. The company is being audited by the Audit Department for appearing to [...]
Elvin Penner, You’re On Your Own!
Back to the senate hearings…Former minister Elvin Penner was appointed back in 2012 to join Godwin Hulse in the immigration ministry and was assigned direct responsibility for the Immigration Department. [...]
Findings on Won Hong Kim
The infamous Won Hong Kim affair, while not the start of the Immigration Department’s troubles, certainly exacerbated them. After its discovery multiple investigations were triggered, including the one that led [...]
Ladyville Police Certify 124 GREAT Students
Criminal activities linked to gangs continue to be one the challenges for local cops. Since 2008, the Belize Police Department has been tackling the growing issue through the Gang Resistance [...]
LOVE FM
CCJ orders GOB to pay US $78 Million in Less than 10 Days
The Government of Belize has been ordered to cough up US78 Million dollars by the Caribbean Court of Justice which handed down its ruling this morning. The matter is in relation to the BTL Arbitration matter. The CCJ has ordered that US $62, 849, 794.23 be paid to Dunkheld International and US $15, 314, 006.84 […]
PM says the Monies have been Budgeted
Prime Minister Dean Barrow called a press conference this evening in Belize City where he addressed the recent CCJ ruling. According to the Prime Minister, the US $78 million has long since been set aside and it will not increase the national debt. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “The money is money that we […]
PM Disappointed in CCJ’s Ruling with Regards to BTL’s Trust
During the press conference, the Prime Minister also expressed the disappointment in the CCJ’s ruling with regards to how much monies will be going to the BTL employee charitable trust. Rt.Hon.Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “We do feel that the Belizean people have been shortchanged in that the amount of the funding of local projects is […]
Immigration Minister drilled by Senate Select Committee
The Special Senate Select Committee convened today and appearing before the committee is Senator Godwin Hulse, Substantive Minister of Immigration. Senator Hulse had said back in May that he was looking forward to appearing before the Committee to clear up doubts and point out improvements that have been implemented in the department since the scandals […]
PM criticized CCJ’s Judgment
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, today, also criticized a portion of the CCJ’s judgment. Rt.Hon.Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “The Ashcroft Alliance could never have expected that they would simply present us at the last minute with these so-called audited liability claims and that we would have swallowed those whole, the court said that and that is […]
Minister Questioned on Investigation into Findings
Minister Hulse was also questioned on the investigations that should have been conducted following the conclusion of the audit. When asked, the Minister agreed that Police did not and does not need the report of the Special Senate Select Committee to launch that investigation. Senator Mark Lizarraga “And certainly is my opinion at least that […]
Financial Secretary comments on the High Cost of Fuel
The price of Premium Gasoline has yet to decrease as promised by Prime Minister a few weeks ago. This morning the media caught up with the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, who explained why. Joseph Waight – Financial Secretary “The fuel prices are a composite of many things, a lot of it has to do with […]
UNFPA Launches Population Report
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) globally launched the state of world population report on October 17 and today, November 1, the report was launched in Belize in collaboration with the United Nation’s residential coordinator office at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. Liaison Officer of the United Nations Population Fund, Tisa Grant, spoke to Love […]
BTB launches On-line Portal
Tourism is one of the pillars of Belize’s economy. The Belize Tourism Board is tasked with the responsibility to develop a market and implement tourism programs that will allow them to operate efficiently and effectively. It was with this in mind that the online portal was developed. The Director of Marketing, Karen Pike tells us […]
GREAT Graduation
This morning students from three primary schools: Our Lady of the Way Primary School, Ladyville Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, and Ladyville Evangelical Primary School assembled at the Ladyville Community Centre for the graduation exercise of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program. The program is geared toward steering children away from gangs, and […]
Evarisco Chun Acquitted of Murder
Forty-seven-year-old Evarisco Chun, a farmer of San Antonio, Toledo, charged with murder, was acquitted of the charge today by Justice Denis Hanomansingh in Dangriga Supreme Court. A viore dire was held to determine the admissibility of a caution statement that Chun gave to the police. Chun’s attorney, Leeroy Banner, submitted that Chun was detained for […]
Jeremy Gillett Charged with Attempted Murder
Twenty-year-old Joshua Jeremy Gillett has been charged for attempting to allegedly murder James Swazo. Gillett was formally arrested and charged with ‘attempted murder’, ‘dangerous harm’, and Use of Deadly Means of Harm. Swazo was shot on Sunday, October 29 while at his home in the Jane Usher Boulevard area. Police say that the gunman called […]
Carl Reneau charged with the Murder of Jaheem Mahler
Twenty-eight-year-old Carl Reneau, charged with the murder of 15-year-old Jaheem Mahler, was committed today for trial in the January session of the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry was held in the court of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The prosecution tendered 32 statements, 5 reports, a post-mortem examination report, a sudden death report, the copy […]
Man Wanted for Impersonating the Governor General
Police are looking for 23 Elston Elijio, a resident of Dangriga Town accused of creating a false Facebook account of the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young. Investigators say that Elijio is wanted for the crime of ‘forgery’. Police say that he used the email ‘colville_young@yahoo.com’ and pretended to be the Governor General. They […]
Breaking Belize News
FinSec says gas prices high because of transport cost
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, responding to questions about promised fuel price reductions at the pump, […]
Devon Nicholas charged for gun and ammo
Last night before 11:00, Belize City police officers patrolling Tibruce street saw a man riding […]
Justin Usher not aspiring for political office
Activist Justin Usher was charged on Monday for allegedly assaulting a police officer after an […]
Nail in the coffin? $160 Million due in 9 days for BTL settlement
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) this morning dropped the hammer on Belize, delivering a […]
Belmopan police feeding program receive donation from SanCas
This morning, the Belmopan police formation received a donation from Santiago Castillo Company Ltd. in […]
Police launch G.R.E.A.T cup sporting competition
The opening ceremony for the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T) CUP 2017 was […]
Belize Electronic Licenses and Permits System (BELAPS) to be Inaugurated tomorrow
Tomorrow, Taiwanese Ambassador H.E. Charles K. Y. Liu will hand over the Belize Electronic License […]
Transport Minister signs MOU with Mexico
Yesterday, Belize’s Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro, in the presence of […]
Massive reduction in murders and crimes in Belmopan
Belmopan police are reporting a massive reduction in the murder rate in their jurisdiction, particularly when […]
Coming Here Was the Best Decision We Ever Made
“We have been traveling to Belize since 1997 and have never found a country with more caring, welcoming, and positive people,” says Lisa Cyrier. “And it’s gorgeous, too. We can travel from the beach to the rainforest in just a few hours. And the tropical climate suits us just fine.”
For three years now, Lisa and her husband Ronnie, 46 and 48 from Chicago, Illinois, have made their home on the island of Ambergris Caye. But this couple aren’t ones for just lazing on a beach all day. They enjoy an impressive array of water-based activities on Ambergris.
“We can take our pick from snorkeling, kayaking, boating, fishing, or maybe we’ll take the paddle boards out,” says Lisa. “We aren’t fully retired yet, so we can’t spend all day, every day just lounging around. But I can’t imagine a more wonderful place to hang out. Some days, the weather and the water are just too hard to resist, so we go play. Freedom is the key, and we have set up our lives to allow plenty of freedom to do what we want to do, when we want to do it.”
Halloween Bar Crawl 2017 and my “Holy Crap” Scary Moment
Tacogirl does a tour through Halloween festivities at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Sandy Toes Beach Bar, Holiday Hotel, Palapa Bar SAGA Fundraiser, Wayo’s Haunted House, and the Legends Roadhouse Halloween Pop Up Party.
6 fabulously fun Halloween parties in 4 days with only one "Holy Crap" Scary Moment the entire time.
Crazy Canucks, Sandy Toes and Legends Roadhouse all made nice additions to the party circuit this year. Although that made it more challenging for endurance and extra costume planning. Thankfully I have a small manageable collection. This year I went ultra simple and added a ghost dress and a kitty cat.
Canucks was smart. They decided to get people while fresh and claimed Friday night for the first party of the season this year. I donned my smiling ghost dress and started walking to the popular beach bar to meet a few friends.
International Sources
November Atlantic Hurricane Outlook: The Season is Not Over Yet
The tropical Atlantic is quiet, with no threat areas to discuss, and no reliable models predicting development of a tropical cyclone during the coming five days. The waters of the tropical Atlantic are certainly warm enough to support development, with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) well above the 26°C (79°F) threshold typically needed to support tropical storm formation (Figure 1.) In addition, the large-scale circulation pattern during the first week of November will favor upward-moving air and an increased chance of tropical storm development over the Atlantic, due to the current positioning of the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), a pattern of increased thunderstorm activity near the Equator that moves around the globe in 30 - 60 days. The MJO is expected to weaken thereafter, and will neither favor nor suppress Atlantic hurricane activity into mid-November.
What the Caribbean could learn from Taiwan – Part 1
There are countless, wonderful sites throughout the Caribbean with immense historical significance. I question, though, if many of these places receive the efficient investment and even visitation numbers that they rightly deserve. I can only speak mostly for Honduras and its Caribbean sector as this is where I live myself. Along the entire coastline one can find Spanish forts built to guard their territories from British piracy during the age of discovery (16th – 18th centuries). Many bays and inlets too are laden with historically important zones that were perhaps the hideouts of buccaneer crews led by infamous figures such as the Welshman Sir Henry Morgan, a pirate or privateer – depending on one’s perspective. Just to mention, Morgan is, according to my family, an ancestor of ours. Anyway, I would say that all these locations are under-invested and have much under-achieved potential. The attitude of many Hondurans being polar to that of the Taiwanese. On once asking a Honduran fellow about the old pirate hideouts his comic response was indeed unexpected.
The Weekend to screen in Belize
On the heels of its sold-out screenings at the TT Film Festival in September, The Weekend’s international premiere is slated for the Belize International Film Festival next weekend.
“At first glance, our film is about a group of Trinis with a lot of history who decide to spend a weekend together in a beach house in Blanchisseuse,” said director Sean Hodgkinson.
“But that is just scratching the surface. What we have really done is use comedy to address pertinent issues that are often swept under the rug in TT.”
Sunken gold from shipwreck could be sold
A court-appointed receiver has asked a Franklin County judge to approve the sale of $30 million of gold brought up from the SS Central America shipwreck to help satisfy claims of creditors and investors.
The 16,000 artifacts recovered in 2014 by the Odyssey Marine Exploration’s dive on the 1857 wreck off the Carolina coast include gold dust, coins and bullion. An original estimate had placed the value at $47 million.
It is not the gold recovered in the original 1988 dive that is the subject of federal court proceedings against treasure hunter Thomas G. “Tommy” Thompson, who is suspected of hiding that gold.
ECLAC proposes integration of disaster risk management into development policy
Caribbean countries are now equipped to better prepare themselves for and minimize damage and loss incurred from natural disasters. This following the recent publication by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) of a new policy brief entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management Strategies in National Development Instruments”.
This timely publication follows on the heels of two major hurricanes, namely Irma and Maria, which devastated several Caribbean islands during the last few months.
Building on ECLAC’s extensive experience in the area of damage and loss assessment, accrued over the years by virtue of its continued support to countries in Latin America and Caribbean, the brief describes the integration of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) into development policies.
Videos
NEW BTB ONLINE PORTAL, 1.5min. Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to inform you of the initial steps we are taking to improve our services to you. With the changes in technology and growing demand of the industry, we are cognizant of the necessity to continuously improve on efficiency as we work together in this vital and important tourism industry.
Science + Soul Wellness at Mahogany Bay Village, 3min. With a bright, beautiful, fully-equipped aerial yoga studio and a world-class faculty of wellness experts, Science + Soul Wellness in Belize, offers retreat hosting programs that bring peace, adventure, and elegance to every aspect of our retreats.
Soul Ambrosia Retreat, Belize, 6min.
Belize Vacation, 22min. We spent our time at Hamanasi in Hopkins, Belize. Had a great time and some great excursions!
San Pedro in Belize - La Isla Bonita, 4min. We sailed in from Chetumal, Mexico and arrived in San Pedro. San Pedro is the dominating town on Ambergis Caye, but the whole island is much more famous as Isla Bonita. Although Madonna never really confirmed she sang about this island in her song, Isla Bonita is a trademark for San Pedro.
Hummingbirds and Hurricane Earl in Belize, 1min. Weathering an unexpected hurricane during fieldwork for my Master's research in Belize, Central America
BIOL6069 Advanced Field Projects
FIRST FEMALE SURGEON OF BELIZE, 6.5min. Tonight we can report that Belize has accomplished a great milestone as Orange Walk’s very own, Dr. Rosita Jimenez, has been named as the first female General Surgeon for Belize. While Dr. Jimenez has recently returned to Belize to officially begin her career… today we had the opportunity to speak one on one with her.
Tanya Carter video premiere 'Million', 36min. on Open Your Eyes...
Basic Self-defense Techniques, 32min.
4th CARICOM–MEXICO Summit, 59min.
Placencia YOGA, 23min.
Jeff Corwin and a Tapir at the Belize Zoo, .5min. While in port in Belize, Jeff Corwin visits The Belize Zoo and meets a new friend, Indie the Central American Tapir! Learn all about this unique species on this week’s episode of Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin.
Belize 2017, 6min. First time in Belize!
Mr Petaz Jr and the Boom and Chime Band performing live for our ICDF Taiwanese guests at the House of Culture., 1min.
November 1, 2017
FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
2017 brings another epic Halloween spectacular at the Holiday Hotel
The spookiest, most spectacular Halloween party in Belize took place on Saturday, October 28th at the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. The highly anticipated celebration attracted hundreds of island residents and visitors alike, who brought out their most impressive costumes hoping to grab some fabulous prizes at the end of night. Attendees competed in different categories, ranging from super creative, elegant, wildest, cutest, to the craziest costume. According to spectators, this year’s celebration surpassed expectations once again, and plans are already underway for next year. An eager crowd of onlookers gathered near the traditional green carpet, curious and excited to see what the different costumes the evening would bring. Shortly after 9PM, the first participants began arriving, sashaying down the carpet to a captive audience, who cheered and the flashed their cameras. Pirates, clowns, witches, super heroes, demons, mummies and even religious figures made their way inside. One eye-catching costume featuring broken pieces of mirror had the crowd murmuring.
Belizean Wavemakers Gather for Oceana’s 2017 Annual General Meeting
On Saturday October 28th, 2017, Belizeans from across the country gathered at the Belmopan Civic Center to participate in Oceana’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its dedicated volunateers, our “Wavemakers”. During the event, several Wavemakers were awarded certificates of appreciation for their sensational support for Oceana’s campaigns and initiatives over the past year. Oceana was proud to recognize the St. Catherine Academy (SCA) Wavemaker Club and parent Mrs. Tania Mahler as the 2017 Wavemakers of the Year. The SCA Wavemaker Club, which started in December 2015, was awarded for their dedication to the offshore oil campaign as well as their consistent involvement in cleanups throughout the year. Earlier this month, the SCA Wavemaker Club succeeded in implementing their “Kick Plastic” campaign on campus when the school banned the use of single use plastic and styrofoam, which positively impacts both the environment and reduces the administrative costs of garbage disposal.
Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run held on Ambergris Caye
On Saturday, October 29th The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) organized its annual “Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run”. Runners/walkers gathered at the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge at 5:30 AM joining Belizeans across the country in solidarity, spreading awareness of the disease.
Before the event started, Sports Coordinator Kent Gabourel shared a few words “I want to thank everyone who made the effort to be present, and show solidarity to all persons that have a family member that is battling or have lost a loved one with this deadly disease.” After Gabourel’s brief speech, the participants began to run heading north all the way up to Belizean Shores and back to the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge.
Ambergris Today
Fake Profiles Of Belize Governor General Activated
The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) is aware that Facebook accounts and email under the name “Colville Young” and colville_young@yahoo.com have been created and are active. The OGG informs the public that any pages and email address colville_young@yahoo.com purporting to be the personal or official account of, or bearing photos or personal information of the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, are fake and unauthorized.
Art Show Fundraiser Coming Up At SP House Of Culture
The San Pedro House of Culture is hosting an art show featuring Bernadette Damper from November 9 to 23. The show will benefit San Pedro Fundraising Events; the opening will be on November 9 from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and support a worthy cause.
My name is Bernadette Damper. I have been a resident of San Pedro since March 2016. Before moving here permanently, I came once or twice a year for nine years to SCUBA and eventually became a dive master.
I was born in 1952 and grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. I attended Pace University in New York for a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. I began my nursing career in the Bronx and in my late 20’s, I moved to California, where I married, raised a family and worked full time as a Registered Nurse in the hospital setting.
Belizean Wavemakers Gather For Oceana’s 2017 Annual General Meeting
On Saturday, October 28, 2017, Belizeans from across the country gathered at the Belmopan Civic Center to participate in Oceana’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its dedicated volunteers, our “Wavemakers”.
During the event, several Wavemakers were awarded certificates of appreciation for their sensational support for Oceana’s campaigns and initiatives over the past year. Oceana was proud to recognize the St. Catherine Academy (SCA) Wavemaker Club and parent Mrs. Tania Mahler as the 2017 Wavemakers of the Year.
Misc Belizean Sources
Fake Profiles of the Governor General
The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) is aware that Facebook accounts and email under the name “Colville Young” and colville_young@yahoo.com have been created and are active. The OGG informs the public that any pages and email address colville_young@yahoo.com purporting to be the personal or official account of, or bearing photos or personal information of the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, are fake and unauthorized.
Users are advised to disregard any friend requests or communication from such pages and email and especially refrain from sharing any personal information with said accounts.
Of White Vans, Pink Eyes, Guatemalans and Yellow Buses. Belize is Panophobic
On February 24th, 2015 I wrote this short article below which makes me thing of the recent pink eye outbreak that also came from Yucatan and spread like wildfire to Belize.
“The mysterious white van has left Belize City's Queen’s Square and the northern districts. The kidnapping rumor, without a valid visa, crossed the Santa Elena border with Chetumal. On Thursday January 23rd, 2015 a rumor of a white van driving around Merida, kidnapping children was spread on social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.”
The rumors and hoaxes for the original source of the post is unknown, but it was shared by thousands of users in Yucatan and Campeche, not only through Facebook, but on Twitter and WhatsApp as well.
Raspberry Pi Jam
Kings Room, Ramada Princess. November 10, 2017. 10am
Dia De Los Muertos
Dia De Los Muertos is one of Mexico’s traditional holidays reuniting and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends. It is an ancient and enduring ritual when the living commune with the dead – a mystical night when the veil is lifted between their two realms and they may share a day together. The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica of the indigenous people.
It has been gaining momentum in Belize over the years.
“One Hundred Belizean Portraits” at the Museum of Belize
Today we take a look at Yaoling Lee’s versatile artwork! In 2015 she challenged herself to do a project “One Hundred Belizean Portraits” in six months, one of which is on display now at the museum along with her other pieces. To check out her amazing work, visit her blog to view the process of theses fantastic portraits and sculptures.
DIA DE LOS FINADOS by Hector Silva
= ALL SOULS DAY. - - - DIA DE LOS ANGELITOS = ALL SAINTS DAY. - DIA DE LOS MUERTOS = DAY OF THE DEAD. ( Difuntos )
Finados really come from the word FIN. - Meaning those whose end came. These were two days, set aside in remembrance of those who had passed away./ ( Died )
WHY ? - Sometimes, Somewhere, Someone, decided that it was fitting to declare two days for our loved ones, who were no longer with us here on earth.
ALL SAINTS DAY( Dia de los Angelitos ) was the day of those who died young ( Infants ) - November the 1st.
Transport Minister Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation
This afternoon in Belmopan, Belize’s Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon Edmond Castro, in the presence of Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Carlos Quesnel Melendez, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation between the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Mexican States.
The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on behalf of Mexico by Federal Motor Carrier General Director, Licenciado Adolfo Elim Luviano Heredia.
Poets Corner: Development
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez.
This country need interconnection
In half day one should be traveling the entire nation
Belize needs better communication
Belize better education
Tighter immigration
We are holding us back licking the foot of Washington
This is new Belize
Forty percent primary school graduation
Fifty percent of that reach secondary education
A total of ten percent of the 20 percent reach tertiary matriculation
Papsmear Drive Nov. 24th on Caye Caulker
Hey ladies all are invited
EXPOCOMER 2018
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), Belize Chamber of Commerce, the Embassy of Panama, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture coordinated a meeting on 25th October 2017 at the ITVET Dining Room, Freetown Road, Belize City. The purpose of the meeting was for EXPOCOMER to present to Belizean companies their International Trade Exhibition that will take place on 28th February to 3rd March 2018 at the City of Panama.
The show is an opportunity for doing business with Europe, Asia and America. The focus of the EXPOCOMER are five main groups: food and beverage, textiles and accessories, construction, technology and services.
ARTIST.BZ Handing Over Ceremony
EXPORTBelize—a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH), the Office of the Music Ambassador, Belize Coalition of Service Providers (BCSP) and the Music Industry Association of Belize (MIAB), attended the Handing Over of the National Artist Platform (artist.bz); a social site for Certified Belizean musicians that will introduce our musical talents to national, regional and international markets.
Belize Electronic Licenses and Permits System (BELAPS) Inauguration and Handover CEREMONY
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that the governments of Taiwan and Belize will jointly inaugurate the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS) on November 2nd, 2017 at Radisson Fort George Hotel. The Inauguration and handover ceremony will be officiated by H.E. Ambassador Charles K. Y. Liu of the ROC (Taiwan), Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber and officials from Ministry of Finance, Central Information Technology Office (CITO) and other agencies of the Government of Belize
Corozal Bay 1st Annual Bikers Fest
Right here at Scotty's this Saturday Nov 4th. Live music by Surpassing Silence and DJ Albert. Entertainment starts at 8pm and we will go all the way to 2am. Come out and enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the motorcycles. No cover charge.
Hanal Pixan
Meaningful community interaction was at its best this past Saturday night as we raised awareness of the lost tradition of Hanal Pixan. Honouring our indigenous people is truly an honour in itself. We must thank our community for coming together to share each others thoughts and commitments in honouring our cultural traditions. Thank you to the Northern Maya Association members Adela Pederson, Faustimo Yam, Roy Rodriguez, Angelita Magana and Adan Palamo for leading us through this journey. Thank you to our amazing culinary artists Hector and Maria Villamil and Genara Cano all of Xiabe Village. We thank our beautiful cultural performers, Xaibe Nicte Ha Children's Group and Raices Mexicanas Retornos Belicenos Dance Group. We give great thanks to Corozal Community College, NDACC, Department of Youth Services, Villamil Family, Cano Family and the Northern Maya Association of Belize for preparing altars for display...they were beautiful! Thank you to our volunteers: Tourism Management Students of CJC and Food Preparation students of ITVET. Thank you to St John's College for displaying the Caste War - An Educational Project exhibit. Our cultural artist with live art; Cami Chun working on her baskets, thank you! Just an amazing night of enlightenment for the Corozal community.
SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Party with Live Music of "Son Cafetal" at the PRINCESS CASINO FREEZONE, Corozal
This Thursday, November 2nd, starting at 10:00 P.M. Dress to impress. Many halloween costume competitions. Prizes and surprises. Come and enjoy.
Maya Mestizo Finados
Join us this Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 at Banquitas conference room for our traditional Maya Mestizo Finados.
This year we have the honor to have as the guest speaker, Mr. Manuel Solis who have been doing Finados for over 40 years in August Pine Ridge Village. He has a wealth of knowledge and will share it with us on this day followed by our traditional prayers and chants.
You are welcome to bring any offerings and photographs of your loved ones to place on our altars.
Opening ceremony for the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program - G.R.E.A.T. CUP 2017
The opening ceremony for the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program - G.R.E.A.T. CUP 2017 was held at the BTL Park in Belize City on Saturday, October 21, 2017. The sporting competition is supported by the U.S. Embassy through the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) section, which provides equipment, uniforms and trophies for the participants. Cadets and G.R.E.A.T. students from the Eastern Division Community Policing program were represented and they came from Precinct One, Precinct Two, Precinct Three, Precinct Four, Ladyville, Hattieville and Coastal (Caye Caulker and San Pedro).
The G.R.E.A.T. Cup will give the cadets from different communities a chance to engage in meaningful sporting activities that teach healthy, organized activities. S
Channel 7
Home Invasion in Ranchito Leaves American Couple Rattled
A retired American couple in Ranchito Village, Corozal District are recovering after an early morning home invasion. Between 1:00 and 2:00 AM on Monday morning , 70 year old Michael and his wife Janet McGhee, woke up to find a pair of armed and masked men over their bed. They were professional thieves and by the time they were were finished - they had stolen everything of value that they could fit in the couple's pickup truck - including Janet's diamond wedding ring.
He told CTV-3 that they tied them up and threatened to kill them:..
Michael McGee, Held up in Home:
"They ties us up, made us lay face down on the floor and that was not good for her neck because she recently had neck surgery, so she's been in some pain because of that. They told us that they wanted money or anything they could convert into money and at one point they told us they needed at least $5,000. We don't have $5,000. And they were just throwing the "f" bomb around like wild, but it just went on for two and a half hours, so there is a whole lot that I can tell you but I'm not sure what more there is to know, really."
BDF and The Germans, Was There "Insider Trading"
Last night we told you about the audit into alleged irregularities with a BDF Jungle Training Program for the German Army. The Ministry of Defense asked the Auditor General to investigate the program after it appeared that Lieutenant Colonel Charlton Roches had conflicts: our information says he was the BDF Assigned Liaison Officer for the German jungle training in 2015, 2016, and 2017 - and he is also the majority shareholder in a company called Belize Jungle Experience which was contracted to provide logistical support to that same German contingent in the summer of 2016.
The Germans were here to get jungle training from the BDF - but Roches appears to have positioned his company - to get a lucrative 150 thousand dollar contract.
PUP's Maritime Motion Commotion
Belize-Guatemala relations are back in the news tonight after the Opposition, PUP, announced that they are going to push for the Maritime Areas Act to be amended.
Now, as this law currently stands, Belize is only claiming 3 miles of territorial waters between the Sarstoon River and the Ranguana Caye. Under international law, Belize is entitled to 12 miles, but the Maritime Areas Act was passed with us not claiming those 9 miles of sea. That was done as a means to provide for a framework for negotiating an agreement on the territorial dispute with Guatemala.
Since those negotiations have failed, experts on international law have advised that the law needs to be amended so that Belize can claim its full 12 miles of territorial waters. The rationale is that a claim for all territorial waters under international laws strengthens the country's case, if the territorial dispute should actually go to arbitration.
In Second Trial For Killing His Wife, Bucket Pleads Down To Manslaughter, Claims Provocation
10 years ago in November of 2007, Glenford "Bucket" Bermudez killed his wife 36 year old Raquel Requena, with a shotgun blast to her head. She was a taxi driver and was carrying a passenger - when he stopped her on the road, and shot her in the head. Bermudez then went and tried unsuccessfully to kill himself.
Now, Bermudez was already found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life in prison bask in 2011. But the Court of Appeal found that the judge had misdirected the jury, and so he was granted a second trial.
Belmopan Police May Have Fatal Hit and Run Truck
Tonight, there is late breaking news of a likely breakthrough in the fatal accident which happened this weekend on the southern highway. That's the accident in which Mellisa Andrews was killed when a pickup truck hit the motorbike she and her husband Allen Andrews were on.
Well, late news in to 7NEws is that the suspected pickup may have been found in Belmopan. Information says that police found a six wheel truck with damages to the front end. Reports say the truck was covered - as if to conceal it.
New Bze-Mex Transport Agreement, No Press Invited, No Details
Belize today signed a major transport agreement with Mexico - but we can't tell you too much about it tonight, because, again, the press was blocked out of the event.
All we know comes from a 150 word release which says that today in Belmopan Minister of Transport Edmond Castro, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation with Mexico's Federal Motor Carrier General Director, Adolfo Elim Luviano Heredia.
Now, there are so many transport issues between Belize and Mexico: there are the Belizean busses in Chetumal - and the Mexican busses in Belize; then there are the private cars that travel to Chetumal and beyond with no insurance; and the couriers who haul cargo and vehicles through Mexico.
Justin Wants Justice, Says Cops Lied
A female police officer said he punched her in the chin in a scuffle outside a nightclub, and today, youth activist, Justin Usher was arraigned on a charge of assault.
Last night we showed you the video captured after his arrest when a tearful Usher was pleading for justice.
The dispute it appears, was over a hat, which, we see a police officer putting on his head during the street-side detention.
But, the hat is not what Justin Usher is upset about, it's the allegation that he punched a female cop. Today, outside court he discussed the inconsistencies in the case and told the media that he was unfairly charged:...
A Holy War Against the Herb?
The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act, it's that much talked about law which was passed by the the House and Senate. When it takes effect, the amended law will decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana, specifically 10 grams or less. The Government expects that the Governor General will sign his assent and bring the law into effect by tomorrow, November 1.
So, it's what you would call a done deal, but the National Evangelical Association of Belize says it refuses to remain silent. Though they are late with the public pressure, the leadership of the Evangelical Association hosted a press conference to complain that the Government passed this law too fast, without carefully considering their objection.
7News attended, and we heard what the different speakers had to say on the topic:
Identity Theft of The Head Of State?
You might want the GG to be your "FF" - as in Facebook Friend, but he doesn't have a Facebook page. And that's why tonight, Belmopan police are asking your help to find this man: his name is Elston Earl Eligio. Police believe he may now something about setting up an email account and a Facebook page in the name of Governor General Sir Colville Young. A police report paints the picture of wholesale identity theft of the Head of State. Not only is there an email address, there's also a letterhead, a stamp and a scanned signature. Now, the real GG does not have a Facebook page; he only interfaces with the Facebook through the Government press office page; also, he does not have a stamp; and his email is "govgenbz@btl.net".
More Bus Madness On Display, Operator Calls For Regulation
The Bus Wars - much to the horror and outrage of powerless commuters - they are raged every day and night on Belize's Highways. We're referring to the habit of racing between competing bus lines, who are fighting for passengers. On Saturday evening in Belize City, the extreme driving practices were brought into sharp focus - when one bus tried to overtake another on the foot of Vernon Street Bridge.
The culprit was Ramos Bus, trying to overtake a Stuart Bus. Their scheduled runs are 15 minutes apart, but - as is the old practice - the earlier bus hangs back to scoop up passengers from its competitor. On Saturday afternoon, it reached another ridiculous extreme.
Daren Stuart who had the later run says that Ramos was trying to come into his time:..
FFB, The Horses Are In The Paddock!
Elections for the Football Federation of Belize are coming up on December second, and the nominations have been finalized - which means who all are vying for the vacant posts of President and Vice President.
For President, we have Ruperto Vicente, Sergio Chuc, Onan Maclean and Daniel Fabro.
For Vice President, there's Cruz Gamez, David Griffith, Carlos Obeah Galvez and Leslie Sharp.
Now, there are alliances within those names, and unofficial slates: Vicente is working with Obeah Galvez, while Chuc is working with Gamez and Fabro is with Leslie Sharp.
A New Portal For Performing Artists
Right now, there are more Belizean performing artists who've released a CD or a music video than ever before. And, everyone is trying to get seen on Facebook, Youtube and wherever else they can promote themselves.
But, it can get really crowded fighting for those "views" and "likes", and, now, a new artist's promotion platform hopes to create a digital space where artists can offer their services as professionals, without clutter and on even footing.
It's called "artists.bz" - and it was launched today. But what makes this more than a just a website, is the institutional support of Beltraide, NICH, and the Belize Coalition of Service Providers. They've combined to make sure this site serves as a portal where artists can be viewed and retained for their specific strengths. We found out more today:...
Beyond the Hype of Halloween, There's the Substance of Finados
It's Halloween in Belize City, and, right now, we're sure those trick or treaters are coming down your street - sweet bags in hand! But, while Halloween may have the hype and the sugar high, the long established cultural and religious observance of "Finados" has the substance and the depth. It's popular in Western Belize, and in 2014, Courtney Weatherburne went back to her family's roots for an extended feature on "Finados":
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.And while that's what the Bible says, in Benque Viejo the dead are never forgotten and their rewards come every year on November second with Finados - a religious and cultural observance. That's why these women are praying this morning - to give thanks for the arrival of the souls of their loved ones.
Channel 5
P.U.P. Takes Lead on Amending Maritime Areas Act
In an extraordinary move, the Opposition People’s United Party today announced plans to table a motion for debate at the next sitting of the Senate to amend the Maritime Areas [...]
With Social Partners, Can Opposition Get Enough Votes for Debate?
Senator Courtenay is also a former Foreign Minister. He says that despite having been advised in the past on amending the piece of legislation that is now being challenged, government [...]
Keep Calm and Don’t Worry About Guatemala
So what will be the reaction from Guatemala once Belize moves to claim all its twelve miles of territorial waters under international law? It’s a thought that is furthest from [...]
Why Now, Asks Foreign Minister?
Twenty-five years after the passage of the controversial law, the Senate is going to be asked to consider the amendment at its next sitting. But the Government side appears to [...]
Elrington Wonders If Move is in Belize’s Best Interests
The Foreign Minister went on to state that as he understands that the purpose of introducing or repealing legislation is to serve the greater purpose of the Belizean people. Despite [...]
John Briceño Says New B.D.F. Probe is Latest in Corruption Chain
The Auditor General is on the case of a senior officer of the Belize Defence Force who is being questioned on whether his private company benefited from an inside connection [...]
Activist Justin Usher Denies Assault of Female Cop
Youth activist Justin Usher was today arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate Court for assaulting a female police officer. The twenty-six-year-old U.B. student from Los Lagos, Belize District was detained [...]
Not Running for Politics, Usher Decries “Conspiracy” Plot
Usher is to return to court on January fifth, 2018 when disclosure should be made on the matter. But he believes that he is being politically targeted, even though Usher [...]
Glenford Bermudez Pleads to Lesser Charge in Wife Killing
In November 2007, a husband killed his wife with a single shotgun blast to the head. After being tried and convicted for her murder and sentenced to life, forty-six-year-old [...]
Evangelicals Demand Government Attention on Social Issues
On November first, Governor General Colville Young is expected to sign into law the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill. The legislation will make it legal to possess in a private [...]
How You Can Get Your Criminal Record Expunged for Weed
During the Senate’s extensive debate of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill last Wednesday, Churches Senator Ashley Rocke recorded the formal opposition of the organizations he represents – the Belize [...]
P.U.P. Tells P.M.: Release B.I.L. Contracts
On Friday, Belize Infrastructure Limited issued a press statement firing back on the public characterization of its efforts on the failed Lake Independence Boulevard construction. While acknowledging that the lack [...]
Accused Forger Targeted Governor General
Police are looking for twenty-three-year-old Elston Elijio of Dangriga in connection with a case of forgery. Belmopan Police issued a ‘wanted poster’ for Elijio because he reportedly created a fake [...]
City Crime “Destroying the Nation”
When we caught up with NEAB today, we also asked about the alarming crime situation. Antipathy for the Government aside, the association agreed with and adopted the position of Minister [...]
NEAB Disdains John B. – What About the Children?
The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill enjoyed rare bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and to a lesser extent, the Senate. But the words of Opposition Leader John Briceño [...]
Preview of Godwin Hulse’s Visit to Senate Committee
Minister of Immigration and Nationality, Senator Godwin Hulse, is an anticipated witness to the Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration’s public hearings. He has said from the very beginning that [...]
Music Artistes Now Have Single Internet Platform
Artistes unite under the national artist platform called artists.bz. Several local musicians gathered today for the official launch of the online platform. Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, the National [...]
International Film Festival is Here
The countdown to the Belize International Film Festival is on. The much-acclaimed festival begins next Wednesday with a preview event at the House of Culture in Belize City. While the [...]
Dogs and Owners ‘Pawty in the Park’
The Belize Humane Society organized and put off the first ever dog show and ‘pawty’ at the Memorial Park in Belize City. Dog lovers, as well as man’s best friends, [...]
CTV3
Memorandum Signed Between Ministry Of Transport And Mexican Ambassador
Back in February of this year, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmund Castro, met with Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Carlos Quesnel Melendez, to discuss and establish opportunities regarding cross-border operations between Belize and the United Mexican States. That meeting was followed by a second which saw the participation of representatives and technical staff belonging to both parties.
Today that goal is one step closer of becoming reality as a Memorandum of Understanding on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation was signed earlier today in the country’s capital. The MOU was signed between Minister Castro and Federal Motor Carrier General Director, Licenciado Adolfo Luviano Heredia, in the presence of Ambassador Quesnel.
Cane Farmers To Receive Third Payment On November 6th
There is good news coming out of the Sugar Industry tonight. A release issued by the Belize Sugar Industries Limited confirms that the average final price for the ton of cane for the 2016/2017 crop season is estimated at $64.00, which includes payment for bagasse. This means that cane farmers are expected to receive $9.05 to $ 9.28 per ton of cane for their third and final payment. These numbers are based on the quality of cane that was delivered to the factory during the 2016/2017 crop season. This estimation spells some really good news for cane farmers as the estimation for this crop is an average of twelve dollars higher than last crop when they received a total of $52.24.
PUP Files Senate Motion For Belize To Claim Full Maritime Area
The Opposition People’s United Party has filed a motion in the Senate, seeking to pass amendments to the Maritime Areas Act to set a defined boundary to the maritime area in the south that belongs to Belize. Opposition Leader John Briceno has for some time, raised the matter before the House of Representatives, but to the Government side, the message goes into one ear and exits the other. The Opposition, no longer on the mood to wait, will make its move at the next Senate meeting. PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay explained. “We prepared a draft of the amendment, we took some advice on the proposed amendment and we sent a letter to the National Assembly on the 20th of October asking for it to come up at the last Senate meeting, they took the position that the four days’ notice was not met because we sent it on the 20th and the meeting was on the 25th and so they refused to put the motion on the agenda...”
LOVE FM
NEAB opposes Government’s move to decriminalize marijuana
The National Evangelical Association of Belize held a press conference this morning to address its concerns over the decriminalization of ten grams and less of marijuana, which is yet to become law. According to the NEAB, the move will have negative repercussions on youth and the Belizean society. But is the association moving in too […]
NEAB says GOB has not responded to their concerns
The National Evangelical Association of Belize also highlighted other issues that they have brought to government. Among these are homosexuality, gender, abortion, and the rights of church-run schools. The Association’s leaders say that back in September of 2016 when it joined the Church-State Commission, discussions among various churches, including the Belize Council of Churches and […]
Couple shook up after Home Invasion
Corozal Police are investigation a home invasion in Ranchito Village which took place yesterday between the hours of 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Two masked men broke into the home of 70-year-old American Retiree Michael McGhee and his wife Janet. According to the couple, the two men bound their hands and feet before stealing an […]
Usher Denies Hitting a Woman Police Officer
Yesterday we reported on Justin Usher, the student and activist who was arrested early on Saturday morning at around 3 o’clock. He was arrested for allegedly hitting a woman police officer and was to be arraigned yesterday but there was a hiccup with the court documents. This morning after he was charged with ‘assaulting a […]
Arnold Accused of Killing “Hard Rock”
This morning, the man accused of fatally shooting 42-year-old Andrew “Hard Rock” Bennett appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. David Arnold was given another adjournment by the Chief Magistrate and he is to reappear on December 27. He has been on remand since June and stands accused of killing Bennett on May 24. No motive […]
Vidal: Recent surged in Crime is due to the Drug War
“The crime situation in Belize City has surged over the past four months and the spike became more noticeable under the Command of Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal who took over the Southside formation back in July. In our coverage of the various recent murders, Belize City residents who have been directly and indirectly affected by […]
Alleged Kidnapping Report Under Investigation
Police are still investigating the alleged kidnapping of three young girls on October 16th in the Mile7/El Progresso Village in the Cayo District. The three girls, ages nine, ten, and eleven, were on their way to school when they were forced into an Isuzu pickup by a man of a foreign nationality. The girls later […]
Police updated the media on Cattouse’s Case
72-year-old Albert Cattouse was killed on October 12 while driving his Lincoln Town Car and was shot when he was passing Bocotora Street. Cattouse was shot to the head and died inside his taxi which was found in a drain near the Rogers Stadium fence. Six days after his murder, the first official statement on […]
Police take weapons off the Street
Belize City police removed a firearm from the street. Officers found a Taurus brand firearm and a magazine loaded with 8 Lugar Brand live rounds, 2 Aguila Brand live rounds and S&B Brand live round. The discovery was made yesterday morning in the Hunters Alley area of the Old Capital.
Belize and Mexico signed MOU
Today, a Memorandum of Understanding on International Motor Carrier, Passenger and Freight Transportation was signed between the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Mexican States. The Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon Edmond Castro, signed on behalf of the Government of Belize while the General Director of Federal Motor Carrier […]
NICH puts Local Artists on the Map
Belize has been exporting sugar, oranges, and now, musical artists. Today, BELTRAIDE launched a musical platform in the form of a website, where local artist can be found and this platform was handed over to NICH. Export Promotion Officer at Export Belize, BELTRAIDE, Shawna Arnold, spoke to Love News about the initiative. Shawna Arnold “Export […]
Report Suggests Discrepancies of BDF’s Fund
A report recently conducted by the Belize Defence Force Fund suggests discrepancies. The BDF Fund is money raised by the soldiers through different activities carried out throughout the year. A portion of the findings focuses on Belize Jungle Experience Limited, a company contracted to carry out transportation services back in 2015. According to the report […]
Crime Incidents continues despite Operation ACT
Operation ACT has been in effect for four full days in Southside Belize City but the weekend was not without incident. Since Friday the Police Department has recorded one murder and two shootings which have left five persons injured. Four of these persons were injured on Sunday around three in the afternoon in a shooting […]
Charred Human Remains Found on Coastal Road
The charred remains of a human were found late Saturday afternoon on the Coastal Road, about ten miles from La Democracia Village. The remains were found about thirty feet from the right-hand side of the road when traveling towards La Democracia Village, by a farmer of Gales Point Manatee Village while hunting in the area. […]
Second Attempt on Swazo’s Life in less than a Month
Police are also investigating the shooting of James Swazo who was shot and injured on Sunday Morning. According to police Swazo, a security guard of the Jane Usher Area was at home when someone called for him. He came out of his house and was shot by a lone gunman who then fled on a […]
Amandala
Taximan, 40, fatally shot on Complex Drive
A taxi driver died today of gunshot wounds he suffered on Thursday evening. Odner Estizeine, 40, a Haitian-Belizean taxi driver of Nutmeg Street, Lake Independence, Belize City, was the breadwinner for his wife and two young daughters, daily driving his $1 taxi van.
At about 5:00 Thursday evening, Estizeine was driving his taxi van on Complex Drive in Lake Independence when an unknown gunman fired shots in the area. Estizeine was shot in his upper right side. He got out of the vehicle and ran to escape the gunshots, but collapsed on the road.
People who saw what happened rushed him to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical condition to the Intensive Care Unit, where he fought for his life, but on Friday morning at about 6 a.m., he died.
Alvin Diamond of Mike’s Club dead at 89
Alvin Hubert Diamond, the proprietor of Mike’s Club on Regent Street West, died between last night and this morning, his son Glenford Diamond, 60, told Amandala tonight.
“He was always a good man,” Glenford said of his father. “He was a man who pioneered and championed a lot of good sporting activities, especially dominos. He always used to be a manager for dominos, in the 1970 and 80s.” Glenford recalled.
Glenford described his father as “a human man, who gave away everything he had and left with nothing.”
Amandala asked Glenford if his father was ill.
“He was a hypertension sufferer,” Glenford informed us. “The last time he visited doctor was just this past Saturday.
What killed Ryan Swift, 54?
A staunch supporter of the United Democratic Party is dead, his brother is hospitalized in a critical condition, and the authorities are baffled about what led to the tragedy.
Police say that at around 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, they visited the Swift residence at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Nargusta Street, where they saw Ryan Swift, 54, the owner of Ryan Swift Pesticide Control Agency, inside an ambulance, which took Swift to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Swift, however, died on arrival.
His older brother, Steven Swift, who was seen unconscious on the scene when officers arrived at the residence, was left in the charge of BERT personnel. He, too, was later transported to the KHMH, where he remains more than 48 hours later.
Cardinal Andrews, 28, lost the fight for his life
News that Cardinal Andrews, 28, had lost the fight for his life began to appear yesterday after 5:00 p.m. in posts on social media.
Andrews, who is the father of one child, was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room, and was immediately put on life support in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after he was shot in the head on Partridge Street on Wednesday, shortly before 4:00 p.m.
At the time of the shooting, Andrews was sitting on a small car on Partridge Street, in front of the house of one of his friends. It is presumed that he was waiting for his friend to come outside. When his friend did, it was in response to the all-too-familiar sound of gunshots.
CCJ orders Barrow administration to get serious about respecting Maya rights
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today heard from the Mayas of southern Belize and the Government of Belize’s Maya Land Rights Commission.
Both parties have reported a lack of progress in relation to the court’s consent order of April 2015 which focused on the recognition of communal land rights via demarcation and other related matters.
Today, the CCJ made several orders; among them was that the Government’s Maya Land Rights Commission must come up with a work plan by the end of next January. In order to do so, the commission must meet with the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Association.
Taxpayers “nuh fool-fool;” second “big money” for same bridge – The Haulover
The administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be adding to the national debt a US $12 million loan to be paid within the next 20 years.
This loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is to reconstruct the Haulover Bridge.
However, as ballooned as the loan appears to be, it is only to cover 68 percent of the final costs of the civil works component of this project. During Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate, the Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, introduced the motion.
Hogan’s football story – Parts 6 & 7
(Hogan disappears from the Belize football scene; and, years later, returns to the spotlight in L.A.)
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 30, 2017–Amandala (A): So… after that, now… you are a national hero in your own way… with the Methodist primary school champions … and some of those players later on became senior players…. What was your route?… What did you do after that?
Part 6
Hogan (H): Well… I didn’t continue my football career… because of other interests that came up…
A: You didn’t go on to high school…?
H: No, I didn’t go on to high school… I went to work at Belmopan… then I joined the Belize Police Force…
A: Belmopan… you mean the New Site? (Belmopan was officially opened in 1970)..
P.G. upsets Placencia; 5 PLB teams battling for 2 playoff spots
After an eventful weekend of games, the playoff race is narrowing down in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2017-2018 regular season, as Placencia Assassins suffered a major setback by Punta Gorda’s Freedom Fighters, and five teams are now in contention for two remaining playoff berths, Belmopan Bandits SC and Verdes FC being the only two teams already in the Top-4 playoffs.
After falling 2-nil to Verdes the week before, BDF drew, 1-1, with Police United on Saturday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. Camilo Sanchez (41’) put Police in front, and Vallan Symms (46’) equalized for BDF. With 1 point each from the draw, neither Police United nor BDF FC is sure of post-season action, as they are left to scramble for the two remaining playoff spots with three other teams – San Pedro Pirates, Placencia Assassins and Wagiya. (See standings below.)
Editorial: Belize’s Booker T.
The United States Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern Union and the Confederate South, had the issue of slavery as a primary concern. The North wanted to abolish slavery, whereas the slaveholding South wished to continue that cruel institution. When the North won the Civil War, the Emancipation Act through which Abraham Lincoln had freed African Americans during the war, was upheld.
A period followed in the defeated South, roughly between 1865 and 1877, which was known as Reconstruction, but Reconstruction slowly began to be reversed as the defeated Confederate South began to re-organize itself through violent, white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, and established a system of racial segregation which is known historically as Jim Crow.
From the Publisher
In Belize, 36 years into political independence, the law remains an aristocratic profession. In Belize, you don’t find maverick attorneys, as in the United States, who take on cases simply because they believe in the justice or societal importance of the specific matter. The attorneys in Belize feel peer pressure, and community pressure no doubt, to focus exclusively on the accumulation of personal bank accounts: it is how it is.
I raise the issue because I believe it is long past time that some attorney should study the matter of discrimination in Belize. We know that political victimization has been accepted as a reality of life here for six decades and more, and I assume that political victimization is legal. I am positive, however, that discrimination is a crime in violation of the constitution of Belize, but I don’t know how one would prove discrimination in a court of law: I am not an attorney.
Liar-in-chief …
I’m loathe to say so, but the Barrow administration increasingly resembles the one led to the money trough by the buffoon and pathological liar, D.Trump, in the U.S. Like Barrow’s ministries, the Trump administration is also full of men without principles, bootlickers who continually debase the Nation on their misson to line their own pockets, knowing all the while that the liar-in-chief will cover for them.
I remain incredulous over how the citizens in both countries have allowed themselves to be bamboozled by their respective gangs of iniquitous know-nothings. Only by collective action will these criminal charlatans be thrown into the street and from there, hopefully, into prison.
An ACT to increase the price of weed
What’s the point of decriminalizing a small quantity of marijuana if you can’t get it? Some cruel teaser this could turn out to be. By the way, somebody has to tell people who have no vice that, yes, they do. There are things in this world which you take for granted that can be taken away. People who live in a democracy are used to saying what they want. A totalitarian state is a very different world. Every good totalitarian knows that the unfettered word is the greatest enemy of that system. Some people who grew up in a democracy will suffer if they can’t run off their thoughts. But what can they do if the law says to zip it? Aha, your world is turned on its head because your virtue is now turned vice.
What about your friendly, chubby next door neighbour? He’s the one in the neighbourhood with the most community spirit. Anybody needs a helping hand, he’s the man. He is active in youth sports and gives up a few hours each week helping high school students with remedial classes. He’s a church guy too.
The politics and business of marijuana
With the amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act, an adult will now be able to possess and smoke up to 10 grams of marijuana in the privacy of his/her home and in someone’s house or in a hotel room with the consent of the owner.
Although a politically popular move, these persons still cannot grow, buy, import or sell marijuana. So where are persons to get their 10 grams of weed to smoke at home? Where will the tourist get it to smoke it in the hotel room? This is illogical. Cannabis is still an illegal drug in Belize and still listed on the Schedule 1 and Schedule 4 list of drugs in the UN international conventions. Without a strict regulatory framework, we are being irresponsible and sloppy in how we are doing this.
THE BELIZE JENKINS SISTERS SOFTBALL DYNASTY!
Like the legendary Miguel Brothers of the 1960s and 70s Belizean cycling dynasty, the Jenkins sisters became a household name in Belizean softball during the same period. It appeared that there were four of them that played the game with extraordinary talent; but only two made the honor role as the best among their other siblings.
It is typical that families that dominated a sport in terms of ranking among the best were fostered by their natural family heritage. It becomes a kind of domino effect that sparks one family athlete to become like the other. It is a kind of chain reaction that explodes into that competitive spirit to be good and then better than the best. This analogy can only be the best way to describe family athletes like Cynthia and Genevie Jenkins of Belize’s Softball Hall of Fame.
Melissa Andrews, 32, dies in road traffic accident
A couple living in Sittee, Stann Creek District, were in a devastating road traffic collision at about 10:00 yesterday morning on the Southern Highway.
Melissa Dorothy Murillo Andrews, 32, a domestic, suffered massive head and body injuries and died, while her husband, Allen Andrews, 35, a construction worker of Sittee village, also suffered head and body injuries. However, he is now recovering at the Southern Regional Hospital.
Police say that Melissa Andrews was driving a motorcycle from Silk Grass to Sittee, and somewhere between Miles 11 and 12 she lost control of the bike and ran into a truck that was coming from the opposite direction.
15-year-old Helen Adolphus, missing for 82 days, found “alive and well”
Yesterday, 82 days after she went missing from home, Helen Adolphus, 15, of Belmopan, was found and returned to her family. The details of where she has been since disappearing on the afternoon of August 8, and what she had been doing all this time, were not released.
She was found by the organization Jasmine Alert, which informed us that Helen was found in good health, but Jasmine Alert would not offer more information.
Helen Adolphus’ family, in their effort to find her, had offered a reward of $1,000, but Jasmine Alert did not want to comment on the status of this reward. They said that it is enough that she was found alive and well.
Maskall cops say Mario Herrera, 50, hanged himself in his cell
After two hours in a police detention facility, a resident of Maskall was found dead. He reportedly hanged himself with his shirt from the bars of the cell.
Police say that Mario Herrera, 50, was detained at around 9 a.m. on Friday for breaching a protection order given to his wife. After Herrera breached the protection order, his wife returned on Friday to file another complaint against him, and for that he was detained.
Information to Amandala is that the two officers attached to the Maskall Police Station had reportedly left Herrera in his cell alone and had gone to check into other reports. When they returned, they saw Herrera on the ground shirtless and motionless. Police say that a piece of his shirt was wrapped around his neck, while the other end was seen tied on the iron bar of the cell’s window.
St. Joseph girls and St. Martin’s boys are Belize District Primary School Basketball Champions 2017
The finals of the Belize District Primary School Basketball Tournament 2017 were held today at the Swift Hall gym in Belize City, where 4 male and 4 female teams participated in a simple knockout format.
Participating teams representing their respective divisions in the Belize District were:
FEMALE (F): Division A – St. Joseph RC (Belize City) and Belize Rural Primary (Belize Rural); Division B – Central Christian (Belize City) and San Pedro RC (San Pedro.
MALE (M): Division A – St. Ignatius (Belize City) and Belize Rural Primary (Belize Rural); Division B – St. Martin De Porres (Belize City) and Holy Cross Anglican (San Pedro).
4 men shot on Pen Road Sunday afternoon: Vidal blames gang rivalries
On Sunday afternoon four men were shot on the Southside by a gunman on a bicycle. Fortunately, the injuries they sustained were not fatal. Police say that the men were socializing at #10 Neal Pen Road at about 3 p.m. on Sunday when a gunman rode up and opened fire. Cameron Moreira, 18, was shot once in the buttocks, once in the left elbow and once in the right hand; Godwin Flowers, 28, was shot once in the right upper arm and once in the left thigh; Darren “Nose” Dawson, 32, was shot once in the right upper arm and once in the left thigh; and Gerald Tillett, 67, was shot once in the left thigh.
Police say that Moreira, Flowers, and They say that they have a description of the suspect, who is presently being sought.
http://amandala.com.bz/news/taxpayers-nuh-fool-fool-big-money-bridge-haulover/
The administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be adding to the national debt a US $12 million loan to be paid within the next 20 years.
This loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is to reconstruct the Haulover Bridge.
However, as ballooned as the loan appears to be, it is only to cover 68 percent of the final costs of the civil works component of this project. During Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate, the Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, introduced the motion.
However, as ballooned as the loan appears to be, it is only to cover 68 percent of the final costs of the civil works component of this project. During Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate, the Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Godwin Hulse, introduced the motion.
CCJ orders Barrow administration to get serious about respecting Maya rights
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today heard from the Mayas of southern Belize and the Government of Belize’s Maya Land Rights Commission.
Both parties have reported a lack of progress in relation to the court’s consent order of April 2015 which focused on the recognition of communal land rights via demarcation and other related matters.
Today, the CCJ made several orders; among them was that the Government’s Maya Land Rights Commission must come up with a work plan by the end of next January. In order to do so, the commission must meet with the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Association.
Breaking Belize News
Belmopan police takes children to visit the Belize Zoo
Over the weekend, the Belmopan police formation took 30 children for a visit to […]
Death Announcement -Francisco Alexander Harris
Death Announcement Francisco Alexander Harris Sunrise: July 24, 1963 Sunset: October 30, 2017 It is with deep […]
Hopkins Village goes over a month without running water
Some residents from Hopkins Village contacted BBN to express their concern about the water situation […]
Online impersonator wanted by police
Belmopan police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Elston Elijio, the man believed to […]
Senate to debate amendment to Maritime Areas Act
The People’s United Party (PUP) has filed a Motion in the Senate seeking permission to […]
Home invasion in Ranchito; thieves escape with silver Dodge pickup
Yesterday, Michael McGhee, 70, a retired American living in Ranchito village, Corozal reported that between […]
NEAB calls on Government to respond to their position on social issues
The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) today issued a release stating that today marks […]
National Garifuna Council announces Garifuna Settlement Day activities
November 19 is celebrated countrywide as Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize. The National Garifuna Council […]
Governor General warns of fake profiles
The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) today informed the public that several Facebook accounts and […]
Ambergris Caye: A Unique Island Experience
The small country of Belize lies at the northern tip of Central America where it borders the southern part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Bathed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is unique in this part of the world, as English is the official language of the country. It is also a fully independent, self-governing British colony. And while the mainland of Belize has much to offer expats and potential expats seeking an affordable retirement, the crown jewel of the country may well be just offshore on Ambergris Caye.
Ambergris Caye is a world-renowned vacation and dive destination. It’s largest town, San Pedro, is the heartbeat of this tropical island and its tiny airport is normally quite busy with crowded shuttle flights back and forth to the mainland.
Surrounded by clear, warm Caribbean waters with an enormous reef system just offshore, Ambergris Caye caters to island-loving tourists offering diving, snorkeling, and world-class deep-sea fishing. The weather is tropical and humid, with summer temperatures in the mid 90s F with ample humidity.
Practical Travel Practical Travel
This post is in celebration of Amazon Prime 2017 which started tonight at 6:00 pm pst. Amazon has become the easy shopping source for many especially when it comes to vacations.
The following 6 reviews all come courtesy of traveler Todd Boewe. He reached out for advice on all things Ambergris Caye. He opted to choose family adventures while here with his kids. Todd did, however, do some advance planning for their family trip – online shopping.
Here are Todd’s best travel accessories reviews for items that he and his daughter chose on Amazon for their trip.
Chetumal Celebrates the Tradition of the Day of the death
This event began on October 30, and will take place tonight October 31 and will run until tomorrow November 1, 2017. The event is located at the Municipal Boulivard road in Chetumal. What is the tradition of the day of the death celebrated in Mexico? tributo a los fieles difunto is mentioned in spanish. If you have lost a loved one that you loved a lot, the memories of your smile and the beautiful moments at your side, are the best ways to move forward ...
The Day of the Faithful Dead or Day of the Dead
Every 2nd November we celebrate the Day of the Faithful Dead according to our tradition. The celebration begins on the eve, the first day that is All Saints' Day and extends throughout the day 2.
International Sources
Isiah Nicholas, célèbre peintre Garifuna de Belize
Isiah est le fils de Benjamin Nicholas. Benjamin est l’un des principaux artistes de Belize. Il est le chroniqueur de l’histoire et de la culture des Garifuna Indiens.
Les Garinagu (pluriel de Garifuna) sont les descendants d’esclaves Africains et de femmes Indiennes Caraïbes qui furent défaits pas les Britanniques en Mars 1797. Ils furent alors déportés sur les côtes du Nicaragua, du Honduras, du Guatemala et de Belize en Amérique Centrale.
Videos
Lausanne Collaborative in Belize, 2min. “It wasn’t just about what we gave in terms of time and teaching, but also about what we gained from this whole experience.” This past summer, twelve faculty members from across all three divisions traveled to Belize for one week to work alongside local teachers and share the Lausanne basis for learning and individualized education. It was an incredible experience for each teacher involved.
Akbol Resort-Ambergris Caye, Belize, 3min.
Chicken Bus from Belize City to San Ignacio in Belize, 1min. We sailed to Belize City and after a short walk in what seemed to be a casual street shopping area we headed to the bus station. We got on a chicken bus (the good old Blue Birds) and together with tens of people, their luggage and stock we rode to San Ignacio. Chicken buses are experience not to be missed in Central America!
Belize!, 4min.
Ambergris Caye: A Unique Island Experience, 3min. The Belizean Island of Ambergris Caye, is a world-renowned vacation and dive destination. Discover the beauty of this unique island and why it is considered to be the "crown jewel" of Belize.
US NATIONALS GIVE UP ON BELIZE AS THEIR RETIREMENT HOME AFTER FRIGHTENING HOME INVASION, 5.5min. Imagine waking up at home just to realize that armed robbers are inside your bedroom, looking over you with their weapons on hand. Scary right? Well, that’s what two U.S. nationals, and senior citizens at that, experienced on Sunday morning in Ranchito Village in the Corozal District. We spoke to them today and found out why the couple is now reconsidering Belize as their retirement paradise.
Jeremy's First Tarpon, 2.5min.
Homeboy Industries, 33min.
Student leaders of tertiary level institutions conversation on National Development, 77min.
Grace Mediterranean Salad Creole Style recipe, 24min.
The Belize Indian Community (BIC) Celebrating Diwali, 30min.
Back and Forth, Back and Forth, 10sec. We have been asking around but no answers yet. Choppers cruising around Ambergris Caye since last week. Will get answers for you soon.
Off-the-beaten-path - Xunantunich ruins in Belize, 3min. If you are in San Ignacio don't miss the hand cranked ferry which takes you to these not so popular but great to visit Maya ruins.
Belize City to Corozal/ Chetumal to Bacalar, 6min.
Homegrown Belize: San Pedro, Elvi's Kitchen & Chef Jennie Staines, 16min. Season 1 of Homegrown Belize wraps up in the island town of San Pedro with Chef Jennie Staines! From a humble food shack to award winning restaurant - Chef Jennie shares the journey of Elvi's Kitchen.
Altun Ha Belize Cruise 2014, 6min. 2014 Vacation - Belize - Altun Ha historical site.
Belize & Honduras 2017 | Backpacking through Belize & Honduras | Travel diary, 5.5min. I travelled around Belize & Honduras. I explored Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Placencia, Utila & Roatan
Police Check Point Talk Show October 31, 54min.
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