June 9, 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

2018 PSE results are out; Bryan Joan Roca of SPRCS is in the Top 25 countrywide
The Primary School Examination (PSE) results for 2018 are out, and one student on Ambergris Caye did exceptionally well, placing in the top 25 performances across the country. Bryan Joan Roca, a student at San Pedro Roman Catholic School, scored 368 total points out of 400, landing him in the #14 spot countrywide. Bryan Joan Roca takes the top marks for the island. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun during the first phase of the PSE, Roca had declared the exam easy. Now that the final results are out, Roca says he’s quite shocked. “I knew I would do well, but I did not expect to be #14 in Belize!” he exclaimed. Roca’s mother Evelyn Sanchez is beyond proud of him, and she says he handled himself incredibly and independently with her guidance and encouragement.

US student volunteers help clean up Ambergris Caye
A group of students from Helias High School in Jefferson City, Missouri, USA participated in a coastal clean-up in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, June 6th. The initiative was part of their studies community outreach while in Belize. They were joined by members of the community and representatives from Belize Forestry Department. At 8AM participants separated into groups to tackle different areas of the island. Some headed to the north to clean the beach side, while others decided to tackle the lagoon. After each team had filled their boats, they headed to the Sunset Boardwalk dock to drop off the garbage.

Belizeans rally for victims of Guatemala’s Fuego volcano catastrophe
Belizeans across the country have come together to assist the millions affected in Guatemala following the catastrophic eruption of the Fuego Volcano on Sunday, May 3rd. The unexpected tragedy left dozens dead and hundreds missing as a river of lava, rocks and mud buried several villages in its path. Residents on Ambergris Caye felt the pain of their Guatemalan brothers and sisters and helped in the cause via a radio-a-thon, canned food- clothes- and dollar- drive. The event raised over $10,000 dollars and truckloads of clothing and non-perishable items that will be sent to those affected in the neighbouring country.

Ambergris Today

BTIA Holds “For The Love Of San Pedro” Meeting
Crime is slowly becoming a major issue in San Pedro and the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Branch organized a meeting with business stakeholders and the community to come together and discuss the issue that are affecting our island community and to see what actions can be taken to alleviate the situation. The meeting took place on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the Angel Nunez Auditorium and was very well attended. Good news coming from the was that the San Pedro Police Department will be receiving ten additional police officers and that land has been acquired on North Ambergris Caye for the construction of new military base.

Misc Belizean Sources

Venture Scouts and relief items for Guatemala
Venture Scouts from The Scout Association of Belize and Crew 1 Venturers from Boy Scouts of America working together to collect and sort relief items for Aid to Guatemala.- Central Park, Corozal Town

20000 Acres De-reserved out of the Mountain Pine Ridge
To add insult to injury, here is a second subdivision by the same developer as yesterday’s photo in the same 20000 acres that were de-reserved out of the Mountain Pine Ridge forest reserve. The next two photos show roads built along the ridge tops and one built into a heavily vegetated valley where there is a waterfall. The last two photos show what we are losing. Can some one explain to me how any government system that allows this is good? How a disgraced minister now profits from our, all Belizeans, patrimony?

Increase in Pump Price of Diesel Oil Preceding Decreases in the Price of all Fuel Products in the Weeks Ahead
Belmopan. June 7th, 2018. The Ministry of Finance advises that with effect from midnight tonight there will be an increase in the pump price of Diesel Oil from $10.63 to $10.97 per US Gallon in Belize City. The pump prices for diesel oil in the districts will be slightly higher due to internal freight charges. There will be no changes in the pump prices of gasoline and kerosene. The increase in the price of Diesel is due to a lagged effect on domestic prices from the recent spike in the world oil prices. In recent days, world oil prices have begun to trend downwards, and it is certain that the next shipment of fuel products, which is due toward the end of next week, will result in markedly lower prices at the pump.

BELTRAIDE Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the nation’s leading business advising and entrepreneurial support entity, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 10:00 am in Belize City. This cooperation seeks to foster a closer collaboration between private and public sector. It aims to provide efficient and seamless services to MSMEs, exporters, potential exporters, and potential foreign and local investors in business development facilitation, export promotion and export development through its technical units. It also aims to meet industry specific needs by providing demand- based, short-term training programs for entry-level positions.

Father's Day Wrestling Mania!
ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE? The San Pedro Town Council presents its Father's Day Wrestling Mania! Saturday June 16 at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex! DJ Debbie will be in the house with all the latest tracks! You don't want to miss this! Tickets on sale at the San Pedro Town Council. Thanks to Mr. Roberto Canul of Ambergris Divers for your support towards the event.

PSE RESULTS ARE OUT!
Congratulations to the Top 25 students.

San Pedro Public Service fair...
“Belize Public Service: moving towards the future with dedication, innovation and perseverance.

BTB Chetumal Sales Presentation
The Belize Tourism Board in collaboration with BHA and the Honorary Consul of Belize in Chetumal, Dr. Luis G. Montero Maldonado, is hosting a sales presentation at the Fiesta Inn Hotel on June 8th. Seventy travel agents and tour operators from Chetumal and Bacalar, keen on learning about Belize, attended the event. The objective of the sales presentation is to educate the Mexican Travel Trade about Belize and establish mutually beneficial relationships. Representing Belize are Michelle Bowers, BTB Travel Trade & Hospitality Manager, Maynor Larrieu, BTB Digital Manager and Tessie Tonaco, BHA Marketing Director. The event is covered by several members of the Press in Chetumal.

Public Servants that have completed 25, 30 and 35 years of service
Here is a list of all Public Servants that have completed 25, 30 and 35 years of service serving the Government and People of Belize. They will be honoured during Public Service Week June 17th to 23rd. Congratulations to all!

SuperBuy opens new storefront on Middle Street
SuperBuy is opening a new storefront on Pescador Drive (Middle Street) as it completes expansion of its downtown store.

Caye Caulker BTIA National Tour Guide Training
Starts June 13, General Course is $1000.00 BZE

Demanding Fair Treatment for Children in the Justice System!
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) condemns the recent report of a 13-year-old minor being criminally charged for alleged possession of a firearm in the absence of his parent(s), a Community Rehabilitation Officer or a Justice of the Peace, while being treated for a gunshot wound in a local hospital. According to Section 2 of the Juvenile Offenders Act of Belize, a child is defined as a person under the age of fourteen years, as such, the minor in this report is a child. Section 9, subsection 2 of the same Act further states that ‘Where a child or young person is arrested, the police officer by whom he is arrested or the officer in charge of the police station to which he is brought shall, if the parent or guardian lives within a reasonable distance and can be found, cause him to be warned to attend at the court before which the child or young person will be brought.’ Therefore, the above allegation is in direct contravention of this section of the law.

Father's Day 2018 Quadrangular!
Join us for our 2nd Annual Father's Day 2018 Quadrangular! This Sunday, June 17 at the Ambergris Stadium! General Admission only $5. First game starts at 3:00 p.m. See you there!

Channel 7

PSE Results Show Downward Trends in Key Subjects
The 2018 PSE results are in and - at the risk of sounding like a broken record - they aren't good. Overall - an increasing number of children received grades in the "E" range - meaning an inadequate grade or less than 50%. For example, in the Math portion of the exam, half the test takers - 3,500 students scored an "E" - and the average grade was 52.6%. Similarly in English, one third of the test takers got an "E" - more than any other grade. In Social Studies, not as many got an "E" - but, still, that was the most common grade. But, what's interesting about this subject is that about 1,100 kids got A's in that subject this year, compared to more than two thousand last year. Again, "E" was the most common grade, what the Ministry of Education calls, quote, "a concerning shift from the B range of 2017."

PSE Top Finishers Say They Worked Hard
And so, while there's a lot to lament, and a lot of standard 6 finishers feeling not too great about their test scores tonight - there's also a lot to celebrate for the top finishers. We found 5 of the top 7 at Hummingbird Elementary - including Haley Thurton - who tied for first overall with Rolando Umana from La Inmaculada in Orange Walk - they both got a score of 384 out of a possible 400 points. Here they are - along with others in the top 10 - speaking about their results:... Rolando Umana, La Immaculada Orange Walk - First Place Overall: "When I found out I felt really happy. It was a huge surprise for me. I had never expected this, but I work hard and I achieved it."

Alleged Highway Robber Remanded
23 year-old Demas Zelaya, a resident of Belize City, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison tonight. Police say that he was one of the pretend cops in a police uniform who carried out that daring broad-daylight robbery of NICH employees on the old Northern Highway. As we reported in May, 3 NICH employees were driving when they came upon what looked like a police checkpoint. They saw 2 men, 1 dressed in a black police uniform, and the other in a camouflage uniform.

Security Guard Robber Remanded
Last night we told you about Jody Rhamdas, the Supervisor for Brints Security who was ambushed and robbed of two of the security firm's loaded guns. Tonight, police are saying that 35-year-old taximan Erwin Castillo is one of the men who participated in the armed robbery. Castillo appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford where he was read three criminal offenses of robbery with a firearm; conspiracy to commit robbery and kept ammunition without a gun license. In court, Castillo pleaded not guilty to all three charges but because it was an armed robbery, he was denied bail and remanded into custody until July 25, 2018.

Accused of Sex Trafficking
It didn't make the news, but at the end of May, thirty-one year old Honduran Maria Estrella Jimenez Ortega, was charged for attempted human trafficking. Between September 1 and September 30, 2016, Ortega attempted to solicit a 17 year old female to have sex with some fishermen at Caye Caulker. The female, however, refused the offer. She was remanded but went to the Supreme Court for bail today. Ortega. who is pregnant went before Justice Adolph Lucas and he granted her fifteen thousand dollars bail. Her bail was offered on the condition that she reports to Caye Caulker Police every Friday, among others. Ortega was represented by attorney Anthony Sylvestre.

Daylight Robbers Thwarted By Brave Businessman In Ladyville
There was a daring armed robbery this morning - but this one happened in Ladyville. A trio of robbers lay in wait for a female employee who works with a collection agency. Reports are that at around 10:00, she was walking out of Sky Supermarket to go over to the Belize Bank which is in the same complex. That's when a robber snatched her money bag. Now, this happened right in front of the airport junction, the busiest intersection in Ladyville. A businessman pulled up at that same time and set chase after the robbers. They dashed through a back street and hopped over a fence - where their escape car was waiting around the corner. The businessman grabbed one of the robbers, who dropped the money bag in the bushes.

NCFC Scolds Police For Charging A 13 Year Old
A 13 year old Belize City boy who allegedly pulled a gun on a police officer - and was shot for it - has been charged while he recovers in the hospital. Police charged him in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, since, they say, his parents refused to be there. Well, the National Committee For Families and Children has a problem with that. They sent out a press release today condemning police for mishandling a case with a minor. The NCFC says, that it quote, "condemns the recent report of a 13-year-old minor being criminally charged for alleged possession of a firearm in the absence of his parent(s), a Community Rehabilitation Officer or a Justice of the Peace" End quote.

Assad, Regarding Gert
Last night on the news, we told you about Assad Shoman's new book, Guatemala's Claim to Belize, the Definitive History. At his press conference to launch the book yesterday, Shoman discussed what he believes is the wisdom of Belize going to the ICJ. He pointed out that at the highest level, the Guatemalans have publicly conceded that they most likely stand to gain nothing, other than international respectability. Here's Shoman prefacing that interview 7News did in Washington 10 years ago:... Assad Shoman, Author: "I think it was you who interviewed Gert Roesnthal one time." Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Yes." Assad Shoman, Author: "Interviewed the foreign minister of Guatemala and ask him you think you could win when you go to the court and what did he say? Not a chance."

Colonial Records Contained Some Eye Openers On Bze-Guat Back Channels
And, that 7News archival interview is part of the historical record on the Guatemalan claim, Shoman dug much deeper. He went into the official records in London, Washington and Mexico City - to see diplomatic cables and confidential notes exchanged by senior diplomats at the time. This gave him a unique perspective since Shoman was a part of many of the meetings which those diplomatic cables describe or summarize. We asked him if he found anything in there which surprised him:.. Assad Shoman, Author: "One of them was for example in 1975 when you had the Commonwealth Heads of government meeting in Kingston Jamaica and George Price went there and he had support from the Caribbean countries and he got support from the others and the British were trying to not have anything stated in the resolution about territorial integrity..."

Guatemala’s Needs In Wake Of Violent Volcano
Keeping it on Guatemala... 109 are now confirmed dead in that country, while 197 are still missing in the wake of the catastrophic volcano that erupted there 5 days ago. Tonight, the Guatemalan Embassy in Belize is saying what they need help with. They need equipment for shelters, Field tents, cold food rations, personal hygiene supplies, medication for pain relief, water filters and mobile toilets, telecommunication equipment, infrastructure services, and medical and surgical equipment.

Ballistic Test on Found Gun Was Revealing
So many times on the news - you hear about "items labelled as found property" - and pretty much that's the end of it. But, these items, especially if they are firearms, can have an important afterlife as evidence if a match is found in ballistics testing. Sources tell 7News that's just what happened with this 9 millimeter pistol which was found tucked under a house on Dolphin street two months ago. We are told that ballistics tests on the firearm show that it may have been used in a the 2015 murder of businessman Ruben Perez.

How They Felt About Re-Registration in 1998
AS we've been reporting, the re-registration exercise starts next month. That means that all registered voters - will have to go back and re-register. Even if you just registered today, or on the last day of June, you'll have to go back and do it again after July first. Accordion to the law, A re-registration should be done every 10 years, but it's been 21 year since the last one was done. Tonight - to put it all in perspective - we have an interesting study in contrasts.

Folks Upbeat, Practical About Re-Reg Exercise
And now, two decades later, Sahar Vasquez went back into the streets to see how people feel about re-registration today. We found a lot less suspicion and negativity. Call it a more educated electorate, or maybe it's a less unpopular government, or maybe because it's not a year from a general election - but folks who Sahar Vasquez spoke to, seemed pretty ok with the process:... Interviewee 1: "Well it will take time. They should have left it how it was and you do that all over it will take a lot of time." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "So you are still going to re-register though?" Interviewee 1: "Yea I will do it because they want to see who still lives in the area." Interviewee 2: "It does not matter how I feel because of no matter how I feel you still have to do it. If you want to partake in the voting process."

An Ocean Of Worry
Today people all over the world are celebrating World Oceans Day. Some countries organized beach clean ups, marches and even launched online campaigns such as #Zeroplasticlunch and The Last Straw. Well, Belize is doing its part too. There are several information booths all over the country to spread awareness on the importance of our oceans. Vice President of OCEANA, Janelle Chanona told us more about this observance. A presentation was also held at the Marina Towers

Another Dead Manatee
But it wasn't all smiles and celebrations today - around midday, a dead manatee washed up in the Buttonwood Bay area behind Brodies. Manatee expert Jamal Galvez was on scene and based on his preliminary examinations, he says it seems it was struck by a boat. It was bleeding from its nose. Chanona also got word of the tragedy and told us more about it in her interview. Janelle Chanona, VP OCEANA Belize: "It is tragic that on World Ocean Day when everybody is trying to feel good, just around noon we got another alert that a juvenile manatee has wash ashore. It's really important for people to realize that given how long it takes for these creatures to continue their specie that we really need to assess what we are doing and obviously what we are doing needs to change..."

PC Benjamin Faces Firearm Charges
We kept following up on the story last week about the police officer who pulled a gun on another cop and was not criminally charged - even though court action was requested. Well, yesterday, 27 year old Police Constable, Leonard Albert Benjamin of a Santa Elena Town address was formally arrested and charged for Aggravated Assault with a firearm. There is credible information which suggests that the police senior command wanted to sweep this one under the rug with a disciplinary charge. The incident was caught on camera and criminal charges were only pursued at 7News reported on what appeared to be a cover-up.

KHMH: The Roof Is On Dire
Since Mid-march the KHMH has been operating in emergency mode, where the hospital had to cut back services because the roof over a third of the hospital was structurally compromised. Iron supports were used to prop different portions of the roof until a permanent set of repairs could be made. Well, finally, on Monday, June 11, these repairs to the roof will start. A press release from the KHMH says, quote, "...a plan to address these failures has been identified and will be applied over the course of the next few months. During this time, the full cooperation of the general public, patients and staff is being requested, as these repairs will affect the level and safety of service delivered. " End quote.

Collective To WOMEX
The Garifuna Collective has made a name for Belize all over the world. They've toured all over the US, Europe, and Canada, even playing down under in Australia. And, on October 27, the Collective will get a world stage at the 2018 WOMEX event, which will be held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. WOMEX, which is short for World Music Expo, is a very prestigious international event where fans and some of the big names in the world music industry attend to enjoy and discover great musical talents. Andy Palacio performed at the expo back in 2007, and that same year, he and Ivan Duran won a Womex Award for their accomplishments on the Watina album. Well, this time around, The Garifuna Collective will get their opportunity, and they say that their objective is to trail blaze and open doors for other Belizean musicians. The Music Ambassador hosted a press conference for the Collective to tell the nation that they intend to make Belize proud:

Seawell Suing GOB After Years In Jail
14 months ago, Mark Seawell was released from prison after 6 and a half years on remand for an extradition request from the US. That ended the 10-year saga that he and his other Seawell brothers endured, and well, he is now preparing to sue the Government of Belize for false imprisonment. Today's edition of the Amandala Newspaper reports that his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, has already filed his lawsuit with the Supreme Court Registry. In it, Seawell notes that he was imprisoned for 2,376 days, and he is seeking damages for that prolonged time in detention. He has named the Attorney General of Belize and the Superintendent of Prisons as the defendants in this suit.

Channel 5

City’s Haley Thurton, O.W.’s Ricardo Umana Joint-Top of P.S.E.
Hummingbird Elementary of Belize City has consistently produced top scorers at the P.S.E.; but this year, students at the private primary school, over performed clinching five of the top ten [...]

Exam Chief’s Tough Talk: “We are Failing our Children”
But while the joy of the top twenty-five and other high scorers is unconfined, the overall picture of the results remains under par. The mean score for English dipped two [...]

Mark Seawell Challenges Government over Extradition Detention
Fourteen months ago, Mark Seawell was released from a decade of incarceration, six and a half years of which was under notice of extradition to the United States. Along with [...]

Garifuna Collective Represent Belize at WOMEX Celebration
The Garifuna Collective is making a huge comeback at WOMEX, that’s the World’s Music Expo held in Spain. Back in 2007, Andy Palacio won the prestigious award.  Well this year, [...]

N.C.F.C. Jumps into Debate on Charges for Minor, 13, over Firearm
Elwin Pitter, the minor who was shot by the police remains at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital recovering from injuries he sustained. Police maintain that the thirteen-year-old was shot because [...]

Macaw Poachers Detained in Chiquibul
Two Guatemalans were detained inside the Chiquibul Forest some four kilometres from the western border on Wednesday. Rangers attached to Friends of Conservation and Development came upon a group of [...]

1 Charged for Brints Security Gun Heist
Supervisor for security firm Brints Security, Jody Rhamdas, was ambushed and robbed of two black nine-millimeter pistols by three masked and armed men on Wednesday afternoon, June sixth. A first [...]

Caye Caulker Woman Out on Bail after Making Indecent Proposal to Minor
Thirty-one-year-old Maria Estrella Jimenez Ortega, a resident of Caye Caulker, was arraigned on May thirty-first in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court for attempted trafficking in persons in relation to a [...]

13 Shelters Identified by City for Hurricane Season
On Thursday, we shared the City Emergency Management Organisation’s plans and preparation for the hurricane season. Also discussed was the issue of shelters across the City. According to CEMO, the [...]

New Council Tackling Manhole Covers
Covers for manholes? Mayor Bernard Wagner says yes. When he took up office in March, he also took up a contract, done under Darrel Bradley’s administration, to get the manholes [...]

Oscar Quiroz Races Omnium Event in Georgia
Twenty-four-year-old cyclist Oscar Quiroz departed the country on Thursday to compete in the fifth annual Healthy Newton Omnium. It’s a competitive cycling race being held in Newton County in Georgia, [...]

Ex-Lands Officer Says He was Forced Out of Department
Seven public officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources were terminated, according to a press release from the Ministry of Natural Resources last week. Additionally, the ministry made clear that [...]

Southern Regional Gets Medical Lab
The Southern Regional Hospital has a brand new lab.  The new facility was inaugurated on Thursday in Dangriga where the funders, PROBITAS, foundation that provides medical resources, training and funding [...]

The Do’s and Don’ts of Internet Marketing
The Small Business Development Center, a unit of BELTRAIDE, holds monthly workshops across the country to help businesses get acclimated to modern practices and initiatives. On Thursday, several businesses gathered [...]

Introducing Miss Universe Belize Delegates
Meet the delegates of the 2018 Miss Universe Belize. The eleven ladies were selected from a pool of thirty-two applicants following auditions, background and social media checks. The candidates will [...]

LOVE FM

Hummingbird Elementary top performer in PSE
The PSE results are in and the overall picture is not a very good one as more than half of the students who sat the exams scored less than satisfactory in all four subject areas. There was a tie at the top as Haley Thurton of Hummingbird Elementary School and Rolando Umana of La Inmaculada …

Mark Seawell sues GOB for unlawful detention
Mark Seawell is suing the Government of Belize for unlawful imprisonment. He was jailed for since 2007 on an extradition request from the United States Government. He was accused of importing drugs into the US in the mid-1990s. His extradition case begun in 2011. Seawell filed for a writ of habeas corpus in the same …

Cordel Hyde says PUP got it wrong in Port Loyola
Cordel Hyde says the People’s United Party got it wrong in the Port Loyola Division. Gilroy Usher Senior was endorsed instead of facing Belize City Councillor Dr. Candice Pitts in a convention. Yesterday, Hyde, a deputy leader of the party, told the press that he believes that a convention between the two was the best …

Cordel Hyde comments on reports of Zenaida Mora running for the PUP
Last week reports surfaced that former UDP Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya was interested in running in the Mesopotamia Division for the People’s United Party. When we asked Moya about it she said she is not discussing who she is running for, if she is running at this point in time. She also said that …

FCD Rangers detain poachers in the Chiquibul
FCD rangers managed to detain two of five poachers on Wednesday. The group of five Guatemalan nationals was discovered by rangers who were on a training exercise inside the Chiquibul Forest. They were caught with three curassows and one crested guan, both types of birds. They were also in possession of two scarlet macaw chicks …

Manatee killed on World Oceans Day
As Belize joined the world in celebrating World Oceans Day, environmentalist here are upset that a manatee washed up on shore in Belize City. Manatee Research Associate at Sea to Shore Alliance, Jamal Galves confirmed that the ‘young juvenile fell victim to boat collision’. Galves expressed his unhappiness with the matter and so did Janelle …

NCFC demands fair treatment for children in the Justice System
A thirteen year old Belize City boy has been charged with firearm offences after he pulled a gun at law enforcement officers. It happened on Saturday the thirteen-year-old pointed a .38 chrome special revolver at officers who were responding to a tip concerning a suspicious person. Officers shot the boy on both legs and he …

World Oceans Day celebrated in Belize
Belize joins the world today in celebrating World Oceans Day. This year’s initiative is focused at preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean. According to the United Nations, 8 million tonnes of plastic per year ends up in the ocean, wreaking havoc on wildlife, fisheries and tourism. Plastic pollution costs the lives …

PlusTV

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF ELDERLY MAN
A fatal road traffic accident in Cattle Landing Village claimed the life of an elderly man. According to reports, 29 year old Daniel Aurelius was riding his Red Lifan motorcycle from Punta Gorda Town to Cattle Landing Village when he knocked down 56 year old Hector Ramclam who was walking along the...

WILSER ECHEVERIA GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER
Today, 22 year old Wilser Echeveria was found guilty of manslaughter and not murder. That was the verdict handed down today in the Belmopan Supreme Court. Echeveria was charged with the 2014 murder of 64 year old Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa Stanford. The Diomat’s body was found...

SANTANDER WILL BE FINED, IT WILL TAKE TIME
Will Santander be fined for the violation of its Export Processing Zone license? Over the past two weeks, various stake holders have pitched in on the issue, including the 3 cane farmers associations. The associations are demanding that Santander face the maximum penalty available for their violatio...

CHESTER RESPONDS TO POLICE COVER UP ALLEGATIONS
One of the top stories that made the news earlier this week had to do with a 13 year old minor who was shot by Police officers over the weekend for pointing a gun at the officers. In an Interview with Chanel 7 earlier this week, a parent of the 13 year old minor insisted that the gun was planted on ...

COLA stands WITH KREMANDALA!
C.O.L.A. in a press release issued today says that they stand with the Kremandala organization against the ill-explained decision by government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited to withdraw advertising from the media group. It says “The statement issued earlier by B.T.L. is half-baked and makes n...

SECURITY GUARDS IN SECURITY VAN ROBBED
A security van carrying four Security Guards was ambushed and robbed on Magazine Street in Belize City early this morning. The guards are all employees of Brint’s Secuirty Company. Police tells us more about this incident Wilfredo Ferrufino, National Crimes Investigation Branch: There was another r...

POLICE CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Last week, we reported to you that a conflict ensued between two San Ignacio Police Constables in front of the San Ignacio Police Station. Reports were that PC Leonard Benjamin pulled his assigned 9 millimeter pistol on PC Obed Arzu during a personal dispute. Today police informed us that 27 year ol...

Another fuel price increase
There will be another fuel price increase as of midnight tonight. Diesel is going up from $10.63 to $10.97 per Gallon in Belize City. The pump prices for diesel oil in the districts will be slightly higher due to internal freight charges, according to GOB. There will be no...

JP Association and AG office remain at odds?
Over the years,there have been numerous reports against JP’s who unlawfully request payments for their services. Belize has approximately 4000 registered JP’s and of that number 600 JP’s come under the National Association of Justices of the Peace. In order to join the Association, one must go throu...

Re-Registration of Electors set to commence July
The Elections and Boundaries Department is enacting Statutory Instrument No. 47 of 2017 which is a proclamation issued by the Governor General altering the date for the commencement of the re-registration exercise to be carried out from 1st July 2017 to 1st July 2018. The exercise paves the way for ...

Police Operation Yield More Drugs
Another Drug Operation by police officers resulted in the discovery of more drugs. Reports are that around 11;30 a.m. yesterday, police conducted an Anti-drug operation in the area of Oleander and Flamboyant streets. As searches were conducted in an abandoned house, police say a pink knapsack was d...

OSWALD ARNOLD STILL MISSING AFTER 21 DAYS
20 year old Oswald Arnold of Roaring Creek Village, who was last seen on Thursday 17 May, has still not been found. According to police, the leads that they have been following yielded no results. Investigator Wilfredo Ferrufino gave us an update. Wilfredo Ferrufino, National Crimes Investigation B...

RET International’s Consultation on Corruption
RET international held a Stakeholder Consultation at the George Price Center for Peace and Development this morning. The event was organized to address the culture of corruption, trafficking in person and Gender based violence. In attendance were various stake holders, including the Association of t...

Amandala

Mark Seawell, 48, sues GOB for false imprisonment
An unusual lawsuit for false imprisonment has been filed at the Supreme Court Registry by Belizean Mark Seawell, who was the subject of a United States extradition request and was imprisoned on a related arrest warrant for 2,376 days, for which he is now seeking damages. Seawell, 48, named in his claim as defendants the Attorney General of Belize and the Superintendent of Prisons. Mark Seawell was released from prison on April 6 last year, on a writ of habeas corpus that was granted by Belize Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin.

Second trial begins for Orel Leslie, Brandon Baptist and Tyrone Meighan
Almost one year ago, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) affirmed a Belize Court of Appeal decision that three men, Orel Leslie, Brandon Baptist and Tyrone Meighan, who were accused of the 2012 murder of ex-Belize Defence Force soldier James Noralez, should get a new trial by a different judge as soon as practicable. That new trial was scheduled to begin this morning before Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams, but the court was unable to proceed with the trial because the key prosecution witness, Aaron Paquil, failed to show up at court, so the matter was adjourned to the afternoon session.

Fuel prices rise for the tenth time this year
We have been periodically reporting on the steady increases in gas prices throughout the year. Tomorrow, June 8, will mark the tenth time this year that gas prices have risen, and we are only halfway into 2018. The first couple of increases were on January 6 and 13, followed by increases on March 3 and 27. April saw gas prices rise on the 1st, 14th, and 25th. Prices rose again on the 16th and 23rd of May. Prior to January 6, premium gasoline prices had been at $11.07, regular at $10.40, diesel at $9.50, and kerosene at $5.89.

Belizean, Fiorman Gillett, charged in US federal court for distributing meth
According to a report from The Virginia Pilot, a daily newspaper based in Norfolk, Virginia, a mix-up in the destination address on a package led US authorities in Texas to seize it from a FedEx facility in Houston. When the package got in the hands of police, a Belizean man, Fiorman Erick Gillett, 48, was charged in a US District Court in Norfolk with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Gillett pleaded guilty and will be sentenced later this year.

BTL’s failed attempt at damage control
The news that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), a telecommunications company that the government nationalized and “enshrined in the Constitution of Belize,” had implemented an unannounced advertising boycott of the three KREMANDALA companies — KREM Radio, KREM Television and Amandala newspaper — began resonating on social media last week. The BTL boycott, which was not officially announced to KREMANDALA, was exposed on the Belize Breaking News (BBN) website last Wednesday.

Hon. Cordel Hyde supports Paul Thompson for Albert
Opposition People’s United Party supporters are fiercely battling in the days leading up to a contested convention to elect a standard bearer to represent the party in the next general election for the Albert constituency. The present PUP Albert caretaker, Senator Paul Thompson, suddenly found himself in a war with his fellow party member, Senator Valarie Woods, who has tossed her hat into the political ring and is trying to wrestle away the division from him.

Cricket update
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! Two matches were played on Saturday, June 2, in the Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks 2018 Cricket Competition. The results are as follows: Easy Does It won over Western Eagles with a score of 226 to 182. For Easy Does It, Aaron Muslar top scored with 103 runs, and Glenroy Reynolds took 4 wickets. For Western Eagles, Casper Smith top scored with 27 runs, and H. Gordon took 5 wickets.

Belize City primary schools football playoffs begin Friday at the MCC
They started on Monday, May 14, with games at the MCC Grounds daily in the afternoons, and today, Thursday, June 7, the regular season is completed for the 20 male teams and the 9 female teams in the Belize City Primary Schools Football Tournament 2018, being coordinated by the National Sports Council (NSC). The boys teams were divided into 4 groups of 5 teams each, and they played a single round-robin of 4 games each. The girls had two groups of 5 and 4 teams, respectively; so their round-robins consisted of 4 games for one group, and 3 games only for the other group.

Benque Viejo Youth Volleyball Tournament in full swing
Benque Viejo Town Council, Belize National Sports Council – Benque, and Department of Youth Services – Benque, have organized the “Benque Viejo Youth Volleyball Tournament,” playing at Benque Cancha on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are played at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The tournament started on April 24 and will finish on June 28. Points up to May 29 are as follows (GP = games played): RedNex 15 pts (GP 5); Ultimate Warriors 15 pts (GP 5); Benny’s Warriors 11 pts (GP 5); Alfa Warriors 11 pts (GP 5); Hall of Fame 8 pts (GP 4); Los Rebeldes 8 pts (GP 6); Wise-Up 8 pts (GP 4); MCHS 7 pts (GP 5); Shiratorizawa 3 pts (GP 5).

Editorial: Disrespect, and discrimination
After 49 years, we know how these things work. Such a decision as the one made last month by the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) to initiate a boycott of Kremandala with respect to BTL’s advertising promotions, such a decision would have to cross the desk of the Maximum Leader, the Right Hon. Prime Minister, Dean O. Barrow. This is not to say that such a decision was his idea, and it is not to say that Cabinet Ministers around him may not have been pushing the boycott idea. But the Prime Minister had to give the seal of approval. In so doing, Mr. Barrow disrespected an authentic, indigenous process which began before he went to law school at the University of the West Indies. When he was studying his law books in Jamaica, the founders of this newspaper were standing trial in the Supreme Court for seditious conspiracy.

From the Publisher
Publisher’s RESPONSE. In his covering note to this letter, Mr. Young asked that his letter be left unedited, and so the newspaper has honored that request. AMANDALA publishes this letter because we know there are many people who share Mr. Young’s views, and most of them are readers of AMANDALA. This newspaper is a forum for debate, and even arguments; we perform a public service and get paid for it. Mr. Young has also assured us that this letter is exclusive to AMANDALA. I am a man who has no problem with criticism, except when it becomes personal, and I dare say Mr. Young has come close to being personal instead of analytical in his letter. Be that as it may, I can assure him that my father is not so petty or small-minded as to let Mr. Young’s criticism of his son “erode the friendship.” Personally, I admire Mr. Young and think he is a good and faithful Belizean.

A little about Venezuela
I want it understood, that I understand that any country south of the Rio Grande that doesn’t kowtow to the American (US) lead is doomed to experience economic hardship. No, following the American lead is not a complete failure in our part of the world. There are a few countries (particularly some colonies) in our region that have done/and are doing fairly well. But the American lead is a disaster in far too many countries. Woe to the suffering country that wants to find its own solution. America will make sure that they fail. We know the benefits of following the US lead. There are some educated elite and merchants who feed big. And the world for the rest is trickle-down, with dreams, almost all “pipe”, of joining the rich and famous one day.

Criminalizing our young men
he UDP government and this Prime Minister, a lawyer by profession, whose professional career started out with defending many young men caught up in the system, have a lot to answer for, in regards to what can only be described as an epidemic of “paper” crimes that are being committed by the young men of our country, from north to south, east to west. Belize City’s Southside has been the heart of the problem, but the evidence now shows that a new paradigm of moral and ethical adventurism has taken over our agile and ambitious young men, who are caught up in a lifestyle outlook focused on “getting there,” “getting what’s mine,” and getting a “piece of the action.”

Belizeans, if not the British, then who’s got our back?
For the past few weeks, ever since Guatemala voted a YES to go to the ICJ on April 15, I have been hearing some of the consequences that Belize may face if our decision to go to the ICJ is a NO. Some of the comments are: We may be faced with “a war”, we will be “abandoned” by our friends, we will be “ostracized” by the international community, funding towards our existence will be “cut off”, etc., etc. As I have mentioned to Nuri Muhammad on KREM’s Morning Show on May 11th, all of the above should be considered “noise in the marketplace” and Belizeans should “check their change,” which is information available to them between 1859 and 2018.

Back to reality… with no phone in hand
I was pondering on how I have had the privilege to grow up in both the old technological world and the new technological world. I say “old” meaning the days when human interaction was more in person and we actually met people face to face and interacted and made time for each other. In the new world it has become a virtual world; the internet facilitates the new medium. I am glad my interface with the new world has been while I was already mature and able to appreciate the difference of what it was before cell phones and social media and internet. Yeah, I want to reminisce about the old days, simply because it felt real and I learnt social skills from those human interactions.

1 dead, 1 injured after motorcycle hits man in Cattle Landing
A road collision claimed the life of a man on the Southern Highway yesterday. Information to us is that Hector Ramclam, 56, a resident of Cattle Landing, was walking on the Southern Highway in the village at about 9:00 last night when a motorcycle that was traveling from Punta Gorda to Cattle Landing hit him. The motorcycle was being driven by Daniel Mejia, 26, of Punta Gorda. As a result of the collision, Mejia fell off his motorcycle and both men fell onto the pavement. However, Ramclam got the brunt of the collision’s impact, as he suffered massive head and body injuries, while Mejia only suffered minor injuries.

Otoxha villagers ask for BDF presence to help clear border
A press release issued by the Ministry of National Security a little over a week ago had stated that the alcalde of Otoxha Village, which is located on the Temash River in the Toledo District, had reported that some villagers had noticed areas along the border, in Belizean territory, that had been illegally cleared. When interviewed, Wil Maheia, head of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), had informed this newspaper that he and a group of BTV members had visited the site and they reported that they saw a large amount of deforestation. The Ministry of National Security had said that they would increase BDF presence in the area.

U.S. resolution to suspend Venezuela from the OAS defeated; Belize and 10 others abstained
A United States resolution to suspend Venezuela from the Organization of American States went down in defeat on Tuesday, when the 34-member OAS called an extraordinary assembly to vote on the resolution. In order to succeed the resolution needed the support of twenty-four countries, but it only received the support of nineteen countries. The US resolution found support among the fourteen countries that make up the so-called Lima Group: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia.

Beware of rabies outbreak in cattle
Yesterday, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) issued a press release warning the public, especially cattle farmers, of an outbreak of rabies that has been affecting cattle in the Belize, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts. Today, we spoke to Dr. Miguel Depaz, Director of Animal Health at BAHA, who told us that this outbreak has been ongoing since January 2016. The first cases surfaced in the Toledo District, and then the disease eventually spread to the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts.

The Reporter

Motorcyclist injured in road accident
A motorcycle driver is seriously injured following a road traffic accident in Independence village, Stann Creek this evening. The driver was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. The Reporter will have more information on this incident as soon as it is available.

NCFC condemns police charging injured youth in absence of his parents
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) issued a statement today condemning the Belize Police Department for criminally charging a 13-year-old minor for alleged illegal firearm possession of a firearm in the absence of his parent(s)r any relevant agents of the state. The NCFC noted that […]

Poachers found in Chiquibul
Friends of Conservation and Development, the NGO that co-manages the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, managed to detain two of a group of five Guatemalan poachers found in the Chiquibul this week. FCD reported that its rangers were on a training exercise some 4 kilometres from the western border […]

Diesel and kerosene prices rise again!
During the last gas price adjustment, the cost of Kerosene was spared any increase while the cost of Diesel went up by only three cents per gallon; however, this week both types of fuel saw substantial increases. In the eighth gas price adjustment for 2018, […]

No movement on Chetumal Street repairs
Eight months after Prime Minister Dean Barrow declared the Lake Independence Boulevard a failure, the stretch of road has sunk further into disrepair, with no sign of meaningful remedial works. As the road continues to deteriorate, cracks, sinkholes and general distortions are becoming an even more common […]

September theme competition open to public
Staff Reporteer The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) this week announced the opening of the 2018 September Celebrations theme competition. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and be invited to the official September ceremonies as a distinguished. NICH says all Belizeans living at […]

Volcano erupts in Guatemala, killing more than 60 people
A volcano erupted in Guatemala without warning on Sunday, killing more than 60 people who were attending to market day activities below the volcano. Plumes of hot, molten rock, gas and ash bolted thousands of feet into the air, covering entire villages. Due to the […]

Diaspora group challenging Immigration Department over voter re-registration
A group of Belizeans in the Diaspora called Belizean Citizens Abroad, are petitioning the Minister and Department of Immigration and Nationality over the fact that Guatemalan citizens will be allowed to participate in the upcoming voter re-registration exercise. The group is calling for the Immigration Department to: […]

Banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam may prove ineffective without planning and enforcement
Belize has joined a global wave by committing to curtail the use of single-use plastics, styrofoam and plastic cutlery by 22 April 2019, but a report just released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) captioned Single-use plastics: A Roadmap for sustainability, points to challenges […]

Is GOB using BTL to punish Kremandala? BTL stops advertising with media entity; defends position
On May 11, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), one of the two major telecommunications company and one of Belize’s biggest advertisers, wrote to Krem Radio, Krem TV and the Amandala newspaper informing that it would no longer advertise with the three companies, with immediate effect. From […]

What are you spending on? SIB conducts Household Budget Survey
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) is carrying out a countrywide survey with the major goal of tracking spending patterns in Belize as a means to update the list of items in the Consumer Price Index (the report that tracks inflation). The Household Budget Survey consists of […]

An Object Lesson
The Barbados Labor Party (BLP)’s complete win at the polls and parliament certainly signifies the will of the Barbadian people for Prime Minister Mia Mottley to lead them to better days. However, less than a month into office, the new head of government announced that they had no choice but […]

Boy, 13, shot twice by police; cops say they had to shoot
Elwin Pitter, 13, is in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) with two bullet wounds in his lower legs and a fractured right foot after police shot him during what they believe was an unavoidable incident. It happened around 4:30 on Saturday afternoon when the […]

Fake cops escape with $20,000 in home invasion
Two armed bandits, who posed as police officers, stole over $20,000 from a Taiwanese national in a home invasion at his Ladyville home on May 31 around 8:50 p.m. According to police, Liang Gee Fong, 64, and his wife were at home that night when they heard […]

Dangriga mayor’s driver commits suicide in front of teens accusing him of sexual assault
Maurice Serrano, 61, the driver for Mayor Francis Humphreys of Dangriga, ended his life suddenly just outside his house on Monday afternoon, in the presence of two young girls who had accused him of unlawful carnal knowledge. Just moments before that, Serrano was reportedly at […]

Hopkins man accused of rape at Mango Fest
A Hopkins man, Edward Bowen, 22, is out on $5,000 bail after being accused of raping a minor at last weekend’s annual Mango Fest. Bowen was arraigned in Dangriga’s Magistrate COurt on Tuesday. Bowen was arrested on June 4 after a minor, 17, reported to […]

Editorial
The Government of Prime Minister Barrow will do irreparable damage to its reputation if it decides to grant voting rights to nationalized Guatemalans without first amending the Constitution which prohibits precisely such a thing. There is general agreement among the Opposition and the government that in justice and equity something […]

Price hike expected due to trade tariffs
The cost of living in Belize could be taking another hit, as the price of various imported goods are in danger of going up due to an ongoing trade war among the United States, Mexico and Canada. Mexico imposed taxes of between 20 and 25 […]

Belize abstains on vote to suspend Venezuela from OAS
For the second time in as many years, Venezuela has successfully garnered majority vote at the Organization of American States (OAS) to hold its seat as a member state, this time against a notion by the United States to have her suspended. This came amid […]

Home insurance premium to rise
The cost of home insurance in Belize is expected to increase before the end of the year as several insurance agencies have already started informing customers of the coming increase. The insurance premiums are set to increase following a series of natural disasters that ravaged […]

US Capital applies for new oil concession
While the oil industry in Belize is facing a major decline, with only one company producing and several relinquishing their concessions, US Capital Energy Limited is preparing to start over, in a revised concession area. According to Director of the Petroleum and Geology Department, Andre […]

Fabers Road incomplete and already cracking
The controversial Fabers Road rehabilitation project still has months to go before completion; however cracks are already beginning to show on the portions of the street that have been finished. Eight months into the project, visible cracks are popping up along the route, in various […]

Hugo for UDP Leader?
Word spread this week that there may be a third man who wants to throw in his hat for the leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and potentially for Prime Minister of Belize, if the UDP is successful at the polls at the next […]

Breaking Belize News

National Committee for Families and Children demands fair treatment for children
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) today issued a statement condemning the […]

Manatee found dead on World Oceans Day
Today is celebrated globally as World Oceans Day. Among the many strategies being implemented […]

15 year-old-minor raped in Santa Elena, Cayo
San Ignacio Police are investigating the rape of a minor from Santa Elena Town. According […]

Francis Fonseca: “Our education system is deeply flawed and continues to fail our students”
This year’s results of the Primary School Examinations (PSE) are out and paint a very […]

Can Belize learn lesson from Barbados’ economic crisis?
The small island nation of Barbados in the Caribbean, like Belize, has its dollar pegged […]

Cordel Hyde: PUP should allow contested conventions everywhere
Last month the People’s United Party (PUP) endorsed businessman, Gilroy Usher Sr., as its standard bearer […]

Rotary’s President comes to Belize
Rotarians across Belize are excited to host Rotary’s President, Barry Rassin and his wife, Esther […]

Belize City Council to cover all open manholes
Before he left office, former Belize City Mayor, Darrel Bradley, had undertaken an initiative to […]

Assad Shoman’s new book launches tonight
Belizean writer, historian and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Assad Shoman launches his new book tonight at […]

Belizean student earns two full scholarship to the University of Oxford
Belizean national, Robin Schaffer, will be furthering her studies at the University of Oxford on […]

Moya to PUP? Cordel Hyde clueless!
For weeks speculations have been that former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, would serve as the […]

Illegal hunters from Guatemala busted in the Chiquibul Forest
On Wednesday morning rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) were conducting a training […]

Blogs

Hatchet Caye, an Emerald Isle Paradise
With an estimated 75 cayes within the area, it is easy to dream of boarding a sailboat and exploring them all for days on end, and we are impressed when William rattles off names like Lark Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, Round Caye and Moho Caye along the way. The majority of cayes within this Placencia/Laughing Bird Caye Coastal Planning Region are either wholly or partly owned or leased. Located on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Hatchet Caye is privately-owned with secluded areas reserved for their resort guests while hosting a public area where visiting fishing/snorkeling/diving/sailing groups are welcome to enjoy their Lionfish Bar & Grill and beach area. Upon our arrival, this popular eatery and watering hole is bustling with jovial island hoppers and resort guests. We are greeted with a refreshing glass of rainbow-colored juice and resort manager Dasha welcomes us to our home for the next two nights.

International Sources

Hurricanes are moving slower, making them more deadly, study says
Tropical cyclones have grown more sluggish since the mid-20th century, a new study says. A study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, June 6, says that hurricanes are lingering in one place for longer. The study determined this by focusing on the “translation speed.” The translation speed measures how quickly a storm is moving over an area, for example from the Florida Keys to the Florida Panhandle. To analyze the changes in translation speeds, the researchers tapped into a global data set on past tropical storms. The data include estimates of the latitude and longitude of each named storm’s center at six-hour intervals.

Belize strips Damanzaihao of flag, leaving it stateless
In the latest setback for the colossal 50,000 metric ton vessel Damanzaihao -- the largest fish factory vessel in the world -- Belize has revoked its registration. The International Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) stripped the Damanzaihao of its flag, with NGO Sea Shepherd's legal department claiming credit. The vessel was stripped for failing to appropriately complete its vessel registration materials and notify Belize of its record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to a statement. The move renders the vessel stateless, according to Sea Shepherd, which has been working to get the vessel arrested and de-listed in the region.

Stalking the elusive permit from a fishing boat in Belize
I was standing at the front of a 23-foot-long panga in the Bay of Honduras, some 10 miles northeast of Punta Gorda, Belize, as my angling partner, Nelson Mathews, was perched in a seat below. A group of frigatebirds circled above, reminiscent of cruising fighter jets, while several pelicans and cormorants watched from a snag on a mangrove island nearby. The low-lying Maya Mountains were just visible through a thin haze to the west. My right hand held a 10-weight fly rod; my left, a size-6 Bauer Crab fly. At my feet, 40 feet of fly line lay coiled. The blue-green water danced before my eyes, assuming different shades from the ever-shifting substrate three feet below - sometimes turtle grass, sometimes coral or sand. This did not make it any easier to spot my elusive quarry, the permit. From an elevated platform in the back of the boat, our guide, Scully Garbutt, pushed the boat along silently with an 18-foot graphite pole. His eyes seemed at least as sharp as those of the ospreys that patrolled below the frigatebirds. After a time, he called out calmly, "Permit, ten o'clock. Point your rod." I pointed my rod to where I thought the fish was. "A little to the left." I adjusted. "Yes. Do you see it?" "No."

Local cardiologist takes expertise overseas
A cardiologist with Berger Health System has returned from Northern Belize where he traveled in February to provide much-needed medical care. Dr. Gregory Lam worked with a charity called Partners for Medical Relief, a Cincinnati-based charity that takes volunteer physicians to Belize three times a year to provide free medical care. The group of volunteers worked out of a hospital in the city of Corozal. Dr. Lam said medical teams would travel up to three hours from their base there to set up treatment camps for the day in rural villages. In total, the volunteers performed over 100 surgeries and over 1,200 medical evaluations during their one-week trip, and the teams treated anywhere from 200 to 400 patients each day.

Miami’s Must-Visit Caribbean Food Event: Caribbean305
In just its second year, the Caribbean305 event has become one of the country’s top Caribbean fetes for foodies. And it’s coming up soon. This year’s Caribbean305 returns to the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island in Miami, aiming to highlight the art of Caribbean cooking and all things Caribbean. The event is being held on June 23 starting at 8PM. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, which presents the event each year, is bringing together top chefs and mixologists from around the region, along with showcases of rum, dance and Caribbean music. This year’s event will feature culinary creations from 16 teams from around the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos and the US Virgin Islands.

Secret to whale shark hotspots
A study has uncovered the secret to why endangered whale sharks gather on mass at just a handful of locations around the world. The new insights into the habits of the world's largest fish will help inform conservation efforts for this mysterious species, say the researchers. Large groups of whale sharks congregate at only around 20 locations off the coasts of countries including Australia, Belize, the Maldives and Mexico. Why the sharks, which can reach more than 60 feet in length, choose these specific locations has long perplexed researchers and conservationists. The new study, by researchers at the University of York in collaboration with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), has found that the shark "aggregation sites" show many common characteristics -- they are all in areas of warm, shallow water in close proximity to a sharp sea-floor drop off into deep water.

Videos

June 8, 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

June Special: BOGO on Iguana Juan’s Comedy Night tickets
Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar is kicking off their summer comedy line up with a sizzling special: buy a ticket to the June 9th show starring Atlanta-based comic Mark Evans and receive a free ticket to the June 13th show with Jon Champion. Mark Evans brings his southern charm and keen wit to the stage on June 9th. Evan’s comedy is smart, to the point and cutting-edge clean, and his Southern Not Stupid show has taken audiences by storm on land and by sea. Mark began his comedy career in 1993, and since then, he has headlined comedy clubs, colleges, cruise ships, casinos, corporate events, international resorts and cruise ships.

Coral Reef Ed-ventures’ summer camp is back!
Summer is here and as every year since 1999, the annual Coral Reef Ed-ventures Summer Camp is back on Ambergris Caye to continue their mission of educating children on the preservation of their surrounding marine environment. The free, fun and educational camp which commences on Monday, June 25th, is a yearly collaboration between students from Smith College in Massachusetts, United States of America and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The six Smith students volunteering in this year’s camp are Dana Vera, Emiline Koopman, Liz Nagy, Katherine Akey, Aidan Coffin Ness, and Carla Schwartz, and they are looking forward to an exciting and successful summer activity.

Ambergris Today

Re-Registration Of Electors Exercise 2018
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby provides the public with the following information regarding the upcoming re-registration of electors exercise: Proclamation- Appointment of Commencement Day for Re-Registration Statutory Instrument No. 47 of 2017 is a proclamation issued by the Governor General altering the date for the commencement of the re-registration exercise to be carried out from 1st July 2017 to 1st July 2018.

PIC OF THE WEEK - Sargasso Hide and Seek
We have to laugh at the positive attitude Lisa and Ronnie Cyrier took when they saw a new batch of sargassum rolling onto shore. "New game in San Pedro: Where's Ronnie???" They asked. LOL! Leave it up to this fun couple to make light of a stressful situation. Yes it's a smelly situation and a lot of hard work to get rid of it all, but we just have to roll with the punches that Mother Nature brings. The death of some fish has been blamed on the excessive amount of sargassum washing up on shore and some areas are stinky due to its decomposition. The San Pedro Town Council, hotels and beach property owners are doing their best to keep the beaches as clean as possible.

Misc Belizean Sources

Donations for Guatemala at the Lion's Club
Thank you San Pedro Lions Club, Belize and the community for coming to the aid of our Guatemalan neighbors in need.

Public Service Week June 17th to 23rd
Public Service Week is being celebrated from the 17th- 23rd of June under the theme "Public Service- Moving towards the future with innovation, dedication and perseverance." See the attached flyer for the week's activities.

Clothing Drive for Guatemala Volcano Victims at the Cayo Rotaract Club
A clothing drive is being orchestrated by the Cayo Rotaract club to help the victims of the volcano eruption. You can drop off at Neyelli's, Carillo Puerto, and this Saturday at the market. "The Rotoract Club of San Ignacio is asking for your kind support as we try to aid our neighboring country Guatemala. As you may know the Volcanic eruption has left many in dire need of support. Clothing donations would be appreciated in this time of need. We are asking that you help us, help them."

Visit to the San Pedro House of Culture
Our little visit to the San Pedro House of Culture which contains some information from our struggle of the Caste War . During this period a new religion was born between the Yucatec Maya(Masewal) rebels the cult of the talking cross(Cruzoob) . While in Quintana Roo(Mex) the cult is still strong today in Belize we can still find some families and individuals who continue giving reverence to this faith . The Maya Cross’s symbolic identity is that of supernatural entities, such as Itzamná and Chaak; as well as ancestral entities, trees, corn stalks, and other plants which abound in the Mayaab, the land of the Maya.

Movie Night at KoKo King
It's almost here - Family Friday at Koko King!! Movies showing tomorrow Friday 8th June. - The hilarious SHERLOCK GNOMES - Garden gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments. * - Steven Spielberg's latest READY PLAYER ONE - When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune. * Kids food, popcorn and marshmallows plus adult beverages - come and enjoy the family fun at KoKo King!

UB Promotes Dr. Thippichetty Thiagarajan to Professor in Biology
The Board of Trustees of the University of Belize met on Monday June 4, 2018 and agreed to a recommendation emanating from the Promotions Committee of UB, and which was supported by the President that Dr. Thippichetty Thiagarajan, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Science and Technology be promoted to the rank of Professor in Biology. The Promotions Committee which convened recently and consisted of both internal as well as external reviewers all agreed that Dr Thippi, through his long and distinguished service to UB in Teaching, Research and Service had fulfilled the criteria for promotion.

NCCO's second National Climate Change Youth Video Competition
Belize National Climate Change Office - Calling all Belizean Youth, especially from Corozal! Don't forget, youth from Belize, ages 18 to 30, can apply to the NCCO's second National Climate Change Youth Video Competition from now until July 13, 2018. The Video Competition highlights climate action being taken by youth through videos, giving them a platform to share their successes and inspire others. Send us a 3 minute about how you are fighting climate change for a chance to be one of two lucky winners.

Rowan Garel wins Caribbean Adventure Ambassador Award
We are pleased to accept the Caribbean Adventure Ambassador Award on behalf of Rowan Garel. His multiple endeavors such as Diving the Blue Hole, Climbing the Victoria Peak and his selfless passion to help others via his fund raising initiatives proved inspiring even beyond the shores of Belize. Our sincere gratitude to all who voted for Rowan and we wish him continued success.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Sherlock Gnomes, Darkness, Midnight Sun, Tomb Raider

San Pedro Bumperball Tournament!
We're mixing things up this Sunday Funday with a BUMPERBALL TOURNAMENT! Players will go head to head to see who can stay in the ring without getting bumped out. It's going to be blast! Plus, it's free to play, and the winner of the tournament will win a $100 Truck Stop gift certificate. We'll also have a smaller ring for kids! Think you have what it takes? Come prove it this Sunday at The Truck Stop!

Channel 7

Cordel Hyde Comes Out For Paul T.
If you watch the news regularly enough, you've surely seen Cordel Hyde recently. The PUP Deputy Leader isn't making news, but he's in political ads seeming to endorse Senator Valerie Woods as a political candidate. Now, that's smart political messaging by the Valerie Woods campaign because they know that her opponent Paul Thompson is from Cordel Hyde's political camp and, so if the PUP's most powerful politician in the city is endorsing Thompson's opponent…well, that's a major plug for her campaign. But, not so fast. Hyde came out swinging for Thompson today. We met them on Ebony Street which is as close to a meeting point between Lake I and Albert as you'll find. Hyde said that first off he needed to clear a few things up about that ad:

Deputy Hyde Says Party Should Have Let Dr. Pitts Challenge Usher
And on that note, should the PUP have allowed Dr. Candice Pitts - who was one of Hyde's city council candidates to challenge Gilroy Usher in a convention? Usher is a Bricenista - and it is widely accepted that his clout and calling in a few chits with the party leader - is what tipped the scales against Dr. Pitts candidacy. The vetting committee told her she couldn't run. Hyde says his party made the wrong decision on that one:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "So then should Dr. Pitts have been given a fair opportunity to contest Port Loyola?"

PUP’s Ranking Political Don In The City Like Rodney, Gets No Respect
And while that is how Hyde sees it, clearly he doesn't have control or even significant influence over his party's decisions in the city - where the four term representative is the PUP's ranking political don. We asked him about that apparent disconnect:.. Jules Vasquez, reporter: "As the deputy leader, senior deputy of the PUP. I don't know if that's the formal post, but you are responsible for the city, so you are responsible for the success of the city council slate. One would think that after that completely unexpected victory the party would say okay, your call in the city, you have proven that you are the leader of the city. While yes, the party has its structure. How you want it in the city is how it shall be, because you are running this thing right now. Why wasn't that done if it was your judgement that there should be challenges as in Port Loyola?"

Central Bank Says Choice Under “Enhanced Supervision”
Last night we told you about the concern that at least one deposit holder is having about Choice Bank. Anja Schoneveld has filed a sworn affidavit alleging that Choice Bank plans to wind down operations by the end of this month - possibly leaving depositors in the breech. Today the Central Bank - which regulates Choice as an offshore bank - issued a statement on the volatile situation. It says, quote, "The Central Bank of Belize, having determined that Choice Bank Limited's suspension of customer withdrawals and related actions are contrary to the interests of its depositors and customers, placed Choice Bank Limited under enhanced supervision.

Relief From Punishing Pump Prices on Horizon
The pump price of Diesel will increase by midnight tonight in Belize City. It will increase by .34 cents from $10.63 to $10.97 cents per gallon. Now, while the price increase to almost 11 dollars a gallon for diesel is the bad news, the good news is that those crippling pump prices should start to go down soon - reflecting the downward trend in world fuel prices. In a release, government says, quote, "it is certain that the next shipment of fuel products, which is due toward the end of next week, will result in markedly lower prices at the pump."

Assad Shoman Pens Important New Book on Bze-Guat Claim
Historian and intellectual Assad Shoman is well known for his book 13 Chapters of a History of Belize - if you haven't read it, you have certainly heard of it. It is considered foundational reading on Belize's history. Well, Shoman has published another book that should also be required reading. It's on the Belize Guatemalan dispute and today we found out what makes Shoman's publication stand out from existing works on the claim. Courtney Weatherburne has more. The mountain of books stacked on this image factory table is the product of Assad Shoman's new project. After 3 years of intense reading, in-depth researching and compiling, it is ready for distribution.

Lawless Guat Poachers in Chiquibul Point Gun At Rangers
The Friends for Conservation and Development is reporting tonight that they caught 2 Guatemalan residents poaching rare birds from inside the Chiquibul National Park. One of them took aim at a ranger with a .22 rifle, and the rangers then had to shoot at one poacher who escaped. The poacher threw down his rifle as he ran. Fortunately no one was hurt - but the armed encounter shows the escalating level of danger in that forest. It happened yesterday morning at around 10:30, about 4 kilometers from the Western Border. The FCD rangers were training some recruits when they encountered 5 Hispanic men.

Pedestrian Killed By Motorbike Down South
Yesterday 56-year-old Hector Ramclam lost his life in a fatal road traffic accident on the Southern Highway. Ramclam was walking when he was knocked down by a man on motorbike. Today police told us more. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Inspector - CIB: "Punta Gorda police responded to a mile and 1/4 on the San Antonio road to Kettle landing village. They arrived and found two men. One standing with injuries and the other lying on the ground. The one lying on the ground was identified to be Hector Ramclam a 56-year-old resident of Cattle Landing Village..."

Robbers Target Security Company’s Guns
In other police news, there are two more guns on the streets. Early this morning Brints Security Company was robbed. The supervisor was ambushed by three masked men. Police have details. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Inspector - CIB: "There was another report of a robbery this would be Jodi Ramdas he is the supervisor for Brints Security Company. He reported that at about 3 am on the 6th of June while retrieving employees he was accosted by three masked men. These masked men proceeded to rob him of two 9mm pistols which were the property of the security firm. The matter is under investigation and police are seeking suspects in regards to this." No arrests have been made.

Police Presence Prominent and Pronounced In Downtown Bze City
Again, that ambush suggests some level of organized crime - which is what seems to have been at work in the city last week when there were multiple armed robberies on the city's main street in the same day. And the criminals pounced because police patrols were concentrated in the gang hotspots. Today though we saw a pronounced and prominent police presence in the downtown area - including multiple teams from the specialized units like SPU, and MIT. They were very visible on street corners and one team was posted directly in front of Hofius which was robbed a week ago. We also saw motorbike patrols.

CEMO Ready For Hurricane Season 2018
Hurricane season started last Friday, and the emergency management organizations have been preparing countrywide for whatever may come. In Belize City, the municipal government's City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), has been diligently doing its work. They are well aware that the country's biggest population center has many low-lying and coastal areas that are always in danger of being hit hard by hurricanes and storm surge. Today, Mayor Bernard Wagner and his fellow councillors hosted a press conference to tell the residents of the city that they are ready, or as ready they can be.

City Seeking Civic As EOC, But Says GOB Not Helping
One important element of their preparations that's still up in the air is a location for the City's Emergency Operating Center. If a hurricane should hit, CEMO personnel and other emergency officials will need a location to safely operate from. According to the mayor, he's been having difficulties in getting the Belize Civic Center, or another suitable public building to be designated as the EOC. Today, he called on the UDP Government to be more cooperative about this very serious issue:

PUP City Hall Making Progress With Manhole and Drain Covers
One other bit of unfinished business that Mayor Wagner and his administration inherited is a contract that the past Mayor made with a construction company to build manhole covers for the City's sidewalks. If you walk around Belize City, you're sure to run into many holes in the sidewalks that either have no drain cover - a major public safety hazard for pedestrians. Former Mayor Darrell Bradley entered a contract to fix or replace those manholes, and when he was in office, we challenged him many times for failing to finish it.

Mayor On Managing Waste Control
One issue that is an even bigger headache for Mayor Wagner and his council is the City's contract with Belize Waste Control. Last week, some residential garbage on the southside wasn't picked up. That's after Waste Control went on go-slow because the council owed about half a million dollars in arrears, which means the Council was about 9 weeks behind on payments. Now, this has been a chronic problem at the Belize City Council. In fact, former Mayor Darrell Bradley and the company had many legal battles over it, going as far as to try and press in the Supreme Court for the Mayor's committal to prison. Today, the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor discussed what happened most recently, and how they resolved it:

STREAMING As An Educational Tool
Today high school teachers became students in a cutting-edge workshop. It was all about helping teachers to develop new pedagogical practices for an area of study called "STREAMING". Sounds strange right? When we hear streaming we think of youtube or Netflix, but this time is all about education. We found out more from the presenter. Dr Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Associate Dean- George Mason University: "Stem stands for Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and it is a way to present education in a holistic and meaningful way but by just having the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics..."

Taiwan Helps Howell
Southside Commander Howell Gillett has been on what seems like an unstoppable roll when it comes to helping young people on the southside of Belize City. He has started an urban farming project at the schools so kids can stay away from trouble and eat a healthy meal. Today the Taiwan Embassy donated over $5,000 to help him sustain the projects in more schools. We stopped by and heard more from the happy donor and recipient. Sr. Supt Howell Gillett, Southside Commander: "It will reach out to. Three different schools. I believe it is St. Johns Vianney, St Martins, and St Luke all one region one side of Belize City. Why we are doing this is because we believe if we help young people from a very early age and how can you be a productive student if you are not able to have a meal especially a breakfast in the morning or lunch so what we are doing is to create farming in these schools and then whatever is reaped is augmented and helped in the feeding program for the school. We want to help young people."

Southern Region Gets New Lab
The Southern Regional Hospital got a new Lab. The construction and equipping of the lab was done through a partnership between the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and a company from Spain called Probitas. Here is more from the official opening. There are plans to build labs in remote areas.

The Truth Set Him Free: Rudon Resigns From The Times
On Monday was asked PUP Leader John Briceño about reports that Mike Rudon, the editor of the Party's Newspaper, the Belize Times, had resigned. He said that he knew nothing of this, but tonight, we can confirm that at the end of this month, Rudon will no longer be working at the Times. We spoke with him via telephone this evening, and he confirmed that he handed in his resignation letter yesterday. He said that he and the Newspaper, and the Party, for that matter, are parting ways on amicable terms, and that he simply got a better job offer.

Will Former UDP Mayor Run For PUP?
Keeping it on the PUP, there have been persistent reports that former UDP Mayor Zenaida Moya wants to run for the PUP in the Mesopotamia division. Moya was once being groomed to take over from the UDP's Michael Finnegan in that same area. So, the idea of her now as a possible PUP challenger is kind of unexpected - but, in politics, anything is possible. We asked Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde how he feels about the prospect of his former schoolmate being a PUP candidate:... Hon. Cordel Hyde, PUP Deputy Leader: "That's not for me to decide. Ultimately there is a process you have to go through to run for the party and I don't know that that has even been initiated. It's just a talking, but I have not heard for sure whether Miss Moya has interest at all. I've heard it from second and third hand persons. So that would be pure speculation on my part."

How to Keep The New Voters’ List Clean
Re-Register- "Your Right to Vote Depends on it," - that's the slogan being used for the re-registration of electors exercise which starts on July 2nd. It's a huge 8 million dollar undertaking - but how can the elections and boundaries office make sure the news list is clean? After all, the same political parties who got the list dirty and full of phantom voters are driving the re-registration. We asked the Chief Elections officer about it a month ago:... Josephine Tamai - Chief Elections Officer: "Like I mentioned for us at elections at boundaries department we will do our best to ensure that only persons who qualify get on those lists. If we want a clean list as citizens, we all have to do our part because in the end, yes, as election and boundaries staff..."

Re-registration in Remote Areas
We also had questions about access to registration for those in remote areas. If you live in a town or city, it's easy enough to re-register, but if you live in Crique Jute, Toledo it can get very complicated. The Chief Elections Officer said they will make all efforts to reach those people: Josephine Tamai - Chief Elections Officer: "Again, like I mentioned if persons are out there and they know that they want to get registered as long as that information comes to us we will facilitate. I know sometimes people complain and say it's costly to get your birth certificate to get your documentation. Again, in those exceptional circumstances the law provides for us to have a form for those persons to fill in and then we do the verification. So those people will not be disfranchised. We have identified 100 as of today..."

Spoonaz Not Solved
No arrests have been made in the robbery of Spoonaz cafe in Belize City which was robbed on Monday night. Today, the police shared where they are with the investigation. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Inspector- CIB: "Police responded to a robbery at Spoonaz Cafe. This is on North Front Street. Upon speaking with the owner of that business he reported that night upon closing his business he was accosted by a single male person in a security guard uniform and he was forced into the establishment. While he was in there he was tied up robbed of cash and his license 9mm gun."

Channel 5

Wilser Echevarria Guilty of Manslaughter in Death of Diplomat
A Belmopan resident has been convicted of the sensational death of sixty-four-year-old Panamanian diplomat Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford. But the verdict issued this afternoon by Supreme Court Justice [...]

Diesel Price Hiked, but G.O.B. Says Decreases Are on the Way
An eighth price hike since the start of the year is coming, but only for diesel oil as confirmed by the Government of Belize this evening.  As of midnight, diesel [...]

Assad Shoman Delivers Definitive History of Guatemalan Claim to Belize
If there is one person whom most Belizeans believe could write the definitive history of Guatemala’s claim to Belize, Assad Shoman would be a safe bet. The former politician and [...]

Ex-Diplomat Encourages Belizeans to Stand Up for Sovereignty
Shoman says the new book discusses as well how the claim is affecting life on the ground at the border lines in the west and south. Taking off from the [...]

Shoman Stays Out of Referendum Campaign
According to Shoman, he hopes his book will be widely disseminated through traditional and modern means. But as to his personal involvement in the public education campaign, which had been [...]

Hurricane Season is Here; CEMO is Ready
The hurricane season began last Friday and today, the City Emergency Management Organisation (CEMO) hosted a press briefing to share what it has done and continues to do in preparation [...]

CitCo Wants Civic for Emergency Operations Base
While logistical preparations are ongoing, if the Emergency Operations Center needs to be activated, at present moment it has no base. In recent years, the City Council has used a [...]

Working to Fix Sanitation Woes
Mayor Bernard Wagner admitted today that City Hall is facing some financial challenges and is in arrears with the Belize Waste Control.  Now, if you’ve been following the news for [...]

Policeman Arrested in Dispute in Cayo
Twenty-seven-year-old Police Constable Leonard Benjamin, a resident of Santa Elena Town, was arrested and charged for aggravated assault earlier today.  PC Benjamin is accused of pointing a service weapon at [...]

Pedestrian Struck Fatally in Cattle Landing, Toledo
A pedestrian lost his life while walking along the highway near Cattle Landing Village in Toledo District.  The fatal road traffic accident happened on Wednesday night as fifty-six-year-old Hector Ramclam [...]

Investigation into Spoonaz Robbery Continues
Proprietor Jeremy Spooners was robbed under the threat of being shot on Monday night while in the process of locking up his business on North Front Street.  During the holdup [...]

Guns Stolen from Brints Security Supervisor
Belize City police have been working diligently in ridding the streets of illegal firearms.  Those efforts are often countered by criminal elements who persist in the stealing of weapons during [...]

Central Bank Explains Choice Bank ‘Supervision’
Offshore bank Choice Bank located on Marine Parade in Belize City will be closing its operations shortly, but there is concern by some clients.  The Central Bank of Belize has [...]

Channel Five Will Broadcast Miss Universe Belize in August
Tonight, we can report that Great Belize Productions/Channel Five and the Miss Universe Belize organization have reached agreement on the live broadcast of the Miss Universe Belize in August. National [...]

Region One O.C. Hooks Up with Taiwan for School Farming Project
Three schools from the south side of the city will have the opportunity to farm vegetables for their consumption. The Farming for Schools Project was spearheaded by Senior Superintendent Howell [...]

Rabies Strikes Cattle in Agriculture Belt
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority says that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk and Belize Districts. The disease, which is transmitted by the vampire bat, [...]

Getting Ready for Re-Registration
During a session with the media on May ninth, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai discussed the requirements for eligibility in the upcoming re-registration exercise.  The head of the Elections and [...]

Teachers and Critical Thinking
Three countries in the region, including Belize, are participating in an O.A.S.-ITEN programme. For two days, teachers will be honing their skills to support the development of critical thinking skills [...]

Belizeans to Russia for Football and Friendship
Two young ballers are on their way to Russia tonight to participate in an international programme organized by FIFA. It is called Football for Friendship and brings children from all [...]

Healthy Living Prepares for International Day of Yoga
The number of people that practice yoga is growing. For some it relieves stress, others used it for mediation purposes and many more use it as a way to stay [...]

LOVE FM

No arrest in Spoonaz robbery case
Three days ago, businessman Jeremy Spooner was robbed of over five thousand dollars. The thief reportedly pounced on Spooner as he was closing his business. Today Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, shared what investigators have discovered so far Inspector Wilfred Ferrufino C.I.B Belize City: “On Monday June 4th Police responded to a robbery at Spoonaz Café, this …

Security Supervisor robbed
Belize City police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred early yesterday morning on Magazine Road in Belize City. The latest victim is Jodi Ramdas, a security Supervisor for Brints Security. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino shared what investigators have found out. Inspector Wilfred Ferrufino C.I.B Belize City: “He reported that about 3 am on the 6th of …

Belize cyclist to compete in 2018 Healthy Newton Omnium Road Race
Belizean cyclist, Oscar Quiroz, has been selected to compete in the 2018 Healthy Newton Omnium Road Race in the USA. The two-day event starts on Saturday and Quiroz will compete in the professional category. Today, Quiroz expressed his confidence about performing to the best of his abilities. Oscar Quiroz Professional Cyclist: “I am hoping that I can …

CitCo working to fix manholes
The open manholes around Belize City have been an issue for some time now and even though the previous council had signed a contract to remedy the situation, the manholes remain a problem. Mayor Bernard Wagner shared with the media how his administration is addressing this problem. Bernard Wagner Mayor of Belize: “When we came what …

Assad Shoman on the ICJ
Assad Shoman’s Guatemala’s claim to Belize, The Definitive History will be available across the country but at the moment there is a limited supply. Shoman hopes that whoever reads the book is enlightened and becomes more knowledgeable about the dispute with our neighbors to the west. He does not believe his book should be used …

PUP Leader says party will consider SSB’s proposal
Last year the Social Security Board began a series of consultations across the country with several groups and organizations to discuss an adjustment to the scheme. In September of last year, it was explained that SSB’s expenditure have surpassed contributions and with its deficit growing, if the proposal is not implemented, 2021 the fund will …

A tale of George Cadle Price…
During today’s press meeting with Assad Shoman, several historical events relating to Guatemala’s claim on Belize was brought up. Shoman, who remains an essential individual with deep knowledge and experience on the topic, spoke of the late Right Honourable George Cadle Price. Shoman recollected when Price had to resist British influence while keeping them on …

Cordel Hyde endorses Paul Thompson
This evening PUP Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde set the record straight. He is one hundred percent supporting Senator Paul Thompson in his bid to represent the PUP in the Albert Division for the next general elections. Currently, there is an advertisement running on TV which many have interpreted as Hyde expressing support for Senator Valerie …

Guatemala’s Claim to Belize The Definitive History
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Assad Shoman, one of Belize’s foremost historians has written his latest book: Guatemala’s Claim to Belize: The Definitive History. Shoman has proven to be one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Belize as it relates to the Belize/Guatemala dispute. His latest publication has been described as comprehensive and revealing, an …

Elections & Boundaries encourages eligible persons to participate in re-registration
The re-registration exercise is set to begin on Monday, July 2. A release from the Elections and Boundaries Department states that the traditional buildings used as polling stations will be used as registration centers. Efforts are being made not to use high schools since, in most cases; these buildings are used for summer classes and …

Police take drugs off the street
Yesterday, police conducted an anti-drug operation Oleander and Flamboyant Streets in Belize City which led to the discovery of a pink knapsack containing six pounds of cannabis in an abandoned house. At the time of the search, no one was in the immediate area and the drugs were labeled and deposited as found property …

Beltraide & BCCI sign MOC
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, BELTRAIDE, and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Kim Aikman signed the memorandum on behalf of BCCI and Lejia Melanie Gideon signed on behalf of BELTRAIDE …

The Guardian

5,163 students receive $300 school subsidy
Five thousand one hundred and sixty three students from across the country will receive government’s school subsidy of $300. These students are representative of those who have qualified under the government’s adjusted program. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber made the announcement in early May of this year that the government’s school subsidy will be expanded to automatically cover the entire Corozal district. Additionally, primary school students attending schools in rural areas of the Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk Districts will automatically receive the subsidy. In its original form, the subsidy was designed to assist students after they apply and qualify for it. The program was then expanded to be automatic for the Stann Creek and Toledo districts. Now it will cover students from countrywide rural schools. Students in the districts where it is not automatic and who live in urban areas need to apply to the Ministry of Human Development and Education to qualify for the subsidy.

Policeman busted smuggling marijuana
Police Constable Braiden Robateau, an officer attached to the San Ignacio Police formation, was caught over the weekend with 10.6 kilos of marijuana. He and 3 other men were busted on the outskirts of the Orange Walk District, in what looks like an attempt to smuggle drugs through an area considered to be a contraband hotspot. Police say that at around 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, officers from the Customs Department, the BDF, and the Police from Orange Walk were on a joint operation in the area of Santa Cruz Village. Readers may know that this location is very near to Botes, Mexico, a favorite area where Belizeans go to try and smuggle in their contraband.

CCJ tells Belize Bank enforce UHS order at Supreme Court
The Government of Belize has successfully managed to repel one of the relentless assaults that the Ashcroft Alliance continues to make on the country’s finances. The Caribbean Court of Justice has ruled that at this time, it will not force the Barrow Administration to pay an over 90 million-dollar judgment debt for the mess that the past Said Musa administration made with the Universal Health Services (UHS) Hospital. Although the Alliance has an enforceable award against Belize, it has to wait for Belize’s parliament to decide if the country will pay that judgment debt or not.

Gun toting minor shot by police
Police officers attached to the Gang Suppression Unit responded to information of a male person in possession of a firearm near the intersection of Raccoon and Seagull streets about 5:15 p.m. on June 2, 2018. The officers proceeded to the location and there they saw a male person fitting the description which was given. Upon seeing the officers, the person attempted to flee and the officers set chase behind him. While chasing him, the male person retrieved a chrome firearm from a knapsack he was carrying and pointed it in the direction of the officers. As a result, one of the GSU personnel used his issued firearm and fired shots at the individual.

Biodiversity Plan launched in San Ignacio
The Belize National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was launched at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town last Thursday. Also taking place at this same event was an initiative between the Forestry Department as well as the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council for the beautification of the Twin Towns--with the planting of trees. Both game changing events were held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Belize becoming a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Smart Healthcare Facilities Project Kick-Off Meeting for design of 6 health facilities in Belize
The design of a new project, the Smart Healthcare Facilities Project in Belize, was launched at a meeting between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The project aims to provide safer and more environmentally-friendly healthcare facilities to deliver care in times of disaster. Following an assessment and selection phase, 6 out of 26 healthcare facilities have been chosen to be a part of this project.

Caribbean Fisherfolk Month kicks off at Memorial Park
Although there are only around 2,700 registered fisher folk in the country, the fishing sector provides jobs for so many more. According to Mike Heusner, Vice President, Belize Audubon Society, the community of fisher folk alone contributes around 3% - 4% of Belize’s gross domestic product (GDP); yet, they are too often uncelebrated. That is why for the fourth year, the month of June is dedicated to them.

Free eye clinic at San Ignacio Community Hospital
A group of eye specialists from the U.S held their last session on Wednesday in the Cayo District, and in doing so, conducted a number of life changing operations. For Francisco Cal from Armenia Village it was more than special; as he walked out in the morning from the San Ignacio Community Hospital post-surgery, with his happy wife following closely behind. One of those heroes to the rescue, Dr. Robert Petes brimmed at the fact that now Cal can see well.

Largest graduating GREAT cohort in Cayo
On Thursday evening the San Ignacio Police Formation held graduation ceremonies for 815 primary school students who have completed the Gang Resistance Education and Training GREAT Program. The event was held at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio with the participation of key partners in development. This is the largest cohort of GREAT participants countrywide.

OPENING OF 2018 ATLANTIC BASIN HURRICANE SEASON
June 1, marks the official beginning of the 2018 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from 1st June to 30th November 2018. However the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25. This is now the fourth consecutive year that a storm has developed before the official start of the hurricane season.

Convention or Contention?
Even by PUP standards the PUP Albert Convention appears to be really getting out of control. It has gotten so bad, that last Friday night at a meeting held to hammer out the voters list, the POLICE had to be called in to quell the situation; violence was about to ERUPT. According to our sources one PUP supporter even filed a report with the police, stating that one of the candidates threatened to have him killed. We understand that part of the tension between the two individuals, stems from the fact that the supporter who works for the opposing candidate is being accused of padding the voters list by registering almost FORTY (40) people at an address on a Street, using a particular room number at the said address. The building houses some small apartments for rent.

Belize City Council’s Disappearing Receipt Books
On Friday June 1st the Belize City Council sent out a strange release stating that several receipt books were stolen the day before on May 31. The stolen receipt books bear serial numbers from 82601 to 82800. According to the release, the last legitimate receipt issued bear the serial number 82685. In the release, the Council advised the public not to accept any receipts that were being deemed stolen and bore any of the serial numbers between 82686 and 82800. The council is inviting persons who already came or may come in contact with any receipt bearing any of the serial numbers from the series listed as stolen to visit the Council’s Revenue Department at City Hall or call in to that office and make a report.

PUP says they want OAS observers
The Opposition, PUP, wants the Barrow Government to request an observer team from the Organization of American States to observe the national voters re-registration exercise that will take place next month. In a letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, dated May 30, 2018, Opposition Leader John Briceño wrote, “Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our Belizean democracy, and is a guiding principle of the Charter of the OAS… In keeping with our commitment to ensuring that this process be managed in the most transparent way possible, the People’s United Party believes that an observer mission by the Organization of American States is essential to achieving that objective.

Rum done, JA and the Old Bicycle
There is a problem brewing between RUM DONE and JA. Apparently JA is being accused by Rum Done of getting an individual who apparently writes under the Facebook profile character Brian Arzu to slander Rum Done. According to Rum Done, the person behind the profile is a PUP supporter who is a Public Officer. He also spoke about a woman who for the purpose of this essay we will call RQ .The woman we have referred to as RQ is known around Belmopan as the OLD BICYCLE. RQ, according to Rum Done is a special friend of JA. Apparently she is so special that JA ended up leaving his good Christian lifestyle in order to have a chance of riding the old bicycle.

PUP, Zinc Fence and BTL
After reading a release from the PUP we were perplexed. We were left to wonder whether the release came from Partridge Street or Queen Street. Over the years we’ve seen the writings coming from Partridge Street, and we know the tone and the writing style of one particular scribe from behind the fence on Partridge Street. The release reminds us very much of the type of writing the aforementioned scribe pens. The only difference with this particular release is that it was penned under a PUP letterhead. The author of the release appears to be sweating fever for the people from behind the fence on Partridge Street.

BAHA issues rabies warning
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) informs that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts. The disease is known to be transmitted by the vampire bat; therefore, humans, domestic animals, and wildlife are all susceptible. Measures are being implemented in collaboration with the ministries of Health and Agriculture and the Belize Livestock Producers Association to prevent as well as control the disease. These measures also require assistance from the public. Cattle farmers, especially in the Belize District, are advised to vaccinate their cattle against rabies.

NEMO and Red Cross asking for support to those affected by Guatemala’s Devastating volcanic eruption
One of the most active volcanoes in the Central American region erupted in a fiery explosion of ash and molten rock on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Volcán de Fuego, or Chi’gag, is an active volcano in Guatemala, on the borders of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez departments and after its quake, almost 200 are missing while the death toll is at 75 and rising. Survivors returning to the village of San Miguel los Lotes found nothing but destruction, as the village was turned to rubble and ash in the wake of the eruption.

Relief efforts in Belize ongoing for Guatemala
In view of the resultant tragedies from the recent volcanic eruptions in Guatemala, a group of private citizens have set up the Belize-Guatemala relief centers Country-wide. This is clearly a time to help our brothers and sister in need--in times of crisis. Once the items have been gathered they will be classified starting at 9:00 a.m on Friday at the Marshalek Stadium in Benque Viejo, where volunteers will also be needed.

SSB at 37
Having been established on June 1, 1981, the Social Security Board in Belize celebrated its 37th anniversary on Friday, June 1, 2018. In light of its 37th anniversary, an open day was held at each Social Security branch in Belize, focusing on promoting the new direct deposit system, an online way of receiving and sending payments and contributions and any other transactions.

Transport Minister and Team Meet with Canadian Delegation
A team of Belizean officials met with a visiting delegation of Canadian officials in Belmopan on June 4, 2018. The Canadian delegation was comprised of representatives from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and a Canadian construction company, JV Driver. Heading this meeting was Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management. The CCC is a Canadian government corporation which offers prime contracting for government contracts, among other services. The JV Driver Group, established in 1989, provides a wide range of contractor, fabrication services and engineered products in these sectors.

Maurice Serrano takes life in Dangriga
While it is not customary to report of cases of suicide, the incident involving Maurice Serrano has left the Dangriga community in peculiar shock. At about 3:15 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, Dangriga police visited the New Site Area residence of Maurice Amancio Serrano, 61. Once there, the officers informed Serrano of a report made against him and the reason for his detention.

Bulgarian National Vasil Kadalov is offered bail
Bulgarian national, 41-year-old Vasil Stoyanov Kadalov, has been sitting in prison for a month now but is out on a Supreme Court bail granted to him. He was granted bail by Supreme Court judge Justice Colin Williams in the sum of $7,500 cash which he was able to meet after a Western Union wire transaction on June 1, 2018. Kadalov was first arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on April 24, 2018 before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The complainant, Donald Stuart of Caye Caulker, made a report to the police that he checked his Atlantic Bank account and noticed that two thousand dollars were missing.

Burglarized dentist’s home
A dentist’s home in the Saint Paul’s Bank area was burglarized on May 19, 2018 and on Friday, June 1, the person accused was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He is Arthur Shemar Flowers, an employed resident of Berkley Street in Belize City. Flowers appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he was read charges of burglary and damage to property.

Armed robbery at Courts in Corozal
Two persons of interest are being sought by police in connection to a robbery at Courts Belize in Corozal. The robbery happened at about 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018 but was reported around 8:00 p.m. that same day by the branch manager Manuel Pech. According to Pech, two men, one armed with a firearm, entered the establishment and demanded money. The cashier was held up and it was from the cash register that they retrieved $5,739 from the day’s sales.

Fatal Hit and Run in Orange Walk and RTA in San Ignacio
On May 31, 2018 at about 7:18 p.m., police responded to a report on the San Estevan Road in Orange Walk Town. Upon arrival at the location, the officers observed the motionless body of a Hispanic male person lying on the road with injuries to the body. The body was identifies as that of Melito Macario Medina, a 51-year-old Belizean of Petville Area, Orange Walk District.

Hofius robbed during lunchtime
Just before the end of lunchtime on May 31, 2018, a brazen robbery happened on Albert Street. One of Belize City’s biggest department stores was robbed by two male persons. At about 12:48 p.m., two male persons entered Hofius Hardware. One of the men was armed with a chrome .38 pistol and pointed it to the cashier while the other assailant opened the cash register and took over $1,000 in cash along with some cheques.

$20 thousand netted in home invasion
It is seemingly becoming more common that criminals dressed in police uniforms are impersonatingactual law enforcement officers to prey on unsuspecting citizens. The most recent of these is a report made on Thursday, May 31, 2018. In that report, Laine Gee Fong, a 64-year-old Taiwanese national, said that at about 8:50 p.m. On that same day, two individuals, dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms, came to his residence in Ladyville on motorcycle.

Edward Bowen arrested for rape in Hopkins
A complaint was made by a 17-year-old minor to police in Hopkins on June 2, 2018 that around 3:30 p.m. on that date, she was raped in a bathroom by someone known to her. As a result, a medical examination was conducted which confirmed that she was carnally known.

Matthew Moore applies for bail for murder
The fate of Matthew Moore, who has been on remand for the past eight years on a charge of murder, will be decided by Supreme Court Judge Justice Colin Williams. Moore’s fate will be decided on Friday, June 8, 2018 after Justice Williams decides whether or not he has met the requirements for bail.

In court for punching his neighbor
Jose Guzman, a 37-year-old Belize City laborer, was arraigned on Monday, June 4, 2018 for allegedly harming his neighbor and damaging his door during an incident. Guzman appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to answer to two criminal charges of harm and damage to property.

Man sets fire to his Ex’s house
Shaquille Martinez, a 22-year-old construction worker of a Neal’s Pen road address, has been accused of attempting to set fire to the house of his estranged girlfriend. Allegations against Martinez are that on May 28, 2018, he visited the home of Kimberly Miranda. Miranda refused to let him in and after refusing, she immediately smelled gasoline and saw a curtain on fire.

Sibling Rivalry leads to court
A sibling disagreement over who is taking better care of their ill mother landed a brother in court for allegedly harming his sister. Edwin Pavon, a 39-year-old stevedore and resident of Caesar Ridge Road, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Pavon, who was unrepresented, was read a single charge of harm when he went before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser.

Altercation leads to stabbing at Civic
After becoming involved in an altercation at the Civic Center on Friday, June 1, 2018, Tyrique Garbutt was hospitalized. According to the 20-yer-old victim, he was at the Civic when he and an individual who is known to him got into an altercation. That individual inflicted two stab wounds to him, one to the upper right arm and one to the left side of his chest.

Smart Belize Hurricanes grabs their second NEBL Championship in 3 years
Sunday, June 3, 2018. The 2018 Pepsi NEBL season came to an end on Friday night at the Belize Civic Centre as Smart Belize Hurricanes swept their city counterparts, DigiCell Belize City Defenders in two games to claim their second NEBL championship in the past three years. Game 1 witnessed a 29 point blowout, while game 2 was following a similar trend as Smart Belize Hurricanes had a commanding 21 point lead going into the half. At the midway point of the fourth quarter Defenders cut a once 26 point lead down to 9 points, but missed three opportunities to further slice the lead down, giving Hurricanes enough cushion to pull off the 78 – 66 victory.

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy halts Unitedville Rebels United in Cayo Softball competition
The Cayo Softball Association 2018 Senior Women’s Softball competition continued on Sunday 3rd June, at the Unitedville Village Softball pitch with three games. In the final game of the day played, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy defeated the defending champions the Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 9-4. The winning pitcher was Shadalee Ho and the losing pitcher was Francine Salazar. With the win over the Unitedville Rebels United, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy as improved to a 5-4 record.

Belize to Host XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) is proud to announce that Belize will be the host country for the upcoming XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. The major seven-day international volleyball event will be held in Belize City from August 4 - 10, 2018, and is a regional ranking and qualification event to the continental (NORCECA) championship that has further ranking and qualifications to FIVB world championships. All Central American volleyball federations (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) are expected to participate in this AFECAVOL event.

Wesley Upper School boys remains perfect in primary schools football competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition continues at the MCC Grounds here in Belize City. On Friday 1st June, in the only game played in the girls’ competition, Belize Elementary School blanked Wesley Upper School by the score of 2-0. The goals for Belize Elementary School were scored by Erin Sosa and Akina Alamina. In the first of three games played in the boys’ competition, St. John’s Primary School defeated Belize Elementary School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Shemar Gillett.

Words of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser
In Belize we have a remarkable variety of ethnicities. Where did all the different races come from? The Missionary and Apostle Paul is recorded in the New Testament book of Acts as saying, “[God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

IGNORANCE, FEAR, PERVERSION OR MISTRUST
“Whether motivated by ignorance, fear, perversion or mistrust, many people were simply impervious to any kind of reasoning.” Godfrey P. Smith pg. 291 “Guatemala City had a very liberating effect on George.” pg. 40 “He thought that Guatemala was a great city…” pg. 41 “Price didn’t…confront the issue of Guatemala’s claim to Belizean territory during the entire year that he was in Guatemala.” pg. 40

What is Narcissistic Abuse?
There are so many definitions of Codependency, however, I find Lisa A Romano and Ross Rosenberg’s definition well put together. Lisa A. Romano is a certified life coach and an author, popular on Youtube Vlogger and Motivational Speaker. She is also an expert in the field of Codependency and Narcissistic Abuse. Her definition of Codependency in her own words is as follows: “Codependency has everything to do with limiting, false belief; they’re illusions and one of the greatest illusions I’ve discovered that people have is that they need validation from someone outside of themselves.”

The Imposter Syndrome
I have this terrible habit of doubting myself. I have no idea where it came from or why I even do it, but it’s something that I am ultimately not really proud of. Finding ways to stop doubting yourself is probably difficult for everyone, but for some reason I find it particularly challenging. Like everything else, I try to take control of the little itch I feel inside to somehow get rid of it and to not let outside influences affect my decisions — but it always creeps back.

Breaking Belize News

Two convicted for the murder of Steven Valencia
Today, two men were convicted in Belmopan for the murder of Steven Valencia, the former Cayo […]

Cordel Hyde endorses Paul Thompson for PUP convention
The National Deputy Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), Cordel Hyde, today publicly endorsed his […]

Mayor Wagner remains committed to settling debt with Belize Waste Control
About three weeks ago it made news when it was speculated that the newly elected […]

FCD ranger exchanges fire with Hispanic men in Belize’s Chiquibul National Park
San Ignacio Police are reporting that on June 6, 2018, FCD ranger Marco Diaz, 25, handed […]

Ministry of Finance foresees a decrease in fuel prices in coming weeks
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) today informed that effective midnight tonight there will be an increase in the […]

Fuel prices hike (again)
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) has just issued new fuel prices effective midnight tonight. […]

Authorities find over 3000 grams of marijuana in Belize City
On June 6, 2018, at around 11:40 a.m., police conducted an anti-drug operation in the Oleander […]

Cattle Landing resident dies in fatal traffic accident
Yesterday, at around 8:50 p.m., Punta Gorda Police arrived at 1 1/4 miles on the San […]

BELTRAIDE and Chamber of Commerce sign Memorandum of Cooperation
Today, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the nation’s leading business advising and […]

San Ignacio police officer charged with ‘aggravated assault’
On May 27, BBN reported of an incident involving two police officers attached to the […]

Elvin Penner cashing in on land bought in suspicious transaction
Disgraced former Minister of Immigration, Elvin Penner, is again drawing heated criticism after a sign […]

Masked men rob security firm and make off with their guns
Yesterday at around 3 a.m., Jody Rhamdas, 33, Chief Supervisor for Brint’s Security Company in Belize […]

Taiwan donates over $7000 to school farming project
Today, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, Charles Liu presented a $7,600 cheque to Howell Gillett, […]

BTB to host Digital Marketing Summit
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is preparing to host its 4th Annual Digital Marketing Summit in […]

Moist and unstable conditions to continue
Belize’s National Meteorological Center is reporting a moderate easterly airflow today with an increase in moisture […]

BBN’s Zoila Gonzalez nominated for US Government’s IVLP Program
Breaking Belize News’ journalist, Zoila Gonzalez, has been nominated for the United States Department of […]

Re- Registration scheduled to begin July 1
Belize’s national re-registration process is scheduled to commence on July 1. The last national re-registration exercise […]

Venezuela remains part of the OAS; Belize abstains
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has survived an attempt by the United States government to […]

Belize Audubon Society announced closure for Victoria Peak Trail 2018 season
Today, the Belize Audubon Society announced the closing of the Victoria Peak Trail for the 2018 Season. The Victoria Peak Natural Monument was declared a Protected Area in 1998 for its uniqueness and aesthetic qualities. […]

17-year old minor raped in Hopkins Village
On June 2, 2018, at around 5 p.m., a 17-year-old minor reported to Hopkins police that […]

Rabies Advisory Issued for Cayo, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) today informed the public, particularly cattle producers, that paralytic rabies […]

Blogs

Belize Caves: Our Underground Love Affair
Chaa Creek has an interesting article about Belize caves, and how Forbes Magazine likes the Great Blue Hole. They list 5 of the best caves in Cayo too. Actun Tunichil Muknal tops the list. "Our Underground Love Affair With Belize Caves. Belize’s Caves offer deeply moving experiences – from diving sparkling Caribbean waters to canoeing, tubing or rappelling hundreds of feet into a forest canopy."

International Sources

New property developments aim to bring Belize out of the jungle
On the Belizean island of Ambergris Caye, a few hundred metres from the world’s second-largest barrier reef, there has been a surge in condo construction. “If someone is looking [for homes for] $300,000, I have 30 to 40 units to show them right now,” says Michelle Lyons, an agent with Belize Sotheby’s International Realty. Not long ago, Belize was considered a Central American outpost, a remote getaway for divers, fishermen and expats eager to live off-the-grid in the jungle. But new-home projects are popping up across the former British colony, as developers roll the dice on whether Belize is ready to compete with Mexico and Costa Rica in attracting second-home buyers and retirees from the US and Canada. There are signs that it might. Earlier this year, Marriott and Four Seasons announced their first hotel and residential projects in Belize, a country that has traditionally been avoided by big chains. “The timing is right,” says Mike Crawford, president of portfolio management for Four Seasons. “The destination is coming into its own.”

Guatemala volcano alert too late to save lives, officials admit
A communication breakdown between a disaster agency and volcanologists in Guatemala delayed evacuations as gas and ash clouds cascaded down the Fuego volcano last Sunday in its most violent eruption in four decades, authorities have admitted.

Videos

June 7, 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

Rabies Advisory from BAHA
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) informs the public, particularly cattle producers, that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk and Belize Districts. The disease is known to be transmitted by the vampire bat. Therefore, humans, domestic animals and wildlife are susceptible and at risk, especially in the known outbreak areas. Prevention and control measures are being implemented throughout the affected districts, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Belize Livestock Producers Association. These measures also require assistance from the public:

Samantha J performs on Ambergris Caye
Jamaican model and singer-songwriter Samantha J was live in concert for the first time in the country, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, June 2nd. The concert featured various performances and music by the best DJ’s in the country. Around 10PM, spectators started to arrive at the auditorium to enjoy the concert. The party featured Tagg International, Alfrain Supal, DJ Smallz, Paper Trail Sounds and performances by Dian Songs, Banz and Ceecee and Prince Amir. The various DJ’s brought the latest summer tunes, including hip-hop, reggae, pop, and dancehall which entertained the crowd. Bartenders kept the cocktails and ice cold beers flowing, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Stakeholders Unite to Stop Destructive Development within Hol Chan Marine Reserve
In response to the recent public meeting and the resulting outcry against over-the-water development in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) has reassembled. The ACCSD is not a group against development. Their mission is to promote sustainable development; to protect and enhance our natural resources without compromising the livelihood of this and future generations. The near-term goal: To contest and reverse the National Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) decision to allow the building of 50+ over-the-water structures around Cayo Rosario on the west side of Ambergris Caye. This, in addition to over 55,000 cubic meters of dredging of the protected flats and proposed underwater pipeline, all in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, should never be allowed. The ACCSD strongly urges the Board of NEAC, as well as the developers to reconsider building over public and protected waters. Legal steps are also being taken – our marine reserve and public lands are for the people of Belize, not for private gain.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Unites For Guatemala, Over $10K Pledged
El Volcan de Fuego eruptionin Guatemala on Sunday, June 3, 2018, has resulted in 86 deaths and at least 300 injuries, 2,000 missing persons so far, including the evacuation of many neighboring residents. Without any hesitation island residents of Ambergris Caye, Beilze united in the spirit of humanity to assist, in any way possible, our neighbors in Guatemala. On Monday, June 4, 2018, Island Warriors Football Team, spearheaded a dollar drive and collection of canned foods and clothing at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Football Field. The group had a tremendous turnout of support having collected $1,158 in the dollar drive and three truckloads of clothing in just one night. Their fundraising efforts continued on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 and the entire community of San Pedro united for a grand radiothon and food/clothing drive on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

Stakeholders Unite To Stop Destructive Development Within Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The near-term goal: To contest and reverse the National Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) decision to allow the building of 50+ over-the-water structures around Cayo Rosario on the west side of Ambergris Caye. This, in addition to over 55,000 cubic meters of dredging of the protected flats and proposed underwater pipeline, all in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, should never be allowed.

Misc Belizean Sources

Miss Lobster Fest 2018 Contestants
The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committee is proud to present the contestants vying for the title of Miss Lobster Fest 2018/2019.

Placencia Breeze June 2018
What’s Inside: Splash Dive Center Shares Expert Methods for Finding Whale Sharks ... pg. 3; Obituary: Clarence "Dada" Lopez ... pg. 3; Reggae Taking Primetime at Lobsterfest ... pg. 5; Chocolate Fest Reveals Concerns for Local Chocolate Economy ... pg. 6; CRC to Welcome International Conservation Experts ... pg. 6; Seine Bight Reservoir to Transform into Museum ... pg. 7; Donations Driving More Coral Restoration Projects ... pg. 9; Filming to Begin for "Pirates of Placencia II: Revenge" ... pg. 10; Lobsterfest Scoop on T-shirts, Fishing Tournament and Raffle ... pg. 11; Minimalism Wins in 2018 Lobsterfest Art Competition... pg. 14; Fishing and Diving for the Blue Reef Adventure ... pg. 19; Young Runners for Life Second Race Results In; Preparations Begin for Battle Cancer Run/Walk ... pg. 21; Longtime Placencia Hotelier Transitioning to Farm Life ... pg. 25; Rotary to Award Secondary and Tertiary Level Scholarships ... pg. 26; PHS Updates ... pg. 27; Bikers Meet in the Middle ... pg. 29

Training in fly-fishing
Helping fishers to improve their livelihood, and improve the status of the MPA through better compliance. Hol Chan is assisting 13 commercial fishermen with training in fly-fishing. The guys have just completed the tour guide training course and now they are learning a new skill. The training is being given by long time commercial fisher turned fly fisher Mr. Omar Arceo.

ROBERT "BOB" YSAGUIRRE! LEGENDARY BELIZEAN MUSICIAN, BASSIST & TUBA PLAYER (1897-1982)!
Belizean born pioneering jazz musician (bassist and tuba player) Robert "Bob" Ysaguirre (1897 to 1982) came to the United States in 1920, and like many Belizean immigrants at that time, settled in New Orleans. In the early days of jazz in New Orleans after WWI he played tuba (bass brass) in Armand Piron's New Orleans Orchestra. As a young man he played tuba in military-style brass bands in British Honduras. In the mid 1920s, he moved to New York City (Manhattan), joined by his widowed mother and sister, who came to the U.S. in 1924. In the early 1930s Ysaguirre played bass in Don Redman's Orchestra. He also played with such jazz notables as Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Cab Calloway. Below is a 1971 photo of Ysaguirre.

BELIZEAN STUDIES
A new curriculum and portal in the making called BELIZEAN STUDIES. More info at www.belizeanstudies.com

DFC AREA GET READY! The San Pedro Town Council will be having its Community Clean-Up Day in the DFC Area on Saturday, June 9th. Meeting place will be at W&W Convenience Store at 6:00 a.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED! *Gloves, bags and refreshments will be provided. *Residents of DFC are asked to clean up your property and take out any garbage for the trucks to dispose of it.

Roy Hale in Concert
Pier 366 Seafood House, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Invites - If you happen to be in the area drop by and enjoy our music and food. June 19th, 23rd, 25th at 5:00 P.M. Country Singer/Songwriter, Roy Hale, originally from Arkansas will be performing LIVE on 3 occasions at our beachfront Seafood House. Come dine in style at Pier 366 while being serenaded by Hale's traditional country songs! You don't want to miss this!

Power outage scheduled for portion of Belize City on Saturday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Affecting Mapp Street, Freetown Road, Kelly Street, Wilson Street, Simon Lamb Street, Saint Joseph Street, Baymen Avenue, Princess Margaret Drive, portion Newtown Barracks, Calle al Mar, 2nd Street, 9th Street, 14th Street and 3rd Street. BEL to replace a utility pole on St. Joseph Street and replace power distribution equipment on Simon Lamb Street.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of May 21st - May 27th, 2018
Beautiful weather this week yielded lots of bonefish. The water temperature is going up, so the larger bonefish (five pounders) have headed into deeper water, but there is plenty of bonefish around. Dan, a beginner, managed to land twelve bonefish during his one day of fishing with Captain Michael while the other anglers had great days as well.

Vacancy, Camera Operator
The National Channel based in Red Creek is actively looking for a Camera Operator with editing skills, responsible for recording and editing proprietary footage (video,audio & graphics)

Maya profesor Mario Baltazarat San Pablo Community School
Today Maya profesor Mario Baltazar Colli Colli sharing his knowledge on the Maya language to the children and Parents in San Pablo Community School . Mario Baltazar Colli Colli is a profesor of Instituto Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo and he came to teach Maya for the first time in the 2016 in Belize . Even that most of the children in San Pablo today speak Spanish and English they continue to use alot of Yucatec Maya words while speaking spanish . This words where inherited by their Grandparents who where Maya speakers . Maaya K-Moots(Our Maya roots) .

RABIES ADVISORY
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) informs the public, particularly cattle producers, that paralytic rabies continues to affect cattle in the Cayo, Orange Walk and Belize Districts. The disease is known to be transmitted by the vampire bat. Therefore, humans, domestic animals and wildlife are susceptible and at risk, especially in the known outbreak areas. Prevention and control measures are being implemented throughout the affected districts, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Belize Livestock Producers Association. These measures also require assistance from the public:

International Day of Yoga 2018 Corozal Town
A fun morning celebrating the benefits of yoga Including a beginners level yoga practice that is fun. Sunday, June 17 at 9 AM - 11 AM, Round House Corozal Town

RADIOTHON
Sponsored by Radio Bahia to be held this Saturday, June 9th from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for victims of recent volcano eruption in Guatemala. Please Donate!

Digital Marketing Summi
Friday, July 13 at 8 AM - 4 PM, Belize Biltmore Plaza 3½ Miles Northern Highway, Belize City. The Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB) Digital Marketing Summit is a hub of inspiration and insights by some of the top professional marketers in their respective fields. As tourism digital marketers today, we face more challenges and greater marketing demands than ever before. The reality is to “do more with less, utilizing new technologies,” this is no small feat, indeed. To succeed, we must rethink our marketing strategies and avoid the hurdles that impede such progress. As tourism marketers, there are numerous avenues to utilize for greater qualitative and quantitative measurement of progress and success.

Graduation from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program
On Thursday May 31, 815 students from 13 elementary schools in the San Ignacio area graduated from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Debbie Lingwood and local manager of Catholic Schools Ms. Lavern Martinez were the guest speakers at the ceremony at the Sacred Heart Auditorium in San Ignacio. Ms. Lingwood highlighted G.R.E.A.T.’s positive impact on the lives of children, their families, and their communities and commended the Belize Police Department and the Ministry of Education for their efforts to expand G.R.E.A.T. to as many schools as possible. Across Central America, the goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to improve citizen security, combat gang-related crime and violence, and prevent vulnerable youth from falling victim to gangs or engaging in gang activities.

Channel 7

Concerns Deepen About Choice Bank
For months, we’ve been reporting on the problems at Choice Bank - an offshore bank in Belize City.  In early April, the Bank told customers that it’s in a liquidity crisis, and it suspended all withdrawals from deposit accounts with the Bank.   This has caused profound concern amongst the bank’s deposit holders - who are mostly foreign or expatriate.   But, one of those international clients is not just concerned, she’s panicked!  Anja Schoneveld has filed a sworn affidavit alleging that Choice Bank pans to wind down operations by the end of this month.  Schoneveld is asking the court for an injunction to, quote, “prevent the dissipation of funds…”.

Police and Politician Respond To Downtown Crime
If you’ve been following the the evening news within the last 6 days, you’ll know that they’ve been 3 successful armed robberies, and 2 failed attempts in or near the Downtown area of Belize City. Last week Thursday, Hofius was hit, and a few hours later, the Nacho World restaurant was the next target that same afternoon. Then, there are the failed attempts at a food vendor on Albert Street the Friday before, and ML Collections, right next door to Mirage Store - which happened yesterday. Then on Monday night, armed thieves held up Spoonaz Cafe, right across the Swing Bridge, on North Front Street.

Police Strongly Reject Assertion that Police Planted Gun on 13 Year Old
Another topic that the press asked Williams about is the shooting of the 13 year-old boy over the weekend. You’ll remember officers of the Gang Suppression Unit say that he pulled a weapon on them after they chased him down, and in order to disarm him, they shot him in the foot. His dad has spoken to the press to dispute the police account, saying that his child is innocent. He has since made the media rounds, alleging that police planted the gun on the boy. Williams told the press this evening, that this is the furthest thing from the truth: DCP Chester Williams - OC, Operations: "On the day in question police received a tip that a child was carrying a firearm ..."

Belize Abstains on OAS Venezuela Vote
When it comes to the United States and Venezuela, Belize is walking a tightrope between empire and ally.  That became apparent yesterday in Washington DC when the OAS General Assembly passed a resolution proposed by the US to call an extraordinary assembly to vote on suspending Venezuela from the 34-member group.   19 member states, led by the US voted in favor, four against and 11 abstaining, including Belize. Here is video of the vote at the fourth plenary session: The 11 countries that abstained include CARICOM members Surinam, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Haiti.

Judge Deliberates Fate of Alleged Killer
A 29 year old is awaiting the Judge’s decision to learn if he’ll go to jail for the murder of 31 year old Moses Coc - which happened on San Pedro in 2014.   The trial started 8 days ago and hinges to a great extent on the testimony of Jeronimo Ack, who was bar hopping with Coc on the night of his murder. He said they called it a night and split up which is when he heard his friend scream for help.  He says he saw a dark skin male person hitting Coc in his head with a stick. Prosecutor, Shanice Lovell presented a caution statement which the accused gave to police.  In that, Moody claims that he was approached by two men who tried to steal his bicycle.

Helping Guatemala “No Matta What”
Tonight, the death toll from the volcanic eruption in Guatemala has risen to 77 - while nearly 200 are still missing.  More than 1 million people were affected by the volcano and  presently 3,319 of those are in shelters.  Countries and organizations are coming together to assist Guatemala by donating money and supplies to those in need.  Belize is one among the many but our Red Cross can only give money as they don't have space to store supplies. But, one Belizean didn’t feel like money was enough, she wanted to give more. We met her today and heard more about her generous gesture. Volcano Fuego has always been an active volcano that would occasionally gush out lava, but on Sunday the volcano did justice to its fiery name. Fuego had its worst eruption in more than a century, turning villages into ash and women, men, and children buried in it.

Belizean in Texas Caught Trafficking In “Meth”
A Belizean living illegally Texas has been arrested and charged for attempting to traffic 2 pounds of the highly addictive drug, “Crystal Meth”. The Virginia Pilot Newspaper posted an article on it’s online news webpage yesterday reporting that Fiorman Eric Gillett, a Belizean living illegally in Houston, pleaded guilty yesterday to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this year by the US District Court in Norfolk, Virginia.  According to the Pilot Newspaper, Gillett was on the radar of the Drug Enforcement Administration as far back as February 2017. His alleged trafficking activities were picked up by the DEA, with the help of a confidential informant who reportedly bought drugs from him regularly.

No Simple Solution For Santander Situation
Earlier in the news, you saw the Albert Division’s Area Representative, Tracy Panton, out on Albert Street assuring business owners and residents living in the downtown area that the cops will be taking action to stop the recent spate of armed robberies.  We also asked for an update as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Trade and Investment Promotion about the situation with Santander, who illegally sold sugar on the local market.  The 3 cane farming associations from the north are calling for the Government to hand them the maximum fine under the law as a penalty for the violation. These farmer associations have also insisted that the Government’s EPZ committee should reject Santander’s application for a waiver to sell white and brown sugar on the local market. 

Otoxha Villagers Want To Clear Border
Otoxha villager in the Toledo District refuse to let the Guatemalans who are pressing into their lands get off easily.  Residents are doing all they can to protect their land but they need the BDF’s support. We have been reporting extensively on the situation in that southern village and as we told you the BDF were deployed in the area.  But, residents say they now want to take it a step further and clear the land at the border line so it is visible to everyone. Last week several village leaders met to discuss this issue and the way forward. Here is a snippet courtesy PGTV.

7 Pounds of Weed In PIV Turf
This morning a joint police operation including the K9 unit found some pounds of weed in a gang controlled area. They searched on an abandoned lot between Oleander and Flamboyant Street and came upon found seven and a quarter (7.25) pounds of cannabis. They also found three .38 rounds. No one was present at the time of the searched so the items were labelled and deposited as found property.

Family Hauled In For Son’s Weed
Four men were arrested and charged for drug trafficking in a home search today. Three of the men are Ramclams, 55 year old father Dion, and his 20 and 25 year old sons Dedri and Deshawn, along with another relative, and 68 year old British National John Issac. They were all in their home on Bachelors Avenue in the West Landivar area when the GSU and K9 unit searched the home and found 72 grams of cannabis.  They appeared unrepresented in court today in front of Magistrate Michelle Trapp.  20-year-old Dedri Ramclam chose to plead not guilty to drug trafficking but guilty to the lesser charge of marijuana possession.

Re-assessing The Reef
Today the Central American Commission on Environment and Development met at the Radisson. The main focus was to discuss the work they have done to safeguard the reef and also what more can be done. Here’s more from the meeting. Salvador Nieto - Executive Secretary, Central American Commission on Environment & Development: "We are here since yesterday in a two day meeting regarding the Mesoamerican Reef. We are part of a Mesoamerican initiative for reef rescue and we are discussing the works we have been doing in the last years and also the plans for future years in the reef rescue initiative."

Hon. Tracy Not Worried About The Evil of Two Lessers
In less than 2 weeks, voters from the Albert Division will decide who they want as their PUP standard bearer. The choice will be between Senator Paul Thompson, who’s the current caretaker, and his challenger and Senate colleague, Valerie Woods. There is quite bit of political jostling taking place between the two camps, but on June 17, one of them will emerge victorious. So, who does the current area representative, Tracy Panton want to face in the next election?  It’s interesting because Panton has history with both PUP aspirants, since they all worked together at one time in the first term of the Musa Administration post 1998.   But, she said, that it doesn’t matter who wins, she’s confident that she will be able to deliver the Albert Division back to the UDP:

PUP Focussed on Crime
At the top of the newscast, we spoke about the rash of armed robberies in the downtown area of Belize City.  You saw the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Albert Area Representative, Tracey Taegar Panton.  She was there because there’s also a political dimension to brazen crime when it is visited on the heart of the city’s commercial center.   Yesterday also, Opposition Leader John Briceno spoke about the crime wave.  Here’s what he had to say on the recent spike in murders, armed robberies, and home invasions that have dominated the news: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "According to the latest reports, 79 murders have been committed to date. Increasing levels of crime has not only been confined to the ongoing gang violence but now include the killing of innocent children, of women and now we can add to the list of horrific crimes..."

PUP Says Gas Tax Is Too High
And another topic Briceno spent quite a bit of his prepared remarks on is the country’s economy and the rising cost of living. Of course, Briceño had only words of condemnation for the Barrow Government about the sluggish growth in the economy, and the soaring price of fuel. He acknowledged that world fuel prices are high, but from his perspective, the Government’s portion of it for tax purposes is abusive, and needs to be decreased. Here are his comments on those issues: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition
"We keep waiting to hear that our economy is growing yet the reports coming out of the statistical institute of Belize continues to be the same - little or no growth. SIB reports confirm a reduction in revenue from exports an increase in imports. Our trade deficit continues to grow at the same time the cost of fuel.."

The Prime Minister and The Press
And, finishing up on politics, we’ve been digging into our archives again - and we’ve come up with some interesting contrasts in the PM’s perspective on the press.  10 years ago, he loved us, and nowadays, he’s taking shots at the press, regularly.  As Jules Vasquez reports, it’s a familiar trajectory: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister (February 8, 2008): “By resolving never to run from issues never to run from the press, never to blame the press but to man up if in fact there are things that go wrong." But, 10 years and a month later, he was doing just that, blaming the press:

Channel 5

Hugo Patt for U.D.P. Leader and P.M.?
He served as Acting Prime Minister twice in the first half of April while Prime Minister Dean Barrow was out on medical leave. But could Minister of Labour, Local Government [...]

Change of Heart over Border Fence in the West
The start of construction of a perimeter fence by the Belize Defence Force at the western border triggered an uproar by taxi drivers from Guatemala who claimed they were being [...]

Otoxha Villagers Ask Alcaldes to Ask B.D.F. to Help Clear Border
There have been increasing reports of incursions into Belizean territory by Guatemalan farmers, loggers and poachers along both the western and southern borders. In the case of the west, Friends [...]

Chairman of Otoxha Says Why Wait to Clear Border?
The villagers say they are concerned about not being able to defend themselves from possible attacks, although they have made it clear that the Guatemalans are not welcome to farm [...]

Belizean Caught in Drug Trafficking Scheme by D.E.A.
Forty-eight-year-old Fiorman Erick Gillett, a Belizean based in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth. Gillett, also known [...]

Santander Faces Fine for EPZ Violations
Santander will be fined – that’s what Minister Tracy Panton said today. For the past two weeks and the last time we spoke with Panton, it wasn’t clear if the [...]

Trade Minister Responds to CARICOM Sugar Call
And on the topic of sugar, Panton responded to statements made by Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño. On Tuesday, Briceño said G.O.B. should be doing more to export all [...]

Tracey Panton Says She Will Win in Albert
The P.U.P. convention for the Albert Division is heating up, but the U.D.P. Area Rep Tracy Panton says she is not fazed and will deliver the Albert for the U.D.P. [...]

Cops, Parents of Accused Minor Spar over Found Gun
Was thirteen-year-old Elwin Pitter armed with a handgun as police say he was when they fired at him on Saturday evening?  Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that the [...]

Police Digging Deep into Downtown Robberies
Over the past few weeks, we’ve reported on several armed robberies on businesses in the downtown area. In less than a week, two businesses on Albert Street, including Hofius, were [...]

Albert Rep Plans Meeting with Constituents on Crime Issue
As we showed you earlier, Area Representative for Albert Division Tracy Panton was out and about today in the downtown area, accompanied by the Belize Police Department. Panton says that [...]

“The Alberts” Will Be Safe Zone
So, what are Police doing about the growing number of robberies on businesses in the downtown area? Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that they will enact “Operation Safe [...]

Edward Bowen is Charged for Teen’s Rape at Mango Fest
A Hopkins’ resident is tonight out on a five thousand-dollar bail having been accused of raping a seventeen-year-old student at the Mango Fest held over the weekend in that southern [...]

Judgment Reserved in San Pedro Beating Murder Trial
San Pedro resident Jermaine Moody awaits his fate after Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas reserved his judgment in a judge-only trial on a murder charge. The twenty-nine-year-old from San Pedrito [...]

UNICEF Empowers Local Partners on Child Abuse
Child abuse comes in many forms; it can be limited to one incident or it can be a series of events that occur many times. In Belize, many organizations have [...]

TIDE is National Winner for Energy Globe Awards
The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) was awarded the National Energy Globe Award for its Community Researchers’ Programme and has qualified to compete in World Energy Globe Award. [...]

At O.A.S., Tide of Sympathy for Guatemala
They may be occasionally irascible neighbors, but they are neighbors nonetheless. And in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the volcano “El Fuego” in the municipality of Antigua, Guatemala, [...]

Belizeans Spared Wrath of Volcano Disaster
Ambassador Alexis Rosado, Belize’s diplomatic representative in Guatemala, also extended sympathies to families who have suffered losses in the wake of the volcanic disaster in the central highlands of Guatemala.  [...]

O.A.S. Vote Defeated to Suspend Venezuela, Elrington Calls for Compromise
A topic of intense discussion at the general assembly of the Organization of American States was the U.S. government’s call to suspend Venezuela. The Americans are supported by Argentina, Brazil, [...]

P.U.P. Meets with S.S.B. over Contributions Plan
The Social Security Board continues to seek support for an increase in voluntary contributions by employees, which may potentially allow for an increase in benefits as well. Thirty-seven years after [...]

CTV3

Opposition Leader Calls On GOB To Keep Insisting On Guatemala On Agreement
In light of the age-old territorial, insular and maritime dispute between Belize and neighbouring country Guatemala, we have reported on numerous cases involving confrontations along the Sarstoon River as members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces have remained determined on just about every occasion to outrightly deny Belizeans access to freely traverse the Sarstoon. Though major international meetings have been held in an effort to formulate a protocol so as assist in minimizing those conflicts, today no such protocol has been formally established.

LOVE FM

Taegar-Panton: it’s about market penetration not access
The leader of the Opposition John Briceno proposed that the Government of Belize should do more to ensure that there is market access for Belize’s sugar on the CARICOM market. Today, Minister of State Tracy Taegar-Panton set the record straight. Taegar-Panton said that accessing CARICOM’s market is not an issue. Tracy Taegar-Panton – Minister of …

Guatemalan’s application to become Belize put on hold
And then there are the Guatemalans who enter Belize legally and become part of the social fabric here at home. It has been happening since Belize attained independence. Most of them made the decision to renounce their Guatemalan citizenship in order to become Belizeans. But for years, that process has not been legitimate as pointed …

“Beat Plastic Pollution”
In recent times great awareness has been drawn to protecting the environment. However, one challenge to this is plastics, which is used repeatedly from bagging groceries, to drinking juices out of plastic bottles and let’s not forget the take-out food which is served up in foam plates. While the United Nations has been observing World …

Will Santander be allowed to sell its sugar on the local market?
The three cane farmers associations, namely the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association and the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association have written to the Export Processing Zone Committee (EPZ) requesting that Santander not be allowed to sell its sugar on the local market, which will seriously affect their sales. Today, …

Mission team in Belize to provide free clinic
Hope Missions 360 operates out of Atlanta Georgia in the USA and their mission is to serve underprivileged and vulnerable individuals around the world by providing medical services. Last year, Hope Missions 360 was in Jamaica and now the mission team is here in Belize offering their services free of charge. Love News was at …

Dolores Balderamos Garcia says Belize Rural Central needs solid representation
It is convention season for the People’s United Party and while some standard bearers have been set in place in several divisions, none has officially been elected in the Belize Rural Central Division. Longtime PUP member Rene Skeen has submitted his application and so has Dolores Balderamos Garcia, a senior woman in politics and in …

The importance of women in politics and in the PUP
When Thea Garcia Ramirez resigned from the PUP’s Northern Caucus last month, her letter to the Party Leader spoke of issues affecting women in politics. She wrote quote, “The experience of having been one of but a few women sitting here reminds me that we are still a very long way from our constitutionally mandated …

Belizean in the US pleads guilty to drug offences
Belizean forty eight year old Fiorman Erick Gillett was busted trafficking meth in the United States of America. He pled guilty to trafficking two pounds of crystal methamphetamine. Gillett was caught after a DEA agent went under cover. According to reports, law enforcements in the US were monitoring him since February 2017. An online news …

Opposition Leader says economy not growing
PUP Leader John Briceno says the economy is not getting any better. During Briceno’s press briefing yesterday, it was pointed out that export remains significantly low when compared to imports. The country’s trade deficit continues to grow, said Briceno. He added that the cost of living has increased significantly that is negatively affected the purchasing …

PUP addresses Guatemalans’ illegal incursions into Belize
The Sarstoon River is not the only location in Belize that we have seen Guatemalans illegally entering the country. Along the western border, evidence of Guatemalans’ incursions and illegal clearing of Belize’s fertile land have been documented on many occasions. Recently Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) discovered large clearings of land in the Chiquibul …

PUP Leader disappointment that there is no Sarstoon Protocal
In April the People’s United Party called on the Government of Belize to regularize its position in the Sarstoon by the re-establishment and enforcement of Belizean sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the past the …

BPD needs to be retrained, retooled and refocused, says PUP Leader
The murder statistics is up to more than seventy since the start of the year. We have now entered the sixth month and the People’s United Party says that the crime problem in Belize is not being addressed properly …

Police & Area Rep meet with businesses affected by crime
Today, the Police Department held its weekly meet and greet in the downtown area of Belize City. This meet and greet was a very timely one given the recent spike in crime which has occurred in that area. Chester Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Tracy Taegar-Panton, the Area Representative for Albert, were a part of today’s event …

Hugo Patt for UDP Leader?
Yesterday Cabinet met and we are told that it got very interesting, particularly as it relates to the UDP’s internal party politics. Love News has confirmed with a source within Cabinet that two time UDP area representative, Hugo Patt, was singled out by one of the most senior UDP ministers as a possible candidate to lead …

Firearms stolen from security company
Lately, a number of business establishments have been held up with firearms. There is a report that more firearms are now on the streets due to a recent theft at a security company. At today’s meet and greet, Chester Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Police …

PlusTV

17 YEAR OLD MINOR RAPED AT MANGO FEST
A 17 year old female minor reported to Police that she was raped by a known male person. The Belizean Student told Hopkins Police that about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, while she was at the Hopkins Mango Fest, she was raped by 22 year old Edward Bowen. A medical examination conducted on the minor certifi...

4TH ROBBERY REPORT ON ALBERT ST. IN LESS THAN A WEEK
Plus News understands that there was another robbery attempt on an Albert Street business sometime yesterday evening. While information are still scanty we understand that robbers dressed in security uniforms parked their bikes outside M and L Collection, which is adjacent to Mirange Store, and att...

BELIZEAN CRYSTAL METH DRUG DEALER BUSTED IN THE U.S.
A Belizean who grew up in the Cayo District and entered the USA illegally several years ago was arrested in Norfolk, Arkansas for conspiracy to distribute an illegal drug known as crystal methamphetamine or Crystal Meth. According to ‘The Virgian- Pilot’ 48 year old Belizean Erick Gillett was busted...

Jermaine Moody court date adjourned
The murder trial of 29-year-old Jermaine Moody, a SA Pedro resident concluded late yesterday evening before Justice Adolph Lucas in the Supreme Court and a decision is yet to be handed down. Moody is accused of killing 31-year-old Moses Coc on San Pedro on September 13, 2014 during a beating inciden...

DOLORES BACK IN THE RACE
Another female candidate has applied to run under the People’s United Party’s banner. But, this female is no stranger to the Party or to Politics. Dolores Balderamos Garcia has seen her fair share of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Politics during her tenure as Area Representative for Belize Rura...

BTL RESPONDS TO ENDING RELATIONSHIP WITH KREMANDALA
As we reported on Monday, BTL abruptly ended all media advertisements with Kremandala several weeks ago, which includes KREM Radio, KREM TV and the AMANDALA Newspaper. On Monday the People’s United Party (PUP) piped in and called on the Government to immediately rescind the advertisement ban imposed...

PUP INTERNAL DISPUTE OR ‘POLITICAL EXCITEMENT’ ?
Last night our News Cast was filled with comments from Opposition Leader John Briceno’s who held a Press Conference yesterday. We would like to take you back to that Conference tonight in order to address other matters he spoke about. Last night we reported on Briceno’s response to his Party’s reje...

DOES THE PUP WANT MOYA?
Increasing rumors suggest that former UDP Mayo Zenaida Moya is interested in running for the People’s United Party. This seems likely since the PUP have been facing questions about the Party’s ability to meet the 30% threshold for women candidates. Doubts arose after defeated...

BRICENO TALKS GUATEMALANS GAINING BELIZEAN CITIZENSHIP
Guatemala’s dispute to Belizean territorial integrity automatically puts them under Section 29.3 of the Belize Constitution which sates, “No person shall be entitled…to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizenship of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a...

POLICE SEEKS TO BUILD SECURITY CONFIDENCE ON ALBERT ST.
Earlier in our news cast we reported that there has been increasing reports of robberies on Albert Street. In an effort to build the security confidence of Business owners on Albert Street the Belize Police Department hosted a meet at greet today with Businesses located in the area. The meet and greet was led by ACP Chester Williams and Area Rep for the Albert Division Hon. Tracy Panton. Williams tells us more...

OTOXA VILLAGERS VOLUNTEER TO CLEAR BORDER LINE
Villagers of Otoxa in the Toledo District are volunteering their time and resources to clean their borderline, but they want BDF escorts. The villagers held a community meeting to address the recent Guatemalan incursion near their community. According to one outspoken ...

REGION ONE OFFICERS GRADUATION
Yesterday, 20 officers from Eastern Division Region One graduated from a four week course in Effective Writing and Speaking for Modern Day Policing. According to Eastern Division Region One Commander Howell Gillet, the training is the brain child of a meeting held between the Ministry of National Security and key stake holders...

BRICENO CALLS ON P.M. TO DECREASE TAX ON FUEL
The People’s United Party Leader Johnny Briceno is calling on the Government of Belize to immediately decrease taxes on fuel. Briceno held a press conference...

ROARING MINORS CAUGHT RED HANDED STEALING
Three minors from the Village of Roaring Creek attempted to steal horses in the Rivera Area of Belmopan on Sunday. Their plans were foiled when community members attempted to catch them. Paul Lopez files this report from the Rivera Community...

SPOONAZ CAFÉ ROBBED
There have been increasing reports of robberies across the country. The latest victim is 63 year old Jeremy Alexander Spooner, owner of SPOONAZ Café on North Front Street Belize City. Spooner told Police that three around 10:50 p.m., while closing his business establishment he was approached by a male person wearing a brown Security Guard...

BRICENO SUPPORTS SANTANDER; BUT NOT THEIR LAW BREAKING
Last week we reported to you that Santander packaged sugar was found in stores in the Orange Walk and Corozal districts. The discovery caused quite an alarm for the sugar cane farmers and sugar cane producers in Belize who say they are already going through a difficult year with historic lows in sug...

BRICENO SAY “NOT TIME TO TURN BLIND EYE TO ILLEGAL BORDER ACTIVITIES”
We have been reporting on the increased encroachment by Guatemalan in Belizean territory. Several weeks ago reports out of the Chiquibul reserve indicated that Guatemalan citizens were farming in the area. Last week further reports of Guatemalan encroachment in Belizean territory came out of Souther..

BELIZE RED CROSS SENDING AID TO GUATEMALA
Hundreds of Belizean citizens took to social media over the past 3 days to show support and solidarity to Guatemala’s Volcano Eruption victims. Reports are that over 60 people perished, while more than 3,000 people have been left homeless since Sunday. The Belize Red Cross is one among the many orga...

NATIONAL SUCIDE PREVENTION TRAINING
According to information published this week by the Ministry of Health, Belize has averaged about 2 suicides per month over the past 5 years. In an effort to decrease those numbers, 100 social workers, educators, counselors, administrators and youth workers received training in suicide prevention. T...

Breaking Belize News

Belize Audubon Society announced closure for Victoria Peak Trail 2018 season
Today, the Belize Audubon Society announced the closing of the Victoria Peak Trail for the 2018 […]

17-year old minor raped in Hopkins Village
On June 2, 2018, at around 5 p.m., a 17-year-old minor reported to Hopkins police that […]

Rabies Advisory Issued for Cayo, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) today informed the public, particularly cattle producers, that paralytic rabies […]

Belize Times editor submits resignation
He returned to the Belize Times as editor in August 2016, but today BBN can confirm […]

Over 15,000 Belizean children have completed GREAT training
On Thursday May 31, over 800 students from 13 primary schools in the Cayo district […]

Belize to celebrate International Yoga Day
This year on June 17th, Belize will be celebrating, for the fourth consecutive year, the […]

BTL responds to criticism of politically targeting Kremandala
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) issued a release today responding to criticism for reportedly pulling ads […]

The Latest News Stories on Belize, Central America & The Caribbean. Belizean charged with distributing Meth in USA
According to The Virginian Pilot, a Belizean man was charged yesterday for distributing crystal methamphetamine in Arkansas, United States of America (USA). […]

Belize among destinations Saving the Planet
Yesterday was celebrated internationally as World Environment Day. An article from the Telegraph recently cited […]

TIDE wins National Energy Globe Award
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) yesterday announced that they won the National Energy […]

Political Revolution without Economic Revolution= More fail
By Charles Leslie Jr: BELIZE NEEDS A POLITICAL + ECONOMIC REVOLUTION. “Any kind of action, such as handouts, charity, that relieves people’s stress a little bit, without changing the political and economic system, changes nothing over the long run. Belize’s reality as it is today is a testament to that fact.” […]

Blogs

10 reasons why Belize is perfect for a single traveler & some ideas for your trip!
Why pick Belize as a single traveler - and tips on how to do it! 1.) Belize is very popular for adventurous, free spirits - it is not known for its luxurious all-inclusives - and although there is a lot that is romantic about Belize, this is not what it is best known for. Belize is known for being off the beaten path, full of adventure, the 2nd biggest reef in the world, Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and being a rustic paradise where you don't have to be fancy. Belize gets a LOT of single travelers because the adventures, while pretty sweet to experience with someone else, are not necessary to have with another, the way that an all inclusive on the beach would be. 2.) It is a destination for people to come when they are seeking out a place with more authentic, non-corporate experiences.

Belize Educational Programs: Butterflies on the Road 2018!
Throughout the years Chaa Creek has continually provided environmental education programs aiming to help conserve and preserve Belize’s natural environment. The month of May is known to be education month in Belize, so with that in mind and as part of our community outreach and educational programs, Chaa Creek’s Naturalist Guides set out on a journey to conduct the annual “Butterflies on the Road” program. Our guides gear up their vehicles with a power point presentation, living samples of every stage of the blue morpho butterfly and our signature blue morpho colouring books.

Fascinating Find in the Jungles of Belize: A Confederate Sugar Mill
When I went to visit Sittee River – the SLEEPY village just outside seafront Hopkins – I found an old sugar mill that was abandoned at the turn of the 20th century by Confederates who had left the US after they had lost the Civil War. Here is a slightly blurry map I could find of the area. I’ve driven along the Sittee River before and was dazzled by the lush green properties right along the river front. River, beach, jungle, cayes, mountains. Mango and breadfruit trees, bursting with flowers and wild life. It’s one of my dream retirement locales. So I called Julian, a taxi driver who is lovely and has given me rides before to take me on a short tour from Hopkins. And here is what I found.

Videos

June 6, 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

Social Security Board hosts Open Day to celebrate 37th Anniversary
In commemoration of their 37th Anniversary, the Social Security Board (SSB) San Pedro Branch held an informative Open Day at their office located in Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro on Friday, June 1st. The event focused on educating islanders about the importance of the corporation while introducing their 2018-2022 strategic plan. Throughout the day, employees of the SSB guided attendees to different booths to tell them about their strategic plan and the benefits of the corporation. The SSB’s five main objectives in their 2018-2022 strategic plan are to enhance customer service experience, build a robust, financially thriving institution, strengthen reputation and image, empower and enable the workforce and improve health outcomes.

Ambergris Today

Belize To Host XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship In August
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) is proud to announce that Belize will be the host country for the upcoming XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. The major seven-day international volleyball event will be held in Belize City from August 4 - 10, 2018, and is a regional ranking and qualification event to the continental (NORCECA) championship that has further ranking and qualifications to FIVB world championships. All Central American volleyball federations (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) are expected to participate in this AFECAVOL event.

100 Professionals Trained In Suicide Prevention
The YouthRise Project in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with Galen University have trained some 100 social workers, educators, counsellors, administrators and youth workers in suicide prevention. The training took place between May 24th and June 1st in Belize, Cayo, and Stann Creek Districts. The training was facilitated by Dr. Guy Ilagan, Assistant Professor of Counsellor Education at The Citadel College in Charleston, South Carolina; Dr. Jill Ilagan, Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Professor at The Citadel’s Psychology – Clinical Counselling Program; and Kendra Hoyt, Lecturer and Life Coach at Galen University.

Misc Belizean Sources

Summer Art Wave
Summer Art Wave is coming!! It's all about having a good time learning about other cultures, our culture, linguistic and artistic skills. Register today as space is limited!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN TOURISM
Are you a professional working in the tourism sector and are interested in developing professionally? This is your opportunity!

Cortes tree
This Tree Tuesday we are highlighting the Cortes tree (Handroanthus chrysanthus). From Mexico to Belize and South America, this tree is beloved for its eye-catching yellow crown that punctuates lowland forest landscapes from March through May. Cortes is often used for construction due to its hard, insect-resistant timber. The species is fairly drought and salt-tolerant – it is also a desirable ornamental shade tree. The flowering season for cortes is coming to an end as the rainy season gets underway. Have you enjoyed this display of spectacular color?

Atlantic Bank-Caye Caulker Branch collecting donations for Guatemala
Atlantic Bank-Caye Caulker Branch informs the public that we are collecting food and hygienic items for the victims of Volcan Fuego in Guatemala. Donations can be dropped in the box pictured below. Thank you.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Just A Kiss”!.

NEMO OFFERS CONDOLENCES AND HUMANITARIAN AID - APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA AFFECTED BY THE ERUPTION OF "EL FUEGO VOLCANO"
The people and Government of Belize offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Guatemala who lost their loved ones and empathize with those affected since "El Fuego Volcano" erupted. Our heartfelt support and appeal for humanitarian aid are particularly for those families affected in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, Mixco and some areas of Guatemala City. In view of the situation, cash donations are the best form of relief. Donations can be sent to the Belize Red Cross. Corporations are strongly encouraged to utilize this arrangement. NEMO's Humanitarian Officer can also be contacted at 822-2054, 668-7550 or 828-4334 by those persons or corporations offering donations. NEMO Belize continues to monitor the situation and to receive offers of assistance.

BPP condemns rumours of BTL boycott of Kremamdala and Plus TV
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) belongs to the people of Belize and not to the United Democratic Party or the government of the day. Belizeans are often reminded that this company belongs to us; therefore, it is egregious for the government of Belize to influence the management of “our “national company, as has been recently implied/cited by way of a news item, released by Breaking Belize News (BBN)! If this is true, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) calls on the government to stop meddling in BTL’s operations and to allow the company to be run based on business best practices. BPP is also calling on BTL to re-establish advertising with these two news stations and not to allow the government of the day to interfere with their day to day management of the company.

Corozal Historical Society Meeting
Are you curious about history; especially Corozal's history? Do you have knowledge of Corozal's past? We have a group for you!! The Corozal Historical Society is seeking members who are interested in various historical aspects of Corozal. Please join us this Saturday June 9th at the Corozal House of Culture.

Funding Opportunity to Help Protect Belize’s Incredible Marine Resources! Applications due June 29!
Four grants of up to $246,875 U.S. Dollars (USD) each will be awarded for work that will support efforts that help prevent marine debris from entering the ocean, subject to the availability of funding. Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, and to public international organizations. The initial period of performance will be for 24 months.

Ride Across Belize
From COROZAL TO PUNTA GORDA - It's that time of the year! Social Security Board's initiative, Ride Across Belize is back! Contact us to sign up.

Channel 7

Serrano’s Strange and Startling Suicide Leaves Many Questions
Dangriga Mayor Francis Humphreys and his town hall staff are still trying to come to terms with their loss. As we told you last night, Humphreys' driver, 61 year old Maurice Serrano killed himself yesterday afternoon while police tried to detain him. He shot himself in the head on his front steps. Now is it a situation where he rather be dead than face any allegations or criminal charges for unlawful carnal knowledge? Or was there something else that led him to end his life? There are no easy answers to these questions but Courtney Weatherburne went to Dangriga today to try to put the pieces together in this case. Here is her story.

Opposition Calls For OAS Observers On Re-registration
Right now, the Government and the officials at the Elections and Boundaries Department are putting together the final logistics in preparation for the big voters re-registration exercise that will start on July first. It's been over 2 decades since the last re-registration, and the Opposition, PUP says that they don't want to take any chances that fraud could be introduced into this new voters list. That's why Opposition Leader John Briceno has written to the Prime Minister asking him to invite OAS observers to watch over the process.

Briceno on Convention Contention
Today's press conference gave us an opportunity to ask Briceno about all the public bickering in his party that these recent constituency conventions have been causing. Last week when Jason Patrick Andrews and Arthur Saldivar were disqualified from contesting the Belmopan convention, both men were very critical of their party's leadership. Today, we asked Briceno to explain his party's decision to reject their candidacy:

Men Dressed As Security Guards Robbed Spoonaz
Over the past few weeks, Belize City has seen a worrying number of broad daylight robberies in the downtown area. Yesterday it wasn't broad daylight, but almost midnight when robbers pounced on the owner of Spoonaz Cafe on North Front Street, near the Swing Bridge. At around 11:00, 69-year-old owner of the cafe Jeremy Spooner was closing up, when a man dressed in brown security uniform forced the glass door open and pointed a gun at Spooner.

Robbers Re-appear on Albert Street
And, this evening, the daylight robbers were back on Albert Street in the heart of the downtown area. Around 4:30, two men made an attempt to rob a small clothing and footwear store named ML Collections next to Mirage store. Full details aren't available but we saw police and CIB personnel on the scene canvassing the area. Reports suggest that the men attempted to rob the clerk, but she wouldn't let go of the money. Those reports also suggest the men may have been wearing security uniforms. Police say the victim refused to make a police report.

Guatemalan Post - Volcano Saga Still Unfolding
At least 72 people are dead after Guatemala's worst volcanic eruption in more than a century. Thousands of people are displaced and in shelters, and entire villages are buried in what is unfolding as a true human catastrophe. The "Volcan De Fuego" - located 25 miles from Guatemala City - erupted on Sunday - sending miles of pyroclastic flow -- a nasty mix of ash, rock and volcanic gases racing towards villages on the slopes of the volcano. Now, Belize and Guatemala may have a standing dispute, but we are neighbors, and the human dimensions of this grim tragedy far outweigh any historical differences.

Opposition Urges Compassion For Guatemala
The PUP is also highly attuned to the dimensions of the human catastrophe in Guatemala. In their statement yesterday, the Party said, quote, "At a time like this, we must put our differences aside and let our humanity rule. On Sunday, it was Guatemala. Today or tomorrow it can be us or any other country that is susceptible to natural disasters." End quote.

Santander and the Politics of Sugar
Another portion of his prepared remarks was focused on the news which broke that Santander was caught selling white plantation sugar in the local market, something which the company - as an EPZ - is not permitted to do. It's a hot button political issue because all three sugar associations have condemned the violation - and those cane farming groups represent a huge political constituency. Here's what Briceno had to say:

Should Guat Belizeans Be De-Naturalized?
So, what does the PUP think about all those born Guatemalans who hold Belizean nationality, and have been living here? As you probably heard by now, in Belize's Constitution, under Section 29.3, reads, "No person shall be entitled…to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizenship of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a citizen of a country which does not recognize the independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of Belize …" End quote.

Best CA Volleyballers Coming To Belize
In August, the best women's volleyball players in the region will be coming to Belize for the 20th. Central American Women's Volleyball Championships. World class teams like Costa Rica and Nicaragua will be a few of the Central American countries squaring off in the week long tournament. But is our Belize team ready for the competition? Well according to the Belize Volleyball president Alan Sharp they are.

Teaching Police The Art Of Communication
Today twenty police officers graduated from a four-week course. Their training wasn't in weapons use or evidence gathering, it was in effective writing and spoken communication. Now it may seem strange that law enforcement officers would be trained in grammar and communication, but a big part of their job engenders writing clearly and coherently. Police have to pen countless reports about incidents - and many times these reports end up in court where precision is paramount. Today was their last day of class and we stopped by to find out more:

Antigua, Guatemala, Out of The Ashes
Earlier on in the news we told you about the dozens dead, and the thousands displaced by the volcano in Guatemala. As many as 1.7 million people have been affected by the volcano's huge footprint of lava and ash rains. That includes one of the country's top tourist attractions - the historic city of Antigua Guatemala - which is only 9 miles from the Volcan De Fuego. In 2013 Jules Vasquez visited the city for an OAS General Assembly - and found that apart from history, Antigua is also surrounded by its own volcanic mountains, including the Volcan De Agua. Here's the travelogue of his visit to the city:…

The Thrill of Storm Chasing
And, now, for something completely different….while digging through our archives today we stumbled upon a few storm stories - and five days into the 2018 hurricane season, they seemed especially relevant. Here at 7News we've been chasing storms for years, and while the aftermath has traumatized and devastated entire communities, the event of the storm itself - while dangerous and foreboding - can also be thrilling and awesome. Here are a few of our close encounters with storms over the past 11 years:...

Channel 5

Robbers Stopped at M&L Collections on “The Alberts”…
Businesses along Albert Street have become the target of thieves in recent days, despite a noticeable police presence in the downtown area of Belize City.  Last Thursday, we reported on [...]

Spoonaz Café on North Front Hit Overnight by Armed Thieves
While the robbery at M and L Collections failed, on Monday night, well-known businessman Jeremy Spooner, better known as ‘Spoonaz,’ was the victim of an armed robbery. He was inside [...]

P.U.P. Leader Hits Andrews, Saldivar for Commitment to Party
Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party, John Briceño, today hosted a press briefing at Independence Hall covering a multitude of national issues. But the party is presently experiencing some [...]

Briceño Tells Feuding Senators in Albert to Hold it Down
Another flashpoint for the P.U.P. is the June seventeenth contested convention in the Albert division. Current standard bearer Senator Paul Thompson is being challenged by his Upper House colleague Valerie [...]

The P.U.P.’s Big Tent: Zenaida May Be In, Said Not Out
The party has faced questions about its level of participation in the convention season by women, after defeated candidate in Corozal Bay, Thea Garcia Ramirez, suggested the party would not [...]

Solving a Problem Like Guatemalan Citizenship Renunciation
Ahead of the July first start of the long overdue re-registration exercise, the People’s United Party has shared many of its concerns about the preparation of the Elections and Boundaries [...]

O.A.S. Asked to Observe Re-Registration; EBC Not Constituted
Ahead of the start of the process, the P.U.P. has called on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to invite, as the Manuel Esquivel government did in 1997, the Organization of American [...]

Dangrigans Shocked as Town Hall Driver Maurice Serano Ends Life
On Monday afternoon, the sixty-one-year-old driver of Dangriga’s Mayor Francis Humphrey ended his own life in front of his house as he was being pursued by the police. Maurice Serrano [...]

P.U.P. Urges Government to Help Santander Pursue other Sugar Markets
A decision is pending on whether the export processing zone status of Santander Sugar Limited will be amended to allow it to put part of its plantation sugar on the [...]

Corozal Producers Say Multinational Can’t Sell Sugar at Home
The Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association issued a three-page response to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, as well as Santander Limited on the sale of sugar on the [...]

Renewal of Plea for Sarstoon Protocol
Minister for Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington has told us that the work to establish the Sarstoon protocol continues with our western neighbour and the Organization of American States, but that [...]

Cop Caught in Drug Bust Faces Internal Charges
As we told you on Monday, police constable Braiden Robateau and three siblings were arrested and charged by Orange Walk Police after they were nabbed in a marijuana smuggling operation [...]

Teen Boy Shot While Pointing Gun Still in Hospital; Was Firearm Planted?
Thirteen-year-old Elwin Pitter remains in recovery at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital under police guard.  It is expected that upon his release, charges stemming from several firearms offences will be [...]

Examining Why Accused Murderers Are Applying for Bail
It has become almost a fixture recently in the newscast: persons charged with murder years ago, languishing at the Belize Central Prison, attaching legal representation to seek bail. The law [...]

What Can Be Done About Fuel Prices?
Earlier in the newscast, you hear the P.U.P. leader speak on a number of pressing national issues as well as party matters. But John Briceño opened his press conference today [...]

Opposition Calls Out Government on Crime Dialogue
A total of seventy-nine murders have been reported, unofficially, across Belize to date, putting the country on course for another triple-digit year of killings. Other types of major crime reports, [...]

Celebrating World Environmental Day
“World Environment Day” was observed today under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’  Since 1974, the United Nations marked June fifth as World Environment Day to promote worldwide awareness and action [...]

How You Can Help Victims of Guatemala Volcano Disaster
Disturbing images of death and destruction continue to emerge in the wake of the eruption of Volcan de Fuego in Antigua in neighboring Guatemala. The death toll is rising as [...]

LOVE FM

Tone it down, says PUP Leader
PUP Senators Paul Thompson and Valerie Woods both want to become the party’s Standard Bearer for the Albert constituency. The PUP’s convention for that Albert Division is expected to be held on June 17 and on that day only one of the Senators will come out on top. It’s a battle for the delegates who …

Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addresses the OAS General Assembly.
The United States Government renewed its call for the Organization of American States to suspend Venezuela. The call is supported by six other OAS member states. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and Peru supported the US in proposing a resolution rejecting the result of the “unconstitutional” election. If passed, it would initiate a process that …

PUP Leader explains why Patrick Jason Andrews was not given the chance to run in Belmopan
The People’s United Party is experiencing a very vibrant and dramatic convention season this year, as the party positions its standard bearers for the next general elections. It’s a process that political parties go through and a process in which egos are bruised and relationships are put under tremendous stress. Recently, the PUP has come …

Belize offers Guatemala assistance after horrific volcanic eruption
So far over seventy fatalities have been recorded as a result of the horrific volcanic eruption in Guatemala on Sunday. The death toll is expected to increase. Countries around the world have pledged to support Guatemala in their time of need. Belize is one of those countries. This morning while at the OAS General Assembly, …

Villagers want to clear the border
Since April 15, reports of incursions by Guatemalans into Belize have increased. Two months ago, rangers for Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) discovered pieces of land inside the Chiquibul being surveyed by Guatemalans. At that time it was explained that since the voting population in Guatemala voted ‘yes’ in its ICJ Referendum, rogue agents …

Police officers receive training in communication
Twenty officers from the Eastern Division graduated from a four-week training in Effective Speaking and Writing for Modern Day Policing which was facilitated by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). Love News spoke with Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, Commander of Eastern Division Region One about the initiative. Sr. Superintendent Howell Gillett – Commander of Eastern …

PUP Leader to Arthur Saldivar: “there is no hard feelings on my part”
Another person who is not happy with the People’s United Party is Attorney Arthur Saldivar. He too wanted to contest the PUP’s Belmopan convention. But unlike Andrews, Arthur’s application was not rejected. It was simply not entertained or considered by the PUP vetting committee. That’s because, even though his suspension from the party has been …

PUP wants OAS Observer Mission to oversee re-registration process
The Opposition, People’s United Party, wants an OAS observer to oversee the re-registration process slated to begin in Belize on July 2. PUP Leader John Briceno wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, reminding him that Belize is a signatory to the Inter-American Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States and as a member country, …

Belize Red Cross launches monetary appeal for Guatemala
The Guatemala Red Cross is currently on the ground offering medical and psychosocial support to survivors. The Belize Red Cross has launched a monetary appeal to assist those affected by the volcano eruption. Love News spoke with Fred Hunter Jr., the Focal Point for Disaster at the Belize Red Cross about the initiative. Fred Hunter …

Labor Commissioner comments on CWU and CITCO labor dispute
Last month, the Belize City Council laid off six employees including the city administrator. The council’s decision was based on the council’s ‘poor fiscal condition.” In a statement, it was explained that a quote “restructuring was an inevitable and necessary component to achieve financial stability and the fulfillment of the council’s mandate.” End of quote. Cecil …

Sugar association says NO to Santander Sugar
The Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association says that Santander Sugar’s deliberate action to sell white sugar on the local market is quote, “only the preview to further their quest to possible access/approval to be able to participate in the local market which is clearly denoted in the most recent waiver application on the EPZ committee for the sale of sugar into the local market.” End of quote.

Belize Red Cross in preparation mode
The Belize Red Cross has been offering assistance in times of disaster by deploying its volunteers to affected areas. With the hurricane season already upon us, the Belize Red Cross is making the necessary preparations in case of a disaster. Fred Hunter Jr., the Focal Point for Disaster at the Belize Red Cross spoke with Love News about the preparations.

Zenaida Moya for Mesop? For the PUP?
Is former UDP Mayor Zenaida Moya interested in running for the People’s United Party? Reports to Love News is that she is. Since last week, reports have surfaced that Moya has expressed interest in running for the PUP in the Mesopotamia Division. We know that Moya had expressed intentions to become the division’s next area representative.

Youth workers participated in suicide prevention training
One hundred social workers, educators, counselors, administrators and youth workers participated in a suicide prevention training. The Youth Rise Project in the Ministry of Human Development Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with Galen University hosted the training which took place from May 24 to June 1 in several districts.

Sol Gen says GOB’s case against Sharon Pitts is ‘fairly on course’
The last time we reported on Government’s case against Sharon Pitts was in February, four months ago. Back then we reported that both parties were ordered to go to mediation. In 2016, Government wrote to Pitts demanding that its four hundred thousand dollars be returned. Pitts failed to do so and that prompted the government …

PlusTV

13 YEAR OLD GUN SLINGER SHOT BY COPS
A 13 year old Belize City Minor was shot by a Police Officer over the weekend, after the minor reportedly pointed a loaded firearm at officers. According to reports, officers were tipped off about a male person in possession of a firearm near the intersection of Racoon and Seagull Street. When they ...

DANGRIGA MAYOR’S DRIVER COMMITS SUICIDE
While we do not make it a habit to report on Suicides, this particular one is of national interest as the individual is the Driver of current Mayor of Dangriga Francis Humphries. We are withholding the name of the individual who is from the New site area of Dangriga, but according to our Dangriga Co...

POLICE OFFICER GONE ROGUE CAUGHT DRUG TRAFFICKING
A Police Officer, attached to the San Ignacio formation, along with three other men were detained on Saturday with over 24 pounds of Marijuana. According to reports, Police intercepted a white vehicle between Santa Cruz and San Antonio, Corozal that was suspected to be trafficking drugs. Upon police...

MEN DRESSED IN POLICE ATTIRE ROBBED TAIWANESE NATIONAL
Two Men dressed in Police attire reportedly robbed a Taiwanese national and his wife inside their Ladyville home. According to reports, on Thursday night at about 9 p.m. the men approached the home of 64 years old Taiwanese National, Liang Gee Fong and told him that they had a warrant to search his...

BASKETBALL FAN STABBED OUTSIDE CIVIC
The Belize Civic Center came alive of Saturday night for the N.E.B.L Basketball Finals. Hundreds of fans entered the Civic Center in hopes of seeing their favorite team win the title matchup. However, one basketball fan is lucky to be alive tonight after an altercation outside the Civic Center which...

‘VOLCAN DE FUEGO’ ERUPTS NEAR GUATEMALA CITY
Guatemala’s ‘Volcan De Fuego’ erupted yesterday, leaving more than 60 people dead and over 400 injured. Over 3,000 people have been evacuated from areas surrounding the Volcano, while it is estimated that more than 2 million people have been affected by the eruption. The eruption discharged red hot...

MORE DRUGS DROPS ON RIO HONDO?
A Mexican new source has confirmed reports of another drug plane sighting in Northern Belize sometime last week Thursday. According to ‘Linea de Fuego Chetumal’, a Colombian drug plane flew at a very low height over the Rio Hondo River between the communities of Union and Revolution sometime around ...

ROBBERIES ON ALBERT STREET
Last week Thursday we reported to you that there were two robberies reported in Belize City, on Albert Street, on the same day. The first robbery reportedly occurred at Hofius Store where police said that two armed male persons made off with a thousand dollars in cash. The second robbery reportedly...

COURTS COROZAL ROBBED
On Friday we reported that there was an armed robbery in Courts Corozal late that evening. Details were still sketchy at that time, but Police were able to give us the details at this morning’s press briefing. Wilfredo Ferrufino, National Crimes Investigation Branch: On Friday, the report was made a...

BTL PRESSES BRAKES ON KREMANDALA; PUP CALLS IT ‘PUNISHMENT’
On May 11, 2018, BTL abruptly ended all media advertisements with Kremandala which incluudes KREM Radio, KREM TV and the AMANDALA Newspaper. KREMANDALA is now subjected to the same Advertisment Bann that PLUSTV has singlehandedly endured since 2013 when the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) Gover...

FISH KILL ON LAGOON SIDE OF SAN PEDRO UNDER INVESTIGATION
Hundreds of dead fish are surfacing on the lagoon side of San pedro, Ambergris Caye. The phenomenon, which also happened last May, is occurring this time in an area near the San Juan Subdivision, according to The San Pedro Sun. Species include snapper, and barracuda sardines. The staff at Hol Chan Marine Reserve have been made aware of the situation and have commenced an investigation ...

6 WEEKS SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
The Caribbean International Development Bank in Collaboration with the Government of Belize is hosting a Training Seminar in Capacity Building in Public Policy Analysis and Management and Project Cycle Management. The training is scheduled for 6 weeks and its purpose is to assist the government of Belize in the rolling out of its Sustainable Growth and Development Program ...

BELIPO ON GAINING EXLUSIVE RIGHTS TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) was established after Belize signed on to the Patent Corporation Treaty in June of 2000. Belizeans have since been able to register their inventions locally, regionally, and internationally in order to gain exclusive rights to Intellectual Property. Today, BELIPO hosted a one-day training in Belize City in order to highlight the process of registering patents ...

BELIZE SMART HURRICANE WINS SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP
The Smart Belize Hurricanes has captured their 2nd championship in three years over the DigiCell Belize City Defenders with a score of 78 – 66. Devin Daly let his team with 35 points and took home his second finals MVP. We couldn’t have a word with Daly, but did have words from his teammates, ...

Amandala

BTL declares war on KREMANDALA!
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), one of the biggest advertisers in the country, has not been doing any advertising business with KREMANDALA’s three companies, the Amandala newspaper, KREM Radio and KREM Television, for several weeks now. Last Wednesday, the online news service, Belize Breaking News (BBN), reported that sources within BTL had confirmed that the company had pulled all of its advertising from KREMANDALA. BBN reported that they could not confirm how long the advertising boycott of KREMANDALA would last, but it added, “The decision by BTL has all appearances of being vetted out as punishment to the KREMANDALA empire.”

UDP mayor’s driver commits suicide
When the word spread this evening that a man had taken his life in Dangriga, there was not much interest until it was learnt that the person was Maurice Amancio Serano, 62, of New Site. Serano, more known by his middle name, Amancio, was a retired soldier of the Belize Defence Force, an elite physical training instructor, a martial arts instructor, and most notably, the driver and bodyguard of UDP mayor Francis Humphreys.

Cop busted with 23 pounds of weed
Constable Braiden Robateau, 22, of San Ignacio police, and three others, were busted with 23 pounds of cannabis on Saturday afternoon. All four persons have been detained at the Corozal Police Station, pending arraignment for drug trafficking at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. Police said that a joint operation by police, Customs Department officers and soldiers of the Belize Defence Force was being conducted in Santa Cruz in Corozal District, when the members of the team were told of a vehicle that was carrying drugs.

The Damanzaihao, a Belize-flagged “fishing factory,” held in Peru
Belize’s name continues to be dragged into controversy in the international maritime world, because authorities continue to facilitate the use of the country’s flag by vessels which run afoul of maritime laws and standard environmental practice. The latest fallout involves a Peruvian vessel, the Damanzaihao, which has a capacity to process 547,000 tons of fish per year and is described as the world’s largest “fishing factory”.

Shortage of medication for mentally ill patients
Back in 2015, we reported on a shortage of the medication Risperdal, which is used to treat some mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In that article, we had said that the San Ignacio Hospital and Western Regional Hospital had been successfully resupplied after the Ministry of Health became aware of the issue through the local media outlets. The surplus that Northern Regional Hospital had, was also used to supply facilities in Belize City and Cayo.

Bowen and Bowen 2018 spelling bee champs
On June 1, Bowen and Bowen held their 24th annual national spelling bee, and the names of the top three spellers have been announced. Bryce Steur, from Toledo Christian Academy, took the first-place spot. He is thirteen years old and a standard 5 student. He was homeschooled until standard 3. Steur loves programming and math and his favorite sport is volleyball. In second place was Eric Wade, 13, from La Inmaculada R.C. in Orange Walk. Wade also loves math and reading and he wants to become an electrical engineer. The third place prize went to Sierra Steur, 14, also from Toledo Christian Academy. Her favorite subjects are creative arts, spelling, and physical education. She also loves reading, knitting and playing volleyball.

Smart Belize Hurricanes grabs second NEBL Championship in 3 years
The 2018 Pepsi NEBL (National Elite Basketball League) season came to an end on Friday night at the Civic Center in Belize City, as Smart Belize Hurricanes swept their city counterparts, DigiCell Belize City Defenders in two games to claim their second NEBL championship in the past three years. Game 1 had witnessed a 29 point blowout, while game 2 was following a similar trend, as Smart Belize Hurricanes had a commanding 21 point lead going into the half. At the midway point of the fourth quarter, Defenders cut a once 26 point lead down to 9 points, but missed three opportunities to further slice the lead down, giving Hurricanes enough cushion to pull off the 78-66 victory.

Toledo Rumberas and Jewel Fury win 1st leg of NAWL women football semifinals
he National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) kicked off its football semifinals over the weekend with one game each on Saturday and Sunday. The semifinals are home-and-away series, and the decisive games 2 take place this coming weekend. At the M.A. Stadium in Independence on Saturday night, June 2, it was hosts Toledo Rumberas securing the 3-1 win over Gladitators of Orange Walk in the 1st leg of the semifinals. Netting a goal apiece for Rumberas were Ashley Rodriguez (29’), Karla Flores (70’) and Kelsey Polanco (73’); while Kaite Jones (48’) got the lone goal for the Gladiators. (This game was originally scheduled for Saturday night at the Victor Sanchez Field in P.G.)

Catching up with Over-40 football
We don’t have the scoring details for recent games, but here is catching up on some scores in the National Over-40 Football Tournament since our last report just over a week ago. The Saturday games for May 26 were reportedly cancelled due to referee unavailability, but it appears that one game was still played out at San Pedro, where the San Pedro Veterans bombed Medina’s House of Jewelry (Lake) by 6 goals to 1.

BDFA Inter-Office Tournament kicks off at MCC
The Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA) 2018 Inter-Office Football Competition got under way on Thursday, May 31, with 2 games at the MCC Grounds. In the opener, Ramada Gray Enterprises Ltd. /brothers Habet defeated Atlantic Insurance, 2-1, with a goal each from Kareem Flowers and Elber Perez; while Kevin Martinez scored for Atlantic Insurance. And in the nightcap, it was Simon Quan, 2-0, over Tourist Village Tennants, with Rodolfo Enriquez netting both goals.

Editorial: The UDP and semi-pro sports
Semi-professional sports began in Belize in 1991 with the first semi-pro football season, which was a success. Following in football’s footsteps, basketball went semi-pro in 1992, and the first semi-pro basketball season was a spectacular success. The old Civic proved too small for the overflow crowds. At this newspaper, we thought at the time that semi-pro basketball would have an easier hill to climb than football, because all six inaugural franchises were Belize City-based, hence there were no travelling expenses, as there were in football, which had franchises in all six Districts. But, it was semi-pro football which stood the test of time. There has never been a year since 1991 when there was not at least one semi-pro football season. When the People’s United Party (PUP) returned to power in 1998, they revived semi-pro basketball (which had crashed after the 1997 season), at which point the sport went national, or at least franchises from outside Belize City participated.

From The Publisher
There are many Creole people who seem happy with the amount of Creole personalities in leadership positions in this three-term United Democratic Party (UDP) government. Some of us from the 1970s, however, know that there are very powerful UDP leaders who entered public life back then and have now proven themselves to be like traitors where Black youth are concerned. Every time you read or hear of some Black teenager being busted with an unlicensed gun or ammunition, which usually costs that youth years in jail because of Belize’s draconian gun laws, you have to understand and remember this: there are areas of Belize City where a Black youth actually prefers to be busted by the cops with an unlicensed gun than to have one of his street enemies meet him without a weapon. The first situation means years in jail: the second means Lord’s Ridge. Think about that. How did we get here, Belizeans? The people who run things look just like the people murdering and being murdered in their childhood and youth.

South Side Caye Caulker residents write Jr. Heredia
To: Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Jose Manuel Heredia, Jr. Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Yashin Dujon. I am writing to you on behalf of the residents, citizens and land owners that live on the south side of Caye Caulker in the communities also known as South Point and Eden Isle. For the past 20 years we have never had a permanent road built by the GOB that would cross or go around the airstrip. Instead we have had 2 homemade roads, one for the west side (Eden Isle) and 1 for the east side (South Point) that went around the airstrip. Although these trails worked for the residents and guests living/staying on the south side they were and still are illegal as they cross through private property.

“B” is for Belize
1 June 2018, presentation at Belizean Studies – People’s Dialogue, Marion Jones Sporting Complex, Belize City, Belize. Good morning: How many teachers are here in this room? I ask you to join us. Be part of a team that will help build up this proposal. With your ideas, your passion, your desire, Belizean Studies can become a reflection on love, trust, compassion, hope, generosity and service. How many administrators are here in this room? I ask you to join us. You can decide to be part of a team that could empower teachers to become what they were born to do, BE, soldiers fighting for the soul of a nation.

Cuba should legalize it
Many Belizeans, maybe most, have great appreciation for what Fidel Castro and the Cuban people have achieved after their great revolution in 1959. Cuba was the playground of rich Cubans and rich Americans. That is a fact. The people were poor, and uneducated. Before the revolution there was great inequality in their society, and a lot of chaans of people who weren’t rich, especially those with a lot of melanin. The revolution changed that. The Cuban people now rank among the most educated in the world. Rich people would say that Cubans are still poor. There are few greater tragedies than great inequality of wealth. Great inequality of wealth in a country (the immensely rich and the immensely poor), leads to a myriad of social problems, the worst one being instability. There is no worse place to live than the one that is unstable. Cuba does not have this kind of poverty.

Book Review, “Empire in Retreat. The Past, Present and Future of the United States”
The Empire incorporated Western Europe after WWII, and built military bases in many of those countries. It also encompassed Japan, part of China (Taiwan, which incredibly occupied China’s seat at the UN until 1971), South Korea (after fighting a war that ended in stalemate), Indonesia and other countries. In the Middle East, the “Eisenhower Doctrine” declared in 1957: “the United States regards as vital to the national interest and world peace the preservation of the independence and integrity of the nations of the Middle East”. As usual, the words meant exactly the opposite: the right of the US “to intervene in the Middle East whenever there was a perceived threat to US hegemony”.

Woman, 28, knocked down while jogging: critical at KHMH
Ansella Rodriguez, 28, a domestic worker, is presently admitted in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after a vehicle knocked her down while she was jogging on the Bullet Tree Road. The incident occurred at about 6:30 Thursday evening. Information to us is that Rodriguez was jogging from San Ignacio to Bullet Tree on the left side of the road. As she approached a curve on the hill, in front of the New Site Area, Rodriguez was knocked down by a Great Wall Wingle pickup that was coming from the opposite direction, which hit her head on.

MoH closes three pharmacies for infringement of law
In 2016, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a press release stating that an amendment to the Food and Drugs Act Chapter 291 of the substantive laws of Belize would be approved by the House of Representatives and would allow for the ministry to enforce harsher penalties for persons and businesses found violating the laws. MoH is finally enforcing these laws now, with the closure of three pharmacies in the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts. Strangely, when we asked a representative from MoH for the names of the pharmacies, that person declined to give out that information.

CCJ: Belize Bank must wait for parliament’s vote on BZ$90 million UHS arbitration award
In the never-ending stream of litigation by the Ashcroft Alliance, the Government of Belize registered a victory when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled on Friday not to issue an enforcement order against the government for the payment of the more than BZ 90-million- dollar Universal Healthcare Service (UHS) arbitral award. The Belize Bank had filed an application in March, after the CCJ had ruled that the government must pay the bank, asking the CCJ to enforce its ruling on the award, but the court ruled that it would wait for the Belize parliament to first act on the court’s judgment.

Petville farmer, 51, killed in hit-and-run accident
At about 7:00 last Thursday evening, Melito Macario Medina, 51, a farmer and resident of Petville, was walking home on the San Estevan Road. Medina had already crossed the ferry and was almost home when he was knocked down by a vehicle from behind. He was dragged under the vehicle for a short distance, then the vehicle sped away.

The Reporter

Police constable and three others charged with drug trafficking
A police constable is one of several persons who faces drug trafficking charges following an incident between Santa Cruz and San Antonio villages, Orange Walk. Police intercepted a rented vehicle during a joint customs/police/BDF operation on Saturday afternoon. The vehicle had three occupants inside and […]

Breaking Belize News

Police Minister excludes Opposition from crime fighting strategy?
Since the start of the year there have been an estimated 79 murders in Belize. Today […]

SSB meets with PUP leader to discuss increase in contributions
For weeks, news has circulated that the Social Security Board (SSB) has intentions of increasing the […]

Opposition leader shares concerns about Elections and Boundaries Department
A national voter re-registration was last done 21 years ago in 1997, however, on July 1, […]

Zenaida Moya for PUP in Mesop?
Heated speculations are that former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, will serve as the People’s United […]

Andrews and Saldivar situation not personal says PUP leader
Andrews and Saldivar situation not personal says PUP leader The People’s United Party (PUP) has installed […]

PUP leader says Santander must respect laws
During a press conference today in Belize City, Opposition Leader, John Briceno, weighed in on the […]

CCJ: Belize Bank must seek award enforcement in Supreme Court
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday, made a ruling on the enforcement of the […]

Belize re-registration and the Guatemalan dilemma
With national re-registration scheduled for July 1, today the press asked Opposition leader, John Briceno if […]

Leader of the Opposition suggests OAS observer for re-registration
People’s United Party Leader, John Briceno has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, suggesting that […]

Fake security guards rob owner of Spoonaz Café at gunpoint
Yesterday around 10:50 p.m., American businessman, Jeremey Alexander Spooner, 63, was held up at gunpoint by two […]

Belize Red Cross launches monetary appeal to assist victims in Guatemala
Today, the Belize Red Cross officially launched a monetary appeal to assist victims of Guatemala’s catastrophic […]

Dangriga man wanted for sexual assault ends his own life
Police have confirmed the details of a reported suicide in Dangriga yesterday, in which resident, […]

Dangriga man wanted for sexual assault ends his own life
Police have confirmed the details of a reported suicide in Dangriga yesterday, in which resident, Maurice […]

How to increase the value of your home
Brought by 4Realty Ltd., Full-Service Real Estate Brokerage in Belize Last week we gave you three tips to […]

Belize~ Guatemala volcano relief centers
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. […]

Dangriga man wanted for sexual assault reportedly ends own life
According to Channel 5 News, yesterday around 3:00 p.m., Dangriga resident, Maurice Serrano, reportedly took […]

Rescue efforts continue as Guatemala’s death toll rises
Guatemalan authorities have confirmed that as of yesterday, there were 69 dead as […]

BPP requests to contribute to ICJ campaign
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has requested to contribute to the Government of Belize’s ICJ […]

Belizean officials meet with Canadian commercial corporation
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro, headed a team of Belizean officials […]

Mission Cry sends loads of Good News Bibles to Belize
Mission Cry, an American Christian Mission has sent down a container of Good News Bibles along […]

Belize national basketball team begins journey to FIBA Americup
The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) today announced that the National Basketball Team now begins the journey […]

Foreign Minister attends Ministerial Meetings in Togo
Wilfred Elrington led Belize’s delegation to the 43rd Session of the Joint Council of Ministers of […]

Blogs

Mango Festival 2018: Hopkins was Actually Bursting with Mangos
This past weekend, the first weekend of June, the village of Hopkins, Belize celebrated the king of fruits – the MANGO. It comes in many colors, countless sizes and shapes, it can be tart and sweet, smooth or hairy and it can be made into all sorts of things. I was there to taste as much as I could. Here’s a look at some of the festivities. The weather was a bit iffy. And my time poor (I seemed to arrive at the fete in the middle of the village too early or just as it was about to start raining…I missed a bunch of the amazing live music but I had such a good time.)

Courtney Sage says Belize is the definition of serendipity
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, USA, Courtney Sage feels that Belize has been the definition of the word ‘serendipity’. We certainly appreciate the chain of events that led her to the shores of Ambergris Caye, as she is one of the Belize visitors that gets what makes us unique and worth visiting, over and over again! She’s currently living in Germany with her husband Mark, their African Grey Parrot Cleo and one very spoiled kitty, L’Baby, and is busy making grand plans for a return visit to Belize. MBB: How did you find out about Belize? Courtney: I knew for a long time that there is an incredible reef in Belize. It was on my bucket list, but I had no idea how I would be able to get there.

International Sources

5 Active Holiday Ideas to Prevent Boredom
There are two types of people in this world, those who can quite happily spend their whole holiday lying on a sun lounger by the pool, drinking cocktails and sunbathing, and there are those who need to get out and explore. If you fall into the latter category then you’ll love these five ideas of holiday destinations where it is impossible to be bored. Belize lies on the eastern coast of Central America and it is famous for its beautiful Caribbean shorelines, dense forests and the great Belize barrier reef. There certainly is plenty to do here! It is a great place for scuba diving and the Great Blue Hole is an iconic location for divers that is a huge hole which is 124 metres deep and 318 metres wide in the middle of a shallow sea filled with diverse marine life. You should visit Ambergris Caye to explore the Belize barrier reefs and is a famed site for snorkelling and diving. You should also visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an area that is abundant with marine life and popular for its reefs.

Guatemala warns of greater activity after volcano explodes again
Guatemalan authorities warned that the Fuego volcano was showing signs of greater activity on Tuesday night as the death toll from a devastating eruption at the weekend climbed to 75 and nearly 200 people remained missing. The seismological, volcanic and meteorological institute Insivumeh heightened its warnings after the volcano erupted again earlier on Tuesday, forcing evacuations and sending rescue workers scrambling for cover. The peak had its most devastating eruption in more than four decades on Sunday, showering ash on a wide area and sending lava flows through nearby towns.

Videos

June 5, 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

Hol Chan investigating fish kill on lagoon side of San Pedro

SPHS Senior Prom 2018 held under an “Enchanted Forest”
San Pedro High School’s (SPHS) Class of 2018 senior student held their annual Prom Night on Friday, June 1st. Under an “Enchanted Forest” theme, the SPHS auditorium was beautifully decorated. Miss Teen International Petite Earth 2016 Vivian Noralez and Miss San Pedro 2017 Virginia Vasquez greeted the graduates at the grand red carpet, which attracted hundreds of spectators. Before the night came to an end, the highly anticipated honor of SPHS Prom King and Queen 2018 went to Danny Magana and Yakzari James.

Twin-Towns Partner with Forest Department to Begin Urban Green-Space Initiative
In celebrating 25 years of biodiversity, the Forest Department continued its sustainable cities initiative by donating and pledging 1,000 trees to the San Ignacio Town Council. During the Biodiversity Celebrations ceremony on May 31st, 2018 in the twin-towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the Mayor, His Lordship Earl Trapp, signed the partnership agreement with the Forest Department to build greener spaces within the municipality by 2020. In his address, Mayor Trapp stressed the importance of building more sustainable municipalities and pinpointed this and several on-going sustainable cities initiatives that have taken shape over the last three years. He indicated that these smart, eco-friendly initiatives, such as the restoration of riverine areas, the establishment of ecological parks, home-gardening food projects...

Belize weathermen prepare for rains and hurricanes
With the start of the 2018 Hurricane Season on June 1st, interested officials from several government and on-government agencies joined farming stakeholders to hear the National Meteorological Service of Belize present its seasonal outlook for the next six months of the rainy/hurricane season and long 12-month forecast of possible drought when the rainy season is over. The interested parties gathered at the 6th National Climate Outlook Forum at the George Price Center in Belmopan on Wednesday, May 30th to plan how best to use this weather information to their advantage, while emergency response agencies sought to plan how to mitigate the effects of natural weather events. Chief Executive Officer Ruth Meighan of the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management welcomed the participants to the Forum and Minister of National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro delivered the opening remarks.

Ambergris Today

Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp Is Back!!
The 19th annual Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp is returning to Ambergris Caye on Monday, June 25th. The free, fun and educational camp is a collaboration between students from Smith College in Massachusetts, USA and the local Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The camp includes two programs that work to promote the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef and teach island children about the coral and marine ecosystems. The 2018 Coral-Ed team is composed of Dana Vera, Emiline Koopman, Liz Nagy, Katherine Akey, Aidan Coffin Ness, and Carla Schwartz who are all looking forward for another exciting and successful summer. The first program, REEF Program, is geared towards students ages 12 and up and is scheduled for June 25th through June 29th. Campers will meet Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm at the San Pedro High School. The camp focus is mapping to find the impact of plastic pollution, erosion, and activism in the community. There will be field trips to the beach, mangroves, and reef as a part of mapping expeditions.

Jamaican Model/Singer - Samantha J Enjoying San Pedro
This past weekend Jamaican model and singer-songwriter Samantha J was in Belize for the first time. Her live concert took place on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Angel Nunez Auditorium. Upon her arrival at La Isla Bonita, Samantha J was greeted by many followers and she gladly stopped for a pic or two and she also enjoyed parasailing in our beautiful island. Samantha J loved Belize so much she promised on social media that she will be back!

Misc Belizean Sources

Ride Across Belize
Join us as we ride to save lives... It's that time of the year! SSB's staff initiative, Ride Across Belize is back!! Contact us to sign up

*BOHEMIAN DREAMS* - Miss Lobster Fest Gala 2018
Monday, June 11th. Rainbow Restaurant // Meet & Greet with the contestants vying for this year's Miss Lobster Fest 2018 // Seating starts at 6:30 p.m. // Gala starts 7 p.m. // Tickets are now available for purchase at Rainbow Hotel or with me - $75 per person. Menu will be provided. *NOTE: Funds for this event goes directly towards the contestants' pageant expenses and prizes.*

Students of the Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo teaching Maya to students and Parents of San Pablo Comnunity Schoo
San Pablo village was permanently settle in 1915 by Mayeros(Maya people who spoke Yucatec Maya). Today we can still find many elders who speak Maya in the village but with no programs to preserve the language it could be lost in a near future in San Pablo . Ko'one'ex Kanik Maaya t'aan(Let's Learn Maya/Vamos a aprender Maya )

DJ Champion National Tour
The Belize DJ National Tour is coming through Cayo next weekend. They'll be in Belmopan, at the Wing Stop, on Thursday, the Boulevard in Benque on Friday, and Thirsty Thursday's on Saturday. DJ Wicked Vybz, who represented Cayo, will be performing. "Watch the dates and Mark them down Benque when we touch Boulevard it should be pure shellingz"

Belize's Wonder Women! Pauline Soberanis Tillett
We are proud to announce that for the month of June, Pauline Soberanis Tillett is our Belize Wonder Woman. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”- Mahatma Gandhi. These words have continuously inspired Pauline to work tirelessly to better her community. Pauline works with the Love Foundation Belize and co-hosts PLUSTV BELIZE Morning Show alongside Fem Cruz. She enjoys working in her community, assisting those who are less fortunate. In her role at the Love Foundation, she oversees the recruitment of children for an after-school program that provides homework assistance, health and fitness education, and exposure to media and arts. Through her work with the Love Foundation, she has developed a relationship with the Rotary Club of Belmopan, helping young adults provide academic assistance to children on Saturdays at the Belmopan Public Library. Pauline is also the Vice-Chair for Women Empowering Families and an announcer on Love FM - News and Music Power.

Foreign Minister Elrington Attends Ministerial Meetings of the ACP Council and Joint ACP-EU Council in Togo
The Hon. Wilfred Elrington led Belize’s delegation to the 43rd Session of the Joint Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and the European Union (EU) in Lomé, Togo. The ACP-EU Joint Council of Ministers was preceded by the 107th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, held from May 28th to 29th, 2018, and a Special Session of ACP Council on May 27th, 2018, at which Ministers debated the future direction of the ACP and the evolution of its partnership with the EU.

100 Professionals Trained in Suicide Prevention
The YouthRise Project in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with Galen University have trained some 100 social workers, educators, counsellors, administrators and youth workers in suicide prevention. The training took place between May 24th and June 1st in Belize, Cayo, and Stann Creek Districts. The training was facilitated by Dr. Guy Ilagan, Assistant Professor of Counsellor Education at The Citadel College in Charleston, South Carolina; Dr. Jill Ilagan, Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Professor at The Citadel’s Psychology – Clinical Counselling Program; and Kendra Hoyt, Lecturer and Life Coach at Galen University.

Fuego Volcano Víctims Relief Efforts
Radio-a-thon at Reef Radio, Wednesday June 6th. Let us all come together to help our neighboring brothers and sisters in Guatemala that need any form of assistance after the tragedy that affected them. Any form of donation counts, clothes, canned goods - as they have lost everything. Today it is them, tomorrow it could be us.

BELIZE WATER SERVICES NOTICE
Planned water interruption to San Andres Village, Corozal from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 5th, 2018.

Corozal Methodist School Annual June Fair
"Come one and all to Corozal Methodist School's Annual June Fair; it’s a family affair so bring out the entire family and have fun. Special attractions include stage presentations, prepared especially for the fathers. Succulent turkey dinner, tacos prepared Mexican style, patties, smoothies, soft drink, and games galore. It promises to be grand. Make it a date" Date: Friday, June 15th at the Corozal Methodist School Grounds on 1st Avenue beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Belize Manatee Awareness & Protection Workshop for Tour Operator Managers, Tour Guides & Boat Captains
June 8th, 8:30 to 4:30pm, ITVET Training Room

Channel 7

Mayor’s Driver Commits Suicide Escaping Cops
Tonight the Dangriga Town Council - and the town itself is in shock - after the Mayor's driver killed himself in front of police. Now suicide don't usually make news - but this one is exceptional. Serrano was being pursued by police. This afternoon, they went to the Town Hall to take him into custody. He was going to be charged for unlawful carnal knowledge of two under-aged girls. But when they got there and told him of their intentions he jumped in the mayor's vehicle and sped off. They followed him to his home in the new site area where he dashed up the steps with police in pursuit. And that's where, reportedly right in front of the police he took out his firearm and shot himself once in the head - and died on the spot - right at the top of his stairs.

Kid Pulls Gun on Cops, Father Disputes Police Account
A 13 year old boy is accused of pulling a gun on the GSU in Belize City this weekend - and the cops shot him in the legs to stop the teen from firing first. Police recovered the gun - and the child is in the hospital under police guard. It's a first - a young kid, pulling a gun on the cops - now, either society has passed another milestone on the road to ruin, or the cops have it wrong. The boy's father says it's the latter; he says his son did not have a firearm and the police used indiscriminate force. He spoke plainly and was happy to so, but we have to blur his face to protect the child's identity:...

Cops Say They Had To Shoot Child To Put Down Gun
So, as you've heard, the father of the 13 year-old is livid. He doesn't believe the police's explanation about why his son was shot, and why he's now facing firearms charges. But, police are sticking to their version of events. At today's press conference, Inspector Ferrufino detailed what the GSU officers have reported to their commander about this incident.

Constable With Cannabis
And from that police controversy, we turn now to another that's playing out in the Orange Walk District. A police constable has been implicated in what looks to be a major marijuana smuggling operation busted by a joint law enforcement team with Customs, BDF and Police. The team was in the area of Santa Cruz Village, a contraband hotspot which is the illegal crossing point between Botes and Belize. It was an anti-drug operation and cops caught the weed, the vehicle used to transport it, and the men, including the police officer, who were allegedly attempting to smuggle it down from the north.

Police Looking For Suspects in Uniformed Home Invasion
We also asked police about that disturbing robbery out out Ladyville where criminals dressed like police officers and pulled off a scary home invasion on a Taiwanese businessman. As we told you, on last Thursday night, 64 year-old Liang Gee Fong and his wife were at their residence on Topnachick Street, which is a short distance away from the Ladyville Police Station. 2 men went to his house dressed up like cops, and and told him that they intended to search his home for illegal weapons and firearms. That was just a ruse and as soon as he opened the door, they subdued him, and tied him and his wife up, inside their bed room.

Alleged Murderer Asks For Bail After 7 Years
On Friday we told you about the surprising number of persons now getting bail for murder. And tonight, newly appointed Supreme Court judge, Justice Colin Williams is pondering the fate of one more man who has made such an application. He is Matthew Moore - an alleged murderer - who has been remand for 7 years, since April of 2011. Moore is accused of the shooting murder of 29-year-old Andrew Moses in March of 2011. Moore applied for bail on Friday, asking the Supreme Court for bail so that he could be home with love ones as he awaits trial for murder.

Robbers Raid Courts Corozal
Last week, we told you about the spike in armed robberies in Belize City, and that disturbing home invasion in Ladyville by pretend police officers. Well, there is one more out of Corozal. It happened at the Courts Branch in Corozal on last week Friday. 2 men barged in with a firearm at around 4:00 that evening, and they robbed the place of almost 6,000 in sales. Today at the police press conference, the cops shared the details:

Mediation Matters
Playing the role as the mediator isn't an easy task but the labour department has to take up that responsibility in cases where employers and their workers can't settle difference on their own. So today the labour department started a week long workshop on the mediation process and it's importance in the workplace. We found out more at the Biltmore. Ivan Williams, Labour Commissioner: "Throughout the week we will be learning about the special role that the mediator plays and the dynamics of identifying conflicts, how they arrive, how to treat them in the workplace, because you know the labour department acts as a neutral third party that comes in instances where the parties cannot resolve their differences, which might lead to a trade dispute and then instead of the parties goes to strikes or lockout..."

Students Shine With Microsoft
Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point - these are all programs that some of us have learned to use in the workplace, while others learned about them in your high school IT classes. But a company called Sai Info- Tech offers a much more in depth training in these applications. They offer Microsoft office certification and 10 students sat the final practical exam today at the Radisson. The student with the highest score gets to represent Belize in the international competition in Orlando. We dropped by to find out how important such a certification is for the participants. Dr. Kiran Vanjani, Director, Sai Info-Tech "It is a matter of validating their skills everybody yes uses Microsoft programs on a daily basis but according to a survey, most of the users only use 10 percent of the features of the Microsoft office so we invest in buying the program but we don't use it to the full extent. The thing is the productivity is low, that is the result. So through this certification what is being achieved is that we know all the options correctly and we can do certain tasks in a given time frame so it is the practical exam students are taking right now is in Excel, last year we did it in PowerPoint, this year we did it in Excel."

If You Own It, Patent It
Saying that something is yours is very different from having that ownership on paper. That is why the Belize Intellectual Property Agency encourages entrepreneurs, artists among other inventors to patent their creations. Today Belipo hosted a one day workshop on the benefits of the Patent Cooperation Treaty. It was held at the Biltmore and we dropped by to find out more. Olabimpe Akinkuolie, Deputy Registrar, BELIPO: "The Patent Cooperation treaty is predominantly geared towards patent. So the moment you submit your application which can be done at the Belize Intellectual Property office or through the International Bureau in Geneva the process..."

Violent Volcanic Eruption In Guatemala
A violent volcanic eruption in southwestern Guatemala has killed at least 65 persons, and left 50+ wounded - while the death toll is expected to rise. It happened on Sunday at the "Volcan De Fuego" - which is near Antigua Guatemala, and about 25 miles from Guatemala City. The volcano spewed a river of lava and sent plumes of smoke, along with gas and ash billowing almost 6 miles into the air. Fast moving volcanic flows rolled into villages, killing people inside their homes. The town of El Rodeo is said to have been "buried". According to the Guatemalan Embassy in Belize, as many as 1.7 million people have been affected, while 3271 persons have been evacuated and treated, and 1,916 have been placed in shelters.

PUP Convention Season Results In Bitter Bickering
It's convention season in the PUP, and the hurt and hard feeling has led to some bitter and public bickering. First, on Friday night, the two camps in the Albert Division for Paul Thompson on one side, and Valerie Woods on the other got into a major dispute when vetting the list for the convention. There was the usual jostling over which names would stay on and which would go off, but Jermyn Galvez a member of the woods camp, concluded that candidate Paul Thompson had somehow threatened his life and put a hit on him. He went and made a police report saying as much and the party Chairman had to come and settle the matter. Both sides resolved the matter amicably the following day.

Remembering The Flower’s Bank 14
The 10th anniversary of the Flowers Bank Village Festival was held on Saturday, in the River Valley Village. Guest speaker Dr. Colin Young who is form down the river at Bermudian Landing spoke about the lessons of the Public Meeting where the so called Flowers Bank Negroes made their names: Colin Young, Guest Speaker: "14 people decide to vote yes in 1797. They change our world, our history, our country. As residents of Flowers Bank and as Belizeans let this be an important lesson that is we are powerful when we are organized, despite the size of our group. We owe it to the Flowers Bank 14 and the other 51 who voted yes..."

Training Suicide Stoppers
100 social workers, educators, counsellors, administrators, and youth workers have official been trained in suicide prevention. The trained took place between May 24th and June 1st in the the Belize, Cayo, and Stann Creek districts. Dr Guy Llagan Assistant professor and counsellor at the Citadel College in South Carolina along with Clinical Psychologist Dr Jill Llagan, and Galen University life coach Kendra Hoyt facilitated the training. The participants are now equipped with the knowledge to conduct and practice suicide assessments, respond and monitor youths at risk with intervention skills like safety and crisis response planning.

Post-Game Stabbing At Civic
There was a stabbing on the Compound of the newly opened CIVIC Center in Belize City on Friday night. Basketball fans were there for the Finals of the NEBL where the Hurricanes emerged as champions against the Defenders. Unfortunately, one of the fans was stabbed by another man in what appears to be a disagreement which turned into a fight. Police told us today that 20 year-old Tyrique Garbutt had to be rushed to the hospital with an injury to the chest and the upper right arm.

IS BTL Boycotting KREM? PUP Says So
KREM TV and Radio say the publicly owned BTL is refusing to advertise on their media. Now we know the government has also taken this position, but BTL is a. Publicly owned private company, which, so far has not issued a statement responding to the claim, but the PUP says "The PUP reminds the government and particularly Prime Minister Dean Barrow that he, through a decision made unilaterally, saddled the people of Belize with close to $600M in debt for BTL…The Kremandala organization, which maintains a significant share of the media market in Belize - more so than WAVE Radio & TV which continues to benefit from BTL ads, should be treated fairly."

Belize Football Played To Draw
Belize went to Barbados for an international Friendly on Sunday night. The game was broadcast here in Belize - and we saw a Belize team that certainly had its chances to score - but the game ended in a scoreless draw. Barbados is ranked 10 places higher than Belize.

Channel 5

Boy, 13, Shot after Allegedly Pulling Weapon on Police
There are two versions about the police shooting of a minor over the weekend.  The thirteen-year old remains hospitalized tonight after being shot multiple times on Saturday evening. The Pitter [...]

Another Suspected Drug Plane Makes Wet Drop in the North
Just before news time last Thursday, our newsroom received reports of a suspected drug plane being tracked by local authorities heading north. Despite checks made in Corozal and Orange Walk, [...]

Courts Corozal Sacked by Thieves for $5,000
Just before news time on Friday, there was an armed robbery at a popular business establishment.  Police are looking for two persons of interest in connection with the brazen robbery [...]

4, including Police Man, Caught in Heavy Weed Bust
A sizeable drug bust over the weekend has resulted in the arrest of a police officer in the Orange Walk District.  Twenty-two-year-old Braiden Robateau is assigned to the San Ignacio [...]

In Dangriga, Man Ends Life after Pursuit by Cops
It is our policy not to report on suicides, however, an incident this afternoon in Dangriga has left the community in shock.  Maurrice Serrano, identified as the driver for Mayor [...]

A First-hand Account of Surviving Deadly Guatemala Volcano Eruption
As many as sixty-two persons have lost their lives since the eruption of the Fuego volcano in El Rodeo Village near Antigua, Guatemala on Sunday.  A river of lava discharged [...]

Authorities Say Nearly 2 million Affected; Aid Requests Coming
According to reports from Guatemala’s Institute of Forensic Sciences, volcanic ash has already blanketed a twelve-mile radius and winds could carry the dark gray cloud even farther.  Authorities have called [...]

Opposition Calls On Belizeans to Help
The death toll continues to rise from Sunday’s eruption of Volcan de Fuego near Antigua, Guatemala, with more than sixty persons confirmed dead and many more feared lost under the [...]

Albert Getting Hot; Police Called in to Calm Voting Dispute
Earlier we heard about the P.U.P. statement on the deadly volcano that erupted in Guatemala killing as many as sixty persons so far. But the party has been going through [...]

Gov’t Hails Step Toward De-Listing Barrier Reef
A final decision is pending but after nine years, Belize’s Barrier Reef could no longer be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger. A preliminary decision by the [...]

Taiwanese Businessman Gets Home Invaded
A pair of thieves dressed as police officers got away with a serious amount of cash during a home invasion in Ladyville on Thursday night.  Taiwanese businessman Laing Gee Fong [...]

City Youth Stabbed Outside Civic Center
Since opening its doors to the public several weeks ago, the Belize City Center has been the venue of choice for various sporting and other entertainment activities.  The facility has [...]

Another Application of Bail for Murder
Could yet another accused murderer be out on bail by the end of this week? In the last fifteen months, no less than ten men accused of murder that have [...]

Altercation Leads City Men to Court
A city resident is accused of harm and damage to property following an altercation with his neighbor. It is not clear what led to the dispute between thirty-seven-year-old Jose Guzman [...]

Managing International Patent Cooperation
The Belize Intellectual Property Office hosted a seminar on the Patent Cooperation Treaty.  Belize acceded to the treaty in June 2000 and today, two intellectual property rights experts, including a [...]

Got an Invention? Get it Patented!
And on the topic of patents, BELIPO says that only a few Belizeans file applications for patents. According to the Deputy Registrar, if you have an invention, you can go [...]

HRCU Provides Grants to Deserving Youngsters
As any parent will tell you, it’s never too early to start thinking about back to school even with the current school year in its final weeks. Costs of education [...]

A Training in Mediation and Conciliation
The Ministry of Labour invited the International Labour Organisation to train about thirty persons in mediation and conciliation for this week. The training workshop which opened this morning includes senior [...]

Labour Reaches Out to Unions, Business
Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams tells us that his office believes that the mediation and conciliation training will be useful to ongoing and future labour dialogue. He says he believes that [...]

The Championship of Microsoft Excel
It’s perhaps the most recognized and used suite of software in the world, but how well do you really know Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the like? A [...]

Jaguars Held by Barbados; Tridents to Visit Belize in August
The national selection football team, the Belize Jaguars, is heading back home after playing a friendly match on Sunday in Barbados against that country’s national team, known as the Tridents. [...]

Sports Monday Covers Basketball Final
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of weekend sporting activities…]

CTV3

Police Finds Courts' Robbery Escape Vehicle, Seeks Suspects
Corozal Police are searching for at least three suspects who planned and executed a daring robbery of the Courts Belize store employees and a customer in Corozal Town on Friday June 1st evening. Around 4:15pm, two men barged into the Courts merchandise store located at the far south end of 5th Avenue, and threatened the employees with their firearms while demanding money. Reports are that one customer who was inside was assaulted during the robbery. This morning the Police provided an update on the case.

Did Suspected Drug Plane Refuel in Belize?
On Friday morning Belizeans were awoken by the news that another drug plane had landed in the North of the Jewel. Since the report was never corroborated by authorities it was swept under the rug and simply remained as a rumour. That is until Saturday morning when reports coming from Mexican media ‘Linea de Fuego Chetumal’ revealed that on the evening of Thursday May 31st, 2018 a drug plane believed to be from Columbia, unloaded a significant amount of drugs in the Rio Hondo River between the communities of La Union and Revolución, both located within the Othón P. Blanco municipality.

Minister Elrington Represents Belize In Joint Council Of Ministers
Hon. Wilfred Elrington led a Belizean delegation to the 43rd session of the Joint Council of Minister of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and the European Union (EU) in Lomé, Togo, consisting of Ambassador of Belize to the EU, H.E, Dylan Vernon, Director of International Affairs; Ayesha Borland and First Secretary at the Mission of Belize to the EU, Raineldo Urbina.

CSCPA Lashes Out At Santander
The release of white sugar in the local market by the multinational Spanish company, Santander, has thrown the local sugar industry into a frenzy. Since we broke the news of the presence of Santander sugar on the local market a few weeks ago, the concern for local producers has only intensified as the industry now anticipates a decision from the EPZ committee whether Santander will be given a waiver to source thirty percent of all local consumption. Last week the three associations issued a joint letter to the committee asking that a waiver not be granted to Santander based on the negative financial impacts it would cause to the already struggling local sugar industry.

LOVE FM

COURTS in Corozal robbed
Police in Corozal Town are investigating an armed robbery which occurred at the Corozal Branch of COURTS Belize. The robbery happened on Friday when two persons barged into the business and held up the cashier. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino shared the details. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: “Two male person entered the establishment, one was …

Fake cops rob Taiwanese national
Ladyville police are investigating a home invasion which occurred last week Thursday in Ladyville Village. Taiwanese National Liang Gee Fong told police that two persons dressed in police uniform presented themselves at his front door and informed him that they were there to conduct a house search. Fong let the fake cops in and as …

Police officers and others caught wit 24 lbs of weed
A police officer attached to the San Ignacio Formation and three other persons were caught in possession of six parcels of marijuana, amounting to more than twenty four pounds. According to Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, on Saturday afternoon authorities received information of a possible drug transaction. A joint operation involving Orange Walk Police, BDF Soldiers and …

Basketball fan stabbed at Civic
On Friday basketball fans flocked to the Civic to witness the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) basketball finals between SMART Belize Hurricanes and Digicell Belize City Defenders. One of those fans was 20 year old Tarique Garbutt. Unfortunately for Garbutt, he got into an altercation with someone who stabbed him. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino gave more …

Police officer shoots 13 year old boy who was armed
Investigators are waiting to charge a Belize City teenager with firearm offenses. The thirteen-year-old boy is currently admitted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being shot to the legs by police officers on Saturday evening. He was shot because police say, that the thirteen-year-old pointed a .38 chrome special revolver at officers who were …

Canadian delegation mets with Minister of Transport
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro, along with a team of officials including Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, Frank Mena; Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management, Ruth Meighan; and Belize’s Ports Commissioner, Merlene Bailey-Martinez met with a Canadian …

Where do children learn how to be bullies ?
Do the Right Thing Pedestrian Crossing School Safety Program has recently completed its tour in schools in the Cayo District, where they shared safety tips with children and teachers. Adilee McKoy of Do the Right Thing Pedestrian Crossing School Safety Program told Love News that Belize has become a violent society where even the children …

Ministry of Labour holds workshop on mediation
A workshop on labour mediation began today. The event is organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the International Labour Organization. The participants include representatives from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, employers and labour officers. Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams spoke with Love News. Ivan Williams, Commissioner of Labour: “It is one …

CCJ dismisses claim brought by Belize Bank against GOB
On Friday, the Caribbean Court of Justice delivered a judgment in the last two of three post judgment applications between the Belize Bank Limited and the Attorney General of Belize, all of which were heard on March 14, 2018. The CCJ gave its decision on the Bank’s application for enforcement orders against the Minister of …

World Intellectual Property Organization holds PCT’s seminar
Belize is a signatory to the Patent Cooperation Treaty, (PCT) which gives opportunities to inventors who would like to register their inventions worldwide. The World Intellectual Property Organization in collaboration with the Belize Intellectual Property Office held a workshop on the PCT at the Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza. Love News spoke with Olabimpe Akinkuolie …

BNTU responds to COLA’s concerns
Last week, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, expressed that teachers are being deceived. Via press release, COLA President Geovanni Brackett said that the Government has begun a process to use the Smart Stream System to pay teachers …

BNTU supports SSB’s proposal for increase of contributions
The Social Security Board is coming to the end of its consultations with regards to its proposal to increase benefits to the fund. Representatives from the SSB have met with several organizations including the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). Senator Elena Smith, outlined the BNTU’s position …

PUP calls on GOB to assist Guatemala
The People’s United Party has called on the Government of Belize to put aside their differences and to offer assistance to Guatemala. Our neighbouring country has been devastated by the most violent volcano eruption in more than a century that killed over 25 people …

PlusTV

Fish Factory vessel flying Belizean Flag arrested and seized
Another International Ship flying the Belize Flag is under investigation for illegal fishing. The Damanzaihao is considered to be the world’s largest fish factory vessel in the world, capable of processing 547,000 tons of fish per year. Environmental Agents from Peru boarded the Damanzaihao ...

Orange Walk Hit and Run
An Orange Walk man is dead after a fatal hit on run on the San Estevan Road. Reports are that, 51 year old Melito Macario Medina was walking home on the San Estevan Road between 6pm and 7pm last night when he was hit from behind by an unknown vehicle. When police arrived on the scene of the incident...

M.O.H SHUTS DOWN 4 PHARMACIES, more to follow
The Ministry of Health has closed down four pharmacies in the Cayo and Stan Creek District and many more are expected to be shut down. According to reports, the Ministry of Health has been conducting inspections throughout the country. During inspections they found four pharmacies operating without ...

Belmopan City Council struggles to meet end of month payroll?
Plusnews has been reliably informed that workers at Belmopan City council have not received their end of month payment as yet as of today, June 1st. We have been told that workers were expecting their end of month salaries on Wednesday but that did not happen. It appears that Belmopan City Council ...

No confidence vote for PSU President
The Public Service Union might be ready for yet another leader. Last year, past President Eldred Neal was removed from his position after a secret recording of him was leaked in which me made derogatory statements about Garifuna Members of the Public Service. Doreth Obermayer Cayetano was elected in...

Shaquille Martinez remanded for Arson
22 year old Shaquille Martinez, aka “Grind”, broke the conditions of his bail and ended up back in court today. This time, there was no bail and he is in prison awaiting his next court appearance. Today, Martinez appeared in court on the charge of Arson. That is because he tried to burn down his ex ...

Bulgarian National accused of Credit Card theft gets bail
A Bulgarian National who has been accused of Credit Card theft from a Caye Caulker resident, was granted bail today. Despite arguments that 41 year old Vasil Stoyanov Kadalov is a flight risk since he has no ties to Belize, Supreme Court Judge Colin Williams granted bail to the foreigner in sum of $...

Belize City Librarian Robbed
A Librarian was robbed of his Cuban links chain and Gucci wallet. Reports are that a lone gunman walked into the Lake Independence Library in Belize City about 10:30 am yesterday morning and demanded that 38 year old Bernard Louis Timmon hand over his personal belongings. As a...

Courts Corozal Robbed
Plusnews has confirmed that there was an armed robbery in Corozal this afternoon. The business targeted was courts when armed robbers entered. Details are still sketchy at this time but as soon as we have more information, we will share that with you but we understand that it...

Breaking Belize News

Belize~ Help for Guatemala Volcano victims
By Richard Harrison: Yesterday Volcan Fuego in Escuintla, Guatemala erupted sending lava flow and ashes for miles….the death toll and those affected continues to rise. Today a small group of Belizeans formed a committee to respond to the desire of many Belizeans to assist those affected […]

Fake cops rob BZ$10,000 from Taiwanese National in Ladyville
On May 31, 2018, police were called to the residence of Laing Gee Fong, 64, a […]

Man, 20, stabbed in Belize City while attending basketball finals
Tyrique Garbutt, 20, was stabbed on Friday, June 1st by an unknown individual while attending the […]

100 Professionals trained in Suicide Prevention
The YouthRise Project in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation in collaboration […]

Mose Hyde – Is BTL the property of the UDP?
Last week, BBN reported (See story here: https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2018/05/31/btl-pulls-plug-on-advertising-with-the-kremandala-empire/ ) that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) pulled the plug on all […]

PUP extends solidarity to Guatemalans; urges Government to assist
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) today issued a release expressing its […]

Courts Corozal Branch robbed at gunpoint
On Friday, June 1st, 2018, Courts Corozal Branch was robbed at gunpoint. According to reports, […]

PUP condemns BTL’s advertising ban on Kremandala
Last week, BBN reported (Story here: https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2018/05/31/btl-pulls-plug-on-advertising-with-the-kremandala-empire/)that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) pulled the plug on all […]

PUP announces contested convention in Orange Walk
The Opposition, People’s United Party has been hosting a series of endorsement and contested conventions […]

Pauline Soberanis Tillett chosen as this month’s Wonder Woman!
The United States Embassy in Belize features women across Belize on a monthly basis as […]

Earthquake shakes Guatemala after deadly volcano eruption
This morning, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook off the coast of Guatemala after a catastrophic […]

Showers headed our way
Cloudy skies with a few showers and thunderstorms are expected mainly over the south and […]

Death toll rises in Guatemala as a result of catastrophic volcano eruption
Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano located some 25 miles from Guatemala’s capital city erupted yesterday sending a river […]

International Sources

Powerful earthquake strikes Guatemala hours after devastating volcano eruption
The tremor struck around 105km (105,000 metres) south-west of Champerico, a port town popular with tourists on Guatemala's noth-west coast. The quake struck in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 km), according to US Geological Survey (USGS). There are no immediate reports of injures, damage to buildings or fatalities. No tsunami alerts have been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. No shaking has been felt in the capital of Guatemala, located in the north-west of the central American country. The earthquake comes just hours after The Fuego volcano spewed lava and ash into the air in Guatemala's most violent eruption in more than 100 years.

A global coral reef monitoring system is coming soon
Coral reef conservation efforts will soon get a major boost with a global monitoring system that will detect physical changes in coral cover at high resolution on a daily basis, enabling researchers, policy makers, and environmentalists to track severe bleaching events, reef dynamiting, and coastal development in near-real time. The satellite-based system — which is the product of a partnership between Paul G. Allen Philanthropies, Planet, Carnegie Institution of Science, University of Queensland, and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology — will launch at five pilot sites this fall, before rolling out globally in 2020. “This system could be a game-changer for coral reef conservation,” Carnegie scientist Greg Asner, told Mongabay. “It will be the first large-scale monitoring system that can detect where reefs are changing thereby enabling direct action to mitigate losses.”

Videos

June 4, 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

Doctor Love: Love is Love
Dear Doctor Love, I have known since puberty that I am attracted to girls but it has taken me almost ten years to accept that being with a man is not my future. I attract guys very easily and I’ve tried to have relationships but it has always felt as though I am trying to force something that isn’t real. With female friends, I am comfortable and relaxed and the only real physical attraction I feel is towards girls. I know I am gay. And I am clueless about being gay. How does a girl get a date with a girl? How do I tell my friends? I’ve accepted it, now where do I go from here? /s/ Name Withheld

Santander Sugar Factory accused of selling sugar without permit within Belize
Thousands of cane farmers in northern Belize are up in arms after the multinational sugar-producing company Santander began illegally producing and introducing Plantation white sugar into the local retail market. Santander, a company based in Spain, has apparently violated its terms of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) by selling its sugar in the local market. Under the EPZ status, the company is to export its produce to the external market only. On Thursday, May 29th, customs Comptroller, Colin Griffith instructed customs posts in the districts of Corozal, Cayo and Orange Walk to confiscate the Santander sugar from the premises where they have allegedly been sold.

Misc Belizean Sources

Gun wielding Minor Shot by police
A 13 year old minor pointed a .38 special revolver at the police on Raccoon Street in Belize City. The police say they were told about a “suspicious person” and the minor who matched the description, ran when he saw them. He then pulled a revolver from a knapsack and pointed it at the cops. One of the officers fired shots, hitting him on both legs. Police recovered the weapon in the presence of his grandmother. He was taken to the KHMH for treatment and he will be charged with two counts of aggravated assault: one count of keeping firearm without a license and another for keeping ammunition without a license.

We live in different countries but we are one people
From: The Officers and Members of the United Garifuna Association Inc. To: The Right Honorable Dean Barrow Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceno Leader of the People’s United Party and Honorable Patrick Rogers Leader of the Belize Progressive Party and the Belizean Public At Large Subject: The Registration of Belizean Citizens Abroad To Vote In the Upcoming ICJ Referendum and Subsequent Belize Elections through Proxy Voting To Exercise Their Fundamental Constitutional Rights As Citizens of Belize Dear Gentlemen, Under our constitution all of the citizens of Belize have the right to vote whether they live at home or abroad. It is the responsibility of you the elected officials to pass laws to make it convenient for our citizens to exercise their basic fundamental rights as citizens of our country.

GREAT 2018 Graduation
Congratulations, GREAT graduates! They had 815 graduates this year, and it was held at the Sacred Heart College auditorium. "San Ignacio Police Formation held its Gang Resistance Education and Training program graduation ceremony. At the ceremony, 815 primary school students from various schools in that municipality, received certificates of completion for their participation in the 13 weeks Gang Resistance Education. Congratulations to all instructors, students ,school administrators and parents who made this program a success."

Smart Belize Hurricanes grabs their second NEBL Championship in 3 years
The 2018 Pepsi NEBL season came to an end on Friday night at the Belize Civic Center as Smart Belize Hurricanes swept their city counterparts, DigiCell Belize City Defenders in two games to claim their second NEBL championship in the past three years. Game 1 witnessed a 29 point blowout, while game 2 was following a similar trend as Smart Belize Hurricanes had a commanding 21 point lead going into the half. At the midway point of the fourth quarter Defenders cut a once 26 point lead down to 9 points, but missed three opportunities to further slice the lead down, giving Hurricanes enough cushion to pull off the 78 – 66 victory. Smart Belize Hurricanes was led by Devin Daly who had the game high with 35 points, which is the most points scored in an NEBL Finals in its 5-year history.

Breaking Belize News

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano claims lives in deadly eruption today
Today, hundreds of Guatemalans were affected by Guatemala’s Fuego volcano that erupted. Authorities have confirmed that at least seven people were killed and over 300 injured. […]

7 months later; still no bridge for Santa Teresita Village
BBN readers will recall that in October of last year, we reported on the collapse of a bridge in Santa Teresita Village, Cayo District. It is now 7 months and the village has still not received a new bridge. […]

A Belizean Cyclist’s Dream!
Tariq Cano has been active in the sport of cycling since the age of 11. At age 27, he became an internationally-recognized figure in the sport and is now using his experience and knowledge to take Belizean cycling to the international level. […]

Councilor Dr. Pitts selected as 2018 honoree by Anglican Diocese of Belize in New York
Belize City Councilor, Dr. Candice Pitts, has been selected by the Anglican Diocese of Belize in New York as one of its 2018 Honorees. Dr. Pitts is being honored for her, “dedication, hard work, achievements, women empowerment, contribution to family, church, and community.” […]

Michel Chebat endorsed for PUP Cayo North
This afternoon, over a thousand supporters of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) gathered at the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio to endorse Attorney Michel ‘Micho’ Chebat as the standard bearer for the Cayo North division. […]

Belize Jaguars play friendly football today against the Barbados Tridents
Belize’s national football team, known as the Belize Jaguars, is competing in an international friendly football game this evening against the Tridents, the national team of Barbados. The game is being played at the Wildey Turf in Barbados at 7 p.m. Barbados time […]

Peruvian ship flying Belize flag detained for illegal fishing
A Peruvian fishing vessel flying a Belize flag, named the Damanzaihao described as the world’s largest fish factory vessel in the world, was seized by that country’s Ministry of Environment last Friday for reported acts of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. […]

4 men including a police officer busted with over 20 lbs of marijuana
According to reports, four men were busted yesterday in Corozal with 23 pounds of weed. One of the men is a police officer attached to the Community Policing Unit in San Ignacio Town. […]

Belize City minor, armed with gun, shot by police
Belize City police are investigating the shooting of a minor that occurred yesterday evening. According to authorities, around 5:15 yesterday evening, police went to the intersection of Racoon and Seagull Street after receiving reports of a person with a gun. […]

Blogs

Corozal Community College Prom Night 2018
It's was time for the 2018 Oscars! Oscar host Corozal Community College and the nominees have quite a show lined up, so you did want to miss any minute of it! This Year's for Prom Night held by Corozal community College was "Oscars". It was held inside Dreams on June 2, 2018 and the event commenced at 7pm. 100's of people lined up at the entrance of Dreams to witness the 2018 best prom night in Corozal. Each group came in with their own entrance dance, dresses, and boys with their suit with various colors, fireworks presentation, Lemmo, and many other presentation. Corozal Commnuity College is the school that does Prom Night In Corozal Apart from other High Schools in the Corozal District like this Prom Night.

International Sources

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts, killing at least 25
Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted, killing at least 25 people and leaving residents covered in ash as they fled from billowing plumes. The volcanic eruption Sunday spewed a river of red hot lava and belched thick clouds of smoke nearly six miles into the air, according to the CONRED, the government agency for disaster reduction. Ashen remnants covered neighborhoods. In addition to the fatalities, 20 others were injured, CONRED said. Survivors described the horror and destruction when the volcano erupted. "Not everyone escaped, I think they were buried," Consuelo Hernandez said in a video released by CONRED. "We saw the lava was pouring through the corn fields and we ran toward a hill." Hernandez told officials from the disaster agency that some of her relatives were buried. Images from the scene showed a firefighter weeping. Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales declared three days of national mourning.

Latin America and the Caribbean bidding goodbye to plastic bags
Last Wednesday, May 30, Chile became the first South American country to approve a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags, garnering congratulations from around the world for its efforts to beat plastic pollution ahead of World Environment Day this Tuesday. Several other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are using taxes, bans, and technological innovation to restrict the production and consumption of plastic bags, and reduce their harmful impact on oceans and marine species. It is estimated that the world consumes each year up to five trillion plastic bags, mostly made of polyethylene, a low-cost polymer derived from petroleum, which takes at least 500 years to degrade. Only nine per cent of all plastic waste is recycled.

Videos

June 3, 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

Wolfe’s Woofers: Horsepower
“I took care of the car rental,” Sherry said. “I told them you’d be there around nine a.m. to pick up the car.” “Thanks. Now take me to catch the plane for Belize City.” By ten o’clock I was on the Burrell Boom road heading into Bermudian Landing. From there I would take the Lemonal Road to a cutoff that would take me to Mike McFarland’s ranch near the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. That was the plan, but when it started raining the dirt road to Mike’s place turned to sludge and before long my rented car was hopelessly stuck. An hour later the rain stopped. As I sat there wondering what to do, a Mennonite with a horse and wagon came plodding up the road.

Letter to the Editor: Crime does NOT pay!
To the trouble makers in San Pedro, the known criminals, the gang members and the wanna-be’s, listen up. I don’t think you’ve thought what you’re doing to and on the island of Ambergris Caye. Killings every month, hit and run thievery, robberies (where you hurt someone) and burglaries (where you don’t). And now a stupid act of knocking off a popular bar – and hurting a popular employee??? Let me repeat that…STUPID act! You may as well have shot yourself in the foot. Every time you do these senseless acts, you are hurting the economy of the only place you think you can make an unearned living. Have you ever heard of killing the goose that laid the golden egg? You don’t have any more eggs!

Misc Belizean Sources

Photos from Flowers Bank Day

Corozal - 666 grams of that green leafy substance (suspected cannabis) thrown out of Blue Toyota Camry Corozal Taxi
On Thursday May 31st, while custom officials were on a regular patrol, they sited an item being thrown out of the taxi. The officers stopped to pickup the item which ended up being suspected weed. As a result, four Corozal residents were detained for trafficking marijuana. The four men Rafael Garrido Jr., 21, Victor Dominguez, 34, Darren Carrias, 26 and Jermaine Flores Baltazar, 43, (all of Corozal District) were immediately arrested and taken to the Corozal Police Station.

Mango Festival 2018
Hopkins hosted all the excitement this weekend for the annual Mango Fest.

The Reporter

Police say youth who was shot pointed gun at them
Police say the minor who was shot this evening on Raccoon Street pointed a gun at them and they shot him in his feet to disarm and restrain him. Police say the incident unfolded around 5:15 p.m., when they responded to a reoort that a youth was in possession of a firearm near the intersection of Raccoon and Seagull Streets. Officers reportedly saw the youth who fit the description of the one in the report and set chase after him. The police report continues, saying they saw the youth retrieve a .38 special revolver from a knapsack he was carrying and then point the gun at them. […]

Man chopped during argument
A man reportedly suffered chop wounds on the left side of his neck earlier today in Belize City. Thw incident happened on Mapp Street and left Zagreus Ford, 37, of Cleghorn Street wounded but in a stable condition. Ford claims he was standing on Mapp Street when he got embroiled in am argument with a man he knew who chopped him. That man is now being sought. […]

Youth reportedly shot
Police are investigating a report that a youth was shot about a half hour ago in Belize City. The report is that the incident happened on Raccoon Street in the Collet area and that the youth allegedly had a gun. Rhe youth reportedly got shot in the leg. We are awaiting further information from police. […]

Man reportedly stabbed near Civic
A man was reportedly stabbed near the Belize City Centre last night. Unofficial reports are that the stabbing occurred during a robbery. The victim was stabbed in the left side of the chest. The Reporter will release his name and condition after his family has been notified.[…]

Breaking Belize News

Seven employees from Lands department are abruptly ‘no longer employed’
On Friday, June 1st 2018, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued a release informing the public that […]

Cayo Rosario development project approved
Members of the San Pedro community had previously expressed their discontent with […]

Meet the 4 students from Mount Carmel High School that topped Grad class 2018!
L-R: Melissa Puc, Jia Xiao Zhen, Milenie Archilas, Ceidy Rodriguez Four female Belizean students from […]

La Loma Luz Hospital to host Community health fair
The La Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena town will be hosting a community health […]

BDF soldier shot in Toledo
Yesterday evening, police confirmed to the media that a soldier from the Belize Defense Force […]

Two powerful homemade guns found in Corozal
BBN has received reports that around 7:45 a.m. today, a police search on an abandoned lot in […]

Blogs

Snapshots from Hopkins, Belize – Let’s Get Ready for Mangos!
I was off to Hopkins, Belize. The annual mango festival waits for no man! A celebration of the summer fruit that explodes all over mainland Belize is the summer months. Trees are literally bursting with them. Let me lead with the most exciting news about Hopkins for those who visit frequently. The road through the village has finally been paved! No more puddles and bumps… Though only 100 miles away from Ambergris Caye, Hopkins is SO different. As you approach the village, there are mountains behind you and gorgeous savannahs to both sides. The broad beach is made of river rock, rather than coral sand. Coarser and deep, it is a serious calf workout to take a stroll on the beach. The reef is a few miles out but the ease of visiting the orange orchards, mountains and waterfalls is pretty…awesome. And everything just seems so lush and GREEN! Flying over mainland Belize is a thing of beauty.

Cloudy Saturday view in Corozal
Many may enjoy the weather in Corozal differently here in Corozal. Wether it is cloudy, rainy day, hot day or just relax at home and enjoy the weather in Belize. Today Saturday June 2, 2018, I came out to enjoy the cool weather right here in Corozal. I came outside and noticed the rainy day earlier this morning. I walked along the beach from Scotty's to Dukker's Ice Cream palor in Corozal. I saw things changing around town. Like new businesses, local painting's being painted on the wall around Corozal, new buildings being built or businesses being upgraded in Corozal.

International Sources

Where are the best places in the world to go camping?
TV survivalist and adventurer, Ed Stafford holds the Guinness World Record for being the first human ever to walk the length of the Amazon. Unsurprisingly he’s an eager advocate of camping. “It’s a natural reset and an antidote to a stressful life,” he tells Express.co.uk. His favourite places to go camping in the world range from Madagascar to Belize and here he shares his top five al fresco locations. Number one on his list of best camping spots is the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia. Second is on top of Victoria Peak, the highest mountain in Belize. “This peaks just out of the Central American jungle canopy and on a good day you can see the Cayes on the Caribbean Coast,” Ed says.

Videos

June 2, 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

San Pedro BTIA Chapter organizes response to recent crime activity at monthly meeting
At the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (SP BTIA) monthly meeting, the primary topic of interest was the increase in crime on the island. Held at the VIP Lounge of Fido’s Courtyard & Pier on Wednesday, May 30th, more than 40 people were in attendance to debate the issue of crime affecting businesses on Ambergris Caye. The interactive gathering saw members and concerned citizens sharing ideas and suggestions on how to deter the escalation of crime on the island. At the end of the meeting the group decided to not only send letters of appeal to the Ministry of National Security and government officials, but to organize a public “For the Love of San Pedro” rally at 6PM on Thursday, June 7th at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium, where the officials and island residents are invited to attend and share their support towards a viable solution to the crime situation in San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

Opening Of 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season
Today, June 1, marks the official beginning of the 2018 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from 1st June to 30th November 2018. However the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25. This is now the fourth consecutive year that a storm has developed before the official start of the hurricane season.

Shyne Barrow Launches Collaborative T-Shirt With 40s & Shorties
Belize’s Muysic Ambassdor is back on the scene but this time in the style and fashion area as Shyne Barrow launches collaborative t-shirt with 40s & Shortie for summer 2018. Rapper Shyne is out on the streets, but now he’s making a surprising-yet-welcomed return by way of streetwear imprint 40s & Shorties. Most of the apparel is being sported by local Belizeans show casing graphic tees, shorts, carry-all bags and collared shirts- an awesome wardrobe for summer 2018.

Misc Belizean Sources

OPENING OF 2018 ATLANTIC BASIN HURRICANE SEASON
Today, June 1, marks the official beginning of the 2018 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from 1st June to 30th November 2018. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25. This is now the fourth consecutive year that a storm has developed before the official start of the hurricane season. The Seasonal Hurricane forecasts for 2018 issued by several agencies are suggesting that tropical cyclone activity will be normal to slightly above normal in the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico) this year. The consensus among these agencies is for there to be about twelve to fourteen (12 to 14) named storms, of those six to seven (6 to 7) are likely to become hurricanes and two (2) are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). An average season in the Atlantic Basin consists of twelve (12) named storms, six (6) hurricanes, and two (2) major hurricanes.

San Pedro Town Council meets with Solid Waste Management Team
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council met with the Solid Waste Management Team in order to begin preparations for Phase 2 of the Solid Waste Management Plan for the entire country of Belize which will include garbage separation and recycling of materials in San Pedro Town.

CSAM murial painting are complete in Corozal Mirador Hotel

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Safety Specialist in the Safety Health and Environment Unit of the Transmission and Distribution Division (Belize City).

Vacancies at BEL
Two (2) vacancies exist at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Supervisor in the Finance Department (Belize City).

NBSAP Launch at Falcon Field
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was launched yesterday at Falcon Field. Many local organizations and schools were in attendance. Part of the ceremony was the planting of trees around the park. PACT got some great pictures.

Ladyville Evangelical Primary school visited the Chiquibul National Park
It was a full pack adventure for the students, parents and teachers, despite the surprising rains!! Thanks for visiting.

Funding Opportunity to Help Protect Belize’s Incredible Marine Resources! Applications due June 29!
Four grants of up to $246,875 U.S. Dollars (USD) each will be awarded for work that will support efforts that help prevent marine debris from entering the ocean, subject to the availability of funding. Projects must fall in one of two categories: 1. Reducing marine debris through capacity building for the development of environmentally sustainable waste management systems. Three awards will be funded under this category. 2. Reducing the amount of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the ocean. One award will be funded under this category.

BONIFACIO NOVELO
Bonifacio Novelo (19th century) was a Maya fighter in the so-called Maya Social War(Caste War) . He was a Maya caudillo and tatich (in maya: cacique, great chief, in the east of the state of Yucatan, along with Cecilio Chi and Jacinto Pat. Before the beginning of the aforementioned war, Novelo was commander of a thousand Maya who participated in the siege of Valladolid under the orders of Colonel Antonio Trujeque. When the city fell into the hands of the rebels, hundreds were attributed to the ferocious action of Bonifacio Novelo. Some historians say that although the orders came from Trujeque, it attributed to Novelo the beheading of the defense commander of the plaza, Colonel Venegas. After that, there was a whole battalion pursuing and harassing Novelo, forcing him to live "salto de mata" without ever being caught. Hence his reputation as a daring and astute man. In August of 1847 Bonifacio Novelo was commissioned by Cecilio Chi to go to Belize to Meet the British to buy arms under the command of 200 Maya men.

Black Orchid Restaurant Comedy Night
Tickets On Sale Now at the Black Orchid Restaurant. We are excited about our first ever Live Stand Up Comedy night. Sunday June 10th.

NEMO STATE OF READINESS MEETING ON OPENING OF HURRICANE SEASON
Coordinators for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) from around the country and support staff at the NEMO Headquarters came together this morning in Belmopan for a State of Readiness Meeting to mark the start of the new Hurricane Season. In addressing them, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon Edmond Castro, thanked them for the sacrifice they continue to make for the safety and wellbeing of the Nation and People of Belize. He encouraged them to continue doing their best; and gave his commitment, and that of his Ministry, to adequately equip them to get the job done. He noted that preparing the nation for a major natural disaster is always difficult, but that the most effective tool is dissemination of accurate and timely information to the public.

Twin-Towns Partner with Forest Department to Begin Urban Green-Space Initiative
In celebrating 25 years of biodiversity, the Forest Department continued its sustainable cities initiative by donating and pledging 1,000 trees to the San Ignacio Town Council. During the Biodiversity Celebrations ceremony on May 31st, 2018 in the twin-towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the Mayor, His Lordship Earl Trapp, signed the partnership agreement with the Forest Department to build greener spaces within the municipality by 2020. In his address, Mayor Trapp stressed the importance of building more sustainable municipalities and pinpointed this and several on-going sustainable cities initiatives that have taken shape over the last three years. He indicated that these smart, eco-friendly initiatives, such as the restoration of riverine areas, the establishment of ecological parks, home-gardening food projects, and the better management of solid waste were led primarily through partnerships with local schools, businesses, civil society entities, and individuals.

Consultants Wanted!
Vacancies available... visit humandevelopment.gov.bz/jobs for more information

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Are you a professional working in the tourism sector and are interested in developing professionally? This is your opportunity!

A DAY IN SAN ANTONIO
If you happen to be in the area, please visit - A DAY IN SAN ANTONIO DAY - CULTURE - NATURE - SPORTS - Located approximately 9 miles away from San Ignacio is San Antonio Village. On your way, rolling hills and countryside dotted with farms, homes and friendly dogs and chickens will greet you. There is even a coconut water stand right outside of Cristo Rey Village. Nestled beautifully in a valley, the village greets you below as you enter the village with colourful homes, clothes strung to sun dry, farm produce and friendly smiles and waves. According to Local Historian Mr. Alfonso Tzul, the village is said to have been established more than 100 years ago and is populated primarily by Yucatec Mayas. The village is known throughout the country and globally for its artists and healers.

World Croc Day 2018
The Belize Zoo will be teaming up with the CRC to celebrate World Croc Day on Saturday the 16th. They'll have fun for the entire family. "Here is some Summer family fun to sink your teeth into! We are excited to once again team up with our friends at the Crocodile Research Coalition to put on a party for World Croc Day! This year we will be celebrating it on Saturday June 16th at the Zoo. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more updates!"

Channel 7

GOB Wins One Over Ashcroft Alliance
Recently, the Barrow Administration has been on a major losing streak in court battles against the Ashcroft Alliance, but today, they got a major win in the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ is not going to immediately force the Government to pay that over 90-million-dollar judgment for the Universal Health Services debacle. The Court is going to wait and see what Belize's parliament does first. In March, the Belize Bank asked the CCJ, to compel the Government pay that debt immediately. That's after the CCJ ruled 5 months earlier that Belize has to pay it. The Barrow Administration says it accepted the court's judgement, but only Parliament has to power to authorize payment out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Criminals In Cops’ Uniforms Get 20K
There have been a number of armed robberies and home invasions lately. Just yesterday we told you about the hold-up at Hofius and at the Commercial Center. But, now it's starting to look more like organized crime, as another pair of clever criminals struck again last night - this time as fully outfitted, pretend police officers. It happened at a Taiwanese man's residence in Ladyville. At around 9:00, Liang Gee Fong and his wife were at their Topnachick Street home - which is not far from police station - when two creole men in police uniforms pulled up on a motorcycle in front of their house.

One For The Books: Librarian Robbed
And from that lawless home invasion - to the robbery of…a library? We know, you might be saying, who robs a library? But that's just what a young man did yesterday. It happened in broad daylight at the Lake Independence Library on Mahogany Street - which is right next to the police substation. 38 year old Librarian Bernard Louis Timmons told us that at around 10:30, he was doing his work when a young man came in seeming to make an innocent inquiry. He asked to appear off camera:..

No Suspects For Hofius Robbery
Police have not made any arrests in yesterday's audacious armed robbery at Hofius in the heart of Belize City's downtown. 7News has learned that - contrary to what we were told yesterday - Hofius does have multiple security cameras. Police say that so far they haven't been able to identify the armed robbers with certainty but are looking at a number of suspects. At a few minutes before 1:00 yesterday, two men strode into Hofius and one of them pulled out a chrome .38 pistol and pointed it at the cashier. His accomplice opened the cash register and snatched over a thousand dollars in cash along with some cheques.

Bail For Murderers, Now a Thing
If you watch the news any at all, you'll know that there's no bail for murder. It has happened a few times, but it's exceedingly rare, like once per decade. But, that may be changing because, tonight, 2 accused murderers are out on bail after spending several years on remand. We start first with the case of Alton Bailey, who's been on remand for over 4 years for the October 2013 murder of George Blanco. Bailey was initially arraigned along with Roger Hernandez and Roque Middleton for killing a 61 year old truck driver, George Blanco - so that they could rob him of $9,600.

Fatal Hit And Run While Walking Home
A man was knocked down and killed by a hit and run driver on the San Estevan Road in the Orange Walk District last night. 51 year old Melito Macario Medina was walking home when he was hit from behind by an unknown vehicle which raced off. Medina would walk daily from Orange Walk to Petville Area on the Honey Camp road where he lives. Police say it happened between 6:00 and 7:30.

Knocked Down On Morning Jog
A morning jog gone wrong in San Ignacio - 28 year old Ansella Rodriguez went running yesterday morning at 6:30 as she usually does. But as she was running on the Bullet tree road near the New Site Area, a Wingle pickup ran straight into her. Rodriguez received multiple injuries that were too serious to be treated at the San Ignacio Community hospital, so she was transferred to the KHMH. Information from the family is that her leg is broken and she will undergo surgery next Wednesday. The driver Julio Antonio Perez has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.

Tension Thick At Cayo Police Situation
Tension remains high at the San Ignacio police station after one officer pulled a gun on another 8 days ago. It happened last Thursday evening, right in front of the station - in plain view of other officers - and on the station's security camera. 7News has obtained the copy of a corroborating statement from one of those officers. He said he saw the two constables having hard talk and stepped in between them to defuse it. That's when he says PC 1994 pulled his 9 millimeter pistol and cranked it. He says he then, quote, "drifted away" to avoid being shot. He said the PC then pointed the gun at the other officer who turned and walked away.

Fishers, Your Friends
This month the fishing industry is celebrating Fisheries month to raise awareness about fishers, and honour the contributions they make to society. Today the month's activities kicked off with an opening day at the memorial park. The event included booths from organizations that play an important role in fisheries, and presenters stressing the importance of fishers. This year's theme is "Working Towards Zero Hunger with Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries". We found out more about that and the many events planned for this month. Ronda Lewis, WCS Assistant Country Director: "The purpose being that we want to recognize the contribution that fishers have to our society and our economy. We have a group of activities that we have organized for this month highlighting fishers. We have the fisher of year award whereby we recognize an outstanding fishery. We also have the women in fisheries one as well whereby we bring in the women involved in fisheries and we look at how we can mainstream gender into our fisheries sector."

The Troublesome Estero Road
The Estero area of Corozal near Pachakan continues to be a hotspot for the smuggling of illicit drugs and contraband. Yesterday evening, just before 6:00, Customs was patrolling the Estero Road when they stopped this Toyota Camry taxi. They saw one of the passengers throw a brown paper bag out of the passenger window, and when they looked inside they found one and a half pounds of marijuana. Four men were inside and they were all charged for drug trafficking. They are 43 year old Jermaine Flores Baltazar from Corozal, 21 year old Rafael Garrido Jr. from San Antonio, and 34 year old Victor Dominguez, and 26 year old Darren Carrias both from San Andres. Estero is an area on the banks of the Rio Hondo and is a hotspot for all kinds of smuggling.

Assessing The Apprenticeship Program
The Youth Apprenticeship Program, it's where young people who've struggled with traditional schooling can still get an opportunity to become employable by getting training in technical and vocational skills. It's been running since 2010, and in that time, 1,200 graduates have passed through the program. But, there's never been any real assessment of the program's performance. That's up until this week, when representatives of the International Labor Organization came to do just that. They've been closely examining the process, and they've talked to the coordinating team, the graduates, and the partner organizations within the private sector where the graduates train, and are eventually employed.

The Science Of Studying Belize
History, geography, and social studies are a few of the many subjects high school students are required to take in order to learn about Belize's past. But, at times, the clumsy textbooks and dense information can overwhelming and tiresome to students. That's why a new subject called Belizean Studies is being developed into a curriculum. The subject will have a strong focus on Belizean history and will use an integrated approach present different topics. Today the Ministry of Education had their first presentation on this new syllabus item. We found out more: John Newport, Ministry of Education Director of Quality Assurance Development Services: "What Belizean Studies is, is an attempt to make sure that all high school students leave high school with a deep understanding and appreciation for their country. We started off with an idea that it would only be History but we very quickly realized if you are going to appreciate your country you need to understand how lots of things fit together..."

NEMO Ready For What May Come
The hurricane season started today. For many Belizeans still suffering from post traumatic stress over Hurricane Dean in 2007, Hurricane Richard in 2010, or Hurricane Earl in 2016, June first to November 30th is a time of grim foreboding. The experts say that the Atlantic Basin - which includes the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico will have normal to slightly above normal activity this year. The consensus is for there to be about twelve to fourteen named storms, and six to seven of those are likely to become hurricanes, while two are expected to become major hurricanes.

A Scientific Plan For Nature
NBSAP: It stands for the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan. It was launched yesterday at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio. The plan is pretty much self-explanatory. The focus is ensuring that Belize's natural resources and all the diverse species and ecosystems are protected and safeguarded. Here is more from the event. Percival Cho, CEO - Ministry of Environment: "Biodiversity is the sum of all life on earth. That's from bacteria to blue whales. From the fungus to the redwood tree in California. Millions of species of plants and animals are what we referred to as biodiversity of the earth. One startling fact is that never before in the history of earth has one out of millions of species had such dominion over all others. Human-kind have over 8 billion presently on earth, has now spun the earth into what we called the Anthropocene, which is an era of unpresented biodiversity loss; pollution, land cover change, over exploitation of natural resources and climate change."

Sugar Associations Slam Santander
Two of the three cane growers associations in the north yesterday sent a long letter to Government's EPZ Committee urging them to reject Santander's formal request to sell sugar on the local market. The Belize Sugar cane Farmers Association and the Progressive Sugar Cane Farmers Association say that Santander should face the maximum fine for selling on the local market. They add most emphatically that their application for a waiver to sell five thousand tonnes of white and brown sugar on the local market should be rejected. They explain that this would reduce the price paid per tonne to cane farmers from $42.51 to $40.65, a net loss of one dollar and sixty-five cents per ton of cane.

Showing The Creative Spark
In yesterday's newscast we told you about the SJC Creativity Awards and showed you many of the impressive pieces the high school students created. Over twenty students were given awards for their outstanding pieces. We were not able to speak to all the artists but we did get a few who gave us an in-depth analysis of their mini masterpieces. Sahar Vasquez reporting: These SJC students were beaming with pride yesterday as they presented their many art pieces at the SJC creativity awards. The art ranged from best meme to best debator. It was a diverse and varied exploration of various media and messages in one room.

Nitro Knows What Time It Is
The Dancehall Reggae artist named Cross Di Nitro made the worst kind of headlines in October of last year. He posted an incendiary and menacing video on Facebook threatening the police. Since then, he's been charged for making a death threat, and is trying to put that behind him. He's back with a new album, and a conscious tune and music video - which he told us about yesterday:..

Can You Say “Kaiseki”? Bruce Can!
The Coca Cola National Spelling Bee was held today and at the end of it, Toledo Christian Academy's Bruce Steuer was first. The 13 year old standard five student won with the word KAISEKI - which is a style of Japanese cuisine. Second place went to Eric Wade from La Inmaculada RC in Orange Walk - who is also 13. And third place went to another Steuer from Toledo Christian Academy. Her name is Sierra, and she is 14.

GREAT: Cayo Cohort Commendable
The GREAT police program is doing great things for Cayo youth. A graduation ceremony was held for 815 students from 13 primary schools. That's the largest graduation group in the country. They were all recognized for their hard work and dedication . GREAT means Gang Resistance Education and Training.

Channel 5

Northern Cane Farmers Mobilize over Sugar Waiver
The release of white sugar in the local market by the Spanish company, Santander, has thrown the local sugar industry into a tailspin. On May eleventh, it was first detected [...]

G.O.B. Says They Will Adhere to Process
As far as it is known, no fines have been imposed on the Spanish company for violating the EPZ status despite warnings by the Ministry of Trade and Investment. So [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Shot in Toledo
Police this evening confirmed that one person was arrested and charged for shooting a soldier of the Belize Defence Force. It happened in the village of San Pedro Colombia in [...]

Belize-flag Vessel Held in Peru for Illegal Fishing
The largest fish factory vessel in the world, which is flying the Belize flag, has been seized in Peru. Reports in the media say that the Damanzaihao, which has the capacity [...]

P.S.U. Postpones No-Confidence Vote Against President, Executive
Earlier this year, long-time unionist and former president of the Public Service Union, Jacqueline Willoughby, severed ties with the union amid claims of defamation of her character. She has even [...]

The Arrival of Belizean Studies to Classrooms
What does it mean to be a Belizean? This and many other questions form the basis for a different kind of subject scheduled to be rolled out to secondary school [...]

Education Curriculum under Review
The Ministry of Education regularly revamps curricula at primary level, but is only just now introducing a full secondary-level programme after mostly leaving it to schools. It recognizes its role [...]

Students Paying Attention to I.C.J. Debate
The unfounded Guatemalan claim to Belize is the subject of much discussion, but how much of it will take place in our schools? It was noted during this morning’s presentation [...]

Jaguars to Barbados for Friendly Match
The Belize Jaguars left for Barbados today for a friendly match with that island’s national team. The Jaguars are hoping that the friendly matches with Caribbean teams will help them [...]

Cayo Rosario Project Approved Despite Objections
Two weeks ago we told you about the proposed development on Cayo Rosario in San Pedro. It is a small caye that falls within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve that [...]

O.W. Man Killed in Latest Hit-and-Run
A hit and run accident has claimed the life of Melito Macario Medina. The fifty-one-year-old resident of Petville, Orange Walk was apparently knocked down and killed sometime between six and [...]

City Man Charged with Fire Set at Ex’s House
He is accused of attempting to set the home of his former partner on fire. Now twenty-two-year-old Shaquille Martinez of Neal Pen Road has been jailed on a charge of [...]

Bulgarian Paid Cash Bail on Theft Charge
Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams today offered bail to a Bulgarian national accused of theft of funds through an automated teller machine. Vasil Kadalov made bail of seven thousand five [...]

Celebrating the Fishermen
The Wildlife Conservation Society, Fisheries Department and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism launched “Fisherfolk Month” today in Belize City.  All month long, WCS and its partners will host a number [...]

Theme Wanted for September Celebrations
It may be the first day of June, but in some parts people are already thinking of September – more specifically, the September Celebrations, which are now just three months [...]

Cayo to Host Opening
Planning Belize’s biggest party is no joke for the September Celebrations Commission and the municipal councils, not to mention the various service organizations involved. While a few of the dates [...]

I.L.O. Has Good Reviews for Youth Apprenticeship Program
About eight years ago, the Belize National Youth Apprenticeship programme was started in Belize City with the aim to reduce crime, through its focus on the development, education and employment [...]

S.S.B. Marks 37 Years, Meets Employers
The Social Security Board celebrated its thirty-seventh anniversary today, having opened its doors to the Belizean public on June first, 1981.  In honor, of this occasion an open day was [...]

A Plan for Biodiversity
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Belize was officially launched in San Ignacio on Thursday. Two decades ago, Belize was one of many countries that signed on to [...]

Hurricane Season is Here – Are You Ready?
The 2018 hurricane season officially opened today with twelve to fourteen named storms to be expected.  Six to seven of them will form into hurricanes, while two are expected to [...]

LOVE FM

It’s the month to celebrate fisherfolks
Fisherfolk Month was officially declared today with a small ceremony which was held at Memorial Park in Belize City. It’s a month set aside to celebrate the work of fisherfolk across the country and their contributions to the economy. Ralna Lewis Assistant Country Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society spoke to the media. Ralna Lewis: “If …

Family claims Lands Department sold 20 acres of land they own
We have reported on many stories involving land scandals and problems. Tonight, there is one more story to report in which a family claims that their land has been resold to another person without their knowledge or consent. Alberto Vernon visited our studios late Thursday and told us that only last week, his family learnt …

Paradigm shift in Education
The Ministry of Education is undergoing a paradigm shift in its curriculum, where Belizean studies will be integrated into the different subjects. This morning there was a short ceremony to launch the project. Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber was the keynote speaker. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: “Let me say for …

Urban green-pace initiative launched
One thousand trees were donated to the San Ignacio Town Council by the Forest Department as part of its Urban Green-Space Initiative. The donation signaled the start of a partnership between the Department and the town council as Mayor Earl Trapp signed a partnership agreement with the Forest Department to build greener spaces within the …

Apprenticeship Program assessed by ILO specialists
Since 2010 the Youth Apprenticeship Program has helped young people between ages 16 to 29. The program targets persons who have dropped out of school or have come into contact with the law and impose on them a new set of skills in order for them to return to school or gain employment. The program …

NEMO ready for hurricane season
The National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO stands ready for the hurricane season. That is what Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmund Castro told Love News earlier this week. He says that personnel from the organization and other sectors have been through several capacity building sessions over the past months. Edmund Castro, NEMO Minister: “As soon as …

Cane farmers associations tell EPZ Committee to reject Santander’s application
It is no secret that the sugar cane farmers associations are strongly against Santander Sugar being granted a waiver to sell sugar on the local market. And if no one has taken account of their concerns, today the three associations, namely the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association and the …

No drought recorded for 2018’s dry season
The national meteorological service of Belize has not recorded any drought so far this year, but they continue to maintain a close watch. In an interview with Meteorologist Shanea Young of the National Meteorological Service of Belize at Wednesday’s forum, she explained what contributed to the situation. Shanea Young, National Meteorological Service of Belize: “We currently did …

NEMO continues capacity building for tsunami preparedness
The National Emergency Management Organization has also been actively holding capacity building sessions on tsunami preparedness. Minister Castro told us what improvements have been done in this area. Edmund Castro, NEMO Minister: “Currently we should be getting some sirens that will be able to assist and enhance the information reaching to the different coastal communities. …

2018 Hurricane Season is officially open
The hurricane season is here and runs until November 30, normally peaking in August and September. We have been following the predictions for this year’s season and last week the Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted a 75 percent chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near- …

Students make it safely out of the Chiquibul
A group of students from Ladyville Evangelical Primary School made it home late last night after the buses they were in got stuck on the Chiquibul Road. As we reported yesterday, two buses filled with standard 5 and 6 students along with parents, teachers and the principal were unable to make it out after they got stuck along the way. Today, Principal Elia Chi, says that everyone made it out safe and sound …

SSB offers health services to its customers
As a part of celebrating it thirty-seven years of existence, today the Social Security Board offered some health services at their office in Belize City. Love news was there and spoke with Shavon Samuels, Team leader of Finance, at the Social Security Board about the initiative …

Woman injured in hit and run accident
28-year-old Hanzela Rodriguez was the victim of a hit and run incident which took place yesterday on the Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio Town. According to police report, Rodriguez was running from the direction of San Ignacio Town towards Bullet Tree Village, when she was hit head on by a vehicle …

Man killed in hit and run incident
Orange Walk Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle who knocked down and killed 51-year-old Melito Macario Medina of Petville Area, Orange Walk District. Police investigations revealed that sometime between 6:00 and 7:18 yesterday evening …

BDF Soldier shot in the Toledo District, Police have charged one man for the crime
A Belize defense Force soldier was shot this morning in San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District. Love News understands that one Peter Pau, a resident of the Village was involved in a disagreement with another man on Thursday …

PlusTV

Esperanza man gunned down; fighting for life
A man was shot multiple times in the village of Ezperanza last night. 25 year old Joseph August was standing in his front yard around 9 p.m. last night when a lone gun man approached him and fired several shots in his direction. August received 8 gun shot wounds to the left side of his body; an att...

Orbin Garido Murder Update
Last night we told you that thirty year old Orbin Garido was shot and killed sometime around 8:30 p.m. inside his Belize City home on Tuesday night. According to police, they found Garbido motionless inside the bathroom of his house with an apparent gunshot wound to his chest. Late yesterday evening...

Escaped suspected murderer recaptured
Yesterday, Jordan Burns was recaptured by police. Burns is the suspected murderer of 35 year old Carlton Moreira who was shot and killed on May 23rd as he walked in an alley in the Mayflower Street area of Belize City. According to Police, Burns is expected to face additional charges. Wilfredo Fe...

Robberies on Albert street
There were two robberies reported in Belize City this afternoon, both on Albert Street. According to reports, Hofius Store was robbed today by two male persons, one of whom was armed with a chrome 38 pistol. The armed person pointed the pistol towards the cashier while the other male person opened t...

Hugh Middleton arrested for murder of Kyne Gentle
Police has arrested and charged Hugh Middleton of Roaring Creek Village for the murder of 28 year old Ezperanza Village resident, Kyne Gentle. Gentle was murdered 2 weekends ago while socializing outside the Blue Angels Night Club in San Ignacio with friends. , Gentle was standing on the steps of t...

Attempted arson of Santa Elena Tortilla factory
Has the corn tortilla market become explosively competitive? That is one angle being looked at as there was an attempted arson of a Tortilla factory in Santa Elena Town on Wednesday morning. According to reports, sometime around 4 a.m. on Wednesdy May 30th, someone threw accelerant on the steps of ...

COP ON COP DISPUTE IN SAN IGNACIO
A San Ignacio Police constable is seeking court action against another San Ignacio police constable who pulled a gun on him. Plus news understands that the conflict ensued sometime last week Thursday around 4 p.m right in front of the San Ignacio Police Station. PC Leonard Benjamin reportedly pulle...

NEMO PREPARES FOR HURRICANE SEASON
Hurricane Season 2018 officially begins tomorrow. In preparation for this year’s season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has been holding a number of planning meetings in preparation for the 2018 Hurricane Season. These meetings included a Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, ...

Mental Illness Medication shortage?
Many Belizeans suffering from chronic mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder depend on medications like risperidone to function normally in society. Risperidone, though not entirely free of side effects, has been proven as a useful medication and is probably the cheapest of the aty...

Medication
Work continues in Belize City to create a more suitable working environment for Police Officers in Region One. With the Hurricane Season upon us, a new police booth was installed for officers working in the Orange Street, Taylor’s Alley Area. The installation of the new booth was...

Amandala

265 accused murderers on remand at Kolbe
At the Supreme Court jail delivery (to determine which prisoners can be granted bail before the court closes its legal year) at the end of the judicial year in 2014, the Kolbe-managed Belize Central Prison had a population of 1,545. That number, however, has been steadily decreasing, and at the end of June 2017, the prison population stood at 1,297 inmates. On April 30, 2018, the prison population stood at 1,200 inmates, the prison’s chief executive officer, Virgilo Murillo, confirmed today. The number of persons on remand for murder, for which bail cannot be granted except in exceptional circumstances, stands at 265, and these persons make up the single largest block of detainees at the prison.

GOB “pussyfooting” around lawbreaker Santander
Santander, the Spanish multinational company which began operating in Belize in 2014, and which has been exporting its raw sugar and molasses to the Euro Zone in Europe, issued a press release yesterday, Wednesday, after the company was caught selling its sugar on the local market in violation of its Export Processing Zone (EPZ) certificate from the Government of Belize. Santander’s incursion into the local market has infuriated the local sugar producers, who are up in arms against the company’s illegal move and who have fired off a letter to the Minister of Agriculture demanding a meeting.

PSU president faced with no-confidence vote
The Public Service Union (PSU) has surely seen its fair share of drama. In May of last year, Amandala reported on the circulation of recordings in which the former PSU president, Eldred Neal, could be heard making derogatory statements about the Garifuna people. A discussion between Neal and Marvin Mora, former president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), about the Garifuna race had been secretly recorded, and while Mora admitted to making the statements on the recording, Neal denied having done so.

UDP’s Alfonso Noble committed to Supreme Court for manslaughter trial
Alfonso Noble, 41, the editor of the governing United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Guardian newspaper and a mouthpiece on the party’s Wave Radio and Television Fus Thing Da Mawnin talk show, appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford along with his attorney, Herbert Panton, for a preliminary inquiry into a road traffic accident that claimed the life of Hattieville resident Gilbert Meyers, 48. Panton had submitted that there was no evidence from the two eyewitnesses that Noble was speeding, but Magistrate Ford relied on a police sketch in the file that showed, that Meyers was riding on the shoulder of the road when the accident occurred between Miles 3 and 4 on the George Price Highway, on the night of December 24, 2016.

Two men walk from 2011 rape and abetment to commit rape charges
Two men who have been charged with rape and abetment to commit rape walked out of the Supreme Court of Justice Collin Williams after the judge instructed a jury of nine to enter a not guilty verdict, bringing to an end a case that has been in the court system since 2011. Jordy Rhaburn, 42, and Kevon Bardalez, 29, were freed of the indictment on Tuesday, May 29, when the Crown was unable to present the virtual complainant, because she was not in the country.

UB unveils new plans
For about a year, UB president Clement Sankat has been working on a new plan for the University of Belize (UB). Most of this plan includes the implementation of new programs as well as the enhancement of current ones. Today, President Sankat told us about what lies ahead for the upcoming academic year. Last year, UB implemented Bachelor programs for Pharmacy and Med Lab majors. Now, it will have Bachelor programs in Agriculture and Marine Biology. The school will also completely revise its Bachelor program for Biology to better prepare students for the job market.

Winners of BBSF National Open 9-Ball and U-19 Billiards Tournament
Above are a couple pictures from last week’s two tournaments hosted by the Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) at Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan. C-Delta won the National Open 9-Ball Tournament championship; and in the Under-19 Single Player 8-Ball Tournament, Immer Lima was the champion and Iverson Monima took 2nd place.

Orange Walk Billiards news
The Orange Walk Billiards Association (OWBA) held Registration and Marathon for the 2018 Belikin Eight-Ball Billiards Tournament on Sunday, May 27, at “D Hideout” that saw 7 teams registered and participated in the Marathon. They are: Team D Hideout, Darvis, Chatta’s, Young Strikers, Dados, Nostalgia, and Eagles.

Cricket Update
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! The results of the matches played on Saturday, May 26, in the Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks Cricket 2018 Competition are as follows: Easy Does It won over Rural Mix with a score of 210 to 112. For Easy Does It, Glenford Banner top scored with 65 runs, and Norman Revers and Kenroy Reynolds took 4 wickets each.

Rural North Football Week 2 results from Lucky Strike
On Sunday, May 27, at the Lucky Strike Village football field, Week 2 games were held in the Belize Rural North Football Tournament for the Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro Cup 2018. In the U-16 opener, Maskall Youths edged Sandhill Youths, 2-1, with all goals being scored by Maskall players. Maskall’s Trent Humes (11’ OG) scored an own goal, while Elijah Gillett (25’) and Antoine Banks (38’) got a goal each for Maskall.

Editorial: The sharks of Santander
Porfirio Diaz served a total of seven terms as President of Mexico, first from 1876 to 1880, and then from 1884 to 1911. His policies, especially from 1884 onwards, would be described, if we were to use modern terminology, as “neoliberal.” In other words, Diaz threw the Mexican economy open to rich foreign investors, most notably in the petroleum sector, where American, British, German, and French companies controlled Mexican oil until Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized said in 1938, near the end of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1940) which Porfirio Diaz’s dictatorial neoliberal policies had provoked.

From The Publisher
I explained in the column earlier this week that a move from my old office across the street has had me run into material from decades and decades ago, material which has invaded my psyche. A couple weeks ago, I told you about a special little old man from the early UBAD days. On the night of July 7, 1970, when Ismail Shabazz and I were acquitted in the Supreme Court on seditious conspiracy charges, Richmond Fitzgibbon was sitting immediately behind me when I stood to hear the jury’s verdict. His was the first voice I heard after the jury foreman’s “not guilty.”

South Side Caye Caulker residents write Jr. Heredia
To: Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Hon. Jose Manuel Heredia, Jr. Chief Executive Officer – Mr. Yashin Dujon. I am writing to you on behalf of the residents, citizens and land owners that live on the south side of Caye Caulker in the communities also known as South Point and Eden Isle. For the past 20 years we have never had a permanent road built by the GOB that would cross or go around the airstrip. Instead we have had 2 homemade roads, one for the west side (Eden Isle) and 1 for the east side (South Point) that went around the airstrip. Although these trails worked for the residents and guests living/staying on the south side they were and still are illegal as they cross through private property.

Gone fishin’
Dear Editor, I’m always surprised to see that in a country like Belize, where almost everyone knows something about catching fish, when it comes to making an informed choice on voting day, the politicians become the expert anglers and haul in all the fish, who look only at the bait and do not see the hook.

Big business comes with a gun
It is too recent to forget that Belize hit a wall when the telephone company, Intelco, was not given “interconnection.” For the moment, let us forget the unknowns about Intelco and see it as an attempt by a progressive government to make an honest play at capitalism. For our purpose, just for a moment, we keep these things aside. In his book, “with malice toward none”, former PM, Said Musa, wrote that his government challenged BTL’s monopoly (at the time controlled by foreign interests) because it wanted to “bring down rates…expand access throughout the country…provide a free internet in schools program.” You know that PM Musa really needs to expand on his book that holds no malice.

Book Review, “Empire in Retreat. The Past, Present and Future of the United States”
Book Review, “Empire in Retreat. The Past, Present and Future of the United States” by Victor Bulmer-Thomas (Yale University Press, 2018, 479 pp. ISBN 978-0-300-21000-2, hardcover) With its cheeky but astute sub-title, Victor Bulmer-Thomas has written an indispensable guide to understanding the rise and imminent fall of the greatest Empire the world has ever known. Grounded in his decades-long studies of the Americas, his term as Director of the Royal Institute of International Affairs where he interfaced with world leaders and his years of living and working in the belly of the beast, he is uniquely placed to provide a deep understanding of the nature of the Empire and explain how it came to be and why it is in decline.

19 persons caught illegally crossing western border
Twelve adults and seven children, who were coming from the direction of Calla Creek, which is near the western border, were stopped at a checkpoint on Bullet Tree Road. Police discovered that they had crossed the border illegally and were from various Central American countries. On Tuesday, May 29, the twelve adults appeared in the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court. One of those persons, Richard McDougal, who was in the company of the Central Americans and who was allegedly facilitating their entry into Belize, pleaded guilty to 19 counts of facilitating the commission of an offense.

Orbin Garrido, 30, murdered in his house; Anthony Bennett/Velasquez, 37, arraigned
The life of another man was taken away, leaving another family devastated and four children without their father. At about 8:30 Tuesday night, Orbin Enrique Garrido, 30, a construction worker of SET SITE, in the Gungulung area of Belize City, was at home in his one-flat lumber house, which is elevated about four feet off the ground. He had left his door open, and a gunman went inside the house and fired a single shot, which hit him in the chest.

Albert “Cat” Reid, 28, Santana villager, acquitted of murder
On each day of his trial in court, Albert Reid, 28, aka “Cat”, charged with the murder of Maurice “Tuco” Young, 57, had a Bible in his hand. If he was praying for his freedom, it appears that today his prayers were answered, because the trial judge, Justice Colin Williams, found him not guilty of murder. It was a trial without a jury and the evidence from the Crown was purely circumstantial. Young, a resident of Santana, Belize District, who lived alone, was killed on May 17, 2014. His body was found three days later at the back of his yard by his, Young’s, neighbor, Ancelma Reid. There were chop wounds on his head, face and neck.

Former UDP Minister Mark King sues activist Moses Sulph over Facebook post
Mark King, former United Democratic Party Cabinet minister and former area representative for Lake Independence, was in the court of Supreme Court Justice Sonya Young on Monday in connection with a lawsuit that he brought against grassroots activist Moses Sulph. King is suing Sulph for slander over a Facebook post on Sulph’s Facebook page concerning Brints Security, a company owned by King. This is the first time that someone has been sued in Belize over a personal Facebook post.

The Reporter

City Council reports stolen receipt books
The Belize City Council reported today that several receipt books were stolen on Thursday. The receipt books bear serial numbers from 82601 to 82800. The last legitimate receipt that was issued bore the serial number 82685, so the Council advises everyone to refuse any receipt […]

Man killed in hit and run incident
A man is dead after a vehicle knocked him down on Thursday night on the San Estevan road, Orange Walk. The Reporter understands that sometime before 7:00 p.m., Melito Medina, 51, was walking to his house in the Petville area when a vehicle struck him […]

Esperanza shooting leaves man bullet-riddled, but alive
A man who walked free of a murder charge recently became the target for a murder on Wednesday night; and while he was shot five times, he survived the attack. Joseph August, 28, was alone in a yard in Esperanza village, Cayo sometime around 9:00 […]

Punta Gorda store robbed of over $30,000
A Punta Gorda store was robbed of over $30,000 in cash and items over the weekend during an armed burglary. The owner of James Store in Punta Gorda town, Huigiang Chen, and his wife were both tied up during the robbery. Chen told police that […]

Construction worker shot dead inside his house
Trouble went looking for Orbin Garrido all the way at his house sometime after 8:00 on Wednesday night, when he was shot dead as he sat in a chair inside his small plywood structure in the Holy Emanuel Extension area of the Lake Independence area […]

San Pedro bartender shot to the head, two suspects detained
A San Pedro bartender, Osner Campos, 26, who was shot to the head during a robbery at the bar he is employed, is lucky to be alive because his injury was not life threatening. Campos was working at Wayo’s bar in the Boca Del Rio […]

Courts may have a role to play in re-registration challenges
With the long overdue reregistration exercise slated for July and the referendum on the proposed adjudication of the Belize-Guatemala issue at the International Court of Justice planned for next April, the courts, which already have jurisdiction in Belize could have a critical role to play, […]

Belize featured among National Geographic’s top 50 dive destinations
A National Geographic team is currently in Belize highlighting the country as one of the top 50 diving destinations in the world for a first of its kind ‘Dive Travel Guide Book’. Renowned travel writer, Carrie Miller, and professional dive master, Chris Taylor, are in Belize for […]

City Hall faces challenges with garbage collection payment and salaries
It is going to be a tricky balancing act for the Belize City Council over the next few weeks to keep its contracted garbage collector, Belize Waste Control satisfactorily paid while trying to keep itself afloat financially. On Tuesday of this week, some parts of […]

Graduates gravitate to 714 jobs at BELTRAIDE fair
New graduates and job seekers flocked to the job fair organized by BELTRAIDE at the Swift Hall in St. Martin De Porres Parish of Belize City last Friday, May 25, where some 714 jobs were offered by 11 participating companies. Protel Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) […]

First quarter exports down, says SIB
Belize’s exports have been declining for the first four months of 2018, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The SIB’s External Trade Bulletin, released on Wednesday, showed that exports for April 2018 amounted to $27.2 million, which was 21.9 percent […]

Quintana Roo companies explore trade opportunities with Belize
According to today’s external trade statistics released by the Statistical Institute of Belize, between January and April this year, Belize’s imports from Mexico were valued at roughly BZ$65 million; however, domestic exports from Belize to Mexico totaled BZ$1.4 million. Mexican press reports indicate that over […]

Landed Cost Pass through to Fuel Pump Prices
The last two Business Perspective column entries have been focused on fuel prices. In last week’s Business Perspective, the role that government taxes play in the final pump prices was underscored. Also discussed were the impacts of external factors. This week, we measure the magnitude of the price changes on […]

Doing Business in Belize: A Procurement Perspective
By John Primo (Independent Procurement Consultant) May 25, 2018 An interesting event went unnoticed this past week. It was Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF)Sensitization Workshop held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza last Thursday. It was organized with the objective of sensitizing suppliers, contractors and service providers of available […]

Editorial
Belize has had to send BDF soldiers to parts of the border in Punta Gorda to discourage Guatemalan farmers from squatting on portions of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and using the land for farming. This is not the first time that Belize has had to assert her authority over the […]

PUP’s internal issues bubble over
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) seems to be going through bitter internal wars as it holds conventions to select Standard Bearers in preparation for the next General Elections. This week alone, one former standard bearer threw in the towel and another was denied his […]

Machel Montano plans to open music program in Belize
World renowned Trinidadian soca superstar, Machel Montano, is currently in Belize to fulfill a promise he made to students at Stann Creek Ecumenical to perform at their prom but also, to begin work on establishing a musical program at the institution. Montano arrived in the […]

BNTU to dicuss GOB Smart Stream decision
The Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) will meet over the weekend to discuss concerns raised over the government of Belize’s decision to start paying teachers through the government’s SmartStream System, as it does other public servants. BNTU President, Elena Smith, said that the meeting will […]

Santander illegal sugar sales go sour as GOB steps in
The Santander Sugar Group, operating out of Cayo with its parent company in Guatemala, has apologized to the government of Belize for breaking the law and selling sugar on the local market without the necessary permission. Santander issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that it […]

When constitutions clash: The trouble with Re-registration
As Belize prepares to clean up its voter’s list through the re-registration exercise, a clash between the Constitutions of Belize and the Republic of Guatemala could affect the outcome for thousands of Guatemalans that became naturalized Belizeans and their children. This week Chief Elections Officer, […]

Breaking Belize News

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture presents accomplishments in Belize
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) delegation in Belize held an accountability seminar […]

Police finds 15 rounds of ammo in Belize City
Yesterday morning at around 8:40, police discovered a transparent ziploc bag containing (15) 9mm live rounds of […]

Police finds gun and ammunition at 8 mile Community, Belize district
Around 4 a.m. yesterday, an abandoned lot in the 8 miles community on the George price Highway was […]

Dangriga businessman pistol and 16 rounds of ammo go missing
Police in Dangriga are investigating an incident where the weapon of a businessman went missing. According […]

NEMO prepares for Hurricane Season
Coordinators for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) from around the country and support staff at […]

Twin-Towns and Forest Department partner for Green-Space Initiative
In celebrating 25 years of biodiversity, the Belize Forest Department is continuing its sustainable cities […]

Toledo Christian Academy wins Spelling bee competition
The 24th Bowen and Bowen National Spelling Bee finals took place this morning at the Civic […]

Orange Walk victim of hit and run dies
Orange Walk police are investigating a hit and run accident that claimed the life of […]

4 men arrested in Corozal for drug trafficking
Yesterday Corozal police detained four men for drug trafficking marijuana. According to reports, Corozal Custom […]

Librarian robbed in broad daylight
A librarian of a Belize City address reported to authorities that around 10:30 yesterday morning, he was […]

San Ignacio woman rushed to hospital after being hit by car
San Ignacio police are investigating a road traffic accident that injured a woman. According to […]

The 2018 Hurricane Season Has Began. Here’s What You Should Know
Today, the National Meteorological service of Belize issued a release informing of the opening of […]

First-ever Banana Fest coming to San Juan village
The teachers at San Juan Bosco Roman Catholic School in the Stan Creek district, are […]

Kriol festival to be held in Flower’s Bank
The Flower’s Bank Village Council will be holding its 10th Annual Kriol Festival tomorrow, June […]

National Met Service informs about 2018 Hurricane season
Today, the National Meteorological service of Belize issued a release informing of the opening of […]

First-ever Banana Fest coming to San Juan village
The teachers at San Juan Bosco Roman Catholic School in the Stan Creek district, are […]

Kriol festival to be held in Flower’s Bank
The Flower’s Bank Village Council will be holding its 10th Annual Kriol Festival tomorrow, June […]

Major Lloyd Jones out, Marconi Leal in?
Retired Major Lloyd Jones, is the latest PUP standard bearer to be pushed out of […]

Roaring Creek man charged for murder of Kyne Gentle
Twenty-three-year-old Roaring Creek resident, Hugh Middleton is being accused of killing Santa Elena sports enthusiast […]

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opens
Today, the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opened. The hurricane season runs from now to […]

Ministry of Health closes down 4 pharmacies for breaking the law
The Ministry of Health had been conducting inspections of pharmacies across Belize to enforce laws […]

Moist and unstable conditions to continue
Cloudy skies with a few showers and thunderstorms are expected mostly inland this afternoon. The […]

Blogs

25 Reasons to Visit Belize in June
Aside from hot and sunny (with a side of skeeters right now) there are so many great reasons to visit Belize in June. The primary one being that soon it will be lobster season again and that means 3 great lobster festivals including fantastic foods (there is a restaurant competition in San Pedro) and great parties.

Toes in the Sand – happiness abounds at Sandy Toes Beach Bar
Beach bars dot our coastline on Ambergris Caye, each vying for your attention with cocktails, nibbles and atmosphere. Each one is unique, and Sandy Toes Beach Bar is one that has captured the hearts of many with their irresistible touches across their stretch of sand. Owner Ishmael ‘Ish’ Lisbey is no stranger to the beach bar vibe, as he was the lone ranger standing when the much-beloved BC’s Bar served its final cocktail. Sandy Toes really caters to the classic ‘on the beach’ vibe. I’ve spent many hours soaking in the sunshine while sitting on chairs as waves lap across my legs, shooting the breeze with my gaggle of girlfriends. Indulgent waiters bring us cocktails and snacks in the water…just another fabulous weekend in San Pedro.

From British Honduras to Belize
Formerly known as British Honduras since 1862, the Central American nation received its current name on June 1st, 1973. Although much research has been done on the subject, the origin of the name “Belize” is still a mystery; however, there are some theories popular among many historians and scholars which involve both Maya and European influence. Here’s a recap on these interesting speculations:

International Sources

Belize Bank not yet able to compel government to pay judgment debt
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today delivered its final judgment settling a trilogy of post-judgment applications between The Belize Bank Ltd. and the Attorney General of Belize. The CCJ previously authorized the Bank to enforce an international arbitration award of over BZ$36.89 million, plus substantial interest and costs, on November 22, 2017. In the hearing on March 14, 2018, the Court considered Belize Bank’s application to have the CCJ declare that the Minister of Finance had failed to comply with the Court’s 2017 Order and to compel him to pay. The Attorney General had also filed an opposing application on January 26, 2018, disputing whether the CCJ had, or should exercise, jurisdiction to enforce the 2017 Order. In its ruling delivered today, the CCJ determined that the Bank’s application was premature and agreed with the Attorney General that the CCJ was not the appropriate court for enforcement of its judgments in its appellate jurisdiction. Enforcement must be through the Supreme Court, subject to possible appeal to the Court of Appeal and the CCJ.

Videos

June 1, 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 Barrier Reef System awaits removal from World Heritage Site in-danger list
A draft decision has been published on the World Heritage Center’s (WHC) website supporting the notion to remove the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) from the in danger list. The announcement was made after the World Heritage Committee found that the actions implemented by the Ministries of Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Sustainable Development and Natural Resources along with the Belize UNESCO office and the World Wildlife Fund have now substantially met the indicators for de-listing. The final decision of the WHC will be made this year at its 42nd annual meeting to take place from the 24th of June to the 4th of July in Bahrain, an Arab constitutional monarchy in the Persian Gulf.

Smart Belize Hurricanes blow out Digicell Belize City Defenders in game one of the NEBL finals
The Smart Belize Hurricanes won the first game of the 2018 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) finals on Friday, May 25th, against the Digicell Belize City Defenders. With this win, Hurricanes are just one game away from being crowned NEBL 2018 Tournament Champions. The Defenders must win the upcoming match in order to extend the competition to a third decisive championship game. Game two of the NEBL finals will take place on Friday, June 1st at the Belize City Civic Centre, starting at 9PM. Smart Belize Hurricanes will try to capture another whirling victory and grab their second NEBL championship. The Smart Belize Hurricanes became champions of the NEBL in 2016, after defeating San Pedro Tiger Sharks 98-92 at the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium in Belize City.

Ambergris Today

Nemo Holding Pre-Hurricane Season Planning Meetings
With the official opening of Hurricane Season 2018 only one day away, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has been holding a number of planning meetings in preparation for it. Last Thursday, May 24th, a meeting was convened to address Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) in order to harmonize the various committees with key frontline and support personnel that would be deployed in the event of a natural disaster.

Misc Belizean Sources

Government of Belize Press Office PUBLIC ADVISORY
The public is advised that the following persons are no longer employees of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Lands and Surveys Department, and thus are not authorized to conduct business on the Ministry’s behalf: 1. Evrit Matute 2. Noel Centeno 3. Gustavo Gongora 4. Miguel Lopez 5. Manolo Toledano 6. Marla Longsworth

rinidadian Soca Star, Machel Montano in Belize
From grand prom entrance to building a music school, there’s been a lot of speculation as to why Trinidadian Soca Star, Machel Montano, is in Belize. The superstar himself explained the reason for his visit in an Instagram post on Wednesday. Montano says he was moved by his visit to Ecumenical High School on a previous trip and promised them to return and host a special concert which he plans to fulfill on prom night. Read the full post below: machelmontano: "Last September, I was in Belize to perform at the Soca & Jazz Festival on Independence Day. I arrived a few days before the concert, and Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow (@shyne_bz) had been showing my team and I this beautiful country, and taking us all over to engage with communities.

MeN at WorK ArT ExhibiT
The National Institute of Culture & History through the Corozal House of Culture presents MeN at WorK ArT ExhibiT on Friday June 8th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at our Corozal House of Culture. Featured displays will carry through June 22nd.

Belize Natural Farmers
Don't forget our monthly public meeting at Hode's place in San Ignacio. This Saturday 10am. There will also be a workshop "Introduction to Organic Ag" at 1:30pm. Hope to see you all there! Come learn more about our CSA (Community Assisted Agriculture) or join as a shareholder and start getting your share of healthy 100% naturally grown organic foods!

Martins Community Festival
June 2 & 3, Mahogany Street, 10amtil 6pm, no cover charge.

PACT receives Belize’s National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan
PACT was presented with an official copy of Belize’s National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) 2016-2020 during the launch of the document hosted today by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, Environment and Sustainable Development. The NBSAP outlines the country’s 20 national biodiversity targets which we have all been working to achieve as we committed to. For its part, PACT has and will continue to prioritize biodiversity and ecosystem protection for financing through its investment program.

September Celebrations Theme Competition 2018 Opens
The National Celebration Commission announces the 2018 September Celebrations Theme Competition. All Belizeans living at home or abroad are invited to submit their ideas for the theme of the 2018 September Celebrations in commemoration of the 220th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 37th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence. The theme should not be more than ten (10) words. Multiple entries are allowed and the winner will receive a cash prize of $1000 and an invitation to the official ceremonies during September.

BELTRAIDE completes Business Development Training at the Kolbe Foundation
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service ( BELTRAIDE) through its technical units ; the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC ) and the Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize) conducted another round of trainings with the Kolbe Foundation- Belize Central Prison with a focus on business development. The programme ran from March 7th to April 25th 2018 and began with sessions on conversational skills needed for effective communication, resume building, financial literacy and money management. SBDCBelize delivered sessions on business development geared at exposing participants to the concept of entrepreneurship and developing a viable business. These sessions included: entrepreneurship lab, business model development, introduction to book-keeping, marketing your business and costing and pricing.

Made in Belize Expo
The 2018 Made in Belize Expo will be Saturday, June 16th, at the Agricultural Show Grounds. There will be a ton of Belizean artists and entrepreneurs there. They'll have food and games throughout the day.

The Pacific Journal Art Show
The Pacific Journal, an art show by Amal Assales, will be shown today, Friday, June 1st, at the Soul Project. If you haven't seen Amal's work yet, it's worth checking out.

Water Interruptions in Belize City Today
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Belize City, that there will be intermittent interruptions in the water supply today, Friday, June 1, 2018, starting at 8:00am. The area to be affected is Holy Emmanuel Street. These intermittent interruption is necessary improve water pressure. Due to the upgrades, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration in their water supply when water is fully restored. Motorists are being advised that Holy Emmanuel Street will be closed. Customers are advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 6:00pm.

2018 Children's Essay Contest
Kindly note that the deadline for submissions has been extended to June 15th, 2018.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
A Wrinkle in Time, Unsane, Thoroughbreds, Tomb Raider

Channel 7

High Noon Hold-Up At Hofius
Daring gunmen did the unexpected today when they attempted to rob Hofius Hardware which is in the epicenter of Belize City's downtown. It happened at around noon - which is also rush hour. At about 12:48, two men strode into Hofius and one of them pulled out a chrome .38 pistol and pointed it at the cashier. That's when his accomplice, opened the cash register and snatched over a thousand dollars in cash along with some checques. Police could not say for sure how they escaped - but we are told the business has no security cameras. And that may be because, previously, it would be unthinkable for an armed robbery to occur at high noon in the heart of the city's commercial center.

Armed Robbers Terrorize City’s Commercial Center
A few hours later around 4:00, there was another armed robbery on Albert Street, and it happened right next door to our studio on Albert Street at a recently opened restaurant called Nacho World.. The owner was behind the counter, when 2 men walked in. She was expecting that they would order food, but as soon as they got inside, one of them pulled up his shirt to cover his face. That told her that a robbery was going down - and that's when she saw that one of the men had a gun. Reports are that she immediately told them that she would not resist, and handed over the money she had, begging them not to hurt her.

Alleged Killer Remanded
Last night, we told you how police made a rapid arrest for Tuesday's murder of 30 year-old Erbin Garrido. Well, 37 year-old Anthony Bennett, the man who police believe was the killer, is at the Belize Central Prison tonight. Bennett, an AC Technician from Mahogany Street who also uses the name "Velasquez", was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford this morning on the single charge of murder. Because this is a capital offense, he was remanded to prison, until his next court date on August 17th.

Cayo Cops Caught Kyne’s Killer
Police have charged a Roaring Creek man for killing Kyne Gentle. 10 days ago, the 28 year old Ruta Maya paddler was in front of a San Ignacio nightclub when a man carrying a sawed off shotgun shot him multiple times. Tonight, police say that shooter is 23 year old Hugh Middleton - but they don't know why he did it:.. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "The only matter would be the arrest of Hugh Middleton for the crime of murder in regards to the shooting death of Kyne Gentle, which occurred some few weeks ago on Hudson Street in San Ignacio Town."

August Somehow Survives Five Shots
Kyne Gentle was from Esperanza - and last night there was an execution attempt in that western village. A gunman emptied out a clip on 28 year old Joseph August - who took five shots to the upper body, but somehow survived and is in stable condition tonight. Police told us more: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "One Joseph August was inside a yard in Esperanza village when he was approached by a lone gunman on motorcycle who fired several shots at him, five of which caught him in the upper body. Upon the police's examination of the scene..."

Will GOB Stop Santander Sugar Invasion?
Last night we told you about Santander's press release apologizing for violating the terms of their EPZ license. One of the requirements of this EPZ status is that they can only export their sugar, not sell it locally. But, that is exactly what they did: Santander sold over 200 tonnes of their plantation white sugar to one distributor and it ended up on store shelves in the north. When the cane farmers in the north got wind of this, they raised an angry red flag. Now Customs is out confiscating all of Santander's sugar from the local market - even though the company has volunteered to pull it themselves. Today Minister of State for Trade and Investment Tracey Panton for said that the EPZ committee will decide on the way forward.

Learning Business Behind Bars
Today 16 participants graduated from Beltraide's business development program. The participants learned all about proper business management and all the key skills needed to run a successful business. But these graduates aren't the conventional students - they come from the school of hard knocks, or maybe even the University of Adversity. Courtney Weatherburne went to the ceremony at the Kolbe foundation to find out how they learned about business behind bars: Rosalilia Castillo is an entrepreneur. She owns a small corn tortilla factory in Santa Elena. Castillo is one of 15 participants who graduated from a 5 week BTEC training on business development.

The Purpose Of Prison
CEO of the Kolbe Foundation Virgilio Murillo also gave a few remarks at the graduation ceremony. He drew his inspiration from the Nelson Mandela rules as it relates to the treatment of prisoners. Murillo says this training course ties into the idea of rehabilitation. Virgillo Murillo, CEO, Kolbe Foundation: "The treatment of prisoners should emphasize not their exclusion from the community but their continuing part in it."

Jordan Burns, Did Police Help Make Him Bad?
And one new prisoner joining their ranks is Jordan Burns. The teenager was arraigned yesterday for the murder of a man twice his age, Carlton Moreira. It was a shocking crime because Moreira was from the Mayflower neighborhood - and so was Burns. Supposedly, the 18 year old killed the older man because Moreira had stopped Burns from robbing a friend. And because of that, Moreira was dead in just a few hours. But - if he did indeed do it - how does an 18 year old end up so armed, deadly and quick to kill? Well, there are probably many, many circumstances that converge to create a teenaged killer - and police are a part of the mix as well...

Cayo Cops Confrontation Being Reviewed By DPP
And another reason the cops lose respect in communities is because the public perception is that they don't play fair: That there's a law for police, and another for civilians. That's how one of their own feels tonight after a constable publicly pulled a gun on him and cocked it. That would land you in jail, but this police constable got a disciplinary charge and is now back at work at the same station with the cop who he allegedly pulled the gun on. Today we asked the head of National Crimes Investigation about it:..

Stash Spot Eena Church Yard
If you think a church yard would be the last place anyone would think about hiding drugs and guns, think again, no amount of prayers and gospel readings will keep those crafty drug peddlers from trying to safe guard their stash. This morning around 9:00 in Belize City, SPU officers searched a church yard on Causarina Street in the Martins area and found a transparent ziplock bag with 9mm ammunition. The bag was buried in some bushes under a coconut tree.

The Study Of Special Ed
As a part of Education month, the Ministry of Education has hosted several events targeted at assisting teachers and students. The main focus has been literacy and to end off the month they had one last conference but this one was about special education. The event was called Building Bridges and it drew upon a line up of presenters from Belize, Australia and the United States. We found out from two experts about the importance of this special education conference. Candy Armstrong, Director Education Support Services/Ministry of Education: "Today we have a building bridges conference. It is a partnership between the Ministry of Education and The University of Nevada Las Vegas..."

Tobacco, Heartbreaker, Life-Taker
Belize joined the rest of the world today in observing World No Tobacco Day under the theme, "Tobacco Breaks Hearts". The World Health Organization says that between the year 2000 up until last year, the amount of cigarette and tobacco smokers has decreased from 27% of the world's population to about 20%. Health professionals view the change as an improvement, but that number is still too high, especially because an estimated 7 million people die annually from tobacco related illnesses, such as the different forms of cancers associated with prolonged use.

Hon. Campos Clueless on Chrystal’s Quick Climb to Top
That event gave us an opportunity to ask Dr. Angel Campos, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, about a rumbling we've heard in the pharmaceutical community. 7News has learned that 25 year-old Chrystal Samouge, a junior pharmacist, has been installed at the Ministry's Chief Pharmacist. We're told that she is the Ministry's former assistant procurement manager, a post she held for less than a year. Information to 7News is that before that, she worked as a regular pharmacist at Belize Medical Associates, and some of her colleagues have grumbled that she is much too inexperienced to be holding a such a senior post.

Awarding The Creative Spark
Today at the Michele Perdomo Art Center at SJC, a total of 52 awards were distributed to students. These awards were for those who had captured something no math or science test can: the spark of creativity. We stopped by and spoke to a proud teacher about all the unique pieces his students created. Yasser Musa, SJC Teacher: "We have tried to look at all the different elements of creativity that we see from our students whether it is visual art, painting, drawing, graphic design..."

A Roof Over Their Heads…
Last month, we showed you how members of the business community teamed up to donate a police booth to the officers on West Canal. Officers at crime hotspots like that one are placed there to stand guard on an almost permanent basis, and to shelter from the sun and the rain, they have to hide under tents, which don't offer any real protection So, now those on Orange Street, right at the mouth of the infamous Taylor's Alley - which has seen multiple homicides - have gotten one of their own. It's a donation from Brothers Habet, who wanted to show these hard-working officers some appreciation for their efforts.

Police Promote Peace Rocky Road
And, while there is a booth for Taylor's Alley - going back to Rocky Road, that area now has its first Police Cadet Corps. The Commander of the Eastern Division Region 1 is reporting that there are now 20 children who have joined the Police Cadets - and here you can see them standing proudly at attention in a neighborhood yard. The intention is to engage them positive activities. The Commander promises to reach out to the children in all the different neighborhood in Region 1.

Cops Calling Kids In Ghost Town
And going to another neighborhood that is a gang stronghold, police hope to make inroads with the youths on Mayflower Street. Today, the Southside Commander gave 30 kids in the Mayflower area forms to join the Police Cadet. After the children were given the forms they were treated to a fun afternoon of play in a bouncy house. Gillett hopes that by making these early interventions, he can change the perception of the police and alter the trajectories of those who may otherwise be led astray.

Uno Mas Pistola Para Policia
And while community policing is one side of the equation, enforcement is the other, and Police are reporting another gun taken off the street. At around 5:10 this morning, officers from Eastern Division Region 3's Quick Response Team searched a bushy lot in the Mile 8 community on the George price Highway. The officers found a shiny black 9mm pistol along with 2 magazines and 20 live rounds of ammunition. No one was in the area, and so, the cops are treating it as found property. It will be packaged and taken to the ballistics lab for analysis.

Dutch Coaches Train HS Coaches
23 Secondary school football coaches are getting some international level coaching instruction from two Dutch coaches who are in Belize. Now, even though they didn't make this year's World Cup - the Dutch orange-men are some of the greatest artists of the beautiful game. But, Jan Derks and Stanley Menzo say they aren't teaching the high science just yet - this is more about the basics:… The course started on Sunday and finished today.

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
And, that's it for 7news tonight, thanks for joining us, with your news I am Indira Craig. We leave you tonight - as we have been doing all this week with highlites of those winning kids at the Festival of the Arts Showcase. Tonight here are the best from Toledo and Corozal. Enjoy and join Courtney Weathernburne back here tomorrow.

Channel 5

Government Weighs Decision on Santander Violations
Will the Spanish sugar-producing company, Santander, be fined for violating the conditions of its Export Process Zone certificate for releasing plantation sugar in the local market? We asked that question [...]

Pharmacies Closed Down for Infringements of Law
The Ministry of Health has been closing down pharmacies across the country. Today, News Five confirmed with Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero that four pharmacies in the Cayo [...]

Hofius Hit in Lunch Time Robbery
One of the biggest department stores was jacked today in downtown Belize City. The brazen robbery took place during the lunch hour when Hofius on Albert Street was open for [...]

Accused Killer in Custody for Kyne Gentle Murder
Twenty-eight-year-old Kyne Gentle was shot and killed in San Ignacio on May twenty-first, as he stood outside of Blue Angels Nightclub.  It is not known why the tri-athlete was marked [...]

Anthony Bennett to Court for Erbin Garrido Murder
Thirty-seven-year-old Anthony Bennett is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned for murder earlier today.  The Mahogany Street resident is accused of fatally shooting Erbin Garrido inside [...]

Joseph August Survives Shooting in Esperanza
Joseph August, a resident of Esperanza Village, Cayo was recently released from prison where he had been incarcerated after being accused of murder of a relative also from the village.  [...]

Cop Faces Internal, Court Charges for Police Station Altercation
A police officer is in trouble tonight in the wake of a domestic dispute in front of the police station. A verbal exchange between the pair of officers attached to [...]

Behind Prison Walls, Preparation for New Businesses
Fifteen inmates have completed a five week business development course at the Belize Central Prison. They are preparing for life after lock-up.  The prison, through the Kolbe Foundation, carries out [...]

Who’s the Right Choice for P.U.P. in Belmopan?
On Wednesday night, we told you about the controversy surrounding the Belmopan constituency for the People’s United Party. Arthur Saldivar and Patrick Andrews were both rejected from running in the [...]

Tortilla Factory Targeted with Bomb
Police are said to be investigating an attempt to set a popular tortilla factory in Santa Elena Town on fire this morning. Rony’s Tortilla Factory is originally from Orange Walk [...]

Prices Down, So Are Exports, but More Coffee Machines Imported
The latest economic report is a mix of news, good and not so good. Though as we reported on Wednesday night, fuel prices have gone up seven times since the [...]

No to Tobacco; It’s Not Good for Your Heart
A 2014 survey has shown that twelve percent of young people between the ages of thirteen and fifteen have consumed a tobacco product and it is believed that those numbers [...]

With Hot and Dry Forecast, Watch Out for Drought
On Wednesday you heard the National Met Service say that the climate outlook for the next few months will see below normal temperatures and below normal rainfall. In putting together [...]

1 Year On, Alvarene Burgess’ Explosive Appearance before Senate
After thirteen months of testimony from over forty witnesses, close to half a million dollars spent and many Wednesdays full of drama and intrigue broadcast live to a captive nationwide [...]

The Very Best of High Schools’ Festival of the Arts
After almost a week of performances in dance, song and drama, the National Festival of Arts today featured the high school competition. Fifteen presentations from schools across the country took [...]

Building Bridges to Children with Special Needs
Earlier today, dozens of stakeholders in the education sector gathered in Belize City for the annual Building Bridges Conference.  It’s a symposium which focuses on special education and access for [...]

Healthy Living: Kickboxing as Stress Reliever, Weight Loss Agent
It’s a stress reliever that helps you lose weight and teaches you important life skills. Sounds too good to be true? Well you can decide for yourself. Tonight in Healthy [...]

LOVE FM

Accused murderer remanded
Thirty-seven year old Anthony Bennett was charged with the murder of 30 year old Erbin Enrique Garrido when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. He is accused of killing Garrido on Tuesday night. The police said that when they responded to a report of shots being fired in the Set Site area of …

Rains are expected to be below normal in first three months of the season
And as the heat is expected to continue, what of the rains for this season? Climatologist Ronald Gordon says it is expected to be below normal in the next three months. Ronald Gordon, Climatologist, National Meteorological Service: “Ok in terms of the rainfall, our projection for June, July, August it is showing below normal rainfall for …

SJC big-up students’ creativity
Students of St. John’s College were awarded for their impressive creativity such as best graphic design, painting, photography, video blog, dramatic skit to name a few. Love News spoke with Yasser Musa, Lecturer at St. John’s College, about the course. Yasser Musa, Lecturer, SJC: “We’ve combined both the History and Art Department, the work that we …

Police make an arrest in Garrido’s Murder
Police have moved swiftly to make an arrest in the latest murder in Belize City. A construction worker was gunned down inside his home last night. Reporter Johnelle McKenzie has the story. The ongoing gun violence continues to claim lives and disrupt families. 30-year-old Erbin Enrique Garrido, a construction worker, is the latest victim who …

PUP Chairman explains party’s position
On Tuesday, the People’s United Party held an executive committee meeting in which it was decided that the application submitted by Jason Patrick Andrews to participate in the party’s Belmopan convention would not be accepted. The committee also did not entertain the application by Arthur Saldivar who remains on probation after his suspension was lifted. …

University of Nevada assists Belizean teachers
The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the University of Nevada which is located in the USA is holding a conference focusing on Special Education under the theme “Building Bridges”. Dr. Candy Armstrong, Director of Education Support Services at the Ministry of Education spoke about the conference. Dr. Candy Armstrong, Director of Education Support Service: …

Shooting in Esperanza Village
A man was shot last night in Esperanza Village, Cayo. The latest victim of gun violence has been identified as Joseph August. He was alone when a lone gunman appeared and blasted about a dozen 9mm bullets in his direction. ACP Joseph Myvette briefed the media this morning. ACP Joseph Myvette: “Upon police arrival their investigation …

School field trip goes wrong; students get stuck in Chiquibul Forest
A school trip has gone horribly wrong for some students of Ladyville Evangelical Primary School. Two buses filled with students, parents and the principal are stuck, unable to make it back through the rough road which the heavy rains have made worse. The school’s standard six students embarked on a field trip to the FCD …

Minor relief expected for ongoing heat
The rainy season is upon us and you probably are looking forward to the showers to cool down the excessive heat that is being felt across the country. But, we suggest to keep those fans plugged in and running because, according to the men and women at the National Meteorological Service of Belize, the rainy …

Prisoners given a chance to dream again
Beltraide has been equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to take their business to the next level. Beltraide has now extended their service to prisoners as well. Today was the culmination of the five-week training course and it concluded with a short graduation ceremony that was held at the Kolbe Foundation. Johnelle McKenzie reports.

Police Officer pulls on gun on another officer
A police officer is being investigated after allegedly pulling a gun inside the San Ignacio Police at another police officer. The accused is PC Leonard Benjamin and the incident is said to have happened yesterday. The altercation reportedly stems over a relationship with …

Maja Jones withdraws application for standard bearer
Major Lloyd Jones says he will not contest the PUP’s convention in Belize Rural North. Jones announced his decision on his Facebook page saying quote, “This morning I withdrew my application (without prejudice) for standard bearer for Belize Rural Nort …

Former Prime Minister comments on increasing cost of living
We also asked the Right Honorable Said Musa for a comment on the recent increase of fuel prices and, in general, the increasing cost of living. Said Musa, Former Prime Minister of Belize: “Fuel is a really dangerous product not only in terms of it’s volatility but also in terms of it’s effect that it has on the entire economy, particularly on the productive sector, all the farmers are affected by it, all the taxi drivers …

Said Musa says ‘yes’ to the ICJ
April 10, 2019, is the day that registered voters in Belize will go to the polls to participate in the referendum and decide whether to give permission to the Government to take Guatemalan’s claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) …

Minister provides update on Santander sugar dilemna
Yesterday Santander Sugar Limited issued a press statement apologizing for what it described as an ‘oversight’ after its sugar was discovered in the local market. The problem is that for Santander to sell sugar on the local market it needs a waiver from the EPZ committee and …

Belize imported more goods than it exported in April
Belize continues to import more goods than it is exporting. That is what the numbers are showing for the month of April, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. The total imports for that month are valued at over 150 million dollars …

The Guardian

BDF deployed to stop illegal land clearing at border
The Ministry of National Security has tasked the Belize Defence Force to the southernmost parts of the Toledo District to investigate reports that they have been getting that there have been illegal incursions in Belizean territory. Residents of Toledo are reporting that Guatemalan farmers have been clearing land in Belize, near the border, in an attempt to set up agricultural plots. The first report of this occurrence to the Belizean authorities was last week. It was made by Santiago Peck, the Alcalde of the Mayan Village of Otoxha, which is close to Toledo’s border with Guatemalan territory. The villagers reported that they have come across several areas on Belize’s side of the border which were cleared, most likely by farmers on the other side.

Albert Reid is acquitted of murder
Another accused suspect of murder is free after his murder trial, a trial by judge without jury, ended in his acquittal on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 before Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams. Albert Reid, the 28-year-old accused of the May 17, 2014 stabbing murder of Maurice Young, a 57-year-old resident of Santana Village, Belize District walked free from Supreme Court on Tuesday.

City Hall is Malpago
The Belize City Council may be about to face its greatest challenge of its first hundred days in office. That challenge is as a result of non-payment for one of its sanitation contracts. The particular contract is its GARBAGE COLLECTION CONTRACT with the Belize Waste Control Limited. They are 9 weeks behind on those payments. This particular challenge could be said to be of the PUP’s own making since it was a previous PUP City Council that placed the council under the (hammer) of this heavy contract. Although the present members of this particular council were not the actual council members, who signed the contract, they are the ones who are now in charge and they must take responsibility for the bill they have accrued over the last 9 weeks that’s about to soon turn 10 weeks.

Not even the PUP want Arthur
When not even the PUP wants you, then you must really be up that proverbial creek, heading towards the deep end without a paddle. Unfortunately for Arthur Saldivar he is in that very position. On Tuesday of this week he was given some good news and some bad news. First for the good news. He was informed that the suspension banning him from being a candidate had been lifted. Arthur was then given the bad news. He was informed that he would not be allowed to contest the convention to become the PUP’s Belmopan Standard Bearer for the next General Election. The latter must have been such a shocking blow to Arthur, because he is now talking about challenging the PUP in court over its decision of not allowing him to run.

Santander violates EPZ status and sells sugar locally
Last week, sugar from the Santander group which is producing sugar out of the Cayo district began to make its way into the local market, specifically in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts. This sent players in the sugar industry in the north into a scramble to try to determine what was happening and had representatives of the three cane farmers associations requesting an audience with the minister of Agriculture. Since the original complaint, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce on Tuesday May 29th issued a release in which it clarified that Santander sugar should not be in the local market. It states that Santander Sugar Ltd is operating under an Export Processing Zone status since February 17th, 2014 and was authorized by the Export Processing Zone Committee to “process raw sugar and molasses” for the export market.

Belize Reef to be taken off the Endangered World Heritage Site List
Personnel from the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources have been working to implement a series of remedial actions to qualify the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System for delisting from the list of World Heritage Sites that are in Danger, a list it has been on since 2009. This initiative has been done in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, Lands and Surveys Department, the Belize UNESCO Office and the World Wildlife Fund. So far, a draft decision has been published on the World Heritage Centre’s website. That draft serves to notify that the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, has met the necessary signs to be delisted.

Acquitted of rape, complainant absent in Court
The crown, represented by Kileru Awich, wanted to discontinue a case of rape against two local musicians because the complainant is currently abroad but because a jury of 9 was already chosen, Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams instructed the jury to enter a verdict of not guilty against the accused. In 2011, Kevon Bardalez, now 29, had been accused of raping a 14-year-old student inside a car on University Drive in Belize City. Jordy Rhaburn, now 42, was charged with abetment to rape for allegedly holding down the victim.

Attorney General’s Ministry Clarifies Concerns on Justices of the Peace Verification
Belmopan. May 30, 2018. The Attorney General’s Ministry informs the public, particularly all Justices of the Peace (JP), that the Ministry is the only regulatory body for JPs. Verification is to be done directly and only with the Attorney General’s Ministry. In reference to the re-verification process being carried out, JPs are reminded that the deadline to verify your status is on July 31, 2018. Persons who do not do so by the deadline will no longer be able to exercise their authority as a Justice of the Peace.

BWS takes the PUC to court
The Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) and the public utilities regulator, the Public Utilities Commission, (PUC) are locked in a court battle after the country’s water company decided that it does not want to reduce water rates by 6.39%. They are trying to get the Supreme Court to void the PUC’s annual rate review proceedings of this year, in which the regulator assessed the company and decided that the Belizean public needs a slight ease on the water bill.

Calla Creek Village Council does clean-up
Like clock-work and as planned, the Calla Creek Village Council conducted a river clean-up from Clarissa Falls to the Hammock Bridge this past Sunday. The council has released photos of the garbage collected and being deposited at the Western Sanitary Landfill. A release from the Calla Creek Village Council, thanks it’s many supporters such as the Blancaneux Lodge Green Team , Black Rock (Manager Mr. Petier and Mrs. Petro Steunenberg) and the Friends for Conservation and Development for their support in making the clean-up a success.

Sixth National Climate Outlook Forum
The official opening ceremony for the 6th National Climate Outlook Forum was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. The National Meteorological Service of Belize’s Climatology and Climate Services unit organized the forum, which had participation from over 60 persons from various sectors.

Instruments now in place to safeguard Credit Unions
Over the next few weeks Credit Unions across the Country will be holding their Annual General Meetings. As a result members are now being encouraged by the Belize Credit Union League to come out to these AGMs’ to get a chance to participate in the democratic process, in electing their governing bodies. In the Cayo District, one such Credit Union, the St. Martin’s Credit Union held its 69th Annual General Meeting at the Sacred Heart Junior College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town on Friday.

Customs work on more efficiency
In an effort to make the Belize Customs and Excise Department more efficient in their duties, representatives from the World Customs Organization have come to Belize City for a week-long workshop. These representatives have come to give advice on revisions to be made through the time release programme. During this workshop, the participants will study how long it takes for goods to be cleared once it arrives in country- this is called time release. Besides only making that observation, the goal of the Time Release Study is to determine where bottle necks are in the system and best ways to release goods in an expeditious manner.

Fifty-nine Forest Rangers Sworn-in as Special Constables
On Friday May 25th 59 Forest Rangers of both government and forest co-management agencies were sworn-in as Special Constables following two weeks of intensive training at the Belize Police Academy. The training, which began on 14th May, 2018, culminated with Forest Rangers being sworn-in to exercise greater authority to arrest and seize for forest, protected areas, and wildlife-related crimes.

Upgrade of 67.5 miles of Philip Goldson Highway
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works has signed a US$2,152,926.00 contract for studies for the upgrading of 67.5 miles on the Phillip Goldson Highway from miles 24.5 to 92. The contract also entails a feasibility study and design plan and will see the upgrading of the bypass road in Corozal as well. As part of the contract, a consultancy will be carried out within the next 10 months and will be done by Mott McDonald Limited. The consultancy will include a climate vulnerability assessment, traffic analysis, environment and social impact assessments, climate adaptation measures, drainage design, and road safety initiatives.

IICA holds accountability seminar in Belmopan
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IICA, held its yearly accountability seminar at the National Headquarters of the Department of Agriculture in Belmopan on Wednesday morning. One of the main goals of the session was for IICA to give account to its main stakeholders regarding the significant achievements for 2017 and plans for 2018.

Mark King takes Moses Sulph to court
Mark King, the Former UDP Area Representative for Lake Independence, is currently suing the so called grassroots activist Moses Sulph for slander. The Politician says that Sulph unfairly maligned his character and that of his company in a Facebook post. Readers may know that King is the owner of several companies in Belize, including Brints Security, the entity that is at the center of this dispute. On January 18th, 2018, Sulph made a post on Facebook accusing Mark King of taking advantage of his Brints Security Employees by shorting them of the pay they should actually be getting for the long hours they’ve worked.

Belize to make it on National Geographic
Two world-renowned National Geographic writers, husband and wife team Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, are in Belize for a week-long tour of the travel and dive aspects of Belize. Miller and Taylor, who are being sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board, are working to gather information from 50 countries in the world about the top 50 best dive and travel destinations. That information will be compiled into National Geographic’s first travel and dive guidebook.

Chief Justice to rule on PUP election petition
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin is in the process of deliberating how he will rule for the PUP’s Election Petition against the San Pedro Election Results. Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his UDP team won, but the PUP’s want to get the Municipal Elections for that town voided. They want a second chance at municipal government in San Pedro. Readers will remember that it is the PUP 7 Team that are the petitioners in the lawsuit. They include the Mayoral Candidate, Abner Andre Perez, Dianeli Aranda; Johnnia Duarte Graniel; Urbina “Dina” Graniel; Marina Kay; Ruben Navidad; and Ian Pou.

PUP show no respect for women candidates -women within the PUP complaining
At a meeting of the PUP National Executive, on Tuesday of this week, another woman scolded the PUP for paying lip service to women’s participation in politics. This time it was Thea Garcia Ramirez of Corozal, who recently lost her bid to become the party’s Standard Bearer in the Corozal Bay Division. Ramirez was the first female chair of the Northern Caucus and was also the chair of Corozal Bay Executive. She has now resigned from both positions. However, before her exit, she gave a review of her experience as a woman in politics in the PUP. Garcia Ramirez told the PUP National Executive that the party needs to seriously work on making women equal in the party and that the PUP is a long way from the constitutionally mandated thirty percent threshold of women’s participation.

RESTORE Belize’s Readathon and Essay Competition
With Education Month being celebrated in May, a month of activities has been carried out under the theme “Literacy: A Ladder to Learning and Earning.” As such, RESTORE Belize has been actively involved in the key events the Youth Innovation Challenge, the 4th Biennial Teacher Education Conference, and RESTORE Belize’s Readathon and Essay Competition.

YATA and RESTORE Belize Holds Walls Down event in Port Loyola
A Walls Down event was held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 through the collaborative efforts of Youth Advocacy through Arts (YATA) and RESTORE Belize. The Department of Youth Services (DYS) and Saint John’s College Junior College (SJCJC) were also a part of the initiative. According to RESTORE Belize, “It was the first in a series of planned community building events with safe spaces for children as the focus.”

Teenager charged with murder recaptured after escaping police custody
Carlton Jarrett Moreira was killed in the area of Lake View Street at around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Police responded to reports of the shooting and that is when they observed the lifeless body of a male person with two apparent gunshot wounds to the head. The body was identified as that of Moreira, a plumber and resident of Lakeview Street.

Man chopped in the head in Guinea Grass
A misunderstanding in Guinea Grass on Saturday, May 26, 2018 soon turned violent, causing one man to be chopped in the head. Police officers visited with Northern Regional Hospital and it was there that they met the victim, 20-year-old resident of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk, Aurelio Armando Pop. Pop was observed with an apparent chop wound to the head. He has since been discharged from the hospital where his wounds were classified as wounding.

Erbin Garrido killed in his home
Erbin Enrique Garrido, a 30 year-old resident of the Set Site area off Holy Emmanuel Street in Belize City, was shot and killed inside his home on Tuesday night. Family members of the father of 4 suspect that the gunman was someone he knew, and that he may have allowed that assailant inside his house. Police have since arrested and charged 37 year old Anthony Bennett an electrician of Mahogany Street for Garrido’s murder.

Fake cops at fake checkpoint steal from NICH Employees
On Thursday, May 24, 2018 at about 10:30 a.m., Ladyville police acted on information received of a robbery on the Maskall Road in the Belize District. Those police officers visited mile 22 on the old Northern Highway where three men reported that upon approaching 4 miles from the Sandhill Village junction, they observed a police checkpoint. There, they saw a male person dressed in black clothing and another dressed in camouflage searching an SUV. They proceeded to approach the checkpoint and as a result, the individuals stole a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol containing ten 9mm live rounds and a manila envelope containing $4,615, properties of NICH. The robbers proceeded to steal the occupants’ cell phones.

Heartbreaking images
On Monday night we were sent three photographs of a recent victim of a murder that occurred in San Ignacio. The photographs appeared to have been taken either at the San Ignacio Morgue or Emergency Room. They were not the type of photos that passersby would have taken. These pictures appear to have been taken by person(s) who had enough time to lift the persons clothing to expose the gunshot wounds to the body and then turn the body over to expose the back of the head where it appears the victim had been shot. In one the photographs the lower part of person is seen standing beside the victim’s body. That person standing appears to be a police officer. We have based our assumptions based on the clothing that person was wearing.

Two cases of Incest in Corozal
On May 24, 2018, a minor female student of Paraiso Village, Corozal District visited the police station accompanied by her mother. The student reported that whilst at home, her father touched her inappropriately. In a similar case, on May 28, 2018, a 12-year-old student visited the Corozal Police Station in the company of her mother and reported that on February 13, 2018, her father had sexual intercourse with her. A medical examination was conducted on the minor where the doctor certified that the minor was carnally known. Police are investigating both cases.

Jermaine Rhaburn dies of undetermined circumstances
A 42-year-old Sandhill resident has lost his life and while it is not certain what exactly happened, police assume that he may have fallen out of the back of a vehicle. Jermaine Rhaburn was found in a semiconscious state in the middle of the road with head and body injuries. According to police reports, at about 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2018, police visited an area between miles 1 and 2 on the Maskall Road in Sandhill. There they observed a man of Creole descent laying face up in the middle of the road with injuries to the head and body. This person appeared semiconscious and was identified as Jermaine Rhaburn.

Thieves busted after robbing Jolli Bee’s Restaurant
On Saturday, May 26, 2018, the Jolli Bee’s Restaurant on Amara Avenue was held up by three male persons while the manager, Delip Kumar, and several medical students of Indian descent were inside. The students were having lunch when three male persons, one armed with a firearm, entered and held up Kumar, the students, as well as two other employees present at the time. Several items including cell phones, cash from the cash register, and monies from the victims were stolen.

Dwayne Davis pleads guilty to manslaughter of Doctor
The 2012 murder of naturalized doctor Ivan Enrique Garcia Gomez inside his home has seen Dwayne Davis pleading guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter. Davis, 37, was arrested the day following the murder after giving a confession statement. He confessed to putting the doctor to sleep and then hitting him in the head with a can of beans, a blow which claimed his life. Davis’s trial before Judge Adolph Lucas, a trial without jury, began on May 3, 2018. It was during that trial that Davis changed his plea from not guilty of murder to guilty of manslaughter.

Osner Campos survives bullet to the head during armed robbery on San Pedro
A robbery in the Boca del Rio area on San Pedro on Friday, May 25, 2018 has left a 26-year-old bartender lucky to have escaped with his life. Osner Campos, a bartender at Wayo’s Bar, was found at the San Pedro Polyclinic by police officers with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. According to Campos, he and another bartender were working at the bar when two men entered the establishment. One of the men was armed with what appeared to be a nine millimeter gun while the other held a sawed off shotgun.

Popular tour guide Carlos Panti dies in traffic mishap
Family and friends gathered at the residence of Miriam Velencia in San Jose Succotz on Monday to celebrate the life of Carlos Panti. For many years Panti had been giving tours to countless visitors at the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave systems and residents of Succotz are still shocked at his sudden departure. Panti left his home in Benque Viejo to work in San Ignacio when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving. The tour guide and father of three perished in the traffic accident on Sunday, May 27, 2018 after his silver Isuzu Trooper overturned and he was flung a few feet away from the vehicle; he perished on the scene and was pronounced dead at the San Ignacio Community Hospital.

Police officer walks from charges of unlawful sexual intercouse
Rupert Thomas, a 35-year-old police officer and resident of Seine Bight, has been released from a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse; a charge dating back to 2013 when he was accused of raping a 15-year-old minor in Dangriga. On May 23, 2018, the victim, now 20-years-old, took the stand in the Dangriga Supreme Court before Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh. She stated that she does not want to testify against the accused and with that, the case against Thomas was discontinued. The DPP entered a nolle prosequi against him. Justice Hanomansingh informed the accused that he was free to go.

Robbery nets over $30,000 in cash and valuables
At about 9:00 a.m. on May 27, 2018, police responded to a robbery at James Store on Jose Maria Nunez Street in Punta Gorda Town. Upon arrival, Huigiang Chen reported that while he was sleeping in his bedroom, his wife, Yanhi Huang, knocked on his room door. As he opened the door, two male persons armed with handguns entered his room, pointing their firearms at his wife’s head.

Smart Belize Hurricanes blast Digicell Belize City Defenders in game one of the Pepsi National Basketball League finals
The 2 game in the best of three format Pepsi National Elite Basketball League Finals will take place on Friday, June 1 as Smart Belize Hurricanes will try to sweep the series and grab their second NEBL championship in the past 3 years. Their city counterparts, DigiCell Belize City Defenders will be forced to defend the city in order to keep their championship hopes alive and extend the series to a decisive game 3. The two regular season match-ups witnessed two blowout games, with both teams winning at home. In the first game Defenders won by 18 points only to be blown out by 20 points by Smart Belize Hurricanes in the last regular season game in the inauguration of the Belize Civic Centre. Game 1 of the finals saw another blowout game, where Smart Belize Hurricanes trounced on Digicell Belize City Defenders, winning by 29 points while holding the Defenders to a season low, 41 points. This was the largest margin of victory in the NEBL Finals. Regular season MVP, Nigel Jones, and two-time Finals MVP, Darwin “Puppy” Leslie will both need to show up big for game 2 to keep their championship run going.

Unitedville Rebels United halts the Bandits Express in Cayo Softball
The 2018 Cayo Softball Association Senior competition games continued on Sunday 27th May at the Raymond Garbutt Sr. Softball Stadium in Roaring Creek Village In the first game of the day, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy defeated Belmopan Emeralds by the score of 8 runs to nil. The winning pitcher was Shadalee Ho and losing pitcher Aludy Arthurs. In game 2, defending champions Unitedville Rebels United, won over the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 7 runs to 6 runs. The winning pitcher was Shareenie Soberanis and losing pitcher Keneshia Sutherland

Ebenezer Methodist School boys lead in primary schools football competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Football competition continued at the MCC Grounds on Thursday 24th May, with four games on the schedule. In the first game in the girls’ competition, St. Ignatius School defeated St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Reyannie Duran of St. Ignatius School. In the second game in the girls’ competition, Wesley Upper School and St. John’s Primary School played to a 0-0 draw.

1 Shot/1Kill FC clips the Ladyville FC in Rural Central Football
The Belize Rural Central Football Competition continues at the Ladyville Football Field. On Sunday 27th May, in the first game played, 1 Shot/1Kill defeated the defending champions Ladyville FC by the score of 5-1. The goals for 1Shot/1Kill were scored by Dylan Belisle (2), Kevin Young (2) and Charles Canton, while the only goal of the game for Ladyville FC was scored by Tyrone Parchue. In game two, BATSUB won over Eagles FC via the default route.

Words of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser
Here is a Biblical prescription for life: “They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:12. Often naturally occurring medicines work better and more gently than man-made concoctions. Ginger has long been accepted as a natural treatment for nausea. Several modern studies have confirmed that ginger can even work better than modern nausea medicines.

THE MASSIVE NUMBER OF ILLEGALS FROM SALVADOR, HONDURAS AND GUATEMALA…
Godfrey P. Smith writes on pg. 202: “Salvadoran President Fidel Sánchez had apparently agreed with the Guatemalans to participate in a joint invasion of Belize on the understanding that its surplus population could occupy Belize.” Gurkhas and Harrier fighter jets protected us, not Wil! While the Guatemalan authorities disrespect our borders, tens of thousands of illegal Guatemalans, Hondurans and Salvadorans pour into our country. Our population is a tiny 366,954 compared to Guatemala’s 16.58 M, Honduras’ 9.11 M & El Salvador’s 6.35 M. We need the ICJ to force Guatemala to respect 1859, 1931 & our borders! That is the issue in a nutshell! STOP THE FLOOD BEFORE THEIR NUMBERS SURPASS OURS… That is the real danger, a threat to our very existence as a country! Existential threat in every way, by every measure!

Raiding the barn
Like many political observers, I am following with keen interest the battle being waged in Belize City between Thompson and Woods in the Albert division and between Pitts and Usher in Port. I have also been updating you on the confrontation between the two PUP contestants for OW East. What the public is not seeing, however, are the hostilities covertly raging within the hierarchy of the People’s United Party. From what I hear, Hon. Hyde seems to be consolidating his base for an eventual ascension to the top seat in the PUP. You see, some people think that as December 2020 draws nearer, Briceño will back out again and abandon ship once the waters get dicey or iffy.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Why do bad things happen to good people? Just last week, I saw hundreds of people on my facebook timeline mourning the loss of a beautiful young woman, not yet thirty years old, who died as a result of cancer. The recurring question being, why? As young people, we are constantly trying to make sense of our world. As we try to establish our own principles and values in life, sometimes things happen, that shake our beliefs at their core. Does good really overcome evil? Does justice prevail? Do good things really come to those who wait? Is honesty really the best policy?

What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse falls under the umbrella of psychological or hidden abuse. Bree Bonchay is a licensed psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience working in the field of mental health and trauma recovery. She is also the founder of WNAAD (World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day) which occurs on June 1st every year, established in 2016, WNAAD is a growing global movement to raise awareness of narcissistic abuse and also providing public pathology education, resources for survivors, and effect policy change.

The Reporter

Major Lloyd Jones withdraws candidacy for PUP Standard Bearer in Belize Rural North
Retired Ports Commissioner, Major Lloyd Jones has withdrawn his candidacy for PUP Standard Bearer in the Belize Rural North constituency. The withdrawal came an hour ago via a Facebook post, in which Jones mentions that he will not comment any further on the matter, out of respect for PUP) Leader John Briceno, until June 11. […]

Three robberies in one day!
Two business establishments were reportedly held up and robbed earlier today, and a third robbery was reported a short while ago. Earlier police confirmed that two men entered Hofius store on Albert Street around 12:48 p.m., and stole more than $1,000 in cash and cheques. […]

Breaking Belize News

NEMO hosts final planning meetings for hurricane season
The 2018 Hurricane season will open on Friday, June 1, 2018. The National Emergency Management Organization […]

BTL pulls plug on advertising with the KREMANDALA empire
Reports reaching BBN from reliable sources within both Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and KREMANDALA indicate that […]

Jordan Burns charged for escaping from Police custody
18-year-old Jordan Burns, a resident of Mayflower Street in Belize City had been arrested and charged […]

Armed robbery at Hofius store today
Belize City police are investigating an armed robbery at Hofius store today. According to police reports, […]

Santander recalls sugar distributed in local market
Yesterday, Santander Sugar Ltd issued a statement saying that it regrets the actions that led to […]

Police officer requests court action against colleague
Last week Thursday, May 24, 2018, it was alleged that PC Leonard Benjamin attached to the […]

Esperanza man shot five times to the body and still lives
BBN reported last night that around 9, police received information about a shooting incident in […]

September Celebrations Commission announces theme competition
The National Celebration Commission today announced the 2018 September Celebrations Theme competition. All Belizeans living […]

Belize’s exports continue to fall
For the fourth month straight, Belize’s exports have earned less revenue than they did last […]

Belize represented at regional meeting for business service centers
Representatives from Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) are in the Dominican Republic participating […]

Esperanza man shot multiple times
Reports to BBN indicate that a man from Esperanza village, Cayo was shot last night. […]

World No Tobacco Day observed
A new report demonstrates that the use of tobacco is falling, but more is […]

Mexico retaliates against US for increasing import taxes
In response to the United States Government imposing taxes on Mexican imports containing aluminum […]

Public advisory from the Ministry of Natural Resources
The public is advised that the following persons are no longer employees of the […]

The PUP must do better to support women candidates
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking […]

International Sources

The 10 Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2018
Retirees can choose to live or retire in any country in the world. A move to a new country can allow you to live better, reinvent your life and have a grand adventure. Here are ten global destinations to consider for retirement. 6. Ambergris Caye, Belize. For many, the retirement dream is all about the Caribbean, and nothing else will do. If your overseas retirement fantasies are similarly aquamarine and sandy, put Ambergris Caye at the top of your list. The diving and snorkeling, the color and clarity of the water and the abundance and variety of sea life in this country is unparalleled.

5 Reasons This Little-known Island in Belize Should Be Your Next Vacation
Caye Caulker is a tiny limestone island about 20 miles off the coast of Belize. Whether you’re visiting Caye Caulker for the day or planning to spend a week, know there’s plenty to do. Here are five reasons to seriously consider Caye Caulker for your next vacation. 1. The Split. Rumor has it that a hurricane in the early 1960s split the island in two, while others contend the divide was man made. 2. Cars are prohibited Most people get around by foot or bike. In fact, full-sized vehicles are prohibited. Fortunately, most hotels and hostels come with complimentary bikes, which make getting around the 5-mile long island easy and a great workout. 3. The unique – and affordable – cuisine.

Qualifying for loans has grown tougher in the past decade
Most foreign buyers purchase real estate internationally with cash. But there are other ways to buy property overseas, such as borrowing from a local lender, obtaining financing through the seller or developer, and tapping your IRA. Some options are easier than others, but all three come with challenges. American April Hess borrowed from a Belize bank to finance the construction of her house on Panama's Pacific coast. The most the Belize bank was willing to lend was 50 percent of the property's value. Hess obtained a 30-year mortgage, but the terms include a five-year renewable balloon, meaning she must requalify every five years.

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