March 19, 2018

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

Pepsi’s NEBL All-Star Teams Announced
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be hosting its fourth annual All-Star Night on Saturday, March 24th at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town. The teams have been divided into the Imports Team versus the Locals Team. All-Star night will witness three activities, starting with the Three Point Shootout (2 players per team), sponsored by Old Master Fine Rums at 7:30PM. The always hyped Slam Dunk Contest will follow at 8:30PM, and is sponsored by ASR Group-Belize Sugar. The big All-Star Game, sponsored by Smart Belize Limited, will then take over at 9:30PM.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Delayed Reaction
Vernon’s wife, Yolanda, greeted Mario and I when we knocked on the door at Vernon’s house. She showed us to the bedroom where Vernon was propped up on pillows with his leg in a cast. “What happened to you?” Mario asked. “Did you get in a fight?” “No. Nothing like that. I fell off the roof.” “How did that happen?” “It all started twelve years ago.” Mario said, “It didn’t take you twelve years to fall off a roof.” “It still started back then. I was doing some work on Newton’s Supermarket in San Ignacio. You remember that place?” “Yeah,” Mario said. “I had a serious crush on the owner’s daughter, Julie.”

Letter to the Editor: Developments in Ambergris Caye
Dear Editor: Fourteen years ago, when I first visited San Pedro, I fell in love with this beautiful island and the people, so as a real estate developer, my dream was always to come to San Pedro and build a fantastic resort and purchase a condo for my guests and clients to stay at and enjoy, while visiting San Pedro. Little did I know how developments are done here. Little did I know, you that have to threaten the developer with legal action to get a Strata Title to a condo that you paid in full. Little did I know that it takes up to 8 years to finish a small development. I trusted the developer at The Residences at Barrier Reef about 4 years ago and purchased a condo there.

Doctor Love: Cash Poor
Dear Doctor Love, I am at an age where the invitations to bridal showers, wedding and baby showers come fast and furious and they are becoming a danger to my budget and my sanity. I was asked and reluctantly accepted the request to be one of a group of bridesmaids to a girl I am not particularly close to but have socialized with for a few years. Last week she informed me that her hen party would be a five day get-away in San Pedro. After a quick calculation, I knew I would not be able to attend. I just finished my degree, thanks to financial help from my mom, my wardrobe comes straight out of last decade’s sales rack and any “disposable” income is usually consumed by my thirteen-year-old Honda. I told her I simply cannot afford the luxury of a vacation and the bride-to-be is now furious with me.

Misc Belizean Sources

Emergency areas of City to be declared, new Deputy Compols and Minister of National Security
During his Sunday, March 18th, 2018 press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has combined the Police/Human Affairs Ministry and Ministry of Defense. Minister Saldivar will now command the Police Department, the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Coastguard. There will be two deputy commissioners of police. Chester Williams will be Deputy Commissioner of Operations and Crime Fighting and Edward Broaster will be Deputy Commissioner for Administration. PM will ask the Governor General to declare “emergency” in specific parts of Belize City where security forces will be deployed. Special areas will be determined by the minister. The strategy includes the legal “emergency declaration,” detention of suspects for longer periods, more boots on the ground and surgical operations.

Second aircraft report was fake
There have been several media reports of a second aircraft landing in the north this past week and numerous articles blaming politicians, cover ups and departmental transfers, mostly based on a second alleged aircraft landing in the north. While it is true that the one unnamed suspect police had in custody regarding the first aircraft has been released, and no mention of the owners of the licensed vehicles found on site, which does raise questions as to the quality of the investigation, the second alleged aircraft story is simply false. When using photo editing tools such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, applying effects result in a uniformed look on the entire picture. Zooming in on pictures show uniform aberrations and pixelation.

Another taken by these streets
On Saturday 17th March, 2018 at 8:40 p.m., Denroy Llewellyn Alvarez was on a parked motorcycle at the corner of Nargusta and Hondo Street in Belize City when he was approach by a male who fired several shots at him causing his fatal injuries. Alvarez’s body was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Morgue for a post-mortem examination. Alvarez was 31.

3 shot, 2 women killed in home
Moments after 19 year old Daniel Hughes was shot to the left arm on Aloe Vera Street, three women were shot inside their home, and two of them died. On Saturday 18th March, 2018, about 7:10 p.m., Police responded to a shooting incident on Tibruce Street in Belize City. Upon arrival officers observed the motionless body of 64 year old Theresita Flowers lying on the floor of her home with gunshot wounds to the left side of her back and left buttock. Officers also observed 17 year old Delcia Blanco with a gunshot wound to the center of her forehead. Police then visited Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they saw 16 year old Shaniqua Ramclam with a gunshot wound to her right bicep. Police say that at 7:00 p.m., Theresita Flowers, Delcia Blanco and Shaniqua Ramclam were having supper when a male entered the house and fired several shots causing the fatal death of Teresita Flowers and Delcia Blanco.

CENTRO ESCOLAR MEXICO JUNIOR COLLEGE (CEMJC) OPEN DAY
Here is an invitation for everyone to attend the CENTRO ESCOLAR MEXICO JUNIOR COLLEGE (CEMJC) OPEN DAY in San Roman/San Narciso Villages on Friday, March 23rd, 2018 beginning at 8:00 a.m. A decade of fostering dreams and stimulating innovation.

Spring Equinox at the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site
The spring equinox was celebrated yesterday at the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site on Ambergris Caye. The event featured Maya dancers from Orange Walk and a shaman all the way from Toledo.

2nd Chiquibul Challenge Marathon
FCD thanks all the 2nd Chiquibul Challenge Marathon Runners for joining in the protection of scarlet macaws. To the sponsors and volunteers, we are extremely grateful.

LOVE FM

‘Open Government’ project underway in Belize
A project aim at establishing an open government climate is Belize is currently being rolled out. The project is being spearheaded by the Organization of American States in collaboration with the US Embassy in Belize and The Trust for the Americas. This approach encourages direct and constant communication between governments and citizens as to the needs of the latter. According to Specialist for the Department of Effective Public Management for the OAS, Mike Mora, the ultimate goal is to have a democracy by the citizens and for the citizens, one that defines public policies and management practices based on openness, accountability, and easy access to public information.

The Reporter

Night of violence for Belize City
The Belize Police Department are investigating two murders and a non-fatal shooting that took place only hours apart last night. Just before 6:30 p.m. police found 30-year-old Victor Mason Gibbs, dead behind the wheel of his SUV, which was parked in the middle of the Street at the corner of King Street and West Canal. Police say the engine was still running when they found him and that he had gunshot wounds to the back of his left ear, to his left cheek, to the left shoulder, to the right cheek. By 3 a.m. on Saturday police responded to another report, to find 26-year-old Kendis Flowers dead on Mahogany Street. Officers say he was found about 100 feet from Sittee Street with a gunshot wound to the eye. The also found a pistol with one live round on him.

Prime Minister explains short-term crime strategies
The Government of Belize is taking several steps in the short term to address the upsurge of violent crime that plagued Belize City over the weekend. At a press conference today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow outlined the immediate strategies being employed to counter the current state of affairs in the city, which has seen five people dead and one more injured. Barrow said that he will be rejoining the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs back into the singular Ministry of National Security. That ministry will again be headed by John Saldivar. The strategy also includes bringing in Belize Defence Force soldiers to assist in Patrols in Belize City. Barrow also said that government will be approaching the Governor General, Sir Colville Young, for him to sign a declaration demarcating specific areas within Belize City as “Emergency Areas” as prescribed under Section 18 of the Constitution of Belize.

Officers investigated after avocado incident
The Professional Standards Branch of the Belize Police Department are investigating a group of officers after a video of them brutalizing a man at the Michael Finnegan Market yesterday went viral on social media. Head of the PSB, Chester Williams, said this morning that the investigation is to ascertain what actions will be taken against the officers, who allegedly harassed a man for selling avocados. “I want to assure the public that, as a department, we are disturbed by the images depicted in the video. such behaviour is surely not what we expect from our officers…” Williams said. He added that the officers’ actions hinder the department’s continued push for greater community collaboration in making Belize a safer place. He also called on citizens to continue to support the department by reporting officers who abuse their power.

Cabinet meets to address crime
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, along with the commanders of the Belize Police Department, Belize Defense Force, and the Defense ministers, is hosting a press conference at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza to discuss the recent spike in violent crime in Belize City.

Cabinet holds emergency meeting as violence in Belize City skyrockets
Cabinet is holding an emergency meeting today, while Belize Defense Force soldiers have been deployed to Belize City, after a night of violence left four people dead and two more injured from gunshots. There were shootings on Gibnut Street, Tibruce Street and Naragusta Street. Two women died as a result of the shootings, one of them as 62 years old. In one of the incidents, the shooter opened fire on police officers. Sources tell The Reporter that the incidents are a part of an escalating gang war in the city, triggered by the Saturday morning shooting of 25-year-old Kendis Flowers. The Belize Police Department said that it is employing strategies to neutralize the situation.

Breaking Belize News

On political posters, banners and lawfulness…Between these lines
By Glenn Tillett: (I wrote this essay earlier today and was contemplating releasing it. I do not wish in any way to promote the continuation of the political polarization that continues to plague our society. While walking back from the PM press conference today a shouted threat from a passing partisan reminded me that I may not be here that long …)

PM Barrow names two new deputy commissioners of Police
Today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow informed the nation that his government will add two new deputy commissioners of police to the Police Department. The two new deputies are Chester Williams and Edward Broaster.

More boots will be added on the ground, says PM Barrow
Prime Minister, Dean Barrow held a press conference this afternoon to inform the public on the strategies that his government will take to fight the escalation of crime in Belize City.

COMPOL refutes allegations that Kendis Flowers was killed by police
At today’s press conference, Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Allen Whylie briefed the media and the public on the horrific murders that occurred in the last 24 hours in the old capital.

BDF and more police officers to be deployed into Southside, Belize City
Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced today that the major security forces of Belize (BDF and Police) will work in joint collaboration in an effort to neutralize the crime situation in Belize City.

PM hosts press conference to address escalating crime in Belize City
Following the surge in violent crime over the weekend, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is hosting an emergency press conference at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.

Innocent man shot dead in Belize City last night
Last night around 8:45, police visited the KHMH where they observed Denroy Alvarez, 31, with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Initial investigation revealed that about 8:40 PM, Alvarez was on a parked motorcycle at the corner of Nargusta and Honda Street when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots at him causing his fatal death.

Belize City Police issue official report on brutal killing of 2 women
Last night around 7:10, police responded to a shooting incident on Tibruce Street in Belize City and upon arrival, officers observed the motionless body of Theresita Flowers, 64, lying on the floor of her home with apparent gunshot wounds to the left side of her back and left forehead.

45-year-old man drowns in Dangriga
esterday around 2:45 PM, police visited South River Street in Dangriga Town to investigate a drowning incident. According to reports, Brian Valerio, 45, of Dangriga Town attempted to swim across the river and upon reaching the mid-point of the river he went under and never re-surfaced.

Cabinet to meet this morning to address crime and security in Belize City
Over the last 24 hours, there has been an unprecedented escalation of gun violence in Belize City. Separate shootings were reported almost every hour in the old capital. Belizeans began to plea for the Government to declare a state of emergency and lock down the city streets.

International Sources

Belize Is Not Just for Backpackers Any More
The hiker’s haven is getting a serious injection of luxury—and yes, there will be overwater bungalows. For all of Belize’s cultural diversity—the country’s melting pot heritage is equal parts Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, Spanish, Lebanese, Chinese, British, Indian, and Mennonite—its tourism scene is surprisingly one-note. Nearly three-quarters of its 1.4 million annual visitors arrive by cruise ship, docking for just enough time to see the Altun Ha Mayan ruins, ride some zip lines, or go tubing through its famed Crystal Cave. And while a small clutch of luxury hotels exists—led by the pioneering, culinary-focused Copal Tree Lodge and the Coppola family’s private island retreat, Turtle Inn—Belize has suffered from a backpacker reputation that undermines its true Caribbean charms. That’s changing. “When I started coming here 15 years ago, it was Birkenstocks and REI bags on the TropicAir flights,” says Beth Clifford, founder of the three-month-old Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, referring to the 14-seat Cessna flights that are ubiquitous in Belize. “I just got off a TropicAir plane today and counted no fewer than three Louis Vuitton bags,” she adds. “The profile has changed entirely.”

New research finds reefs help protect vulnerable Caribbean fish from climate change
New Research by the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada finds that larger reef areas may help protect the Caribbean's coral reef fish communities from the impacts of ocean warming. “We are seeing alterations to local reef fish populations due to warming ocean temperatures, particularly in those Caribbean countries that are closer to the equator, like Trinidad and Tobago, where commercially important fishes such as Cero and Northern red snapper are on the decline already,” said Ravi Maharaj, first author and IOF's PhD candidate, in a statement.

Yes or No to the ICJ?
Guatemala teaches its citizens what they hope to gain after the dust settles.

Videos

March 18, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Water Services says San Mateo water shortage is temporary
San Mateo residents are complaining of running water shortages, mostly periodic low water pressure that has forced them to fill buckets, bins, and bottles for backup. Belize Water Services (BWS), the island’s water service provider, has indicated that the issue is temporary and attributes the cause to an increase in demand of the customer service water line feeding San Mateo. The line can no longer provide the necessary water pressure for the number of people living in that area. According to company personnel, the water line is being upgraded and it is due to such works that the supply of water to the said subdivision has been affected. Residents say that for over a week, water flow fluctuates during certain hours of the day and even at night. In some areas, the water cuts off completely. BWS explains that this occurs when their ground personnel is working on the uplifting of the water line supplying water to San Mateo. The project is being done in phases, and as each one is complete, works move forward to the next area where an upgrade is needed. It is estimated that the project will take around a year to a year and a half.

Ambergris Caye Rotary Club continues to fundraise and support community organizations
The Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II continues to be recipient of the kind donations from the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye. The latest donation was a much-needed defibrillator among other medical supplies that were handed over on Friday, March 9th. The Rotarians also held a dollar drive that same Friday and another one on Saturday, March 10th throughout San Pedro, collecting a total of $4,807.47 in cash donations. The Club also reported other donations that brings up the total amount of collections to $11,007.47. The funds are intended to be used to benefit the Ambergris Caye via different community programs. Rotarian Diane Tabony thanks the community’s involvement on the island, which allows the Rotary Club to assist San Pedro Town in different areas. According to her, helping the Polyclinic is always one of their top priorities.

San Pedro Junior Sailing Club participates in the 90th Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta
The Belize Sailing Association’s 90th Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta saw the Participation of the re-activated San Pedro Junior Sailing Club (SPJSC). Held on Sunday, March 11th in front of the BTL Park in Belize City, the sailing competition saw sailors compete in four different categories. The traditional “Triangle Course” with equal sides of one nautical mile was used for the Lighters and Multihulls competitors, while a separate course of one and a half nautical miles was laid for the Optimist and Laser sailors. In the Laser Category, after four races, the first place went to Trent Hardwick of the Belize City Sailing Club (BCSC) and the second place went to Wilson Rivera from Placencia Sailing Club. In the Multihulls Category, Antonio and Manuel Rivera from BCSC took the first place, while the second place went to Keith Hardwick and Jabian Young also from BCSC. In the Lighters Category, the United team took the victory.

SPHS hosts Science Fair 2018
Under the theme: “Brighter Future through Science and Innovation” the San Pedro High School (SPHS) hosted its annual Science Fair on Friday, March 9th. A large crowd visited the high school compound to view the science experiments, ideas and research presentations that the students had developed. The high school gates officially opened at 10AM. Following a short opening ceremony, attendees visited the various booths where students explained their science experiments, research, observation and conclusion of their project to the spectators. The projects ranged from engineering, recycling, solar science, physics and even how to tackle the amount of garbage affecting the island.

Misc Belizean Sources

Come celebrate the Spring Equinox at Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Sunday morning at 10pm!
The Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Non-Profit Organization happily invites the public to celebrate All Things New at their Spring Equinox Event to take place on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve.

Street claims Another Life
At 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, 17th March, 2018 police went to an area between Mahogany and Sittee Street where they found the body of 26 year old Kendis Flowers. He had a gunshot wound left eye. On the ground next to the Mayflower Street resident, officers also found a Daewoo brand .9mm pistol with one 9mm live round.

LIONFISH CEVICHE on CAYE CAULKER !!!!
Haven't tried it before? Then you should!! 1/2 pound w/chips $10 inbox or call 2260-127 only

SPHS male are CCC regional champs in softball. Both male and female won!

BTB partners with Avianca for Adventure Familiarization Tour

Beautiful day today at the Alejo Beni Park in Dangriga for Reef Fair 2018!
It's a day of fun with the family and an excellent chance to learn about our Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage site

Breaking Belize News

Six Belizeans shot, 4 dead in less than 24 hours
Early this morning, well known Ghost Town associate, Kendis Flowers was shot and killed on Mahogany Street in Belize City. Within 24 hours after the fatal shooting of Flowers, Belize City police are dealing with three (3) separate shooting incidents in the city’s underworld.

Another man gunned down in Belize City
Another shooting has been reported in Belize City tonight. According to reports, a barrage of bullets ran out a short while ago on Nargusta street in the St. Martin’s area of Belize City.

Man shot tonight in critical condition
A man was shot earlier tonight on Gibnut Street in Belize City. The identity of the victim has not yet been released.

Two women shot dead in Belize City tonight
There was a fatal shooting in Belize City tonight. According to reports, 2 women were shot on Tibruce Street. The two women have succumbed to their injuries.

Dumps trucks causing problems on the roads
Word has reached Breaking Belize News that there have been several incidents involving stones falling from dump trucks and causing damage to vehicles on the road. Our newsroom was informed that the loads in the dump trucks were either uncovered or insufficiently covered, which lead to stones falling off and cracking windshields and in some cases causing dents to vehicles both incoming and behind the dump trucks.

UDP’s in San Ignacio and Santa Elena celebrate victory
On Sunday, March 11, 2018, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena United Democratic Party team held their victory rally on the banks of the Macal River in Santa Elena Town. The team was sworn in as the new council for San Ignacio & Santa Elena by UDP Chairman Alberto August.

BNTU announces National Rally this Thursday
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) issued a press release today informing that the union will be engaging in a march and rally on Thursday, March 22, 2018 in Belmopan. The BNTU says that after consultation with their membership, they have gotten the mandate to plan and execute activities to show support to families and communities affected by the recent spike in heinous crimes against women and children.

On Avocados, Cops and Stupidity
My grandmother’s people are from San Estevan and she is a proud “Aguacatera”. She knows her avocados and thanks to her DNA, I inherited a love for those luscious pears. Every Belizean acknowledges, no matter how reluctantly, that the very best avocados in Belize are from San Estevan and its surrounds. The biggest ones grow in Corozal. It is known – dah soh.

Police’s “Avocado Suppression Unit” cause public outcry
A video gone viral of police officers physically abusing an avocado vendor has caused a public outcry. In the footage, police officers are seen manhandling the male vendor and throwing him and his avocados inside a waiting police mobile.

PUP to host victory rally tonight at Pound Yard
Tonight at 6 pm the People’s United Party (PUP) will have its victory rally at Pound Yard bridge in Belize City. The victory rally comes on the heels of the March 7 victory in the Belize City Council election.

Blogs

Belize Diabetes Association Corozal Branch: Held their Bridging the GAP Community Outreach Fair
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood. You can also have prediabetes. This means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Having pre-diabetes puts you at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

20,000 Strong Womens Rally in Belize City Brings out Skeptics; Makes Me Cry
Yesterday, women and children from every district in Belize woke up before dawn to fly, drive, bus and walk to march for equality. To come together and show our country that we have a voice, that we are not passive, that we should not live fear – that we will not take discrimination, bullying, violence and abuse lying down. That the women of Belize deserve equal education and healthcare opportunities as men. It was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I started crying too many times. Thank goodness for sunglasses.

International Sources

Guatemala Prepares for Vote in Land Dispute with Belize
Guatemala is laying fresh claim to 19,600 square kilometers of land that currently belong to Belize in a territorial dispute that has been raging for more than 200 years. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has prepared a 'popular consultation' on the territorial, insular and maritime dispute with Belize, with the vote due to be held on April 15. Under the slogan 'Vote for Guate,' the Guatemalan government has allocated more than US$41 million to ask the population if the nation should bring the issue before the International Court of Justice.

Videos

March 17, 2018

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

Blue Water Grill seeks to raise 45k for Hematology Analyzer
Blue Water Grill (BWG) is aiming to raise $45,000 dollars to buy a Hematology Analyzer for the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. The machine will allow the polyclinic to give blood tests results in one to two hours rather than waiting two to three days to get them. In the past, through their monthly donation program, BWG has purchased an EKG machine, ultrasound machine and x-ray machine for the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Through their efforts BWG along with their sister businesses, The Phoenix and Wine De Vine, have also raised funds to assist several non-governmental organizations and other institutions such as San Pedro High School, Hope Haven Center, Oceana Belize, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School among others.

San Pedro youth top Annual English Caye Swim Challenge
Several young swimmers from San Pedro Town took on the Annual Swim Challenge between English Caye and Goff’s Caye on Monday, March 12th and proudly excelled in the competition while raising awareness on the preservation of Belize’s Barrier Reef System. Among the 30 swimmers from across the country was San Pedro’s 13-year-old Carina Paz, who was the first and youngest female to complete the 1.6 mile swim. Brandon Santos, Jordan Santos and Kian Trejo took the first, second, and fourth place respectively. Other swimmers from the island included Robbie Zeske and Dawn Schick. The annual event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the highlights in the celebration of Oceana Belize’s Reef Week 2018.

Caye Note: Fundraiser for Baby Yareli Castillo
Please help us save a life. Yareli Castillo is 22-months-old, she has been diagnosed with Encephalitis. She has been in the hospital for the past three months, two of which she spent in a coma. The other was spent submitting to three surgeries; one in her throat and the other two in her stomach. Due to her surgeries she can’t get fed normally at the moment. She gets fed by a tube connected to her body and only liquid foods. She’s has now been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (brain paralysis) and she needs another surgery urgently, and proper medical treatment. We are doing a fundraising B.B.Q sale on Sunday March 18th at Boca del Rio, we will be having chicken and ribs B.B.Q, iced cold beers and good music with Rompe Raja from 11AM until 6PM. Please stop by and help us save a little angel. For any donations or orders u can contact us at 664-5903 or 654-4031.

Preschoolers shine for Festival of Arts in Ambergris Caye
As part of Child Stimulation Month, a Festival of Arts show was held at the San Pedro Lions Den on Tuesday, March, 13th. Under the theme: “Birth to Eight. Children must play”, the show saw a large crowd of residents enjoying the great talents of the many preschoolers on the island. At 9AM, a short ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a short invocation by Pastor Clive Welsh. Mistress of Ceremonies Kimberly Flores Moro then invited Education Officer of San Pedro Town, Odilia Caliz, who thanked everyone for their presence and continued support towards the children’s activities. The podium then saw former teacher and owner of Black & White Cuisine Restaurant, Julia Martinez sharing a few words with the attendees.

Belmopan Bandits defeat San Pedro Pirates 4-3
The San Pedro Pirates F.C suffered another home loss against the Belmopan Bandits on Sunday, March 11th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The island team fought hard to win but at the end of the heated match, it was a victory for the visiting team with a 4-3 point score. For the next match, San Pedro Pirates will once again be playing home but this time against Placencia Assassins on Sunday, March 18th. The game is scheduled to start at 3PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. Everyone is invited to come out and support the island team for their home game. Food and drinks will be on sale during the game.

Ambergris Today

Students Impress At SPHS Business Fair
From Medical Plazas, taquerias, dessert pizzas, beauty face masks to entertainment centers, the ideas for new business ventures for the island of Ambergris Caye were free flowing at San Pedro High School's Business Fair. Senior and junior students were given the opportunity to show off their marketing skills by creating a product/business and putting it up for display and sale at the fair that was held today, March 16, 2018. The fair was full of well-decorated booths and thought out business plans. Those with products were selling to visitors and those with business plans pitched the perfect idea of a new business in town. It was a great display of entrepreneurship by all the participating students; always a great event to visit. Great job everybody!

Tracy Eiley Gomez Sworn-In As Justice Of The Peace In Florida
On Thursday, March 15, 2018, five Belizeans residing in Florida were sworn-in as Justices of the Peace by the Attorney General of Belize Hon. Michael Peyrefitte at the Consulate of Belize in Florida. The men and women who have answered the call to serve are Mrs. Tracy Gomez, Ms. Deborah D. Duncan, Mrs. Glenda Lewis, Mr. Jason Guild and Mr. Philip Mckay. Tracy Eiley Gomez is a born Sanpedrana residing in Florida and is the daughter of Mr. Norman and Mrs. Susana Eiley (El Fogon Restaurant). On behalf of the entire community Ambergris Today takes this opportunity to congratulate Tracy Gomez!

San Pedro Junior Sailing Team Participates In Baron Bliss Regatta
After a three year break the San Pedro Junior Sailing Team has reformed and participated in the 90th Annual Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta in Belize City. The three sailors from the San Pedro Junior Sailing Team were Gabbi Knox, Rosemary Romero and Leroy Arzu. The race took place on Sunday, March 11, 2018, where a total of 12 sailors and four clubs represented and participated in the event. SPJST members all received medals of participation; congrats on a job well done! The “traditional triangle course” with equal sides of one nautical mile was for the Lighters and Multihulls. Separate courses were laid for Optimist and Lasers as both these classes needed ranking points for entry into up-coming international championships. The Optimists needed to get in more than three races so the separate triangular course was laid, shortened to half nautical mile sides with the apex within 100 yards of the BTL park for better spectator viewing.

Misc Belizean Sources

Help replace the Arenal Bridge
Good morning from Arenal village, a very small community on the Eastern border of Guatemala. Arenal is one of the poorest villages in the country and we’re approximately 5 Miles from Benque and 3 Miles from Melchor de Mencos, on the Guatemalan side. Most of the villagers do not have permanent jobs; each of us does a little bit of agriculture, a little job here and there, and in order to survive we go to Melchor de Mencos for some cheap shopping from time to time or to the hospital for medical help. In order to go to Melchor de Mencos we must cross a hanging bridge over the local river, and unfortunately this hanging bridge has been completely destroyed by a flooding in October 2017. The estimate of the construction of the bridge is 500000 Quetzales (approximately 75000 US$) and we want to try to get the funding of the bridge on our own.

Belize Attends SICA-Spain Meeting in the Dominican Republic
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Patrick Andrews, led a delegation to a Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where the Ministers met with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Alfonso Dastis. The SICA Foreign Ministers thanked the Kingdom of Spain for their continued support in the regional integration movement, particularly in the areas of institutional strengthening, human rights, poverty alleviation, and security. They welcomed the signing of the fourth phase of the SICA-Spain Fund that will support the region’s commitments to the 2030 Agenda.

Rumble in The West! Boxing Night!
March 24th,2018. At The Octavia Waight Center - 7:00PM. Main Fight MECANICO ESQUIVEL vs FRANCISCO LUNA! Tickets are: $15.00 General, $20.00 Reserved ( Ring Side), $25.00 VIP. Get it at the gate, at SI Central TV & Internet Office, TNC Studio or call us at 678-6210.

UDP Victory Rally in San Pedro
Inviting each and everyone today Saturday March 17th, as we celebrate our VICTORY PARTY. Meet us at Maya Island Air to meet & greet the Prime Minister of Belize “Hon. Dean Barrow”.

Corozal Sign Design Competition
Be a part of creating one of Corozal's future tourism landmarks.

Corozal - Save a Life, Global Youth Day
Many youth will be donating blood to the people in need, this Saturday March 17th from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Corozal Community Hospital. Come and be part of this event. There will be prayer offerings and also visiting of the sick and ailing in the hospital. The Calcutta SDA Spanish Church will also have a prayer booth with live music infront of the church which will be taking place at the same time in Calcutta Village. Help the needy, save a life and share your blessings. Balloons giveaway with positive messages. Cupcakes will be given out for free at the church. There will be many more activities.

BTB Vacancy : Chief of Security
The incumbent is the leader of the security function, which includes the physical security and safety of employees, facilities and assets of the Belize Tourism Board. Physical protection responsibilities will include implementing and integrating employee security safeguards, asset protection, workplace violence prevention, access control systems, video surveillance and more. The position is responsible for performing tasks related to risk assessment, crisis management and facility security. Additionally, the person will monitor visitor flow and outside activities as it relates to creating a safe and secure working environment at the BTB.

COMMUNITY FORESTRY EXCHANGE VISIT, GUATEMALA
12 community members from southern Belize visited the Uaxactún concession in Guatemala where forest management has seen success with local community participation. Ya’axché is implementing a 4 year project, funded by the European Union, with 7 partner organizations from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The project aims to increase the capacity of participating organizations and indigenous communities in effective forest governance, conservation and sustainability. We are collaborating with Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) in southern Belize to implement the activities of the project entitled “Gobernanza Forestal de Pueblas Indigenas y Comunidades Forestales en REDD+ y FLEGT”. SATIIM supports 2 local groups who are managing a community logging concession.

Channel 7

Murder At Newstime
Goodnight, and welcome back to 7News. First off, there has been a murder in the city. It happened right around the corner from us at the corner of King Street and West Canal. A Spanish descent male was found slumped over in his car. He was shot to the head. This happened about 20 minutes ago. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

Monstrous: 21 Year Old Charged For Murder/Rape of 17 Month Old
21-year-old Everal Martinez has been charged for the murder of baby Alyssa Nunez, the 17 month old sexual abuse victim who died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head. Two weeks ago, Martinez was taken to court under a blanket of security and charged for 2 counts of attempted rape of a child and 2 counts of attempted assault of a child. Today, it was a far more low profile affair when he was hurried into court in a tinted police mobile.

Sole Suspect In Plane Landing Released
And while he is in jail, the single suspect police had detained in connection with the landing of a drug plane in the Blue Creek area has been released. On Wednesday at around midnight, Police - responding to the report of an illicit plane landing - found the Orange Walk resident driving out of the general area where the plane had landed. He was in a red pickup. He was detained for possible involvement since this is not a much trafficked area. But, now he has been released without charges - making it the third case of drug planes landed in the north in 16 days - and police have nothing to show for it: no drugs, no suspects…nada. And, some say, this is by design, and hint at collusion by some law enforcement elements. First off, the landing of drug planes is obviously a major enterprise, with many moving parts - parts that must exist in Belize for the operations to work.

New Sheriff For The City
And, as Vidal goes to Belmopan, back to Special Branch, he makes way for Sr. Superintendent Howell Gillett, who will take over as Eastern Division Southside's new commander. As we told you last night this is part of a major shakeup in the senior ranks of the Department. Now, the south side has been passed around a number of times to try and find the right fit. Everyone remembers the era of Super Cop ACP Chester Williams and his community policing strategy - then the command was given to Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal - with his paramilitary policing style, and now it's in Sr. Supt. Gillett's hands - who has made it clear that community policing is the only way to go. We met up with Gillett in downtown Belize this evening already adjusting to the big city life. He told us more about his youth focused approach.

New Commander’s First Priority
Now Gillett will meet with his south side officers on Monday morning to make it official. And Gillett already has his things to do list prepared. He is eager to get started. He gave us a specific breakdown of what his first order of business will be as the new Southside commander. Sr. Supt Howell Gillet, Southside Commander: "I want to quickly go house to house especially to start with the affected areas in Belize City in the Southside of Belize City. And the police can't do it on their own, the police will never be able to solve crime on its own so we have to enlist their support." "Another thing that readily comes to mind is that there is too much available ammunition on the street and maybe even available guns so we will have to be going after those who have the guns and ammunition so that the public.."

FECTAB Says Nohoch Che’en For Belizeans Only
3 weeks ago, the then PUP Mayoral candidate Bernard Wagner sided with the local tour operators, handicraft vendors and guides who hustle outside the gates of the Fort Street Tourism Village. Whether or not the Mayor was pandering for votes, the reality is that the presence outside the compound of the tourism village has been an ongoing industry dispute. And, the consultations to resolve this issue haven't exactly been going well, since the ideas of putting them near the Memorial Park, and the Marion Jones Stadium were rejected by the locals. Their position is that they're already scrambling for the crumbs from cruise tourism in Belize City, and putting them that far is sort of like out of sight, out of mind.

March For Empowerment Ropes In Students
In 2014, the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children organized the first every 20,000 Strong Women's Empowerment Rally. The message was clear then: women from all over coming together to celebrate their value and collective strength. Today - four years later - the messaging is not so clear - because many ask what an empowerment march can do when women and children are being killed in the street. It's a tough question, but a fair one - and we asked it today. Jules Vasquez reports: It was an orange wave crashing into the Caribbean blue on Marine Parade. Up close though, there was a lot less orange and a lot more white - as in school uniform white. Schools came from all over the country, Some with their marching bands. It made for a nice vibe on the street - but, we wondered was their presence optional, or ornamental? Lead organizer Kim Barrow embraced it as a cross section of community support:

The Avocado Altercation
A market vendor is demanding that police pay her $4,500 for confiscating and damaging her stash of avocadoes. Maria Cowo bought 750 avocadoes from her usual supplier up North. Now the trouble started yesterday evening when police held up her supplier and took all the avocadoes she had already paid for. He was just there to deliver her order. An amateur video captures all the commotion. Today I went looking for more answers at the market. We spoke to one eyewitness off camera as well as the supplier's cousin. They all maintain that the avocadoes were locally grown in San Victor, Corozal. Voice of: Eyewitness: "It was around 6pm in the evening. I was closing my business and I went outside and I saw 2 police officers holding a guy for some avocados. Asked them why they are holding him for. He says [police] because of contraband avocados. So we stood there and I say but those look like local avocado. The police didn't want to listen to anyone. They call someone and they stayed there like an hour. I expected they were waiting for some bargain or something. Then the mobile reach and ask what was going on and that's when they were told that they have some contraband avocados and they put it in the truck. The guy who had the avocado was willing to go in the truck with them because it was his avocado, but then they put 2 other stuff that did not belong to him, so that's when he refuses to get inside of the truck."

Guatemalan Weed Plantation In Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development are reporting that they helped the police and the BDF capture a Guatemalan man who was about to start up a marijuana plantation in the Chiquibul forest. At around 1:30 p.m. yesterday, a joint patrol consisting of a of FCD ranger, members of the Belize Defence Force were on duty in the Caballo area of the Chiquibul. That's when they came across a man later identified as 25 year-old Manuel De Jesus Hernandez Vega, a resident of the Guatemalan Village La Esperanza, in Melchor De Menchos. The lawmen caught him with 3 live cartridges belonging to a 12-gauge shot gun, and at his camp, they found 5 small plastic bags, which contained marijuana seeds. Each of the bags weighed about a half a pound.

Guatemala Gets Ready For ICJ Referendum
On last night's news, we showed you part one of our exclusive interview with the new Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize, Gorges De La Roche. He was discussing different aspects of Belize/Guatemala relations and the topic of their ICJ public campaign came up. On April 15, Guatemalans will go to the polls and vote on whether they want to take their country's territorial claim to Belize to the International Court of Justice. For months now, the Guatemalan Government has been hosting their public education campaign on the ICJ referendum, and we wondered what kind of feedback they've been getting on this claim to Belize that's almost 200 years old.

Would Guatemala Try To Slip Out of ICJ Judgement?
Now, for the territorial dispute to actually go to the ICJ, the populations of both Belize and Guatemala have to vote yes in their respective referendums. But, as you may be aware, there are those strong-minded Belizeans who refuse to entertain the idea of an ICJ resolution. And that's because there is suspicion that if Guatemala loses the case, they will simply ignore the ruling and carry on as though nothing has changed. We asked the Ambassador point-blank about that concern: Daniel Ortiz, reporter: "We know that in the past, your country was claiming half of Belize. Is that still the position?" H.E. Georges de la Roche Du Ronzet - Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize: "When you ask that, I will remind you that we are tiptoeing around a legal case, a court case or hopefully a court case. So I won't even dare to answer that. Once we are at the Hague there will be a memorial presented by us in the stages of their procedures in the Hague. So that's the answer I can give you."

Garrido For Shooting Garoy
Last month, we told you about the shooting of 35 year-old Reginald Garoy, the Belize City taxi-man, who according to reports, had to jump into the Belize City canal to escape his armed assailant. Well, police say that the shooter was 20 year-old Ezmir Garrido, a resident of West Canal. He was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on the charges of grevious harm, and use of deadly means of harm. Due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken, and Garrido was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He will be taken back to court for an adjournment on May 16, 2018.

Four Dozen New Belizeans
Over 40 new Belizeans were sworn in today at the George Price Center in Belmopan. Deputizing for the minister - CEO Edmund Zuniga urged the new citizens to celebrate Belizean plurality:

A Festival For Gospel
And one Trinidad Gospel Soca artist might someday want to call Belize home. J Prince is back in Belize for the third time. He's the headline act at the Belize Gospel Expo 2018 to be held this weekend at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds. He told us how me blends the party mood of soca with prayerful thoughts:... The Gospel Fest is free to enter.

Murder Confirmed
And finally tonight, an update to our headline story. There has been another murder on the southside. One hour ago, a Spanish man was found slouched on the driver's side of a ford escape. The Deceased is Victor Mason Gibbs of 17 Mex Ave. More on Monday.

Channel 5

Independence Primary School visits Channel 5
The students of Independence Primary School visited to learn about the history and operations of Great Belize Productions Ltd. These school tours are very important to the company as it provides the opportunity to share the legacy of the company and to inspire children to pursue the many career options in media and television. Here's a few images from Wednesday's tour.

Today we were visited by the students of Maya Mopan Primary School

Everal Martinez Charged with Step-Daughter Allyssa Nunez’s Murder
Her plight touched the heart of many Belizeans. Her unnecessary death enraged them. But life went on in the Old Capital as twenty-one-year-old Everal Martinez was briefly and quietly arraigned [...]

Howell Gillett Brings Fresh Approach to Eastern Division (South)
There is a new commander to take on the Eastern Division South Command of the Police Department in the city. After eight months on the job as the head of [...]

New Capital Gets Interim Leader as Senior Superintendent Vows to End “Carnage” in Old Capital
So who will take over from Gillett at the Belmopan Formation; and will Superintendent Daniel Arzu remain as Deputy Regional Commander at Eastern Division South? Here’s that update from Gillett. [...]

Cops Caught on Camera Harassing Avocado Vendor
Around six o’clock on Thursday evening, there was a ruckus outside the Michael Finnegan Market, Belize City that quickly became violent. Officers attached to the Special Patrol Unit were caught [...]

Family Says SPU Must Pay for Spoiled Goods
This evening, the nineteen-year-old resident of San Victor visited News Five along with his family. Sister Maria Cowo said that while he was held at the Racoon Street Police Station, [...]

New Managers of Civic include Elite Basketball Team Owner
A press conference will be held on Monday to announce the management company to take over the running of the brand new thirty-three million dollars Civic Center. The construction of [...]

Cover-Up Underway in Drug Plane Landings, Sources Allege
Police this afternoon confirmed that the single person held in connection with a suspected drug plane that crash landed in the Cuatro Leguas area of Blue Creek, Orange Walk around [...]

20,000 Strong Returns to Marion Jones
Twenty-thousand Strong? Not quite – but they descended on Belize City nevertheless with their call for gender parity. This year, the women rallied for change with “Nurturing the Next Generation [...]

Breaking: a Murder on the Canalside
There is breaking news to report tonight. Just minutes ago, there was a murder in Belize City where a man has reportedly been shot and killed near the corners of [...]

FECTAB Back on the Warpath against GOB
The outspoken folks at the Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations had been quiet for some time, but today they turned up the heat on Government, again. The organization wants to [...]

Howell Wants to Close Gap with Gangs
Since the beginning of the year, gang violence and gang-related murders are on the rise with the south side of the city particularly hit. 2017 ended with the second highest [...]

New Commander Wants to Talk with Everyone
But will there be a return of the method of mediation with gang members as was employed by ACP Chester Williams alongside Dianne Finnegan and Nuri Mohammed? That initiative was [...]

CitCo Shakeup Rumbles to Gwen Liz
Gwen Liz High School continues to face a series of administrative troubles, this time at its board level.  News Five understands that job interviews were being held this afternoon for [...]

Agro-Producers to Meet with G.O.B. over GST Exemptions
The Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group will meet with Prime Minister Dean Barrow and other top officials next Wednesday ahead of the Budget Debate. During the presentation on March ninth, the [...]

Taxi Man’s Shooter Identified, Charged
Twenty-year-old Esmir Garrido has been charged with grievous harm and use of deadly means of harm on taxi driver Reginald Garoy. Garoy was shot and injured in the right side [...]

Pickwick Loses Second Round Versus Princess in Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal this morning handed down a decision in the case of Belize Pickwick Club Hotel Limited and Belize Pickwick Club Limited, against Princess Entertainment Limited, Golden Princess [...]

Courts Helps Out at Sister Cecilia Home
Thirty-three residents at the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly were treated to a tea party by Unicomer Belize as the company undertook a week-long of activities in volunteerism. Over [...]

Taiwanese Make Investment in Sheep, Goat Rearing
For two years now, a national sheep and goat-breeding center at the Central Farm has been in operation to develop this small sector and so farmers who are rearing sheep [...]

LOVE FM

Here’s what the IDB has to say about Belize’s economy
A new report released by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) analyses the current macroeconomic situation in the region, including Belize. Regional Economic Principal Specialist of the Inter-American. Development Bank’s (IDB) Department for Central America, Mexico, Panama, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and Country Economist for Belize, Dr. Jordi Prat, delivered a presentation entitled, “Inclusive Growth: …

Everal Martinez charged for the murder of Baby Allyssa
The young man accused of sexually abusing 17 month old Allyssa Nunez and causing her death, has been charged for murder. 21 year old Everal Martinez was today arraigned on charges of murder, rape and assault by penetration. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and was not granted bail. He is to reappear in …

Commissioner of Police ‘shakes’ things up
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie is shaking things up in the Belize Police Department. Several senior police officers have been reassigned. Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal has been return to Special Branch in Belmopan. After a short and rough stint as the commander of Eastern Division South, Vidal is being replaced by Senior Superintendent of Police, …

Belize at SICA meeting
Belize was represented by the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, at a Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. There the Ministers met with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Alfonso Dastis. The …

KHMH functioning in ‘Emergency Mode’
After debris fell from an area of the roof at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, a structural review was commissioned which has shown the need for immediate remedial reinforcement to a section of the hospital’s roof. This is currently underway according to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority. Repairs are currently underway which are affecting …

Belizeans living in the US become Justices of the Peace
Five Belizeans living in Florida, USA, were sworn-in as Justices of the Peace by the Attorney General of Belize Michael Peyrefitte yesterday. The new Justices of the Peace include Tracy Gomez, Deborah D. Duncan, Glenda Lewis, Jason Guild and Philip Mckay. They will receive additional minor training in immigration and land-related matters so as to preempt …

American woman drowns while scuba diving
An American woman drowned yesterday in Belize. 70 year old Phyllis Jean Ewing drown while she was with her husband, Alexander, scuba diving at Gallos Point Island about 8 miles from Belize City. Ewing reportedly began experiencing difficulties breathing. She was taken out of the sea and taken to the KHMH where she was pronounced …

Amandala

PUP Belize City Council Mayor and Councillors sworn in
The PUP slate that garnered 52% of the nearly 235,000 votes cast in last week’s Belize City Council election was sworn in before an enthusiastic throng of supporters and well-wishers in a joyous and at times raucous ceremony in front of the venerable City Hall this afternoon. Mayor Bernard Wagner and his 10 councillors all individually took their oath of office before sharing a few words and listening to speeches by PUP leader Hon. John Briceño. The new mayor also gave an inaugural address. Briceño sounded a common theme when he told the large gathering that the Prime Minister could call the general elections now. “Bring it on”, he said, before issuing the reminder that the PUP campaign was about “people versus projects,” and that this council must lead by example.

Police Department shakeup
In less than a year, the Belize Police Department has seen yet another major shakeup. As we go to press tonight, we understand that Chester Williams, who served as Assistant Commissioner of Police and the head of the Professional Standard Branch, has been elevated to Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Operations. Our newspaper also understands that Edward Broaster, who served as Assistant Commissioner of Police and head of the Operations unit, will now serve as Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Administration.

Barrow’s budget: “Bogus, lifeless with no glitter and no substance,” PUP leader Briceño says
Leader of the Opposition (PUP), Hon. John Briceño, the Orange Walk East area representative, pounced on the budget of Prime Minister Dean Barrow immediately after leaving the chamber of the House of Representatives, where PM Barrow had just presented his government’s revenue and expenditures for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, known formally as the General Revenue and Appropriation Bill, which went through two readings today. PM Barrow described his $1.83 billion budget as, “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”, but in the view of Hon. Briceño, “it’s a lifeless budget with no glitter and no substance.” When the Leader of the Opposition was reminded about the remark the Prime Minister made yesterday, Thursday, at his press conference, that the UDP would win a fourth term in government, Briceño lashed out.

16-year-old student drowns in Pickwick pool
At around midday on Sunday, March 11, a birthday celebration at the Pickwick pool ended in tragedy for a third form Pallotti student, Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo. Ojo drowned in the pool, which plunges to a depth of 12 feet at the deep end. Strangely, no one saw Ojo’s body inside the pool. When no one could find Ojo, her family filed a missing person’s report. The tragic discovery was made about four hours after she disappeared. Femi Ojo, the father of the deceased, today told the press that this was the first time his daughter left her home independently to attend a private function. “She is not the type that liked going out. This was her first time leaving the house for an outdoor programme. But on that fateful day, I realized that she was invited for her friend or her classmate’s birthday,” he said.

Senate passes 3 loan motions
Three loan motions that made their way through the House of Representatives on Friday were taken to the Senate today, where social partner senators vehemently opposed the government’s new borrowing initiatives which will add almost $100 million dollars to the national debt. One of the loans is for US$40 million from the OPEC Fund for International Development. The loan is for the upgrading of 42.5 kilometers of the Caracol Road — from the George Price Highway to the Caracol Archaeological site— which the government wants to improve. The loan is expected to cover 91 percent of the work on the road and the government will be coming up with the remaining 9 percent of the funds, which is reportedly some 3.96 million dollars. Private sector senator Mark Lizarraga told the Senate, “I absolutely, in good conscience, cannot support the investment at this time. We need to be looking at ways to save money, to cut the cost of big, expensive, incompetent and corrupt government,” Senator Lizarraga said.

2X Belize Olympian, Jayson Jones visits the Jewel for family reunion
Jayson Jones, 2X Olympian, [2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia and 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China] is coming to Belize. He represented Belize in Track & Field from 1997 to 2011. During those years, Jayson competed in several international competitions, such as, Central American Games, Central American & Caribbean Games, the Commonwealth Games, the PanAmerican Games, as well as the World Track & Field Championships. Jayson is currently a successful Financial Advisor of his OlympicStar Financial Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Mentor to several current and former pro athletes. He is currently developing an Olympic Development Program geared towards preparing athletes for world class competitions in various Olympic disciplines. Jayson hopes to kick off the program in the Fall 2018, with his eyes set on Summer Olympic Games of 2020; ensuring that Belize sends its largest delegation in history to the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Boxing champion Mikey Garcia visits the Jewel to conduct charity work
Future Hall-of-Famer Mikey Garcia, 27, who won his fourth belt, at 140 pounds on Saturday night, March 10, which makes him a four-division world champion, is in the jewel, in the Toledo District, conducting charity work with a church group, building houses. Mikey came to the jewel on Sunday, March 11, hours after winning the championship belt in the 140- pound weight division, joining Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as the only fighters in history to win titles at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds. There are many unknowns, since the travels and whereabouts of the champion in the jewel are not being publicized due to security reasons. It is also unknown how long he will be in Belize.

90th Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta – United takes the cake
At first light on Sunday, March 11, Belize City harbour began showing white caps, as the seasonal south-easterly strengthened. By sunrise, the few popcorn clouds had sped off toward the land, leaving skies of clearest blue for the 90th edition of the Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta in the vicinity of BTL Park in Belize City. Since the last rains, the water had cleared enough to clearly reveal a pod of dolphins with babies that appeared and stayed the rest of the day with the committee boat. Overhead, osprey, brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds and gulls fed on mullet and mackerel. The “traditional triangle course” with equal sides of one nautical mile was for the Lighters and Multihulls. Separate courses were laid for Optimist and Laser, as both these classes needed ranking points for entry into up-coming international championships.

City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots – Week 5 results
Good night, Football Family. The City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Tournament 2018 Week 5 games were held on Saturday, March 10, at the Yabra Football Field. In the 4 games scheduled, Ladyville Rising Stars won, 3-1, over Sampson Academy; Poor & Famous also won, 3-1, over St. John Vianney; City Boys Jr. won by default (3-0) over Carlston Elite; and Reality Youth won, 3-1, over Warriors FC. Players of the Day were Jarreth Tablada (Ladyville Rising Stars) and Tishawn Gillett (Reality Youths), who scored 3 goals each (Hat Trick)!!!!

Cricket News
Greetings from the BNCA (Belize National Cricket Association)! The Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2018 continued over the weekend with only three games played. Things got exciting on Saturday as the once easy going Suga Boys claimed their second victory for the season by defeating the strong and talented Sunrise on their home turf with wickets to spare! Big-up to Jaime Wade of Suga Boys who took 7 wickets! The results of the matches played on Saturday, March 10, are as follows:

“Barrow-gance” politicized Partridge
It is axiomatic that you do not mix business with politics. Business suffers when such mixes occur. The problem for Kremandala, historically speaking, is that the flagship of the Partridge Street businesses – the Amandala newspaper, got off the ground, where modernizing its printing technology was concerned, as the result of a business/political alliance with a faction of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) in 1977. Over the first eight years of its existence, beginning in 1969, Amandala had become popular amongst roots people. But the newspaper had been severely undercapitalized from the very beginning. There was never any such orthodox thing as a business plan at Amandala: it was always from day to day and from hand to mouth. This is how it is when you are not “godfathered” by Coca-Cola. As we have said to you in these pages before, the 4 percent of voter loyalty which the newspaper had generated, had made the newspaper of interest to the ruling PUP politicians, hence the aforementioned 1977 alliance.

If third party leaders are serious
I believe I heard a third party leader say, after the results of the municipal elections were announced, that Belizeans are content to vote for corruption. That is so unfair. Belizeans don’t vote for third party candidates because in our first-past-the-post system (FPTP), it doesn’t make sense. If you ask around you will find that many Belizeans have favorable things to say about many of our third party leaders. However, some third party leaders have very narrow agendas and, for whatever reason, none of them have put together a dedicated slate of candidates to contest general elections.

“Idiot Boulevard,” my recommended name for that new stretch of road
If you are at the Buttonwood Bay Boulevard Roundabout (near the Shell Depot around Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson (Western) Highway), and you contemplate getting to Publics Supermarket, you have two options. You can drive east along the highway until you meet the next roundabout (near the Adventist and NAPA buildings), take a U-turn around the roundabout, and then head west until you get to Publics; or you can shorten your journey by heading north along Buttonwood Bay Boulevard, take a right on to Coney Drive, and that takes you to Publics (across from Body 2000), where you have shortened your journey to Publics by about a half. That’s a saving of time and money, as in gasoline at near $12.00 a gallon.

BELIZEAN STANISLAUS
What an election! AMANDALA trumpeted PUP BLOWOUT IN BELIZE CITY, ORANGE WALK and COROZAL! A blocked off banner proclaimed: PUP snatched the grand prize, Belize City, – turf of the UDP’s most powerful ministers. Not surprisingly, pointing to their superior numbers in the west, south, deep south, and offshore – 41 seats out of 67 total, the UDP retiring leader claimed victory. One week before friends had asked me who would win. My answer: “If PUP sweeps the north and four constituencies in Belize City, they will consider it a WIN!” How many did they win – SIX? SEVEN?

United Black Association for Development Educational Foundation (U.E.F.) 22nd Anniversary and the Library of African and Indian Studies 18th Anniversary
Reflections by the Chairperson of U.E.F., Sista YaYa Marin Coleman 1. What is U.E.F.’s purpose? U.E.F. was formed as a community based organization 22 years ago on March 10, 1996 by a group of Belizean social activists. Their intentions were to link the transition from United Black Association for Development (UBAD) 1969-1974 a cultural and political organization to U.E.F. an organization focused on community development through education from an African and Indigenous perspective. 2. What leadership lessons have you learned as the chairperson of U.E.F. for almost 12 years? My personal development is connected to my leadership ability. So 12 years ago, I was less open to accepting other people’s positions that were different than mine..

PM Barrow presents a “steady as she goes” budget
Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow presented his government’s budget to Parliament this morning, in the House of Representatives, following Wednesday’s municipal elections, which saw the governing United Democratic Party lose ground to the Opposition People’s United Party. Describing what he called the “UDP decade,” PM Barrow said the budget was structured so as to continue the Government’s “pro-poor policies.” The PM also announced that at the close of 2017, “the national debt stood at approximately $3.535 billion, some 93.8 percent of estimated 2017 GDP.” PM Barrow said that the goal of government is “to reduce the debt to 80 percent of GDP in the next five years.” “If Belize can sustain and build our fiscal primary surplus position and if we can, in collaboration with private enterprise, spark just a few years of higher than average economic expansion, then this key criterion of sovereign economic and fiscal health can be fully restored,” he said.

“Paas’n christen dem pickney first,” PM Barrow tells PUP
At his post-municipal-elections press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made reference to a “judicious allocation of resources” as it relates to municipal governments. In speaking on the adjournment at the House of Representatives today, Friday, the Caribbean Shores area representative, Hon. Kareem Musa took the Prime Minister to task for the statement. “There has been a change in Belize City. The city has gone blue, Mr. Prime Minister, and I heard you at your press conference yesterday, say that there is going to be a judicious allocation. And I think you sent an indirect message when you said that the pastor will baptize his children first,” Hon. Musa said.

18-wheeler cargo truck rolls over sleeping man’s head
Marcus Fernando Zabaleto, 38, a truck driver of Melchor De Mencos, Guatemala, died after a freightliner 18-wheel cargo truck, under which he was sleeping, rolled over his head at about 11:00 Friday morning, March 9, at the Western Border. Police and firemen jacked up the back wheel of the truck, and Zabaleto’s head, which was wedged between the truck’s two back wheels, was freed. He was put on a stretcher and taken to the San Ignacio Hospital Morgue. Reports to us are that Zabaleto was in the parking lot of the cargo area of the Belize Western Border, when he went under the truck and took a nap. He was sleeping when the truck driver, Jose Alfredo Guevara, 53, of Santa Ana Petén, Guatemala, who did not walk around the truck to make sure that all was clear, got into the truck and drove out of the compound, rolling over Zabaleto.

US federal court grants Belize Bank enforcement order against government for US$35 million
In a new twist in the complicated saga that a government loan guarantee has spawned in respect to the Universal Health Services (UHS), the Belize Bank Limited has succeeded in obtaining an enforcement order from a United States federal court for payment of $35 million by the Government of Belize. The publication, Law 360, reported that the bank obtained the order on Monday from U.S. District Judge Amit P. Metha, in the case of Government of Belize v. Belize Bank Ltd. case number 1:14-cv-00659, which was argued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The court order authorizes the Belize Bank to seize government property, “in the jurisdiction where such attachment or execution is appropriate.”

The Reporter

20,000 strong rally held in Belize City
Today, the office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children held it’s third 20,000 Strong rally under the global theme for Women’s Month, “Press for Progress.” The event gathered more than 10,000 people, primarily youths, to listen to presentations by Belizean women from all walks of life, who are […]

Belize represented at SICA meeting
Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent representation to the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central American Integration System (SICA), held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic today. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Patrick Andrews, led the delegation […]

Third form student drowns at birthday pool party
A birthday pool party ended in tragedy for family and friends of Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo, 16, a third form student of Pallotti High School in Belize City, who was one of the invited guests at the private function at the Pickwick Club. The teen had […]

Mother shot dead at home; daughter and son wounded; still no arrests
Police have made no arrests for the shooting death of Belize City Council sanitation worker, Bernadine Lauriano, 52, who was shot in her chest and abdomen inside her house on Aloe Vera Street in the Lake Independence area of Belize City last Friday night. Lauriano […]

Police confirm second sexual abuse case; third minor sexually abused in separate incident
Police have detained three men who live in the same yard as a four year-old special needs girl who was raped in Independence Village, Stann Creek and have confirmed that another minor from the same house has also bee sexually abused. The new revelation that […]

Police charge Guatemalan truck driver after truck crushes colleague to death
Police have arrested and charged Jose Guevara Guerra, 53, a Guatemalan truck driver of Santa Ana Peten, Guatemala, with ‘manslaughter by negligence’, ‘causing death by careless conduct’, and ‘driving without due care and attention’ for a traffic mishap that resulted in the death of his […]

No arrests in case of man found stabbed to death in Corozal
Police have made several detentions but no arrests for the stabbing murder of Mark Anthony Clarke, 41, whose body was found near a slaughter house in Corozal Town on Saturday afternoon. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette told the media on Tuesday that they had […]

KHMH ceiling crumbling, clinics canceled during repairs
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority canceled all clinics for the remainder of the week after structural failure in the building caused debris to fall from the ceiling. Sources say that the debris fell from the ceiling on Wednesday in a non-patient section of the […]

Chemotherapy coming to the KHMH
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has taken the first step in being able to offer Chemotherapy for cancer patients, by staffing its own Oncologist (cancer specialist). Ramon Yacab, a Belizean doctor from Benque Viejo del Carmen, who completed medical school in Guatemala and specialized in Oncology […]

Marriott to open new hotel in Belize
The global hospitality company, Marriott International, which manages around 30 luxury hotel and resort brands, is scheduled to open a new hotel in Belize in 2020. The new hotel, which will be called “Alaia”, had its ground breaking at the end of 2017 in the southern part […]

Preventing Violence by Reconciliation for Peace
A project to prevent violence and stop the senseless killings and gun violence through dialogue and reconciliation has been launched by a group of concerned Belizean citizens, who have joined together to form Belize Movement For Peace and Reconciliation. They have set themselves a timetable of 100 days to achieve […]

The Child Killings
The disappearancies and killings of teen and pre-teen girls in the Belize City area during the 1990’s which were widely called the ‘Jack Killings’ remain unsolved to this day. The killings sent terrifying shockwaves throughout the community and the nation. The ripple effects were tremendous; mothers held their daughters closer, […]

The superbond’s direct effect on the Budget and concerns to consider
By Alexis Milan Editor The government’s budget presentation last week, “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”, put an emphasis on curbing public spending and maximizing revenue collecting measures. And while the debate on the budget isn’t scheduled until next week in Parliament, some have already taken the time to scrutinize […]

Latest budget proposes austerity measures and cost cuts
Prime Minister Dean Barrow said prior to presenting his 2018 budget that he would not introduce any new taxes, but he did say there would be some tweaking of existing taxes, chief among which is a 12.5 percent charge to now be levied on mobile […]

New Belize city PUP team sworn in but finances look dismal
Belize City – the municipality with the largest population – held a swearing-in ceremony for the new municipal government on Wednesday afternoon, exactly one week after the People’s United Party’s (PUP) full 11-member slate was elected to office. But after the fanfare and celebration of […]

Voter turnout fell slightly in 2018 municipal elections
The municipal elections held last week saw 2,777 more electors turn out to the polls over the 2015 municipal elections – an increase of about 4%, from 62,792 to 65,569. Yet voter turnout dropped from an estimated 59% at the previous municipal elections to 57% […]

Editorial
Final results for the Town Council election on San Pedro show that there is a gap of 38 votes between the candidate for Mayor, Daniel Guerrero of the UDP and his PUP rival, Abner Perez. The gap between other rival candidates was wider – a margin of 325 votes for […]

Lesbian group seeks SSB benefits for gay couples
The activist group PETAL (Promoting Empowerment Through Awareness For Les/Bi Women) held a forum on Wednesday with representatives of the Social Security Board (SSB) with the theme “Exploring the Benefits of Social Security for Women: Past, Present and Future”. The event at the Radisson Fort […]

Belize City man killed in front of family
Emil Fernando Audinett, 29, became Belize City’s latest murder victim on Wednesday night when a gunman entered his yard on Ordonez Avenue and unleashed a barrage of bullets on him in front of his wife and children. No one else was injured in the shooting; […]

Belize Bank wins UHS enforcement order in US Court
The Belize Bank won an enforcement order in a United States Federal Court against the government of Belize, on Monday, in the ongoing legal battle over the debt guarantee for Universal Health Services (UHS), which was issued by the People’s United Party. On Monday, the […]

Another plane lands in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police have detained one man in connection with an investigation involving a suspected drug plane which crash-landed in an area behind Blue Creek, Orange Walk early Thursday morning. According to police, shortly after midnight on March 15th, cops received a report that an […]

Blogs

Shelley Griffith tells us “Why Belize”
Shelley Griffith is from Canada, a die-hard Seahawks fan, and all around sports nut. She is also a pretty awesome and hilarious friend to a bunch of us in Belize. After meeting her and discovering that her primary reason for traveling to Ambergris Caye is diving, I had to ask why. I’m not a diver, but realize that there is a community of them who connect and feel passionate about the water sport. Shelley shared a little bit about why diving and why Belize. How did you find out about Belize? I travel quite a bit and when I wanted to see Maya history, Belize and Guatemala were first to come up on a Google search. After more research, I decided to do Belize over Guatemala because it has such a diverse eco-system with the jungle and the Caribbean Sea only a few hours away.

Southwest Seat Sale on Flights From Belize, Weather, Passport and Family Travel Requirements
So far March has been normal as far as the wind is concerned. I can tell when it picks up from the east when the zinc roofing next door rattles. If it is coming from the north it can be gusty and dusty at my front door – the joys of a city girl. Longer and stronger breezy periods make the warmer days much more bearable. My editor chimed in saying the temperatures in the morning have been cool as she turns her balcony into a short commute for coffee and work. The actual temperatures have been averaging highs around 29 °C, and evening lows at 22°C – 2 days ago I needed a jacket while enjoying dinner on the water. The weather right now is perfect for sunbathing, but only for short bursts as even if you feel cool because of the wind, you can burn quickly. Use sunblock, pack a hat, or make sure you have some shade. Many people (myself included) were using umbrellas for shade in Belize City on Sunday afternoon at the Ruta Maya race finish line.

International Sources

Bahamas looking to Jamaica, Belize for greater collaboration under EPA
A senior Bahamian private sector official says he hopes local companies would together with their counterparts from Jamaica and Belize be more aware of the opportunities offered by the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM)-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The accord, which was signed in 2008, replaces the trade component of Lomé IV and its successor Cotonou agreement in 2000. Speaking at the CARIFORUM-EU EPA workshop on Thursday, Executive Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Michael Foulkes, said Bahamian companies were already taking advantage of the opportunities provided by international trade partnerships and is supportive of efforts to build awareness for the private sector.

Corozal Junior College held their 2018 Business Expo
Everyone in Corozal was invited to attend the Corozal Junior College Business Fair. On March 16, 2018, Corozal Junior College Held Their Business expo today inside the CCC Compound. The Business Expo commenced at 9am and concluded at 4pm. Each booth had their own booth food served, mix drinks, Coffee, Smoothies, Jewelries, Handmade crafts, Ice Cream homemade, pastries, sweets, and lots more. Students that participated in this year’s Expo had to create their own unique Business. I saw colorful and creative booths at the expo this year and it was the most attractive I have ever seen.

Top 25 Destinations — World: Ambergris Caye named as one of the Best Destinations in the World by TripAdvisor!

Videos

March 16, 2018

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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

Belizeans stand up against child abuse, crime and violence in the country
San Pedro residents joined Belizeans in a movement to protest against abuse, crime and violence on children. On Friday, March 2nd a group of islanders held a peaceful protest throughout the main streets of San Pedro Town, followed by a candlelight vigil at the Central Park on Tuesday, March 6th. Over the past three weeks, the nation has seen several deaths due to child abuse and gun violence as well as cases of sexually assaulted youth. The recent crimes against children began on Wednesday, February 22nd, when 12-year-old, David Morrison was shot in Orange Street in Belize City around 11PM while watching TV inside his house with his brother. They heard several gunshots and shortly thereafter, realized that he was shot. Morrison was rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where he died a couple hours later.

DJ Smallz to represent Ambergris Caye at national DJ competition
Abner Diaz also known as DJ Smallz was the grand winner at the Belikin Belize DJ competition during its district preliminaries held on Sunday, March 11th in San Pedro Town. Hosted by the Nook Restaurant and Cocktail Boutique, the competition saw five DJs competing for the top prize and the ticket to represent the island at the national tournament. After five rounds of intense music mixing in various genres, DJ Smallz emerged victoriously and will be representing Ambergris Caye at the national competition in Belize City on Friday, March 23rd for the title of best DJ in the country, and a top prize of $3,000 and a trip to New York City, New York USA.

Prime Minister Presents 2018-2019 national budget; funding ‘being pursued’ for Ambergris Caye hospital
Minister of Finance and Prime Minister of Belize, the Right Honourable Dean Barrow presented the official budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year on Friday, March 9th under the theme ‘Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth.’ The $1.2 billion proposed budget highlights the country’s external deficit, debts, and optimism in the growth of the economy. No new taxes were introduced, however, there were adjustments to balance expenditures to revenues. As for possibilities of any projects to benefit Ambergris Caye, the budget presentation did not include any concrete plans but did mention the intent to construct hospitals for San Pedro and Punta Gorda Town in the Toledo District.

UDP San Pedro Town Council sworn in
Amidst the controversy of the recent municipal elections in San Pedro, whereby the People’s United Party (PUP) is contesting the results at the Supreme Court for a new election, the United Democratic Party (UDP) swore in the newly elected San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) on Tuesday, March 13th. In a short ceremony held inside the SPTC conference room before invited guests, the 2018-2021 SPTC, comprised of Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his six Councilors (Gabriel Nuñez, Severo Guerrero Jr., Flora Ancona, Hector Alamilla, Ruben Gonzalez and Gary Grief) pledged to uphold all the laws and regulations of Belize and San Pedro Town and work hand in hand for the well-being of the island community.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Come On In, The Water Is Fine!
This is quite possibly the best picture at Shark Ray Alley in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, we have ever seen. WOW! It's the perfect picture that captures the true experience and feelings of being wild and free at Belize's magnificent Barrier Reef. This great capture comes courtesy of Away Lands blog which was shared on their Instagram Account

Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge To Host Easter Egg Hunt
The Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge is holding its First Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Angel Nunez Auditorium! Everyone is invited to attend!

The Annual Lionfish Derby Is Coming Up On March 24th!!
The annual Lionfish Derby is coming up on March 24th!! It will be a full day of activities, eating, drinking and laughter. Get your team ready and sign up with awesome prizes for the winners with the most lionfish caught, the smallest lionfish and the largest lionfish. You can either free-dive with spear-guns and Hawaiian slings or scuba dive with only Hawaiian slings. There will be a captains meeting explain all the regulations and rules at the Caye Caulker Community Center March 22nd at 18:00. There will be a waiver sheet everyone will need to sign too.

Belize Signs Financing Agreement For Health Sector And Public Finance Management
The Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Finance Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the European Union Ambassador to Belize H.E. Malgorzata Wasilewska signed two Financing Agreements for a total of BZ$28.8 M for projects in the Health and Public Finance Management sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Laing Building in Belize City. Funding for the two sectors is allocated under the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF) to assist in the social and economic development of Belize. The proposed projects are in line with Belize’s Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy and will assist in achieving the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Suspected Drug Plane Lands In Orange Walk One Suspect Detained
Belize Police are investigating the landing of a clandestine private plane that landed in the Blue Creek Area of Orange Walk Town in Northern Belize on sometime between Wednesday, March 14 and Thursday, March 15, 2018. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette, Orange Walk Police received a call on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at around 2:30a.m. about a plane having landed in the Blue Creek Area. Upon arriving to the area police and members of the Belize Defence Force saw a person driving a red Chevy Pickup truck coming from the area where the plane had crash landed and was placed in police custody.

Misc Belizean Sources

CULTURE DAY AT ABC PRESCHOOL & SAN PEDRO PRESCHOOL
On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, the SPTC was invited to witness the children at ABC PreSchool and San Pedro PreSchool in their cultural day. The children were dressed up portraying all the ethnicities that you can find in Belize: Mestizo, Maya, Mennonite, East Indian, just to name a few. They also had a presentation of food and items of the different ethnicities. The children were so excited to show off their attire.

Happy birthday to Mrs Tomasita Gomez
I had a wonderful time visiting with Mrs Tomásita on her 92nd birthday. She is always passionate about sharing stories and always encouraging. I admire her dedication and love for religious belief. She is simply a wonderful woman. May God continue to bless her with longer life, good health and an abundance of happiness. Happy birthday!

Institute of Archaeology at Eden Seventh-Day Adventist High School
We would like to thank Eden Seventh-Day Adventist High School for inviting us to participate in their Career Day activities. I daresay we piqued the interest of many a young Belizean to learn more about their history!

MILPA AND THE YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE
Even that today many Yucatec Maya now work as police,teachers,Office Jobs ,Caneros and etc many continue doing Milpa . Today many Maya in Corozal and Orange walk continue doing milpa and growing crops with out using artificial pesticides or fertilizars . Milpa is known in Maya as "Kool" and is mostly done for personal consumption especially corn for doing Tsotob(Tamalitos de maiz) . Especially old Mayeros who are retired continue to do milpa as way of intertaining themselves and its believe it helps them to live longer . Doing milpa is a connection with earth ,a connection with our ancestors,the connection with your innerself , one which binds together the family and a connection of eating healthy food .

ATTORNEY GENERAL OF BELIZE SWEARS IN NEW JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN FLORIDA
On Thursday, March 15, 2018, five Belizeans residing in Florida were sworn-in as Justices of the Peace by the Attorney General of Belize Hon. Michael Peyrefitte at the Consulate of Belize in Florida.The men and women who have answered the call to serve are Mrs. Tracy Gomez, Ms. Deborah D. Duncan, Mrs. Glenda Lewis, Mr. Jason Guild and Mr. Philip Mckay. Having Belizeans serving as Justices of the Peace in Florida will help to facilitate Belizeans needing urgent assistance in authenticating documents and will alleviate the burden of travelling to Belize to resolve their paperwork. The newly sworn-in Justices of the Peace will receive additional minor training in immigration and land-related matters so as to preempt delays.

2018 CEO Caucus Cancer Ride
Saturday, April 7, 2018 ... Save the date for the 2018 CEO Caucus Cancer Ride! Join us. Pledge with us. Ride with us. We are "In it to End it!"

Launch of Consultancy “Support for Export-led Development in the Corozal District and Repurposing of the Free Zone”
Today, March 15th, the Government of Belize along with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched a Technical Cooperation Project titled “Support for Export Led Development in the Corozal District and Repurposing of the Free Zone.” The Project, estimated to cost US$150,000 will be executed via a consultancy administered by IDB’s Trade and Investment Division. The consultancy has two components: 1. Free Zone review and repurposing and 2. The preparation of an export-led economic development plan for the Corozal District. Activities undertaken in this Technical Cooperation Project, seek to identify potential growth industries and economic linkages between the Free Zones and the local and regional economy. Furthermore, it will provide detailed guidelines for the regulatory and supervisory institutional framework for Free Zones in Belize, including suggested adjustments to its regulation and operation through improved economic efficiency and simplification of its tax system and non-tax barriers.

Koko King Friday's Family Movie
'Ferdinand' (the new hilarious cartoon about a bull called Ferdinand) and the classic 'Bridge to Terebithia'. Come and enjoy the end of a hard week with the family - kids meals, popcorn and marshmallows for all who deserve it!!!

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 — Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a monthly event sponsored by COLCHA. Local artists display and sell their creations. It is held in downtown Corozal Town in Central Park, beginning about 5pm, to 9pm. For more information call 620-1572.

VACANCY FOR BEACH CHAIR/TABLE/ UMBRELLA ATTENDANT ON CAYE CAULKER
Drop offresume at Caye Caulker Village Council Office.

"Mek Shoes Belize"
Basic Intensive Shoe Making Course in Corozal.

Today is the Big Day for CJC's Expo and Trade Show 2018
Here is a peek of early preparations of booths and stalls at the grounds. . Please come out and support these talented and hardworking students and faculty. Come out early. It will be wonderful. Starts at 9:00 a.m. today Friday, March 16th. See you all there.

“Strengthen, Empower, Enforce Human Rights SeeHR”
On Tuesday 13th, March 2018 Humana People to People Belize, in partnership with the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) and technical assistance from The Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) launched the project titled “Strengthen, Empower, Enforce Human Rights SeeHR” co funded by The European Union through The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). Present at the event was the European Union Head of Delegation, Ambassador Magorzata Wasilewski who gave the key message and highlighted importance and value of the project to the Belizean rural communities.

19th BEL Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic
Sunday March 18, 9am. San Jose Succotz to Belize City

Inspired & Inspiring Women Art Exhibit
The Benque library will launch the Inspired and Inspiring Women Art Exhibit tonight. The fun starts at 6:00pm. "CACHE, Benque HoC and Benque Viejo Library present an Art Exhibit in honor of Women's Month Special guest: Dr. Pat Asling, in recognition for her work at and contributions to the Benque House of Culture Art work by different artists Exhibit will be up from March 16th to March 27th Join us for this event! Come enjoy the art & celebrate Women!"

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Mar. 5th - Mar. 11th, 2018
All week and every week, everybody's catching bones. There are so many bonefish in our area it is hard not to land one, or even ten. With spring break upon us, the house is full, and there is lots of fun to be had. Friends and families are enjoying each other.

BTB partners with Avianca for Adventure Familiarization Tour

20,000 Strong rally
This morning is about women’s empowerment, but it’s not just for women! It’s for EVERYONE! Join the Embassy, Special Envoy Belize, UNICEF Belize, and your community.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Annihilation, The Outsider

Channel 7

Shakeup In Senior Ranks Of Police
Last week’s election produced a tectonic political shift in the city - and the high rate of crime definitely a part of the reason why voters rejected the UDP in their power base.   And, now, Belmopan is doing something about it.  7News has learned  tonight that major changes are afoot in the police department - and they are mainly geared at re-tooling the Eastern Division southside where there has been a spike in homicides, including one child murdered, and two others shot, all in the past three weeks.   Our sources tell us that Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal is being re-assigned to Special Branch Headquarters in Belmopan after only 7 turbulent months in Belize City.

Drug Plane Dives In Blue Creek
Another apparent drug plane landed in northern Belize last night - but they didn’t burn this one.   The Beechcraft 200 Super King Air was found in northwestern Belize - near to Blue Creek and not far from the Belize Mexico border.  The King Air is a large plane and it can carry about two tons of load. It’s also heavy, apparently too heavy for the muddy are where it landed and the images we got show mounds of mud on the wings.  The plane is damaged to the front of the fuselage and one wing is also smashed. Looking inside, there are lots of black plastic bags, rope and a marker - which, experts tell us, suggest that it may have been used in a wet drop. Experts say that maybe it made the wet drop, and landed to refuel, but something went wrong on landing and they had to ditch the plane. At today’s press briefing, police told us they did try to burn it.  

Man Murdered In Front of Family
When we left you last night, it was with news that a man had been shot on the southside.  Well, regrettably, it was another fatal shooting.  Emil Audinett was with his family watching the news when gunmen barged in.  We have more from last night’s crime scene:… ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head of CIB
"The body was observed to have multiple gunshot wounds around the chest area and in the face area." When we got to the home on Ordonez Street at 7:30 - police were inside Emil Audinet’s living room.  Half an hour earlier, it was a gunman who barged in and killed the 29 year old in front of his family:

KHMH: A Dozen Days Of Sick Leave For Roof
Caution tape covers the doors to the specialist clinics at the KHMH - and it’s the same throughout a large portion of the hospital -which - we are told - is operating at about 33% after a significant structural fault was found in the roof. A release from the KHMH says that it is functioning in “Emergency Mode” and key areas have had to be shut down, namely Radiology, the Operating Theaters, Central Sterilization, clinics and other administrative functions. These measures were enacted yesterday when debris fell from one area of the ceiling in the radiology unit.  Multiple engineers were called in and they’ve agreed that they have to immediately reinforcement a section of the hospital’s roof.  Work is already underway.

New Guat Ambassador Claiming St. George’s Caye Ties
A little over a month ago, we told you that the new Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize, Georges de La Roche, presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young.  He succeeded Manuel Roldan Barillas - who left amidst strained relations.   De La Roche’s appointment was interpreted as a welcomed return to normal, neighborly relations between Belize and Guatemala, following the tensions of April 2016, when a Belizean Joint Law Enforcement Team killed the 13 year-old Guatemalan boy in the Chiquibul Forest. For weeks now, we’ve been trying to get a sit-down interview with the new ambassador to discuss relations between the two countries. It took a bit of negotiation, but this morning, he finally agreed to an exclusive with 7News at the Embassy headquarters in Belize City.

Talking About The Teakettle Tête-à-Tête
We also asked about yesterday’s meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission - which we’ve dubbed the “Teakettle tête-à-tête.”  Ambassador De La Roche, and his Belizean counterpart, Alexis Rosado headed the meeting along with the OAS representative, Katalina Montana. The topic of discussion was the 13 bilateral agreements signed between the two countries back in 2014 on the Placencia Peninsula. Ambassador De La Roche told us this morning that both countries chose several of the agreements which they each wanted to focus on:

She Fired Four Shots
Shots were fired just a few blocks from the Raccoon Street police station in Belize City last night.  It happened when a Chinese shopkeeper got into a dispute with an area resident who came banging at his door.   The man ended up lashing the grocer with a two by four - and that’;s when the shopkeeper’s lady friend pulled out her licensed pistol and fired four warning shots.  Police filled in the details:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Just after 10 PM on the corner of Bocatora and Raccoon Street whilst he was inside of his residence a male person went and bang on the door, he came out to see what was happening, he had an altercation with a male person, the male person left.

Cartridges and Pistol Recovered In City
Last night at  9:30 police found half a dozen shotgun cartridges in Price Alley.  They were labelled as found property.   And,  on Tuesday night at  7:20, police on Armadillo Street searched 20 year old Ian Williams and found a 9 millimeter pistol along with 13 live rounds.  Police arrested and charged Williams for Kept Firearm and Ammunition without a Gun License”.

Charges For Cane Driver
Police have charged the cane truck driver who ran over 16 year old Josue Tut Cabrera.   A security camera on the Belize - Corozal road captured when Tut was punched down by two men, not far from his home.  He fell unconscious to the pavement, and the cane truck ran over him causing 5 broken ribs, a punctured lung, an injury to his liver, and internal bleeding.  Tonight 33 year old driver  Sergio Talango has been charged with driving without due care and attention, failed to stop and render aid, failed to report an accident, and negligent grievous harm.   Police are still looking for the men who punched him. 

UDP Wants You To Wear White, Not Red
The Barrow Administration has been criticized for not saying anything about the recent spate of violence targetting women and children.   Well, the UDP issued a statement this evening saying, quote, “Violence and abuse of women and children should never be the subject of party political back and forth….It is the responsibility of every person to act to stop the ongoing incidences of violence and abuse against women and children that are hurting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities….- our children.”

Gary Goes Off On KHMH
If you live in Belize City, you may know one of our more colourful characters Gareth Gill, better know as “Gary”. Up until last year, he was heavily involved the September carnival, as the leader of one of the masquerade bands. But, while that’s his passion, he actual job, up until last year, was a member of the kitchen at the KHMH who provided food for patients and the hospital staff. He was terminated over a year ago, for disciplinary issues. Gill disagrees with the nature of the termination, but he is more concerned  because he claims that he has not been paid severance benefits he says he deserves. He came to us today saying that for over a year now, he has been frustrated in his attempts to get what he is due, and he is asking to  appear on the evening news as a sort of last resort.  He and his friend spoke with us today about his complaint:

The Female Art Form
Right now at the Belize - Mexico Institute , The Mexican Embassy and NICH are opening their Women in Art exhibit. It’s an initiative by NICH to give women artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and perspective. This morning, we stopped by to speak with the curator about the Women artists who signed up for this year’s exhibition, and submissions they made: The exhibit is open for the rest of the month and admission is free.

Channel 5

‘Di plane lan’ again; this time, one is held
The third suspected drug plane in two weeks was found deep in the farmlands of Blue Creek, Orange Walk around midnight on Wednesday. The area where the plane crash landed [...]

Emil Audinett gunned down at home
Twenty-nine year old Emil Audinett was a marked man and on Wednesday night he ran out of luck. He was sitting inside his home on Ordonez Street, Belize City, with [...]

Bernadine Lauriano anticipated death – but who is her killer?
Fifty-two-year-old Bernadine Lauriano was shot and killed inside her home last Friday, as she sat in the living room with her two children. The mother of seven was injured multiple [...]

Trail cooling in Corozal slaughterhouse murder
Mark Anthony Clarke, an I.T. technician, was stabbed as many as seventy-one times and dumped near a slaughterhouse along the San Jomal Road in the Corozal District.  His body was [...]

KHMH trims back services after roof issues
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital says that it is operating on an ‘emergency mode’ after a section of the hospital’s roof collapsed. According to the hospital, a preliminary structural assessment [...]

Agriculture dons say no to new G.S.T.
At news time, representatives of some of Belize’s largest agricultural groups have written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and other senior government officials. The Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group, after consultations [...]

Jose Mai says consumers will pay
One man who heartily agrees with the Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group is Orange Walk South representative and farmers’ advocate Jose Mai. He tells News Five that it is consumers who [...]

After soggy harvest, new taxes ‘an injustice’
The announcement comes at a dicey time for the industry, which is coming off weather-related damage to crops caused by rains across Belize. When we visited San Carlos village in [...]

M.L.A. wins concessions from Gov’t at C.C.J.
There is some progress to report concerning the implementation of the historic April 2015 Consent Order on communal land rights. The Maya Leaders Alliance and Toledo Alcaldes Association, representing the [...]

Businessman wins gun battle as youth is charged
His attacker misfired, but thirty-three year old businessman Derrol Vernon did not, and a twenty-one year old Belize City resident is now charged with aggravated assault. Kevaughn Staine was read [...]

Charged for fight, landscaper denies stealing weed, gold chain
Officially, thirty-six year old James Crawford of Ladyville is charged with stealing a gold chain during a fight and causing harm to Kenneth Arthurs. But it came out in the [...]

Ammunition found through alleyway
Police discovered seven sixteen gauge cartridges in an abandoned lot in Prince Alley, Belize City. Around nine-thirty on Wednesday night, police searched the lot where they discovered the bag with [...]

Mark King wants to be U.D.P. Port Loyola rep, but does party want him?
The last we heard from former Lake Independence area representative and Minister of State Mark King, was that he was upset with his United Democratic Party. In October, King claimed [...]

Bumps in the Senate on the road to Caracol
On Wednesday Senators debated several loan motions, including the ninety million dollar government-backed loan for Belize Telemedia Limited to upgrade its fiber optic network to provide high-speed internet to homes [...]

G.O.B. relaxes financial restrictions to keep up with the times
Also from the Senate, similar to the Stores Orders Regulations, the Financial Orders Regulations, last amended in 1992, are being amended to release restrictions on accounting officers to make contracts [...]

Top ambassadors meet in Teakettle
Teakettle in the Cayo District was host to a meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission, led by the countries’ co-commissioners and ambassadors, Alexis Rosado and Georges de la Roche. The [...]

I.D.B. specialist talks regional economic policy
On Wednesday evening, the Inter-American Development Bank Belize office hosted the economic principal specialist for Central America, Mexico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Doctor Jordi Prat presented to attendees at [...]

UNICEF shows plans for disasters
The 2018 Hurricane Season is a couple months away, but that has not stopped UNICEF and its partner agencies to sharpen their disaster management skills. On Wednesday, UNICEF and several [...]

How yoga can stimulate kids’ activity
If you have an interest in teaching yoga for kids, there is an international yoga instructor in country. Ann Robideaux is in Belize for the next few days to teach [...]

Have a bellyful of laughs with Rotary
Annually, some of Belize’s most prominent citizen humanitarians have taken to the stage in the name of a worthy cause. They are the Rotary Club of Belize and it’s that [...]

Women’s expression through art
The Women in Art Exhibition opened at six this evening at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. The yearly showcase puts women’s art on display through eighty pieces of paintings, [...]

What to know before going to the water
Easter is quickly approaching and following the tragic drowning of a teen at a pool party last week it is a good time to discuss water safety. Tonight in Healthy [...]

LOVE FM

One man detained as police investigate mysterious plane landing
The Belize Police Department has launched an investigation into the landing of another suspected drug plane. The aircraft, a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 is reported to have crash landed shortly after midnight last night in an area behind Blue Creek Village which is located in southern Orange Walk District. Police have one man detained …

International filmmaker to film TV series in Belize
Auditions began today for a television series called “Life or Death”. International Filmmaker, Cristobal Krusen, is in Belize recruiting Belizean actors for his television series to be filmed in Belize. Krusen stopped by our studios yesterday to tell us more. Auditions are from nine to four p.m. at the House of Culture.

Crime is costly
For the past years, crime, in particular murders, have been on an upward trend. In light of this, there have been many interventions, the latest being the Belize Movement for Reconciliation attempts to get different people to come to the table and dialogue. Love News spoke with Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Assistant Professor, at the University …

National Garifuna Council launches women’s arm
In commemoration of Women’s Month, the National Garifuna Council launched its women’s arm, which will address issues directly relating to women. The launch was held at the Sandy Beach Cynthia Topsey, Co Convener: “We had the opportunity to declare the launch of the women’s arm of the National Garifuna Council as an intent of a …

New City Administration will not abort street works
As part of the reviews being conducted at City Hall, Mayor Wagner has halted some street works in the City. The intention is to review some of the contracts. The move though has caused some inconveniences to the public. According to the Mayor, it is only a temporary inconvenience because they have no intention of …

Belize City Mayor to adopt Orange Walk Mayor’s strategies
On Wednesday the new Belize City council was sworn into office but the work began even before then. Mayor Bernard Wagner spoke to us about the reviews put in motion at the City Hall and what the transition has been like. And as the new mayor continues to clean house, he also needs to ensure …

Empowered Women are able to avoid some of the pitfalls of Human Trafficking
We are celebrating Women’s month under the theme “Press for Progress” and while women have come a long way, there is still more to be done. Women are oftentimes the victims of human trafficking. Dr. Abigail McKay, Policy Legislation Officer of RET International says empowering women and creating an awareness of the reality of human …

Mayan Land Rights case before the CCJ once more
The case of the Maya Leaders Alliance and twenty three Mayan villages versus the Attorney General of Belize was before the Caribbean Court of Justice this afternoon. The matter is in relation to Maya Communal Land Rights. The Government has not created an effective mechanism to identify and protect Maya lands in accordance with …

Husband killed in front of wife
Belize City police are investigating the fatal shooting of Emil Fernando Audinett. The 29 year old construction worker of Belize City was at home when a lone gunman barged into his home, firing several shots in his direction. Hipolito Novelo reports. Police have detained one person for questioning.

Bernadine Lauriano’s murder remains unsolved
Belize City Police are still trying to figure out who killed 52-year-old Bernadine Lauriano. She was fatally shot on Friday night and the three persons that investigators had detained for questioning were released due to lack of evidence. However, we are told that eyewitnesses saw who the gunman was, but ASP Alejandro Cowo says that …

Stores Orders Amendments debated
Yesterday Senators debated several motions including the Stores Orders (Amendment) Regulations of 2017. The amendment seeks to increase the ceiling under which Government accounting officers may purchase stores and also to obtain store items from abroad without first having to obtain the written approval of the Financial Secretary.

Senators raise concerns over amendments to Financial Orders Regulation
A similar motion was debated on Wednesday. Some Senators raised concerns with respect to the amendments to the Financial Orders Regulations of 2017. The amendments are similar to those made to the Stores Orders Regulations. In this case, the ceilings under which Government accounting officers may make verbal and written contracts are increased.

Women in Art exhibit open for viewing
The Mexican Embassy in Belize and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) have partnered to showcase the different types of art works of women. The art work will be open for public viewing today at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Belize City. The curator is Ilona Smiling. The exhibition which opens this evening, will be open for viewing for a month.

Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission meets
Yesterday the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission met in Teakettle Village, Cayo District. The meeting was held with support of the Organization of American States (OAS). The meeting was led by Commissioners of both countries, Belize’s Ambassador to Guatemala Alexis Rosado and his counterpart, Georges de La Roche. Both parties reviewed the earlier progress...

Another round at the CCJ; Belize Bank vs GOB
At the Caribbean Court of Justice today, the Belize Bank Limited sought an order directing the Minister of Finance, in this case Prime Minister Dean Barrow, to pay the 2013 arbitral award of over 91 million Belize dollars. On the other hand, the Attorney General challenged the application while asking the CCJ to correct its judgment and seek an order to reduce the post-judgment interest.

The Guardian

Bernard Wagner starts with wild promises
The PUP city council was officially sworn to office on Wednesday and more than an officious ceremony it had all the garbs of it being a wild political rally. And as rallies go so do promises. Most people who were of voting age back in 1998 can remember the grandiose promises of 10 thousand houses and 15 thousand jobs that swept the PUP into office back in 1998. We had thought that giving people these kinds of promises were a thing of the past and then bam… Bernard Wagner did it again!

Mother charged for picture of toddler with a gun
Over the long holiday weekend a photo appeared on social media where a child no more than 4 years old was photographed with what appeared to be a firearm. Since the picture was posted, quick police work led to the arrest of the child’s mother. An initial post by commander of the Police’s Professional Standards Branch, ACP Chester Williams stated that the mother would be charged with the offence of child endangerment. That post was updated to state that the matter has been referred to the Department of Human Services who are now investigating to decide the appropriate course of action to be taken against the mother. Willaims noted that the well-being of the child is paramount.

Woman shot in the chest, her 9-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son injured
Bernadine Lauriano, a 52-year-old resident of Aloe Vera Street, was shot and killed inside her house during the 3-day weekend. Her 9-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old special needs son were also injured in the attack at her home. It is suspected at this time that the shooter went looking for another of her sons, but settled with hurting them instead. Police say that at around 9:40 p.m. on Friday, March 9, police visited the KHMH, where they found 52 year-old Bernadine Lauriano suffering from multiple gunshot injuries to the chest and other parts of the body. Her 9 year-old daughter was being treated for a gunshot injury to the right toe. It wasn’t until the next day that the Lauriano family realized that her son, Denzel Lauriano, was injured to the left leg by a gunshot.

4 year old child in critical condition after being sexually abused
A 4 year old female child is in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after she was brought in for medical attention. Police report that a 52-year-old domestic of Bella Vista village in the Toledo District reported that on Friday, February 9, 2018, her 4-year-old daughter fell ill. Upon taking her to seek medical attention, it was discovered that the baby had been sexually abused. The child was admitted at the KHMH where she is listed in a critical condition.

Belize Signs Financing Agreements for the Health Sector and Public Finance Management
The Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Finance Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the European Union Ambassador to Belize H.E. Malgorzata Wasilewska signed two Financing Agreements for a total of BZ$28.8 M for projects in the Health and Public Finance Management sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Laing Building in Belize City. BZ$25.6 M has been allocated for the Health Sector initiative, which will focus on the upgrading of health facilities to meet SMART and Green standards. This will enable health facilities, in particular, regional hospitals and the Central Medical Laboratory, to withstand natural disasters as well as to be more energy efficient, and meet safety criteria for patients and medical staff.

The rebirth of the Old PUP at City hall
Here at the Guardian we had made the conscious decision, that we would be affording the NEWLY ELECTED Belize City Council Members, the customary 100-days HONEYMOON PERIOD, while they settle in to their new job. However, after we saw an internal memo coming out of the City Council, we had to do a retake on the decision we had taken earlier. According to the memo, the then yet to be sworn in Mayor Designate, appointed a transition team for the Belize City Council. That team is headed by Jose Coye, former Mayor, Caribbean Shores Area Rep. and Minister. Joe is known in Belize as the Land Hog. We know all the things that the CCJ said about his land dealings and misfeasance. He was rejected by the Belizean people back in 2008. For many Belizeans Jose Coye represents everything, that they’ve voted against, ever since the By-election of 2003. Belizeans will not take the appointment of Coye as something good for Belize City.

Budget Presentation 2018-2019
Madam Speaker, I rise to move the second reading of the General Revenue Appropriation Bill for Fiscal Year 2018/2019. In this age of human affairs, whether for empire or emerging nation, fate and fortune are tied to the real economy and, consequently, march to its fiscal and monetary drumbeats. For all Belizeans then, this annual economic report and budget presentation is an important gauge of national well-being. At the time of the very first UDP Budget, 10 years and 3 terms ago, the world was mired in the turbulence and utter uncertainly of the Great Recession. When this was coupled with the borrowing and spending excesses of our predecessors, it became a tale foretold of a bumpy and bleak future for our people and country.

Cayo BTIA announces new linkages
It has been announced by the Cayo Belize Tourism Association that it recently had a very productive and promising meeting with Officer Commanding Anthony Richard Rosado and his Deputy Daniel Iche from the San Ignacio Police Formation. The BTIA Cayo Chapter release states: [we] look forward to a new partnership along with the People’s Coalition, The SI/SE [San Ignacio and Santa Elena] Town Board, and the business community to start a business watch in the Twin Towns and surrounding villages, and see how we can lobby for better equipment and working conditions for our Cayo formation. Moving forward, the BTIA Cayo Chapter will be presenting some Cayo Safety and Crime plans at their next meeting on the 22nd of March, 5:30 pm, at the Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio Town.

Dangriga Town council sworn in
The newly elected Dangriga Town Council was officially sworn on Wednesday afternoon. The new Town Council is composed of Mayor: Mr. Francis Humphreys and Councilors: Miss Earth Phelize Lopez, Miss Cheryl Molina, Mrs. Erica Rodriguez Jang, Mr. Alexander Joseph, Mr. Aaron Gongora and Mr. Gary Francisco. Magistrate Emmerson Banner administered the Oath of Office while the Guest Speaker was no other than the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber. The term of their office is from 2018 to 2021. We wish them the very best because when they do well Dangriga prospers. We move forward together as one!

Earl Trapp sworn in for second term as PM visits Santa Elena
A continuous wave of red, composed of United Democratic Party supporters, seemed to have eclipsed the banks of the Macal River in Santa Elena Town on Sunday, five days after the historic win of the full San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council at the municipal elections. Special guest for the occasion was the UDP Party Leader the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, who in a 19 minute and 16 second presentation congratulated the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena for having had an unprecedented achievement in the annals of municipal governance “…to have entered into the record books.”

San Pedro Town Council sworn in
In a short and intimate ceremony, the new San Pedro Town Council 2018-2021 members were sworn officially sworn in. After opening the ceremony with the Belize National Anthem, Pastor Clive Welsh from the Lighthouse Christian Radio, blessed the council members and those in attendance with a prayer. Following the prayer, the Town Administrator, Mrs. Patricia Verde Tillett began with the swearing in ceremony. After the swearing ceremony, Mayor Daniel Guerrero thanked everyone for attending and stated that this past election was a wake up call for their team. With this in mind, he continued that he and his team will work even harder for the people of San Pedro Town.

KHMH in urgent need of repairs
A structural review of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Physical plant was commissioned on Wednesday March 14 following an incident in which debris fell from the ceiling of the facility. A preliminary assessment has discovered the need for immediate remedial reinforcement to a section of the hospital roof which is already underway. While these repairs are being executed and in the interest of safety we are limiting traffic through the facility as such there will be no clinics or elective services for the remainder of this week. Visiting hours has also been reduced.

No date set for UDP leadership change
UDP Party leader, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow has on multiple occasions expressed that he will no longer seek political office and will only serve out this term of office. However, as he does so he has also said that he will allow enough time for his successor to implement his/her plans before the next General Elections. On Thursday March 8, he hosted a press conference to congratulate the winning UDP teams in the recent municipal elections and he reiterated as much. Speaking to the gathering which included newly elected mayors and party faithful PM Barrow said that this last election charged him up. “I personally genuinely found myself charged up by the outpouring of enthusiasm and energy in Punta Gorgda, Benque, Dangriga and Belmopan.”

Ministry of Health Cautions the Public on an Unauthorized Vitamin and Mineral Syrup
The public is informed of an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup, Dayamineral ® Syrup 240ml, a supplement found to be circulating on the local market. While some have been confiscated, there is still the presence of this supplement and the Ministry of Health conducted an investigation which revealed that the product has not been registered nor has it met the necessary quality standards and, therefore, cannot be imported into the country.

Press for Progress for Women’s Month
The month of March represents a significant time as it is a time that most of the international community sets aside to recognize women and their stellar accomplishments. March 8th is an even more important day as it is dubbed as International Women’s Day which represents a celebration of the decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace, and development. Belize first observed this day in the 1970s and since then, it has continued to be a very important day for the people of Belize to recognize the struggles and accomplishment of our Belizean women.

Courtenay the sore loser
Not being satisfied that they were unable to win the San Pedro Municipal Election by the ballots, the PUP has embarked on a mission to win through the courts. The PUP through their attorney Eamon Courtenay claim that the votes adds up to more than the amount of ballots that were issued. Anyone who has ever observed the polling and counting process would be able to understand how outlandish the claim by the PUP is. For those persons who may not be aware of how the process works we will explain it for their benefit.

The tale of the numbers, UDP still strong!
The United Democratic Party was successful at the polls in 6 of the 9 municipalities which held elections on Wednesday March 7th. And what the numbers tell us is quite a story. We begin with the results in Belize City where the PUP’s Bernard Wagner received 10,578 votes while the UDP’s Dion Leslie got 9,597 votes. That is a difference of 981 votes spread across 10 constituencies in the Old Capital. In Orange Walk PUP incumbent Kevin Bernard received 5,260 votes while his opponent Phillip De La Fuente received 2,593 votes being a difference of 2,667 votes spread across three constituencies, Orange Walk East, Central and North. Corozal saw the PUP’s Rigo Vellos receive 2,744 votes while the UDP’s Richard Alexander Quan received 2,645 votes being a difference of 99 votes spread over two constituencies, Corozal Bay and Corozal North.

Alleged burglar on remand after being unable to meet bail
A burglar, allegedly caught in the act, is on remand after he was unable to post bail when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He is Luis Beaton, an 18-year-old unemployed resident of Jane Usher Boulevard in Belize City. Beaton appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge of burglary, a charge to which he pleaded not guilty. The allegations against Beaton are that on Friday, March 9, 2018, he trespassed in the home of his neighbor, Sherine Westby, and stole 3 tablets and a school bag, all to a total of $455.

Accident at the Western Border
There was an unsightly accident on Friday morning in the cargo area of the Belize Western Border. Police were called in to the area where they observed a Hispanic male lodged between the wheels of a Freight Liner Truck with a Belize license plate. Marcus Fernando Zabaleto, a 38-year-old Guatemalan of Melchor de Mencos, had been dragged by the truck for a few hundred meters. Video footage taken by a Benque Viejo Taxi driver also showed the results of the accident, with the 18-wheeler having dragged the body across concrete.

Carlos Reyes shot on South Creek
On Friday, March 9, 2018 at about 7:14 p.m., police visited the KHMH where they saw Jose Carlos Reyes, a 32-year-old Salvadoran warehouse attendant of an Antelope Street Extension address, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the foot. Initial investigation revealed that earlier that night, Reyes took his daughters on Dolphin Street and while driving a Geo-Prizm car on South Creek, the vehicle experienced mechanical problems. Reyes got out of the car and was standing by the rear passenger door when a male person fired two shots in his direction.

No motive or suspect in death of children Treshawn and Gregory
The death of 4-year-old Treshawn Goff came at a time when the country was still enraged by the acts of violence toward children. Baby Goff’s life was taken away on Monday, March 5, 2018 after being the subject of an unintended bullet. Goff was in a yard with Ian Abraham, who was also shot, and another man when they came under fire by an unknown gunman. Since Goff’s death, four persons have been detained but because of lack of evidence, all four persons were released. No motive has yet been established.

Father fined for 136 grams of cannabis
Denzil Fitzgerald Flowers, a 32-year-old Supervisor of Balan Street, Belize City, was taken to court on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 on a single charge of drug trafficking after police found him on a motorcycle with 136 grams of cannabis. According to police, they were conducting a mobile patrol on Aloe Vera Street in Belize City on Monday, March 12, 2018 when they stopped Flowers on his motorcycle. A search was conducted on him but nothing incriminating was found. A search of his motorcycle led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing the cannabis.

Bail offered after being found going equipped
Richard Ferguson, a Belize City resident, is out of prison after he was granted bail by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He appeared unrepresented before the magistrate on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 to answer to two criminal charges of being in possession of items used to break into a house as well as being found in an enclosed yard.

Security guard held up and relieved of firearm
Akeem Crawford, an 18-year-old Belizean security officer at A&P Security Company, reported that on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 8:15 p.m. while on duty at Anna’s Superstore in Santa Elena Town, he was held up with a gun by a male person. He was relieved of a 9mm pistol and fifteen rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Police are investigating.

Man found with throat slit in Corozal
Corozal Police continue to detain several persons in their efforts to try and solve the murder of 41 year-old Mark Anthony Clarke, a resident of Corozal Town. The cops found his body off the San Jomal Road, a few miles away from Paraiso Village. Police say that at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018, they visited a location about 200 yards off the San Jomal road. That’s where the cops found Clarke’s body. Someone stabbed him multiple times to the chest and abdomen area, and his throat was slashed as well. Reports to the press are that Clarke suffered a number of stab wounds.

Female student sexually assaulted by teacher
A female student from Independence Village has reported to police that she was sexually assaulted by a taxi driver. The girl accompanied by her mother reported to police that on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at about 7:15 a.m., she caught a taxi with the intention of being taken to school. She was instead taken to a house where the taxi driver had sexual relation with her against her will. A medical examination was conducted on the victim where a medical officer verified that the minor was carnally known.

Teenager knocked out and run over by a truck
Josue Tut Cabrera, a 16 year-old resident of the Belize Corozal Road, just outside of Orange Walk Town, is trying to recover from very serious injuries he suffered after being run over by a cane truck. He was assaulted by a young man, and in the aftermath of that attack, he collapsed in the middle of the road, which made a bad situation even worse. Video footage captured from a surveillance camera nearby shows that some time after midnight on Saturday, March 10, Cabrera was walking, most likely on his way home. The footage captures when he was attacked by two young men, one of whom punched him in the face causing him to collapse in the middle of the Belize Corozal Road.

Toy Grenade freaks out Castle Street residents
On Monday, March 12, 2018, an object that appeared to be a grenade was found on Castle Street in Belize City. This object raised alarm in the residents and as a result, personnel from the Belize Defence Force went to diffuse the situation. After a two hour observation by BDF experts, the object was declared to be a toy grenade.

Digicell Belize City Defenders stop Smart Belize Hurricanes in Pepsi National Elite Basketball League competition
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League competition continued over the last weekend with three games on the schedule. On Friday 9th March, at the St. Catherine Academy Mercy Centre, the Digicell Belize City Defenders defeated the Smart Belize Hurricanes by the score of 85-67. The top scorers for the Digicell Belize City Defenders were Nigel Jones with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; Jacob Leslie who scored 16 points and Lincey Lopez who contributed 12 points a rebound, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Belmopan Bandits SC open lead in Premier League Competition
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season competition continued over the weekend with four more games across the country.

Pepsi’s National Elite Basketball League All-Stars starters announced
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be hosting its fourth annual All-Star Night on Saturday, March 24, at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town. The activities will commence at 7:30 p.m. with the Old Master Fine Rums Three Point Shootout, followed by the ASR Group-Belize Sugar Slam Dunk Contest at 8:30 p.m. The three-point shootout will feature two players from each of the 7 teams, while the Slam Dunk Contest will be open to as many participants. Later in the night, the Smart All-Star game. The Smart All-Star Game will see the Imports team up with the Belizean Americans to form one team to challenge our local All Stars. Players on the Imports/Belizean American squad are listed below.

St. John Vianney School girls win two in primary schools softball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Softball competition continues at Roger Stadium with a number of games played. On Tuesday 13th March, in the first of two games played in the girls’ competition, St. John Vianney School defeated Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 12-2. The winning pitcher was Kiara Mohammad Ali and the losing pitcher was Kenya smith. In the second girls’ game, St. John Vianney School defeated St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 13-6. The winning pitcher was Kiara Mohammad Ali and the losing pitcher was Judith Estell.

The long and short of it
UDP supporters like me can spin last Wednesday’s results in many ways, like that we won 6 out of nine municipalities and that we won 2/3 of the total town council seats nationally, but the long and short of it is that in Belize City and in Orange Walk Town, we took what former U.S. President Barrack Obama would describe as a “shellacking”, and to which President Donald J. Trump would add “like never before”. I was extremely tempted to begin this post- election review the same evening when I saw on TV the lady who promptly puts on her hazzard lights anytime she sees a camera, and when I heard the old trombone announcing “unofficially” that the PUP were winning in San Pedro, which was in direct contrast with the feedback I was getting from a well-informed PUP fanatic who was sending me texts with exclamation points, but I held my horse. It is these same stupid “unofficial” reports from the PUP-dominated media houses which contributed to the uncertainty in San Pedro Town last week. Now Ashcroft Jr. wants to litigate against the will of the people. I want to bet my life against a bucket of doodoo that Deamon will drop the issue like hot potato since there are no $millions there to be made from it.

Words of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser
The books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes have a wealth of information of Christian living. Here is some good advice found in Ecclesiastes chapter 5, verse 2: Don’t be in a hurry to talk. Don’t be eager to speak in the presence of God. Since God is in heaven and you are on earth, limit the number of your words.

Koop Sheet Metal claims La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
Koop Sheet Metal was the first to pass the finishing line in Belize City on Monday for the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2018. In terms of cumulative averages, over the four days, Koops Sheet Metal made it first, U.E.S Westrac and Bismillah Store came in second, Young Cutters third and the National Institute of Culture and History NICH fourth. We now know that both Koop Sheet Metal and NICH were very close to each other after two days of forward movement to the finish line at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City.

Missing teenager found hanging from a tree
Police visited San Jose Palmar Village in Orange Walk on Monday, March 12, 2018 just before 9:00 a.m. Upon making their way into some bushes, they observed the body of a Hispanic male hanging from the branch of a tree. The body was hanging from a nylon strap which was tied around the neck. The body was already in a state of decomposition. It was identified as that of Angel Cisneros.

Pallotti student drowns at pool party
On Saturday, March 10, 2018 at about 4:30 p.m., police responded to a report at the Pickwick Club. Upon arrival, they observed the body of a young woman inside the pool. She was identified as Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo, a 16-year-old student of Pallotti High School. The body of Ojo was removed from the pool in an unconscious state and was transported to the KHMH by BERT personnel. Ojo succumbed at 5:10 p.m.

International Sources

An International Airport on Ambergris Caye: Really? Who Does this Benefit?
Over the past few months, I’ve heard tour guides and taxi drivers, hotel reps and marketers talk about this airport as a real thing. I’ve received many inquiries about the timing, about property values way up north, asking when the road construction will start. Not just a possibility but something that is on the verge of happening. A real reason to visit and invest in Ambergris Caye. Which leads me to this glaring question: What possible sense does a $100,000,000USD+ airport make on our island and to our country? And CAN this airport be built? Would $100 million US dollars be enough? Ie. Is it economically and geographically possible? With no infrastructure – road, water, sewage, housing in the proposed area….not to mention customs, immigration, a fire department, a hospital…we haven’t even talked about air and noise pollution…how could this happen?

Videos

March 15, 2018

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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

Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter donates to Marco Gonzalez Spring Equinox Event
At their monthly meeting on February 28th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter (SP BTIA) presented the Marco Gonzalez Archaeology Site with a check for $500. The donation will sponsor-in-part the Spring Equinox Event to be hosted at the Marco Gonzalez site on Sunday, March 18th. “We are dedicated to sustaining and improving tourism opportunities on Ambergris Caye, and as a group, we believe that the archaeological site south of San Pedro Town compliments the many tourism activities our island has to offer. The Spring Equinox event Marco Gonzalez is hosting is truly a unique experience that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike and we are pleased to be a sponsor of this fun and cultural occasion,” commented SP BTIA Chairwoman Tamara Sniffin.

Oceana Belize hosts Cocktail & Conservation Fundraiser in Ambergris Caye
As part of their Reef Week activities, Oceana Belize held a Cocktail & Conservation Fundraiser at Mahogany Bay Village in San Pedro Town on Saturday, March 10th. The event saw a group of conservationists sharing the work of their organizations while raising funds for the Oceana Belize Reef Week Initiatives. The event began promptly at 8PM, with Mistress of Ceremony, Justine Nicholas, welcoming everyone and giving a summary of what Oceana’s Reef Week is all about. “This year we launch our Reef Week under the team ‘Our Reef Rocks, Protect it, Don’t Neglect it.’

Tiger Sharks net another win!
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks continue to scale the summit of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) with another solid victory on Saturday, March 10th. The island team hosted Verdes from the Cayo District, who in the first half of the game gave the 2017 NEBL Sub-Champs a rocky start. But by the end of the last quarter, the Tiger Sharks comfortably nabbed the victory with a 92-68 game score. The game started at 9PM sharp at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium with a large crowd of basketball fans in attendance. In the first quarter of the game, Verdes dominated the match giving the home squad little room to score. Before halftime, Verdes were on the lead netting score after score. But a few three-pointers by Douglas Valley and some dunks by Martevious Adams gave the Tiger Sharks the points they needed to end the second quarter of the game leading by two points.

Island Invasion launch party takes over San Pedro
King of the Island Promotions once again brought the party to San Pedro Town with their Island Invasion ‘Launch Party’ extravaganza on Friday, March 9th and Saturday, March 10th. The anticipated party held at Fido’s Restaurant and Bar reeled in both island residents and visitors alike for a night of great dancing with some of the best DJs in Belize. The event featured a premier line up of DJs including DJ Debbie, DJ Dalla, DJ Jago, DJ Chabo, DJ Odyssey, and DJ Biggz. The crowd inside Fido’s began arriving shortly after 11PM filling every corner of the dance floor. Everyone danced the night away on Friday and repeated the fun on Saturday to once again boogie to the best summer hits in dancehall, hip-hop, latin, and of course punta and reggaeton. Throughout the night, there were fabulous giveaways and many lucky winners won cash prizes.

Ambergris Today

British Navy Humanitarian Aid Ship To Visit Belize
One of the UK’s naval humanitarian aid and logistic support ships will be visiting Belize 14 – 16 March. The purpose of the visit is to share experiences of delivering humanitarian aid and support to disaster relief operations in the Caribbean Basin with her Belizean hosts. The ship called MOUNTS BAY of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is intending to host members of the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defence Force, NEMO and Belize Red Cross onboard to share their experiences from Hurricane IRMA last year, which brought devastation to many islands in the east of the Caribbean. For the British Government, the ship provided not only the immediate response directly after the hurricane passed but also became the floating base from which the British Armed Forces operated to restore power and essential services to the islanders of Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

Ministry Of Health Cautions The Public On An Unauthorized Vitamin And Mineral Syrup
The Ministry of Health informs the public of an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup, Dayamineral ® Syrup 240ml. The liquid supplements were found to be circulating on the local market and those found have since been confiscated. Investigations conducted by the Ministry of Health revealed that the product has not been registered by the Ministry and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised. If you are in possession of this product, the Ministry recommends that you do not use it. Pharmacists and any other persons selling the liquid supplements are asked to remove the items from shelves and discard. Establishments are advised to buy pharmaceutical products and related supplies from importers/wholesalers licensed by the Ministry of Health.

Mexico Proposed Trinational Jaguar Reserve With Belize And Guatemala
According to Riviera Maya News an announcement for the proposal of a jaguar reserve has been made by head of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas of Mexico. Alejandro del Mazo Maza of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), announced that Mexico plans to create a trinational reserve with Belize and Guatemala to protect the jaguar. “It is a project that we are already working on with Guatemala and Belize, countries that have shown interest in collaborating and establishing this protection in a trinational way in the first protected natural area for the feline. “There is already a political disposition, so we are working on the definition of the polygon and the challenge is to continue with the plan to make it a reality this year.”

UDP San Pedro Town Council Sworn In As PUP Pushes For New Election
While the People’s United Party heads to court today, Wednesday, March 14, to contest the final results of the recent municipal elections in San Pedro, the United Democratic Party held its official swearing in ceremony of the San Pedro Town Mayor and six councilors. The San Pedro PUP state that there are 275 unaccounted for ballots in one of the boxes and that there is significant discrepancies in the election process which is more than enough to put a shadow of a doubt on the results in San Pedro Town. Today, they will appeal to the Belize courts for a new election procces on the island.

Misc Belizean Sources

A Night of Rotary Membership & Trivia
Get your thinking caps out and test your knowledge with a night of Rotary Membership and trivia. On March 24th at Pier 366 on the beachfront of Banyan Bay Suites. RSVP Recommended. See you there!

Belize and the Caribbean Region Showcase Opportunities in Outsourcing Services at the 22nd Global Connection Forum in Mexico City
As consumer demands continue to evolve, companies strive to become competitive through innovation by enhancing their products and services. At the same time, the primary focus is also geared towards ensuring customer satisfaction, which is achieved not only through competitive prices, but also, through customer experience. This is attained through efficient and effective supply chains; hence, companies quickly seek to outsource part of their operations to specialized companies in nearshore destinations as Belize. Amidst these global changes, the Mexican Institute for Teleservices is currently hosting the 22nd Global Connection Forum in Mexico City, as of March 12th – 14th, 2018, which seeks to serve as a platform for Offshore Outsourcing Services stakeholders to learn about the most recent and emerging global trends in the contact centre services sector.

The Belize Diabetes Association Corozal Branch presents Bridging the Gap
March 17 is our Bridging the Gap community outreach fair, It's focus is to bring awareness about diabetes and our organization to the community. As such we have invited several speakers to give talks related to the disease and different organizations, such as the BCVI, who will have educational booths set up. To make this learning experience fun we are inviting Fries the clown. There will be musical and dance performances, games and other activities.Food and drinks will be on sale.

European Familiarization Tour 2018

Women and Art
Exhibit Launch March 15.

Ride to the Reef
The fifth annual Ride to the Reef was another sensational success, with more than a 100 cyclists making the 50 mile journey from the capital to the coast to show their love with our marine resources.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday.

New police barracks on Caye Caulker
The new police barracks will be breaking ground shortly. Gabriel Nunez the contractor has received his first payment. I feel like I have been to a meeting at the National BTIA office with the commissioner of police so long ago. Congratulations to all persons involved in making this a reality and especially the CCBTIA board!

Reef Week Recycle Art Competition
Congratulations to the winners and also the ones that participated for the Recycle Art Competition

Belize DJ Competition Finals
Friday, March 23, 2018. Starting at 8 p.m. at Club Elite in Belize City

World Consumer Rights Day 2018
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) will be internationally observed on Thursday, March 15, 2018 under the theme “MAKING DIGITAL MARKETPLACES FAIRER”. The theme elaborates that e-commerce, buying products or services online, has transformed the marketplace. Consumers can now with a connected device and a payment method can buy anything from music to take-away, book transport and accommodation, or buy tickets to events. This new way to trade has opened up a vast array of choice for consumers and expanded convenience on a scale never seen before.

Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission Meets in Belize
A meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission was held today, March 14th, under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS), in Teakettle Village, Cayo District. The meeting was headed by the Commissioners of both countries, the Ambassador of Belize in Guatemala H.E. Alexis Rosado and the Ambassador of Guatemala in Belize H.E. Georges de La Roche, as well as Mrs. Katalina Montana, designated by Mr. Manuel Washington Abdala, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the OAS for the Belize-Guatemala issues. This meeting took place as a follow-up from the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala on February 27th of this year, in the joint visit made to the Office of the OAS in the Adjacency Zone.

Prime Minister of Belize and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Belize Sign Financing Agreements for the Health Sector and Public Finance Management
The Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Finance Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the European Union Ambassador to Belize H.E. Malgorzata Wasilewska signed two Financing Agreements for a total of BZ$28.8 M for projects in the Health and Public Finance Management sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Laing Building in Belize City. Funding for the two sectors is allocated under the 11th European Union Development Fund (EDF) to assist in the social and economic development of Belize. The proposed projects are in line with Belize’s Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy and will assist in achieving the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL 2018-2021 SWEARING IN CEREMONY
In a short and intimate ceremony, the new San Pedro Town Council 2018-2021 members were sworn officially sworn in. After opening the ceremony with the Belize National Anthem, Pastor Clive Welsh from the Lighthouse Christian Radio, blessed the council members and those in attendance with a prayer. Following the prayer, the Town Administrator, Mrs. Patricia Verde Tillett began with the swearing in ceremony. After the swearing ceremony, Mayor Daniel Guerrero thanked everyone for attending and stated that this past election was a wake up call for their team. With this in mind, he continued that he and his team will work even harder for the people of San Pedro Town.

Congratulations to NICH La Ruta Maya Team!
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) would like to share a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Hener, Efrain and Feliz Cruz for their hard work and award-winning effort over the weekend. The Cruz brothers were the paddlers for Team NICH in the 2018 La Ruta Maya Challenge held March 9 to 12. This race began in San Ignacio and sped down the Belize River to Belize City. Team NICH worked hard and achieved third place in the Male Category, after encountering a challenge on the third leg of the race that added more than 13 minutes to their overall time. We acknowledge and appreciate the unwavering, dedicated support staff from the Institute of Archaeology, family members and friends of the Cruz brothers. We are proud to showcase the Cruz brothers as examples of attributes which represent the characteristics that NICH would like to see displayed in all of its employees.

Sarteneja celebrates Child Stimulation month 2018
Sarteneja Village, Corozal. Sarteneja Nazarene Primary School, preschool students, celebrating Child Stimulation month 2018 in beautiful Sarteneja.

Heroes and Benefactors Day Highlights
The Institute for Social and Cultural Research has a highlight video of the events they had at the George Price Centre and Goldson House for Democracy. Looks like they had a great turnout for the holiday. "Our highlights from today's National Heroes & Benefactors Day 2018. Have a blessed weekend."

Maya Day 2018
Its a family day and alcohol free. Where the Maya people share their way of life through a Maya ceremony, dances, story telling, games, cuisine, and bartering of farm produce. Sunday, March 25 at 5 PM - 8 PM, Tumul K'In Center of Learning in Blue Creek Village, Toledo.

Channel 7

KHMH Needs A Roof Doctor, Quick!
The roof is falling at the KHMH - and urgent repairs are needed. Some patients were sent home today and all clinics or elective services have been cancelled for the remainder of the week. An official release from the KHMH minutes ago says, quote: "A structural review of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Physical plant was commissioned today following an incident in which debris fell from the ceiling of the facility. A preliminary assessment has discovered the need for immediate remedial reinforcement to a section of the hospital roof which is already underway." "While these repairs are being executed and in the interest of safety we are limiting traffic through the facility as such there will be no clinics or elective services for the remainder of this week. Visiting hours has also been reduced."

Election Elation For The Blue At City Hall
Election elation - that's what PUP supporters were feeling in Belize City today when the first PUP City Council in 12 years was sworn in. It was a street festival for the party faithful who gathered on North Front Street in front of City Hall to celebrate what seemed an unlikely victory one week ago. Jules Vasquez was there: Jules Vasquez reporting: With 2006's winning and losing mayoral candidates side by side in the front row - it was a pointed reminder that the last time the PUP flags draped city hall was 12 years ago. But today it was all beaming smiles for the PUP 11 - still pinching themselves at the upset they pulled off in the UDP's power base:

Mayor Says Managers Leaked, Questions Loyalty
And while it was all political bluster and hype today, when the music fades down, and the crowds go home, the real work of managing the city's day to day affairs begins. And, for that, the new Mayor will need a management team he can trust - and right now, he's not sure he has that. The press asked Wagner about all those contracts the last mayor signed with senior managers. He says they were signed in bad faith:... Reporter "Last year there were certain contracts that were renewed for certain employees. Are these contracts a part of the intention of the new council to be reviewed?" Bernard Wagner, Mayor - Belize City: "That represented the same contracts of which I spoke about. Those were the contracts that were given to some of the management officers. As a professional I felt that was an act of bad faith. You never give out contracts if you are demitting office. for the previous mayor to put his employees in a situation where they are now being scrutinized I think was poor judgment. We will continue to look at how that matter can be worked out or resolved. Certainly, it was an act of bad faith and we'll take it from there."

Senate Debates Loan For Caracol Road
There was a very robust debate in the Senate today about a raft of loan motions, and a sovereign guarantee that the Barrow Government took to the upper house today. In total it's about 100 million dollars in loans, and a sovereign guarantee of 35 million dollars for BTL for the company to upgrade its fiber optic network to provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses. We start first tonight with the loan motion to construct a fully upgraded road to the Caracol Archaeological Site. Last week, he announced in his budget presentation that the phase one of the project has already begun. The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved a Loan of 40 Million US dollars to the Belize Government for the Caracol Road construction.

Opposition Senate Says BTL Loan Guarantee Too Much Debt
And from debate over the Caracol Road's loan motion, we turn now to the sovereign guarantee that the Senate has approved for BTL to get a 17.5 million US dollar loan from the Taiwanese Government. The Taiwanese Government has approved the low interest loan to the telecoms company for the upgrade of its fiber optic transmission system. The issue is that the Taiwanese Government wants the Belize Government to guarantee the loan, in the event that BTL defaults. Again, the senators who were opposing the loan motion said that the Government needs to be making conservative financial moves at this time.

Driver Who Knocked Down Injured Teen Served With NIP
16 year old Josue Tut Cabrera remains hospitalized at the Northern Regional Hospital after he was knocked down on Sunday night. As we showed you last night, a security camera on the Belize - Corozal road captured when Tut was punched down by two men, not far from his home. He fell unconscious to the pavement, and a cane truck ran over him causing 5 broken ribs, a punctured lung, an injury to his liver, and internal bleeding. Tonight Orange Walk police say they have the driver of the truck. He is 33 year old, Sergio Talango who was detained. They took a urine sample, and he was served with a Notice of Intended Persecution. The men who punched him are still at large.

Primary School Teacher Remanded For Allegation of Child Rape
An Independence Village primary school teacher has been accused of raping a 12 year old girl. 35 year old Lennox Mejia - who apparently also doubles as a cab driver - gave the child a ride last week Thursday morning at 7:15 AM. She expected to be taken to school but he allegedly took her to a house where he allegedly raped her. A medical examination conducted on the minor certified that she was carnally known. The child and her mother made the report to police and today Mejia was arraigned in the Independence Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Deborah Rogers.

UB Students Take It To The Hill
And so those last two stories are two more cases of minors being victimized by sexual or physical violence. And there are so many other cases…in fact, for the last few weeks on the evening news, we've been showing you case after case where children are the innocent victims of sexual or gun violence. In several instances, these children lost their lives in almost incomprehensible ways. This trend, which has the full glare of the public lens, has received universal condemnation from all parts of civil society, and today, a group of students from the University of Belize took more direct action when they voiced their disapproval. They staged a demonstration right outside the National Assembly Building at the height of the Senate meeting today. We asked them why they were doing it:

Peace and Reconciliation, A Dialogue
And a community activist has also decided to take direct action in response to the spate of violence against children. Cynthia Ellis Topsey has launched the Belize Movement For Peace and Reconciliation. She held a press conference today to say she wants to start an outreach to synthesize efforts and open a dialogue. Here's more from the event at the UWI open campus: Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Community Acitvist: "This nation is grieving for the deaths of these children and these men and these boys and these girls and therefore we declare a time of mourning and grieving. Nothing is wrong with that in this time of women's month. We are recalling and seeing the cries and the blood that is streaming on the streets and we can't be quiet anymore. Enough is enough. So, the call to action is a dialogue of every individual, every organization, and every group that is interested in going through a process of reconciliation."

Social Security For Same Sex Unions?
Once you and your spouse are working and paying social security, you both qualify for a pension, death benefits, among others forms of Social security assistance. But it is not that simple at all for those living in same sex relationships. Social Security does not recognize that partnership so that couple is pretty much on their own. It's in the law and today members from the Promoting Empowerment through Awareness for Lesbian and Bi-Sexual Women's group, PETAL hosted a forum at the Radisson to address this very pressing issue. Here is more from the event. Simone Hill, PETAL, Coordinator: "What we wanted to do here at PETAL is to look at Social Security, what was happening before in the past maybe before social security came in to be and now what is going on with social security and where it will take us in the future. We are also as organization who look after the needs of women particularly lesbian and bi-sexual women, we are looking to see if there are any gaps as it concerns women who identify as Lesbian and bi-sexual."

Changing GOB Store Orders: More Efficiency or Less Oversight?
Earlier in the news, we showed you the fiery debate in the Senate over the loan motions and the sovereign guarantee for BTL. Well, we still have a little more for you from that Senate Meeting. We take you now to the portion of the debate over an amendment to Stores Orders Regulations of 2017. The Government wants to allow accounting officers to be able to spend money from the public purse all the way up to $50,000 for items they need to use to run their ministry. From the Government's perspective, this amendment gives a bit more autonomy to these accounting officers, so that they don't have to take all purchase orders to the Financial Secretary. It's supposed to be a welcomed relief for the Fin Sec, but today, the Opposition and some of the social partner senators were not buying it.

Business Senator Says New Budget Is About More Taxes
And today's Senate meeting gave us an opportunity to speak with Business Senator Mark Lizarraga on the new budget for 2018-2019. The Prime Minister introduced it at last week Friday's House Meeting, and the House will debate it at the end of the month. The Senator gets it a little longer than that to digest it, but the Business Senator told us this evening, that he doesn't need that entire month to realize that the Government is increasing taxes. He said that no matter how the Prime Minister spins it, broadening the tax base, is the same thing as increasing taxes on the general public. Here's how he explained it:

Another City Shooting
There has been another newstime shooting in the city. 7News has confirmed that a man has been rushed to the hospital after he was reportedly shot at his home on Ordonez Street - which is off Western Avenue in the St. Martin's area. His condition is not confirmed at this time - but he is said to be in grave condition. Our news team is on the scene and we'll have more on this tomorrow.

The Teakettle Tete-A-Tete
Teakettle Village may not be the typical setting for a major diplomatic tete-a-tete, but a resort in that western village is where the Belize - Guatemala Joint Commission met today. According to an official release, the Commissioners of both countries, Ambassadors Alexis Rosado and Georges de La Roche, headed the meeting with Katalina Montana as the OAS representative. They reviewed the earlier progress regarding the bilateral agreements signed in 2014 and agreed that the implementation of those long - languishing agreements will be accelerated. The Joint Commission will meet again in April 2018.

EU Loan For Health Sector Greening
In other diplomatic news, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and and the European Union Ambassador to Belize today signed two Financing Agreements for a total of $28.8 million Belize dollars for Health and Public Finance Management projects. Most of the money, $25.6 million Belize dollars will be used in the Health Sector to upgrade health facilities to meet SMART and Green standards. The idea is to get health facilities in a condition to withstand natural disasters and be more energy efficient. The Public Finance Management portion of the funds is $3.2 Million Belize dollars, which will be used to strengthen of the internal and external audit control systems and the Office of the Contractor General.

The Upside of “River Bottom”
"River Bottom" it is a play by Jamaican Patrick Brown and Rotarians in Belize want to bring it to life for you, but with all that Belizean-ness we know and love. This is the Rotary's 15th production and Rotarian Sandra Mckay dropped by to tell us why everyone should treat themselves and their families to this showing. Sandra Mckay, Rotarian: "Well the name of this play is 'River Bottom', it is one of Patrick Brown's production and the public might be very familiar with that name by now because since the year 2003 most of our annual plays have been from Patrick Brown." "It is set in rural Jamaica when Patrick wrote it so we transferred it to Rural Belize. We choose the village of Bomba, at the time we heard that they did not yet have light or "lectrification" as Patrick calls it and water so that was the kind of setting, he calls it a fishing village, a 'fishining' village that is part of the humor."

Calling All Aspiring Actors/Actresses
And those same Rotarians can probably audition for a pilot tv series entitled Life or Death. An international film director is in Belize to film it. He dropped by to tell us that he wants it to be a series featuring a Belizean cast . Auditions are tomorrow and Friday from 9 to 4 at the House of Culture. Everyone is invited. Krusen has filmed features in 20 different countries including Bosnia , South Africa and Mexico to name a few. He lived in Belize for 2 years.

Rotary’s Rewarding Raffle
How would you like to win a clean 50 grand? That's what those who bought into Sunrise Rotary's Cash raffle got to dream about for months…until a winner was chosen this week. Tickets sold for one hundred dollars each and Cellular Plus bought two of them - and one of them turned out to be the winner. That's a pretty good return on investment and we found out more from the roatry and a representative of the winning company today:

GOB and AA Back To CCJ
The legal battles between the Government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance continued at the CCJ today. Today they were arguing over the same 90 million dollars plus arbitration award which the Government owes the Belizean Bank for the Universal Health Services debacle. As has been extensively reported - the government has tabled the appropriations bill in the National Assembly - because they hold very firmly that only that body can authorize a payment from the consolidated revenue fund. But, the Ashcroft Alliance is impatiently waiting on its money - after it got a firm and final judgement from the CCJ. But, the government majority in Parliament has clearly indicated that it will vote against it.

The Airwing Answer
Today Belmopan Police literally went far out of their way - all the way to Ladyville - to give 20 police youth cadets from their area a look into a world they could never imagine. It's a trip to the BDF Special Boat Unit and the Airwing of the Belize Defence Force. The kids were given a tour of the military installments and a helicopter display. OC Howell Gillett who led the trip told us more via voice message:

Channel 5

The Blue Tide Reaches City Hall – Wagner and Team Now in Charge
There was a changing of the guard today at City Hall, from the red to the blue. A new mayor and councillors for the country’s largest municipality took the oath [...]

U.B. Students Take Anti-Crime Protest to National Assembly
In Belmopan, where the upper house met today, a group of students left their classrooms at the University of Belize and headed over to the national assembly building. For about [...]

Emergency Evacuation after Ceiling Problems at K.H.M.H.
This evening, there was mass movement at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. News Five understands that there were issues with the ceiling of the national referral hospital, [...]

Teacher Charged with Assault of Minor, 16
A teacher of Independence Village is being accused of sexual assault of a sixteen-year-old girl. Lennox Mejia, known as “Namule,” was read the charge before Magistrate Deborah Rogers in the [...]

P.U.P. Leader: Insatiable G.O.B. Can’t Get Enough of Taxes
During the budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year, Prime Minister Barrow announced that a tax of twelve and a half percent will be added to the existing cost of [...]

Consumers to Pay Extra Costs
While he stayed away from speaking on behalf of Speednet Communications, the parent company of Smart, Briceño says that the additional cost will be borne by consumers of data, potentially [...]

Taxes Should Be Going Down, Says Mark Lizarraga
The debate for the 2018 Budget is set for next week Thursday and Friday. One of the key points will be how the government is managing the tax base for [...]

Gov’t Still Too Spendthrift
According to Lizarraga, G.O.B. in 2017 had promised austerity measures to cut back on operational expenses. In the 2018 Budget, they’ve only been able to do so by two percent, [...]

Will Belize Bank Finally Be Paid for U.H.S.?
The Caribbean Court of Justice this morning heard dueling applications from the Belize Bank Limited and the Attorney General in Port of Spain concerning the still-outstanding U.H.S. matter. The C.C.J. [...]

In Washington, Court Says Assets Can Be Collected
The Belize Bank is tightening the screws. On Monday a U.S. district court judge ordered that the Bank can seize property owned by the government of Belize “in the jurisdictions [...]

The True Value of B.T.L.
When the new budget was presented to the House of Representatives last Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made claims with respect to the value and cost of B.T.L. Tonight, we [...]

Is New Investment in Phone Company a Good Idea?
A loan to B.T.L. was also tabled before the Senate today. The loan from Taiwan is for of thirty-five million Belize dollars, for a commitment period of twelve years at [...]

Accused Cop Killer to Learn Fate in 2 Weeks
Thirty-seven-year-old Delford Slusher has been on trial for the past three weeks, accused of the murder of a police officer. Corporal Victor Lima was shot twice in the chest during [...]

Where is Teeth in Stores Orders Regulations?
The 1968 Stores Orders Regulations were last amended in 1992. They establish ceilings under which accounting officers may purchase stores both locally and internationally without first having written approval from [...]

U.D.P. in Charge in San Pedro; P.U.P. Says Not for Long
A new U.D.P. town council was sworn-in on Tuesday in San Pedro, amid a pending legal challenge being mounted by the People’s United Party. Mayor Daniel Guerrero won by a [...]

Bernard Wagner: P.U.P. CitCo Will Perform
Bernard Wagner enters office with an uncertain grasp of how well off the Council is. The Municipal Bond is tied to the City’s subvention from Central Government and other sources [...]

Coming Together on Women and Violence Issues
The Belize Movement for Peace and Reconciliation says that it is strategizing and implementing change to address the cycle of violence that seems to have a grip on the country [...]

Gov’t Receives New Financing from E.U.
Belize and the European Union have reached agreement on nearly twenty-nine million dollars in financing for projects in the health and public finance management sectors. The agreements were signed in [...]

Calling All Actors for New TV Series
If you have a passion for acting or just want to see if you have what it takes, then you might want to head out and audition for a part [...]

Cellular Plus Wins Rotary Raffle
Fifty-thousand dollars – that’s how much Cellular Plus Belize won in a raffle. The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise played a willy-wonka golden ticket style raffle to raise funds for [...]

LOVE FM

Senators debate $40M loan project for the upgrading of the Caracol Road
The Senate met today in Belmopan. The morning session focused on the OPEC Fund for International Development forty million US dollar – Upgrading of the Caracol Road Project, Phase 1 Loan Motion. Through this project, the Government of Belize aims to improve the connectivity and accessibility between the George Price Highway and the Caracol Archaeological, …

UB students protest increased of crime against children
Students from the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus, staged a protest in front of the National Assembly Building. The students, most of who are from the English department, protested the increase of crimes against children, specifically focusing on the case of 17 month old Allyssa Nunez. Lecturer Carmecita Adilma Romero told us more. Carmencita Romero, …

Will Belize Bank Limited cease GOB’s assets?
Yesterday we told you that U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta authorized the Belize Bank Limited to seize property owned by the government of Belize in the jurisdictions where such attachment or execution is appropriate. According to court documents, Judge Mehta determined that the Government of Belize has been given all required notices and a …

Belize Movement for Peace & Reconciliation to tackle the crime problem
This morning Belize Movement for Peace and Reconciliation held a press conference to address the crime situation that has been plaguing our society. In her address, the Co-ordinator of the Belize Movement for Peace and Reconciliation, Cynthia Ellis-Topsey said that a group of capable people will join forces to fight against the crime problem. Cynthia …

New jobs at City hall?
But proper housing is but one of many issues Belize City residents, in particular PUP party supporters, will be looking forward to. The new City Council will be flooded with requests for jobs, especially from party supporters. How will Mayor Wagner handle the issue? He suggested there are options that can be looked at. Bernard …

PUP City Council sworn into office
Supporters of the People’s United Party converged on the Belize City Hall this afternoon as the newly elected City Council was officially sworn into office. The team, led by Mayor Bernard Wagner, took their oath and are now officially running City Hall. The team swept the polls on March seven on a campaign that ran …

New City Council announces housing project
But it was not all about the mess at City Hall today. In his address to supporters this afternoon, Mayor Wagner made an announcement and a promise to Belize City residents. According to the Mayor, as early as September, they will be making good on one of their commitments and that’s on housing. Here’s how …

New City Administration reviews contracts at City Hall
Since their win on March 7, Mayor Wagner has kept busy in his new office. Today he told the media that since they took over office, they have found that the council saw an increase in expenditure, especially in the period leading up to elections. This is something that is now being closely looked at; …

Portfolios for new council at City Hall still pending
While Mayor Wagner and his ten councilors swore their allegiance to the City today, there is still some organizing to do. Wagner says they are still to decide how the portfolios will be distributed among the councilors. That, he says should be sooner rather than later. Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City: “We continue to work …

Blogs

A Perfect (Usual) Day in San Pedro
You may recognize L. Kelly Jones from his great aerial photography in New Year, New Life, New Business? and How Big is Ambergris Caye? Now you can enjoy his wonderful one-day itinerary guest post. He and his wife Susan know how to pack in a full day eating, diving, and drinking their way around San Pedro town. L. Kelly Jones is a Texas Board Certified –Commercial Real Estate agent and longtime Belize visitor. He also took all the fantastic pictures in this post.

International Sources

Corals, cayes and cocktails in Belize
It takes 10 minutes to get the allure of stand-up paddleboarding – 10 minutes to fumble down the edge of Southwest Caye, quads burning, and turn into a placid lagoon flanked by mangroves and sheltered from the easterly trade winds that blow across Glover's Reef. Guide Cedric (Budge) Casimiro points out a sun-bleached iguana, eyeing us lazily from a branch above. Another vibrant world awaits below our feet, so we drop the boards, strap on masks and slip into the lagoon. There are sea grasses, anemone, sea urchins, conch shells, an orange starfish covered in knobby cleats. Spotted rays, surgeonfish, yellow goatfish, scrawled cowfish, grunts and sergeant-majors, their yellow bodies decorated with five black bars. On the lagoon floor is a large bed of upside-down jellyfish, throbbing blotches of army green, mustard yellow, rust red and indigo blue. Their arms are clustered on top of their bodies (not on the bottom, like most jellyfish), where they attract growths of symbiotic algae. Their antennae drift like tethered tadpoles, each with a shock of colour and constantly pulsing as we drift above in barely a metre of water. It's like snorkelling through open-heart surgery.

These Neon Shrimp Are the Bees of the Sea—Here's Why
With 60-mile-per-hour pincers that create noisy shockwaves capable of stunning or killing their foes, it's no wonder snapping shrimp are sometimes compared to pistols. But being quick on the draw is not the most interesting thing about these see-through crustaceans, several species of which make their home within sponges on coral reefs. You see, snapping shrimp are the only animals in the ocean known to practice eusociality—or the division of labor and collective raising of young most commonly seen in insects such as honeybees and some mammals, like naked mole rats. For the study, Bornsbusch and colleagues examined more than 300 snapping shrimp queens collected from sponges over the course of 25 years from coral reefs in Panama, Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Florida.

Videos

March 14, 2018

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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

RCGO are San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament 2018 champions
Team RCGO has claimed the 2018 San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament championship! RCGO battled Quality Reef on Sunday, March 11th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, easily taking a 12-2 final score. The championship match began shortly after 11AM, with RCGO controlling the game from the start. At the end of nine innings, RCGO were named champions after tallying 12 home points against Quality Reef’s two. Quality Reef settled for sub-champions, while third place went to San Pedro High School, who had battled for the third place spot against Team Extreme on Sunday, March 4th. In addition to team trophies, individual awards were given to various tournament players. “Best Male Outfielder” went to Damion Pollard, while Aliyah Pilgrim won “Best Female Outfielder”. “Best Male Infielder” was Jason Carlson, and the “Best Female Infielder” was Karen Gillet. “Most Stolen Bases” went to Rene Flowers in the male category, while Aliyah Pilgrim took the prize in the female category.

Ambergris Today

Vivian Marin Celebrates Her 15th Birthday
Happiest of birthday’s to Vivian Marin who celebrated her quinciañera n Sunday, March 11, 2018. “Today is a very special day because our dearest daughter is turning 15 years old. Happy Birthday to our lovely Quinciañera!!! No matter how old you are, you will always be our little girl. You are the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given us. We love you more than words can say and look forward for watching you continue to blossom. May God protect and bless you always and may all the dreams which are hidden in your sweet heart come true. We love you endlessly mi niña.” – Love your Parents

Celebrity Spotting: World Champion Boxer Mikey Garcia In Belize
Following a big win for world champion Mikey Garcia on Saturday, March 10, 2018, the boxer arrived in Belize the following day Sunday. The superstar boxer is in the country to do some charitable work and build some homes for the poor. Garcia announced this trip to Belize during an interview after winning his latest fight this past weekend. Details of his humanitarian trip to Belize are not known at this time, but Garcia was spotted at the Belize’s Phillip Goldson International Airport as he arrived. He took pictures with Belize Immigration Officers and other fans. According to sources, he headed to the southern part of the country.

Coastal Zone Management Participates In Plastic Pollution Workshop
CZMAI participated in the second phase of The Major Aspects of Coastal Environment Management Workshop in Chile, scheduled March 5 to 8, 2018. This was a follow up to the initial phase that took place in Kingston, Jamaica where Mr Victor Sho (Sport Fishing Coordinator) and Mr Gilbert Andrews (Water Quality Lab Technician) of CZMAI presented their findings from a pilot project on Marine Litter and Micro Plastics Pollution in Belize, a research which was conducted by Mr Sho, Mr Andrews, Mr Samir Rosado (Coastal Planner) and Mr Ellis Requena (Water Quality Lab Assistant and Boat Captain).

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
The next General Meeting of the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch will be held on March 14th, 2018. We hope to see you there. Remember, we are very successful because of people like you who contribute to our safety and well being on the South End. If you have made a contribution lately, thank yourselves for keeping our staff working for you. If you would like to make a contribution, you may bring it to the meeting, bring it to Treasurer Ana Lausen or drop by the Black Orchid after 4pm Tues-Sat. to use your credit card. We appreciate your help in this successful organization.

SPTC hard work is highlighted by UNICEF at the Emergency Preparedness and Response Workshop

Eduardo Rivera "El Jaibita" at at the Princess Casino, Freezone
Laugh Out Loud weekend with one of Mexico's most popluar and reckless stand up comedians, Eduardo Rivera "El Jaibita" as seen on many TV Shows. Come out this weekend Friday March 16th and Saturday, February March 17th beginning at 10:00 p.m. and laugh your heart out at the Princess Casino, Freezone, Corozal.

IMMEDIATE JOB VACANCIES AT LAS VEGAS CASINO FREEZONE
Motivated and Professional Individuals need apply. PURCHASING MANAGER, ACCOUNTS CLERK.

La Ruta Maya Cultural Night 2018
The 2018 La Ruta Maya Cultural Night was full of music, dancing, cultural displays, fun, and more dancing(the crowd took over). The Cayo Welcome Center once again made the perfect venue.

For the month of March, we are excited to feature Lorcia Moore as our Young Belizean Entrepreneur!
Coconuts are embedded in Belizean culture and can be found in everything from local dishes to pastries to drinks and now, beauty care products thanks to entrepreneurs like Lorcia Moore. Lorcia is the owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Products, an eco-friendly company which uses the bi-products of coconut to produce hair and skin care products. Born in the southern town of Punta Gorda, Lorcia and her family have long used coconuts—it’s a family tradition. She can recall waking up to the sweet aroma of coconut oil being used to prepare breakfast. Her grandmother, Josephine Eiley, was also a producer of coconut oil in Placencia Village, where she had a business for many years. In 2012, Lorcia found a renewed love for coconut oil and started to make handmade coconut oil in small batches in her own kitchen. After much research on the coconut industry in Belize and abroad, Lorcia began to put plans together for her business.

Belize First National Research Conference
March 21 & 22, Jaguar Auditorium University of Belize, Belmopan Campus

Women Economic Expo Coming Up!
March 16th, Central Park, Orange Walk. 9am-2pm. Poetry and Dance, Informational Booths, Arts and Crafts and More!

Amendment to GST Regulations
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that inaccurate reports have been made in certain areas of the media that the 2018 Budget will impose crippling taxes on farmers which in turn will result in higher agricultural production costs and ultimately higher food prices and inflation. The Ministry of Finance hereby corrects this report as in fact the amendment to the General Sales Tax (GST) Regulations will apply GST at the standard rate of 12.5% only on land preparation for agriculture, harvesting, and crop dusting services, and then only to those farmers who are registered for the GST. The Ministry also makes it clear that the amendment will not apply to all farming activities, nor will it affect those small farmers who are not registered for the GST, such small farmers being outside of the GST system.

Ministry of Health Cautions the Public on an Unauthorized Vitamin and Mineral Syrup
The Ministry of Health informs the public of an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup, Dayamineral ® Syrup 240ml. The liquid supplements were found to be circulating on the local market and those found have since been confiscated. Investigations conducted by the Ministry of Health revealed that the product has not been registered by the Ministry and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised.

Central Park gets a Paint Job!
Thanks to the SPHS Male Softball Team, Marion's friends, our SPTC Staff and Miss San Pedro 2017, Virginia Vasquez! Thank you guys for helping out, you all did a great job!

The Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) to Take Action Against Recent Spike In Crimes Inflicted On Women And Children!
The Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) wishes to place on record our sadness, concern and anger over the recent spike in violent acts against our women and especially against the most vulnerable of our population, our children. We strongly condemn these acts of violence and call on the Government of Belize to SPARE NO RESOURCE, both human and financial, to attack what seems to have become very regular occurrences. We DEMAND that our government IMMEDIATELY identifies and implements measures to ensure the safety and protection of our women and children. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Earth Hour 2018. Corozal Central Park
March 24th, 2018. " Let Nature Shine "

BWRC Founder Wins Yves Rocher Award
Congratulations, Dr. Isabelle Paquet Druand! Dr. Isabelle received the Yves Rocher Foundattion's award for women for her work with wildlife through the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic. There's a video(in French), and pictures from the awards ceremony, which took place in France. Anyone who knows Dr. Isabelle knows this is a well deserved award. "The Maison Yves Rocher is happy and proud to welcome the 3 new winners awarded yesterday at the 17th French awards for women of the yves rocher foundation. A very shared moment with these women who make a desire to act in turn."

Year of the Reef Declaration
Each year, local ‘reef-minded’ organizations come together to celebrate Belize’s national resource, the Belize Barrier Reef through a week-long celebration, known as Reef Week Belize. This year’s Reef Week officially launched on March 9th, 2018, under the theme: "Our reef rocks! Protect it. Don't neglect it!" This year also marks the International Year of the Reef. To celebrate this and our recent conservation successes, the Reef Week Belize committee kicked off the week with our Launch event: Year of the Reef Declaration.

National Lecture Series Focuses on Belize's National Animals
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Museum of Belize, in collaboration with The Belize Zoo and The University of Belize present the National Lecture Series concentrating on Belize's national animals. Presentations on the Baird's Tapir and Keel-Billed Toucan will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 at the University of Belize's Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. The program will feature an introductory presentation on the Tapir and the Toucan by University of Belize, Faculty of Science and Technology, Natural Resource Management Program Students. Tapir Researcher from the Belize Tapir Project, Mr. Celso Poot, will be presenting on the conservation and human threat to the national animal, the Baird's Tapir. Education Director of The Belize Zoo, Mr. Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, will present on the rehabilitation and preservation of the national bird, the Keel Billed Toucan. Guest Presenter, Dr. Stephen Zitzer, Taxidermist and Ecologist, will be presenting on the conservation of endangered species through taxidermy.

Belize bike ride
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters - especially the bike riders who took on this challenge, our Belize bike ride was a true success! On the 4th of February the TENT team ran our first ever Belize bike Ride. This exciting six days adventure raised funds for (FCD) Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize, an organisation working to maintain, manage and protect the Chiquibul Forest in the southwestern region of Belize.

BELIZE'S FIRST & ONLY WOMAN'S MAYOR ZENAIDA MOYA! A BELIZEAN LEGENDS "WOMAN'S MONTH" COMMEMORATION!
Belize's Zenaida Moya became the first female Mayor of Belize City, Belize in the 1990s. Her historic work as one of Belize's progressive mayors and for the people of Belize City marks a significant time for women in Belize. The photo here shows the former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, meeting with former Los Angeles, California Mayor, Antonio Villalagrosa. Zenaida Moya met with the Los Angeles mayor during a 2008 visit to Los Angeles and was offered the key to the city of Los Angeles.

Channel 7

Innocent Woman Targeted, Because of Her Son
It was a long weekend all across Belize - a welcome break from the political pressure that had built up with last week's elections - but there was no break from the senseless violence and targeting of innocent persons in Belize City. A 52 year old woman was killed - and her 9 year old daughter and 20 year old son shot - all because the killer wanted to get to her son - who he couldn't find. It's the kind of truly senseless violence that has the Belize City community despairing. Sahar Vasquez visited the scene this morning looking for answers: Bernardine Louriano spent decades living in a dilapidated structure up until about four years ago. Some generous donors gave Louriano and her family a brand new home. We spoke to her on that very special day and we could see the relief in the eyes of the mother of 7.

Murder Was Related To Long-Standing Feud
While Louriano's family continues to mourn, the police are in the midst of their investigation. Today they shared more which shows that Louriano's brother Joe may have been right. The family of the deceased and the suspect have had an ongoing feud since 2013. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "What happened, police the information and a result proceeded to 6831 Aloe Vera Street where they made checks inside the house and observed several expended shells on the scene." "What we understand is that Miss Bernadine and her daughter, and another male person were sitting on the couch when a male person approached the front door, and fired several shot in their direction causing the above mentioned injuries.

Drowned Teen Was Four Hours Underwater
And from murder to a tragic teen drowning… Today, instead of their normal morning classes, Pallotti High School students had counseling sessions to try and cope with the loss of their classmate and friend. 16 year old Miracle Ojo was at a friend's pool party on Saturday at the Pickwick Club when she drowned. But no one knows for sure why or when she went under. Courtney Weatherburne tries to put the narrative together. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Christina Perry's "A Thousand Years" is Miracle Ojo's favorite song. She would sing it any chance she got. Cassandra Sabal, Home Room Teacher, 3 Science: "She could pelt out a tune right and so that is one of my fondest memories of her. She would sing while she was doing her chores, she would sing just to get you to smile."

Police Say Pickwick Should Have Had a Lifeguard
Today, police said that there should have been a lifeguard on duty: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "The last time that she was time that she was seen was sometime after 12:30, and thereafter, until she was found submerged inside the pool after 4:20 p.m. Initially, the family had made a missing person's report to the domestic office because the information that they had received that the child had left from the party, and had gone with unknown persons to their house. Unfortunately, the person was found submerged inside of the pool, and thereafter, she succumbed at the KHMH.

Stabbing Victim Found Near Coro Slaughterhouse, Girlfriend A Suspect
And from that drowning, we turn now to a murder in Corozal. On Saturday afternoon, police were called out to an area on the outskirts of that northern town, about 200 yards off the San Jomal Road. Near the slaughterhouse, which is close to the intersection with the Phillip Goldson Highway, the cops found the body 41 year-old Mark Anthony Clarke, who lives near to where he was found. Someone stabbed him multiple times to the chest area, and the cops also found a cut wound on his neck. We're told that this location used to be a garbage dump. Now, police don't have much to go on - other than a lead that points to a possible intimate connection. Today, the Head of NCIB told us that the investigators are asking for anyone with information to come forward and help them solve Clark's murder:

“Dayamineral” Syrup Could Be Counterfeit
If your medicine chest has a vitamin and mineral syrup called Dayamineral - you should throw it out. That's what the Ministry of Health says. It sent out a health advisory saying that the Dayamineral 240 ML is an "unauthorized and suspected falsified" supplement. The Ministry has taken it off shelves because it, quote, "has not been registered by the Ministry and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised." End quote.

16 Year Old Punched Out And Run Over
Tonight, the family of Josue Tut Cabrera, a 16 year-old resident of the Belize Corozal Road, in Orange Walk, continues to worry about his well-being after he was run over by a sugar cane truck. As this video shows, over the weekend, he was walking near his house, which is located on the outskirts of Orange Walk Town, on the way to Corozal. The surveillance footage captures the moment when he was attacked by a man, who punched him in the face, while running away. That man knocked him out, and he was pursued by another male. All this while Tut was left sprawled out in the middle of the highway.

15 Year Old Found Hanged From Tree, Police Can’t Confirm Suicide
And while that 16 year old Orange Walk resident is in stable condition - the family of a 15 year old from Palmar village is grieving. On Sunday morning at 8:45, Angel Gabriel Cisneros was found hanging from a tree branch in some bushes near the village. He was found in a kneeling position with a nylon Strap tied around his neck. He had been missing for 5 days - and he was in an advanced state of decomposition. Police say he had died 5 days ago. The cops told the press today that preliminary indications are that Cisneros may have committed suicide, but they are not ruling out foul play just yet:

Suspects For Four Year Old’s Murder
A week ago, we told you about the murder 4 year-old Treshawn Goff. He's the boy who was shot and killed on Nurse Finley Crescent. His family continues to mourn his senseless murder, and he was laid to rest over the long weekend. His loved-ones are hoping that police will be able to solve the case, but today, the cops told us that they aren't any closer than they were last week. ASP Alejandro Cowo spoke briefly on the case today: "I know that we are following up that investigation. We have detained 4 persons, however, because of the lack of evidence, we had to release them. Nonetheless, that investigation still being followed up, and we are looking for other suspects that might assist us in this investigation. Likewise, we appeal to the public, that if they know anything, to please assist us, to solve this matter."

Child Sex Abuse in Bella Vista Extends to Another Girl
On Friday's news, we told you about the disturbing case of the 4 year-old girl from Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District. She was in the hospital for a serious heart condition - but examinations showed she was also the victim of sexual abuse. She became the 5th victim in less than 3 weeks making national headlines as part of a spike in reports of violence and sexual abuse against children. And, tonight, it gets more disturbing. Police have learned she was not the only girl at the residence to have been molested. Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch told the media that an 11 year-old child, who lives in one of the 3 houses in the same yard, was also sexually abused. Here's how he explained it today:

BNTU Has Had Enough, Will March For Kids
And so now, we have all these hideous cases of children being the victims of sexual and gun violence - and it just keeps happening. That's why the Belize National Teachers Union says it has to take a stand. A release issued today says, quote, "We strongly condemn these acts of violence and call on the Government...to spare no resource, both human and financial to attack what seems to have become very regular occurrences." It continues, quote, "we demand that our government immediately identifies and implements measures to ensure the safety and protection of of our women and children…The BNTU stands ready to take action to demonstrate our seriousness in ensuring that appropriate measures are taken."

“Cyaah Walk Ah Mi Plantation...”
Corozal Police destroyed an entire plantation of marijuana trees. At around 6:45 on the morning of Friday, March 9, a team of officers conducted an operation at the Beight Fresh Water Creek and Camp in the Little Belize area of the Corozal district. That's where they came upon 1,573 marijuana plants, ranging from 6 inches to 4 feet tall. No one was found in the area, and so the officers uprooted al the plants, and burnt them completely.

Toy Grenade Raises Alarm
But, while the cops found those very real weed plants, this weekend, they had to retrieve a fake grenade on Castle Street. It caused quite a scare when the grenade was sighted in a drain, but the cops told the press that it is a toy, and nothing more: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Yesterday, just after 9 p.m., police were called to #27 Castle Street, where a suspected grenade was seen on the street side. The BDF expert, Staff Sergeant Ramirez, was called in. After 2 hours inspecting the location and the grenade, it was found to be toy grenade."

Empty Case For Military Grade Rocket Launcher
And while that was a toy grenade, the case for a rocket launcher that police found this morning was real - fortunately, it was empty. In what looks to be British style labelling, the GSU found the launcher case stashed in an abandoned wooden building on Sittee St. The case would hold a 68 millimeter rocket launcher - which is a highly destructive kill weapon used in military warfare.

Guatemalan Driver Remanded After Accident
The Guatemalan driver of an 18 wheeler that crushed a man at the Western border has been charged. 53-year-old Guatemalan Jose Alfredo Guevara has been charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and driving without due care and attention. He appeared in court today and was remanded until May because he is a flight risk.

Man Shot On Southcreek Just Because He’s From The Wrong Neighborhood
So, already on the news, we've told you about the weekend murders in the Corozal and Belize Districts. There were also a pair of shootings in Belize City, but fortunately, none of them resulted in fatalities. On Friday night at around 7:00, 32 year-old Jose Carlos Reyes, a Salvadoran living on Antelope Street Extension, came under fire on South Creek, where his vehicle had broken down. Police told us today, that they have reason to suspect that he was targeted simply because of where he lives: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Friday night, minutes after 7 p.m., Mr. Jose Carlos Reyes was on South Creek, waiting for some family members because his vehicle was experiencing mechanical problems. And whilst he was checking on his vehicle, a male person from the other side of the creek approached from some bushes, and fired 2 shots at him...

Another City Shooting
Then on Sunday night, just before 11:00, the cops were called to respond to another shooting on Jones Street. They told us that the victim escaped with only an injury to the right wrist: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Sunday, March 11, some time after 10:55, Mr. Tyrique Francis was walking on Jones Street, heading to his house, when he was approached by a male person riding a bicycle, who passed him, and thereafter, came back towards him, and fire shots at his direction. As a result, he received a gunshot wound to the right wrist. He was admitted to the hospital, where he is presently in a stable condition.

Election By The Numbers
Whenever there's a major election we try to dig a little deeper into the numbers looking for larger trends. After all, an election is the ultimate poll - it's where all the talk, hype, speculation and empty boasts end, and the voters deliver the real and final verdict. This time that verdict had some surprises for the UDP - especially in Belize City. Jules Vasquez looked at some numbers:... Jules Vasquez reporting: 57% of the 114 thousand voters eligible to vote in municipalities came out. That's a little below the 59% that came out in 2015. The only place where turnout increased was Belize City - which had the strongest turnout in Pickstock and Lake - I where the PUP got 52% of the vote, and the UDP got 47%.

Bar Assoc. Speaks Up Against Child Violence
The Bar Association of Belize - may not be known for its sterling social conscience - but today it issued a release crying out against the rash of extraordinary violence against children. The release says it condemns all acts of violence, physical, emotional and sexual abuse…inflicted on the very young and the vulnerable of our society. The release adds, quote: "the Bar calls on parents, guardians and all members of the public to be vigilant in the attention, protection and care given to children..."

Thrilling Finish At Ruta Maya
The second biggest sporting event in Belize, the Ruta Maya race finished yesterday at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. It aired live on Channel 7 and Rhonda Crichton's team had the call and the first interviews with the paddlers: Courts was first for the females, and Benny's second.

How To Catch A Fat Fish
If you are a Discovery Channel or Nat Geo fan, you have surely seen some strange and grotesque animals on their shows and features - animals you never knew existed. Well, that is what Belize City fish vendor Claudia Gutierrez thought when she first saw this 167 pound Jewfish. She had no idea they could grow this big in Belize. We first found out about the big fish on facebook. In the post it says that the Punta Gorda fishermen Ricky Castro known as Noche and Michael Casimiro were out at sea off coast of Toledo this weeekend and they caught the beast. They then sold it to Fish vendor Guiterrez. She told us more about this mega catch. Reporter: "How long have you have you been buying and selling a fish?" Claudia Gutierrez - Fish Vendor: "Must be about 4 to 5 years now." Reporter: "Right here from this spot here?" Claudia Gutierrez - Fish Vendor: "Yes."

Acclaimed Prizefighter Mikey Garcia In Belize In Charity Mission
One of the world finest boxers is in Belize preparing to do missionary work in Toledo. Mikey Garcia - who just won a world title in his fourth weight class on Saturday - said he was leaving the ring and heading for the airport to come to Belize. Here's how he put it after he beat Sergey Lipinets in San Antonio: He is working with a church group in Toledo. Garcia simultaneously holds world titles at junior welterweight and lightweight, is only the third fighter to win belts at 126, 130, 135 and 140 pounds.

CTV3

41 Year Old Make Stabbed to death In Corozal
Corozal Police are investigating the discovery of a murdered man in an area just outside Corozal Town. On Saturday March 10th afternoon, Corozal Police received information of a motionless body lying on the road side of the San Jomal Road, next to the Slaughterhouse in Corozal. Upon arriving in the location, they saw a fully clothed male individual lying on his back along the bushes. He wore a brown T-shirt, black long jeans pants and a pair of a black, red and white tennis.

Prime Minister Explains Why Budget Is Dull
On Friday March 9th, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the 10th Budget estimate of his administration entitled “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”. The proposed budget contains a forecasted revenue and grants total of an estimated $1.183 billion, but expenditure of $1.208 billion. The PM revealed in his budget presentation that while the budget deficit is $25.4 million there will also be $92.7 million outstanding for Loan Amortization requirements and that will widen the overall deficit to $118.1 million. The budget presentation includes some promises of infrastructure works, but it short falls of providing a zing like previous budgets that promised massive transformation and saw millions of dollars rolling. In this Budget, there is shrewd spending and according to the Prime Minister, this is intentional since his Government is focused on financial stability.

New Corozal Town Council Takes Office, Mandates Financial Audit
There’s been a flurry of activity at the Corozal Town Council since the PUP Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos and his slate were elected to office last Wednesday. As Mayor-elect, Rigo as well as the newly-elected Councillors paid a courtesy visit to the Council office to greet staff members. On Friday, at a ceremony inside a packed-to-capacity Town Hall they were officially sworn in. Under applauses and cheers, they each took their turns taking their oath, pledging to serve the Council and the people of Corozal to the best of their ability.

A Condemnation Against Crime
Since the start of 2018 there has undoubtedly been an increase in violent crimes in our country, most notably against women and children. In recent weeks there have been a number of cases of children losing their lives to gun violence and several others being sexually abused and in one case leading to death even. These recent occurrences have prompted nationwide condemnation and calls for action, today the Belize National Teachers Union issued a press release stating that the Union is to take action against recent violence against women and most importantly children.

LOVE FM

Police find that a second minor is sexually abused in one household
Police have uncovered more disturbing evidence as they proceed with the investigation of the sexual abuse of a four year old girl with special needs in the Stann Creek District. This morning ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch said that another child from the same household has also been sexually abused. …

No solid leads in latest Belize City murder
52-year-old Bernadine Lauriano was shot and killed on Friday night. Her nine-year-old daughter and her son 21-year-old son, Danzel Lauriano were also injured in the incident. Lauriano and her children were shot after nine o’clock on Friday night while inside their Belize City home. ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media what they have gathered so …

Clarke’s girlfriend a suspect in his murder
Police are also investigating the death of 41 year old Mark Anthony Clarke. This morning ACP Joseph Myvett told the media that they have detained several persons in connection with the murder. ACP Joseph Myvett – Head, National CIB “On the 10th March 2018 sometime shortly after 2PM Corozal police were called to the Slaughterhouse …

Teenage boy missing for nine days found dead
Police say they do not have sufficient evidence to suspect foul play in the death of fifteen-year-old Angel Gabriel Cisneros, but the investigation into his death is still ongoing. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, revealed that the teenager had left home following some family problems and never returned. On Monday …

U.S. District Judge authorizes Belize Bank to seize property owned by GOB
The Belize Bank Limited has won another round of legal battle in a foreign court. Love News has confirmed that the Belize Bank Limited has won an enforcement order from U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta. The decision was handed down on Monday and is in relation to the multi-million dollar UHS judgment against Belize. …

BNTU stands ready
The Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, will demonstrate in Belmopan against the recent spike of crimes committed against women and children. We are told that the demonstration will occur next week. In a release, the BNTU calls on the Government to spare no resource to quote, “attack what seems to have become a very regular …

MOH advises against unauthorized Dayamineral Syrup
The Ministry of Health is cautioning the public about an unauthorized and suspected falsified vitamin and mineral syrup. The Ministry says that Dayamineral Syrup was not registered with the authorities and therefore cannot be imported into the country as it has not met the necessary quality standards and may be compromised. Some of the 240 …

Successful fiscal consolidation is underway, says PM
On Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented his eleventh fiscal budget entitled, “Maintaining Steadiness; Consolidating Stability; Advancing Growth”. The Prime Minister boasted that his administration managed to achieve a 10-year average of 2.2 percent GDP growth, and a 1.5 percent of GDP overall fiscal deficit. For the new fiscal year, Barrow announced seven revenue measures …

Lionel Arzu reappointed as Ombudsman
Lionel Arzu was reappointed as the Ombudsman of Belize. His reappointment to the post had been delayed after his one year contract was not renewed at the start of 2018. However, on Friday Prime Minister Dean Barrow reappointed Arzu for a further term of one year. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “Mr. Speaker this is the …

Still no Contractor General
The Government of Belize has yet to identify a suitable person to succeed Godwin Arzu as Contractor General. Arzu’s reappointment as Contractor General was blocked by Senators on December 13, 2017. Senators raised concerns that Arzu was not carrying out one of his fundamental duties. He had not submitted a report to Cabinet for various … The post Still no Contractor General appeared first on LoveFM.

Barrow still searching for someone to Chair the Integrity Commission
On Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked for an update with regards to the Integrity Commission which is without a Chair. That’s because the former Chair, Marilyn Williams is now a Justice of the Supreme Court of Belize. Prime Minister Barrow says it should not be long for Williams’ successor to be identified. Barrow says that while the Integrity Commission has no Chair, it is still carrying out its responsibilities.

Blogs

Semi-Pro Sports on Ambergris Caye: The San Pedro Pirates and Our Tiger Sharks
Sunday I attended my first match of the year. AND my first match at our relatively new football stadium. The stadium was completed less than a year ago and cost about $4 million dollars. Driving to this area south of town, headed down bumpy sand/dirt roads, it is SHOCKING to come upon this new project. I felt a bit like I was entering the Emerald City. Especially on this sandbar island. Let’s shift to basketball – the National Elite Basketball League of Belize. Our team is the first place San Pedro Tiger Sharks. These games are Saturday nights and played at the San Pedro High School Court. They are SOOO high energy and emotional. Really really fun to watch. We are already about half way thru the season. The All-Star game is in Orange Walk town on March 24th.

Guanacaste National Park – jungle exploring done easy!
Belize is blessed with an abundance of national parks, natural reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Most of them are off the beaten path, but there are a few that are easy to access from the road, which is great when you don’t have a lot of time to explore or just need a quick nature fix. Guanacaste National Park has to be the easiest one to reach, and it’s amazing how immersed you feel within this jungle paradise when you are so close to civilization! The dense habitat is known as a secondary broadleaf forest, which benefits many birds and wildlife, including the shy and secretive “tiger cat” or jaguarundi and black howler monkeys. This popular getaway is located just two miles from the capital city of Belmopan in the Cayo District at the intersection of the Hummingbird and Western Highways. You don’t even need wheels to get there as buses stop right outside the park!

Chunky's Meat Pies in Corozal
The weather in Corozal was quite cool to eat some hot spicy Meet Pies in Corozal. I've been asking around which meet pies is the best in Corozal. I was glad that I found Chunky's meet Pies in Corozal. It is 50cents for one. Ain't that bad at Chunky's meat pies in Corozal. I bought a couple of them and it was excellent. Chunky's sells Meat Pies, natural juices, coffee, and Pastries. No need to come out of your vehicle because we have a drive through Restaurant and Fast Foodservice. We also have a garden for those who are looking for plants. We sell various types of plants. Belizeans Artwork is made locally right here. Coconut husk, slippers, jewelry @ more.

The Rundown: La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2018
The most exhilarating and grueling race of the year took place on Friday, March 9th, 2018. La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2018 had hundreds of people waiting so eagerly to see which of the 53 teams would make it to the finish line first! Belizeans and visitors from all over started to gather very early while the sun wasn’t even out. As usual live music and plenty of food and beverage had to be present to start off the 4-day celebration. The race started from under the historic Hawkesworth Bridge where everyone observed as they wore their favourite team’s shirts and cheered them on. Other spectators lined up on the wooden bridge and alongside the Macal River bank to get a closer look at the paddlers lineup.

A Tropical Wedding in Belize
One of the most romantic places to hold your wedding is deep in the heart of the pristine jungle in Belize. Surrounded by colorful birds, flowering plants, and the wild beauty of Mother Nature, your special moment will truly be an event to remember. Belize is definitely a romantic country, and the rules make it very easy, even for foreigners, to get married. The only requirements are that both the spouse and groom be present in Belize for three days prior to the marriage and that a local minister or Justice of the Peace officiate the ceremony.

Caye Caulker Belize
Caye Caulker is a small island located five miles (eight kilometers) off the coast of the Belizean mainland. Often described as Ambergris Caye's hipper, younger sibling, Caye Caulker's unofficial motto is "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem." Far less built up and crowded than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker has managed to successfully hang onto its roots as a laid-back destination popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Caye Caulker is home to one of the liveliest Lobsterfests in the country where locals and visitors alike spend three days every summer celebrating the opening of the lobster fishing season with music, dance, drinks, and lots of savory lobster dishes. On Caye Caulker, there are no cars. To get around, locals use golf carts or bicycles to negotiate the dirt roads. Caye Caulker is far from glamorous or glitzy, which is one of the reasons why it's such a popular destination for nature lovers.

All the Lobster You Care to Eat This Summer in Belize
Is it wrong to plan a vacation to Belize just to binge on all the fresh-caught lobster you can eat? Let's hope not! Many people head to Belize starting in June to celebrate the opening of the lobster fishing season. Coastal towns and islands kick off the season with multi-day festivals featuring live music, games, and culinary competitions featuring local chefs battling to create the tastiest lobster-themed dishes. If a cold beer on the beach and delicious lobster has whetted your appetite, here's everything you need to know. Originally, the first Lobsterfest was held on the freewheeling island of Caye Caulker. For several days, the island is transformed into one big outdoor party where lobster is the theme.

For a Good Time in Belize, Get to the Barrier Reef
Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef is a world-famous mecca for activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sea kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddling, and sailing. From outer space, the Belize Barrier Reef is immediately identifiable as an unbroken chain of white surf running north-south in the western Caribbean Sea. Perhaps the most iconic area of the reef visible from space is the Great Blue Hole located in the middle of Lighthouse Reef. Although well-known to local fishermen, the Great Blue Hole came to the world's attention after legendary filmmaker and marine biologist Jacques Cousteau visited the area in 1971 and declared it to be one of his top 10 favorite dive spots on the planet. The Great Blue Hole is a natural phenomenon of deep blue water that covers a vast sunken limestone cave network more than 480 feet deep.

Here Are 12 Awesome Reasons Spend Your Winter In Belize!
Some people love winter, some of us think winter downright stinks. It gets cold, in some places, there’s snow – blizzards, slick roads, and all that iciness. You gotta layer up to the point that you look like some sort of nylon turkey, and even so your fingers and toes can hardly stay warm. Spending winter in Belize is no cake walk either, it’s quite the challenge!

Visiting Belize? 10 Best Romantic Activities To Experience Together In 2018
While love should be celebrated and nurtured year-round, we have dedicated February to be the month of love. That 28 day period where people the world over receive extra doses of affection and the prospect of it – when romantic gestures are sent back and forth by two people who love and care for each other. A Strange but fascinating phenomenon it is that an entire populace can all agree on one time period to engage in a general activity. The Caribbean is home to romantic golden sunsets, gorgeous resorts, dreamy beaches, and astounding temples all year long. The month of love is quickly approaching – don’t be caught without a plan.

Fry Jacks: A Belizean Breakfast Treat
A family member recently had a birthday and they asked me to make fry jacks for breakfast. At first, the request surprised me, but then I realized that even though I love fry jacks, I also had not eaten it in a very long time. Living in Canada and being busy has meant that regular Belizean breakfast dishes such as fry jacks have been replaced with more convenient (sometimes boring) options such as yogurt or plain eggs. To be fair, making fry jacks in itself doesn’t take too long – it’s about 30 minutes tops, however, if you want to enjoy it properly, you have to eat it with a serving of delicious refried beans, which takes a bit long to cook if you want to make it from scratch. I typically cook a pot of beans the night before, and in the morning, it takes me an additional 30 minutes to make refried beans and eggs to accompany my fry jacks. Overall, the meal is totally worth the effort, especially if it’s on the weekend.

Dooley Bear Gets an X-ray at Dr. Danny’s Clinic
What do you do when you live on an island and you need to get an x-ray done on your dog? You take him to the only x-ray machine on the island. Which is located at the Ambergris Hope Clinic in San Pedro. That’s right – Dooley Bear went to the people clinic to get his x-ray! We loaded up Dooley Bear in the back of our cart and drove him to town for his 2:00 appointment. (Dogs are welcome after 2:00) He was so excited when we arrived at the clinic that he shouted out, “Woo Hoo!” (Ok, actually this is a yawn. The 2-mile drive was tough!)

International Sources

Waving goodbye to slash-and-burn
The first time I flew into Punta Gorda, a town on the edge of the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize, I was struck with how intact the forest remained compared to adjacent Guatemala and Honduras. Where Belizean forests were a rolling green landscape of tall tropical forest canopy Guatemala was nearly the opposite: blocks of intact forest surrounded by extensive clearing, smoke and fire. In tropical regions worldwide, slash and burn practices are failing to provide sustainable food production and income for millions of smallholder farmers in rapidly growing communities. Faced with the growing pressure on the Maya Golden Landscape’s tropical rainforests, Ya’axché Conservation Trust (in partnership with Fauna & Flora International) has been working with local communities to encourage a sustainable farming system known as Inga alley cropping so that Belize does not witness the same rampant land clearing as that experienced by its Mesoamerican neighbours.

Mexico proposed trinational jaguar reserve with Belize, Guatemala
An announcement for the proposal of a jaguar reserve has been made by head of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas of Mexico. Alejandro del Mazo Maza of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), announced that Mexico plans to create a trinational reserve with Belize and Guatemala to protect the jaguar. “It is a project that we are already working on with Guatemala and Belize, countries that have shown interest in collaborating and establishing this protection in a trinational way in the first protected natural area for the feline. “There is already a political disposition, so we are working on the definition of the polygon and the challenge is to continue with the plan to make it a reality this year.”

Amazing cities to live in that are easy on the pocket
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize | This Carribean town, ranked no.4, is located on the island of Ambergris Caye. "You wouldn’t describe property prices today as a steal, but they can be a bargain compared with elsewhere in the Caribbean", says Live and Invest Overseas.

Garifuna celebrates Heritage Month
The Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc., says it is “proud” to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Garifuna-American Heritage Month in New York, inviting all New Yorkers to join in the March 11 - April 12 celebration. The coalition said that, each year, Garifuna Americans in New York observe Garifuna-American Heritage Month, from March 11 to April 12. “The day of March 11 is significant because it is the anniversary of the forcible deportation of the Garifuna people by the British from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1797,” the coalition said.

Bank Gets $35M Judgment Against Belize Enforced
The Belize Bank Ltd. won enforcement from a D.C. federal court on Monday of a $35.2 million judgment against Belize following a dispute over a complex debt guarantee, closing another chapter in the long-running saga that previously made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The order by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta authorizes Belize Bank to seize property owned by the government of Belize "in the jurisdictions where such attachment or execution is appropriate," according to the order. It's a win for Belize Bank,...

Wakeup call for the United Democratic Party (Udp)
Since the 2006 Municipal elections the United Democratic Party have won and controlled all the municipalities in the country of Belize except for Orange Walk Town which has been under the control of the People’s United Party (PUP) since. The municipalities include; Belize City a Mayor and ten Councilors, Belmopan City the capital a mayor and six city councilors, Punta Gorda Town a Mayor and seven councilors, Dangriga Town a mayor and seven councilors, San Ignacio / Santa Elena Town a mayor and seven councilors, Benque Viejo Del Carmen a Mayor and seven councilors, San Pedro Ambergris Caye Town a mayor and seven councilors, Orange Walk Town a mayor and seven councilors and Corozal Town also with a mayor and seven councilors. When this is all added it comes up to nine mayors and 67 councilors.

Senior student’s film on water pollution premieres during The One Earth Film Festival
“I make my films educational because it’s one thing to show visuals, but it’s a whole other to show facts; numbers help correlate the two,” Teresi said. “People need to learn to care about the subject.” The first completed and edited film that Teresi finished was for NEIU’s Belize study abroad program last year. The documentary juxtaposes Belize’s tourism and beauty with the poor waste and land management, and illegal hunting and fishing. During her time in Belize, Teresi and other NEIU students participated in a river clean up. They filled three kayaks with littered plastic from the river that connects directly to the ocean. “When I finished the Belize documentary, I felt powerful,” Teresi said. “Something I created could be used to shine a light on a dark subject.”

Llega a Xcalak mortandad de peces por exceso de sargazo
Las playas de Xcalak, además de estar cubiertas por una gruesa capa de sargazo, fueron escenario del avistamiento de peces muertos a consecuencia del poco oxígeno que les deja el acumulamiento de algas. Juan Jacobo Schmitter Soto, investigador en El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur), Chetumal, indicó que el fenómeno se presentará de manera recurrente y estacional, además irá se incrementando en ciertas épocas del año, con una variación constante ante el cambio climático. “Tarde o temprano volverá a ocurrir, y lo más seguro es que con las consecuencias que tuvo la primera vez, cuando atrapó a los peces, los dejó sin oxígeno, hay que tratar de controlar el problema localmente para que no afecte el frente de las localidades”, afirmó. Indicó que tratar de detener el problema desde su origen es como intentar contener una barda que se cae con las manos, porque el hecho continuará presentándose, así que el control tiene que ser local.

Videos

March 13, 2018

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Police Investigate Death of Teen
On 12.3.17 at 8:45 a.m. police visited San Jose Palmar Village Orange Walk. In some bushes they observed the body of a male Hispanic decent individual hanging from a tree branch with a nylon strap tied around the neck. The body was in a state of decomposition. Initial information to the police that sometime around 3:50 p.m. on 3.3.18 the said male who was identified to be Angel Gabriel Cerenos, 15yrs Belizean, Shop attendant of San Pedro Town had left from his sister house to an unknown distination and was not seen or heard from since. A Post Mortem certified the cause of death to be Mechanical Asphyxiation consistent with hanging . Police investigation continues.

Belkize Natural Farmers and Gardeners Meeting
Farmers and consumers, come meet with us and hear more about what a CSA (community supported agriculture) is and how it connects farmers and those wishing to buy healthy, organic, naturally grown food. A CSA should include healthy food cooking, preparation classes, natural and organic growing education and workshops, and even bush medicine cultivation and uses! The potential and market is unlimited so come join us and see what its all about. Friday, March 16 at 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM.

2018 Belikin La Ruta Maya Winners Family Category 1st - The Wash Higher Stake 2nd - Team Han, 3rd - Unbreakable Pleasure Category 1st - Weh Dem Deh 2nd See Wi Ya 3rd - Tripple Male Category 1st Koop Sheet Metal 2nd - Young Cutters 3rd - NICH Female Category 1st - Courts Optical Costa Team 2nd - Benny's Babes Intramural Category 1st UB Jaguars 2nd - Scotia Bank Rural Boyz 3rd - Chief's Paddle for Love

Faustino Chun assigned to Valley of Peace
On Monday 12th March, 2018, a well attended meeting was held with the residents of the Valley of Peace community. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce the newly assigned officer for that community, PC#296 Faustino Chun, as well as, to listen to their concerns and suggestions on how the department could better promote a safer environment for the community.

Armenia raaises funds for park and basketball court
This week, youth and young adults from Armenia mobilized to sell 100 barbecue tickets to raise money to repair our park and basketball court! We're one step closer, everyone! This has been one more example of our leaders of tomorrow already leading today!

Corozal Bay on San Patricks Day
Hi everyone come out and celebrate the the young Corozal Sailors this is being held to raise funds for badly needed boats we would love to see you there!

Reef Swim
Today's Reef Swim for Reef Week was AMAZING! Thank you to everyone who came out and thanks to all our sponsors, YOU GUYS ROCK!

Metal Haven Acoustica III
The date is set for the next Metal Haven Acoustica! Saturday, May 12th, and it'll happen here in Cayo at the Soul Project. Rock and roll!

The ceremony honoring Belize’s National Heroes Rt. Hon. George Price and Hon. Phillip Godson and Benefactor Baron Bliss!

Our second photoshoot at Lamanai Archeological Site! Filming of the Sak Xikin team!
Yo Creek Sak Xikin is a Poktapok(Maya ball) game team form by Youths of Yucatec Maya descent from the village of Yo Creek Orange walk .

The Reporter

Koop Sheet Metal snags 2018 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
The Koop Sheet Metal canoe team edged out the NICH canoe team at the finish of the 2018 Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge just before 11:30 this morning at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. Koop Sheet Metal is also the overall winner of the race this year. The two teams were the top competitors from the start of the race on Friday in San Ignacio town, Cayo. On day one, NICH paddled past Koop Sheet Metal at the end of the first leg of the race with only three seconds to spare, while on day 2, Koop Sheet sprinted past NICH at the end of the second leg. On day three, the NICH team overturned and that misfortune caused a 17-minute delay for them to get back into the race. The organizers are currently tallying the official results of the canoe race, which had 53 teams at the start on Friday.

Breaking Belize News

New Belize City Mayor commissions audit; sparks controversy
Days after his election as new Mayor of Belize City, Bernard Wagner has authorized a report into the finances of City Hall. The audit will be done for the period of January to March 2018.

Man shot in orange orchard in San Ignacio
Reports to BBN is that a man was shot tonight after 7 in an Orange Orchard in San Ignacio Town. He has been identified as Ruben Arnold better known as ‘Crowfax’.

Videos

March 12, 2018

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

Press Release: Autograph Collection Hotels Set to Debut in Belize with the Opening of Alaia
Autograph Collection Hotels, in partnership with owner and developer Andrew Ashcroft, today announced the brand will debut in Belize with the 2020 opening of Alaia – a one-of-a-kind boutique resort, set amidst the beautiful and culturally rich southern part of Ambergris Caye island. Perfectly suited for Autograph Collection Hotels, Alaia will join the 135 independent hotels in the brand’s diverse and dynamic collection – each celebrating the founder’s passion, thoughtfulness of design, inherent craft and connection with the locale.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Seminar
Rogelio, we missed you last week,” I said. “We still had the fishing tournament but it wasn’t the same without you there.” “The dive shop where I work sent me to a three-day seminar in Cozumel, Mr. Dennis. The dive association is really cracking down so all of us dive masters have to be up on the latest safety information.” Our “fishing tournament” is really just five or six friends that get together once a week to go fishing in Mario’s twenty-six-foot Mexican skiff. Whoever catches the smallest amount of fish has to buy the first round when we get back to the bar.

Letter to the Editor: Exceptional service at the Poly Clinic
Dear Editor, I am sure most of the letters you receive are complaints. But, this one is to recognize the exceptional service I received at the Poly Clinic while visiting San Pedro this week. I was walking to the new coffee shop at the Sancas building across from Tropic Air when I walked into and fell on the poorly marked ramp curb at the entrance to the bakery. I was severely hurt and had to be rushed to the Poly Clinic. From the moment I arrived at the clinic, I received the most amazing and best treatment by all the employees. The triage nurse immediately recognized the urgency of care needed. And, in less than ten minutes the doctor was sewing up my wound.

Doctor Love: Third Wheel
Dear Doctor Love, I have shared my house with a friend for almost two years and we get along great. She does her share of the housework, pays her half of the bills on time and we don’t have any problems with food or laundry. Basically, we are respectful of each other and it has been a great relationship. Late last year her boyfriend needed a place to live while he looked for a room to rent, so I agreed to let him stay here. He paid one-third of the rent that month plus part of the utilities and later he moved into his own place. The problem is now he spends every night here.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Teenager missing
On 10.3.2018 at 7:44 p.m., Jaritzy MANZANAREZ 24 year old, Belizean Housewife of Palmar Boundary Rd reported that on 3.3.2018 her brother, Angel Gabriel CISNEROS 15 year old, Belizean Shop Attendant of San Pedro Town went missing. Angel was last seen wearing an orange t-shirt, a long black skinny jeans, and a white and dark blue low cut Nike tennis. He also had a blue Jansport school bag, a black Jansport school bag and a white HTC smart phone. He is of Mestizo decent, about 5"5 in height, slim built, wavy hair and sharp nose. Police investigations continue.

Mark Clarke Murdered
On 10.3.2018 about 2:00 p.m., Police visited an area about 200 yards off a road in the Corozal District, near the slaughter house. Officers found the body of 41 year old Mark Clarke lying on his back. Clarke had multiple stab wounds to his abdomen,chest and a large apparent cut wound to his neck. The body was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital. A woman is being sought for questioning.

Display at the National Heritage Library. Belizean Heroes and Benefactors

Crime and Violence Against Children
On March 22nd, the Belize National Teachers Union will be protesting in Belmopan against Crime and Violence against children. Let us all join and support our teachers.

Belize Truck Show 2018
The 2018 Belize Truck Show will be on Saturday, April 7th. It'll be in Spanish Lookout, and it's free.

Beach clean up Sunday morning in Caye Caulker organized by Angel Briceño of Oceana
Kudos to the Ocean Academy High School in Caye Caulker and those in the community who came out to support!

The Reporter

Mayor-elect commissions report into finances at City Hall
Belize City Mayor-elect, Bernard Wagner has commissioned a report into the finances at City Hall, particularly between the period between January and March, preceding last week’s municipal elections. Wagner told the Reporter today that the report was commissioned because the new Council felt that it was imperative that they conduct an audit to know where they stand before they take over. The mayor-elect explained that he issued a memo to all the Council’s managers informing them that a team, which includes certified auditor/accountant, former Mayor Jose Coye would provide the report on the Council’s finances to date. He said he asked that the managers facilitate the team with whatever necessary records in order for them to carry out the work, which he added, is being done pro-bono (free of cost). He said that the team is only at the Council temporarily and will leave when the report is completed. Thereafter the Council will contract a “non-partisan” auditor to carry out an audit.

Murder in Corozal
A man was found murdered in the Corozal district on Saturday afternoon. Police say that sometime around 2:00 p.m., they responded to a report of a body about 200 yards off the San Jomal Road near a slaughter house, where they saw the body of a man lying face up. The man, identified as Mark Anthony Clarke, 41, a labourer of Santa Elena road, Corozal Town, had been stabbed multiple times in his abdomen and chest and suffered a large cut wound on his neck. Police investigations are underway.

Breaking Belize News

San Pedro Teen missing
A 15 year old teen from San Pedro is missing. According to police reports, on March 3, Jartizy Manzanerez, 24, reported to authorities that her brother Angel Gabriel Cisneros, 15, went missing. Angel was last seen wearing an orange t-shirt, a long black skinny jeans, and a white and dark blue low cut Nike tennis.

Man stabbed to death in Corozal
esterday around 2 in the afternoon, Corozal police visited an area about 200 yards off San Jomal Road in Corozal District where they observed the motionless body of a man who was seen lying on his back. The man was dressed in a brown t-shirt, white under shirt, black long jeans pants, and a pair of a black, red and white tennis.

Saturday night armed robbery of popular Chinese store in Santa Elena
A chinese store located in Santa Elena, Cayo, was held up last night by two (2) armed bandits. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. when the two (2) men entered the store and held up the security and store owner.

Over 1,500 marijuana trees found in Corozal District
On Friday morning about 6:45 a.m., Corozal police were on a patrol and found 1,573 marijuana plants near Warrie Beight Fresh Water Creek and Camp near Little Belize in the Corozal District.

Man shot in foot in Belize City
On Friday night around 7:14, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and saw Jose Carlos Reyes, 32, a Salvadoran warehouse attendant of Antelope Street Extension suffering from a gunshot wound to the right foot.

Teen drowns in pool
Yesterday afternoon around 3:30, police responded to a report of a drowning at Pickwick Club . There, police saw a young lady inside the pool. The young lady was identified as sixteen year old Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo.

Blogs

A Weekend at The Camp: Gardening Baking and Crafting on Cayo Frances
Moving to Ambergris Caye from Manhattan, NYC was a big move. Sure the language is the same and surprisingly the bulk of the TV stations (we get NY local afflilates in San Pedro) but that’s about it. Back then, in my navy suit and heels (AND PANTY HOSE!), you would have gotten the same reaction if you told me I would live on Mars. Blogger and part-time Laundress, Crafter, Gardener, Napper and Baker at Cayo Frances Farm and Fly. Anyway…here are some pictures of my weekend at “the farm” or “the camp”. I’m heading back in a few hours to attend my first San Pedro Pirates football (soccer) game on the year. FINALLY. Oh….add to our business card “Gecko Hatching” not parenting. They run off immediately!

International Sources

Belize Is Expanding Its Marine Protected Areas in a Big Way
The government of Belize will expand its network of no-take zones, a type of marine protected area, from three percent to over 10 percent by the end of 2018. The expanded areas are managed in accordance with a national secure fishing rights program established in 2016. “For Belize, a healthy ocean and small-scale fishing are a matter of survival,” said Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade. “We are a country dependent on our seas for jobs, income, and food. We are taking this step because the culture and health of our communities are intricately tied to healthy reefs and fisheries.” This new expansion comes as Belze was recognized for the impact of its sustainable fisheries.

Buffalo to Belize: Vignettes from spring break
Bleary-eyed and tired, I started my Sunday morning driving to the Pittsburgh International Airport at 2 a.m. By the end of the day, my toes were in the sand, and I was watching the sunset. I spent 12 hours traveling to get to Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in Central America. To get there, I took five different forms of transportation — an early morning car drive, two short flights, a perilous taxi ride, a surprisingly smooth water taxi and a bumpy golf cart ride. Every minute of my five days on the island was worth the long journey. Thankfully, I travelled with a friend, and we stayed with her parents, who live on the island for part of the year. Slathered in sunscreen, we went outside each day to explore the island on bicycles, pedaling through the sand-covered streets. We saw iguanas and seahorses. I fed a small fish to a larger fish, which was a terrifying experience. Sometimes, we were content to sit in the shade, sipping our drinks. Almost every day, we would swim to keep cool under the hot sun.

Un viaggio in Belize, dove la barriera corallina è patrimonio dell’umanità
Situato tra il Messico e il Guatemala, questo piccolo lembo di terra mesoamericana è cosparso da una ricca e rigogliosa natura, da rovine maestose e possiede la più grande barriera corallina delle Antille: il Sistema de Reservas de la Barrera del Arrecife de Coral.

Videos

March 11, 2018

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

Lands Department transfers property unbeknownst to rightful owner
On, Tuesday, March 6th Cayman Islands residents, Derick Garcia in an interview with Channel 5 TV alleged that the Lands Department had stolen his properties located north of San Pedro Town. In his interview, he alleges that as a responsible Belizean citizen he decided to visit the Lands Department in Belmopan City on Monday, March 5th to pay some taxes and follow up on the copies of two land titles that he paid for back in December 2015, however when he arrived he got the shocking news that his lands had been transferred to someone else in May 2016. Garcia calls out the Prime Minister, the Minister of Lands, and those in authority to rectify this issue. Garcia further stated that he is taking legal actions towards the Lands Department. He further advised all Belizeans that are being affected by this issue to do the same thing. The Lands Department of Belize is yet to issue a statement on this matter.

Misc Belizean Sources

Mother, daughter and son shot, mother dies
On Friday the 9th March, 2018 at 9:40 p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital ,where they observed, 52 year old Bernadine Lauriano, a sanitation worker of No. 6831 Aloe Vera Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body,m. A 9 year old child, also named Bernadine Lauriano, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the right hand and the right toe. At 9:35 p.m., whilst, Bernadine Lauriano was inside her house along with her daughter, a male ran inside the yard and fired several shots towards their direction causing their injuries. 9 year old, Bernadine Lauriano, is in a stable condition while 52 year old Bernadine Lauriano succumbed to her injuries whilst undergoing treatment. Apparently police wasn’t aware until later that 21 year old Danzel Lauriano was shot to the left leg during the incident. He was also taken to the KHMH for medical treatment.

Singer/Songwriter Kelly McGuire is coming to Placencia for the first time
Kelly is well known in San Pedro where he has entertained for years. And in 2015, he raised over $10,000BZ for a Placencia Humane Society in the US. This kicked off the ongoing Seine Bight Outreach Program. Now he and friends are the headliners for the www.parrotheadbeachbashbelize.com with proceeds going to Education in the Stann Creek District. Go to the website to sign up for all 3 days of fun music. Day passes will be available on each day with special prices for Belizean citizens. Join us to hear Kelly McGuire and friends in our part of Belize and help a good cause!

Protecting the nest grounds of the scarlet macaw
For the past two years in a row, I have seen healthy population of Scarlet Macaw near Red Bank Village. Thanks to people like Roni Martinez, Isael Mai and many others like FCD for their continuous help in protecting these birds in their nesting areas in the Chiquibul National Park. I would like to help as well. I am putting a small group together in the month of May to be in Chiquibul along with Belize Bird Conservancy and help in protecting the nest grounds of these birds. I know a lot of us have full time job, but if its possible you can take a week off work, you are welcome to join.

Channel 5

16-YEAR-OLD DROWNS IN PICKWICK'S POOL
On 10.3.2018 about 3:30 p.m., police responded to a report at Pickwick Club. Upon arrival, they observed a young lady inside the pool. She was identified as 16-year old Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo. Ojo was removed from the pool in an unconscious state and was transported to KHMH by BERT personnel, however she succumbed at 5:10 p.m. Investigation revealed that there was a pool party and Ojo was seen going into the pool and was later found by a friend. Police are investigating.

MOTHER MURDERED & 9YR OLD DAUGHTER HOSPITALIZED IN FRIDAY NIGHT SHOOTING IN BELIZE CITY
On Friday the 9th March 2018 about 9:40 p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital , where they observed, Bernadine Lauriano, 52-year-old, Belizean sanitation worker of No.6831 Aloe Vera Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body, officers also observed, Bernadine Lauriano, 9-year-old, Belizean student of same address suffering from (1) apparent gunshot wound to the right hand and (1) apparent gunshot wound to the right toe. Initial investigation reveals that about 9:35 p.m., while, Bernadine Lauriano was inside her house along with her daughter Bernadine Lauriano an unknown male person ran inside the yard and fired several shots towards their direction causing their injuries. 9 year old, Bernadine Lauriano, is in a stable condition while, 52 year old, Bernadine Lauriano succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Police are investigating.

CTV3

Body found in Corozal
Corozal Police are currently at a location near the Slaughterhouse along the Phillip Goldson Highway where a dead body has been discovered. Identity unknown.

Belize Bank job opportunity in Corozal
Are you a flexible team player? Join our Corozal team! Deadline for submission is Friday March 16th, 2018.

The Reporter

Two teams neck and neck on day two of La Ruta Maya canoe race
Two canoe teams of three paddlers each, namely: NICH and Koop Sheet Metal are neck and neck after two days of sprints to the finish line. On day 1, Friday, NICH edged out Koop Sheet Metal with only three seconds over them at the finish in Banana Bank. Today, the two teams sprinted again at the end of the second leg in Double Head Cabbage, with Koop Sheet Metal inching past NICH at the tape. Unofficially, however, NICH still holds on to a one-second lead over Koop Sheet Metal, as they prepare for day three tomorrow. The race started off yesterday in San Ignacio with 53 teams at the starting line. It will finish on Monday at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. Tomorrow the paddlers will race from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom. Altogether, they would have paddled over 140 miles by the end of the race.

Student drowns in Belize City
A student drowned this evening in Belize City. Police say that they were summoned to the Pickwick Club on Newtown Barracks sometime around 3:30 this afternoon where they saw a young lady in the pool. She was identified as Oluwukemi Miracle Ojo, 16. Ojo, a student of Pallotti High School in Belize City, was taken out of the pool in an unconscious state and a BERT ambulance transported her to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she died at 5:10 p.m.

Mother shot dead; daughter, 9, son, 21, injured
A woman is dead and her daughter, 9, and son, 21 are injured after someone ran in their yard and opened fire at their house on Friday night. Police say that sometime around 9:35 last night, Bernadine Lauriano, 52, a sanitation worker of # 6831 Aloe Vera Street, was inside her house along with her daughter, also named Bernadine Lauriano, 9, and son, Danzel Lauriano, 21, when the youth ran through their yard and fired shots at their house. The mother, Bernadine was shot in the chest and died this morning while receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, while the younger was shot in the right hand and a toe on her right foot. Danzel was not discovered injured until this morning, police say.

Opposition Leader calls budget “lifeless”
The budget debate will take place two weeks from now, when the government and opposition will have their chance to dissect it and support or reject it. But already the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, John Briceno came out swinging after Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the budget on Friday. Briceno described the budget as “lifeless” and having “no glitter and no substance.” “There’s nothing in that budget. He talks nothing about crime; about the social ills that are affecting us…the only thing is, remember when he used to criticize the PUP for the “below the line” items.

Breaking Belize News

Crippling taxes for farmers in 2018 budget.
During the budget presentation yesterday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow delivered a major blow to farmers countrywide by introducing crippling taxes on their activities. This new tax measure will significantly increase the cost of production for farmers and is expected to cause a spike in food prices and inflation.

9-year-old girl shot twice,mother killed
A 52-year-old Belize city mother, Bernadine Lauriano, is dead following a shooting at her Aloe Vera street home in Belize city, in which her 9-year-old daughter was also shot twice.

Blogs

P.U.P Held its Victory Parade on March 9th, 2018
On March 9, 2018, Corozal P.U.P held their victory parade around Corozal town. All P.U.P supporters weren't afraid to wear there Blue and white t-shirts during the parade at Corozal Central Park. And, White and Blue flags where hang as high they can reach to support there Party. After the Parade, inside the Corozal Town Hall, everyone gathered inside to hear the Offical Swearing of a new political town Council. All P.U.P candidates came up by order to swear in. P.U.P Leader of the Opposition John Briceno, Kevin Bernard from Orange Walk where at the event. Later that same night, on stage, Belize National Song, Prayer, Candidates, Regoberto Vellos, Leader of the P.U.P John Briceno and Kevin Bernard came on on stage to speak about the change they will do for all of the community's in Orange Walk and Corozal. P.U.P says that they will do a massive change to the future in Corozal in order for the community to prosper in the future. P.U.P talked about how the change will help the people first before politics. Rigoberto Vellos has since been helping the community since October of 2017.

Template for the whirlwind two-day tour of mainland Belize
My brother Jim wanted to close out his recent visit with an experience on the mainland of Belize. We had two days left and the “tour” had to end up at the international airport for his flight home. We put together a whirlwind tour. And if I don’t mind saying, this could well be the template for The Two-day Whirlwind Tour of the Mainland. Two Maya archeological sites, the Belize Zoo, visits to Spanish Lookout and San Ignacio with one great dinner and one decent breakfast that included fryjacks — and of course the thrill of navigating through Belize City and risking life and limb on 70 miles worth of the George Price and Great Western highways, bisecting the entire country.

International Sources

The Virtues of an Ancestral Diet
On the hillside above the Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, six gardeners tend to a three-and-a-half-acre organic garden that supplies the hotel’s three restaurants with delectable vegetables, fruits, beans, and herbs. As a prelude to a communal dinner at the hotel’s Garden restaurant, Elicer Tribz takes lodge guests on a tour of the garden. He proudly describes how he and his fellow gardeners nurture the soil and tend to the lettuces (10 varieties), the cherry and Roma tomatoes, the squash, zucchini, carrots and celery, and innumerable herb bushes and fruit trees. He explains how the gardeners create a natural fungicide using microorganisms found in the rain forest, and how they man the garden literally around the clock when fending off attacks of woolly caterpillars. Throughout the tour, Tribz pinches off leaves for the guests to smell and taste. The vegetables are not only free of pesticides and herbicides, thus safe to eat off the vine without washing, they are very flavorful. The fresh food at Blancaneaux puts to shame the grocery store vegetables that I normally eat, genetically engineered as they are to survive lengthy spells as agricultural inventory. At Blancaneaux guests enter a world of more intense taste.

CONCACAF Nations League a big deal, say 'small' members
Caribbean bosses from the smaller territories were in football nirvana as the overarching body CONCACAF announced landmark changes to its competition and qualifying structure with a new tournament here on Wednesday. At a dazzling launch event at The Temple House in Miami Beach, the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, in an overpowering air of pomp and pageantry, unveiled the confederation-wide CONCACAF Nations League. In the hour-and-half-long red carpet event, details of structure and format, in addition to a draw to determine matchups in the qualifying phase set to kick off in September, were presented to stakeholders and guests with the frills of Hollywood awards show production.

Videos